ML Interest Tag: decadent

Starbucks’ New Italian Espresso Drink Is Delightfully Dark Chocolate-y

by Erica Loop

So you say you’re all in for traveling to Milan to check out Starbucks’ brand-new Reserve Roastery in Milan? Oh wait—you have a job…and kids…and a budget that doesn’t include a weekend trip to Italy for coffee. That’s totally okay. Starbucks new Cordusio espresso drink brings Italy to you!

Even though your local Starbucks won’t magically transform into the super-posh Milan Roastery, you can still get a taste of that fancy life with an espresso named after the historic Piazza Cordusio in Milan, located right in front of Starbucks’ first Italian store.

Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks

What’s so special about this fancy new drink? Aside from the rad name, the drink has an extra shot of espresso. (Moms everywhere cheer.) And that’s paired with with steamed whole milk and mocha sauce. Oh, but that’s not all. There’s a light dusting of cocoa powder gracing the top. Yum!

With the extra shot of espresso, this is a high-caffeine drink that will more than make your morning. Heck, at roughly 315 mg of caffeine (for a grande), this mocha could just carry you through your entire day.

If you’re short on time, make some for this special, decadent treat: this Italian awesomeness won’t be around forever. Sadly, the Cordusio isn’t likely to be part of the regular Starbucks menu. According to the coffee retailer’s website, it’s only available while supplies last.

—Erica Loop

 

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These Bakeries Have Mastered the Art of Allergen-Free Birthday Cakes

by Nikki Walsh

Just because your kiddo has food allergies or is on an alternative diet doesn’t mean he can’t have a decadent birthday cake… and eat it too. We’ve found the best local bakeries that have mastered the art of whipping up gorgeous cakes, cupcakes and cake pops that are a real free-for-all: gluten-free, nut-free, corn-free, soy-free, vegan and totally safe to devour. Find out where to order-up a showstopping dessert––revelers will never know what’s missing from these sweet masterpieces.

Susie Cakes

Like the idea of a neighborhood baker? Then this shop's your spot. Customized and made from scratch, you won’t find artificial or trans-fat in this baked birthday wonder. You can order a moist, rich gluten-free flourless chocolate cake for little revelers and add the frosting and décor of your choice. The recipe is from Susie’s grandmother’s 3×5 recipe card. You’ll taste the good, old-fashioned difference.

La Costa Towne Square
7610 Via Campanile
Ste. 144
Carlsbad, Ca
760-632-2253
Online: susiecakes.com

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Photo: Susie Cakes

*Note: The only gluten-free cake Susie Cakes makes is the flourless chocolate cake, which is not depicted in the image above.

What’s your favorite healthy cake? Share with us in the comment section below!

–– Nikki Walsh

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Bundt Cake Recipes You’ll Fall For

by Susie Foresman

We’ve all got a bundt pan buried somewhere in our kitchen, so why not dig it out and make a special cake? Even though they look extra fancy, they’re actually pretty simple to make. From a Girl Scout cookie lookalike to a decadent red velvet creation, check out a few of our faves below.

photo: Kelly Jaggers

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This light but delicious cake from Evil Shenanigans is bound to be a crowd pleaser. The cream cheese-based batter makes the end product light and airy. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate afternoon snack. Get the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Spicy Southern Kitchen

Samoa Bundt Cake
Satisfy your Girl Scout cookie cravings by making this delish cake from Spicy Southern Kitchen. The tried-and-true combo of chocolate, coconut and caramel is always a winner, and we love the way the bundt shape matches the shape of the original cookie. Click here to get the recipe.

 photo: I Heart Eating

Red Velvet Marble Cake
Red velvet cake meets pound cake in this genius recipe from I Heart Eating. Simple instructions make it easy to pull off the swirled effect, but it’s impressive enough to really wow your family. To learn how it’s made, click here.

photo: Inspiring Cooks

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
Who said pumpkin is just for pie? Try out this moist and delicious pumpkin cake from Inspiring Cooks. With chocolate chips dotted throughout, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. To get the recipe, click here.

photo: Betsy Life

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Bundt Cake
Peanut butter cup fans will go wild for this decadent cake from Betsy Life. Creamy peanut butter ganache coats a chocolate and peanut butter swirled cake, and even more chocolate is drizzled over the top. Drooling yet? To grab the recipe, click here.

