If you’re like me you are the bread n butter of your kitchen. I love to cook, it’s my passion and my creative outlet.  And I’m really good at it.  But like most things we love, a little space is nice too. And if you’re like my husband, you may need a Mother’s Day re-do. Perhaps, you forgot to make today as special as your wife wanted. Or maybe you thought it was a special day but it ended in tears. Either way, let’s give all the Moms out there a few more gifts. How about, 50 meals!? No,don’t get your boxers in a bunch, not all at once, 25 for now and 25  for later. I say, let’s sprinkle them throughout the year.  As always, we at DefiningDelicious.com have the bar set quite high.  No hot dogs and burgers stinking of lighter fluid and wrapped up in cheap buns.  These ideas are food-lover worthy but they’re perfect for your partner who might not be a chef like you.  Bookmark this page and when you’re tired of being the James Beard Award winning chef that you are, cut and paste from this post and email the meal that you want to your partner. Note: there are a lot of, “click HERE’s” in this post. I wanted to give you information and ideas without being 50 pages long, I hope you enjoy. This is my gift to you and your partnership. Happy Mother’s Day! And thank you Pinterest for some of meals-piration.

1. Make something. Anything!  Even if it’s cold cereal it still counts as something, just don’t forget to clean-up. (Don’t worry ladies, we’re just getting the ball-rolling, gotta start somewhere, right?)

2. Toast and cheesy eggs are a simple, yet tasty step-up from the cereal meal. For a great tutorial on how to scramble the perfect eggs click HERE. If your feeling fancy, try poaching them. I swear you might ‘get some’ if you succeed or even try.

3. Frittatas are a simple healthy step up from cheesy eggs. Stir Fry some veggies (those colored things in the fridge, probably towards the bottom) start with onions, a dab of butter, and then a couple handfuls of chopped veggies. Add 6 whisked eggs, some grated cheese and voila you have a gourmet meal in an insanely small time-frame. You may even have time to take out the trash or change a poopy diaper or both.

4. Tuna Melts – Grab a can of tuna from the pantry, dice some onions and red peppers, add some salt and pepper, put it on top of an English muffin. Slice a ripe tomato and add some cheddar cheese on top. Put it in the toaster oven and you’ve got a great meal.

5. Sauteed Fish: and some boxed rice (again, baby steps). Coat a pan with olive oil on medium heat, put a nice piece of salmon or white fish in the pan, cook for about 4 minutes on each side (thick-cut fish may take longer) add some spices and fresh garlic and serve. HERE is a great tutorial.

6. Turkey Burgers – Simple.  Mix ground turkey, a couple handfuls of feta cheese, crushed garlic, some spices and cook on the stove or grill. Don’t forget your favorite buns (pun intended).  Seriously, the buns are as important as the meat.  Get high quality buns that match the meat in deliciousness.

7. Eggplant Parm:  A simple recipe HERE

8. Sweet Potato Burgers I know it’s vegan, but give vegan a chance. You might like it, and it will make your sweetheart’s soul sing that you tried. (photo credit: lunchboxbunch.com)

9. Tacos: Depending on where you live, you may be able to get great homemade tortillas at your grocery store.  Get some taco seasonings, ground meat or beans and sliced tomatoes, onions and fresh lettuce.  If you’re feeling fancy make some fresh guacamole (HERE is a great recipe). Make it special by making a margarita or a mojito (HERE are some ideas).

10. Leftovers: We don’t want you hurting yourself with all this cookin’.  I’m quirky about microwaves.  I don’t have one and I don’t like them so I won’t recommend you use one either but however you reheat I encourage you to improvise.  Add a little twist to your leftovers to spice up your evening and to score extra points.

11. Meatloaf – Central Market has a great ready-made loaf. Or try THIS recipe. I still remember making this with my mom when I was a kid. So, add the kids (not to the meatloaf) in on the fun and serve with potatoes and frozen peas.

12. Portobello Burgers – Look in the pantry for something called, “balsamic vinaigrette.” Coat the mushrooms with said vinaigrette and put it in the fridge for a bit. Heat up that grill. While you’re waiting for the grill to warm up, saute some onions. Grill the mushrooms, add the onions and some cheese like feta or Tilamook cheddar.  I recommend you avoid American cheese.

13. BBQed Corn with a side of steak. You’ve been working hard.  Go ahead, you get a steak pass.

14. Make your own pizza but make one for Mom too.  Tell her to enjoy a bath and or a book while you and the kids go to town with some pizza dough some sauce and veggie toppings (again, those colored things at the bottom of the fridge).

15. Chicken Divan:  I love Paula Dean, HERE is one of those creamy comfort food recipes

16. Meatless Meat Balls: A friend of mine, Ellen, writes this great blog, The Hip Vegetarian, with quick and easy meatless recipes. This one is great, and even includes some grape jelly. Click HERE

17.  Make your own sandwiches for dinner but don’t forget to make one for Mom. I love a roasted turkey sammy, with provolone, avocado, and a bright-green smear of pesto.

