Sweets - The Hungry Nomad

Chocolate Con Churros at San Gines (Madrid, Spain)

August 11, 2013 1 Comment

Madrid is a foodie haven. Especially more so for tapas loving foodies. While tapas hopping around the city it is an absolute must to finish off with some Chocolate Con Churros. Madridians have this sweet dessert usually after a long night out at the bars on their way home at dawn. Tourists like me on the other hand seem to enjoy it after a nice meal (or endless tapas). he most popular place for this delicious treat is San Gines -one of the oldest churrerias in Madrid serving one and only one thing: chocolat con churros. A warm crispy deep fried dough served with a cup of thick chocolate. The reason why this place is so special? The dough and cup of chocolate seem to have the perfect balance of sweetness. Not overly sweet but enough to leave you wanting more. The location is quiet hidden on the end of a side street yet with good directions and a sense of smell you will find your way there.

San Gines is open everyday 24 hours

Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5 · 28013

Phone: +34 91 365 6546

Big Groups Booking Phone : +34 91 366 3733

reservas@chocolateriasangines.com

franquicias@chocolateriasangines.com

Chocolate, Food, Ice Cream, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Blogs, Sweets

A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Philadelphia

July 23, 2013 1 Comment

If you’re anything like me, chocolate is something you never say no to. This can range from anything like a basic dark chocolate bar to a molten chocolate cake with whipped cream. In either situation, your looking to get your chocolate fix, but there are definitely times when the chocolate bar just wont meet it and you need something special. There are dozens of places in Philadelphia that satisfy those times, and here’s my list of some of the really fantastic ones in the city.

1. Rim Café

I have been going to Rim Café for a few years now, and I can honestly say there is no place I would rather go for a hot chocolate. If you’re passionate about all things chocolate, this is one place you shouldn’t miss. This little café on 9th and Federal is full of character and most people who enter end up leaving with new friends. The shop is owned by Rene Kobeitri and if there is one phrase you should remember before trying this place out it’s “Make it happen!.” This is the phrase he will frequently say, sing, and shout out in his French accent while he makes your hot chocolate right in front of you. He will probably also play the bongos when a Gipsy Kings song comes on, greet a few regulars, and pull out the blow torch for various hot chocolates during your visit.

These certainly aren’t your usual hot chocolates. Rene makes all of his own chocolate and puts the same amount of effort and love into each drink he makes. Some of my favorites are the Tiramisu Hot Chocolate and the Nutty Peanut Butter. He’s recently started making Iced Hot Chocolate for those muggy summer days too. If chocolate drinks aren’t your thing, he also has several chocolate treats, such as his Parmesan Covered Truffle and Cannoli.

I can attest to the fact that anything Rene makes is gold, and you’ll want to bring your camera so you can document it all. If you do forget it, don’t worry because he always has his camera on hand as well and will undoubtedly snap several pictures of you with your creation. This is definitely not a place to go if you’re just looking for a quick to-go coffee, but rather a place to go if you want to watch a show, savor a delicious hot chocolate, and leave with memories you’ll never forget.

2. Capogiro Gelato Artisans

Capogiro is one place in Philly that almost everyone has heard of. This has been especially true in recent years due to National Geographic naming it the best gelato in the world. I do have to say that as much as I do love the gelato here, my favorite place in the world to get this cool treat is in Rome and is called Frigidarium. However, based on my experiences, I am willing to concede that Capogiro is the best ice cream in the United States.

The flavor I always get without fail is the Cioccolato Scuro. This chocolate gelato will satisfy just about anyone, especially those who live for a great tasting dark chocolate. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, there are normally a few other chocolate flavors that may catch your eye, including the Bacio which is a hazelnut, chocolate mixture. I personally like mixing the dark chocolate with a fruity flavor like Lampone (Raspberry) or Fragola (Strawberry). No matter what your chocolate preference, if you’re in the mood for something cold and revel in both chocolate and ice cream, Capogiro is the place to visit.

