A little afternoon entertainment:
A lot of fun-tainment (Matt bought me wheatgrass décor as a surprise!)
Followed by evening entertainment:
Cocktail hour was conducted tonight by Matt, who put on a blind tasting for the group, including Matt A’s parents (who love beer!)
We sampled matt’s Chocolate Stout against the Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence
BOY was it a close call!! Both were excellent and I couldn’t tell them apart. I ultimately chose the Ommegang, but just barely. Matt’s was right up there!
With the same name, we all really agree how much the two Matts are alike. Twins!
New jacket, very old skirt!
And equally aged brie
Tasty!
A little local beer support from Clipper City. I’m really learning to love IPAs!
At 6PM we all headed to the Peppermill for dinner. The FAMOUS Peppermill. You’d think there were no people under the age of 65 allowed in there, but our table of youngins sure had a blast
Including Uncle Mel and Betty. Uncle Mel is 100 years young!
Manhattans must be in the family genes. I think our table ordered about 10 of them!
So delicious. Wouldn’t Pop have loved it.
Buttery rolls were loved on
Bleu cheesy salads were munched
Eventually wine was poured. My one-drink-a-night goal (recently reduced from two) was not followed!
At the Peppermill, you MUST get the crabcake. I’ve learned over the years this is just non-negotiable.
It was as delicious as ever!
With sweet stewed tomatoes on the side
The Peppermill’s truest charm is the desserts. They are amazing in their own way. Larbs, Matt, Candace, Matt and I all split 4 different ones – an Irish Cream cake (below!), cheesecake, bread pudding and banana cream. All were fabulous!
And to top it all off, my aunt sent me home with a batch of her super famous oatmeal cookies!!! Back in early 2009 I slowly froze and ate a whole batch. The recipe is secret, and they are super amazing cookies!
Matt and I are headed home after breakfast tomorrow. I’m so excited for things to calm down again!
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
Yum, lots of good food! Love that jacket too.
Evan Thomas says
Happy 29th again to your mom!
The Irish Creme cake looks irresistible.
Cindy says
I always thought the Matts looked alike!
Suz says
I have the same grass from CB! We put ours in our master bath. Great taste. 😉
Abby says
Looks like a fabulous day! 🙂
Jen @ Jen is Green says
oh I’ve been dying to try that Ommegang chocolate beer! the Ommegang brewery is only 1 hour from where I live, too so it shouldn’t be that hard to find! 🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Cute jacket! I would love to be surprised with wheat grass!
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) says
Maryland crab cakes!!! <3
I need to try manhattan! I'm such a creature of habit when it comes to ordering cocktails.
Emily says
I have never posted before but read all the time! Totally random but I was at The Peppermill tonight too!! I have grown up going there with family and a fav spot to come for reasonably priced food with all our Baltimore locals! So true about the age 65! Hope you enjoyed!
KathEats says
NO WAY!!!! What time? I can’t believe you didn’t see us. How random would that have been 🙂
Emily says
Yea! We got there 745 is ( to hopefully miss the early birds but it was still packed)…but always sit in the bar side! Too funny!
KathEats says
Oh wow. That’s just when we were leaving!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I wish I was as talented as you when it comes to freezing cookies and eating them sloooowly. There would be no negotiation from me with those crab cakes!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
100 years?! He doesn’t look a day over 75!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
I love Manhattans too 🙂 Looks like you had a fun evening!
Gina says
Brie is my favorite 🙂 Love the jacket!
Hannah says
Do you think you’ll ever be able to sell Matt’s beers in your store?
KathEats says
Maybe…we’re not sure
Pearl (Crunch and Chew) says
The Matts definitely look like they were separated at birth haha 🙂
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
I’ve never heard of a restaurant offering stewed tomatoes as a side, but considering I eat salsa and marinara straight from the jar, and tomatoes right from the can or like apples if they’re fresh, I think I could definitely get on that trolley! Wish more places did that 🙂 What a fun family night. Now I want a Manhattan…! 😉
Baking 'n' Books says
Me too! I always eat spaghetti sauce straight from the jar…it’s ridiculous actually. I pretty much eat it on everything and ANYthing. And cheese is usually involved 😉
Baking 'n' Books says
Your mom looks younger than 29 🙂
Goodness – that’s my cake. Yummo. That picture of Matt opening the wine bottle is killer – he looks like a movie star! Lovin’ your hair too.
Mom says
You’re too kind! Thanks!
Alaina says
What a cute outfit!! And love the beer and cheese evening; looks like my kind of party. 🙂
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
Family time is the best!!
Brandy says
So many things in this post had me going “OMG I have to comment on that.”
