When the moon hits your eye...

like a Carmine's Pizza Pie (or lasagna or manicotti...), that's Amore!

Ate at Carmine's just this evening and had to come home and immediately write the review... no hesitation or procrastination, as usual. This is the second time I've enjoyed this restaurant and like a good wine or cheese, it gets better with age. I only imagine this place will become more and more popular and will join the ranks of Riverside's best eateries.

My hubby and I had a date night, so we started with "a little sumpin' sumpin'" ale (Lagunita's), which was offered on the honor system upon request. By that I mean I asked if we could have a beer while we waited for our table and he said, "Why yes!" No tab necessary, just an honest agreement that we would pay up once we were sat. I dig that kind of service!

So anyway, on to the important stuff... Onion Rings!

The Remoulade dipping sauce completed this trinity of delightfulness. The rings were crispy on the outside with a juicy, sweet burst of onion inside. We forced ourselves to stop a little short, to leave room for the ...bum bum bah!

Done Right Manicotti

I apologize for the messily strewn pasta, but in our greedy haste I forgot to take the picture when it first arrived. Oh well. As you can see, one meal easily feeds two. Stuffed with spinach, ricotta and happy pills (at least that's my opinion), the Manicotti was perfect! The pasta was neither too tough, nor mushy. The harmonious union of tomato sauce with spicy sausage slices was the icing on the cake... not the best analogy, but it will have to do.

All in all, I love this place! The meals might appear to be a little pricey at first glance, but, trust me, it is too much for one and more than enough for two. The atmosphere and service is fantastic too! I can't sing this places praises enough without actually bursting into song.

Happy Eating!

Confection Perfection

Goodness me! While sifting through some old pictures the other day, I found a restaurant that I completely forgot. Since it reminds me of one of my favorite places - Asheville, NC - I decided it would be a travesty to forget it.

True Confections was our "alone" time spot while on our Asheville trip with a couple of good friends. No matter how much we get along, at some point we all want to go in different directions and get some time apart. So that's what we did. Sam and I found this quaint little bakery near the Art District in Asheville. It was cozy and from our window seat we were able to engage in a favorite pastime... People Watching. Which can be crazy fun with all the hippies in Asheville. No offense, hippies! You're just interesting to watch!

Anyway, back to the important stuff: FOOD! Sam indulged with a hearty slice of warm Cherry Pie whilst I snacked on yet another scone, Blueberry or Blackberry; sadly I can't remember because it was so many months ago. Either way, both desserts were delicious!

The staff was pleasant and fast too. Although speed was not on our minds at that point. When I get to go back, I hope to keep my seat in the window a little longer next time.

Happy Eating! Tchau!

Smells like coffee

(Ok, so that was my lame attempt at a Nirvana reference.

Simply because the coffee served here will take you there.)

Ever walked into a Starbucks and thought, "It smells like a Mocha Frappacino" or "I just love the aroma of Pumpkin Spice Lattes"? Most likely you have. But when was the last time you stepped into the store with the green sign and thought, "Gee, this place smells like fresh ground coffee"? ...

Can't remember, can you? That's because it probably hasn't happened in a long time. If ever.

Smelling fresh ground - make that fresh roasted - coffee is always a guarantee at Coffee Roasters. Also guaranteed is friendly service and fantastic tasting coffee! Bob was kind enough to give us Cliff's Notes on coffee roasting - why coffee sometimes tastes burnt, how they grow coffee to be flavored, etc. ... Oh what's that? Did you think I was going to tell you? Pish! Go see Bob at Coffee Roasters to find out.

I had a Brazilian roast my first visit and an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe on the second. My hubby and I were astounded at the bouquet of flavors found it the latter. To best experience the subtle hint of citrus (I say, lemon to be exact, but I may be wrong) drink it black - which really is the only way to drink coffee in my book (or blog).

Word on the street is they may be moving. So if you don't live in Mandarin, check their site before trekking across the river. However, if you're questioning whether it's worth the drive in the first place, allow me to reassure you; it is.

Roasting is done on site! Ask for a tour!

You can buy the beans, but you can't buy Alf

(2nd shelf up from the bottom on right)

Sit and play a spell!

Happy Eating! Tchau!