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Pittsburgh, PA: Bae Bae’s Kitchen – Restaurant & Book Review

April 19, 2021 Leave a Comment

One thing you have to know is that I love food and I love books. If you’ve ever read one of my book reviews, then you know that I often compare books to food. Taste is so subjective.

And then, I thought, how fun would it be to compare food to books?!

I asked some of my social media followers what places I should go to or try in order to compare books to food. Many options were listed, but a specific restaurant was Bae Bae’s Kitchen.

Situated on the cusp of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, this Korean-inspired restaurant offers a fast-casual dining experience. Bae Bae’s Kitchen breathes garden relaxation with its collection of hanging plants and wood accents. While I’ve yet to dine-in (thanks, COVID), I have caught a glimpse of the inside while snagging my takeout.

Bae Bae’s Kitchen provides an easy online ordering system that allows you to pay beforehand, choose pickup or delivery, and customize your order within limits.

For my menu order, I chose a large plate of BimBimBap with spicy chicken and a Vietnamese Coffee with almond milk.

Now, while I’ve lived near and around Pittsburgh my whole life, driving downtown is still something I try to do at a minimum because there are a lot of one-way streets, and I get overwhelmed/confused/flustered. However, an Instagram friend @angielovespgh shared that pickup could be easy if you parked right by Bae Bae’s Kitchen, threw on your blinkers, and hurried over. She promised that her order had been ready and waiting so she only left her car for moments, and that was my same experience!

My arrival to Bae Bae’s Kitchen went so smoothly, and I had to snag this picture. That Grinch mask hides my glee at trying Bae Bae’s Kitchen finally!

Oh my wow. I was unprepared for how good this was going to be! For a total of $25 (including tip & tax), this meal blew me away with its flavor and size. Every bite felt beyond perfect.

And while I was hungry for lunch, I don’t think I was THAT hungry. Every bite was phenomenal, and I’m almost mad at myself for not trying Bae Bae’s Kitchen sooner.

As I pondered what book to compare my BimBimBap and spicy chicken to, I considered the spicy flavor and the different kimchi options that were included. So much flavor for one dish — how could it be? What book could compare?

When I perused the books I’ve read this year, one book popped out at me: Home Body by Rupi Kaur.

While it may seem like a surprising choice, as it’s a rather cozy collection of poems, Home Body by Rupi Kaur made me think of Bae Bae’s Kitchen BimBimBap because they share that quality of self-discovery. Each poem in Home Body led me to a closer understanding of myself while the BimBimBap introduced me to a better understanding of my love of spicy and wonderful flavors. Both felt like self-discovery to me.

If you live in Pittsburgh or if you’re passing through Pittsburgh, you must try Bae Bae’s Kitchen! And if you love to read, then you need a copy of Home Body by Rupi Kaur (Amazon Affiliate link).

Happy Eating & Reading!

Author Interview: Bridget Brain by Rebecca Wilber

April 12, 2021 Leave a Comment

Nothing is quite as wonderful as celebrating a milestone or a dream come true with someone you’ve known nearly your whole life! Rebecca and I met on a playground when we were both school-aged, and that’s pretty wild. Though the years have taken us on separate adventures, we’ve stayed in touch over the years.

And I’m just so excited to share Rebecca Wilber and her book Bridget Brain with you! If you don’t know much about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), this book is the way to do it!

About Bridget Brain:

Illustrations by Carol Wilmot Sullivan, cws-designs.com

Purchase Bridget Brain on Amazon!

Add Bridget Brain to your Goodreads List!

About Rebecca Wilber:

Rebecca Wilber lives in South Carolina with her husband David, two tiny humans (Aleiah and Ezra), and two furry felines (Moses and Aaron). Though she struggles with her mental health, she continues to fight to be the best wife and mom she can be. When she is not chasing her kids or battling her brain, Rebecca enjoys spending time with friends, reading self-help books, watching medical dramas, riding her exercise bike, crafting, and brainstorming for future books.

Quick (1-Word) Answers:

1. Favorite Dessert: I’m not big on dessert (or following rules, evidently, since this is more than one word), but when I do want something sweet, I melt dairy-free chocolate and peanut butter together to dip pretzels in.

2. Pet Peeve: Mouth noises. Loud chewing, swallowing, breathing, etc. And my cats cleaning themselves right next to me.

CordiallyBarbara: OH MY GOSH ME TOOOOOO.

