Helloooo! I have been like a caged animal all week and really wanted to go out to dinner last night. Luckily (?) Ben worked a little late so I had time to actually slap on some makeup and change out of my yoga pants. It was nice 
I NEVER want to go out to eat Italian food unless I specifically want pizza. Not.A.Fan. I’ve heard that SoCal doesn’t really have any good Italian restaurants so that could be a big part of it.
In the past when I have went out for Italian I just leave the restaurant feeling unsatisfied and regretful (just like when I used to visit my ex). Kidding.
Buuuut, I was not feeling our usual spots for Thai or Sushi. I kinda did want Italian last night?! Truth be told, I think it’s my subconscious trying to support the wheat industry. Ha.
Anyways, we went to Peppino’s and it was hopping!
Warm bread and focaccia to start. Don’t mind if I do… The Cellar is an Italian restaurant Blacksburg, VA.
I ordered a sparkling wine because I love it.
I ordered the Roasted Salmon Primavera. I wasn’t a fan of the clams. Sorry Ben. They were a little sandy and fishy?
I took an after picture, not sure why. We’ll blame the sparkles.
After dinner I finally did my Victory Lap for the marathon – Yogurtland!
Run: This morning I ran from 8:06am to 9:44am. I have no idea the distance or pace because my Garmin is dead and the watch SR lent me needed to be charged.
When I got back Ben made me breakfast. Awwww.
And now I’m blogging in the car on the way to hang out with my little bro. It’s about lunch time so Ben drove through his fave place near my family’s house for a hamburger. I guess he was super hungry because he ordered fries and onion rings for everyone to share. I love onions rings, so I’m enjoying a few.
Tomorrow I am headed to Virginia for a tour of the Sabra factory!!! Exciting!
Question: What’s your victory lap?
I’m not a super huge Itatian fan either, but I love love love carbs! Looks like you had a great time!
Chinese pastry – it’s a bit of a puff with black sesame seed filling (oh don’t worry, it’s all mashed up, grind-ed and baked).
I’d have to agree on the lack of good Italian food in the OC too. The one place that I am fond of is in San Clemente though, is Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta. The tortellini with alfredo is delish.
First of all, SoCal Italian food sucks. Sorry, this Chicago girl got spoiled growing up. Secondly, victory lap is usually a new piece of training clothing/running gear 🙂
The roasted garlic is my FAVORITE. I hate leaving a restaurant unsatisfied. Especially Italian. That usually happens when I try something new.
The Kidless Kronicles
I always, always say this about eating Italian out! Sometimes I feel like I’m just getting sauce on a carby noodle, which I could totally make at home but it could be that I’m also not exposed to great Italian restaurants. Those onion rings look delish!
Monica, where is this wonderful place?? I am going to run ther Richmond marathon next month.. Would love to pre-game with some hummus!!
I’m not sure exactly – but I’ll try and keep ya posted with details tomorrow!
Champagne and pizza = victory celebration! YUM! My husband and I discovered a fantastic Italian place in portland – if you’re ever up here I’ll let you know where!
Tutto Fresco in Rancho Santa Margarita has amazing Italian food and very reasonable prices. Plus, everything is homemade and very fresh tasting. I grew up in South County and it’s my favorite restaurant in the OC. I highly recommend it 🙂
oh girl, you need to try la parolaccia in long beach. not only does the name translate to “the bad word”, but their food is so delicious. filling, but not heavy like much of socal’s italian food. and i’m italian, so this recommendation is golden.
Thanks for the tip!
So glad I’m not the only SoCal-we that has zero interest in Italian. Pizza doesn’t count though… Git in mah belly
looks like fun!
warms my heart to see someone else drinking the bubbly.
My 2 favorite restaurants from when I lived in South Orange County are Romeo Cuccina In Laguna Niguel off of Crown Valley and Greenfield and Thai Bros in Laguna Beach. Yum! I might have to make the drive down there soon!!!