Your Next Bite

It's the Great Pumpkin at Lette Macarons

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Fall. It's my favorite time of year. It's not just the chill in the air, or the colors of the leaves changing, but also the seasonal bobbing for apples and cornucopia of Pumpkin-flavored everything!

Thankfully, my two favorite things have come together as one: Pumpkin Lette Macarons. Born in Beverly Hills circa 2007, the "kaleidoscope" colored, gluten-free, almond cookie delights are named  after owner Paulette Koumetz and pastry chef Christophe Michalak.

Paulette's personal motto is "let them eat macarons!" And thanks to the new Fashion Island location, now we can.

The Grubdown:

- delicate crisp outside, ooey gooey inside, resembles pumpkin pie filling minus the whip, with hints of Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Vanilla, Pumpkin Macaroon $1.70

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These sweet treats are perfect for holiday parties and semi guilt-free snacking. (Did I mention they're gluten free?!?). Buy 'em in packs of 2 ($4) or up to 36 ($59).

Other favorite flavors of mine include herbals like Earl Grey, Rose, and Violet Cassis. They also rotate unexpected ones like Lychee and Black Licorice. Check out their flavor wall and you'll see  30+ more to look forward to all year round.

Bon Appetit!

1131 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-706-8299.

A Day Trip to Julian Apple Festival

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Last weekend the hand model and I drove southeast to the once-a-year Julian's Apple Days Festival, and then missed it. I hadn't been since I was 8, so memory wasn't serving me well. Neither was their signage, nor their website. (Information on the festival's whereabouts was via phone only – talk about small-town time warp.)

As soon as we got into town, we saw throngs of people and parked the second we found a spot (call it trigger happy from living in LA 9 years). Mesmerized by pony-drawn carriages, apple everything (apple cider, apple butter, dried apple rings, caramel apples), and the ridiculously long line outside MOM's Pie's, suddenly we had forgotten all about the festival.

It wasn't until we had ordered a whole take-home Flaky Apple Pie, devoured a quick slice with warm Cheddar on top, and purchased a 1960's wind-up watch necklace at the antique store next door, did we realize "hey, aren't we supposed to pay a $5 admission fee somewhere to pick apples and drink from the beer & wine garden?" Oops.

The Grubdown:

- for me the melted cheese just adds another textured layer, but my hand model swears by it, gooey 'n rather mild Slice of Flakey Apple Pie with Sharp Cheddar Cheese $4.95

- could use more salt 'n cinnamon to spice things up, otherwise simple, tart 'n fresh with an impressive perfectly raised crust, Whole Flaky Apple Pie $14.95

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After speaking to the lovely lady inside the antique shop, she told us the festival was about a mile east of the main town at Menghini Winery. We figured, "what've we got to lose?" (Besides our parking spot.) By the time we arrived, it had shut down and the winery stopped serving. Thankfully the coffee guy in the side room offered us a rare Heirloom Snow White Apple – with flesh, not skin, as white as snow – on the house. It was very crisp 'n juicy with a faint tartness vs. sweetness.

Driving back into town we stumbled upon Julian Brewing Co. and Bailey Woodpit Barbeque. We drowned our sorrows of missing the once-a-year festival in a gluttonous meal of stick-to-your-ribs down-home comfort food and hard cider.

The 2nd Grubdown:

- the star of the night, juicy 'n tender with crunchy veg and a flakey bun, Grass and Grain-fed Smoked Tri Tip Sandwich with Grilled Peppers, Onion, and Side of Cole Slaw $8 (Half Order)

- tangy 'n sweet sauce, kinda chewy 'n fatty pork, Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Side of too intense chopped Raw Garlic & Parmesan Fries and devilishly creamy Mac & Cheese $14

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Next year we (and you!) will have to do ourselves a favor by CALLING Tracy Turner at 760-803-4377 like their website lists, instead of just showing up. Thankfully, Julian offered enough charming distractions to make our day trip.

MOM's Pies. 2119 Main Street, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-2472

Menghini Winery. 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-2072.

Bailey Woodpit BBQ. 2307 Main St, Julian, CA 92036. 760-765-3757.

Delectable 'n Dainty Casey's Cupcakes in Fashion Island, OC

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When I first saw Casey's Cupcakes at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, immediately I thought, "Really, ANOTHER cupcake joint?" But when I heard Casey's story of being a Southern California native and 2011 Winner of The Food Network's "Cupcake Wars", I had to buckle down and do the research.

Casey has four OC locations: Riverside, Laguna Beach, Irvine, and the one I visited, Fashion Island Newport Beach. The store couldn't have been cuter, decorated in only pink, white, and black. The inside has an upscale ice cream parlor feel with a decadent display of whimsical cupcakes, candy dispensers, and specialty gifts. But it's the branding that takes the cake, right down to the pink & white striped boxes that pop open like a flower, and the pink receipt paper, of course.

