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Coffee & Food Pairing: A Quick Guide

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Fruits

In my opinion, coffee is the king of caffeinated beverages. Whether hot or iced, cold brew or hot brew, it is simply hard to beat a nice cup of coffee. Coffee is one of the most versatile drinks out there! It can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to a snack or meal. What I aim to do with this piece is to provide you with a list of different coffees and what food items can be paired with each coffee to provide the perfect equilibrium between coffee and food item.

coffee
SOURCE: Pixabay

Fruit

Fruit and any fruit-based delicacies tend to be the healthier and lighter side, with coffees that originate from Kenya, Haiti, Tanzania, Yemeni, or Jamaica serving as an excellent pairing option with just about any fruit. Fruit tarts or different fruit-based pastries also pair best with a cup of Brazilian or Costa-Rican coffee.

Coffee
SOURCE: Pixabay

Chocolate

Chocolate and coffee basically go hand in hand. Personally, I think chocolate goes well with any type of coffee. However, to truly get the most out of your afternoon indulgence, it is best to have an espresso roast with whichever form of chocolate you want to enjoy. A full-bodied roast coming from Guatemala goes well with any brownies or chocolate cakes. Another treat that goes well with any coffee with origins in Africa is chocolate covered fruit, so not only would you be able to pair coffee that goes well with chocolate but also with fruit! Coffee and chocolate-covered fruit is a favorite of mine!

coffee

SOURCE: Pixabay

Baked Goods

Coffee and baked goods are another classic combination. Any flavor of biscotti goes perfect with any cup of coffee, especially a full-bodied espresso. Doughnuts are just as, if not more, popular than biscotti. Doughnuts and coffee are a staple at the breakfast table and at many coffeehouses and coffee shops, especially in the United States. Another favorite pairing of mine is cinammon rolls and coffee. Guatemalan and Colombian coffees have nice chocolate and caramel notes that go especially well with the cinnamon buns.

Coffee
SOURCE: Pixabay

Breakfast Food

Sitting down at the table for breakfast with a steaming hot cup of coffee is pretty much a tradition for families across the globe. The amount of versatility and the number of options that come with having coffee with breakfast food are what make coffee one of my personal favorite drinks. If you were to have crepes with breakfast, particularly of the savory variety, a bold dark roast coffee from the Pacific Islands would be optimal. Sweeter crepes call for a strong Colombian coffee, while berry crepes go extremely well with a Kenyan or Haitian coffee. One of my favorite things about crepes is that they also pair well with any espresso drink. A classic breakfast combination has always been eggs and bacon/sausage and coffee. For this pairing, I would recommend a medium roast coffee, preferably from Costa Rica. When enjoying something a little heavier, such as an omelette, a Sumatran or Indonesian coffee would be the best to handle the full and sometimes complex flavors in an omelette. Kona and Nicaraguan coffees, mainly light roast, are ideally paired with oatmeal or pancakes. Quiche can be paired quite nicely with any type of coffee out of the Pacific islands, with the savory flavors of the quiche complementing the body of the coffee. Grainy breakfasts that include toast and/or cereal would be best when enjoyed with a light or medium roast cup of coffee from Guatemala or Brazil. Cappucinos are also a viable option to pair with grainy breakfast items as well!

If you have any suggestions or ideas for ways to pair coffee and food, make sure to leave them in the comments down below!

Dining with History

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Governors palace

The truly unique experiences are the ones your least expect. It wasn’t until I started working at an operating, historic village fit with costumed residents that I realized just how much living history museums have to offer. These offerings include deliciously historic taverns, inns, and restaurants that, you, the visitor can enjoy as part of your overall experience into the past. There are even options to dine after hours in intimate settings.

Imagine being able to step back in time, to the beginnings of our country and sitting down to dine in an 18th century tavern. The lighting is low, the dining room set with fine china and an elegant cherry table with high back chairs. You choose from a menu of historically accurate food and are served by interpreters in historic costumes. You may not know it, but these restaurants are more common than you think.

