These are a few of my Favourite Things…

Hello Cupcake Lovers,

Yes, I realize I am not Oprah and by no means do I think my little post will have any impact on other businesses sales (Man, have you seen “The Oprah Effect”?  If not, I highly recommend watching it, especially my fellow business owners out there).  And no, I will not be giving away these items for free…especially not cars!  But being a Foodie, I am often asked what things I like to eat so I thought I would share some of them with you…

Let’s start with baked goods.  Yes, I certainly do shop at other bakeries and enjoy some very much.  One that really stands out for me is the croissants at Julien’s.  O.M.G.!  So buttery and flaky with a nice crisp exterior and an incredibly moist melt-in-your-mouth sensation inside.  I am more of a purist so I just get the plain butter croissants but they come in an assortment of flavours.  I actually only recently discovered these gems when I needed a little nosh at the Seaport Market one morning.  I rarely get to attend the market anymore but I was needed to man our booth and stumbled upon these morsels of buttery goodness and have bought quite a few since…  (www.juliens.ca)

The next treasure I discovered was on our way back from Amherst one weekend (the in-laws live in Amherst so hubby & I were visiting) and it was supper time so we decided to stop in Truro for a bite to eat.  I randomly searched my Navi system looking for something different to try we don’t have in Halifax and came across Frank & Gino’s.  While the atmosphere leaves something to be desired, the food was absolutely amazing (sorry F&G, not a fan of the décor.  I found it to be a confusing distraction and does not reflect how good the food actually is).  The concept is much like Eastside Mario’s…but done right…with really good, fresh food.  From the amazing fresh home baked garlic loaf to the zesty Caesar salad to the aromatic pasta course, we enjoyed every bite.  We enjoyed it so much that we have purposely driven to Truro a few times since just to dine there so I highly recommend you give it a try some time (I especially like the lasagna).    (www.frankandginos.com)

I have to admit, I do have somewhat of a fish & chip fetish.  It’s just one of those things that I could eat more often than not…but try not to since they’re not so good for you…  I’ve probably tried fish & chips at most restaurants around the HRM by now and I will say Freddie’s Fantastic Fish House makes the best.  Their fish just tastes fresh and the batter isn’t heavy and thick like a lot of places.  Freddie gets it right by offering fresh cut fries (I have to say one of my biggest pet peeves with f&c places is when they serve frozen fries…that or they cheap out and serve No Name Ketchup…please, it really does need to be Heinz to not ruin my meal).  I also recently discovered that Freddie makes amazing gravy so I bet the poutine must be great too (haven’t had it…yet).  You also probably won’t find better service anywhere.  Everyone that works there is just so damn nice, friendly, and personable and makes you feel right at home.  So go on over to Freddie’s…  (sorry no website – Freddie, you need a website!!)

The steak award, bar none, goes to the Mic Mac Bar & Grill.  Sure, I enjoy and go to The Keg, Ryan Duffy’s, etc…but the Mic Mac just does it right every time.  Apparently, they butcher their own meat right onsite so you know you are getting the freshest steak possible.  They season it perfectly, cook it perfectly and then make the best fried mushrooms to go on the side.  You really don’t have to go to a high end restaurant for a great steak, but you do have to cross the bridge… (www.micmacbarandgrill.com)

Finally, I will end with something sweet…  This is an indulgence I only get to have annually as this company is located in BC – Tickleberry’s.  They do offer shipping however; I just choose to only treat myself each year when they attend the Dalplex Christmas Craft Market, which is why they are on my mind since Dalplex is this weekend.  So yes, if you see me eating in my booth, it will probably be Tickleberry’s.  So, you ask, what the heck is/are Tickleberry’s?  The ones I am in love with are their line of Chocolate Covered Dried Fruit – specifically the Strawberries in Milk Chocolate…and appropriately, they are PINK!  I passed them by for a few seasons not knowing what they were and thinking I wouldn’t possibly like them…boy, was I wrong!  Finally, last year they forced me to sample some (I know, tough to be force fed chocolate candy!!) and I was pleasantly surprised.  They are delicious!  I absolutely love fresh chocolate dipped strawberries (probably my most favourite treat ever) and these give me that same taste sensation yet have a much longer shelf life.  Genius, Tickleberry’s!  I heart you and will be visiting your booth first thing on Friday for my fix…along with an extra few bags for the months to come (that’s right, gonna stock up this time…   (www.tickleberrys.com)

Of course there are many other things/places I enjoy but these are the ones I am sharing with you today and hope you will give them a try too…  Happy Eating! 

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