#crab cake devourer

[dailyjonbonjovi]

[cyara]

Their goal

Fandom: Detective Conan/Case Closed, Magic Kaito

Pairing: Kudou Shinichi | Edogawa Conan/Kuroba Kaito | Kaitou Kid

Sometimes–no, everytime–Shinichi can't seem to understand how this guy in front of him who still devouring a huge mountain of chocolate parfait and three different types of chocolate cake and looks like a goofy and stupid guy is actually a boy with an 400 IQ and a international criminal gentlemanly thief with hardcore fanbase around the world who often steal a jewel under the bright moonlight. Yes, that Kaitou KID. And very very unfortunately–"SHINICHI??! WHAT THE, WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT COMMENT??! I'LL CRY!!"–is Shinichi's boyfriend. The boyfriend that Shinichi very loves from the bottom of his heart–don't tell his boyfriend please, you can't feed his ego anymore than this–and he cherishes every day. That Kaitou KID, Shinichi's boyfriend identity is Kaito Kuroba, great magician who travel all around the world and former Kaitou KID. Shinichi sighing while looking exasperated at Kaito who looks happy with his third dessert. Kaito looking up from his chocolate cakes when he heard his Shin-chan sighing for the umpteenth time today.

"What's wrong?"

"No, nothing. Just thinking how stupid you are right now."

"eXCUSE ME?? So suddenly Shin-chan?? What brought that thought suddenly?"

"Just because. Sometimes I was left wondering why you want to date me when around you there are many women and men who want to be your partner. Why you choose me–a detective your former rival–as a lover?"

Kaito upon hearing his boyfriend thought about their relationship stoping scooping his parfait and staring intently at Shinichi. Under that intense stare, Shinichi fidgeting a little feeling a little uncomfortable like he will know how insecure Shinichi feel about their relationship however a little that feeling is. Shinichi does not doubt Kaito's feelings for him, on the contrary he really believes in Kaito's love for Shinichi and Shinichi also loves this idiot very much, it's just that sometimes Shinichi feels discouraged when he sees Kaito surrounded by many people who yearn for Kaito, but this great magician still chooses Shinichi as his partner. Even after they have known each other for 5 years since high school as detectives and former Kaitou KID and after 2 years of dating after graduating from college, Shinichi still feels confused about Kaito's trust in choosing Shinichi as his boyfriend. Shinichi slowly lowering his eyelashes avoiding Kaito's intense stare, suddenly found the pattern on the tile so interesting. Shinichi knows he feels bad for doubting Kaito's feelings, but he is also a normal human being who has feelings of suspicion, no matter how small.

"Hey, Shinichi."

Shinichi refused to look up when he heard Kaito's tone of voice. Kaito noticed Shinichi's refusal to look him in the eye. Sometimes they would be like this when they were fighting, they would each express their opinions and when it was over but they were still reluctant to apologize they would be silent for a moment and refuse to look at each other. But this was the first time they had acted like this even though they were not fighting. Kaito felt annoyed, happy, sad and confused because this was the first time Shinichi had shared his uneasy feelings with Kaito about their relationship. Kaito reaches across the table to grasp Shinichi's hand firmly and tighten his hand when Shinichi flinched and tried to pull his hand out of Kaito's grip.

"Shinichi, darling, baby, dove, /meitantei/, look at me please."

Shinichi felt his face heat up when he heard Kaito's tone of voice and Kaito's pet name for him, he slowly lifted his face and gasped when he saw Kaito's loving gaze directed at Shinichi. If previously Shinichi felt his face was hot, now his face was really red like a boiled crab, but Kaito's gaze seemed to beg Shinichi not to look away.

"Thank you."

"Huh? …what?"

Kaito smiled softly and lovingly when Shinichi looking confused why all of sudden Kaito said thank you to him.

"Thank you for sharing your uneasy feelings about our relationship with me. I've always been confused about how to convey this problem because Shinichi has always spoiled me so I often act carelessly towards Shinichi."

"….uh no, I–Kaito, I mean–"

Kaito shake his head and cut off Shinichi's word, "no, I'm serious Shinichi, all this time I also feel insecure towards Shinichi because Shinichi is surrounded by many people who want Shinichi as their partner but Shinichi still chooses me as his partner. I feel happy and insecure at the same time. But because I love Shinichi with all my heart I throw away those insecure feelings so that we can be together forever."

Shinichi gasped when hearing Kaito's thought. He didn't expect that Kaito also had the same feelings as him.

"Shinichi, the reason I chose you is actually very simple and I have said it thousands of times so far and you have heard it many times, but I will say it once more now. I love you Shinichi that's why I chose you out of all those people. Because I want Kudo Shinichi as my life partner that's why I don't want anyone else anymore. That's how simple the reason I chose you out of thousands of other people. So Shinichi, let's walk together towards that future with me, let's go through all the challenges ahead of us together until we find the finish line together, so please Shinichi stop crying because it hurts my heart to see you cry like this."

Shinichi didn't even realize he was crying if it wasn't for Kaito's finger stroking his cheek.

"No, this is–sorry i didn't even realize i was crying."

"Then why are you crying shinichi? Tell me please."

"I–I guess I just feel relieved when hearing your answer. I didn't know that all this time I wanted to hear that answer from you, I know you love me and you also know I love you, but I think I just realized this time that we've never expressed our anxieties to each other all this time. Hey, Kaito,"

Shinichi raised his head, wiped his tears and looked at Kaito who was looking at him with a gentle gaze waiting for Shinichi's words.

"I love you Kaito, I want to stand beside you equally as your boyfriend and your life partner, so let's slowly walk towards the finish line of our goal, whether as a detective, a former thief or as your partner. I want to walk with you towards that goal, so give me Kuroba Kaito and I will give you Kudo Shinichi."

They don't know how their journey will be in the future, whether they will be together until the end or separate in the middle of the road, but both shinichi and kaito are sure that they can both get through all the obstacles as long as he is by their side. That afternoon they promised each other in their hearts that they would be more open to each other's feelings so that they could reach the end point of their goal together.

