Elsie's Soft Opening

Hey guys,

Last week I was lucky enough to get a reservation for a new restaurant that will be opening in Traverse City. The restaurant's soft opening was Saturday and Sunday and reservations were available via Elsie's Facebook page. After waking up late I was worried we wouldn't be able to go, but by some small miracle managed to get a spot for three people.

The owner of Elsie's is also the owner of Georgina's, another restaurant in town that serves Latin Asian fusion. The new restaurant will serve brunch and currently occupies the building Georgina's used to be in. While Elsie's menu is considerable different, the personal influences and heart behind the restaurant is the same. I have the privilege of knowing Tony, the owner, through a friend's family, and I'm always impressed at the amount of thought he puts into his businesses.

Both my parents accompanied me on Saturday, which made the morning a load of fun. I meant to take more pictures but we were too busy enjoying the delicious food. After we arrived, the staff immediately brought out coffee for us. Apparently neither of my parents had tried French press coffee before; they were so impressed I didn't think they'd settle for any other kind again. Food wise we started out with a Cuban style pastry that tasted a little bit like heaven. You think I'm joking but it was one of the best pastries I've ever had. Next came a basket of Cuban sandwiches that were equally delicious.

I borrowed this picture from Elsie's Facebook page because that's the only picture of us (plus Tony) and not the food. 

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The cuban sandwiches were followed by a mac and cheese dish and a frittata with a side of hash browns. Last but not least, we were given three different deserts to try, a lemon pound cake, a coconut chocolate bar, and a cinnamon coffee cake.

The food was absolutely amazing. I couldn't stop eating. You know if you walk out of a place stuffed but happy it was worth every bit. Elsie's officially opens today, Wednesday January 27. I'd highly recommend checking it out and tasting the food for yourself.

-S

Gift Guide: The Local

Hey guys! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I don't know about you but I didn't eat enough mashed potatoes this year.

Now that Thanksgiving is over it's time to start talking about Christmas. Here in Traverse City we have a great variety of small businesses from boutiques, book stores, restaurants, and more. Since today is Small Business Saturday, when you're encouraged to shop from your local small businesses, I wanted to highlight gifts that are made in Northern Michigan (mostly right in TC).

- Soaking salts from The Great Lakes Bath + Body or any of the other good smelling body products they offer.

- A gift certificate to see a movie at The State Theater (with enough for popcorn too!)

- A favorite wine or beer from a local winery or brewery.

- Something sweet or savory from Cherry Republic.

- Olive oil from Fustini's for the cook in the family. They also offer cooking classes which I hear are a lot of fun, plus you get to eat the food after it's made.

- M22 clothing and accessories so they can show off their love for Northern Michigan.

- Locally made cold weather accessories from Baabaazuzu.

Have a good weekend and don't forget to shop locally for Small Business Saturday on November 28th!

-S

Understanding Homelessness, A Local Coloring Book

One thing I love most about working at the library is being able to interact with people in the community. All types of people walk through the door and it's been nice connecting with individuals I might not meet otherwise.

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Randy Parcher and his girlfriend Laurie Koelsch use the computer lab almost every day. Randy is an artist and he's constantly using the available resources to create new and exciting things. I've been lucky enough to witness his talent first hand and have watched him create some amazing work. Randy's most recent project has been a children's coloring book dedicated to educating people about homelessness. At the moment Randy is trying to raise money using a GoFundMe page to get the books printed and he's hoping to have books to sell within the next couple weeks.

Homelessness is a problem in every city and projects like these can help people better understand those who are on the street. To learn more about Randy and his coloring book check out this article from the local news or Randy's personal website.

-S

Post Workout Cider Tasting

I had the pleasure of catch up with my amazing fake sister/chummy, Sandy, tonight for a cardio dance class at Yen. Sandy has been busy running around wedding planning, putting family first, and rocking at her job so much that I haven't been able to see her for weeks. I've been begging her to take a class with me and was super excited she had time in her schedule (even though I completely understand when she is being busy).

Since I still have quite a few classes to use up, I feel like I've been going to Yen a ton lately (even though I really haven't been). Tonight we took a Cardio Trio class which was new for both of us. Going in I was confident knowing that my dance background would be helpful and I could manage even though I was pretty sore from last nights class. The real shock was my sudden total lack of coordination, I guess those 16 years of dance weren't so helpful after all. I think I need to take next week's class just to redeem myself. Despite all the slip ups on my part the class was still fun; Sandy and I both loved it.

