It's Hanukkah!

  

I am so happy with how our Hanukkah cookies turned out this year. I decided to do two different sugar cookies - vanilla and chocolate. Both recipes came from one of my favorite blogs - Sally's Baking Addiction. I used this Best Sugar Cookie recipe and this Chocolate Sugar Cookie recipe. For the chocolate sugar cookies I used this awesome Bensdorp Dutch-process cocoa that I picked up at the King Arthur Flour flagship store in Vermont over the summer (hopefully more about this in another delayed summer road trip post). My older kids (ages 5 & 7) were really able to help this year, which was a lot of fun. 

The key to sugar cookies is included within these recipes - don't make the dough too thin (1/4 inch is good), don't overbake - of course, who likes an overbaked cookie of any kind?! - and chill the dough after it is rolled out - this is key. 

I make my icing with powdered sugar (sifted), milk and vanilla or almond extract. Simple and delicious.

Quebec City Trip

Hello! Yes I am still alive and still eating. My third child was born in May and while she is an absolute love and doll baby it has not made a return to blogging easy considering my business, children and other commitments! But I have been thinking about the blog and plan to write a bit more often even if I don't have photos. I know everyone loves photos but that coordination is one of the more difficult parts of blogging. If possible I will add some to this post and delete this!

We just took the kids (yes all 3 of them) to Quebec City and enjoyed the pastries, "chocolat chaud" - I taught my older 2 kids to say this before we left - and cultural and outdoor activities there. We also learned that my older daughter loves escargot and enjoyed them fresh out of the shell! As far as restaurants we were not able to sample any of the really high end places since I did not reserve any child care while there, but we enjoyed La Buche, Bello and Chez Jules in the old city area and also Casa Monna et Filles restaurant and cassis farm and the Ile D'Orleans Chocolate Shop - you must get the chocolate dipped ice cream cone. As luck would have it the above 3 restaurants had no problem with us ordering takeout which was very helpful the kids! Then we would either eat at our apartment - 3rd floor walk-up courtesy of AirBnB or eat by the beautiful fountains near City Hall which my kids also loved running through.

We had a terrible experience with American Airlines on the way - cancelled flight made us delayed by 30 hours, yes that is thirty not three! On the plus side they let us change our flight back so we stayed an extra night at Valcartier Hotel where the kids swam and hit the waterslides at the indoor Bora waterpark. 

We saw an awesome fireworks display and the Flip Fabrique free acrobatics circus which apparently comes with a new show every year. Another upside to our flight being that late and us arriving in the 10-11 PM hour was that the kids stayed up later than usual the whole time. While that might not usually be an upside, it allowed for us (and them) to experience some of the evening activities that we would not normally allow because of the timing. And we typically all took a long nap so that was also positive. 

Golden Cow Creamery - Coming Soon in Charlotte

Hopefully you have already heard the incredible news that Golden Cow Creamery is coming to South End next month at the corner of Church and Summit. This is particularly exciting for me since the store will be within walking distance from my office and a light rail ride (or longer walk) from my house.

Founders Alex and Liz Hannah are opening Golden Cow in order to bring unique and delicious fresh hand crafted ice cream made with premium ingredients to Charlotte. When I heard this news it brought to mind my obsession with ice cream - as loyal readers may remember I once won an ice cream contest back in Atlanta with my lemon-basil chocolate chunk flavor - and it reminded me that for a brief time my husband and I contemplated opening our own ice cream shop here in Charlotte. We did not! But this is still missing from Charlotte so I truly hope Golden Cow takes off!

Liz and Alex Hannah, founders.

I was lucky enough to be given some of their ice cream to sample. I tried Chai Spice with Candied Orange Peel and Vegan Coconut Green Tea with Lemongrass and Chocolate. The Chai Spice was awesome - I love candied orange peel so this really hit the spot. Unfortunately for me after my initial tasting my husband ate the entire rest of the sample before I had time to try some more! I think the orange peel would also taste great with a dark chocolate ice cream - yum! The vegan ice cream had a great flavor. Since I am not a vegan I probably wouldn't order it - I love the cow's milk cream too much - but it is wonderful that vegans (and the dairy intolerant) will have options here - I am sure they will come running!

