All in wine

Yesterday was my dad's birthday, which always means a fun-filled and delicious evening is in store. I started off with a few sips of champagne, then a delicious red wine once we got to the restaurant. I am in LOVE with Sangiovese, which is both spicy and smooth with subtle fruit flavors, so the bartender gave me a rather yummy Spanish blend whose name I can't remember for the life of me. But according to its description on the menu, flavors included blackberries, raspberries, and currants. It was lovely.
We ate our tapas (which were incredible) enthusiastically and then returned home for CAKE. I'd tried a new recipe for plain yellow cake and used the Sprinkles recipe for dark chocolate frosting. Because I wasn't sure it would be successful, Suzanne made her fool-proof lemon curd cake. Can you say eggs? Butter? Sugar? My cake alone called for 3 eggs, 2 sticks of butter, and ONE POUND of butter for the frosting (disclaimer: I used barely half of the recipe to cover the cake). Hers had a total of 8 eggs. Although the slices were small, both cakes were incredibly rich and filling. But of course ignorance is bliss on an occasion such as my dad's birthday, and I licked my plate clean!

Needless to say, I was feeling less than stellar this morning. To try and detox, I went for an hour-long run/hike but I still felt clogged up. So I sipped some green tea and waited for my stomach to tell me it was ready to be fed. At which point, I made...

My first official Green Monster! It was so delicious, and a monster detox in every way. I can't believe I haven't been drinking these all my life. For any disbeliever out there, let me just say that you are WRONG. Green Monsters rule, end of story. Here's my recipe:

Mean Green Detox
1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 of an apple, cubed
1/2 banana
a few fresh strawberries
fresh mint leaves
1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp almond butter
hemp protein powder
wheat grass powder
nutmeg
maple syrup
3/4 cup coconut water

Combine everything and blend like you mean it.
This smoothie is hydrating, refreshing, detoxifying, nutritious, and delicious.

I apologize for the lack of picture, but I promise it was green!



Our spontaneous trip to Palo Alto's Joya on Sunday resulted in blank stares and a headache. I guess I've learned my lesson: midday wine = bad idea.

But it was so worth it! White peach sangria: to die for. Fruity, tangy, delicious, and with a bite from the wine. Just how sangria should be. It was the perfect compliment to my garbanzo burger and sweet potato fries. I'm a sucker for those damn sweet potatoes.

All in all, everything was delicious. A little bit pricey for my budget, but I definitely plan on going back for more.

Get yourselves to Joya!