Will miss you New York...

but it looks like you will miss me more......

Best of Chattanooga

Well here I am in New York... sidewalk cafe, laptop computer and Wi-Fi...what else do I need in life? (I will lie and say that I didn't cry a little when I kissed Lydia goodbye.)

So I have found a noticeable trend whenever I visit New York. I have this same conversation with whomever I meet. 

"Natalie, where do you live?"

"Chattanooga, TN"

The person pauses and looks at me with a confused look on their face, head nodding to indicate that they have heard me. Then they reply,

 "Chattanooga huh? So.....what's that like?"

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I can understand why Chattanooga may seem like a random little parcel of land to call one's own. When Shane told me that he had been offered a promotion in Chattanooga, TN I had that same hesitation and then asked "The place with the train?"

Now, 4 years later I can say that I honestly love living in Chattanooga. I've decided that a fun little thing I could do is have a monthly post showcasing some of my Chattanooga favorites. Just my opinions on fantastic aspects of this little city that I am currently calling home. And let's make it a little more interesting. I will throw in a few giveaways just for fun. Keep reading! There are two fantastic giveaways below. 

Best of Chattanooga - Fine Dining

If something low lit and desperately romantic is what you are searching for, St. John's Restaurant cannot be rivaled. This restaurant may be dining perfected. Chef/Owner Daniel Lindley is a master at his craft. Every bite is decadence.

Shane and I had the opportunity to dine at St. John's earlier this month. We had been there before, but before I named it my pick for the Best of Chattanooga, I thought I should experience it once more. Just walking to my table, I found it hard not to giggle in anticipation. The restaurant itself is stunning, with giant Corinthian columns reaching into the second story along with huge bulbous chandeliers floating from the ceiling. My grin couldn't be contained after being seated at a quiet table for two overlooking downtown Chattanooga, the white tablecloth graced with a single candle.

I started with the Summer corn ravioli with Alabama jumbo lump crab & forest hill farms’ sungold tomatoes. Sweet fresh corn, salty crab, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil created a perfect medley of summer. Shane had the smoked corn & white bean soup with butter poached Maine lobster & tomato concasse. I personally am not a fan of lobster, but was surprised to find this particular dish delectable.

For our main course I chose the Hudson Valley duck and quail breast with roasted sweet potatoes, arugula and mostada. If our appetizers encompassed summer, this dish was as if gracefully moving on to fall. The succulent fowl was perfectly accented by the peppery arugula and sweet potatoes. I found it a bold choice to combined these two meats, but I was amazed at how they complimented each other.

If you are worried that your husband may shy away by gourmet fare like I have described, not to worry. Shane ordered the "safe" Struba Ranch Kobe beef zabuton steak with ginger marinade, potato puree and chipotle pepper relish. I stole much of the dish for myself when he wasn't looking.

I could write pages about this one dining experience. The tuna tar tare lived up to my (Northwest) high standard of freshness and flavor. The fried green tomatoes added a bit of southern charm. The 3 page wine list is impressive; even to a non-drinker like myself . Our server, Bethany, was flawless.

We thought we could eat no more... until the desserts arrived. We were both amazed at the sophistication of the warm milk chocolate puddling and caramel ice cream. Pudding always seems so mundane, but this simple dish, warm and silky, cold and creamy was perfectly scrumptious.

The tasting of Mayfield Farm's Peaches -cobbler, brulee and cheesecake- seemed like an obvious choice. I enjoyed the mascarpone cheesecake surrounded in the ripest of peaches and the cobbler was classic. Shane and I were both mentioning how much we had enjoyed our meal when we took a bite of the peach creme brulee. We both paused, savored the dish then looked at each other with wide eyes. Shane simply shook his head and announced "bravo". Peaches, ginger and the most dulcet accent of basil. This dish was pure ambrosia.

St. John's Restaurant is a must if you are visiting Chattanooga, or if you are lucky enough to live here. Perfect for a birthday, anniversary or wedding party. Don't come on a night when the babysitter needs to be home early. We sat down a little after 8 pm and we strolled back to our car well after 10. This is a place that you don't want to rush.

