Saturday, January 3, 2009

Chubby Wubby...

Seriously, how fat do you feel right now? I feel like I have cheese running through my veins.

For those of you who don't know me personally, I've lost some weight over the the past year (20 lbs ba-by) and numerous inches (40+, but I do measure roughly 8,000 places to be sure it all adds up :), and been sort of proud like a peacock about the whole thing. I've tried to wear my size labels on the OUTSIDE of my clothes, and have proudly whipped out my measurement chart for anyone who showed even a slight, passing interest. All of this despite my career choice (and this is soooooo not easy) and still being a bit on the Reubenesque-side.

So here's the thing: Like everyone else, I was very, very busy over the holidays and perhaps did not exercise with the same frequency that I had been, or like, you know, never. I've stopped paying attention to my diet, or really maybe kept paying attention but didn't really care (I do love me some foie gras). I hesitate to jump on the New Year's Resolution train because I've never been one of those "new year, new me" people.

What the heck does all of this have to do with a stinkin' food blog? I'm gettin' there!

The hubby and I are headed downtown tonight for date night (woo hoo!) and I'm trying to figure out where we should eat and not be bogged down with all sorts of fat and cheese and goo. I'm not a "diet" girl, I just want a healthier dinner that doesn't feel like rabbit food or diet-y. I'm not looking to join the Applebees-WW crowd, no offense WW, I'm a fan, just not when going out to dinner, partially because Applebees sucks and because they're a chain and well, really, I'm a downtown girl.

We had some lovely summer rolls from Lucky Corner last night (how do I love thee, let me count the ways...) and I do NOT eat salad when I go out (it messes with my margarita capacity), but otherwise, I'm stumped. I've been hitting the bar at Volt lately (again, great if you're on a budget and don't feel that you can afford the dining room), Acacia was good for a few Lemon Drops and nibbles on New Year's Eve, Viet Gourmet (review coming soon!) isn't downtown, even though I like it, 5-Guys is delicious but soooo artery-clogging and yes I know that violates my no-chain rule but I love those burgers AND they have malt vinegar to go with the fries, Cacique is good but Mexican food is bad since I have no chip-moderation system in place etc. etc. etc.

Where to go, what to order without feeling fatter, and how to not be bored by the whole thing...any ideas? I'm stumped.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

HINODE!!!!

Chef Christine said...

Now THAT'S an idea! Has the service gotten any faster?

Liz said...

I love Hinode. Their wasabe has unclogged my sinuses many times.

The Orchard, Bombay Grill, Quynn's Attic (awesome menu). So many to choose!

Anonymous said...

Hinode for sure, but also Cafe Nola - great options there and some quite unique for Frederick.

Chef Christine said...

My only concern with Nola is that the menu has never really excited me (Same with Quynn's Attic). Any recommendations on what to order?

Anonymous said...

I agree with you on Quynn's Attic - not too exciting. I've only eaten appetizers at Nola (which is why I thought of it - in the name of new years' resolutions and eating LESS). Haven't been since October so can't remember exactly what I had, but I do remember thinking the food was nicely done. PS - I think you know my husband - Jody - he works for USFood.

Chef Christine said...

I'm just kind of bored with the whole downtown scene. This not saying that the restaurants are boring; there are many, many fantastic options (Tasting Room, Volt, Acacia, etc.), I just need a little something new and funky that is really affordable. Seriously, I can't keep hitting these pricier places. Thinking about it though< I haven't been to Black Hog yet...maybe I should give that one a try. Who has been and liked it?

Anonymous said...

Black Hog is wonderful! I got their quarter chicken and it was unbelieveably delicious. We can't wait to go back.