Dining with History: Colonial Williamsburg

Dining with History: Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg SOURCE: Pixabay

Colonial Williamsburg has four historic dining options to choose from. From this author’s perspective, the King’s Arm Tavern is the finest choice. Although the recipes are inspired by the 18th century, they are fitted to please modern taste buds. The first chophouse to open in the States was by Jane Volpe in 1772. Colonial Williamsburg’s current King’s Arm Tavern is a period correct reproduction, inside and out. The menu is highlighted by prime rib, game hen, and roast tenderloin. There are both lunch and dinner servings along with a kid’s menu. The food is delectable, the entertainment soft and beautiful, and the ambiance like nothing you have every experienced.

Genesee Country Museum

Genesee Country Village & Museum: Hamilton House
Genesee Country Village & Museum: Hamilton House SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons

Genesee Country Museum in upstate New York has two historic dining options. One similar to Colonial Williamsburg, but with a more laidback country charm at Hosmer’s Inn and one inside a 19th century landed gentry’s home. The receipts, or recipes, used at both locations are more authentic, straight from 19th century cookbooks. The museum’s newest venture, starting in spring 2019, are the MacKay House family dinners.

The MacKay family were wealthy mill owners from Caledonia, NY. With the home being right within the historic village, as soon as you step on site you feel transported back in time. Although the home is one of a wealthy businessman, there is still a simplicity within the home. Only a few people can share the dining space, making for an intimate experience. The dinners are only served after hours and with reservations required, so the rest of the site is peaceful and welcoming to after dinner walkers. Hosmer’s Inn does often offer during regular hours dining, if you would like to partake in the whole Upstate New York historical experience during your visit.

Mumford
Photo Courtesy of the Genesee Country Village and Museum, Mumford NY


Mount Vernon, Virginia

There is even historic craft fermentation to explore at historic sites such as Mount Vernon, Virginia. Our first president was more than a great political leader, he was also a successful businessman. By 1799, George Washington was one of the largest whiskey producers in the newly founded United State of America. Although the original structure burned down in 1814, it was rebuilt by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association in 2007. The building was restored to the minutest of detail; hand hewed wood boards gracing the exterior of the building and blacksmith forged iron nails brought it all together. Although tastings are not available, you can purchase bottles to take home with you from the organization’s website or gift shop.

These living history sites are absolutely worth the trip no matter what, but knowing that there are excellent and exciting dining options laced within the overall historic experience makes the trip all the more alluring.

Dining Travels in Connecticut

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Connecticut

My sister and I would schedule annual trips to the Steve Wilko’s and Jerry Springer Show. We took the bus early in the morning to New York and a shuttle bus to Connecticut.

In March 2010, we scheduled trips to different locations outside our usual surroundings. My sister is always adventurous and I would be willing to join her. After leaving the shuttle bus, we stood in line outside the building to receive our wrist bands for the taping of the show.

While entering the building, we were escorted to the waiting area until it was time to enter the studio to tape the show. The best part about this experience was the breakfast in the waiting room and we watched previous episodes of each show.

We took our seats, until Jerry Springer and Steve Wilko’s entered the studio.

Before they began taping, the directors of each show directed the audience on how to react to the wrong doing or infedelities according to the story line.

When we left the building, my sister and I decided to look around for a restaurant in the down town area of Connecticut.

Bradford’s Grill Tavern

We walked around until we found a sports bar called Bradford’s Grill Tavern.

I recall ordering the Bradford’s Sampler which consisted of Potato Skins, Chicken Fingers, Mozzarella Sticks, and Cordon Bleu Bites. This restaurant has a very hospitable environment. The servers greet you when you enter the restaurant and the service was excellent. The restaurant has delicious food choices to indulge in.

According to their menu they serve Weekly Food Specials, Appetizers, Tacos, Sandwiches, Wraps, Burgers, Salads, Entrees, and Pizza.

This restaurant is located 83 Bedford Street, Stamford, Connecticut.

