Disappointingly, there was not a lot to taste at Artscape. Yes, lots of food that Jeff loved, but not as much for the rest of us. (funnel cake anyone? - ok - that one is really good) But, we did find one of the sausage places on the list, and Doug took one for the team and tasted. With the works. Seemed a little dry but perhaps we should try it again - maybe by visiting one of the shops for real next time.
The best part of this item was that Mr. Ostrowski himself was there - sitting on a beach chair in the back of the tent. That was kind of neat and Doug had a good conversation with him - picture on an iphone (Heather's new one - fun with pictures!) will hopefully be posted soon when we figure out how!
One of the stores is on Washington Street. Probably will try again by actually going there. Anyone in?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Pre-brunch Artscape/Ambassador #27
There's nothing like a great brunch, though none of us had ever tried the Indian food brunch at the Ambassador. So, what could be better than choosing one of the hottest days of the summer to sit outside on the gorgeous patio to have a hot and spicy brunch? Actually, outside wasn't quite as hot as we thought it would be (though Mo or Doug may disagree with that!) After an ever changing number of people (and ever changing reservation number), Mo, Doug, Donya, Heather and Sara headed to the Ambassador for very yummy mango mimosas (for those of us who love mango). This brunch had everything - including an omelette bar! But, the Indian food was the real star of the show. This one should be a definite return trip with others. Great food and drinks and amazingly beautiful setting - photos to follow!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Homemade gravy fries?
Overheard from Sara - "I am not above making my own gravy fries."
[Second best quote - "This holiday party is going to be full of leftovers, foodie list favorites and random things that we haven't gotten to from the list" Do I hear coddies on a cracker with smith island cake washed down with some naron candy and mary sue easter egg?!?!?! Can't forget the lake trout and chicken box. Ok, who's signing up to bring chicken boxes? And don't forget the grape soda.]
[Second best quote - "This holiday party is going to be full of leftovers, foodie list favorites and random things that we haven't gotten to from the list" Do I hear coddies on a cracker with smith island cake washed down with some naron candy and mary sue easter egg?!?!?! Can't forget the lake trout and chicken box. Ok, who's signing up to bring chicken boxes? And don't forget the grape soda.]
The start of stepping it up
OK - after a disappointing "count" of how many we have done to date, Heather and I have decided to power through on this list. While an email will follow as well, if anyone is really reading this (or when we read it later and laugh), its not too late to join since we have done easy things that are easily repeatable!
Tuesday July 13
Time to venture to Cinghale, where we are afraid Rob has left and we have lost our chance to discuss wine with him. We were unfortunately right. But, the good news is that we got Tim, who we loved and will certainly have to visit again. And, he was incredibly patient with us as we worked through the complexities of the white wine (Heather loving the drier ones - me and my lighter whites). After four tastes (all of which were so different and we have to say that he really listened and adapted well. Partly surprised that it took so long to land one - but it was worth it. Bucci. 2008. Since we had to pair with food, we asked for advice one of which was the best item of the night. Grilled calamari with a garlic, hot chili peppers and amazing olive oil! We also chose the tuna tartar. Also excellent but not quite as exciting. Since it was a bottle (1/2 price night!), we ended with a cheese course. Three different cheeses - all of which Tim recommended and all of which were amazing. A taleggio, blue and bra duro. (yes - good thing Heather knows her cheeses - I could never have remembered that!). Yum. Apparently Tony was there and we could have talked wine with him but we missed him. Good thing there will be a next time! And, I'm sure that our friend Tim will hook us up with an introduction.
Then, in perhaps a lapse of judgement, maybe caused by my parking ticket, we decided to knock off Pitango Gelato. Drove over. I loved the cardamon gelato so I paired it with my favorite chocolate noir. Heather got spicy chocolate with cafe espresso (my usual "mixer"). All were delicious. (and it didn't keep her up all night!) I say mistake because halfway through gelato it started storming. We parked kind of far. Ended up running through the rain. Bad hair. But good night.
