Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Tuesday, September 18.  The first day of the last year of my 20's.  That's right.  29.  It's official.  It really doesn't bother me.  I still feel the same as I did at 25, which is all that matters, right?

Even my watch/heart rate monitor remembered my birthday!!!

Well, my day was good.  In all honestly, the time I spent at work kind of stunk (which work day doesn't?) but it was full of annoying phone calls and a workout at the gym that really wasn't too exciting.  The night was much better.  

Scott had an awesome surprise for me - dinner at my very best favorite restaurant on Federal Hill - Camille's.  We had an awesome dinner, consisting of a meat and cheese board appetizer, filet mignon for me and veal marsala for Scott, and an AMAZING birthday surprise.

I have to precede the story by telling you that the last time I went to Camille's they made a big deal about me being there (since we have the same name, you know) and I walked out with a pen, some matches, and a few napkins from the bathroom.  Well, this time, not only did they give me a stack of napkins and some more matches, they also gave me a stack of post cards!  At one time, they used to have glasses on the table with "Camille's" on them (they used to sell them, too)...Well, we didn't see any on Tuesday night, so Scott went to the front to ask if they had any (he also used this time to tell them that it was my birthday - a hint that the maitre'd unfortunately gave away when he was yelling after the water that it was my birthday).  While they didn't have any, I was still happy with my collection of goodies.

About half-way through our meal, the maitre'd came over to ask how everything was - and surprised me with a wine glass that he dug up from the depths of who-knows-where!!  How exciting!  A birthday gift for me!!!

Napkins, Postcards, Matches and a wine glass!!!

Then, after dinner, the waiter brought us dessert menus, and while I was salivating over the description of a Snickers Pie, he cam out with a plate of Tiramisu, with "Happy Birthday Camille" written on the plate in chocolate, and a candle stuck to the plate!  It was A-Mazing!!!  I think it was my best birthday surprise ever!!!!

'Happy Birthday Camille' Tiramisu with a "Camilles" chocolate mold on top!!!

Siena East Greenwich

So Friday, Scott and I drove into work together.  On the way home, we stopped by the house to see any progress in the painting and then we decided to go out to dinner.  My first thought was Cassarino's on Federal Hill in Providence....However, we have a gift certificate there and it was in Cranston....So that was a no-go.  Then we decided on Siena....But instead of going to the location on Federal Hill like we usually do, we decided to go to the location in East Greenwich.  Well, we were pleasantly surprised!!

The menu is very different, and they have an amazing appetizer choice - The Cheese Board!!!  You can get one of the three cheese board combinations that they put together, or you can do a "make your own" by choosing between some meat selections, olives, and cheeses.

Dinner was also amazing!!

If you have the chance to go there, I highly recommend it!!

Here's what we chose!

Soprasada, Castelvetrani olives, and Burrata (amazingly fresh mozzarella cheese).  The board also comes with crustini, fig jam, and candied nuts.  AMAZING!!!

Scott's dinner - Schiaffoni del Calzolaio - large tubes of pasta with ground sausage in a San Marzano tomato sauce

My Dinner - Cavatappi con Pollo - corkscrew pasta with chicken, spinach and roasted red peppers in a lemon-garlic sauce

Lola's Tequila Bar & Cantina

It amazes me that even though I've lived on "The East Side of Providence" for almost 5 years now, I still manage to not only find new places, but also occasionally get lost.  A few weeks ago, I drove all the way down India Street and turned onto South Water Street (the little strip of South Water Street that is between India Street and Point Street).  My intention was to drive to Point Street and take a left so that I could get to an appointment over near the hospital.  In any case, I get to the end of South Water Street and realize that I can't take a left hand turn.  So I went around the block again, and got to the end of South Water street again, and was like, come on Pietros, you're better than that!  In any case, in my trips around the block, I found a little Mexican place that I decided I needed to try.

Lola's Tequila Bar & Cantina is tucked into South Water Street, with a beautiful Waterfront view.  On Tuesday, I went with my friend-cousin Suzie (our husbands are first cousins, but we were friends first!!!) and we really enjoyed everything about the place.  We sat outside where there are a number of painted picnic tables - the view was really great!

A view from our table

A view of the 195 bridge, all lit up!

For dinner, we both got burritos (Suzie had chicken, I had Al Pastor (basically pulled pork)) and they were both delicious and totally worth the $8 and $10 we paid for them.  

Also, the chips and salsa they served before the meal were amazing - the salsa was similar to Tortilla Flats, but had a hint of cilantro which really made it zing.

