BBQ Exists in CT!

Ok, so we were a little worried, but now we can relax a little - we found barbecue. Adam and I lucked out and caught an episode of one of our favorite shows on Food Network (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives) on which they featured a restaurant in CT that was only about 25 minutes away...and it was BBQ!
So we set out after church on Sunday with high hopes of finding some BBQ that was comparable to what you find in Texas. When Adam and I arrived at the tiny joint, Wilson's Holy Smoke BBQ, we could see the smoke rising about the rooftop, and we got excited. The place was packed, but luckily Adam eyed a picnic table outside that we were able to snag. And luckily, we weren't in Houston so it actually felt a little cool outside.
With a pulled chicken sandwich, a trio of pulled pork, Texas-style brisket (I guess you have to say "Texas-style" when you're not in Texas), and sausage, along with some baked beans, mac & cheese, and a huge piece of cornbread, we were happy. Not to mention the three sauces that we had to choose from to top off our delicious meal.
Now, granted, we have probably had some better BBQ in Texas, but this was pretty stinkin' good, and definitely satisfied our craving.

Next mission: Mexican food (Tex-Mex, that is). Wish us luck!

The Beginning of the Adventures

I was well aware of my love for my hubby and how much I enjoyed having him around, but being apart for so long, and now officially having joined him in our new home, has amplified my perception of just how happy he makes me. Now that I'm here...I feel right...I feel good. Not to mention the fact that I have been able to relax for the past few days and begin my adventures around CT.

One thing that I have quickly grown to love about CT is the abundance of parks. Adam and I did a brief exploration of this sweet part (Waveny Park) last time I was here for a visit, and that is where I naturally gravitated toward on my first two full days that I was here. This park sits on a huge piece of land that is encompassed by beautiful winding trails; it is a jogger's dream. Now as you may know, I haven't been much of a "jogger" over the past year, but I feel like I could run forever out here (though today my shins are telling a different story). Jaida and I were actually temporarily lost because we were feeling exploratory and were taking every little turn that looked like it would lead to a new stream or trail. But don't worry, I knew if we stayed on the trail and headed in the right direction, we would eventually make it out...and we did. Luckily I was in no hurry and was enjoying every minute of running in the cool air that smelled of fresh honeysuckle.

After we made it out of the canopy of trees, we made a quick stop by the dog park (another asset of Waveny that made me return). I have now been to this park at three different times of the day, and never does it fail to have a group of people there with their dogs. I like that. However, we didn't spend too long there, as Jaida was a little worn out from the jog.

Not a bad start to the day.

Talk About Ambience

First of all, this blog should have been written at least a week ago - sorry!

Finally, after a month of not seeing my hubby, I was able to make a trip up to my soon-to-be home in Connecticut. I was really excited about this trip for multiple reasons. First and foremost, I got to be with Adam. A month is way too long a period of time to go without seeing your hubby – I do not suggest it. On top of that, it was our 2-year anniversary, and I was getting to explore the place that I would soon call home. I had been up there before, but never with the mindset that this is where I was to be living. Adam showed me around a bit and we found some sweet parks, but there will be plenty more details of those adventures to come in the near future. For today, we stick to the anniversary.

New York City is only about a 30-40 minute train ride away, so naturally we decided to head over there for our celebration dinner. I have never been to NYC, so just the idea of it was exciting. To be honest, it just felt like a big city. I think I need to take a tour or something to really appreciate it. However, don’t let this statement mislead you – we had a great time! I am what my mom calls a foodie, so just walking down the streets and seeing the hundreds of restaurants and what not was fun.

side note: when I say walking down the streets, I mean there were about 42 blocks between us and our restaurant…we had to stop about half way and hail a cab because of the nice blisters I was getting from my heels...I wanted to admire the city as we walked the streets!

So we get to our restaurant, Milano’s (which Adam scored because he knows people), and it is this nice little place that people are packed in to, because according to some, it is the best Italian in NY. Soon after we are seated, our full-blooded Italian waiter that's dressed in tuxedo attire comes by to tend to us, followed by another that is carrying this huge round of fresh parmesan that he breaks onto our plate. This was accompanied by what was probably the best garlic bread you will ever have (garlic oil soaked into a perfectly crisped bread), what seemed to be carmelized zucchini, deliciously fresh bruschetta, and salami. And this was all before we had even ordered an appetizer! People arent kidding when they say Italians like to eat! Adam and I then enjoyed a romantic dinner together with a great bottle of wine (which paired well with our flourless chocolate cake), and then the same little man that brought us the appetizers was kind enough to come around and serve us an after dinner drink! What a treat! Never before have I experienced such ambience at a restaurant. The whole night made for a great anniversary!

(<--train ride home)