3. Max Brenner

I have to admit that the only thing I have had at Max Brenner is the Chocolate Fondue. I will plead my case by saying that it’s just so good I don’t have the heart to turn away from it and that I fully intend to branch out the next time I go. The fondue comes with both fruit and marshmallows to dip into the chocolate. You can even roast your marshmallows before you dip them if you want.

The chocolate they give you is rich and the fruit is fresh, so you’ll walk away from this fondue feeling like you’ve gotten your money’s worth. If you aren’t a fondue lover, there are dozens of other chocolate goodies you can get, including cocktails like the Classic Chocolate Martini and the Berry Lovely. No matter what your desire, Max Brenner is able to fulfill any lover of chocolate in Philadelphia.

4. Insomnia Cookies

As a college student, Insomnia Cookies is able to meet my cookie, chocolate, and late night studying needs. The cookies are always warm and gooey, and there are some nice classic chocolate flavors like Chocolate Chip, as well as some more unique flavors, such as Mint Chocolate Chip. This is one food truck that I love to visit and when I do go I try to go during happy hour to get more cookies for a better deal. These are cookies just about everyone will enjoy, although if you aren’t a cookie lover, the truck on Temple’s campus also offers up brownies. Of course, both of these treats taste even better with some cold milk, and you can get that here too! Even if you’re not a college student in the area, these cookies are worth a try and there are two locations in Center City, so you don’t have to trek over to University City or Temple to get your cookie fix.

5. Philly Chocolate

I came across Philly Chocolate one day after I mistakenly went searching for Naked Chocolate. I had heard great things about Naked Chocolate and has finally decided to check it out. Unfortunately their website didn’t mention that they had closed down, but it didn’t matter all that much because Philly Chocolate had taken over the space. I haven’t been here since they’ve moved to South Street, but I did have some favorites at the previous location.

One of my favorite chocolates was the chocolate shaped like Buddha. The flavors were spot-on, but I do have to say what really sold me was the cute shape! They have dozens of truffles and chocolates to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. They also serve cupcakes and drinks here. If you’re stopping by on a chilly day, get the European Hot Chocolate which is a thick, rich, dark hot chocolate that is served with a bit of whipped cream and a spoon. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood to drink something chilly, the Elvis is the way to go. It’s a huge frozen drink made up of chocolate and banana.

For people who enjoy the chocolate and bacon combo, they also have slices of that here. I personally wasn’t crazy about the Chocolate Covered Bacon. I thought I would love it since I enjoy both chocolate and bacon, but I didn’t like the fatty bacon with a chocolate coating. My friends and I couldn’t finish the slice we got that day. I haven’t tried it anywhere else, so I’m not sure if I would enjoy it if prepared differently, but I’m not rushing to find out.

While I wouldn’t get this dessert again, I do know there are tons of people out there who talk up bacon covered in chocolate, so you might enjoy it too. This has been the only thing I’ve had here that I wasn’t crazy about, and so I would still recommend this chocolate shop to any fellow chocolate lover out there!

Next time you have a hankering for some chocolate, go to one of the places above. I don’t think that any of them disappoint and they all have a wide-range of chocolates and chocolate flavored goodies for each individual. I’m always on the search for new chocolate places in the city, but so far, these have been my favorite. Of course, I’ll never stop trying new restaurants, so in time, my go-to places may change a bit. Either way, I don’t think I’ll mind the continued search for great chocolate stores since it involves eating some of my favorite things!

Beach, Food, Seafood, Summer, USA

Dinner at Papa Grandes (Fenwick Island, USA)

July 4, 2013 No Comments

Papa Grandes is a new restaurant opened by Matt Haley, a man who has already opened several restaurants in the area, including some long-standing favorites with my family. Each of Haley’s restaurants have distinct feels to them and offer up completely different foods. When you first step into Papa Grandes it definitely has a very laid-back feel to it, as most places in near the beach do. The inside is decorated with various painting that remind me of the hand paintings you would imagine finding in caves. This atmosphere had us all ready to try the food as well.