The Grubdown:

- 1st choice because it's super moist, light 'n fluffy with frosting that's not too heavy or sweet, chocolate chip surprises, and a single serving candy tease, Peanut Butter Cupcake $3.50

- 2nd best, creamy 'n sweet with just the right amount of sugar grit in the frosting, and a sensible amount of Raisin and Carrot shreds, Carrot Cake Cupcake $3.50 (pics are missing because I ate the evidence)

- besides the tri-flavored Chocolate Shavings, this one was a let down because the frosting had a gummy almost gel-like consistency, not-so Excellent Espresso Cupcake $3.50 (pics are missing because I ate the evidence)

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Ask the wait staff and they'll tell you that the Decadent Dark Chocolate is one of the most popular - perhaps that should've been my third choice instead.

Check CaseysCupcakes.com for monthly flavor specials, like August's Cherry Cupcake with Cherry Pie Filling, Cherry Flavored Vanilla Buttercream, and a Glittered Butterfly & Cherry on Top.

1041 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-706-2525.

Cool down with CDM Frozen Yogurt

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Let's face it, it's hot outside. Summer finally decided to show its bright burning face and arrive 1 week late from the 4th of July – beach cities, you know what I'm talking about.

So cool down your body and your wallet with CDM Frozen Yogurt. It boasts the lowest prices (39¢ per ounce) compared to all the big time Fro-yos like Pinkberry (which I'm thinking about boycotting because they got rid of Yogurt Chips), Red Mango, and OC's own Golden Spoon.

Walk inside, and it feels like an old-fashioned neighborhood creamery, complete with community pictures on the wall and (my favorite) local Fireman Dean's Oatmeal Cookie flavor. 10 flavors rotate daily with non-fat, low carb, fructose sweetened options. Not to mention there's a whole topping counter with over 40 self-serve choices from Candies to Syrups.

The Grubdown:

- scrumptious, cinnamon spiced, cookie crumbly flavor, Fireman Dean's Oatmeal Cookie Frozen Yogurt

- just like your favorite Girl Scout guilty pleasure, minty fresh 'n crispy, Thin Mint Cookies Frozen Yogurt

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As you can see, I went a little nuts with the toppings. Thanks to my hand model, you can clearly picture Fireman Dean's Oatmeal flavor on the left. It's truly one of the best Oatmeal renditions I've tried to date.

Bite Advice: top it with my extra new favorite topping too, Chocolate Dipped Waffle Cone Bits!

If your cravings take over and you can't wait to visit their brick 'n mortar, rent the mobile CDM Frozen Yogurt truck for your next fundraising event.

3333 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625. 949-673-9033. 12-10pm daily.

Big flavor from Cambria's Red Moose Cookie Company

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While attending a friend's wedding this past weekend in California central coast's oceanside town of quaint Cambria, my mother-in-law introduced the hand model and I to a fantastic new Cookie Shop called Red Moose Cookie Company.

Located in Tin City (otherwise known as the business/services part of town), Red Moose is run by the sweetest couple ever, Caren & Roger. When our group walked in they made sure we received the "Cookie Tour "– a mini presentation of their 10 cookie flavors and other products like the chunky chocolate pretzel "Naughty Rod". All bags of 4 larger-than-life cookies cost $6. And did I mention their samples – as many as you want – are free?!?

Their baked goods are homemade from scratch with ingredients like Farm Fresh Eggs, Pure Vanilla, Real Butter, and Love. The signature "Cinnful" Cookie is what started it all, making Caren's lifelong Cookie dreams a reality.

The Grubdown:

- bursting Cinnamon flavor, sticky Toffee crunch, Cinnful Cookie with Oatmeal, Hershey's Cinnamon Chips, Toffee Chips & Walnuts $6

- the hand model's all time favorite combination, Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookie with Oatmeal, Semisweet Chocolate Chips & Walnuts $6

- the most uniquely spot-on flavor with crunchy sugary crystals, Root Beer Float Cookie with Sassafras, Ginger & Root Beer Reduction $6

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The Root Beer Cookie was definitely our favorite because we had never tried anything like it before. It's sweet 'n spicy like the soda, and would be phenomenal as an Ice Cream Sandwich, just like Caren recommended.

What's not to love about the Old-Fashioned with big chunks of Chocolate Chips, Walnuts, and crunchy Oats. And the Cinnful was delish, tasting kind of like a candy bar. (However, it didn't have as much wow-factor as the Root Beer.)

All in all, while we loved the flavors, at first bite, I personally felt the cookies were a little dry. BITE ADVICE: store them in the fridge. (It actually added moisture and I enjoyed them even more!)

Come November, I'll be all over their Pumpkin Mousse Cookie Pie! (Order forms are ready, just call the number below.)

2531 Village Ln, Ste C & D, Cambria, CA 93428. 805-900-5140. M-F 10am-5pm

Plush Puffs Gourmet Marshmallows

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In honor of Easter and my continued Winter-turned-Spring Marshmallow obsession, I bring you the cream of the crop – Plush Puffs made from high quality ingredients. (If the Easter Bunny had any sense this is where he'd sHOP.)

I was lucky enough to get a free sampling of these cube-shaped wonders at Monsieur Marcel in L.A.'s Original Farmers Market a few weeks ago. Plush Puffs come in 10 different flavors like Strawberry Hibiscus, Luscious Lemony Meringue, Simply S'mores, and more ($4.99-$6.99).

