Georgia’s 5 Favs: Baseball and Grilling and All Things Spring

This being the second full week of Spring here in South Jersey, (despite the cold temperatures....) my 5 Favs this week has a lot to do with Spring!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for warm sunshine, beautiful flowers and cold adult beverages while sitting outside on my deck.

1.  Baseball -

It's my best indication that Spring is here.  It's baseball season!  I love going to the ballpark on a Sunday afternoon, tailgating, drinking some beers, eating some hotdogs and enjoying the sounds of the crowd cheering for the Philadelphia Phillies.  Makes my day.

2.  Trader Joe's Pomegranate White Tea -

I know, I know, I'm sorry for another Trader Joe's product!  Maybe they will catch wind of the fact that we don't have a local store and decide to open here....  That's my dream....  Anyway, this tea is made with organic white tea leaves, hibiscus flowers and lemongrass.  It's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  I've only had it hot, but I can imagine that it would be delightful served cold.

3.  Eataly -

My husband and I recently spent a day in New York City and stumbled upon Eataly.  Eataly is the brainchild of Oscar Farinetti of Italy and Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich here in the U.S.  There are several locations of Eataly in Italy, but the only location in the U.S. is in NYC.  It's a huge building that has products, restaurants and drinks.  You can eat at one of their several restaurants, buy the perfect pasta or sit down for a coffee and read the newspaper on hand.  In Italian.  I grabbed a copy for my father in law!  My husband and I ate at the "appetizer" restaurant in the middle of Eataly called La Piazza.  We shared a bottle of wine, some cheese, bread and Italian meats.  That's my perfect meal.  Next time you're wandering around 5th Avenue in New York, stop by and enjoy being an Italophile for an afternoon.

4.  Grilled Artichokes -

Keeping in line with all things Spring, have you used your grill yet?  Last night we cranked up the flames outside, even though it's still a little chilly at night.  We grilled artichokes and they were fantastic.  We steamed them for a few minutes, then threw them on the grill.  Try it one day, you won't be disappointed!  The Pinterest picture above is a Paula Deen recipe for Grilled Artichokes with Bacon and Rosemary Dip.... Mmmm.

5.  South Jersey Wine Tour -

We did this same tour last year.  My husband's friend puts the whole thing together for us and 25 of our closest friends.  All we do is show up ready to drink some wine!  We rent a yellow school bus (and a driver, of course!) for the day and travel across South Jersey trying different wineries.  This year we went to Heritage, Coda Rossa, Cedarvale, Bellview and Wagonhouse.  We got to sample the best wines these great wineries have to offer on what turned out to be a beautiful day (last Saturday).  We packed some cheese, crackers and homemade sausage to nibble on in the bus between winery stops.  It helps by eating and drinking lots of water in between tastings.  I can't wait for next year's tour!

And that's another edition of Georgia's 5 Favs!  I hope you enjoyed it!