Bite of the Week - Skor vs. Heath

Since Rite Aid was having a huge sale on various items (candy being one of them), Mom and I decided to stop in to see what they had left. When we hit the candy aisle, we noticed the Skor and Heath bars. Oddly, they were much smaller than I remember.

RANDOM RANT: I'm so sick of food companies ripping people off! I'm sure you all heard about the recent Cadbury Egg debate (they've suddenly gotten a lot smaller). If you don't believe that you're getting ripped off, pick up a half gallon of ice cream. You'll find that they don't even MAKE the half gallons anymore!!! I think they're all like 1.7 quarts or something (not the two quarts you would need to make the half gallon). Stop screwing us over! If you're going to take away the food, then lower then price!

Still in shock over the size difference in these candies, Mom headed to the register and paid $.33 a piece for our treats. Gotta love a sale! Mom and I were going to just split them and have them all to ourselves, but I suggested a taste test to see which bar of chocolate covered toffee we liked the best. Previously, I conducted my own Skor vs. Heath taste test in the parking lot of the Pick N Pay in Bristol, RI. I felt that Skor was the better of the two. This time, Mom got involved.

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THE VERDICT: Although Mom and I like when there are Heath pieces mixed in with our ice cream, we both prefer the Skor. Mom thinks that Skor is much more flavorful. She said that you can really taste the butter toffee, whereas the English toffee used in the Heath bar is pretty flavorless. Because of this, the dominant flavor in the Heath bar is its chocolate coating. However, the Skor's chocolate coating takes a backseat to the delicious toffee center. Another point in Skor's favor is that the bar is 10 calories less than a Heath bar. Hooray for Skor!

Aquidneck Restaurant & Pizzeria

27 Aquidneck Ave.

Middletown, RI 02842

(401) 849-3356
www.aqpizza.com

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Aquidneck Pizza used to be one of my favorite summer haunts. An old friend of mine first turned me onto this place and their delicious pizzas, and in turn, I got Mom and my sister on the bandwagon as well. We were all great fans of Aquidneck, even if the place wasn't too pretty to look at. To me, it made dining there more charming. I just adore little hole-in-the-wall places with good food. A few years ago, however, the owners of Aquidneck Pizza shut it down and did a complete remodel. They expanded the restaurant (which was hard to do since it sits on a very tiny island between two busy streets), added a second floor, and gave the whole dining room a more "upscale" appearance. Because of this, the cost of the food went up, and the size of the food went down. After returning to Aquidneck after the remodel, Mom and I - although we still loved the food - were a little disappointed with the change. It just seemed that our little pizza dive down by the beach was now "the AQ" - a trendy restaurant with an upstairs bar and plasma TVs. Missing the taste of their delicious pizza, Mom suggested that we visit again. We pulled into the incredibly small parking lot (maybe fitting about 10 cars) at about 3:30 p.m.

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A redheaded waitress, who we later found out was named Megan, greeted us as we entered and told us that we could sit anywhere. With a choice between the bar area, two tables, and three booths (the fourth one was taken), Mom and I decided to take the solitary booth situated between two large windows facing Aquidneck Avenue. Megan left two colorful menus at our table and asked us what we would like to drink. After both choosing to have a Diet Coke, Megan quickly returned with the drinks in real glasses. During Megan's absence, I noticed a stack of take-out menus on the counter at the front of the restaurant. I snuck over to grab one for our collection. Since Mom and I had been to Aquidneck before, we pretty much already knew what we were going to order. We chose a large pizza - half extra cheese, half Greek ($13.48), and an order of steak fries ($2.99). After Megan left to give the chef our order, she soon returned to bring us two large plates for our fries/pizza. Waiting for our meal gave us plenty of time to notice all the differences between the new and the old Aquidneck Pizza.

