Twin Cities Ten Mile Run

Well, to quiet my biggest critic - Erica - I am adding an entry to my blog!

So, today after a night of restless sleep, I woke at 5 a.m. to get ready for my first official running race. After figuring out how to attach the microchip to my shoe and getting my race number on my shirt - I was all set! I warmed up on my walk to the LRT and joined all the other fun running people on the trek to the Dome.

Upon arrival in the darkness, it was packed! All I could think was how much money these people are making (I tend to ponder stuff like this a lot, for example the money people make who own kids dancing schools - MONEYMAKER!). I found my corral (the blue, #3) and looked for my co-worker Ann (the crazy lady who convinced me to do this) and after not seeing her I went to the front of the line.

I was joined by another lady who wanted to chat away - I think she was nervous. She was telling me how her boyfriend was giving her a hard time for having to drive to St. Paul to pick her up at the end. She said she had his name on her t-shirt though. I will let you readers figure out how that relationship is going to end!

After a talk from the Mayor and the National Anthem, we were off! Wait, the first group was off. We stood there. Then we moved up a little bit and we were off! Nope, that was the second group. Finally, while the song "Shut up and Drive" was playing (shouldn't it be shut up and run?) we got to go!

It was very fun to take off in a pack of people. I didn't mind being passed my everyone under the sun (I had my pace!) and I actually took the time to watch people and listen to their conversations. Mile #1 hit before you knew it! And I was right on my pace (12:00 miles were my goal).

Mile #2 came with ease - all this was so easy I was already thinking about next year and how fun this would be to run with my friends (Sony, Erica and Betsi - start training!)

But then mile #3 hit and it was a STEEP hill up to the Franklin Avenue bridge. I ran up the hill - I was not going to let those hills get me. It was at this point that I noticed the flurry of people (mostly men) openly going to the bathroom in the trees. I was a little shocked but I guess when you have to go you go! I did notice one lady in there, bent over and wiping with something...

I skipped the water at mile #3 and made up a few precious seconds. I still had my pace group, "Band of Sisters" in my sights. I thought if I could stay with them that I would be good. They all had on orange shirts and names of military guys written on their hamstrings. Very motivating.

At mile #4 I started thinking about how hot and humid it was and that it hadn't been this hot for any of my training runs. I was getting a bit nervous about finishing...but then our course became the marathon course and we hit their mile markers. When I saw #20 - I was like DAMN! If someone can run that far - I better finish.

I kept looking for people I knew - I saw one guy I knen from work at Mile #5 (skipped water there too) and then I panicked! I didn't see my pace group! Where was Band of Sisters? Had I fallen that far behind? Was I going to be the fat girl to finish last??? I began to panic - I had to walk for a minute to catch my breath from the steep hill after mile #5.

Then I saw Sony, Sarah and Lucy! Yes! That was exciting! It made me feel like I could finish the final 4 miles. As soon as I saw them the only thing I could think to say was that I had to tell them that people were peeing in the trees! Don't ask me why I thought this was important - but I did.

Mile #6 was drumming along with stop the presses! Who came up behind me? BAND OF SISTERS! I was pumped! I told them that I had gotten nervous that they were my pace group and I thought they had gone on ahead. I made sure to stay with them.

Mile #7 came and I broke down and had some Powerade and water. Much of it spilled on me but it was good. It was just so damn humid outside - it just made you feel miserable.

Mile #8 is where you question why the hell you are doing this. My longest training run was 8 miles and when I hit that (with Band of Sisters) I was like what in the hell am I doing? But I kept going...I mean only 2 miles to go.

Mile #9 - I swear I started crying! I was so excited to have gotten that far and to be so close to the finish! Thank goodness the last mile is downhill.

Then the downhill trek began and I could SEE THE FINISH! I saw my friend Charlie cheering me on and then heard my mother yelling my name - I looked over to see my parents cheering me on! And then I saw Sony and Sarah cheering me on! I was running and going to finish the race!

At the end Band of Sisters put on a burst of speed and told me that we were all going to finish together. Man, that was touching!

Just think of the end next year with Sony, Erica, Betsi and I crossing the finish line!

I know you are all wondering how I finished, well it took me 2 hours and 7 minutes. 7 minutes over my goal. I averaged a 12:46 minute mile. Bummer but when you take into account the heat and humidity it's not so bad for me anyway!

Signature Style

Signature Style is ready on the web!

Nielsens?? No, the Diamonds!

