Taco Mamacita

Yesterday Mike and I went for a date day after we returned from seeing my family out of town. We had originally wanted to go see Bridesmaids on Friday but we knew that we didn't want to fight the Sold Out lines so we opted to wait until Sunday. We also decided to branch out and try a new restaurant here in Nashville. We've only been here 6 weeks but that's enough time for us to find our routine and get a little stuck. Instead, we've decided to venture to places we haven't been to give all you honeybees a look at life in Nashville! (And I know some of you live here in Nashville... let a girl know! Let's grab coffee or chit chat or something! Seriously. I'm awkward and shy so this is rare! ha)






Anyway, we decided on Taco Mamacita in Edgehill Village, just half a block down from where I get tattooed. We've seen it tons but never dipped in for a bite but we're glad we did because it was delicious! Mike and I both had the Enchiladas Suizas, his with tomatillo sauce and mine with salsa. He also opted for green chile rice and I went a totally unexpected route for myself, sweet potato fries. Pretty sure it was some of the best food I've eaten so kudos to Taco Mamacita! 









The whole interior of TM is really neat. Reclaimed wooden doors holding various light fixtures from the ceiling, old cow bells that would make Christopher Walken jealous, and an industrious open space that makes us feel right at home. (Since moving into this loft, I've become obsessed with exposed brick and rafters/pipes! Love!) It's definitely worth a visit if you live in Nashville or are visiting! 







Marshalls dress, Forever 21 cardigan, Thrifted belt, Thrifted flats, Michael Kors Gansevoort bag gifted from Mike, hive+honey lace fascinator, Shane Co. green sapphire necklace gifted from parents


We walked back to the car and set sail for the 100 Oaks area so we could go see our movie at the Regal 27. It's such a neat movie theater. Kind of over the top on the outside as you drive by. The entire thing is outlined in neon. You definitely can't miss it! We were really excited to see Bridesmaids because I love love love Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph. But I have to admit, Melissa McCarthy was totally the cherry on top of that movie masterpiece! If you haven't seen it, it comes highly recommended from the both of us. When does Judd Apatow ever do wrong?!








Have you seen Bridesmaids yet? or have you ever been to Taco Mamacita?


*First photo via Katelin Taylor // Last two photos via Envyr on Flickr (gorgeous Nashville photos!)

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Taco Mamacita

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Favorite Local Food Spots in Salt Lake City

Since there are lots of people coming into town for Alt this week (yay!!) I thought I would highlight my ten favorite foodie places around the Salt Lake City area for those looking for a place to try. Although I'm not originally from Utah and still have many places yet to give a go, these are ones I thought of off the top of my head, and have always come away with memorable experiences. See my entire list and map after the jump...

Forage : My favorite restaurant in Salt Lake hands down. Mac took me here a few weeks ago again for my birthday and it is an overall artistic and enjoyable food experience. If you are a foodie this is a must! It is a smaller place and only open for dinner, a little spendy but you will come away with a very memorable evening. They are taking away numerous awards lately including one of the top restaurants in the U.S.


Les Madeleines : My favorite Bakery! Their specialty Kouing-aman is amazing and sells out fast! It was even highlight on the Food Network. The Carrot Cake Cookie is yummy as well and pretty much everything else. For lunch I enjoy their Sesame Chicken Salad Wrap.

Cucina Toscana : I haven't been to them all but this is my favorite Italian spot in the area. So delicious and the service in impeccable.

Tulie Bakery : Patterned after Tartine in San Francisco this Bakery has more of a modern and minimal fresh and European atmosphere and the yummy bakery items are top notch. I enjoy their Banana Creme Tarts but most things are delectable!

Mazza : If you are wanting something a little different to try-- go for the Middle Eastern cuisine of Mazza. There are two locations and it is really yummy food.

Porcupine Grill : If you like pub food this place is pretty good and a perfect after ski hangout.

Lone Star Taqueria: Quick authentic Mexican food. Their fish tacos and salad are amazing with new fresh fish selections daily, I also often see many skiers and boarders here after hitting the slopes.


Red Iguana Restaurant : Best Mexican food in Utah! There is also a few different locations.

