Weekend Wrap-Up: Lights, Camera, Chili!

I had an action packed weekend. I accidentally ran a 5K on Saturday (oopsies), then spent the day shooting photos for my new blog with the lovely and talented Linda Peters. I finished the day by celebrating my friend Sarah's new job over cocktails at my favorite Park Slope wine bar, Wolf and Deer.

But Sunday was the true highlight of my weekend! I spent the day eating my heart out at NYChilifest 2013 at the Chelsea Market. This was clearly a splurge, but they must have known I was coming and made sure the beef was locally raised at Wrighteous Organics in Schoharie, New York. Each contestant was encouraged to use only meat from responsibly-raised animals, and the proceeds went to Food Systems Network NYC, an organization that works to ensure universal access to nourishing, affordable food that puts an emphasis on the regional farm economy.

So obviously... it was responsible splurging! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Get ready for a super fun post this week about making your own beauty products!

Accidentally joined a 5K on my Saturday morning run. Worst part? Getting left in the dust by an 8 year old with the legs of an Olympic sprinter. The best part? Getting cheered on as I crossed the finish line by people who clearly mistook me for an actual participant. 

Photo shoot for my new and improved blog... to be debuted soon!

Walter wanted in on the action.

NYChiliFest 2013 started off with the musical stylings of Super Bad Brad. A little 'Kung Fu Fighting', anyone?  I am now determined to have him perform at my birthday party this year. I WILL find you, Super Bad Brad.

They gave us our cups and it was on!

So many people, so much chili.

Oh yes, I'll take a little hot sauce, please!

Chili sampling heaven.

And what's a chili fest without a little country music courtesy of The Dixons?

Frito Pie... a Texas specialty!

Too much chili... yikes!

And because it's Monday and everyone needs a little 'pick me up'... 

here are some vids for your viewing pleasure!

Super Bad Brad

The Dixons

Saturday Splurge: Talde (Brooklyn, NY)

I am a big believer in balance. What's the fun in eating salads 24/7? If you make a conscious effort to eat healthy most of the time, you should be able to go out and splurge every once in awhile.

My splurge this weekend was at one of the newest restaurants in Park Slope. Talde, opened this year by Top Chef contestant Dale Talde, is an Asian-American restaurant boasting small and large dishes for sharing. It was recently written up in The New Yorker and it's been almost impossible to get a table since.

So we went early! Senior citizens' early, to be exact. So early that when we left dinner to go to a bar, it was STILL happy hour. SCORE!

We started off with a pitcher of Obama's Punch, which contained Kracken rum, Brooklyn Republic vodka, Curaçao, vanilla, and blood orange, lemon and lime juices.  

Then we dove straight into the appetizers, Pretzel Pork & Chive Dumplings with Spicy Mustard and three Hawaiian Bread Buns, filled with Filipino Pork Sausage, Crispy Long Island Fluke and Shiitake Mushrooms.

Then came the entrees.... Korean Fried Chicken with a spicy kimchee yogurt, grapes and mint, Char Siu Smoked Pork Spare Ribs with watermelon and Thai basil (which I forgot to take a picture of because it was so good... NOOOOOOO!) and a whole Branzini with Moo Shoo Pancakes.

And since there was still time for happy hour specials, we mosied on down to my favorite wine bar, Wolf and Deer, for a Green Eggs & Ham Cocktail. Vegetables with a splash of vodka!

What was your splurge this weekend?