#OOC I KNOW BUT THIS IS KAISHIN I LOVE THEM #they are MARRIED your honour

#kaishin being cousin? What is that? Is that food? Cause that food is SO delicious I need a second plate

#come fight me properly if you don't like kaishin being married

[crazyyanderefangirlfan]

Lover’s Delight

A/N: Suggestive themes at the end

It was the sextuplets birthday, usually it would be like any birthday with cake and happy birthdays from their friends but not this one. This year they weren’t celebrating it as NEETs but as functional or semi-functional members of society, the brothers could hardly believe it’s been three years, two years in NEET rehab no less. They genuinely thought they would be deported in a week, a month if they were lucky (three days for Osomatsu that the five younger brothers would joke.) But no, they stayed in America for two years and their growth was because of her. 

Ariadne Kittredge, the assistant of the NEET rehab program they were in and apparently running it after her friend left it all to her. While Choromatsu sees it as an opportunity to payback their parents the rest of the brothers had other reactions; Karamatsu tried to embrace but with his usual flair left with poor results, Ichimatsu didn’t care, Jyushimatsu was Jyushimatsu, Todomatsu tried to prove himself he was independent but little results and Osomatsu was the most resistant to change. He and Ariande clashed the most, he made fun of the program, made fun of how serious he was with it and insulted her, but she said something that shut him up and actually think. As the program went on, the brothers not only improved themselves but began to see her in a different light, much different on how they saw Totoko. It wasn’t until the end of the year when Ariadne confessed to them, the brothers never had been confessed romantically before (except Osomatsu and maybe Jyushimatsu) and the way she shoots down their insecurities made them cry.

Now, here they are, celebrating their birthday back in Akatsuka with their parents and the woman of their dreams. 

Ariadne asked for a day off from her manager in Doux Comme Du Sucre, the patisserie and confectionery cafe she works at, they agreed. With her boyfriends at work (even Osomatsu, shocking) she has all the time to prepare her surprise for them, when they finally got home the living room was decorated with streamers and balloons of red, blue, green, purple, yellow, and pink with a large banner of “Happy Birthday” on the middle. Their friends were there; Totoko, Chibita, Iyami, Dekapan, Dayon, Hatabō and Nyaa, making sure they had no excuse to skip. A large table was placed at the side filled to the brim with food; salmon and shellfish chowder with cream and thyme, king crab legs, tomahawk steaks, large batches of seafood fried rice, chashu pork, sesame vegetables, sushi and sashimi, mushroom and cheese galette, grilled scallops, jumbo shrimp, and octopus with lemon miso glaze, honey-glazed turkey legs, and herb-marinated lamb chops stacked on wooden boards, bottle of red wine, their favorite beer and sake, and fruit punch.

“Happy birthday, Loves!” Ariande happily exclaimed to her six boyfriends, and kissed their cheeks. “Babe, you missed my lips.” Osomatsu joked and pointed to his lips for emphasis, which earned him a real kiss from the dirty blond and caused a chain reaction of giving the rest of her boyfriends proper kisses. “Ugh! Get a room!” Totoko called out but there was no heat to her words as she smiled at them and gave them their presents.

“Happy birthday, ya bastards!” Chibita smirked as he handed them their gifts.

The party went without a hitch, and Ariadne threatened Iyami a bit to behave. The food was devoured in seconds, notably by the sextuplets as they love their shared girlfriend’s cooking. “SHEEEH! Have some manners, you greedy pigs!” Iyami exclaimed as the brothers devoured everything in sight.

“It’s fine.” Ariadne smiled as took a bite of her own food. “It means they love my cooking.”

After that the coffee table had been cleared, polished, and lovingly set with porcelain plates, and dessert forks. There were six cakes in their colors—a vision in soft layers of red, blue, green, purple, yellow, and pink, each tier glistening under the warm overhead lights like a painter’s palette made of mousse and dreams. The center of it all was a massive vanilla buttercream cake with “Happy Birthday, Loves!” written in bright colors.

“Ari.” Choromatsu started, he and his brothers stared at the cake in stunned silence. “This…our birthday cakes?”

“Yep.” She beamed. “I call it my Lover’s Delight, inspired by you guys of course, don’t worry I made six more cakes for you guys, they’re full cakes with each corresponding to you so you can enjoy your own cake. The white is for everyone to try.”

Karamatsu furrows his brows in concern. “But, my darling, you made seven cakes, are you okay?”

“Don’t worry, Karabear. I work in a cafe, remember? It’s way more demanding.” Ariadne assured as she sliced each individual cake for her boyfriends.

Each brother stared at their slice then to their shared girlfriend, who was now serving the guests the vanilla cake.

If they're being honest, no one but their mom has ever gone through the effort to throw a birthday for them, not even their own childhood friends. But this gorgeous foreign woman did, beaucase she wanted them to be happy. The thought almost brought tears to their eyes but quickly snapped out of it when they saw Ariadne’s happy but expecting smile.

“So how are they?”

Realizing she meant the cakes, they took a bite and they felt an electric shock go through their bodies.

"H-holy…Holy crap." Osomarsu stammered.

"This is…" Ichimatsu began.

"TASTY!."' Jyushimatsu exclaimed, taking a few more bites.

"I'm glad you guys liked it." Ariadne beamed as they took more and even swapped slices.

Each cake was a match for each brothers; Red raspberry with bourbon mousse and powdered sugar and maraschino cherries on top from Osomatsu, blue blueberry with dark chocolate mousse and caramel drizzle and apple slices on top for Karamatsu, green matcha with yuzu mousse and chopped white chocolate bits and kinko powder on top for Choromatsu, purple lavender and blackberry mousse and honey drizzle and black sesame on top for Ichimatsu, yellow lemon zest with cream cheese and powdered cinnamon and slivered almonds on top for Jyushimatsu, and pink strawberry with elderberry mousse and milk chocolate drizzle and crushed pistachios on top for Todomatsu. Matsuyo and Matsuzō were beaming with joy as they watched Ariadne fuss over her boyfriends, making sure each of them got their special cake, they have their own slices of vanilla cake. Happy that their sons found a partner who loves them.