Stamford Town Center
The Plaza at Stamford Town Center SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons

Wetzel’s Pretzels

After, my sister and I decided to go to Stamford Town Center to do some shopping and to get dessert. Our first stop was at H&M to look for Polo shirts for the Spring.

We went to Wetzel’s Pretzels to get a frozen lemonade and pretzel bites with cheese. The frozen lemonade and pretzel bites we’re tasty.

They have amazing pretzel selections such as the Wetzel’s Original, Sinful Cinnamon, Sour Cream and Onion, and Almond Crunch. Including cheese pretzels, called The Cheese Meltdown, Grateful Garlic, Pepperoni Twist, and Jalepeno Cheese Melt.

Wetzel Dogs, Cheese Dogs,Jalepeno Dogs, Dog Bites, Pizza Bites, Almond Crunch Bites, Cinnamon Bites, and Sour Cream and Onion Bites. They serve beverages such as Frozen Lemonade, Fresh Lemonade, Frozen Granita, and Fountain Drinks.

The establishment is located 100 Gray Rock Place #F-062 Stamford, Connecticut, CT 06901 Level 3 Grand Court of the Stamford Town Center.

On a warm summer day in August 2011, my sister, her friends and I took the express bus early in the morning to New York to catch the shuttle to Stamford, Connecticut. We arrived at the studio for the filming of the Steve Wilko’s and Jerry Springer Show.

S’barro

While entering the building, we received a wrist band and we had to wait in the lobby until we were called to our seats. After breakfast, the directors of the show escorted us to our seats.

Two hours later, we left the building to go shopping at the Stamford Town Center. My sister Marie, her friends, and I went to Forever 21 and Bath and Body Works. First, we went to Forever 21 to purchase jewelry and t-shirts.

Then we went to Bath and Body Works to purchase Body Wash, Lotion, and Hand Cream. We went to S’barro because my sister and I enjoyed their pizza. The Extra Cheese pizza is like eating a slice of heaven! The pizza slices were huge and it’s worth the visit at your local mall.

We sat down on the bench to eat our pizza and discussed about how much fun we had during the show tapings for Jerry Springer and Steve Wilko’s.

Later, we took the shuttle from Connecticut to New York then we took the express bus home.

Burlington’s Blue Ribbon

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Burlington

I turned 27 years old on St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve adopted a “If you pinch me, I’ll punch you because it’s my birthday” policy this holiday, and along with that, an understood cheat day from any dieting. A major chunk of my family still lives in North Carolina, and a place that’s always been faithful and helpful for get-togethers is Blue Ribbon Diner in Burlington, NC. It’s about two hours east of the mountains, and one and a half hours southwest of where I stay in Louisburg.

I called a little after they opened at 11:00AM and asked if I could make a reservation. The lady on the phone was kind and explained they don’t do reservations, but could likely accommodate up to eight people if we came in at our planned time of 4:00PM.

We all got there literally at the same time and parked in the kind of tight rectangular lot. One of my mom’s good friends showed up who’s known me since I was twelve, so that was a really pleasant surprise. There were seven of us total, and we got seated right away.

Blue Ribbon

It was bright and sunny inside the restaurant, with red neon signs lining the windows and chrome, black, white, and red accents everywhere. The White Stripes would be pleased going to this diner for the color scheme alone. All on the walls were black and white photographs of the local schools’ teams and students from the 1950s and on. It’s a place I’m sure some of the people who are on the wall still show up to eat there, or at least their kids, grandkids, and kin do. I’ve been going there for fifteen years and I’m not even an Alamance County native. My sister’s husband (who is about to turn 40 in May) grew up in Burlington, and his cousin has worked at Blue Ribbon for years. We usually see someone he grew up with there.

I’ve gotten the same thing to eat since I was a kid—a grilled chicken sandwich basket with no tomato and a side of AppleJack sauce. Now, my fiancé has never been there before, so I explained to him that he needs to try the AppleJack sauce. It’s a homemade marinade they use when making chicken that’s kind of like a sweeter honey mustard, but you can also get it on the side as a dipping sauce for your fries, or if you really want to up the ante, they sell it by the pint and you can take it home to use and enjoy for about a week because it’s too good to last long.

