Well I had quite the exciting start to my weekend. You may have seen on Instagram already, but if not, you should really know that I’m now certified to kick your butt.
I passed! That damn NASM CPT test was a beast and I’m so glad to have that weight off my shoulders. It was really helpful to use Julie and Gina‘s study guides along with what I got from NASM to prep. If you’re interested in getting any NASM certification, you can receive a 10% discount by getting in touch with Michael Golembewski mentioning my name or blog when signing up. Just give him a call at 602-383-1263 or email him at Michael.Golembewski@nasm.org and don’t forget to mention Barr & Table!
Clearly, passing the test called for celebrations. First stop was a bar in Berkeley for a couple drinks and to watch our Orioles. They’ve been playing the A’s so we’ve been able to actually watch our guys out here! [Not that it’s been much to watch..]
Then we went for celebratory sushi!
Got a free California hand roll for checking in on yelp. And it was possibly the best California roll I’ve ever had.
I also got a chirashi “bowl” .. typically served in a bowl, but you can’t beat the freshness regardless of how it’s served! Not to mention it’s gorgeous. I also loved this restaurant because Nathan—my non-seafood eater—could get something other than teriyaki chicken.
This pork belly soba dish was so flavorful and delicious!
Saturday we continued the celebrations with brunch and farmers’ marketing.
Pastrami benedict. I don’t think there’s much else to say here. I don’t know the last time I’ve had such a perfectly poached egg.
And we got peaches for days! I’m not even a peach-eater but these were so amazing, we filled up.
Yesterday, we had a fun day at a sourdough starter class. I’ve not had much success making bread at home so I’m hoping these starters work out better for me. I can’t wait to get started!
We were told that to have a successful starter, it needs to have a name. We actually both chose Bertha [we’ve been together too long] but I let Nathan have it. Let the bread wars begin!
I think Nathan’s camera work could use a little help, yes? 😉 He also wouldn’t stop chewing to smile. I promise he was happier than he looks. Ha! And with all of my celebrations, it’s about time to get back to a nice meal plan. Holy moly!
Weekly Meal Plan
Sunday – Turkey caprese meatball salad
Monday – Honey ginger chicken and veggie stir fry
Tuesday – Leftovers
Wednesday – Quinoa crusted chicken strips with BBQ honey mustard and asparagus fries
Thursday – Ginger chicken with peaches and onions + roasted broccoli and rice
Friday – Out!
Saturday – Leftovers
Food for Thought
What fun things did you do over the weekend?
Have you ever made bread at home?
That sourdough starter class sounds like a blast. I didn’t even know they existed. From the photos, I’d say yours look a bit more normal… sorry Nathan 🙂
Haha it was so fun!
CONGRATS!!! How exciting! A sourdough class? That sounds incredible! Where do I go about finding one of those? That is so cool!!!!!
Thank you!! I actually found my class with a groupon but I’m sure you could google your area for one!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Would love to hear more about your experience with the program!
Thank you!! I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to write a post on it but please email me if you have any questions!
Congratulations! That is so exciting! Looks like a great weekend celebrating!
Thank you 🙂
Congrats! I knew you would pass!! 🙂
Thanks, lady! I’m glad one of us knew! 😉
congrats!! and that sourdough class sounds awesome!
Thank you!
Hahaha WTF Nathan, next time he should skip the bread class and go to photography class. KIDDING! Kinda. 😉
So glad you got to do that together though, you look so cute in that class photo. Congrats again on passing!!!!! I knew you would! And I’m glad that your free hand roll was so amazing. Often those Yelp freebies are blah-bies so I love that it was so great. Um that poached egg too..perfection.
I had my first peach of the season yesterday. So great! An impulse buy from TJ’s!
Hahaha he just wanted the bread.. no time for pictures! And now I want sushi again. Ha!
Yay for passing!! I love the idea of a sourdough class… we were given a starter but are scrambling to catch up on how to keep it alive, what recipe to use for the bread, etc.
Let me know if you find a good recipe.. I’ve only attempted once and it came out very dense. Practice makes perfect?
Congrats! Have you thought about maybe doing online training?
I have made bread before, and despite my usual kitchen disasters it came out really good! Now it’s my tradition to always make it on a snow day, so I probably won’t make it again until next year but it will be a welcomed treat!
Thank you! I have considered doing online training. I know there’s a market for it and definitely competition so it’ll take some work 🙂
Hopefully we’ll make a successful batch of bread soon!