Top Ten T.V. Shows (past and current)
1. Different Strokes
2. Our House (Wilford Brimley and Shannon Doherty)
3. The AMAZING Race
4. Designed to Sell (My favorite HGTV show)
5. Barefoot Contessa (my favorite Food network show)
6. Extreme Makeover - Home Edition
7. Once and Again
8. Friends
9. The Biggest Loser
10. Alf

Deborah's Favorite Things

Who says Oprah is the only one?

DEBORAH DIAMOND'S FAVORITE THINGS

1. Watch 'em grow gardens from Bachman's
2. Boneless buffalo wings with sweet bbq from Buffalo Wild Wings
3. Pinot Grigio
4. Textured white towels
5. Black sweaters

Yum!

I hit up another sizzling hot spot for lunch today...so hot that it takes forever to find the address and phone number. That's how you know if a spot is truly hot...you can't find it...it remains a mirage among the beautiful people, hidden away so that you cannot truly find it unless you crack the code.

Well, I cracked the code due to the fact that I know their office manager. Sara, who used to work at Gold Country. She left to go to Yum! and she gave me the scoop...in fact thanks to her I had the inside goods on the place before the local reviewers. Hmmm...maybe one day this town will come to me for all their food reviews...I can see it now...

Okay, back to business...lunch today...I went even though I am a tish under the weather. Some sort of weird chest cold or if you want my opinion I have pneumonia or some other extreme illness that no one can pinpoint. Stand by for any medical updates....

Yum! is located of course in a hip and trendy locale, Minnetonka Blvd, just behind Lake Calhoun and the Calhoun Beach Club Apartments (by the way, who lives there? A two bedroom is over $2,000 a month! Maybe I should hang out over there and find myself a man so everyone will stop bothering me about being single...but then they would all be jealous cause my man would be loaded...it's a vicous cycle isn't it?)

There isn't a lot of seating at Yum! cause it's also a bakery so people come and go a lot. They have about four or five tables that seat 6-8 and then they have counter stools and some other smaller tables for two.

I went twenty five minutes early to get a spot because in my research (had to give directions) I read that if you want a seat you'd better stalk one out. And boy am I good at stalking!

I found two seats at the counter and began my wait. Very nice workers...they all wear jeans and white shirts with white chefs jackets and red baseball caps. The place is all decked out in white with concrete floors and red Yum! stickers all over. They change their menu each Tuesday and it features salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees, bars, cookies, muffins and tarts.

The nice guy behind the counter (conveniently located near the bakery section - lucky me!) asked me if I'd like a beverage. I asked for Diet Coke...no but Diet Pepsi. He brought it over in a bottle and took off the lid before telling me it was $2. $2 for a petite bottle? Hmmm...robbery if you ask me. Luckily the guy was super nice and told me scoop about what was good and what was just okay. The excited girl next to me RAVED about the tomato soup. I did a quick glance at the tables behind me...two tomato soups and two gumbo's. Noted.

The guy and I chatted for the twenty minutes while I waited. Sara came over and said hello and we talked about the place. She really likes it there - which is good. Usually when people leave a sports job they end up missing it and spend the rest of their life trying to weasle back in or be a consultant of some sort. Stick through it folks or make damn sure you find something better.

So, the guy (should have gotten his name) brought me a sample of the cookie tart - it was FABULOUS! He helped me read the menu - it was really far away (posted on the wall) and I didn't want to lose my coveted seats!

Finally, Jodi arrived and we could eat...we headed over to the counter to order. I went with the grilled cheese (made with muenster and cheddar) and the tomato soup. Jodi went with the same.

The soup was really good...it had a really good texture and a hint of sweetness. Very nice. The sandwich was okay...I think the cheeses were too mild for me because I like really sharp, pungent cheeses. The chips are homemade and super thin and curly.

For dessert I got a brownie to go and when I ate it I wasn't super impressed. It was too chewy and not soft enough for me. I should have gone with that cookie tart - cause that was good!

Yum! also has a GREAT selection of fresh breads (even ciabatta - read by Salut blog if you want to know about ciabatta) and sweet breads that come baked in a soup can. Cute...

Yum! had a great feel and vibe and was filled with too cool, hipster moms who stay home all day or volunteer for charities. They bring their moms, kids, baby-sitters, have charity meetings - all this takes place at Yum! I sat next to a very spoiled child who had a stuffed animal dog that moved and slept, etc. She was very mean to her mother...when I left she was sitting on the floor eating her cookie making her mother wait. And people wonder why I am single....