Takashi : Some of the best sushi in town.

Pawit's Royale Thai : Best Thai food I've ever had in Utah. The Gang Kra Lee (Yellow Curry) is really good.


If you end up heading south of Salt Lake City to Utah County here are two other favorites :

Pizzeria 712 : Yummy Pizza, their ham & cheddar panini is incredible and the desserts are yummy too. Although an interesting location, I love the atmosphere.

Communal Restaurant: Delicious food and they are now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Worth a trip for sure with a great designer ambience.


View Salt Lake City Favorites in a larger map

I know I am missing many great spots as I am only limiting this to ten, but add to the list -- what are your favorites? Shout them out in the comments!

(photos all by black eiffel : 1: Breakfast at Communal | 2: Seasonal Vegetable Medley at Forage | 3: Pain au Chocolate from Les Madeleines | 4: Outside of Tulie Bakery)

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Communal Restaurant

Last Saturday I was invited to a breakfast tasting along with some other lovely bloggers at one of my favorite local spots Communal Restaurant (see my previous talks of them here) and by jove their brand spanking new breakfast repertoire addition is phenomenal. My husband Mac and I constantly discuss how there aren't many great breakfast options in our local area, but shazam! Communal stepped up and nailed it yet again. If you are looking for a place to dine for a wonderful lunch, dinner date and now cozy breakfast in the Utah County area, Communal remains seated at the tippity-top of my list.



Everything from the delicious housemade granola to the french toast with perfectly spiced apples to the baked farm eggs with tomato & chorizo is down right scrumptious. Although surprisingly, the standout dish for me was their Steak and Farm Eggs with Salsa Verde -- I only say surprising because I am not the biggest meat eater, but wow ... it was A-mazing. Find out more information on their website and check out their newly launched label and web presence-- Heirloom Restaurant Group.

Do you Utah locals or those coming to the Beehive state for a visit want to score a chance at a $50 gift card to dine at Communal? Leave a comment below by Monday December 6th and I will randomly select a winner, and announce on this post & twitter by Tuesday. Thank you Communal for the wonderful experience.

Winner randomly selected and announced : Angela!! Congrats.

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Pellegrino meets Missoni

A little while ago a friend and I had dinner at Cucina Toscana an amazing Salt Lake City Italian Restaurant that I would highly recommend, and when they brought us a bottle of Pellegrino we immediately both noticed that the label was a little different. It is Pellegrino meets Missoni! So, what would any label-loving design geek do? I asked for the bottle after we were through of course! Isn't it beautiful? Anybody else seeing these limited edition beauties floating around?

(photo on left from here // photo on right by me)

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Pellegrino meets Missoni

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Forage Restaurant

Last weekend a friend and I had a girl's night and decided to treat ourselves by going to the lovely restaurant Forage in Salt Lake City. If you are ever looking to go out for a special evening dinner in Salt Lake, I would very highly recommend this place. They have two fixed-price course menus (we went with the 3-course) with options changing depending on seasons and local availability. Chef's Bowman Brown and Viet Pham created flavors that were unique and delectable and as you can see from my phone shots -- there was definitely artful beauty on the plates. It was delightful to have some amuse-bouches and I still can't get over how stunning the 'vegetable garden' first course was. I can't wait to take my husband back for a special occasion.



Forage website | Forage Blog | Located at 370 E 900 S in Salt Lake City.

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Drew Danburry

Hello! I hope you all had a nice weekend. Here is a song for Music Monday that I have been enjoying listening to the last few days -- a cover of Nirvana by Drew Danburry from his upcoming album to be released April 26th entitled "Goodnight Dannii".

Listen (or download by right clicking) on the first single Nirvana from the album here.

Drew Danburry is a extremely unique and creative local independent singer-songwriter (take a peek at his youtube page to see what I'm talking about) that has been releasing albums for eight years. The upcoming album will be released as a storybook and you can see the illustrations by his wife here.

Other projects Drew has been working on include the monthly webisode project, "Reliving the 90s" (see previous post) with the latest episode being a cool cover by Magnetic Fields performed by JP Haynie, and Jefferson and Abigail Quist. Continue to check in on Drew because it will be interesting to see what he is up to next.

