Post Grad Life

Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Pasta, Family Style

I've been home for a week and by the 6th day, my parents already had me cooking for them. Post grad life isn't too bad. Obviously, when cooking for family, its my favorite because its free for me!! (still living in that broke college kid mentality). By request from my mom, I decided to make my Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Pasta. Its a very simple meal to make when you need to cook for a family thats not too time worthy. If you love garlic (like any normal person should) you will LOVE this!

Ingredients:

• 3 Large Chicken Breasts, cut into small bite size pieces
• Flour
• 1 bag of Spinach
• 1 lb of fresh spaghetti
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese
• 5 tbsp. of butter 
• 12 cloves of garlic, minced

Directions:

First, flour the chicken bites and put them in a large skillet with the butter (melted) and garlic, like shown below: (salt and pepper to taste)

Meanwhile, in a pot, start boiling water and cook the spaghetti

When the chicken is done being cooked, slowly toss the parmesan cheese in while mixing around the chicken and then top it with the spinach

After that is done being cooked, throw it all in a bowl!

and.... ENJOY your family dinner!

Having family dinners is very important to me and my family so any chance we get to sit down and enjoy a meal is very important to us. Huge shout out to my sister, Julia, for sitting with me and helping me with everything (she begged for a shoutout)....

Until next time, I will be looking for more family oriented recipes that you can share with everyone! And as always, please send in any suggestions or requests!

HAPPY SUMMER and enjoy post grad life.

XOXO, 

Caroline

Sweet Home Tuscaloosa

Farewell To My Home

These past four years have come and gone and I am in shock I lasted this long down south. Moving 15 hours away was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, but now that I am home, I wouldn't change it for the world. SO HAHA to everyone who thought I would transfer home....... Since I have been home for the last few days, I realized how much I loved Tuscaloosa. I have gained many friendships that I know will last a lifetime and I am thankful for everyone who has stood by my side through out these years. I figured the best way to say goodbye to my home for the last 4 years is to post a blog of my favorite spots around town! 

Best BBQ

I am not one for BBQ, but I know how iconic it is in the south so of course I had to add this to my list. I am no expert, but hands down my favorite had to be: FULL MOON.

Best Burger

When it comes to burgers, I am an expert so i will keep this simple. Hands down favorite burger is the "McDonald Burger (Add Egg)" at: Mugshots

Best Wings

I know there are a lot of wing places around town so who would of thought that I would have given the best wing prize to a seafood place. Steamers wings are so juicy and not too spicy, just don't forget to dunk them in ranch! 

Best "Quick-Casual" Restaurant 

BurgerFi is new to Tuscaloosa and I am sad I won't be able to enjoy this place more when I need a quick casual place to go. However, my body is definitely thanking me. The fresh ingredients and unique twists on fries and shakes make this place very enjoyable!

Best Pizza

If you are somewhat even friends with me, you will know how much I have become obsessed with Pieology! I try to describe it as the Subway of Pizza but that does not do it ANY JUSTICE. The array of fresh ingredients make my mouth water every time I walk in the front door. PSA: on weekends, this place is open Late Night ;) 

Best Bloody Mary

I know I already gave Mugshots a win for Best Burger, but I could not let them pass when it came to Best Bloody. Not only did this drink serve its purpose as aiding me through a hangover, it was filled with muddled jalepenos, olives, bacon, and much more. The old bay rim made it even better! 

Best Sushi

I know I may get a lot of heat for this one but there is absolutely no place in Tuscaloosa that does their sushi as fresh as The Fresh Market. No other place in town does their Crunch like this and when they don't have what you want out, just ask the man making the sushi and he will whip it right up for you. (California Roll with Crunch)

Best Happy Hour

There is no denying that Buffalo Phil's on the strip has great prices and understand that college kids aren't made of money. When it gets closer to the weekend i like to unwind there because who doesn't love $5 30oz well drinks on Thursdays or $5 30oz margaritas on Friday. Those are just some of my favorites but this place has beer specials every day that you can't say no to!

Best International Food

Most people have a very specific taste when it comes to international food. I personally love Italian food but lets be honest, theres no good Italian down south (sorry). However, I grew to love Mediterranean food. Taziki's offers many different gyros and plates that anyone could enjoy! My personal favorite is the Basil Pesto Chicken Gyro (still don't know how to pronounce it) 

 

Best Late Night Food

If you have never seen the run down shack on the strip across from Rounders with a huge line during late night hours, did you even go to Alabama? Quick Grill Messy Fries are a staple item when visiting Tuscaloosa. Its the best idea to get at 2 am, but you may regret it in the morning shoving all that food in your face. (Picture Credit: @meganwolf) 

Best Breakfast

Just as in the previous picture, if you never been to the little restaurant right next to the stadium, did you really go to Alabama? Rama Jama's is probably the most iconic establishment in Tuscaloosa and if you disagree then go away. There is no other place that has such history and memorabilia all on its walls. But good luck trying to go there on a busy weekend, it will be flooded with people! This is definitely a must try in Tuscaloosa!

Best Mexican

I'm new to the Mexican food world ever since I have been trying to expand my taste buds and La Hacienda El Mexicana Restaurant did not disappoint. I couldn't even tell you what I ordered except it was number 35. Not only was their food excellent, but their happy hour specials would please anyone. Its definitely better than your run of the mill average Mexican place. 

Best "Nice Dinner" Restaurant 

This picture didn't go as planned considering the restaurant had 86'd (ran out for the night so took off their menu)  what I really wanted to order. Five is the best place to go if you're looking for a little bit nicer of a place than your average college restaurant. In my opinion, the paneed chicken is without a doubt, the most delicious thing on their menu. However, when it was 86'd for the night I had to think on my toes and went with the Lobster Ravioli. Having this just proved that the food there does not disappoint at all no matter what you order. 

Best Hangover Food Spot

I know I already gave Best Happy Hour to Buffalo Phil's, but there is no argument that this place does not satisfy everyones hangover needs. If you are a normal human being, you are mostly looking for greasy food and some good options... Luckily, at B Phil's you can find what you want there. Pictures here is a Bacon Cheeseburger drizzled with mild garlic wing sauce with a side of tots drizzled in quest. YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH DA SAUCE!!!!! 

Best Bar

Most of you reading this probably knows who this fan favorite bartender is, Mike P. I had to give Best Bar to Bear Trap because of all the great people that work there and the great atmosphere on the roof top! 

Overall Favorite Restaurant

If any of you know me, you should know how much I absolutely love Avenue Pub. Its not even being dramatic when I say I am obsessed with this place. From the atmosphere to the drinks, and to the delicious food... Anything you get here will blow your socks off. My absolute favorite is the Chicken Club Sandwich which comes with bacon, cheese, homemade honey mustard, lettuce, red onion, and mayo. If you are smart like me, you get it without the mayo... Another fan favorite is the buffalo chicken sliders and burger! If I could open up my own Ave Pub at home, I would do it in a heartbeat because these guys are doing it right!

I have loved every moment of living in Tuscaloosa and I truly am going to miss it and can't wait to be back with all my friends in due time. Thank you to everyone who was a great friend over the past four years, I wouldn't of made it out alive without you. If anyone agrees with any of my selections, I am sorry you disagree but I'm the one with the food blog and you're not!!!!!!! 

But NO WORRIES! Just because I am done with college does not mean I am done with this blog! I know I may not have a crazy amount of time to do it as often but I will be sure to share new recipes at home and great places in the Philadelphia area. Like always, please send any recipes ideas you would like me to try! I can't wait for what is to come :)

XOXO,

Caroline