Cultural Eating in Marietta, GA

Sometimes I think I was mistakenly born in the wrong place and have never been more sure of that than today. Since I am home in Marietta, Georgia, I look for any opportunity to see something other than shopping centers and upscale fast food chains. Today I went to the Marietta Square, which is surrounded by many ethnic neighborhoods that include Chinese, Korean, Brazilian, Mexican, Slovakian, Australian, and most recently, British restaurants.

I happened upon The Corner Shop, which sells exclusively British merchandise. I was hoping to find my beloved Paprika Pringles (which I have yet to find since my Paris trip almost four years ago) but instead found Lucozade, a sort of discgusting sort of delicious energy drink that helped me survive New Year's Day last year. They also have Walker's Roasted Chicken crisps, which I also ate in England and did not enjoy.

I should also mention a few more places in historic Marietta. As I mentioned earlier, there is The Australian Bakery Cafe, which has been bringing in curious diners for as long as I can remember. I have yet to eat there (I always end up at Marietta Pizza Company, another good choice) but feel the need to soon! The kangaroo stuffed animals and giant pairs of Uggs in the window get odd glances, but the cafe has the largest selection of authentic Australian meat pies in the countries and brought the delicacy here to America in 1994. The pies have seasoned beef and gravy inside a flaky crust.

Johnnie MacCracken's Celtic Pub is, as it sounds, an Irish pub. Because of Georgia's strict laws to prevent underage drinking, patrons under 21 are not allowed, even though the pub is also a restaurant. Johnnie MacCracken's is housed in one of the oldest buildings in town and used to be a bank and fire station before embracing it's Irish roots. You can get yourself the perfect pint of Guinness with fish and chips, or as I prefer, a Snakebite (Harp, Strongbow cider, and a splash of black currant juice) with bangers and mash. The beer list is impressive, so those of age should check it out.

Every town in America has an Italian restaurant and Marietta is no excpetion. La Famiglia Ristorante has been a staple in the square for years. The owners, from Naples and Florence respectively, cook authentic pasta dishes and favorites like chicken parmagiana.

Although there were dozens of options for lunch, my mom and sisters and I chose Willie Rae's for our on the go meal. I always have my reservations about trying a new restaurant, but they were unfounded. I had the shrimp po boy that was terrific. The rest of the crew had a chicken burrito, caesar salad, and chile relleno in a deliciously cheesy sauce.

Lastly, if you're in Charleston, check out this review of Not So Hostel and consider it for your travel plans.

Farewell, CCP Family!

Rainy day picture of the Christmas Coburg Cow, West Ashley

Today starts the official beginning of my holiday season as well as my last day at the Charleston City Paper, where I have been enslaved as an intern for the past six months. Just kidding. There were perks. This is going to be a big long entry about changes, likes, future, etc. Be prepared.

It all started when I was searching for a gift to bring to the CCP Christmas Party. I had been told that past favorite gifts included liquor and sex toys, so there was already a certain amount of pressure. I entered World Market and figured I could pick up a mix and match six pack of beers (see above) and call it a day. I was already to settle with the beer (I chose Woodchuck, Palmetto, Tiger, Cooper, Terrapin, and Hoegaarden, in case you were wondering) when I saw it. THE GIFT. A collector's edition Star Trek Pez set. I kid you not. However, I didn't want to give up the beer, so I took it home for myself. MMMM.

Me, fellow intern Marina, calendar editor Erica, freelancer Cara

So the party was the chaos I expected. The party was upstairs at Joe Pasta, where the former CCP offices were. The food sucked, so of course everyone had to settle for the open bar. My bosses were wasted and the gift stealing in the Dirty Santa/White Elephant/whatever you call it was ruthless. There were 3 Snuggies and at least one vibrator. The biggest hit was a bacon set with artisan bacon from Ted's Butcherblock, bacon band-aids, bacon stickers, and a bacon air freshener. After getting my bottle of Belvedere stolen, I ended up with two bottles of The Bruery Belgian ales. Not too shabby.

Me and Marina at the Christmas tree (pole...) in Marion Square

So this is the part where I get sentimental. I never thought I would when I started working there. I was a nervous intern in the advertising department who mostly made copies but met some really cool people. When the internship was over, I didn't think much about it. But I knew I really wanted to give writing a shot. So I interviewed for an editorial internship. I (eventually) got a call back about it and was in. I had taken classes about writing but had no idea what to expect. It's been crazy, but I have honestly learned more there than I ever did in a classroom. There was never a dull moment. Here's what I accomplished:

1. Becoming a featured writer!
2. Meeting some of the most bizarre, hilarious, frustrating, and amazing people. I only hope my grown-up job will be as much fun. 
3. Figuring out what I want to do with my life.

So thanks for everything.

Photo of the Day: London, England

I must say that I'm very disappointed with the Top Chef finale results. It's about time for an Atlanta winner! I am currently distracting myself with this post instead of finishing a paper. Typical. Here's what I'm thinking about:

1. Staying at Loftstel in New York for the Travel Blog Exchange in June. I've always wanted to test it out and the conference may just be the perfect opportunity. 
2. Couch Surfing on my post graduation trip (that may or may not happen this summer, depending on the job situation). Has anyone done it that wants to tell me their thoughts?
3. Post college plans. Maybe I will have a poll on which option I should choose (jobs, Peace Corps, Teach for America, traveling, etc.) and let the readers of my blog decide because I have no idea at this point.

Stay sane and look out for a post about beer!