Lovwine + Barter

Uncategorized

I think I jinxed myself with the winter comment in my last post – it’s currently 22 with freezing drizzle! However, Friday and Saturday were glorious, so we still got to enjoy wonderful weather this weekend. On Friday, Matt and I stayed in and opened this lovely bottle of wine we purchased on our last Charlottesville visit. I remember tasting it and really liking it, but the second time was amazing! Seriously in love with this wine. Matt ended up having to work pretty late, so I enjoyed a glass and my novel on the balcony until the sun set. It was a great way to unwind.

IMG_4734.JPG

For dinner, I threw together an Indian inspired meal with the simmer sauce I love from TJ’s. We caught up on the bachelor (interesting episode….) and called it an early night.

IMG_4136.JPG

Saturday was breezy and 80, so we spent the afternoon hitting golf balls with one of Matt’s friends. I am terrible, but could definitely see improvement by the end (aka, I could actually come into contact with the ball…). My goal is to be ready to play a real game by the age of 50:)

IMG_4742.JPG

We continued to enjoy the weather by grabbing drinks on the patio of Barter, where we had a dinner reservation. The patio is small, but very cute and there are really comfy couches with pillows. I chose Dominic the Donkey: Jacob’s Ghost White Whiskey, Fresh Lime Juice, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and Muddled Italian Basil. Our server suggested ordering it spicy, so I did… I loved the drink, but my mouth was somewhat on fire after I finished it!

IMG_4743.JPG

We moved inside for dinner and began with the carrot ‘home fries’ with fresno chilies and goat cheese. These were amazing!! We also enjoyed a big basket of cornbread and crackers. I ordered a glass of red wine with dinner, but because my mouth was reignited with the chilies, I couldn’t really taste it.

IMG_4748.JPG

We also shared the striped bass tostadas with fish sauce vinaigrette, cilantro, serranos and…

IMG_4752.JPG

the chili crab fajitas with chili sauce (omg, why did I order more spicy stuff!!!?) and crispy basil.

IMG_4753.JPG

Everything was delicious! I’d highly recommend Barter for both the atmosphere and food. Our server was a bit impatient with us, but then again, the restaurant is new and we are annoyingly indecisive when it comes to food:)

IMG_4754.JPG

We made it to the coffee shop this morning for frothy drinks and computer time, and then I ventured out to the grocery store this afternoon. Who knew I’d need an ice scraper in order to drive home?! I’m exited to be cozy on the couch. The Oscars, a beer, and a burger are in store for this evening. I’m pumped.

See ya.

  • Jenn
    March 2, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    I live just south of cville! Who makes this wine?

    • Laura
      March 3, 2014 at 1:59 pm

      Lovingston! http://lovingstonwinery.com/

      It was actually on our way back from C-ville to NC.

      • Jenn
        March 3, 2014 at 7:21 pm

        no way! I live and work within minutes of lovingston winery!!!! Guess i need to stop by?!

        • Laura
          March 4, 2014 at 9:20 am

          Yes, go and get a bottle for the weekend (and then send me one:))

          • Jenn
            March 4, 2014 at 12:06 pm

            I can or I could always drop it at GH;-) hehe

      • Jenn
        March 3, 2014 at 7:26 pm

        Foodandfarm.wordpress.com

        • Laura
          March 4, 2014 at 9:20 am

          And thanks for the link – you should def. keep blogging!

  • Kath
    March 2, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    Looks like an awesome weekend! We are about to get dumped with ice and snow 🙁

  • Diana
    March 3, 2014 at 1:44 am

    it all sounds so spicy and delicious!

  • Eliza
    March 3, 2014 at 10:23 am

    I love those simmer sauces! They make me feel so classy. Also, I am way jealous that you’ve had patio weather already…it’s still unseasonably cold here.

    I am also learning how to golf because my husband’s family is big on golfing. I never actually go with them, though, because they tend to get super impatient with people who suck at golf. 😛

    • Laura
      March 3, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      It’s soooo hard!

  • Anna
    March 4, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    It took me a while to figure out that first photo of carrots – looks like salmon to me! You should be a food blogger. You are much more of an actual foodie than most hlb bloggers.