The Grubdown:

- fluffy on the outside with sweet crumbled crunch inside Special Edition Maple Bacon

- chocolate dusted, still marshmallowey flavor with micro-mini chocolate chips Chocolate Chipetta

- wish it was more coconuty, infused with coconut extracts, and topped with toasted flakes Special Edition Toasty Coconut

- rich 'n buttery like an ice cream sundae Caramel Swirl (not pictured)

I love all things Coconut, so when I saw that this was a Plush Puffs flavor I couldn't have been more excited. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as I'd hoped it to be. But I was pleasantly surprised by the Caramel Swirl – a serious favorite contender – because it reminded me of an Ice Cream Sundae with Whipped Cream and Caramel. The Maple Bacon should be your new Pancake Breakfast topper. And the Chocolate Chipetta is good for couch-to-mouth popping.

For Easter, impress your table with "The Big One", a 2lb Giant Marshmallow in flavors like Vanilla Bean and Peppi-Mint ($23.99).

Follow @PlushPuffs on Twitter, order them online, or at select Whole Foods Market stores.

Coolhaus Truck gets 2 new scoops

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Happy Food Truck Friday biters! As promised, here's my Coolhaus Truck review from the Santa Anita Park Food Truck Festival a couple weeks ago. Whilst strategizing in the fest's hour-long lines, my friends and I spotted the Coolhaus Truck. Even though we had yet to get something savory like breakfast or lunch down, the sun was blazing super hot and we were so starving, that nothing sounded better than Coolhaus' creamy cool & crazy-flavored ice creams.

I got uncontrollably excited when I saw the Earl Grey Le Corbus-Tea-Er – my favorite tea of all time – on the menu, so of course I had to order it. Same with the Guinness Chip, as I'm a beer lover too (check out my other blog YourNextPint.com). Unfortunately, the Earl Grey Tea got lost in the festival kerfuffle, but I was quite surprised by what Coolhaus ended up scoopin' up for me instead.

The Grubdown:

- it's genius, just like a float without the extra pop Root Beer Ice Cream ($1)

- great cream & texture, first bite is hoppy espresso, followed by a not-so-pleasing chemical aftertaste Guinness Chip Ice Cream ($1)

Out of the two, surprisingly, the Root Beer was much better. And even though I decided to forgo the Cookie Sandwich this time (check out my review on Brown Butter & Candied Bacon and Red Velvet flavors here), I imagine it would taste spectacular with the Snickerdoodle Cookie.

Next week, the final installment of the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival with my reivew on Naan Stop.

Bite size treats from the Sugar Babies truck

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The Sugar Babies Food Truck brings your favorite cupcake dessert to you in 3-bite size, depending on how big or small your mouth is. From their mini truck to their mini "reasonably-portioned" & creatively adorned sweets, co-owners and sisters Kassandra & Rachel can cater your next event, whether you eat vegan or vats of sugar, plus the Coffee, Tea & Milk – you'll be needing some to avoid any awkward Peanut Butter Aaron Burr moments.

The Grubdown:

- creamy, decadent, i wanted 3 more mini "Nutty Butter" Cupcake with Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cake, Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting & Peanut Butter Filling ($1.25)

I don't know about you, but with Halloween right around the corner, those spooky Reese's Peanut Butter Cup commercials have really been freaking my diet out. Thankfully I spotted my friend Blaise on the Miracle Mile at lunch time, holding the cutest mini cupcake I ever did see topped with none other than half a mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. I couldn't say no.

The Frosting is creamy – not too thick, sweet, or salty – and invites you to keep on biting. The Chocolate Cake is a teensy bit dry. And the Peanut Butter surprise inside makes you wish you bought that $2 glass of milk, or that you didn't inhale it in 3 seconds flat (like I did).

Overall, the "Nutty Butter" Cupcake totally satiated my Peanut Butter Cup craving – enough so that hopefully I won't be fighting kids tooth 'n nail over the Halloween candy bowl.

Other flavors include "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with Blue Vanilla Sweet Buttercream Frosting & Silver Candied Pearls, "Easy as Pie" with Graham Infused Cake & Lime Cream Cheese Frosting, "Crem de la Crem" with Vanilla Cake, Vanilla Custard Filling & Semi-Sweet Chocolate Ganache and 8 more.

Get your trick "Vegan Carrot Cake" or treat on @Sugar_Babies.

Top Chef Just Desserts Truck for just one day?

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Just in case you missed the Just Desserts Food Truck on Wednesday, September 15th – officially named "Top Chef Just Desserts Day" in honor of the Bravo TV show premiere – here's the proverbial Grubdown of the FREE tasty treats served at select trucks and locations around the nation.

