The Ocean State

Our journey continued through CT and into RI with more rain and occasional glimpses of the ocean. I always get excited to see the familiar sight of the Newport Pell Bridge that means we're almost there. I can almost taste the clam chowder (or should I say "chowda") and feel the sand between my toes at 2nd beach. I couldn't wait to introduce Fred to all of my favorite places!

I wasn't about to let a little rain stop us from enjoying the sights. I spotted this rainbow over my grandparents' house in Newport, where we were staying. They have a spectacular old house that, like much of Newport, is full of history.

A view of the sun setting at Fort Adams, overlooking Narragansett Bay.

Warning: Don't Read While Hungry

Fred called the lobster bisque the best soup he's ever eaten. I concur.

Duck quesadilla anyone? I think anything tastes good in a quesadilla.

Ahhh lobster rolls. How I miss thee. I will be doing a side by side comparison of the lobster rolls I sampled on vacation.

Didn't know you could make salmon and shrimp in lobster sauce taste like hot dog. Strangely, it wasn't bad.

Bread pudding. Enough said.

Welcome to New England

Every year my family trip from MD to RI includes a stop in the quaint seaside town of Mystic, CT, recreated to resemble a 19th century fishing village. What do we do here every year you might ask? Do we visit the world's largest maritime museum or perhaps stroll through the wonderful shops filled with New England specialties? No. We eat at the local Friendly's. Yes, Friendly's.

As tempting and delicious as the Patty Melt is, I've always wondered if there is more to Mystic than our late night pit stop would suggest. After reading about the history of the town and the many attractions I decided that I had to see the town in the light of day. I'm sure they missed us at Friendly's this year. Sorry.

I had planned an afternoon strolling along the seaport and a romantic dinner on the water with live music. I think Mother Nature punished me for not going to Friendly's by unleashing so much rain that we could barley see through it. While we had to eat inside, the food at The Seamen's Inne was everything that I'd hoped for. Pictures will follow as I think they should stand on their own. This was easily one of the best meals I've had in a while.

PS- The Seamen's Inne also uses local ingredients and highlights local farms on their menu!

French Potato Salad

When my dad presented me with a giant mound of potatos and my mom presented me with some green beans visions of a french potato salad with green beans came to me with a mustard vinegarette drizzled over the still warm potatoes. I don't take credit for this idea, it's probably the result of way too much Food Network...

Ingredients

Small potatoes (yukon gold or fingerling...)
Green beans
Olive oil
Dijon mustard
Honey
White wine vinegar
salt and pepper

Cut potatoes into even bite size chunks and place in a pot of water. Bring to a boil and let cook until fork tender. Also start steaming your green beans. (Note that I only steam the green beans until they are cooked but still have a slight crunch. The texture will hold up better with the potatoes and dressing so be careful not to overcook them.)

While potatoes and beans cook, make the dressing. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper to taste. When the potatoes and beans are done cooking and drained, combine in a large bowl with the dressing. This should be done while the potatoes are still warm because they will absorb all of the dressing. Check for seasoning. This can be eaten warm or at room temperature, and the flavors will be even better as it sits.

More Reasons I Love the Suburbs

I think I gain a couple of pounds every time I go home. From the neighborhood parties every holiday to having a well stocked kitchen (that doesn't double as my bedroom) at my disposal, going home means cooking and eating. A lot. I do plenty of that here in Philly, but let's just say I'm not eating any tofu and cabbage at home.

Yes, I did eat spam in case you were wondering, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not as much as scrapple if we're talking about questionable meat products but spam certainly satisfies my meat craving. What I love about my neighbors is that you might find them enjoying some grilled spam and a mimosa, but they also make a mean gumbo and authentic beignets for Mardi Gras. Not to mention the holiday cookie exchange. Why did all of this have to develop after I left for college?

Not that I'm complaining. If my dad's recipe for mussels and prawns is any indication I didn't exactly starve growing up. My absolute favorite meal is my dad's grilled salmon and eggplant. The ingredients are simple: just olive oil and lemon pepper but maybe Papa Slaghoople will share some of his grilling tips?

We rounded out the meal with something called fuzzy squash (procured at the local asian supermarket that has all sorts of weird stuff) and a delicious potato salad. Recipe to follow.

The Breakfast of Champions

What do you get when you grill up some spam and bacon and serve with mimosas? A 4th of July celebration of course!

Blueberry pancakes al fresco.

Not sure what you call this egg and cheese pie, but I call it delicious.

Festive cupcakes, a la Mama Slaphoople.

Home Sweet Home!

My vacation this year is an east coast road trip of sorts starting in good old Germantown, MD. Welcome to the suburbs!



This is Winston. He likes me the best.

Leonard, from the mean streets of Philly, is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

Sadly, my dad didn't plant his usual assortment of veggies and herbs, but my neighbors have a nice spread on the side of our house.