Sweet Spots for Buying Holiday Confections

by Allison StabileOctober 9, 2015

The holidays are a time of bustling about and making merry. Why not let the professionals bake for your friends and family this year? These delectable San Diego bakeries have everything from traditional bûche de Noël and croquembouche to inventive salted milk chocolate tarts to satisfy your whole family’s hankerings for sweets.

Photo: The Cravory

The Cravory
Begun as a farmer’s market cookie experiment, this lovely local cookie shop and has flavors that range from peppermint bark to pancakes and bacon to birthday cake, and they’re all scrumptious. Take a selection to your holiday cookie swap party or include as part of a teacher gift and enjoy the smiles.

3960 W Point Loma Blvd., Suite G
San Diego, Ca 92110
619-795-9077
Online: thecravory.com

Photo: Deejay on Flickr

Babycakes
Known for flavors like maple bacon, caramel apple and the holiday-only creme brulee cheesecake, Babycakes is the perfect spot to pick up festive cupcake treats. Babycakes also serves up a mean Taco Tuesday. So perhaps coordinating pick up of your sweets on a Tuesday may be in order.

Hilcrest
3766 5th Ave
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-296-4173

Imperial Beach
874 Seacoast Drive
San Diego, Ca 91932
619-575-2253
Online: babycakessandiego.com

Photo: Extraordinary Desserts

Extraordinary Desserts
If you’re looking for classic holiday desserts like bûche de Noël, look no further than Karen Krasne’s Extraordinary Desserts. With two locations, they make it easy to pick up tasty treats from anywhere in San Diego. Need a gift to ship? Their delicious cookie dough ($14.95 lb.) or gourmet cake kit (regular or gluten free, $24.95) make for perfectly sweet little acknowledgements.

1430 Union St.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-294-7001

2929 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-294-2132
Online: extraordinarydesserts.com

Photo: Chad Ivan M. on Flickr

Hans and Harry’s Bakery
Most famous for their fruit strudels that are filled with the freshest fruit available and Bavarian cream, this South Bay bakery also serves up other goodies like Oregon hazelnut cake, caramel walnut tart and more muffin varieties than your overnight holiday guests will be able to gobble up.

5080 Bonita Rd.
Bonita, Ca 91902
619-475-2253
Online: hans-harry.com

Photo: Frank Farm via Flickr

Heaven Sent Desserts
Owned by a United States Air Force veteran who remembers the simple indulgence of desserts that he and his fellow soldiers enjoyed while serving, Heaven Sent Desserts is known for its yule log cakes that come in chocolate with angel mousse or white chiffon with raspberry mousse. This year, they’ve got cake in a jar to gift (and eat!) plus they make holiday cookies like spiced shortbread that will please any palate. Is your mouth watering yet?

3001 University Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92104
619-793-4758
Online: heavensentdesserts.com

Photo: Anna on Flickr

The French Gourmet
Have you ever had croquembouche? Little cream puffs filled with vanilla custard or chocolate mousse are piled on top of one another, coated in simple syrup and shaped into a Christmas tree to make a gorgeously edible holiday table centerpiece. If you want something simpler, kiddos will go crazy for the hand-crafted gingerbread houses. Any of The French Gourmet’s desserts are as yummy as they are beautiful.

960 Turquoise St.
San Diego, Ca 92109
(858) 488-1725
Online: thefrenchgourmet.com

Photo: Brittan McGinnis on Flickr

Bread & Cie
Why, yes, this is the very same Bread & Cie you’ll find in some supermarkets around San Diego. While theirPanettone (the candied and crystalized fruit and raisin bread) will dazzle, their everyday breads will warm the hearts of your family, friends and neighbors. Plus, they offer holiday sugar macarons, cinnamon rolls, eclairs, tarts…the list goes on and on.

350 University Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-683-9322
Online: breadandcie.com

What are your go-to places to buy holiday treats? Tell us in the comments.

