27 April 2012

Not Your Ordinary Truck Stop - Organic Good to Go (Rte 95)

On a recent road trip to Boston I was starving and decided to stop at one of the rest stops along Route 95.  My goal was to try to get something healthy, but I really wasn't in the mood for the Golden Arches or for Jared's favorite spot.  My choices were extremely limited but I was hungry so I was determined to find something!

Not your ordinary truck stop

I looked around inside and saw the usual suspects and started to feel a little defeated.  But then a little red sign caught my eye--Good to Go Organics looked good enough so I decided to give it a try.  I chose the Turkey Dog and I am so glad I did.  It was soooooo good!  Seriously, the best turkey hot dog EVER!!  Yes, that is a potato bun and the turkey is organic!  I am still shocked that something this good--did I mention it is under 200 calories--is at a rest stop!

Best Hot Dog EVER
On my return home, I had to stop again just to make sure I wasn't dreaming.  The second dog was just as good as the first.  I was glad to see Good to Go Organics has locations at: Chelsea Piers, Central Park and Metlife Stadium!  The next time I go to a Jets or Giants game I will be sure to pay a visit.

20 April 2012

Patisserie Kouign Amann (French) - Montreal, QC


Au Kougin-Amann


C'était notre première journée complète à Montréal--c'était aussi mon anniversaire--et comme la température était agréable et la neige partie, nous avons eu la chance de faire un tour à pied de la ville. Nous sommes partis du Plateau où nous avons pu découvrir Kouing Amman.



Notre premier arrêt, c'était pour goûter les meilleurs croissants à Montréal--à tout le moins, c'est que que Martin, notre guide nous a dit. L'odeur de pâtisseries fraîches sorties du four nous enveloppa avant même de mettre les pieds dans le charmant petit magasin. Une fois à l'intérieur, je savais que j'étais à la bonne place.


Patisserie KOUIGN Amann
Il y avait de si belles choses sur les présentoirs mais Martin nous  recommanda fortement les Croissants aux Amandes. Est-ce qu'il avait raison? Oh que oui! Les meilleurs croissants aux amandes de ma vie!! Ils sont épais, chauds, ça frise la perfection. Ils fondent littéralement dans la bouche--pas de farce.




Le Croissant aux Amandes

Le Pain
A date, Montréal est 2 en 2 pour la bonne bouffe. C'était déjà un coup de circuit avec Barroco la nuit précédente. Maintenant que j'avais confiance en Martin pour les suggestions côté bouffe, j'étais vraiment prête pour les autres trésors gourmands cachés qu'il nous ferait découvrir dans cette Montréal si belle.







19 April 2012

Patisserie Kouign Amann - Montreal, QC

Au Kougin-Amann

It was our first full day in Montreal--it was also my birthday--and since the weather was pleasant and the snow was gone we had the opportunity to take a walking tour of the city.  We started in the Plateau where we were introduced to Kouign Amann.


Our first stop was to get the best croissants in Montreal--or at least that is what Martin our tour guide told us.  Before we could make our way into the cute little shop, the smell of fresh baked pastries greeted me outside.  As soon as I stepped inside I knew I was in the right place.

Patisserie KOUIGN Amann Inside

There were plenty of choices but Martin assured us that the Almond Croissants were the way to go.  Was he right?  Uh, yes!  The best Almond Croissants EVER!!!  They were large, warm and sheer perfection. They really do melt in your mouth--no exaggeration.  

The Almond Croissants

The Bread

So far Montreal has been 2/2 when it comes to good eats.  They already hit a home run at Barroco from the previous evening.  Now that I have more trust in Martin's food suggestions, I am really looking forward to what other hidden gourmand gems he will introduce us to in beautiful Montreal.







12 April 2012

Ode to the Cherry Blossom Cupcake - Georgetown Cupcake Soho

I have a new obsession and I am really not going to write an ode to express my new love for the Cherry Blossom Cupcake at Georgetown Cupcake because frankly, I am really not that talented.  What I will do is show you a picture of it so you can drool.  I will also strongly suggest for you to visit a Georgetown Cupcake near you so you can experience this seasonal favorite of mine before it is too late.  I promise you will not regret it!

Are you drooling?

Oh, I should also probably mention that they have a FREE--yes, I said free--(not-on-menu) flavor everyday.  You have to order it by name AND you have to get it before 100 other people get it before you.  I have managed to score the Triple Caramel, Strawberry Lave Fudge and Carrot all in the past few days.  My trainer is not too happy with my latest obsession!

Not-on-Menu
Boston, I hear they are coming your way very soon on Newbury Street.  I can't wait!

09 April 2012

"Eat. Drink. And Be Cherry!" - Georgia Brown's (Washington D.C.)

