beyond picket fences @byndpcktfences - Tumblr Blog

. . . there is grace within forgiveness, but it's so hard for me to find.

Black Sun - Death Cab for Cutie

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw9eV6K_yHg)

Late Night Musing

There needs to be more confirmations on the interwebz. Like "Are you sure you really want to send that message? You don't even want to read for edits or give yourself a moment to come to your senses?" Sometimes I want my computer to tell me what to do.

Delicious Quick and Easy Dinner

I came home late the other night, starving and unmotivated to cook dinner. I was about to call for delivery when I scanned the fridge. Attempting to be frugal, I pulled the first three items out that seemed appetizing: asparagus, eggs, and feta. On a whim I sauteed the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. When warm, but still crisp, I put them on a plate crumbled a little feta and threw a fried egg on for some protein. I had little expectations for this concoction, but my taste buds were happily surprised! Seriously, this is one of the most delicious dinners I've made in a while. If ever you need a quick bite, this is a fabulous go-to dinner.

Lemon Asparagus with Feta and a Fried Egg

10 stalks of Asparagus, cleaned and trimmed Zest and juice of 1/2 a Lemon 1 small clove of garlic, minced Splash of Olive Oil 2 Tbsp crumbled Feta 1 Egg Salt and Pepper to taste

- Sautee asparagus in olive oil with garlic, lemon zest and juice until bright green. Plate neatly together.

- Crumble feta on top.

- Top with a fried egg cooked to your taste. I prefer a really runny yolk.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin cupcakes with maple-cream cheese frosting, and me in costume as WyldStyle from The Lego Movie.

Hope you have a sweet and spooky Halloween!

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day.

Lake side afternoon snack.

#summer #lifeisgood #lakeroesiger #washington

There is a kind of success that is indistinguishable from panic.

Edgar De Gas

I was startled by a stranger's kindness today. I'm sad to admit that, but it seems to be a rare thing to experience genuine kindness for no particular reason anymore.

I'm thankful I happened to get on the elevator with that person today and that he said hello and carried on polite conversation for the few seconds we rode down together. I'm thankful the conversation allowed me to forget everything swimming around in my brain and just be for a moment.

We need to be kind to each other more often. It's amazing the effect those little things have on others.

#kindness

Hilarious reminder for all men :) Don't forget to get your manholes inspected! #CheckYourColon

#fathersday #checkyourcolon #Austin

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Cervezas and taco salad to celebrate.

Spring Saturday

I had the perfect Spring Saturday recently and had to share.

We started with an exceptional lunch at Epicerie in Rosedale.

Fried Gouda with Cherries and Honey A proper Caesar Salad

Chicken Terrine

Duck Egg Creme Brulee

We then enjoyed the gardens and peacocks at Mayfield Park.

We ended the day with margaritas at The Oasis and celebrated the sunset.

I love this city! Hope you have a great weekend.

East Austin Urban Farm Tour

I had a wonderful time wandering the streets of the east side last weekend and enjoying all that four of our urban farms have to offer. We toured Springdale Farm, Boggy Creek Farm, Rain Lily Farm, and HausBar Farm. It was a lovely spring day in Austin, and thankfully the rain clouds that hovered over stayed intact for the afternoon.

Boggy Creek Farm

Gin Cocktail from Treaty Oak Distillery

Lovely Beet and Cheese bite from the soon-to-be-opening Olamaie

Some of the animals at HausBar Farm

If you get an opportunity to check out the tour next year, I highly recommend it.

Beyond Picket Fences Turns 5!

Tumblr just informed me that my blog is 5 years old today! Kinda crazy to think that I've been doing this blogging thing (albeit sporadically) for the past 5 years. In that time it has evolved from a random post, reblog, or rant here and there, to primarily a food blog where I get to show the world my creative side. Through this blog I have made some amazing relationships and joined a great organization, The Austin Food Blogger Alliance.

I'm so happy to have this outlet where I can share my passions and am excited for the continued evolution. To my followers and anyone who visited Beyond Picket Fences at any point, Thank You. I'm glad to have shared this with you.

