Tag: MEGA Bites

You Can Order O&H Danish Kringles HERE! If you’ve ever driven along Interstate 94, just across the Illinois border, and into Wisconsin, you’ve probably seen the signs for O&H Danish Bakery in the Racine and Sturtevant areas. I’ve seen the signs…. And I’ve been wanting to stop for a while now. And, hey, we FINALLY did! And, oh, wow! It’s pretty incredible! The bakery itself in the Sturtevant location is just a small vignette of a counter inside a Petro Travel Plaza, but don’t let it’s micro-appearance fool you. The flavor packed in this tiny space is AMAZING. Danish Kringle,…

CLICK HERE to Check Out Giordano’s Pizza! On our constant quest to find the Best Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago, we keep coming back to two pizzerias in particular. One is Connie’s Pizza. The other is Giordano’s. It is our opinion, thus far, that Connie’s Pizza offers the best crust. And Giordano’s cheese is absolutely unparalleled! Strangely enough, not too many Chicago pizza places are open late. So, when we are “just passing through” the Chicagoland vicinity, Giordano’s in Millennium Park tends to be open the longest; and it makes a pretty convenient stop for us to grab a pie…

I’m certainly not the food artist of the family, but sometimes you just have to have a little fun with it! So, my attempt at a Charcuterie Board for the non-vegans of the family. Ham, Salami, Pepperoni, Mozzarella, White Cheddar, Cheddar, Brie, and three other cheeses I couldn’t pronounce even if I remembered what they were! And some almonds, pumpkin seeds, and crackers… I mean, it made a fun snack! If you’d like some REAL inspiration to make a charcuterie board for your next family gathering, click on any photo below!

Have you ever gone hiking with two loaves of bread? That’s exactly what we did on this lovely Thanksgiving Morning! We are so very fortunate to know a very beautiful soul by the name of Julie. And Julie bakes the most unique, gorgeous, and amazingly delicious breads we’ve ever had! Julie bakes everything fresh, and by special order only, so we headed over bright and early this morning to pick up a rectangle loaf of Maple Tahini Sourdough and a round loaf of Turmeric Ginger Sourdough. These breads are absolute beauties to behold… They have HEARTS on them! AND, They…

Our favorite Apple House experience on our 2021 North Georgia Apple Excursion was, hands down, Mack Aaron’s Apple House. It’s a smaller place, and looks a little unsuspecting from the exterior. If you only had a little bit of time, this might not be the place that would grab your attention. But, the customer service was the absolute friendliest. The folks working there truly appreciated our business, and they were genuinely kind and warmly personable. And, at the end of the day, those are the kinds of people with whom I want to do business. Most of the Apple Houses…

Next on the list for our 2021 North Georgia Apple Excursion is Aaron Family Orchards. They have a great selection of apples, and more importantly, the BEST prices out of all the Apple Houses we visited today! So, if you are looking for value, Aaron’s Apple House by Aaron Family Orchards is the way to go! Adding to our stash, we got September Wonder, Cameo, Rome Beauty, Crimson Crisps… And stickers! Yay stickers! Click HERE to Learn More About Aaron Family Orchards! CLICK HERE to follow along on our North Georgia Apple Excursion! For more fun things to do in…

R&A Orchards is an Apple House built for VOLUME! There are sooooo many apples in this place! Just check out the photos below! Prices were reasonable, and selection was great! In addition to the other apples we’ve collected thus far on our 2021 North Georgia Apple Excursion, we grabbed a handful each of Gold Rush Apples and Wild Twist Apples. R&A Orchards is on Highway 52, just Southeast of Ellijay, Georgia, and in close proximity to several other Apple Houses. If you are looking to buy a LOT of apples for a good price, this is the place to be!…

The first stop on our 2021 Apple Season in North Georgia Excursion was to Red Apple Barn. Red Apple Barn is on the Northwest side of Ellijay, where the greatest concentration of Apple Houses and Orchards tend to fall on the Southeast Side, but they boast a large, lovely property with lots of family-friendly fall activities! The purpose of our trip was primarily to buy pumpkins and apples for cooking and baking, so we’re too late in the season to experience any of the Fall Festivities first hand. But, we’d recommend checking out their website and Facebook page for all…

