Exploring

Monday Munchies: Hungry Tarpon Restaurant – Islamorada, FL

January 6, 2014

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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When Price and I were in The Florida Keys back in September for our last getaway before our baby’s arrival, we enjoyed some really amazing meals. We ate all over The Keys including pool side, stands on the street, and right on the beach for some fine dining. Each experience enjoyable for their own reasons: the views, price, offerings, and music.

On our last day in The Keys we stopped off for breakfast at Hungry Tarpon Restaurant on Islamorada while we were on our way back from Duck Key to the airport in Ft. Lauderdale. We planned to eat at the Hungry Tarpon since we were going to Robbie’s of Islamorada to feed the tarpons there and the Hungry Tarpon is right there, literally. A great 2 for 1 stop!

The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant serves generous portions at affordable prices. And best of all the food is fresh, homemade, and hearty.

Hungry Tarpon

Hash browns topped with 2 eggs, shredded jack cheese, a homemade biscuit, and sausage gravy $7.50

I was stunned when this plate was put down in front of me. It was such a huge plate of food. And such good food too! My hash browns were topped off with 2 over-easy eggs, plenty of cheese, and then the sausage gravy.

The sausage gravy was sooo good (but a bit salty which was the only complaint of the entire place). The sausage is evenly crumbled and mixed into the smooth, creamy gravy.

Hungry Permit

Hash browns topped with American cheese, fresh tomatoes, 2 eggs, bacon, a homemade biscuit, and sausage gravy $7.95

Price really enjoyed his breakfast as well. Sadly, it conquered him and he tapped out at half the plate as well. Maybe it was a portion size? or maybe it was the double meat… bacon and sausage gravy? ha!

Our plates were very similar, besides being different style of eggs, so we didn’t share this time, like normal. But I think that the next time we’re in The Keys (can we pack our bags now?!?!) I’d get the Hungry Tarpon with tomatoes. The tomatoes make it healthy, right?

The best thing about both of our plates were the biscuits. We were both so impressed with the flavor and texture of the biscuits. The tender biscuits were so buttery. They were so light and fluffy and had a nice crumb to them under the crisp top. The biscuits came with some butter but I think it doesn’t even need it they are so good just on their own.

If you are passing by in The Keys then I highly suggest that you stop by Robbie’s to feed the tarpons and have a great meal at the Hungry Tarpon. It will be a great time and you’ll enjoy fresh homemade food. And maybe you just might need a nap afterwards. I’m sure you can find a local beach to relax on 🙂

Hungry Tarpon Restaurant

77522 Overseas Hwy

Islamorada, FL 33036

(305) 664-0535

Apple picking at Cider Hill Farm

October 29, 2013

I know, I know… It’s a bit late in the season to post about apple picking but I couldn’t resist sharing these pictures from when we went apple picking a few weeks ago. Plus things are still great in some orchards so don’t think you’ve missed your chance just yet!!

We try to go to different orchards every year to experience something new and see which ones we like the best. Price found Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, MA so we headed up there for a bit of apple picking.

Once you grab a bag for the apples you are ready to go! They give out a handy guide to inform you about each variety, such as what they tasted like, and where each apple is in the several orchards. As well, we were told which apples were best to harvest now and where they were in the orchards, just to help us out.

I feel that the info could be improved to help you pick which apple you would want for what use. We always go to the orchards to get apples that are great for eating and baking with since I’m not one to really make sauce. So we ended up pulling up info on our phones as we walked around the orchards. (As well, this guide is really helpful!)

Could not get over the hanging baskets. Just look how big they are compared to the pumpkins!

Rows upon rows of apples fresh for the picking!

We wandered around the long rows picking apples at the tips of our finger tips. There is just something so fun about squishing yourself in the branches and just grabbing hold of a fresh shiny apple!

Autumn is just so beautiful.

ahh bliss! These were fresh from the frier and so dang good. They were airy, flavorful, and the perfect consistency for apple cider donuts. We got a dozen because we get them 1x a year and I figured eating 6 was reasonable…

For the 2013 season the price for apples is $1.85/lb and pumpkins are $.59/lb.

Cider Hill Farm

45 Fern Ave

Amesbury, MA 01913

(978) 388-5525

Tip Tap Benedict @ The Tip Tap Room, Boston MA

October 1, 2013

For one of our monthly date days I took Pricer out to brunch at The Tip Tap Room here in Boston for their Tipsy Brunch. We have loved Chef/owner Brian Poe since we met him years ago when he became the head chef of The Rattlesnake Bar and Grill. I knew that brunch would be a hit here because of how awesome everything from the The Rattlesnake, and here at the Tip Tap Room, has been over the past few years.

