It's hard to figure out how to write this post as it isn't about food. It's about my Papaw. I've neglected this blog over the past couple of weeks but have had some of the most memorable and hardest times in my life with my sweet family. My Papaw was the backbone of our family and was one of the most inspirational, caring and Godly men in my life. He cared most for his relationship with God, his wife of almost 63 years, Lola Jean and his large, close-knit family of which I'm blessed to be a part of (5 children, 12 grandchildren and, to date, 16 great grandchildren plus many other family members and friends). We all love and miss him dearly and will continue to cherish such sweet memories in our hearts of our times with him.
He also loved food. He would begin talking about "what's for dinner" about an hour prior to mealtime; I guess I've taken after him with this too. And, above anything else, his first love in the food category was ... catfish. The man could eat catfish and would talk about catfish more than anyone else I've ever known. He loved all types of food, but the way to his heart was with catfish.
So, as I continue to work on recipes and future posts ... and try to figure out how to cook catfish in honor of my Papaw, let me just share something with you written by my cousin, Ben, on this man's legacy. It sums up perfectly how we all feel about him and was given out at his memorial service on Friday, June 14th.
I love you Papaw and will try to see if I can figure out how to make catfish just the way you like it.
From Ben Redmond, 6/12/13
"My Papaw passed away this morning. Two days before his death, I had the opportunity to hold his hand and say goodbye. As I reflect on his life, I am struck by one word.
Legacy.
Papaw died surrounded by his family. His wife tearfully holding his hand and kissing him ... his children taking shifts staying nights by his side ... his grandchildren traveling and rearranging plans to come say goodbye ... people who could not come calling in and letting him hear their voice. In the coming days, there will be a funeral, and that celebration will reveal just how many people were impacted by the life of this Godly man. As I stood at the end of his hospital bed and took all of this in, I had one question:
How?
How did an 84 year old man with no fame or fortune build a legacy like this? How did Papaw have a life that ended so well? I've reflected on this question for the last week, and here is my answer:
He was faithful.
This was a man who just did the right thing ... period. It didn't mater if anyone saw it; it didn't matter if anyone did it with him. He just did what was right. He treated his wife with absolute devotion, love and respect. He loved his children and continued to do so even through dark times. He was the spiritual leader of his family, guiding three generations into faith in Jesus. He called his grandchildren on birthdays and after big events. When one of his children or grandchildren came and visited, he dropped everything to spend time with them. He worked hard and managed his life with integrity and character. He was a man who was faithful to God and to his family.
The result of his faithfulness was profound. During his final hours, the family gathered around his bed and sang his favorite hymns, the songs he held so dear. He left the arms of his faithful wife of 63 years and jumped right into the arms of his faithful Savior. My Papaw died reaping the rewards that come with a legacy of faithfulness.
So here's the challenge for those of us who are left behind:
What you are doing today will determine what you have when it is all said and done. Your legacy isn't built at your deathbed; it is revealed there. So learn from one of the best men I have ever known:
Be faithful. To God ... to your family ... to what you know is right. You won't regret it."
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
destination: NYC!
My first time in New York was 2 weeks ago. Wow. So fun!
I will try to not post a ridiculous amount of pics and will focus mostly on food. And to be honest, I didn't take pics of everything I ate this time around -- but just flat out enjoyed the food.
First, our hotel was fabulous. We stayed at the Conrad Hilton in the Financial District, which is by far, the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. Way to go, Mark (hubby)!
Our first food stop was Buddakan, an upscale Asian fusion restaurant in the Meatpacking/Chelsea area. It was recommended by a family member of one of my best friends and was completely spot on. We only took one picture there, oddly enough of the item we liked least of what we ordered. We decided to split dim sum/appetizers to try several different items, and the entire experience, including the server bringing out the items in "waves", was incredible. We split: Cantonese Spring Rolls, Hoisin Glazed Pork Belly, General Tso's Dumplings, Boneless Spare Ribs and Chinese Sausage Fried Rice.
Yes, it was a ton of food, and yes, our server told us we may need to order more. Not necessary.
All in all, it was the best meal in NYC. Below is a pic of the Chinese Sausage Fried Rice, and although it was our least favorite, it was also the last to arrive. On a normal day, I would have devoured this as well.
The next day we had some yummy pizza at Adrienne's on Stone Street as we walked around the Financial District, Battery Park, Wall Street area, etc. We ended up in Little Italy, had a drink and snack at a cute little bistro and rested for a bit. Later in the evening, we went to a place we were most excited about, Craft. As a huge Top Chef fan, we had to, of course, hit up one of Tom Colicchio's restaurants. We had actually filled up on pizza earlier in the day and decided to split several appetizers including a salad not pictured below. The food was great, and the atmosphere was really nice. But, the doughnuts were the best part. Please see below for drooling photos.
Although I was full at the end, I genuinely wanted to stick the doughnuts in my purse as I couldn't stand to waste such goodness.
I didn't.
It was a success.
Saturday's food choices included an NYC hot dog for Mark. He thought he was getting a Gray's Papaya dog, the recommended hot dog place by his sister, but he ended up at "Papaya Dog" ... it seems not quite the same experience. I had a random cafe sandwich, and we ended up doing more of the Times Square/Theater District this day as we went to see The Lion King (amazing!) Saturday night. We also also had spaghetti at Harry's Italian Restaurant close to our hotel about 11:30 PM. Gotta love being on NYC time.