— Allison Stabile

Just Opened: UrbanSpace Vanderbilt Food Hall in Midtown

by Mimi O'ConnorSeptember 23, 2015

We know, we know: another day, another gourmet, small-bite food hall. Such is the lot of super-spoiled New Yorkers who like to eat well — or even eat. Still, UrbanSpace Vanderbilt, which debuted last week in a cavernous, renovated space nestled next to Grand Central Terminal is worth knowing about, for both its smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-everything location and its impressive array of freshly-made, affordable and delicious options that will please even the most finicky of eaters, whether they’re four or 40 years old.

photo: Liz Clayman/UrbanSpace

All Aboard UrbanSpace Vanderbilt
UrbanSpace Vanderbilt is the latest venture — and first NYC brick-and-mortar location — of parent company UrbanSpace, which is responsible for other food and retail markets around town such as Mad. Sq. Eats, Dekalb Market, the Union Square Holiday Market and Broadway Bites. (It also operates several similar spots in the UK.)

The massive food hall is located in one of the old waiting rooms of the New York Central Building, which is tucked into the space between the Park Avenue auto viaduct and a covered pedestrian passageway. (It’s a stone’s throw from Grand Central.) The 1929 space now features industrial steel roadway beams, remnants of terrazzo floors, soaring ceilings and double-height windows. There’s also a ton of space to sit, at the perimeter of the space or in a central seating area with lots of tables.

photo: Ethan Covey/UrbanSpace

Who/What’s There?
UrbanSpace has assembled a group of more than 20 chefs and restaurants from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens for its newest foodie market. Similar to other food halls in the city, UrbanSpace Vanderbilt imports many premier food purveyors from farther-flung areas of the city, so you can sample famed Roberta’s pizza from Bushwick, Mimi’s Hummus of Ditmas Park or Queens’ Sips & Bites’ gourmet toasts right on on 45th Street.

Options include both gourmet fast/comfort food like fried chicken from Delaney Chicken, Roberta’s pizza and burgers by Bar Suzette, as well as a wide range of international cuisine (Thai from Bangkok B.A.R, Mexican from La Palapa Tacos, and noodles by Hong Kong Street Cart) and super-healthy vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options (veggie burgers by No. 7 Veggie and Power Bowls by Two Tablespoons). Also: desserts such as gelato by A.B. Biagi, cookies and cake from Ovenly, doughnuts by DOUGH — and lots of beer and wine are available. (Vendor Mayhem and Stout will even sell you a growler.)

How is it & how much?
It’s fair to say that everything we sampled at the preview event (which was, um, a lot) was delicious, from old standbys to more adventurous fare to the sweets. UrbanSpace is promising that everything will be made fresh on site by vendors, as well as rotating menus to ensure variety and seasonal choices.

The food is probably not the cheapest you could find in the area, but it’s pretty close, and it would be hard to beat the market for freshness, convenience and quality. Yes, you’ll pay $17 for a lobster roll from the Red Hook Lobster pound, but like the amazing $5 spicy tuna taco from Takumi Taco, most bites are less than 10 bucks.

UrbanSpace Vanderbilt
230 Park Ave (at Vanderbilt and 45th St.)
Midtown
646-747-0822
Online: urbanspacenyc.com

Have you visited UrbanSpace Vanderbilt yet? What did you try? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

Ice Creams That Rocked Summer

by Meghan RoseAugust 19, 2015

We thought last year was the year of the ice cream in Los Angeles, and nothing would ever top all the amazing new offerings available to Angeleno kids (and parents!). Well hold on to your waistbands, because if anything, this summer saw even MORE out of this world ice cream spots open up. From tacos to churros to cauliflower, discover the coolest new treats LA is scooping.

Honeymee

Sometimes you want a soft serve, but not the of the "serve yourself a billion chemicals variety." Nothing too sweet or brightly colored. That’s where Honeymee, now open in K-Town and Sawtelle, comes in. Fresh milk ice cream, drizzled with honey. Not too sweet, it leaves them buzzing for more.