1950s-1980s music

Everyone put their orders in and it gave me time to collect myself and listen to the 1950s-1980s music playing overhead. I had a Diet Coke (okay, so I kind of dieted) with no straw because they are part of the anti-straw movement—much props for promoting that in such a small, conservative town. Driving through the rest of the town, I actually saw health foods stores that hadn’t been there before, and I really dig the growth and balance Burlington is putting out there.

Blue Ribbon

The food arrived in two stages, but quickly one right after the other. Everyone was in heaven. I could seriously drink the AppleJack sauce, and could make a meal just with that and the fries (which are endless, so you can request more throughout your meal). But the grilled chicken sandwich was juicy and sweet, the lettuce nice and dark green, and the sesame bread was soft. It made me feel comfortable eating it, not guilty, and I enjoyed every bite of it like I always do.

My sister had made cupcakes and my party people sang Happy Birthday to me. Our server wished me a happy birthday and so did a lady from another table as we were leaving. No one was really shy there, they all treated it like they’ve been there forever, because they probably have.

If you’re traveling through central North Carolina, take the time to feel like a local and eat at Blue Ribbon Diner.

Rate this restaurant if you go there

Market Broiler, A nostalgic anniversary

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Market Broiler

This month marks the 15th anniversary of the first date I had with my husband. To celebrate, he took me to a surprise place I’d never been to before, and it was a really great place.

It’s called Market Broiler, and it’s located just south of Downtown Riverside in California, and it’s a seafood restaurant. When we first came in, we were greeted by the friendly hostess who accommodated our reservation professionally and with a friendly attitude. In the lobby was a display of fresh seafood for sale in a market like set up.

The smell and the ambiance as we were led to our table was reminiscent of an old San Francisco seafood restaurant. It smelled of fresh seafood, like what you would smell as you stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf. For my husband and I there was a lot of nostalgic feeling to the place after having lived in San Francisco for eight years and, since our very first date 15 years ago also took place in a seafood restaurant in Rio Vista, California.

Menu

Our waitress was friendly and very knowledgable about the menu. I ordered the Fisherman’s stew and sweet and spicy calamari as an appetizer while my husband opted for their craft house burger and a cup of clam chowder. You can choose between the classic white Boston style clam chowder or the red Manhattan style.

We received complimentary sourdough bread which was homemade and very reminiscent of the famous Boudain sourdough company in San Francisco. Also, my husband appreciated that his favorite San Francisco artisan beer Anchor Steam was available on tap.

Market Broiler, Riverside, CA
Source: Market Broiler, Riverside, CA

The portions were huge. My calamari was delicious and came drenched in an Asian style sweet and spicy sauce, and the fisherman’s stew included lobster, king crab, calamari, scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, and pieces of fish fillet all cooked in a tomato broth over linguine. It included a side of garlic bread.

Market Broiler, Riverside, CA
Source: Market Broiler, Riverside, CA

My husband’s burger Angus burger included aged cheddar; apple smoked bacon, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce, and a house aioli sauce all atop a brioche bun. He also received a pile of fresh house fries.

Market Broiler, Riverside, CA
Source: Market Broiler, Riverside, CA

The food was amazing but what really made this restaurant great, aside from the nostalgic San Francisco ambiance, was the attentive staff. We received a visit by the manager who was eager to go the extra mile to make sure our food was everything we expected. Since it was our first time there, he gave us a card for a complimentary spicy calamari appetizer on our next visit. This wasn’t just someone hoping for a big tip; he and his staff really went the extra mile to make sure our experience at his restaurant was memorable.

Dessert

For dessert, my husband enjoyed a ‘smokin old fashioned.’ It was a Four Roses bourbon with Carpano Antica, and Peychaud’s bitters. I don’t drink, but the presentation of this drink was interesting as it was served in a smoking glass on top of a cedar plank. The smoky aroma reminded me of a campfire. My husband was delighted with the taste of this drink as well.

