All the Trader Joe’s Valentine’s Day Products You Need to Try

by Karly WoodJanuary 28, 2020

The season of love is upon us and Trader Joe’s is getting in on the action. The neighborhood grocer has stocked up on all things sweet and heart-shaped, and we’ve rounded up the can’t miss products you need to try before Feb. 14. Keep reading to see our favorite Trader Joe’s Valentine’s products for the big day!

White Chocolate Raspberry Rose Bar

Almost too pretty to eat, Trader Joe's special White Chocolate Raspberry Rose Bar is the perfect Valentine's Day treat. The creamy chocolate is formed into a gorgeous rose in a dainty pink hue that is beyond popular this year. Each bar is $2.49 and found near the registers.

Gummy X's & O's

These adorable X and O gummies are the just what your kiddos lunchbox needs! The soft and chewy fruit flavored-treats come in 14-oz bags for $2.99 each near the other tasty snack foods.

Mini Heart Cookies

What says love better than chocolate? Trader Joe's dark chocolate covered shortbread cookies are topped with festive sprinkles and come in a fun heart shape. Each 10-oz box is $2.99 and found near the other cookies.

Chocolate Cupcakes

If you just want to sink your teeth into chocolatey goodness, TJ's chocolate cupcakes with pink buttercream frosting are here for you. Found in the bakery section, these fresh treats are gluten free and just $3.99 for a pack of four.

Jelly Bean Hearts

The perfect size to say "I Love You," jelly bean hearts are a sweet collection of the fave, chewy candy. At just $.99 per pack, you can stock up to share the love long past Feb. 14.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Grab a fork and grab a friend! This Chocolate Mousse Cake is all out sweet and perfect for sharing. The $3.99 sweet treat is found in the fresh bakery item section.

Belgian Chocolate Hearts

This small box of Belgian hearts is perfect for friends and neighbor gifts! The delicate chocolate is only $1.49 a box and found near the other giftable sweets.

Cachet Milk Chocolate Heart Box

Life is like a heart-shaped box of chocolates, especially if you shop at Trader Joe's. This unique box of Belgian milk chocolates is just $6.99 and found near the fancy chocolates.

Mint Flavor Dog Treats

You can't forget man's best friend! The festively packaged mint-flavored dog treats from TJ's are a simple way to share the love with your fur baby and are just $2.99 a box.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

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Love Cheesecake? Get a Free Slice Delivered to Your Door from Cheesecake Factory

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 24, 2019

What’s the tastiest way to celebrate America’s birthday? With free cake if course. Cheesecake, that is. The Cheesecake Factory is giving away free slices of cheesecake to DoorDash customers for 4th of July.

From Jul. 3 to Jul. 7 The Cheesecake Factory is partnering with DoorDash to give away complimentary slices of OREO Dream Extreme Cheesecake. In order to score this delicious deal you simply need to place an order of $17.76 (get it?) or more through the delivery app and use the promo code OREO at checkout. Limit one slice per order while supplies last.

photo: Courtesy of The Cheesecake Factory

If you’ve never experienced the OREO Dream Extreme Cheesecake, it features layers of fudge cake, OREO Cookie mousse, topped with milk chocolate icing and OREO Cookies baked right inside. In other words, an OREO dream.

You can get the full details of the giveaway and information on locations that deliver here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: South Beach Cars via Flickr

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The New Star Wars-Themed Foods Coming to Disney Parks Are Out of This World

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 13, 2019

Disney Parks’ new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge promises to be an immersive experience unlike any other—and if these Star Wars-themed foods and treats at Disneyland are any indication, you will definitely feel like you’ve been transported to another world!

Here is some of the intergalactic fare you can look forward to when the new land opens this year.

Blue & Green Milk

David Roark/Disney Parks

The very same farm-fresh blue milk made famous by Luke Skywalker in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope can now be enjoyed by your own young Jedi. Grab a frosty blue glass (or enjoy the green variety featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi) at the Milk Stand.

Outpost Mix

David Roark/Disney Parks

This sweet and salty popcorn mix with a hint of spice is the perfect snack after taking pride aboard the Millennium Falcon. Grab a bite at Kat Saka’s Kettle in the Black Spire Market.

