so•ca cocina latina

This was my drink. It was called Little Mendoza.
It was a pretty little cocktail with a way not little punch. 

This week was one of the longest weeks in creation.

Seriously.

So. Very. Long.

But fortunately for me, I had a night out with a friend at the delicious so•ca restaurant in Raleigh.

The food at so•ca was delicious. And the atmosphere was fantastic.

It was a weeknight, so it wasn't horribly crowded. And although the temperatures were mellowing out, we decided it would be more comfortable to eat inside.

Actually, I deferred to the host and he suggested inside. We agreed. Comfort over outdoor seating. North Carolina seems to have glossed over spring and it has to be much later in the evening to enjoy an outdoor meal. This is unfortunate, as I love the cooler temps.

Even last night on my way home from dinner (different meal) I opened the window in the Uber and enjoyed the breeze, then looked at the temperature and it was still 80 degrees. What on earth?

But back to so•ca.

We decided to start with a small plate, choosing the Colombian Pan de Yuca.

This picture doesn't do it justice. It was these buttery garlicky cheesy bread bursts with pickled onions. And I probably could have eaten several more servings of it - maybe they'll add an unlimited version to the menu just for me? (A girl can dream.)

I think that the next time I go I'll be ordering several little plates so I can leave room for dessert. Because the dessert options and beverages looked amazing, but I was too full to eat anything else just then.

I ordered the Pollo a la Brasa for dinner. It was beautiful. And delicious. Which matters more, certainly, but still. Look at how pretty it was plated.

The chicken was amazing. So well-cooked. And the avocado and tomatillos? Yum. I will let you know that the green stuff? Salsa verde. A little bit of an unexpected kick for me - the spice wimp - so if you order it and can't do spicy? Be warned. But get it anyway. I'm sure they'll help accommodate your taste needs.

so•ca offers a variety of options for your meal, and I've already decided that I really want to get back there for brunch sometime, because, omg, yum.

Have a look at these huevos rancheros from their Instagram feed? I mean, seriously.

Hello, so•ca brunch, here I come.

View this post on Instagram

Saturday! We are HERE for these huevos rancheros! #stafffavorite #saturdaybrunch

A post shared by so•ca raleigh (@socaraleigh) on May 18, 2019 at 9:31am PDT

So if you're looking for somewhere new to try and can't decide where to go? I highly recommend so•ca. I think you'll find whatever you're looking for and more. And I hope you enjoy it!

* This is not a sponsored post. I went to dinner at so•ca and thought I'd share some info about it with you. I had a wonderful experience and the staff is great, so why not spread the word, right? I hope you decide to go and do let me know how your meal goes. * 

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The Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury

I had the recent pleasure of heading to Charlotte for a weekend, and was given the opportunity to stay at The Dunhill Hotel and eat dinner at The Asbury, the incredible modern southern restaurant on site.

The hotel accommodations were available to us at a discounted rate, and our dinner was comped, with us adding just a few essentials. Like dessert. The Asbury's pastry chef is very well-known, and you'd be a fool to pass up any of her creations.

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Morgan Street Food Hall - Raleigh, NC

I have been to Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh more than a handful of times.

It has quickly become one of my favorite places to eat.

Whether you're in the mood for empanadas, tacos, pizza, hummus, salad or lobster (yes, you're reading this correctly, I did say lobster), the food hall has you covered!

After attending a press event there and then going back repeatedly with my friend Kate of Life of a Ginger, she and I recently went back to the Food Hall to attended a hosted brunch event with our fellow Triangle bloggers and influencers.

But we were far from the star of the show at this event, y'all.

The vendors and businesses there were incredible. We had so many options to choose from, I likely won't get to spotlight them all, but I would love to introduce you to a few.

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Cantina 18 Raleigh

Cameron Village, a wonderful shopping center in Raleigh, NC is the perfect place for Cantina 18. And these beautiful summery nights are the perfect time to head over there and try out their delicious Southwestern fare with, as they describe it, a Southern drawl.

I had the opportunity to attend a hosted event there about a month ago and since I'm so delayed on all the things I haven't had the chance to get a detailed post up until - well - now.