Lastly, as we were getting our check, we were surprised with a complimentary hot fudged sundae to celebrate our anniversary.

This place really made our anniversary special. The staff went above and beyond for us and the chance to reflect on the past 15 years in a restaurant that reminded us so much of the city we left behind was very memorable. I would recommend this restaurant to any seafood lover, and if you aren’t a seafood lover, like my husband, there are plenty of land lover options to choose from as well.

Source: Market Broiler, Riverside, CA

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Say Hello to the Guinea Pig: Ecuador’s Signature Dish

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Guinea pig

If you’ve ever visited a foreign country and gotten a taste of the local cultures, then you may have experienced some of the seemingly strange food traditions therein. What we see as normal to eat in America may not be normal in another country, and vice versa. This is certainly true if you’ve ever had the chance to visit Ecuador, where a little animal we like to call the guinea pig is a highly regarded source of meat for meals.

That’s right. I’m sure some of you pet owners may be squirming in your seats as you read this. Since guinea pigs are a really common domestic pet in America, it may seem odd or even cruel that this animal is a customary delicacy in Ecuador. But to Ecuadorians, the cooking and eating of guinea pigs is both traditional and second nature.

Gune Pigs
Source: Pixabay


Ecuador

In Ecuador, guinea pigs are actually referred to as cuy, which is word for the animal in the indigenous language of Kichwa. And I know what you’re thinking. No, Ecuadorians do not have some cruel predisposition to kill and eat guinea pigs when there are plenty of other meat-providing animals around. But what you may not know is that guinea pigs didn’t become a staple food in Ecuador until many years had passed in history. Initially, guinea pigs were eaten because historically, meat from cows was unattainable due to the lack of cows in the country.

So, since guinea pigs were there, they were eaten. It was simply a matter of survival, and even at that, only for those who could manage to get their hands on one.

Nowadays, however, it’s customary to try a spit-roasted guinea pig if you’re visiting Ecuador. There are many places to try it locally, and if you do, it’s recommended to eat it only if prepared over a spit. Just like similar meats, like pork or chicken, it needs to be prepared well.

Cuy
Source:Pixabay

Cuy

If you can get over the idea that you’re eating a furry friend, and let yourself believe you are merely taking part in a cultural custom, then you may consider trying some cuy yourself. Head towards the Andean mountains of Ecuador or near a farm where they are bred for eating purposes, and you can try your hand at this prepared meal. And try not to be alarmed by the look of it. Some forms of preparation for guinea pig involve leaving the hair on, and when you get the finished product, you’ll be looking at a roasted, crispy version of the entire animal – head, ears, toes, mouth, and all.

I think it’s possible that you can put the idea aside that you’re eating what we consider a domestic pet in America, then you can stomach the little critter for a night. Unless of course you’re a guinea pig parent! In that case, you may want to plan your vacation accordingly and visit another country.

Ecuador has a lot to offer in terms of signature foods. Don’t miss out! Try some cuy.

A Transformative Breakfast

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Washington DC

I grew up outside of DC, in the Maryland suburb of Germantown. If I hadn’t moved with my mom down to North Carolina when I was 12 years old, it’s possible I would’ve ended up living in DC because I love it so much. But, truth be told, the winters up there are just too cold. And that’s exactly when my fiancé and I visited—the middle of February.

We got bitten by the travel bug and when the idea of DC was thrown out there, that’s all we were focused on for a couple weeks. We got all the money we could together, booked the cheapest hotel we could find, and roadtripped in the middle of the night.

The lights reflecting on the Potomac River guided the way. The Watergate Hotel, Washington Monument, Kennedy Center, National Gallery of Art—everywhere you look, there’s something you’ve seen in the media, on television, in the movies, or read about in books. But a place I had never seen before was a restaurant my fiancé’s boss recommended called Founding Farmers.


Founding Farmers.

We got up early Sunday (our second day) and walked half an hour from Rhode Island Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue. The buildings are so tall, creating a bunch of shade, even at 8:00 in the morning, that the sunglasses I originally was wearing became unnecessary most of the way. But we were still completely bundled up in several layers and hats.

