Hello!
Thanks for all the feedback on my last post! I hope you all know how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Without y’all, this blog definitely couldn’t be possible.
So, last night Almanzo and I dressed up and went out on the town. I wore these strappy little red sandals that I bought while studying in Paris three years and just found again yesterday (love it when that happens)
And Almanzo rocked the stripe on stripe look.
I love it when he does that.
We went to Zazu!
Zazu has always been a favorite of ours. It’s our “go to” spot because when we are there, we are always guaranteed a great meal. Last time we went was for my birthday!
Last night because super special though because we actually ran into three blog readers there! It was Rachel’s 27th birthday and her family drove up from Berkeley for dinner. Happy birthday, Rachel!!
Sorry if I started to sweat profusely and stutter; I become incredibly awkward in social situations apparently. I know you wouldn’t know just by reading this blog, but in “real life” I’m actually very shy. Being a writer has granted me my all time wish of making a living by hiding behind my books and a laptop. I need help. Really. Almanzo thinks it’s funny!
Anyways, we had a fabulous dinner. Per usual, we started with some smelly cheese and honey:
Drank some delicious vino:
And I inhaled the most wonderful mozzarella ravioli with fresh tomato sauce. The tomatoes were fresh from the Zazu garden and the mozzarella was made right around the corner, in Point Reyes! The dish was topped with a simple green salad….it was fantastic!
Almanzo had a duck leg. Typical.
And we shared s’mores pie for dessert. This was unbelievable!!! Homemade marshmallow layers with thick dark chocolate and toasty graham cracker crumbs. Must re-create. Stat.
After that, I pretty much floated into my bed, visions of s’mores pie lingering in my head.
***
How many Austin readers would be interested in a meet-up? Email me if you’re interested…there might be something fun in the works!
Carrie (Love Healthy Living)
August 12, 2010 at 9:47 amI’m so shy, too! I hate it but what are you going to do? I’ve always been that way. Love the red sandals, btw. 🙂
Jackie
August 12, 2010 at 9:59 amHoney on stinky cheese? Thank GOD tonight is girls night because I want to try that ASAP!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
August 12, 2010 at 10:04 amthose sandals are the best…WAY too cute! y’alls food looks insane!
crunchy granola gal
August 12, 2010 at 10:05 ami want a scenic view like that when i dine at classy restaurants! oh, california…
Bethany @ More Fruit Please
August 12, 2010 at 10:08 amI’d like some of that smelly cheese and honey… looks wonderful! And cute shoes!!
Lizzie
August 12, 2010 at 10:08 amI love nights out like these – good company, delicious (wholesome! real!) food, a couple of nice drinks, and plenty of interesting conversation. Hurrah! 🙂
Jen @ Jen is Green
August 12, 2010 at 10:09 amS’mores pie sounds AMAZING!!! That whole restaurant looks divine, actually. 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet
August 12, 2010 at 10:10 amI love those shoes! I also get very shy and awkward. People probably think I’m rude, but I’m really just shy!
Ann
August 12, 2010 at 4:18 pmMe too! Shyness apparently translates into being aloof 🙁 But, I believe that once you get to know a shy person, he or she actually has a lot of great things to say!
Camille
August 12, 2010 at 10:12 amI’m shy too! I really don’t like big social situations and I generally get embarrassed and look for an excuse to leave. So here’s to being socially awkward! 🙂
Tina
August 12, 2010 at 10:13 amThat looks like a fabulous dinner. Love when you get a special evening like that.
I’m not too shy. People probably think I talk too much. LOL
Amanda
August 12, 2010 at 10:16 amI <3 those sandals : )
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
August 12, 2010 at 10:22 amSUCH cute sandals!! I wish I lived in Austin because I’d definitely be interested in a meetup, but sadly that is not the case. Have fun when it happens though! 🙂
Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman
August 12, 2010 at 10:22 amKnow the feeling of shyness. I had an appointment to be interviewed by a newspaper reporter a couple of weeks ago and I can’t tell you how nervous I was leading up to it! {and during}
Chelsey
August 12, 2010 at 10:24 amThose are the cutest sandals! It is true that Europe is ahead of us in the style department because I just started seeing sandals like that here LAST YEAR!
I pretend like I’m not shy, but I really am. It’s hard to make myself be outgoing, but I fight through it!
Laurel
August 12, 2010 at 10:32 amRockin’ the side braid…nice touch. Can you figure out a way to make the smores pie and recreate it for all of us to try? It looks delightful…and coming off camping season is leaving me wanting s’mores!