Ronto Wrap & Turkey Jerky

Kent Phillips/Disney Parks

Enjoy a protein-packed snack of Turkey Jerky or get a little more extravagant with the Ronto Wrap filled with spiced grilled sausage and roasted pork. You’ll find this savory treats at Ronto Roasters located in the Black Spire Outpost Market.

Kaduu Ribs

David Roark/Disney Parks

Barbecue fans will love these smoked, sticky short ribs served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw. Get a taste at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.

Fried Endorian Tip Yip

David Roark/Disney Parks

Enjoy this decadent Endorian chicken dish served with vegetable mash and an herb gravy at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.

The Felucian Garden Spread

David Roark/Disney Parks

Vegetarians will be excited to find several meatless dining options in the new land including this plant-based “kefta” meatball dish served with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish. This dish will be available to order at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.

Out Of This World Desserts

David Roark/Disney Parks

No Disney meal would be complete without a sweet treat. Visitors can enjoy some decadent desserts, like a raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse or chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard, at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.

Ooga’s Breakfast Drinks

Kent Phillips/Disney Parks

It’s never too early for a drink at Ooga’s Cantina and intergalactic travelers can start the day off with a tasty beverage, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. You’ll find, as pictured from left to right, Moogan Tea, Blue Bantha, Bloody Rancor (contains alcohol) and the Black Spire Brew at Ooga’s Cantina.

Libations

Kent Phillips/Disney Parks

If you miss the breakfast beverages, there’s plenty more to toast over at Ooga’s all day. As pictured from left to right, The Outer Rim, Bespin Fizz, Yub Nub and Fuzzy Tauntaun are some of the handcrafted alcoholic beverages you can find at Ooga’s Cantina.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Kent Phillips/Disney Parks

There are plenty of non-alcoholic concoctions available at Ooga’s Cantina as well. Pictured from left to right as Carbon Freeze, Ooga’s Obsession provision and Cliff Dweller.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Disney Parks

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16 Tasty Treats Coming to Disney Parks This Spring

by Karly WoodJanuary 28, 2019

Let’s be honest––as much as we visit Disney Parks for the rides and entertainment, we really want to splurge on all the tasty treats and snacks at Disneyland when we make the trip! Nobody does special like Disney Parks—and for this spring they’ve rolled out the purple carpet with tons of fun sweets.

Keep scrolling to see the newest collection of desserts you’ll want to taste on your upcoming visit.

Walt Disney World Resort

Purple Blackberry Mousse Brownie

It looks like a cupcake, but this gorgeous treat is actually a rich brownie with fluffy blackberry mousse. The swirly design makes it look out of this world!

Where to find it: The Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Purple Starry Sky Cake

It's all about the galaxy with this purple chocolate mousse! Made from chocolate sponge cake and dark chocolate, it's topped with a galaxy glaze and galaxy sprinkles.

Where to find it: Food Courts at Disney’s All-Star Resorts

Purple Contempo Cupcake

This adorable purple Minnie ear-topped strawberry cupcake is beyond decadent! It's filled with purple sprinkles and topped with lavender buttercream, and we need three, please.

Where to find: Contempo Café at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Purple Minnie Cake on a Stick

Finally––a way to eat blackberry cake without a mess. This Minnie-shaped treat on a stick is topped with a chocolate bow and coated in purple chocolate.

Where to find: Castle Hub Cart at the Magic Kingdom Park

Purple Galaxy Cupcake

Enjoy this chocolate cupcake that's filled with raspberry marmalade, stat! It's topped with vanilla buttercream, galaxy glitter, crispy pearls, and chocolate ears.

Where to find: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the Food Courts at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

African Violet Cupcake

This exotic vanilla cupcake with berry medley preserves is a sight to behold. Enjoy the chocolate buttercream topping as you catch the sights and sounds of the park!

Where to find: The Mara at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Purple Minnie Cupcake

There's more to this cupcake than meets the eye! The tasty treats is made with a vanilla cupcake, filled with peanut butter and raspberry jam and topped with purple buttercream.