"Best of Chattanooga" - Girls Night Out

I am surprising myself by listing a chain restaurant in my "best of", but the PF Chang's China Bistro in Chattanooga is spectacular. I have been a fan of this super modern take on Asian cuisine for a while now, but walking into the Chattanooga restaurant made me a believer in PF Chang's as a place of adult refuge. When I want to "get away" with the girls, I want a place that is an instant party. I want a place that isn't a waste of makeup.

PF Chang's is loud, fun and delicious. The Chattanooga restaurant is particularly fabulous with its open floor plan, impressive decor and friendly waitstaff. - For my birthday last week my girlfriends and I visited PF Chang's for some much needed "non-mommy" time. Our waiter, Bryan was hilarious and helpful and the food nearly broke the table with its abundance (lots of leftovers guaranteed).

PF Chang's may not be authentic - my sister Molly never saw a lettuce wrap the entire time she lived in China- but I don't mind America takes on food. I never saw a "pizza" while I visited Italy, at least not the way we Americans make them..

P.F. Chang's has generously offered a $50 gift certificate to one of my readers! This is open to anyone in the United States. Simply leave a post here either telling me your favorite P.F. Chang's dish, or why you need a girls night out for yourself. (Or a guys night out. I don't discriminate.) For an extra entry, mention this giveaway on your own blog and tell me in separate comment. You can use the icon at the bottom of the post if you would like. For a third chance let me know that you are a subscriber or have my blog on your google reader, also in an addition comment. I will announce the random winner this Friday. Good Luck! Or as they say in China....Zhu ni hao yun!

Best of Chattanooga - Ladies Lunch

Even if you live in the Chattanooga area, you may have missed the opening of Beyond the Garden Gate at Streetside. It is the most lovely little tea room in downtown Ooltewah. Don't judge it by the website. The ladies who run the place may not be technically inclined, but they know exactly how to create a ladies haven. It is the perfect place for a baby shower, brunch with friends or a little girls birthday party. (They even have hats to wear for such events. ) White you are waiting to be seated (reservations recommended) - stroll through the charming little gift shop. But don't plan on finding anything to take home to your hubby. Everything feminine in this establishment.

Of course, let's not forget to mention the food! Everything dainty and delectable - the quiche is divine, the salads beautiful and the Provence tea is the BEST herbal tea I have ever tasted.

Jackie, the owner of this quaint tea room, has generously offered one lucky reader and guest a Magnolia Tea brunch . This brunch for two will include savories, scones, cream, jam and curd, sweets and your choice of tea. A $30 value. To enter simply comment on this blog letting me know who you would like to take with you if you win this giveaway. You MUST live in the Chattanooga area. I will choose the winner on Monday Sept 22. I will choose whichever comment I like the best! If you want to comment but don't live here, just mention that your comment is not for the giveaway.

Famous!...well kind of.

Woo hoo! Check me out over at Tip Junkie!

Woo hoo! Check Lydia out over at The Lil' Peanut Patch!

I love NY Winner!

Well I'm off. I actually hear that it is cool in NY right now. Oh bliss.

I also can't wait to get to the city and do a little shopping for.......

Jennifer from Sugar Land, Texas!
Congrats! Email me ASAP your address, favorite color and your shirt size.

I will not be attempting to purchase pants. That is never a good idea.

***

Thanks for all of your entries. At almost 170 comments, this was a popular contest! I will be announcing two fantastic giveaways on Monday morning so make sure to check back...and if you are from the Chattanooga area make sure to head on over because one of those giveaways is just for you! No one local ever seems to wins my giveaways, so this time I am making sure one of you is going home with the prize.

See! I told you this trade thing is the way to go!

I love trading product and now someone has come along to make it even easier! Check out Barter Boutique. You soooo know I am game!

