I had lunch at a restaurant today (we'll call it Restaurant X). I ordered Greek saganaki as an appetizer, because I've been craving it since I was in Norfolk over the Christmas holiday (I didn't get a chance to visit my beloved Orapax for my usual saganaki fix.) What arrived at my table was a culinary catastrophe: the greasiest, saddest lump of low quality cheese I've ever seen. The saganaki looked like someone fished a hunk of cheese from the bottom of a deep fryer. I had two tiny bites and couldn't eat more. It was just a mouthful of oil. Gross. This was nothing like the hot, delicious saganaki I eat at Orapax, which is set aflame table side and extinguished with fresh squeezed lemon.
Restaurant X took the appetizer off my bill, which I appreciated. But I will never order saganaki from them again. I'm going to stick with Orapax when I want freshly prepared saganaki. Substitutions = no dice, buddy.
Showing posts with label Virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virginia. Show all posts
Friday, February 01, 2013
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Harry & David: Raspberry Chardonnay Salsa
"...This distinctive blend pairs sweet fresh raspberries, peppers and spices with a splash of Chardonnay..."
This was bought during my trip to MacArthur Mall. The ingredients in this salsa included tomatoes, raspberries, onions, green chilies, Chardonnay wine and jalapenos. It was slightly sweeter than other salsas, but in a good way. The raspberry flavor was more noticeable in the aftertaste than in the first bite. I liked the heat of this spicy, chunky salsa.
This was bought during my trip to MacArthur Mall. The ingredients in this salsa included tomatoes, raspberries, onions, green chilies, Chardonnay wine and jalapenos. It was slightly sweeter than other salsas, but in a good way. The raspberry flavor was more noticeable in the aftertaste than in the first bite. I liked the heat of this spicy, chunky salsa.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Williamsburg Pottery Factory, Lightfoot, Virginia
Williamsburg Pottery Factory
Route 60 West
Lightfoot, Virginia 23188
(757) 564-3326
Today the AMW family went to the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. My sister and I noticed a sign across from their building #22 that said "Home Care, Hardware, Wine and Cheese." It sounded like an odd combination, but what the heck. I love cheese, so how could I resist exploring ?
The first things we saw were aisles of pet care supplies. But then I noticed a doorway just past that with grocery displays. It turned out to be a big gourmet grocery, with a wine store in the back. Yay! I think there was also a bakery or a deli counter, but I don't remember which one it was.
Here's what I picked out after wandering a bit:
Flathau's Gourmet Cookies: Key Lime Snaps
For some reason, I expected a crisp, waffle-print cookie with a tart key lime taste. That's just what pops into my head when I hear "key lime snaps." What I expected and what was in the box were two different things.
The snaps were shaped like flattened tubes. They were covered in buttery powdered sugar and tiny green flecks. The center of the cookies looked like crushed graham crackers. Apparently those were shortbread cookies.
The cookies had a rather dry taste. There was only a tiny lime flavor present; the package listed "lime candies" as an ingredient. I do not like that. It's a peeve of mine that Persian limes (and even lemons!) are used on products labeled as key lime. Those are not the same flavors.
Thumbs down for Flathau's Gourmet Cookies: Key Lime Snaps.
Hachez: Cocoa D'Arriba: Blackberry and Cocoa Nibs, 77% Cacao
I had high hopes for this bar. My thinking was "I love blackberries. I love chocolate. They must be good mixed together."
When I unwrapped the bar, I was hit with a thick, artificial blackberry scent. There were cocoa nibs and little bits of blackberries mixed in with the chocolate. The dark chocolate was horribly bitter, to the point of being unenjoyable. The blackberry taste started out as a funky wine flavor and then blackberry flavored cough syrup. Eating just that one tiny square was disgusting : P
Thumbs down for Hachez Blackberry & Cocoa Nibs.
Route 60 West
Lightfoot, Virginia 23188
(757) 564-3326
Today the AMW family went to the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. My sister and I noticed a sign across from their building #22 that said "Home Care, Hardware, Wine and Cheese." It sounded like an odd combination, but what the heck. I love cheese, so how could I resist exploring ?
The first things we saw were aisles of pet care supplies. But then I noticed a doorway just past that with grocery displays. It turned out to be a big gourmet grocery, with a wine store in the back. Yay! I think there was also a bakery or a deli counter, but I don't remember which one it was.
