Food Challenge: Week 2

Week 2 of our food challenge was a success (with a few exceptions)! We had a trip up north planned for a while already, so we didn't really have the option of cooking at home this past weekend. We did treat ourselves a couple times, but how can you resist the SF dining scene?! Plus, we started our challenge early to anticipate for our trip. Anywho, here last weeks results and a run-down of the weekend.

SundayTortilla al Horno. Another recipe from our Spanish cookbook. Bell peppers, potatoes, chives, and green onion in an egg batter. It's almost like having breakfast for dinner!

Monday
Leftovers. The husband has late night class and I hit up the gym. Dinner consisted of protein shakes and left over Tortilla al Horno. Exciting.

Tuesday
Chicken lettuce wraps. Don't you just love appetizers for dinner?

Wednesday
Halibut with Zucchini Al Mojo de Ajo: a recipe from our Rick Bayless cookbook. We had some sweet potatoes that we had to get rid of, so we made a quick side of mashed sweet potatoes.

Thursday
Thai Curry. A new recipe we tried out with our slow cooker. A combination of chicken, eggplant, bell peppers, sweet potato, and onion.

Friday
Weekend time! We drove up north for a quick weekend trip. Friday afternoon was spent hanging out with the husband's little brother in Berkeley.

We arrived with a bit of an appetite. Lunch consisted of an Indian feast. Indian food is one of our favorites!

After lunch we walked down College Ave. The little brother introduced us to a local ice cream shop, Ici. They make delicious handmade ice cream and treats using only organic and local ingredients. It's one of those favorite local spots with a perpetual line outside.

The boys enjoyed a mix of mint, chocolate chip, and brandied currant ice creams. I had the passion fruit sorbet. All were served on cones made and rolled every day by the shop. So good!

Later in the evening the husband and I took advantage of being in the San Francisco area for dinner at Aziza, a Moroccan inspired restaurant.

We started our meal with cocktails. The husband had a beer, I had a lavender & honey gin cocktail. It was exquisite!

We munched on scallops and a basteeya as appetizers.

The main course: lamb loin with couscous.

For desert: lemon curd, lavender ice cream, and berries.

Aziza was delicious! It had been on our to-go list for a while, so I'm glad we finally made it happen.

Saturday
The main reason for our trip up north was to attend an engagement party for our good friends. Their families hosted a brunch at California Cafe in Palo Alto. With the USC vs Stanford game going on that day, they didn't miss an opportunity to represent USC colors.

The beautiful couple. I can't wait for their wedding next year in Colorado!

After brunch, we changed into our SC gear and made our way to the Stanford campus for some tailgating.

We spotted a famiy down the lot lining up the kids to beat up the Stanford mascot pinata. Hilarious!

The weather was gorgeous. It was really a perfect day for a tailgate. If only it hadn't been ruined by the outcome of the game! We didn't let the defeat ruin our weekend, though.

It had been a while since our last visit to the bay area. I'm happy we were able to make the trip. And from now on, no more restaurants for the rest of the month. For real this time!