Friday Morning Haiku

Buckets of candy...

For you, or trick or treaters?

Happy Halloween!!!!

So what's the plan for Halloween this weekend?  Doing anything fun? Wearing any fun costumes? I am not creative at ALL when it comes to Halloween costumes, and this year is no exception.  I am going to a friend's party tonight and I am going as "Couch to 5K"  AKA I will be wearing sweatpants and then a running shirt and sneakers.  AHAHAHAHAHA.  Basically I am going to be the most comfortable person EVER in the history of parties. 

Oh well, to be honest, I don't care too much about Halloween, I merely like it because it represents the start of THE MOST AWESOME TIME OF THE YEAR - WINTER FESTIVITIES.  Thanksgiving!  Christmas cookies and parties and presents and treats and decorations and trees and ornaments and snow and snowmen and more cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK.  I am getting carried away. 

Graul's Cafe, Timonium

 California Tuna Sandwich

If you're a 9-5er like me, it's a weird feeling to be off during the week, isn't it?  I had an appointment in the morning so I decided to take off half a day and do some errands before going back to work.  I was expecting everywhere to be really quiet, but so many people were wandering around Target and the bank and Home Depot (these were very important errands!) with me.  Anyway, I started daydreaming about the places I would eat if I worked from home - Andy Nelson's?  Wegman's?  A weekly splurge at Bluestone? Or maybe I would just grab a quick bite at somewhere convenient like the newly remodeled Graul's Cafe. 

I had been in before and tried the Low Fat Breakfast Special ($3.99) - Scrambled egg whites, hot fresh turkey breast, low-fat swiss cheese melted on either a bagel or English Muffin.  I chose the English Muffin.  For being a low fat breakfast, this was surprisingly good and filling.  I would definitely order it again.

This time I was going for lunch, so I debated between a burger made with Roseda beef or some tuna.  Tuna won.  Tuna ALWAYS wins in my world.  I chose the California Tuna Sandwich ($6.99) - All white tuna (and dolphin safe!) with guacamole, bean sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes and sunflower seeds on health bread.  OK, so the sun-dried tomatoes were actually a paste and the bean sprouts were actually alfalfa sprouts and the sunflower seeds were part of the health bread.  Now that we've cleared that up, it's also important to note that this IS a mayo-based tuna salad, which at first I wasn't sure of when I read the description.  It's a good sandwich, nothing too exciting, which is a shame because I thought it would have been.  The guacamole was hardly noticeable, unfortunately.  The bread was hearty and a bit tough, which was good because it help up to the creamy filling.  The homemade chips and pickle was nice as well. 

I am sure I will go again considering this place is so close to me, besides, their sandwich selection beckons me.  Next time I'll go with my first instinct and get a burger - either a Roseda burger or a Gunpowder bison burger.  Or I'll try their chicken salad sandwich, which they call Baltimore's Best Chicken Salad Sandwich.  Now that is quite a statement right there.  I should have taken them up on that challenge. 

Friday Morning Haiku

 

You know I love food,

And love trying new places

But I hate judging

So, I'm not sure if you noticed or not, but I had a pretty rudimentary way of labeling the restaurants I've reviewed:  
Not Worth it
OK
Good
Delicious

Yesterday I decided to do away with the first 3 labels.  I didn't feel right judging a place based on usually one visit; it didn't seem fair.  Sure, I may have a bad experience and I will write that in my review, but I don't like the idea of labeling a restaurant as bad just because of that.  I don't have enough food or restaurant knowledge to say whether some place isn't worth it or not. 

I still kept the Delicious label though, because I like that it's more positive.  But either way, I just like to review places - I want to give my opinion and hear yours!


So anyway, I'm going to try and find another way to list the places I've been to.  I'll probably create a page that lists all the restaurants alphabetically based on either the location or cuisine.  Which one would be better/most useful?

 

Joe Squared, Station North (Baltimore City)

 

 Chicken, Corn and "Apple" Pizza

After all the hoopla I’ve heard about Joe Squared, I expected my life to change upon the first bite of the coal-fired pizza.  It didn’t happen.  I’m not sure it could have since my pizza was so lacking in…..flavor and deliciousness :o/

I decided to go for something fun and chose the Chicken, Corn and Apple Pizza (10 inch for $15) but instead I received some forgettable chicken, some corn, cheese, a very spicy tomato sauce, SO MANY onions and, oh yea, a few tiny diced pieces of granny smith apples in one corner of the pizza.  No, this is not what I was expecting, Joe Squared, when you told me there would be apple on my pizza.  I am in FALL mode now – I want apples everywhere and in everything, so don’t insult me with tiny diced pieces (in one corner, no less!) when I dream of big ol’ slices of apple all over my pizza. 