18. Make dessert while your love is making dinner. I think this one counts. It’s so fun to cook together, get messy and include the kids if you can. Even if its a box of Ghirardelli brownies.

19.  Pasta and Sauce. Just some pasta from the pantry and some sauce on top. If you want to get a little fancy add some herbs for a homemade twist. Or  if you’re feeling like you got some mojo, try THIS  recipe for a creamy tomato and chicken pasta. It’s from one of my favorite blogs, In Sock Monkey Slippers.

20. Mac N Cheese try THIS recipe.   If you’re in a pinch make Annie’s but add some broccoli and fresh grated cheese, everyone wins.  I recommend you do something unique with this dish because just Mac N Cheese out of the box isn’t going to score many points.

21. BLT’s:  Add some avocado and pesto ( are you catching my pesto whiff, yet?) for an upgraded version.  I add it to almost all of my sandwiches.  Save some bacon for meal number 22.

22. Buy a rotisserie chicken and you can make three meals! That’s right three. First night, try a Cobb Salad. Shave off about a cup of chicken add it to a bed of lettuce, some fresh tomatoes, an avocado, hard boiled eggs (read how to HERE) and those leftover pieces of bacon.

23. Night 2 of rotisserie chicken- BBQ pulled chicken sliders- de-bone the rest of the chicken. Put one half away from lunch tomorrow and the other half for dinner. In a pan, add the chicken and a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce, cook until melded together and you’ve got some slider meat!  Most grocery stores carry mini slider buns.

24. Meal 3 of Rotisserie Chicken, Chicken Salad Sammys – I add crushed walnuts, sliced grapes and some mayo, fresh herbs if you have any and you’ve just made three meals out of one chicken!

25. Halfway there.  Make another meal on the GRILL, it still counts.

A few hints to makes these meals true gifts: don’t forget to clean-up. Let me be clear, ALWAYS clean-up after making a special meal for your love. It doesn’t count if your sweetie has to clean-up your mess after enjoying her so-called gift. But the good news is you get to make a mess. I repeat, “make a mess but clean it up.” We all win.

Check back soon for the next 25! I didn’t want to overkill a good thing.

Thanks for stopping by and if you are what you eat, be Delicious.

For More MEAL-SPIRATION find me on Pinterest or Facebook

A week ago today I was hobnobbing with Gail Simmons, so I know you are all eager to hear the verdict. Was the first annual Austin Food and Wine Festival a Feast-ival or a Fest-evil? Before we get to the final verdict, let’s put together some of the pieces. First, I must thank my husband, my second mama (V), and my soul-sister (Brit) for helping to make this weekend a possibility.  It takes a village of eager supporters to go on an adult-centered-weekend of eating and drinking when you have young children.  Between the deluxe hotel suite, the refreshing hotel pool, the pedicab rides, and lots of family love we were able to make everyone happy for the whole weekend.  And like most good things in life, it took a lot of chutzpah to get there.

To prepare for Austin Food and Wine, a few days before the festival I did this (hence, why it has taken me so long to post):

 I was trying to make a ‘perfect’ sweet potato gratin and the rest is history, including half my thumb. All is well, because the incredible woman who is my ‘otha’ motha (my mom’s best friend, V) was coming for a visit the following day. V is a rockstar and she has two thumbs.  She even helped keep the kids clean after a run-in with grape preserves and she taught me how to make homemade gnocchi in 20 minutes.  Check back soon for her 20 minute homemade gnocchi recipe. Seriously, 20 minutes!

 On Friday, we packed our bags and headed for the road. We had our cowgirl boots, lots of snacks and plenty of water.

Once we arrived in Austin, we had dinner at Second Street Bar and Kitchen. I highly recommend this place to any food lovin’ family. The meal was delicious and they have a wonderful 2nd floor patio with fluffy turf-like carpeting and kid-proof railings. Their staff was very family-friendly and accommodating to our group despite the busy pace of the restaurant.  A highlight for me was the tagliatelle pasta dish with crisp shaved fennel, plump seasonal mushrooms surrounded by zesty veal meatballs. Truly a dish that your Italian Grandmother would approve of.

On Saturday morning, we had breakfast at Jo’s coffee and set sails for the Austin Food and Wine events.  Jo’s is also extremely family-friendly.  I loved every sip of their robust blends and even enjoyed a dripping sunny-side up egg sandwich with a tender, grilled tomato on homemade sourdough. I plan to come back for their full lunch menu another time.

