Lindt Chocolate

I love dark chocolate, you can have milk chocolate and until recently I thought you could never feed me white chocolate. WOW! Run, please do not walk..RUN! Lindt International deserves an award for what they created. First, I think their packaging is superb. The first set is to open the outer paper. This is not light weight like some American chocolate, it has some bulk. To me, it signifies quality. The second step is to remove the shiny silver wrapping embossed with their logo. It is as though I am opening a prize, a prize wrapped just for me.

I am thankful that the silver lining is lightweight, it almost flakes off when I peel away at its layer. Starring me in my eyes is a large bar of chocolate embossed with the Lindt logo. It smells the way white chocolate should; creamy, light and sweet. In fact you can almost smell its sweetness.

Do not be scared with the combination of white chocolate and coconut, I was shy at first glance. When my teeth sunk into the creamy bar I instantly knew this was not biting chocolate. This chocolate was created to sit on your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly so all of your buds could taste its goodness. Once dissolving has taken shape you begin to taste the coconut. It is as thought Lindt knew how to make an explosion of ecstasy in my mouth. I am a happy man after two pieces.

Millie's Diner

I have heard from many people that Millie's is a great place for dinner. Try the fish its fresh and delicious I was told. The prices are a little high for most grad students, but if the opportunity presents itself then GO!

On Sunday they open at 5:30, myself and two others were waiting at 5:25. The interior is very relaxed, old wooden booths and a somewhat open grill faces you at the entrance. I have never been one to be overly impressed with any restaurants decor, I am here to eat not look at a nice table. The food? My rockfish, cabbage and coconut soup had a Thai influence. It was delicious and extremely flavorful, just what I needed since it was raining and slightly chilly. My entree? Oh my entree. I did not go the fish route, I went the duck route. Duck served with Foie Gras Mac and Cheese and Grilled Asparagus. The spears of asparagus were small, I prefer the larger spears. Words cannot describe how succulent the duck tasted, it remined me of beef which was odd because I had not eaten red meat in eight years. The mac and cheese was some of the best I tasted.

My company had the Pork Shank which fell off the bone and was tasty, my other friend had the lamb which he said was great. The lamb came with cauliflower risotto which tasted like garlic risotto and was too mushy for my palate.

I would return, but not for their bread pudding (skip it). I would try the fish. Does anyone want to take me there?

Nicks on Broadway

This place is not in Richmond, it is in Providence. Providence, RI and if you ever get there make sure you get to Nicks. It is located in the Armory District; sure it may be a little less glamorous than the East Side of Providence. The prices were cheap and good, well for lunch. My friend told me that dinner was pricey, well for this grad student’s budget anyway (damn you mr. bush!).

Pulled Pork BBQ in New England? Isn't that like having New England Clam Chowder in Arizona? They have no idea how to make it; low and behold Nicks can make pulled pork BBQ sandwich like no ones business.

For you non-tomato based fans you may not like the sauce. It was flavorful like a delicious fresh Italian cannoli. Think manwich. When you bite into the side, pork slides out the other end. This is not a date sandwich and good thing too, for he would never see me again if he didn’t already know me. Also they have dark chocolate hot chocolate. HELLO! Can you say HMMMM HMMMM GOOD?

The best way to get there is fly via United Airlines to TF Green Airport. Head north on 95 and take the Broadway exit, take a right and Nicks is located 2 miles on the right. CHEERS!

Kuba Kuba

I am sad to say I live 2 1/2 blocks from Kuba Kuba and went their for the first time this week. I do not eat red meat and was told, I would not find anything there. LIARS! You all lied! There are so many options other than meat, they even have a veggie dish or two.

Fresh Seafood, tasty pressed sandwiches. You can go there and spend $10 on a meal or $20. Your choice. Just go already.

Bistro 104

Chicken Salad, you either love it or you hate it. I LOVE IT! Especially if it is made with white meat, lite mayo and celery. My chicken salad has very little mayo and to make up for the "dryness" I add whole grain or dijon mustard.

At Bisto 104 they did not add mustard, but they did grill my sourdough bread. There is nothing quite like the crunch of bread and something great in between to get your mouth watering. My sandwich came with a side of potato salad...this my friends had too much mayo for my taste, but at least the potatoes were firm. Why is it some potato salad is yellow, could it be yellow mustard? Hmmm.

Before my sandwich arrived I had bean empanada's. Lightly fried and filled with beans and cheese, topped with a nice portion of sour cream. Like ketchup another weakness as a topping is sour cream. If I was alone I would have eaten all of the sour cream.

I did enjoy this small place and I would go back. The down fault, it is only open for lunch.

Cafe Rustica

Finally a place in Richmond that serves delicious sandwiches and salads. The bread, oh the bread and it is homemade! The only fault? They are open for breakfast and lunch ONLY! Maybe soon they can bless me with dinner. I will go back as my wallet permits.

Mojo's

For $6.60 I expected a little more then Deli Turkey and a smidge of avacado. I would go back one more time, but not for an over priced sandwich I can make at home.