Other Observations:

- The 10inch pizza was definitely a good size for one person.  

- They have a HUGE risotto selection, which is something you don't see very often.  I had a taste of the bacon and apple risotto and all I tasted was salt and (surprise, surprise) no apple. But it was still very comforting, and if you're not a fan of pizza, I would suggest getting a small risotto and a small salad.

- This isn't a very pretty place, definitely a bar type feel to it, but a surprising number of the patrons on a weekday evening were older. I am assuming the young crowd comes later at night.

- They have a huge bar list, and a TON of rum.

- Their desserts are from Puffs and Pastries

So in conclusion, perhaps I ordered wrong, or perhaps my pizza would have been flavorful had they actually served what I wanted, but nevertheless what I was served was boring.  If someone wanted to meet me there for some food, I would say yes and definitely choose another type of pizza from the menu, but I probably won’t suggest it myself.  For that type of money and for the amount of praise Joe Squared has received, I expected a little more.

Are My Dreams Coming True?

Remember I told you that I loved the Chocolatea Cafe and Tea Room because it combined my two favorite things, Chocolate and Tea?

Well...I may have found something even more amazing.

THIS:

(Organic) Chocolate bars infused with tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are the different kinds:

White Chocolate with Chamomile and Honey - Not a white chocolate OR chamomile fan, but I could imagine this would be appealing to others
Milk Chocolate with Bedouin's Mint - Chocolate and mint, always a good combo

Milk Chocolate with Honeybush Caramel - This would be interesting...although I wonder if I would miss the actual caramel
Milk Chocolate with Jasmine Tea and Tangerine Orange - I would totally try this just because I am intrigued.
Milk Chocolate with Black Masala Chai - I would DESTROY these.  I kinda wish it was dark chocolate though.
Dark Chocolate with Mate and Cacao Nibs - Mmmmm I love cacao nibs. I bet this would be really smoky because of the Mate.
Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Rooibos - Eh...not as excited for this one.

Dark Chocolate with Green Earl Grey Tea - I don't know how I feel about green tea + chocolate, but why not.

You can buy them here for $3.85 per bar.  That seems a little high considering you will have to pay for shipping...I'll probably hold out and see if I can find them at Wegman's or some other specialty grocery store.

What do you think?  Do these appeal to you at all, or am I an anomaly?

Thanks to The Kitchn for the tip!

Weekly Events Post

 Here it is - the weekly events post!

Living Social

$15 for $30 at Sticky Rice

• Based on their menu, I can tell this place doesn't take itself too seriously, which for some reason is really appealing to me.  Besides the regular sushi/sashimi items, I would love to try many other things from the menu.  They also have a large amount of vegetarian selections.
• Expires on 04/21/11. Limit 2 per person, additional as gifts. Limit 1 per table per visit. Dine-in only.

Groupon

$10 for $20 at Fazzini's Italian Kitchen

•  I've never been here, but I've heard their lasagna is fantastic!
• Expires in 1 year. Limit 3 per person. Limit 1 per table, per visit. Not valid for delivery. 

Fleming's

Women and Wine Dinner

• WHAT: To honor National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fleming's is hosting a special wine dinner. 
• WHEN: This Friday, October 22nd
• HOW MUCH: $95per person, excluding tax and gratuity
• WHERE: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 720 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore
  
• MENU:
• Passed Hors d'oeuvres
  Swiss Cheese Puffs
  House Cured Salmon, Citrus Crème Fraîche, Crispy Wonton
  CORISON, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2000
• Appetizer
  Butternut Squash Bisque with Danish Blue Cheese Fondue
  Bacon Herb Bruschetta
  HONIG, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2006/2007
• Entrée
  Rosemary-Scented Lamb Chops, Parmesan Risotto, Maple Roasted Parsnips, Red Wine Demi-Glace
  FRANCISCAN, Magnificat Napa Valley, 2005/2006
• Dessert
  Caramel Pudding with English Toffee, Shortbread Cookies
  Coffee and Tea

Potbelly, Inner Harbor

There’s something comforting about consistent food, which is why I probably eat so often at Chipotle - because I know what I’m going to get. So even though I know there are plenty of local places around me that has chicken salad sandwiches, I was still in the mood for a Potbelly sandwich.  It’s good, it’s consistent, it has chunks of chicken, the bread is warm, and I like it.  Do I need another reason to go there?   