Here's what I picked out after wandering a bit:
For some reason, I expected a crisp, waffle-print cookie with a tart key lime taste. That's just what pops into my head when I hear "key lime snaps." What I expected and what was in the box were two different things.
The snaps were shaped like flattened tubes. They were covered in buttery powdered sugar and tiny green flecks. The center of the cookies looked like crushed graham crackers. Apparently those were shortbread cookies.
The cookies had a rather dry taste. There was only a tiny lime flavor present; the package listed "lime candies" as an ingredient. I do not like that. It's a peeve of mine that Persian limes (and even lemons!) are used on products labeled as key lime. Those are not the same flavors.
Thumbs down for Flathau's Gourmet Cookies: Key Lime Snaps.
I had high hopes for this bar. My thinking was "I love blackberries. I love chocolate. They must be good mixed together."
When I unwrapped the bar, I was hit with a thick, artificial blackberry scent. There were cocoa nibs and little bits of blackberries mixed in with the chocolate. The dark chocolate was horribly bitter, to the point of being unenjoyable. The blackberry taste started out as a funky wine flavor and then blackberry flavored cough syrup. Eating just that one tiny square was disgusting : P
Thumbs down for Hachez Blackberry & Cocoa Nibs.
Lindt Peach-Apricot Yogurt Bar
Lindt Chocolate
MacArthur Center
300 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 627-5900
"Enjoy this delicious new combination! Milk chocolate taste complemented by a delectable peach apricot yogurt filling"
"With fruity flavorful peaches"
Before the cheesecake debacle at MacArthur Mall, my sisters and I had visited the Lindt Chocolate store. The woman behind the counter was giving out free samples. I received my sample just as the other two were biting into the chocolate. They both made a face, but I chalked it up to them not trying chocolate covered apricots before. That's what I thought I was receiving, since it was a milk chocolate square with a bump on top.
The filling was white, solid and had pale peach colored specks. After taking a bite, I said "This is good. I don't know why you...Never mind. Yuck. Napkin please." The peach-apricot Lindt had way more sweetness than I could stand.
I would never eat a Lindt Peach-Apricot Yogurt Bar again. Yuck. If you're interested in trying them, I don't see a listing on Lindt's USA site.
*ETA:SugarHog gave the peach-apricot Lindt a good review
**1/25/13: SugarHog's site no longer exists
MacArthur Center
300 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 627-5900
"Enjoy this delicious new combination! Milk chocolate taste complemented by a delectable peach apricot yogurt filling"
"With fruity flavorful peaches"
Before the cheesecake debacle at MacArthur Mall, my sisters and I had visited the Lindt Chocolate store. The woman behind the counter was giving out free samples. I received my sample just as the other two were biting into the chocolate. They both made a face, but I chalked it up to them not trying chocolate covered apricots before. That's what I thought I was receiving, since it was a milk chocolate square with a bump on top.
The filling was white, solid and had pale peach colored specks. After taking a bite, I said "This is good. I don't know why you...Never mind. Yuck. Napkin please." The peach-apricot Lindt had way more sweetness than I could stand.
I would never eat a Lindt Peach-Apricot Yogurt Bar again. Yuck. If you're interested in trying them, I don't see a listing on Lindt's USA site.
*ETA:SugarHog gave the peach-apricot Lindt a good review
**1/25/13: SugarHog's site no longer exists
Heavenly Sweets 'N' Things: Portsmouth, VA
I need help from my Hampton Roads readers. I saw a beige-ish truck in Portsmouth today that said "Heavenly Sweets 'N' Things", with "Snacks To Go" below that. I would like to know if it's a wholesale business, a bakery or something else. I didn't see a phone number or address on the truck. Any help is appreciated!
Cheesecake Factory, Norfolk, Virginia
The Cheesecake Factory
MacArthur Center
300 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757)628-9260
Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake
"Our Original Cheesecake, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Butterfinger. Baked in a Chocolate Crust and topped with even more Reese’s and Butterfinger and finished with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Rosettes"
My sisters and I went after Christmas shopping at MacArthur Mall yesterday. We decided to stop at The Cheesecake Factory for a pre-movie snack. I blame the fact that I hadn't eaten since 9 PM the night before for picking the peanut butter cheesecake. It looked so delicious in the glass case, with rosettes of frosting and a chocolate crust. All I thought was "Ooh, I love peanut butter, cheesecake and chocolate. Let's have 'em all together!"
