Foodies on Vacay: A Trip to OH for my Sister's Wedding

My baby sister just got married! She is the last of the girls to walk down the aisle.  I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Paul and I headed to my hometown, Dover, Ohio for the last weekend I can travel during this pregnancy. It was a wonderful weekend, full of happiness, love, and connections with family and friends. Of course, there was some eating too! We couldn't get out of town without some Park St. Pizza, but, we tried some new places too!

My sisters and I just after the ceremony

 

Sammy Sue's Barbeque: Dover, Ohio

Trips to Dover often involve seeing as many people as humanly possible. This time around we lucked out and got to have lunch with two of my best friends, Jen and Abby (who I don't see NEARLY enough!). Jen lives in Dover; Abby lives in Columbus and was in town for the day.  Paul and I met them at a new BBQ place in Dover, Sammy Sue's. 

Sammy Sue's is located near downtown Dover and is now occupying the building that used to house Rosie's, a Dover institution. I am not quite sure what happened to Rosie's as I haven't lived there for years, but, alas, Sammy Sue's is there now. 

The atmosphere is dive, without question. In fact, it looks like a place that Guy Fieri would visit. Mismatched tables, chairs, and booths. Not a lot of decor on the old wood paneling. Not a lot of space for folks to dine. It's charming in its own way, I suppose. Ms. Sammy Sue herself is there most of the time and usually does a round of the dining room to introduce herself every hour or so.

The menu is pretty standard for a BBQ place. You can enjoy chicken, brisket, salmon, ribs, and pulled pork all out of the smoker with Sammy Sue's sauce. The sides are also pretty standard. Fries, BBQ Chips (which I found out AFTER we ate there that we should have tried), many other potato options, rice, veggies, coleslaw, baked beans and mac and cheese. There are sandwiches, salads, baskets, etc. Usual fair. 

I went for a grilled chicken sandwich. Since I am trying to avoid smoked meats while pregnant, I thought this was a safe bet and probably on the way to being healthier than anything else. I opted for coleslaw as a side thinking, 'man... coleslaw on a bbq chicken sandwich is usually pretty good.' Sadly, I feel I had a miss on this one. In a word, my meal was bland. Not a lot of flavor to anything on the plate. In fact, I was quite disappointed because everyone else at the table was oohing and ahhing over their meals. 

Based on my experience, I would likely not go back. I mean, the chicken was tender. That is the best thing I can say about what I ate. There was just nothing else there. However, Mr. Foodie was in awe of the brisket and mac and cheese that he ordered, which makes me think I need to go back and order differently. 

So, from me, we get a "meh" but I will try it again, especially since the prices are right, the portions are large, and my husband and besties dig it. 

three golden forks out of five

Jen, me (32 weeks pregnant!), and Abby outside Sammy Sue's

Nervous Dog Coffee Bar: Stow, Ohio
On our way back to MI, we stopped just south of the turnpike to visit with our friends, Brian, Jen, and their little guy Sam. Brian chose the Nervous Dog as our rendezvous spot as it is right off the freeway and is a place he loves. Sounds good to us!


Though I hadn't necessarily planned on eating while we were there, my stomach had decided otherwise, and I went up to order a sandwich. Again, pregnancy food limitations include lunch meat, so I was looking for a vegetarian sandwich option. There was an intriguing grilled cheese sandwich with cream cheese, but feeling I needed something a bit healthier, I opted for the Elysian Fields sandwich. 

This sandwich includes spring mix, pecans, dried cranberries, feta, cucumbers, and a balsamic drizzle on good wheat bread.  Man, was I pleased with my menu choice. I mean, how can you go wrong with those ingredients? I would have NEVER thought to put them on a sandwich together, but I will now. This sandwich hit the spot, and eating it didn't make me hate myself. Plus, they serve Zapp's chips (from Louisiana) on the side, which is never bad. I picked up a bag of the Dill Gator Tators (I think that is what they are called) which we took on the road and enjoyed later on the drive home. 


I did order an iced coffee drink (decaf, of course) to go. It was good. It didn't blow my mind as I expected it to. It was the Coco's Caramel Drizzle with dark chocolate and Ghirardelli caramel, which sounded amazing. It was good, but there other coffee spots that I like better. That is where the lack of the 5th fork comes from, but we will keep this as a rendezvous spot with our friends.  I will order that sandwich again, for sure!

four golden forks out of five

http://nervousdog.com/

Foodies on Vacay: The Up North Babymoon

Paul and I headed "up north" (it's a Michigan thing...) for our very own Babymoon. That's right, our perceived last chance to getaway before the arrival of our first child. Yes, yes, I realize I am not due until August. But, we aren't supposed to travel after we reach 32 weeks (mid June). April and May are pretty darn booked up with baby showers and work-related events. And, June, well, my sister is getting married in June. So, March it is.

