Takeout Tuesday - Carmen's Italian Ice Mango Ice

Look at that perfect scoop on top, yum!  I've talked about the other offerings at Carmen's Italian Ice before but their Mango ice is definitely my top pick by far.  I love how smooth the ice is and the strong mango flavor - even a little cup can pack a big punch.  I know a lot of people love the layered Gelati (ice + custard) which is a great option when you want a little bit of both, but I'm a purist and keep those separate whenever I order them - so delicious either way!   

Since their Rockville location is closer to my office I haven't been able to stop by as often, but I have been over there a few times recently.  With the unofficial start of summer this past weekend, I'll be sure to hit up Carmen's more often!

Carmen's Italian Ice

1115 Nelson Street

Rockville, MD 20850

Mitsuwa NJ Visit - Ramen Santouka and Omusubi Gonbei

I was recently up in Northern NJ for work, and was pretty happy to see that I happened to be staying very close to the Mitsuwa market complex in Edgewater, NJ!  I used to come here a lot with my family when we lived in NJ, but I haven't been in years since we all moved away.  It was so nice getting to stop in and do some shopping like old times!

Ramen Santouka has been at the food court of Mitsuwa for as long as I can remember, so of course I had to grab lunch there before driving back home.  Below is the Tonkotsu Miso ramen - the broth is delicious, and the tender pieces of chashu pork are so good! 

I also picked up these at Omusubi Gonbei, which I don't think was around when I was shopping at Mitsuwa years ago.   They had a bunch of different omusubi flavors so it took some time to decide.  But I decided on the shrimp tempura and pork chashu omusubi.  Both were really tasty and packed with so much flavor.  A place like this would be a great option for a quick snack or meal, depending on how many you get.  I would love for one of these to open in the DC area!

The Home T - New Jersey

I bought this NJ t-shirt from The Home. T a looooooong time ago, but I definitely think it's worth spreading the word about them.  First of all, it's such a simple but fun idea for a t-shirt, and it's super soft.  As if that wasn't enough, the company donates a portion of their profits to benefit Multiple Sclerosis research, which is a fantastic cause.  The company has branched out to offer hoodies, tote bags, and lots of other ways to show your hometown pride.  This would make a fantastic holiday gift for friends and family as well! 

Georgetown Chocolate Tour

In the very end of November, my friend O and I took advantage of a great Groupon for a Georgetown Chocolate Tour by Great Food Tours. It was a chilly but fun afternoon walking around Georgetown and eating lots of chocolate!  We got to try lots of different forms of chocolate and even got to check out a new (to me) shop, Fleurir Chocolates.  If you're a fan of chocolate, this is a great way to check out lots of shops in Georgetown in one day!

 

Mini dark chocolate cupcake - Sprinkles

Sea salt caramel and Dark chocolate fudge - Thomas Sweet 

Chocolate and double chocolate Babka - Marvelous Market 

We didn't get these chocolates at Fleurir, but we did get a great chocolate covered salted caramel. 

Brown butter chocolate - Dean & Deluca. A mint chocolate was also offered but I didn't take it :o) 

Off to NJ

I'm in NJ for a few days of work, but I am excited to try out Eno Terra for dinner, which I have never been to. Have a great start to your week, everyone!

NJ Visit

I'm in NJ for a few days for work - hoping to pick up some cider doughnuts at Terhune Orchards if I get a chance as well! Have a great start to your week everyone!

NJ Trip

I'm off to NJ for work for a few days - I hope everyone's having a great start to this week!

Han Dynasty - Cherry Hill, NJ

I had heard of Han Dynasty restaurant here and there on food blogs, but had never tried it when I've been in Philly.  Luckily, a Cherry Hill, NJ outpost opened, which is right by where my best friend and her husband live, woo!

Here we have the Dry Fry style beef which consists of triple flash fried beef with dry peppers, celery, bamboo shoots, and Sichuan peppercorns.  This had a heat that grew with each bite, even avoiding the peppers in the dish didn't make it any less spicy, haha. It was definitely that specific type of addictive spicy though, and I loved it!

This isn't a very pretty-looking plate, but it sure was delicious.  We also got the pan fried dumplings and Dan Dan noodles. A lot of beige, but super tasty, haha.  I would love to go back again and try more dishes, especially the spicy ones! 

