Monday Munchies

Monday Munchies: Skaneateles Bakery- Skaneateles, NY

September 1, 2014

Okay, I took the summer off from my Monday Munchies post because the summer is always super crazy and I just didn’t want to half ass these fun posts. I wanted to share some great places while writing thoughtful, helpful posts about them. So I’m back! Enjoy!!

Whenever we head back to Price’s hometown for a visit I go to Skaneateles Bakery for some breakfast goodies. I love to walk down there so I feel like I’m off setting the donuts that I’m about to consume. All about balance people.

But really my mile walk down there and back is hardly enough to put a dent into the calories for the pastries I get. I just go there and act like a kid in a candy store and go ‘ohh, I’ll take a half dozen donuts!… and a scone!… and a rice krispies treat!… and a cinnamon roll!… and a bacon egg and cheese!” As I walk down the counter I see more and more things I want so I just keep going ‘and’ as I add more and more things to my order.

Trays, platters, and pedestals display a fun selection of baked goods that range from scones ($1.90), muffins, and cinamon rolls ($2.50). Price loves rice krispie treats ($2.50) so I always get him one of their massive ones to enjoy later on in the day.

Their Bacon Egg and Cheese is elevated from your typical B.E.C as its made with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, and Ciabatta. ($5.65) The cheese is melty and the bacon has a nice smoke flavor to round out the sandwich. The bread does a great job of soaking up the bacon grease and cheese too. Overall it’s a large sandwich so we end up splitting it as we are also enjoying a donut or two.

I love that you can watch them make their cake donuts from their front window. I love to watch the donuts happily floating in the oil in the machine before they get dropped off into the big catch basin for them to get topped. I always get a half dozen ($4.50) so I can get some variety in the box. They make a typical old-fashioned, powdered, glazed, cinnamon & sugar, as well as, glazed with cinnamon & sugar, chocolate-glazed, chocolate-glazed with rainbow sprinkles, and coconut.

They are light and airy with plenty air pockets under that slightly crunchy fried exterior. The donuts are topped with fresh toppings and are the perfect size for you to have easily have 2-3 of these hot from the fryer babies.

Sprinkles make everything better.

To round out a recent trip to the Bakery we enjoyed snacking on on of their home made raspberry poptarts. They make their poptarts with pie crust and their home made raspberry jam. It’s great for breakfast but also great to satisfy an afternoon sweet tooth craving. No matter when you enjoy it you’ll find that the homemade jam is the best filling for it.

The Skaneateles Bakery is a real treasure as it serves locals and area visitors with great breakfast and lunch pastries, sandwiches, and drinks. Be sure to stop by and have a fresh cake donut for me.

Skaneateles Bakery

19 Jordan St

Skaneateles, NY 13152

(315) 685-3538

Monday Munchies: Union Square Donuts- Somerville, MA

May 5, 2014

I love donuts.

I mean, who doesn’t?!?

Doughnuts or Donuts… I like them equally as much!

And I love donuts from Union Square Donuts in Somerville, MA, a suburb just north of Boston. It’s a small shop that sells donuts and fresh brewed coffee. I don’t think things need to be more complicated than that.

They are famous for creating large flavorful, soft, airy, and unique donuts. They were even included in Thillist’s list of 21 Best Donut Shops in America that came out just last month. Their yeast and cake donuts are equally as good as their sweet and savory donuts, which will set you back $3 for regular ones and $3.50 for the premium ones.

I mean just check these babies out!

Mouth watering!!!