After class we jumped over to Northern Naturals, a Cider and Wine company, just right down the street from Yen. We sat at one of the tables outside, which was perfect since it had cooled off a bit from earlier. Sandy even convinced two groups of passersby to stop in as well... they were easily persuaded. I'd definitely recommend the restaurant/tasting room for anyone in TC; the food and drinks are all natural and locally sourced, plus the atmosphere is super friendly. Sandy and I both got the Veggie flatbreads (yum artichokes) and a cider flight. Nothing like an impromptu after workout dinner and cider tasting.

Overall it was a fun night and I can't wait until next time!

-S

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my 23rd birthday... never a more appropriate time for this song.

Nobody likes you when you're 23...

I spent the morning downtown. Since it's over 90 degrees and sunny outside I was a puddle of sweat by the time I got down there. I should have taken my mom up on her offer to drive me down. Oh well it was a nice walk anyway and there was a nice wind by the water.

I went to see the Wednesday Classic at the State Theater this morning. Today's movie was The Long Hot Summer with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

They sure made one great couple. On and off the screen.

Well hello there Paul. Seeing this site on the big screen wasn't a bad way to spend my birthday morning. Boy is he attractive in this movie.

I did find it ironic though that I was watching a movie about a 23 year old woman who's father was trying to marry her off because she was getting old. I guess I'm glad I live in a different time and don't have a father like that. Although if I was supposed to marry a man that looked like Paul Newman maybe i wouldn't object.

After the movie I walked over to Horizon Books to get an iced coffee at Cuppa Joe. I'm pretty sure I have gone there every day this week for an iced coffee... so good. I love mine with soy milk and a packet of raw sugar. I sat inside for a bit reading Ender's Game and relaxing before walking back in the heat.

On the way back I stopped by the water. It looked so beautiful today.

Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful summer day!

-S

Big Snow Storm Movie Number 10

I came home Friday for Spring Break which has been quite eventful so far. Traverse City got hit by a huge snow storm Friday night, getting 18 inches of snow just that night and putting the county in a state of emergency. Power lines were down all around town causing most of the city to lose power. There were trees and branches on houses, cars, and in the middle of streets. We luckily still had power through most of Saturday, up until about 7:30 pm and no fallen trees. We got power back Sunday around 2 and internet/cable back some time after that. I can't imagine people who still don't have power, or heat, or hot water. This storm definitely reminded me of all that I take for granted and made me even more thankful for everything my family is blessed with.

On Sunday, my family met up at Minerva's for breakfast to celebrate my Grandma's birthday. Later my mom and I decided to go see This Means War (March 5th).

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was funny, cute, but not lacking in action and scandalous jokes. It's definitely not just another chick flick. Both Tom Hardy and Chris Pine are hot as always and I love Reese Witherspoon and Chelsea Handler. I'd give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.

Signed Up

Last night my dad agreed to run the Turkey Trot with me again!
He even signed us both up. So it's official. In about 19 days I'll be out in the chill kick starting my metabolism so I can eat gilt free on the day of thanks and feasts!
Guess I better get my butt to the gym on a more regular basis this next few weeks in order to train more seriously. I've been running off and on this semester and have built up a little distance (only on the treadmill) but during the next few weeks I plan on getting up to at least running one and a half miles. If I really thought I could train well enough to do 3 in the next 3 weeks I would but I don't see that happening. I'm up to about 7 out of 30 minutes right now.... but it's a lot better than the 3 out of 30 I started doing at the beginning of the semester. The plan is to work up two more minute each time I go, keeping about a 12 minute mile pace. Not fast but fast enough for me, and probably the only way I can run any sort of distance for at least now. I'm gonna run 3 times a week and hopefully get to the gym a fourth time for some sort of strength/crosstraining exercise.

Wish me luck! If you're in TC on Thanksgiving hope to see you there :)

Morning Jog/Walk

I mapped my "run" this morning which turned out to be roughly 2.6 miles. Farther than I thought it was going to be. Weather was perfect this morning! A comfortable 68 degrees and the sun was still behind the morning clouds. It took me roughly 45 minutes (because I walked a lot of it). I did however run the full way from the light at Division and the Parkway to the turn toward the water and the open space, past the volley ball courts. It was a major accomplishment seeing as when I first started running last year I could only do about half that before stopping to walk. Probably if I had really pushed myself I could have made it a bit farther too. I'm hoping by the time I go back to school in a few weeks I can run all the way from my house to the sculpture that marks the start of the TART trail. It's quite a bit farther for two weeks so we'll see. I guess it just depends how much running I can fit in between now and the 26th.

I told my dad he better start training too or else he won't be able to catch up (lies because he can already run 3 miles without really training... lucky). Now I just need to find a 5K to sign up for to keep me on track. Anyone know of any races coming up in Michigan?

Off to cross off thrift shopping with Sandy at Goodwill!

(file under perfect Sunday)