Category: BLM girls

Sullivans Fall Tasting

One week ago, I found myself at a wonderful lunch with great company and amazing food.  Organized by Beth Engelman of @momonashoe, Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville had a fall tasting and I was happy to be on the guest list for this awesome preview of the delicious food that will be offered on their menu.  Thanks to Beth and Sullivan’s general manager Randy Deguzman for and afternoon of great food, great drinks and great company.

knockout martini

We were welcomed by Sullivan’s Knockout Martini’s.  What girl wouldn’t want a martini for lunch?  I love martini’s and any opportunity to try a new one is never passed up.  This citrusy and light martin would definitely be on the menu for me when I return to Sullivan’s. Even though it was lunch time this day, it was Happy Hour somewhere right?

We then learned from the chef how they create their famous Sweet Potato Casserole.  This is a seasonal dish that is often ordered by customers who take the dish home as an addition to their holiday meals.  While the recipe was not as complex as you may think, because it surely tasted like it was a complicated dish to create, I will allow you to visit them and experience for yourself what the chef served up straight from the oven.

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However before we had the opportunity to feast on the Sweet Potato Casserole we were treated to another seasonal drink.  The Apple Bourbon mule, Sullivan’s take on the traditional Moscow Mule. What is lunch without more than one cocktail right?  And again it had to be Happy Hour somewhere.

applemule

While we were enjoying the company a getting to know a little more about each other we were treated to a demonstration on the proper way to cook and open crab legs.  We were then shown the largest crab legs I have ever seen on my life.  We learned that proper scissors that will allow you to cut through the shell are the best way to open your crab legs.  This way involves less labor and more eating.  We were also able to learn a little about cooking, such as how long do you cook the crab legs and the difference between a yam and a sweet potato.  What was lunch without a little learning included?

crab legs

sweet potato casserole demo

I believe by this time we were all waiting with baited breath to partake in the items on the fall tasting menu.  Shortly after this demonstration we were treated to a scrumptious lunch which included steak (one of the best steaks I have had in some time), crab legs and sweet potato casserole.  The lunch was divine.  The portions were filling and the food was tasty and ensured that I would be back for more.

sullys steak

sullyscrab

sullysmeal

As if the food and drinks were not enough, Beth and Sullivan’s provided us this parting gifts to take home.  My bottle of wine will come in handy during this holiday season.  Beth’s thoughtfulness and creativity will ensure that there are some holiday craft projects going on in my house this holiday season.

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Thanks again to Beth, Randy and Sullivan’s staff for an awesome afternoon.  This was the perfect kickoff to my weekend and a great way to spend a Thursday afternoon.  Sullivan’s Steakhouse is highly recommended for those who live in the Naperville area as well as those like me who live in the city.  There is ample parking, you may have a short wait for a spot, and great ambiance.  Sullivan’s gift certificates or reservations for a date night, family night or girls brunch would a great way to spend some downtime this holiday season.  I am already looking forward to my next visit.

I’m Every Woman

every woman

 

Most of us are familiar with the female anthem “I’m Every Woman” originally made famous by Chaka Khan and then remixed and remastered by the late, great Whitney Houston.  When it comes on te radio we can often be found in our cars or in the shower singing along with them.  As I sat back and reflected on my life as a Single Professional Woman, one of the things that I am repeatedly reminded of is that I am in fact Every Woman.

What does this mean?  Does it mean that I am one of those emasculating females who feels that feels that men are expendable or that I don’t need a man because I am every woman.  Absolutely not.  It means that as a fact of life, I have been forced for whatever reason to be every woman.  As I live and move throughout my life I realize and recognize that in my life it is not lost on my that I have to depend on myself for everything.  The bottom line is if I don’t work, I don’t eat, I don’t pay bills, I don’t drive, I don’t pay for where I live.  Though I do have family, as an adult working woman it is my responsibility to take care of myself and to make sure that my needs are met.  This is the reality until I am married or until I can no longer care for myself.

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Recent census statistics show that single, professional, African American women are the fastest and largest growing demographic in this society.  What this means is that for whatever reason we are delaying marriage longer than ever before.  What this also means is that we have more responsibility in life than ever before.  Many of us manage careers.  Many manage careers and children.  Some of us manage careers, children and aging parents.  Some of us work.  Some of us work and go to school.  Some of us work more than two jobs, not because we want to but because we have to.  Some of us enjoy being single and the certain since of freedom singleness brings.  Some of us are dating or in relationships and may even live with significant others.  Others desire to be married or partnered.  Whatever our reality may be, the fact remains that we are still Every Woman.

As the song says there are things that we do naturally.  Our day may consist of the gym, work, shopping for groceries or household items, time with friends and/or family whether in person or on the phone, parental duties, cooking, cleaning, work we brought home because everything does not always get done in eight hours or whatever the case may be.  These are the things that make us Every woman.

Im every woman

I salute and applaud all of the women who find themselves in this category.  It is not always easy and it is not always without some struggle or compromise.  There are good days and great days and of course there are bad days.  There are girls’ nights out, trips with family and/or friends and time for manis and pedis.  There may be time to date, time to burn the midnight oil for that next promotion or career advancement.  There may be appointment with parents or arrangements made for care for parents, or the same arrangements for children.

After all of that exhausting work and responsibility, the next time you hear the song I’m Every Woman, smile to yourself and think about how you manage to make all of those things work and how you do it with little or no effort or complaint.  You just do it.  Think of those you love and those who love you and do a little dance because you deserve it.  Remember there is not anything wrong with being Every Woman, it is just your station at this point in life and that is fine.  Here’s to Every Woman…it’s  all in me…and you..