Tip Tap Bloody Mary

our spicy homemade Bloody Mary with a candied bacon rim. $10.00

Obviously, brunch = Bloody Mary’s. While I love a mimosa, I can thow together some oj and champange/ perseco myself so I go I will order a Bloody Mary 9x out of 10. I’m always just so interested in how everyone makes their Bloody Mary base mix and how they finish off the glass with garnish. And this candied bacon rim was a winner. Sometimes I struggle with a bacon rim because it will be super smoked and I think that can just be too intense for the spicy sharp flavors of the Bloody Mary. So this slightly sweet bacon rim was really enjoyable.

Muffins and Stuff

Chef Poe’s blend of fresh breads with breakfast caramel butter $6.00

We started with the Muffins and Stuff to see what kind of fresh breads they offered. The chocolate bread was to die for. To-die-for. everything was incredible really with the moist breast, toasted English Muffins, and crunchy pastries. Plus, there was a caramel infused butter served along side of the bread basket. I wanted to sneak this ramekin into my purse. It was heavenly with its soft consistency and a sweet flavor that had toasty notes that went really well with the sweeter breads.

Corned Beef Hash

Topped with a poached egg $11.00

Price ordered the Corned Beef Hash entrée. It honestly surprised me because 1) he doesn’t covet Hollandaise like I do and 2) he doesn’t love runny eggs. So I had guessed he would pick something like the Belgian Beer Waffles or the Steak & Egg entrees.

So when he picked the Corned Beef, and loved it, I was really shocked. But he really enjoyed combining the in homemade shaved corned beef with the home fries and scooping up a bite of the Hollandaise sauce covered egg. It was that really balanced bite that he really enjoyed. The runny egg yolk was not too intense for him because it was mixed together with the Hollandaise sauce, and ultimately mixed together with the salty meat and crisp potatoes. A real play on texture and flavors.

Tip Tap Room_Corned Beef Hash_02

I think that I have to give this a try next time.

serious noms.

Tip Tap Benedict

Butter Fried Smashed Potato Cake dusted with English Muffin Crumbs, Cured Ham, Poached Eggs, Beer Cheese Hollandaise $12.50

Of course I ordered the Eggs Benedict dish. duh.

I did consider some of the other entrée offerings, but only for a split second since I can’t resist Eggs Benedict and this once just sounded so incredible.

I was really intregeted by the Fried Smashed Potato Cake because I was wondering how it would taste and if it would have a chunky texture. I was thinking of the post- Thanksgiving leftover creations I make up. But I discovered this was not at all like my leftover mashups. (Thankfully!) This potato cake was soo light, fluffy, and very smooth. The English Muffin crumbs on the outside were super fine and a lovely golden brown color. Oh yeah, there might have been some butter going on.

On top of the potato cake was the cured ham, which was just like Canadian Bacon, and then the egg and the dreamy Beer Cheese Hollandaise sauce. I repeat… Beer Cheese Hollandaise. Yep, can’t have a tipsy brunch without some beer in your Hollandaise sauce. Plus it was cheesy too! So it was not like any other Hollandaise I had before since I’m sured to the more traditional sauce that is pretty lemony. The play on the sauce was really interesting. It was really think, creamy and all around amazing.

Under all that Beer Cheese Hollandaise sauce were the loveliest poached eggs. I love when they don’t look that uniform, like someone cut off the edges with a scissor. Besides that they were cooked well. The yolk was super runny and there was not too much (gross) runny white surrounding it.

I wanted to lick this plate clean to get every bit of the egg yolk, Hollandaise sauce and infused oil off the plate and into my stomach. But I had some self control and managed to resist myself.

Rating

Potato cake– 20/20 pts

Cured Ham– 18/20 pts

Poached Egg– 23/25 pts

Hollandaise Sauce– 25/25 pts

No side*– 0/10 pts

Total: 86*/100 pts

*There was no side, like home fries or a side salad, which I rate because its pairing is just as important. Also, I can’t just ignore a bad side when looking at a whole entrée. So while there was no side (knocking it 10 points from my rating) it was a hearty enough Eggs Benedict that I didn’t feel like it was lacking, especially with the big potato cakes.