To start my Mom, sister, and I got the seafood ceviche, queso fundido, and the shrimp and chorizo pincho. Before our starters came out, we were served complimentary tortilla chips with a red salsa that had a kick to it. It was a nice change from the bread normally served at other restaurants, but several of the chips were on the stale side. However, we didn’t have to wait long before the appetizers came out, so it didn’t damper our spirits too much.

The ceviche was good and came topped with a scoop of tasty avocado. While my sister and I both liked the avocado, we did agree that the ceviche didn’t really need it. Beneath this, the ceviche was made up of shrimp, octopus, and baby scallops, and it was a refreshing, tart starter for a hot summer night.

The queso fundido was the complete opposite as it was a heavy cheese dip accompanied by corn tortilla chips, but everyone at the table agreed that it was delicious. I think it was the overall winner for the night. The third appetizer received more mixed reviews. My sister enjoyed the entirety of the dish, but I thought the chorizo was a bit overdone. By the time we finished these, our main meals were already coming out from the kitchen.

As we were eating in a Mexican restaurant, the emphasis was definitely on tacos for the main course. We got both the duck tacos and the tacos al pastor, and in order to change it up a bit, my sister got the shrimp quesadillas. I didn’t taste the quesadillas, but my sister talked them up and particularly loved the ancho honey sauce that topped them. I did, however, try the pork in the tacos al pastor, and I wasn’t crazy about the taste as it was a bit on the dry side.

As a long-term San Diego resident, my mother has had these tacos a lot and said that the pork in the tacos at Papa Grandes was a bit different than what she was used to. According to her, the meat is slightly wetter than what she was served here. My duck was the complete opposite of the pork though, and the meat was nice and tender. My tacos came topped with a bit of guacamole, shaved radishes, and spicy pickled red onions. Despite the pork being a bit dry, everyone was pretty happy with their main courses.

Although we had quite a bit to eat, I am always one for dessert, and we decided to get the churros and the chocolate pot. The churros came with chocolate and were a delicious, sweet end to the meal. On the other hand, the chocolate pot was a dessert that was a bit more complex. It was a thick chocolate served chilled that was topped with whipped cream and chili powder. It definitely satisfied my sweet tooth, but it is probably best for the more adventurous chocolate-lovers out there.

Overall, the service was quick and friendly, and I felt comfortable at this restaurant. Even though a few of the dishes weren’t the best thing I’ve ever eaten, I was satisfied by the end of the meal, especially since it is one of the cheaper restaurants in the area. I enjoyed my first Mexican experience down at the beach, and considering the fact that Papa Grandes has only been open a couple of months, I was happy with this new place and hope to come back.

Baking, Recipe, recipes

Recipe for Low-Fat Banana Bread

April 21, 2013 1 Comment

Ingredients:

1 Cup of mashed ripe bananas (2 large bananas)
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1/2 Cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/3 Cup canola or vegetable oil
1 large egg or 2 large egg whites
3/4 Cup brown sugar
1 Tea Spoon pure vanilla extract
1 Cup all purpose flour
1/2 Cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Optional:

1/2 Cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large bowl mix the bananas, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 cup of yogurt and set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/4 Cup canola or vegetable oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and set aside.
In another bowl, sift together the white all purpose flower, the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
Add the bowl of banana ingredients to the the egg mix and blend.
(Optional step: Add chocolate to the wet ingredients).
With a rubber spatula, fold the wet ingredients into the the flour mix to the bowl and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are moistened. (Do not over mix the batter as it will result in a touch bread).
Pour mix into a slightly oiled pan, place in center rack of oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the bread is golden brown. You can also tell when it is ready if placing a toothpick inside the loaf does not result in any ingredients being stuck to the toothpick.

