Some people ought never to be let near the public. I’m sure most of you will know what I mean and have encountered at least one of these people over time in shops. I mean the person who either ignores you when you go into a takeaway food shop and keeps chatting on the phone or talking to someone else that it is plainly not a customer. Or maybe it’s the person who gives you such a sour, grumpy look when they ask for your order. We had this experience recently in a takeaway food store. We waited and waited. … Continue reading →

I admit, I have wanted a “Sneaky Chef” cookbook for awhile now. Ever since she came out with her first cookbook geared towards kids. I have to say that it was Libby that dubbed the moniker “The Sneaky Mama” and it was long before The Sneaky Chef cookbooks came out. But what can I say? Great minds think alike and while I don’t share any of the same recipes (nor have I published them into a cookbook), I wholeheartedly endorse hiding healthy food into food my family finds palatable. I can hide almost anything, and not even hide it that … Continue reading →

A good friend who regularly reads my blogs recently commented on the fact that I’ve not once written a blog reviewing Stew Leonard’s. I thought she was mistaken. Surely I’ve written something about my beloved grocery store with “WOW” factor. But she was right. . .until now: my first ever review of Stew Leonard’s grocery stores. Stew’s is not a normal grocery store and there are only a few stores in New England. It is family owned but it is worth the trip at least once, even if it’s a little out of your way. Each Stew’s has a petting … Continue reading →

Manhattan boasts some of the best eateries in New York but generally speaking, I find the really good eats are to be found in mom and pop stores strung in little known places. However, those little known places may boast great food but they also have tiny little spaces hardly suitable for a party of 8, that includes 5 wiggly children. Finding both good food AND a place that has atmosphere entertaining enough for everyone–that’s the real challenge. So it was with a little trepidation that we decided to try out Ellen’s Stardust Diner last night. Ellen’s Stardust Diner sits … Continue reading →

I started writing this blog because it was recently announced that the popular ice cream brand was going to name its newest flavor after political comedian Stephen Colbert. The newest flavor, Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream will feature vanilla ice cream with fudge covered pieces of waffle cone and swirls of caramel. Of the honor, Colbert says: “Dessert has a well-known liberal agenda. What I hope to do with this ice cream is bring some balance back to the freezer case.” (In case you’re not a Colbert fan. . .yes, that was wry humor dripping in sarcasm. . .we think.) Ben … Continue reading →