St. Matthew’s Cathedral
St. Matthew’s Cathedral SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons

Halfway on our journey, one of the coolest buildings I saw was St. Matthew’s Cathedral, with a gold mural above the doors I could not stop staring at. I later found out John F. Kennedy was kept there before his burial for his Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead). I’m sure it looks exactly the same today as it did in the 1960s.

St. Matthew’s Cathedral

We turned onto Pennsylvania Avenue and my hunger lit up.  There was a revolving door to get into the restaurant that was both scary and fun. People were packed like sardines, and there was a beautiful wall lined with plants. I had made reservations online a few days prior, so I went up to the podium to let the friendly hostess know and we were seated in a couple minutes.

It was a small but intimate table, allowing us to hold hands across it. The waiter was easygoing and understanding of us wanting to share our meal. We decided on a latte and chocolate chip pancakes.

Music

Bluesy music was being played from speakers way above us and every table was full. My social anxiety was kicking in, but my fiancé helped keep me level and positive as we talked about our favorite things that happened so far on our trip and what we’d want to do next time.

Cinnamon

Our meal was brought to us and we thanked our waiter. We poured syrup (that has cinnamon sticks swimming in the container, something I desperately need to do at home) over the pancakes and that first bite was transformative. The blend of cinnamon, chocolate, and wholesome cake teleported me to an old cabin in my mind. It was like eating breakfast in the countryside, but we were in the middle of a metropolis. It was warm and safe.

Founding Farmers

I didn’t want to stop eating. The pancakes washed down great with the latte once we added raw sugar. Everything bad that was going on with me disappeared during that meal.

Founding Farmers

There are nine Founding Farmers-affiliated locations in DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, each I’m sure that will make you feel taken care of and part of a community wanting to grow and thrive and love. Definitely make a reservation at the Pennsylvania Avenue location because there wasn’t a single empty table.

Yo! Sushi: The Conveyor-Belt Dining Experience You’ve Been Waiting For

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Conveyor belt

What you may not know about your dining experiences in America is that you’ve been sorely missing out. Despite the relative newness of the conveyor belt dining experience in America, this practice has been at work in other countries – usually in metropolitan areas – for quite some time now.

Conveyor belt at Yo! sushi in Soho SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons

The particular conveyor belt style restaurant that I want to look at is an establishment called YO! Sushi. If you’re intrigued by the idea of a conveyor belt service restaurant, and you already have a love for sushi and Japanese food, then you’re in luck. YO! Sushi planted its roots in the Soho area of London, UK in the late 1990s. And now? This restaurant chain lays claim to nearly 100 locations around the world.

What distinguishes the YO!

What distinguishes the YO! Sushi experience from other sushi experiences (and other dining experiences in general) is the method of providing what seems like endless options to customers as they ride by on a conveyor belt past your table. This might sound like a strange method of sushi delivery to those who are accustomed to eating sushi as a fine dining experience. But this dining experience is really unique.

Yo! Sushi in Manchester SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons

You get to sit at your table and choose what you want without really having to wait. Technically speaking, you could choose a dish as soon as you take your seat, given the fact that the food passing you is ready to eat. You also get to avoid the discomfort or regular awkwardness of interacting with a waiter, if you’re wanting a more intimate experience at your table.

Conveyor-Belt

The way these belts work is by constantly moving and constantly providing a host of sushi, ramen, and other Japanese options. If you see what you like, you simply pick it up, and that’s the meal you’ll be billed for. You can get an idea of the price range for the dishes that pass you based on a color-coded system. And if you’re not satisfied with the options? No problem. You can also order off of a special menu.

This restaurant experience is certainly unlike any other. And if you’re environmentally conscious or have ethical concerns about the food you eat, then you’ll probably be happy to hear that YO! Sushi is, too. Not only do you have the option to choose from a menu of over 35 vegan dishes and six vegetarian dishes; you can also be assured that you’re getting quality ingredients in your food. They pride themselves in their commitment to only serving species of tuna that are not endangered. They’re also fully committed to using free range eggs and egg products. They even make sure to keep their Japanese products totally authentic!