One of my favorite concoctions so far this fall season, fresh out of Trillian’s Kitchen this morning, is her Salted Caramel Pumpkin Oat Bowl. The base is a creamy pumpkin puree blended into vanilla almond milk rolled oats, with a side of Nature’s Path Organic Pumpkin Seed + Flax Granola. Topped with Georgia Grinders Handcrafted Natural Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter, with a dollop of Park Street Deli (ALDI) Sea Salt Caramel Hummus, and garnished with a sprinkle of Raw Pumpkin Seeds from Muddy Pond General Store in the Mennonite Community of Monterey, Tennessee. Think of a soft, warm oatmeal pumpkin…

Fall is in the air! And if you are anywhere in, near, or headed to North Georgia, one of the best local gems for all your fall shopping is Opa Robby’s Market, in Athens, Georgia, on Atlanta Highway, right in front of Target! Jellies, jams, ciders, soups, sauces, syrups, and sorghum! Pumpkins and peanuts! Muscadines and scuppernongs! Coffee and looseleaf teas! Cocoa kits, hot chocolate bombs, and decadent handmade chocolate candies! Local Honey! Even elderberry syrups, tonics, and spreads! Opa Robby’s Market has ALL the fun fall flavors! Looking to get cooking? Check out the local and regional produce, including…

It’s definitely been a challenge over the course of the last year to spend time safely with family. But, the bittersweet fact remains, that life is fleeting. So, make time for family when you can, as soon as you are safely able to do so. Today, we spent an afternoon with Grandpa Ken, cooking out, and eating all the yummy foods to celebrate his 91st birthday… Fruit plates, veggie platters, stuffed mushrooms, nachos, salads, burgers on the grill, and fries… Followed with celebratory Birthday Cake, and scrumptious cheesecake. Happy Birthday, Grandpa Ken! What are your favorite foods to grill, or…

High atop the list of our favorite things to do throughout the course of our homeschooling experience has always been agricultural experiences. Specifically, spending time on a farm, or in a field, picking fresh produce. We love going to the heart of the source of fruits, veggies, and other goodies! So, finding a U-Pick Orange Grove at Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, Florida, just outside of Orlando, was such a delight! Walking through the endless lines of orange trees, finding just the right shade of orange, and getting that satisfying pluck from the branch when you decide to make it…

It may be hot in Florida, but Showcase of Citrus will keep you oh-so-deliciously cool! Two Rounds of World Famous Orange Creamsicles, a Frozen Lemonade, and Orange Cold Brew Coffee on Tap! Read more about our full day of adventures at Showcase of Citrus below! Be sure to browse through all our photos and albums! When in Central Florida, we all think of the theme parks. But, honestly, I HIGHLY recommend getting off the beaten path for a day to experience something a little more, well, Florida! And The Showcase of Citrus, Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction® offers just that. And…

When in Central Florida, we all think of the theme parks. But, honestly, I HIGHLY recommend getting off the beaten path for a day to experience something a little more, well, Florida! And The Showcase of Citrus, Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction® offers just that. And a WHOLE lot more! Start off with a property full of fun things to see and do, such as gem mining and watching the gators swim around the beautiful waterfront. Lots of photo opportunities abound with old tractors, a replica of the Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West, and even a giant shark. Inside the…

If you’re traveling along I-75 in Southern Georgia, headed to, or coming from Florida, Magnolia Plantation in Tifton makes a great pit stop! Take Exit 55 to stretch your legs, fill your tank (or empty it), and do a little Southern-Style souvenir shopping while you’re at it! As a convenience store, they offer affordable prices on fuel, clean bathrooms, and a wide array of snacks and drinks for the road. But, you’ll also find massive quantities of jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, sauces, candies, and nuts that make great gifts for the take-home! Peach preserves, peach flavored barbecue sauces, peanuts…

