Not Just Snacks - Providence, RI

Such a funny name for a place that is YES, "Not Just Snacks". I can't believe in my years here that I have never had the profound pleasure of eating here. The entire experience was amazing! I will admit when my friend and I entered the door, I was disappointed in the sheer lack of ambiance. It is very very bright and the dining area leaves little to the imagination. Guess What?? It totally doesn't matter. They could have you sitting on the floor and it wouldn't matter. The food stands alone at this place that specializes in Indian Cuisine. With the help of our waitress we had traditional hand made Samosas that were unlike anything I've ever had in my life. Paired with the two sauces (the green was my favorite) it was outstanding!

As an entree we had "Dal Curry" - Mixed Lentils cooked with vegetables and spices served with rice, and "Chicken Curry". Both were delicious! We had garlic Naan bread and "Gobi Paratha" (Cauliflower Bread)...and I was worried it might not be enough food...

I feel like a broken record but I urge you, yes you...Get out and experience that which you do not know when it comes to food. You will be so thrilled with the outcome, I PROMISE!!!

After your meal, head across the street to "Not Just Spices" and see the wonder of this tiny shop filled to the brim with snacks, treats and spices that will not disappoint!

My friend and I spoke with the owner about how much we enjoyed the green sauce served with the Samosas and he left the two of us in the store and went across the street to get a container of it for us to take home! He is a wonderful soul, places like these are few and far between!

Not Just Snacks

833 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906

401-831-1150

Starting with Micheladas, bartender pictured above looked pretty nervous making it but it was delicious!

Everyone shared Queso Fundido - also very good!

The food here is eclectic and delicious! Everything has a strong Latin flare that is more pushing culinary tradition than your average Taqueria! If your going to be in Healdsburg, do not miss the opportunity to dine here!!

www.mateoscocinalatina.com

214 Healdsburg Ave

Healdsburg, CA

95448

707-433-1520

Wine Tasting, with Richard & Gail

Everything is more fun with Richard & Gail, ask anybody!!! Such a great day out. Soda Rock was hands down our favorite!! We had such a nice time here!!

These two shots are actual views from Richard & Gail's home...You cannot imagine how amazing it is in real life!

Like brother like sister :)

Wine Tasting, Alexander Valley & Healdsburg

So many great wineries SOOO Very little time!

One of my favorites for not only the wine but for "Sofia" Sparkling wine in the most adorable of packaging, and not even my favorite just for that. The property itself is amazing, the staff wonderful (pictured) and there is even a "Tucker" along with countless other movie memorabilia. It is really an experience!

Love the people you meet when wine tasting!!

Wilson winery and my brother and I!

Jordan vineyards, outstanding sparkling wine very expensive tasting...

Chloe's French Cafe - Unlikely Location for Culinary Perfection

An absolute French delight in the most unlikely of locations. This cafe is attached to an office building and even using the restroom means you have to go into the main part of the building. Chloe's is a classic example (I am saying this all the time to the opposite effect)....If the food is good the people will come! Doesn't matter where you are...Likewise, an ocean front view doesn't make the food good...

Pastries that make you question if you needed your passport to get here!! I love the uniform lines of classically prepared French Pastries. We sampled several and I promise none of them were a disappointment!

I had the "Garden Nicoise" salad. A delicious bright array of garden fresh vegetables, tuna, perfectly cooked hardboiled eggs and balsamic vinaigrette. Of course, a nice big piece of fresh chewy Baguette to go along side. Refreshing, healthy, satisfying and perhaps most importantly...Delicious!!

My Brother had the "Crepe du Jour" Filled with wild mushrooms and cheese in a buckwheat crepe. I'm not big on "sharing" but this was a family lunch so we were all reaching and sharing. This was so yummy. I highly recommend it!

Finally for Mom...Croque Monsieur

A French original. Classic preparation and amazing! A side of house made pickles...it was a perfect lunch!

So, in the tradition of what we learned in kindergarten, (that most of us forgot immediately), NEVER judge a book by its cover. You never know when you might miss out on classical French faire in an office park in Santa Rosa, CA... Bon Apetit!!

www.chloesco.com

3883 Airway Drive, Suite 145

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

The Slanted Door, SF CA

If you're a foodie then The Slanted Door Speaks for itself. It is certainly a place to see and be seen. Mom and I met some family that we had not seen in ages. Our choice was to test a few different items instead of each ordering his or her own meal.

Steak tar tar....Good but ground, not scraped as is the proper tradition.

Braised Short Ribs - Outstanding

Amazing salad with beets and grapefruit, a "Daikon rice cake" that was light, flavorful and delicious, spring rolls were good with peanut sauce, as is usually the case.

Dessert was amazing, pictured to the right is a Meyer Lemon Pot de Creme...I would go back again just for that. The other dessert is chocolate, good but not great.

Our bartender for sure was a highlight. He did a great job and kept us entertained all evening. As for the rest of it, the bill was nothing short of SHOCKING for what we ordered. I can say I've been there, unless I have some kind of financial windfall I cannot predict when I would return...