The Ellen Show

Happy Birthday Katy!!

Katy turned the big 2-3 today and I was honored to help her celebrate with lunch at Press 101.

(Kelly came too!… and Katy’s husband Adam is behind the camera )

Press 101 is the cutest sandwich shop off of Dr. Phillip’s Blvd in Orlando. I’ve been there once before over a year ago and loved it! I’m not sure why it took me so long to return, but I’m glad we decided to meet there today.

I was pretty hungry when we sat down and the Mango Chicken pressed sandwich immediately jumped out at me on the menu

Lightly blackened chicken breast, jalapeno havarti cheese, caramelized onion, piquallo sweet peppers, cilanto, mango chutney on ciabatta bread..

This sandwich definitely had that sweet and savory combo that I love so much in sandwiches. The chicken and mango combination were of course amazing, but really struck out at me was the crusty bread pressed with the sandwich. Usually when I order a pressed sandwich I expect a greasy sandwich that has been drenched in oil, but this did not fit that description at all. It was perfectly crusty, chewy, and delicious.

All sandwiches come with a light salad.

The birthday girl requested Menchies after lunch and what the birthday girl wants, the birthday girl gets.

I think they knew I was coming because they had all my favorite flavors waiting just for me.

Well.. except peanut butter. I guess you can’t win them all.

Love me some Menchies.

Guess came to Orlando this weekend?!?!

ELLEN!!

I desperately tried to find tickets to the taping of her shows almost as soon as I discovered she would be in town, but had no luck. Bummer.

Fortunately I was playing around online and discovered they would be taping the shows in CityWalk and the band performances were open to everyone. Score! It got even better when we discovered one of the bands performing was Rascal Flats. I am a HUGE Rascal Flats fan and even though I just saw them in concert last July, I wasn’t about to pass up a chance to seem them (for free) in concert again.

The four of us figured Ellen would be taping in one area of the park and Rascal Flats would be performing in a completey different location. We were pleasantly surprised when that wasn’t the case at all.

We may not have been in the actual seated audience, but we were able to watch the show being taped from the distance.

We were even close enough to have Ellen dance right by us!

Too bad we didn’t get as close to the featured guest (Mario Lopez) or that he wasn’t shirtless.

Unfortunately it started raining pretty hard right before Rascal Flatts were set to perform. We were able to listen and sing along, but there were too many umbrellas to get a great shot.

I did manage to capture Ellen introducing Rascal Flatts on film.

I think the four of us had a blast watching Ellen and Rascal Flats. Nothing like free entertaining to brighten our day! I hope Ellen returns to Orlando soon!!

A couple of years ago my Mom made a delicious Leek & Potato Soup that was tasty and satisfying. When I saw leeks at the Farmers’ Market yesterday my Mom’s soup popped in my head and I thought it would be fun to try and healthify the soup for dinner tonight.

Mom’s Leek and Potato Soup Healthified

Start with the leeks.

Add them to a large pot with a little olive oil and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

While the leeks are heating up, begin chopping the potatoes.

Add the potatoes, mushrooms, spices and vegetable broth to a pot.

Bring it all to a boil and then back to a simmer for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes I added the yogurt and took the hand held blender to the soup until it was creamy

Garnish with cheese and peanuts.

Enjoy!

Thin Mints and Dried Kiwi for dessert.

I’m wiped.

Good night!!