#43 - Eat roasted veggies at Donna's wearing black

December 2

After the always fun Washington Monument lighting, Julie, Heather and Sara headed to Donna's for some roasted veggies. Of course, only Julie and Heather were wearing black.

Had to start with a bottle of cava, why not! We deserved it after standing out in the cold watching the fireworks and the lighting (pretty weak this year). The veggies were divine, dressed perfectly atop a bed of mixed greens. Actually, the mac & cheese was even more divine! And, some grilled artichokes that were presented prettily, sort of in a tower. Bubbly, veggies and good company, can't beat that!

(Sad note, less than a week later, part of Donna's cafe burned in a 5 alarm fire. There are still three other Donna's, but this was the original.)

#52 - Fried Chicken Livers at Lexington Market

December 11

A fun and exciting return trip to Lexington Market, following a quick (ok, not so quick) jaunt to Trinacria (see last post), we browsed around like tourists. Didn't know if it was bad form to bring in "outside" food to Lexington Market, but we felt we earned the right in the quest to finish the "holy list". Besides, that place is so busy, who would notice? Navigated our way to Tim's favorite fried chicken place, where he expertly ordered a combo of fried chicken livers and gizzards. Yup, he actually chose to order the gizzards. We grabbed a beer, because of course Coors Lite and Bud Ice are the best things to wash down your fried organ meat.

Sara was off the hook for the livers, because she doesn't eat poultry. Heather was hoping to pull that off, but, in the name of the list, held true to its purpose. After inspecting the entire container of fried "bits" she selected a small morsel of fried chicken liver. Confirming with Tim that it wasn't gizzard, which he described as "a little chewy". To her amazement, it wasn't nearly as bad as she expected. Of course, it was doused with hot sauce. But, one piece was plenty. Tim kept munching on the rest, until he too had to give it up when his jaw became tired. Apparently gizzards will do that to you!

Then another repeat trip to Faidleys (see #1) because one cannot go to Lexington Market without a trip for their crabcake. Tim added some oysters for good measure.

#47 - Trinacria - but no calling ahead - we need to wait in line

December 11

While on the topic of Pastores, it did remind us of the amazing trip to Trinacria. And, as previously mentioned, we have been too busy eating to post blogs so are now playing catch up. Kind of bad to compare Trinacria to Pastores, but I'm sure its been done before!

Trinacria was like walking into an amazing store filled with Italian goodies. And, loads of people standing around wanting to order. We finally figured out how to get a number (when we weren't distracted by all the goodies on the shelves!). Of course, ordering was not easy because we really wanted one of everything! Mozzarella sandwich for Heather and Sara. All the meat behind the counter for Tim (along with fresh mozzarella - put the mozzarella Sara got at Whole Foods to shame). Really good olives. No place to eat there so we took it to Lexington Market to have with the chicken livers!

This place is definitely worth going back to! Of course, it's not much to speak of from the outside. In fact, it's a few blocks from Lexington Market, in the wrong direction. But, great Italian groceries, cheap Italian wine, fun cookies. Oh and a 5 pound bag of pasta for the holiday party. And an espresso bar at the deli counter and super nice staff!

PS - just today, Tim referenced wanting to go to Trinacria in an email. We are so proud to be expanding all of our horizons!

PPS - Fun trivia, Trinacria is Italian for triangle.

#77 Pastore's Delly

Dec. 28 - Towson for Pastore's

Heather was so wonderful to pick Sara up from the airport - of course, there's an ulterior motive for both - its called #77 and it is Pastore's Italian Delly and Grocery in Towson (not a typo - they really do spell it with two l's and a y!)

Such a cute little grocery store with loads of italian goodies. Reminded us of a smaller Trinacria and more emphasis on the sweet. We felt at home when we walked in when we saw the 100 foodie things posted on the wall - actually seeing that more and more often these days! While the Italian sub was the one on the list, we of course, tried a substitute.

Got a mozzarella sandwich, and, we split, shocker. The nice man behind the counter even wrapped up both halves in two pieces of paper! Sandwich, eh, so so. Came with tomato, oil & vinegar and basil. (Not sure we could see/taste the basil!) Got some olives as well. Decent, not necessarily worth a "big" trip to Towson. (sorry Ryan!) Especially when our new favorite Trinacria is so much closer. But, we tried it, crossed off #77/count #97 and then off to Hampden, hon. Good thing wasn't a huge sub, then wouldn't have had room for Golden West/Rocket to Venus.

Getting closer to finishing. Now that the end is in sight and so manageable, it is getting kind of exciting. But odd. What will we do next year without the foodie challenge. Suggestions?

#98 - Mary Sue Easter Eggs

I know what you are thinking - who has Mary Sue Easter Eggs in December? The kind that miss them at Easter! Fortunately for us, Mary Sue sells them year round so we ordered three different kinds for the party. Sara's favorite is the peanut butter chocolate. Any other favorites?

#70 Chicken Salad from Grauls Market

The main course for the day is three types of mac and cheese (yum - for everyone but Ryan which is why he had pasta and marinara!). But, we couldn't resist the opportunity to try the chicken salad from Grauls. (again, thank you Julie for picking it up! - and for getting the shrimp salad for those of us who don't eat chicken!) Great salads all around.

#7 - Split Maryland Beaten Biscuits with ham on them

This should really be Julie's post. But, I'm going to draft and hope she comments because it is all due to her that we were able to cross this one off the list. I guess the story starts with looking up the recipe way back in January and deciding that it was too much work. So, the year goes by and we are looking for the biscuits. Can't find them anywhere (even Lexington Market! If they are that much of a staple in Baltimore, where can you find them?) So, one night we were all sitting around and realizing that we needed to have them at the holiday party. Julie suggested picking them up from Grauls (or the closest equivalent) and we all readily agreed. (another place where the veggie and "real" ham were put into the menu).

But, she thought better of it. In her words, we had come this far and she felt strongly that she wanted to make these to contribute to the quest (in addition to the great company and sport she had been for so many other items!)

From what we understood, she literally beat the dough for 40 minutes! I guess its supposed to make them light and airy but really they are hard and not that tasteful. But, in this case, it is the thought that counts and makes it really special! Thank you Julie!!

(top photo caption: 12 minutes into the beating!)

(photo - Julie making her biscuits)