Erikurious

I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t the chance to update much. Mike and I just got back from visiting family in Alabama and are still recovering from all the socializing, eating, and drinking... mostly eating. Haha =P Actually, it felt good to go back. I got to revisit family and places from my past and experience how much has changed since I moved away. A lot it appears. Montgomery seems to be going through an evolution of sorts that is affecting all aspects of life. Diverse communities are bringing a more colorful and exciting cuisines to the once stagnant culinary backdrop dominated by fast food restaurants. Fast food is definitely very much present and thriving but for people looking for something more stimulating the choices have grown. Now you can choose from growing number of Mexican, Korean, and Thai restaurants as well as the regional BBQ and fried fish joints.

In addition to restaurants, the night scene seems to be improving as well. Niche bars and lounges have cropped up in the downtown area targeting the more cosmopolitan youth with much success. During our stay, we went to a bar featuring a live band that played old covers on popular alternative music (sorry, no country for us!) and although pretty small the atmosphere was pleasant. We sat outdoors and enjoyed the warm southern climate drinking beer and enjoying the company of family and friends. The nightlife differed much from what we’ve grown used to in NJ, but its laidback, unpretentious feel definitely has its appeal. Ultimately, it ended up being one of the best and longest impromptu nights out we’ve had in a long time!

For months on end, I’ve had to endure the Food Network talk of nothing else but BBQ. So, taking the opportunity that we were going to be smack dab in the heart of the South, the one must-do thing on my list was to experience some REAL Southern BBQ. I’m referring to mouth-watering ribs, crispy fried okra, cornbread, gooey yummy macaroni and cheese, corn nuggets… the works. However, due to some bad planning, we waited until the weekend when they’re all shut down (who knew they would be closed??), so in the end I didn’t get to satisfy my appetite for juicy delicious fall off the bone Southern BBQ ribs. But, we DID get to enjoy sweet, juicy deliciously tender Korean BBQ, so all in all it was a wonderful, great trip. Oh, I made my family teach me a couple of Korean recipes to incorporate into my repertoire, so I can’t wait to try them out for myself and share all I’ve learned!