The Grubdown:

- uber thick, perhaps a bit too much jam Strawberry Tarte Godiva Truffle with White Chocolate Cream

- i wanted to eat 5 of these to equal a whole slice Carrot Cake Godiva Truffles with Real Carrot Cake inside, Brown Sugar Crunch & Chopped Walnuts

- sweet peach flavor, but i wish it had some cookie crumble Peach Cobbler Breyers Ice Cream

- yummy, but i prefer actual chips to the thin chocolate rectangles Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Breyers Ice Cream

- the thickest, cream cheesiest I've ever had Red Velvet Cupcake

- banana flavor stands out, savory bacon saves the day in this too-much-goin-on Peanut Butter Bacon Cupcake with Banana Nut Frosting

- bursting with cinnamon you can smell from a distance, really soft 'n buttery Oatmeal Raisin DeLuscious Cookie

- forget the chips, this one comes with chocolate slabs, soft 'n chewy Chocolate Chip DeLuscious Cookie

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I was quite surprised at the Just Desserts Truck's generosity. Each person got a Cupcake, a Cookie, an Ice Cream, and a Truffle while they waited in the long line. The portions of the Ice Cream and Cookies were rather small, but the size of the Cupcakes certainly made up for it. Out of the two flavors both were kind of off. The Red Velvet's Cream Cheese Frosting was bordering on too thick 'n savory, and while I appreciated the crazy creativity of the Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Cupcake, it was way too sugar and I immediately needed a lemonade after the first bite.

Even though the cookies were small and thin like air, they were still everything you hope for – soft, buttery & chewy. I was really impressed by the fragrant Cinnamon in the Oatmeal Raisin and will definitely be tracking DeLuscious down for some more. And the Chocolate more like "Slab" Cookie was so chocolatey, the dough barely covered it – but hey I ain't complaining.

The Chocolate "Rectangles"  in the Cookie Dough Breyers Ice Cream reminded me of those you find in the Mint Chocolate Chip flavor, so unfortunately that's all I could taste. The Peach was divine, but could have been better with some Cobbler Crumble.

And out of the Godiva Bakery Dessert Truffles, the Carrot Cake was definitely the best, since the Strawberry was too gooey.

If you were lucky enough to catch the Just Desserts Food Truck on Wednesday and are now watching the show, you'll probably recognize L.A. pastry chef Danielle Keene who was serving the free desserts from inside. No word on whether they'll be returning to the streets anytime soon. So for now, follow the host of the show @GailSimmons as well as @BravoTopChef and @BravoTV for updates.

Update on Del's LA Truck from the Original Stand in Cranston, RI

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If you read Wednesday's blog post on how I spent last week Eating the Ocean State, and have been wondering why my favorite Del's Lemonade was not included, it's because I've been saving & savoring it for this very moment – Food Truck Friday.

Just as I described in last week's Del's Lemonade LA Food Truck post, it seriously is a real treat (pun intended) that my favorite Italian Ice from Rhode Island graced my presence with 15 years later in LA – and in the form of a Food Truck, no less.

So, today I bring you the ORIGINAL, I'm talking the first Del's Lemonade STAND & even HEADQUARTERS straight outta Cranston, Rhode Island.

The Grubdown:

- as delicious as ever, perfectly balanced lemon & sugar, smaller ice crystals, and cheaper too The Original Del's Frozen Lemonade ($1.65 Small)

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I was so happy to be reunited with my long lost, then found in LA, love. It was a short stop, the very nature of the stand, and honestly between trying to fit in all my other Rhode Island favorites from 10 years ago, the size Small was just right – and almost half the price of LA's too. The Ice Crystals seemed finer and easier to chug, and the Frozen Lemon Rinds were just as blissful as on the West Coast.

Unlike LA's 3 locations, the original stand in Cranston, RI sells more than Lemonade & Italian Ice. To eat they've got your typical childhood Candy Treasure Trove like Blow Pops, Ring Pops, Fire Balls & Airheads ($0.10-0.75), as well as Fair-Friendly Food like Caramel Corn & Cotton Candy ($1.50-2). More substantial Stadium Cravings include Pretzel Rods, Hot Dogs & Nachos ($0.15-3.75).

What's super ice cool is that they sell their own Mix, so you can take it home and make your own ($9.95 Quart, $16 1/2 Gallon, $25 Gallon).

The service is as friendly as always with a "wicked auuwwwesome" Rhode Island accent that makes me giggle every time. Yet oddly enough, I was actually surprised & delighted to see a Del's Lemonade Truck at 1st beach in Newport, RI, which I'd never seen before. It actually made me feel at home.

P.S. It took every fiber of my being to not break into the Del's Headquarters and learn their secret recipe. It's Froh-so-good!

Eating the Ocean State, Rhode Island

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Just because it's the smallest state in the U.S. doesn't mean you should overlook "Little Rhody's" bounty of tender sweet seafood, serene beach scenery, friendly faces, and hilarious accents – their r's sound like a's and vice versa, e.g. "Chowdah" & "Pizzer".

Last week on a family reunion trip from Newport Beach, CA to Newport, RI, my appetite definitely discovered why Rhode Island is officially nicknamed,  "The Ocean State" – let's just say I didn't feel the need to eat meat or poultry ONCE. But, since the last time I visited was 10 years ago, of course I found a way to stuff in my favorite Ice Cream & Donuts from my childhood summer trips, including a famous 50-year-old "Pizzer" place too.

After all the fried seafood, and 3 different Lobster Rolls from 3 different cities – stay tuned the next 2 weeks for my blog posts on Brant Point, Nantucket and Kennebunkport, Maine – I definitely felt like a Lobster Roll myself the last day.

