Love and Food in the Big D

Monday, August 25, 2014

Everleigh Isabella Kelley - 23 Months and Counting


One month left til her 2nd birthday and I've got a whole lotta nothing to say....other than I'm sad.  Sad about her growing up so fast.  Sad about her nearly being 2...and sad about not being able to do anything about it. You would've thought in two years I would've figured out a way to make it stop..or to slow down at least.  Nope.  I've got nothing.  Cue the overly emotional mommy moment.. :(  

In honor of 23 months of baby bear goodness, I thought it fitting to capture her in her element.. neck deep in a bucket of fun balls squealing like crazy as she plays with her furry sister Macie.  With a smile that can light up any room, and silliness for days, this girl's a firecracker to say the least.  SO much like her mom and dad it's scary.  Stubborn, strong, independent and opinionated....AND CRAZY, CRAZY SMART!  She's definitely gonna keep Chad and I on our toes with her wit and sass that's for sure...BUT I wouldn't have it any other way.  So without further ado.. 

~~ Happy 23 Months Baby Bear ~~






















Thursday, August 07, 2014

Chef Chad Kelley Dinner Special - Robbi's 60th Birthday


Since Chad and I moved to Frisco, almost a year ago to the day, we've had the great fortune of meeting some really great people we've come to call our friends.  From play dates with our sweet babies… to Sunday dinners at our house, Maggie, Christian and their sweet son Asher have become permanent fixtures in our lives.  J  When Maggie willingly stepped in to take care of our fur-baby Macie, after calling her in a panic the day before we were to leave to California (when our original pet sitting plan fell through), we knew we wanted to find a way to pay back this enormous favor. 

So when Maggie asked for recommendations for potential catering companies for her mom’s 60th birthday, a couple weeks after our return from California, Chad immediately volunteered.  It seemed like a no brainer and we set out to help plan this special surprise for Maggie's mom.  :)

A couple weeks of planning and EIGHT courses later, the night went off without a hitch!  Tagging along for the ride, I helped Chad in the kitchen, keeping up with the plating by washing, drying and setting them out again.... and of course, trying my best to capture each dish before it went out.  But wouldn't you know.. in our haste to prepare for the night, I completely forgot our "real" camera!  Luckily my Iphone seemed to do just fine. :) 

Now.. ON WITH THE SHOW!  ;)  


Watermelon Salad
Creamy Feta, Spiced Cashews, Basil, Blis Sherry Vinegar

A Chef prepared dinner wouldn't be complete without a proper menu, 
designed by yours truly.  :)


    


Chad explaining each course :)


 
Fresh Pasta
English Peas, Hen of the Woods, Truffle Butter, Tendrils

 

Braised Pork Belly
Forbidden Rice, Panang Curry, Thai Aromatics



Cauliflower
Parmesan, Pickled Raisins, Pine Nuts

 

"Shrimp Boil"
Sea of Cortez White Shrimp, Andouille, Fresh Corn Polenta



 


Slow Roasted Salmon
Washington Cherries, Smoked Almonds, Rosemary Brown Butter


 



Tartine
Black Mission Fig, Caramelized Fennel, Goat Cheese, Saba

 


  Texas Peach
Tarragon Ice Cream, Dried Strawberry, Buckwheat Honey





Happy 60th Birthday Robbi!!
Glad we could be a part of your special day :)