The Tip Tap Room

138 Cambridge Street

Boston, MA 02114

(857) 350-3344

Tipsy Brunch: Sunday 10:30am—3pm

Monday Munchies: Angela’s Cafe, Boston MA

August 19, 2013

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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I’ve been so horrible about sharing great eateries in Monday Munchies series. It’s just that I’ve been a lazy blogger recently. Really lazy. Oh, pregnancy and summer. Double whammy. Plus, ever since we’ve found out that The Bean is on its way we have been watching our spending. Oh hey, did you know that daycare is expensive… FML.

So anyway, I’m finally back with Angela’s Cafe, an amazing Mexican restaurant in East Boston. We’ve enjoyed going to Angela’s for a few years now. It all started when I was watching a co-worker’s dog and they suggested a few places in the area in case we wanted to go out. One of which was Angela’s, which of course was a big hit.

This hole in the wall neighborhood joint features the best of homemade Poblano Cuisine you can get. Fresh ingredients are prepared in dishes as simple as the Flautas starter ($7) to complex entrees like the Mariscada ($22). It has been widely recognized for the true flavors they serve from being written up in the Boston Globe to being heavily awarded to being featured on Diners, Drive In’s, and Dives.

When you go you receive a complimentary basket of chips with 2 kinds of salsa. They are generous about refilling the basket so dive right in while you peruse the menu.

I suggest that you start with an order of their regular size Guacamole ($9.50), which is made to order in a molcajete. The bigger size is worth it since you won’t be able to resist it. Plus it will go quickly if you are with others.

Also suggest their Queso Fundito ($9.00) as an appetizer. It is so good. Cheesy. Spicy. Dippy. Take a bite with fresh tortillas and you won’t regret it.

I’ve always enjoyed everything we’ve ordered for dinner ranging from burritos ($7.95) to quesadillas ($7.95- $9.85) to Chilles Rellenos ($17).

When Price’s dad was in town we took him here as it is becoming a go to destination for us when family is visiting. It’s just hard to resist not sharing great food and amazing fresh margaritas ($9.50) with them. It wouldn’t be fair not to share this gem with them.

Price ordered the Enchiladas Salsa Rojas ($15) with chicken. The dish is either served with a red sauce or green sauce, and either way is a big hit with it’s hand rolled enchiladas. These are not the typical cheesy enchiladas you order out but a lighter version that is stuffed with your choice of shredded chicken, pork, or vegetables. The trio is topped with a duo of Mexican cheeses, sliced onions and radishes, and some wedges of fresh avocado. As well as being served along side yellow rice and beans.

I ordered chicken Mole Poblano de Angela ($17). The chicken is lean and topped with a complex sauce made of the chocolate, nuts, and a variety of chilies. The spice to the dish is subtle but the flavors are powerful. I enjoyed pieces of the chicken in pieces of warm homemade tortillas that was served along side of yellow rice and black beans.

We were so stuffed during this recent visit that we skipped dessert but I can assure you that the flan ($5.95) is amazing!! If you happen to save room then I say go for it. The caramel topped custard is rich a so creamy.

Stop by Angela’s Cafe in East Boston for some amazing Mexican food and imagine yourself slipping away while you sip on your fresh margarita!

Angela’s Cafe

131 Lexington Street

East Boston, MA 02128

617.567.4972

Monday – Thursday: 8am – 9pm

Friday & Saturday: 8am – 10pm

Sunday: 8am – 3pm

Weekend camping at Pillsbury State Park- Washington, NH

August 14, 2013

Price and I had been talking about going camping this summer for a long time. We finally found a weekend that would work and off we went to Pillsbury State Park for a little camping weekend.

Pillsbury State Park Camping_02

We had been talking about going to Pillsbury State Park for about 2 years but we made it work this weekend since we knew we wouldn’t have another chance. Plus it was pushing my limit of going camping while pregnant. Kinda something related to peeing 10x a day and using a campground toilet.

Pilsbury State Park is located in Washington, NH, about 45 minutes West North West from Concord. It is is comprised of 8,100+ acres that surround 3 large ponds. Open from the end of May to the end of October, the campgrounds have 41 tent sites that are either accessible along the main road through the campgrounds, by foot on a short hike, or canoe across the ponds.

When I called on Thursday the campgrounds were booked up, except that there are few campsites (5, 8, 9, 13, 21, 31, and 34) that are not reservable so we still had some options available. I learned that the state park opens up at 8.30 and by 9.30, after the rangers have done a drive thru to make sure it’s all clean, you can reserve the available campsites.