Golden Cow is currently doing a Kickstarter campaign, and if you are so inclined you can buy the right to a daily scoop for life or other less expensive perks including an initial scoop and membership in their pint of the month club! There is a sweet video you can watch documenting Alex and Liz's dedication to the project.

 Hop Drop Ice Cream featuring beer from NoDa Brewing - I can't wait to try this!

I can't wait until they are open - this is such great news for the neighborhood and for Charlotte.

Bar Cocoa at the Ritz-Carlton - Charlotte

New Eclair Selection. From L to R: classic (vanilla custard) with Ritz chocolate topper, S'mores with chocolate custard, pistachio strawberry, raspberry rose and caramel.

I was very excited to be invited to a special dessert tasting featuring the delicious sweets offered at Bar Cocoa at the Ritz-Carlton in uptown Charlotte. Bar Cocoa is the only one of its kind in the world and its corner location (Trade and College) allows both hotel guests and uptown Charlotte pedestrians to partake of pastries, gelato, coffee, chocolates and other goodies. Cooking classes, catering and custom cakes are also offered and there is even a champagne and chocolate all dessert dinner option on the weekends!

The French macaron selection is truly impressive. New flavor blueberry lavender has a subtle lavender aftertaste with strong blueberry notes. Other favorites include coconut, red velvet, honey, dulce de leche, and caramel but there are at least 10 macaroon options to try on a daily basis. 

The new eclairs are incredible - my favorite item we tried. The outside of the eclair is crisp and a little crunchy, giving way to smooth fillings - nothing at all like the soggy eclairs typically found in grocery stores. My favorite flavors were the classic and the caramel but all of them were truly excellent.

Tasty Macarons.

Gelato: Peach Mango and Honey Pecan. The new peach mango gelato is terrific for summer - flavorful, creamy and refreshing all at the same time. On Friday and Saturday afternoons you can sample the gelatos in tiny cones in the Ritz's lobby - this will cause you to dash back to Bar Cocoa for a larger serving!

The Ritz-Carlton cake - dark chocolate, candied orange and Grand Marnier. This rich, chocolatey cake is available at every Ritz all over the world. But remember, no other Ritz has a Bar Cocoa!
 

Lovely table decoration made from many flavors of macaron.

Milkshakes - we tried mini versions but these are sold in standard larger sizes - from L to R - chocolate hazelnut, banana caramel and cookies and cream. My favorite = cookies and cream!

Norman Love Easter Collection selections. These are peanut butter and lemon - delicious and beautiful. See the entire Easter collection here. The chocolates are the only item that is not made in-house at Bar Cocoa.

If you have not yet tried Bar Cocoa, I recommend it for a sweet treat anytime! Since it is located in the Ritz-Carlton, it is even open until midnight on Friday and Saturday - sweet!

Disclosure: The desserts described in this review were complimentary.

Fruit Bouquets by 1-800-FLOWERS.com

Mixed Berry Margarita.

I was recently given the opportunity to sample the fruit bouquets from 1-800-FLOWERS. I received the mixed berry margarita, above, from the Charlotte location. To order in Charlotte, you can call the store directly at (704) 910-1199. Of course you can call 1-800-FLOWERS.com or go to their website to have fruit bouquets or flowers or other gifts such as cookies, popcorn and candy delivered anywhere they serve (most states). The berries presented as a beautiful bouquet - very impressive and tasty, although I would love to see a dark chocolate option - these use milk and white chocolate and various toppings including sprinkles, coconut and ground toffee. This is a unique gift in lieu of traditional flowers and can be delivered the same day they are ordered.

