December 2009

I couldn’t let the year end without reflecting on several of the great food experiences I had throughout the past year. I came up with this post while steaming at the gym (ahhh my favorite winter pastime!) and thinking about how, a year ago, I never would have imagined the existence of this blog. I am ready to burst into 2010 and am really looking forward to all of the good things it will bring.

I will be blogging tomorrow but if you don’t get a chance to read, have a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR! See you in 2010 🙂

Charleston– In January 2009 I took a business trip to Charleston, SC, a city I fell in love with, and ate at High Cotton, possibly one of the best meals of the year. Fried oysters, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits. . . who knew this Northern girl would love Southern food so much?!

Iceland– What started out as an AMAZING spa vacation also turned into a culinary delight!  Possibly one of the best vegetarian restaurants I have ever eaten in, A Naestu Grosum, is found in Reykjavik, inexpensive, warm, comforting, delicious veggie cuisine. A must visit in Reykjavik!

Becco– Another work trip, another great meal. Some perks are nice! 🙂 As someone who enjoys watching Lidia Bastianich on TV, I was excited to try her restaurant and completely pleased at the hearty, homey Italian food and friendly service. Our huge group felt like we were at a family dinner, thanks to the warmth of Becco.

Newport Food and Wine Festival I fondly remember this day as one of the best we had in the Autumn of 2009. Breathtaking scenery at the Newport Mansions, dozens of wine samples, small bites, Jacques Pepin, Joanne Weir, and good friends made it a trip to remember and one worth doing again. 

Bottega– On our first trip to Napa Valley, we were welcomed and wowed at Chef Michael Chiarello’s Bottega. Ambiance that can not be beat, highly professional service, the best of local wines, and well, I think my plate says it all about the food. 🙂

Craigie on Main Every impeccably executed course was better than the last, so artfully crafted, well thought out, and made with skill and love, paired with one another and with beverages to bring out the best of every bite. Love love love Craigie on Main.

My addiction to Myers + Chang– Post after post, brunch, after dinner, after lunch, I have enjoyed every bite eaten at this South End Asian eatery. Fresh, delicious, friendly, and innovative, I know that 2010 will bring more dim sum brunches, $1 oyster nights, and date nights at Myers + Chang. We were just there tonight 🙂

Cranberry oysters at Coppa – Sheer genius flavor combinations and completely yummy, I added this to my list because, though recently opened Coppa has me thinking about them, and especially their cranberry/prosecco topped oysters, often.

Foodbuzz Festival– Perhaps THE biggest highlight of my culinary, wine, and travel year, the Foodbuzz Festival would have been entirely impossible if I hadn’t started blogging. So that in itself made the past 7 months worth it. Two nights and one full day of food, wine, gifts, and great bloggers around every corner = an amazing experience and one that was pulled off fantastically by the Foodbuzz crew.

Coming up, I have wine classes and tastings, celebrity chef series, and some great trips, all of which I hope will be highlights of 2010!

What are you most memorable food moments of 2009? Any you are looking forward to in 2010?

Last week I received an email from a representative from Skin MD Natural asking if I would like to sample their skin shielding lotion. Since marathon training in the cold, whipping winds and working in a hot, dry office all day take a toll on my skin, I jumped at the chance to give this unique product a try.

I received a full bottle (for free) plus a few small sample packets in the mail when I returned from my Christmas travels. What a nice surprise! I decided to try the Skin MD Natural after a long run.

The first thing I noticed was the thin, slippery texture, a contrast from other skincare products that I have used. I also was pleased to notice that the product was unscented. While I do like perfumes and some lotions, scented products, especially on my face, often make me nauseous or irritate my eyes a bit.

I applied the Skin MD to my hands and face and found that it soaked in immediately, creating a velvety smoothness to my skin without making it feel greasy or coated with anything. Lately, other lotions have been seriously burning my skin, it is that dry, and there was no uncomfortable burning with this product.

The true test was applying the lotion to my legs which are often very dry in the winter and drive me insane! The Skin MD Natural quenched my dry, thirsty skin, and again while I don’t feel greasy or coated, I can sort of tell it is there by the smoothness of my skin. In reading Skin MD Natural’s website, I learned that this lotion is unique because it not only seals in skin’s natural oils but also keeps out the elements and chemicals that cause so many of us skin problems. I still have almost a full bottle left, so it will be interesting to see the effects of this product over time.

And now, you have a chance to try this lotion as well! Skin MD Naturals has kindly offered to give a bottle away to one lucky Travel Eat Love reader!

To enter:

1) Leave a comment letting me know why you would like to try this product.

2) Mention and link back to the giveaway on your blog.

3) Tweet about the giveaway, if you are on Twitter.

The chance to win starts now, and will close a week from today on Wednesday, January 6. Good luck, and thanks again to Skin MD Naturals for such a great sample!