Well, their chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are hard to resist. And when you pair that with some of their ice cream for a gigantic chocolate chip ice cream sandwich - well, it may be hard to go back to work/class. Just warning you :)

Kathmandu Kitchen, Towson

Lamb Momo

Recently I went to Kathmandu Kitchen in Towson for some Indian/Nepalese food, and I was not disappointed!  Not only is this place a BYOB establishment, but it has fantastic service and just wonderful food.  If you've never tried Nepalese food before - definitely give this place a try!  If you like Indian food - you'll love this too!

For an appetizer, we chose the Lamb Momo ($9.95) - Minced lamb with onion, garlic and Himalayan spices wrapped in dough and steamed. Yes, it’s basically a lamb dumpling and it’s YUMMY.  I didn’t really think it tasted anything different from what you find in an Asian restaurant, but I still loved it all the same and glad we ordered it to try.

Shirmp Biryani

Dan excitedly ordered the Shrimp Biryani ($14.50) – Basmati rice cooked with pieces of shrimp, nuts and Nepalese spices.  The Biryani was AWESOME. Probably the best I’ve tried at a restaurant (not the best in the world, that would be my grandmother’s/mother’s version).  This was spiced really well, and I loved the sweetness that came through with the raisins.  I really can’t say anything bad about this dish – if you are new to Indian/Nepalese cooking and you love rice, this is a great first dish to try!  I would suggest, however, to actually order the Raja Biryani ($14.50) instead, because for the same price you get Chicken AND Shrimp, and I think Lamb as well. 

Khasi Ko Masu

I ordered the Khasi Ko Masu ($13.95) – Goat meat cooked with tomatoes, green onion, cilantro, ginger and garlic, a House Speciality.  This reminded me of Rogan Josh a LOT….so I am curious as to try their version of that.  It was a mild tomato sauce (I asked for it that way), with yummy chunks of goat meat.

Just for fun, our table ordered some Chicken Vindaloo ($12.55) and we asked the waitress to make it “as hot as possible.”  It was actually VERY tasty, but definitely not as hot as they could have made it.  Now I can say that I’ve tried it!

What a lovely dinner I had with great food, good friends and some yummy wine as well!!!!  I would absolutely come back again.  They have a lunch buffet on the weekdays ($7.95) and the weekends ($8.95) that would be fun to come to, but I would definitely come back for a laid back dinner as well.  This place is great, I am so glad we went!!!!

Groupon Mania

I just went Groupon crazy this morning!!!!

Bo Brooks
Right now at Groupon, the deal is $25 for $50 at Bo Brooks. Bo Brooks, a seafood restaurant in Canton, is one of Dan's favorite restaurants, so of course I had to pick one up immediately.  He usually loves getting the crabs from there, but I am excited about eating something else. The Seafood Pot Pie ($15) - Shrimp, calamari, oysters, mussels and crabmeat tossed in a light creamy vegetable sauce, topped with an airy, puffed-pastry shell  is really calling out to me - it's sounds like a great dish for the Fall/Winter.
Fine print: It expires 04/18/2011, limit 1 per table and it's not valid for happy hour.



Cleopatra!!!!!!!
Additionally, I snagged Dan and I two $16 tickets to the Cleopatra Exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philly. Not only does the ticket get you into the Franklin Institute and allow you to see the awesome Cleopatra related artifacts, but you can also go to the Planetarium!!!!!!!!!!!  I LLLLLOOOOOOOVE Planetariums, and I am also a little overly obsessed with Cleopatra.  Also, let's be honest, Dan knows that a trip to Philly = cheesesteak, so he's excited :)
Fine print: Expires 12/23/2010.  Redeemable starting 10/18. Valid only Mon-Wed 9:30am-3:30pm, Thurs-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm. Not valid 11/26-28, or 12/23. Fels Planetarium admission included.

Friday Morning Haiku

You have trained for months

Race day is finally here

Good luck, you'll do great!

The Baltimore Running Festival is finally here!  I am so sad that I didn't sign up for anything, as it's really becoming a big deal here in Baltimore, which is great!

So are you running?  I know that Beth is running the 5K and Jen is running the Marathon!  Good luck to you both!!!!!!!!!!!