Where to find: Capt. Cook's & Kona Coffee Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Purple Cupcake

This may be called just a "purple cupcake" but it's much more. The vanilla sweet is stuffed with cotton candy, topped with cotton candy buttercream, chocolate glitter ears, and shimmer chocolate crispy pearls. Sugar rush, anyone?

Where to find: Food Courts at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

Black Raspberry Lemon Tart

Take a break from all the cupcakes and indulge in this sweet sugar tart shell filled with black raspberry-lemon curd. It's topped with black raspberry mousse, glacage, chocolate Mickey ears, buttercream, and sugar crispy pearls.

Where to find: Marketplaces at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Disneyland Resort

Jamaica Freeze

This refreshing beverage is a must––it's crafted with candied hibiscus flowers and is one of a kind.

Where to find: Rancho del Zocalo at Disneyland Park

Purple Glove Macaron

This is the most magical macaron you'll ever eat! The purple glove-shaped cookie is made with blackberry and currant buttercream, with a and blackberry-currant jam center.

Where to find: Jolly Holiday Bakery Café at Disneyland Park and Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream & Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café at Disney California Adventure Park

Lavender Milk Tea

Find some peace and quiet, then enjoy this milk tea. It's made with lemon popping pearls, purple whipped cream, and lavender sugar. Gorgeous!

Where to find: Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland Park

Taro Pancakes

Start the day off right with some of these mouth-watering pancakes. They're created with purple Chantilly cream and crème anglaise.

Where to find: River Belle Terrace at Disneyland Park

Jungle Julep

Perfect for hot days, this pineapple, orange, grape, and lemon slush will keep you cool!

Where to find: Bengal Barbecue at Disneyland Park

Purple Churro

Why settle for a plain churro, when you can have a purple one? This regular-flavored treat has gone purple for the spring, with plenty of purple sprinkles.

Where to find: Critter Country at Disneyland Park

Purple Cake Pop

Enjoy cake on the go with this decadent chocolate cake pop. The Mickey-ear shaped sweet is made with dark chocolate and dipped in raspberry white chocolate.

Where to find: Candy Palace, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats & Marceline’s Confectionery at Disneyland Resort

––Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.

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10 Halloween Treats That Aren’t Too Sugary Sweet

by Cherie GoughSeptember 27, 2016

Scared of all that sugar that comes with Halloween? Never fear. Whether you’re looking for a treat to satisfy all those classmates or cooking up some fun for your little boo, we’ve got healthier versions of all your favorite recipes. Read on for dessert ideas that make for a not-too-sweet but perfectly spooky season.

photo: Sarah Bakes Gluten Free

Awesome Apple Cupcakes
Love the taste of old-fashioned Halloween treats? Take a trip down memory lane with luscious fall flavors of apple and cinnamon. These beautiful cupcakes will remind you of the sweet caramel apples of your youth without too much of the sticky stuff. Get the recipe here.

photo: Fork and Beans

Kid-Friendly Frankenstein
Your little monsters will grin when they see these irresistible Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats. Blogger Cara from Fork and Beans updates a classic using brown rice cereal, vegan marshmallows, and all-natural food coloring. Get the recipe here.

photo: Gluten Free on a Shoestring

Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
Nicole at Gluten Free on a Shoestring loves to scare up delicious gluten-free treats for her kiddos. These soft baked sugar cookies taste bakery fresh. If you’ve ever tried rolling out gluten free dough you know it can be tricky, so follow Nicole‘s great tips for creating these cookies and you won’t be scared away by the process again. In fact, she has a whole section on her blog for making gluten-free baking a snap. Get the recipe here.

photo: The Green Forks

Green Monster Muffins
Looking for a sneaky way to get your little monsters to eat their greens with a smile? Halloween is the perfect time to surprise them with these fun muffins from The Green Forks. The kids will be excited to unwrap this unusual green treat and you’ll be excited as they gobble up their spinach! Click here to get baking.

