A Change of Eatery

Taking a short hiatus from blogging for the next 2 weeks, due to a lack of internet availability and- more imporantly, to enjoy a much needed vacation.

Here’s where I’ll be:

Southern Thai Beaches

Angkor Wat

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Among other fabulous destinations.

And here’s what I’ll be eating…I hope.

No clue what this is. Stole from Google Images. Delish

Ok, so even though I know next to nothing about Thai and Khmer cuisine (though I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve tried), there is hope for me yet. I’m planning to take a Thai cooking class with my sisters in Bangkok or Chiang Mai- and hopefully a Khmer cooking class in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

I will share my knowledge when I return- and possibly cook for you if I like you.

Have a good two weeks (and fourth of July weekend) everyone!

Today I experienced death by chocolate. It was exactly as dramatic as it sounds.

Sugar high…check.

Imminent food coma…check.

Yet, somehow, the massive slab of cake I devoured kept my spirits high until (and far beyond) the end of the workday. Even the usual need-a-Starbucks-run afternoon slump wasn’t so bad.

I’ll back up.

It all started this morning when I came into the office and saw a mysterious post-it note:

On our trip to the kitchen, suspense continued to build until we discovered a massive box in the fridge…

The (surprisingly heavy) box contained the most beautiful chocolate cake we had ever seen.

Here’s what happened. A few weeks ago, fellow CONNSTEP-er Tom told me about a magical place called Gregg’s Restaurant in Warwick, RI which has a ridiculously delicious “Death By Chocolate” cake- since he was in Rhode Island yesterday, he picked up one of these treats for the office. Not sure if he had any idea how excited we’d be. And ohhhh, what cheer. It just so happened that it was my coworker Cindy’s bday so we celebrated like happy children at a birthday party.

Regretfully, I don’t have a picture of the full cake (in all its glory) to show you, but here’s a shot of mypiece before I dug in. Six layers. SIX layers. And the entire cake was covered in chocolate chips. The. Entire. Cake. My coworkers were extremely patient with my disbelief (thanks guys).

So. There are 2 things I have to say.

1. Gregg’s Restaurant needs to open a location in CT. Sooner than later. Preferably Hartford county, but I will travel. I like to think I’d try other cakes but I make no promises.

&

2. Thanks Tom! You made one office very happy.

———

http://www.greggsusa.com/

Turtle Sundae

I don’t know how I ultimately feel about Guido’s. The atmosphere is kind of fun…but it freaks me out a little bit. Plastic flamingos and  waitresses on wheels may have something to do with that.

Quick & important post:

When: June 18th (tomorrow) 4pm – 7pm

Where: West End Farmers’ Market: corner of Farmington Ave and South Whitney Street at United Methodist Church

Details: Annual Strawberry Shortcake Festival! Held by the West End Farmers’ Market. Delicious local produce, plus a free dessert when you stop by the market. Live music will be provided by classical guitarist and banjo player, Francesco Barone

Learn more about the West End Farmers’ Market here.

That’s all. Luckily, that’s enough :)

The Wood-n-Tap recently came out with a new seaside-inspired “Tap Into the Sea” menu with signature summer dishes to make the warm weather even more inviting. Doesn’t hurt that the restaurant (at least the 3 locations I’ve been to) has a wonderful patio area to enhance scrumptious outdoor dining. I haven’t tried any of the new menu items but I’ll highlight a few dishes that made it to the ”must eat” section of my summer list of demands:

• Soft Shell Crab Sandwich: Lightly fried and served on a toasted roll with lettuce, tomatoes and pickled Bermuda onions. Served with a lemon aioli. 12.99
• Chopped Shrimp Waldorf Salad: Chopped greens, celery, crisp apples, candied walnuts & red grapes with poached shrimp tossed in a traditional waldorf dressing. 11.99
• Island Shrimp: Caribbean seasoned skewered shrimp served over a bed of rice with asparagus & drawn butter. 14.99
• Crab Stuffed Filet of Sole: Tender sole filet stuffed with crab, baked in a wine butter, topped with béarnaise sauce. Served with grilled asparagus & rice medley. 16.29

…Not to mention a beautiful summer cocktail selection (rose sangria, blueberry sangria lemonade, clementine crush, cherry cosmo, 7 flavors of hard lemonade, etc).

I’m a fan of the restaurant’s burgers and sliders, but the last few times I’ve been to the Tap, I’ve chosen to order the Cobb Salad instead. As far as I’m concerned, Cobb Salads can either be remarkably delicious or disappointingly mediocre (Like Catsup & Mustard…I’ll stick with burgers there). Wood-n-Tap serves the best California Cobb Salad I’ve ever had. I know- it’s not the hardest concoction to throw together, but good ingredient proportions are a must (for me- that usually means enough bacon).

It’s everything I want to eat in the summer on one plate.

Image from Wood-n-Tap

California Cobb Salad: Fresh greens with red onions, black olives, tomatoes, croutons, avocado, bacon and chopped egg. Topped with jack and cheddar cheese and crispy chicken. And ranch dressing (my choice). 10.99

Also enjoyed the cheesecake during my last visit. Great flavor but I caught the occasional suspicious lump of cream cheese. Oh well, still enjoyable.

The Wood-n-Tap has 5 locations in  Hartford, Southington, Farmington, Rocky Hill and Vernon.

I haven’t really done justice to the restaurant’s extensive menu in this post so I encourage you to check out their website to scope out the variety of burgers, bar bites, apps, pizza, pasta, grilled entrees, gluten free options & more.

I recently had an extremely important bonding moment with my friend Nick after realizing we’re in love with the same sandwich.

The very SAME sandwich! What could be more shocking and exciting?!

It’s called the Basilico and it’s the tastiest, messiest, most delectable creation to ever grace my taste buds. Ok- possibly a more dramatic illustration than necessary….but just know that this sandwich is pretty damn good.

Here’s why:

Grilled balsamic chicken breast, oven roasted tomatoes, sharp Italian provolone, and lettuce served on focaccia brushed with sweet basil pesto…

In all its glory

Where can you find this delight, you ask? Pazzo’s Italian Cafe in Glastonbury and Rocky Hill. I’ve been to the Rocky Hill location (or ordered from it) several times and just recently visited Glastonbury’s cafe with some friends. As a result of my Basilico inspired enthusiasm (with Nick’s help, obviously), 3/4 of us opted for the same sandwich. Which just means to say that we convinced Kim to hop on board.

eating outside at Pazzo Glastonbury location

The trouble with Pazzo is that I’m so stuck on this one sandwich that I don’t think I’ll ever chance ordering anything else. And everything looks alarmingly good. The lunch menu offers tons of savory Italian paninis ($7 – $10), a lovely appetizer list (classic faves including caprese, smoked mozz bruschetta, antipasto, etc) long list of pasta options ($7-$12)– and more. I’m fine being stuck in my ways for now- but if you happen to check out Pazzo any time soon, let me know what else you’d recommend!

This is my next Pazzo challenge- just in time for summer:

Locations, menus, directions, contact info available on Pazzo Italian Cafe website