Spring-like Sunday

Spring is in the air! While I see my cousin’s Facebook update from North Carolina about 10 inches of snow, I am sneaking out on my lunch break for a little walk in the sun. Before I launch into my post, I just have to tell you that I felt a runner’s high last night that I have not felt in a LONG time! I ran about 5 miles, including about 20 minutes of hills around Beacon Hill and the Boston Common. THANK YOU for all of your advice and encouragement on my running frustrations post! You all really helped, and after some hunger-related struggles during last night’s run, something clicked and I was flying along, enjoying the weather, and sunset, the wind on my face. All of my runs for several weeks have been AWFUL and really without joy, so I am very happy to have this feeling back!

Speaking of running, I have decided that I have to stay active after my really long runs. Being really lazy and just sitting around makes me so much more stiff. With that in mind, this past Sunday the hubs and I decided to go for a wander around Brookline. Since my running route takes me along Beacon Street, I get to see lots of restaurants and stores, and pretty much all I can think about is going back.

We parked in Washington Square and decided to do a little beer shopping at Publick House Provisions, a really cool store that sells gourmet food and craft beer. They have quite the selection!

We picked up a bottle of Lindeman’s Framboise, a nice raspberry flavored brew in a pretty bottle. We had a lot of fun browsing the beers and the specialty glasses that they sell. I feel a gourmet cheese and beer tasting coming on!

After browsing the beers, we headed across the street to Tamarind Bay for their buffet lunch. I was craving Indian food like you wouldn’t believe, and I love all of the choices available at a lunch buffet.

We were not disappointed by the spread. It included lots of fresh ingredients like crunchy cucumbers, chickpeas, yogurt raita, onions, cilantro, and a variety of other spices to enhance the meal.

I loaded my plate with a little bit of everything. I love topping my hot Indian food with cool yogurt and crunchy raw veggies. It helps to fill me up with a good healthy balance, and the difference between the hot and cold, soft, and crunchy is a lot of fun! 😉

After lunch, all I wanted was ice cream with caramel sauce. With Emack & Bolio’s right across the street, it was fate!

But they were out of caramel sauce 🙁 After perusing their display of chocolate covered items, including Twinkies and Devil Dogs on sticks, completely enrobed in chocolate, I ordered a Nutella cup.

It looks very pretty, and the thought of a peanut butter cup that is instead filled with Nutella pretty much bowled me over. Unfortunately, it was made with super sweet chocolate, and the Nutella had gotten gritty 🙁 I only ate a tiny bite and could not finish the rest. Its amazing how my palate has evolved from super sweet “fake” chocolate to loving tiny amounts of flavorful dark chocolate. Oh well.

It was so much fun to be able to walk around outside without worrying about slipping on ice or shivering so much that we couldn’t even talk. There is no greater feeling than the welcome arrival of spring, and I can’t wait to get out there again to experience all of the great things Boston has to offer!

And did I mention we are spending my March 20 birthday in wine country?!! Most likely we will just focus on Sonoma this time as we stayed in Napa last time, but there may be a little side trip to Chateau Montelena or Castello di amorosa where we are wine club members. I am SO excited. There is nothing better than writing about the food and wine in wine country, in my opinion, and I am super excited for my birthday season to kick off in California!

And speaking of wine, I am publishing my Wednesday Food and Wine Pairing a day late, but it will be a good, comforting recipe to help get you through the rest of the winter. Have a great day!