photo: Sarah Bakes Gluten Free

Boo-tiful Cupcakes
Little ones will love these ghost cupcakes from Sarah Bakes Gluten Free that are more friendly than spooky. You’ll love that these sweet treats use simple ingredients and are a piece of cake to make. Think gluten-free goodies have a bad rap for being dry and crumbly? The trick is in letting your batter rest for 20-30 minutes before popping it into the oven. Get the details here.

photo: Flo and Grace

All Wrapped Up
Making these adorable mummies from Flo and Grace won’t wrap up all your time. Drizzle frozen bananas with an unrefined sugar candy coating and top with an eyeball (or three). You’ll love how wickedly easy these treats are to create. Click here for the details.

photo: Super Healthy Kids

Mousse Made Easy
Looking for a kid-approved party dessert that won’t scare away adults? Like a light, fluffy piece of pumpkin pie without the crust, this mousse uses only six simple ingredients. Prep it in advance and make the most of your time with guests. Get the recipe here.

chewy-and-delicious-sugar-free-pumpkin-spice-caramels-707x1024

photo: Happiness is Homemade

Chewy Gooey Caramels
Ever tried a piece of homemade caramel? Thanks to Heidi at Happiness is Homemade you can dig into sweet, chewy deliciousness that is so good and so easy you’ll want to share. Wrap these dreamy caramels up for a sweet gift for a friend or give a teacher a treat she deserves after a long day. Made with all natural agave, these caramels take just three steps to make. Get the easy 1,2,3 here.

photo: Fork and Beans

Not-So-Basic Bark
Turn after-school grumps into giggly ghouls with this super-cute candy bark. Vegan, and gluten free with no icky preservatives, you’ll love getting your chocolate fix in a healthy way. It’ll take a few steps to get to the finished product, but we promise this bark will make you want to take a big bite. Yum! Get the recipe here.

photo: Courtesy of Sugar Bowl Bakery

Mummified Madeleines
Sugar Bowl Bakery makes Halloween cookies ultra easy. This family-owned bakery uses quality organic ingredients to makes delicious, light treats such as their signature Madeleines. You can find them in grocery and chain stores nationwide. Ever bought a box or four at Costco? To make these creative Halloween goodies, simply pipe frosting in a crisscross pattern and add edible eyeballs to transform them into spooky after school snacks. Sugar Bowl Bakery’s whole line of delicious treats will be available for purchase online soon. Learn more here.

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too! San Diego’s Best Chocolate Cake Spots

by Lenya McGrathJanuary 20, 2016

Oh chocolate cake, how we love thee! Flourless, layer cake, black forest, ganache, fudge, devil’s food, chocolate souffle – San Diego has some of the most delicious chocolate cakes southern California has to offer. And to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day on Jan. 27 (yes, there is an actual day), we’ve researched the best out there, just for you! Now you can have your cake and eat it too!

Photo: Sherry Aikens via Flickr Creative Commons

Chocolate Buttercream Cupcake at Babycakes
If you like your cake in mini sizes then Babycakes in Hillcrest is for you. This cafe celebrates all-things mini so you can get a hit of chocolate cake in cupcake style. Their ever-so-popular chocolate buttercream is a delicious combination of a light and fluffy chocolate cake with a rich chocolate buttercream. It flies out the door and is the perfect hit of chocolate without being too rich or too big. Babycakes has plenty of areas for you to savor your treat. There is a 1,000-square-foot patio out front with plenty of seating and a garden courtyard out back. And there are more than 25 cup cake flavors, plus cakes, cookies, cheesecakes and tarts to choose. Parking is on street, so be prepared to walk a few blocks.

Insider’s Tip: There’s full bar service starting at 4 p.m. and all day on the weekends. So if you prefer a more family-friendly vibe, come on weekdays and earlier in the day.

3766 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-296-4173
Online: babycakessandiego.com

Photo: Michael Seachang via Flickr Creative Commons

Extraordinary Desserts
A visit to Extraordinary Desserts is a must for any chocolate cake connoisseur. A wall length counter that’s filled with cakes, cupcakes and other sweet treats await you. Innovative flavors and cakes decorated to look like works of art really make this place extraordinary. Regulars swear by the the Viking, chocolate crème brulee and milk chocolate cremeuse are hidden between chocolate cake layers. And to up the ante crushed chocolate almond pralines are sprinkled all around. There are two locations to check out: a cozy cafe in Hillcrest and a larger cafe in Little Italy. Be prepared that there will be a queue to order your treats at the counter. But as long as you nab a table, most of your party can hang out. The pricing can be a bit indulgent, but it’s worth it for an occasional treat.