Wednesday July 14
After two straight days of rain, we decided to blow off the movie in Fells (sorry Linwood & Tim!) and get Matthew's Mozzerella Pie and write the blog, plan new outings and watch Top Chef (sorry Baltimoran Timothy Dean!). That's a lot of "sorries" for people named Tim, though we did enjoy meeting Cinghale's Tim! I really do think its the best pizza in town (not the mozzerella per se, but that crab pizza is amazing!). Heather thinks its ok. Grew on her but not great. Will look forward to trying more places in town.
Tuesday July 13
Time to venture to Cinghale, where we are afraid Rob has left and we have lost our chance to discuss wine with him. We were unfortunately right. But, the good news is that we got Tim, who we loved and will certainly have to visit again. And, he was incredibly patient with us as we worked through the complexities of the white wine (Heather loving the drier ones - me and my lighter whites). After four tastes (all of which were so different and we have to say that he really listened and adapted well. Partly surprised that it took so long to land one - but it was worth it. Bucci. 2008. Since we had to pair with food, we asked for advice one of which was the best item of the night. Grilled calamari with a garlic, hot chili peppers and amazing olive oil! We also chose the tuna tartar. Also excellent but not quite as exciting. Since it was a bottle (1/2 price night!), we ended with a cheese course. Three different cheeses - all of which Tim recommended and all of which were amazing. A taleggio, blue and bra duro. (yes - good thing Heather knows her cheeses - I could never have remembered that!). Yum. Apparently Tony was there and we could have talked wine with him but we missed him. Good thing there will be a next time! And, I'm sure that our friend Tim will hook us up with an introduction.
Then, in perhaps a lapse of judgement, maybe caused by my parking ticket, we decided to knock off Pitango Gelato. Drove over. I loved the cardamon gelato so I paired it with my favorite chocolate noir. Heather got spicy chocolate with cafe espresso (my usual "mixer"). All were delicious. (and it didn't keep her up all night!) I say mistake because halfway through gelato it started storming. We parked kind of far. Ended up running through the rain. Bad hair. But good night.
Wednesday July 14
After two straight days of rain, we decided to blow off the movie in Fells (sorry Linwood & Tim!) and get Matthew's Mozzerella Pie and write the blog, plan new outings and watch Top Chef (sorry Baltimoran Timothy Dean!). That's a lot of "sorries" for people named Tim, though we did enjoy meeting Cinghale's Tim! I really do think its the best pizza in town (not the mozzerella per se, but that crab pizza is amazing!). Heather thinks its ok. Grew on her but not great. Will look forward to trying more places in town.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Foodie Weekend part two
Sunday, July 4th
So, we thought that #16 (Farmers Market at the JFX) would be a no brainer and we would be there every week so it would not be an issue at all. Slightly embarrassing that it took us until this weekend but the girls are busy! Sara, Mo & Heather met at 7:30am, yes, am, although it was late for Mo; too early for Sara and fine for Heather!. Went to the market to try to have a locavore July 4th celebration. It worked! All items bought contributed to the meal later in the day. Started the morning for Sara and Heather enjoying Zeke's ice coffee (#85), and the extra bonus of Mo having his usual breakfast that happened to be # 66 (Pit beef from somewhere w/o a door - we all think it counts!). Sara and Heather were around it, smelled it and experienced it even if we didn't taste it. Mo very much enjoyed it - even at 7:45am!
That evening at the July 4th celebration, we concentrated on dessert. And loads of it. Heather provided Berger Cookie Pie (#97), originally meant for Sara's bday party, but just as good a few weeks laters. Almost as good as the berger cookies from the first night. Almost. And, the black eyed susan cupcakes (#92). And this is a story. So, Sara ordered the cupcakes as a surprise for Friday night (seeing Moonstruck in Little Italy that never happened). Long story short (and she never has short stories!!), Charm City Cupcakes messed up. They gave away the Black Eyed Susan cupcakes. But, this is a happy story! A fantastic customer service story. The owner called very apologetic. She offered to come into work the next day to bake them special AND send a delivery person to drop them. Cupcakes and delivery were completely free of charge. Plus, a free dozen mini cupcakes on Friday (which all Carey employees who were working after 4 on a holiday weekend very much enjoyed!) Am a big fan of Charm City Cupcakes and will go again - soon! And the Black Eyed Susan Cupcakes definitely did not dissapoint, even months after the Preakness.
