Hello!
Last night, Ben and I set out to try an Italian restaurant that we had never been to, but heard they made their own pasta and was really delish. We don’t go out to eat that often, but when we do we tend to always end up at the same place. This time was going to be different though. This time was going to be great!
Well, after some driving, hunting and overall confusion…it turns out the Italian restaurant closed it’s doors a couple months ago. Darn you, bad economy!!
We re-assessed the situation and decided the best cure for this catastrophe would be Thai food. Enter Cool Basil! It’s true, this place is not new to us, but it’s delicious – and how can you argue with that?
It was super busy, so we kicked back and waited for our food with a couple of brews. Avalanche for him, Bud Light for her. Because I’m adventurous like that. 
Mmm…good!
My pick was the Chef Recommended Kua Kai. OMG!
Pan-fried flat rice noodles sauteed with sliced chicken, egg, bean sprouts, onion, garlic and a house special sauce.
Aka I was breathing fire after eating this, but it was seriously good. Those wide rice noodles are super chewy and the savory sauce was so intense. Love this dish!
Afterwards, we were jonesing for dessert and hit up TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt). How 1997 of us!
I got quite possibly the most unhealthy frozen yogurt combo you could possibly get – Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Peanut Butter Cup topping. Yep.
Ben got a Yogwich. I don’t know why but I just cannot get over the name “yogwich.” It makes me giggle for some reason!
We continued date night by watching a very un-date night kind of movie – Full Metal Jacket.
Have you ever seen it? It’s about young guys going through boot camp and then heading to the Vietnam War. I thought it was amazing. For some reason, I really love war movies – when they portray the situation accurately. I think it’s because it gives me a glimpse into something I will never, ever see in my lifetime. Makes me thankful for the life I lead, that’s for sure.
This morning I headed to the grocery store to do some shopping, picked up a Starbucks No-foam Skinny Vanilla Latte…
Had a little breakfast of a Chocolate Brownie PURE Bar…
(Aka a healthy, organic bar disguised as a wickedly good brownie!)
And a chopped Mango!
I forgot that I had picked up a bunch of these at the grocery store last weekend when they were on sale for $1 each!
Sweet, tropical and special. 
The rest of the afternoon involves this little gem that’s bubbling away on the stovetop. Do you own a Dutch Oven? They’re pretty much the greatest things ever.
Oh, and watching The Hills/Laguna Beach re-runs, which is quickly becoming my favorite Sunday night “thing.” They’re my guilty pleasure shows!
Not sure what’s on tap for dinner. I’m thinking I’ll scrounge something up around here. What to do…what to do…
Oh! Tune in tomorrow morning for the continuation of the Month of Holiday Giveaways. You’re going to LOVE this week’s packages!!!! Wheeee!
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What’s one of your staple items in the kitchen?
I don’t use this Dutch Oven very often – actually not at all in the summer – but I think it’s a staple item that every kitchen should have!
yeah for Breckenridge Brewery! (I live in Denver, so the brewery is about 2 miles from my house.) I always have to comment when I find Denver/Colorado-brewed beer on a blog.
TCBY is great. I never can figure out why they aren’t as popular anymore. Fortunately, there is one a couple miles from my house.
Have you seen The Deer Hunter? Very intense war movie.
I have the same dutch oven, only mine is red. I use it all the time.
Where do you buy your scarves? I like them!
My food processor!…luv it!
Enjoy!
LOL yogwich makes me laugh too! Glad you two enjoyed your date
Wow I would like a little sample of all of that!
Food/Fitness/Music & Giveaways!
http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/2009/12/xx-friendly-fires-snack-packs-zevia.html
I have a dutch oven and use it all the time, it is sooo helpful in making certain meals!! What were you creating in ur dutch oven today??
So funny, I have the same Calphalon dutch oven in green and the same grey and white shirt too! And we just had Cool Basil the other day. What Italian restaurant were you trying to eat at?
It seems that all of the really unique and authentic little places are closing around us too! Such a shame, because these places are really the only kind of restaraunts I think are worth going to.
But at least, Thai saved the night! Yay for Thai, it’s always there when you need it!
Sounds like a great date night. And lazy and relaxed Sundays are just about the best thing ever. Enjoy the rest of yours hun!
One staple item I DON’T have, but need, is a food processor! Pronto!
Oh, TCBY. We used to have those, but I don’t think we have them up in Minneapolis anymore. There seriously aren’t any good froyo places in this city, or at least that I am aware of. Yours looks divine though.
I definitely would say the icrowave. Not only is it all I have in my dorm but even when I go home I love showing off what I can do with it
Watching Full Metal Jacket reminds me of times of my own past.
That pasta looks ridiculous, I love broad rice noodles!!
ummm am i the only one that didn’t know TCBY stood for the country’s best yogurt? i feel so out of date with the late 90s
the thai food looks amazing, and i can’t wait to see what’s a cooking in the dutch oven. i most definitely think that is a staple…along with a good calphalon pan and a good can opener. sucky can openers are the worst!
Cool Basil’s Kua Kai is so good! It’s not on the menu at their other locations (Thai Flavors) but they’ll usually make it for you.
Now I’m really craving Thai food! Perhaps a Thai food delivery day at work is in order!
For me my crockpot is a staple. I used it at least once a week and it is huge for me on crazy busy days.
Just curious – which Italian restaurant closed? Hope I don’t have to cross something good off my list of local favorites! Cool Basil has been on my list of places to try, too. Have you tried Manhattan Deli on Ingersoll yet? Great sandwiches.
A few staples I can’t live without, in random order: slow cooker, stock pot, electric kettle, and a good knife.
Cafe Fuzion on E 14th and University is awesome Thai as well–they have really good lettuce wraps made with some sort of coconut ball. I highly recommend it!
I miss TCBY SO MUCH! They closed the last one close to my parents’ this year and I was so upset!! I’m jealous of your dessert:)
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