 

Cookies from Helen's Kitchen

I was lucky enough to receive a package of Helen's Kitchen chocolate chip cookies recently - just in time for a road trip to Atlanta! Helen's Kitchen is the brainchild of Charlotte resident Helen Burns, who started her own company in 2008 making delicious chocolate chip cookies. Three varieties are currently available: regular chocolate chip, chocolate chip peanut butter and chocolate chip toffee. I tried the regular chocolate chip and found the cookies wonderfully satisfying. Each cookie is topped with a dusting of sea salt, resulting in a pleasing salty flavor on the tongue which enhances the robust flavor of the chocolate. However, if you prefer your cookies without salt, you can get the cookies that way too! Helen's cookies are not completely chewy or crisp; rather with a combination of the two they are bound to please any cookie lover! Helen's cookies are available individually wrapped or in larger quantities in bags or boxes for purchase online. The cookies are also available from FABO and Reid's Fine Foods in Charlotte.

10 Park Lanes

St. Louis Ribs with Mac & Cheese and Green Beans. Very good BBQ with 4 sauce options!

I was recently invited to check out the newly renovated Ten Park Lanes, which was formerly George Pappas Park Lanes - probably the first place I bowled growing up! The space is much improved - definitely not your average bowling alley and it includes fun for all generations. There are 2 large bars, including a special moonshine bar, comfortable lanes, a separate dining area, several decks and patios and room for outdoor games.

The food is also a major focus, which is rare for a bowling establishment. We enjoyed everything we tried, with the St. Louis cut ribs and the mac & cheese especially standing out as excellent. The barbecue is great in general and there are four different sauces offered including my favorite: coffee jalepeno BBQ sauce. In addition to the ribs there is also pulled pork, chicken, sausage and prime rib BBQ, available on platters or in mason jars stacked with various side options - a unique concept. The mason jar also figures prominently into the dessert we tried: the jar is dipped in chocolate, then nuts and frozen - when ready to serve it is filled with brownies, ice cream and whipped cream. This is currently my favorite version of an ice cream sundae!

In addition to the BBQ there are several good salad options, flatbread pizzas (also delicious!), burgers, other sandwiches and a multitude of appetizers including sliders. Definitely something for everyone. Food can be served right at your lane or you can take a break and eat in the dining area.

Drinks are also a major focus. Wine and a long list of draft beers are available but the real specialty of the house are moonshine drinks including martinis and cocktails. Calvin enjoyed the very berry-basil lemonade with strawberry infused moonshine as well as the less sweet Troy & tonic.

We also bowled three games, which was a lot of fun - the graphics on the display screens here are new and more innovative than others I've seen. There is also comfortable seating in the bowling area with booths instead of the hard, uncomfortable seats you usually find at bowling alleys. Bowling specials include a lunch and bowl, retro night, a Sunday night special and a kids bowl free night.

I look forward to visiting Ten Park Lanes again very soon!

Entrance and deck.



Roll Ten Chips - homemade potato chips made into nachos with pulled pork.



Oven roasted spinach dip with naan bread chips.



Moonshine Cocktail.



Flatbread pizza - we had half and half with pepperoni and sausage (top) and prime and bleu.



One of the outdoor areas.



Delicious ice cream sundae with brownies and ice cream inside - yum!



Bar #1.



The lanes.



Moonshine Bar.

Disclosure: The meal (and bowling) described in this review was complimentary.

Sweet Lorraine's Bakery

Sweet Lorraine's Bakery opened in Dilworth on East Boulevard last month. This is a very welcome addition to my neighborhood! I attended the Grand Opening and enjoyed tasting lots of the pastry and bread offerings. My favorites include the prosciutto bread, the pecan sticky bun and the cannoli as well as the signature Sweet Lorraine bar - a brownie and blondie stacked together - what could be better? I look forward to returning to try the cupcakes, scones and muffins as well as the cookies. Coffee is available and there are several tables so you can enjoy right there in the store. Chocolates from Courtney Paul Chocolates are also for sale, including a luscious passion fruit ganache in dark chocolate. Welcome to the neighborhood, Sweet Lorraine's!

