I have to discuss the new cupcake bar in downtown Champaign. I have mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong - the cupcake I just inhaled from there was delicious, but they only have about 5 flavors right now and I guess they are going to update their flavors every couple weeks or so.
The name of the bar is another issue. All I'd ever heard it referred to since the very humble beginnings was "Cream & Flutter." When I walked in today (at the Grand Opening), the name appeared to be "Cakes on Walnut." Maybe people didn't know what Cream & Flutter was.
My other issue is this: in everything I'd ever read about the place, they referred to it as a "bar," but they mentioned several times that they didn't plan on serving alcohol. Today, half of the menu is beer, wine and spirits. They'd mentioned that they wanted to cater to the late-night crowd (I guess cupcakes make good drunk food?), so maybe they think they'll cater better to that crowd if they can keep drinking while chowing down on cupcakes. Or maybe, since they've changed everything else, they don't plan on being open late anymore.
Enough about logistics and back to the case in point: cupcakes. I ordered the vanilla since all they had ready (at 9:45 a.m., mind you, they opened at 7 a.m.) was vanilla, red velvet and strawberry balsamic. The red velvet looked good but I wanted a big cupcake and they only had that in vanilla. The cake was moist and sweet, but the frosting was the best part. It was very airy and fluffy, but rich at the same time. I'm pretty sure it was real whipped cream with the little black specs of vanilla bean you get when someone makes vanilla the right way. Mmmm... so, it was a decent breakfast, albeit unhealthy.
The last comment I have about Cakes on Walnut is about prices. I paid $5.41 for a big cupcake and a small hot tea (12 oz.). Seemed a little steep when I can go to Pekara or Aroma and get a pastry and a tea for less than $4. I noticed that they also serve cereal and milk for $3.50! I can buy a box of cereal for that and keep it at my desk at work. I don't see that menu item flying off the shelves.
Anyway, I'll probably go back to try more flavors of cupcakes, but I'm going to walk down with my bottle of water in hand so I get out of there without spending too much.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Ok, you can call me a nerd.
I have started a chicken salad sandwich spreadsheet. Go ahead, mock me.
It is my goal to find the best chicken salad in Champaign-Urbana. And as I was savoring just that at Bob Evans last night for dinner, I decided that I might as well blog about it, mostly because my spreadsheet doesn't allow for loads of extra comments and such.
So, without further ado, here is my Bob Evans Chicken Salad Sandwich Platter review:
Upon first bite, I suspected that FINALLY I might have found a chicken salad that would rival that of my beloved Arby's. This sandwich hung in there for a while until I started to realize that most of the other "components" of the salad were just a simple pickle relish and not actually diced chunks of deliciousness (see grapes, walnuts, pecans, etc.). I was sorely disappointed. The one thing though, that made this sandwich really lovable overall, however, was the buttery grilled sourdough that it was served on. Stupendous. And I've now decided that perhaps I should add a "Value" column to my spreadsheet. At Arby's, the sandwich alone costs me around $6 (granted it is a large sandwich). At Bob Evans though, I got the sandwich and two sides (I had mashed potatoes and gravy and a fruit dish) for around $8. To me, that's a good value. I was absolutely stuffed when I walked out, but I felt good.
Grade: A-
It is my goal to find the best chicken salad in Champaign-Urbana. And as I was savoring just that at Bob Evans last night for dinner, I decided that I might as well blog about it, mostly because my spreadsheet doesn't allow for loads of extra comments and such.
So, without further ado, here is my Bob Evans Chicken Salad Sandwich Platter review:
Upon first bite, I suspected that FINALLY I might have found a chicken salad that would rival that of my beloved Arby's. This sandwich hung in there for a while until I started to realize that most of the other "components" of the salad were just a simple pickle relish and not actually diced chunks of deliciousness (see grapes, walnuts, pecans, etc.). I was sorely disappointed. The one thing though, that made this sandwich really lovable overall, however, was the buttery grilled sourdough that it was served on. Stupendous. And I've now decided that perhaps I should add a "Value" column to my spreadsheet. At Arby's, the sandwich alone costs me around $6 (granted it is a large sandwich). At Bob Evans though, I got the sandwich and two sides (I had mashed potatoes and gravy and a fruit dish) for around $8. To me, that's a good value. I was absolutely stuffed when I walked out, but I felt good.
Grade: A-
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman
I was thinking the other day that subconsciously I've been slowly molding my life around that of the Proverbs 31 woman. I remember thinking a couple years ago that there was no way anyone - let alone me - could ever live up to such high standards. But wouldn't you know it, I've taken up some (not all!) of this amazing, theoretical woman's talents and characteristics. This post is not meant to brag by any means, but I think my soul really yearns to be like her, so I'm happy that without knowing it, I've started the transformation.
(p.s. I have to give some of the credit to Andrea [among others], because I think living with her really changed part of my mindset, and also living in a house for the first time since before college was helpful too.)
EDIT:
I've added this version because Grandma didn't like the one from the Message at the bottom:
New Living Translation
A Wife (or SINGLE WOMAN! - Holly's edit) of Noble Character
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm[c] clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
And just for fun, here's the NIV version:
10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
(From The Message)
Hymn to a Good Wife
10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
(p.s. I have to give some of the credit to Andrea [among others], because I think living with her really changed part of my mindset, and also living in a house for the first time since before college was helpful too.)
EDIT:
I've added this version because Grandma didn't like the one from the Message at the bottom:
New Living Translation
A Wife (or SINGLE WOMAN! - Holly's edit) of Noble Character
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm[c] clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
And just for fun, here's the NIV version:
10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
(From The Message)
Hymn to a Good Wife
10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Sometimes my job drives me bonkers
But I enjoy when I am right and some higher-up makes a bad decision. Is that so wrong? :)
WE ARE IN!! We painted last Friday and I'm happy with all our paint choices.
We moved EVERYTHING for all four of us on Saturday. Dad came with the livestock trailer and we took one full load from Andrea's house, then went to Steph's apt and filled it about 2/3 full. Then I spent most of the rest of the day unpacking and fixing things. By the end of Day #2 I was severely hurting.
Sunday, Mom, Joe and Izzy came with Subway and chips and helped us with some more minor projects around the house. By the end of Day #3 I was hurting even more. BUT, Mom got me a RED KITCHENAID MIXER!! It has been my heart's desire for many years now:
woooohoooo!!
Housewarming is planned for April 19th after the Spring Game.
WE ARE IN!! We painted last Friday and I'm happy with all our paint choices.
We moved EVERYTHING for all four of us on Saturday. Dad came with the livestock trailer and we took one full load from Andrea's house, then went to Steph's apt and filled it about 2/3 full. Then I spent most of the rest of the day unpacking and fixing things. By the end of Day #2 I was severely hurting.
Sunday, Mom, Joe and Izzy came with Subway and chips and helped us with some more minor projects around the house. By the end of Day #3 I was hurting even more. BUT, Mom got me a RED KITCHENAID MIXER!! It has been my heart's desire for many years now:
woooohoooo!!
Housewarming is planned for April 19th after the Spring Game.
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