We all scream for: Kids aren’t fans of the honeycomb the way we are ("It's waxy" we heard from more than one little taster) so while parents opt for the “Honeymee,” tots seem to prefer the “Dear” which is drizzled with chocolate and a hint of sea salt.

11301 W Olympic Blvd.
Japantown
Online: honeymee.com

photo credit: Judy Park

Which new ice cream is your favorite? And have we missed any fabulous new spots?

—Meghan Rose

Postpartum Perks: Surprising Ways Hospitals Are Pampering New Moms

by Lauren HillJune 25, 2015

Welcome to the modern maternity ward. From hairstylists to gourmet meals, hospitals around the country are offering luxury services and accommodations to help new moms feel a little more at home (or like they’re spending the night at a five star hotel). Whether you’re a first time mom or a delivery room vet, check out these postpartum perks – and prepare for some serious pampering.

photo: Dr. P Phillips Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital

Gourmet Meals
Post-delivery, you’ll have likely gone more than 24 hours without a meal. So forgo the Jell-O appetizer and treat yourself (and the new Dad) to a gourmet meal. The Dr. P. Phillips Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital in Florida offers new moms dinner for two from local Ruth’s Chris steakhouse, while parents in the luxury suites at the Rose Medical Center in Denver can enjoy culinary creations prepared by a private chef.

Salon Services
Curious how labor looks so glamorous on TV? Envy Duchess Katherine’s perfect postpartum coif? Before greeting your eager public, relax with an in-suite manicure, pedicure, or blow dry. The hospital’s team of stylists will leave you refreshed and camera ready.

photo: Rachel V. Photography

Professional Photos
Ready for baby’s first photo shoot? Many hospitals now offer the services of professional shutterbugs. And while studio portraits of your newborn have become standard practice, private photographers are also available (when booked ahead of time) to capture mom’s first moments with baby. Rachel Vasquez of Rachel V. Photography, one photographer that offers these services in Orlando, calls these unique sessions Fresh 48. A good reason to take advantage of those in-house salon services!

Around the Clock Concierge
You’ve enjoyed nine months of dad-to-be at your beck and call. During your hospital stay, give him a breather and employ the services of the hospital’s on-call concierge. Depending on the facility, these modern Jeeves can organize everything from a delivery from your favorite restaurant to having your car detailed before departure.

photo: Nurture in Hospital Massage

Post-natal Massage
In addition to relaxation, post-natal massage can actually regulate hormones, reduce swelling, improve sleep and help with breastfeeding (just to name a few added benefits), and companies like Nurture In Hospital Massage in Seattle offer this therapeutic treatment for women in the comfort of their hospital rooms. So tend to those sore feet, neck, back, etc., and if you’re feeling extra generous, sign Dad up for a chair massage, too.

Integrative Therapies
Forget that cold, sterile hospital smell and breathe in the lovely scent of essential oils. From aromatherapy to acupuncture and hypnobirthing, hospitals are utilizing more holistic methods of relaxation for new moms and moms-to-be. At Emerson Hospital in Massachusetts, moms can engage in complementary Reiki, a Japanese technique for relaxation and stress reduction.

photo: Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Private Bathrooms
Not so keen on sharing a bathroom with your fellow moms? Many modern maternity wards now boast private bathrooms. Some hospitals, like Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, even include full-sized tubs in several of their birthing suites. Equipped with wireless, waterproof fetal monitors, moms-to-be can relax in a warm bath during labor while still monitoring contractions and their baby’s heart rate.

Upgraded Linens
Since hospitals are known for their scratchy sheets, upgrading to nicer linens is an easy way to make your hospital stay a little more comfortable. Some hospitals even offer comfy robes, but we’d still recommend bringing a pillow from home.