Coffee Shop, Cupcakes, New York, Pastries, Sweets

Cupcakes-Galore at Magnolia Bakery- West Village (New York City, USA)

December 6, 2012 No Comments

Bleeker street- one of the many places that make New York so charming, so unforgettable and so dear to me. Not only are there beloved Marc Jacobs shops sprinkled throughout the street but it is also a foodie haven beginning with Magnolia Bakery. Eating cupcakes while strolling through Marc Jacobs shops and bookstores? A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in my books.

It was my first time visiting Magnolia Bakery, somehow I happened to miss the reference on Sex and the City during my college years (apparently that’s what made them so famous?). So, having missed that boat I was not aware that there is usually a line up around the corner. On this particular Sunday the line up only extended to the door. I was okay with the short yet chaotic wait. So the Count and I lined up and took in all the sweet, sugary vanilla aromas permeating the air.

There were all sorts of people in the line up. The young family with kids swooning over the big three layered cakes, the Asian female tourists with their designer bags picking out their cupcakes, the old man ordering his usual and us, the first timers who were overwhelmed with the choices. Oh the possibilities.

Okay, so here I go: I don’t like cupcakes! Gasp. Yes I said it. There are many other sweets that I would prefer to a cupcake. So is it so horrible that neither of us actually ordered cupcakes?

I ordered a snickerdoodle tart from the glass display above. And the Count ordered the flour less chocolate cake.

After we yelled out our order, we waited to pay. The line up was a bit confusing as people were going straight to the cash counter and others were skipping the line. But somehow there was some sort of unspoken order amongst the chaos.

While waiting I was seduced by the variety of sweets that were calling my name including the three layered cakes in a variety of flavors. “Eat me Hungry Nomad, you know you’re hungry” they all said.

After receiving our coffee I got a chance to get up close and personal with the famous cupcakes…only for a short photo shoot. I definitely have to go back and try the cupcakes for I can’t really attest to their claim to fame without having tried it. Wonder what flavor I should try next time?

Coffee Shop, Crepes, Pastries, Philadelphia, USA

Cafe L’Aube- Fairmount/Art Museum (Philadelphia, USA)

August 6, 2012 No Comments

I’ve been in search of a spacious coffee shop in the Fairmount area for weeks. The pickings are slim. There are only a handful of independent coffee spots and one Starbucks that can barely fit ten people. So with the help of Yelp, I found Cafe L’aube tucked away on the corner of Wallace street in the Spring Garden area. What is so great about Cafe L’Aube? Well for one, it serves great coffee and pastries. But mainly because it serves delicious and authentic crepes made to order. The employees are francophone and if you close your eyes you may try to imagine yourself sipping away at your cafe and crepe at a french coffee shop.

I started off with a latte and pain au chocolate… a few hours later I found myself hungry again and ordered the ham, mushroom and emmentaler cheese crepe. Delicious and cheesy.

So far in terms of coffee shops, this is my favorite in the city. Any one have any other recommendations?

Philadelphia, Sweets, USA

Capogiro Gelateria- Italian Market (Philadelphia, USA)

July 24, 2012 1 Comment

After our meal at Birra, we went for a stroll on Passyunk street. I am already drawn to this area of town given the colorful shops, restaurants and young/hip atmosphere. We spotted a Gelato shop and decided we had enough room for dessert.

At the time, I was not aware that Capogiro Gelateria has various locations and is a local and international Gelato celebrity.

I loved the decor and presentation. Everything was clean, sharp and beautifully presented. The shop was very homey and cozy. The gelato is not set out like other gelato shops but is hidden by lids. There are also not a large variety of flavours to choose from but what they did offer was enough.

The shop also offers a wide range of coffees and sweets.

And biscotti! I love biscotti. But didn’t get a chance to try on this trip.