Chips and Salsa with a Corona on the side

Tuesdays are advertised as $2 Taco Tuesday ($4 for Fish Tacos), and Thursdays they have a Bluegrass band in the bar upstairs.  

I highly recommend it, you won't be sorry!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

I'll admit.  The only thing I like about Valentine's Day is the day after - when all the candy goes on sale.  I've never been big on the holiday - it's really just a Hallmark and Hersey's holiday.  My husband bought me a beautiful card and we went out to dinner.  That was enough for me.  We had a couple of Gift Certificates so we went to Legal Seafood in Warwick (I've been wanting to try one of the locations in Boston, but we made reservations late).

It was a fun night.  I ordered the Crab Cake Combo (They have the BEST crab cakes, and it comes with shrimp and scallops) and Scott got the Surf and Turf (Filet Mignon and Lobster).  It was totally worth half of my Weight Watchers Allowance Points.

Crab Cake with Scallops, Shrimp and Fresh Greens

Surf and Turf - Filet Mignon and Lobster with Mashed Potatoes (And coleslaw, which isn't in the picture)

A husband who's ready to eat! (He brought the bib home...)

Not Your Average Joe's Points Plus Values

Not Your Average Joe's Points Plus Values

(All Nutrition Information was obtained via Website)  August 2012
Note:  Points plus are calculated from Fat, Carbohydrates, Fiber and Protein.  Calories and Sodium counts have been added here for Reference, only.