The party was a success, filled with jokes, drinks, and memories. Even Iyami, despite his usual snark, had to admit that Ariadne was the real deal.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------

After everyone had left and the house was cleaned up, the sextuplets collapsed onto the futon, exhausted but happy.

"Best birthday ever!" Jyushimatsu cheered, hugging a pillow.

"Definitely better than our usual ones," Choromatsu admitted.

Osomatsu stretched, his belly full from cake and beer. "Ariadne, you’re the best. Seriously."

Ariadne smiled, sitting at the edge of the futon, looking at them with adoration. "Well, I do have one more gift for you all."

Six pairs of curious eyes turned to her as she reached for a thick, leather-bound book and handed it to them.

Osomatsu opened it first. His eyes widened, a slow smirk spreading across his face.

"Oh… ho ho…"

The others leaned in, their expressions changing from confusion to shock to delight as they flipped through the pages.

It was a boudoir photo album—full of Ariadne in the most seductive poses, draped in lingerie, silk sheets, and teasing expressions.

By the time they reached the last few pages, things had escalated. The images became bolder, the outfits skimpier, and in some… she wasn’t wearing anything at all.

Todomatsu choked on air. "Holy shit, this is—"

Ichimatsu, his face completely red, muttered, "This is the best birthday ever."

Karamatsu, for once, was speechless—his hands shaking slightly as he touched the delicate pages.

Osomatsu’s grin widened, eyes flicking up to Ariadne, who was watching their reactions with amusement and satisfaction.

"Boys, I think we need to thank our girlfriend properly."

Ariadne smirked, tilting her head. "Oh? And how do you plan to do that?"

Six pairs of hungry eyes locked onto her.

Let’s just say… They made sure she knew how much they loved their gift.

A/N: Originally I wanted to make this a taste testing but then I realized it was the sextuplets birthday so I had redo everything in one day. Lol

[velvetlilith777]

2025 Firsts!

I was tagged by @leifygreeens, @snailmail444 and @maylilithreign to share these! Thanks for the tags ilysmmm 🖤

First bit of arts and crafts: does doing my own gel-x nails count? Because it feels like arts n crafts when I do them for 5 hours lmao

First movie watched: You've Got Mail! One of my all time faves.

First song listened to: I can't fully remember but I think it was either Miss Missing You by Fall Out Boy (the music I loved in high school has me back in it's clutches) or Begin Again by Taylor Swift

First tv show watched: Technically the Seahawks play their last game of the season :( but it really will be Death Note this weekend :)

First book read: so my toxic trait is that I loved reading as a kid and then "aged out" of ya books and got overwhelmed and stopped completely, so I haven't read in forever. Please send book recs I miss it.

First fanfic read: Reading Recommendations by yikestm17 on AO3 (MDNI with this fic)

First food I ate: M&S had a little stand in Target that had festive tins with jaffa cakes in them - I devoured many they're so good.

First dinner I had: A burger and sweet potato fries with a cherry dr pepper because that's the love of my life 🫶🏻

Tags!!

@hermits-crab @roxanneslosteyes @usernamemybeloathed @dirtyrottenimbeecile @kellycataclysm @loverboykirstein (sorry if any of you've been tagged already!)

[lupismaris]

Had our early Feast of Seven Fishes in honor of Yuletide (not featured is the paella we absolutely devoured after the oysters and the mini crab cakes that barely hit the table)

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Naeus (Kingdom of Ichor)

Naeus by Hera & the others in the pantheon

Age- 20 (immortal)

Location- Queenstown district, New Olympus

Personality- He's a quiet sensitive guy & a through-and-through romantic. He's introverted at times, a bit serious, and a meticulous planner. He's currently single.

He has the standard abilities of a god except shapeshifting. As the god of weddings & bridal hymns, his other powers/abilities include limited amokinesis (as it pertains to romantic love during a wedding), matrimony precognition- sensing the compatibility of any couple, having the innate sense of the marital status of any couple, as well as the ability of flight (due to his light gray-blue wings).

His full name is Hymenaeus, but almost everyone calls him Naeus for short.

Naeus lives in a townhouse in the Queenstown district of New Olympus in roughly the same neighborhood as Hera (goddess of women & marriage) and Eos (Titaness of dawn). 

The interior design of the townhouse is very classic and minimalist- with the color scheme being cream, beige, gray, and powder blue. There’s a grand piano in the living room along with leather & linen furniture as well as glass, marble, and obsidian furniture pieces. A dark oak china cabinet stands off to the corner- filled with the most exquisite cutlery & dishes ever seen. There’s stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, chrome finishes in the bathroom, and a plush king sized bed in his bedroom- complete with the softest blue, white, & dark gray silk sheets, blankets, and pillows.

He's a huge cat lover & has many of them as pets- a persian cat, a british shorthair, two siamese, and a ragamuffin- a girl named Hera jr.

Naeus is fluent in all the languages spoken in Olympius but prefers speaking in Latin, French, & Old Greek.

He likes listening to classical, traditional Greek, soul, alternative, and synth pop music- with his favorite artists being Pale Blu (a nephelai) and Orithyia (an oread)- otherwise more famously known as O.

Naeus starts off his morning at exactly 7 A.M. He takes a show with his favorite earl grey scented soap, then he jogs through Gamêlia Park before stopping by a newsstand to pick up the latest copy of The Oracle newspaper. He’ll then stop by a Bread Box to pick up his breakfast order- a bottle of freshly squeezed orange juice, an eggs benedict sandwich on a toasted english muffin, & a ham and cheese croissant sandwich.

At home Naeus likes a bowl of rizogalo, a fruit cup, or Golly Grains vanilla almond cereal. He can also make delicious coconut french toast- with coconut extract, coconut milk, as well as shredded coconut being a part of the recipe!