Maple Bacon

This is a must get donut here. This is a great combination of salty and sweet. The maple glaze is offset with the cripsy, crunchy bacon. It can be a bit messy to eat but I won’t tell if you lean over the sink and eat it. Or if you hold your plate up to your face and then lick it later. I swear I won’t tell. ($3.50)

Sea-Salted Bourbon Caramel

This is my favorite donut. It’s massive and intensely flavorful. The donut itself is very light as it’s dough is full if airy pockets. The caramel glaze is sweet and the bourbon in there adds a lot of flavor. But the sweetness is also balanced with the sea-salt. Be careful, it’s really sticky, but I don’t think that is a bad thing, just give your fingers a good lick once your done! ($3.00)

Bacon Cheddar Sage

They have savory donuts! Both are crazy good but I love the Bacon Cheddar Sage. I love the bacon and the cheddar combo but the herby flavor from the sage is so good.($3.50)

Boston Cream

I’ve lived in Boston for over 10 years and have never had Boston Cream Pie from Omini Parker House, which is directly across from my office. FOR SHAME! But that doesn’t mean I don’t know a good Boston Creme Pie Donut when I devoure it. This crispy ried donut is jam packed full of a vanilla bean cream and then topped off it a velvety chocolate glaze. The vanilla cream is packed full of vanilla bean caviar so the vanilla flavor shines through against the chocolate. Yum! ($3.50)

Brioche Cinnamon Roll

This was the first time they were serving these guys. I just happened to be there when they brought out the first tray. I have to admit it felt a little special to be there to get to try one of the first ones ever sold.

Price commented on how this reminded him of Baklava because of the cinnamon and honey combination of flavors. The honey glaze is super sweet but really enjoyable as it’s sweetness is slightly cut back from the cinnamon that is swirled through the bun. ($5.00)

I mean… come on! I can’t even get over how good everything is here!! Besides the ones showcased above, hey have flavors like Brown Butter Hazelnut Crunch, Vanilla Bean, Birthday Cake with Sprinkles, and Strawberry.

I have a love affair with the donuts at Union Square Donuts. I just can’t resist. And yet I don’t think Price minds when I give in and come home with a big box of donuts. ha!

I at least try to plan ahead by getting there soon after they open since they have been known to sell out in as little as 90 minutes. And missing out on getting one of these donuts would make me sad. They are only opened Thursday & Friday from 7 AM – 1 PM and on Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM. Even if you are just half awake after a night of drinking just stumble over there for a donut and coffee to perk yourself up!

Union Square Donuts

16 Bow Street

Somerville, MA 02143

Monday Munchies: Barrington Brewery & Restaurant- Great Barrington, MA

April 7, 2014

A few weekends ago Price and I went to the Berkshires to check out a wedding venue. I had found Crissey Farm on Budget Savvy Bride when I was doing some searching around for venue options around New England so we wanted to check it out in person so finally get some wedding planning underway.

One of the reasons we really liked Crissey Farm was that it is attached to Barrington Brewery. The space for the wedding was wonderful with it being a new green facility that had beautiful high ceilings and 2 fireplaces. But it’s proximity to things like hotels/B&B’s, touristy things, and restaurants also helped out with its appeal. In fact, the Brewery is attached and the beers they serve at Crissey Farm are from the Brewery.

After we met with Crissey Farm’s owner, Gary, we went right next door to eat lunch at the solar powered brewery. They brew a variety of beers that change with the season.

Price first enjoyed the Berkshire Blond and then the Raspberry beer. They were both light body beers (10 oz. – $3.75, pint – $5, pitcher – $19) that were really refreshing. I had a sip of each and really liked them both.

Not sure which of the beers you would like to have? Try the Brewer’s Taste ($5) which gives you 5 3oz tastes of their beers.

If you find a beer that you enjoy you can take home beer in 22 oz bottles ($3.50 each/4 for $1), 64 oz refillable Growlers ($5 for growler, $9 to fill) or in a variety of sizes of kegs (5 gal. keg for $60, 1/4 keg for $80, 1/2 keg for $140 + $50 deposit per keg).

In addition to the great beers they make on site they had plenty to offer on their menu. They offer a great selection of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.

We started with Jackets ($6). I had never heard of Jackets before but the best way to describe them is soft Potato Skins. They are large Idaho baked potato wedges served with butter & sour cream. Then you can select from the following toppings: grated cheddar, crumbled bacon, steamed broccoli, chili ($1 each).