Ashley
August 12, 2010 at 10:32 amI can be super shy at times!! The thing that makes it even worse is my face turns RED. And I mean RED. It is so embarrassing.
Chandra H
August 12, 2010 at 12:04 pmme too!!!!!!!!!!
Kelly
August 12, 2010 at 10:35 amI am the same way 🙂 I am totally socially awkward, but online, I pretend I am outgoing! Or maybe, I just am outgoing online… hmmm 🙂
Penny (VEGGIEtarian)
August 12, 2010 at 10:35 amYou know, I just really love your blog. 🙂
I am completely awful at social situations. I’m not particularily shy, but crowds (more than 4 people :-)) make me crazy. I start lookig for a exit really quickly. 🙂
Lolly
August 12, 2010 at 10:35 amis that Essie Wicked on your toes?
Alyson @ Nourished Fitness
August 12, 2010 at 10:36 amLooks delicious! You reminded me that I have a s’more brownie recipe floating around here somewhere that I must make against. Not much screams ‘summer’ like s’mores.. ok maybe also watermellow, mint chip ice cream and grilled corn 🙂
Kacy
August 12, 2010 at 10:36 amI didn’t used to be, but I’ve recently become incredibly socially awkward. I don’t know what it’s about. I was a big bundle of nerves at Fitbloggin meeting all those people I didn’t know.
That dinner looks so magnificent. I love places like that.
maggie
August 12, 2010 at 10:37 amWhat a lovely dinner. I am so envious. You look beautiful in that picture. Cute shoes, have you always had a tattoo on your foot?? I want one there, but happen to be a wuss.
Lisa @ Lisa's Foods on the Move
August 12, 2010 at 10:39 amIt must be great to live in your area, because I imagine there are lots of restaurants and people who believe in eating locally. There are a few places near us that serve local foods, and I’m always excited to try them out.
I actually just wrote a post today about locavores – funny coincidence.
Michelle (Life, With Relish)
August 12, 2010 at 10:40 amFrom the lights to the pie, looks like a beautiful night!
Cole
August 12, 2010 at 10:42 amOh wow, I love those shoes, girl! And Almanzo’s stripe duo. And of course all of the cheese. Mmm, cheese.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
August 12, 2010 at 10:44 amHi! I live in Austin and am emailing you now 🙂 Come visit this FABULOUS land!
Chicago Cuisine Critique
August 12, 2010 at 10:47 amThat meal looks awesome!!!
Angela Henrie
August 12, 2010 at 10:47 amI SO love the red sandals!
Courtney (Delightful Devours)
August 12, 2010 at 10:49 amS’MORE PIE!!! Sooo jealous!
Jaya
August 12, 2010 at 10:56 amThat looks like a fabulous dinner. Zazu is definitely a popular reference in all literature related to locally-inspired cuisine. I remember watching a documentary where the husband-wife owners went to a chicken farm – interesting stuff! Zazu is on definitely really high on my global restaurant hit list (which includes such zealous aspirations as El Bulli) but in the meantime, I’m more than happy to live vicariously through you!
Katherine
August 12, 2010 at 11:00 amSocial awkward is my life. I ran into someone from school yesterday and actually gave them a thumbs up. I don’t know what I am doing sometimes…
erin m.
August 12, 2010 at 11:00 amShy women do not wear red shoes :)! Totally resonate with your food & fitness philosophy. Contemplating the nutrition course via AFPA. Wanted to say “hello” instead of lurking!
Cati @ crave and create
August 12, 2010 at 11:06 amLOVE the red sandals!
Jaime
August 12, 2010 at 11:10 amThat dinner looks amazing! Have major food envy right now 🙂
R @ Learning As I Chop
August 12, 2010 at 11:11 amThat meal looks amazing! What does Alamanzo do?
saramariesue
August 12, 2010 at 11:15 amAustin is a cool idea! I live in South Texas and venture to Austin on occasion with my boyfriend since he works an hour away from there. It’s my go to city when I need to get out of town 🙂 And you MUST go to the Wholefoods market there. It is the original one that started the whole franchinse. I spent about three hours in there the last time I went. The whole store is eye candy that I couldn’t part with.
Annie@stronghealthyfit
August 12, 2010 at 11:16 amSmore’s pie?! Wow. And those raviolis look unbelievable.
Maura
August 12, 2010 at 11:17 amSuper cute shoes! I’m glad you look so happy in that picture. I’m so happy for you :-D. I have tendencies to be awkward in social situations too..oh well, heres hoping grace comes with age!
Sana
August 12, 2010 at 11:26 amI can be shy at times- to depends on my mood and how much I have eaten!