What’s your favorite bundt cake recipe? Share it with us in the comments below! 

—Susie Foresman

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A Must-Do for Your Next Meal: Family Fondue Night

by Carrie Uffindell

Pizzarias, pasta houses and hamburger shacks are reliable go tos for families looking to eat out. Why not try something new? From a savory fondue filled with gooey cheese to pots of creamy melted chocolate, fondueing (yes, it’s a verb!) turns mealtime into an interactive event the whole crew will love. Read on to learn more about Portland’s family fondue restaurants and how you can set your evening up for success.

photo: Norio Nakayama via Flickr Creative Commons

The Dish on Fondue
Originating in the mountains of Switzerland centuries ago, fondue is traditionally made with Emmentaler, Gruyére and white wine, then served in a communal pot that’s kept warm over a heat source. Over the years, though, it’s come to encompass any food that’s melted and/or cooked in a single shared pot. All fondues are served with a variety of foods to dip, such as bread, meats, veggies and/or fruit.

Pro tip: Have picky eater? Not to worry, most dipping foods are served plain in separate bowls or on plates.

What’s Your Fondue Style?
Along with cheese, there are now three other fondue types: broth, oil and dessert. Cheese fondues are usually made with one or more strong-tasting cheeses and a liquid such as wine, beer, cider and/or lemon juice. (This adds flavor and keeps the cheese from curdling). Common types of cheese you can expect to find on restaurant menus include Cheddar, Brie, Gruyere, swiss, and Mozzarella. To ensure your first fondue experience is a positive one, consider ordering a cheese your youngest foodies are familiar with and explore from there.

If cheese isn’t your family’s thing, try a broth or oil fondue. Both provide pots filled with either broth or oil that you and your kids then use to cook cubes or strips of raw meats, poultry, seafood and/or vegetables right at the table. The liquid is hot, so remind little hands to be careful!

Pro tip: Oil fondues, also known as fondue bourguignonne, are usually enjoyed with a variety of tasty dipping sauces.

For a decadent sweet treat, order up dessert fondues. Chocolate is the most popular and common of all dessert fondues and most restaurants offer milk, dark and white chocolate options. Chocolate fondue typically comes with fresh fruit, cookies, cack and brownies for dipping.

photo: Jim G via Flickr Creative Commons

Family Fondue Restaurants
Now, let the dipping begin at one of these Portland area restaurants. All offer fondue appetizers and/or dinners, so you and the kids can have pots of fun.

The Melting Pot
This locally owned and operated restaurant, part of a national fondue franchise, offers the most decadent fondue experience in town. Their extensive menu is filled with cheese, broth, oil and chocolate fondues as well as a variety of entrées and multi-course dining options, so there’s something to please every palate.

1001 SW Fifth Avenue Suite
503-517-8960
Online: meltingpot.com/portland-or

Swiss Hibiscus
Along with authentic, made-from-scratch cuisine from Switzerland and Germany, this Alberta Arts District eatery serves up a scrumptious cheese fondue made with traditional Swiss cheeses, white wine and kirschwasser (a dry cherry schnapps). French bread is included for dipping.

4950 NE 14TH Ave.
503-477-9224
Online: swisshibiscus.com

photo: Carrie Uffindell

Gustav’s Pub & Grill
At their four festive locations in the Portland metro area, Gustav’s offers a handful of appetizers based on their popular Rheinlander cheese fondue, including the not-to-miss crab and roasted red pepper fondue with grilled bread. Other tasty dipping options include Bavarian pretzels and smoked bier sausage.

