Sorry, y'all...

I know that it has been QUITE some time since I have last posted, but have no fear!  More about cupcakes coming soon.

Look for my posts about guava delights in Miami this week!

City of Sisterly Love

I took a very quick trip to Philly a few weeks ago, partially for an audition, but also to get to see the wonderful and amazing Kelly.  My girl knows how to treat me well, and upon arrival, I was greeted with pork belly, roasted vegetables, and slaw!  It was amazing.  Kells is an amazing baker, but doesn't normally show off her culinary skills.  I feel so loved!

 After my audition, I spent the afternoon meandering around, and trying to remember where Philly Cupcake was!  I was so excited to eat a treat there, but, alas, they're closed on Mondays!  My pilgrimage was in vain, but still totally worth it to stare into the delightful shop.





Instead of partaking in a museum or one of the many cultural delights in Philly, I opted to go to Redding Terminal Market and eat a cheesesteak.  I have been told that, without the wizz, this wasn't a traditional cheesesteak, but as far as I'm concerned, the provolone was a much better choice.  I got this sucker loaded, with both sweet and hot peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, and a little mayo.  The owner made a jab at my size and bet me that I couldn't eat the whole thing.  Well, I certainly proved him wrong!!  I can't wait to eat another one of these bad boys.

Sisters hiding behind our delicious gelato

The one thing better than being reunited with my dear friend was the chance for us to have dinner with my sister that evening!  My dear darling sis works in Philly a few days a week, and I was happy to see that our schedules coincided!  We had dinner at audrey claire followed by the World's Best Gelato (according to National Geographic) at Capogiro.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the food at AC.  Many of the dishes lacked the proper balance of savory and sweet, except for the last small plate that we got, a roasted leek and portobello tart with goat cheese and a polenta crust.  Now, THAT was delightful.  However, this gelato was off the hook.  I got masala chai and coconut, and these two flavors were not only perfect individually, but amazing mixed together.




Because I can't resist an urge to be a bit silly, as we walked past the Rodin Museum on the way home, I just had to pose.  I'm not ashamed in the slightest.  I love Philly, when it involves two of my favorite people in the entire world!









Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks
www.phillycupcake.com
www.audreyclaire.com
www.capogirogelato.com/

A break from cupcakes to talk about...

Chicago pizza.  Two words that will forever shake me to my core, and fill my arteries with shame.  Over the past few weeks, I have been working at the World's Most Delightful Temp Job (TM).  Yes, the work is boring, but, the lovely gentlemen around me have taken it upon themselves to educate me about what "real pizza" is.  Apparently, my beloved New Haven style pizza is unacceptable here.  We'll see.

Visiting with my mom a few weeks ago, we tried Lou Malnati's - famous for their butter crust!  I enjoyed this pizza, and in a personal size, it wasn't overwhelming.  I enjoyed the tomato chunks, but felt as though something was still missing. (My photo was ugly.  Go to their website, or one of their many Chicagoland locations for your own experience!)

My second day on the job, a slice of Giordano's was slung into my cubicle.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that this was the most intense pizza that I've ever had.  It was like eating an open face calzone - dripping cheese, perfectly cooked peppers, crispy crust, pockets of grease.  I would not be disappointed eating this pizza again, but felt the after-effects of it for hours.  My stomach ached, and I was so full that I couldn't eat dinner. Pizza is not supposed to be a "one and done situation" like so many Syracuse players (burn), but is supposed to provide multiple slices of joy! After much reflection, I'm not sure that I'm cut out for stuffed pizza.

Now.  Yesterday's slice.  Oh.  My.  Word.

Thinking that I don't intake enough meat and that I could "afford the extra calories," the accountants ordered the "Meaty Pie" from Rosati's Pizza.  Also, knowing that I like "thin crust", they chose this specific location to continue my pizza education.  Thin crust?  THIN CRUST?!

This was no thin crust pizza.

Because the toppings themselves were so ridiculous, I will even cut and paste: "Sausage, pepperoni, bacon, Candian bacon and ground beef." Yes, you read that correctly. I might like all of these delicious meats on their own, but on one pizza?

I'm not going to lie. It wasn't awful. In fact, it was pretty tasty. But I could actually feel years come off of my life as I ate it.  However, the fried ravioli, perched on the right of my plate?  I could eat those bad boys all day long.

It is hard to judge which of these locations may be my favorite so far, as the style and toppings have varied so greatly.  I supposed that I'll just have to keep eating...

www.loumalnatis.com
www.giordanos.com
www.rosatispizza.com

Cupcake Wars, you inspire me.

Watching Cupcake Wars, as one does, you learn about many new bakeries.  And how lovely when they just happen to be in your city!

This is an awesome story, and I just adore cupcake trucks, so I cannot wait to try these delightful treats!

http://cupcakesforcourage.com/

CUPCAKE ATM IN CHICAGO!

Omg.

Cupcake ATM here in Chicago?

I'm so there.