Once ranger Tracy went through the grounds she came back to inform us that we had 5, 8, and 13 for us to pick from. I picked campsite #8 since it was a solo campsite so it would provide us with a bit more distance from the others, which would be helpful in keeping the dog quiet. As well, it was a very quick walk to the cluster of sites 9-19, which had toilet facilities and a water spigot. Plus then we discovered that there is a little creek just off from the side of the campsite. Kemper loved it.

We unloaded all of our stuff and set up the dog on a stake so he could roam around the site a bit while we set up the tent.

And then off we went to check out the rest of the campgrounds, which include a jungle gym and big, open picnic area overlooking Mill Pond. Then we continued on to our hike up Balance Rock Trail. The trail is 1.2 miles each way from the start of the trail head and is a easy hike for families (and dogs!) that climbs up 550 feet up as it winds up and around Bryant Mountain.

Pillsbury State Park Camping_08

So yeah, this was the typical scene on the trail with the dog looking down at me like “why are you taking so long?!?” He didn’t really care when I was trying to explain to him that trudging up the trail at 6 months pregnant took some extra time. He was breezing up the trail on climbing up rocks, boulders, and hoping over downed logs. Quite the show off.

Not Balance Rock! Just some balancing rocks. Price put on the top one.

The best part of the trail was this overlook on the east side of Bryant Mountain right before you reach Balance Rock. I can’t even guess how far we could see since it just seemed to go on and on. It looked over the North Pond in Pillsbury State Park, the hills of Monadnock Sunapee Greenway Trail, and way beyond.

When did he get so big?

Some sweaty photos at the overlook.

We finally made it to Balance Rock! It was a nice 3-mile hike (from our campsite and back) but we were saying that if there was no overlook we would have been a big disappointed just to reach the big rock. Don’t get me wrong- it was so cool so see this big rock deposited by glaciers on this ledge, but I’m all about the views. That being said, I would totally go back and do this again later on in the season (next year!) so we could see the stunning fiery oranges and reds filling up the changing forest.

We all took a nap once we got back to the campsite. I just love opening up all the vent flaps on the tent and letting the breeze blow in. Plus any chance I can take a nap is awesome with me.

Obviously, we woke up super hungry since we had not eaten since breakfast (smart). We left the state park and headed north about 11 miles, stopping off at Violette’s Supermarket in Newport, NH. The small market had a nice selection of beers, fresh bakery breads, meats, and all the camping supplies you’d need. We bought some cheese, crackers, and pepperoni for a snack to have as our chicken sausages we picked up for dinner cooked over the fire.

Price had to work really hard to get the fire going but kicked some ass and finally got it going so we could enjoy it for several hours. We enjoyed dinner and roasted up some marshmallows for dessert. Kemper was so tired that he fell asleep in my arms as we sat in front of the fire.

At 6.30 the next morning we walked down to a public boat (kayak, canoe) launch into Mill Pond, located between campsites 10 and 11. We quietly stood there and watched the mist burn off the pond as the 4 windmills spun in the distance.

Pillsbury State Park Camping_19

Stunning.

We made breakfast of bacon, eggs, and blueberry pancakes over our Propane 1-Burner Stove while we sat in front of another fire that Price made to finish off the 4 bundles of wood we had purchased.

Then I said I would lay down for 5 minutes and, of course, Price had to wake me up an hour later. When I downloaded the pictures from the weekend, I discovered these photos of the sunlight casting through the trees that he took during my ‘quick’ nap.

Right before we left we let Kemper do a bit more playing around in the May Pond by the Park’s lodge building. He is fearless and just runs and will take off swimming for sticks we throw him.

On the drive back we stopped at Winter Hill Farm Market. The Farm now has a market in the old Withington Antiques Barn building and it is just darling. I was so in love with the store from the decor to the local produce and products they sold. I picked up a bottle of maple syrup and 2 locally made sodas for our ride home. I want to go back to check out what foods they have and get some ice cream from their air stream out back.

Kemper was drunk tired afterwards and fought sleeping in the car for fear of missing something out the window. He finally settled down and then basically crashed for the rest of Sunday and Monday.

Well, we were all really tired. 🙂

Price and I will definitely go back to Pillsbury State Park for camping and for visiting. It was a fun weekend at a beautiful, clean campgrounds. There were plenty of things to do there from canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, and hiking. As well, the campgrounds were quiet enough to really step back and relax from it all.

