This last week has been a fun balancing act of catching up with friends and returning to the med school grind. I caught up with Rice friend Annalise for lunch on Wednesday at Ruggles. On Thursday I burned some calories at the Midtown 24-Hour Fitness with Amy. I've never been to such a lively and enormous gym... nearly overwhelming! We maximized the visit with an intense sampler of group abs, spinning class, body sculpt, and individual strength training on the many sophisticated machines. I'm tired just thinking back on it- whew!
I picked up newlywed Jenn from the airport on Friday. We connected with her sister-in-law Angie and started making an elaborate dinner at Robert's place. By the end of the preparations, our plates were filled with mouth-watering lamb (from New Zealand!!) topped with sweet potato chutney alongside spaghetti squash. For dessert, I tried my hand at creme brulee. In celebration of my birthday, Jenn and Robert surprised me with my very own blow torch and four ramekins to go with the ones my sister gave me for Christmas.
Though we took a few shortcuts in the recipe, I think the dessert was largely successful- even delicious if I do say so myself. Speaking of trying new things in the kitchen, I made some baked brie for Amy, Aaron, and their friend Kelly on Sunday night. We snacked on cheese, crackers, and apples while sipping wine and watching a bit of the Golden Globes.
For dinner we explored the exciting side of a Taiwanese restaurant in Chinatown and tried some tongue, pig intestine, and chicken nuggets (oooo- daring!). Once we had our fill, we sang off the calories at KTV Karaoke! Yes, "I Will Survive" was on the play list. I was especially impressed by Kelly, who kept her karaoke game face on until 1:30am even though she had started her Sunday morning off with a marathon at 4:30am! Hardcore!
Another Sunday activity involved visiting St. Paul's Methodist Church in the Museum District. The ELCA Lutherans and United Methodists joined forces to celebrate the recent agreement to share in full communion between denominations. The church was absolutely gorgeous; the choir sounded fabulous; the sermon was poignant; and the camaraderie between congregations was uplifting. As you might expect, many goosebump-inducing moments were sprinkled throughout the Festival Eucharist. Very cool.
I picked up newlywed Jenn from the airport on Friday. We connected with her sister-in-law Angie and started making an elaborate dinner at Robert's place. By the end of the preparations, our plates were filled with mouth-watering lamb (from New Zealand!!) topped with sweet potato chutney alongside spaghetti squash. For dessert, I tried my hand at creme brulee. In celebration of my birthday, Jenn and Robert surprised me with my very own blow torch and four ramekins to go with the ones my sister gave me for Christmas.
Though we took a few shortcuts in the recipe, I think the dessert was largely successful- even delicious if I do say so myself. Speaking of trying new things in the kitchen, I made some baked brie for Amy, Aaron, and their friend Kelly on Sunday night. We snacked on cheese, crackers, and apples while sipping wine and watching a bit of the Golden Globes.
For dinner we explored the exciting side of a Taiwanese restaurant in Chinatown and tried some tongue, pig intestine, and chicken nuggets (oooo- daring!). Once we had our fill, we sang off the calories at KTV Karaoke! Yes, "I Will Survive" was on the play list. I was especially impressed by Kelly, who kept her karaoke game face on until 1:30am even though she had started her Sunday morning off with a marathon at 4:30am! Hardcore!
Another Sunday activity involved visiting St. Paul's Methodist Church in the Museum District. The ELCA Lutherans and United Methodists joined forces to celebrate the recent agreement to share in full communion between denominations. The church was absolutely gorgeous; the choir sounded fabulous; the sermon was poignant; and the camaraderie between congregations was uplifting. As you might expect, many goosebump-inducing moments were sprinkled throughout the Festival Eucharist. Very cool.
2 comments:
What a great, diverse weekend. I've never made creme brulee - STRONG work! Sounds like the church service was wonderful, too.
Wow, Becky! I don't even know where to start - your blog post made me so happy. :) The food you've been making is very impressive. And, I must admit you've just one-upped me - I have a blow torch for creme brulee and have never even used it! (I just cheat and put the ramekins under the broiler in the oven). That silky blue top you're wearing at the karoke bar is CUTE! Is it a RueLaLa find? Glad you have so many great friends to hang out with. Miss you!
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