The Grubdown:

- classic New England style, thin not thick Clam Chowder & ridiculously packed with flavor Clams Casino at The Black Pearl in Newport ($4.50 cup/$9)

- insanely tender 'n sweet Famous Fried Clams, fresh 'n crunchy "Lobsta" Roll, and spicy Stuffed Quahogs at Flo's Clamshack in Middletown ($15.95/$14.95/$2.50 each)

- i-can-tell-why-they're Voted Best Fish 'N Chips, Clam Cakes, and Stuffed Quahogs at Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House in Narragansett (Mkt price/$3.75 half dozen/$2.25 each)

- the-best-I've-ever-had, whole chunks of fruit juicy Crab Cocktail with Ginger-Peach Dressing & Wasabi Mousse, spicy 'n hearty Rhody Royal Mussels in Tomato Broth with Chorizo, and simple Lobster Sliders on Silver Dollar Brioche Buns at The Grill of 41 Degrees North Hotel in Newport ($24/$17/$19)

- light, crispy, but a little too tangy 4-item Supreme Pizza at Caserta Pizzeria in Providence ($18.50 large with 4 or 5 items)

- a toffee love affair Butter Crunch Ice Cream at Newport Creamery in multiple locations ($2.89 2-scoop cup)

- seriously, it's my crack Chocolate Glazed Donut from Dunkin' Donuts in multiple locations ($0.95)

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1. The Black Pearl – Somehow, someway, us Californians brought our UN-summer weather and arrived to 3 days of cold, stormy rain in Newport, RI. I personally love the rain, so I didn't mind much. But we decided to cure the cold with a steamy hot cup of the best "Chowdah" from one of New England's top restaurants. Located on Bannister's Wharf since 1967, the always packed Black Pearl has two different dining rooms – the fancy green-walled, white linen table Commodore's Room, and the more casual, glossy black walled, nautical themed Tavern Bar. Whichever experience you choose, make sure you order the Clam Chowder – it's famous. Unlike Pacific Coast chowder, which is usually super thick, this New England style is much thinner, yet still has a creamy flavor. It's loaded with tender, not chewy, Clams, fresh chopped Dill, Clam Broth, and big chunks of Potato & Celery. And don't you dare "Fuhget About" the Clams Casino. These babies were invented by Julius Keller, the maitre 'd of the Little Casino in Narragansett, Rhode Island in 1917. Between the sweet Littleneck Clams, savory Bacon, chopped Green & Red Bell Peppers, Parmesan, Fennel Seed & Parsley, altogether they kinda taste like a sausage pizza, but it all works and I left wanting more.

2. Flo's Clamshack – You'll get a kick out of Flo's in Middletown because it really looks like a full-on Fish Tackle Box, Aquarium meets Clamshack. Despite the several eating areas – dining room, upstairs Raw Bar, and outdoor patio, there's no wait service, so you must order at the counter. They give you a rock with a painted-on number with your order, then call it over the loud speaker. Looking over Flo's paper menu, you'll see they've been written up in over 20 publications across the nation, especially for the Best Fried Clams. I've never had a sweeter, bigger, more tender, fluffy, lightly breaded Fried Clam in my life. In fact, we liked them so much, we went back for more, and you will too. The Lobsta Roll is refreshingly light and crisp with sweet Lobster meat and a big bed of Iceberg Lettuce Leaf. It's served on a traditional New England Style Hot Dog Roll, which is sharply cut on all sides like a rectangle, then toasted for extra crispiness – it really enhances the overall experience. We were saddened to get only one Stuffed Quahog – the largest clam found in the Atlantic – because they had run out. But their ancient Portuguese recipe definitely has a spicy, red peppery kick. I just wish there were more clams to be found.

3. Iggy's – Voted Best Fish 'N Chips, you can definitely see & taste why. Iggy's serves a hefty portion of flaky Fresh Cod that's lightly breaded and not overly fried. For years, neighbor restaurants Iggy's & Aunt Carrie's have had an ongoing Battle of the Clam Cakes – check out my cousin Ben Hague, comedian & TV host, reporting it on The Rhode Show. While I didn't have room to try both, I can say Iggy's Clam Cakes – a popular RI & Massachusetts Fritter with Chopped Clams inside – are fluffy, bouncy, and not too dry or greasy. They're also better than Flo's, since I found at least 2 Clams. However, while Iggy's Quahog is huge with a LOT of stuffing and big chunks of Celery, I prefer the spiciness of Flo's that really doesn't need hot sauce added on.

4. The Grill – Stepping inside, or shall I say outside, to this open 4-wall restaurant right on the dock is like a nautical fantaSEA. It's part of the ultra cool new 41 Degrees North Hotel in Newport, surrounded by the ocean and yachts up to 250ft that you just wanna yacht-hop with the Mansion-Class. Off the Lunch Menu, a clams-down, must order is the Crab Cocktail. Huge, whole, and perfectly manicured chunks of Crab are sunbathing in a refreshingly cool Ginger-Peach Juice, then topped with a spicy, whipped Wasabi Mousse, and earthy Micro-greens. It's TO. DIE. FOR. Next up, the Rhody Royal Mussels – while tender and sweet, this dish is all about the tangy, spicy Chorizo & Sun-Dried Tomato Broth. The 2 Parmesan-Crusted Crostinis it comes with slowly melt as they soak up the broth, but are not enough. So make sure you order the Lobster Sliders – simple, sweet, yet a little watery – so you can use the buttery Silver Dollar Brioche buns to lap up the rest of the Mussel Broth.