Finally, we reached the event field. I was overwhelmed.  It was hot and dusty with way too many hungry foodies and wineies (pun intended) roaming like grass-fed free roaming bison in the hot sun. I heard a lot of wining (pun intended, again) about the long lines.  I started to doubt the nature of this event.  Just when I was about the take my press pass and go find a more worthwhile and air conditioned place to dine they opened The Grand Tasting.  The wine flowed plentifully and the little samples of food here and there were just enough to keep us satisfied.  There definitely were more liquids than solids but it was still fun to mingle about filling my glass and sample some flavorful morsels. I particularly enjoyed the pulled pork with fresh corn salsa bites. As much as I was there to eat, drink, repeat. I did have some stalking to do as well. My eyes were pealed for food-lovin’ stars to capture with my camera and swoon with my own food fanatic heart.

Lucky me.  In the midst of foodie mayhem I spotted this guy, Tim Love. Chef Love is actually is the main reason Food and Wine came to Austin. He is a culinary legend and owns top-rated restaurants in Texas.  He is known for his award-winning urban western cuisine. I thanked him for keeping Texas food standards up to the highest levels and he beamed.

  I was buzzed and buzzing, from my first celebrity catch. The next stop was Marcus Samuelsson’s cooking demo titled, “Birds of A Feather.” Marcus is known for his African home style cooking that sends you right to the Sahara.  In this particular demo he was making a coconut milk-marinated fried chicken, with garlic mashed potatoes and smoked collard greens.  I love his accent and his humble easygoing nature despite his fame.  It was worth the hour-long wait to get a seat in his tent.  Even though I ended up in the nosebleed section, I was happy and inspired by this Chef with Afro-style and an upbeat personality.

Yes, Chef Samuelsson’s cooking demo was wildly full of life with a side of collard greens. He even gave a few plates of his greens and smashed potatoes out to the crowd. I did hesitate as there were about fifty of us eating off of one plate but it was worth it. During his cooking demo he reminded all of us to make our sides taste as delicious as the main protein.  I look forward to zesting up my next side of mashed potatoes with a dash of lime juice and a sprinkle of chicken stock in honor of Chef. I also, look forward to reading his biography coming out this summer.

Yes, I was so eager to meet celebrity chefs. So much in fact, this guy told me he was famous and I believed him…

Turns out he’s just from Kansas.

I also chased down Andrew Zimmerman for a picture. He declined saying, “I’m late for a press conference.”  I immediately lost interest in Andrew Zimmerman. Press conference my ass!  Everyone else was more than happy to indulge my celebrity chef craze, I doubt he even had a press conference. Even Gail Simmons, THE Gail Simmons took time for a photo or two with me. I waited in the 100 degree blistering sun for 30 minutes to tell her how much she has inspired me. She was kind enough to pose for our picture and she offered words of encouragement to rising food writer.  Check back soon for my review of her book “Talking With My Mouth Full.”

After a hard-earned day of stalking, drinking, eating and a bit more stalking we decided to have dinner at La Condesa with fellow San Antonio blogger ohmypuddin. Their menu boasts eclectic Mexican items like venison tacos and a beet cake dessert. We shared a series of divine dishes and enjoyed our night out. Beware if you sit outside, a bird may poop on you (true story).  I did, of course, enjoy the beet cake.  The accompanying scoop of homemade coconut ice cream shined pearly-white and created the perfect marriage of sweet and savory.

After our family-style meal we found our way into the VIP taco party. I was perfectly full from dinner so we opted out of the celebrity chef tacos. Although, Tim Love did make his tacos from goats bosom’s, it was Austin local, Chef Tyson Cole who took the taco crown. While the rest of the VIP crowd was stuffing their faces with beef cheeks and booze, I enjoyed  mixin’ it up with the Modern Mixologist himself,Tony Abou-Ganim,.  Tony’s passion for what he does shines like a lighthouse and he inspired me to drink more mixers and to read his upcoming book about vodka. I think I may have stalked him a bit too. Oh well. As you can tell,  I was drunk there was way more boozing and schmoozing than digesting morsels of delight, at this year’s Austin Food and Wine Fest.

So…I would call the event… A Booze and Wine-ival.  The best eating was to be found out on the town, which speaks to the high standards of eatin’ in Austin.  I did enjoy rubbing elbows with Chefs and Gail. However, a few kinks to work out by the organizers and next year we will be feasting like Renaissance Kings.

We need more food, more fans (the air blowing kind not the stalker kind), more entertainment, shorter lines and more shade.  As much as I loved mixin’ it up with Tim Love and Gail Simmons, I was disappointed that the weekender passes ($250 each) were not all-inclusive. The VIP passes ($850 each) got the dibs on the cooking sessions and there was very little space for weekenders like me.  If you have an extra $850, I would go big and fancy – the VIP ticket really does get you some VIP treatment.  Like most great events, the first round is mostly a learning experience and given the high expectations of Austin natives I’m sure 2013 will be more balanced and refined. I hope to see you there.

Until the next FOOD and WINE, be well and make life as delicious as possible.

