Bacon Wrapped Dates: An All-Time Favorite

When we first started blogging a couple of years ago, Chris included food posts on a pretty regular basis.  One of the recipes people love and still revisit to this day is the bacon wrapped dates. These things are so good.  They are on the menu at The Corner and definitely a customer favorite.  

When OC Weekly asked for a recipe for their blog, Chris wanted it to be something simple people could make at home so he went with the dates.  Even though we've done them here before, I wanted to include their link and the original link in case you wanted step by step photos to go along with the recipe.  Ironically we first posted about them on July 13, 2010 and Stick a Fork In It included them on July 12, 2012.  The more things change, the more they stay the same?  This time in a good way! Hope you enjoy :)

Photo by LP Hastings

A special thank you to Anne Marie at Stick a Fork In It for such a fun feature. 

'Stick A Fork In It' Features The Corner

OC Weekly is a local paper here in Southern California with a very cool food blog entitled 'Stick A Fork In It'. This week they did a three part feature on Chris (The Chef) and The Corner asking some great questions making for a spirited read. No pun intended seeing as they do reference the cocktails.

photo by Ian Perreira

Pardon me while I get all gushy girlfriend, but it's pretty awesome to see how far Chris and the restaurant have come in just a year since opening. He has opened other restaurants before, but this is the first of his own and, as you may recall (post from way back here), it had been a FULL ON Chinese restaurant for 40 years prior to purchase.  The local community has been so warm and welcoming to a business that is in sharp contrast to what was in its place prior--something that has made running The Corner every day even more rewarding for Chris and his employees.

Photo by LP Hastings and via Stick A Fork In It

The readers of this blog have been extremely gracious to us since I first mentioned he was even considering opening a restaurant. You have no idea how it warms my heart to see his prior food posts being visited on repeat, and how much he appreciates that support.  To everyone who has emailed to check how it's going and to those who have visited from near and far, THANK YOU!!  We are both still more than a little (pleasantly) surprised and very touched when one of you asks for either of us, or mentions you stopped by. Here's to many years ahead and, hopefully, getting to see you soon. Many, many thanks for all of your support.

Click here to read Part 1 and here to read Part 2 of OC Weekly's feature. Some interesting and funny stuff. As an FYI tomorrow will be Part 3--a recipe--so I'll be sure to include the link when the post goes live.

Out of Pocket

It's been two days without television, internet or landline. NO MAN'S LAND.

Blog? With only words? WITHOUT PICTURES??

But who would read?

Confession: The past 24 hours have revealed that I get nervous energy feeling disconnected. Cell phone and ipad only get you so far. I should be happy about having legit downtime, but caught myself wondering if I was missing out.

ON WHAT? Who knows because most other times I long for genuine quiet time without demands.

Is it a case of you want what you can't have?

Do you think blogs can be successful without pictures? Are compelling words enough? For me the answer would be yes, but I increasingly wonder if this generation really cares about what is being said, or just the way it looks. Thoughts?

Denial, It Can Work.

Late last week I almost missed the bloody hopped on a plane to visit my family for Canada day. It was one of the best trips ever: days at the zoo, parades, fireworks, and most of all just having quality time with each other. Coming back is never easy, so I made the return trip in time for the 4th of July to ease the pain. More fireworks! Barbecues! Hot days! Uh, cancel that last part.

Instead it was totally cloudy and cool so we loaded up on groceries, grilled and spent 5 hours watching the Dallas marathon.  JR Ewing always did know how to get my mind off things. 

Cut to scene and I spent yesterday in the fetal feeling kind of sad. Homesick. Stuffing my mouth with ketchup chips. God bless the Old Dutch brand and very large carry on bags. 

In an effort to lift my spirits and not be a total buzzkill SEEING AS IT IS FRIDAY AND ALL,  I spent this morning outside lying around reading a book helping Chris build a planter. Seeing as the only thing I failed to bring back from Canada was the camera charger, here are some bright and sunny instagram lunch pics from a couple weeks ago instead of other instagram pics of a presently empty raised planter. 

Speaking of bright and sunny, if you're in the Huntington Beach area we'd love to see you this Sunday July 8th at The Corner for the Painted Bird Trunk Show. Personally, I cannot wait to pick up a couple pairs of these rad crochet shoes. They're handmade in India and the epitome of summer chic! Details are one post back or click here. Mimosas will be served. 

~Outfit: M2F-denim vest (back in stock and seriously the best summer layering piece), J.Crew-tank and sunwashed skirt (old), Dolce Vita-shoes (on sale!), Brandy & Melville-bag~

Semi-scandalous mermaid on the wall outside Roe Fish Market.

Orange crush--my idea of the perfect summer drink. 

Well, after the Don Julio margarita.

And, of course, a quick Painted Bird enlightener. Seriously, how to choose?? Hope to see you Sunday!