Tips and Tricks:

Bring cash with you as you need to pay a small fee to visit the park.
The toilets are just pit toilets so there were no sinks to wash your hands so be sure to pack some anti-bacterial hand gel.
I would not expect to stay more than 2 nights as there are no shower facilities, unless you really like to rough it.
While the park does say not to bring in outside wood we had picked up an extra bundle at the grocery store, which worked out well since that was much drier than the wood at the campgrounds. We ended up starting both of our fires using the grocery store wood and once that was going adding in the campground wood. So either break the rules or be sure to bring a lot of fire starters like newspaper, cardboard, candles, etc.

My city

April 16, 2013

Boston (and the surrounding towns of Brookline, Newton, and Chelsea) has been my home since late August 2003. I am approaching my 10 yr anniversary of when we packed up my stuff into a u-haul and my mom and step dad moved me up to my cute studio apartment at Beacon Street and Mass Ave. I left everything I knew behind in CT to go to a new to me city to attend Boston Architectural College.

I was setting forth on my own little adventure in Boston.

I always joke/whine that Boston is not a city all because of its size and my long-standing relationship with NYC. But it is a great little city that has captured my heart. I love to wander around the different neighborhoods when we have time to. While I joke how small it is, I also enjoy that it is so small and you can practically walk end to end taking it all in.

It is well-known that I do not like winter but when the snow is lightly falling on The Common or at the old cemeteries across from where I work I can’t help but smile as the city gets a new white start that day.

Then in the spring as the magnolia blossoms are opening wide along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall I take that in. I loved it the first spring I was here and I love it still. I push the limits and wear flip-flops far to soon but love the warm days that are woven between the days that still have a chill in the air.

My favorite season is summer with heat radiating off the pavement and my hair sticks to my neck from the humidity. The city is alive with events and people all around soakng up the summer sun. I can’t miss an opportunity to sit on the greenway and watch kids run through the fountains while I enjoy a lunch from a food truck.

And the fall is lovely in New England so it goes without a doubt to say that Boston has a special feel about it when the air gets crisp and cool again.

I’m still quite in shock when I think about the attack on Boston yesterday along the Boston Marathon route. I find attacks like this cowardly. How dare you harm innocent people cheering on family and friends doing something they love? How dare you?!?

As much as this incident is horrible, horrific, and senseless, I am reminded of how much good there is in the world as I hear stories and see images of people helping out at the explosion sites or by opening their homes up to people who couldn’t get back to their hotels.

This will only make us stronger.

Chicago Architectural River Cruise: Photo Recap

April 14, 2013

We took the Chicago Architectural River Cruise run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation when we went to Chicago for Price’s 30th birthday back in September. I wanted to share the pictures now as the 2013 season kicked off yesterday.

We had so much fun and learned so much while on the tour from our tour guide. I’m so glad we went and I would go again the in future as it was just a nice way to see Chicago.

I highly suggest that you go on the Chicago Architectural River Cruise, or take one of the other walking, bike, or trolley tours available. I can’t wait for our next trip to Chicago to do another tour.

The Dirty Thirty Chicago Trip Recap

April 10, 2013

Price and I love to celebrate our birthdays. We make a bigger deal about them than Christmas. We go big for parties, outings, or gifts. And since this past September was Price’s 30th Birthday I went ALL OUT!! I planned a very big surprise trip to Chicago.

The trip took a few months to plan so is seems fitting that this post took at few months (oy!) to write and edit.

So leading up to the trip I only hinted to Price that we would be going away. As it got closer I teased Price about packing a bag for similar weather (his guess of the Bahamas was wrong) and that we would have to go to bed early Thursday night for a Friday morning adventure via a plane. He promised not to look at his ticket while in the security line but I was still nervous since I didn’t want someone asking him where he was going or to say ‘enjoy Chicago’ but we made it through without that. So we grabbed some Sbucks and then made our way to the gate. Once we stopped he realized where we were going!!! So excited to pull off the big surprise.

Once we made it to Chicago we caught the shuttle from O’Hare to our hotel and dropped off our bags since it was prior to check in and we had reservations for the Architectural River Boat Tour for 12pm.

The tour was a blast! This was a gift from Price’s mom. She had been before so she knew we would love everything we saw and learned on the boat ride on the river.

It was after the lunch rush when the tour ended so it was perfect timing to head down to check out The Billy Goat Tavern for some cheeseburgers.

It was fun to experience a Chicago staple but I didn’t think the burgers were very good. I enjoyed the atmosphere and character more than the food, but it was still great to check it out.

We then headed back to our hotel, Acme Hotel Company, to check in. Once we were settled took naps since we were so warn out from getting up so early. Well, first we took some pictures of the hotel and room as it had such great character. Loved how it did not look like a typical hotel room but had some nice features and unique design elements, such as the red lipstick night light incorporated into the mirror in the bathroom. We loved the room and the hotel.

