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I am dressed up and looking fabulous. That’s not the power of Facebook. However, the fact that a friend from high school whom I probably have not seen since 1992 is on a cross-country trip to Las Vegas and has decided to swing through Knoxville to visit lil (okay big-girl), ole’ me! How awesome is that?! I mean, I’ve lived in Tennessee since 2002 and this will be the first friend who actually managed to brave the big bad South and visit me. It makes me giddy with excitement. There will be a lot of catching up to do, I will meet the man who’s on the journey with her and she will meet my hubby. I’m taking her to the Knoxville institution that is Litton’s for some good burgers and conversation. I wish more of my friends would visit. Knoxville and East Tennessee has some wonderful treasures and I’d like to share them with those I love. So, by the power of Facebook, I’ve reconnected with a past friend and will be so glad to see her as she travels on by. I plan to visit her when I’m up in Easton too and we have some ideas for a party to get together some old re-connected Facebook friends. Will keep you posted! Safe trip AVB!
After a painful morning of sinus fun for the Jim and I we finally crawled out of bed and decided to venture out…the plan was to try the brand new opening of a place that I have been drooling for…HARD KNOX Pizzeria in Bearden (same center as The Fresh Market). The buzz for them was great – they have a Twitter page and let us Knoxvillians view when they received their wood burning stove (via youtube type clip). I’m a huge fan of wood-fired pizza, if not pizza in general. I love anything that also features some fresh buffalo mozzarella. So game on.
The menu is petite, but just right. There are 8 signature pizzas named after various famous boxers; and apparently there will be one or two specials each day, let alone having a standard “build your own” option. The pizzas are a “just right” 10″, which are good for a hungry adult. I chose the Marciano (fresh mozzarella, red sauce, basil); and the Jim went with one of the specials “Yo Adrianne!” (which featured red sauce, mozzarella, olives, zucchini and I think that’s it – he left of the mushrooms – darn allergies). We both ordered an appetizer of caprese salad which was yummy, however the pizza was the main attraction. In a few words, it was fabulously yummy. Crust was good and hearty, not too much and not too little. The ingredients were fresh and when your pizza is ready, one of the chefs dings the bell like you’re heading to your corner of the ring after a good bout with your appetizer.
We were glad that a lot of people showed up by the time we were leaving. I want this place to stay around. Stay!!!! So in order for that to happen my friends…GO! www.hardknoxpizza.com
Last week, I was eating lunch at my favorite local pizza joint, I <3 New York Pizza, when I did the obligatory, “Hey, I’m eating alone so I’ll read the Metro Pulse while I do so,” routine. I’m glad that I did. Really glad. As I was perusing the random articles I noticed an advert for a local shop called LIVING VINTAGE in South Knoxville. Perfect! I’m in South Knoxville right now! So, I hop in Marannshi the Matrix (my car), and head on over. Sooooo coool. Apparently it’s run by sisters and it’s a wonderful collection of retro items that are so cool and hip that I dare you to not make a list of items you want to take home with you. The best thing about the store is the prices are REASONABLE for vintage items that it’s hard not to let your self go overboard. In fact, I had my eye on a great table and chair set and a fabu funky retro/modern designed black and red coffee table. I make sure that the ladies at the store knew that I would blog happily about the store and blessedly I was given the option to put my name in their book in case they get in any vintage cameras (which the Jim and I collect). So, bonus!
So, that stimulated my appetite for more things retro-modern. Our friend, Sir PirateNinjaMonkey suggested that we stop by a place in Bearden’s Homberg Village called Nostalgia. In fact, if he hadn’t driven us past it one night on one of our let’s drive around after dinner evenings, I’d have never known about the place. So, on saturday after stopping by the best hair studio in town VIBE salon, I headed over to NOSTALGIA. I was very happy I did. The shop is set up like a whole land of dioramas where it appears that those who deal in vintage/retro items can claim/pay for a “booth space”, create a “you should buy this stuff layout” and sell their wares. The place is presided over by a wonder-pug named Napoleon too. There were more than a few things I wanted in this store and a nice bevy of vintage cameras that I drooled over. I have my eye on one but need to save up a bit for the purchase. I did take home a super sweet Imperial though and a peace-sign bracelet that was recommended by one of the shopkeepers. I was thrilled. Oh, and you can email them about items your interested in – I got a great and prompt reply too!
