A Balancing Act: Take Out For Lunch & A Homemade Dinner

One of my most self detrimental habits is that I will justify eating out once a day if I at least make the other meal, albeit dinner or lunch. Sometimes I don’t care and I just eat out for both meals. Dave Ramsey would have a field day with my budget right now.

Anyways, I don’t get to eat with friends often for lunch when I’m in Laurel, but when I do, I love to eat Panda. Not to be confused with the Panda Express chain restaurant. No, Panda is a Laurel original, and it’s the only place where I can get Bourbon chicken and Lo mein for $8.

It’s nothing fancy, but the girl usually recognizes my number and has it ready long before my 15 minute wait time is up. I’m a big fan.

A few friends/co-workers decided to have ourselves a picnic in the Art park in the middle of Downtown. What a sight!

Later that evening, I made dinner for my parents, who so graciously allow my rambunctious pup and I to live with them during my Laurel weeks. I wanted to do something complimentary, southern and smothered in cheese. Also something that would impress my dad.

I went with Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Red Potatoes and the melt-in-your-mouth good Baked Caesar Chicken.

This may not seem like a very complicated meal, but for someone who didn’t know a thing about cooking this time last year, it’s a huge feat. I’m really proud of this plate.