Once we were refreshed from our naps we headed out for dinner at Frontera Grill. I was looking forward to going to a Rick Bayless restaurant and I am so glad that we braved the rain and wait for an amazing dinner.

We waited at the bar and grabbed some drinks as we waited for something to open up. Two seats at the ‘chefs table’ opened up so we sat right by the kitchen getting to take in the energy from the kitchen and servers. Everything was fantastic from the drinks to the food. I really wish that Bayless had a restaurant in Boston. Total dream come true!

On Saturday- Price’s Birthday!!!

We started the day with some breakfast from Acme’s continental breakfast bar. We were both really impressed with the selection they offered which include quiches, muffins, stuffed croissants, waffles, bagels, yogurt, juices, and tea & coffee.

We started out by walking from the hotel over to Michigan Ave and then heading south down to Millennium Park.

You can’t visit Chicago and not see Cloud Gate, aka The Bean.

We took so many fun photos there and really enjoyed all of the different angles of the city we saw from the curves.

We continued on down to the Crown Fountain.

And then through the Lurie Garden and wandered our way down to the Buckingham Memorial Fountain.

Did you ever watch Married with Children? Yep, it’s that fountain.

We continued walking all the way down to The Field Musuem and Solider Field before heading back north to the Shedd.

oh hello.

We intended to check out the Shedd Aquarium but the line to get into it was a few hundred people out the door. Umm, so not happening this trip. So we skipped it and just took the ferry between the aquarium and Navy Pier.

It was so much fun and gave us some great views of the city.

Stunning.

My co-worker Laurel, who is originally from Chicago, suggested Pizano’s Pizza for some great deep dish pizza so we walked over to Pizano’s from Navy Pier. It was a long walk but allowed us to build up our appetites for lunch. We ordered salad and soup (to warm up) and a mushroom and sausage deep dish pizza. We had been debating the medium pizza since we were so hungry but the woman next to us told us the small was more than enough. Although we doubted her we decided to listen to the local. Thankfully we did listen as the small was soooo filling. The pizza’s crust was thick and crunchy while the thick filling/topping was loaded with cheese, mushrooms, and sausage. I think I need my own deep dish pizza pan!

Stuffed, we headed back towards the hotel to be able to relax for a bit before getting ready for dinner out. Of course on our way we stopped into some really cute stores. I wanted to do some serious shopping but was just too tired to carry it back. ha!

Some naps, showers and some make up for me and we were ready to go out to celebrate the BIG 3-0. We walked up to John Hancock Tower to have some drinks and to enjoy the view and sunset. The line to get on the elevators to get up to the Signature Lounge was very long but we stuck it out as it did move pretty quickly.

It was worth it as the view from the 96^th floor was incredible.

We ended up with a table at the window to enjoy our drinks and chips with guac (not very good). When we were ready to go we went to the other side of the Hancock to check out the view towards the river and Navy Pier.

The view from the women’s room is incredible as it abuts the windows. Sorry guys!

We needed something sweet for Price’s birthday so we went Ghirardelli’s shop on Magnificent Mile. We split a super-rich banana split.

Dirty Thirty Chicago Trip_47

I just wish we had some candles to stick and pretend blow out! It was such a great way to end his birthday.

On Sunday morning we got ready quickly, had some breakfast at Acme, and checked out so we could head up to Wrigley on the L for our tour of the park, a gift from Price’s brother.

It was great to see the old stadium and hear about the history of the team and ball park as we walked all around the different areas.

We had taken a tour of Fenway previously in the summer and could compare between the tours. They were similar in price so the biggest thing that made the tour of Wrigley stand out to us was the size of the group and how length of time we got to spend on field. Both tours are great to go on but for us Wrigley wins. Esp since we got to go on the field!

After the tour we walked to Ann Sather’s to get a cinnamon roll. Well that was our intent, but we stayed to split a Denver omelet for lunch and get a sticky bun to go.

Continuing our walk, we headed down to the Lincoln Park Zoo. I love zoo’s so this was a great ways to spend a few hours.

We strolled around the different exhibits enjoying our cinnamon roll checking out the different animals, including some adorable seals and a baby zebra. Baby zebra!!!!

Once we wrapped up our visit to the zoo we walked back to Magnificent Mile for the last time for some window shopping and then on to our hotel to call for the shuttle. While we waited for the shuttle we had a drink at the Webber Grill Restaurant.

And that is how we blitzed through Chicago for Price’s Surprise 30^th Birthday trip!!

