Mustard Seed Makes Me a Happy Girl

Grammy Orso from Massachusetts arrived Tuesday evening!! Grammy comes down every Spring and every other Christmas. Unfortunately we have to share her with the other half of our family, but it's always exciting when she comes! Grammy's visits typically include a lot of eating out, chocolate chip cookies, and Kelly and I secretly teasing her for getting old. For a grandmother, she's pretty young at just 66 years old. My aunts (more like my sisters) and I keep her in check with reality: she now has a facebook, has learned how to send one text message, and FINALLY learned that you're supposed to keep your cell phone on at all times and not just when you're making calls. (This last lesson took about two years for her to figure out, bless her heart.) She's pretty much the coolest woman in my life because of her cookies, Chicken Marsala, awesome hugs, and the fact that she still calls me her "sunshine" after almost 26 years. I was her first grandchild and I'll always have a special bond with her because of that.

Sappiest post ever.

Onto the food: I met Grammy, Auntie Kelly, and baby cousin Zachary at Mustard Seed in Summerville. Mustard Seed is another one of Sal Parco's creations, with locations in Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, and James Island. The Mustard Seed offers fresh and healthy entrees that include ever-changing specials. They also serve wine, beer, and deadly delicious desserts. If I had to choose, I'd say that Mustard Seed is my favorite local restaurant. The reason for this is that their food is creative, always fresh, and they make great use of seasonal vegetables. They consistently serve great meals and I have never left unsatisfied. Their portions are excellent and fairly priced. 

One of my favorite items from their menu is the Mustard Seed Pad Thai: Thai noodles, shrimp, chicken, fish sauce, egg, mushroom, sprouts, peanuts, fresh cilantro & lime. It's not your typical Pad Thai found in Thai restaurants - the sauce is more of a broth than a paste. It tastes a thousand times healthier, and doesn't sit like a brick in your belly. I carbo-loaded like it was the night before a bridge-run on this dish and enjoyed every bit! They serve the Pad Thai with Sriracha hot sauce and chopsticks for those who are feeling hot and, er, sticky.

Pad Thai with a Camelbak cameo:

Both Grammy and Kelly ordered the Crab Cake special: two crab cakes served over a bed of greens with a buttermilk-chive dressing. I'm not typically a fan of crab cakes, but these were delicious! They were really light and soft. The dressing on the salad was also light, but had a creamy taste. 

 

The three of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and baby Zachary enjoyed his banana and Sesame Street cinnamon cookie sticks. 

Question Time! 

A few of you asked me questions in my Greek Yogurt giveaway post:

Kaye asked "I thought you only BBM?" - Yes, Kaye, I have a severe addiction to BBMing (Blackberry Messaging) but not every one on this planet is fortunate enough to own a Blackberry. SAD FACE. Because some people don't know what "bbming" is, I had to put "text" in my title. Texting is such a throwback activity to Blackberry users, it makes me laugh a little.

Erica challenged me with two questions. She first asked me what my top favorite Charleston restaurants are. That's so tough, but here goes: 

1. Mustard Seed - Consistently fresh food, reasonable prices, casual, friendly staff.
2. Mozzo Deli -  Crazy good sandwiches, salads, breakfasts, burgers and desserts.
3. Baked - A bakery in Charleston that serves ridiculously delicious naughty food
4. Basil - Thai restaurant in downtown Charleston.
5. Chick-Fil-A - Ok, I know this isn't a local restaurant, but my God, it's my obsession. It has to be on this list. Go read that post for a laugh or 50.

And my favorite color? LIME GREEN!! My collection so far includes a lime green laptop, camelbak, Blackberry cover, Longchamp tote, key chain, and Victoria's Secret bikini. If it's lime green and under $1,000, I want it. 

Ali asked if when I got my wrist tattoo and if I was glad I got it: I got it when I was the tender age of 18. I don't "regret" it per se, but I don't want it there anymore. I've had it for 8 years and I'm just over it now. Thankfully I can cover it up with a watch so it's not a huge deal. It will be removed eventually though, because I don't want it on me when I have (gasp) children.

Jeny and Terry asked about protein snacks. My ideas are: Greek yogurt, fat free cottage cheese, edamame, hard-boiled eggs w/ hummus, tuna, and Luna bars.

Jessica asked if I'm happy with my body and how I've become so comfortable with it. YES, I am happy with my body. Of course I'd like my stomach to be a tiny bit flatter, but I'd never give up my cookies to have that. I am comfortable with myself because I eat right, work my butt off in the gym, and still indulge occasionally. Eye sexing at the gym and compliments from randos don't hurt my confidence either. 

And as far as the questions about my exercise go, um...can I give y'all Julius' number? All I know is that he pretty much beats me twice a week. On my own time I do a lot of running, push-ups, weighted lunges, assisted pull-ups/dips, leg curls, vodka curls, cartwheels, and booty dancing. The last three items are essential for my success.

I loved the questions, and they were so tame! Keep 'em coming! :)