It was raining on Sunday, so we didn't quite get the Greenwich/West Village strolling and shopping day that I had hoped for. We did find a cute, random little place for brunch called Philip Marie. It was okay. No complaints at the time as it was a dry place to sit down. We took a cab to The Plaza and Central Park and stayed around that part of town for the afternoon.
The last "food" stop I didn't quite make it to as I was in a rush to get to the airport. Mark tried Shake Shack, which was right around the corner from our hotel. He said it was awesome, and rumor has it, Atlanta is getting one too. I guess I'll just have to wait until it opens here to taste that fabulous burger.
Can't wait to visit NYC again!
I will try to not post a ridiculous amount of pics and will focus mostly on food. And to be honest, I didn't take pics of everything I ate this time around -- but just flat out enjoyed the food.
First, our hotel was fabulous. We stayed at the Conrad Hilton in the Financial District, which is by far, the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. Way to go, Mark (hubby)!
Our first food stop was Buddakan, an upscale Asian fusion restaurant in the Meatpacking/Chelsea area. It was recommended by a family member of one of my best friends and was completely spot on. We only took one picture there, oddly enough of the item we liked least of what we ordered. We decided to split dim sum/appetizers to try several different items, and the entire experience, including the server bringing out the items in "waves", was incredible. We split: Cantonese Spring Rolls, Hoisin Glazed Pork Belly, General Tso's Dumplings, Boneless Spare Ribs and Chinese Sausage Fried Rice.
Yes, it was a ton of food, and yes, our server told us we may need to order more. Not necessary.
All in all, it was the best meal in NYC. Below is a pic of the Chinese Sausage Fried Rice, and although it was our least favorite, it was also the last to arrive. On a normal day, I would have devoured this as well.
The next day we had some yummy pizza at Adrienne's on Stone Street as we walked around the Financial District, Battery Park, Wall Street area, etc. We ended up in Little Italy, had a drink and snack at a cute little bistro and rested for a bit. Later in the evening, we went to a place we were most excited about, Craft. As a huge Top Chef fan, we had to, of course, hit up one of Tom Colicchio's restaurants. We had actually filled up on pizza earlier in the day and decided to split several appetizers including a salad not pictured below. The food was great, and the atmosphere was really nice. But, the doughnuts were the best part. Please see below for drooling photos.
Appetizers:
Crispy Bacon and Pickled Ramps (in front of plate) - No, I did not know what ramps were, and yes, I love them, pickled at least. They are now going on the "ingredient" list to try.
Pork Ravioli (in back of plate)
Desserts:
Sugar and Spice Doughnuts
S'Mores Tart with Bourbon Pecan Swirl ice cream
Although I was full at the end, I genuinely wanted to stick the doughnuts in my purse as I couldn't stand to waste such goodness.
I didn't.
It was a success.
Saturday's food choices included an NYC hot dog for Mark. He thought he was getting a Gray's Papaya dog, the recommended hot dog place by his sister, but he ended up at "Papaya Dog" ... it seems not quite the same experience. I had a random cafe sandwich, and we ended up doing more of the Times Square/Theater District this day as we went to see The Lion King (amazing!) Saturday night. We also also had spaghetti at Harry's Italian Restaurant close to our hotel about 11:30 PM. Gotta love being on NYC time.
It was raining on Sunday, so we didn't quite get the Greenwich/West Village strolling and shopping day that I had hoped for. We did find a cute, random little place for brunch called Philip Marie. It was okay. No complaints at the time as it was a dry place to sit down. We took a cab to The Plaza and Central Park and stayed around that part of town for the afternoon.
The last "food" stop I didn't quite make it to as I was in a rush to get to the airport. Mark tried Shake Shack, which was right around the corner from our hotel. He said it was awesome, and rumor has it, Atlanta is getting one too. I guess I'll just have to wait until it opens here to taste that fabulous burger.
Can't wait to visit NYC again!
Monday, June 03, 2013
favorite product: trader joe's white bean and basil hummus
So, as I'm still sifting through New York photos (a little ridiculous I know as it was a couple of weeks ago), I wanted to go ahead and share one of my favorite products: Trader Joe's White Bean and Basil Hummus.
I. love. this. stuff.
You can use it as a dip, a spread, on crostini, etc. It's just that good. Trader Joe's actually has a great selection of hummus. I'm not a big fan of plain hummus as I typically find it lacking taste and really need some type of good flavor combination to really enjoy it. I've tried many from TJ's and usually really like those that I try. This one is different though and much better than the norm. It is more of a pita chip hummus (as opposed to a veggie hummus) with a thick, almost creamy texture.
Please try it; you won't regret it. I may go have some now ....
I. love. this. stuff.
You can use it as a dip, a spread, on crostini, etc. It's just that good. Trader Joe's actually has a great selection of hummus. I'm not a big fan of plain hummus as I typically find it lacking taste and really need some type of good flavor combination to really enjoy it. I've tried many from TJ's and usually really like those that I try. This one is different though and much better than the norm. It is more of a pita chip hummus (as opposed to a veggie hummus) with a thick, almost creamy texture.
Please try it; you won't regret it. I may go have some now ....
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