A go-to drink for him is a cup of earl grey tea (that he brews himself). He also likes mineral water, ginger ale, white wine, pomegranate juice, large chocolate milkshakes from The Frozen Spoon, red wine, classic martinis, scotch on the rocks, and champagne. Usuals from The Roasted Bean include a cafe au lait, a small iced tea, & an olympian sized london fog latte.

Naeus definitely chooses quality over quantity when it comes to his clothes. His fashion style, which is totally preppy, embodies timeless sophistication, collegiate charm, & a dash of irreverence. He can rock a classic black suit, but also dress casually in a silk tee, pressed pants, and tennis sneakers.

Staples in his closet include oxford button down shirts, blazers & tweed jackets, chinos, cashmere sweaters, khaki shorts, loafers, in addition to silk and satin ties.

A guilty pleasure for him is the cucumber maki along with a side order of edamame from The Ocean Roll.

Naeus is classically trained at playing the piano. He can also play the harp & lyre as well.

His two favorite desserts are the coconut baklava from Hollyhock’s Bakery as well as a slice of chocolate ganache cake from Cocoa Delights.

For lunch, Naeus devours the crab rangoons he makes. He also likes a slice of gyro pizza from The Parthenos Grill.

His favorite frozen treat is his homemade chai ice cream.

Naeus’ official business/means of income is his role as an officiant, a being who performs at a religious or secular service/ceremony- like a wedding. As an immortal being, he’s seen his fair share of engagements & wedding ceremonies.

Naeus is a firm believer in all the wedding superstitions.

He’s often the queen’s right hand man, being that they have shared domains of weddings and marriages. 

For other work, Naeus is a contributing writer for the magazines Modern Olympus and Regalia.

He also released a parfum for women called Aiónios as well as a cologne for men called Nkri Diamánti. The fragrance notes for the parfum include damask rose, jasmine, muguet, violet, orris, vetiver, moss, & amber while the cologne has notes of grapefruit, bergamot, pepper, rosemary, rosewood, incense, moss, and musk.

In the pantheon Naeus has a rapport with other love/lust deities like Pothos (god of longing & yearning), Himeros (god of impetuous love), Aphrodite (goddess of love & beauty), and Ditus (god of bisexuality, effeminacy, & fertility). 

He’s also friends with Iris (goddess of the rainbow), Hestia (goddess of the hearth); loves her crumbly coffee cake, Dionysus (god of wine), Epiphron (god of prudence), Deipneus (god of cooking & breadmaking), Aeolus (god of wind), Philyra (goddess of perfume, paper, & beauty), Ganymede (god of homosexual love & desire), Chione (goddess of snow), Eurus (god of the east wind), Peitho (goddess of persuasion & sensuality), Paregoros (goddess of soothing words), and The Muses.

Naeus' official mentor was Zeuxo (goddess of marriage).

He often refers to himself as a “serial monogamist,” even though he hasn’t seriously dated in a long time. Naeus would often say that he was always too busy for a relationship, but he knows the real reason- his feelings for Hera. 

He has always cared more about her than he likes owning up to. Naeus hasn’t said anything for two reasons- losing their friendship and her unresolved feelings for her estranged husband Zeus (god of the sky, thunder, & lightning). He’s been more than a shoulder to cry on lately since she filed for divorce. Naeus and Hera sometimes have dinner together at her townhouse. He’s also been a listening ear everytime she comes to him with her worries regarding her son Hephaestus (god of the forge).

He also stayed overnight once or twice while they were watching rom-coms on TV. Naeus slept on the couch in the living room.

Naeus is also quite close with some of Hera's kids like Eileithyia (Ella) (goddess of childbirth) and Hebe (goddess of youth). 

Outside the pantheon, he's also good friends with the dryad singer/rapper Eurydice.

Naeus is honest about the fact that he looks down upon "open relationships/marriages" and those who glamorize it- like Philotes (goddess of intimacy, friendship, & affection) and her husband Priapus (god of fertility, vegetable gardens, livestock, sexuality, & masculinity).

His favorite foods include Hera’s samosas and beef & broccoli with white rice.

In his free time Naeus is a huge homebody- preferring the company of his cats, reading, cooking, & writing. He also enjoys poker, billiards, football (soccer), transcribing music, going to museums, baseball, going to the opera, field hockey, polo, going to the cinema, horseback riding, tai chi, and chess.

"There's always someone's better half, be it romantic or platonic."

[pigs-in-art]

Pork Chomp Large Plush by inki-drop

This little piggy went to the seashore... and dove right in! These funny fellows haunt noodle shops and jump from bowl to bowl when patrons aren't looking, devouring kamaboko fish cakes and anything else made of meat! They are particularly fond of crab(apples). His kamaboko accessory is a removable clip!

[myrtles664]

North Myrtle Beach News

Exclusive: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Eats in North Myrtle Beach - Ranked!

North Myrtle Beach is more than just sun and sand – it's a foodie paradise waiting to be devoured! But with so many tempting options, where do you start? Fear not, fellow gastronomes, for I'm here to drop some culinary knowledge bombs. Brace yourselves for the ultimate guide to the best eats in North Myrtle Beach, ranked from finger-lickin' good to oh-my-god-divine:

Casual Kings & Queens:

1. Ocean View Bar & Grill: Watch the waves crash while you devour juicy burgers, piled-high nachos, and fresh seafood platters. Bonus points for the unbeatable happy hour and friendly vibes.

2. Barefoot Landing's Food Trucks: Embark on a culinary adventure around the globe, one bite at a time. From Mexican tacos to Caribbean jerk chicken, these gourmet food trucks dish up flavor explosions on wheels.

3. Dino's House of Pancakes: Fuel your beach adventures with fluffy pancakes, sizzling bacon, and bottomless coffee. Don't miss their signature blueberry pancakes – they're legendary!

Seafood Sensations:

1. Hook & Barrel: Get your fill of ocean-fresh delights like succulent lobster rolls, pan-seared scallops, and daily specials that'll make your taste buds sing. The waterfront views and nautical atmosphere add to the charm.

2. SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar: Indulge in upscale seafood with a twist. Think crab cakes with mango salsa, grilled mahi-mahi with chimichurri, and oysters Rockefeller that'll transport you to New Orleans.

3. Boardwalk Billys: Live music, ocean breezes, and buckets of peel-and-eat shrimp – Boardwalk Billys is a quintessential North Myrtle Beach experience. Don't forget to try their famous "Shag City Shrimp" for a spicy kick.

Hidden Gems:

1. Benny's Trattoria: Step into a taste of Italy in this cozy bistro. Homemade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu will leave you feeling like you're strolling the streets of Rome.

2. Heirloom Bistro: Fine dining without the stuffy atmosphere. This contemporary bistro offers creative culinary delights like pork belly confit, pan-roasted duck breast, and desserts that are works of art. Reservations recommended.

3. Wicked Whisk Dessert Bar: Ditch the diet and dive into ooey-gooey brownies, decadent milkshakes, and towering sundaes that are pure sugar-coated bliss. Their salted caramel pretzel pie is a must-try for any sweet tooth.

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to venture beyond the tourist traps! North Myrtle Beach boasts a thriving culinary scene with local cafes, hidden gems, and food trucks offering unique and delicious bites.

So, grab your appetite and start exploring! North Myrtle Beach has a delicious adventure waiting around every corner. Remember, this is just a starting point, and the best way to discover your own culinary heaven is to get out there and taste it all!

And hey, if you find a hidden gem that deserves a spot on this list, shoot me a message! I'm always on the hunt for the next best bite.

Now go forth, eat well, and let your taste buds guide you!

5 Jaw-Dropping Seafront Events Bringing Waves of Excitement to North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach isn't just about soaking up the sun and building sandcastles. No, sir! This vibrant coastal haven pulsates with electrifying events that'll have you dancing on the sand, cheering from the shore, and gasping in awe under the Carolina sky. So, ditch the beach chair and dive into these 5 jaw-dropping waterfront events that'll leave you with memories that'll last a lifetime:

1. Carolina Opry Christmas Special (November - December): Witness the magic of Christmas come alive at the iconic Carolina Opry. This dazzling holiday extravaganza features dazzling costumes, toe-tapping music, and heartwarming stories that celebrate the season. Prepare to be mesmerized by acrobatic elves, tap-dancing reindeer, and a Santa Claus guaranteed to melt even the frostiest of hearts. Grab your hot cocoa and get ready for a Christmas miracle in Myrtle Beach!

2. Shag Fest Weekend (May): Put on your dancing shoes and prepare to shag the night away! This iconic festival celebrates the sultry Carolina shag dance, with live music, dance lessons, and competitions that'll have you twirling until dawn. Dress in your 50s best, hit the shag floor, and soak up the infectious energy of this nostalgic seaside bash. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself hooked on the shag bug after this!

3. Sculpture by the Sea (October - November): Witness art meet nature in a breathtaking seaside exhibition. International artists transform the sandy shores into a captivating open-air gallery, showcasing incredible sculptures that interact with the ocean waves, wind, and sunlight. Stroll along the beach, marvel at the creativity, and let the art inspire you as the waves lap against the masterpieces.

4. Carolina Cup Regatta (June): Feel the adrenaline pump as world-class yachts race across the ocean waters in the prestigious Carolina Cup Regatta. Witness the sleek vessels slicing through the waves, catch a glimpse of Olympic champions in action, and soak up the electric atmosphere of this thrilling competition. Grab a drink at a waterfront bar, cheer on your favorites, and revel in the spectacle of sailing at its finest.

5. Beach House Music Week (August): Let loose and dance under the stars at Beach House Music Week. This week-long celebration features renowned DJs, live music performances on the beach, and poolside parties that'll keep you grooving until sunrise. Grab your swimsuit, your dancing shoes, and your festival spirit for an unforgettable week of sun, sand, and non-stop beats.

These are just a taste of the incredible beachfront events that await you in North Myrtle Beach. So, mark your calendars, pack your swimsuits, and get ready to experience the electrifying heart of this seaside paradise! Remember, with its sun-soaked shores and vibrant events, North Myrtle Beach is where excitement washes over you in waves.

[esoutherngolf]

