Hog + Hominy

Once a month some of my gal pals gather together for book club. This go around was my turn to pick a book and the venue. I mean seriously, who doesn't thoroughly enjoy pizza and books?

I landed on the mystery novel The Cuckoo's Calling written under JK Rowling's pseudonym, Robert Galbraith. It is always a treat reading a JK Rowling book even if spells aren't being cast and evil wizards aren't trying to take over.

As for our rendezvous, I was curious to try out Hog & Hominy, which has received rave reviews from many Memphis folk. There is a lot to live up to when you have been named Top 12 Most Outstanding Restaurant by GQ and the South's Best by Southern Living. The New York Times had some kind word to boast on as well.

To add to the hype, it is now in a close race for first place as my new favorite Memphis restaurant. Get this, the concept behind the delectable dishes is to meld together the staples of Southern cookin' with Italian cuisine. I thought it was a little strange too. But let me tell you, Southern + Italian = Mouth Watering Perfect Harmony. Yum yum in my tum tum.

You walk into this tiny glowing brick building and are instantly overwhelmed with the sound of friendly chatter, the clanking of pots and pans, and clinking of glasses. The soft glow of lights and comforting eclectic design make for a very modern spin on Southern roots. I was transported to a very happy place.

I started the evening off with the refreshing Cucumber Ebullience. It was delicoso!

In case you were wondering... 

ebullience |iˈbo͝olyəns, iˈbəlyəns| noun

the quality of being cheerful and full of energy; exuberance:

It did just that. 

Moving at the speed of light! They were speedy pizza men.

The water glasses were recycled wine bottles with the tops chopped off. How very Pinteresting?

Hard decisions that need to be made before we can even think about talking about the book.

First up, Poutine - fries, neckbone gravy, chili oil, caputo cheese curd. One of those dishes it becomes very difficult to remain lady-like and proper.

And while we wait, let's discuss.

I love being able to see what's going on in the kitchen. It's inspiring, kinda like Top Chef. You think you can whip up something like Poutine with neckbone gravy and such and then you are quickly brought back down to earth when you enter your own kitchen. I find myself ripping and dumping the frozen kind. Have to stick with my strengths.

Love Allison's love ring.

Out came round 2. Poblanos - fire roasted peppers, chicken and corn sausage, smoked paprika, and refried hominy. Allison and I shared this little treat. By now you shouldn't be surprised that we scraped the plate clean.

We also split this large pizza pie, even though I'm sure I could have handled it on my own. We went with the Baia - cherry tomatoes, basil, a million different cheeses and olive oil.

Now you see it...

Now you don't.

Emiliee went with the traditional Margherita, which is always a solid choice.

Don't we look book clubby?

Shutting the place down.

So not only do I highly recommend that you run, not walk to Hog & Hominy for a real treat, but you should also swing by Barnes and Noble and pick up The Cuckoo's Calling. It was an all around splendid evening. We left with full stomachs and feeling a little smarter. Until next time Hog & Hominy.

XO,

Bee

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My Fair Maiden: Finale

Fiiiiiinally I'm getting around to giving you a look at the final product of my summer-long bridesmaid dress project. I made it for my dear friend Aly's wedding that was held on a beautiful fall day in Southern Indiana.

I managed to snag a few of the beautiful wedding photos, but first I took a couple boring pics at home for some close-ups of the dress. Ta-da!

 The open back was one of my favorite design features of the dress.

Shout out to the brilliant Lexi Arielle Photography who captured Aly and Will's big day perfectly. While I'm at it, Aly has a pretty sweet photography business herself, check her out at Alyson Naville Photography. The rolling hills of Southern Indiana, or "God's country" as Will likes to call it, was the perfect setting for the rustic chic wedding. 

Aly and her girls. We all got to choose our own dresses and they ended up going together perfectly! It was meant to be.

The bridal par-tay....ignore my cheesiness there.

These were all taken in Will's grandparents' back yard. Hello photo op!

So so happy that I got to be a part of this big day for two of my favorites.....and that my dress turned out to actually be wearable. I had my moments of doubt on that one, and I won't elaborate on the fact that I didn't actually complete it until two days before the wedding ;) But alas, it came through for me!

After the beautiful ceremony we danced the night away with friends and family. An all around perfect day.

XO,

Lo

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Hotty Toddy

This wasn't my first rodeo heading down to Oxford, Mississippi for an Ole Miss football game, but per usual it was a weekend that hardly disappointed.

Ole Miss tailgates have been ranked #1 for the longest time up until this past year when they unfairly lost their title to Clemson (according to the rebels). There is a reason these fans keep coming back for more as the Grove shaded with age old Oaks fills with red, white, and blue. The ladies come dressed in nothing short of their Sunday best. Tents are decorated with pure Southern elegance in the form of chandliers, cotton bouquets, candelabras, and endless spreads of home cookin'. If the looks don't have you mystified the hospitality and southern draws will nearly knock you off your feet. An impressive display without a doubt.

And so we start our trek to the Grove. Always comical as Casey tries to steer this squirrly little rascal of a trailer. Watchout bystanders.

 Headed to the library are you Alex?

 Chow down

 If only you knew the journey it took to get this baby blue pullover. It is a beaut!

Best friends since childhood.

 Kristen, Mal, and Alex

 Saddle up...it's a riding boot kind of day.

Drink up

 And so the impressive displays of tailgating begins...

 They even name the porta potties.

Emilie and Mason

My main Southern gal

 Kristen and Mac

How very nice of Tyler and Harry to finally show up. Congratulations to your Tennessee Volunteers on finally winning a game.

Model

Taylor and Andy

Brooke made an appearance thank goodness. Our little nurse-to-be thinks she can hide from us.

And this my friends is where the pictures get a tad bit more interesting as my camera was hijacked. I have to say it adds a little flavor to what could have otherwise been a very boring post ;) All compliments of the professional in training, Casey.

Mason picking on the LSU fans.

Even though they seem to be pretty friendly.

One of the many failed photo opportunities. But I guess it is a close up of my circa 2010 H&M outfit.

Alex is wearing Express.

Loyal fan.

And here is the very failed attempt to have a picture of the girls. This is what happens when you let a snap happy boy take the picture. No, we never got a normal shot.

Not even close buddy.

And Alex loses faith knowing this is likely a lost cause. For another time ladies...

 Mallory is teaching me everything I need to know about living in Memphis.

Ian was there in spirit.

And as the day goes on it just gets better and better.

Before the game starts the team takes a stroll down the Walk of Champions.

We finally reach the end of daylight hours. I hope I captured the true essence of an SEC tailgate. The party continued on late into the evening. Thankfully all of my Southern amigos were pretty happy as their teams claimed victories. Until the next time...

XO,
Bee

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