Fortunately, we SUPER lucked out with the weather. We booked this trip over a month ago. With NO IDEA that the weather would be more like June than March. So, for that, we feel that is was meant to be. We also managed to have a pretty darn amazing weekend. So, again, meant to be.

Also, we stayed at this amazing Bed and Breakfast thanks to an amazing wedding present (a BedandBreakfast.com gift certificate!) and had a phenomenal stay. If you are looking for a cozy place with the best B&B hosts ever, definitely check this place out. And, the breakfast was pretty darn great too.

But, anyway, we had to eat on our trip, right? So, here is what we discovered.

Stone House Bakery and Cafe, Leland, Michigan

Our first food stop, other than the Taco Bell that we ate on the way out of town on Friday night (don't judge) was for lunch in Leland, MI at the Stone House Bakery and Cafe. We were looking for a light and somewhat healthy lunch. And, since it was early March, not everything was open, but Stone House sure was. So, after a little exploration of Leland, particularly Fishtown, we stepped into Stone House Bakery and Cafe.

Now, I am still trying to pack on the nutrition, even in things that are less healthy for me by way of super food-type ingredients. In this case, the Garden Panini seemed like it was a home run. With tomatoes, fresh spinach, red onion, and artichokes, as well as hummus and dill harvarti, it seemed like most of those ingredients are pretty good for me. Served on focaccia and grilled to perfection, this sandwich really was a hit.

I took my first bite, and though, 'man! This is GOOD!' I know, very descriptive, right? But seriously, the ingredients all played together very well on the playground. For me, it was the artichoke that made it. The acidity added such a nice, distinct flavor that it took it from being an ordinary sandwich to pretty darn extraordinary.

The bread was a star too. Baked in house. The right density. Crispy/crusty from the grill. And hearty enough to hold the ingredients inside. Right on!

Paul also thoroughly enjoyed his Chicken, Bacon, and Smoked Gouda panini. In fact, he told the lady who made it that it was one of the top 5 sandwiches he ever had. And, Paul doesn't make stuff like that up.

This little gem was definitely worth the long drive up the coast from Frankfort. And, I suspect we will want to visit again when in the area. And, you should too!

five golden forks out of five

http://www.stonehousebread.com/index.html

Grocer's Daughter Chocolate, Empire, Michigan

So, this is not a place you would go and dine, but for any foodie-type, it is definitely worth the stop. This charming place (and BRIGHT GREEN building) came to us via a suggestion from our friend, Hillary. And, we trust Hillary when it comes to food suggestions, among other things, so we thought, 'we better stop'. So, after our very satisfying lunch in Leland, and the 30ish minute drive back down the coast, we found ourselves at Grocer's Daughter... not quite sure what to expect.

We wandered in, and I will admit, at first, I was like, 'eh... what's the big deal.' Then, moments later after seeing the selection of local and organic products on the shelf, Mimi, the grocer's daughter herself, came to talk to us. And, we were mesmerized. She is so knowledgeable, and stocks such great products, we just couldn't stop chatting it up with her.

As others wandered in as well, regulars by the way they engaged with Mimi, we struck up conversations with them as well. My growing belly was a good starter, but from there, there were all kinds of cool things we learned and heard about. We even met someone who's brother-in-law in Kalamazoo is someone we know!

There were samples a plenty, and believe me, we sampled. We left with a modest stash, but the highlight of the visit was when we told Mimi about the amazing hot chocolate we had on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. Well, she wanted to know if her's was better. So, she made us each a little cup... and SHE WON! Wow! What amazing stuff! And, we told her that too!

So, for real, if you are in north western Michigan... and near the town of Empire, go to Grocer's Daughter's Chocolate. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

five golden forks out of five

http://www.grocersdaughter.com/

A. Papano's Pizza, Frankfort, Michigan

Well, our Saturday night dinner plans kind of fell through. So, instead of indulging on bar food (on St. Patrick's Day, no less) we decided to go for some local pizza. Now, honestly, I love trying local pizza. I have had some pretty amazing pies in some pretty unlikely places, and this is no exception.

A. Papano's was within walking distance of the B&B. So, we went for a little exploratory walk and decided that we would order two small pies. We were both pretty hungry after all the walking we had done that day, and pizza leftovers are NEVER bad. So, we went for it. One small Venetian Veggie (with pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, green pepper, and roasted garlic) and one small Chicken Parmigiano (with seasoned chicken, roasted red pepper, and Parmesan cheese). The wait was not long, so we walked back to the house, chatted with the B&B owner for a bit, then headed back to pick up our pies.

When we opened up those boxes, and took the first whiff, I knew we were in for a treat. The ingredients were high quality and in generous amounts. And, oh, I forgot to mention, we opted for the sesame seasoned crust, which was a PERFECT choice.

