The Farmhouse Tap and Grill

I rarely, if ever, blog about desserts. While I do like something sweet now and again I find that very few desserts impress me. Most are delicious and are a nice way to end a meal, but nothing that I would consider memorable. So, I was pleasantly surprised when our waiter placed an apple tart with homemade carmel ice cream in front of us. Wow, is the only way to describe it.

Terry and I had just spent a lovely day tooling around the town of Burlington, VT. Burlington is a quaint little college town with enough hippies to rival that of Santa Barbara and San Diego. After all that looking around we were in need of food and the smells coming from The Farmhouse let us know that eating there would be a treat. After our satisfying meal we were full, but in the mood to look over the dessert menu. We looked it over for a few moments and both of us thought the apple tart looked interesting, so we ordered it. I am so glad we did. The tart was warm and cooked perfectly, but the carmel ice cream was truly out of this world. It wrapped our taste buds in a blanket of goodness which I will never forget. It was, to say the least, a perfect end to a wonderful day.

The Farmhouse Tap and Grill

A Single Pebble

Who would have thought that little old Burlington, Vermont would be home to excellent Chinese cuisine. I certainly didn't, but while waiting for our plane to NYC Terry remembered seeing a "Best Thing I Ever Ate" show on a place called A Single Pebble located on a side street off the center of town. Alton Brown had a meal he simply thought was one of the best meals he had ever had in his life. Because of this, we went on a search to see how good the dish really was.

We ordered the mock eel which is made up of braised shiitake mushrooms in a ginger sauce. When the dish first arrived at the table I was skeptical that something so horrific looking would actually taste good. They do say that you do eat with your eyes. This, however, does not apply to the mock eel. Once you have that first bite there is no need for any of your other senses. Your sense of taste is all that matters. Initially there is a little bit of a crunch followed by a soft and warm meatiness. The flavors explode in your mouth ranging from slightly savory to a touch of sweetness. The entire experience is enough to make you seriously give thought to ordering another plate. I can honestly say that I will return to Burlington specifically for that meal. It was phenomenal!

A Single Pebble

Gene's

When in Rome..

Or when in Port Henry, do as the locals do. Have a Michigan. What is a Michigan? Well, simply put, it is a steamed hotdog and bun with a chili like meat sauce. But it really isn't like chili. Sweet and sour flavors come to mind, with a fine meat texture. Top it off with some chopped raw white onion, and this is one of those sinfully bad treats we all enjoy!

Can't wait to try another!

Dynamo Donuts and Coffee

Another perk to girl's weekend is that somehow you can rationalize eating things you haven't touched in years. For me that was having a donut.

First, let me clarify, when I say 'years' I simply mean a very long time. I know that on my list of things chubby girls should not eat, donuts are near the top. Still, it was girl's weekend and that rule went flying out the window the moment I stepped off the plane.

To look at dynamo one would never suspect that genius could be found within a little round cake. Don't get me wrong, I like cake (and all cake-like products) but I wouldn't describe them as genius. After our visit to Dynamo, however, I have had to rethink my position on that matter. Flavors such as Mexican chocolate, bacon maple, rosemary lemon, and vanilla bean had us all in a tizzy. None of them were trying to copy the ultra sweet / deep fried Krispy Cream approach. Rather, they were all a triumph of flavor and craftsmanship. No apologies are needed for these non-commercial creations because they simply stand on their own merit.

if you are ever in San Fran I recommend giving these donuts a try. You will be so happy that you did.

Dynamo Donuts and Coffee

Roam

Roam
Girl's weekends are great! Not only because you get to reconnect with friends you don't often get to see, but because it gives you a chance to indulge the palate.

Two weekends ago I met up with some of my girlfriends in San Francisco. Michelle, who happens to live near the city, was our tour guide. She took us on a culinary trek all over the city. As always, Michelle did not disappoint. Roam, an artisan burger joint, was my absolute favorite spot! Hands down these burgers were the best restaurant burgers I have ever had. Each bite was about 1,000,000 000 calories, but it was well worth it!

I had the Heritage burger which is a decadent combination of: applewood smoked bacon, fontina, butter lettuce, tomato, carmelized onions, and herb mayo. Each bite exploded in my mouth while, at the same time, satisfied a deep urge for well crafted junk food. Accompanying my burger were sweet potato fries. The combination of salty and sweet were perfectly executed. Each crunch bite made me feel a little more sinful than the last, but I couldn't seem to stop.

So, here is to spending time with good friends and eating good food.

Green Truck

 Green. Organic. Not usually my thing. But when you add local and fresh. Now your talking!

So the green truck stops in ye ol' cul de sac. I see veggie burger with beet salad, aka: The Happy Trucker meal and I must order it.

Lets just say the beet salad was great! Fresh red and golden beets, quinoa, goat cheese and a really nice vinigarette. Totally good.  I could eat another one of these.

Then the veggie burger. Best I have had. Not too big and just plain tasty. Sized perfectly, cooked perfectly. The beet based mayo sauce was just icing on the cake.

Never mind the great freshly brewed ice tea.

So.. Would I go back. Yes. I will be dreaming of that burger all day. 
Guilt free I might add ;)

And yes.. The green truck burns cooking oil.. !!! Sweeeeet.

Green Truck

Oak Mountian Winery

Today I had the pleasure of trying a Temecula winery that is a little off the main beaten path. Oak Mountain on the De Portola trail. Nice little place, great view of the valley and not a lot of traffic to deal with. And great wine.

Really enjoyed it all. Very Napa like. But we brought home 2 bottles, a White Merlot and a Brut Sparking wine. Both fantastic. I would also have brought a bottle of the Cab, it was smooth like butter! Sometimes you have to save something for the next tasting!

I have favorites in Temecula: Doffo's, Bailey's, Wilson Creek... I'm adding Oak Mountain to the list, right near the top. Worth the trip to the other side! 

Oak Mountain Winery