We had an opportunity to try out some of the items on the Cantina 18 catering menu, and everything was delicious. The setting of the Cantina 18 restaurant is really perfect. I loved being upstairs with the wide open windows and view of the sky over across the parking lot. Sounds weird, I know, but it was a really pretty night. Now, before you ask what I was drinking in order to think the parking lot looked pretty - remember I said the SKY - and that I started off the evening with a refreshing beverage and switched to water soon after. But, looking for a place to say cheers with your friends? This is it.

Now, listen, I have no idea what sort of magic was in the queso, I only wish I'd discovered it sooner. I dove right in, even after enjoying their buffet of fajita deliciousness. I'd pretty much marry the queso if that was an option. In fact, I really wish I had some right now.

Oooh, this queso and the nachos from either Maverick's Smokehouse and Tap Room or Top Of The Hill - sigh, now I really want ALLLLL the nachos.

Anyway, the queso was incredible. All of the food was. I shared a few pics on Instagram to show y'all just how happy it made me. Each and every bite.

Oh - let me not forget that I really need to thank my girl Kate of Life of a Ginger for getting me out of the house! We went to enjoy this meal together and had, as always, a fantastic time.

A huge thanks to the team at Cantina 18 in Raleigh for hosting us. The food was incredible and I definitely plan on coming back - especially for more of that queso!

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The Cultured Seafood Festival in New Bern, NC

*Posted on behalf of the Cultured Seafood Festival in New Bern, NC. I was not compensated for this post, but was offered a ticket to the event in exchange for sharing.*

On the evening of Friday, March 9, 2018, the North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference (NCADC) is closing out their conference with the Cultured Seafood Festival in New Bern, North Carolina.

The event is a part of the NCADC's effort to educate the public about aquaculture species.

The Cultured Seafood Festival offers a fun, family-friendly environment with an abundance of delicious food crafted by Chef James “Smoke” Boyd.

Boyd is one of New Bern’s top chefs and owner of The Flame Catering and Banquet Centre. 

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Maverick's Smokehouse and Taproom in Durham, NC

Last week I had an opportunity to enjoy dinner hosted by Maverick's Smokehouse and Taproom in Durham.

It. Was. Amazing.

I went with my friend Kate from Life of a Ginger, and we ordered the BBQ nachos with pulled chicken (as seen in the photo above^). Oh my sweet goodness - they were amazing. I think I ate too much of them as I wouldn't let our waitress take the plate away, even when she brought us our completely full trays of food for the main meal.

Now, I ordered the smoked southern brined fried chicken.

I've never tasted fried chicken like this before. Ever.

The skin was really delicious, but I'll be honest, I picked through a lot of it to get to that smoky chicken. It was so strange - you could tell how delicious it was going to be - and yet, still find yourself surprised at how good it actually was.

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NaBloPoMo: Slight Detour

Yesterday I didn't post. I think it's pretty impressive that I made it this far with the kind of fall we've been having in my household.

But yesterday was one of my busiest workdays. And last night I ended up getting a chance to go see Coco - Disney/Pixar's latest animated film.

It was so cute, but that's neither here nor there right this second.

I didn't post.

Now, I did write a piece for another site I work for, but that didn't go live so I'm considering it a missed opportunity for me to complete an entire month of November.

That said - I'm okay with it.

I seriously have so many posts in the works right now.

I'm going to be participating in Houseful of Cookies again this year with Natasha of Houseful of Nicholes. So keep your eyes peeled for that post later this week.

Last year I shared the amazingly delicious Graham Cracker Pecan Toffee Squares. If you haven't tried them yet? Please go on and make yourself a batch this holiday season. I can promise you - you will thank me. You may hate me - but you'll still thank me.

I've also got a review coming up that local friends will absolutely want to see. I went to dinner at Maverick's Smokehouse and Taproom in Durham and it was delicious.

I'm overdue a few book reviews. I want to try to get through at least one of the Nonfiction November reads I'm in the thick of before November is over, ya know?

But for tonight I'm going to hit publish shortly. Because my kiddo is in need of rest, as am I. She's got herself a bit of a fever and I'm hoping it's the same 24-hr thing I went through a few weeks ago. Either way, I'm pretty sure I'm going to make myself some soup tomorrow. Possibly a few different batches. Or maybe I'll just do one a day over the rest of the lonnnng holiday weekend.