Ruth
August 12, 2010 at 11:34 amI live in Austin! But, I’m just a reader… no blog. And I lurk… never comment. I’m selling myself, I know. Don’t you want to meet me?! Hopefully, something works out for a meet-up!
greenbean
August 12, 2010 at 11:39 amare you and your girlfriend still able to head to Paris this summer?
Suzanne de Cornelia
August 12, 2010 at 11:43 amFabulous photos!! You look like zee French guurrl!
No one can be ‘on’ 24/7, especially when caught off guard! At least you didn’t drop the F-bomb, grab a beer, and slide down a chute! Am still laughing about that one! Poor guy, obviously not the best day. 😉
Janna@Janna's Keeping it Real
August 12, 2010 at 11:45 amoooh! samzies. samzies like you wouldn’t believe! i am uber outgoing/funny (at least i like to think) via email, blog, text, etc…but give me a real life social situation and i get socially ridiculous. it’s embarrassing, really…i’m the same on the phone. i blame my profession (helllllo accountant!) but i really have no idea why, because i knwo a lot of no-awkward accountants.
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write
August 12, 2010 at 11:46 amI’m not surprised at all that you’re shy or “awkward.” I think alot of writers are. I know I am. I, too, am able to hide behind my computer. It’s a safe zone. 🙂 I used to think it was because I used to be morbidly obese, but now I think it really is just my personality.
You looked cute as a button as always.
Marie
August 12, 2010 at 11:47 amI’m really awkward, too. I either clam up or I babble like a nut! Ridiculous. I wish I was “so much cooler online,” but I’m just not. Nope. Love your shoes!
Megan (Braise The Roof)
August 12, 2010 at 11:55 amCute shoes! And they’re still totally in style- I love when that happens! I love stinky cheese. It’s the best. 🙂
shayla
August 12, 2010 at 11:56 amOmg this post makes me love you even more! I thought you were fabulous to begin with, but now knowing you can be that way is refreshing to know. You’re right, reading this blog I would’ve never thought you were shy and I’m the same way! So open on paper, but can definitely be socially awkward…its nice to know I’m not the only one! 😉
Great dinner btw, am so jealous!
Julianne
August 12, 2010 at 12:01 pmThe food looks amaaaaazing! Hello, your pedicure rocks, too!
Oh gotta check out Zazu soon!
eatmovelove
August 12, 2010 at 12:01 pmI can’t imagine you as socially awkward. BUT, I love that you gave an appreciation to your readers. There was some great feedback there – and without a lot of them, you couldn’t do this I guess…well, you could…but you couldn’t make a little something out of it, etc …well, y’know what I mean 😉
I also really like that you appreciate your food…I can sense it coming off of your posts almost!!
YES, I can SMELL the smelly cheese almost!! LOL.
MAybe one day I’ll get to that appreciation point myself instead of insert, inhale, repeat.
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
August 12, 2010 at 12:04 pmI feel the same way. I’m incredibly talkative online, but in person I can be hard to get to know unless I’m in the right crowd, ie. people I know are in company. I don’t do well without buffers!
Ruthiey
August 12, 2010 at 12:05 pmThose sandals are so fashionable! Love your toenail color!
Gara
August 12, 2010 at 12:07 pmha, I start to sweat when I get nervous around people too! It was horrible when I was interviewing for jobs!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
August 12, 2010 at 12:15 pmI’m super shy, too. My husband always laughs at me because I hate meeting new people–fear of rejection or whatever. All of that food looks so good but I’m still drooling over that s’mores thingy. Oh my goodness.
Angharad
August 12, 2010 at 12:16 pmSad I don’t live in Austin anymore 🙁
S’mores pie looks amazing! I’m going camping this weekend. do you think I can recreate?!
Amanda
August 12, 2010 at 12:18 pmThe ravioli looks amazing. I licked my monitor see if taste blogging had been invented yet.
It has not.
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete
August 12, 2010 at 12:20 pmI am so shy and socially awkward. Look up “socially awkward” in the dictionary and you will see my picture right there.
I love stripes on stripes. J doesn’t do that enough!
Smores pie? Yes, recreate and ship to MN. Thanks.
Mary @ Running Wifle
August 12, 2010 at 12:21 pmI totally understand you on the shy/socially awkward issue (except I’m more of the engineer-variety)! Zazu looks incredible- I live in the Bay area as well and totally want to check that place out.
If you’re ever closer to the south bay you should let me know! I’m new to the blog world in terms of writing but have been following a few blogs for awhile now. We could have an awkward blogger meet-up 🙂
Katie
August 12, 2010 at 12:25 pmLate on the last post, but one thing I have been inspired by in the blog world is how each person is ALLOWED TO HAVE THEIR OWN FOOD PHILOSOPHY! You have what works for you and I agree with eating real food, although I couldn’t eat out as much as you do, too much rich food for my tummy!