Heading out of Columbus, Georgia, towards Interstate 75, in the tiny town of Weston, Georgia, you’ll find ALL the big Southern Flavor at Merritt Pecan Co & General Store! Covered in nostalgic tin soda signs on the outside, and loaded with fun products on the inside, Merritt Pecan Co & General Store makes for a great Stop & Shop along your route! We explored the vintage signs, and then ventured in to grab some snacks and drinks for the road; as well as some souvenirs; and a handful of Mother’s Day gifts for Gramma. Check out some of the goodies…

Fish, Shrimp, and Steak, Tacos from El Primo Taqueria at Banks Food Hall in Columbus, Georgia! We decided to give El Primo Taqueria a try after seeing their Cinco de Mayo specials. And we are glad we did! Read more about all the options offered at Banks Food Hall! They really do have a little something for everyone! If you’d like to see a list of all the Family Friendly Things to Do in Columbus, Georgia, CLICK HERE! Columbus is a FABULOUS destination, and we love it! If you’d like to watch a movie to learn more about the real events of “Cinco de…

Poke Bowls can often be a great option for a vegan meal, by adding tofu and/or edamame as your proteins, loading up on grains and veggies, and watching which sauces you add. Poke Sun hit the spot for a quick and easy, refreshing vegan meal for Trillian. Anything with quinoa, spinach, tofu, and edamame is a huge WIN for me… Yummmmm! Alysia enjoyed the Crab Poke Bowl. Which was also delicious after a morning exploring the incredible history of Columbus, Georgia! Read more about all the options offered at Banks Food Hall! They really do have a little something for…

Today, for our lunch, we decided to check out the food vendors at Banks Food Hall, just steps away from the Chattahoochee Riverwalk in Columbus, Georgia. As of right now, the dining options include Poke Sun, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, El Primo Taqueria, The Bakeshop by Fountain City Coffee Co, and The Original Hot Dog Factory. We decided to take advantage of the Cinco de Mayo Taco Special at El Primo Taqueria. CLICK HERE to see what we got from El Primo Taqueria! And we also got some Poke Bowls from Poke Sun. CLICK HERE to see our Poke Sun order!…

As our first on-site restaurant family-dining experience in well over a year, Easter Brunch at Mama’s Boy at the Falls of Oconee did not disappoint! Patio dining was well-spaced out for safety purposes, and the staff was doing their part with a smile to provide everyone a lovely experience. It was a beautiful day, indeed, to be enjoying our meal amidst the warm breezes, overlooking the falls below. Mama’s Boy sits high atop the confluence of Barber Creek and McNutt Creek, as they join, eventually flowing into the Middle Oconee River. With a variety of fun southern menu choices, we…

We have literally been eating here three times a week. And, honestly, if I could eat here EVERY day…. I would! Alysia and I are ABSOLUTELY addicted to Yuka Roll & Pho. We’ve been to a LOT of Sushi Restaurants in our time. And none even compare to Yuka Roll & Pho in Suwanee. We’ve been trying our best to check out as many different restaurants as we can in Gwinnett County…. But, every time… We end up here instead! We usually get some semblance of the same two or three rolls, and thankfully today we got four of our…

Breakfast this morning was a spread of homemade vegan waffles, with Wisconsin Cranberry Syrup, and Tennessee Mennonite Blackberry Jam; and a spread of apple and orange slices. Organic Unsweetened Coconut Chips from Trader Joe’s Uncle Mike’s Wisconsin Cranberry Maple Syrup Muddy Pond Wild Blackberry Jam And Trillian’s secret vegan waffle recipe! A pretty sweet way to start the day! Click on any link to learn more about the products we used, or any photo to try your hand at making Vegan Waffles!