Did you enjoy any luxe services post-delivery? Share with us in the comments below.

–Lauren Hill

Ready to Roll: 7 Food Trucks for Hire

by Abbey McGeeApril 9, 2015

Food trucks have revolutionized lunch time, bringing gourmet “fast” food to the streets of Seattle. But in addition to working the food truck circuit, most trucks are willing and able to attend school functions, little league events and even family parties, bringing their delectable delights to your door. Bypass the popcorn and candy concessions and let one of these food trucks serve you at your next big shindig.

Buddha Bruddah

New on the food truck scene, Buddha Bruddah combines Asian mixed plates with some Aloha spirit, cooking up delicious food and friendly, Hawaiian-inspired service. Buddha Bruddah usually has four plates on the menu: thai red chicken curry, sweet and spicy pork, Hawaiian grilled beef, and Huli Huli ginger chicken, accompanied with various sides. All options are popular with adults and older kids and are generously portioned so sharing with a toddler is easy to do. Smaller appetites will love the sides: yakisoba noodles, Phad Thai, and mac salad. Buddha Bruddah uses high quality products and makes all sauces from scratch. And for those who like a little heat, they offer a fresh made spicy chili bar that will set your mouth (and heart) on fire.

Phone: 425-827-2188
Email: drea@buddhabruddah.com
Online: buddhabruddah.com

photo: Buddha Bruddah

Does your family have a favorite food truck? Tell us about it in the Comments below.

— Abbey McGee

Dinner is Served at Food Truck Thursdays

by Kelly PowellMarch 30, 2015

The answer to the plaguing question, “What’s for dinner?” just got a whole lot easier! How would you like to dine at a place that’s casual, stress-free, and won’t break the bank? Food Truck Thursdays is a weekly event that takes place in the Innovation Academy parking lot (located in Scripps Ranch) that’s just what your family needs for a fun and unique dinner out.

What to Expect
Food Truck Thursdays is a gathering of San Diego’s top gourmet food trucks. Each week, up to six different gourmet food trucks offer up tasty bites. There’s always something for everyone, even the pickiest little eaters. Some of the food trucks you’ll see each Thursday include Mr. Dash Shrimp Truck, Sweet Treats Truck, Caribbean Escape, Famoso Mexican food, American Flavors, Mangia Mangia Mobile, Devilicious, Super Q Food Truck, TwoForTheRoadSD, and New Orleans Food Truck. Check out the Food Truck Thursdays Facebook page to find out which trucks will be in attendance each week.

Most trucks won’t have a specific “kids menu” posted, but if you ask about kid-friendly versions of their items, they are happy to accommodate! For example, the famous Lobster Grilled Cheese from Devilicious can easily become a simple but yummy grilled cheese sandwich. Or a mouth-watering specialty burger from Woody’s Burgers can be simplified to a plain cheeseburger that your kids will love sinking their teeth into.

Where to Sit and What to Pay
At the south end of the school, there are grassy areas with picnic tables available. Most people set up “camp” in the parking lot near the food trucks. Bring your own folding table, lawn chairs, or even a big blanket, and have a family picnic. Or if you have an SUV or mini-van, pop your trunk and have a tailgate party.

Prices vary at each truck, but you may expect to pay $6-$12 for your dinner, and $5-$7 for the kiddo’s meal. To save money, pack a cooler with bottled water or your family’s favorite cold drinks. Also consider bringing a veggie tray or fruit bowl so you have a healthy side dish to go with your favorite food truck entrée. And while cash is certainly preferred, most trucks will also accept credit cards. Speaking of cash, you’re also eating for a great cause as a portion of the proceeds are donated to Innovations Academy.

