Penguin

Topping my Must-Do List in our recent trip to North Carolina is to sample the 'freaking awesome' food at Penguin.
Penguin is a landmark and has been around for many years. It is a burger and hotdog joint but not just any burger and hotdog joint. It boasts of a menu and recipes that has remained unchanged for decades and patrons literally wait in line to enjoy it.
For starters we had Fried Pickles. Yes, you read it right, Fried Pickles. They are thinly sliced cucumber pickles that are tossed in tempura-like batter then deep fried. This comes with ranch dressing and is surprisingly delectable. I loved it so much that I almost hesitated to share it with H and the kids.

H ordered hotdogs with slaw and onions with a side of fries. Honestly, I couldn't distinguish whats great about it; a hotdog is a hotdog to someone who doesn't truly enjoy processed food. One thing is certain though- its doesn't taste at all like 'tender,juicy' nor 'mighty meaty', it's more like NY's Sabrett.

I ordered chopped barbecue with hush puppies. Now this is more complicated, so lets start with the barbecue:
The barbecue is not at all like Aling Nene's. It tastes more like lechon minus the liver sauce. It is very tender, with a subtle hint of smokiness. I like it with the vinegar-based sauce.
The Hush Puppies are very interesting and yummy. I was told that in the earlier years, cooks would fry some of these and throw them at the dogs to keep them quiet and tame, hence the name hush puppies. Its like the fried cornmeal batter in corndogs, without the hotdogs. Pretty damn good.

In Manila, we do not normally make pies out of pumpkins so I made it a point to try 'em and thus started my love affair with pumpkin pies. Penguin's dessert of the day was a cheesecake version and it too, was very good. Very creamy but not heavy. The perfect dessert to wrap up a great meal.

Over all, the meal was worth the wait. Understandably, it has been featured at the Food Network as one of the best dining places. By and large, one outstanding lunch.

MrsA


'Freaking awesome' is how our eldest Luke would describe the food and I can only agree.

'Demon Wife' is not available

It took several nerve-wracking weeks before I was able muster enough courage to post a blog. I was iffy about a whole lot of things- what do I call it? what should I write about?

What do I call it?
I decided on 'unconventional life' as it nicely describes my reality. Simplicity and conformity are two words that I seldom use and almost never apply. Everything should be embellished and adorned, uniqueness and individuality should be celebrated- that's what I always say (Never over-the-top yet always laced with a flavor that is my own).

Okay, 'nough said. The truth is, 'Demon Wife' is already taken :)

What should I write about?
The world as seen through my rose-colored lenses, astigmatic point-of-view and unconventional perspective.

Just who am I?
I am newly married to a gorgeous, sensitive and smart workaholic who is addicted to Xbox.
I am a mother of six kids: one adult, three teenagers, one pre-teen and one who shall forever be my baby.
I am a former warrior in the corporate jungle.
Always a survivor, never a victim.
A friend to a few and a foe to no one
I am a lover of life with a thirst for adventure.
I am a fortunate soul who is grateful for kindness of others.
I have a mean spirit who can be cynical and argue and dwell.
I am a foodie who thinks that diet Pepsi is the best drink ever created.
I have never outgrown 80's music and I still listen to the BeeGees.
Did I mention that I am insanely in love with my H? :)
Typical of a mother, I tend to smother the kids.
I am very good at worrying. I worry about everything and everyone. I even worry about worrying.
I am forever Dada's girl.
I am all these and so much more.

Welcome to my world.

Mrs A