I plan on going next week with my mom (she is coming to visit and since I consider myself to be an ultracool hipster this week I think I will blend in and take my mom like all of the other patrons). I can't wait to see what the menu is next week.

The jist of the menu is about four things in each category...salad, soup, sandwich, entree, etc.

Scale time...

1-2: Gross
3-4: It's food...
5-6: Tasty
7-8: Delicious
9-10: Yum!

I give Yum! an 8 but only because the grilled cheese wasn't sharp enough for me and the brownie wasn't soft enough and because they don't have fountain soda.

They do have beer and wine...their hours are 7-8 Tuesday thru Sunday and they are closed on Mondays.

Yum! is located at 4000 Minnetonka Blvd...and fyi...they have the cutest take out boxes in the bakery.

I hope you enjoy!

Salut!

Has it really been two months since I've blogged? That can't be right...

Well, I have been to many places and have much to share however I am only going to share two of them with you. Unfortunately, for many of you - house parties do not count! How will the public test it all out? Even though Lisa and her sister had some of the best damn food ever! Onion dip and dessert bars! You all need the recipes!

Okay, what am I going to share with you? I know you are all itching to test out some new hot spots and boy have I hit up the hot spots! Sizzling!

First off - Salut! It's the new French American Restaurant at 50th and France in Minneapolis. Salut is from the same folks who brought us Chino Latino, Figlio's, etc. - all those hipster cool places that you don't go to because you feel like a geek when you walk in the door and see the ultra cool people that you swear they hire and bring in to show off the restaurant. But I digress...

So, Salut - I visited on a Wednesday night in November - a SNOWY night so I was not expecting a crowd at all. I mean whenver it so much as spits a drop of mositure people freak out and run for cover so I was quite surprised to arrive at 5:30 p.m. and find it busy. I had told everyone 6:30 p.m. so my being early was to make sure we could get a table.

Well, the ultra cool high school hostess was worried that she couldn't get me a table for 6. I did a quick glance around and saw several empty tables. But I guess those were being held for the hipsters that were coming in on ski's.

She asked if I had made a reservation. Well, no...that would have been too easy. So, I asked - are you always this busy at 5:30? Well, she rolled her eyes and patiently explained to me that why yes they are busy and even though it's a blizzard outside they have reservations! They do however save a few tables for walk-ins like myself (read - geeks, nerds, etc.) and that she could seat me (by this time I had her pare it down to 4 people - guess that made it easier - plus I knew with the snow that the yes rsvp's on evite would be coming up with excuses faster than a fat guy at a buffet).

So, here I am seated by myself at a booth for 4 right by the bar. The supersize (not tons of food but BIG sized menu) had a good offering. They have a plentiful wine selection (oh, those French) and a good sampling of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees - beef, chicken, seafood, sandwiches and desserts.

My favorite is the house wine special. They have three different flights - cheap, moderate and good. I went with the cheap because GASP - it happened to be my favorite - Pinot Grigio. I might pack up and move to Paris right now...

As I am now sitting there drinking by myself and my waiter- Edward (with a band aid on his nose) keeps nervously checking on me. You'll have to note that I sat by myself for like a half hour.

Finally, my second guest arrives - Erica. We plow through the first bottle (well, it was more me) and Edward brings the baguette and some butter. (I know you are all dying to know why he has a band-aid on his nose - but I haven't asked).

We scour the menu and while we are waiting for our third and final guest (told you they would all have excuses) we decide to share the three cheese sandwiches from the sandwich menu. Excellent choice! The sandwiches are a tomato and amish bleu cheese, granny smith apple and brie, and ratoulle and blue cheese (not sure - it's been too long!) but it was fabulous! They also served it with bread and roasted garlic. Love the roasted garlic!

By now Julie has arrived and we are finishing up the second bottle of wine...Edward brings us another and patiently explains the specials and his favorites. Little does he know I've known what I was getting since I drove by over three weeks ago and saw Le Cheeseburger in the window. But I humor him...I get this from my mother who at every restaurant asks, "what's good here?" and then never gets what they say. It's a family habit, what can I say?

After much debate with Erica, who does not want to order the same thing (us singletons usually get something different and share), we both go with the same thing, Burger Bar American. It's a burger with bleu cheese, carmelized onions, bernaise sauce on ciabatta.

Julie (who must feel sorry for Edward and his nose) takes his advice and orders the shrimp something from the appetizer menu. It's sliced paper thin and has lemon and garlic sprinkled on top.