5. Caserta Pizzeria – Apparently, this pizza place has been serving the "Best Pizza in Providence" for over 50 years. How did I not visit this on one of my many childhood summer trips?!? 20 years later I finally got to try it. We ordered the 4 ingredient Supreme Pizza – spicy Pepperoni, kinda bland White Button Mushrooms, crisp Green Bell Peppers, Black Olives, and Oregano. The Crust is "Wicked Auuwwwsome" – soft and pillowy with a fantastic crunch. The Pizza itself is pretty light, and if you're a Cheese lover you'll probably wish there's more of it. My Aunt and I both agreed that the Sauce is a little too spicy and acidic – perhaps a little sugar could help.

6. Newport Creamery – While there are over 10 locations in RI and MA, I visited the original location in Middletown that opened in 1940. It's a Burger 'N Fries joint that also serves award-winning Ice Cream, Awful Awfuls (an Ice Cream Shake I soon learned the meaning of when I spilled it all over our condo's carpet at age 9), and delicious "Cawfee" or Coffee Milk (the official state drink of RI made with Milk & Coffee Syrup). My absolute, spoons-down favorite Ice Cream flavor is Butter Crunch, which I believe used to be called Butter Brickle. It's thicker than usual, rich and creamy Vanilla Ice Cream with pieces of Toffee and ribbons of Caramel folded inside. I crave it at least 10 times a year and wish there was one in California.

7. Dunkin' Donuts – Just like my Butter Crunch Ice Cream addiction, the Chocolate Glazed Donut at Dunkin' Donuts is like my crack and is, in fact, the 1st thing I get as soon as I arrive in RI. Considering they're on almost every corner, and at one point up to 225 Dunkin' Donuts in Rhode Island alone, you can see why. It's got a crumby, rich & moist, Espresso-like Chocolate Cake that's dipped in a sugary Honey Glaze – Oh. My. Gawd! Please spread the love and come to CA soon, I beg you. Like seriously, I'll do anything. I need to feed the need!!!!!

As you can SEA, I've got you "Awl Set" for your next culinary adventure, discovering Rhode Island's sweet seafood and just desserts. But if I don't make it back for another 10 years, can you please ship me 1 of each of the above in gratitude for enlightening you? Ok fine, just the donut!

Stay tuned this week for my Food Truck Friday review update, comparing the Del's LA Food Truck to the original Del's Lemonade Shack & Headquarters in Cranston, Rhode island.

Your Next Bite in 2 weeks:

- Lobster Roll at Brant Point Grill in The White Elephant Hotel, Nantucket

- Baked Stuffed & Hot Boiled Maine Lobsters at Hurricane in Kennebunkport

Cool down with Rhode Island's refreshing Del's Frozen Lemonade in LA

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Nothing tastes better when the sun's blazing on than Great Grandfather DeLucio's Del's Frozen Lemonade Italian fruit ice recipe dating back to 1840 Naples, Italy. I was first introduced to Del's in my childhood, when I visited my mom's side of the family in Rhode Island. The summers there can be brutally hot and humid, so the little Del's Frozen Lemonade stand in Cranston always hit the spot.

Eventually I looked forward to going back each summer, just so I could have another taste of the fun frozen treat – let's not forget about The Black Pearl's Clam Chowder, Dunkin' Donuts, Newport Creamery Butter Brickle Ice Cream, Twin Oaks Italian Restaurant, and Quahogs too. (Reviews on all to come soon!) What can I say? Everywhere I go my Food Fetish follows.

When Del's opened their first store in L.A., you can imagine the size of the smile that immediately lit up my face. And to top that off, a Food Truck too?!? Inner. Harmony. Reached.

The Grubdown:

- zesty, citrusy, real natural lemon flavor + frozen lemon rind bonus The Original Frozen Lemonade ($2.50 Medium)

- tropical, fuzzy, a little more sweet 'n syrupy Peach-Mango Italian Ice ($2.50 Medium)

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Walking up to the Del's Truck, I couldn't help but smile seeing server Brett in his Boston Red Sox cap. Immediately I felt at home as his accent and die-hard Sox fan cap reminded me of my cousin Benj, a.k.a. Ben Hague, Comedian and TV Show Host for Fox Providence's The Rhode Show.

I ordered the Original Lemonade, naturally, and was surprised to see a whole new world of flavors that Cranston's little roadside stand never had before. Watermelon was sounding good, but Brett recommended his favorite, Peach-Mango.

The Original is outstanding. It's got crisp, clean, natural lemon flavors. It's fresh, zesty, and not too sweet. And the best part is the Frozen Sugared little jewels of Lemon Rind you find folded inside – I'd eat a whole bucket of it, if it weren't for the freeze brain.

