Blogger “Blind Date”

You’ll be proud to hear that I rallied the rest of the weekend! Saturday I busted my butt around the apartment – taking down painter’s tape, putting away the Christmas tree, hanging up frames, unpacking boxes…yes, things that should have been done weeks ago! Then I ran errands and treated myself to Foster’s Freeze.  I’ve driven past this place many times and never noticed much more than the creepy ice cream dude on the logo. I mean, seriously??

But I was dying for some soft serve ice cream so I decided to give it a try and found out that apparently Foster’s Freeze is California’s version of Dairy Queen. They have Twisters instead of Blizzards…but they are basically the exact same thing! Why did no one tell me this before?! I got a chocolate Reese’s peanut butter cup Blizzard Twister and it was so delicious.

Later Rachel, Marissa and I hit up Bodega Wine Bar looking cute and sassy. It was packed! I had fun picking over the wines and ended up with a glass of Voignier, followed by a Riesling. Then we walked over to Bar Chloe inside Hotel Carmel.  I had no clue this place existed! The decor was very French and lounge-y. We chit chatted for a few hours until all three of us found ourselves yawning around 12:30. I know, I know, but at least I got out, right??

Speaking of getting out, I headed back to the old neighborhood this afternoon for an LA blogger meetup! Sweet Lynn from The Actors Diet organized and got a group together at The Veggie Grill in West Hollywood.  This restaurant’s website boasts “Nutrient-rich, 100% plant-based, and free of cholesterol, animal fat and trans fat, our food fills you with goodness.” Sounds like a foodie dream, huh?

I got there and recognized Lynn immediately of course. Thank goodness otherwise I would have stood around looking awkward since I didn’t know any of the bloggers who were already there. How I haven’t stumbled on any of these ladies’ blogs is totally beyond me!!

After gabbing for a bit, we finally got up to order.  It’s cold in LA (fine, it’s in the 50s/60s but it feels freezing to me!) so I decided to get the soup and salad combo. But no boring soups and salads at this place! First was a side portion of the Baja Fiesta:

Chopped romaine, papaya, avocado, roasted corn salsa, quinoa, cucumber, cilantro with a ginger-papaya vinaigrette.

Followed by the chili, made with red & white beans and chopped green & red onion.

All the salads also included quinoa, which I really couldn’t taste but I’m sure added a great nutrional value. I got the dressing on the side and didn’t really need to use very much because the avocado and papaya were really juicy. Such pretty colors!

I’m not usually a chili fan but I thought this bowl had a lot of flavor, especially with the green & red onions. I REALLY love onions.

I couldn’t help but steal this picture from Sophia…food bloggers in action! No big surprise, it’s not nearly as awkward to take 10 pictures of your lunch when you aren’t the only one doing it 🙂

As I’m sure you already guessed, we were SUCH a cute group. Look at all these lovelies!!! From bottom left going clockwise you see Lynn from The Actors Diet, me, Mimi from Damn the Freshman 15, Kathryn from Froyoaholics, Christy from The Actors Diet, Sophia from Burp and Slurp, Erin from Living and Loving in LA, Ameena from Fancy That…Fancy This, and Suzanne from Trying to Maintain.

Thank you SO much Lynn for getting us all together!!!! It was so great to meet all of you ladies and I can’t wait to check out your blogs.

Anyone else “discover” new bloggers in your city??