I started devouring the Venetian Veggie. It was the perfect combination of flavors, and the pesto, rather than a red sauce, was the right choice. The Chicken Parm was also delicious, though I did like the Veggie a bit more. My only complaint on these pies were that they were a bit greasy. I know some folks like that. It is not my favorite thing. The grease ring in the box was pretty outstanding. But, the flavor was great. The toppings were in the right proportions, and for $25 (rather than the $100 we probably would have spent on dinner at a nice restaurant) we were happy campers.

There are several locations of this pizza eatery, and I will go out on a limb and say that if there is one nearby a future trip, we will likely grab a pie!

four golden forks out of five.

http://www.papanos.com/

All in all, a fantastic trip to the great white north. I am not sure if they actually call it that, but for our purposes here, we will go with it. Great food, beautiful weather, and a chance to kick back and relax. Just what the doctor, not mine but someone's, ordered!

P.S. We stopped at Hop Cat (see our previous review HERE) in Grand Rapids on the way home. I actually DID NOT order my usual, the Hippie Wrap. Not because I don't love it, but because I wanted to try something else. You know what else is amazing on their menu... The Stoner Tacos! Woah! Totally yummy!

Foodies on Vacay: Espana (Fernandina Beach, FL)

Welcome to our very first Guest Blogger, Miss Niki V.! Niki and I met at a conference held in Amelia Island, Florida. After we quickly established our mutual love of food... we decided to grab a meal together. And, here are both of our takes on that experience!

Kate and Niki's menu for the evening: Goat Cheese Salad-that evening's special (with goat cheese medallions, beet chips and caramelized onions and curried mustard vinaigrette), Gambas Costa Brava (Shrimp sauteed with spicy homemade piri piri and brown sauce), and Tortilla Espanola (layers of thin sliced potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cheese stacked and bonded with a seasoned egg mixture).

Niki's Take

It was great to dine with my new friend Kate downtown. We worked with our great concierge, Gary on choosing a great spot, but nothing too filling because we had an epic lunch. After walking around in some kitschy shops, we found ourselves in quaint, festive Espana.

They had us at goat cheese! We both had to give the goat cheese, beet chips, caramelized onion and romaine salad a try. I chose mine with balsamic vinaigrette and it was just delicious. The cheese had a nice effect on the rest of the salad and two round patties were just enough to have a little flavor in every bite. The beets were a little chewy but gave a nice saltiness to the overall dish. Our bowls were empty not before long.

For our next course, we chose to split (2) tapas plates – (1) potato tortilla and (1) spicy shrimp. I liked the tortilla, but found it to be a little bland. Being layered potatoes and a little egg, there wasn’t much flavor but the shrimp more than made up for that. It was sautéed in this delicious butter, olive oil, pepper and onion broth that was perfect to spoon and eat on its own. We each had (4) shrimp, which I thought was a nice, generous serving. We dipped some bread into the sauce and that was just perfect and the bread was fresh too!

We skipped dessert knowing that we had infamous “Ritz Carlton s’mores” coming our way and soon left to get to our bonfire. It was a great meal with a new wonderful friend. I’m really glad that we got to share good food and stories.

Kate's Take

Niki has summed up our experience so well, there is little to add. But, you know me, I will try!

I opted for curried honey mustard vinaigrette that came with the salad. And, boy, am I glad I did. I think Niki missed out (sorry, Niki!). It really brought the salad together so nicely. The creaminess of the goat cheese, with the crispiness of the beets, and the crunch of the romaine made this a textural masterpiece. Flavor wise, you had the softness of the cheese, the bite of the onions, and then the dressing which stole the show. I could have eaten three of these salads. Honestly. It was complex in all the right ways, and very satisfying. Thank goodness for amazing salads!

I have to agree with Niki on her take of the Tortilla Espanola. I was a bit disappointed. There really wasn't much flavor to this dish. And, texturally, it was pretty bland. So, that was a bit of a miss. BUT, the shrimp more than made up for it. The perfect blend of heat and flavor. And the shrimp were fresh caught that morning. Wow! They were yummy. The fresh bread was the perfect medium to sop up the extra sauce (which we both agreed would have been delicious on pasta!).

The staff at Espana were very helpful (making recommendations and sharing some information about the restaurant) and the ambiance was perfect for a beach town spot. I would love to go back to this spot when I have a bit more of an appetite and dive into some of the amazing looking entrees that are on this menu. We were told that you can get fresher seafood that you can here!

And, I am so thankful to have been able to share this meal with a new friend who also has an appreciation of good food. It truly was a lovely evening!

http://espanadowntown.com/

four golden forks out of five.

A Trip to Art Prize (and the great food we found!)