So, these two stores are well worth a gander and as new things come along all the time, I can guarantee that I’ll be visiting them often. Check ‘em out!
Today I was fortunate enough to take my very first (since my dancing days), pilates class in Knoxville at Gypsy Hands lead by the amahzing (thank you Seth Rudetsky), Leslie Woods. It was wonderful and HARD. It’s about an hour long class and it’s structured around solid body awareness, not let’s kill each other by doing as many moves as possible and probably incorrectly. Leslie is a great instructor and she makes it very accessible to anyone from beginner to whomever. The class is looking for a permanent date and time so I’ll keep you all posted. It was well worth it and I look forward to going back!
Hello Knoxvillians, there is so much I need and want to blog about but tonight, I’m going to blog about BOURDAIN. In a feat of amazing fabulousness, the ever hip and cool, Ashley Capps somehow lured the rock-star chef, Anthony Bourdain to Knoxville, Tennessee for 1 Night only at the Tennesse Theatre. The minute the Dotson’s clued me in I was IN, IN, IN. I am a big Bourdain-fan. I have a secret love of cocky men who are actually good at what they do. While there are a few things about Tony that annoy me, I’ve enjoyed his books, love his TV show and pretty much am going to plunk down some of my hard-earned cash to apparently see the man talk. Funny thing was that when he did his “viewer contest show”, I had remarked to the Jim all the places that I would take him in Knoxville for some good grub (Littons, Magpies, etc.). It’d be fab to show him around a city that I’ve been transplanted to and learned to love as it’s a different perspective. In the meantime, I would SOOOO pay the steep price to be a VIP, but since the Jim has agreed to watch a youngin’ for some friends I’ll be flying solo that night and I can’t convince him that I deserve to schmooze at a meet and greet with Tony. Look, I’m not sure what he’s going to do for the full “performance” but I’m willing to be there just to find out. Tickets go on sale this Friday so get in line folks for the April 4th engagement.
Thanks Mr. Capps for keeping the talent coming to Knoxville…it makes me feel like I live in a bigger city that’s more cosy.
I was going to do another “weekend wrap-up” post, but in short it was a good if not SHORT weekend as I have a busy week ahead of me…and I mean BUSY. So, what about the title of this post? Well, after getting a pleasant surprise call from The Dotsons on Sunday, we ended up at Puleo’s Grille where I had my “ususal”, Thin Crust Margherita Pizza and the Jim had a burger with a side of broccoli (I applaud the effort). Well, the Jim remarked how amazing the broccoli tasted. I’m not the biggest broccoli fan so when he offered me a spear, I initially declined…but eventually gave in. I mean, he was RAVING about it. Well, that was the best tasting steamed broccoli and carrot dish I’ve ever had. Something about how they season it at Puleo’s (Merchant’s Drive), buttery, garlicy and just YUMMY. The Jim actually ordered a second side of it and downed that excitedly. So, in short – fabu weekend (hair did at Belleza VIBE – best salon in town), and amazing broccoli. A bit of randomness on a Monday morning.
Since WME has a booth at the Knoxville Healthy Living Expo, I had to go and check out what was there this year, and I stumbled upon some great finds:
1) Jazzercise – IT’S BAAAAAAK. I’m going into this with a little apprehension, but Jazzercise, the exercise for frustrated Jazz dancers of all ages is making a resurgence from the 80s. So, I decided to sign on up. I am, of course, a frustrated Jazz dancer myself who misses dancing and thankfully Jazzercise also incorporates some strength training so, BONUS! I’ll be sure to blog about it on Anna 101 so stay tuned. Find a class near you at www.jazzercise.com and go get your groove on!
