Coast to Coast
Hi All! God its been too long since I’ve updated the bloggy, things have been crazy busy, both with work and with life. And I have a MAJOR update to share – after 3 years in the city, Mr. Chubby Hubby and I are packing our bags and moving out West. To Los Angeles! In one month!
I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it, but LA has always had a special place in my heart – two of my best friends live there and its were Jeff and I met. I’ve always wanted to live on the West coast but to be honest, I’ve been too scared, until now that is. It was my last trip out there that cemented the deal, I turned 27 and knew it was now or never. Immediately following that trip I checked out my company’s website and saw that they had a position open, and after some interviews and procedures, they agreed to a relocation. My official start date in the LA office is December 6 and our tickets are purchased for December 2. Things are moving incredibly fast.
While I’m a little anxious about the move, I’m not too stressed – this isn’t my first major relocation. Back in 2006 I actually moved from Philadelphia to Pensacola, Florida. Even though Pensacola wasn’t the right town for me, it was an amazing experience. The culture there is so different from what I know and thanks to family I was able to really integrate myself. Including the local restaurants and food. That has to be one of my favorite parts about traveling. The food. One of my favorite dishes from when I lived down South was Shrimp and Grits. Feeling reminiscent last night I decided to recreate it for the chubster. It was almost as good as I remembered.
Shrimp and Grits
Adapted from Bobby Flay
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 tablespoon butter (I used Earth Balance natural buttery spread)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fat-free Monterey jack cheese
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 cup thinly sliced scallions
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
Directions
Bring water to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Add grits and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese.
Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; drain well. In grease, add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley, scallions and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes.
Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Top with shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.
Tags: Los Angeles, move, shrimp and grits
Posted on November 3rd, 2010 at 11:35 am
CONGRATS! So happy for you.
but, so not happy for me. How will I ever meet you ?! When I come to NYC next, how bout you just fly there for a trip?
PS–youll be moving at the perfect time! hello warmer weather!
Posted on November 3rd, 2010 at 11:35 am
i’m SO excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) can’t wait to hear all about your west coast adventures! and look at you head out just in time for the cold weather to come a-knockin
congrats on the relocation and all!
Posted on November 3rd, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Congratulations! That’s so exciting!! I hope the transition is smooth and easy for you :)
Posted on November 3rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Wow – congrats on the big move! Big moves require a lot of courage, so kudos to you. I’ve actually been wanting to do a big move for awhile, but worry about getting homesick!
Posted on November 3rd, 2010 at 7:38 pm
AH you got it!!! So sorry we haven’t gotten to talk much these last few weeks, things have been crazy for both of us! I am so happy for you but can’t believe this is happening so fast, and so soon after we became friends and after you just moved! Crazy how life works out. But I know you will be so much happier and I am envious and thrilled for you. Can’t wait to hear all about it and hopefully I can visit at some pont — I have a couple of friends out there, including a male friend. Congrats!!!!
Posted on November 4th, 2010 at 7:33 am
I know! We need to catch up before I move, we are planning a party of some kind – I’ll definitely let you know as soon as I have the details. I think a brunch is in order too! If you ever want to visit you know you’re welcome at our place – we are looking at houses and apartments in Santa Monica, just blocks from Exhale :)
Posted on November 4th, 2010 at 7:35 am
Thank you! I know I have the same worries – my whole family is in Philly so that part will be hard, but I keep telling myself its temporary and an adventure which makes it 100% easier to move.
Posted on November 4th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Thanks so much Melissa!
Posted on November 4th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Thanks Julie! We definitely need to plan a get together before I head out!
Posted on November 4th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Haha I think a trip to NYC to meet you is definitely in order! Jeff will be going back and forth quite a bit so no reason I can’t join him too :) Just let me know when you’re going to come up and maybe we can work it out. If not you could always come to LA. :)
Posted on November 6th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Yum! Grits a YaYa!!
Posted on November 20th, 2010 at 9:13 am
first of all bobby flay is my fave dbag chef. I love him…I can’t get enough. SEcondly I say kudos to your courage!!! My fiance is currently interviewing for residencies in boston, san diego, and nyc. I dunno which coast to pick!! Cali is extremely intimidating and I don’t even know why!! you should make a post of east vs. west coast for people like me!
Posted on January 31st, 2012 at 9:08 am
Athenos Greek Yogurt…
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Posted on February 3rd, 2012 at 11:22 am
wireless weather stations…
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Posted on May 15th, 2012 at 2:36 pm
ladiethowdoigetabs…
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