The first bite I had was raw, gooey peanut butter. Bleh. I don't want plain peanut butter in my cheesecake. Then I tasted Butterfingers, Reese's and something else. I tried one more tiny bite and gave up. There were too many flavors in one piece of cheesecake.
I was annoyed about feeling hungry and having that awful peanut butter taste in my mouth. And that Cheesecake Factory was not serving sandwiches or salads that day. So the three of us tromped around the mall, found every single restaurant stand packed and ended up wolfing down a Mrs. Field's Cookie Sandwich, a pretzel dog and a giant Coke on the lower level.
Thumbs down for Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake.
MacArthur Center
300 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757)628-9260
Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake
"Our Original Cheesecake, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Butterfinger. Baked in a Chocolate Crust and topped with even more Reese’s and Butterfinger and finished with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Rosettes"
My sisters and I went after Christmas shopping at MacArthur Mall yesterday. We decided to stop at The Cheesecake Factory for a pre-movie snack. I blame the fact that I hadn't eaten since 9 PM the night before for picking the peanut butter cheesecake. It looked so delicious in the glass case, with rosettes of frosting and a chocolate crust. All I thought was "Ooh, I love peanut butter, cheesecake and chocolate. Let's have 'em all together!"
The first bite I had was raw, gooey peanut butter. Bleh. I don't want plain peanut butter in my cheesecake. Then I tasted Butterfingers, Reese's and something else. I tried one more tiny bite and gave up. There were too many flavors in one piece of cheesecake.
I was annoyed about feeling hungry and having that awful peanut butter taste in my mouth. And that Cheesecake Factory was not serving sandwiches or salads that day. So the three of us tromped around the mall, found every single restaurant stand packed and ended up wolfing down a Mrs. Field's Cookie Sandwich, a pretzel dog and a giant Coke on the lower level.
Thumbs down for Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Bier Garden, Portsmouth, Virginia
The Bier Garden
438 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
Phone: 757-393-6022
Fax: 757-393-6021
On a recent afternoon, the AMW family headed to downtown Portsmouth for lunch. A few choices were debated until the Bier Garden's German fare was chosen.
The Bier Garden has a down to earth, welcoming entrance. There are three seating areas: outdoors, a heated area surrounded by a tent and indoor seating. The indoor seating, which is where we ate, had old wooden floors, wooden hutches, brick walls, a shelf of beer steins and various signs (old sayings, beer ads, etc).
The wait for a table was very short. We were offered a seat in the tented area until a table was vacated. Our drinks were brought while we waited. Our meal order was also taken at that time.
Once a table was available, we were moved to the indoor area. Here's what the AMW family thought of the meal:
Crusty white rolls and butter
The rolls were hot, warm and fresh.
Goulash Soup: Hungarian Beef Soup
Two people had this soup. The broth had a nice tomatoey flavor. There was plenty of tender beef in both bowls. However, only one person had vegetables in their soup.
Lentil Soup: Lentils, Carrots, Celery
The lentil soup was served in a glass mug. It was brown, thick and peppery. This soup was perfect on a chilly day.
Potato Soup
This soup was highly recommended to us by various people. However, it was not available that day.
Brotzeit Teller: Appetizer plate of bread, German meats and cheeses
The Brotzeit Teller was very large. It consisted of gelbwurst, bloodwurst,ham, turkey, salami, bologna, 2 spreads, Swiss, cheddar, tomato, onions, lettuce and 4 triangles of marbled bread on a wooden board.
The bread was soft and delicious. I was pleased with the amount of cheese.
The amount of meat was enough for several people. I didn't care for the bloodwurst and gelbwurst. Both had a jellied, overly soft taste. I liked the other meats, though.
I'm not sure what the two spreads were. One was orange, with a tomato flavor. It was delicious on the marbled bread. The second spread had the color and flavor of mushy, uncooked hot dogs. I did not care for it.
Over all, the AMW family was pleased with the Bier Garden. The decor was cozy. The servers were friendly and brought the food in a timely manner. The food itself was hearty and filling. A return trip is definitely in order.
438 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
Phone: 757-393-6022
Fax: 757-393-6021
On a recent afternoon, the AMW family headed to downtown Portsmouth for lunch. A few choices were debated until the Bier Garden's German fare was chosen.
The Bier Garden has a down to earth, welcoming entrance. There are three seating areas: outdoors, a heated area surrounded by a tent and indoor seating. The indoor seating, which is where we ate, had old wooden floors, wooden hutches, brick walls, a shelf of beer steins and various signs (old sayings, beer ads, etc).
