My meal planning desire is low right now. I feel like I’m on hold until the baby arrives, so we are taking things day by day. David is officially calling it ‘screw it’ week (because that sounds nicer than eff it, right?), meaning screw it, if we need to grab more meals out than not, who cares! I’m game with that. Still, we’ve managed some pretty tasty meals over the past week.
Last Sunday we grilled out and took advantage of the gorgeous spring weather. Local, grass-fed steaks, veggie kabobs and roasted potatoes. I could only use the grill from now on and be a pretty happy camper!
On one low-energy night, I grabbed a Greek salad from out local Brooklyn Boys Pizza. It’s so simple, but man, it’s good!
Crockpot black bean soup served for two dinners last week, paired with a weak attempt at a salad and leftover chip crumbles.
I lucked out and was invited to a behind-the-scenes peek at Papa Murphy’s last week where I scored a thin crust pizza for a tasty dinner. More on the experience to come!
Finally, a local gem to share with you! We went wild for our anniversary and actually got a sitter so we could grab a nice dinner out to celebrate 5 years. David said to pick whatever struck my fancy and I knew exactly where I wanted to go.
I’ve been wanting to try Fork, a local farm to fork restaurant in Cornelius, since it opened. I’m a sucker for good food, especially when it is sourced locally. Plus, how cute is this place??
Looking back, I should have requested a window seat or outside dining so I could better show off the food, but even with lackluster photos, I’m sure you can see the caliber of the dishes they serve. I also loved that they had all the local farms they use listed on the menu.
Roasted Purple Asparagus Bruschetta, leek goat cheese fondue, arugula
We decided to split everything in an effort to taste as much as possible and had a great time working our way through the menu.
Beer Battered Soft Shell Crab, chile aioli, green papaya slaw
Roasted NC Monkfish with Tarragon & Shallot Beurre Blanc
Our favorite of the night, with possibly the worst photo (sorry!) was the lamb shank, which was slow roasted and braised. It fell right off the bone and tasted incredible.
with Roasted Bratwurst Cheesy Bost Mist Mill Grits
My second favorite was the turnip side dish.
Chianti Roasted Turnips, Escarole & Endive
It makes me want to get more creative with cooking greens in the kitchen… you know, once the desire to cook anything returns!
Thanks for hosting WIAW, Jenn!
What are your favorite dinners to make on weeks where time or desire really don’t lend themselves to cooking?
Kaitlyn says
I recently found your blog and love it! Thanks so much for the inspiration of healthy eating. My daughter just turned one and I love the munchkin meal section! Recently linked up on instagram with #munchkinmeals. Looking forward to checking out more meal ideas!
Tia says
We always grab margherita pizzas and green juice when we don’t feel like cooking. I’ll make a side of arugula or mushrooms to go with it.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
For screw it week, I’d say you’re doing pretty well! And that brunch spot looks fantastic!! My motivation comes and goes… I hope I have another month or two of cooking energy before the final stretch. 🙂
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
That steak dinner looks delicious!
Cheryl says
Happy Anniversary! Glad you guys got to spend a fun night together to celebrate! 🙂
jen says
what a yummy dinner! good to know about that place. happy anniversary. girl, your “dear david” post…SO SWEET!
wishing you comfort and love as you are in the final countdown for baby girl! xoxo
Gcroft says
Oh my, the soft shell crab dish looks sooo good! ‘Screw it’ week sounds apt as is taking it day by day until baby girl arrives. x
shannon says
I’m so excited for you guys and hoping your baby girl comes quickly and easily! My little bundle is 9 weeks old now and I’m finally getting the itch to get back to playing in the kitchen again. Only problem now is that there doesn’t seem to be time! I’ve managed a batch of muffins and a couple SUPER simple veggie sides the times we’ve been able to grill out. I desperately want to make your Lara-ball recipe for snacking during late night feedings, but the only time I can find is when little guy is napping and then NO loud kitchen appliances 😉 but we’re figuring it out day by day. Always love your blog and now I save reading it til late night feedings. I’m going back through your Hailey posts to – the day in life stuff is awesome, but your super sleeper makes me jealous!! Again, tons of good thoughts and wishes coming your way!
John J. says
Good anniversary choice. Interesting concept, Farm to Fork.
Laura @ FitMamaLove says
That restaurant looks amazing! And so cute! It’s great that you guys were able to have a date night this close to when baby’s due.
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers says
Oooo, a darling restaurant and a creative menu, sounds like a win!
Marjorie says
Happy anniversary!!! That Fork place looks amazing! Yummers.
Audrey @ In Shape Cupcake says
Oh wow, it all looks to delicious.
I think I would like to try that Farm to Fork restaurant.
My favorite dinners to make in a hurry: Taco salad, cheese quesadillas, chicken and broccoli, or ground turkey with veggies. Easy peasy under 30 min meals, whoop whoop!