Croissants

If it was your first time in Paris, what would you have for breakfast? Before you answer that, coffee is out of the question and so is ham....now what would you have? If you said a croissant then keep reading. To be fair I never had an Almond Croissant and I am sad.

Pan du Chocolat and a Plain Croissant were just what the doctor ordered. Buttery, flakey and a touch of sweetness were the three things my lips, tongue and mouth told my brain. The pan du chocolat actually had a chocolate ganache in the center, not chocolate chips or a nasty chocolate mush! This was the real McCoy! After I inhaled both pieces I had the pure joy of licking my fingers; after all it was buttery, flakey and sweet.

No matter which boulangerie you get a croissant or pan du chocolat in Paris, it is bound to be delicious. Notice the crumbs on my shirt.

Nutella Crepes

I thought I knew what a crepe was before Paris, I certainly knew of Nutella. There is something about food being served from a street vendor that makes it taste so good. Could it have been I was in Paris or could it have been I was eating my first Nutella Crepe in Paris at Notre Dame? Honestly, it does not matter.

A crepe for better lack of a word is a really thin pancake, served with meat, cheese or something sweet; the fillings are endless. I prefer my crepe with Nutella and Banana.

Crepes are prepared on a large flat iron skillet in my estimation a diameter of 12", yes kind of large. A wooden hoe is used to spread the mixture around the skillet, it is then flipped to complete the cooking process. Be careful not to move your eye away for it only takes a few seconds to cook.

Once the crepe is flipped it is folded in half, the mixture is applied and then folded again. Think a stuffed ice cream cone. HEAVEN! It is served in a paper sleeve and VOILA, you are ready to walk and eat! The crepes are not served as they are in the USA, on a plate rolled up and stuffed.

Now, if only Richmond had a creperie.

Little Mexico

Many moons ago I was fortunate enough to spend seven weeks in Mexico; working, school, playing and of course eating. I had some of the best Mexican food, all prepared daily by the live in house keeper. It was from her cooking that I now judge the authenticity of Mexican food and if a restaurant here in the states can pass my three-rule test then I will return and tell everyone.
The three things are:

1. Chunky Guacamole
2. Refried Beans
3. Salsa.

Little Mexico did not meet my expectations on the Guacamole, it was only sufficient. There was a slight trace of avocado in what they call a Guacamole Salad, with tiny little pieces of this delicious fruit. However, it was superior to other places in Richmond where the avocado is bright green and almost a puree. I did eat most of it, so bravo to Little Mexico for placing high on my list.

I cannot count how many times I have been served refried beans that are soupy. Yes, soupy! They are almost impossible to eat with a fork; you need corn chips to pick them up. The beans are more like a bean dip. YUK! Well not at Little Mexico. I could actually see that these beans were made from pinto beans . They had a nice texture and had flavor. If I wasn't stuffed with my Chicken Quesadilla I could have finished the beans and believe me I tired. By the way, the quesadilla had lots of chicken in it, which I was very surprised. PASS.

Who likes Salsa flavored Water? Hmm? Anyone? Well that is what 9 out of 10 restaurants serve with the chips. Why? Do they think they are doing us a favor? It is red, it is served in a little carafe, but if you pour to quickly it rushes out like water. Well folks rest assured, Little Mexico actually has pieces of onion in it, and yes it is true onion does exist in salsa. I am not saying this salsa is extra chunky, but at least there is enough consistency on your chip. PASS.

I applaud Little Mexico. It is a nice addition to the fan; my only complaint is that as I was consuming all the food the Gold's Gym Sign across the street was giving me the evil eye. Oh well, next time I will face Cary Street, problem solved. Gracias.

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.