Category Archives: Fun Finds

Ok, unbuckle it boys, the holiday treats are arriving, 1st up #wickedwhoopies 

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First off this season was a find by Paul; Wicked Whoopies. 

Boston & Mass as well as Maine folks will get the “wicked” part –  “when something’s good, they call it “good.” When something’s great, they call it “WICKED!” . Get the hestory here.
So Paul had some sent home for us to try… they have mini versions  but for “tasting purposes” he opted for full size… guess we know what tonight’s treat will be…

The cake it self is reminiscent of the caje from our childhood occassional treats; “Devil Dogs”. The Mocha flavor which was the first one to try was a winthe mcha flavored cream filling was sweet, but not “synthetic” tasting. I look forward to trying the rest. 

Online and two locations:

FARMINGDALE, MAINE
621 Maine Avenue, Farmingdale, ME 04344

ph: 207-622-8860

FREEPORT, MAINE

100 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032

ph: 207-865-3100

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As I mentioned earlier this weekend – I did some weeding out of my DVD’s and have a bunch that need homes.
This is the link to the current list of DVD’s I have available for FREE. If you would like one (or more) please private message or use the contact form under the list. By next weekend those not spoken for will be donated. Don’t worry if you live out of town – if you are willing to pick up shipping  – I am happy to send them to you. My “They Need A Home” DVD List

The Real Italian Deli in Palm Springs

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On our way to the airport on Friday, after a lovely week in Palm Springs at the always special and relaxing Triangle Inn, where hosts Micheal and Steven make our stay bright and sunny, no matter the weather, we grabbed sandwiches at The Real Italian Deli. What a treat, I am a big sandwich fan and when I can find good italian style meat and toppings I can generally be made happy. I think it brings me back to my growing up in New Haven when we would stop at a few of our favorites for sandwiches back then. This re-imaged deli, has all the right “nods” toward its italian culture with our being stuck in a faux theme. The food is great from its line of sandwiches to the prepared meals, they offer a big selection of imported treats for those living in PS and missing theme. Its definitely going on the “not to miss” list from here on. then to top it off; they carry Brioschi (see here for take on it).

The Real Italian Deli – 

100 South Sunrise Way. Suite B, Palm Springs. Ca. 92262, 760-325-3800

44795 San Pablo – Palm Desert, CA 92260 – Tel: (760) 836-1493

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/therealitaliandeli

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The Big “B” is back on the market; Brioche is back

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Bring on the holidays. The big “B” is back and available again, and yes I purchased two bottles.

Old school italians would remember this as the best remedy for upset stomach, occassional indigestion etc. not to mention its fun to watch fizz. Growing up we always had it around and even as an adult I generally had a bottle somewhere until a few years ago when it seemed to vanish. When Walgreens stopped selling it a few years ago I did some searching and its back with new labels that don’t promote it in a way to get it in trouble but still has the same recipe of sugar, baking soda, malic acid, glucose syrup, natural lemon flavor (dehydrated lemon juice), FD&C Blue No. 2 to combat that indigestion and heartburn.  More info can be found in its site: https://www.brioschi.com but it appears it has a new owner. You know I will be asking Walgreens to stock it again. The bottles run about $9 but last. The market I found it in Palm Springs also has a import alternative, but for now – I am back to my roots and picked up two bottles…

 

“Doi Moi” did me right @DoiMoiDC

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Another new find while in DC was on 14th street, Doi Moi. I had walked by here several times at  night and its clean white look at night, didn’t start a place for me to want to eat on my own. But one  Saturday, we were walking by animg_3918d wanted an early dinner, and figured we would take a chance to try it. Especially with the mild  weather DC was offering that day. I will say I am super glad we did.

Doi Moi is all about fresh, sharp, clean and especially seasoned flavors that speak to  all the places the recipes are adapted from with none of the synthetic american overplayed control to mess with them.

They have a pretty diverse menu – so pretty much anyone will find one of two things to try. If I had to rate them in order – our least favorite were the Shrimp and Pork Wontons ($15) with szechuan pepper broth, cabbage, cilantro. While not bad to any degree, I just didn’t think they held up to the ret of the dishes. Especially my personally favorite of the night the Crispy Rice Salad ($14) with fermented sausage, herbs, peanuts, fish sauce. Equally as good was the Green Papaya Salad ($13) w/ chili, lime, peanuts, green bean, tomato, trout roe and the Grilled Chicken Thigh Skewers ($8) w/coconut milk, cilantro, fish sauce.

