CityView Magazine

FREE Admission Presented by: Tips, tools and techniques for your home February 22-23 at Crown Expo Center Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. www.CarolinaHomeShow.com CAPE FEAR REGIONAL THEATRE PRESENTS Starring Broadway's Bill Nolte as Tevye Directed and Original Choreography Reproduced by Gary John La Rosa Book by Joseph Stein • Music by Jerry Brock • Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick Based on Sholem Aleichem's stories by special permission of Arnold Perl Co-producers: Cunningham & Company Mortgage Bankers, Gateway Inn and Suites, H&H Homes/Coldwell Banker Advantage, Valley Auto World BMW/VW, Harrell's Automotive, and Lafayette Ford Lincoln Buy online at www.cfrt.org For tickets — www.cfrt.org or 910.323.4233 or call 910-323-4233 22 | January/February • 2014 She feels as though every meal she prepares for Indy is an opportunity to get to know him better. Indy responds that Mandy's progression from a timid cook, choosing to prepare simple, popular dishes to a "phenomenal, adventurous cook" very much parallels the journey he has seen her take in life – from cautiousness, to approaching challenges and risk with a can-do attitude. Last year, when Indy asked Mandy what gifts she would like for Valentine's Day, she replied simply, "Beef Wellington." They will continue the tradition this year and would choose to do so even if, caring for two small children, they had the opportunity to dine out. Christopher, a native of Fayetteville, is quick to proudly compliment Mia, a reformed picky eater from Englewood, Florida, on everything from her newlydiscovered appreciation for the Southern wiles of gravy – "on rice, on fried chicken, on anything!" to her prowess in baking cakes and pastries. Since cake isn't on the menu every night for the health-conscious twosome, Mia lauds Christopher's expertise on the grill, which is particularly helpful in preparing quick, healthy dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables and kabobs each week night. On Valentine's Day, the Delphs will enjoy a quiet evening in, featuring New York strip and roasted asparagus on the grill, with Mia's Caprese salad. Christopher and Mia After long days and nightly trips to their respective gyms, Christopher and Mia Delph arrive home later than 7:00 p.m. to answer the age-old question: "What's for dinner?" Married for little more than a year, they respond as old pros: Christopher prepares dinner during the week, while Mia enjoys complex recipes reserved for weekends or special occasions. Living in Haymount, a quick dinner out is always an option, but they cook four nights per week. Cooking saves money and it's healthy, allowing them to splurge occasionally on a treat they both enjoy - decadent restaurant meals. As Christopher said, "Even if you order healthy food, you don't know exactly what you're getting. Green beans cooked at home will probably be healthier than green beans from a restaurant." But, Mia and Christopher jokingly acknowledge, "When we do go out, we don't order green beans!" Like most married couples, their time together in the kitchen isn't without the occasional disagreement: While Christopher, a classic micromanager, and Mia, a perfectionist, admit they have squabbled about everything from recipe steps to the heat of Teflon pans, both agree cooking together encourages them to appreciate each other's talents and individuality. The Expert Weighs In While our couples may be simply enjoying each other's company - as Christopher joked, "a little camaraderie, a little cocktail" - and fulfilling a basic need, the benefit of spending this time together may pay long term dividends – and not just to their bank account or waistlines. Dr. Faye Knauss, a Fayetteville clinical health psychologist who counsels couples, individuals and families is adamant that one of the most significant challenges faced by modern couples is spending quality time together while living fast-paced, overstimulated lives. "Couples share space and many hours together, but with so many distractions, namely electronics, personal dialogue and mindful activity with each other can be difficult." Of newlywed couples in particular, Knauss notes that "it is never too early begin investing in the relationship and engaging in one another's lives" and that "cooking together is an excellent way for partners to find that often rare 'unplugged' time to reconnect." If you and your Valentine are in a quandary as to how to celebrate love this year, turn off your phones and get busy in the kitchen. CV ONLINE EXTRAS! Visit us online to read more at www.cityviewnc.com

• Cover