The wait for a table was very short. We were offered a seat in the tented area until a table was vacated. Our drinks were brought while we waited. Our meal order was also taken at that time.
Once a table was available, we were moved to the indoor area. Here's what the AMW family thought of the meal:
Crusty white rolls and butter
The rolls were hot, warm and fresh.
Goulash Soup: Hungarian Beef Soup
Two people had this soup. The broth had a nice tomatoey flavor. There was plenty of tender beef in both bowls. However, only one person had vegetables in their soup.
Lentil Soup: Lentils, Carrots, Celery
The lentil soup was served in a glass mug. It was brown, thick and peppery. This soup was perfect on a chilly day.
Potato Soup
This soup was highly recommended to us by various people. However, it was not available that day.
Brotzeit Teller: Appetizer plate of bread, German meats and cheeses
The Brotzeit Teller was very large. It consisted of gelbwurst, bloodwurst,ham, turkey, salami, bologna, 2 spreads, Swiss, cheddar, tomato, onions, lettuce and 4 triangles of marbled bread on a wooden board.
The bread was soft and delicious. I was pleased with the amount of cheese.
The amount of meat was enough for several people. I didn't care for the bloodwurst and gelbwurst. Both had a jellied, overly soft taste. I liked the other meats, though.
I'm not sure what the two spreads were. One was orange, with a tomato flavor. It was delicious on the marbled bread. The second spread had the color and flavor of mushy, uncooked hot dogs. I did not care for it.
Over all, the AMW family was pleased with the Bier Garden. The decor was cozy. The servers were friendly and brought the food in a timely manner. The food itself was hearty and filling. A return trip is definitely in order.
Godiva Chocoiste Pearls
Two more purchases from Norfolk International Airport:
Godiva Chocoiste: Milk Chocolate Pearls With Caffe Latte
"Solid Milk Chocolates Flavored With Caffe Latte"
I love the metal tin the Pearls come in. It's gold colored, with a silver border and images of coffee beans. Too cute!
The candies had a delicious coffee and chocolate smell. The taste of each tiny chocolate ball was equally mouth-watering. I loved the sweet, milky flavor. I'll definitely keep some of these in my purse for snacking.
Godiva Chocoiste: Dark Chocolate Pearls With Mandarin Orange
"Dark Chocolate Pearls With Mandarin Orange"
The dark chocolate Pearls have a chic, brown tin with an orange border and orange swirls.
The richness and bitterness of the dark chocolate was perfect. I didn't care for the orange flavor, though. The chocolate and orange flavors clashed terribly. I won't buy this variety again.
Godiva Chocoiste: Milk Chocolate Pearls With Caffe Latte
"Solid Milk Chocolates Flavored With Caffe Latte"
I love the metal tin the Pearls come in. It's gold colored, with a silver border and images of coffee beans. Too cute!
The candies had a delicious coffee and chocolate smell. The taste of each tiny chocolate ball was equally mouth-watering. I loved the sweet, milky flavor. I'll definitely keep some of these in my purse for snacking.
Godiva Chocoiste: Dark Chocolate Pearls With Mandarin Orange
"Dark Chocolate Pearls With Mandarin Orange"
The dark chocolate Pearls have a chic, brown tin with an orange border and orange swirls.
The richness and bitterness of the dark chocolate was perfect. I didn't care for the orange flavor, though. The chocolate and orange flavors clashed terribly. I won't buy this variety again.
Welch's Blueberry Fruit 'N Yogurt Snacks
Tonight I purchased Welch's Fruit 'N Yogurt Snacks at Norfolk International Airport. The package shows clusters of plump blueberries and yogurt clusters. The label promises "Delicious Fruit Centers Surrounded by Creamy Yogurt."
The yogurt coating was decent. It wasn't overly sweet.
Beneath the white yogurt was a brown, crumbly layer. I have no idea what it was made of.
Under the brown layer was a purple, gummy lump. I thought it had a sickly sweet grape taste. I didn't notice any blueberry flavor. The ingredient list gave me an explanation: "...Fruit Puree (Grape, Apple, Blueberry), Juice Concentrates (Grape and Pineapple)..."
Thumbs down for Welch's Blueberry Fruit 'N Yogurt Snacks.
The yogurt coating was decent. It wasn't overly sweet.