Alysia and I decided to make a Girls’ Night Out for the two of us. We knew we wanted to try a new Sushi place to add to our Around the World in Gwinnett County Dining Guide. We found ourselves on the Peachtree Industrial Blvd side of Duluth, so we thought Sushi Cafe Duluth looked like a good choice. And it was! They have a fun collection of themed Special Rolls. Many named for some local Georgia-isms, such as the Peachtree Roll and the Stone Mountain Roll. Also, some are a bit edgier with a little tongue-in-cheek innuendo to their…

Since we missed the supply of Vegan Doughnuts at Status Dough, we were still on the lookout for a Vegan-Friendly Breakfast for Trillian. Next on our list of Knoxville places to check out was K-Brew Coffee & Bagels near the West Town Mall. K-Brew offers a pretty extensive selection of flavored bagels and spreads. They had some fun signature seasonal lattes as well. We decided upon a Chipotle Maple Latte and a Butterbier Latte. An Everything Bagel for Alysia, Blueberry for Trillian, and 3 Cheese Italian with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Spread for me. And a Blueberry and Almond Chia…

We’re always on the lookout for Plant-Based Food options, particularly for smoothie bowls and juices! Southern Squeeze has been on our list to try for a while, and we finally made it today! They offer an absolutely divine menu of choices! Smoothie Bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, shots, tonics, elixirs, plant-based food options, toasts, mushroom teas, supplements, wellness lattes, coffee, tea, and so much more! Plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, raw, super food, clean-eating, healthy-eating… If any of that describes your lifestyle, this place is for you! We started with an Activated Charcoal Alkaline Water and two Wellness Lattes. A Turmeric Latte with…

There are lots of good places for Asian food in the Atlanta suburbs. The greatest concentration of choices lies between Norcross and Doraville in Fulton County, east into Suwanee and Duluth in Gwinnett County. And that’s where we usually hit up a Restaurant, Bakery or Bubble Tea Shop. But, today, our adventures took us into Alpharetta, so we decided to grab a bite from Saigon Cafe. And we are definitely glad we did! There were a comfortable amount of Vegan menu items for Trillian, including a Tofu Veggie Mix and some Vegetarian Spring Rolls. Alysia, as always, got the Pad…

Living in a pandemic world, it isn’t always easy to get the best pictures of To-Go Orders. But, even if these aren’t the best shots, don’t let that discourage you! Yu-ka Sushi Bar Roll & Pho is PHENOMENAL! I wasn’t expecting much, just a quick bite to eat after spending way too much money in the K-Pop Shop next door. But, the Volcano Roll was indescribably, incredibly delicious… I mean, beyond words amazing… And the Lobster Tempura Roll wasn’t too far behind! Finishing out the trio was the Georgia Roll, and it was awesome, too… But, man, the Volcano Roll…

On a hot summer day, you need a cool, fun, and healthy treat! At Poet’s South in Cookeville, a Seasonal Fruit Acai Bowl and a Front Porch Cold Brew really hit the spot! The Acai Bowl was full of plump, juicy strawberries, sweet coconut, crunchy granola, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkling of chia seeds; atop a smooth, cold, blended acai base. The Porch Swing, with our choice of a non-dairy alternative, featured a dreamy blend of espresso, almond milk, and bourbon caramel!

One of our absolute favorite places in Athens, Georgia is the Taqueria Tsunami Latin-Asian Kitchen. They have THE best selection of Latin-styled tacos, nachos, and other dishes, made with a variety of mouth-watering Asian flavors. We can’t get enough of their Korean Kogi BBQ, Bulgogi Steak, Tempura Shrimp, and Vietnamese Style Pork. So many flavors on this unique menu seamlessly unite into a magically delicious experience! Any time the girls have friends or family visit, this is their go-to place for experiencing a local meal in Athens. With fun college-town vibes, affordable prices, and mouth-watering flavor combinations, Taqueria Tsunami is…

In the food court of City Center on 6th in the Koreatown neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles, you will find several phenomenal choices for Korean and Asian food options. Street Food of Seoul had SO many menu choices! And the family that operates this restaurant was amazingly kind!