2) Rita’s Ice-Custard Happiness – I was born and raised in Easton, PA and lived a lot of my adult live nearer to Philadelphia than I expected. That’s where I found the joy that is Rita’s Water Ice. This stuff is GOOOOOOOOD! Not just the water ice, but the frozen custard is something that I find I crave every now and then. So, you can imagine how happy I was that a Rita’s Water Ice opened up here in KNOXVILLE! I mean, apparently the Jim saw a car with the advertising all over it and hurriedly contacted me to let me know – IT’S HERE, IT’S HERE (since he learned to love the stuff when he was coming up to visit and dating me). The proprietor is really great, and everyone was raving about the free samples on hand at the expo so I’m hoping they got good some good exposure. They’re located in Market Square and I think that when Sundown comes to town, business will be BOOMING…at least I hope so cause I need them to stick around! Check em’ out at www.ritasknoxville.com – better yet, GO!
3) Massage Envy – Already raved about them here (see blog post “You Don’t Have To Be Envious”). Great find and best of all making massage affordable!
4) Tap-N-Burn – First of all, I only wish they weren’t so far out in West Knoxville (i.e. Lovell Road), because I’m ready to sign up and grab my taps. Unfortunately it’s not sensible for me to drive that far to take a class that’s not essential but rest assured, if they every come to North Knox, I’m onboard! Check em’ out at www.tapnburn.com.
5) A local Cutco Representative – A long time ago in a living room not so far away (okay, my parents’ living room), a friend of our family’s daughter was selling Cutco while she was in college. My Mom decided to have her come and demonstrate the product and I will never forget seeing Marci stand on the steak knife holder (which was plastic), and it didn’t break! If that wasn’t enough, my parents have had those knives since I was 13 years old or somewhere around there and they still look almost the same as the day they bought them and are still the best knives that I look forward to using when I’m visiting home (sharp baby sharp). So granted, I was happy to find a local representative that I can order from when I need to. While these knives ain’t cheap (they are an investment folks), they are worth the price you’ll pay for them. Seriously. So check out the offerings at www.cutco.com and feel free to email local rep, Harold Williams at cutcoharold@yahoo.com and tell him I sent ya! If you decide to get some, you won’t be sorry.
5) Haze & Co. – Local yumminess in salad dressing and marinades. I highly recommend buying local when we can so check out www.hazeandco.com; I took home the Ginger Lime Dressing and the Buttermilk Dill – delish!
6) Over The Moon Milk – Believe it or not, it’s non-fat chocolate and regular milk that tastes creamy and rich. Check it out at www.overthemoonmilk.com; I already bought some for the fridge (and my belly).
Add to these finds, a great sampling of FABULOUS Papa Murphy’s Pizza, a free chair massage, a possible option for daycare for us when the time comes and I feel like I got a lot out of the Expo so I plan to go next year too!
Well, without the men around the women decided to do “something”. Okay, 2 out of the 4 ladies’ men were still in town and opted to not man camp this weekend, but they were able to be swayed to the pampering side. I woke up early, got my hair done by the God of Hair Styling – Michael of Vibe Salon…seriously, he rocks and so does the salon. I also want to give a shout out to Michael for being a sweetie and giving so much more than he should. Thank you my dearest.
Then it was lunch for me at Wok Hay – which I find to be seriously lacking since they changed their formula from high-end Asian counter order service. I will say that their crab rangoon was yummy and loaded with the crustacean meat, and the sichuan beef was good too. However, it was lunchtime and they weren’t as packed as they were back when they were a counter-service (rather than a stuffy feeling sit down). I got a frappucino from one of the non-closing Starbucks…fixed some financial snafu that the husband made on his man camping trip and headed onto the next part of my journey.