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The old Aquidneck Pizza had a variety of booths lining three sides of the dining area. Although the vinyl on some of the booths was starting to tear, the seats were quite cushy and comfortable. There was also quite a few tables in the center of the room that were accompanied by old-fashioned chairs. There was a rug, a tiny television which sat on top of a cooler, and a lack of interior lighting which, in my opinion, made it very cozy. The new Aquidneck Pizza is quite different, and although it's not the old dive I fell in love with, it is very pretty inside. The walls are painted a bright red, while the floor is blanketed with a heavy stone tile. The pale wooden booths are very comfy, the tables are accompanied by black chairs, and the white mini blinds - which were open today - allowed the sun to pour in and customers to look out onto one of the busiest areas in Newport/Middletown. Although the variety of dead plants on the windowsill was quite disturbing, the skinny hanging lights above each booth were quite attractive. Music played softly in the background, lighted beer signs hung in some of the windows, and a large flat-screen TV hung above the trendy, black bar area. A shelf that held a variety of gourmet chips sat in the corner next to a large set of stairs which leads to the upper level, which I've never seen. From what I've noticed when I've driven by at night, I'm guessing the upstairs is used for parties. We even overheard Megan telling another customer about a Confirmation party scheduled upstairs the very next day.

Megan brought over our fries first, accompanied by a bottle of ketchup. The fries here have always been crispy and delicious, and although Mom was able to shove a few in her mouth, they were just too hot for me. I had to cool them down with some ketchup, but they were excellent. Apparently, the fries were so hot that I chugged down my Diet Coke. Megan noticed this, grabbed my glass, and gave me a free refill.

While we were still drooling over the yummy fries, our pizza arrived. Mom's half was topped with extra cheese, and she told me that although she hadn't had Aquidneck Pizza in a long time, the taste of the pizza reminded her of why she enjoyed coming here. She had forgotten how good the pizza was, and this one was no different. Although the pizza seemed smaller than it used to, fortunately the taste hasn't changed. The crust is very light with a nice, crispy edge with almost a pastry-like texture. It is delicious. The sauce is very fresh, more sweet than bitter, and you can tell the chef uses real cheese instead of the fake stuff (i.e., Domino's). The pizza always arrives piping hot, which is a plus for both myself and Mom. My side was covered with Greek toppings - feta cheese, onions, and spinach. The greens were extremely fresh, the feta was tangy, and I've always said that Aquidneck's Greek pizza was one of - if not the best - Greek pizzas I have ever tasted. Now that we've reacquainted ourselves with Aquidneck Pizza, we cannot wait to go back.

You can get pretty much anything you want at Aquidneck Pizza. With a Greek influence, everything we've ever had here has been excellent. Appetizers include buffalo chicken wings ($6.99), potato skins w/various toppings ($6.99), and calamari ($6.99) served with hot peppers and marinara sauce. Soups and salads include the soup of the day (cup - $2.49; bowl - $3.99), chili with mozzarella (cup - $2.99; bowl - $4.49), antipasto ($7.99), and Greek salad ($7.99). You can top any salad with grilled chicken breast or homemade tuna salad for an additional $2. All sandwiches come with lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of cheese. They are served on your choice of a roll or wrap. Varieties include the Italian ($6.49-7.49), tuna ($5.99-6.99), pastrami ($5.99-6.99), sausage Parmesan ($5.99-6.99), and a gyro on pita bread ($6.99). Burgers include the hamburger ($5.49), mushroom burger with cheese ($6.99), and the Aquidneck Burger ($7.99), which comes topped with bacon, onions, cheese, and BBQ sauce. Club sandwiches include the turkey ($7.99), cheeseburger ($8.49), and BLT ($6.49). If you're looking for something a little heartier, you can order a plate of pasta. All pasta is served with garlic bread and a tossed salad. Choices include the pasta with garlic and oil ($6.99), shrimp scampi ($12.99), lasagna ($10.99), ravioli (cheese or meat - $9.99), and stuffed shells ($9.99). There is also a list of Aquidneck specialities like the baked stuffed eggplant ($11.99) and the teriyaki sirloin ($15.99). Aquidneck also has a list of desserts, and a long list of their speciality pizzas such as the veggie ($10.49-14.99), Hawaiian ($8.49-11.99), the "no cheese please" ($9.49-13.49), and the chicken Florentine ($9.49-13.49). The great thing about Aquidneck is that they also serve breakfast! You can get anything from eggs ($3.29-7.99) and omelets ($5.99-7.29) to breakfast sandwiches ($2.99-4.99) and pancakes ($4.99-5.99).