I was really amazed at how fantastic the Peach-Mango tasted too and will definitely be adding it to my regular roster – thanks Brett! While it's sweeter than the Original with more of an Italian Syrup taste, it's tropical, yet tangy, and I just couldn't get enough.

Follow the Truck @DelsLA or visit them at one of their 3 California stores:

- Venice:  701 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

- Silverlake: 3926 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

- Alta Loma: 5726 Napa Court, Alta Loma, CA 91701

P.S. Stay tuned for an update from the original stand in Cranston, RI!

Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches are Massive Structures of Flavored Art

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This ain't your mama's ice cream truck. Ever had Wasabi, Balsamic Fig & Mascarpone, or Foie Gras ice cream? Well the self-proclaimed "architecturally-inspired" ice cream sandwich truck, Coolhaus, serves them all & serves them so BIG, you might wanna leave the designer shoes at home.

The Grubdown:

- cakey flavor, but not as rich as Red Velvet Ice Cream Snickerdoodle Sandwich $4

- salty 'n sweet, craving-cure-all Brown Butter Bacon Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich $4

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I was delighted to see that the Coolhaus Truck was making a stop outside LACMA's Fallen Fruit presents EATLACMA Exhibit this past Sunday evening.

I couldn't wait to try their crazy flavors, and had had a craving for Red Velvet in dairy form ever since Yogurtland was sold out of it. So I decided to order the Red Velvet ice cream with Snickerdoodle Cookie. You can definitely taste that buttery, floury cake flavor in the ice cream. As for the Red Velvety Chocolate Bourbon richness, the flavor depth just wasn't there. The Snickerdoodle cookie was really thick and delish though – crisp crunch on the outside and soft 'n chewy on the inside. 

I went halfsies with my hand model and also had the Brown Butter Bacon ice cream on the Chocolate Chip cookie, as recommended by the server. When I tried the ice cream by itself, the Bacon chunks were really big and smokey and almost too much. Neither of us – who loooove bacon btw – would want to order a cup of it on it's own, but when we tried it in the sandwich, it was like Rainbows & Unicorns. First of all, the Chocolate Chip cookie – which we would totally order on it's own 'cuz it's perfect in every way – has huge Chocolate Chips and is chewy in all the right places without being too buttery. Combined with salty chunky bacon, which turn into subtle smokey hints amongst the Brown Butter ice cream, it makes for one magical experience.

Now I know $4 is a LOT for an ice cream sandwich, but these things are seriously MASSIVE. I could barely finish both my halves, since the cookies are quite thick, and the amount of ice cream they give you is seriously laughable – not to mention trying to eat it. We were walking and eating at the same time, which I don't recommend – unless you're into decorating your shoes splatter paint style. 'Cuz once you bite down on this enormous structure, it pretty much turns into Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart.

Follow @COOLHAUS to check out new seasonal flavors, like Spicy Mexican Chocolate ice cream and Rice Krispie Treat cookies – they'll not only cool you down this summer, but also fill you up.

World Fare Bustaurant Brings the Chow, the Counter & the Atmosphere

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If there was a Godfather of foodtrucks World Fare bustaurant would be it, for their global cuisine, rooftop deck eating area, and music to boot.

The Grubdown:

- homey and sweet Original Bunny Chow with Coconut Milk Curry Chicken, Cashews, Golden Raisins, Chickpeas & Cilantro

- crispy, creamy, fancy fried Truffle Mac and Cheese Balls

- you're-gonna-need-a-drink-to-washdown this cream cheesy fantasy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bunny

- ooey gooey, gimme more, rich Forbes Bunny Brownie

- sweet 'n spicy, refreshing house made Ginger Peach Tea

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This Food Truck Friday I'm mixin' things up with a food truck in the form of a bus. Ever since I found out about World Fare bustaurant, I couldn't wait to try it – especially this new food I'd never heard of called the Bunny Chow, a popular South African street food sandwich.

My hand model, Evan, and I ordered The Original Chicken Curry Bunny Chow ($4) made with tender, shredded Organic Jidori Chicken, mildly spicy Yellow Coconut Milk Curry, sweet Golden Raisins, and crunchy Chickpeas & Cashews. The flavor of the curry reminds me exactly of a British recipe my mom uses every Thanksgiving to make Turkey Curry with the leftovers. It's nutty, sweet, and the hollowed out soft sourdough bread the curry's carried in soaks it all up. The size of the Chow is actually smaller than I'd envisioned, but add a side, dessert & drink and you're set for $12.50.

For a Side we ordered the Truffle Mac & Cheese Balls ($2.75). Out of the three that comes with it, the first one was a little dry, but the other two were perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft 'n gooey on the inside with great earthy truffle flavor. They even turned my non-truffle loving hand model – I know who doesn't like truffles?!? – into a regular Romeo.

For Dessert we ordered the Red Velvet Cheesecake Bunny ($2.50). You'll want to make sure you've got a drink in hand for this one because it's super rich and decadent with a cream cheese topping – and it's oh-so-good! On a separate occasion I visited the truck just before closing, but was offered a free Forbes Bunny Brownie – ooey gooey chocolatey richness that I could definitely go for every day.

