Hi.

My name is Eva, and I like food.

I like food so much that while I’m eating food, I’m thinking about other food. I often plan my free time around what meals I’m looking forward to eating, or what restaurants I’ve always wanted to go to. When traveling, my favorite tourist destination is the grocery store.  I guess you could call me a “foodie.” Don’t let my size, or the fact that I’m a dancer, fool you: I can throw down. I will eat my meal, my dessert, and, if you’re not careful, your dessert as well.

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My relationship with food hasn’t always been a good one. Quite the opposite, in fact. When I was a teenager, I developed stomach ulcers, which took an extended period of time to diagnose, and took quite a toll on me mentally. Along with the constant state of nausea, there was the anxiety: social events that revolved around restaurants or food became a nightmare. While everyone chatted and enjoyed their meals, I would get pale and clammy, struggling to keep my food down and hoping no one would notice. I lived in fear of being sick in public. I spent extended periods of time in the bathroom and lost weight, which led to people inevitably concluding that I had an eating disorder. I talked to doctors, who never really listened, instead insisting I had a temporary bug or just prescribing antacids. I finally got fed up enough that I stopped eating altogether, angry that I couldn’t enjoy life the way everyone else could. Once properly diagnosed, I spent weeks taking rounds of antibiotics, sometimes up to 12 pills a day. The truth is, even doctors don’t fully understand how most ulcers are caused. (It’s often a little bacteria called H. Pylori- If you’re interested, there’s always light reading to be found on Google.) Years later, I sat down to an amazing lunch with some of my college roommates and reflected on how I once was afraid of eating in public. I think I have to credit all those negative experiences when I look at how much I appreciate food today. It hasn’t been the easiest thing, but I love how the right meal can make things feel right again. Food can be physically and emotionally nourishing, and being healthy and eating well is something I enjoy integrating into my daily routine. I think there’s a lot to be said for listening to your body- for treating yourself when you deserve it, taking care of yourself, and sometimes changing habits when things don’t feel quite right. There’s no shame in asking for a little help, if you need it.

Oh, and for those of you wondering, the above meal pictured is from dinner at Fish in Sausalito. It’s fresh, sustainable seafood right on the water. I went this last weekend and sat right at the counter where I could see the food being prepared. It’s unpretentious, delicious, and entertaining; I’ve spent afternoons on the dock there with a good book and a bowl of their ceviche. If you’re ever in the area, it’s well worth checking out. Call me first, though.

EVA♥

Hello all!

It seems like an absurd amount of time has passed since my last post. I’m not entirely sure how all the “pro” bloggers out there do it! If I’m ever not posting, it’s usually because I’m out doing fun things and experiencing life, which I will, naturally, write about. What I can’t seem to coordinate, however, is the doing things and writing about doing things simultaneously. Perhaps a time machine is in order…

On another note,  I hope everyone had a lovely Fourth of July. Mine was filled with good food and good company, which I believe is the definition of a good time. I attended, possibly the best family barbecue ever, with the most wholesome and elaborate dishes.

For appetizers/dessert: buratta with fig jam and toasted pistachios. Also, some patriotic berries.

A fabulous salad. Yes, that is a Christmas tablecloth. It added to the festive feel of the occasion.

Apparently, cooking salmon in a foil packet on the grill is the easiest and quickest thing ever. Who knew? I surely didn’t. Now all I need is a yard. And a grill…and salmon.

It’s Rachel! Grilling up seasoned zucchini straight from the garden. It doesn’t get any better.

Also part of the dessert was Voodoo Doughnut beer. It smelled like chocolate-covered pretzels and tasted of cocoa and raspberries. I highly recommend.

Pineapple, corn, and my favorite dog companion: Maddie! If you hold still enough, she will lick you to death.

After filling our bellies with delicious food, we marched down the street to the annual July 4th block party. Being the first block party I’ve ever attended, I was quite impressed. Aside from the fantastic band, beautiful decorations, and coolers of elaborate cocktails, there were more than a few fireworks. Despite the questionable practice of letting small children play with explosives, it was a really entertaining evening. This, of course, might have been helped by the concoction of blueberry lemonade, mint, and vodka I was drinking. I finally decided to call it a night after some movie watching, and realizing that what I thought was a sprig of mint in my cup was, in actuality, grass.

Good times. Hope everyone’s July is off to a good start!

EVA ♥

Hello all!

I’m not entirely sure where today went! My writing this this evening marks the first time I’ve been home almost all day. Now on my list of things to do between catching up on my emails, errands, and favorite blogs, is a recap of one of my favorite breakfasts of all time. That’s saying quite a bit for me, since I’m wholeheartedly on the side of Team Breakfast.La Note is a Provencal French restaurant in the heart of downtown Berkeley that I’ve frequented over the years. I love the cozy atmosphere, hand painted pottery, beautiful gardens, and delicious food. Today, I opted for some cinnamon brioche pain perdu (french toast, if you’re not overly fancy, like me) topped with lavender honey. And, who doesn’t love a mocha served in an excessively large bowl? What makes this drink so special is the high quality cocoa they combine with espresso- whipped to a frothy finish, it’s the best thing you can warm your hands with first thing in the morning. I’ve celebrated many a birthday here, and it is my go-to place to bring friends for a breakfast out. Pair with your favorite scarf (hello, leopard print!) and you’ve got yourself an enjoyable start to any day. This I can vouch for.

EVA ♥

Hello everyone and happy Monday!

 If my previous posts are any indication, it’s pretty obvious that I like sweet things. Especially doughnuts. Now, I’m not necessarily referring to those sugary, doughy lumps you remember from your childhood (although, there is a time and a place for those). Although there’s a special place in my heart for those pre-packaged, sugar covered cakes, since returning to the Bay Area, I’ve discovered the world of gourmet doughnuts. Now, I’m aware that I’m late on the “National Doughnut Day” bandwagon, but I beg you to cut me a little slack. Our annual show is coming up quickly at the dance studio, and my brain has been utterly consumed by all things Alice in Wonderland.This also happens to be my excuse for my recent doughnut obsession. The fascination has blossomed to the extent that girlfriends of mine thought of me upon hearing that there was a national event celebrating doughnuts. My love of sweets with peculiar flavors, however, is not strictly relegated to doughnuts. Give me flower-scented ice cream, chocolate, or cocktails any day. Now, I’m not saying to go out and get a box of doughnuts on the regular, but there’s something wonderful about spending a lazy Sunday morning with adventurous, sugary treats and good strong coffee. Think of it as a vacation for your taste buds- they deserve a weekend, too.  Even better if you have good company and a good view to enjoy them with.

Cheers,

EVA♥