I’m not a festival goer. In fact, the last festival I attended was Bonnaroo in the year 2006 BC (Before Children). I spent most of the weekend dehydrated, sweaty, and whining on my yoga mat. Being that I am a total extrovert and that I fill my metaphorical cup with social situations, you might think festivals would be my thing, right?  Answer: No Way. Actually, I tend to despise being trapped in hot places with overpriced, crappy food and blender vendors galore. That being said, when I got an opportunity to work with the Austin Food and Wine Festival this year, I jumped at the offer.  This makes absolutely no sense, right?

Let me expand.  The concept of being surrounded by people who can talk about high notes, deep flavors, and a hint of foodie gossip for an entire weekend, strums my food lovin’ heart strings. Really does it get any better? Let’s not forget, the chance to spend 3 days eating, drinking and talking about food leaves me deeply enthralled. I normally get a total of 3 minutes just to eat dinner. I do however, have one last little hurdle to climb over, the term “festival” still leaves a bad taste in my mouth (pun intended). I tend to think of it more as a…

Fest * EVIL- A diverse group of dirty hippies, sopping in marijuana sweat. All baked (literally) in the holy hell heat of the Tennessee sun with overpriced food and a hellava lot of vendors selling dank goo balls and hemp necklaces.  (Note: usage of the word Evil)

I’m really hoping Austin Food and Wine is more of a…

FEAST * ival - A diverse gathering of food lovers.  Each participant feasts on scrumptious eats and flirts with succulent libations.

I get it, there is a cost to hob-nob with the finest Chefs and foodie-winesters in the Nation. BUT…what better way to spend your money if you’ve saved up for a special weekend? Kiss my fine foodie-fingers if you judge me but I’m getting my white apron signed by Top Chef, Paul Qui.  Side Note: vendors, please stop trying to sell me SH** I don’t want. I haven’t been to the Austin Food and Wine Festival ever, so I cannot yet say that this event is surely worth every penny. What I can say is that it looks cooler than MC hammer pants in the early 90′s (check event schedules HERE). Personally, I  will be spending the entire weekend stalking looking for Gail Simmons - I adore her. And hopefully, getting my brain full of culinary factoids by Chef Marcus Samuelsson.  I’ll be full of duck confit a la rouge in the tasting tent regardless but the real question is will the Austin Food and Wine Feast-ival be worth the buck and duck? Or will it be just like Bonnaroo all hype and no substance.  Only time and a lot of wine will tell.  If this event is as good as it looks, you’re gonna know it.  If the organizers have sold their souls from the back of a Sysco truck you’re gonna know it too.

Some Insider Deets:

This event is NOT family friendly- you must be 21 to attend.

Dates: April 27, 28 and 29 in Austin, TX

Cost: A regular weekender ticket is $250 (remember it’s so worth it to avoid vendors).

Click HERE for Tickets sales information.

Location: Auditorium Shores (Disch Feild) in Downtown Austin. There are still some Hotels available within walking distance- but grab them fast.

Hope to toast with you at the event. Check back soon to see if I rated Austin Food and Wine a good time FEAST-ival or wont ever go back- Fest-EVIL?  I really hope no one is going to try to sell me magic mushrooms or a new blender (fingers crossed).

***Full Delishclosure: I am working with Austin Food and Wine As A Blogger/Insider Deets Giver. They are giving me a ticket. However, this in NO way shapes my opinions.  Regardless, I would be going to this great event. In fact, I am buying a ticket for a good friend to come along with me ($250), getting a hotel for the weekend (500$) and bringing a babysitter (200$).  No profit to be made but plenty of material to write about.

Hoppy Easter Peeps!

If you’re like my family you’re just realizing this weekend is EASTER. The hottest (literally, in San Antonio) weekend to get out and egg hunt till your little love’s sugar-high wears off. Not to mention, the best time to wear a Royal Wedding inspired, vagina easter hat and go out for brunch. You all know how much I LOVE me some brunch.  If I could be in 5 places at one time, these foodie-family-approved-brunchey-brunch spots are where you would find me…

The Westin La Cantera This year they are featuring a toddler egg hunt and of course, the usual top-notch buffet items. Surely, the room will be filled with Happy Hoppy well-fed parents and kiddos. I love the Westin La Cantera. The food tickles my taste buds each time I have gone. This is where my little fam will be, come join us! (Menu HERE) call for reservations at (210) 558-6500

RoMo’s This little spot with a whole lotta love in the oven, got voted one of San Antonio’s top-ten new restaurants in the latest issue of SAmag. AND they just re-opened on Sunday’s to showcase their creatively-succulent brunch menu (let’s just say these lil deviled-smore’s might make an appearance). They are about as Family-Friendly as you can get (menu HERE). Call for reservations at 210) 521-7666

Sustenio If you haven’t ventured to Chef David Gilbert’s culinary wonderland yet, you are as crazy as a loon. Easter Brunch seems like a fine time to refine your palette and have some ceviche with your mimosa.  Or be uber brave and try some civet coffee, double-dog dare you. (Reservation info. HERE) Or call (210) 598-2950