Lake Charles Golf

Finding Your Golfing Joy In Lake Charles, Louisiana Long and widely recognized as “Louisiana's Playground,” Lake Charles, located in the southwest part of the state, is a very special place and should be on every golfer’s radar. It was so easy to get to.  In my case, flying in through Houston, then a short flight to find some joy. Lake Charles recently launched a new tourism campaign aptly named “As Much Joy As You Can Pack In,” and I could not be more in agreement. I’d been there before for professional bass fishing while working for ESPN. My memories of fresh and delicious seafood, nightlife, and great outdoor activities like kayaking were as quickly refreshed as I was. We stayed at L'Auberge Casino Resort, featuring a massive sportsbook and grill. My room was beautifully decorated, and while there, we took a short walk to The Contraband Bayou Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, which emphasizes the marsh and lowland features of a natural environment.  It’s a 7,000-yard, par-71 championship golf layout with ample tee boxes for golfers of any skill. The resort and golf club are a short walk to yet another, The Golden Nugget Casino, which features many shopping and dining options and a live poker room for those who enjoy some Texas Hold ‘Em. The Country Club at Golden Nugget is a masterpiece by designer Todd Eckenrode.  It, too is a 7,000-yard gem that is certain to please. My two takeaways are to stay out of the rough and then go enjoy a chef-crafted meal in the elegant, full-service clubhouse. Lake Charles is also known as "The Festival Capital of Louisiana" and hosts more than 75 of them annually. The most famous of which is the second-largest Mardi Gras in the state behind New Orleans. The home city of the NFL’s Saints is known for incredible cuisine, just as in Lake Charles. Located within L'Auberge Resort are Drago’s Seafood Restaurant and Mexican restaurant Johnny Sánchez, which originated in the Big Easy by award-winning chef Aarón Sánchez. At Drago’s, you can’t go wrong with the grilled oysters as an appetizer and the eggplant parmesan for your main course, or for that matter, any seafood specialty. The breakfast burrito at Johnny Sánchez is a winner as well if your evening plans are spoken for. The National Golf Club of Louisiana is a fun and challenging track for golfers of all levels. I was particularly inspired by the National Golf Club of Louisiana in nearby Westlake and how the terrific team of young golf professionals anticipated everything we might have wanted, including helping me adjust my grip on the range, which made for a better performance on the course.  Make time for a lesson, and you won’t regret it. “The Natty” was a fun and challenging layout, and I can’t wait to return.  I highly recommend the hamburger sliders if you stay for happy hour at The Max.  The Max is named in honor of a legendary local high school coach; the staff was as amazing as the cuisine. This was no typical 19th-hole menu as my playing partner for the day devoured every bite of The Surf N Turf – a burger that only Lake Charles could offer.  It’s a three-blend beef patty layered with jalapeno mayonnaise, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and blackened shrimp. It looked so good I named it as the “Big Max,” though I don’t see them changing it anytime soon. Golf in Lake Charles, located halfway between Houston and Baton Rouge via Interstate 10, features indigenous plants, picturesque backdrops with birds and other wildlife, and beautiful scenery. Even if you’ve been there before, you must make time to play Mallard Golf Club, a Scottish links-inspired design and the newest addition to the area. Legend has it that the head pro there carded a hole-in-one the day the course opened in 2021.  I learned this when I shared news about my birdie on the same hole. Yet another reason to return. At the risk of reading more like a food review, I highly recommend trying a couple of craft beers at Crying Eagle Brewing, and the crab cakes are a must at Pat’s of Henderson, both a short drive from the resort and well worth the effort. Learn even more by checking out the Visit Lake Charles website. Photos Courtesy of Visit Lake Charles Read the full article

[tianarpowell]

Tiana told Remy, “You start on that tasty tarte tatin! I’ve got everything you’ll need in the kitchen—just let me know if you need help finding anything.” Though Tiana had wanted to take the baking tasks today, Remy’s enthusiasm about the dessert convinced her to give him the job. After all, bread bowls similar to the loaves of bread he had to make every day were one thing, but tarte tatin, for Remy, would be quite another.

Tiana sighed as she prepared to answer Remy’s question and simultaneously pulled the bread bowls out of the oven. Perfect! They looked just as Tiana had envisioned them in her mind when planning out the day beforehand—light in color and just thick enough to make them tasty to eat in their own right. “Enchanted Rose was the best kind of employer when I was job-hunting toward the end of culinary school. They seemed to have the best hours, the best clientele, the best atmosphere. You should know one thing about me if you know anything, Remy—I love the fairytale stuff. That restaurant is my dream from high school, when I was devouring those real fun fantasy books for teens.” Tiana sighed again, this time with delight. She was still planning to thank Remy for his extremely kind compliment, but this story was long. “But they didn’t want me. I actually came down to Redwood Hollow from school one day and did a demo in the kitchen, and one of the staff members told me, ‘You’d be a much better fit for a seafood restaurant.’ That took me way, way by surprise. I’d chosen a crab cake to show off just my cooking skills, not as a suggestion for what I wanted to make. But that intelligent woman turned out to be right. The crab cake was the best thing I made that afternoon by far. And I started to think of places that would have dishes like that, and that same woman told me, ‘Third Street Restaurant in town has some knockout fish specials. You’d be a hit over there.’”

Tiana continued, “I did a demo for them the very next weekend. They were a little different in style. They told me up front that I wouldn’t be making the big dishes, because they already had people to do that very proficiently. That was the word they used, ‘proficiently.’ So I figured they still saw me like a culinary student, and I told myself, I’ll make something that proves once and for all that I’m a chef like these people, not only a student. And I made them my curry lobster with quinoa. This was the best possible choice I could have made. They went crazy. One of the chefs, might’ve been the head chef, I can’t remember, said that if I’d made that at Third Street’s opening, they would’ve taken the town by storm and been the name they’d always tried to be in Redwood. I loved hearing that from him. And I loved the way my food had made them feel—both enthusiastic about their restaurant and hopeful for a future that had different possibilities in it. They hired me then and there, with the disclaimer that I’d be making side dishes for the other chefs but I could use that style of mine however I felt was best.” Tiana sighed for the third time during this story. “Needless to say, that’s not how restaurant life rolls, Remy. I ended up doing the side dishes the way they had them on the menu, instead. I don’t know why that happened, how communication got mixed up between the demo and my first day on the job. But I graduated from culinary school, showed up to Third Street the very next day even, and I heard from a senior chef, ‘Just stick to the Third Street legacy and you’ll be in the clear.’ By Third Street legacy, he meant what was explicitly printed on their menu. And I just did it! I just copied what the other chefs were doing! I didn’t think about it, didn’t even consider trying to spice things up every once in a while to see if the other chefs wanted to stick it on our specials menu! I just…followed orders. Literally, followed what the orders from our clientele said, rather than ever make that curry lobster with quinoa again. It was a fun job at first. Got more difficult, when chefs learned I liked to follow rules; got tiring, when they stuck me with some of the kitchen cleanup when I wasn’t cooking. And now that I’m making the street food, which is very much my style… I can say that I was taken advantage of. One hundred percent. Chefs at that restaurant were basically bullies. And that’s why I can appreciate kindness in a chef, why I love what we’re doing right now more than any shift I’ve ever, ever had at that restaurant, or even at Enchanted Rose!” Tiana sighed for the fourth time. “I love what we’re doing, Remy. And I don’t want it to stop here. No matter what, we have to keep this spirit alive. At my future restaurant—we could call it T&R’s, or R&T’s, whatever sounds better—actually, someone might try to pronounce R&T’s like ‘rats’, let’s scratch that one—we’ll make every day in the kitchen feel like this. Welcoming, fascinating, fun!”

And Tiana added, after this story was finished and a silence had materialized in the kitchen, “I hear your kindness, Remy. Thanks for calling me a good chef.”