Photo credit: Innovations Academy

Food Truck Thursday Insider Tips

Like their page on Facebook for up-to-date info regarding a cancellation due to inclement weather. Luckily for us, it rarely rains in San Diego so this is usually not an issue.
There are no public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
Bring some bubbles, sidewalk chalk, a football- or any other favorite outdoor activity that your kids love. It will help pass the time while waiting for your food to be ready.
Pets are welcome to so feel free to bring your leashed dog who will surely enjoy the festivities and maybe a bite of your burger!

Innovations Academy
10380 Spring Canyon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92131
Online: curbsidebites.com
Thursdays, 5 – 8 p.m.

Have you checked out Food Truck Thursdays yet? Tell us what you thought about it in the Comments below!

— Kelly Powell (photos too)

4 New Cookbooks Every Family Should Have

by Kelly AiglonJanuary 5, 2015

Tired of nuggets and mac ‘n’ cheese? Stuck in a slow cooker rut? Simply want your kids to eat something … anything? Maybe a new cookbook is all you need. These offer different angles on cooking — from Paleo to prison food (no joke) — and are packed with family-friendly recipes. Order them and see if they’re your tyke’s ticket to the clean plate club.

BUY NOW

Easy Gourmet: Awesome Recipes Anyone Can Cook
You don’t need to wear a toque and speak with a French accent to whip up a gourmet meal. Non, non. This cookbook is proof. Foodie and writer Stephanie Le put her favorite recipes together from those she showcases on her popular blog, I am a Food Blog. Her goal: to show that making a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated, difficult, or time-consuming. Families will have everything from breakfast to dinner to snacks covered. Of particular note are the recipes for Peaches and Cream French Toast, Chicken & Waffles, and Pea & Bacon Risotto. The beautiful photography will inspire you to keep this one out on the kitchen counter. $13.90 at amazon.com.

BUY NOW

The Frugal Paleo Cookbook
Paleo diets can be cost prohibitive (they commonly rely on grass-fed meat and naturally-raised whole-food ingredients). That’s what makes this book a gem. Blogger Ciarra Hannah, creator of PopularPaleo.com, has created 100 easy, wallet-friendly Paleo recipes that will feed the entire family. Hannah makes a point to keep it simple, focus on sides and avoid costly premium products. Page through and you’ll find breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack recipes, ranging from Cauliflower Lasagna to Vegetable Beef Curry to Blueberry Peach Popovers. If you haven’t tried the Paleo life, this might just make you a convert. $13.49 at amazon.com.

A Year of Cookies! Simple and Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Every Month
Chicago health and wellness personality Jessica Murnane adapted a plant-based diet a few years ago, and it changed her life for the better. Now she helps friends, families and people across the world make good eating (and living!) decisions — and, naturally, cookies are part of that equation. Her debut book (available digitally) offers easy cookie recipes that are plant based and gluten free, and come from cooking stars like Food Network’s Cakegirls and Laura Wright of The First Mess. We bet your kids will be insta-fans of the Boukie Butters, which are mounds of sweetness made from rice cereal, almond butter, dark chocolate and more. $9.99 (e-book only) at jessicamurnane.com.

BUY NOW

Orange is the New Black presents The Cookbook
While prison inmate food might be fitting for the child who just took permanent market to your living room wall, this book is a winner for one and all. The 65 recipes therein are far more tasteful than the slop served on the Netflix series. And fans of the show will be especially tickled by the fact that it was written with producers from the show in the voices of the characters, and you pick up a bit more plot backstory. The little eaters in your family will love Crazy Eyes’ strawberry pie and Red’s chicken kiev. $16.09 at amazon.com.

What is your go-to cookbook? Shout about it in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

Where to Score Yummy Birthday Party Food (That’s Not Pizza)

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyDecember 11, 2014

If your little one has a birthday coming up but the thought of having another pizza party makes you cringe, keep reading. You don’t have to rack your brain or slave away in the kitchen to dazzle your kid’s friends with unique and fun party food. Why? Because you live in D.C., hailed as one of the top 10 best food cities in the country! Peruse our list of places to score party food that’s not pizza, and you’ll see that an unforgettable birthday experience is just around the corner.