Dos Moi offers both gluten free and vegatarian dishes as well.

location 1800 14th street nw, washington, dc
phone 202.733.5131
twitter @DoiMoiDC
instagram doimoidc

 

 

Dinner at Me Jana

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So a delayed but well intended post! Paul and I had dinner one night with our friend Louis on my recent trip to DC and  he introduced us to the incredible food of Me Jana. img_3959

This is true Lebanese cooking with the right flat to make it special, yet the kind of food you think about weeks after and look forward to going back.  All too often I will hit a resturant that uses bold seasoning and flavors to impart the “foreign, exotic” ambiance of the dish and just as often the meal sink because the chef try to hard to hit me in the head with flavor. The brains behind Me Jana understand that quality and taste can be subtle, played and bright and still leave an impact.

Our dishes that night included

  • Watermelon Salad
  • TABOULEH, Parsley, mint, onion, tomato, burgul, olive oil, lemon
  • HOMMOS WITH MEAT* With sautéed beef, roasted pine nuts
  • MAKANEK*, Sautéed sausages, olive oil, lemon
  • SEARED HALLOUMI; Bronzed Halloumi cheese, pears, dates
  • A mixed meat plate of the house grilled favorites
  • HALAWET EL JEBN; Rolled sweet cheese, stuffed with Achta, orange blossom syrup & pistachio
  • ACHTA; Milk pudding, sliced bananas rose water, honey & pistachio
  • I can honestly say I would order all of them again!
    I can’t wait to go back.

http://www.mejanarestaurant.com/

PHONE. 703.465.4440

2300 WILSON BLVD (AT THE CORNER OF CLARENDON BLVD & ADAMS ST)

Don’t let the summers end, mean you can’t still eat like its a day at the fair

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On his September 2016 website post- fav food traveler and culture cuisine explorer Andrew Zimmern posted a great list of Classic Fair recipes; I think I have my winter blahs recipes well in hand now!

Give it a read at: Classic State Fair Dishes To Make at Home  Also check out his website for his Recipes, his own blog aka Editorials and follow him on Twitter at @andrewzimmern or on Instagram @chefaz

All images are from the article and posting.

One of the fun things I caught on his site I caught was the AZ Canteen, which according to the man himself; “That’s why I’ve created AZ Canteen. This carefully curated menu showcases some inspired versions of the best food items I’ve discovered on the road. From a Nicaraguan shaved ice that I’ve seen only once outside of Central America, to goat sausage grinders (one of the most delicious meats on the planet!) made with an exclusive cabrito blend from my friend Pat LaFrieda, these foods resonated with me and I’m thrilled to share my culinary experiences with you.”

@AZCanteen is an   food adventure

And because he isn’t busy enough; he also launched Foodworks Inc. and check out his Podcasts

Relish isn’t just a summer goto place – here comes “santa”

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Let’s face it  – every so often, you just need a good cupcake. Sometimes you want to get creative with the fancy flavors and icing – but more often than not, I want plain, good, deep dark chocolate with a slightly gooey, sweet chocolate frosting.image

While it Ptown of the summer, one rainy day I knew just where to go! Relish. Down in the west end, this little but highly fast and efficient sandwich, snack & bakery shop not only puts out some great sandwich and sides – they do some incredible desserts. I would say I eat three several times eat stay.image

A new feature I noticed this year was that your an order xmas cookies!! A pretty great idea – what better way to treat friends and family than with food products you already love. they have an entire holiday menu of options to choose from.image

Over on the website – I notes posting from the past that indicates; they do Thanksgiving Pies and Cupcakes and kick off  a workshop for Christmas cookies.  Orders for Christmas need to be placed by December 1st.

imageFor more information, give them  a call at 508-487-8077.

you can find them at:

93 Commercial Street (at Cottage)  Provincetown  MA  02657

p: 508-487-8077

e: info@ptownrelish.com

 

Angel Mornings @ Gifford House

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I have been lucky to have the generous tasting of these folks from the different locations in Ptown over the last few years – so was excited to check them out at the Gifford House in a traditional dinning room setting.

I am so glad we did. A great menu – actually pretty large by Ptown standards for breakfast fare. It’s not going to rock your socks off  “ambiance” wise – the room is basic to what it needs to be – but the flavor and food quality is where it is at. They make basic ingredients, taste the way they are supposed too and they invite you to “kick it up a notch” with the graceful punch of seasoning and combinations. From the egg scramble with sausage to the omelettes.. I could eat here every morning.imageCheck out the full image

menu. They are open 8am to 2pm and the entire Menu Served All Day

508-487-8600

 

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