It’s important to never compare ourselves to others and just do what works best for us. There is no right way. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
August 12, 2010 at 12:28 pmWas that Point Reyes Blue by any chance? The Smores pie looks incredible – you will post the recipe when you recreate won’t you, please?
Morgan
August 12, 2010 at 12:28 pmPlease recreate-I’ve been looking for something similar to STK’s Smores Brownie for a while-rich chocolate brownie, with toasted marshmallow on top with a graham cracker crumble. However, I must say, I think the pie is more appealing. Have you ever had chocolate pie (Southern thing)? I’m thinking something similar to that. This pie has my wheels turning…
Meghan@traveleatlove
August 12, 2010 at 1:00 pmI am pretty shy too, but getting over it as I network in front of the blog more! I LOVE zazu. It was our last dinner in Sonoma on our last trip out there, and I can’t wait to eat there after FoodBuzz Fest.
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama
August 12, 2010 at 1:29 pmSUPER shy here too. I would even call it social anxiety. I hate it =(
Rosey Rebecca
August 12, 2010 at 1:40 pmLove those sandals! I’m the exact same way. You wouldn’t know it from my blog, but I’m actually a very quiet person, and am very awkward in social situations.
I hide behind my writing. 🙂
meagan
August 12, 2010 at 1:42 pmAw, I’m in Austin and I’d love to meet up–but, I’m about to have a baby. It’s exciting that you’re coming though!
Elli @ 16 and Losing It
August 12, 2010 at 1:52 pmLove those sandals! Your dinner looks so great! I’m jealous we don’t have that many really awesome restaurants here in New Jersey. We have to go to Philly to find most of the good ones!
Dorry
August 12, 2010 at 2:05 pmI live in Dallas but spend a lot of time in Austin..when are you going to be there? Would love to meet you!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
August 12, 2010 at 2:10 pmAww I’m shy in public too. There would be lots of stuttering if we ever meet.
That dessert reminds me of the video of you making marshmallows I watched. It can picture you making the marshmallows for your own smores 🙂
Wine Girl (Kitchen Doesn't Travel)
August 12, 2010 at 2:14 pmLOVE ZAZU! My hubby & I went there when on a Wine Country vacation for our anniversary last year. I’m so jealous of your meal!
dragonfly180
August 12, 2010 at 2:15 pmdang, now you’ve got me craving s’mores. by the way, what happened to your brown hair? didn’t you color it a while back?
Tanner
August 12, 2010 at 2:19 pmHi Jenna!
I was having trouble sending you a message, so I’ll just post here in comments. I live in Austin and would definitely be interested in a meet-up! Even if nothing pans out with that, I have a great recommendation for a restaurant here: EastSide Cafe. Their website is http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/history/garden.html
My husband and I have added this little gem to the top of our favorites list! You would love it. Enjoy Austin while you are here – it’s a great city!
Sincerely,
Tanner
Mary
August 12, 2010 at 2:39 pmI second East Side Cafe! Very Jenna-ish!
I also live in Austin. Hope to meet you soon 🙂
diana@mymarblerye
August 12, 2010 at 5:10 pmYUM…totally butting into this convo…
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
August 12, 2010 at 2:19 pmDate night’s are so fun. Looks like a great place to go.
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
August 12, 2010 at 2:31 pmYummm! Looks like a fab dinner.
I’m totally socially awkward too… I talk, a LOT. Like, you can’t get a word in edgewise because I won’t shut up. Whoops… 😉
xo
Kris
Blaine
August 12, 2010 at 2:33 pmYay, Austin reader right here!
I would love to meet you. And, I second Tanner’s recommendation of East Side Cafe. So cute and lots of wonderful local food.
Stacy
August 12, 2010 at 2:41 pmI was just going to ask you before I saw that you got them in Paris three years ago about your adorable sandals!!! Love them! Finding stuff that you haven’t found in years and loving them still is the best finds! I need to try out this Zazu restaurant. It looks so delicious!
