Catching up from the weekend? Check out a few things you may have missed:

• I Got Sponsored for the Healthy Living Summit! But with WHO?
• What’s My Name Again? and FFF Features
• Call for Guest Posters and Self-Love Reflection on Passion

Every Saturday night, Peter and I have a “date night” where we try to decompress from life’s daily pressures and spend more time together than the standard night. Most of these “date nights” consist of dinner and a movie at home to keep our budget in check…and not to abuse our free babysitting benefits from the grandparents. Besides, it feels more special having one night a month to head out together for a special night just the two of us. We had our night out for July this Saturday and what a good one it was.

We actually started our date on the earlier side. Why? Well, to fit in enough time for this special occasion…

Yes, we were die-hard enough to go opening weekend. And to see it in 3D!

Attractive (and blurry), no? I doubted that the 3D would make a better viewing experience, but Peter insisted after seeing Transformers in 3D with some friends from work a couple weeks ago. And it really was neat! I definitely think it added to the already super-amazing-so-sad-it’s-over-want-to-watch-again movie. They really worked to end the series on a high note and the movie could not have been better. And…now I can’t wait for part one of Breaking Dawn. I’m secretly fifteen.

Once we finished our afternoon at the movies, we headed to dinner.

 

My beautiful Cheeky, we meet again! I couldn’t remember the last time we dined here - only one of my favorite restaurants - and knew we needed to pay it a visit.

We started with the required chips and salsa…

…which still lived up to my expectations. I love their salsa because it has a decent kick and is the perfect consistency – not chunky salsa but not watery either. I could have dunked the whole basket of chips in that delicious tomato flavah!

But I had to save room for my adored tacos – two fish tacos with poblano slaw and chipotle cream and one crab cake taco with poblano slaw and pineapple salsa.

Despite my happy looking face the meal ended up an Utter. Disappointment. 🙁

I don’t know what happened, but the tacos did not taste near as good as usual. They didn’t necessarily taste bad, but just not like they were freshly made and with as much quality. Part of why I always loved Cheeky was for their reasonable portions, fresh tasting food, and flavorful combinations. I didn’t get that vibe last night. I hope they had an off night and aren’t going downhill. I may just have to try that new taco place my friends love.

Even after a decent amount of food at dinner, I still felt really really hungry. If I don’t get the satisfaction I seek in taste, it’s almost like I never ate. I need food that satisfies my taste buds in order to feel satiated physically. So what does a girl do to satisfy those taste buds fully? 

I think you know what that is! Self-serve fro-yo!!! We found a coupon for a new frozen yogurt stop, so of course we had to include it in our date night. I quickly fell in love with this location. Because a) they have birthday cake flavor and b) they have cookie dough topping. A match  made in heaven…

You know…along with espresso flavor frozen yogurt and brownie bits, toffee, and butterscotch chips for additional toppings. You think I went a little topping crazy?

 

And do you think I care??? Thanks, Peter for the action shot. Imagine it in 3D. You would think I’m about to eat your face off. Obviously, the night ended on a high note. Do I look happy or do I look happy? ;) 

• Ever seen a full-length movie in 3D? Did you like it?
• Can you relate to my need for food to taste good in order to feel satiated?

Want to know some ways to get started with weight training? Check out my guest post for Anne over at Fannetastic Food! I hope you pay her and my tips a visit. 🙂

I was not a happy camper when I discovered our family couldn’t get a table at my all-time favorite restaurant. Peter could see my disappointment at the thought of going a year without dining at Aunt Catfish, so he offered to take me on a special lunch date there just the two of us. It meant eating an extra meal out and spending some extra money, but eating at my favorite place was certainly worth it. Even better that we got a date out of it! 

Aunt Catfish may not be a high-end restaurant with a notorious chef and intricate delicacies, but it is without a doubt my favorite restaurant of all-time. Favorite! I credit it to five things:

1) The Memories

  

I vividly recall going to Aunt Catfish and playing on the wooden pirate ship playground when younger. I remember walking along the docks with my sister and cousin chatting about the cute boy we saw on the beach when in high-school. Now, I continue sharing moments at this restaurant with my own family.

2) The Salad Bar

 

They have a delicious salad bar with a wide variety of items. You have your standard salad toppings and dressings, but also a “hot bar” with amazing corn bread, cinnamon apples, and other fresh foods.

3) The Crab Cakes

 

I would fill up on the salad bar alone if not for the most wonderful crab cakes I have ever found. They do them right here – baked, crabby, and a perfectly flavorful basil aioli for dipping. Let’s just say I always leave there a bit past full. Worth it.

4) The Cinnamon Roll

 

Instead of a mint or other complimentary treat, Aunt Catfish gives you a warm, gooey cinnamon roll with your dinner. We always save ours to have with our breakfasts the following morning. Even reheated the next day they rock my world.

5) The Charm

 

I don’t know what it is, but Aunt Catfish just has this undeniable charm and quaint personality that I love. The waiters all introduce themselves as “Cousin ___". The drinks come in Mason jars. The decorations provide a splash of energy and fun to the atmosphere. Even when having to wait for a seat, which undeniably happens in the always packed restaurant, you feel at ease and at home.

6) The View

 

The restaurant is right on the inter-coastal waterway and has a ton of windows all around the dining area of the restaurant. No matter where you sit, you can count on getting to watch a beautiful sunset as you have dinner. Or, in our case, sparkling waterways over lunch. A perfect finishing touch to an already wonderful dining experience.

I am so glad we went for lunch today. I know I would have regretted not going if I chose to save the money. Some things hold such special places in our hearts that they warrant that extra attention and effort. Aunt Catfish is one for me. I have a happy belly and a happy heart now.

• Do you have a favorite restaurant? What makes it so special to you?