Cupcakes!







Samples of sweets!



The Sweet Lorraine's team in the kitchen including owner Christine Guerriero (2nd from left)!



Chocolate display.



Palet Or (left): creamy dark chocolate ganache topped with gold leaf and Almond Hazelnut: creamy ganache with puffed cereal.



Passion Fruit Ganache enrobed in dark chocolate - my favorite of Courtney Paul's chocolates.

JJ's Red Hots - Sneak Preview and Grand Opening

You can't miss this new paint job!

JJ's Red Hots is having its GRAND OPENING on July 4 - what a fun idea! If you are in town you should definitely check it out because not only can you taste the delicious hot dogs, onion rings and desserts crafted by the JJ's team, but you can also hear the award-winning Nation Ford High School Drum Line just before the 2 PM ribbon cutting and you could win free hot dogs for a year! Check JJ's Facebook Page for details and RSVP here.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet the owners, managers and staff at JJ's and to sample a good portion of the menu. JJ's is in the space occupied by The Drum restaurant, which operated from 1948 - 1995. Following the end of The Drum's operation several restaurants have opened and failed in this space. Judging from the new design, the level of enthusiasm and the quality of the food I think JJ's is here to stay!

We tried sample portions of most of the offerings and all were well-executed and tasty. JJ's uses smokehouse hot dogs from Sahlen's Packing Company in Buffalo, NY and the dogs are chargrilled over an open flame - yay for that charred smoky taste! Then come the toppings. There are eight signature hot dogs like the Char Heel (house-made chili, house-made slaw, diced onions and mustard) and my favorite: the Joliet Jake (Chicago style with tomatoes, sport peppers, diced onions, pickle relish, deli mustard, celery salt and pickle spear). You can also build your own with a long list of toppings, some of which are made in-house. House-made picked jalepenos and pickled vegetables are available at a self-serve bar near the soda fountain to top things off. I didn't try these during my visit but next time I'm definitely going to load up!

JJ's also serves several specialty sausages including house-made smoked salmon sausage with quick-pickled cucumber, red onion and herb aioli - so tasty and a good option for the non-pork eating crowd. The chicken sausage with grilled onions and bell pepper was another favorite of mine but the andouille sausage sliders take the cake with delicious cole slaw on top. Bratwurst, Italian sausage and a Polish round out the sausage menu. Salads and homemade chili are also offered so yes, you could even take a vegetarian here - the onion rings and desserts are great too!

Left: JJ's No. 1 Red Hot and The Maui Gold with grilled pineapple salsa. Right - one of my favorites - the Joliet Jake Chicago style dog.



The Char Heel.



JJ's Polish and Andouille Sausage "Sliders".



Back: Salmon sausage (left) and chicken and herb sausage - two of my favorites. Front: JJ's White Hot and onion rings.



Ownership/management team.



Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache Bar - simply awesome! I love the thick graham cracker crust with the delicious PB mousse and chocolate ganache - yum! JJ's also offers hand-spun milkshakes using the delicious ice cream from Greenwood's in Atlanta.

JJ's offers made to order orangeade and lemonade - the lemonade was particularly good and there is beer on tap as well as a canned beer and wine list. There is also a kids menu featuring "puppydawgs" (chopped frankfurters in bite sized pieces, battered and fried to order) and offering fruit salad and apples as healthy sides for the little ones. Bottom line: JJ's has something for everyone! I look forward to returning to JJ's soon! This is a great addition to the neighborhood and hopefully one that will last on for years to come. Remember.... "Don't Dis' The Dog!"

Honoring the past of The Drum.



Dad had fun tasting with me!



Rooftop deck. This will be great when it cools down!

Disclosure: The meal described in this review was complimentary.