We ordered our Jackets with the cheddar and steamed broccoli. Such a good combo! Plus it came with the butter, which we skipped, and the sour cream. The potato wedges are soft but hold up well to the toppings.

I ordered the Brewer’s Pocket ($9.75). The pita bread sandwich is packed full of spinach, smoked turkey, bacon, sprouts, onion, house-made blue cheese dressing, melted Swiss.

The pita is packed full! Once I cut it in half I was able to enjoy the flavorful sandwich. The combination of the turkey, cheese, veggies, and dressing make it a real winner. This sandwich is still on my mind because of the combination of textures and how the flavors were so intense.

I found the pita a bit hard to eat because the cheese was on the outside. But I totally understood the construction of the sandwich as it was melted on it and it would have been weird for the cheese to be inside as the rest of the ingredients would have gotten too hot and weird… umm sprouts… no! Once I got over the messiness and the grabbed an extra napkin I dove in.

I ordered the cole slaw as my side and that was really good as well. The veggies were crisp and crunchy holding up nicely to the flavorful dressing.

Price enjoyed the very much loaded Steak & Stout sandwich ($12.50) The open faced sandwich started with a slice of garlic bread which was loaded high with sliced sirloin, sauteed onions, mushrooms, and gravy. Both the marinade and the gravy contain stout the brew on site.

Price though the steak was seasoned well and and cooked nicely. He really liked how everything was really flavorful from the garlic bread to the gravy. As well it didn’t hurt that it was a hearty portion that left him stuffed!

He also really liked the salad that was served with it as it had their house made blue cheese dressing. The majority of their dressings are made in house and, of course, feature beer!

We really wanted to try their signature Chocolate Stout Cake. It was featured in Bon Appetit’s 50th anniversary issue. It looked divine but we were stuffed!!

We really enjoyed our lunch and look forward to when we go back as we further plan wedding things!

The bathrooms are teeny tiny but were clean. There were no changing tables in there so we changed Autumn in the back seat of the car. I’m not saying there should be changing table there, only noting it. While it was a brewery there were a lot of families there- so it’s not like we are ‘those people’ bringing a baby into a bar.

There is plenty of parking in the complex so be sure to swing by when you are in the area for a great beer, meal, and some shopping.

Barrington Brewery & Restaurant

420 Stockbridge Road

Great Barrington, MA 01230

413.528.8282

Monday Munchies: The Fat Cactus- Lynnfield, MA

February 17, 2014

I swear I could eat Mexican food twice a week and never get bored of it. It’s just a cuisine that is so flavorful and delicious. I can’t resist the opportunity to have it. And we had been recently been talking about going out to dinner so I just knew we had to try a place that we always say ‘oh we should go there!’ every time we drive by. So we headed to The Fat Cactus- A Mexicali Cantina for a great dinner.

The Fat Cactus is located on Rt 1 in Lynnfield, MA

Price enjoyed both a frozen Fat Cactus Margy and a Fat Cactus Margy on the Rocks ($6.59). The Fat Cactus is their classic margarita consisting of Tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and fresh lime juice. He said that both were good but he preferred the one on the rocks much more.

I had the Prickly Pear Margy, which is their #1 best selling special ($9.95). I thought it had a great boozy kick to it as it was pretty sweet from the prickly pear juice. Because the margarita had orange juice instead of lime juice I decided to get it with sugar on the rim as I thought the sweetness would be a perfect pair. I would definitely order this margarita again.

We started with some complimentary chips and salsa. The chips were crisp and salty, which went well with the salsa that came with a kick. Typically restaurant salsa is pretty plain and mild but this was good with some bite.

The Baja Spicy Popcorn Shrimp ($8.99) sounded like a great appetizer so we ordered that. It was a great alternative to the calamari that we typically order. The shrimp were small and the perfect poppable appetizer. The shrimp’s light coating was lightly fried to a toasty brown color. The shrimp were flavorful on their own but even better when dipped into the Baja dipping sauce. The dipping sauce was creamy and really quite spicy amping up the flavor of the shrimp even more. I dipped some chips in the sauce as well since I enjoyed it so much.