Biga On The Banks I hope you got a chance to read my latest article in TASTE magazine.  It was all about the beautiful Debra Auden, wife to Chef/owner of Biga, Bruce Auden. Biga is one of the best places to eat in the entire Western part of the country (no joke). Also, Chef Auden is a James Beard nominee. So just go to say you have gone if you can’t come up with another reason.  Good news, I called today and they still have some Easter Sunday spots left.  Snag em’! If there’s a time to splurge it’s at Biga and it’s Easter Sunday Brunch. Believe it or not, they are well behaved kid-friendly.  The menu and prices are HERE or call for reservations at 210-225-0722

ZTejas I’ve heard a lot of buzz about this place and their brunch. It is supposed to be a Southwest foodie’s love affair atop-o-some tableside guac.  Check out the menu HERE and if you go, let me know if you liked it as much as the hype does. For more information call (210) 690-3334

Whether you are in San Antonio or Santa Fe, I say, go out and try something new or re-visit someplace you adore this Sunday. Let me know how it goes and please check back soon for more April EatVENTs.

Editors note: Thank you Apartment Therapy for the “peepin’- hot chocolate idea and photo. Also, thank you Chef Rob of RoMo’s for the s’mores pic. The rest of the photos and all opinions are Defining Delicious’ own

I love spring. The vibrant wildflower landscape, the 75 degree weather (in San Antonio), the cool yet refreshing breeze… and the patio dining. Patios are like coffee shops. I need a comfy spot to really enjoy this rare treat. I want to feel taken away to someplace magical, mystical and delicious. The breeze in my hair, a glass of vino in hand and the food as mouth-watering as possible. In the name of blue bonnet season and San Antonio livin’ here are 10 places you may want to go enjoy during this brief, sunny weather treat. In no particular order…

1. The Monterey.  By far my favorite funky, outdoor dining atmosphere. Amongst hip decor you will find colorful miss-matched chairs and even a couple of comfy couches. They have a great beer and wine list and plenty of unique menu items to choose from. Personally, I love their brunch. Check out the bacon glazed donut. It’s a gooey marriage of sweet and salty with a sprinkle of little miss piggy crunch. As long as you keep an eye on your kids and don’t ask for mac n’ cheese your fam will be welcomed.

2. Sustenio.  A new place that stole my heart and ran away with it beating to Latin America. Enjoy this completely un-San Antonio experience with a ceviche tasting menu or go all out and indulge in some creative masterpiece menu items. A great date night spot but kids are welcome too as long as you got ‘em reasonably well trained.

3. Cappy’s  The back porch is a shade lovers dream boat. There is a gorgeous old tree that covers most of the tables outside. And the chicken nachos are loaded with real cheese and fresh ingredients. (family welcome)

4. BLISS  A wonderful menu with “on point” flavors. The seasonal menu changes daily.  They even have a firepit to enjoy with a vino in hand. A fellow foodie mama (Mama2aidan) wrote a wonderful review HERE (well-behaved families welcome)

5. Pam’s Patio Kitchen.  The salmon sandwich will knock your sandals into next week. It’s flaky, tender, and drizzled with chipotle aioli. This hint-o-spice aioli is a sauce lover’s obsession. The patio itself is in a strip mall but there is plenty of space. There are also some plants sprinkled about to give a down home feel. (very family welcome)

6. Dough. If you haven’t been here yet, go early or go for lunch (lunch specials under 10$). This place is also in a strip mall setting but feels a bit European to me, they even have wool blankets to cozy up if you’re the sensitive-to-cool-breeze-type.  The seasonal burrata is a must order item, housemade and house stuffed buffalo mozzarella filled with a creamy, succulent, seasonal blend of flavors (say that 10 times).  (family welcome)

7. Bourdwalk On Bulverde.  This is not the Jersey Shore-roller coaster type of  boardwalk but rather a kick ass food truck park. If you’re into Pakistani eats, don’t miss the Rickshaw Stop. No really, DO NOT MISS. They have delightful saucity-sauces and tender juicy meats. If you’ve got chitlins, the boardwalk has a playground with swings and if you’ve got some vagabond in you, they occasionally have free beer… that’s right, FREE. You can find a bit more about their sauce HERE. (very, very family welcome)

8. Big Z’s. What do you get when you cross burgers, beer, and a plethora of  balls? No, not a bachelor party! Big Z’s baby. They have 2 locations and both have great quality (151) or (1604).  Whatever you do, don’t leave without getting your burger “dirty.” I love the patio at the 1604 location it’s a bit more rustic. But if you’re closer to 151 the food is on par there as well. (very, very family welcome, huge turf for plenty of ball tossin’)

9. The Cove  This place is for all my crunchy friends. They serve mostly organic food, oftentimes plucked from the in-house garden. There is also plenty of room to let the kids be as free-range as the chickens. (very, very family welcome, even a playground)

10. The PEARL Brewery: CIA bakery (with kids) or Il Sogno (lunch/dinner date).we love the pearl and it’s low-key end of the Riverwalk. There is a bunch of construction these days but don’t let it deter you. Either enjoy a lemonade (note: lemonade is fresh squeezed and even has a hint of vanilla) to go from the CIA followed by a picnic by the river. Or go on a hot date with your love at Il Sogno. The patio is small and, although we recommend getting a reservation, you don’t need one to sit there. (Thank you,SAfoodnazi for the insider patio scoop for Il Sogno).