1. I LOVE CHOCOLATE STOUT. Your husband is so talented.
2. HOLY CRAP Matt and Matt’s likeness is uncanny.
3. Cute jacket! Very Beatles circa St. Pepper 🙂
4. I have just gotten a taste for IPA’s as well over the past, like, year. Dogfish head’s 90-minute was the beginning!
5. Your Uncle Mel looks amazing for 100! Wow! And he looks so happy 🙂
Chelsea says
LOVE your jacket! The desserts look delicious!
caronae says
Trader Joe’s and Brie cheese happen to be two of my most beloved forms of entertainment. I hope that’s not weird. 😉
Cara Craves... says
Looks like a fabulous evening.
And yes, it is REALLY strange how
similar the two Matts are.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
mmmm that looks amazing! 🙂
Emily says
Glad you had a great weekend, but I’m sure you’re SOOO excited to head home tomorrow 🙂
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i love the military inspired jacket!
Emma (Namaste Everyday) says
you have a husband who buys you wheatgrass decour AND brews chocolate-infused beer? what is your secret! lol 🙂
Katherine: Unemployed says
no really… post on this please? feel free to have him guest post haha
Hannah @ Healthy Whip says
Wow everything looks great- the crab cake looks amazing. Love the jacket too 🙂
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
famous oatmeal cookies, Irish Cream cake, Manhattans, 100 year old relatives, your rockin’ gray coat…wow what a great post, Kath!
I hope the cake (and the Manhattans) were as good as they look from the post 🙂
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Such a fun and fantastic day all the way around! That crab cake looks so delicious. Yum!
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) says
Fun day, fun food, fun family! And the brie looks fabulous. 😀
Kat says
My grandmother passed away earlier this week, and our clan is also a BIG fan of Manhattan- my grandmother had one before dinner every night up until the night she passed! Makes me happy to see another fam loving them as well!
Kath says
So sorry to hear about your grandmother Kat 🙁
Mom says
Me too. I’m sorry about your grandma but how wonderful to have a Manhattan on the night you die. Now that’s living!
Anne @ butter and bear says
Those desserts look amazing!!
Simply Life says
wow, your family eats so well!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
LOVE the dress Kath! And what a great evening… the food looks delicios and the company sounds even better. 🙂
So sweet about the wheatgrass! I’ve always wanted one for my apartment!
Lauren says
Looks like you had a great day. So sorry I couldn’t make it down yesterday but hopefully next time you are in Towson we can meet up. 🙂 Have a safe drive home.
Katie says
Uncle Mel is so cute! Bless him, 100 years old!
I love crab cakes and that looks amazing! A good crab cake is heaven ; )
Happy Birthday to your mom today!!!! Hope she has some leftover birthday cake to eat today from the other night!
Have a great day and those oatmeal cookies sound amazing, maybe she will give you the secret recipe one day and you can sell them at GH!!!
xoxo <3
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
Looks like a fun night!
I love the white purse in the picture where you are walking down the stairs 🙂 My boyfriend thinks it’s so cool that your husband can make his own beer! Haha. He reads over my shoulder and says stuff like “Did Matt MAKE that?!” 🙂
Hope you have a safe trip home!
Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says
Looks like an awesome night! Hanging out with family is always fun : )
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Love that jacket!
And looks like a great evening. I’ll have to tell my mom about that restaurant because she is obsessed with crabcakes! She would probably travel down from Canada just to try that dish! 😛
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
mmmmmmm…dessert is sounding pretty stinking good at 7AM today!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Dinner looks perfect! Have a safe trip home!
Eileen says
YAY, Uncle Mel is back! What a fun post … you have a great family. 🙂
Debbie B (DebaRooRoo) says
Had Loose Cannon last night and really liked it!! We also tried the Amber from Starhill (I think I got the name right on that one??).
Kori says
Kath, you look absolutely stylish and beautiful! I love the jacket!! Your family looks like such a fun bunch of people, and your visit sounds like it was very enjoyable. Matt is so sweet to buy you the wheatgrass decor. 🙂 Have a safe trip back home!
claire says
Love the military-style jacket! 🙂
Gena says
Happy 29th to your Mom, miss! And cute little military jacket. I’m in NOLA, which totally makes me think of our French Quarter hangout here!
Stephanie @ Walking my Talk says
Your pictures are making me hungry! My grandmother will turn 100 this July. Gotta love centenarians!
Valerie @ Cupcakes & the City says
Wow! Matt+Matt really look like brothers in those pictures! That crabcake looks delicious. Like they say, when in Rome! (Or Maryland!) They seriously have the best crabs in the country.
staceyhealthylife says
That crab cake looks like it has super big chunks. What a fun weekend. But it’s always nice to head home.