For dinner I ordered the Tacos AL Pastore ($9.99). The pair of pork tacos came with a choice of rice, refried beans, or black beans. I selected therice, which was seasoned nicely and loaded with vegetables as well. The portion was rather large, and I was looking forward to dessert, so I only had 1 taco and some rice but that taco was so dang good. The pork was dang tender and flavorful. The rotisserie pork was marinated with pineapple and red Chilies, and then topped off with fresh onions, cilantro, and the same Baja sauce that was served with the Baja Spicy Popcorn Shrimp. So many layers of flavor!

Price had a Chimichanga filled with Carne Deshebrada ($12.99). Carne Deshebrada is marinated, slow-cooked moist shredded beef. It was a perfect filling for the chimichanga, which basically is a deep fried burrito, which is then covered in queso. umm… yum! Again, the portions were generous, as the chimichanga was served with rice and a choice of refried beans or black beans, so Price saved half of his to make room for dessert as well.

We shared the Deep Fried Ice Cream dessert ($5.99). A softball sized ball of ice cream was plated before us. We dug into the ice cream which is rolled in cinnamon and sugar and then coated with crusted cornflakes. And if that wasn’t enough it was topped off with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry! It was really good but it honestly would have been a bit better if it was softer as it was rock hard, but I suppose it’s tricky frying ice cream.

We are already looking forward to our next visit to The Fat Cactus. They have great deals during the wee, like on Monday any Burrito or Chimichanga is just $5! As well they post specials on their Facebook page.

The Fat Cactus- A Mexicali Cantina

215 Broadway

Lynnfield, MA 01940

781.592.0077

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

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

Monday Munchies: Chefs in Shorts 2013

June 17, 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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So I’m changing this up this week and sharing with you a recap of an event instead of an established eatery. What I say goes!

Last Friday night we attended the sold out (!!) 16th annual Chefs in Shorts event. It was my first time attending the benefit that helps out Future Chefs, which helps students in the Boston area get into culinary school and ultimately into kitchens. So cool.

As soon as I walked in I saw this little cutie hard at work helping her chef aunt prep the most amazing grilled cheese. I just love when kids are helping out and learning in the kitchen.

I could have eaten each and every one of those grilled cheeses. But I held back and only had one. Sang! So good!!

Working on some potato pancakes to serve up with chicken chili. The flavors were so good. A bit of a kick from all the spices. Plus, check out the view… that was just as awesome!

Decorate your own cupcake bar! Pick out the cake and frosting combo and then get to decorating. This would be so cute for a kids party.

Can I have a platter of these please?

This station served ribs that you could top with honey… that you scrape right off the comb. Seriously- coolest thing ever.

So much fun to see the chefs grilling up a storm.

We were stuffed (and one of us was buzzed) at the end of the night. It was so much fun to meet the different chefs and try all the fun grilled dishes that they were preparing for everyone to enjoy.

I can’t wait for next year’s event!

While I was invited to attend this event as a guest, my views and opinions are my own.

Monday Munchies: The Red Hat- Boston, MA

June 3, 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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Oh, man my Monday Munchies series has really taken a hit! I’ve slacked off since we hadn’t really been going out with having the dog to coordinate our outings around. Plus, Price and I have been so busy at work so we’ve just been keeping things simple and staying in. Or ordering take out- love you Foodler! I hate being off schedule, even if it is my own schedule so I’m starting things up again and I promise I’ll have some great shares in the upcoming months. 🙂

So here I am, finally sharing with you about a nice little lunch I had with Pricer at The Red Hat in Boston. We had a groupon so we got a fantastic deal on this lunch. Plus it’s exactly why we ordered so much. noms.