We are very fortunate to have a cool city like Grand Rapids so close by, especially because things like Art Prize take place in the city. Art Prize is an open art contest, the largest publicly juried art contest in the world. There are thousands of works of art all over Grand Rapids. So, Paul and I headed to the city for a little getaway to check out not only the competition and art, but, OF COURSE, the food.

More on the food in a moment, but here are a few photos from our trip!

Paul and I on the "blue bridge" enjoying the gorgeous day!

Paul pays homage to one of Grand Rapids favorite sons... Jay Van Andel.

One of the pieces... a tribute to Barrel of Monkeys. A favorite for many of the little ones' who came to Art Prize.

Want to know more about Art Prize? I know you do... check it out here:

http://www.artprize.org

Now... on to the FOOD!

Kate: Dip Trio (shared) and the Hippie Wrap with beerbar cheese and crack fries

Holy HopCat, Batman! Yes, I said it. This place just became one of my favorites! Named the #3 bar in the country by Beer Advocate, you would expect good beer and a cool atmosphere. The bar staff is super cool. The beer selection is wide. There is great music playing (Arcade Fire and Pink Floyd that I can recall) and great art and stuff on the walls. But, what I was really blown away by was the food!

There are 150 beers available. Yes, 150. That's a lot. Good beer, too. Though, we learned about the "Lawnmower" category on the beer list (which was Rolling Rock while we were there). Beer that you would drink while mowing the lawn. Yeah, not a compliment, really, but good to know that option exists if that is what you are looking for.

OK, OK, the food. I know. So, we were hungry. And, they were SLAMMED, so we quickly ordered our first round of beer (I had Left Hand Brewing Company's Milk Stout) and a starter. And here is where I confess that we actually had been to HopCat before, and had ordered this starter. But, that's it. That's all we ordered that time. I promise! So, the Dip Trio it was. This yummy appetizer includes three dips (really!) including Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Spicy Black Bean Dip, and HopCat's own (and amazing) Beerbar Cheese. It is served with crispy pita chips and veggies including carrots, celery, cucumbers, and red bell pepper. Ok, so the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is very good. The Spicy Black Bean dip is outstanding. And, the Beerbar Cheese is OUT OF THIS WORLD! It's bite-y, thanks to the horseradish, creamy, thanks to the cheese, and, gosh, I just don't even know what to say except that it is ADDICTIVE! We even got a little crazy and mixed them together a bit. The hummus with the black bean dip, a winning combo. Only problem with this dish... there isn't enough of it!

So, as I am enjoying this amazing dip trio, it is time to make a decision on what I am going to order. And, boy, was I struggling. So many things on this menu sounded good. So, after much debate, I decided I was going to go with a healthier option, but splurge on the side dish. So, I landed on the Hippie Wrap and the Crack Fries. And, this is now the dish that I will crave. All the time. It was phenomenal. Let's get the Crack Fries talk out of the way first... they are VERY appropriately named. They are french fries. That's all they are. But, they are so crispy on the outside, and warm and soft on the inside, and so well seasoned (pepper, salt, lemon pepper, and some secret ingredients that I think I am glad I don't know) that you want the serving to be endless. Oh my gosh. I think I can say that these were the best fries I have ever had. Ok, that might be going a bit far, but they are definitely in contention for that spot.

Now that that is out of the way, let's talk about the Hippie Wrap... OK, I am going to tell you that ingredients, and you are going to think, 'Really, that good?' and I am going to say, 'YES! That good!'. Spinach tortilla with cucumber, tomato, red onion, basil, roasted red peppers, spinach, romaine, sunflower seeds, and you can choose either Roasted Red Pepper Hummus OR Beerbar Cheese. And, that is what puts it over the top. Yeah, yeah, veggies in a wrap. Seen it. Been there. Done that. But, this Beerbar Cheese is what makes this something to write home (or a blog) about. The ingredients are all so fresh. And, the Beerbar Cheese adds the extra bite. Plus there are little surprises like the sunflower seeds which add some crunch. Wow! This is so good.

So, there continued to be good beer. In fact, we left, went to dessert somewhere else, then came back for another drink because it is such a cool place. Even Beer Advocate says so!

Check it out!

http://hopcatgr.com/

five golden forks out of five

Kate: Pearl Barley Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato Chips

Day Two meant another meal. And, as tempted as I was to go back to HopCat and order the exact same thing, the foodie in me knew that wasn't the right thing to do. Plus, we were meeting up with our friends Hillary and Jeff and their adorable little guy, Graham, so it wasn't just up to us. Now, Founders was a tempting choice. Hillary and Jeff are diehards/regulars there. But, we all agreed to go another route.

Now, I was the only one who had never been to the B.O.B. (which I recently learned means Big Old Building). So, we went to the B.O.B. Inside the B.O.B. are several dining options, and nightclubs, etc. But, it was lunch time and we were just looking for a good meal. So, upon Hillary and Jeff's suggestion, we went to Bobarinos. (I know, it's funny!).