Remy started to talk about recreation rather than work, and the instant he said the word “Friday”, Tiana wanted to moan. She and Audrey’s birthday board game party would be that Friday night! But Tiana listened as Remy described the mood, the music, the fun. This would’ve been the perfect way for them both to relax and just talk about their lives, no pressure, no distraction. But Tiana was glad that he’d brought it up, because she wanted that to be the norm for her and Remy. She earnestly wanted she and Remy to hang out in places like that, to be able to just down a beer and unwind.

“Remy,” she told him, “I haven’t sent the invitations around yet—and I’m not sure I ever got your phone number, actually…” She started to write hers down on a kitchen sticky note. “…But my birthday was this past Wednesday, actually. It was very low-key, and I didn’t even tell the girl I was hanging out with that day, but I really, really enjoyed my birthday! But the party for my birthday—what I really care about—is going to be this upcoming Friday. The very same night as your cousin’s show at Mulligan’s!” Tiana added as she stuck her phone number sticky note on Remy’s side of the kitchen, “We’re playing board games and eating shrimp and grits. It’ll be a good time, and Audrey’s breaking out her record collection for it, which will be fantastic. And you can get a free paper party hat!” Tiana had purchased them just the previous morning. They were stored in one of the lower cupboards in this kitchen, actually… “Look!” Tiana said to Remy, opening up the cupboard and gesturing to the stack of purple party hats.

“Now I’m torn, because I—wait, have I officially invited you to this party?” Tiana chuckled. “I’m getting ahead of myself. You can see I really want to go to this Mulligan’s night. It’s got me in a tizzy. I invite you to my party, Remy! And I’d go to this show of your cousin’s, really, I would… And you should go, too, if you want to show your support! But I’d love it if you could come to this.” Tiana remembered that she’d also intended to ask Remy if he wanted to help at her and Sofia’s graduation-day bake sale. But she’d save that for later in the day—she wanted to focus on everything she’d just told Remy.

“If you can’t make it to my birthday party,” Tiana told Remy with a half-smile, “I can bring shrimp and grits to the bakery the next day, and you can eat it for lunch. That’s my other offer.” She let herself smile fully.

.

"Great," Remy nodded. "Need a hand with either one?" He had been working so quickly, caught up in the fast rhythm of the kitchen, now his hands were tingling to keep on being occupied. "Or I can get started on the tarte tatin."

If Tiana said the Café was easy, then he trusted her on that. He couldn't remember the last time he had visited the place, but he did remember there was sometimes a line outside, waiting to be seated. It was probably a very high-energy job... Not that he couldn't handle that, obviously. "What did you mean, your style doesn't match theirs? I bet you're versatile," he said, washing his hands. "Or at the very least, a fast learner. I mean, I bet you got enough already with the Diner and Third Street... I just wanted to say, I bet you could work Enchanted Rose just as well as you do everywhere else." An awkward compliment, but really, he was out of practice. All he wanted was to make sure Tiana was as aware of her outstanding abilities, as much as Tiana was insistent on Remy being aware of his. At least he had made the effort?

She said he was the best kind of friend to her. That couldn't be true. He had not done even half of the things she was promising him she would do for him. So much help, and they knew each other so little... He was learning more and more about her, about her family life and her passion for her job. Regardless, she was the best kind of friend. Certainly not him, at least not yet.

"Hey, so... I mean, so we stop talking about work for a second," Remy said as he took a glance at the skillet in the oven. Strange of him, not wanting to talk about work twenty-four-seven. "I was wondering, my cousin Joey's giving a little show with his band on Friday, at Mulligan's. I swear he's good," he clarified with a smile. "And, I don't know, I thought you might like it. He plays double bass. It's gonna be a very laid-back thing, so you can get a beer or something while you listen." He had never invited to Terence to such things, unsure as he was that he even liked that sort of music. But with Tiana, he had a feeling she would like that. "They play this kind of jazzy, a little swing, a few blues melodies, all these things mixed together... Not even he knows how to explain it." Remy wasn't going to try and pretend he knew anything about music. "My brother might even play guitar, if he makes it on time." This was his attempting at being a good friend, to someone who was already devoted to doing so much for him. Remy hadn't been sure he would even go before opening his mouth and making the suggestion. He might be spending his time better at home, practicing what he'd cook for the testing that was going to come his way when he applied for the restaurants Tiana was going to put a good word in. But, as his brother always said, he needed to switch off every once in a while. He had the feeling Tiana would need to switch off a little, too.

[restinpeacesensei]

[sleepyowlwrites]

writing prompts! points if you know where I got these quotes edition

"you know, these lobsters remind me of my aunt lucy. this may come as a surprise to you, but my aunt lucy was a lobster"

"try using your teeth! breathe through the burlap!"

"does anyone have ibuprofen? I need ibuprofen!"

"we were on the beach. I was running from evil cheese"

"the criminal responsible for this decor really should be hanging from the gallows"

"everybody likes you, under penalty of death"

"what am I supposed to do before donkeys of the apocalypse?"

"they've never given me a name. I've been around since show one and I still don't have a name!"

"mousetrap. I wanted to play mousetrap. you roll your dice, you move your mice. nobody gets hurt"

"have you had enough? surrender or you shall taste my mop!"

"I had a dream about an aardvark singing opera, if you can picture that"

"why is there a piano on my cake?"

"what do you mean I can't dance? I can dance! what about uncle louie's polka party? didn't you see me dance at uncle louie's polka party?"

"the piano. must. go up!"

"oh, mighty pond scum! ye are powerful and, um, scumy"

"small kitchen appliances?"

"well, the extent of our scheduled period together has once again drawn to a close"

"if my sources are correct, this would be startling news, on par with a turkey born with the head of a cat"

"the crab of adversity has devoured a donkey?"

"if a stick doesn't work, a dodgeball might"

"what do you get when you cross a roman emperor with a head of lettuce? a caesar salad!"

"I know you're taller but I have a low center of gravity"

"we found it on the internet. how could it be dangerous?"