We always adore every opportunity we get for fancy French pastries, or colorful, flavorful doughnuts. But, breakfast is also a little awesome, when it’s FREE. One of the biggest complaints you can read about in hotel reviews is the quality of a continental breakfast. And, yeah, they’re not usually serving up French Almond Croissants, or Blueberry Crepes a la mode… But, a little creativity can go a long way! When you have one kid that’s a practicing Vegetarian, and blossoming Vegan, sometimes you have to use a LOT of creativity! But, hey, we got the job done! Whole Wheat English…

On our way to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, we chanced across the Bellagio Patisserie and HAD to grab a bite! Or several, actually! We decided to go for a savory snack before indulging in something a bit more rich! So, we started with the Savory Italian Crepes! Pesto Aioli, Arugula, Roasted Yellow and Red Cherry Tomatoes, on Fresh Mozzarella! Absolutely Divine! They also have a lovely menu of salads and sandwiches. And, of course, DESSERT! But, that’s a whole ‘nother post!

We needed something EXTREME for Alysia’s 20th Birthday Dinner! And Amano Las Vegas fit that bill perfectly! Behold, The Fat Baby! It might be billed as a mere “Pasta Sandwich…” But don’t let the simplicity of the name fool you! These monstrous breads… Overflowing with tantalizing noodles… Dripping with creamy sauce… Oozing with gooey cheese…, Absolutely stuffed with savory toppings… Are EXTREEEEEME! Check out some YouTube videos, and then get in on the ginormous fun by ordering one for yourself! We filled our dining experience to the brim with the heavenly tastes of Rosemary Lemonade, Fresh Salads, Garlic Bread, Eggplant…

We entered Gallup, New Mexico in search of one of my favorite guilty pleasures! Navajo Tacos! One of the best parts of the Southwest! A quick Google Search netted us Earl’s Family Restaurant. When we pulled up in the parking lot, and even entered through the front door, I was a little underwhelmed that the ambiance of the place didn’t feel very authentically “Southwestern” to me. It was more of a cafeteria type atmosphere, and reminded me a little of eating dinner with my Grandmother when I was a kid. But, don’t let first impressions fool you! This was a…

Mmmm… RISE Baking Co out of Athens, Georgia makes THE most wonderful naturally leavened sourdough bread loaves! We first found Julie at the Opa Robby’s Fall Market; and we bought an Olive Fig Loaf from her then, took it home, and absolutely DEVOURED it! She was set up at Opa Robby’s Market again today, and the timing was AWESOME. We grabbed a Cranberry Pecan and a Roasted Sweet Potato loaf… And it was a flawless compliment to our Thanksgiving Spread! At the end of dinner, the Sweet Potato bread was almost gone… And the Cranberry Pecan won’t make it past…

Yummm…. The only thing better than Boba Tea… Is Crepes and Boba Tea! Two tried and true Bubble Tea favorites… Taro Milk Tea and Thai Milk Tea Both with Tapioca Boba… And our other Crepe & Creme Favorite, the Sweet Chili Shrimp Crepe! And, since Trillian is now doing the Vegetarian thing, we had to try the Vegetarian Crepe! All was AWESOME! As usual! I’m crazy about this place for a reason! Crepe & Creme IS my favorite Quick Bite Food Choice in Cookeville, Tennessee! As they say, “Life IS Sweeter in Cookeville!” Click on Any Photo for At Home…

Ah, yes, another morning at a fabulous Athens restaurant… Athens, Georgia truly is THE Dining Destination of the South! I came to Mama Jewel’s this morning looking for some Chicken and Waffles, but I ended up not being able to resist the Smoked Salmon English Muffin, and the unique sound of the Ooey Gooey with housemade Jalapeno jelly and brie smothering a fried chicken breast! The service was awesome, of course, and the Southern Pecan Coffee was refillable!

We started the evening with the Hawaiian Scallops – Seared Diver Scallops with a Pineapple Salsa, finished with a Balsamic Glaze and Spicy Candied Bacon. Next, came two seared Blue Claw Crab Cakes topped with Remoulade, with sides of Sweet Potatoes and Cheese Grits. And one of my all time favorite meals, my typical go-to if it’s on the menu, Shrimp & Grits! Yum! Shrimp, Crawfish, Andouille Sausage, Onions, Peppers, and Tomatoes in a savory sauce, served over Red Mule Grits, with a side of Asparagus…. We are so very fortunate to have access to such incredible restaurants here in…

You always know when Alysia picks the restaurant, because there is ALWAYS Pad Thai involved! And we do love our Pad Thai from Ah Mah & Son Asian Eatery in Crossville, Tennessee! They may not have an extensive list of flavored milk teas, but their Thai Milk Tea is one of the best we order on a regular basis! I absolutely LOVE their tapioca boba! So perfectly sweet! Oh. And Dumplings. Yeah.

