The Tasting Room - Frederick, MD

This past Saturday, I met my friend Jen in Frederick for lunch and shopping.  Downtown Frederick is such a cute area with a bunch of unique shops.  I hadn't been shopping in awhile, so it was fun to explore and pick up some new things.  

We decided to try out The Tasting Room for lunch.

I started with a glass of Pinot Grigio that was refreshing and light.

They brought warm, crusty bread with butter.  I think the TR stencil on the butter was made from paprika.  Nice touch.  

We ordered a starter of grilled calamari with a spicy garlic/tomato sauce served over a piece of crusty bread.  This was absolutely delicious.  

I ordered the salmon, which came with a rice cake, wilted spinach & a sweet chili sauce.

Jen ordered the swordfish, which came with shrimp, crab, potatoes, & mushrooms in a cajun cream sauce.  

Both dishes were beautifully to look at and even better to eat.  I savored every single bite of my fancy lunch.  

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Black Ankle Vineyard - Mother's Day

Mother's Day started out with a great brunch at Yellow Dog Tavern with my family, where I forgot to take any pictures.  ugh!

It continued later as a smaller group of our brunch crew headed out to Black Ankle Vineyards in Mt. Airy, MD. 

The tasting building is designed to be extremely eco-friendly.  The walls are insulated with straw and check out the live roof - love that!  (check out their website for more info and photos of the entire building process)

All moms received a complimentary tasting and a gerber daisy.

My grandmom decided to give me all of her tastes of wine, so I had a double tasting.  :)

After trying all the wines, we decided to enjoy a bottle of their award winner, Crumbling Rock, out on the patio.

Warm, crusty bread and cheese from a local creamery.

Great view.

Can I live here?  and drink wine, eat bread and cheese all day?  Please?

What a great way to spend celebrating mother's day!  (or any day for that matter)

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An Active April

I seriously can not believe it is May.  The last couple of weeks have been both busy and fun.  Where has the time gone?


I spent a relaxing weekend at the beach with my friends from college.

We visited Kevin's family in Ohio and spent a day at the Cincinnati Zoo.  I took way too many pictures of animals and flowers.  

We also visited the 4D theater.  Our seats vibrated, we were sprayed with water, wind was blowing in our faces, and something kept poking us in the back - definitely a unique experience.

Big geek alert below.  Yes, I am wearing double glasses.  Contact lenses and I haven't been getting along very well.

I attended a baby shower for one of my friends from high school and was treated to a boat load of delicious food. 

And enjoyed hanging out with friends I have known for 15+ years!

It was a fun April.

May is nearing the halfway point.  Mother's Day at a Winery, Tour de Cure Bike Ride, P90x review, and multiple restaurant reviews coming up.

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