California Love

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Life Gets Better

Today’s #bloglikecrazy post is supposed to feature a “hole in the wall favorite”. Leave it to me to schedule my own blogging schedule during a time recently where I’ve not been eating out as much and was scrambling to remember the last time I’d been somewhere remotely like a hole in the wall. Well, leave it to me also to be a picture taker of all things tasty and run across two shots from a neighborhood gem in Alabaster, that might not be a hole in the wall in the sense of what some might think, but is certainly a little place packing a lot of good food and in a great, authentic atmosphere.

I’ll admit, I’ve passed this place for years without thought of going in. An impromptu trip to a parade, growling bellies and in need of a quick school night meal landed us at this restaurant. Upon entry, what first struck me was is the feel of family. There was something so inviting as we swung open the door and it just wasn’t the waft of the food which hit us at the same time. It felt good to be there. The next thing I noticed as my sister and I clearly didn’t understand the difference in the two menu offerings of Authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex or Los Angeles style (I can’t remember. It was all tasty to me) was the patience of the staff as we sorted through the menu with intervals of “Oohhhhhh, girl that sounds good” or “You get this. I’ll get that”, or my favorite phrase of the night, “You know y’alls prices are cheap, right?” Anywho, we decided. I chose tacos. She chose an authentic LA burrito.

The presentations were simple. The complexity of the flavors, abundance of portion and freshness were anything but. Los Angeles Burrito in Alabaster, just off of Kent Dairy Road is a trip to the other side (of the country) without leaving the 35007 or 35114. I’ve never been to California or Mexico, but I feel like my taste buds have.

And if things couldn’t get any better, they have all kinds of combo specials. They have flavored, ethnic beverages and they also serve breakfast. #Yum

@AngelaMMoore316

Fru Fru Food: Dining Etiquette 101

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Life Gets Better

Recently I had an opportunity to spend an afternoon talking to some high school students from around Birmingham, Alabama on dining etiquette. The informal chat was in preparation for an upcoming visit to a fancy-smancy restaurant with fru fru food they would soon enjoy. I had a blast talking to them, sharing the bit of wisdom I know about etiquette and hearing their collective, adolescent gasps and “whaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttt?” when I said things like no asking for hot sauce when at an upscale establishment.

I love food, and I love the opportunity for a woman from Birmingham’s #35211 West End (Google it) to be able to experience and explore different cultures and cuisines from all around the world right here at home…until I make it around the world. Part of that, I am well aware, is being adaptable in all kinds of environments, especially those which are known for prices and presentations representing the finer things in life. What I wanted the students to know after talking with them is that they, regardless from where they’ve come, deserve to be in those kinds of atmospheres. They belong at the table. There’s no table too important for them not to be at. There are no people too influential for them not to be with. Heck, I believe they don’t just belong at the table. I see the head as their final destination. The same is so with us all. So many times gatherings are not about food. It’s about decisions, power moves, money transfers, career advancement, fund raising, connections and purpose being fulfilled right over an appetizer of escargot, a beautiful bowl of summer vegetable gazpacho, a perfectly prepared medium rare Cowboy steak, flanked with crab oscar asparagus or nestled atop sautéed swiss chard, truffle smashed potatoes, and a molten chocolate cake with your sip of choice.

10704038_819231571461411_205304031717096527_n (2) — Yep, I ate this.

Practicing proper etiquette is not being fake or being a sell out. It’s not conforming or complying. It’s just taking small steps to enhance who we are to be prepared for where we’re going. We can’t complain about not being invited to the party if we don’t care to know what to do when we get there. So how do you do it?

Here are a few tips to help…

Food Matters

No talking with food in mouth.
Wait on host or head of table to start eating before you do.
Use napkins appropriately and place them over the chair (and not on the table) if you have to exit the table for a moment.
Use BMW when determining what’s what to eat regarding your place setting (Bread, Meal, Water).
Use appropriate forks and knives.
- Slice, don’t bite. Then wipe.
- Don’t slurp or loudly stir.
- Put eating utensils down after enjoying each fork of food.
Avoid asking for hot sauce, requesting too many condiments, making too many special requests, ordering ribs, big, hot fried chicken bone-in breasts, spaghetti hot wings and other messy foods.
Repeatedly thank the chef, wait staff or hosts.
Do not clean your plate. (Save that ritual for home.)
No leftovers should be taken from upscale social functions.

Table Talk

Avoid: religion, politics, sports team talk, inappropriate jokes or other hot button topics of conversation.
Share the conversation (Don’t be a talking hog).
Plan to talk. Know what the topic of the event is and have conversation ready to share.
Know the organization or product you’re representing or supporting.
Take a deep breath and breathe, especially if feeling out of your comfort zone.
Don’t shy away for conversing.