In continuation with my Centennial Cherry Blossom celebrations, I decided to try the Cherry Picks Menu at a low country cuisine favorite of mine--Georgia Brown's.  The menu has delicious cherry blossom features which made my mouth water and left me extremely satisfied.

The bill of fare shares Ernestine Ulmer's famous quote, "Life is uncertain.  Eat dessert first" which is something I live my life by so I took her advice and did just that!

BRANDIED CHERRY CHEESECAKE
    Brandied Cherry Cheesecake

  1. This cheesecake is HUGE.  I am so glad I had people there to share.  (Special Note:  I don't typically share my desserts!)
  2. It is also SCRUMPTIOUS!
  3. Do I really need to say more?  I am so glad I took Miss Ulmer's advice and started with the dessert! 

CHERRY "OLD FASHIONED"
Ever since the start of the new season of Mad Men, I have had this thirst for the Old Fashioned.  I really don't know why but I just love them.  The first one I ever had was in New Orleans at Le Pavillon.  It was just after Hurricane Katrina and a lot of places were still closed so one night I made my way over to the hotel--I lived literally a block away--and met an older Russian woman named Irina.  I ordered a Lemon Drop and she told me she was going to make me a "real" drink instead.  It turned out to be an Old Fashioned and I was hooked ever since.  For nearly a year almost every Monday and Wednesday evening I would walk over to 833 Poydras and find my spot at Le Gallery and wait for Miss Irina to make my "real" drink and here stories about Mother Russia.


Cherry "Old Fashioned"

I don't know what happened to her but to this day, every time I order an Old Fashioned, I think of Irina.  I believe she would approve of Georgia Brown's cherry blossom version--or at least I hope she would--because it really is good.  Made with Jim Beam Red Stag Bourbon and raw cane sugar, it really hits the spot!

GRILLED T-BONE LAMB CHOPS
I really just can't help myself when it comes to lamb so I ordered it.  The lamb alone was delish but what really makes this dish memorabe?  How about the "brandy soaked cherry cheese grits"!  Who knew grits + cherries = FANTASTIC?!

Grilled T-Bone Lamb Chops

You have until April 27th to enjoy this special menu honoring the 100th anniversary of the cherry blossom trees in Washington D.C.  I promise, you do not want to miss this!

02 April 2012

Sunday Jazz Brunch @ Cafe Fleuri - Langham Hotel

It is officially spring and the weather has been beautiful lately.  Why not spend a Sunday afternoon at a Jazz Brunch at the Langham Hotel?  I really just can not get enough of this place.  On Saturday you can enjoy a Chocolate Shangri-La at the Chocolate Bar and you can come back on Sunday for the Jazz Brunch at Cafe Fleuri.  What a fantastic way to wind down your weekend with live Jazz and good food.

Care for a beignet?
My best advice is to study the menu prior to your arrival so you can have a game plan!  I said this before and it really is the truth for Cafe Fleuri but a picture really is worth a thousand words.  I will take you on a pictorial tour:

OMELET STATION
Get your omelet made to order.  There are so many choices: shrimp, lobster, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, oh my!

Omelet Station
My Pepper & Mushroom Omelet, Yummy

CRÊPE STATION
Did someone mention crepes?!  This time I want chocolate crepe with white chocolate, strawberries and Grand Marnier.  Super delicious!

Crepe Collage

SUSHI BAR & SEAFOOD STATION
I saw this on the menu but I really couldn't grasp the magnitude until I saw it in person!


Raw Bar, Jonah Crab Claws, Sushi Variety, Crab Potatoes 

One of my personal favorites is the Maine Shrimp "Martini".
Maine Shrimp Martini

THE CARVERY STATION
Choose from Salt Crust Roasted Prime Rib and Atlantic Salmon and Scallop Coulbiac with Amotillados Sherry Lobster Cream.  Both are delicious but I was drooling for the salmon.


PASTA STATION
I made sure to pace myself so I would have room for the pasta!  It is hard to decide what to eat when you have selections like 5 cheese tortellini, penne and gnocchi with multiple sauces & oils and other fantastic add-ins.


COCKTAIL PLEASE!


If you want to partake in an adult beverage then try one of the following:

  • The "Perfect" Bloody Mary
  • The "Traditional" Bloody Mary
  • Orange or Grapefruit Mimosa
  • Peach or Raspberry Bellini
The Cocktails
THE DESSERTS
I can not believe I am going to admit this but I was so full from all the food I couldn't even think about trying dessert.  This happened once before.   Lucky for me I have experienced the sweet sensations of Cafe Fleuri at their Chocolate Bar so I know that I missed out on a lot!

Sweet Treats

Cookies & Cupcakes

Epicurean Girl’s Conclusion: 4 VIPs
The Sunday Jazz Brunch at Café Fleuri gets a rating of 4 VIPs.