Starters	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
House Made Guacamole	287	5	23	23	11	90	8
with fried Blue Corn Tortillas add	372	12	48	96	14	160	23
Crab Cakes	478	28	23	40	3	977	13
with organic Mixed Greens and Dressing add	68	1	3	10	1	47	2
with Spicy Red Pepper Aioli add	80	0	6	5	0	284	2
Vegetable Spring Rolls	204	9	5	35	11	204	5
with Peanut Sauce add	151	6	8	14	4	594	4
Chicken Quesadilla	664	43	30	56	6	658	17
with Chipolte Sour Cream add	65	1	5	4	0	154	2
Boneless Buffalo Tenders	566	57	36	1	0	134	15
with Buffalo BBQ sauce	149	1	4	25	3	901	4
with Blue Cheese Dressing add	222	2	20	9	0	384	6
Asian Chicken Dumplings	577	14	36	50	1	391	16
Ahi Tuna Wontons	184	27	6	2	1	43	4
with Fried Wontons add	345	3	28	20	1	174	10
with Citrus Teriyaki Glaze add	27	2	0	5	0	549	1
with Wasabi Aioli add	162	0	13	12	0	279	5
Vine Ripe Tomato Flatbread	1034	45	42	118	4	795	27
Garlic Shrimp Flatbread	1154	57	41	138	2	830	31
Calamari	738	46	48	26	0	910	19
with Crostini	182	4	2	35	0	6	5
with Lemon Caper Tartar and Lemon EVO Vinaigrette	269	1	26	9	0	212	8
with Arugula Salad and Dressing	322	10	19	30	10	292	8
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps	504	45	16	52	19	241	12
with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette add	117	2	8	8	1	650	3
Stuffed Quahogs	390	20	22	27	2	1137	10
Side Salads, no dressings	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
House Salad Side	116	8	5	11	3	165	3
Not Your Average House Side	150	8	10	6	1	620	4
with two Pizza Crisps add	112	4	2	18	0	76	3
Great Hill Wedge	24	1	0	5	2	15	0
with Great Hill Blue Cheese and Bacon add	486	17	45	1	0	1167	13
Joe's Caesar Side	24	2	0	5	3	11	0
with two Pizza Crisps add	112	4	2	18	0	76	3
with Romano Cheese add	38	3	2	0	0	119	1
Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Side	334	13	21	24	3	253	9
Salads, no dressings	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
House Salad - Large	228	16	10	21	5	329	6
Not Your Average House - Large	223	12	15	12	3	941	6
with three Pizza Crisps add	168	4	3	26	0	115	4
Joe's Caesar - Large	32	2	0	6	4	15	1
with three Pizza Crisps add	168	4	3	26	0	115	4
Sashimi Tuna	170	31	2	5	1	64	4
with 1 oz Soy Lime Mustard Dressing (on tuna), add	67	1	0	15	1	237	2
with Orange Sesame Vinaigrette (on greens) add	244	0	13	35	1	152	7
Chicken Mona Lisa	1073	135	34	32	3	926	24
Chopped Shrimp Salad	490	39	27	24	7	851	13
with three Pizza Crisps add	168	4	3	26	0	115	4
Goat Cheese Salad	662	26	42	47	2	497	18
Cobb Salad	1109	67	85	28	12	1295	30
Cobb Salad, hold the bacon and cheese	665	51	41	27	12	213	17
Chipotle Chicken Salad	896	104	29	52	6	594	22
Waldorf Salad	612	44	24	62	9	273	16
Salad Dressings, 1 ounce	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
Creamy Sherry Vinaigrette	155	0	16	3	0	76	4
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette	164	0	17	1	0	22	4
Caesar Dressing	202	2	21	1	0	77	6
Raspberry Vinaigrette	78	0	7	4	0	1	2
Chipotle Ranch Dressing	138	0	14	2	0	248	4
Balsamic Vinaigrette	158	0	16	2	0	5	4
Horseradish Mustard	113	0	11	2	0	61	3
Lo-Cal Zinfandel	50	0	5	2	0	138	2
Creamy Basil	149	1	15	3	0	193	4
Blue Cheese Dressing	111	1	10	4	0	192	3
Orange Sesame Vinaigrette	122	0	6	17	0	76	3
Lunch Entrees	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
Baked Haddock	285	44	7	8	1	340	7
with Vegetable Medley add	75	2	5	8	2	12	2
with Lemon Caper Tartar sauce add	195	1	17	12	0	371	6
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes add	312	6	16	38	4	29	8
Chicken Piccata	630	53	15	68	6	941	16
Crab Cake Entrée	478	28	23	40	3	977	13
with organic Mixed Greens and Dressing add	129	1	6	19	1	88	4
with Spicy Red Pepper Aioli add	80	0	6	5	0	284	2
Not Your Average Meatloaf	712	38	53	18	2	405	19
with Veggies, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Fried Onion Strings	369	8	16	51	5	1015	10
Mediterranean Chicken	232	40	6	2	0	141	5
with Jasmine Rice Pilaf	273	6	2	57	4	2	7
with Cucumber, Tomato, Feta and Arugula Salad add	105	2	9	3	1	219	3
with Pizza Crisps add	112	4	2	18	0	76	3
with Ziziki Sauce add	45	1	3	3	0	26	1
Mustard Crusted Chicken	504	44	33	8	3	279	13
with Green Beans add	32	1	1	6	2	170	1
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes add	312	6	16	38	4	29	8
Artisan Vegetable Lasagna	645	25	48	32	4	1323	18
with toppings including Scampi Sauce, Mozz, Romano Cheese and Marinara Sauce	215	12	13	11	2	503	5
Farfalle with Chicken and Fresh Mozz	1004	73	46	73	7	1506	26
Chicken Enchilada	346	29	8	40	5	183	9
with Poblano Crema	47	2	2	5	1	236	1
with Yellow Rice and Black Beans	420	9	16	61	8	108	11
with Cotija Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds	82	4	7	2	0	100	2
Grilled Salmon	340	36	21	0	0	106	9
with Balsamic Glaze	76	0	0	17	0	148	2
with Asparagus add	64	4	3	7	4	25	2
with Jasmine Rice Pilaf	273	6	2	57	4	2	7