Santa Fe Egg Rolls- Egg rolls stuffed with Santa Fe sauced chicken and spring vegetables. Served with orange marmalade sauce – 6.99

These were really good but nothing too special. Plus, I have a feeling they were pre-made. I never would have thought of pairing spicy egg rolls with a marmalade sauce but it was a nice opposites attract sort of thing.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders- Breaded chicken tenders with accompanying sauces – 7.99

Do you see how big these tenders are?!? These were soooo good. And massive! The buffalo sauce was spicy but, as always, served with some celery and blue cheese dressing to cool it down. These would be great for a crowd to enjoy while watching a game.

Turkey Club Salad- Your favorite club without the bread. Spring greens topped with roasted turkey breast, tomatoes and red onions tossed with honey mustard dressing. Finished with crispy bacon bits – 8.99

Price ordered this salad since he loves club sandwiches and salads. It was a big, fresh salad piled high with toppings. The salad was served was a tangy honey mustard dressing, which went nicely along with the turkey.

Polo Grasso- Sautéed chicken, strips of bacon, Russian dressing and topped with mozzarella cheese-8.99

I loved this sandwich so much. I thought it sounded good and I was right. The chicken, bacon, and motz combo was so good. I also think it would be great with swiss, but anyway. It was a great combo tied together with the tangy Russian dressing. (Random factoid- I love Russian dressing on sandwiches, but not on salads.) It was served with a mound of seasoned waffled fries.

Some things were ordered were hits and others were misses but we really enjoyed the lunch over all. It was a great deal as we had plenty of left overs to enjoy the next day. Give The Red Hat a try for lunch as well. 🙂

The Red Hat

9 Bowdoin Street

Boston, MA 02114

(617) 523-2175

Monday Munchies: Pedro’s Tacos- Boston MA

March 18, 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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When my coworker told me that he had just been to a new taco place just a few blocks from work I knew that I had to give it a try. He was telling me about Pedro’s Tacos. A Cali transplant that has brought tacos to downtown Boston.

I’ve really enjoyed everything that I have tried and I just love the menu is on a surfboard! You can get everything from nachos, tacos, burritos, and combo plates with rice and beans.

Their classic taco is the Fish Taco. For 3.49 you can’t beat a taco made with 2 corn tortillas a fried fish fillet, fresh shredded cabbage, dressing, and salsa. I prefer the tacos without salsa but give it a try.

For just $1 more the Shrimp Taco is also a steal at $4.49. The tacos are packed with 5 or so shrimp

If you are looking for a vegetarian option then try the potato one, which is similar to the fish taco, but with a hash brown. It is basic but fun to load up with the different salsas that they have at their salsa bar. Verde is always a winner for me.

I also really enjoy the Lobster Tacos. Lobster at lunch any day of the week… love!!!

If you can’t make it to lunch and need a burrito fix as soon as possible then you should stop by. They open up at 7 so you have a whole 12 hours a day to visit Pedro’s slice of Cali here in Boston. Stop by for breakfast from 7-11 for some breakfast burritos.

I mean just look how big their breakfast burritos are!!

Oh, hello… this bean, egg and hash brown burrito set me back just a bit over $5 and it left me so full that I had a late lunch and very light dinner. Great start to the day. noms!

So grab some cash or your cell to use LevelUp to get some tacos or burritos. Satisfy that craving!!

** Join LevelUp with my unique invitation link and get $5 instantly!**

Pedro’s Tacos

55 Bromfield Street

Boston, MA 02108

(617) 482-8822

M-F 7am-7pm

Monday Munchies: Panera Cares

March 4, 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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A Panera Cares location opened up right by my office on January 23, 2013. Since then I regularly go in for a breakfast sandwich. A Mediterranean Egg White on Ciabatta (egg whites, roasted tomatoes, spinach, Vermont white cheddar & basil pesto on ciabatta) with extra tomatoes every time to be exact. Sometimes I get a hazelnut coffee.

Ummm, why am I writing about a Panera and what I get for breakfast?