We also order the macaroni and cheese to share at the table.

The food arrives and it is so good! And no, even though I am on the third bottle of wine, I am aware of good food when I taste it! The burger was delicious - complemented perfectly by the cheese, onions and sauce. And the ciabatta...what a difference that made! (Side bar - this burger was so good I attempted to make it at home and went to cut the ciabatta with my new knife and sliced a huge gash in my finger and had to drive myself to the emergency room and get stitches! And a tetnus shot! But the burger was that good!)

The burger was served with fries that were crispy but not soggy. The macaroni and cheese was average - I wouldn't order this again - especially since I can make better myself. It was served in a nice All Clad baking dish - I happen to have the same one's - so I will try making my mac and cheese in this dish!

Julie really liked her shrimp and it did look really good. It was cut paper thin too - just as Edward had promised.

And yes, now I know you are all wondering...did she have dessert? That would be like a fish without water, jelly without peanut butter, you get the drift...YES!

They have a really good selection - creme brulee, and several other frenchy options but honestly by this point I really was tipsy and just don't plain remember. I know we got the chocolate cake and it was great. Apparently it came with ice cream but I don't remember.

Do I recommed Salut? Why, of course! I would offer up the following advice so you don't appear like an idiot...make a reservation! Then when you walk in - breeze in and act like you are a force to be reckoned with and if they don't seat you immediately you will ask for the manager! That should relieve you of any eye rolling from the high school hostess.

Next time I want to try the daily special and the french onion soup. It will take much willpower for me to not order that burger again...but if the Pinot kicks in...watch out!

On a scale of 1-10:

1-2: Oui we NO!
2-3: Sniff - I guess
4-5: Soup only
5-6: Maybe a sandwich
7-8: Without wine
8-9: deliciouso
9-10: Salut!

I give Salut a 9 but only because they try to make you feel like you don't belong. Luckily, we had a waiter who didn't belong either - so we lucked out!

Jarhead

Well, Friday night was a GREAT night! I went to my favorite restaurant - so great it's unbloggable! The Cheesecake Factory - how can you go wrong with a ten page menu! Plus, they have Pinot Grigio...really I should work there. The hostess staff wears all black...it's definitely a sign!

So, after dinner (avacado egg rolls, endive, pecan and bleu cheese salad and mozzarella pizza) Sonja and I go to see Jarhead - the new movie with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jamie Foxx - and Erica went on to Solera - much more of a party girl!

The movie starts at 10:10 and we are there at 9:25, got be early on a Friday night! As we are walking towards theatre 10 I feel dejavu, no not the strip club, but a sense that I was just here. Well, in fact I was...the last movie I saw a few weeks back was at the same theatre - same number. I tell Sony this and ask what was the movie we saw...neither of us can remember. We couldn't even tell you who was in the movie or if we liked it. That is bad! I am not even 30 and I am forgetting the last movie I saw...this means I have no hope of remembering anything about my friends. Guess you can't forget me remembering birthdays, anniversaries...your names...

Well, finally this poor guy who is seating next to us waiting for the movie to start is probably sick of hearing us try to figure out what movie we saw, he reaches over and hands me his cell phone and says here are the top ten movies out right now - is it one of these?

Luckily - it is! Flightplan! Note - if we couldn't remember SEEING it...wait till it's out on DVD.

Kudos to the nice man next to us...he asked if it was a good movie and if there is in fact a little girl...Sony and I tell him the whole plot of the movie. It sounds dumb even coming out of my mouth. And I actually saw this movie??? I didn't remember it being that dumb...

The commercials start...no not the previews...still in commercials here folks - those marketers trying to get every angle they can! I look over and see my new cell phone seat neighbor swirling his soda with his straw. Seems weird. Of course I ask what he is doing and AHAHA...then I see the flask! A little rum and Coke...my kind of guy!

So the movie starts...and I keep waiting for a story to begin, a plot, SOMETHING! Nope...this movie was a huge disappointment for me. It showcased how one track minded men can be and the military is a real life game for those involved.

Sure, Jake and Jamie are nice to look at in the movie...but a plot would have been nice.

I recommend renting this and only if there is nothing else in. If you are looking for a good war movie I think Black Hawk Down is much better. Geez, Pearl Harbor with Ben Affleck is better. At least we had a story to follow in that movie.

Jarhead, jughead...pass...read the book instead.

Enjoy!