The flavors are written on a chalkboard. I ordered the Nocciola and Pistachio while the Count ordered the Dark Chocolate and Grapefruit. Capogiro uses local hand picked produce and milk from grass fed, hormone free cows. You can really taste the difference and quality in each spoonful. I was not expecting such an explosion of flavours in my mouth. I’ve had a lot of gelato in my time. And a good amount of that in Italy from Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples and Amalfi coast and I can confidently say that this was one of the best I have ever had. Definitely the best I have had in America.

The flavours were so strong and the gelato was so creamy. I have never taste gelato this good. No wonder it was picked as the best gelato ‘in the world’. This is definitely a new favorite. I have yet to try the other locations but I definitely love the space, decor and flavors offered at this location.

Ice Cream, New Orleans, USA

The Creole Creamery (New Orleans, USA)

April 29, 2012 No Comments

I’ve tried many ice cream shops in New Orleans and this one has made it to the top of my list. It has by far the best ice cream in town. As soon as you walk through the doors you take a trip back in time. It reminds me of many hollywood movies based in the South- it definitely has that old world charm.There are so many delicious and creative flavors to try and it’s usually hard to choose just one. However, over time and many flavor tests I find that I tend to gravitate to chocolate flavors. My personal favorites at the Creole Creamery are the entire chocolate section (located on your left as soon as you walk in); more specifically, the chocwork-orange (a dark creamy chocolate ice cream with a hint of orange flavor), the butterscotch english toffee (soooo good) and lavender honey (who doesn’t love lavender?)

What’s your favorite flavor?

Paris, Travel

Hermé pas Hermes (Paris, France)

March 17, 2011 No Comments

72 Rue Bonaparte/185 rue Vaugirard, Paris

In the mood for chocolate, macaroons, bonbons? Why not stop at Pierre Hermé? Not to be confused with Hermes with an ‘S’ better know as every fashionista’s mecca for luxury handbags and belts.

It is this confusion that led us to Pierre Hermé. My friend and I were in a desperate search for the the Hermes store in Paris…however due to the pronunciation we were led to Pierre Hermé. Not that I was complaining. I’d way rather indulge in expensive chocolate than a leather belt. This discovery however, was not easy on the pockets as what Hermes represents in fashion, Pierre Hermé represents in delicious mouth-watering sweets. The shop is pretty small, smart, simple yet chic where you will be welcomed by a sweet/chocolate connoisseurs (although it is Paris- so lower your customer service expectations) who will teach you about each selection and help you with your picks. Although I love macaroons- at Pierre Hermé I often tend to go for the chocolate truffles and other sweets. Be advised that this is not the cheapest spot in Paris to fill your belly with chocolate delights… but I do promise that the experience will be well worth it.

Fort Lauderdale, Gourmand, Travel, USA

Gran Forno Italian Bakery (Fort Lauderdale)

January 2, 2011 No Comments

One thing I look most forward to on every trip to Fort Lauderdale is my daily morning trips to the local Gran Forno Bakery. It is located on the lovely Las Olas Street where many wonderful local mom & pop shops can be found. The breads are baked daily in their ovens and if you go early enough you will get your hands on warm, pillowy and delicious breads. I must admit that I have tried everything in this bakery and do love each and every one of their delights. Amongst the favorites include the ciabatta, multigrain, and walnut and raisin breads. Then on to the sweets: the chocolate, almond, ham and cheese croissants are all wonderful treats for one’s belly. But then there is also the scones….oh the scones. How wonderfully delicious and not too sweet are the scones. (Other ‘Forno’rific delights include: custard-filled fruit tarts, lemon cakes and chocolate fudge brownies, chocolate tarts and paninis). Next, make sure to also try the small pizzas!!! They are once again….delicious. Choices include the eggplant, tomato, mozzarella or the tomato/mozzarella pizza. I can’t resist having these for breakfast. Living only two blocks away from this little Floridian gem is both a blessing and a curse. I have no control when it comes to delicious breads and treats…. or to be more factual I have no control when it comes to the wonders of gastronomy.

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