A Weekend of Adventures

This weekend has been amazing from the start.

Friday night was the monthly "First Friday" for downtown Greensboro.  This is always a good time and gives you an opportunity to explore some of the establishments in downtown that you might not normally get to see.  The event is filled with free music, lots of art shops and all sorts of restaurants in the downtown area.

Dinner was at Fisher's Grille.  It has pub style food in a neighborhood bar style setting.  It is fairly small (so, get there early) and can be rather loud so, if conversation is your main focus this might not be your first choice.  Service is order at the bar and they don't come around to see if you want something else to drink - you just have to get up and go to the bar for a refill.

Saturday brought Salute! - The North Carolina Wine Celebration.  It was an exciting day of wine, food and crafts.  Great time in downtown Winston-Salem.  We indulged in lots of wine tasting and even some food, which was delicious.  Some of the offerings yesterday included (these are booths I had the opportunity to visit):

Wineries:

• Lake James Cellars (Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Summer Slice)
• Little River Winery (Infusion & Chardonnay)
• Owl's Eye Vineyard & Winery (Viognier, Tweyelight)
• Rocky River Vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• Round Peak Vineyards (Confusion)
• Shadow Springs Vineyard (Dark Shadow - this one had chocolate in it - very nice)
• Slightly Askew Winery (Crooked Toe Blue - nice just a little too sweet for me)
  
• Thistle Meadow Winery (Citron White - very refreshing - especially on a hot day)

Restaurants:

• Sweet Potatoes (we did not try any of the food - however - the staff were very friendly.  The ribs at Willow's Bistro captivated my attention and would not let go.)
• Willow's Bistro (if you have not already done so - try the Japanese Kurobuta Pork Ribs - most excellent - I will definitely visit this bistro soon - these ribs were so freak'n good.  All the staff present at the festival were very friendly.) 

Other Stuff:

• Green Gate Olive Oils (I have been to the store as well - very nice selection of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars - definitely worth the trip)  
• Polka Dot Bake Shop (sweet potato crackers are awesome - especially the rosemary and olive oil)

Chef Billy Parisi from Lowes Foods

I also had the opportunity to meet Chef Billy Parisi from Lowes Foods.  I have seen him online and through promotional materials from Lowes Foods.  This gave me the opportunity to meet him and watch him compete in a couple of chef challenges at the festival.  Chef Parisi competed with Chef Christian Froelich of WS Prime.  The chefs prepared a salmon dish, both of which sounded and smelled delicious.

After a wonderful day in downtown Winston-Salem, I was ready for a nice relaxing (and cool) evening at home.

Sunday once again brought me back to Caribou Coffee (at Friendly Center, Greensboro) where I indulged in my usual (decaf, dark chocolate cooler).  I look forward to hanging out with friends on Sunday mornings, it helps to either end a fabulous week or prepare for a new week to start.

I hope you all had a great weekend.  

Enjoy!