And, because this is a food blog - what are your pre-race dinners?  Are you making pasta at home or going out for your carbo-loading?  The last time I did a half marathon I ate chipotle for lunch and then went out and had a huge spaghetti and meatball dinner AHAHAHAHA.  I may have overdone it a bit :)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL YOU RUNNERS!!!!!!!!!! 

Monday Pasta Nights at Pazza Luna Trattoria

 

Did you hear about Pasta Night at Pazza Luna Trattoria?  Well, every Monday evening from 5:30pm and on, they are offering each table 3 bowls of pastas with house made sauces (vegetarian, meat and seafood) and a salad bowl.  This is just $15 for adults and $8 for children (12 years or younger).  They also offer a good selection of wines for $20/bottle.  Oh and the best part?  Free refills on the pasta and salad :) But of course, if you want something extra, they are offering an appetizer menu to choose a la carte.

YUM!

Have you ever been to Pazza Luna?  I’ve heard really yummy things about their food.  I have to make it down sometime!

Pazza Luna Trattoria Italiano

1401 E. Clement Street

Baltimore, MD 21230

410.962.1212 – reservations are suggested

Cazbar, Downtown

Thanks to Living Social, I had a $30 off coupon (I paid $15) towards Cazbar, a Turkish restaurant on Charles Street, so Dan and I decided to use it towards a nice (and cheap) date night.  I am so happy we chose Cazbar! Aside from the yummy food, I also loved the decor of this place - tons of hanging lanterns, moody lighting and warm colors.

Soujuk

For our appetizer, we chose to order a Pide, a Turkish version of a flatbread, called Soujuk that was stuffed with Turkish beef sausage and cheese.  It reminded me of a pepperoni pizza, to be honest.  It was warm and cheesy and quite yummy...but it still reminded me enough of pizza to not feel like it was worth the $10, especially since our entrees were $2 more!

.  Gyro

We both chose the Gyro ($12) for dinner, and it came with salad and fries on the side.  $12!!!!!!!!!  That is a ridiculous deal.  And this sandwich was HUGE and GOOD.  Oh man! And the fries were excellent too.  I may always order a side of fries anytime I come here, they are just that good!!! :)  This gyro is a different sort of taste and feel compared to the ones you get on the streets - but you'll like it regardless.  It's a little more dressed up....although it does come in a foil wrapper which made me feel a bit foolish :)  I would happily come and get this again.  Happily.  

Also, we went on a Friday night, and they have valet parking for FREE before 9pm.  After 9pm it's $5 because they have a belly dancer.  They also have a hookah lounge upstairs apparently, though we didn't check it out.  Maybe you should, and let me know what you think!

Hipp Cafe, Downtown

I really wanted to love The Hipp Cafe (connected to The Hippodrome).  It has a great menu, it's well-priced and (most importantly) super close to my office.  Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed as I hoped I would be.

The Rosemary Turkey Club ($6.99) (pictured above) was not tasty AT ALL.  The turkey (not deli meat, but larger chunks) was served too cold, and the rosemary aioli was WAY too salty and just overwhelming in flavor. Perhaps it would have been better had it been served as a panini (don't be fooled by the grill marks on the bread - it was cold), I'm not sure, but I wouldn't get this again. 

 

The Curry Chicken was a pretty decent sandwich ($5.99)- I liked that the lettuce was still crunchy, and the addition of the cranberries and freshly chopped coriander.  It was a good sandwich over all, not my favorite chicken salad, but still solid.  The homemade chips were all right, I'd probably order another side (they have a list of things you can get on the side).  

Would I come again?  Probably....I mean, it's really close to where I work.  I wouldn't mind trying one of their hot sandwiches or salads (which look large and appealing).  And though it's not a great sign that it's never too crowded, it's nice when I just want to spend my lunch hour sitting by myself and reading my Kindle. 

Friday Morning Haiku

Did you see my face?

It's on a freaking billboard

Down in Baltimore!

HAHAHA!  So it is!  I felt so strange taking a picture of myself, and some random woman in a car actually called me out on it....but oh well, it was worth it for the memories.

And also because I treated myself to some delights from Patisserie Poupon.  Dear Billboard, thanks for being in an awesome location, right next to one of my favorite bakeries.  I owe you one.....

......or many.  Those macarons were amaaaaaaaaaaazing.  And the cookie????  YUMMERS.  Dan agrees.