Networking No-Nos

No recruiting for your next new job or personal business while on company business.
No name dropping when you really don’t know the name of the person you’re dropping.
Don’t forget to engage with the guests and attendees.
Don’t get stuck in one spot if it’s a floating event where mingling is happening all around.

Want more etiquette tips or a full-on group presentation around the table? Just ask. I’ll be happy to oblige.

@AngelaMMoore316

Y-E-S, to Urban Cookhouse

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Life Gets Better

November 5, 2015

Y-E-S, to Urban Cookhouse!

An impromptu lunch meeting turned into a surprise middle-of-the-day food fest when I stopped by Birmingham’s fresh hot-spot, Urban Cookhouse. Getting there just before the crowd, I was able to peruse the menu at my leisure and was surprised to see that they had much more than the orange rolls and salad I’d been accustomed to.

Taking far too much time to peruse said menu, I finally decided upon an entrée from their “Fork and Knife” section from their menu. I ordered the lime-marinated steak & rice, served with garden salad and a warm orange roll. It was delicious!!!!! I enjoyed a tender, medium rare steak, crispy, flavor-filled salad (even with the onions on top) and fluffy, tender rice pilaf which was perfect with the warm, orange roll on the side and the strawberry lemonade which was about as sugary-sweet and tangy as can be.

Since its first restaurant opened in 2010, and with a menu featuring gourmet selections like wraps, sandwiches, salads and entrees, Urban Cookhouse is a southern specialty serving up the freshest, local ingredients, with a side of undeniable hospitality in the heart of Homewood.

UCH2 — Urban Cowboy Lime-marinated steak, caramelized onions & peppers, pepperjack, aioli on a French roll

UCH1 — Lime-Marinated Steak & Rice Served with garden salad and a warm orange roll

@AngelaMMoore316

Just a Little Something to Break the Monotony

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Life Gets Better

For the month of November we were challenged by Javacia Bowser of See Jane Write to #BlogLikeCrazy, which means we are charged to be purposeful about writing a blog post every day. At first I was reluctant, like I was last year, but this year I decided to do it, unlike last year.

I needed this subtle nudge to get into a routine to break my routine. I’ve been so bogged down with the affairs of life lately that mundane had become my monotony when it came to writing. Yes, I write. I probably write a lot compared to the time others might have to devote to their craft, but of late, I’d not been purposeful about my posts. I was just writing and posting when I felt like it. Blah….

Well, no more, at least not for the month of November. I’m going to break the routine of randomness by writing and/or posting each day according to my topics on Life Gets Better and Angela Eats the Ham. So starting now, I’ll offer a sampling of my a’ la carte menu in the following categories (unless something major happens like I meet the man of my dreams, meet Oprah and/or Gayle, receive a HUGE lump sum of money, get a fabulous new job or witness a miracle performed in the life of someone I love, self included).

I’ll post from the following topics and categories in an effort to be even more organized for what’s next for my blog sites and all the crazy/good, wonderful, hopefully motivational, delicious, thought-provoking, spirit-lifting, mouth-watering, sometimes scary, reflective, many times TMI (too much information) thoughts which come to mind and make it to the post.

Life
Best of Birmingham Alabama
Past hurts
Divorce
Cookies
Fashion
Food Flashbacks
Women
Education
Fru Fru Food
Encouragement
Loss
Hole in the Wall Favorites
Inspiration
Making Memories
Love
Night on the Town
Relationships
Faith
Pastry
Marriage
Family
Pies and the Likes
Friendship
Laughter
Recipes
Restaurant Deals
Singles
Career

Buckle up and let’s enjoy this ride. Let’s make it a November to remember.

@AngelaMMoore316

Coors Light, Concerts and Culinary Perfection…Now That’s Classic! ‪

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Life Gets Better

from my page…www.angelaeatstheham.com

First, may I start by saying I’m not a drinker. In fact, I’ve never been a drinker, but I know plenty of them, which is why I was super excited to be able to cover the Coors Light Magic City Classic VIP Tailgate in Birmingham, Alabama during the 74th Annual Magic City Classic football game. I was excited because I knew my friends would enjoy the beer, and they did. I knew I would enjoy being able to do what I love to do and that’s eat good food, meet new people, hear great music and write all about it. And I did! It was a win-win for all. And speaking of wins…Yay, Hornets!

Let me just cut straight to the chase. Celebrity Chef Jason Ellis is a beast! And by beast, I am in no way referring to how he towered over my friends and me while we posed for an impromptu photo which slowed up the food line and warranted us a few side-eyes from the eager feasters.

The menu, worth the 35 minutes we waited in line, consisted of fish fried and seasoned so perfectly it practically oozed with a buttery taste and was so filled with flavor I forgot the two slices of soft white bread I’d picked up to accompany it. There were grits so delightful we played a round of “guess what’s in these grits” at my table and still couldn’t figure out what made them better than my Mama’s on her best day (and my Mama can cook everyday!). He served us rice, laden with large and succulent crawfish, hot-off-the-grill grilled chicken as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate, and fresh, crunchy cole slaw with a spicy kick which snuck up on the back of your throat with the surprise attack of an adolescent playing an old-school round of hide and go seek, yet it made you want more and more.