The menu is eclectic. Pizza, some Mexican dishes (like the burrito that Paul ordered), sandwiches and burgers, etc. There was also a section of the menu called "Super Foods". I was intrigued. So, I read on. And, it said that this section included foods that were identified as super foods. After a little extra indulgence the day before, I felt like this might be the section of the menu for me.

So, I ordered the Pearl Barley Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato Chips. The sandwich, in addition to the burger, had tomato, arugula, Roasted Red Pepper Aioli, and onion on a Pretzel Bun. I am trying not to sound underwhelmed... because this was a really good meal. But, the Hippie Wrap from the night before was so in my head, that it is hard to get past that.

I'm serious, this was a good combination for a sandwich. It was very satisfying. The ingredients were fresh and played together well on the bun. The creaminess of the aioli brought it all together, while the onion and arugula provided some sharpness. The burger itself was great. I wish they sold those in the store. I think I would eat them more often. Plus, the sweet potato chips were great. Thinly sliced, just lightly seasoned, crispy, very good.

So, maybe the experience the night before with the food mixed with the kind of unappealing atmosphere of the place (it seemed to have a bit of an identity crisis with the decor. Seating was tight. There just wasn't anything very special about it) made it harder to be blown away.

Moral of the story... Bobarinos wasn't bad. But, if you are in Grand Rapids and have to make a choice, HopCat should always win!

http://www.thebob.com/

three golden forks out of five.

So, that is our Art Prize story. We had a great time. And, my mouth if watering thinking about the Hippie Wrap, the Beerbar Cheese, and the Crack Fries!

Foodies on Vacay: An "UP North" Michigan Adventure

It was time for our annual trip "Up North" to visit our friends, the Ouwingas, in Cadillac, MI. IN addition to celebrating their daughter, Tessa's 2nd birthday (with a funny looking but delicious cake I made) we were able to take a grown-ups only trip to Traverse City and the surrounding areas for some fun.

But, before we embarked on our trip, we enjoyed some DELICIOUS french toast made with whole wheat cinnamon-walnut swirl bread I made. I am not sure why I hadn't thought of this before, but it was a winning dish. With fresh homemade syrup and some bacon, we had quite a decadent breakfast. It was a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. That sure didn't stop us from indulging more throughout the day, but I just couldn't help but share the wonder that was this delightful meal.


As you may or may not know, Sleeping Bear Dunes was just voted the most beautiful place in America by Good Morning America. It really is quite a treasure. We visited the dunes last summer, and hope to go back soon. But, in the reporting of Sleeping Bear Dunes as the most beautiful place, Good Morning America interviewed Mario Batali, who summers in Traverse City every year (how cool is that?) and through that interview, we found Black Star Farms and the Hearth and Vine Cafe.

Black Star Farms

We greatly respect Mario Batali, and because of that would probably eat chicken beaks if he said it was the best. Fortunately, it wasn't chicken beaks that he was talking about, but instead was the Hearth And Vine Wine Bar and Cafe at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, MI. I am SO glad Paul caught this interview, because we certainly discovered a gem!

As you pull onto the property, you are struck by the beauty of the place. The hill is lined with grape vines. There is a charming Inn with 9 guest rooms you can stay in. There is a farm. The tasting room and creamery, and gorgeous Michigan nature all around.

For some reason, we skipped the tasting room and went straight for dinner. I am not sure why. Silliness I guess. We certainly weren't famished, especially after that breakfast! But, we wanted to grab a seat, and I know I was anxious to check this place out. We were able to choose a table outside and began to explore the menu.

It is not a large menu. And, I get the sense that it changes frequently. Using breads, greens, and other seasonal produce from local farms as well as cheese from the creamery and fresh herbs that they grow on site, the menu has to shift depending on what is available. But, even with the short lists of salads, white pizzas, red pizzas, and sandwiches, we still struggled to choose the evenings menu as everything sounded amazing.

We ordered the Raclette appetizer, as that is one of the award winning cheeses made by the creamery. Served melted over seasonal vegetables (we had potatoes and zucchini) and artisan bread, this was an outstanding way to start the meal. The pairing of the cheese with the bread was incredible. A sharper cheese (that is just a bit "stinky") that finds a delightful creaminess when melted, it was easy to see why this cheese had won some awards. It is clearly a cheese that was cared for as it aged.

We also ordered a bottle of the Red House Red to enjoy with our meal. A nice, light red, the fruity notes are strong. This is a table wine that I wouldn't mind having around. And, finally, it was time to eat, eat. Not appetizer eat, but chow down. And our two pizzas arrived. We landed on the Four Cheese pizza and the Goat Cheese pizza.