5035 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland
503-288-5503

10350 SW Greenburg Rd
Tigard
503-639-4544

12605 SE 97th Ave
Clackamas
503-653-1391

1705 SE 164th Ave
Vancouver
360-883-0222

Online: gustavs.net

Does your family have a favorite fondue spot? Let us know in the comments below!

— Carrie Uffindell

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A Birthday Party Like No Other: Accomplice for Kids

by Mimi O'Connor

Immersive theater experiences for adults have been all the rage in NYC for a while now. Whether you want to wander through an adaptation of Macbeth in a swanky hotel environment in the Meatpacking District, enjoy a decadent dinner in a mystery location upstate, or go down a rabbit hole in Williamsburg, that and much more can happen. Unfortunately, these productions aren’t really appropriate for — or more to the point, appealing to — kids. No more! Accomplice, an adventure theater company with years of experience creating interactive shows for adults, just debuted its offering for kids, and we think it’s gonna blow a lot of little minds.

photo: Accomplice

What is Accomplice?
The creation of New Yorker Betsey Salamon, Accomplice describes itself as “an interactive theater group that blends the fun of a scavenger hunt with smart improvisational theater for a one of a kind experience.”

The group’s original production, Accomplice New York, which launched in 2004 and continues to run, leads groups of adults on a two-hour tour/adventure through lower Manhattan. Along the way, audience members meet curious characters (i.e. experienced improv actors), find clues and solve puzzles. The shows are a hit with both native New Yorkers and tourists alike, and most people will tell you that the less you know going into one of these shows, the better. (The company is also launching a new ladies’ night out Cinderella-inspired adventure, The Quest for the Missing Slipper, which leads audience members on a hunt through the Meatpacking District, with stops for cocktails and chocolate along the way.)

 

Accomplice: The Kids Version
Sounds like something kids would flip for, right? Starting this month, Accomplice is staging an immersive interactive theater production specifically created for children entitled, The Quest for the Seven Teeth. 

The approximately two-hour adventure runs rain or shine in Central Park, and finds kids assisting the Tooth Fairy’s cousin Franklin as he seeks to replace some teeth he unfortunately lost. Participants engage on a fanciful quest that uses crafts, puzzles and games to help Franklin solve his problem — and move the story along.

The show is designed for kids ages six to 11 years old, but can be adjusted as appropriate. Even better, the names and tastes of the kids along for the ride can be incorporated into the “show” for a ultra-personalized (and fun) experience.

photo: Accomplice

Accomplice: The Cost
Having a Choose-your-Own-Adventure type party — birthday or otherwise — will probably not be the cheapest bash you’ve ever thrown for your child, but we’re guessing it might be one of the more memorable.

The Quest For the Seven Teeth costs $1,000 based on a group booking of 10 children, who can be accompanied by up to five adults.

Accomplice
Online: accomplicetheshow.com

Have you attended an Accomplice performance? Tell us in the comments below!

— Mimi O’Connor

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As Good as Gold: A Day Trip to Dahlonega

by Phebe Wahl

In the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains just an hour outside Atlanta, Dahlonega is more than a small town with a funny name. It’s actually the site of the first Gold Rush in the United States. Read on for your guide to a golden adventure!

The Basics
Thousands of prospectors headed to the hills beginning in 1828 with the hopes of striking it rich. From there, a mining town sprung up and continued to thrive long after the gold was gone. Today, tourists flock to Dahlonega for its golden history and incredible scenic beauty. Mountain views, a quaint town square filled with shops and restaurants, and tons of outdoor recreational opportunities are part of the charm. Your wee miners will love exploring abandoned mine shafts and panning for gold, but there are also plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation for mom and dad (Dahlonega is also now known for its wine!). Don’t miss the town’s fam-friendly Gold Rush Days this fall the weekend of October 18th and 19th.