After our trip I figured out we walked over 16 miles while we were visiting Chicago. Not too shabby!! I can’t wait to go again since we love Chicago so much!

Out for a Stroll

March 10, 2013

Price and I are volunteering our time to work on creating a plan to revitalize the Downtown Chelsea area. It’s a bit tired so the City is looking to developing a strategy in enforcing established ordinances, creating new (much needed) ordinances, educating people about the area, and ultimately re-branding Chelsea while creating a master plan for the area. It’s important to first document the current conditions to create help create this master plan and development program. So, we took a walk this morning to take some pictures of Downtown area along Broadway.

Here are some pictures from the area around Dorothy M. Griffin Square, J.J Mahoney Rest Area (a memorial park), and the police station.

Mr. Kemper enjoyed the walk too

Blizzard 2013: Nemo

February 10, 2013

snow snow snow and some more snow. That is what the blizzard named Nemo dumped on the northeast this Friday and Saturday. It was the 5th largest snow storm in Boston’s recorded history dumping 24.9 inches of snow at Logan Airport.

What does that snow look like?

Before:

Pricer took these pictures at 2.30pm on Friday afternoon

Nemo 2013_Before_02 Nemo 2013_Before_03

After:

Pictures taken on Saturday starting at 11.15am

Our front door on the left, our kitchen door to back steps on the right. Since we couldn’t get out the front door and didn’t want to dump snow on the hardwood floors we went out the basement.

Which still had a lot of snow in front of it.

Looking up and then down our street.

Kemper was not too thrilled by the snow since he coudn’t get to the yard where he has been going to the bathroom. (Sure to take a back step in house-training him. Oh well, just gotta deal with it)

Sunday:

We spent some time shoveling more snow to the car could get out of the driveway now. We did have Kemper out with us for a bit and I got home pictures of him running on our front walkway. SQUEE!!!

Can’t wait for it to thaw!!!

Monday Munchies: Firehouse Deli- Greenwich, CT

January 21, 2013

As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!

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Whenever I’m back home in Connecticut I try to get to the Firehouse Deli for breakfast or lunch because I love everything they make. Plus, a great deli sandwich is much harder to come by in Boston and I need my fix when I can get it.

When I moved to Boston back in 2003 for college I discovered that delis don’t exist in the same why that I grew up with. Especially since that within walking distance there were a few delis from my house. I always had a quick option for breakfast or lunch a short walk away. And then about a half mile away is a park and beach when I would sit and eat lunch in the summer. Bliss.

So while I have found some great delis in The North End I always love to head home to get my favorite sandwiches. Besides getting a loaded turkey or ham sandwich I love their hot sandwiches. Some of my favorites are the Hot Gobbler (hot turkey, melted swiss, and garlic dressing) and the FedEx (chicken cutlet, bacon, cheddar, and BBQ sauce). But my all time favorite is the Real Deal Holyfield, aka The Real Deal. Oh, that sandwich is just the best ever with its grilled chicken, bacon, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard. Try it, I dare you.

But don’t worry if you can’t make it to the deli for lunch you can still get a great sandwich at breakfast!

Can’t pass on the classic Bacon Egg and Cheese for just $3.25. Don’t like bacon? Then have sausage, ham, or turkey. I’d always get a turkey, egg whites, and cheese sandwich when I managed to get up a bit early to swing by there before driving to high school. But the bacon, egg, and cheese is a great breakfast sandwich to enjoy from the Firehouse Deli since they layer cheese, egg, bacon, egg, and cheese again on a bulkie. Makes for a complete bite!

Every now and then Price and I will split a Montana on a roll. The Montana is a LOADED sandwich with its 2 eggs, ham, cheese, chili, and a hashbrown . The $4.99 sandwich is jam packed and finger licking good. I think the hashbrown layer is genius but the chili is my favorite part. No wait, it might be the hashbrowns AND chili. It’s quite possibly the perfect hangover cure. Ever.

Everything at the Firehouse deli is fresh, quick, and delicious. Give it a try if you are in the area.

Firehouse Deli

265 Mill Street

Greenwich CT 06830

203.531.002

Stuffed on Steak: Fogo De Chao- Boston, MA

December 14, 2012

Are you looking for a new restaurant to try this weekend? Do you deserve a really great night out? Do you love steak?

If you think that you fulfill any of those things then you need to check out Fogo De Chao, a churrascaria, in Copley Square as soon as you can!!