Photo: Good Stuff Eatery via Facebook

Artisan Burgers
Whether your little one sticks to a basic beef burger or something a bit more adventurous, you cannot go wrong with a party featuring burgers, fries and milkshakes. The Good Stuff Eatery takes these yummy staples to a whole new level. Natural farm-raised beef, dairy fresh cheeses, and tons of delicious toppings means your guest of honor can build a unique birthday burger all her own. Try the Prez Obama Burger with applewood bacon, onion marmalade, Roquefort cheese and horseradish mayo sauce; or the ‘Shroom Burger with muenster and cheddar-stuffed Portobello mushroom tops; or the Blazin’ Barn burger with pickled daikon & carrots, mint, cilantro, and Thai basil mayo. There’s also plenty of handcut fries to go around, and some decadently scrumptious desserts. Who needs a birthday cake when you can celebrate with toasted marshmallow, red velvet and salty caramel hand spun shakes? Locations at Capitol Hill, Georgetown and Crystal City.

Good Stuff Eatery
202-543-8222
Online: goodstuffeatery.com

Photo: Panas Gourmet via Facebook

Empanadas
Inspire the kiddos with a party catered by Panas Gourmet Empanadas featuring crescent-shaped turnovers stuffed with seasoned combinations of meats, veggies, spices, fruits and sweets. With recipes inspired by Latin Fusion cuisine, empanadas from Panas are made from fresh, all natural dough and are baked rather than fried, which gives them a lighter, healthier feel. Flavors such as chipotle steak, chicken pesto, fiesta cheese, and smoked eggplant are just a few of the yummy options. Dipping sauces vary from mild to spicy.

Panas Gourmet Empanadas
2029 P St., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-223-2964
4731-A Elm St. (Bethesda, Md)
301-657-7371
Online: panasgourmet.com

Photo: Nando’s Peri-Peri via Facebook

Portuguese-Style Chicken Wings
Fire up your little foodie’s birthday with flame-grilled chicken from Nando’s where famous, Portuguese style dishes can bring a spicy twist to any birthday party. Nando’s chicken is marinated for 24 hours and then basted and cooked in a seasoned Peri Peri sauce. You can cater your party with a platter of drumsticks or wings and watch the kids dig in. Choose from a variety of dipping sauces including mango-lime, lemon-herb, and from mild to medium to super spicy. There are several locations throughout the metro area. You can also order online.

Nando’s Peri Peri
Online: nandosperiperi.com

Photo: Priya F. via Yelp

Bento Boxes
Having a tea party? Add some Asian flare with delicious Bento boxes from Teaism. These Japanese meal boxes are artfully designed and perfectly matched for flavor and fun. Choose from the Chicken Bento with grilled chicken and Japanese-style sauce, cucumber-ginger salad, sweet potatoes and brown rice, the Vegetarian Bento with marinated tempey, broccolini and spaghetti squash, coconut kabocha and smokey-salted pears, or the Handroll Bento with tea-cured salmon, nori, cabbage, miso mayonnaise and brown rice. You can also choose from dozens of flavors of specialty teas. Locations at Dupont Circle, Lafayette Park, and Old Town Alexandria.

Teaism
Online: teaism.com

Photo: Justin C. via Yelp

Global Cuisine
Take your party guests on a taste extravaganza at Mitsitam Café, a popular downtown cafeteria-style dining option that features exceptional cuisines from Mesoamerica, the Northern Woodlands, South America, the Northwest Coast, and the Great Plains. Each regional food station depicts the life ways and related cooking techniques, ingredients and flavors found in both traditional and contemporary native dishes. Arrange for a private chef’s tasting where a staff member will give your group a tour of the food stations and the menu. Make your child’s party the ultimate educational experience with a tour of the museum followed by a special meal at the café. You can also place large orders to go.

