One more thing

I just realized that I had a wonderful experience recently that I want to share.

Since I'm obsessed with French food, I surprised R with a date to this little French place in University Circle. It's called L'Albatros. Let me first say I had really high hopes going to this little restaurant; after all, this is Cleveland. Not only is it located in the most adorable area of town - seriously, who knew Cleveland was so quaint (?!) - the building itself is adorable. It looks like once upon a time it was a house that has been converted to this chic, ultra-modern yet warm dining space.

From the time we walked in, warmth radiated from all the employees. We were seated promptly (thank you OpenTable.com) at this little white table and chairs next to the window that overlooked the patio. It was the PERFECT date spot. Just so I don't repeat myself too much, the food was incredible. I.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.e. R was feeling a bit adventurous, so we ordered the scallop appetizer, then for our entree I ordered the root vegetable cassoulet and he had the boeuf bourguignon. I'm going to take a moment here to repeat myself. The sauce on their boeuf was the second best thing I've ever eaten. It was so complex in its flavor. It was exactly what I wanted it to be. For him, of course. :) I convinced him that if you're coming to a French restaurant, one simply MUST get the b.b.; it's quintessential French cuisine. After dinner we had a little apple tarte and some French press coffee. I don't think we've ever just sat and enjoyed dessert and coffee together like that.

This date turned out to be one of the best we've ever had. Whether it was our excitement about the food, the ambiance (which was electric), the service, my fantastic Cotes du Rhone - this felt like a first date. For that reason, I'm sure, L'Albatros will always hold a special place in my heart. If you're in Cleveland or visiting Cleveland - absolutely make some time to see one of the best parts of Cleveland and visit L'Albatros.

It's go time

Alright, it's time for me to get this in gear. And by "this" I mean not just this blog but my life.

In a time when I don't feel any strong direction coming from anywhere (which makes me a bit crazy) I need to take back the control. I made some hefty New Year's Resolutions and I intend on sticking to them. This is the year about living healthy. I'm just getting a bit of a late start blogging about it. Living healthy is not simply limited to my eating and exercise habits (which have always been lacking). It's a holistic approach: mental as well as physical.

I've spent the last two months in 'research' mode. I want to drastically reduce the amount of processed foods I'm taking in; I'm already a vegetarian, I'm trying to limit the starches (since I'm a carb-o-holic) and get more fruits and veggies in. I fully believe in the fundamentals and philosophy of eating well. I have all the tools, yet I feel like I don't know where to begin. Between searching out other 'healthy' blogs and reading health magazines, I am feeling more inspired than I have in a long time. It is my goal to keep up on this blog to help not only myself but maybe on the off-chance that someone out there stumbles upon it who is, like me, seeking inspiration.

I did want to give some kudos to one of the best/most inspiring blogs I've read and that's Eat,Live,Run. Jenna has ignited a fitness fire that has - perhaps - never been there.