Whether or not you live in San Antonio, I hope you are inspired to take advantage of a sunny day and eat outside.  Please, let me know your favorite patio-vino drinking spot? Maybe we can meet for a glass of cool breeze and an order of good eats.

Happy Second Day Of Spring!

*ALL above are SMOKE-FREE (a must). All opinions are my own, I was not compensated for the above information.

Being that in my last post I outted myself as a non-meal planner type, I thought would expand. Here’s the deal,  I adore cooking, eating and having food prepared for me. However, when it comes to any sort of number crunching, calendar checking and/or color coding impeding on my life I tend to abandon ship. Actually, the thought of any of “those” things makes me feel sea sick with a side of please don’t make me do it. I’ll be the first to admit I like to live in a fantasy world. As far as cooking goes, I need to be a hasty home cook and get the job done before my 2 kids start painting the walls red, literally. Plans usually don’t help me in this department but rather cause stress (something of the affect, oh sh** I forget to thaw the chicken for…X) More importantly, I love imagining I am an olden days European woman; picking my warm crusty bread up from the baker (reality: Central Market), plucking ripe veg from my abundantly green garden (reality: we only really have lettuce because my husband works 90 hours a week and doesn’t nurture the thing) and seeking a local butcher for a fresh cut of grass-fed meat (reality: Whole Foods). Truth be told, I live in the burbs and I drive to most places via highway. But give a girl a dream.

When I heard Erin Chase, the mastermind behind 5$ dinners was coming to town, I was curious and excited. My exact thoughts were, can a non-planner like me be more planny like Erin Chase? And budgets…oh budgets…Could I, a person who makes random whatchamacallit dishes on the budget of “whatever the hell I want and quick!” become more spend savvy? I wonder? I got to thinking, this event would be fun to attend and perhaps Erin is up to the challenge of converting me (and others) over to the spend-savvy-plan-smart-school? Erin, are you up for it? I tend to think she is. We shall see… Either way, there is another fun spring event to add to the food lover mix and support the local San Antonio Food Bank.

Whether you’re a type Anal planner or the non-planny type, like me, I think we can all benefit. Personally, I would really like to see if I can still live in my European-market-shopping-fantasy world and save me some dough? Furthermore, Erin is a native to San Antonio and we are all about supporting local, right? I’ll see you there. I’ll be the saucy brunette with the deer in the headlights look on my face. That’s right, a meal planning ‘dummie’ indeed.

You can find more information about Erin and the San Antonio event HERE

And if you cannot attend the meeting (try your darndest), check back here soon to see if Erin and her savvy ways converted me over to world of planning?

(Thank you, Debi from SA busy Kids for the above details on the event)

I love food planning. No, not menu planning. That is reserved for people who are far more organized than me. I’m talking about food events that I get to look forward to eat, and eat, and eat at. San Antonio was one of the featured cities of this season’s Top Chef, so we’ve hit the ground running in the culinary scene. That’s right folks, San Antonio is becoming less known for the best taco ever and more of a hub for the best meal you’ve ever had. So, if you’re a local food enthusiast and you want to jump on the food-lovin’ bandwagon or if you’re just hungry, join us and jump into some spring events to tickle your taste buds.

March 11 The beautiful and historic Pearl Brewery, will be featuring talented chef’s from all over the WORLD (I told y’all we’re gettin’ fancy up in here) for an Iron Chef style paella competition. Tickets are 50$ ( includes more Paella than your Spanish grandma ever made, in her lifetime) or 60$ at the door. There is also a 12 and under ticket available so bring the kiddos. Tickets include: adult drinks and a chance to get some ‘liquid courage’ and talk with celebrity chefs. Maybe a cheesy autograph to show your grand kids? Read more about the event and get your tickets HERE (This event is Family-Welcome).

March 24 The Special Projects Social (TSPS) will be having a rockin’ after party. TSPS is San Antonio’s featured pop-up style restaurant. Some of my Foodie Mama friends (SAfoodNazi and Mama2aidan) attended the last event and raved about the food, art and colorful company. Tim Mcdiarmid known as Tim the girl, is a New York City native turned San Antonio transplant. Tim brings her fresh city palette and unique culinary skills with her and is making local food lova’s go coo coo for her tasty pop-up. Unfortunately, dinner tickets sold out but you can still come bust-a-move with us at the after party. Tickets are 40$ and can be bought HERE if you cant make this one check the TSPS site for the next event or join Tim and friends for an amazing trip they have planned for Italy this summer.  I know, she’s super- food- woman, like most of Tim’s events, tickets go quickly so seize the day and jump into an Italian foodie dream week. (None of the above events are Family-Welcome).

