As a housewarming gift our awesome Realtors gave us a gift certificate to Magnolia Grill, a converted grocery store on the corner of 9th and Knox streets in the heart of Durham.  After heading over on a Monday only to find they were closed, we were finally able to make use of our gift last Tuesday.

Upon entering the place is very unassuming with simple tables and chairs set up with a main dining room to the right and a raised bar area to the left.  Behind the dining room is what looks like a more private reserved room and behind the bar is an open view of the kitchen.  We sat closest to the kitchen in the bar area and had a great view of seeing the final prep of all the dishes being served.

I know, I know. I’m almost 26 years old and I’ve never flown in an airplane. But that will change as of October 2, 2010!

It probably would have taken even longer than this (something along the lines of a honeymoon in like 2-3 years) but my job is sending me to the American Public Health Association conference in Denver in early November and the thought of flying all by myself for the first time filled me with indescribable anxiety. So Nick, being the most wonderful boyfriend that he is, agreed to take me on a flight before November so I’ll at least have stepped foot in an airport.