::KC Eats:: Blue Koi

So who here watches Diners, Drive-in's, and Dives on the Food Network?  It's one of my favorite foodie shows!  I actually take note of the names of restaurants in different cities that I hope to try at some point.  So, of course, when I happened to be watching an episode that featured a restaurant here in Kansas City, of course I had to make it over there.  The restaurant is called Blue Koi, and it offers Asian style dishes, but best known for their dumplings and noodle dishes.

There are a couple locations, but me and hubs had lunch at the Westport location.  Westport, by the way, is a bustling neighborhood filled with trendy restaurants, bars and shops.

Interior

Shrimp, pork & chicken pan fried dumplings

We started out with pan fried dumplings filled with a shrimp, pork & chicken mixture.  After dousing them with the a spicy dumpling sauce (our waiter brought over and suggested we try), these things tasted amazing.

A perfectly "dressed" dumpling on my plate. So delicious!

The "FireBird Chicken" dish with noodles.

Following in the spicy footsteps of our dumplings.  We both decided to try the "FireBird" dish.  You can have it made with chicken, duck or tofu.  Hubs chose chicken, and I chose duck. 

The "FireBird Duck" with noodles.

I loved this dish!  I'm a sucker for scallions and combined with the spiciness of the dish, it all came together really well.  This dish is usually served with rice, but noodles can be replaced for an extra fee.  I will say, the noodles seemed a tad overcooked, but keep in mind, I'm very particular about my noodles.  It didn't hurt the taste or flavor of the dish at all, however.

Exterior

All in all, we enjoyed our lunch at Blue Koi, and plan to go back to try some other things on the menu.  If you're ever in KC, give it a try!

Happy Friday!

EAT :: Cruzado ATL

So, I've been in the process of clearing out photos off of my SD cards, and I've come across a lot of photos that I had intentions of using in blog posts but had forgotten all about!  I will try to get them on the blog over time.

First up, here are some photos taken in June at Cruzado.  Cruzado is this cute and quaint little Cuban (mostly)/Latin/Caribbean restaurant tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Midtown Atlanta, with really yummy food.  What really made me like it was just the vibe of the atmosphere/neighborhood.  Let me be honest, I use to live within walking distance of this location when I first moved to Atlanta, so I am a bit partial.  Midtown is the shizzz!

Anyway, we had decided to try it out during their 1 Year Anniversary celebration.  We chilled out on the patio, tried a few tapas and drank a bunch of mojitos and caipirinhas.  The drinks were perfect, and the dishes I did try were great, and like I mentioned, the laid back, "neighborhood joint" atmosphere couldn't be beat.  Prices were great too--nothing outrageous.

Next door to the dining room, they also have a hookah bar for more lounging if that's your thing.   You could also take a quick stroll a few blocks away to Piedmont Park after your meal to walk off all of that Latin-y goodness.

Patio

Pork stuffed plantains

Chicken empanadas--definitely a HIGHLIGHT of the tapas.

Definitely check it out if you're ever in the neighborhood!

xoxo, *NikG*

Eye Glasses Review (video)

Hey all!  So I finally got around to doing a review video on my newest pair of eyeglasses.  I've gotten lots of questions about them, actually.  I also, made this video while in The Bahamas and I give you a little peek of what we're up to there.  Take a look!

Remember, these glasses can be found HERE, they are the Derek Cardigan 7014 style in tortoise shell.  I think they are almost sold out, as they use to have them in black, but I don't see that as an option anymore.    They also have several other styles that to me look almost identical.  Happy shopping!

P.S.  I cut & colored my hair.  I plan to reveal it on Monday or Tuesday.  Stay tuned!