Hillcrest
2929 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92103
619-294-2132

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

Online: extraordinarydesserts.com

Photo: Chris Hui via Flickr Creative Commons

Linda’s Fudge Cake at The Cheesecake Factory
Don’t be deterred by the name Cheesecake Factory. While you’ll find more than 30 delicious cheesecakes to tempt, hidden away and just waiting for you to devour is Linda’s fudge cake. This is a mix of chocolate goodness — seven tiers of chocolate cake, covered in a rich fudge topping and then dropped and rolled in chocolate chips for as far as the eye can see. It’s so big and so good that one piece could easily be shared. And of course while you are here you can grab a meal, a drink or a coffee. There can be a wait during peak periods, so prep some entertainment options for the kiddos if you need to hang for twenty minutes of so to be seated.

Otay Ranch Town Center
2015 Birch Rd.
Chula Vista, Ca 91915

Fashion Valley Mall
7067 Friars Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92108

The Headquarters at Seaport District
789 W. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101

Westfield North County Mall
200 E. Via Rancho Parkway
Escondido, Ca 92025

Online: thecheesecakefactory.com

Photo: Cheri T via Yelp

The Elby at Sage French Cake
Head to Kearny Mesa to the Sage French Cake and you’ll start to hear whispers of “The Elby.” This famed cake is layers made up of chocolate ganache, followed by chocolate cake, white chocolate mousse, more chocolate cake, chocolate mousse then one last glorious layer of chocolate cake. As decedent as it sounds, Sage French Cake is a Japanese-French fusion bakery known for lighter and less sugary styles of cake, so while it will be rich it won’t be an overload! The bakery itself is straightforward — you can pick up a tea or coffee and grab a small table outside to enjoy our slice of goodness. Hot Tip: The cakes are made later in the morning, so we recommend arriving after 1 p.m. to make sure you have maximum choices!

3860 Convoy St.
San Diego, Ca 92111
858-571-3484

Where’s your favorite chocolate cake in San Diego? Let us know in the comments below!

– Lenya McGrath

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: A New Pie Shop (That Also Serves Beer)

by rtmelissavaughanMay 13, 2015

Has all the Twin Peaks revival talk got you craving some cherry pie and a “damn fine cup of coffee”? If so you’re in luck, because a charming little pie shop (cranking out varieties both classic and creative) just opened its doors, and it’s even got a counter to sit at and do your best Dale Cooper with the kids. Bonus: there’s more than pie on the menu, they’ll pour you a glass of wine or a beer, and you can even snack al fresco in a yard out back.

photo: Pels Pie Co./ Meghan Doherty

Flour Power From Oz

After stints at Bed-Sty coffee shop Bedford Hills and Glady’s in Crown Heights, and months searching for just the right space for her pie shop, Sydney native Alison Pels has laid down roots on Rogers Street in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Just steps from Prospect Park, Pel’s Pie Co. is an honest-to-goodness shop that serves delicious flaky butter crust pies expertly prepared by baker Maddy Gentile.

photo: Pels Pie Co./ Meghan Doherty

Let Them Eat Pie

Classics like apple and chocolate mousse are mainstays on the menu along side more outside-the-box varieties like fig buttermilk honey and other inventive seasonal creations. Gentile also bakes scrumptious cheddar bacon biscuits and savory quiche, all made fresh each and every day. Eager to please and offer something for everyone, Pels also serves a lovely cheese plate, coffee from Counter Culture, Kusmi tea, and a nicely curated menu of wine and beer. Tea service with fresh scones and cream is available on the weekends from noon – 4 p.m. — perfect for a rainy afternoon DIY tea party!