With time to kill until my next pampering stop – I decided to see what all the hub-bub was about and finally went to McKay’s. First of all, I’ve never seen a place so packed with people. It kinda looked like a convention of the unconventional: some hippie-types, some sci-fi-types, some geek-types, some redneck-types…it was a veritable melting pot of “con-going” type people. Since I used to go to Dragon Con and I helped at Adventure Con this year, I fit in in some fashion. While I do agree with Please Feed the Monkeys, there is a pretty pungent odor that first greets you when the doors open. There are a lot of people there to sell their stuff waiting in line around the front door…THIS DOES NOT HELP TRAFFIC FLOW. Once inside, there are rows upon rows of used books, CDs, DVDs and video games. It’s a ton of stuff. While I agree that a lot of it was of no interest to me, I did score some great finds. I picked up “Lisey’s Story” by Stephen King on paperback, a Peter Gabriel CD and “Twilight Zone – Season 1″ from the 80s DVD box set. I almost gave in and purchased Grease II for guilty pleasure value and Eddie Murphy’s RAW – but I didn’t. I’d probably go again, to peruse but I still am not sure why there’s rarely an open spot in their parking lot each weekend? Perhaps it’s the economy and people’s need to sell or trade more than buy – which actually isn’t a bad thing anyway.
Next, it was to Belleza Salon & Spa. Best waxer in town: Melinda. Bar None. Then it was time to meet up with Maria for Mani-Pedis at Spa Visage. We had two fabulous cosmetologists (is that what you call them), named Melanie & Taryn – so see them for mani-pedis and tell them we sent you. I think Maria and I would highly recommend adding on the paraffin too…delightful. My feet and hands look like I actually give a darn. The only thing negative was that the process lasted longer than we expected, which put us almost 1 hour late to meeting up with Overtly Trite and A at Soho Cafe in Bearden.
The conversation was just as good, if not better, than the cuisine. I’d highly recommend the malaysian wontons (with shrimp chips – yum), and the mongolian beef. We verbally dished about life with/without children, life in trying to have children, domestic destructions, music, movies and assorted other ramblings. It was GREAT! I love hanging out with the ladies. We finished our night with our two best male friends, Ben & Jerry.
Now, I’m back at home. I did suprisingly hear from the Jim during the day. He sounds like he’s having a great time even though the boys decided to switch camping locations tonight from “Round Mountain” to “Balsam Mountain”. I can’t keep up. All I know is that I enjoyed a pampering day of Knoxville delights.
Last weekend, Jim and I found ourselves at Tai (which incidentally used to be called Tao – for like a month), due to a craving for some succulent sushi. We were hopeful. The place is beautiful inside with a nice metropolitan vibe to it, and while the food is good…”Overpriced,” was Jim’s 1 word to describe it. In his opinion, you can take a short drive up the hill to Wasabi and get good sushi for less. I do tend to agree. We had a really nice and accommodating waiter, and ordered:
- Shrimp Tempura Appetizer
- Crunch Shrimp Rolls
- The Crab-cake Roll
First of all, the prawns were really good…and we’re big fans of shrimp so we know! The majority of the veggies were good to as part of the tempura appetizer (zucchini is also really good fried). The crunchy shrimp rolls were good, but not remarkable. The biggest double-edged sword was the Crab-cake Roll. Crab-meat, Cream Cheese and other items, but….um….deep-fried. It was tasty, but WAAAAAAAAAAY too heavy for sushi. The main menu might be a better showing of the restaurant’s skills, but trust me – good food can be found without a stiff price-tag. Perhaps they should have selected a smaller location for their restaurant, and passed the savings onto their patrons…but please, for the love of Pete, don’t go as small as NAMA.
Just our two cents.
Okay, so it sounds more elaborate than it really is right? This is our little slice of internet nonsense, which basically is our on-going effort to keep our friends and family up-to-date on our lives, our love and our continuing pursuit of pomegranates. In this modern age of movement, we’ve realized that distance is not an excuse to not keep everyone posted, so please - stop by anytime - in person or internet-ly and know that you are all never far from our thoughts.
