Blurry but this picture made me laugh. I asked Jared to snap a picture of my outfit and look who decided to join in the photo shoot?!?!
Jared, Drew, Nicki, Chris, and I met in Cambridge at Cambridge Common for beers and appetizers. I had a Pretty Things beer.
We shared an ordered of fried pickles and tater tots. Love the comfort of bar food!
The 5 of us walked 1 mile to Gran Gusto for a delicious Italian meal.
We explained that we wanted a “light, drinkable red wine” that would pair well with a variety of orders. The waitor recommended a new addition to the wine list and he was spot on. We immediately ordered a second bottle, and with each sip exclaimed, “This wine is SO good.”
It’s a 2005 Serego Alighieri Bello Ovile. The nose features a heavy blueberry scent with hints of chocolate. The Bello Ovile was so soft on the palate! No hard edges and a dry, subtle finish. The wine had nice berry flavors, blueberries and blackberries, with hints of cranberry and oak.
I’m going to be searching for more bottles of Bello Ovile at the wine store next door to my apartment.
Cinghiale – Wild-boar sausage, cannellini beans, thyme
Arugola – Apple, pecorino, balsamic vinaigrette
Lasagnetta – Eggplant lasagna, mozzarella, tomato, basil
I’m really glad Nicki was at dinner with us. She’s a registered dietitian so whenever we had a question about ingredients, she could offer an answer. Gran Gusto was amazing. I had small bites of my friends’ meals and was as impressed with their orders as I was with my lasagna. And Gran Gusto has parking so I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who lives in and around the Boston area. 
Cappuccino before dessert
There’s no dessert menu so I don’t remember the description of everything we ordered. We ordered 4 different desserts for the table, including this chocolate cake and a gelato sampler.
*My Announcement*
I decided to become Certified to be a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant!
I’m completing the AFPA program, which can take up to 6 months. Though I’m hoping to review the study materials and complete the test in half the time.
I’m excited to learn about Personal Nutrition and also how to develop basic Nutrition Counseling Skills. I’m not ready to commit to becoming a registered dietitian, but I would like to improve my knowledge of basic nutrition. I’d like to have a better background if I plan to advise people on what and how to eat. Right now I blog about what I eat, but there’s no real reason why anyone should follow me and listen to what I say. It’s just what works for me.
My certification may change the way I fuel and add some validity to the information I share with you guys. And who knows what opportunities it could lead to in the future… 
I’m really excited to crack open the books and start learning. It will be great to study and take the certification test in a way that fits into my schedule. I like the ease of doing things on my own terms. Wish me luck! 
COMMENTS
22 Comments
1. Jenna
March 28th, 2010 09:37 AM
a) Cute shirt, b) Wow! so exciting!! Good luck in your studies
2. Kim
March 28th, 2010 09:57 AM
Good luck with the studying. I am sure you will keep us posted on all you learn. Will check all your info on how I actually perceive the food that I eat. I am always questioning my eating habits.
3. Karissa @ CardioFoodie
March 28th, 2010 10:22 AM
Cute outfit! I love when dogs find their ways into pictures.
I have been looking into this exact same program, although it probably isn’t a good idea to start during law school crunch time. I would love any insight you have on the program when you get started (i.e. Is it beneficial? Worth it?) Good luck with your studying!
4. EMilyGG
March 28th, 2010 10:49 AM
Saw this and wanted to share with you
http://www.bondiband.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_30_70_72&products_id=1153
Will Run for Cupcakes
5. Brooke
March 28th, 2010 11:00 AM
Good luck with the nutrition counseling. I have just started going back to school to become an RD and I noticed the “Personal Nutrition” book you have there is the same one I am using for my current Nutrition class.
6. Lauren @ Eater not a runner
March 28th, 2010 11:15 AM
Super exciting!! I looked into those certifications and I can’t wait to hear about how it goes…
Also, this makes me want to go to Gran Gusto asap haha.
7. Lisa
March 28th, 2010 12:01 PM
Miles is such a cutie! Can’t wait to hear more about you studying for it and what’s it like…sounds very interesting!
8. Heather
March 28th, 2010 12:24 PM
Good luck! Can’t wait to hear more about what you learn!
Fried pickles are so good – tater tots as well. Your dinner looks amazing – I love when I find a great bottle of wine!
9. Abby
March 28th, 2010 12:30 PM
LOL! My dog Dexter is always joining me in pictures! Sometimes it’s cute. Sometimes it’s not!
10. Becky
March 28th, 2010 12:39 PM
Good luck with the certification! I’m really excited to hear more about it and chat about the new things you learn.
11. Julie
March 28th, 2010 01:10 PM
woohoo! hurry up with that certification and tell me what to eat!
lol – I checked out that bondi band and I think you need to get it.
12. Wishful Nals
March 28th, 2010 02:02 PM
Yay! Such exciting news! You’ll do great! xxo!
13. chocolatepickle
March 28th, 2010 02:06 PM
Congrats!! I’m so excited for you!!! You’ll have to let me know how you like the program as you go through studying, etc. GOOD LUCK!!!!:)
14. Emily
March 28th, 2010 02:28 PM
Congratulations! That’s so exciting. I know you’ll be a great nutrition and wellness consultant.
Good luck!
15. Sophie @ yumventures
March 28th, 2010 03:22 PM
So exciting! I’m sure you will do great!
16. Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep
March 28th, 2010 05:59 PM
So exciting you’re going for your certification! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Cute pictures of you!!!
17. MelissaNibbles
March 29th, 2010 03:24 AM
This is great! I’m in the middle of a similar program! Perhaps we can study together? I’m very happy for you and your new adventure
18. Coco
March 29th, 2010 07:23 AM
I read that personal nutrition book last fall for my nutrition class! I’m a Bostonian too so if you need my study notes or quizes feel free to give me a jingle hahaa. I aced the class! That’s awesome your becoming certified!!!!!
We should grab cocktails sometime! I love meeting up with Boston bloggers!
19. Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me
March 29th, 2010 07:28 AM
Congrats on the course. I really contemplated taking it myself….even if just for personal knowledge. I’d love to get a job in the nutrition field but it’s so hard to make the job transition!
20. joy
March 29th, 2010 08:19 AM
Good for you! Congrats -i can’t wait to hear more about it
21. Betsy
March 29th, 2010 10:41 AM
That’s great news, congrats!
22. Cole
March 31st, 2010 09:23 AM
I love your red top! Too cute! and Good luck!!