Gals' Guide

My Experience with VodkaDrink Specials = Low Grade Vodka

This post is not meant to condone drinking by any means, but yours truly had a few bad experiences with vodka as of late. I realized I probably had low grade vodka. Let me explain...

My husband has me drinking wine as much as possible. My palette is by no way close to being an expert, but I truly love grapes. I like the idea of nothing mixed, just straight wine to enjoy, while trying to figure out what was in the soil, etc. I remember my hubby saying that bad vodka could be a painful experience the following day. On New Year's Day, I discovered just that.

On New Year's Eve, I went to a friend's get together and went with the drink special for the night.  I drank vodka+lemonades (didn't ask for a certain brand of vodka), I think about four in total.  The next day, I woke up and was just fine. Two hours later, the nausea came and I spent the rest of the day with my head in the toilet.  It was horrible. Something that hasn't happened to me since college. I had two thoughts:

1. I'm getting old

2. I can't do vodka anymore

Fast forward to this last weekend. Saturday night. I stopped by Eno and had a glass of vino then headed to a local bar to meet other friends. I had two vodka+lemonades (again, didn't mention what brand of vodka I wanted) and BAM, I spent half of my Sunday in the bathroom feeling like a truck was backing up in my abdomen. Awful. I finally felt better right before the Superbowl started.

Lessons?

When a bar has a 'mixed drink special', there is a HIGH likelihood that the vodka will be low grade. Make sure you ask for a premium brand to help mitigate issues like I had.

I won't be drinking vodka or ANY other mixed drink for a very very very long time (unless I mix it).

Sticking to the occasional wine for this girl!

Image c/o ilmungo

Product Review: Bertolli Frozen Dinners10 Minutes to Instant Mean

I received an email from some folks that work with Bertolli. They asked if I'd like to sample their new Oven Baked Meals and let all of you know how I liked it. A coupon came in the mail, I hit my local Jewel, picked up the Chicken Parmigiana and Penne and was on my way to the Gals' Guide Test Kitchen (well, my own kitchen, but you get my drift:) )

When it comes to anything frozen, I'm an ingredient freak.  From sodium to preservatives, I'm hesitant to give up taste for a quick fix meal.  Given my new schedule during the week, I decided to explore other 'fast dinner' plans and this Bertolli challenge fit well in my plans.  

Major Restaurant Savings$25 Gift Certificates for $2!

The economy is slowly going to recover and, until it does, why not take advantage of some phenom discounts and coupons? From October 27 - October 31, you can purchase $25 gift certificates from Restaurant.com for $2! Use the word TREAT at the checkout.

What does this mean?

Go online, find a restaurant in your city (they work with THOUSANDS nationwide) and decide where you want to eat.  You have up to one year with most restaurants to use your certificate. In normal circumstances, a $25 dining certificate costs $10, but until 10/31, you only need to spend $2!! No strings. I've done this multiple times in the past with absolutely no problem.

I use these certificates all the time and I've never seen them at two bucks. Another great way to save some dough in these unstable economic times.  Don't forget to use TREAT at checkout.

20% Off ALL Vosges Chocolate Orders Friends & Family Ends October 19th

Who doesn't love chocolate? As we pinch our pennies these next few months, the Queen of Exotic Truffles, and my friend, Katrina, is offering a friends and family discount for ALL Vosges Chocolate products.

That's right, through October 19th, get 20% off your order.  If you shop online, use the code FRIEND28. Orders must ship within this time frame, too. If you go to the store, print out this post and take along with you.

Enjoy and thanks Katrina!!

Bin 36 Lunch - Don't Pay Tax Until 10/31

That's right!

If you eat lunch at Bin 36 between 11 and 2, you do not pay any tax. This offer is good through October 31.  I just dined there myself and yep - no tax!

Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday and Friday...no weekends.

Another Great Bridgeport Spot:Pancho Pistolas

As you read in one of my previous posts,I hang out in Bridgeport quite often,and on Fridays I typically make it a night to head over to Pancho Pistolas for dinner. This restaurant has great authentic Mexican food but yet the ambience is modern with plasma screen TVs,which makes it a hot spot for watching Sox games.

I usually get their taco salad,in which they put real avocados. Their margaritas come in three different sizes which is pretty nice,especially if you just want something small with your meals.

So grab some friends or your significant other and check it out! I have eaten here many times(including tonight possibly) and have always had a good experience. It is truly one of my favorite hangouts.

Save the Date: August 21

Hi Ladies in Chicago or who will be here on August 21...

Save the date for our next Gals' Guide fest. I'm 'cooking' something up. Get it. Cooking?

I kill me!

:)

Make a Frittata. A What? A Fri-tah-ta!

Image c/o Flickr

I know - you are running late, don't have time to cook and grab a bagel, toast it and hope you have enough time to slather peanut butter or jam on your daily routine.

Let me throw in another option for you: make a frittata. A Frittata is essentially an omelette, but with an oven twist. Who says your morning routine can't have a bit of elegance to it? I say 'humph!'