Well, Sarah Olin is finally home from Egypt! To celebrate Sony (her loving sister) rounded us all up and we headed out to Enjoy! in Apple Valley.

What a perfect restaurant selection, on the side of the building it says, "Food, Friends, Life" - I mean what could be a better summary of an evening? All in scenic Apple Valley!

This was my third time at Enjoy! but my first as an official reviewer...

Erica and I met there early (I was busy showing off my new toy - my new earpiece for my cell phone - I couldn't stop gushing over it!) and we headed towards the bar. Sarah was there on her cell phone, jingling away in her new belt. It was one of her treasures from her travels and it was a belly dancer skirt that she wore as a belt - so stylish that Sarah. Wait till you see her bright blue rain boots...

I parked it at the bar and ordered my current favorite wine...Pinot Grigio - Stella. At $5.95 a glass it's pretty good. I also quickly ordered the warm cheese sampler. I had talked this up so much to Erica and pretty much anyone else who would listen that I couldn't wait any longer.

As the group went to their table, Erica and I sampled the appetizer at the bar. Roasted garlic (spreads smooth as butter!), bleu cheese, brie (I think) and gorgonzola (I think) yes, I should know the cheeses better but who cares - they are so good! And to round it off - chutney for the top. All on toasted bread...seriously...best stuff ever!

Upon joining the group at the table and deciding on our order - Sony brought out some old family photos...her prom picture with Jason is my favorite. The permed hair, big bangs and dte with the hockey mullett - all priceless. The family photo with all three Olin girls in perms and little Sarah in glasses - that should be hidden at all costs!

When the food arrived, please note - this was from their updated menu - it changes periodically, I had the parmesean chicken. It came with asparagus and roasted potatoes - which I subbed with garlic mashed. The chicken was great - a nice juicy chicken with a crisp crust. A dab of cream on the bottom of the plate was a nice touch. Only negative - only 4 pieces of asparagus. I don't think the USDA would count that as a serving of veggies. Bring on some more greens!

Erica ordered my second choice, the wild mushroom penne. This was NOT good! Very bland! It tasted like plain noodles and the mushrooms were too squishy. Erica was all set to eat it but I told her that we were sending it back and she had to get something else. To all diners out there - you are paying for the food you order! If you don't like it - send it back! You are the CUSTOMER!

Erica instead got the pizza with brie, green apples and mushrooms. Bellisimo! Very savory and cheesy. You definitely couldn't eat this in one sitting, it would be perfect as an appetizer though. The pizzas are a good size - if you are really hungry you could eat the whole thing for dinner - if not you will be taking some home.

I also sampled Sony's food - she ordered my third choice - the meatloaf. This also came with mashed potatoes and a bbq sauce. This was also excellent - if not a tish cold. But then again we were at a table of 11 - not sure all the food was done at once.

I also had the luxury of tasting the bbq chicken pizza which was good - the crust had a sweet taste to it and the bbq was very mild - good dinner choice.

I also tasted the artichoke, sun dried tomato and feta pizza - too many artichokes on this one. Good - but you better like the artichokes - they over power the tomatoes and feta.

I also tasted the shrimp linguine - this had a pesto sauce and it was very pestoey! Not a big fan and I do love pesto - but it was just too much for me - even in the one bite that I had.

The other highlight was the rigatoni with sausage, green peppers and onion. A very hearty italian dish that reminded me of a signature sausage and pepper meal. Nice amount of spice and good noodles. I would definitely recommend this.

I didn't try the burger last night but I have had one before - very good as well and they finally have better french fries. Before they were too shoestring like - now they are hand cut and much more normal.

I was too full for dessert (yes a shock I know) but I have had four of the desserts here. My recommendation is for the chocolate banana bread pudding - it's more of a cake - and it's awesome. I also recommend the crisp - when I had it, it featured raspberries and blueberries. Last night it was green apples. It's served warm with vanilla ice cream - a real treat. A good combination of warm crisp and cold ice cream.

Well, time for my rating...on a scale of 1-10...1-2 being loathed, 3-4 being regret!, 5-6 being delighted, 7-8 adored, 9-10 reveled in!

I give Enjoy! an 8...I'd like to give it a 9 but the entree menu needs a touch more attention to detail. I appreciate their keeping the menu fresh but in doing so they need to make sure the taste and distinction of each offering is correct. Their desserts, appetizers and drinks make up for that.

What to enjoy for yourself? 15435 Founders Lane in Apple Valley. Visit their web site at www.enjoy-dining.com.