Ah yes, the annual Year in Review blog post. Six years ago I started this blog and every year since I find it necessary to review what has left a lasting impression. This year is no different.
A lot has been different, though. Today marks another day in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, but today, things are looking up; in New Jersey where I'm home for the summer, the mask mandate has recently been lifted, and just about everyone is eligible for the vaccine. Restaurants are opened back up with little restrictions, too. As these past 365 days looked different from years past, it's the little things that happened that defined the last 12 months. I enjoyed cooking inside with friends, supporting small restaurants with my takeout business, and I learned a thing or two about overcooking and oversalting whereas a little can go a long way.
In this post, we'll be digesting some of what happened in the past year: great sorority house eats, enjoying small moments around my college town, and appreciating the opportunity to travel when possible. Let's dive in.
Breakfast in my sorority house was never well-attended, but for a few select early risers, myself included, we took advantage of made-to-order eggs and a variety of other healthy options. Omelets were a fan favorite, and I would also get a side of whatever was offered that day; below, my omelet is pictured with sweet potato hash and fresh fruit. Or, if I were feeling adventurous, I'd get eggs over easy to put on top of avocado toast. Options were endless if you had an imagination. On special days, açai bowls were available and made to order. I'd go overboard with the toppings, but it helped kick off the day.
Beyond breakfast in the sorority house, lunchtime and dinners were often more active and chaotic. Our team of chefs valued our opinions and discovered our love for healthy food and roasted vegetables. Two highlights were the stuffed tomatoes and roasted veggie bowls. Of course, everything tasted great but because of the ungodly amount of butter, olive oil, sauces, and salt, we knew it could never be that healthy. But you can't have it all. Having food ready to eat made my sorority house feel like a home, surrounded by friends each and every day.
Bloomington, Indiana is quite the bustling college town. Saturday night on Kirkwood Ave will find you rowdy college kids, while a few hours later on a Sunday morning will bring those same kids out for brunch. I discovered Bedräk Cafe this Spring semester and fell in love with their take on breakfast. Omelets and juices, smoothies, bowls and specialty coffee fill the menu, with options for all picky eaters and those with dietary restrictions alike. The one time I've been there so far, I took part in their juice flight experience, with carrot, mango, beet and orange juice. My friend and I splitting this flight both left brunch on some sugar high, and whether it was from the juices or not, we were bouncing off the walls. In terms of food, I got the Banana Berry Smoothie Bowl that was surprisingly quite large and very filling. Bedräk Cafe was great and I wish I had returned before leaving at the end of the semester.
But of course, not everything at school is healthy. A new exciting eatery is Two Sticks Bakery that has the most flavorful coffee and delectable treats to try. My gluten-free dairy-free friends can find something here, as well as those that don't drink coffee either. The baristas and bakers at Two Sticks are delightful, giving off that Hoosier hospitality charm and creating an all-around great experience. I recently tried their honey caramel pecan bar and was in awe by the strong flavors paired with the perfect crunch and mix of sweet and salty moments. This bar was quite large too; I encourage you to share this with a friend - the rich flavor can really do something to you.
And of course, what would be a post about Bloomington favorites without mentioning the classic Baked! of Bloomington. Their "orphan" cookies are leftovers from specialty batches made for custom orders, so a box of orphan cookies brings a random assortment but is also great for one seeking a surprise. This order specifically turned me on to mint chips (in the double chocolate cookies) as well as pink frosting. You never know what you're going to get!
Yeah, Bloomington is great. What's also great is the chance to travel when possible in this day and age. My friends and I headed to Key West earlier this year, taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. Home to where I fell in love with biking around a small island and ending the day with a slice of key lime pie, Key West brought forth adventure, relaxation, and sushi. We indulged in a boat from Thai Island Restaurant. And with our college budgets, we did less indulging when it came to breakfast by preparing a spread in our hotel or picking up a small açai bowl from The Raw Machine.
It really is the small things in life that make each day special. As I am back situated in my summer home down the shore in New Jersey, I think how yesterday's thunderstorms made for a great movie day, and today's sunshine brought forth a much-needed day on the sand. What tomorrow will bring may be a mystery, but what I've learned this past year about seizing the moment drives me forward each day. I invite you to look into every adventure, big and small, and make the most of every little thing.
I'm sitting on my porch right now, 5 o'clock on Memorial Day... drink in hand and charcuterie board within reach. But, this board is quite special in which we're celebrating 6 years of Simone Says Food. We're now closer to a decade than we are to the beginning. I'm sure the next year will bring a variety of adventures. This summer, I'm spending my time interning with a company that lets me combine my eye for business with my passion for helping people through what we consume. Senior year of college is also around the corner, which will bring unknown challenges, too. Responsibilities that come with adulting are also within reach (scary), so I'll be preparing for that.
As much as there is the unknown, there is also the known. My family will support me through whatever comes my way, my friends will join me in conquering the big scary "real world", and as the world opens back up, we'll continue to support each other, seeking happiness, peace, and prosperity for all.
To another year of great memories of great eats with great people. Cheers.
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