Monday
Sara, Heather and special out of town guest Bridget partook of the Sip n Bite #94 and, they weren't even hungover. The Santorini omelette comes highly recommended, shared by Sara & Heather with a short stack of french toast.
So, we close the big foodie weekend with a somewhat disappointing 35 total (give or take one or two). Team, we've got to get cracking, planning some dates, and yes, we all have a lot of eating to do!
So, we thought that #16 (Farmers Market at the JFX) would be a no brainer and we would be there every week so it would not be an issue at all. Slightly embarrassing that it took us until this weekend but the girls are busy! Sara, Mo & Heather met at 7:30am, yes, am, although it was late for Mo; too early for Sara and fine for Heather!. Went to the market to try to have a locavore July 4th celebration. It worked! All items bought contributed to the meal later in the day. Started the morning for Sara and Heather enjoying Zeke's ice coffee (#85), and the extra bonus of Mo having his usual breakfast that happened to be # 66 (Pit beef from somewhere w/o a door - we all think it counts!). Sara and Heather were around it, smelled it and experienced it even if we didn't taste it. Mo very much enjoyed it - even at 7:45am!
That evening at the July 4th celebration, we concentrated on dessert. And loads of it. Heather provided Berger Cookie Pie (#97), originally meant for Sara's bday party, but just as good a few weeks laters. Almost as good as the berger cookies from the first night. Almost. And, the black eyed susan cupcakes (#92). And this is a story. So, Sara ordered the cupcakes as a surprise for Friday night (seeing Moonstruck in Little Italy that never happened). Long story short (and she never has short stories!!), Charm City Cupcakes messed up. They gave away the Black Eyed Susan cupcakes. But, this is a happy story! A fantastic customer service story. The owner called very apologetic. She offered to come into work the next day to bake them special AND send a delivery person to drop them. Cupcakes and delivery were completely free of charge. Plus, a free dozen mini cupcakes on Friday (which all Carey employees who were working after 4 on a holiday weekend very much enjoyed!) Am a big fan of Charm City Cupcakes and will go again - soon! And the Black Eyed Susan Cupcakes definitely did not dissapoint, even months after the Preakness.
Monday
Sara, Heather and special out of town guest Bridget partook of the Sip n Bite #94 and, they weren't even hungover. The Santorini omelette comes highly recommended, shared by Sara & Heather with a short stack of french toast.
So, we close the big foodie weekend with a somewhat disappointing 35 total (give or take one or two). Team, we've got to get cracking, planning some dates, and yes, we all have a lot of eating to do!
Foodie weekend - part one
OK. So we are halfway through the year without much to show for it. Heather and Sara seem to be the last two standing though we'd love for others to join and we realize that its time to get serious! OK - time to see how many we can knock off in one weekend. To recap...
Thursday.
First Thursday in Mt. Vernon. Love the outdoor music in the park. Usually. This week not quite as good. But, Sara and Heather meet at Tio Pepe to have some of the yummiest sangria on record (number 23). This is one that deserves a repeat. And soon. Jeff meets us and its off to the concert!
After the show, rather than head to a foodie event, it is too nice a night and we HAVE to sit outside so we head to Saschas for dinner. Feeling like we are betraying the list but, it is too nice a night. Then its off to Walts to celebrate Linwoods birthday for the second time this year. And the first time without Linwood. Thanks Tim!