One of the best parts about visiting the unique Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia, is THE FOOD! High atop our list of favorite quick bites in town are the Bavarian Pretzels! Several places have them available, and the prices do vary. But, we find Hofer’s Pretzels to be quite delicious, and a great value for the price! If you are doing a sit-down meal, we absolutely adore The Heidelberg in the center of town. And their pretzels are awesome! But, if you are looking for an affordable grab-and-go option, definitely check out the selection of pretzels, desserts, and other German…

So, this little adventure just started with Mom Solo trying to find a cup of coffee from a local coffee shop after dropping the girls off at their concert in Newark. But, all I managed to find was a Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner, and no local shops… So, I began brainstorming other quintessential New Jersey adventures I might be able to get myself into at 7 o’clock at night. And it came to me! A Diner! Yes. So, I happened across Manny’s Diner in Clark, New Jersey. And, I must say, it was a snazzy little place. Definitely NOT…

This is probably one of my favorite dining experiences ever! After a day exploring a variety of Asian cultures in Chicago’s Chinatown, the girls treated me to dinner at Ahjoomah’s Apron to savor quite the collection of Korean foods. Best of all, the girls read the menu in Korean and ordered in the Korean language. Proud mother moment, for sure. And the food was incredible! If I’ve got this all right, we had: Tteokbokki Banchan Kimchi, Tofu, Potatoes, Carrots, Bean Sprouts, Seaweed, Green Beans, Fish Cakes Shrimp BibimBop Japchae (not pictured yet) Shikhye Rice Punch

A MOST delicious meal in Nashville, if I do say so myself! I don’t engage actively with much modern country music, but my stomach does love some good Southern Cooking! We started at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen with a pan of the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, and then proceeded to enjoy the Pecan Crusted Atlantic Salmon, along with a plate of good ol’ Chicken and Waffles! We weren’t sure these Country Music Artist-themed restaurants would stand on their own beyond the typical tourist hype, but I was QUITE impressed. The service was outstanding. The ambiance was festive. The center bar was a…

Whoa! It’s hard to believe this fabulous place exists in little ol’ Jamestown, Tennessee. Incredible tacos made of perfectly grilled shrimp, delectably seasoned pulled pork, or mouth-watering ground beef, paired with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and THE perfect tzatziki style sauce… Mmmmm…. It’s a good thing they come in threes, because you CANNOT eat just one! Nope. Don’t even try. You need ALL THE TACOS from Simply Fresh! Housemade seasoned chips and fries serve as your choice of the perfect accompaniment. And, what the heck, we needed a Gyro Wrap and Bloomin’ Onion Inspired Fried Onion Petals with yet another perfectly…

I’ve been seeing posts from Ah Mah & Son Asian Eatery on Facebook for a few weeks now. On our way through Crossville this afternoon, I decided to quench that craving for Thai Tea I’ve had for a few weeks now… Are those two conditions merely a coincidence? Probably not! We had a Thai Tea and a Milk Tea, and added Tapioca Boba to each. The Thai Tea, according to their VERY tempting Facebook post, includes notes of vanilla and star anise. Oh, it was SOOO delicious! The first time I had Thai Tea was in Valdez, Alaska this past…

Holy Fiesta! This place is AMAZING! I’ve always loved Cali N Tito’s on Lumpkin Street in Athens, but a lot of our friends are always hyping up the Eastside location like it was something made of pure magic. And, WOW, is it EVER! There are few words to describe this absolute gem of an establishment located on a side of town I don’t tend to frequent very often. But, if you’ve ever been to Mexico in Epcot Center, it delivers much of the same incredibly festive ambiance! Once I get to the point where I’m writing Pinterest-worthy “Top Destination” lists,…

