Cinnamon Rolls

I've been told by many that cinnamon rolls give off the most enticing smell of anything the oven has to offer.  Either there is scientific evidence proving this or it is a view so widely shared that it has been accepted as fact.  It's certainly easy to make friends when you've got a few extra sitting around in your kitchen.

Charlotte, NC: I'll Return to You

My first visit to Charlotte, North Carolina was a success as expected.  Nothing compares to a road trip.  Nothing compares to a road trip in North Carolina.  Nothing compares to a road trip in North Carolina with lots of good food and people who love you and you love back.

Not only is there much more to see and eat, there are more memories to be made.  I anticipate my return with excitement.  I've already got a few more restaurants and pastry shops to visit when I make my way down to the Land of the Pines again.  Getting to know a city through its food is like playing a game of telephone, along the way you hear about or see even more irresistible places than you bargained for and definitely more than you can handle in one visit.


I'm looking forward to trying out Bang Bang Burgers, which I found by way of Sunflour Baking Company.  Isn't their design awesome?  I have high hopes that they are the Elevation Burger of Charlotte.  My local loyalties may be put to the test.

At 20 Degrees Chocolates, the chocolatier recommended Renaissance Patisserie as the most authentic French bakery in town.  You best believe I'll be stopping by next time I'm near.

Next door to Petit Philippe we found littleSpoon, a breakfast and lunch place that uses locally sourced ingredients and was cute as can be.     

Returning to Charlotte will be just as exciting as my first experience, no doubt about it.

Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast is a good idea.  Always eat it; even eat it if it's for dinner.  That way you can make every meal the most important one of the day.

This brinner consisted of apricots from The Local Market, Stachowski breakfast sausage, ChefSteps pancakes with chocolate chunks.  I also cooked apples in the sausage grease with spices.

DMV Food Adventures

Exploring the world through food and drink never gets old.  There is so much one can learn through a community's food.

I support the Virginia and Washington, D.C. food scene whenever I get the chance.  It is growing and improving every day.  Love your local kitchens; patronize them and help them stay in business!

1. Bakeshop, VA

A great place for sweets, coffee and catching up with a friend.

The house-made Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a MUST.

Bakeshop, VA

2. South Block, VA

Healthy breakfast, lunch and snack.  South Block is juicing company gone cafe.

Try their wraps or on-tap kombucha.

South Block, VA

 3. Souk, DC

The cutest spice shop and bakery Barrack's Row ever did see.

Probably the only place I have encountered canneles in recent history.

Souk, DC

 4. Gypsy Soul, VA

Great small plates of local, fresh food,

The Tuna tartare is clean and simple, not to mention lovely to look at.

Gypsy Soul, VA

 5. Bearnaise, DC

French cuisine in a cute building.  Eat upstairs if you can for a quieter dining experience.

Don't miss the well-priced Steak Frites.  I can still taste this perfectly seasoned steak...

Bearnaise, DC

 6. Dolcezza, DC

Gelato made in the nation's capital?  Perfection.

Try all of the flavors.

Dolcezza, VA and DC

 7.  District Doughnut, DC

If you know me, you know I love this place.  I dream about these doughnuts and all my friends ever hear about is my lastest trip to District Doughnut.

I'm partial to yeast doughnuts, but you can't go wrong here.

District Doughnut, DC

 8. Rocklands, VA

The best BBQ house in Northern Virginia.

Don't forget the barbecue sauce, piping hot out of a kettle.

Rocklands, VA

Blueberry Pie Perfection

If there is one dessert my dad -Henry, as in Henrianna- cannot resist, it is blueberry pie.  He usually gravitates toward fruity and pastry-heavy desserts, plus he grows blueberries, so this totally makes sense.

In the summers our family always grows blueberries and we usually have an abundance that we freeze for pies and muffins to come.

Clearly, blueberry pie is a necessity.  Kinda hard to perfect, right?  After many attempts + pastry school I finally feel confident in my berry pie making abilities.  So, I made a blueberry pie and it was eaten for or with every meal until it was gone by my dad.  I think I got it right.

My version includes honey, brown sugar, nutmeg and an all-butter crust.

August

Blackberry Loaf

Farmer's Market Blackberries

Brownies with Rum Caramel Swirl

Blackberry Mini Muffins

Cheddar and Grits

A little (okay, a lot) of Seaside Cheddar on top of seasoned grits.

Easy and delicious!

Bostock: A Revelation

The best thing about pastry school is arguably trying foods I've never even heard of.  It's always a plus when the new taste sensations are utterly scrumptious.  Enter Bostock.

You may have heard of this sweet and delicious brioche application and are now wondering what planet I've been living on.  I'm wondering the same thing.  Bostock is a revelation.  It marries buttery brioche, orange and almond for one fantastic piece of fancy toast.