Han Dynasty - Cherry Hill
404 Route 70
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
856.428.0088

NJ & Denver Weekend

I'm headed to NJ and Denver starting today, hopefully with lots of good eats along the way!  Have a great weekend everyone :o)

AC Birthday Weekend Part 2

A few non-Pauly D highlights from my weekend in Atlantic City :o)

The Celebration Cake at Central in the new Revel Resort - always a treat!

My friends A and D got me with a bottle of champagne sent up to the hotel room - such a fantastic surprise!!! 

I am currently obsessed with making the McKayla face, so of course I had to make everyone take photos doing the face as well.  If you're not familiar with it, please check out the McKayla Is Not Impressed Tumblr, and be prepared to lose many hours in your day.

AC Birthday Weekend - DJ Pauly D!

For part of my birthday celebration, a few girl friends and I met up in Atlantic City for a night.  It was so much fun and I had a wonderful time!!

As you might be able to guess - the main event for the evening was seeing DJ Pauly D at The Pool After Dark!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This actually wasn't part of the original plan, but as luck would have it he announced that he'd be at The Pool a few weeks before this specific weekend.

Ok yes, I have to say it - I didn't think it was possible, but he is even cuter in person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

DJ Pauly D Weekend!

I'll be heading to Atlantic City this weekend for a little pre-birthday celebration, and I'm sure it will be an amazing weekend!!!!

In addition to being with some fantastic friends, we will be enjoying desserts at Central at the new Revel Resort - yes, the original Central is here in DC, but the desserts are FANTASTIC and I wanted to check out the new resort.

And.... AND..... we will be going to The Pool at Harrah's where DJ PAULY D will be deejaying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This was actually not part of the original plan, but I found out about a week ago that he will be there this Saturday. THIS IS TOTALLY FATE, I AM SURE OF IT.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Lunchtime Links for August 6th, 2012

• Serious Eats: Antico pizza in Atlanta. 
• Luke's Lobster: Opening later this month in Georgetown.
• Tasty Kitchen: Nutella-stuffed French toast. 
• Eat More Drink More: Filming with the Travel Channel in DC. 
• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from TVGasm. 

Lunchtime Links for July 30th, 2012

• Serious Eats: Blackened burger at Beach Haven Fishery in NJ.
• The Kitchn: Pesto chicken tart.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Peanut butter cups.
• Steamy Kitchen: Mashed potatoes.
• Picky Palate: Chocolate peanut butter bundt cake with sweet peanut butter icing.

Lunchtime Links for July 10th, 2012

• Miss Advised: Recap from TVGasm. 
• Big Girls Small Kitchen: Avocado hummus.
• The Kitchn: Bringing back old reusable shopping bags.
• How Sweet It Is: Sour cream and onion oven fries. 
• Serious Eats: Pizza at Teresa Caffe in Princeton, NJ.

When In DC Tumblr

This is not new by any means at this point, but this When In DC Tumblr is amazing and totally spot-on.

But more importantly, my love of Georgetown Cupcake and Jersey Shore in one post? LOVE.

http://whenindc.tumblr.com/post/20613754621/when-someone-thinks-hello-cupcake-is-better-than


Hahha!

National Doughnut Day

Happy National Doughnut Day everyone!!

If you're near a Dunkin' Donuts, they're offering a great way to celebrate today.  Dunkin' Donuts fans get a free donut with a drink purchase today, woo!

If your area is more of a Krispy Kreme 'hood, they are also celebrating with one free doughnut of your choice, no purchase necessary!

My favorite growing up was always the Boston Creme doughnut, followed closely by the elusive (outside of NJ) cider doughnut in the fall.  Nowadays I try to not eat them that often, but I can clearly make an exception for such a special holiday, haha :o)

Lunchtime Links for May 9th, 2012

• Serious Eats: Starbucks' Cookie Crumble Frappuccino.
• The Budget Babe: Mint and coral skinny jeans under $50. 
• How Sweet It Is: Cake batter pancakes. 
• The Cozy Apron: Italian chopped salad. 
• Real Housewives of NJ: Recap from TVGasm.

Jersey-bound!

Hi everyone! I'm taking a blog break this week since I'll be in NJ for work and then for my best friend's bachelorette party weekend!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Lunchtime Links for April 2nd, 2012

• Kirbie's Cravings: Pepperoni pizza rolls.
• The Kitchn: Pretzel-crusted brownies.
• How Sweet Eats: Chocolate chip cookie dough peanut butter cups.
• Jersey Shore: Recap from TVGasm. 
• Tasty Kitchen: Brown butter peanut butter cookies.