With some fries and a slice of cheese and Greek pizza still left on the tray, Mom and I decided to take it home with us. Megan kindly placed the extra food in Styrofoam containers and brought over the check. The bill came to:

Large 1/2 and 1/2 - $13.48

Fries - 2.99

2 regular Diet Cokes - 3

Subtotal - $19.47

Tax - 1.56

TOTAL = $21.03

I left $25 on the table for Megan, which included a 20% tip. She was a great waitress. Before we left, Mom and I decided to check out the restroom to see how different it was. This was one change that we both LOVED. This bathroom was out of this world! It had the same black slate color scheme as the bar and the floor, automatic hand blowers, and a button that a handicapped person could use to open the door. What a state-of-the-art facility! It was so large and roomy; I didn't want to leave! Mom felt the same way, but before she went in I warned her to be careful which door she chose. The wooden "M" and the "W" on the wooden doors were a little difficult to see.

With our extra pizza slices and fries in hand, Mom and I headed back to my car. Although the look of the place may be different, the taste of the food brings us back to the Aquidneck Pizza we first fell in love with. I've since gotten rid of the friend who turned me onto this place, but I could never see myself breaking up with this pizza. It's too fantastic.

Aquidneck Restaurant & Pizzeria is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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RANDOM HISTORY LESSON: In my new favorite book, Weird New England by Joseph A. Citro, there was a page devoted to an ancient structure that stands in Truro Park, Newport, RI. After coming from Aquidneck Pizza, which is in the neighboring town, we decided to drive by and take a closer look at this mysterious landmark. The book describes it as a "maybe" windmill, a.k.a., no one has any idea as to what it really is. Apparently it was standing when the pilgrims first arrived, and even appears on a map of Rhode Island dated 1630. What do you think it is? Mom and I think it could have been an ancient watchtower. Cool, huh?

Antonio's Restaurant

267 Coggeshall St.

New Bedford, MA 02746

(508) 990-3636

A second trip to Antonio's Restaurant was just what the doctor ordered on this beautiful Saturday. Since I wasn't feeling up to par, Mom and I decided to revisit Antonio's today at 3 p.m. to see if we could get an official review completed. We were lucky this time - no one was staring at us! Thank goodness for that, because I was not in the mood to be seen. I just wanted to have a good meal, and that's just what I got.

We parked in Antonio's large lot located across the street from the restaurant. We entered through the red dining room door (on the far left) and were quickly seated by one of the waitresses. She left us with two plastic-covered menus and a paper list of daily specials. Mom and I were hoping to get the very last seat by the window (so adorable), but alas, we were seated on the side of it. Maybe next time. We were soon joined by a waitress, who we later found out was named Rosa. Rosa asked what we would like to drink, and Mom and I both ordered a Diet Pepsi. The two drinks quickly arrived in plastic glasses. The soda was actually fountain soda, which I love because of the sugary sweetness. Even Mom really enjoyed it, and she really only likes soda when we go out to eat. Mom asked Rosa if we could have a few minutes to narrow down our choices because there were just so many. When we finally made our decision, Rosa reappeared to take our order. Mom chose the cacoila platter ($7.95) which came with fries and rice. I ordered the crab cakes ($8.95) which also came with rice and a side salad, which I chose to have with Italian dressing. Also, because we loved them so much the last time, Mom and I ordered a plate of four meat croquettes ($.75 each) as our appetizer. As Rosa took away our menus, Mom and I both commented on how busy the restaurant was, and apparently always is (according to our fans).