March 26 What do you get when you mix good eats and good peeps? That’s right, The SA Chef Coalition Dinner. Well known local Chef Andrew Weissman (owner of Il Sogno and Sandbar) is leading the SA Coalition pack alongside other talented San Antonio Chefs. This culinary powerhouse team is combining forces to make San Antonio hit the mark with incredible edibles on a National Scale. On March 26, there will be a family style dinner open to the public. Join these amazing trail blazers and enjoy good food and fabulous conversations. I put my request in for a seat (wink) and you can too. Tickets are 95$ and to reserve a spot email: SAchefcoalition@gmail.com  SAchefcoalition@gmail.com  for more information on the SA Chef Coalition click HERE (This event is not Family-Welcome).

March 31 One of our beloved Foodie Mama’s Tara ( Mama2aidan) is sadly leaving us for Arizona. Despite our tears we are Foodie Mama’s after all and will be having a farewell dinner at Restaurant Gwendolyn. If you are a Foodie Mama and on twitter click HERE to reserve your seats and if you’re not on twitter and would like to join the Foodie Mama’s as we eat, drink and make food porn, please email me. (Emily@definingdelicious.com). (This event is just for Foodie Mama’s. Sorry fellas)

Check Back soon as I have some Delicious April Adventures in the works!

Raising a silver spoon

I’ll be the first to admit, I am one of those moms. I’m a party crasher. I show up with my kids at the restaurant where you are having your first awkward date or a stuffy business meeting.  I’ll be wearing yoga pants, have a buttload of cheerios stuck to my shirt, a crazed look of hunger in my eyes. I’ll be eager to sit down at the next available table and take some food photos all while bouncing my 11-month-old and entertaining my 3-year-old. I swear, I’m not nuts. I’m just a mama squirrel tryin to get some nuts *wink *wink. For me, meal time is family time.  With the exception of date night with my hunk-of-a-man, eating out is an all inclusive affair and I like my lil nutty love muffins to be included. I’m all about raising my kids to be shiny, happy silver spoons (minus any pretension). Not to worry, I got ‘em well trained. They do pretty darn well at restaurants and they enjoy the experience as much as I do, especially when there’s rice involved.

Yes, I picked this up before leaving. I also see why some people are anti-kid for this reason and this alone. But let’s give rice and peas a chance, right?

What is Foodie Approved?

Foodie Approved: Somewhere i can get this…

I’d like to re-invent the idea of “Kid-Friendly” into “Families Welcome AND Foodie Approved.” As much as I love a playground and good food. I’ll take the food over the playground. During my journey to feed my children gourmet goodies I have noticed two things: First, even folks who are so called “foodies,” sometimes  give their kids mystery meat with a side of red dye #5. Why?  Convenience, low cost, or maybe just too many hairy eyeballs at the cool spots?  I write this without judgements.  Heck, I go to the Starbucks drive-thru at least 3 times a week due to convenience and living in the burbs. Secondly, when visiting a new city with my children and asking a seemingly food lovin’ local for a lunch recommendation more often then not they suggest mass produced muck (Friendly’s, Denny’s or IHOP).  Three words: Yuck, Gross and Disgusting!  Just because I come encrusted with crispy cheerios does NOT mean I want to feed my family junk. I want the place where the food enthusiasts roam, where the local meat is being tenderized, where the beef is as grass-fed as a hamster, where the walls look like the 60′s we born again, where the hipsters are a plenty, you get it.

Where am I going with this? If you’re a parent with a mountain of Mickey D wrappers in your minivan, I invite you to join me as we re-invent the family foodie wheel.  Or if you’re recommending a restaurant share the good spots not the grease spots.

What are your thoughts on this subject? Be honest. Let’s stir the organic soup pot. Either, I’m as loony as a bag of fruit loops or are you are on the “foodie approved” bandwagon?

If you’re with me please sign up for the FAST FOOD FREE petition, (no worries: Chipotle is not considered fast food) you can sign your name by commenting below.

If you think I’m coocoo for cocoa puffs and should shut my food lovin’ pie hole, kids n all Please dish…

*Check back soon for more information and a list of certified, “Family Friendly and Foodie Approved” places.

This is a wonderful guest post written by a dear friend, Kristin Manieri AKA “The Date Diva.” Kristin is a freelance writer and published author of Great Dates Orlando: a one stop shop of fun, play and food in the Orlando area. I thought this post was fitting to the “Trading Red Roses For Red Meat” occasion coming up on February 14th…  Please enjoy.

A Valentine’s Day Rant

I’m going to let you in on a little secret about me… I am totally ‘bah humbug’ about what most people consider to be one of the most romantic days of the year.

