Non-Lent Feasting

We have had some amazing food experiences in March. Not to brag, since we basically, by a stroke of sheer generosity, have not paid for almost any of them. Here's a "amuse bouche" of our culinary carnival through Phoenix as of late:

Sauted Sweetbreads at Vincent on Camelback
Rosemary Garlic Panko-Crusted Onion Rings at Joe's Farm Grill
Fresh Ricotta and Mozzerella Calzone at Baci Italian Restaurant
Egg rolls with Lettuce Wraps and Fresh Herbs at Cyclo
The Rosa pizza with Arizona pistachios at Pizzeria Bianco
Hummus and Pita bread at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant
The House Chopped Salad at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

And then to top it all off... we went to the West of the Western Culinary and Wine Festival due to some fluke volunteerism with the American Society of Safety Engineers (Thanks George!). We were able to sample some tastes from almost all of the best restaurants in Phoenix like MaryElaine's and Windows on the Green. My favorite was (as already hinted at in a previous post) the desserts from Fox Restaurant Concept's The Greene House-- Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mandarin Orange and Lime Kiwi Coolee. Some of our other favorite tastes were:

Ostrich with a petite onion ring and fresh herb sauce
Hot and sour Thai Shrimp Soup from MaryElaine's
Pumpkin Soup with Pepitas
Foie Gras with Crepes and Rhubarb Vinegar Sauce
Salsa Seviche by Windows on the Green
Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Pistachios in a Sweet Corn Tortilla Cone by Kai

There were so many at this festival. And so many great wines... But it was an experience I have always wanted to go to and God provided a way for us to go for FREE! How awesome is that. There were so many things to taste and try. And to boot-- we got to take Christina and Luke too for free! What a memory.

Needless to say I am doing situps for the next month as payback. Too much feasting. Not enough Lenten fasting. Good thing we're under grace not the law!