I have this post that includes 9 Soup Recipes to keep you warm and cozy this fall.

And I've also got my eye on this Flu-Fighter Soup from my friend Susan of That Susan Williams. That one might be first on my list.

And if you find yourself tired of turkey over the weekend and in need of something that'll cook itself? Head on over to my Crockpot Recipe Round-Up post and pick one of these eleven delicious looking recipes for your family.

So - there you have it. Day 21. Minus one.

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Halfway There

I'm totally phoning it in tonight.

I started the day off right, drafting a post early-ish this morning and I was like, YES! I'm going to be done in advance.

And then?

No.

See. I wanted to share some fun graphic tees, and no, that's not a tangent off of the graphic novels I just shared, although it is a little bit ironic (dontcha think?).

But then I realized that so many of the tees I was sharing were going to be gone tomorrow, and there's nothing more annoying than sharing stuff that vanishes, because what's it all about [Alfie] then?

Please tell me you got the Alfie reference. Because if you didn't I'm going to feel - oh - about 90.

Anyway.

It's still NaBloPoMo and I'm still going strong. Or slightly strong.

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It's So Dark.

I'm not even waiting until the last hour to get today's post written.

It's literally 5:55 PM.

And it's practically pitch black outside.

I mean. I can't see anything.

And as much as I love the cooler weather?

I am not a fan of DST.

I mean - I know - who is, right?

But man.

It's so so dreary when it's dark early.

It gives me a bit of a headache, and I want to turn on all of the lights in my house.

Which I sometimes do.

Which probably isn't the best scenario - but hey - I do what I want.

Remember that cute cat mug flashing the middle finger at y'all I shared a while back?

I think I might need one like that for myself this fall/winter season. Looks like that exact one might have sold out, but, well, I kinda still want and need something like it. Though how do you explain to your 10-year-old that the cat on your mug is flashing an eff off but you don't really mean it?

(affiliate link below)

But look how cute it is ...

And I'm so in a happy cranky cat mode - because we've currently got a fourth addition to our feline brood. Meet our neighbor's cat, Brutus. He's living with us right now because - well - they've moved and we're not sure that anyone is coming back for him.

But he's so danged cute. Cuter than the mug, even. I mean, look. Poor sweet thing.

And there you have it. That's my weekend wrap-up for you.

I'm consistent, at least. I've been writing every day - even if today's just sort of a free write and I'll be damned - I'm not even going to create a title image for this post. Woo Hoo! Look at me go!

Are you participating in National Blog Posting Month and looking for a place to share your posts?

Come on over to my Write With Me group on Facebook and leave me a comment to let me know you requested to join. I'd love to see you there!

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The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Earlier this week my fellow NCSocial friends and I were welcomed to The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in North Hills (Raleigh, NC) for a multi-course meal of deliciousness. This post is a thank you for the glorious meal that they treated our group to. I was not compensated for this post. 

I believe in the past I've introduced you to the NCSocial Facebook group my friend Kate of Life of a Ginger and I run for North Carolina influencers. We welcome bloggers, social media influencers and entrepreneurs. Consider popping in and joining us if you fall in this category. We are currently open to anyone located in NC, but our events have mostly been coordinated in the Triangle area.

Anyway - back to the reason for this post! Kate coordinated with the team behind The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in Raleigh and we had the most incredible evening out. A party of 15, we enjoyed all that The Cowfish had to offer. From appetizers to alcohol (we covered that part!) to dessert. No question, the food is incredible.

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Friday Free Write: Good Eats

So. I know. It's another Friday. In case you haven't noticed, I've been working pretty hard around here. I finally got my new header live. I'm excited about this. I love it. It's got the look and feel I've wanted to have over on my site for a while. A lonnnnng while.

Unfortunately, the template/format isn't exactly the way I wanted, but I worked on it for a hot minute the other morning and pulled something together. It's not perfect, but it's going to be. Whenever I find my way back to perfection, or something.

Anyway, today's post is a free write about some good eats. Including pictures.

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Today Is A New Day

Or at least, that's what I tell myself.

Because I have to. As a mom. As a woman. I have to tell myself that today is a new day and things will be very much the same, and very different, all at the same time.

No?

Don't you agree?

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Ten Totes That Will Make Your Summer Easier

If you know me you know I'm addicted to bags.