Surprised that someone who constantly touts the benefits of romance and quality time would be so jaded? Excuse my French but Valentine’s Day, in my opinion, is a crock of sh*t.

It’s become a day, hijacked by marketers, that guilts you into spending money on and time with your significant other because not doing so would make you a jerk.

Guess what? Opting out of Valentine’s Day does not make you a jerk… but not having a regular date night throughout the year surely does.

There are a lot of really great things happening around the city over the next week and by all means, do as many as you can. Marc and I are going to Nude Nite on Saturday. If we weren’t going there, we’d surely be going to Harbor Night Romantico at the Portofino Bay Hotel. There’s a free Michael Andrew’s concert happening this Sunday in Park Avenue that’s sure to be stellar. Enzian has created a great event themed around the epic romance An Affair to Remember. All kinds of restaurants have planned special Valentine’s Day menus.

By all means… I encourage you to get out on the town and celebrate.

But then do it again the week after… and the week after that… and the week after that.

What makes Valentine’s Day so lame is that for so many people it stands as the only day ALL YEAR when they really put any effort into their love life. And we wonder why the divorce rate is skyrocketing!

A University of Virginia study finally revealed what I have been trying to tell people for years… that couples who devote time to one another at least once a week are more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships and lower divorce rates.

So, here is my request: use February 14th as the beginning of a renewed commitment to a regular date night. Read this blog frequently for ideas. Follow me on Twitter for a least 25 more date night ideas each week. And join the conversation on my Facebook page where I you’ll not only get a few more ideas but I hope you’ll share some of your own as well. You might even win a pair of concert tickets or a free dinner.

Put as much effort into your love life as you did when you first met and it will start to feel like it did then too. I promise.

For more zesty posts from the Date Diva herself check out Great Dates Orlando dot com

Trading Red Roses For Red Meat!

If you’re anything like me you don’t really dig the whole hoop-la of a fancy schmancy dinner just for Valentines Day. I detest red roses and rubbery tequila lime chicken by candlelight. It takes quite the menu to get me interested and it has to be a rock-star opportunity for me to actually put on my skinny jeans and get a sitter. Side Note: I actually have never met a woman who loves Red Roses.  Perhaps save the 50$ and take her out for a nice Red Steak instead. Heck, I’d take a Red Beet over a Rose. Just a thought.

The problem is there are so many places that feature a Valentines Menu but are any actually skinny jean and sitter worthy?

Don’t fret I’ve been on the case for you, but mostly for me. I think it takes a truly great place to actually feature off menu items to take V-Day out of Sysco’s hands and turn it into a culinary art project.  So far, this is what I have found to be worthy.

San Antonio, Tx

SAY SHE ATE TX  This totally hip and incredibly delicious food truck is gettin’ all fancy with a one-time popup restuarant. They are featuring a 3 course menu with cake pops to take home to your kiddos or to eat in the car (which I will be doing). If you’re solo or detest V-day you can grab a bite of this deliciousness at the truck itself which will be the “kitchen.” These guys even make thier own pepper jam. Nuff said.

 (Photo Credit: SaySheAteTX)

Cost: 40$ a person. Reservations still available. Call or text 210-446-8257 Menu: Online

RoMo’s Chef Rob is always making something flavorful and worth your bite/trip to the west west side. I believe there is also a flower and a special treat offered to all reserved tables. If you’re single check out the RoMo’s official Singles Awareness Day meal which will be featured the Saturday prior to Valentines.

 (Photo credit: RoMo’s)

Cost: 80$ for a couple if you are wine pairing an extra 35$. Reservations still available. 210-521-7666 Menu: Online

The Monterey Nothin’ says lovin’ like a pig’s head. Show your sweetie you savor her senses with a dish like this…

If the Valentine’s menu is anything like the New Years Eve menu then you are gettin’ lucky in more ways then one. Promise. The Monterey not only is the home of one of Texas’s rising  Chefs but it features local, organic, grass fed, farm-to-table food. I’m not sure about candlelight but you can swoon over your love on the back patio, there’s even a couch.

Francesca’s at Sunset Why not go big and have a stay-cation while you’re at it? Really, surprise your Foodie Mama and book a night at the Westin La Cantera. Get in on this menu at Francesca’s and heck you can even go in the hubba hubba hot tub after this meal and kiss under the stars. Awww. On that note here’s a sneak peak of another exclusive Valentine’s Menu. If it’s anything like the brunch I had a few weeks ago… I’m jealous. Pictured below is the Steak and Eggs at Francesca’s, it was as good as it looks.

Price:  65.00 per person call (210) 558-2253 to make your reservation Menu: Online

I Hope this helps make your Valentines Day less Hallmark and leaves more of a Hell-A-Va-Good-Food Mark-Spark.

Let me know if I missed your favorite spot. We’re all about sharing here. Cheers.