Mitsitam Cafe
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
4th St. at Independence Ave., SW
202-633-6644
Online: mitsitamcafe.com

What’s on the menu for your kids next birthday party? Tell us in the Comments section below.

—Jamy Bond

Snack Attack: 10 Local Munchies The Munchkins Will Love

by Phebe WahlNovember 5, 2014

If you are sick of swimming in a sea of goldfish, consider trying to turn your hungry caterpillars into little locavores. Just in time for holiday entertaining, read on to find our favorite locally made goodies that both your tiny turkeys and guests are sure to gobble with glee.

Cheese Straws by Bibba’s Bites
For those of you who feel like your kids will eat anything cheese-flavored, Bibba’s Bites Cheese Straws will delight. Unlike the long, hard, crinkle-cut fry things you buy on the grocery aisle, Bibba’s are small, brittle (but don’t fall apart), and perfect. Made in Richland, Georgia, you can pick up a box of Bibba’s at Lucy’s market in Buckhead.

Details: Bibba’s Bites, available at Lucy’s Market, 102 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404-869-9222

Georgia Pecans from Greene’s Fine Foods
While Greene’s carries nuts from all over the county, along with gift boxes, tins, and chocolates, it’s the Georgia pecans that have kept customers coming year after year. Try their sweet and salty pecans for a fine snack, as well as for a little holiday gift-giving inspiration.

Details: Greene’s Fine Foods, 141 East Trinity Place, Decatur, 404-378-2001

Lil’ Moo Spreadable Cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy
This Thomasville dairy will delight palates of all ages with it’s Lil’ Moo spreadable cheese. Put it on crackers, rolls, or even dip veggies in it. Made whole and fresh in South Georgia, you can try it anywhere you’d normally use spreadable butter, and your littles will be begging for more. Purchase it directly from the dairy or find it at Star Provisions on the Westside.

Details: Star Provisions, 1198 Howell Mill Rd., 404-365-0410 and Sweet Grass Dairy, 106 N. Broad Street, Thomasville, 229-228-6704

The Hungry Peach’s Southern Pimiento Cheese
This spread includes natural cheddar, homemade mayo, and apple cider vinegar, and it works just as well as a dip or on crackers as it does on a sandwich. Need a quick supper on a rainy day? Try making grilled cheeses with this stuff, and serve it with tomato soup. Perfection alert on aisle 9! Pick it up to go from Buttermilk Kitchen or Lucy’s Market.

Details: Buttermilk Kitchen, 4225 Roswell Rd., 678-732-3274 and Lucy’s Market, 102 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, 404-869-9222

Calypso Ice Cream Pie from Greenwood’s Ice Cream
“Yum, yum, get me some!” That’s what the voices in your head will be chanting after you take your first bite of this heavenly ice cream pie concoction of Kahlua ice cream with fudge and almonds on top. And, while you can find Greenwood’s ice cream being dished up at the most fashionable restaurants all over town, you have to head to the factory itself to pick up one of their mind-blowing ice cream pies. Trust us, with flavors like Chocolate Fetish, Mud, and Turtle Pie, your kiddos will be strapping themselves into their own carseats for the ride to Chamblee.

Details: Greenwood Ice Cream, 4829 Peachtree Rd., 770-455-6166

Watermelon Rind Pickles from Preserving Place
Planning a party? Why put out a relish tray with the same old pickles and olives from the grocery store? Little hands will love the idea of watermelon rind pickles, and grown up palates will send up a silent “amen” when they realize that there’ll be more on the buffet than goldfish and Pirate’s Booty.

Details: Preserving Place, 1170 Howell Mill Rd., 404-815-JAMS

Caja Popcorn’s Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn
Whether you like it sweet (Sea Salt Caramel), savory (Pimiento Cheese), or spicy (BBQ), Atlanta popcorn purveyors, Caja Popcorn, won’t disappoint. Located in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center next door to Baskin Robbins, Caja sells the good stuff in individual sizes as well as gift tins.