Friday, well, even foodies have to take a night off
Saturday
Hampden Day - Sara, Julie, Mo and Heather (brand new iPhone in hand) head off the Wine Source for tasting (off foodie menu, but worth it) and meet up with Kent, Kate, Gautam and Jim (special out of town foodie). Pop in to Ma Petite Shoe (#20) - shoes and chocolate, what could be bad? Skipped the shoes and went straight for chocolate. Only regret is skipping the shoes. They were cute. Any kind of chocolate you can imagine from anywhere. Purchased among the group: chocolate w/burnt caramel & sea salt, can't forget the bacon chocolate, chocolate with chili - wait for the heat, chocolate w/black pepper & sea salt. We could go on and on. Don't get us started. Then off to Rocket to Venus (just a few blocks off the avenue), sadly doesn't open until 5 on Saturdays. For sure Golden West would be open (at 4 on a Saturday, they do serve breakfast all day). Trek over there to feed the ever hungering Mo and they are closed from 3-5 daily. So, we head to the closest place with food. Fraziers - where we did meet the requirement of bloody mary w/old bay rimmer, #95 (and old bay on something other than crabs (french fries!), #89. An old bay Saturday. Almost made up for the Hampden closing of everything in the afternoon. Instead of waiting out the afternoon siesta, we headed back to town and Ale Marys.
Ale Mary's for a few tasty beverages (Heather, Sara, Mo later joined by Kent, Kate, Gautam & Jim) and the extremely tasty Krispy Kreme bread pudding, #67. This is one dish that we need to return to. Seems to be the weekend for that. I guess there is something to the items on this list! They didn't mention the vanilla ice cream but absolutely should have - amazing! Not necessarily bar food, but with something that good - doesn't really matter! Sugar rush didn't help keep us out too late. Of course, as is always the case, some were out later than others!
Thursday.
First Thursday in Mt. Vernon. Love the outdoor music in the park. Usually. This week not quite as good. But, Sara and Heather meet at Tio Pepe to have some of the yummiest sangria on record (number 23). This is one that deserves a repeat. And soon. Jeff meets us and its off to the concert!
After the show, rather than head to a foodie event, it is too nice a night and we HAVE to sit outside so we head to Saschas for dinner. Feeling like we are betraying the list but, it is too nice a night. Then its off to Walts to celebrate Linwoods birthday for the second time this year. And the first time without Linwood. Thanks Tim!
Friday, well, even foodies have to take a night off
Saturday
Hampden Day - Sara, Julie, Mo and Heather (brand new iPhone in hand) head off the Wine Source for tasting (off foodie menu, but worth it) and meet up with Kent, Kate, Gautam and Jim (special out of town foodie). Pop in to Ma Petite Shoe (#20) - shoes and chocolate, what could be bad? Skipped the shoes and went straight for chocolate. Only regret is skipping the shoes. They were cute. Any kind of chocolate you can imagine from anywhere. Purchased among the group: chocolate w/burnt caramel & sea salt, can't forget the bacon chocolate, chocolate with chili - wait for the heat, chocolate w/black pepper & sea salt. We could go on and on. Don't get us started. Then off to Rocket to Venus (just a few blocks off the avenue), sadly doesn't open until 5 on Saturdays. For sure Golden West would be open (at 4 on a Saturday, they do serve breakfast all day). Trek over there to feed the ever hungering Mo and they are closed from 3-5 daily. So, we head to the closest place with food. Fraziers - where we did meet the requirement of bloody mary w/old bay rimmer, #95 (and old bay on something other than crabs (french fries!), #89. An old bay Saturday. Almost made up for the Hampden closing of everything in the afternoon. Instead of waiting out the afternoon siesta, we headed back to town and Ale Marys.
Ale Mary's for a few tasty beverages (Heather, Sara, Mo later joined by Kent, Kate, Gautam & Jim) and the extremely tasty Krispy Kreme bread pudding, #67. This is one dish that we need to return to. Seems to be the weekend for that. I guess there is something to the items on this list! They didn't mention the vanilla ice cream but absolutely should have - amazing! Not necessarily bar food, but with something that good - doesn't really matter! Sugar rush didn't help keep us out too late. Of course, as is always the case, some were out later than others!
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