An End of Summer Reunion

Me, Momma Singleton and my friend, Keli

When I met Keli in 1997 in Bumstead Hall at Clark Atlanta University, I knew she would be a lifelong friend. She was a fellow DIIIIIVAAA and we really got to know each other on the Dorm Step Team. Here we are 21 years later – still one of my best friends.  When I am in the country we try to meet once a year.  Last year Mom and I went to St. Louis, where she is from, so this year Keli and her Mom blessed us with a visit to Virginia.  Mom and I could not wait to host these two and the weekend was FABULOUS! 

They say, “Virginia is For Lovers” because you truly can get everything you love in Virginia – and what we chose to love was history, wine, good food, amazing scenic views and moonshine.  (Well the moonshine was in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia, but more on that later).

Richmond, VA - Food and History 

Hundreds flock to Washington DC to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture but did you know in Richmond, VA there is a wonderful option:  Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (122 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23220, http://blackhistorymuseum.org/).  It is less crowded, interactive and their gift store sells reasonably priced purses, shirts, shoes and earrings created with traditional African materials (kente, chitenge, etc) as well as  featuring art created by local Black artists! You can buy the tickets online or upon arrival for $10. Unfortunately, during our visit the second floor was closed as they prepare for a new exhibit which is set to start 28 September:  Fighting for the Right to Fight (http://blackhistorymuseum.org/event/fighting-for-the-right-to-fight/). I would highly recommend a visit!

Keli finds a plant in the corner and sees a photo op …

I clearly support this haha

After the museum, it was time to eat.  What better place to have a late lunch than Momma J’s Kitchen (http://mamajskitchen.com/)! The restaurant was a short walk from the museum.  We had a 40 minute wait as the location is small but the wait was worth it! The food was amazing!  Mom and I both enjoyed the fried pork chops.  I enjoyed mine with rice and collard greens while mom ordered a side of macaroni and cheese as well as collard greens.  The macaroni and cheese was AMAZING and I almost wish I ordered that instead but with my pork chops smothered in homemade gravy, the rice was perfect! For dessert, please request the homemade buttercream on buttercream cake – it was moist and amazing!  We were advised that their homemade coconut / pineapple cake is their #1 seller.  Now to figure out WHEN I can return to try a slice of that cake!  

I asked for the gravy on the side...trying to be responsible LOL

It's wine time!

Sip, sip away Saturday

The rain, rain, went away (thank you for skipping us Florence!) a\nd this meant we were ready for a beautiful day in Purceville, VA – it’s wine time! First vineyard up, Breaux Vineyard: https://www.breauxvineyards.com/!  The view at Breaux Vineyard is gorgeous! My friend and I enjoyed a standard wine tasting and we both really enjoyed a wine that was not on the tasting menu:  2013 Meritage.  It is a bold, big bodied wine.  Great for pairing with steak or simply sitting and catching up with friends.

Tasting Menu

Wine and a View

Meritage 2013

Hey ladies!

After enjoying a tasting, a bottle of the 2013 Meritage and catching up, we all decided it was time to move to the next vineyard which was less than a mile away – 868 Estate Vineyard: https://868estatevineyards.com/.  This vineyard was very accommodating when it came to the tasting options.  They allowed one of us to only do white wine, red wine as well as an Elevated tasting which included sweet and salty bites paired perfectly with their wine.  I would suggested the Elevated Tasting as the nibbles were delicious and paired very nicely with the wine.  My favorite pairing was the 2016 Merlot (what? MERLOT?? Yes, Merlot) with the red wine poached sackel pear, goat cheese and truffle oil.  So many flavors that compliment each other and the pear was perfectly crisp.