If you are looking for sweet and/or savory crepes in a festive atmosphere to satisfy your cravings, Pauley’s Original Crepe Bar in Athens, Georgia is AMAZING! To hit the savory spot, we ordered a Buffalo Chicken and a Chicken Club. And for our sweet spot, Bananas Foster, Strawberry & Nutella, and S’mores! With great quality ingredients, cooked to perfection, and then artfully plated just for you, Pauley’s crepe creations are an Athens Must-Eat! Pauley’s www.pauleyscrepebar.com134 E Clayton StAthens, GA 30601 706-549-0034

Happy Valentine’s Dinner to Me! I did get to the hotel a little later than anticipated tonight, so I had to get my dinner as a to-go order. It might not be plated as it would be in a dine-in experience, but I thought it was still pretty! And it was definitely delicious! Short of getting soy sauce on the sheets, sushi and Big Bang Theory is an excellent combination for a Mother’s Night Out!

One of our more important goals here at SPG Family Adventure Network is to share the magic of the “Small Town Experience” so that others may indeed find joy along their journeys by stepping off the beaten path! We’ve been putting more effort lately into hitting up as many locally owned restaurants and shops as possible along our routes. Heading back to Tennessee one evening, we kind of had it in our minds we were going to eat in Atlanta or Chattanooga; but I’ve been hearing a lot of positive feedback on downtown Cartersville, Georgia becoming quite the destination. So,…

Absolutely back for more! Another round of Bubble Tea in Crepe & Creme’s super awesome neon light bulb cups! And a Matcha Strawberry Banana Chocolate Truffle Crepe! Crepe & Creme in Cookeville, Tennessee, we love you so! 644 N Walnut AvenueCookeville, Tennessee 38501 Click on Any Photo for At Home Bubble Tea Ideas!

Yes, indeedy. Our new favorite place that’s not TOO terribly far from the Tennessee house, and wildly AMAZING! You WILL see a LOT of this place in our Daily Grind! They have a nice variety of Milk Tea selections in a lot of the fruit flavors we enjoy. And they each come in these super neat light bulb containers that actually light up and blink in different neon colors! At NO extra cost! How cool is that? And the crepes, oh, we can’t get enough of those either! With hearty savory selections if you are needing a meal, and sweet-tooth…

Ah, yes! An absolutely, authentically amazing Brooklyn Hero Shop! Defonte’s has been slinging the best sandwiches in Red Hook, Brooklyn since the 1920’s. The people behind the counter, as well as the customers dining in, are just as much the heart of the Brooklyn experience as the sandwiches themselves. We’ve never met a kinder group of people that were just as thrilled about having us in their neighborhood as we were to be there! And the food? Incredible! We had a Hot Roast Beef and a Soppressata with Capicola and Provolone. Mmmmm!

Broadway Sushi Rolls at Kodama Sushi was a FUN experience! We caught the afternoon performance of Kinky Boots at Al Hirschfeld Theatre, and right across the street we chanced across Kodama! This is another place where the food was so much more amazing than my lousy iphone photography can capture. But, suffice it to say, the plating of these rolls was unparalleled! This is the first time we had Black Rice Sushi, and we hope it isn’t the last! We HAD to indulge in the Kinky Boots Roll, and the Lion King Roll looked and sounded (and tasted) awesome as well!…

Another happy night at Crepe & Creme in Cookeville, Tennessee! You’ve GOT to check this fun place out! Sweet Chili Shrimp Savory CrepeMatcha Strawberry Banana Chocolate Truffle Sweet Crepe Taro Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearl BobaThai Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearl Boba Crepe & Creme Cookeville644 N Walnut AvenueCookeville, Tennessee 38501 Click on Any Photo for At Home Bubble Tea Ideas!

If you’re going for the history, you definitely want to stay for the food! Kalyna Kitchen offers a variety of Ukrainian flavors in a quick-serve atmosphere. We enjoyed a sampler platter of Kovbasa, Pyrohy, Holubtsi, Creamy Dill Potatoes with Sour Cream, and Fried Onions. Mmmm… I love it when history tastes AWESOME!