To celebrate, here is some never-before-seen images of food porn I've taken over the past few years. Enjoy!

Fireside hot chocolate with marshmallows

Spicy Italian Seafood Stew

Cheese and charcuterie board with one of the best cheeses on the planet, La Tur.

Perfectly grilled asparagus and fennel

Fresh butter and goat cheese and Pure Luck Farm

Fried Rice at Elizabeth Street Cafe

Chocolatey awesome dessert at Odd Duck

A bowl of cherries, just because.

Eid-e Shomah Mobarak! Happy New Year!

Today is the vernal equinox which marks that beginning of spring and the start of the Persian New Year. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!

Above is my haft-seen. Haft-seen stands for 7 S's which symbolize various good fortunes in the new year.

The seven S's I have above are:

Sabzeh (wheat grass) - symbolizing rebirth Serkeh (vinegar) - symbolizing age and patience Sib (apples) - symbolizing beauty and health Sir (garlic) - symbolizing medicine Somagh (sumac) - symbolizing the color of sunrise Senjed (dried lotus fruit) - symbolizing love Sonbol (hyacinth) - symbolizing the coming of spring

I also have an extra seen (S), samanu, which is a sweet wheat pudding that symbolizes affluence.

Other items on the table are: Mirror: symbolizing the sky and a reflection on the previous year Tokhmeh Morgh (egg): symbolizing fertility Shirini (sweets): symbolizes spreading the sweetness Ajil - mixed nuts A book of poetry or prayer. I have both the Shahnameh (Book of Kings by Ferdowsi) and the Quran to make my grandmother happy.

Norooz Pirooz!

Haft-seen

The Shahnameh

Shirini from Dream Bakery

Love, alas, is a fickle emotion, so you must cherish it for the fleeting moment in which it graces you.

AFBA City Guide 2014 - Titaya's

Titaya's is back and better than ever! After more than a year of eager anticipation, Titaya's has reopened with a more modern interior and expanded menu. Prepare for a long wait, even if you arrive early. Austinites love Titaya's, and those of us who were die-hard fans before the remodel happily waited up to two hours for some of the best Thai food in the city. I expected some hiccups, as they just reopened, and the only issue we had was that our main course was slow out of the kitchen. Appetizers and desserts were timely, though. Our waitress was wonderful and kept us informed along the way. We never had empty water glasses and she was friendly and helpful with the menu.

A few things to keep in mind when you go:

Be patient and don't expect to have a "quick bite" here

Go for it all; get an appetizer (or two), try several types of entrees, dessert is a must!

Listen to your server, they know their stuff

Beer and wine is available and they have a decent list. Corkage is $15/bottle for BYOB

Try something different, you'll likely be surprised

I'm so glad I went into the new Titaya's with an open mind and a very empty stomach. I had such a great experience, was happily stuffed, and I can't wait to go back soon!

What to order: Items we had that I can recommend are: Appetizers - Sweet Corn and Taro Fritters (addicting!), and the Shrimp Leafy Rolls (add sriracha to the peanut sauce, you'll be glad you did) Entrees - Pad See Eiw and the Gang Masamum Gai. The Pad See Eiw has Chinese broccoli in it which is such an underrated vegetable. The Masamum curry is the best example of this curry I've ever had. Desserts - We tried the two desserts available, Black Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk and Lychee, and Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta. Both were outstanding. The rice pudding is served warm, and the panna cotta comes with an amazing ginger tuile.

Our neighbors at the next table ordered the Tom-Kha soup and it smelled heavenly! Our waitress recommended a few items for us try next time: Larb Sake and the Duck Noodle Soup. You better believe I'll be ordering all of those on my next visit.

Titaya's Thai Cuisine 5501 North Lamar Blvd., Ste C101 Austin, TX 78751 512.458.1792

Hours Of Operation: Tuesday - Friday 11am-2:30pm, 5:00pm-10:00pm; Saturday - Sunday 12:00pm - 3:30pm, 5:00pm - 10:00pm; Closed Mondays

Takes reservations: No WiFi: No Website: http://www.titayasthaicuisine.com/