Sally Wants A Simple Salad

Give me a big juicy salad with explosions of cold and warm, salty and sweet - I like one large confusion of taste buds going on for a salad. After trying out a new gym near my work and falling deeply in love with the personal spinning machine (complete with a tv and 40 classes!) - I decided I needed a refreshing crisp salad to make the night.

Behold:
Shrimp & Toasted Bread Salad w/ Avocado and Goat Cheese
1 Bag Of Spinach
7 Large Plump Shrimp, not cooked.
1 Small dinner roll, cubed
1 Avocado
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup goat cheese
1/2 cup tomatoes
4 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step One: I peeled the shrimp while bringing the salted water to boil. Shrimp are always the best when cooked with a little salt and they get super plump and juicy. Boil for 3-5 minutes or until they start curling up and are super pink. Drain, set aside to cool. Once cooled, chop into bite sized chunks.

Step Two: Toss cubed bread with some olive oil and start grilling it in a skillet over medium heat until browning on both sides. Should be warm and toasty and like a crouton.

Step Three: Add the remaining ingredients to a bowl and toss with the shrimp and bread - serve with any dressing you like! I prefer Annie's Goddess Dressing.

What A Weekend!

This weekend was especially full filling as it was Shawn's 33rd birthday! What better way to have celebrated than to have a 10th Birthday Bowling/Pizza Party extravaganza? My baby deserves all the yellow cake cupcake, goodie bag & spiderman paper plates in the entire world. As you can see much fun was had at the Classic Bowl in Daly City, CA - although in the history of group bowling I dont think there could have been any outing worse: almost no one over 100, and 8 fouls. At least the bartender was mediocre. And thats a compliment.

The after party continued - where else? The 500 Club. Shawn must have enjoyed the night, as he was speechless at the end. And if you know Shawn - you know what speechless means :) a very hungover Saturday am.

Saturday was a very nice San Francisco day, starting off with brunch at The Squat & Gobble for Melina's birthday followed by a book club outing to see Precious at the Red Vic. I gave Precious an A, though it was not as traumatizing as the book.

Lastly, the highlight of our weekend (except Shawn's birthday, of course!) was the traditional Thai feast at the Micholics. Recently back from their 3 week honeymoon in Thailand they were eager to test their cooking chops. Who better to document the absolute yumminess - but me! Ill tell you this, I am making Tom Yum as soon as possible! So easy.

On the menu:

Ground Pork Fried (non greasy) Spring Rolls

Chicken Tom Yum

Chicken Green Curry

Chicken and Cashew w/Chilis

California Dreaming.

Ah, the glamorous life was fun for a weekend! We spent Friday - Sun in our old stomping grounds - Los Angeles! It was a super quick weekend but filled with some really great quality time with our friends. Thanks so much, friends, for making it a great weekend - even good enough to make us thinking about moving back! Well, not so fast - THINK about it - not actually PLAN it. Nice to day dream about, though.

As some of you know, we were able to stay at a very swanky hotel The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills- courtesy of our friend Christina back home who let us use a gift certificate she received and couldnt use. Here is a shot of me in the bathroom and of a room. The decor was very high end, abstract, modern - and random. It was just a really fun experience to say the least!

We started out Friday night with a bang when we arrived at the hotel and they were hosting the Image Awards for the NAACP. We ride up in a rental and work clothes to find a red carpet and everyone in gowns! We immediately rushed out the door to meet our friend Torrie at one of our favorite LA eats: Cube on La Brea. We had a lovely time there as you can order wine now and the cheese menu continues to be off the hook. I had a truffle burger which was delicious. We saw Creepy Ethan from Lost there. Once I saw a celebrity I felt at home. Afterwards we had Torrie back to the hotel where Shawn and I and her decided it was time to take some ExtenZe. Warning: I took it and went to bed. False advertising.




Saturday was a rainy day in Hollywood but definitely not a slow one. We started the day with breakfast with Pam and Lev @ Tres, the hotel restaurant. Included in the gift certificate was $100 a day credit for food and boy did we ever stretch that dollar to the end. We dined on a swanky continental breakfast (both mornings) but I ordered the Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise AIR. Yes, you heard that correctly. AIR. Molecular Gastronomy Light, Id say.

Then I met Evie for some Milkshakes and pedicures at La Vie Lorange. What a treat it was to be able to chat and catch up all while getting pampered! We then stopped by Meagan's new place to see where shell be living. What a great apartment!

In the evening a bunch of my friends (Evie, Lappin, Meag, Pam, Lev, Torrie) all went out to this Brazilian restaurant in Los Feliz for dinner. Excellent food and great friends and so so ambiance. I actually forgot to take many photos but rest assured a good time was had and there were many topics debated: The Reader, Mormonism and Babies.

We finished the night with a drink at Ye Rustic Inn and called it a night! The next day was short and sweet. We hiked Runyon Canyon quickly and I made Shawn eat a Mos salad.