Weekend things: Radin, V-Day menu and Marzipan

The past weekend started my quest for live music as a packed House of Blues was the setting for Joshua Radin. The girlfriend got me tickets months ago for my birthday and we were both anxious to hear how Radin would transcend his acoustic style into a live show. We discovered that only a few heavy riffs were played through the course of the set list, while the majority remained acoustic. Radin's lyrics speak of love, heartbreak and looking ahead. Absorbing his words to a generally quiet atmosphere was a good fit. The show was intimate. The girlfriend conveniently pointed out that there were many young girls in the audience and that I was surely outnumbered. That being said, the show was full of soul, highlighted by Radin belting two songs away from the microphone so the audience could hear his booming voice. He also played my favorite song, "No Envy No Fear" and the girlfriend's favorite, "Today." Here are some pictures, and videos will added shortly.

Radin doing this thing:

The opening act: Justin Nozuka

Nozuka combines acoustic guitar with R&B/Soul

Other highlights from the weekend included Irish beers and grub at a local pub, having lunch with mama Byer (thanks for the plethora of groceries/laundry) and shopping with the girl. We scoped out a few stores near our apartment (Newton Highlands on Walnut Street to the locals) and simply browsed, picking up things here and there. I found marzipan at a confectionery and could not resist. Now it's time for Valentine's Day. I am cooking for the girlfriend and we'll surely enjoy a bottle of Merlot together. She is my guinea pig when I go exotic and try new dishes in the kitchen. However, this meal is more on the comfort side of the spectrum. 

V-Day Menu:

Bruschetta: rubbed with garlic, fresh tomato and sprinkled with parmesan cheese

Chicken breast stuffed with herbed ricotta and apple, finished with a squeeze of citrus.

Roasted new potatoes with olive oil, herbs and sea salt.

Happy Valentine's Day to those partaking, and I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!