Thanks Drew!

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Provo Orem Word

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the launching party at the lovely Communal for the online publication of the Provo Orem Word. My husband and I felt a tad out of place being amongst literary and artistic giants, but it was fantastic to talk with and see how great minds think. Check out this wonderful publication that editor Rebecca Packard created and if you are in the Utah Valley area it is especially nice because it has a calendar of events for local artsy events.

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Provo Orem Word

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Reliving the 90s

At my brother Jake's music venue and recording studio Muse Music, they are doing an awesome collaboration and creative project started by Drew Danburry called "Reliving the '90s" where they play covers and record video episodes from the 1990s by local music artists. I wanted to share these two clips with you -- they are excellent!

Kate Brandeburg's voice covering "Stay" is incredible and I love the quirkiness of hearing Micah Dahl Anderson cover, "Nothing Compares to You". I can't wait for more, you can subscribe to the youtube channel here.

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Reliving the 90s

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American Crafts Sale

I probably shouldn't mention that I don't scrapbook in a state with the highest number per capita of people who do, but if you are a UT local this really is a fabulous sale. American Crafts has some great stuff. Last year, I stocked up on gift wrap, leather bound photo albums and cute gift boxes and at the time I asked, they were not sure if they would be repeating the event. I'm happy they are -- because the low prices are major.

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Communal Restaurant Giveaway

Alright, feels like it is time for another Tuesday giveaway! This giveaway is catered more for Utah locals (sorry international readers - more giveaways ahead) but if you plan on coming for a visit, you should enter too! Communal one of my new favorite restaurants (read my review here) is offering a lucky reader a $35 gift certificate and Black Eiffel is going to round it up to a $50. I've already been back again to try their delicious food, and I left yet again with a smile on my face.



To enter please leave a comment on this post by midnight on Friday, October 9th and the winner will be randomly selected.

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Alice Lane Home

Word up to the locals, the fabulous Alice Lane Home is having a girls night out this Saturday with the chance to win the lovely lamp above and 20% off accessories, pillows and lamps. Cupcakes and cookies will be there too! Hopefully I will get a chance to sneak away and take a peek.

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Alice Lane Home

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Communal Restaurant

Yesterday while attending a tasting at the newly opened Communal, I decided that chefs Colton Soelberg and Joseph Mcrae are pretty much my favorite local foodie heroes. The dynamic, kind, and sensationally talented team met while cooking at Sundance and have added to their catalog various experiences at top notch restaurants from San Francisco to New York along the way. Luckily for the Utah crowd, they've decided to land, plant, and expand their horizons in Utah Valley and I couldn't be happier.

First they opened one of my favorite restaurants in the area, the gourmet and sensational Pizzeria 712 which I have been super impressed by. (see previous posts here) Now, opening last Friday comes the comfort food rivaling sister restaurant, Communal. Even more exciting -- a catering company is forthcoming, along with thoughts and visions for other various projects in the area.



At Communal, Colton and Joseph continue to embrace their keen respect for local farmers and ingredients while enhancing their ability to dissect food to the most pure form with depth of rustic flavors being highlighted. Their delicious cuisine accompanied by a stylish and cozy atmosphere including concrete counter tops, beautifully stained wooden floors, crisp white dishes and fantastically edited modern art elevate this place to the next level. All of these elements make me hopeful that this upward mobility in culinary options is only just the beginning in Utah Valley. Locals, and visitors, you now have another exceptional choice in the area with the cozy sophistication of Communal. Go try it out and tell me what you think, and you should really try the butterscotch pot de creme, it is phenomenal!



{Location : 100 N University Ave, Provo, UT
Open : 5-10pm Tuesday through Saturday (lunch coming soon)
Dinner menu prices : $5-19
Website }

(See additional images here)

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Communal Restaurant

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Sponsor Highlight : Alice Lane Home

I am happy to introduce sponsor Alice Lane Home. I've can't wait to go to their store in Orem and check things out, and from the looks of their impeccably-styled decor website, it will be quite a treat. Who has been to this beautiful store? Hooray for such an elegant place in Utah, and furthermore, they also offer design services for your interior needs.


