I'm currently writing this post on a couch at Manhattan Jack in Uptown New Orleans. In the past week, I have traveled through Nashville, Jackson, and now New Orleans, and the multiple, peaceful car rides have given me a meditative opportunity to look ahead to this new year. Resolutions are a funny thing; cynics note that they typically lack in execution, but I value them any way. Resolutions are not just another list to me. They're a driver of change in perspective and creativity.
1. Explore the South. Now that I live in the hub of Memphis, fine food cities such as Oxford, Atlanta, Greenwood, Nashville, and New Orleans are at my fingertips! I will value weekend road trips with an effort to discover new culinary inspirations and charming neighborhoods.
2. Learn more about cheese. I just left St. James Cheese Company in awe of the dozens of fine cheeses, three of which I enjoyed on the patio with my friend Riley. I'd like to arrange a cheese board beyond basic brie and cheddar. Bring on the good stuff!
3. Exercise on pasta days. Rather than give up the delicacy completely (since I crave it almost daily), I've decided I must cancel out the carbs with a good cardio workout. Let's see how this works out.
4. Cook with one new ingredient each month. I tend to stick with foods with which I'm most comfortable: spinach and artichokes, basil and thyme, pastas and fish. I admire eccentric menus and tend to try new ingredients at restaurants, so why not bring them into my own kitchen?
5. Start a supper club. After hosting a Christmas brunch for some girlfriends with an oatmeal topping bar and mimosas, I have decided to make this gathering deal a reality. I am excited to be a hostess with the mostest!