For our red pizza we chose the Goat Cheese pizza. Featuring goat cheese (duh), house blend cheese, tomato puree, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, spinach, and sweet roasted garlic, this pizza had a lot going on. Recommended by our server (who is also the chef's wife) because it had a lot of toppings, you might think that it was a bit too much. But, you would be mistaken. No one ingredient takes over this pizza. Each is represented in the exact right amount, and they all compliment each other perfectly. The thin crust holds up to the ingredients too, so it is not a challenge to eat. You know me and goat cheese, if it is listed as an ingredient, I am very likely to order that item. And, this time, I am sure glad I did.

And, if that doesn't sound like spectacular pizza, let me take a minute to talk about our white pizza, the Four Cheese pizza. With parmesan, ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone, as well as garlic oil and fresh basil, this pie was pizza heaven. Again, the thin (wood fired. Did I say that already? That is important here) crust does not overwhelm the cheese and allows it to shine. The cheeses blend together so perfectly, there is creaminess, saltiness, a bit of tang, a perfect cheese marriage. I know I went on and on about Park Street Pizza last week, and I still think that it is some of the best I have had, but so is this.

Eating pizza like this makes me think a few things...
a) Why do we ever order pizza from the large chains? These places are hitting the nail on the head, and those places just don't even come close. Convenience, I guess. That is important.
b) Sadness, because I know the pizza I make at home will never come close to the wonder that is this pizza. Though, we had a delicious parmesan, heirloom tomato, and dressed arugula number last night for dinner. And, it was delicious. But, the crust is something that I just can't do!

OK, OK, enough about pizza. But, seriously, Black Star Farms is an experience. One that you should have for yourself.

Moomer's Ice Cream

So, it was time to leave Black Star Farms, sadly, and we headed to downtown Traverse for a beer. (Right Brain Brewing Co. btw, a pretty cool place with decent beer!). As we enjoyed our pints, we were trying to figure out what our next step was. We didn't want to go home, but we didn't want to drink more either. So, I suggested finding some ice cream or dessert. We asked one of the servers where we should go and she responded, "Without a doubt, Moomers!". I am not one to take a local's glowing recommendation lightly, so we continued our quest.

Another "best of"according to Good Morning America (Best Scoops in 2008), this place is a bit off the beaten path. In fact, we drove right past it and had to turn around. But, we got there. And, quickly got in the really long line. Apparently, that is par for the course here. With over 100 flavors (only 20 to choose from each day) there was a little something for everyone. I went with Chocolate Turtle and Cherries Moobilee (you have to get cherry things when up that way).

The ice cream was good. Very creamy. Pretty strong on flavor. I was pleased with my selections and good with the calories I was getting some this treat. The stand out, however, was the waffle cone. Made on site, you can smell them when you walk in. It was the perfect sweetness. Sturdy enough to last through the ice cream eating time. SO good. I think I can say, without question, that it was the best waffle cone I had ever had.

We got there kind of late, which diminished the experience we were able to have. Located right next to the dairy, you can watch the cows from whom the ice cream comes from. Though we couldn't enjoy this part of the property, I am certain this is a place that kids would love.

My ice cream loyalties may still lie in other places, but man, that cone was good and it is a cool place to visit.

So, yes, it was another great weekend of eating delicious food with good friends. I sure can't complain. But, I will say, I am sad to see this summer coming to an end. It is almost done. And, I have enjoyed it ever so much!

Foodies on Vacay: Park Street Pizza, Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Kate: Veggie Patch and Margherita Pizza
If you take a look at the photos below, it will give you some sense of where this blog is going. But, until you taste this pizza, you really can't know the amazingness that is Park Street Pizza in Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Sugarcreek is a small town. A few miles from where I grew up in Dover. Nestled in the heart of Ohio's Amish community, there is a plethora of great ingredients available from the local farms. But, to my knowledge, no one has captured that quite like Park Street Pizza. Though the growing season isn't as long there as it woudl be in more temperate climates, the seasonal menus focusing on the freshest, local ingredients are one of the things that elevate this place above your average pizza joint.

Take this Veggie Patch Pizza for instance. Featuring mushrooms, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, red onions , and, mozzarella, parmesan, AND feta cheeses. This is a veggie pizza eater's dream. The freshness of the ingredients make this a stand out. And, the crust is the perfect combination of thin, but a bit dough, and is well seasoned with garlic. Wow! I just couldn't stop. In fact, I am certain I ate WAY more than I should have, but it was fresh, and hot, and so good.

But, to top that off, I saw that one of their seasonal pies was Margherita and they were selling it by the slice. So, I loosed my belt a bit, and ordered a slice to share with my sister, Mallory. With local heirloom tomatoes, fresh, garlic, basil and mozzarella cheese how could you go wrong? Right, we know I love this combo. BUT, to top it all off, they also swirl a house-made pesto into the pizza dough before stretching it out. Now, I woudl have NEVER thought of that on my own, but man, does that make this pizza irresistible. I cherished every bite. That sounds kind of strange, but it was perfection.