3. Current Read: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk

CordiallyBarbara: I’ve been really wanting to read The Body Keeps the Score! I’ve heard some really good things about it, and it’s on my reading list for this year.

4. Song on Repeat (include artist): I enjoy “Up!” by Shania Twain and “The Breakup Song” by Francesca Battistelli equally.

In-Depth Questions

5. What inspired Bridget Brain?

Oddly enough, I wrote Bridget Brain in the midst of a depressive episode during my luteal phase. When I discovered that I was suffering from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), I joined a support group on Facebook. Something I see frequently in the group is women asking how they might help their friends and family better understand what we deal with.

There’s plenty of information about PMDD online, and there are some books out there on the topic. And that’s great. But those books aren’t anything you would likely have your spouse or children read.

I find that few people really want to take the time to research or read full-length books about something that doesn’t directly relate to them. Sure, our loved ones are affected by our PMDD too, but a lot of the explanations and work to help others understand ultimately falls on our shoulders. I wanted to create something that would be a simple and effective resource to share with others to help them understand us better.

CordiallyBarbara: I love that you saw a need and you thought to create something that would be easily digestible by friends, family, and kids. Such an awesome move!

6. Did the character of Bridget Brain teach you anything while you were creating the story?

Bridget actually taught me to love myself better and show grace to myself. Writing the book helped me to accept my struggles for what they are—mental health struggles, not personality flaws. Having a brain that works against me instead of with me for half the month (give or take) does not make me a bad mom or a terrible person.

CordiallyBarbara: Wow. That’s a powerful realization.

7. On a day of inclement weather, what would Bridget be doing?

I think it depends on the time of day. In the morning, she’d most definitely still be curled up in bed. In the afternoon hours, I imagine Bridget would be sitting in her favorite recliner and reading a self-help book. She’d have a weighted blanket on her lap and a cup of herbal tea on the table beside her. In the later evening hours, she would probably be eating popcorn while binging a medical drama.

CordiallyBarbara: I love that you can glimpse her at all of these different times of day, and she seems terribly relatable!

8. Is there a line from Bridget Brain that you just love?

I don’t necessarily have a line that grabs at me more than the others. But I do have two favorite illustrations.

CordiallyBarbara: These are adorable illustrations, and I love that eating one so much.

9. Did you travel to research Bridget Brain?

Not unless you consider introspection a form of travel. In that case, I traveled the recesses of my mind. 😉

CordiallyBarbara: HAH. I love this.

10. I like to write book reviews where I compare the book to food. What would you compare Bridget Brain to?

Hmm. The first thing that comes to mind is a cake pop, though I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe because cake pops are time-consuming to make but convenient in size and fun to look at. They’re the perfect treat for when you want something soft and sweet but don’t want to eat a whole slice of cake.

CordiallyBarbara: That comparison is perfect to me, especially since you were sharing that you wanted to make PMDD accessible to others in a quick way. Thanks for making this cake pop for us, Rebecca!

April 2021 Inspiration

April 5, 2021 Leave a Comment

And just like that, we’re in April! What’s inspiring you? Does your weather include surprise snows right when you were adjusting to warm weather? We had snow a day ago after a week of 60s and 70s. Welcome to Spring!

What I’m Being Inspired By

Current Jam:

Um, wow. This WHOLE album has my attention with its beautiful sounds and cinematic vibes. I’m obsessed with multiple songs, and I’ve listened to the album about 20 times this week.

Current Food:

Have you ever just wanted a box of sweet goodies that are out to do some good for the world? Well, let me tell you: that’s exactly what Sophia of @sopheating did! She along with other @bakersforchange created this delicious cookie box to raise money for Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

Current Read:

I tore through Kate Clayborn’s Lettering novel, and I’m adoring Love at First as well. To be very honest indeed, I’ve lingered long over Love at First because I’m not ready for it to be over. It’s just pure romance.

Current Obsession:

Honestly, I’m beyond intrigued by Tori Dunlap, @herfirst100k. She’s a badass woman who’s committed to helping other women understand finances, investing, savings, and so much more. It’s inspiring, and if you’re looking to learn more about money, you should check her out on Instagram.

Current Quote:

I meannnnn, how can I not enjoy this quote that a reader assigned to my novel, Teal Paisley Tights??? I kind of love it. It’s so fun to read what readers have thought about it!