Last month I attended the grand opening of Fogo de Chao, the new Brazilian Steakhouse located at the Westin Hotel that has your mouth-watering once you walk in the door. The smell of freshly seared steak, chicken, sausage, and lamb was the perfect perfume hanging in the air.

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The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. I had the pleasure of enjoying the combination of cachaça (a sugar cane rum), sugar, and lime that make up this cocktail. The cocktail goes down easily as it is so sweet so you better watch out that you don’t have too many.

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As soon as we walked in Price and I remarked how amazing the space is. We have been to other Brazilian Barbecue restaurants before but this was the first one that was really stunning. I was quiet enamored with the lights.

Centrally located, the salad bar is packed full of fresh greens, smoked meats, a variety of cheeses, and much, much more. I wish I took more photos of the 30 plus options available but I didn’t want to hold up the line as everyone was dying to dig right in. But I could not miss taking a picture of a bowl full of bacon!

In addition to the salad bar there is an adjacent hot food bar that served things like rice and beans that would pare perfectly with your meal.

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I tried to only select a few things from the salad bar that I would really enjoy so I would not fill up but the options seemed endless. I really enjoyed everything I picked from the fresh mozzarella, steamed asparagus, hot peppers, and prosciutto. My favorite things were the sun-dried tomatoes since they were so flavorful and soft. I had the best intentions of going back to the hot bar to sample the rice and beans there but I ended up getting too full to go back.

As small as they were the pão de queijos were one of my favorite things about the meal. Small puffs of cheesy bread were served to accompany the meal. They were light and airy, with a crunchy exterior, and, of course, packed with cheese. I might have been tempted to throw a few in my purse, but I didn’t. I swear!

The only thing that I didn’t think was stunning were the plate of fried bananas, fried polenta, and mashed potatoes that the servers, which are known as Passadores in Brazil and called meat gauchos at Fogo De Chao, brought to the table. The bananas were delicious but the polenta and mashed potatoes were a little too plain for my preference. Also since we were so distracted by all of the meat available we ignored these for a bit and they all got cold. I just didn’t feel these were necessary to enjoy the meal.

Once we were seated after our trip to the salad bar we were ready for the gauchos to come around and start delivering a variety of different meats to us. The service was top notch and very knowledgeable on all of the different cuts of suculant meats you could enjoy. Fogo De Chao offers different cuts of beef, chicken, and lamb. The signature meat is the Picanha, which is a top sirloin cut of meat that is very popular in the churrascarias of Southern Brazil. This was available in a traditional light seasoning or a garlicky seasoning.

True love. The gauchos would ask you how you would prefer the meat to done and based upon where the meat was located along the skewer you would have a different degree of done-ness. I prefer rare to medium rare so they would rotate the skewer until they had the right piece in front of them to slice off and I would grab it with my little tong to enjoy.

This plate is true love to me.

My favorite cuts were the garlicky Picanha, Filet Mignon, Fraldinha, and Linguica. The Filet was an easy favorite as it was so tender it just about melted in your mouth. I prefered the Fraldinha, the bottom cut of the sirloin, over the Beef Ancho, the rib eye, only because I tend to like less marbled pieces of meat. I loved the Linguica as it was so flavorful and the exterior was very crisp from the rotisserie, which helped seal in the juices.

The only thing I did not get to try that I was looking forward to was the chicken but I think everything else more than makes up for that.

The biggest thing to remember is to pace yourself so use the GO and STOP cards they give you. Flip them over to tell the servers if they should come by the table or not. While it is completely acceptable to stuff yourself silly on all the different delicious meats you should try to save room for dessert. We had to keep reminding ourselves that.

We decided on getting the signature dessert which is the Fogo de Chão Signature Papaya Cream. This is a dish that is made with ripe papayas and ice cream. They use fresh, ripe papayas to blend with ice cream to create a very rich fruity dessert. This was a really good treat as it was so rich.

Of course we had to have some Creme de Cassis on top!

South American Flan was the real winner to us. Our server told us they make it daily on site and it is one of the top desserts. We thought the texture was light, creamy and very delicate. I could not get over the amount of vanilla specks that were visible in the caramel part of the custard. I would go back just for this.

Fogo De Chao is a special place to go to when you want to really enjoy a unique steakhouse meal. Dinner is $46.50 (Salad Bar Only – $22.50) so this is not a place to go for a casual dinner. A dinner out will cost you at least $60 a person and you will be so stuffed on very rich food you might want this to be for a nice occassion. Be sure to eat light before hand so you can really enjoy everything that is twirled around your table. And be sure to save room for dessert!