Bonchon Wings for Delivery

It was cold and we didn't feel like bundling up to brace the frigid winter weather so I browsed the Foodler website to scope out the menus of local restaurants.  I was surprised to see that Bonchon in Lowell was on the list.  We've only eaten at the restaurant but never actually requested door to door service.  I called the restaurant to confirm the information on the Foodler website was accurate and the girl on the other end advised that the current delivery time was 45 mins to an hr.  I was OK with that.  I skimmed the menu, I knew we had to get the staple Bonchon Chicken but I wanted excite my taste buds and try a few different things from the menu.

New Asian inspired broth bowls at Panera Bread

It made sense to sign up for a "My Panera" rewards account since I was already picking up bagel packs for the office. It was a win/win situation, the office picked up the tab and I got a free treat after 3-4 visits. Also, I LOVE their rapid pick up system where I can preorder the items the night before and grab it off the shelf without waiting in line to order or pay.

Being a rewards member means you have to give up your email address.  I get the usual "specials" and "new items" but one came across my email that caught my eye: "Kim, eat Adventurously. Get Rewarded"  I was taken by the bribe, watch a few videos for a $5.00 coupon.

Beer & Pub Menu at Tony C's in Burlington

Move over Tavern in the Square, there's a new watering hole in Burlington.  Tony C's Sports Bar & Grill just opened its door this past Saturday, just in time for the AFC Championship game.  If you've been hibernating all Winter, yes, the Pat's won and they're going to the SUPERBOWL!... "Deflate-Gate" what? Let's save the drama for another blogger.

My coworkers and I headed to 3rd Ave to scope out the new bar/restaurant.  To my surprise, there was plenty of parking( unlike the time period when Wegman's just opened and it was a zoo).

New Asian Bistro in Lowell: Mandarin Asian Bistro

I had a meeting that ran a bit later than scheduled and I was not in the mood to cook dinner tonight. The Mo and I got into the car and played a game of "Where do you want to go? .. You pick,"  replied with "No, you can pick, I'm up for anything." After this went on for a few rounds, the Mo finally decided on driving through downtown Lowell to see if there was anything new or anything that looked enticing.

Sure enough, we spotted the sign for Mandarin Asian Bistro located where the old Centro restaurant used to be on Market street.  We found street parking and made our way to the restaurant.  There was a sign on the window that offered a 10% Grand Opening discount.  We were surprised that there was also another sign on the door for a free appetizer for orders over $25.00 on Mondays only.

The restaurant was divided into two sides, a dining area with a sushi bar and a bar on the opposite side.  There was only one other table of diners when we arrived.  After all, they had just opened for business 4 days ago so I didn't expect the word to catch on yet.

A Tiffany's Baby Shower

I had the pleasure to help our friends, Sabay and Leakhena organize and plan their baby shower. They were unsure they wanted to revel the sex of their baby so I suggested doing a Tiffany's Theme baby shower.  There was so much going on and we only had a few weeks to plan the shower.  They are blessed to have such great friends that were will to contribute their time (and money) to the shower. We had a private FB group of about 10 people that helped coordinate the event.

Beignets and Belgian waffles for brunch at Cafe Twelve

We were having drinks at Burton's in Nashua and stroke up conversation with an older couple sitting next to us at the bar.  After we told them we were from "LA" (Lowell Area), they told us about a small cafe they frequent nearby in Chelmsford, where they look forward to the "fried dough with dipping sauces." I was intrigued but this mysterious place and Googled it.  The couple was referring to the bakery formerly known as Sugar Bake Shoppe and the fried goodness they were describing was the French beignets which was the shop's Saturday Special.

Cafe Twelve (Formerly Sugar Bake Shoppe) Beignets with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Dollar Oysters and Bloody Mary Bar at Moonstone's New Year's Brunch

Most people kick off their New Year with a resolution to lose weight.  We, on the other hand, continued our booze- filled festivities that has become a tradition since Thanksgiving.  Since we had a long 4 day weekend, why not start the resolution on a fresh Monday and get in as many drinks in before then?

Moonstones sent out an email notification about their New Year's Eve and Day specials.  The Constant Contact blast featured a new Happy Hour Menu, bloody mary bar and dollar oysters.  I was sold at "Buck a Shuck."