photo: Pels Pie Co./ Meghan Doherty

A Slice of Sweet Serenity

Pels Pie Co.’s atmosphere is as charming and comfortable as its namesake dish. The shop features sea glass colored countertops, the space’s original tin ceiling, and complementary walls of white-washed brick, patterned celadon hued wallpaper and venetian plaster. Beachy, warm and welcoming, the shop is spacious, with loads of room to breathe and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade wholesome treats. The kids will love sitting on stools with a slice at the counter, where they can watch Gentile, elbow deep in flour, whip up more pies.

photo: Pels Pie Co./ Meghan Doherty

Wanted! Little Green Thumbs

Step out and enjoy the spacious garden, where the kids can frolic under the sounds of handmade wind chime garlands. Pels hopes to decorate the garden’s currently unadorned long fence with DIY planters — and she wants the kids to help! Bring a recycled half gallon or gallon plastic milk jug and a seedling next time you come in and the kids can plant it and hang out in the garden. (Of course, gardeners of all sizes are encouraged to stop in week after week to nurture their plant and appetite.)

Pels Pie Co.
499 Rogers Ave.
Prospect-Lefferts Gardens
347-350-5906
Online: www.pelspieco.com

Have you had a slice of Pel Pie yet? We’d love to know your favorite. Tell us in the comments below!

— Melissa Vaughan

New and Cool: Härth Restaurant’s Foodie-in-Training Menu

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyNovember 20, 2014

In a restaurant that produces 200 pounds of honey per year (from their own bees housed on the roof), and an organic garden that grows some of the world’s hottest peppers, kids don’t traditionally come to mind when you think of Härth restaurant. But because of the new Foodie-in-Training menu, dedicated to making sure the littlest diners have healthy and tasty plates that also tantalize their tastebuds, a brunch date with your brood at this hot spot is now a reservation must.

Palate Pleasing Choices
Even if your kiddo’s palate only chooses staples like mac and cheese, noodles or bread, they might just be convinced to join the F.I.T. Club with choices like Creamy Tomato Soup, Margherita Flatbread, and Truffled Mac and Cheese. Our little taste tester devoured the soup, and couldn’t get enough of the flatbread—that we lied and told her was pizza (so it wasn’t really a lie!). The Truffled Mac and Cheese was also a hit, especially after our date dissolved into giggles when she was told that pigs sniffed out her truffles!

Still Hungry?
Kiddos with bigger appetites—aka bottomless pits—who adore chicken nuggets might change their tune when they taste the Roasted Chicken Breast with fresh veggies and mashed potatoes. Adventurous fish lovers may refuse to eat fish sticks ever again once they eat the Fish of the Day with spinach. They’ll never know it’s good for them. Promise. Fans of noodles will love the Pork and Veal Meatballs because they come set like a flower next to a delicious pile of angel hair pasta so that little ones can mix away, or eat in pairs

Grown Up Mocktails
For anyone that ever ordered a Shirley Temple as a kid, and wondered as an adult, how they drank it, they might want to try a sip of their kiddo’s Apple Snap or No-Jito mocktail. Homemade ginger beer (our taste tester grinned when she thought she was having beer like Daddy) and apple cider are spiced with fresh lemon for a taste of fall that even grownups will want to sip. The No-Jito is made with white cranberry and apple juice, muddled mint, lime and soda. It is so tasty you’ll want to double check that it is indeed for kids!

Dazzling Desserts
Most kids would rather skip dinner—or any meal—and head straight to dessert. After sampling some of härth’s desserts you’ll be tempted too. Our mini taste tester couldn’t shovel in the Little Apple Pie fast enough. Puff pastry, custard and local apples formed an apple pie that might rival all the apple tartlets in Paris – and Grandma’s Apple Pie we’ll devour in a few weeks (Shhh). Berry lovers can tuck into a bowl of marinated strawberries with vanilla ice cream, and chocolate lovers will go crazy for Chef Luc’s Chocolate Mousse Cake. Don’t be surprised if Junior asks for it when his birthday rolls around.

Härth
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
7920 Jones Branch Rd. (McLean, Va)
703-847-5000
Online: hiltonmclean.com

Have you been to Härth with kids? What were your favorite dishes? Tell us in the Comments section below.

—Hilary Riedemann

Photos: Hilary Riedemann

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