Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Charlotte's Most Eligible Bachelorette Over 35?

So, Charlotte Five is holding a competition for the most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes in the area and I'm...cough...too old for it.  If I were eligible, below would be my answers to their questions:


Age:  36


Profession:  Event Manager (Thirteen years with racecars led me to one year and counting with performing arts...because that was the obvious path).


Tinder Profile Line (Feel Free to Create One Here):  Tinder is horrible (but seriously it is).


Brewery or Wine Bar:  Wine bar, but I would never say no to a brewery.


U.S. Whitewater Center or EpiCentre:  Neither?  I am one of the few people in Charlotte who has never been to the whitewater center, but I am not ready yet after that whole brain eating amoeba thing.


Mint Museum visit or Panthers' game:  Panthers' game...100% #KeepPounding


Spirit Animal (or Patronus):  A gazelle (or so I'm told)


Favorite Charlotte Hangout:  The NoDa neighborhood. 


Why should we pick this person, really?  I'm pretty sure someone else is supposed to answer this one for me, but....I'm an independent, self-supporting woman with no kids (don't want them, either) that enjoys new adventures.  I know what I like, but I'll certainly try something new as well.  Watching reality TV shows is my version of therapy.  I enjoy helping other people solve their problems (it's a blessing and a curse).


So, Charlotte Five, when you are ready to recognize the Old Lady Gang in CLT, look me up at @naivelyconfident on Instagram!







Friday, November 11, 2016

Fall Flavors at The Asbury

About one year ago, I was introduced to The Asbury at The Dunhill Hotel.  A friend and I were looking for a new place to try brunch on a cold, rainy weekend in Charlotte.  We saw online that The Asbury was a top rated brunch spot in Charlotte.  We gave it a chance and it did not disappoint.


Since then, I have returned to the restaurant many times for lunch.  Last night was my first time for dinner at The Asbury.


If you are yet to visit this restaurant, you should know that the cuisine is described as modern Southern.  With a menu that changes each season, you'll never run out of options to try.


Each time I have been to this restaurant I have ordered the deviled egg appetizer.  While a staple on the ever-changing menu, Chef Matthew Krenz prepares them differently each day.  The menu description even lists them as "Chef's whim." 




Last night's variety was served topped with chives and crispy country ham.  The crispiness of the meat was a nice contrast to the creaminess of the egg yolk.  Served as a quantity of four, they are perfect for sharing.


For my main course, I decided to go with the chicken pot pie.  The dish is presented in a deconstructed form thus not served in a pie shell.  For those crust lovers, the chicken and root vegetables are still paired with a biscuit.  The chicken breast is boneless and skinless, but not diced as you would normally see in a pot pie.  The same applies to the whole carrots still intact with a short stem.  While a typical pot pie has a heavy cream base, this dish is resting in a light roasted lemon jus and beets.  Although lighter, the portion size is plentiful and you'll leave feeling full.  I would have liked a little more biscuit to sop up the light sauce and smaller bites, but overall a really nice addition to the current menu.




For those who enjoy a season cocktail with each meal, I highly recommend the Fall Punch.  It is a perfect blend of tequila, elderflower liqueur, apple cider, lemon, and cinnamon.  For those who fear the strong flavor of a tequila, you cannot taste it in this drink. 


The Dirt Candy was recommended to me by the staff, but I thought it might be a bit too thick for a before dinner drink.  This beverage is comprised of gin and sweet potato, orange, and cardamom flavors.


Looking for a non-alcoholic seasonal drink?  They have two options with the Apple Cider Shrub Fizz and the Herbalizer.  The Apple Cider Shrub Fizz got two thumbs up from my pregnant friend.


The fall menu at The Asbury cannot be missed.  It is full of other comfort food options like Shrimp and Grits and Beer-Braised Pork Cheeks.  For the vegetarians, there is a Steamed Babbage Roll that is stuffed with spaghetti squash and mushrooms.


I'm told the winter menu is going through final approval this week which leads me to believe the fall menu won't be around much longer.


On your next trip to Uptown, don't overlook The Asbury on the corner of Tryon and Sixth Streets.  The dining room is small and quaint, but also perfect for group dinners.  The service is always top notch.  The staff is very attentive and educated on the menu.  For those not from Charlotte and also looking for accommodations in Uptown, the restaurant is located inside of The Dunhill Hotel. 







Thursday, November 10, 2016

An Open Letter to the Powerful Women

To say people are vocal about their thoughts on the outcome of the election is an understatement.  Admittedly, it didn't turn out the way I hoped it would, but getting angry about it doesn't change the outcome. 


Feeling defeated isn't the right reaction either.  In the twenty-four hours that followed election night, I unfortunately heard several women express statements of hopelessness. 


"We'll never have a woman president now."


"It's not even worth trying to fight for equal pay."


"We will always be considered less than a man."


Where did all the strong women go?  Are we really just going to give up like that? 
For me, personally, what happened on Tuesday night is just more motivation.  We were thisclose to having our first woman president.  (Some might even argue she should have won since she had more votes in the Popular Vote) I don't understand why we would give up now when we are the closest we've ever been.


Now is the time to use her hard fought battle as inspiration.  Keep pushing boundaries.  Keep making your voice heard.  Stand up for your rights.  Since when do we lose one battle and quit fighting additional ones?


We need to fight to keep the rights we have earned.  We control our bodies, not the government. No matter where you stand on the abortion issue, let's all agree that should be the decision of the involved parties.


Stand together, ladies.  Continue to support each other.  Let your daughters know the same.