Baltimore Events

I get a lot of emails about events around Baltimore and Maryland and, like last week, I am going to continue to condense them into weekly posts.  Do you like them condensed like this, or would you prefer to have them as single posts with more information?  Just let me know!

Additionally, some of you may notice that I post information from the same restaurants/PR agencies, but that is because I post what I receive.  I would love to create a Baltimore Events calendar, but to be honest that alone would be a full-time job, and I'm sure there are places elsewhere that have created one.

That being said, feel free to drop me a line if you ever want me to post a FOOD related event on here!  OK, onto the good stuff:


Celebrity Chef Tour, October 21st

• Celebrity Chef Tour, hosted by chef Sean Curry at the Baltimore Renaissance Hotel Restaurant, features guest celebrity chefs Marc Anthony Bynum, who appeared on The Food Network’s Chopped, Jennifer Carroll, a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef, Marc Murphy, featured judge on The Food Network’s, Chopped, and Amanda Cook, nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Proceeds will go to benefit the James Beard Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating, nurturing, and preserving America’s diverse culinary heritage and future.
• Admission is $140, or $120 if you are a Visa Signature cardholder (just look to see if your Visa Card says 'Visa Signature' across it).  With the ticket purchase you will have the opportunity to meet the chefs and engage in a Q&A session after enjoying multiple course dinner with wine and beer pairings!!!

Enjoy Fall in Maryland!

• This fall, the Maryland Office of Tourism wants to encourage Marylanders to enjoy their own state by participating in various events this month.  Here is a sampling:
• Oktoberfest celebrations are taking place all throughout Maryland where visitors can sample German beers, traditional food, live music, and dancing. Check out Das Best Oktoberfest, happening October 9 at Timonium Fairgrounds, which promises to feature over 100 unique German beers, live bands, and contests. Children ages 10 and under are free!
• Maryland Autumn Wine Festival: This two-day wine festival on October 16 and 17 at Pemberton Historical Park in Salisbury, Maryland offers wine tastings, wine by the glass, and full bottles available for purchase from the many local wineries and vineyards.  It also features arts and crafts, live musical performances, and FOOD :)
• If you can’t make it to one of the festivals, take a walk down one of Maryland’s wine trails. Patuxent Wine Trail is a collection of five wineries up and down the Calvert County peninsula.
• p.s. Maryland travelers can also find out where the brightest red, orange and gold foliage is in the state by calling 1-800-LEAVES-1 (1-800-532-8371).  Cute!!!

National Aquarium's Fall Fresh Thoughts Seafood Dining Series, November 16th and January 25th

• National Aquarium’s 2010 fall series of Fresh Thoughts: A Sustainable Seafood Dining Series, which celebrates sustainable and creative seafood choices, while providing you with a delicious meal :)
• The next Fresh Thoughts dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 16 and prepared by Chef Tamesha Warren, Sous Chef of The Oval Room, and a contestant on this season’s Top Chef – Washington, DC.
• The final event of the series with be held on Tuesday, January 25 featuring Owner/Executive Chef of Salt Tavern, Jason Ambrose. 
• Cost: $79 members: $89 non-members. Reservations required.  Event details at or 410-576-3869

“Cocktails for a Cure” at B&O American Brasserie

• B&O American Brasserie's “Cocktails for a Cure,” is a two-month long initiative to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. Each time a guest purchases any of three hand-crafted Red Ribbon Cocktails, the restaurant will donate $1 to Chase Brexton Health Services.  
• This year’s featured cocktails are $10 each and include:
• Rouge - Belvedere Vodka, Grand Marnier; Campari and fresh orange juice shaken with fresh raspberries
• Ruby Red – Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka, Lilet Blanc, fresh grapefruit juice and simple syrup muddled with ginger coins and sparked with club soda
• VS Smash – Hennessy VS, Grand Marnier, 10yr Tawny Port and lemon juice muddled with pineapple and dusted with grated nutmeg    

B&O American Brasserie introduces their new Fall Menu

B&O loves to create menu items related to the season.  There are a TON of options, but I selected a few that especially called out to me:

• New starters: 
• Guinness-Root Vegetable Gnocchi ($12) with braised oxtail, pumpkin & sage.
• New items from the brick oven:  
• Short Rib Flatbread ($12) with confit portobello mushrooms and baby arugula
• Side dishes 
• Leek & Apple Hash ($5)
• Lavender Honey Grits, ($5).
• Entrees:  
• Crispy Skin Wild Coho Salmon ($27) with leeks, fennel and Reid’s apple hash, buttered crab and candied bacon
• Sous Vide Ono (Wahoo) ($25) with roast pumpkin, smoked corn and lobster-pumpkin seed broth.   
• Daily Specials: 
• Sunday: Sunday Night Supper ($16)
• Monday: Although Not Your Dad’s Mixed Grill ($24)
• Tuesday: Sous Vide Short Rib ($22)
• Wednesday: Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($19)
• Thursday: Gunpowder Farms Bison Cheeks ($22)
• Friday: Black Pot Thighs & 40 Cloves of Garlic ($19)
• Saturday: Pork chops & Apple Sauce ($23) 
• Cocktails:  
• Gin de Provence ($11) - Plymouth Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Herbs de Provence, Simple Syrup, Mist of Absinthe.
• Local Line ($9) - Housemade Arancello & Housemade Spiced-Hibiscus Soda.
• Last Ride of Ichabod Crane ($11)- Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum, Brandy, Sweet Pumpkin Milk 

How Much Will $30 Get You at Phillips Seafood Restaurant?

• Don't forget that Phillips is offering 30 Crabs for $30 every Wednesday throughout the month of October. 
• Additionally, from now through December 31st, Phillips Seafood will provide a menu of three courses for only $30. The menu includes Phillips Chopped Salad, crab cakes, and homemade warm cinnamon bread pudding.

Chocolatea Cafe and Tea Lounge, North Baltimore

Chocolatea Cafe and Lounge.  ChocolaTea. 

Ahhhhh the sweet combination of two of my favorite things!

My friend, Cecilia, and I went out for breakfast and we settled on this wonderful sounding place! 



I ordered a cold chocolate (it doesn't really sound right, does it?  I feel like I have to say cold hot chocolate for it to really make sense), or Coco-Lattes, as they call them.

I ordered the Original made with dark chocolate and ordered it cold.  Cecilia ordered the Mayan - dark chocolate, chipotle pepper and cinnamon, and ordered it hot (I don't remember how much they were.....I think a little less than $4).  Both were quite divine, and quite sizeable too!  (Making a mental note to go here again to add to my Hot Chocolate Quest).  They were creamy (thanks to the full fat milk, of course!) and tasted real and non-syrupy, which makes sense because their Choco-Lattes are made with real melted chocolate!  I loved the Mayan, the spice is perfect and would really be welcome in the cold winter months. 

For my meal I ordered the Blueberry Pancakes with warm Butter-Tea syrup ($7).  I think Maine ruined all my chances of ever loving another Blueberry Pancake.....honestly, nothing can compare to the ones I had at Two Cats.  These were fluffy with a decent amount of blueberries (though you can't tell that from the picture), but they weren't really anything special.  The Butter-Tea syrup was interesting, a bit thin and smokey, but with a nice flavor.  I probably wouldn't order them again, but that's because I am never ordering blueberry pancakes anywhere ever again unless I am in Maine. Done.

So why is it called ChocolaTea?  Well, in additional to their extensive Coco-Latte menu, they also serve truffles!  And they have plenty of Tea varieties to sip and savor!  Their breakfast food is standard American (with a couple of specials), while they serve Asian delights for lunch.

So would I go back?  Oh, for sure.  It was a perfect meeting place with a friend to catch up.  I would DEFINITELY order a hot chocolate next time, and wouldn't mind trying any other meal.  As for the atmosphere, I know they are going for the "intimate" look...but I think it's more like dingy-cozy.  Oh well, it definitely didn't ruin my morning, and it didn't seem to have an effect on any of the other patrons!

Friday Morning Haiku

I've got a scarf on

A pumpkin latte in hand

October, you Rock!

Well, I am certainly glad that the sky is blue and it's a little crisp and that my basement isn't a big giant pool.  What a crazy two nights we've had, Baltimore!  I hope everyone is OK and I truly truly feel for you if you've been affected by this deluge!

Now we can ignore the fact that it's going to rain all next week move onto bigger and better things!  Like the fact that OCTOBER IS HERE!  Yayayayayay!  Who went to get a Pumpkin Latte to celebrate this fine day?  I certainly did :)

Talking about Pumpkin Lattes - don't forget the Pumpkin Spice Latte Quest I did last year.  I should try and add to that if I can...although a little less than $5 for a Medium Pumpkin Spiced Latte is pretty much highway robbery.  I'm not sure if I am willing to keep paying that much unless it's a special treat, like today :)