"gnat. it's pronounced 'nat.' the g is silent"

"hello, I am the englishman who went up a hill and came down with all the bananas"

[tohrinha]

Finished the spice calendar project in 2024! Going to do it again this year, but without the pre-filled calendar regions/spices.

Roundup below the cut:

Month 2 - New Orleans

Salmon and quick grits, king cake, Lebanese iced tea (and bonus sweet tea), and chicken bonne femme

Month 2 Bonus - more general Southern cuisine

Fried chicken, hushpuppies, and Chocolate Delight

Month 3 - Japan

Tonkatsu, miso soup, karinto, and houjicha tea

Month 4 - Morocco

Lamburgers, lamb and fig tagine, khobz, ghriba, and Moroccan mint tea

Month 5 - Tuscany

We only got to Tuscany's dessert, peche di prato, because the cat decided to eat a needle while I was cooking the rest

Month 6 - Thailand

Coconut tofu soup, Hainanese chicken and rice, nam jim hai lam (dipping sauce), Thai iced tea. Not pictured - banana roti, because we devoured them too fast

Month 7 - Puerto Rico

Posted here.

Month 8 - Peru

Lomo saltado, papa a la huancaina, pionono, and chicha morada (not homemade)

Month 9 - France

Creme caramel. Apparently I did not get pictures of the pot au feu or baguette

Month 10 - China

Lo mein, kung pao chicken, tanghulu

Month 11 - San Francisco

Mission-style carnitas burritos, crab cakes, fortune cookies, Italian soda

Month 12 - Zanzibar

Beef pilau and Zanzibar chai

Spice Calendar month 1 - India

From left to right: keema matar, roti, mint lassi, pumpkin soup with cilantro lime crema, and malai kulfi

[fullmoonfireball]

well, drawing Neon and Devourer of crab cakes, the scourge of the Splatlands got me thinking about the other agents, so uh! yeah here they are! Trace uses they/them pronouns, Ivy xe/xir, and August she/her.

Trace and August are characters I made back in 2015, but only named VERY recently so that’s uh. a thing. consequently it also means they have the most lore out of my agent bunch so that’s fun! maybe i’ll talk about them in detail at some point.

[siberat]

Round 7

Oh man, how much more can Ratc/het’s belly hold?  It overflowed and went right to his thighs!  Don’t they look to soft and squishy?  I think Rat/chet is a bit shocked at how big his body has become. He probably didn’t realize how much he ate!

Anyways- onto what he ate:

1.     Coal Burger: Nothing beats the good ol’ classic comfort foods, right?  Here we have a burger consisting of coal- and a very greasy/oily grade- which makes it the tastiest!  Mixed into the coal is an assortment of ores, such as copper, magnesium, and uranium. Fresh toppings blanket the patty, such as crisp barite, tart olivine slices, and let’s not forget the nice added zing of wolframite!  All this is balanced on top of a freshly baked bun, make from a combination of hydrogen and lithium.  The coal burger can be dressed up with other condiments, such as mercury sauce, biodiesel paste, and even salt if desired!  Did Rat/chet like it? You bet he did!

2.      Stuffed Crepes: here we have a very sweet, very cinnamony and very tasty stuffed crepe dish.  It is stuffed with freshly picked crystal banana fruit slices, and a rich, creamy petroleum base.  And what flavor is this base?  Peanut butter of course- goes great with bananas!  Encompassing this sweet filling is a pancake, made from ground feldspar, ener-milk, and thickened glycerol, then fried in a pan with rich oil, resulting in a fluffy yet thin cake.  A drizzle of chocolate flavored boron sauce.  Did Rat/chet like it?  He simply devoured it!

3.      Cyber/tronian Sushi Platter: up next is a sushi platter, and what a selection of available foods! The main theme with this sushi is silicon rice flavored with vinegar. And of course, the raw energon from cyber-squid, cyber-fish, cyber-shrimp and cyber-eel.  Of course, there is a side of sushi rolls, consisting of silicon rice wrapped in seaweed with a center of cyber-tuna, soft-shell cyber-crab and cyber-salmon. Up next is a trio of more sushi rolls, made with imitation cyber-crab and tuna, wrapped in a petroleum-based crust. Did Rat/chet like it?  Eh…. He ate it but wasn’t a fan of raw foods.

4.      Cheesy bread: Up next is a simple bust scrumptious dish!  Freshly baked lithium bread loaded with several types of melted cheese, based with muscovite, sphalerite, and corundum, leaving a rich and flavorful taste. The bread is seasoned with freshly ground feldspar, chips of garnet, and flakes of mica.   Everything is served warm, and what is not to like about cheesy bread?  Did Ratc/het like it? Hell Yeah!

5.      Cereal. Who suggested this?  Of all the delicacies and fine, fancy foods, someone suggests this overly processed, sugary snack?  Here we have artificially dyed rings of coquina limestone and flavored to an exceptionally over-sweetened flavor.  What flavors you say? You can’t tell because it’s too many different flavors at once.  These rings are very hard and crunchy- almost have to let the energon soak into them to be able to eat them without breaking teeth! BUT don’t worry, you still have a shot at chipping a tooth, because this Cybert/ronian cereal now comes with an awesome ingredient: rocks!  Did Rat/chet like it? No.  It was too many flavors at once and it made his teeth hurt.

 Just how much more can that belly hold?  Hopefully we’ll find out!  Send in some food suggestions to keep our Medic happy and chill!  Let’s see how squishy we can get those thighs!  Let’s get him begging for a belly rub!

*If you suggested a dish and haven’t seen it- there’s still more coming. I am getting some very interesting foods- some can be more challenging to draw- so I try to pair up some harder dishes with some easier ones.  There’s several more rounds to go- and keep the selections coming!

­­­­

[kitxkatrp]

"I'll take payment in the form of kisses and ankle massages~" He beamed, wiggling a little. He was pleased at the praise, even if he disagreed that he deserved it.

He had devoured most of his plate already. And he was considering grabbing more crab cakes...