I wanted to share about this special cafe. It’s not a normal Panera as it is their 5th Panera Cares location that is a non-profit community cafe. Well, what does that mean?

It is their mission these locations serve the community by providing people with meals if they are in need. No, I am not in need. I go there so that I can get a great breakfast and provide a donation so that others in need can get food there. They take cash and debit cards but don’t exactly have registers as they use donation boxes.

Here is where I get my coffee. You can also get your coffee here.

Panera provides a suggested donation next to each menu item. (The calorie count that is typically there is in a binder). This is the price that they hope you can provide for the meal you are getting. In my case I just round up to the next dollar so I let the ‘cashier’ know that when I am paying with my credit card. If you are not able to pay for the meal you pay what you can by putting what your available cash in a donation box. If you are not able to pay anything they hope that you could provide some of you time for an hour to help in the cafe.

I think this is such a cool concept because they are providing everyone with a great meal and letting people pay what they can afford. I think it’s great that these locations exist so people can have an opportunity to enjoy something just like everyone else when they are in need.

I hope that you visit the Panera Cares cafe if you are in the area to check out the cafe and help out other in need. As stated on the Panera Cares site: “The Boston Panera Cares team is excited to raise the level of awareness about the ongoing epidemic of food insecurity that affects one in nine residents of eastern Massachusetts.”

Locations:

3 Center Plaza
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 371-3991

Clayton, MO | Dearborn, MI | Portland, OR | Chicago, IL | Boston, MA

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

Monday Munchies: Filiberto’s Mexican Food- AZ, CA, NM

January 7, 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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When Price and I were visiting his dad in Arizona for Thanksgiving we went out of lunch one day at one of the local Mexican places nearby. It was not the kind of place I would typically gravitate to but I’m glad we went. I just never think of places in strip malls. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a part of CT that didn’t have them & now I’m in a city, which also doesn’t have them. But I’m glad I didn’t something that I would not normally do since we had a great lunch (plus leftovers) from Filiberto’s.

Once we went in I knew I would love this place. I love casual Mexican places, since they often don’t care too much about the decor and flare, but focus on making great food. Besides that, places with picture menus have a special place in my heart. Like greasy, comforting Chinese food places that you can say I’ll have a #10 with an egg roll… this is exactly like that.

I ordered a #7- Tostada and Taco Plate ($6.39). When it was ready I was shocked at how generous the portion was, esp for the price! The side of the rice and refried beans was so large, and those were just the sides. The tostada was really simple with beans and cheese and topped with lettuce but was really good with some added vegetables. The beef taco was really good but not like I had ever had before. It seemed that they assembled a soft taco with a spicy, cooked ground beef and cheese prior to frying the whole thing crispy. I could be completely wrong about that but in all it all was super crunchy. I typically don’t like chunky tacos but this was so different and really good.

I also had the Horchata as well which was really good. I’ve been to places where it is sooo thin but this was the perfect consistency and flavor.

Tom had the #17- Two Chili Rellenos Plate ($7.09) and Price had the #13- Chimichanga Plate ($7.09). Both were large portions of food as well, enough for 2 people to share each one, which is why we had leftovers. I commented to Price how I prefer a chunky guac so it was good that I didn’t get a side, plus I already had a ton of food. He said that it was really good and that it, along with the sour cream, were really good toppings for the chimichanga. I’ll take his word on it since he really enjoyed his meal.

We sat down to eat so we enjoyed the salsa and condiment station. I love places that have salsa bars since I love great salsa. There were 3 spice levels to the salsas so they could satisfy any palate. These went well with the complimentary chips that were available at the counter. As well, there were pickled veggies and peppers and onions. I really liked the pickled carrots, which was the first time having them.

This just proves it’s often a great idea to take a chance on something you would not normally do. Go visit a new place and I bet things will surprise you. Filiberto’s proves why

Filiberto’s

40975 N Ironwood Dr
Queen Creek, AZ 85140

As well as locations around AZ, NM, and CA. Check ’em out!