Family Time
Dahlonega Gold Museum
Housed in Dahlonega’s 1836 historic courthouse in the center of town square (the oldest surviving courthouse in Georgia), this state-run museum pays tribute to the impact of gold on Dahlonega’s founding and history. While the displays are a bit dated, they contain excellent information and artifacts related to Dahlonega’s Gold Rush. Just touring the building itself it’s a treat. If you look closely, you can see traces of gold in the courthouse’s bricks which were made from local red clay. Upstairs in the old court room you can catch the award-winning film, “Gold Fever.” It’s a great first stop and introduction to the area.
Details: 1 Public Square North, Dahlonega, 706-864-2257, gastateparks.org/DahlonegaGoldMuseum

Consolidated Gold Mine
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to go down into a gold mine, here’s your chance. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll descend 200 feet down into the earth in what was once one of the largest gold-mining operations in the Southeastern United States. Along the way, you’ll learn all about how gold was mined, see old mining tools (that amazingly still work) and learn more about the difficult life of a miner. Note that it’s almost always 60 degrees in the mine shaft, so bring a jacket and wear comfortable, non-slippery shoes. After the tour, you’ll have a chance to pan for gold prospector style. Gem stone mining is also available for an additional fee.
Details: 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd., Dahlonega, 706-864-8473, consolidatedgoldmine.com

Crisson Gold Mine
The oldest gold mining establishment in Georgia, Crisson is an open gold mining pit that operated from 1847 until the 1980s. It’s also home to the only working Stamp Mill in Georgia. Going strong at 130-years-old, it’s still used to crush quartz rock today. You can tour outdoor museum of the mill, observe machinery in action and even take a wagon ride.  Of course, the main event is gold panning which is included with admission, along with two buckets of gemstones for grubbing.
Details: 2736 Morrison Moore Pkwy. East Dahlonega, 706-864-6363, crissongoldmine.com

Yahoola Creek Park
After a busy day of gold mining, your crew may need some time to run around and stretch their legs. Located just outside of town, Yahoola Creek Park is a great place to let the littles burn off some energy. There’s a playground, 1.5 mile nature trail and a picnic area by the scenic creek.
Details: 1166 Captain McDonald Rd., Dahlonega

Grown-Up Time
Let’s say you can entertain the kids with an ice cream cone for 20 minutes or so. Tool around the square and stop in for wine samples at Habersham Vineyard’s Dahlonega Tasting Room and Naturally Georgia, which features Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Crane Creek Vineyards wines along with locally crafted gifts. There are plenty of gift shops, antique shops and art galleries on the square to browse.

When Hunger Strikes
There are many dining options on and around the historic Dahlonega Square. Here are a few family-friendly favorites:

The Smith House
The legendary family-style restaurant and lodge has been a Dahlonega fixture for over 90 years. For a flat rate depending on the time and/or day of the week (ranging from $14.99-17.95 for adults and $7.75-9.99 for children), you can enjoy a generous spread of fried chicken, baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried okra and more served at communal tables. Come hungry, very hungry, because it’s “all you care to eat.” Yes, it may not be the cheapest place in town but it’s an experience. Plus, you get the chance to take a peek down a mine shaft discovered during renovations a few years ago.
Details: 84 South Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, 706-867-7000, smithhouse.com

Picnic Café
At this mom and pop café on the square, you’ll find homemade soups, salads and sandwiches served on fresh-baked bread. You can even find kiddie classics like PB&J, macaroni and cheese and spaghetti rings for your tots in tow. Both kids and adults will have a hard time resisting the decadent housemade desserts! Picnic Café is open for breakfast and lunch and a great place for a quick pit stop.
Details: 30 Public Square North Dahlonega, 706-864-1095, thepicniccafe.blogspot.com

The Fudge Factory
Another Dahlonega legend, the fudge factory has been churning out homemade, old-fashioned fudge, caramel apples and other decadent sweets since 1982. You can watch the candy-makers in action and try samples of local favorites. It’s seriously good stuff!
Details: 8 North Park Street Dahlonega, 706-864-2256, dahlonegafudgefactory.com

Has your family been to Dalhongea? Tell us about your trip in the comments section below!