Elevated Tasting Bites

This tasting may or may not ruin your appetite but if it does not, please do yourself a favor and dine at the restaurant on the property – Grandale (https://868estatevineyards.com/grandale-restaurant/)!  Mom started the party by ordering the Prawn Charmoula.  The prawns were perfectly cooked and the sauce was spicy, buttery, perfect.  Keli enjoyed the Mesclin Salad.  The strawberries were sweet and this sweetness was perfectly joined by the saltiness of the goat cheese and pecans. Momma Singleton opted for a small meal so she chose the Short Rib Poutine and enjoyed every single bite! “These sweet potatoes remind me of my own… I have not had sweet potatoes this good outside of my house!” She was impressed!  For dinner my mother ordered and very much enjoyed the Duck Breast.  My friend Keli and I both enjoyed the 6oz Filet Mignon.  It was perfectly cooked and accompanied by fingerling potatoes and asparagus.  You would think we would not have room for dessert but we did!  The table shared the Three Berry Crème Brulee and the Cheesecake drizzled with fresh honey and granola.  Please skip the crème brulee and spoil yourself with the cheesecake.  It was the best cheesecake I have ever had! The honey provided just enough sweetness and the granola a special crunch with the crust.  Amazing!

The Prawn Charmoula

Mesclin Salad

Short Rib Poutine

6oz Filet Mignon 

Duck Breast

Thre Berry Crème Brulee

The Cheesecake.  Please save room for this!

OK now we are full and ready for one last tasting.  We cross state lines and enter Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.  Why?  Moonshine and Gambling ha Before checking into our hotel and going to the Casino, we stop at the Bloomery Distillery (http://bloomerysweetshine.com/).  The tasting is free and while the pours appear small, trust me, that is all you need.  We tasted 9 (yes, NINE) different moonshines and they were amazing!  I purchased my favorite three:  Cre (botanical goodness – think “will pair well with gin!”), Ginger Shine (sweet and spicy, like biting into fresh ginger) and Crema Lemma (reminds me of a creamy limoncello – a creamy after dinner option).

There really is not a reason to talk much about the casino haha (I did win my money back plus $160 so I left happy ha).  Keli learned (somewhat) how to play roulette and apparently I should bet on RED.  It was hard to find a poker table that was not overcrowded but next time she learns to play poker!

Spa Day Sunday

Finally, no vacation is complete with a little spa time.  The day before departing, Keli and I enjoyed 90 minute massages at Stafford Massage and Healing Arts (http://staffordvamassage.com/).  This is my regular go to for a massage as well as for facials.  Of course Keli really enjoyed her time there as well!  Not only are they reasonably priced ($105 for a 90 minute massage) but there are other services such as an oxygen bar, energy work, a meditation room and much more.  The energy is cleansing and they are here for your overall well-being.   This is also where I purchase my sage and other herbs to purify my home, bedroom and general space. After the spa we enjoyed wine, sake, sushi and girl chat.

Spa Time

Sushi Time

All in all it was an amazing long weekend, filled with love, great chats, hugs, food, wine and bonding. We are in talks about our next Mother/Daughter adventure, but it is looking like July in Chicago 2019! 

"Close friends are truly life's treasures". Vincent van Gogh

The Cocktail of the Weekend: The Snow White Bite Martini
 (2oz Vodka, 1oz Crown Apple, 1oz Sour Apple Pucker and a dash of orange bitters.
Shake with ice, serve straight up).  
**Just give me credit if you use recipe and photograph** XOXO 

Summer Destination: DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia)

I AM BACK! It has been a minute!  I will catch you up on what has been going on in Zambia in future blog entries. In short, my absence was due to lack of internet in my new home (YES I am finally moved in!).  However, no worries -- internet was installed a few days prior to my departure for TDY in mid-June.  So be ready to read exciting, photo-filled entries on how I have settled into work and play in Lusaka!

Now, where was I ...