When the sisters find welcome in new territory with bubble tea, little brothers get PIZZA! Don’t worry… We’ll get to some authentic Canadian goodness here soon… But, Pizza Pizza IS a pretty prominent pizza franchise throughout the entire country. So, that makes it some noteworthy Canadian goodness in its own right, yes? I mean, actually, for counter-service quick-order pizza, it was VERY good… Easily bordering on “wish-would-have-bought-three-more-for-the-road” kind-of-good!!

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Mall of America – Bloomington, Minnesota From animatronic Rainforest Animals, to Minnesota Twins history, to Jimmy Page’s guitar… Mama always said, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!“ Check out this Dining Guide for your next family outing to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota! Just a few fun choices: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.MargaritavilleRainforest Cafe (As of 2021, Hard Rock Cafe is closed) Love From MinnesotaMinnesota Twins MLB Team Site Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Dining Out With…

A Taste of Scandinavia at FIKA Café Inside the American Swedish Institute. After your visit to the American Swedish Institute, be sure to stop by FIKA Café to indulge your senses in all things delicious! Thumbprint Cookies, Pepparkakor, Cardamom Buns, Kokostoppars, and MORE! See ALL Our Photos from the American Swedish Institute. CLICK HERE for more information about visiting the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click on any photo below to learn more about Scandinavian Foods! CLICK HERE to Check Out the Amazing Scandinavian Art and Wares Available in the American Swedish Institute Gift Shop!

We never really knew what cheese curds were… And, I guess, I still really don’t! But, wow, they ARE delicious! And they make a great road snack to munch on while traveling the highways and byways of the State of Wisconsin. The folks at Humbird Cheese were super-friendly, and they seem to have the reputation of being THE place to stop along I-90/94 for all your cheese shopping needs! Cheese samples are generous, and they boast an impressive variety of other locally-grown and locally-made products for sample and sale. Looking for a taste of Wisconsin? Check out Humbird Cheese! Humbird…

Mmmm…. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza! You have to try some at least once in your life! Or, better yet, route every road trip you ever take through Chicago and allow enough time to enjoy this INCREDIBLE Chicago institution as often as you can! There are several places to indulge your pizza cravings. And Giordano’s itself has several locations throughout the area. We always find ourselves at one of the locations closest to the Willis Tower. It’s always busy, and a Deep Dish is never a quick order. Always allow at least an hour to get your pie. I think the…

A Chicago Dog just outside the Field Museum of Natural History… This Quintessential Chicago Street Food, an all-beef dog, “dragged through the garden,” includes yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers and a sprinkling of celery salt, inside a poppy-seed bun. This Windy City Classic is easily available at food trucks, street carts, sporting events, festivals, and, pretty much everywhere!

After an afternoon of chocolate shopping and learning about the Soo Locks, we concluded our time in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan with our dear friend by enjoying dinner at Moloney’s Alley Irish Pub on Portage Avenue, across from Canal Park. A little Irish Stew and some awesome Poutine… Alysia had the Bang Bang Shrimp, and Logan enjoyed a Michigan Apple Burger…

I mean, hey, why not? When’s the last time you ate tacos with a dragon? Okay, seriously. That link has the cutest dragons! Note to Self: Buy more Taco Bar Dates! Click on any photo below to see adorable stuffed dragons! (Grabs Christmas List)

We’ve all been craving Thai food for a while. Taste of Thai hit the spot incredibly well… Mmmm…

We first discovered the amazing experience of Indian Frybread in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Chee’s Indian Store, just off of Interstate 40, not long after you cross the Arizona border headed West from New Mexico, offers a fun store full of local arts and crafts; as well as a food stand offering Navajo Tacos on delicious frybread. If you’re looking for a sweet tooth fix, you can also get your frybread covered in honey and/or powdered sugar. Inside the store, you can make hot tea; and for the take-home, we purchased a box of the Yanabah…