Seriously. I want ALL THE BAGS!!!

Purses. Totes. Small handbags. Backpacks. All of them.

I've also been searching for the perfect tote for - say - oh, about 25 of my 43 years.

I'm not kidding. I've had them all. Every single one you can think of. And I've yet to find the perfect bag. It's my life's work, though, so I'll find it eventually.

And so with summer just about in full swing I have been doing some virtual window shopping and have found some really cute totes on Amazon. And I probably can't buy them all (I mean, you know I can't, just humor me) - so I think you might have to help me out.

Have a look at some of my dream bags. Prices range from affordable to a bit extreme, but the bags are super cute no matter the price. Affiliate links are provided to make shopping easier for y'all - so go for it - buy buy buy!

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Lowcountry Livin'

I had the opportunity of a lifetime this past weekend - to spend some time in the Lowcountry. My first true visit to South Carolina gave me an opportunity to connect with some incredible women.

Let me go back a bit ...

I won a chance to attend a girls' weekend getaway for me and a guest hosted by the lovely and gracious Kim Boykin. Kim is an author who you're going to want to introduce yourself to, and not just cause I say so. Her southern hospitality knew no bounds this past weekend, as she welcomed a group of us into her Isle of Palms home.

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Finding Fitness Fridays: Finding Your Motivation

Hellllooooo, everyone. 

How's everyone doing? 

Are you like me? Are you totally lacking in motivation? 

I'm trying to find mine, and so I figured I'd be open and honest, real and raw, as I usually am, and let you know I'm struggling a bit. 

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I Need To Write.

My last post was almost a week ago.

I need to write.

I'm feeling it but I'm not.

I'm reading a LOT. So that's good.

And I'm excited because I'm headed home soon. My kiddo and I will be flying north up to NY and I cannot wait to see family and friends and also attend the Type-A Parent Bootcamp in NYC. Woot!

I'm looking forward to some learning and absorbing and so forth.

I'll also be at the Affiliate Summit, as well. And look forward to a whole new experience there. Can't wait to learn all the things and take deep breaths and meet all the people and and and...!

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Free Write: Witnessing History

Anyone who has any sort of social media account at all has seen the ruling from this week.

The Supreme Court of the United States has declared that same-sex marriage is constitutional. In every.single.state. Every single one.

This means that couples who have married in one state because that state allowed for it are now considered legally married in other states.

Now, honestly, I don't have to spell this out for you. You have to know how HUGE this is.

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Book of the Week: Dear Carolina, Kristy Woodson Harvey

How beautiful is this book cover? It's so beautiful that every time I see it I feel a wave of peace come over me. No water or wave pun intended, promise. It's just that pretty.

When I connected with Kristy Woodson Harvey on Facebook I have to admit that I initially agreed to read and review her book for the name alone.

Dear Carolina. 

If you didn't know anything about it wouldn't you pick it up with that title and cover photo?

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What's Cookin', Good Lookin'?

Hey, y'all.

I haven't written much lately. I seriously think I have a case of spring fever. Or senioritis. Although I'm not a senior anywhere. So, yeah... that wouldn't work, would it?

I'm linking up today with Jaime of love jaime for Stream Of Consciousness weekend. Click the pretty box below and you can, too! Basically it's a five minute free write - and I'm totally cheating and not counting what I've already written - so there.

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It's North Carolina Beer Month. Let's Talk Beer.

Over the last month or so my husband has jumped full steam ahead into a new hobby.

Home-brewing. Is that one word, or two? Home brewing. Brewing beer at home.

Making his own beer.

Did you know that April is North Carolina Beer Month? Yeah, I didn't either. Until - well - beer. Being brewed in my home. It's kind of stinky when it gets started and I've banned him from doing that stinky step inside the house for future brews. Outside he goes. And yes, there will be future brews.

Honestly? I think it's much easier to head out about town and find yourself a good brew or two to sip thoughtfully while watching the game or hanging with friends. But for now it's a part of our family's busy schedule. Beer brewing and bottling and the like.

So when the opportunity to introduce you (and myself) to Charlotte Craft Beer came along through the NC Blogger Network, I decided I absolutely needed to participate. Because craft beer? And my husband's new past-time? Perfect together.

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