So, yes, it’s not your typical sushi restaurant experience. But you know going into this experience that it’s not supposed to be some ritzy night out at a bar-only sushi restaurant. The prices are pretty reasonable, too. If you’re looking for a unique meal experience, look no further. The next time you travel, find out where you can reach a YO! Sushi.

Diced – Cary North Carolina

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Diced

Two years ago, at the age of fifty-seven I decided to get healthy. I needed to lose weight and hated the idea of dieting. I looked all over town for places I could go that would not only be healthy but would deliver on taste. I tried a few places, but they were either too expense for the amount of food served or they were the same boring food that everyone produced.

Diced Gourmet Salads and Wraps

Once day I came across a restaurant called Diced Gourmet Salads and Wraps. It is tucked into a corner in a small shopping center. You can easily miss it if you are not looking for it. But it is well worth the visit. Diced provides healthy, interesting, vibrant food. There is a variety of options for any type of appetite.

When you order a salad, you can choose the base you prefer, everything from brown rice to spring mix, spinach, romaine or iceberg lettuce. There are the normal offerings for salads like tomatoes, cheese and croutons but there are also the exotic offerings such as roasted beets, sweet potatoes and edamame. The food is rich in color, cooked to perfection, and very well-seasoned.

Salads

They do have suggested salads that you can order from, but if there is something you don’t care for you can exchange it for something you do want in the salads or wraps. The other option is to craft your own salad with the multiple ingredients they provide. Or if you prefer something different you can have the ingredients enclosed in a whole wheat, spinach or gluten free wrap.

Diced also offers many different fresh handcrafted dressings or if you prefer drizzles to finish off your meal. There are also finishing touches like croutons, cashews or chow mein noodles. The beauty of Diced is that you could eat there twice a month for a year and never eat the same thing.

Daisy Duke

One of my favorite salads is the Daisy Duke. It is made with turkey, bacon, cheese, eggs, red onions, grape tomatoes and croutons. I’m not a big fan of red onions or croutons, but I can substitute one of the other thirty-one vegetable offerings. The server loads a bowl with the ingredients for the salad and then dump it all into a large metal bowl. Once in the bowl they take a curved knife known as a Ula knife and they chop the salad up into bite sized pieces. This means you don’t need a knife and it makes the salad so much easier to eat.

I have had the grain bowl as well and found that just as delicious as the salad. Diced believes in sourcing as much as it can locally.  The chicken used is cooked daily. Diced provides organic, grass-fed filet and antibiotic free chicken. They provide the freshest possible ingredients, so you get the finest possible food for your body.  You can’t go wrong no matter what you order.

You must try

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to fast food, then you need to try Diced Gourmet Salads and Wraps. It is a great alternative for those of us who are health conscious.

Rate this restaurant if you go there

New York City Delights

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Dallas BBQ

  

As an individual who visits New York occasionally, they have many restaurants for their tourists and people who live there. I would like to share my experiences at these restaurants I’ve dined at previously.

Dallas Barbecue

Dallas BBQ
Dallas BBQ Jamaica, Queens Source: Wikimedia Commons

Dallas Barbecue is an establishment located in Times Square, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Chelsea, East Village, Jamaica, Upper East Side, Washington Heights, and Rego Park in New York.

While visiting New York, I’ve dined at Dallas Barbecue in  Times Square and East Village.

This restaurant is a popular hang out for people who regularly visit New York City. The dining environment has a sophisticated and relaxing setting for people who like to socially interact. They offer online ordering, catering, dining, take out and group parties for their customers. Their menu has a variety of tasty food selections available to the public.

