ooh la la!

I love when I stumble across something by accident and then completely fall in love with it. Case in point, when I stumbled across Bakery of France last week.  Totally meant to grab a quick lunch from Quiznos, it happened to be closed, but the lovely french bakery next door was very much open. Upon entry, it looks and smells like everything a french bistro should. I decided to enjoy one of my favorite french staples, A Croque Monsieur- a grilled ham & Gruyere sandwich, coated in béchamel sauce.

Served with a lovely house salad on the side, the perfect combination of sweet, salty, soft and crunchy.

Of course I cannot get anywhere near a french bakery without getting one of my other favorites...a Chocolate Croissant!

Flaky, buttery, delicious, and the perfect amount of chocolate 

As I was getting ready to leave, I asked why no crepes on the menu? I was informed that indeed they do have them, and there were some being made right now...by an adorable little French woman who spoke to me in French (and had to be translated, since I have forgotten ALL of my 3 years of high school French!).

Enough said! I will definitely be returning! With the great service, delicious food, and very good prices, I say go visit now! Allez!

Tailgate, take three

What do you get when you mix a high energy atmosphere, a warm, sunny afternoon and a grill? Answer: Total happiness! And we're not talking burgers and dogs here people! I'm talking Italian sausage with peppers and onions!

Wanna know what's inside that foil packet???

Again, my SIL spoiled us! She pre-chopped the onions and peppers in 4, yes FOUR colors for us! I don't know what I did to deserve this, but I sure enjoyed it!

Add a soft roll and I'm in heaven!

I wish I could say the outcome of the game made me happy, but at least the food was good!  

Bang Bang, Love Love!

Today I tried out another copycat recipe from Food Network Magazine; the Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill.  For those not in the know, Bang Bang is a crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy sauce that is so addictive! I served up a few batches today to a group that has never had it before, and the consensus was..."delicious", "winner, winner chicken dinner", and "can I have that recipe?" Just check out this plate of addictive deliciousness:

For those who do not like the heat, I even made a batch without the sauce.....still delicious!

If you can't make it to Bang Bang Wednesday's at Bonefish Grill, the definitely try this recipe for yourself...you'll be glad you did. (And so will your friends!!) :)

Crazy for Cantina!

Thanks to my friends at Flavor Palm Beach, I enjoyed at trip to Cantina Laredo last night, and my mouth has not stopped watering since! I admit I kinda had my feel of Mexican food living in Los Angeles, but last night I realized what I have been missing, and I remembered what good Mexican  really tastes like. Cantina Laredo is just one of the many great restaurants participating in this year's Flavor Palm Beach, and their special tasting menu is quite Divine. Not to mention the lively atmosphere, the great service and the great deals on the tasting menu.

Of course we first started off with the table maid Guacamole:

And a tasty beverage...FYI they have a great happy hour! :)

Then we started off on the tasting menu:

First Course:

Ceviche

Cranberry Pecan Salad

Second Course:

Fish of the Day: Salmon

THE.BEST.CARNITAS. I.HAVE.EVER.HAD!

Third Course:

Banana Crepes

Mouth watering yet? Seriously the best carnitas I have ever had. Not just fall off the bone, JUMP off the bone they are so tender! Cover them in a chipotle wine sauce and I am in heaven! Don't believe me? I dare you to go try some for yourself! But hurry, Flavor Palm Beach ends September 30th!

Copy this!

Ever wanted something from your favorite restaurant but were too lazy or too far away to go get it? Well thanks to the Internet and Food Network Magazine, it is now easy to get all of your favorites in the comfort of your own home (or your sister's home in my case!). This week I tried the Bloomin Onion from Outback Steakhouse. Pretty labor intensive, but tasted exactly like the real thing...even if it didn't like exactly like it...

Don't ask why I made 3, because we only ate about this much, but I can tell you
Crunchy + Sweet + Spicy + Salty = Dah-lish-us!
As my girl Sunny Anderson says, You gotta give this recipe a try!  

Hungry for Howleys!

Somehow when you go to a local food institution, you know that the food is just going to be good. I mean, if they have been around for so long, they have to be good, right?! Well, that theory is certainly true for Howley's, a local institution here in West Palm Beach. I had the pleasure of going there the other night, and I have a feeling I am going to be a regular there now!

The building is bright and lively with funky artwork all over, but still has that diner-feel... you know, where the food is just good! The menu is quite extensive, the service was friendly (just don't go there if you are in a hurry), prices are average, dress code casual,and did I mention the food was good? Classic comfort food, and definitely something for everyone. They are known for their crab cakes and their meatloaf, but sadly no one in my group sampled either of those.  Here is was we did sample:

 "Almost Famous" Brisket. (fall off the bone delicious!)

Honey Glazed Short Ribs served with perfect mashed potatoes and veggies sauteed in so much garlic you will remember them the next day, in a good way!

Shrimp Salad Sandwich (could have used more shrimp)

And For Dessert:

Cobbler of the Day: Peach. Look at the size of that thing!

Banana Banana Cream Pie (so good that they had to say it twice!)

Cinnamon Walnut Cake (so simple, so delicious)

We all left very full and very happy. All in all quite delighted in my first trip to Howley's, and I will definitely be returning soon!

Five Guys, 5 stars!

So you may remember me waxing on about In-n-Out here or here, well, rest assured, I will not be longing for Double Doubles any longer. Why you ask? Because I have found a new love, thank you very much. I have heard about the place that would give my double double a run for it's money, but it wasn't until I just read in the 2010 Zagat Survey that the new number one Burger Joint was Five Guys, did I really decide I had to try it. I did research, polled friends and family, and made a date to try it out. Que the fuzzy vision and the "Where have you been all my life" music...I am in LOVE! The simple concept is refreshing, the staff friendly, the prices reasonable, and the food, well, just LOOK at this deliciousness:

Huge portions, simple presentation, and tasty fries!

I had the cheeseburger (equivalent of a double double)  and get this, you choose your own toppings! I got mine with mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, ketchup and mustard.

Perfectly seasoned, hot, fresh, juicy and made just for me!

Matt got sauteed mushrooms and A1 sauce:

Why is it so much more fun when you can custom create your food??

Anyways, as I said before, I am in love. I will always have a place in my heart for In-n-Out, but Five Guys is here, and here to stay. Case in point, my first visit was Sunday, and I went back for more on Tuesday!

This could be dangerous!

XOXO,

Heather