Diana (mymarblerye)
August 12, 2010 at 2:51 pmAustin reader! Love to meet up!
alana
August 12, 2010 at 2:59 pmhey jenna,
is there any way that you could respond to some of the critical comments in your last post? a lot of the feelings are shared by a lot of readers, and i think just about all of them are worded politely and respectfully, so it would be nice to hear your thoughts on specific criticisms, rather than a general response. it almost feels like you are just thanking the people who agree with you, and trying to prove a point to dissenting voices. i, like many other people, love your blog, but i had a different opinion about your last post. it would be great if you could respond to the people who felt like your tone was a little condescending, and also, to the fact that your food philosophy HAS changed. i dont agree or disagree with your philosophy (everyone is entitled to their own!) but i feel like you have ignored the fact that this was NOT always the view you promoted on this blog. it’s difficult to accept a post that acts like this is the end-all be-all of health, when you’ve had many, many different opinions over the years of this blog. that’s completely understandable – we all change our minds – but some acknowledgement of this would be nice.
jenna
August 12, 2010 at 3:29 pmAbsolutely. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and things are different for everyone! I’m by no means a doctor so this “philosophy” has just been what has worked for me. I honestly don’t think I’ve changed though–if you read back my original philosophy that I wrote in December of 2007, it says the exact same thing. Real food in moderation. I’ve eaten different things and tried different things during the past three years, but the core concept has always been the same. That being said, what has worked for me might not work for you. There’s no perfect solution for everyone and that’s why I stated that everything I say is just my own opinion.
Heather
August 12, 2010 at 3:44 pmI agree it did seem condescending. More than once it seems like you “call out” the readers that say things you don’t like and “thank” the readers that say things that you do like. Does that make sense? I am not trying to start a war or aggarvate you, just thought you’d like some input. A lot of people who share their opinions get bullied by other readers, too.. just because the opinion is different from the main. Not everyone is going to like what you say or how you say it.. that’s just life! 🙂
Mom
August 12, 2010 at 4:20 pmI would also like to say that growth is all about change. We evolve in so many ways, and that is what life is really about. Growing, learning, changing. I am sure that someone has said it better than I have here…
Courtney
August 12, 2010 at 3:12 pmYour Sandals Are SUPER CUTE!
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
August 12, 2010 at 3:13 pmoh YUMMO!!! Great meal 🙂
Jennifer(Savor)
August 12, 2010 at 4:04 pmI hope you are doing well since Thermador and that we keep in touch. 🙂
Amber K
August 12, 2010 at 4:13 pmThe S’mores pie looks good!!
I am totally the same way in awkward social situations (which is ALL of them!)
At least you still get out there! =)
Ann
August 12, 2010 at 4:20 pmI live in Houston but I might be able to get away and join the meet-up! Just email me!! It would be so much fun to do a meet up!
jenna
August 12, 2010 at 4:49 pmPlease email me at jenna [at] eatliverun.com and I’ll give you the deets! Hope you can make it!!
Janna
August 12, 2010 at 4:26 pmI tried to send you an email…but I apparently am not smart enough 🙂
I would LOVE to meetup and have fun with you when you come to Austin…when will you be in town?
Looking forward to hearing what the plan might be!
Janna
jenna
August 12, 2010 at 4:50 pmhmmm did you do jenna[at]eatliverun.com? Can you re-send real quick?
sirenjess
August 12, 2010 at 5:21 pmWhen are coming to Austin? I live in San Antonio. Be warned it’s hotter than hell here right now.
jenna
August 12, 2010 at 5:24 pmLabor Day weekend! If you think you can make it, send me an email and I’ll give you event deets 🙂
sirenjess
August 14, 2010 at 5:25 amI think I can make it! I should be recovered from First Friday.
Laura (Starloz)
August 12, 2010 at 5:26 pmI’m socially very awkward in large groups, I’m the quite nodder!
Tammy (Defining Wellness)
August 12, 2010 at 5:34 pmSo great to hear you say you’re socially awkward and shy . . . that’s how I felt when I met you! 🙂
Emily
August 12, 2010 at 8:20 pmI’m in Austin and would love to meet up! Emailing you now.
Luna
August 13, 2010 at 4:25 amMy hubby thinks shyness is “sweet”… I was very shy during my teenage years and social life was like a torture for me, really. Growing up, I think I gained some self confidence and the situation got better… but lately I am starting again with the old “becoming crimson” face … ufff…. yesterday i thought “what, am I going into menopause!?!” 😉
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
August 13, 2010 at 5:30 amI never considered myself an Italian food lover, but your blog has converted me! That ravioli looks to die for!!
heather
August 14, 2010 at 5:26 pmcute shoes! i always love reading your blogs and looking at the gorgeous pictures! food always looks incredible. i can’t wait to make the zucchini muffins!!
Amy
August 16, 2010 at 12:00 pmI’m shy and can be socially awkward too. I’m also very much an introvert. We just have to embrace it. I guess Bella in Twilight puts socially awkward back in style anyway. haha 🙂