My Birthday

My birthday weekend was perfect. Friday Shane took me to the nicest restaurant in town. He looked hot, and I didn't look too bad myself. After a leisurely dinner we walked around downtown, making out when no one was around.

Saturday Shane told me that I needed to be out of the house for most of the day since he (and Lydia) would be working on my cake. In my mind I thought...um, how long does it take to make a cake? Of course when someone offers me a day to myself, I am not questioning. I went shopping, took myself to lunch, I even went to a chocolate store just to sample.

When I got home Shane rushed me past the kitchen so that he could finish the cake and told me to ...wait for it....blog for about an hour. Okay, if you insist.

I should have known that the cake was going to be a big deal. I however was not expecting this:

Shane actually went to the cake store, got new pans, dowels and 10 cartons of frosting. I love this photo of Lydia. She looks so proud at her efforts, which apparently was picking out the candy for the cake, stirring and then picking the candy back off the cake. Seriously, how awesome is this cake!?! I told Shane he was doing all of our kid's cakes in the future.

That night I went out with my friends for a little girl bonding. A little dinner, a little shopping, a little Starbucks. Yea, it was a pretty perfect weekend all around.

I really liked my friend Kristi's idea of doing a collage of all of her b-day gifts and celebrations. I have been informed by several people that my gifts will be here sometime in the next week, and I wanted to post about my b-day before I jet set off to NY. So don't feel bad if your gift isn't accounted for, maybe I will do a second collage....



Check out this apron that Kristi made Lydia! (Matches the one she made for me, see collage above) Isn't it adorable?! I am so excited to hear that she is going to start her own business making fantastic gifts of all kinds. Can't wait!


Thanks for everyone who sent birthday wishes! Sure know how to make a girl feel special :)

A random fashion tip: Every year my parents send me a check for my birthday to buy a new outfit. However, this year 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets were calling my name, leaving me very short for my birthday outfit. (Thanks for the sheets mom and dad! LOVE THEM!!!!)


To resolve this little problem, I went to target and found this shirt. $10! Then I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a bit of sparkly sequin black fabric. ($2) I don't sew. I wrapped the fabric around my chest and pinned it to my bra. Now I had a cute flash of sparkle showing at my bust line and at the open back. (You can actually see the pin in the above photo. Oops!) I made myself some super sparkly earrings, grabbed my favorite dark jeans and heels and I was ready for a night out with the girls. For like $15. Nice.

Only a little over 350 days until my next birthday, can't wait!

10 PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY:

Jennifer said...

Happy Birthday and I love the shirt idea. Ingenious! Your husband is amazing! Who's eating all that cake?!?!?

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 4:35 PM 

Natalie Jane said...

We have been giving it to anyone who comes to the door....

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 4:35 PM 

The Blaisdell Family said...

Happy Birthday. That cake kicks...well you know! It is simply awesome! What a great husband to spend all that time on a CAKE! And your little girl is gorgeous by the way!!!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 4:57 PM 

The Beadles said...

WOW, you had a blast!! Awesome Birthday to you!!!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 7:20 PM 

Are You Serious! said...

♥ Happy Birthday! LOVE the cake!!! What a great job! The apron is fantastic and love the shirt! :)

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 8:21 PM 

Bunny B said...

Woohoo!! Looks like you had a fantabulous time!!! Happy Birthday!!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 10:40 PM 

just me (Angie) said...

This post has been removed by the author.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 1:07 AM 

just me (Angie) said...

Happy Birthday, you look amazing and may I just say your husband is awesome to make you a cake especially a cake like that, he is very talented. you are going to be eating that for awhile.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 1:12 AM 

Adam Archibald Family said...

Happy Birthday!!! Looks like you had a great time!!! That cake is HUGE. I'll bet they had a ball making it together and I loved the birhday song.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 10:10 AM 

Jen R. said...

You have the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. I can only say that because my girl is still a baby girl :) but seriously she is gorgeous. And I fell for your husband a little when I saw that cake. So glad you had a happy birthday. And I saw you on mormon mommy blogs...love the blog!

SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 3:10 AM