freshii

               So today I walked into the gym after several months and let's just say, I gotta do better! It's never easy going back, but once your in, it feels good! It also felt good when I walked out! LOL My friend and I wanted to try Starbucks new birthday cake frap (limited time only, your welcome) but we decided to try this new place in Fairfield called "freshii" instead. This place was so cute and fresh! They have a full menu of salads, wraps, bowls, burritos, soups, froyo, juices, and smoothies. Its genius and I am so happy it has come to our neck of the woods. They have only been open for 2 months so go and support a great venue! I tried their freshii green smoothie which had spinach, kale, avocado, and pineapple. It was so good, I cant wait to go back and try their food.

BAR

      I haven’t had good pizza in Connecticut until I walked into BAR last weekend in New Haven. I’m a New Yorker so I know a thing or two about a good slice and where to get one. But this place was amazing! Me and my friend shared a small pie with artichokes and buffalo chicken, whoa baby, best toppings ever. A small pie has 8 slices and it was washed down with one of their very own beer, which they have a huge selection on tap. The bartender had Motown playing on his Pandora, can it get any better? Very mellow and friendly place. They have a pool table TOO! You can definitely bring your friends here or come out for family pizza night. The place is huge and popular, I would make reservations if I was you! Enjoy!

Grandma's Chicken Chardon

                I’m back from vacation ya’ll and I have to tell you, there is nothing like homemade food! I stood at an all-inclusive resort and the food was not that great. I couldn’t wait to get home just to cook especially since I’m use to eating well. I usually eat anything, but this wasn’t real food! LOL Anyway, thankfully I found this awesome recipe that reminded me why I love food so much…it’s called “Grandma’s Chicken Chardon.” My grandma didn’t come up with this one, but someone’s grandma did and I am very grateful for her. I also made red potatoes, string beans, caramelized onions, and zucchini so the chicken wouldn't be lonely! This dish was absolutely amazing, MUST TRY!

You will need: 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, 1 egg, salt and pepper to taste, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided 1 cup bread crumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley.

·        Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

·         In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with salt, pepper and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. In a separate dish, mix bread crumbs with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

·         Mix together the melted butter and lemon juice. Pour about 2/3 of the butter mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Tilt pan to coat the bottom. Spread mushrooms in an even layer in the bottom of the dish. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture. Place on top of the mushrooms. Drizzle remaining butter over the chicken, and sprinkle with parsley.

·         Bake uncovered for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear.

Eat your strawberries

As if I didn't love strawberries enough, here are 7 reasons why to eat more of them! Plus a healthy recipe to try!

They're loaded with antioxidants.

Reduce inflammation.

Cancer-fighting.

Diabetes-friendly.

Low in calories.

Improve high blood pressure.

Enhance iron absorption.

Strawberries are a refreshingly sweet treat and they're even better for our bodies. They are an addition to any meal or snack, sliced over a salad, paired with protein-rich Greek yogurt, or just enjoyed plain, straight from the container.

Summer Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Makes 6 servings

18 cups fresh spinach

1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced

6 ounces slightly cooked almonds cut in half with a little butter and brown sugar.

1 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Mini Shrimp Parmesan

                 I've been on a seafood diet the last two weeks, everything I see I eat! Ha! I decided to make one of my favorite dishes, Shrimp Parmesan. A lot of people love chicken parm, but I’m a shrimp lover. I fried small shrimp as opposed to jumbo shrimp for the first time but it was not a bad idea. I used flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs then fried them until they were nice and golden. Put them in a glass dish and spread tomato sauce of your choice. I like Rao’s! Sprinkle mozzarella ella ella and some Parmesan on it since that’s the whole idea anyway LOL. Pop it in the oven for a ½ hour or until cheese melts. I also made a mixed veggie dish which included red potatoes cut in half with zucchini and yellow squash. I forgot onions but you can throw those in too. Put these in the oven for an hour or until soft.This combo was everything and very satisfying. 

City Island

                  So this weekend I went to my absolute favorite place growing up. First of all, if you love seafood this is the place for you. There are a strip of restaurants surrounded by water at a place called City Island, located in the Bronx! It’s a small island and neighborhood that you can walk around and browse through little shops. They have boats you can rent and a whole lotta shrimp you can eat. You can pretty much go here all the time and not get tired of it because you have so many choices of restaurants. It’s popular in the summer since most of the places have outdoor seating. It’s also walking distance to Orchard Beach. This little island is filled with gems and has been the place to go for as long as I can remember. This time around I went to Crab Shanty, I had broiled lobster tails with shrimp scampi and a baked potato. Every dinner meal comes with amazing garlic bread, clam chowder soup or a salad. Take the ride, you won’t regret it.

Take a look at this, is you're mouthwatering yet?