Dallas BBQ – BBQ Ribs & Chicken Combo Source: Wikimedia Commons

According to the menu, they have Jumbo Shrimp, Fried and Sticky Tenders, Shrimp and Wings Combo, Crab Cakes, Garden Salad, Caesar Salad, Spinach Salad, Homemade Coleslaw, Steamed Veggie plate, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Texas Crispy Wings, Hot Wings, Honey Basted Sticky Wings, Chili, Chicken Soup, Barbecued Brisket, Beef Ribs, Pulled Pork, Chicken and Hot Dogs.

I recall going to the Dallas Barbecue restaurant with my sister and her friends. I ordered the Honey Basted Sticky Wings which was one of my favorite items on the menu. The wings were fried and coated with a honey Barbecue sauce with an amazing taste. It surprised me when I saw the portion size of my food order.

Dallas Barbecue has a wonderful frozen drink menu to quench your thirst. They serve Pina Coladas, Margaritas, Daiquiris, Pine Apple Crush Virgin Pins Coladas, and Virgin Daiquiris. There are a variety of flavors such as Strawberry, Wild Berry, Peach, Raspberry Mango, Tangerine, Blue Hawaii, and Blue Bull.

My drink had real strawberries not the artificial strawberry taste. The strawberry daiquiri was the best I’ve ever had.

The Times Square restaurant is located 241 West 42nd Street, 7th and 8th Avenue, New York, New York 10036.

The East Village location is 132 Second Avenue, St. Mark’s Place, New York, New York 10003.

Famous Amadeus Pizza Restaurant.

In the summer of 2011, I visited a pizzeria called the Famous Amadeus Pizza Restaurant.

I ordered 2 Sausage Slices with a pink lemonade. The pizza was delicious from the sauce to the crust, it was everything I dreamed of. This restaurant had a cozy and hospitable vibe when you dine in.

The menu consists of Heroes, Wraps, Panini, Baked Dishes, Salads, Italian Dinners, Appetizers, Calzones, Rolls, and their famous New York Style Pizza.

The Heroes, Wraps, and Panini are available with Grllled, Crispy chicken, Buffalo chicken, Cajun chicken, Ham, Italian, Turkey Breast, Turkey Club, and Tuna. The Baked Pasta Dishes such as Ziti, Spinach Ravioli, Lasagna, Stuffed Shells, Spaghetti, and Manicotti are available.

Salads such as the House Salad, Caesar Salad, and Greek Salad with grilled or crispy chicken is a great option. Italian dinners are available with Grilled, Crispy Chicken Parmigiana, Penned with Alfredo Sauce, Veal and Shrimp Parmigiana. The Appitizers listed on the menu are Garlic Knots, Beef Patties, Mozzarella Sticks, Garlic Bread, Pizza Fries, Garlic Shrimp, and Fried Calamari.

Calzones and Rolls have a variety of toppings such as Classic, Pepperoni, Ham, Chicken, Broccoli, Meatball, and Sausage with Peppers. Their famous New York Style Pizzas are available with toppings such as Cheese, Margarita, Sicilian, Meatlovers, Hawaiian, and Buffalo Chicken.

The Famous Amadeus Pizza Restaurant is located 408 8th Avenue, New York, New York 10001.

In December 2018, I went to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree for the first time.

Bill’s Burger Bar

I had dinner at a restaurant called Bill’s Burger Bar. I ordered Buffalo Wings with French fries and lemonade. The atmosphere of the restaurant was mellow and laid-back.

It’s a great place to be with friends during the Christmas Holiday to see the store front displays. This restaurant is located 16 West, 51st Street, 5th Avenue, New York, New York.

The menu consists of Chips and Qeso, Guacamole, Artichoke Dip, Loaded Nachos, and Junk Fries. A soup menu with three flavors such as Clam Chowder, Smoked Bacon Chili, and Pepperoni Pizza Soup. The Burgers and Non-Burgers menu has the Bill Burger Mini Burgers, Grilled Shrimp Burger, Ultimate Cheeseburger and Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

Their milk shake menu has flavors such as Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies and Dream, Campfire, and Not So Thin Mint.

The restaurant has excellent service with polite waiters and waitresses.

If you’re interested in these restaurants in the New York area, check it out for yourself!

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