with Pineapple Salsa add	14	0	1	2	0	3	0
Steak Tips	404	55	19	1	0	304	10
with Green Beans add	32	1	1	6	2	170	1
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes	312	6	16	38	4	29	8
Chipotle BBQ Turkey Kabob	416	55	17	8	3	156	10
with almond jasmine rice	287	8	14	35	6	25	8
with orange chipotle bbq glaze	115	0	7	12	0	181	3
Pecan Chicken	517	42	36	6	3	141	14
with sweet potato steak wedges	622	4	52	37	6	65	17
with bbq slaw and carolina mustard	213	1	11	29	1	451	6
Penne Milano	885	58	43	63	4	1805	23
Thai Noodle Chicken Salad	596	56	25	44	13	232	15
with sweet chile peanut sauce	151	6	8	14	4	594	4
with sesame ginger vinaigrette	175	3	13	13	1	975	5
Dinner Entrees	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
Baked Haddock	342	55	12	1	0	436	8
with Vegetable Medley add	103	4	6	12	4	17	3
with Lemon Caper Tartar sauce add	195	1	17	12	0	371	6
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes add	416	7	21	51	5	39	11
Chicken Piccata	773	69	14	88	5	1144	19
Not Your Average Meatloaf	977	52	72	26	2	619	26
with Veggies, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Fried Onion Strings	429	10	21	55	6	1290	12
Artisan Vegetable Lasagna	760	28	55	35	6	1533	20
with toppings including Scampi Sauce, Mozz, Romano Cheese and Marinara Sauce	240	15	15	13	2	550	6
Mediterranean Chicken	306	53	7	3	0	196	7
with Jasmine Rice Pilaf	273	6	2	57	4	2	7
with Cucumber, Tomato, Feta and Arugula Salad add	156	3	14	5	1	329	4
with Pizza Crisps add	112	4	2	18	0	76	3
with Ziziki Sauce add	45	1	3	3	0	26	1
Mustard Crusted Chicken	919	91	54	17	6	640	24
with Green Beans add	32	1	1	6	2	170	1
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes add	416	7	21	51	5	39	11
Chicken Enchilada	518	44	13	60	8	275	13
with Poblano Crema	63	2	3	7	1	314	2
with Yellow Rice and Black Beans	420	9	16	61	8	108	11
with Cotija Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds	82	4	7	2	0	100	2
Rosemary Scallops	273	38	9	7	1	367	6
with Cous Cous Succotash add	463	12	33	31	4	530	13
with Chipolte Orange Glaze add	93	0	7	6	0	6	2
Grilled Salmon	461	47	28	0	0	141	11
with Balsamic Glaze	76	0	0	17	0	148	2
with Asparagus add	64	4	3	7	4	25	2
with Jasmine Rice Pilaf	273	6	2	57	4	2	7
with Pineapple Salsa add	28	0	1	3	1	6	1
Steak Tips - 12 ounce	631	82	30	1	0	455	15
with Green Beans add	37	2	1	7	3	204	1
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes add	416	7	21	51	5	39	11
Steak Tips - 16 ounce	915	124	42	2	0	683	22
with Green Beans add	37	2	1	7	3	204	1
with Garlic Mashed Potatoes add	416	7	21	51	5	39	11
Chipotle BBQ Turkey Kabob	694.5	65	20	9	4	248	12
with almond jasmine rice	287	8	14	35	6	25	8
with orange chipotle bbq glaze	115	0	7	12	0	181	3
Pecan Chicken	679	51	44	7	4	188	16
with sweet potato steak wedges	688	5	59	41	7	80	20
with bbq slaw and carolina mustard	213	1	11	29	1	451	6
Vietnamese Flounder	619	55	18	61	7	1594	16
Sandwiches	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
Backyard Burger	735	65	41	21	2	582	19
Southwestern Burger (without onion strings)	900	71	53	31	2	811	23
Crab Cake BLT	709	38	47	33	3	1964	19
Tuscan Grilled Chicken	892	57	56	12	6	893	20
Veggie Burger	582	19	18	86	8	951	15
Sweet Blue Burger	1252	92	74	49	3	2136	33
Turkey Burger	425	33	23	21	2	356	11
with Mediterranean Salad	311	6	28	10	2	655	9
with Ziziki Sauce add	23	1	1	1	0	13	0
Sourdough Grilled Cheese (no soup)	499	15	23	57	3	686	13
House-Roasted Classic Turkey BLT	938	65	58	35	1	1862	25
Side of Joe's Fries	750	4	60	47	4	86	21
Pizzas - 10 inch, 6 slices	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
BBQ Chicken	1064	69	29	126	1	1014	27
Margherita	1057	49	39	127	5	1567	28
Three Cheese Pistachio	1317	63	66	117	3	1235	35
Joe's Garden	897	42	27	121	3	805	24
Joe Schmo	856	40	26	112	1	799	22
Buffalo Chicken	1607	135	54	134	2	1711	41
California Bacon Blue	1399	68	63	135	2	2764	37
Santa Fe Chicken	1217	70	42	138	4	754	32
Desserts	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
Molten Lava Cake	474	6	26	60	3	280	14
Key Lime Pie	1210	22	55	164	3	536	34
Crème Brulee Cheesecake	462	4	28	50	1	131	13
Peanutbutter Thing	1616	18	99	180	7	688	46
Strawberry Shortcake	1019	13	55	122	3	297	28
Kids Meals	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
Kids Salmon	808	39	40	72	8	192	21
Kids Burger, no sides	588	38	37	21	1	321	15
Kids Grilled Cheese, no sides	444	7	35	25	1	473	12
Kids Grilled Chicken, no sides	249	39	9	0	0	112	6
Kids Chicken Fingers, no sides	262	11	31	14	0	285	10
Kids Mac & Cheese	966	28	62	73	4	718	26
Kids Sirloin Tips	680	46	44	25	3	360	18
Kids Pizza	841	35	18	130	1	487	22
Miscellaneous	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium (mg)	Points Plus
Bread, 1 piece with Cheese/Oil Dip	208	4	11	22	0	39	6
Tomato Basil Cup	327	3	32	9	2	262	9
Tomato Basil Bowl	490	5	48	13	3	392	14