Park Street also has an environmental focus, which is always a bonus with me. Using all compostable materials to serve, that just gets them a few extra points!

Sugarcreek, Ohio is likely quite a drive for most of you. But, I promise, this pizza is worth it. You think they would deliver to us here in Kalamazoo? Probably not, but a girl can dream, right?

Check them out here: http://parkstreetpizza.com/

five golden forks out of five.+++
(+++ added because it was SO GOOD!!!)

A Gastronomic Excursion... Columbus, Ohio

I can't think of a better way to celebrate a birthday than to go to Columbus, Ohio and eat my way through the city. So, that is basically what we did. I mean, we spent time with our friends as well, but really, we ate, and ate, and ate. Here's a snapshot of where we ate, what I had, and why you should go there and check it out!

The Eateries

Dirty Franks

That's right! Dirty Frank's hot dogs. I have blogged on this establishment before with mixed reviews, but Paul was pumped to go back, and who am I to keep anyone from a craving?

I did order the Chicago Dog this time, as I noted I would in my previous post, and was happy that I did. It was good, I'm not gonna lie. My other dog was alright, but I should have heeded my previous advice. I really don't like their vegetarian coney sauce. It just doesn't taste that good to me. So, NEXT time, I will make sure to order only non-coney sauce dogs. Noted.

But, this place continues to be a cool spot. It is definitely a dive. Its tiny. You are going to have to wait. But, I think it is for sure worth it in the end. And, why would I keep a place that my husband loves from him? I wouldn't.


Northstar Cafe

We had a breakfast meeting at Northstar Cafe. There are several locations in the city and we were visiting the Clintonville one. This was my recommendation because I knew Paul would like the food here. I kept describing it as food like Food Dance but cheaper. Plus, any chance to have their fresh squeezed orange juice, which I am fairly certain is the best you can get, I will take.

Paul ordered the turkey and sweet potato hash and I had the breakfast burrito. We were both very pleased with our choices. The burrito was stuffed with roasted vegetables and eggs. Plus, their house-made salsa is incredible.

Definitely a spot to check out for breakfast or lunch while in Columbus!

Smokey's BBQ

So, the eating continued and we met our friend, Dan, for lunch at Smokey's. I will be honest, I wasn't really that hungry, having stuffed myself with the Northstar burrito, but, I was a trooper and managed to eat something.

Smokey's is also a micro-brewery. And, I was excited to see a DELICIOUS sounding beer on the menu. In fact, it was called Katie's Summer Wheat (though I did not spell my name that way when I was Katy, but that's not the point). Get this, it was a summer wheat WITH Michigan cherries. I love fruit beer. So, total score! But, they were out (WHAT!?!), so I had another of their brews instead, which wasn't bad.

I ordered their smoked wings and only ate 5 of them (see I was good). The smoked wings were EXCELLENT! They smoke a lot of things there, which is probably good since they are called Smokey's, but these were fantastic. The sauces were a nice compliment. But, the wings had such great flavor, they really didn't need any sauce.

Vino Vino

Another spot that has been blogged on before and continues to be my favorite spot in Columbus. I was concerned that the food would let me down since I have it so built up in my head. BUT, it sure did not. And, Paul now knows why I talk about this place all the time and compare any other baked goat cheese dish to theirs.

I will admit, I did not venture to get news things. I stuck to the ones I love. The chopped romaine salad and the baked goat cheese (of which I ordered a whole order for myself while the table shared another one). We also had the brie bruschetta for the table. And, everything was OUTSTANDING. Just like I remembered it. I was in heaven.

THEN, as if that wasn't enough. The chocolate flight (a standard on their dessert menu that changes every few months) was all about creme brulee! There was a white chocolate, a dark chocolate with cherries, and (my favorite) a milk chocolate with espresso. Holy cow! I would go out on a limb and say that this was the best dessert I have ever had. It was perfection from the first bite. I have never had a bad chocolate flight there, but this was their crowning glory!


Piada

Described by Brandlyn as "the Italian Chipotle", I had heard about, read about, and was excited about Piada. So, we had to grab lunch there. We couldn't miss it on this trip. And, I am kicking myself for not trying it on a previous trip.

You can choose a salad, pasta bowl, or a piada, which is like a super thing pizza crust used as a wrap. Then, just like Chipotle (or Qdoba for those with that loyalty) you choose your protein, sauce, veggies, cheese, etc. They have arugula, eggplant, feta, parmesan, mozzarella, and many more options. There are cold sauces (basil pesto) and hot sauces (pomodoro), so many choices. And, I am not sure you could make a bad choice here.

