Another birthday has rolled around and although my husband did not inquire as to what I might like to do, I decided to create my own birthday celebration.
Food adventures are what I love to do whenever we go on vacation or visit a new city.
The culinary adventure I planned when we were in Las Vegas was one for the history books and another blog post.
This extravaganza would be exciting for me and tolerable for my husband (he is not an adventurous foodie).
First Stop: Downtown Greenville Farmer’s Market
Having only been one time, last summer…I wanted to see what the market had to offer for 2017.
Although we have not lived here very long, I already have a few favorites.
Upstate Greens is owned and operated by Jason and Kim. Jason is a retired Marine who has put his passion for urban farming to excellent use. Specializing in micro-greens, Upstate Greens is always popular and sells out of product. Unfortunately, I arrived around 10 a.m. and was unable to buy any of my favorites: micro-broccoli, micro-arugula or micro-basil.
He was SOLD OUT!
Although, slightly disappointed, I had better luck at Naked Pasta.. Using local ingredients to make their own homemade pasta and sauces, Naked Pasta had a line 10 people deep when I arrived.
I rushed to get some spinach-fettuccine; Tuscan bean & basil ravioli; and potato-cheddar agnolotti.
Agnolotti is a semi-circular pocket; stuffed with cheese, meats or vegetables. Similar to a dumpling.
Brunch at Stewart Penick’s Terrace Restaurant
Quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in Greenville, Terrace offers breakfast/brunch entrees until late afternoon everyday.
Today, I opted for the Chef’s Hash Special; a breaded, country fried chicken steak, with gravy, peppers, onions, potatoes and cheese. Served with toast and a raspberry jam, it was filling and comforting.
Knowing our itinerary, I only had one lunch cocktail, a Whiskey Girl Peach refreshing sipper. It is one of those drinks that would easily creep up on ya.
Despite my high recommendation to my husband, of the red velvet chicken and waffles, he tried the barbecue sandwich plate.
I cannot rave about this restaurant enough. So many traditional southern dishes; each with their own twist to bump it up a notch.
Time for Moonshine Tasting at Dark Corner Distillery
Dark Corner Distillery has a store front in downtown Greenville, offering their Appalachian moonshine, whiskey and their own mixer concoctions.
Patrons can pay just $5 to sample six spirits and keep the Dark Corner Distillery shot glass.
Of course, I enjoy the more sweeter flavors such as peach, apple/maple and butterscotch. After trying those three spirits, I had to buy a bottle of each.
We also purchased a “crafty cocktail” mixer, Summer Melon. Made with watermelon juice, mint, lemon juice and of course, Whiskey Girl Moonshine.
Doug & I enjoyed the good conversation with our bartender, Dallas.
Dinner at Rick Erwin’s Clemson
Although, I have ate at this elegant restaurant before (see my previous review by clicking here); I was craving a prime filet Mignon and was hoping Rick Erwin’s would not let me down.
Scheduling a reservation for 7 o’clock would round out my foodie birthday extravaganza, I wanted to thoroughly enjoy it.
Waiting for what seemed like eternity, I finally received my Knob Creek and cola. For me, this was unusual to try a new bourbon, but I enjoyed its smooth texture.
Our appetizer was Oysters Rockefeller, with bacon, spinach and cheese. Served hot, these delectable bites, started the meal off right.
I ordered the center-cut filet, which was cooked absolutely to perfection. I ordered an accompaniment of cheesy whipped mashed potatoes.
The sauteed mushrooms were so light and meaty; a great way to cut the cheesiness on the potatoes.
Because sides are à la carte, servings are more than enough for 2-3 people.
The birthday dinner was so filling, I took half of it home and enjoyed it a second night.
Although no gifts were given, no cake was baked…this was the PERFECT BIRTHDAY FOR THIS FOODIE.
I think I am going to take a foodie journey every birthday from now on.
4 (3 oz.) Mini Baguettes with Garlic Butter
PERFECT for any bowl of CHILI
One Comment
Gixxer
Foodie journeys are the best. They just make me fat is all