Lucy says
This question is not really related to this post but as I know there are a lot of RD’s (including Kath) who read this blog, I have to ask! Advice from anyone would be most helpful!
I did my undergraduate degree at a liberal arts school and majored in history but I’ve always been interested in food and organic farming. Now I’m really considering going to grad school for nutrition. It seems that becoming an R.D. is the most versatile/useful degree in the nutrition field. However, in college I didn’t take any science to speak of, just a nutrition class for non-bio majors. So I think I need to take chem, bio, orgo, etc before trying to get this degree. For anyone else who has done this, about how long does it take to complete these course requirements while also continuing to work during the day?
I’m also having a hard time deciphering different schools’ websites. Do you get an M.S. in nutrition and then go for the R.D. degree? Or is it all in one? I know I need to talk to an advisor, but I’d love some insight from anyone who has done this process before on what your experience was.
Thanks so much!
KathEats says
Hey Lucy!
That’s exactly what I did (I was a history major too and took ZERO sciences). It took me 2.5 years to complete all of my courses. My program allowed me to take the sciences and nutrition courses at the same time, so that saved me some time. And most internships are 9 months to a year, so I think 3 years is probably more realistic. You’ll have to look into each program because they are all so different. I’d email some of the department heads for more information.
Also, Prevention RD has a whole Q+A that is really helpful: http://www.preventionrd.com/rd-qa/
Kath
Lucy says
Thanks so much- that’s really helpful to hear!!! I was beginning to fear that it would take me 2 years to complete all the pre-reqs and then an additional 2-3 years for the program…
Robin says
Lucy- I had a BA and MBA and had taken very few science classes- maybe chem I and biololgy I… then I decided I wanted to become a RD 🙂 Like Kath, I was able to take pre-reqs at the same time as the nutrition classes. For me, it will take about 3.5 years to complete the courses before applying for the internship. Part of my challenge is the fact that I commute 1 hour each way (when the weather is good) and have two young children. So my time is really limited. I could have been done in 3 years, had sleep not been an issue!
Lucy says
Thanks so much, Robin! May I ask where you are going to school?
Krista @ Journey to a Healthy Berg says
I love your jacket! So cute 🙂
Anya Sanko says
hahaha! It’s funny how you and your sister ended up with guys that are exactly the same! You two must have similar taste! I love it!
My sisters and I ended up with three completely different guys!
Shannon @ My Place In The Race says
Drooling over that crabcake…yum 😛
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
That meal looks delicious — especially those rolls! I am a sucker for rolls 🙂
AnneWF says
No way is Uncle Mel 100! He looks at least 20 years younger. Love the jacket.
Amelia (Eating Made Easy) says
That food looks amazing! Esp the cheese….I am so obsessed with cheese right now, I just had to do post myself on making a pretty cheese platter! http://eating-made-easy.com/2011/03/20/say-cheese/
Amelia (Eating Made Easy) says
Had to post another comment b/c I am in awe of that crabcake — so much real, lumpy crab!!
Katie says
Random: I have a question that I can’t seem to find a consistent answer for and I feel like you’d probably know (or one of your followers will)… Is ripe fruit worse for you? I know fruits and veggies start to lose their nutrients soon after they’re picked, but obviously not a lot of people have access to freshly picked produce each and every day. More specifically I was curious about bananas since most enjoy them and cook with them only when ripe b/c they’re much sweeter. Does sweeter mean more sugar is somehow being digested? LOVE your blog. Never commented until now, but love it just the same.
KathEats says
Hmmm. That’s a tough question! As fruit ripens, the starch turns to sugar, but starch is just chains of sugar so the nutrition should not change. However, the glycemic index will probably change since sugar (in the form of fructose in most fruits) is more rapidly digested than longer starch chains. So I think only someone watching blood sugar closely would need to be concerned. Bananas are probably the most affected by this process – berries and things like apples less so.
Allison @ Happy Tales says
I cannot get over how much the two Matt’s look alike… that’s really funny!
Heidi - apples under my bed says
how cute is uncle mel 🙂
HEidi xo
Hilary says
Irish cream cake? Yes please!
Josie @ Skinny Way Of Life says
Happy 29th(again) Birthday to your Mom!!! I must say, I enjoy your posts the most when you visit your family. Everything is set in such a classy and homey feel, I want to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and good book. I love it!!
Claire says
I live near the Peppermill but am visiting a friend in Arizona. We think that crabcake looks fantastic!
PS -Happy BIrthday, Barb!
Nicole, RD says
That meal looks exquisite! Happy Birthday to your mom!
Seana says
Crab cakes are one of my favorites! Looks Yummy.
Ommegang Brewery is a little over an hour from where I live. Also yummy beer 🙂