*If you would like to become a Black Eiffel sponsor, email blackeiffel@gmail.com for rates.

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Sponsor Highlight : Alice Lane Home

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Adding Machines

My brother and sister-in-law had their sweet baby girl this last week and I bet she is going to be a very musical one with all of her parent's talents. Here they are playing and singing in their band Adding Machines. Also check out their venue and recording studio Muse Music if you are in UT area. Congrats Jake & Melissa!

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Adding Machines

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Salt Lake City - Design Sponge Guide

For all the SLC locals check out the newly added Salt Lake City guide over at Design Sponge. Most of my favorites are on there!

Like...

Les Madeleines
Tulie Bakery
Cafe Niche
Cactus and Tropicals
Liberty Heights Fresh

and more....

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Salt Lake City - Design Sponge Guide

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Spark Restaurant Lounge

Another post for the UT locals.

Last night I was treated to a tasting for the Restaurant Lounge Spark, it was delicious! This place is quite different than the norm of the area ... it is a loungy, metropolitan-style, top-notch cuisine establishment with a different vibe than anything else you'll find in Provo or Utah County.

As for cuisine, Chef Lauro Romero uses fresh local ingredients mixed with exotic ingredients and ethnic techniques. Everything I tried ... from the Shrimp Roll to the Pan-Roasted Fillet Mignon to the Banana Strudel and Panna Cotta I liked. They also serve an array of creative non-alcoholic drinks, which fits the demographic of the area, and the Kiwi Martini was by far my favorite ... I am still thinking about it.



Spark is kind enough to offer readers the printable coupon (read above) and entree prices range from $17.50 - $25.00. Be sure to call : 801.701.6780 to reserve your spot. Even if you live in the surrounding areas it would be worth the drive to check this place out. Combine your dinner with a night of music at Muse, a shopping trip to Mode and Coal Umbrella an Art Gallery stroll or Museum night and it would make a very splendid evening. If you can't make it for dinner, try their 3 course lunch special for $10. I was blown away by what a local gem this place is and would highly recommend it to any UT residents or visitors. I am adding it to my favorite local spots list. Très Magnifique!

Spark Restaurant Lounge, 86 N. University Ave, Provo, 801-701-6780

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Pizza for the locals... Pizzeria 712

Hello UT locals or welcomed visitors... if you are looking for a great place to eat tonight or this weekend and haven't tried Pizzeria 712, you've got to give it a whirl. A friend and I ate here for lunch today (even with the kids who liked their ham + cheese panini) and it was as yummy as always, and we even sat outside. It is one of my favorite UT county spots.

(ps. If you are a local UT reader, let me know!)

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Pizza for the locals... Pizzeria 712

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Sundance

My sweet husband surprised me last night and took me up to Sundance and out to dinner. It reminded me of how much I love the beauty of nature. If you are ever in Utah, or live here... it is a wonderful place to visit.

A quote on the wall read,


"This place in the mountains,
amid nature's casualness toward death and birth,
is the perfect host for the inspiration of ideas:
harsh at times, life-threatening in its winters of destruction
but tender in attention to the details
of every petal of every wildflower resurrected in the spring.
Nature and creativity obey the same laws,
to the same end: life.
-Robert Redford.

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Sundance

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Tulie Bakery

Seriously, Tulie Bakery is amazing, my new favorite local bakery. I was happily introduced by my friend Stephanie, and she wrote all about it in a post here. If you are nearby SLC or coming to the area for a visit, it is a 'must stop'. Besides their scrumptious cakes, bakery delights, and über cool french industrial modern ambiance, (totally my style) they even have letterpress business cards... need I say more?

(images by Stephmodo)

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Tulie Bakery

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Grant Hamilton Show

Grant Hamilton is coming to SLC at the Saan's Downtown Gallery. I am excited to see his Polaroid Photography show running January 12 - February 16th. Check out his work, I've also previously mentioned him here.

(via Ali)

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Grant Hamilton Show

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