Topped off by ample Coors Light beer and other stronger elixirs, crowd-wowing concerts by acts like Young Joc (who put on quite a show, by the way), academy award winning artist and my sisters “boo in her head” rapper Juicy J and others, so much mingling in an atmosphere best described as electric, and a surprise visit by Magic City Classic Ambassador Anthony Anderson, the event made it hard for me to leave to go in the game. This Magic City Classic Coors Light VIP Tailgate experience was one for Facebook and the record books!

I don’t know what the intentions of the celebrity chef known for his stint on Season 7 of Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen were when he entered Legion Field, but thanks to Coors Light he came. He served. He satisfied and he left us sleepy in that “I just devoured some itis-inducing, good, soul food” kind of way. He also left this blogger in need of just one more piece of fish. Kudos, Coors and their team of coordinators for putting a bit more magic in the Classic!

@AngelaMMoore316

Crape Myrtle Cafe is Still Hot and Happening

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Life Gets Better

There’s a hidden jewel tucked inside of Homewood’s Little Professor Book Center that’s serving up food so fresh, tasty, and made with love it evokes the memories of food your grandmother used to make, especially if she was a five-star cook who could whip up anything from Apple Smoked Pork Loin to a Kobe Beef Burger cooked perfectly to a Grilled Salmon Sandwich with dill and lemon, and a side of crispy chips which will make your mouth dance. Crape Myrtle Café is its name and that’s a name you should certainly remember. I’d not been there in years until recently, but was not surprised to see the inviting menu, stellar service and quietly, entertaining atmosphere nestled among a book store was just as lovely as I had remembered. Many come for the books and come back for the food. Books and food. What can be better than that?

On a recent visit with a business colleague, and in the mood for soul food, I listened to the sage wisdom of the gentleman at the register and ordered the Beef Tips Over Rice. Knowing I was headed home for the day and in no threat of the “itis” ruining my vibe I also ordered fork tender collards, and black eyed peas so scrumptious they would have made Alberta Scott (my paternal grandmother) spin around in her powder blue Lazy Boy…God rest her soul. My associate ordered the Wagyu Hamburger Steak, with gravy and onions sans the onions, fluffy mashed potatoes ladled with gravy and greens. We both devoured a cornbread muffin about as buttery, sweet and moist as restaurant-made muffins can be.

The meal was perfect, and surely didn’t disappoint from this treasure I’ve been enjoying for more than a decade. It was so tasty I didn’t even stop through the bookstore to sneak a peek at the latest in literary offerings. That hardly ever happens. I was so completely satisfied by my savory, mid-day experience. The only thing which would have made my visit to Crape Myrtle Café any better would have been had I known in advance that my dining companion was paying for the meal and would have ordered their Carmel Fudge Pecan Pie to take home. Drats! Oh well. There’s always next time.

@AngelaMMoore316

Thank you, Texas

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Life Gets Better

Recently I had a chance to travel to Fort Worth, Texas for a conference with my job. I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t want to go because this is such a busy time of the year for me. Boy, am I glad I did!

The Southwest National Service Conference turned out to be the best work-related conference I’ve ever attended. And I’ve attended a conference or two or ten. I learned so much, met so many and left so invigorated to continue the charge of service. The food on the other hand…woah, Nelly! As if a conference so impactful could be rivaled…Texas knows how to do a woman right. It was just dandy, y’all!

I won’t type too much today as I’m busy doing nothing (and enjoying it), but I will let the pictures of my Southwestern themed lunch of roasted corn and peppers, mexican rice, fresh mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette, chicken fajitas, refried beans and key lime cheesecake from the Sheraton Fort Worth, and my Sweet Pea Guacamole and chips, Steak and Stout Pot Pie chocked full of tender beef, mushrooms, peas and carrots in a crust so buttery and tender the Pillsbury Dough Boy would have been jealous, Pig and Fig Pork Belly with Texas Field Pea Mash, Blue Cheese and a Fig barbecue sauce, and (Nueske Bacon) Bacon Lollipops with a Maple Hollandaise and Funnel Cake from Bird Café speak words that my still salivating mouth would not do verbal justice. Set along the aesthetic backdrop of a historic Downtown Forth Worth landmark, the Bird Cafe’s expansive and not expensive menu coupled with delightful service only paled in comparison to the quaint, and quirky history-rich building in which it was housed. Even the distilled water had a flavor of, shall we say, down home goodness to it. I think I drank about seven glasses of it. To eat such a satisfying meal in such an amazing atmosphere was the perfect way to end my trip. The entire experience was one in which I desire to repeat over and over and over again. It was that good!