Out of all the amazing sounding House Made Drinks, we decided to get the Ginger Peach Tea ($2.50). Now my hand model usually doesn't like ginger, but he loved this tea because it has the perfect balance of sweet 'n spice as the ginger flavor isn't overbearing. He even got a free refill from Chef Andi Van Willigan – very sweet.

World Fare also serves an organic, sustainable Piedmontese Beef Burger & Fries Combo ($10), daily Blackboard Specials like Farmers Market Fresh Salmon Salad, and 3 other Bunny Chows: Short Rib, BBQ Pork & Vegetarian Chili.

Tonight @worldfare will be parked on Abbot Kinney in Venice for First Friday. Perhaps you can sneak a peak of the ocean from the bustaurant's rooftop dining deck complete with umbrellas, food counter, and speakers blazing global tunes.

Happy Chow-ing!

Whole Foods Market Chocolate Wall has it All

 
In the spirit of Easter, and curbing your kid candy cravings, I thought I'd simplify your hunt for the perfect piece of chocolate – from healthy quinoa dark to sinful bacon milk – with the chocolate wall that has it all at Whole Foods Market.

The Grubdown:

- ridiculously addictive I-can't-believe-this-is-good-for-me Dark Chocolate Quinoa Midnight Crunch by Alter Eco (tastes just like a healthy Nestle Crunch bar!)

- sweet & salty Mo's Bacon Bar by Vosges Haut Chocolate

- spicy & crunchy Ginger Crystallized in Dark Chocolate by Chocolove (you'll want to replace your ginger tea after every meal with this!)

- good for you & the environment Endangered Species Chocolate

- exotic, pure, and sustainable Dagoba Chocolate

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Alter Eco's Dark Chocolate Quinoa Midnight Crunch is absolutely genius! Here's why: for those of you who haven't heard of quinoa – pronounced "keen-wah" – this ancient whole grain from the Andes is the only one that's a complete protein, meaning it's packed with all the essential amino acids our bodies can't produce on their own. It's also the March Grain of the Month on wholegraincouncil.org if you'd like to learn more.

For those of you HAVE heard of quinoa and eat it regularly in place of pasta, cereal, or flour, you might already be halfway to Whole Foods after realizing what a brilliant idea putting it in chocolate is. Made with all organic ingredients, like 61% cocoa, cane sugar, cocoa butter, and quinoa-rice crisps, this scrumptious chocolate bar is hard to put down. No need to fret – while it may remind you of the Nestle Crunch bars from your childhood, it's nutritional value certainly won't. Midnight Crunch is loaded with healthy whole grain goodness, is soy/GMO/gluten-free, is vegan, and has no artificial flavors or emulsifiers. It's also Fair Trade Certified, meaning the product comes from small farmers who receive fair wages for their work and use sustainable farming methods.

Mo's Bacon Bar by Vosges Haut Chocolate definitely backs up the statement, "Everything tastes better with bacon." Made with Applewood smoked bacon, a touch of Alderwood smoked salt, and creamy 41% milk chocolate, seriously, what's not to love? But, if you tend to throw a hissy fit when your pancake syrup touches your sausage, this might not be your cup of tea. If you don't, instead throw caution to the wind and enjoy this perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Chocolove's Ginger Crystallized in Dark Chocolate is another bar that's hard to escape. After sinking your teeth into the 65% Belgian dark chocolate with chunks of chewy, sugar-coated Australian crystallized ginger, you'll be tossing that ginger tea box in the trash and convincing your significant other this bar is all you need to experience the healthy digestive benefits of ginger – ok maybe that's just me. This Chocolove flavor has the perfect amount of sugar and spice, and even a nice love poem wrapped inside.

If you're an eco-friendly humanitarian and animal activist, then Endangered Species Chocolate is the bar for you. Each chocolate bar comes with a picture of not just a cute 'n cuddly animal, but an endangered one. 10% of all net profits are donated to support species, habitat, and humanity. The company is 100% Ethically Traded, meaning all their cacao is purchased from small, family-owned farms with humane working conditions. All Natural flavors include Dark Chocolate with Deep Forest Mint, Milk Chocolate with Cherries, Dark Chocolate with Hazelnut Toffee, and many more.

Speaking of variety, Whole Foods carries over 15 different Dagoba Organic Chocolate bars. Made from only the finest organic ingredients, Dagoba spins chocolate into art with exotic flavors like spicy Xocolatl chile, Superfuit acai & goji berry, and Lavender Blueberry. Chocolate potency ranges from 37-100%. Dagoba, also a sustainable company, does everything from sponsoring re-forestation programs in Costa Rica to using soy-based inks on their packaging.

By no means is this the end of all Whole Foods chocolate wall has to offer – they also have your standards like Valrhona, Scharffen Berger, and Green & Blacks. But this Easter, instead of gnawing on that cavity-inducing chocolate bunny or Cadbury Creme Egg, why not hop to Whole Foods and hunt down your next favorite, organic, sustainable chocolate bite – the Easter Bunny & Tooth Fairy will thank you.