I moved to Zambia in February and as luck would have it, I was sent on TDY in Arlington VA!  I landed early June so it has been a great month home!  Yes, I was home for work but you know I played with family, friends and former colleagues!  I return to Zambia tomorrow after a great month home. Yesterday I spent a lot of time alone, in my thoughts, reflecting, smiling and realizing I'm so thankful. I've fully learned and continue to appreciate the teaching of people being in your life for seasons. Some seasons last longer than others. Sometimes soil is restored and new seasons bring life back to friendships you thought were lost. I've also learned more about how to ensure I am happy.  A very large part of my happiness is being surrounded by great people experiencing great food, sipping drinks, laughing and genuinely enjoying others company.  

While I was home I was able to do some really great things and try new places to eat or have a drink.  Please enjoy the photos.  They will give you a small glimpse into how I spent my time after work and on weekends while home in Northern VA.

PRINCE and 3RDEYEGIRL

I landed home on Sat June 13 and my baby, Prince, performed at the Warner Theater in DC on Sunday June 14! Before the concert, my best friend Shana, Fatima and myself had drinks in the hotel room. After drinks we met Bonnie (my Prince Concert Fairy Godmother) at Chef Geoff's for appetizers and a few more drinks.  This was concert #10 for this #1 Prince fan and I still found myself losing my voice, singing every song, dancing and when encore #2 brought out Stevie Wonder -- I CRIED!  If you have never seen Prince in concert, please do yourself a favor and go to the nearest city on this Hit and Run Tour!  

FAMILY!!

During my time home I was fortunate enough to celebrate the life of my Great Great Aunt Mary.  She celebrated 100 wonderful years of life!  Bonus:  I was able to meet extended family!  Love you Aunt Mary and may God continue to bless you with many healthy more years!

I spent a great amount of time with family!  Of course we celebrated 4th of July (ugh forgot to take photos)!  But before my departure my sweet cousin, Nate, planned an afternoon of bowling.  Everyone knows I am super competitive but alas I had some hefty competition!  I only won 1 game but it was an amazing time!

FRIENDS!!

Shawntel visits from Paris!  Of course we ate well and then did some
salsa dancing at Habana Village in Adams Morgan, DC!

Aisha, friend since 1997, drove up from ATL!  She tried to turn up
but my friend is definitely more into good convo, good food and afternoon naps haha

Keli aka Popcorn, also friends since 1997, flew in from STL.  She was also here for work
but you know we played!  Enjoyed a great dinner and then sweated it out to bachata and
salsa at The Salsa Room in Arlington VA.

Veerle, a former colleague, and Eric, a troublemaker I met in Haiti haha
As destiny would have it, he missed his flight and I was able to hang out with
these two one school night at Ri Ra bar in Georgetown.

Aisha and I caught up with my buddies from middle school, Colleen
and Danielle for a yummy lunch at Central Michel Richard.

Happy hour and bonding with old colleagues and friends!

We were NOT ready for the frozen margaritas at El Centro ha

AMAZING FOOD!

It is no secret, a cheeseburger is my favorite food!  And lunch with my Mom, Aunt Estelle, Aunt Carolyn and niece, Savannah did not disappoint!  If you are ever in Fredericksburg, VA, please make your way to Park Lane Tavern (http://parklanetavern.com/).  The food was really good!  Also, if you like scotch, this is your place!  They have an amazing scotch selection and even offer scotch flights! If you are into beer, another place perfect for you. Their list in extensive with great options from England, Belgium, Ireland and Holland.

Bacon, cheddar, bbq sauce and onion straws - so yum!

"Meet me at Stan's!"  Stan's restaurant (http://www.stansrestaurant.com/) has been popular for over 30 years!  Located off of Vermont Avenue, if you are looking for a strong drink and amazing chicken wings - THIS IS THE PLACE! I am also a huge fan of their chili cheese fries.  I have not had chili cheese fries THIS GOOD since Stegall's in ATL on CAU campus closed down (*aw memories*).  This is a great spot every night of the week but be warned: Monday - Friday after work gets PACKED!  But for me, Stan's is worth the wait. So much so I visited this place three times during my time home!

