I wanted to share some exciting news with the person(s?) that read First Bite…I’m published (you know, aside from the self-publishing I do here)!! I’m doing a little freelancing for the just-launched AOL City’s Best so I encourage you to check out the site to see where they’re going in the coming weeks. Also, until November 30th, you can vote for places you feel are the “city’s best” in the large categories of restaurants, bars & clubs (best after-work, Irish pub, nightclub, etc.), and lifestyle (best boutique, spa, salon…). Check them out, and cast your vote!

If you are a reader of any other ATL food blogs, undoubtedly you’ve seen posts recently about Chay J’s New Orleans Candies. This leads me to believe one thing: this woman (owner/confectioner Channon Powell) knows her marketing. And if a few food blogs aren’t enough for you, her treats have also been featured on BET’s The Mo’Nique Show. I had the chance to try some of Ms. Powell’s creations when she hand-delivered them to campus for me to try (where she was subsequently fawned over by a strange foreign student who was–to say the least–impressed by her 6′ height…but that’s another story ) Ms. Powell dropped off some “Creole Crunch” popcorn and “Creole Pretzels.” I was too busy munching to get any pictures of my treats, but these photos from chayjs.com should give you the basic idea:

Creole Crunch

Creole Pretzels

Mmm. My hands-down favorite was the popcorn, the sweet coating on which somehow made it feel like it was melting in my mouth. For those who love a good sweet/salty combo, the creole pretzels are the way to go. Since these were mounded together by their caramel-y coating, they took a little more mandibular force to crunch into, which was a bit of a turn-off after my meltaway popcorn. But don’t get me wrong–I still finished the bag! You can order Chay J’s treats for delivery all over the country, and can even get personal delivery in Metro Atlanta with a minimum purchase.

Because I enjoyed Chay J’s New Orleans Candies so much, and in celebration of my new-ish Facebook page, I’ll be having….a GIVEAWAY!!!
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Hi faithful reader(s…maybe?)!

Just giving a heads-up that I’m away from my 2nd home of Atlanta for 6 weeks I’m doing top-secret if-I-tell-you-I-have-to-kill-you research for the Air Force at Wright-Patterson in Dayton, OH. Ok it’s really not so top-secret…but it sounds much more interesting that way, right? Not to worry, I do have a few Atlanta posts left to hammer out, and hopefully I’ll be able to whip up something decent from my extended stay hotel (“well” equipped with one pot and one pan). Any suggestions on things to eat/do in Dayton and surrounding areas are greatly appreciated! I’m already anticipating trips to Columbus and/or Cincinnati to spice things up.

Hit my inbox via the contact link above or leave your suggestions in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Despite my short absence, the blog has not been abandoned–I’ve moved back to Atlanta!! In addition to all the unpacking and furniture building I’ve got going on, I also don’t have internet yet. I’ve still got some final Baton Rouge restaurants to post about, so stay tuned!

My WordPress 2.8 upgrade is apparently not recognizing one of my html commands which moves text below two pictures (like you see below in the Cheeburger post). Please bear with the awkwardness until I figure out a fix for it!

Though somehow, I think I’m probably the only one who noticed/cares

The blog will experience a week-long hiatus as I take my post-graduation trip to JAMAICA!! I do have a few posts waiting to be completed, so if I get some time poolside I may finish and post them.  No promises though!  I’m sure the island will provide me with many fantastic potential posts as well, so check back next week!!

Also, after my return, blog posts will be coming to you from my hometown of Baton Rouge, LA, where I’m spending the summer (my last real break before grad school!). So stay tuned for some reviews from the culinary capital of [my] world, South Louisiana!