Details: Caja Popcorn, 2333 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404-846-2156

Cinnamon Dusted Banana Fried Pies, Pie Shop
If it’s wrapped in dough and fried, a banana is still considered a fruit, right? Sure. And if you haven’t tried any of the hand pies (both sweet and savory) that Mims at Pie Shop has to offer, you haven’t lived. Keep a couple of her BBQ chicken hand pies on hand for those hectic snack-ish dinnertimes before soccer practice, or to take for a picnic dinner at the park with friends.

Details: Pie Shop, 3210 Roswell Rd., 404-841-4512

Marilyn’s Gluten-Free Gourmet
Whether you’re looking for gluten-free or not, you’ll find gourmet snacks and treats from this Roswell based bakery. Try the peanut butter buttons and the chocolate grammies, and you may have to wrestle every member of your family for the last one!

Details: Marilyn’s Gluten-Free Gourmet, 1007 Mansell Rd., Suite D, Roswell, 770-587-5874

Gabriel’s Home Chips
Thick and not too greasy, these potato chips satisfy crunch, salty cravings with ease. And, because they’re made right here in Georgia, you can count on them to be fresh. Delicious alone or with some of the Lil’ Moo cheese spread from Sweet Grass Dairy, pick up a bag at their location in Marietta, or at Lucy’s Market.

Details: Gabriel’s, 800 Whitlock Ave. NW, Suite 135, Marietta, 770-427-9007

What is your favorite locally-made food? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of the author

Feast Mode: Where to Score Seahawks-Themed Treats for Game Day

by Erin CranstonSeptember 25, 2014

Hey, 12th Fans! It’s time again to bust out the blue and green and cheer on our beloved Super Bowl Champion Seahawks. While the 12th Man flags, Russell Wilson jerseys and Beast Mode face paint certainly prove your family’s love for the team, kick it up a notch this season with super-cool Seahawks-themed treats. Whether you are looking to score a touchdown with your little Seahawks fan or points at your next game day party, click through the gallery to see our fave go-tos for game time. Go Hawks!

Royale Treatment

The Official Cupcake of the Seahawks is celebrating their favorite team again this year with their 12th Fan Cupcakes. Suited up in Seahawks colors with tailgate-ready 12 sugar toppers, these delicious cakes of cool from Cupcake Royale will be available in all locations on game days, or for large pre-orders online. And if you’re lucky enough to sit in a suite at the Clink while you watch Richard Sherman bat away footballs, six-packs of 12th Fan cupcakes will be available in suites during all home games. You mad, bro?

Cupcake Royale
Locations in Downtown Seattle, Ballard, West Seattle, Madrona and more
Online: cupcakeroyale.com

Will you be buying one of these awesome Seahawks treats this season? Let us know what you think in a comment below.

-Erin Cranston

Photos courtesy of: Cupcake Royale, KuKuRuZa Gourmet Popcorn, Jones Soda website, Top Pot Doughnuts, Trophy Cupcakes, DRY Soda Facebook page, Boehm’s Candies & Chocolates, Redhook, Rain City Burgers Facebook page & Pagliacci Pizza

ML Interest Tag: gourmet

Just Opened: UrbanSpace Vanderbilt Food Hall in Midtown

Related reads

Ice Creams That Rocked Summer

Honeymee

Related reads

Postpartum Perks: Surprising Ways Hospitals Are Pampering New Moms

Related reads

Ready to Roll: 7 Food Trucks for Hire

Buddha Bruddah

Related reads

Dinner is Served at Food Truck Thursdays

Related reads

Where to Score Yummy Birthday Party Food (That’s Not Pizza)

Related reads

Snack Attack: 10 Local Munchies The Munchkins Will Love

Related reads

Feast Mode: Where to Score Seahawks-Themed Treats for Game Day

Royale Treatment

Related reads