The mini decanter is filled with coke.
The larger glass is ice, Mt. Gay rum and lime.
Please drink responsibly -- always taxi or uber
to Stan's Restaurant!

Chili cheese fries.  The reason I will need to
work out on the daily basis upon my return to
Lusaka for a good 30 days.  So.  Good.

You will never forget these wings!  You CAN
get them baked but er um why would you?!

Of course while I was home I had to dine with Kizi!  We chose to dine at Zatinya (http://www.zaytinya.com/).  I first sampled the yummy food at Zatinya last year during Jose Andres Dine N' Dash.  I was excited to go back.  Kizi chose the Chef's Experience.  It was $55 per person and the Chef served 7 dishes which included appetizer, salad, main and dessert.  It was a really nice selection and a lot of food!  I chose a la carte.  I was only happy with 2 of the 4 dishes I chose but those 2 were AMAZING!  

Chef experience:  brussel sprouts

Hummus - excellent!

Chef experience:  turkish delight ice cream -
AMAZING!

Kizi and I after Zatinya
(this one photo took FOREVER to approve haha)

WOW is the best way to describe where the ladies and I enjoyed lunch on a sunny July afternoon.  Central Michel Richard (http://www.centralmichelrichard.com/) is delicious! Along with their food being a true culinary experience, they have an extensive bar and knowledgeable wait staff.  

Danielle enjoyed a STRAWBERRY SMASH:
Rum (instead of gin), almond, strawberry, lemon and
Peychaud's.  This was SO good!

Caesar salad

Fried chicken on mashed potatoes with
side salad

Hanger steak (super flavorful) with peppercorn
sauce, fries and side salad

The chocolate bar.  Please make this happen for yourself!

Keli was in town for work and Chryste was leaving town to meet her family so one last supper with these ladies was a non-negotiable.  I wanted to take Keli somewhere different so I asked Chryste and she did not disappoint with her suggestion:  Blackwall Hitch in Old Town, Alexandria (http://theblackwallhitch.com/menu/).  The service was so so but apparently they opened recently so hopefully the work out those kinks.  The food, however, was delicious!  If you are in Old Town --- stop in!  Bonus:  live music every night.  The band is ... eclectic and interesting haha 

Crab dip 

Zucchini fritts

Braised short rib.  So tender, so good!
Even as a leftover it was delicious!

Last but not least I was finally able to catch up with my friend, Joi.  Joi and I met in Zambia during her 90 day TDY.  Lucky me she lives in MD.  Now you know this VA girl does NOT venture into MD but I made an exception for Joi haha and I am glad I did!  She introduced me to Food Wine & Co (http://www.foodwineandco.com/home.html) off of Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, MD.  Amazing!  I loved the atmosphere, the extensive wine list and the food was also YUM!  I normally do not do dessert but at this place, I made another exception ... worth every weight watchers point haha

Angus flat iron steak with a very nice
glass of rose.  Entree served with truffle
steak fries and cress with parmesan.

Tiramisu My Way:  chocolate streusel, kahlua caramel
coffee crumble and espresso ice cream 

If you are ever in the DMV area - try something different and attend one of the aforementioned places - you will NOT regret it!

Prior to my return I received advice from two different people - Afua and Kim - both who have experience living abroad and returning home for short visits. Their advice was simple: do not try to see EVERYONE in this month. Set up a happy hour and/or dinner and gather as many people as possible.  Those that are unable to make the happy hour and/or dinner will need to catch you next time.  If you try to see everyone you will be burned out quickly.  Of course I did NOT follow this guidance.  What can I say, I am a people pleasing extrovert haha And while YES I am absolutely exhausted and my mid-30s body is screaming "sit yo ass down!" I do not regret one moment, one dinner, one drink, one moment spent with my family, friends and especially not attending the Prince concert!  Best TDY ever!  Oh ... and I learned a lot hahaha