Beneath the white yogurt was a brown, crumbly layer. I have no idea what it was made of.
Under the brown layer was a purple, gummy lump. I thought it had a sickly sweet grape taste. I didn't notice any blueberry flavor. The ingredient list gave me an explanation: "...Fruit Puree (Grape, Apple, Blueberry), Juice Concentrates (Grape and Pineapple)..."
Thumbs down for Welch's Blueberry Fruit 'N Yogurt Snacks.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Carousel Cakes: New York Cheesecake
Carousel Cakes
5 Seeger Drive
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-627-2323
Fax: 845-627-0258
I recently sampled a New York Style Cream Cheesecake from Carousel Cakes. I had previously heard about Carousel Cakes on a wedding message board, but hadn't tried their cakes yet.
I was very pleased with the cheesecake ! It was creamy and delicious. I liked that the cheesecake had a thin bottom layer of white cake instead of the usual graham cracker crust. That really allowed the flavor of the cheesecake to stand out on it's own.
My mother and father loved the cheesecake. My mother's immediate reaction was to say "Come here ! You have got to try this !" [I think I know what they'll order for my birthday : D ] I also shared some of Carousel Cakes' cheesecake with a friend. He is originally from New York and gave the cake a big thumbs up ! I would recommend you all try some for yourself. I'd offer you some of my cheesecake, but most of it is gone already : D
Here are my parents' reviews:
5 Seeger Drive
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-627-2323
Fax: 845-627-0258
I recently sampled a New York Style Cream Cheesecake from Carousel Cakes. I had previously heard about Carousel Cakes on a wedding message board, but hadn't tried their cakes yet.
I was very pleased with the cheesecake ! It was creamy and delicious. I liked that the cheesecake had a thin bottom layer of white cake instead of the usual graham cracker crust. That really allowed the flavor of the cheesecake to stand out on it's own.
My mother and father loved the cheesecake. My mother's immediate reaction was to say "Come here ! You have got to try this !" [I think I know what they'll order for my birthday : D ] I also shared some of Carousel Cakes' cheesecake with a friend. He is originally from New York and gave the cake a big thumbs up ! I would recommend you all try some for yourself. I'd offer you some of my cheesecake, but most of it is gone already : D
Here are my parents' reviews:
"This tastes good ! It's creamy, a little lemony...."
"Dear Megan: I was very impressed with the slice of cheesecake you shared with me. Years ago,before you were born,there was a NY style deli in Va Beach that was very well known for their cheesecake. This cheesecake brings back fond memories of that cheesecake. I loved the texture.Very creamy and not too sweet. I'm not a fan of cheesecakes that have a lot of crust on it. I loved the fact that there was little crust to this cheesecake. I would not hesitate to order from this company,not only because of the unique quality of their cheesecake,but also because of the packaging it arrived in. I liked the multiple layers of Styrofoam they used to send it. That tells me they know they have a quality package and want their product to arrive in the best possible shape."
Friday, May 30, 2008
Virginia Ham Biscuits
2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 Tbsp shortening
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup ground Virginia Ham
Note: I left out the Virginia Ham. I added 2 oz crumbled garlic feta, 2 oz shredded Colby and 1 egg. Instead of making individual rolls, I oiled and floured a loaf pan; then I made 1/8 cup balls of the dough and pressed them into the pan. I brushed the top with melted butter 5 minutes before the loaf was finished. This bread smelled
amazing : D
Sift flour and baking powder. Mix with salt and ham. Cut in shortening with a knife until all is consistency of meal. Add milk. Handle as little as possible. Pat out with hands or roll on floured board. Cut out. Bake in hot oven till brown.
Credit: From Williamsburg Kitchens, 1968, Tory Hill Press
4 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 Tbsp shortening
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup ground Virginia Ham
Note: I left out the Virginia Ham. I added 2 oz crumbled garlic feta, 2 oz shredded Colby and 1 egg. Instead of making individual rolls, I oiled and floured a loaf pan; then I made 1/8 cup balls of the dough and pressed them into the pan. I brushed the top with melted butter 5 minutes before the loaf was finished. This bread smelled
amazing : D
Sift flour and baking powder. Mix with salt and ham. Cut in shortening with a knife until all is consistency of meal. Add milk. Handle as little as possible. Pat out with hands or roll on floured board. Cut out. Bake in hot oven till brown.
Credit: From Williamsburg Kitchens, 1968, Tory Hill Press