—Rachel Quartarone

Photos courtesy of Dahlonega Gold Museum, Georgia Department of Economic Development and Crisson Gold Mine, Susie S. via Yelp, The Fudge Factory, Dahlongea Tasting Room and Consolidated Gold Mine via Facebook

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Mac and Cheese, Please: Six Spots For Gooey Goodness

by writerredtri

Most of us never outgrow our love of childhood classic macaroni and cheese. Whether straight from the box or made from scratch, it’s a comfort food favorite and an eternal, picky eater pleaser. We stirred up six spots that serve the real deal—not the florescent orange stuff. So save the box for home and treat yourself—uh, we mean them—with some creamy mac and cheese that is sure to hit the spot.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

This iconic Atlanta restaurant has been around for 68 years. So it’s safe to say that Mary Mac’s knows a thing or two about outstanding macaroni and cheese (and fried chicken and collard greens, too). Their version represents the traditional Southern take on macaroni and cheese. It features tender elbow macaroni, eggs, cheese and cream baked like a soufflé. The oven baking results in a decadent “cheese crust” that offers a crispy crown to the creamy goodness below.
Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Ga 30308

Phone: 404-876-1800

Online: marymacs.com

Where does your gang get their mac-n-cheese fix? Tell us below!

–Rachel Quartarone

Photos courtesy of A.C. via Yelp, Zian C. via Yelp, Richard R. via Yelp, Mac the Cheese Food Truck via Facebook and Creative Commons via Flickr

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How to Make Vintage Cocktails in Your Kitchen

by Erin Lem

Revolving 500 feet above Seattle, fine guests of The Eye of the Needle (now called Sky City) enjoyed dining and drinks in a decadent, rotating atmosphere in 1962. While the days of a full course meal for less than $7 are now merely memory, one needn’t any time machine to sample the magic potions from the Needle’s drink menu. Seattle magazine’s cocktail expert A.J. Rathbun offers up these vintage recipes—from a Trader Vic’s Cocktail Guide—to try at home.

Seattle Magazine‘s A.J. Rathbun writes:

Panorama Punch
Ice cubes
3/4 ounce light Puerto Rican rum
3/4 ounce gin
3/4 ounce Cointreau
1 dash grenadine
Juice of 1/2 lime plus a slice for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a shaker. Pour into 10-ounce Pilsner glass. Fill glass with ice cubes. Serve with a straw and lime slice.

Cloud Buster
Ice cubes
1 1/2 ounces vodka
3 ounces Champagne
Lemon twist, for garnish

Add the vodka and three ice cubes to a Champagne glass. Add the Champagne, stir briefly, garnish with the lemon twist.

For the whole read, shaken and stirred, click here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

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Date Night: Where to Enjoy Hot Chocolate in Seattle

by Erin Lem

Use the cold weather to your romantic advantage and sample Seattle’s five finest hot chocolate spots. These decadent beverages go far beyond the kitchen microwave and pre-mixed packet, warming the senses with rich, unique flavors that quickly remind us why chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac. From hand-ground cocoa powder to Mexican red chile in the mix, these intoxicating drinks are not your average cup.

CAFÉ PRESSE

Straight from Paris, the rich, silky chocolat chaud is made with 71 percent origin unico (single origin) solid chocolate, French Cacao Barry cacao, half milk and half cream. Served Parisian style with fresh whipped cream on the side. $5/8 ounces. Capitol Hill, 1117 12th Ave.; 206.709.7674

CHOCOLOPOLIS

Infused with red chiles and spices, the milk in the spicy dark drinking chocolate is steamed to melt the slightly sweet 55 percent solid Guittard chocolate in this warm, thick treat with a kick. $4.50/8 ounces. Queen Anne, 1527 Queen Anne Ave. N; 206.282.0776

To read the entire article, click here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

 

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