April Family Dinner

Family dinner is easily my favorite night of the month... it even tops Dessert for Dinner! This month especially may have been my favorite yet because of the delicious (and EASY) food and the amazing group that joined.

Malafacha At Sitka & Spruce

Monday's at Sitka and Spruce are host to a traditional foods from Malafacha.

Traditional comidas Mexicanas from our talented family member Alvaro Candela-Najera, inspired from his birthplace and travels throughout Mexico.

Simple, delicious, and passionate.

Tacos, including the infamous Al Pastor & Suadero (milk soaked beef belly)

It was a gorgeous Seattle day so I took off of work early to get a cup of coffee from Bar Ferdinand and enjoy a book prior to meeting Emily for taco night. By the time the doors opened, there was a line of people waiting to get in and our promptness was a blessing.

The magaritas were strong and delicious.
The guacamole had a perfect balance of smooth, salty and hint of spice that complimented the flakey chips perfectly.
And the tacos were full of flavor. We shared the Suadero Tacos and Papas con Chorizo tacos which were both delightful.

I am already looking forward to my return visit and if you want a friend to join you, you won't have to ask twice!

Four days In Portland

I cannot put into words the amount of fun I had this past weekend in Portland. I took Friday and Monday off of work to make the most of my visit and spend a few days disconnected from work. As it so happened, my work password expired Thursday at midnight which meant there wasn't even the slightest chance of checking in to work until Tuesday morning.

The weekend was spent with time with my family, coffee dates, cocktails, church and old friends made possible by Mom, Dad, Jake, Emily, Kaia, Anibal, Michael, Mickey, Vanessa, Matt, Brianna, Noah, and Maeve.

It was a sweet reminder of how much I love this city even though I have made my home in Seattle.

Until next time and hopefully soon...

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.

January Community Dinner - Slippers Required

For January's Community Dinner I wanted to try something a little different and have a Saturday brunch instead. Inspired by Pinterest recipes, I made scones with jam from Mary's wedding in Bear Flagg Farms, baked eggs with a hashbrown crust, slow-cooked oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, Coava coffee, mimosas, and store bought donuts. Only one cheat from the whole menu!

I foolishly did not test a single recipe prior to serving, breaking a cardinal rule for having guests over for dinner, but I didn't have the time to try! Luckily, each piece turned out delicious and was made even better by the friends that joined.

We were especially treated this month as my mom made a surprise visit by rerouting a business trip flight to Seattle.

I have started planning and brainstorming February's Community Dinner and I am torn between a soup or pasta centered meal. I want to get a few comfort dinner's in while the winter vegetables are still in prime season. If you have better ideas, please share!

Until next dinner...