Winter Break

Asheville
I only spent a few days in Asheville this break - from my arrival to the day after Christmas and the time in between Philly and classes starting.  Most of the time was at home with the fam, but I will give one recommendation: if you haven't been to 12 Bones, go next trip.  They have truly amazing barbecue, and gluten-free options too.

Charlotte
Our family always goes to Charlotte for a few days after Christmas to visit my dad's extended family.  It is a hectic time filled with kids and food and fun.  We went bowling at Ten Park Lanes, which would have been fun, if it weren't so dang overpriced.  They have remodeled since the time of Granddaddy Thurman's bowling trophies (according to mom) and this apparently led to a costly outing.  We then had pizza at FUEL, which is a cute place in a refashioned garage.  They had gluten-free pizza which is important for the numerous family members I have that are allergic.  While I don't like to make a big deal about the whole allergy thing, its nice to have a little support group in the four others that share the same deal.

Philadelphia
I spent most of January in Philly, volunteering at Community Legal Services.  I wanted to do some pro bono work and when I asked our public service center about opportunities, they connected me with an alum at CLS.  It was great timing, as they had a few people out on leave and needed the extra help.  At nights, Scott and I did a little tour of the Italian BYOs around him.  They were all very good.  We had NYE dinner at Casta Diva,  although this was a special menu so I'm not sure how the quality is on a regular basis.  We then spent the rest of the night at Black Sheep with some UVA folk, which was good but nothing spectacular to tell about BS.  We hit up the Mummers Day parade on NYD, which made me feel like a real Philadelphian.  We also ate at Salento and Porcini on other nights, which were both good in their own right.  I had bought Scott a tasting at Zento for part of his Christmas present, so we did seven Japanese courses there.  They were very gracious to give me some gluten-free courses, but it ended up being not as much food.  Scott's was incredible, but I think for the price, it can only really be a special occasion-type place.  P.S. Philly is beautiful at Christmastime.

Dessert at Casta Diva

Christmas in Philly

Rittenhouse with lights

My favorite picture from the break

Outside Zento

Airport wine bar - keeping delays classy

The older Young girls at the Christmas eve service

Christmas in Asheville

Strike!

Mummers

Mummers

Mummers