The quality of the ingredients was outstanding. OH, and I forget, just like at Chipotle, you can add a bit of starch to your wrap... but instead of rice in a burrito, you add a touch of spaghetti to your piada. GENIUS! This was, by far, the best fast food concept I have encountered, and Paul and I would seriously think about franchising in Kalamazoo if we could. They are only in Columbus so far. But, I believe there are 4 or 5 locations already, and a few more opening soon.

They also serve beer, wine, and peach bellinis. AND, dessert (which we did not try, but will on our next trip) is cannoli chips, which I understand is cannoli shell broken into chips served with the cream to dip it in. Again, genius.

So, long story short, drive to Columbus RIGHT NOW (if you aren't already there) and try Piada.

Cap City Diner

Cap City was one of my stand-bys when I lived in Columbus. Paul had not been able to check it out yet, and we needed a place for brunch. I sold everyone on brunch there when I said that instead of serving hot rolls, they serve hot SWEET rolls for brunch. So, reservations were made (which we didn't really need) and we were there.

I had yet another breakfast burrito. And, I can't compare it to the Northstar one, they are just too different. This one was great. Less stuffed with roasted vegetables and more about the delicious sauce it was drenched in. I had a clean plate by the end of that meal. And, I didn't even have the chorizo in mine.

Cap City is a fun spot. Styled like a classic diner but way updated. I have never had a bad meal there. They are great for dinner and for brunch. (Though their fresh squeezed orange juice paled in comparison to Northstar's. Just sayin').

Other culinary fun

Jeni's Ice Cream


You can't go to Columbus without having some Jeni's. And, Jeni's is now EVERYWHERE! It's exploded. And, good for them. So, we made our usual stop, but I tried a new flavor... Brown Butter Almond Brittle. WOAH! So good. Paired with the Salty Caramel (my server's recommendation), a winning combination. You just can't describe how good Jeni's is to someone who has never had it. The flavors are unique and well balanced. It is creamy. It is really some of the best ice cream in the world.

And, for all you Kalamazoo Foodies (other than Kristin and I), YOU CAN BUY JENI'S ICE CREAM BY THE PINT AT FOOD DANCE. Should I repeat that? I can. Seriously. They discovered it and have brought it here to share with you! Its a little pricey ($10 a pint) but an occasional splurge on something so outstanding is worth it.

Graeter's Ice Cream

And, yes, we got Graeter's too! We kind of had an excuse because I had a coupon for a free sundae for my birthday. And, really, it is hard to visit Columbus without visiting Graeter's too. I had Graeter's before I had Jeni's. So, while I, clearly, absolutely love Jeni's. Graeter's holds a special place in my heart. And, the chocolate chips are the best chocolate that I have tasted.

And, more good news for Kalamazoo Foodies... YOU CAN BUY GRAETER'S AT SOME AREA MEIJER STORES! So far, I have for sure seen it in the one on Gull Road. You have to get a kind with chips in it if you are a chocolate person. The chocolate is so rich and creamy. It melts when it hits your tongue. The flavors are a little more traditional, but here's something to know... Jeni (of Jeni's) got her ice cream start with Graeter's. That is where she learned her trade. So, they are intimately linked, but are two separate things that both deserve a spot in the foodie hall of fame!

P.S. Graeter's from Meijer is a little more affordable than Jeni's from Food Dance. But, you really should try both!

Trader Joe's

We love Trader Joe's. We love everything about it. And, we are sad that there isn't one closer to us. So, we made our usual pilgrimage to the Easton Trader Joes and loaded up on some essentials. We bought wine (of course). We bought some cheese. And, we bought some recommended items including Tofu Turkey Sausage and Soy Chorizo. Having tried both of them now... the chorizo is fantastic. Paul made an omelet with it the other day and it was great. The turkey sausage was pretty good, but the chorizo blew it out of the water.

But, I am sure most of you know the wonder that is Trader Joe's. Kalamazoo folks... you should help us get one here. You can join a Facebook group AND, you can submit a form on their website (find it here: http://www.traderjoes.com/about/location-requests-form.asp) requesting a store in your area. Maybe if we get more people to do that, we will finally get one. It would do SO WELL here in Kalamazoo. Join the fight!

Bert's Bakery Birthday Cake



My sweet husband ordered a birthday cake from Bert's Bakery (Almond Poppyseed, of course!). It traveled to Columbus with us, and we thoroughly enjoyed it there. Just thought I would share it and remind you of how great Bert's Bakery is. And, its right here!!!


Favorite Recipes

And, I made the Avocado and Feta salsa as well as a new favorite, Giada's Edamame and Cannelini bean salad for my friends. Both were big hits. And, both could not be easier. Try them both. You will not regret it!

So, that pretty much wraps up our total eat fest. Now, to find a few new places here in Kalamazoo! Keep suggestions coming. And, HAPPY EATING!