Cat's Nip Cafe

In addition to the Mad Batter, Cat's Nip Cafe has always held a soft spot in my heart. I met the owner Lauren five years ago. She is quite an extraordinary lady, not only did she run this little coffee/sandwich shop on her own but she was also a full time student. In what study did she pursue, you might wonder? Nutrition of course! Lauren has finished her dietetic internship and is currently working for a school system in Florida. For the time being her mother, Robin, who is equally as amazing, is running the shop.

While I was working on my undergrad, this was the spot where all the nutrition students would come in to do homework and vent out any frustrations about classes. It's also the place where Jeff bought me my first cup of coffee, before we started dating. It's those kinds of moments that I cherish.

It has a welcoming feeling for both students and faculty. The purple and yellow colors that adorn the walls, show pride for the Western Catamounts. Many of the pastries and breads have been baked by local and loyal patrons. In the past Jeff made cornbread for their homemade soups.

Lauren did a research project awhile back regarding if food made with love really makes a difference in the taste. I think she might be onto something. Her lattes are the best. She gets my seal of approval when it comes to her food choices as well. The menu may be small but that really is a good thing. She uses lean meats, avocados, local breads, and fresh vegetables. I like to call these qualities, trustworthy.

For years I've gotten their Magda vegetable sandwich. It's contents include, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, cucumbers, avocados (yesss), and your choice of either hummus or Annie's Cowgirl Ranch Dressing. I always put hummus on mine with whole wheat bread. Ohh it is the best.

Oh yeah and I get a side of BBQ chips.

Bye Magda.

Robin working behind the line. She also is part of an organization called Cullowhee, Inc. I wanted to sit down and ask her a few questions about the organization's intentions for the town. But like any lunch rush, they were busy. I will try and get an interview with her sometime soon.

I wish you the best Cat's Nip. Don't worry I'll be back :)

"Here Comes the Sun"-The Beatles

Must find time for Running

I had mentioned when I started this blog that I fell in love with running this past semester. But with the combination of work and the weather being what it has been the past few weeks (rain, lots of rain), I have found very little time to run. I really miss it. I may not be very fast but practice does lead to improvement.

The other day one of my friends, who is working as a camp counselor for this whole summer, gave me a call. He will be living the next few months with no internet, no TV,  and no cell service. Letter writing will be our form of communication for the rest of the summer. I'm very excited about this! I love writing letters, I feel like it's a dying art form that many people, in the mist of keeping up with technology, take for granted.

Well anyway, we were able to talk via cell phone the other day and of all things we brought up running. Morgan has done half marathons, marathons, and even a tri. Lately I've been seeing in various runner and fitness blogs, a series of races called the Rock n' Roll (insert city here) Marathon Series. From what I have heard the one at Virginia Beach  is very popular.

According to a review I read in the July/August 2009 issue of Fitness magazine, the Virginia Beach half-marathon, includes "twenty bands which attract runners to this usually sold-out race. When you finish, you get a complementary beer." In addition, I met a girl at the gym wearing one of the t-shirts, who said that even the surface isn't very challenging. All flat! 

I bring this idea up to Morgan about potentially running this race with me and he's all for it! I'm getting excited! I should act fast on registration which is over the end of August but if it's a favorite it could end quicker. We just have to find a place to stay for those three days and we should be good. Again, need to find that quick too. 

I've also been debating on doing the St. Louis (RNR) half marathon as well. It would give me a chance to go see my Dad and the rest of the fam. One of my concerns is that this is in October on a Sunday. So when I'm done with the race in the morning, I'll either have to take an evening flight or early in the afternoon. I bet anything  my muscles would be really sore. Maybe I'm thinking too far into this. I probably am :-P

 But I think this way, perhaps registering for these races can give me something to train towards :)

So I think on Sunday I will register for the St. Louis Half and then maybe in a few more weeks register for VA Beach. 

"Garageland"-The Clash

Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter.

The Mad Batter, has been in operation since 1998. Serving the students and professors of Cullowhee, the finest food within the university of WCU. For me it has many fond memories. Meeting friends in between classes for lunch, grabbing a quick sandwich or cup of coffee, and even making new friends and acquaintances with the regular customers. The smell of flour and the sound of reggae music are enough to lure in any customer and keep them coming back for more.

Most of the food served is vegetarian based, with the occasional option to add bacon to any dish, if requested. The foods provided are local and/or of the organic variety. The specials, like the art work adorned within the business, are one of a kind, made with care and creativity.

Even when I was in high school, touring the university with my mom, our guide mentioned all that Mad Batter had to offer. My first thought, "I'm going to be spending much time in there" :)

So today, with my fridge and breakfast options looking low, I decided to grab some grub from one of my faithful places.

 See I told you the art work is awesome!! I mean check out this specials board!!

Oh yeah and did I mention that my buddy Austen, does window art around town? Well this is a preview of some of his stuff!!

They have pastries too!!!

I had mentioned that you make friends when you eat regularly at the Mad Batter. Here is proof. This is Adam, he is a nature and real food lover at heart! Our local town botanist, he and I have shared many conversations involving politics, food, music, and environmental topics over the past....I think like 4 years??? If you ever want to meet him for information on plants and gardening, come to the Mad Batter, or as he refers to it, his "office."

For breakfast this morning I got a homemade herb bagel, with scrambled eggs, cheese and spinach. It was somewhat cheeser than usual but all and all, delicious :)

For coffee, I had some skim milk with coffee chips. I look at this and yes I can probably make it at home, but I had to get the idea from somewhere :-P

Speaking of coffee....

They have many choices. Plus, Austen did the graphics for all these coffee urns!!

I just had to do an ode to this place. It's been part of my college career for quite sometime. Now I think I will tackle the other businesses on the same strip sometime soon!!!

"Stir it Up"-Bob Marley and the Wailers

An Italian Restaurant in the South?? Found one!!!

For those of you who, like Jeff and I, are on the hunt for a decent Italian restaurant, especially one located in the south, look no further.

We found a place called Vinnies!!!

Its location is off of Merrimon Ave

Oh and on Monday nights they take half off all bottles of wine!

Of course we did :)

But now, what food to get??

Let's start off with some homemade bread.

Oh and olive oil and balsamic of course.

Ok choices have been made!

Jeff got this amazing Caesar salad with huge anchovies!! Or "fuzzy eyebrows" as our culinary friend described them.

And this Minestrone.

So hearty.

I got the Rigattoni alla Norma. Paired so well with the Chianti.

Looking at their weekly specials, I have a feeling I will be back here. Especially when I move in August.

After some Italian, we headed over to Downtown just to walk around and perhaps enjoy another beverage.

Is that a $5 wine special I see?? Man, we're scoring today Beavis.

Every Monday, Walnut 5, has $5 glasses of wine plus some chill music.

Jeff and his Moby style-head like it.

The ambiance was definitely a plus too!!

The food seems pretty legit. Have to remember that for next time.

Wonderful evening indeed :)

"Drive"-Incubus