For a Portuguese restaurant, Antonio's is sprinkled with American country decor. Big wreaths with dried flowers, large paper mache grapes, porcelain plates decorated with lobsters, wooden mirrors, and beautiful floral curtains surrounded the dining room giving it a very homey feel. What I liked about all the knickknacks is that they were placed high on a large shelf that seemed to go all the way around the room, making the small space actually look taller. The calming green paint and side shelves used for keeping condiments off the tables seated next to the walls were a great touch, as was the oddly matched instrumental jazz music playing in the background. All the waitresses were dressed in white shirts and black pants, which I assume is the unofficial uniform of Antonio's. There are no booths in the dining room, and each wooden table had a mauve top and was covered by place mats featuring local businesses. The bar area, although located next to the dining room, was separated by a large wall with a built in window.

Rosa returned to our table to bring over my salad. The greens, tomatoes, and onions were very fresh, as was the Italian dressing that came on the side. After what seemed like a few seconds, Rosa came back with our meat croquettes and a basket of Portuguese bread (one bun and some sliced pieces). Just like on our last visit, the meat croquettes were outstanding. Made with a mixture of beef, pork, and chourico, the croquettes are formed into little log shapes. They then are lightly coated and deep fried, giving them a nice crispy exterior with a delicious, moist, meaty interior. They make a fantastic appetizer, but Mom said she could sit there with some fries and make a meal out of them. They're just that tasty.

Since there are a lot of Portuguese people in this part of Massachusetts, no one is surprised to see a plethora of Portuguese restaurants in both Fall River and New Bedford. However, Antonio's is really something special. Starters include cod fish cakes ($.75 each), shrimp croquettes ($1.25 each), fried squid ($7.95), and little necks bulhao pato ($10.95) which is little necks steamed in olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Soups include kale (bowl - $2; quart - $4) and chicken and rice. Sandwiches include the fish ($5.25), pork steak ($5.25), grilled sirloin tip ($6.25), and the linguica ($5.25). For the main event, chicken dishes include the boneless fried chicken ($9.95), sauteed chicken with little necks Spanish style (dinner - $11.95; lunch $7.95), and the chicken Antonio's with shrimp ($12.95), which is chunks of chicken breast and shrimp steamed in a zesty saffron sauce served with fried sliced potatoes. Meat dishes include the barbecued meat ($10.95), pork meat ribatejana ($13.95), surf and turf ($17.95), grilled lamp chops ($17.95), and the steak chef's choice (for one - $16.95; for two - $22.95), which is pan seared beef tenderloin, steak, and chicken breast with a beef flavored brandy sauce and four battered fried shrimp. Fish dishes include the sardines ($9.95), salted codfish ($11.95), grilled native scallops with lemon butter ($10.95), broiled scrod ($11.95), and the paella (for one - $16.95; for two - $22.95), which includes an assortment of lobster, scallops, mussels, little necks, shrimp, chicken, beef, and rice simmered in a saffron broth. Antonio's also has a children's menu, as well as a list of homemade desserts including their delicious caramel pudding flan custard ($2.95) and the cheesecake with strawberries ($3.95). Party platters are also available, where you can order large "hotel" pans of cacoila ($60), paella ($75), and other delicious dishes. You can even order dessert in bulk!

In another flash, our food was ready. On both visits to Antonio's, our food has arrived at our table in record time. Mom's cacoila plate was huge! She said that it was really enough for two people. Cacoila, in case you don't know, is boneless, cubed pork marinated in a spicy sauce until it's fall-apart tender and absolutely delicious. Half of the plate was loaded with the cacoila, while the other half contained a mound of fries and a pile of yellow rice. Needless to say, Mom couldn't finish the meal, and ended up bringing half of it home to Dad. The meat was so tender that no knife was needed. You could literally just pull it apart. She would definitely order this meal again, and maybe even get it in the sandwich that they offer ($5.25).

At first, I was a little concerned that I hadn't gotten enough crab cakes. In reality, I'm fatter than I have ever been in my life, yet I am always worried that I'm going to starve in a restaurant. Go figure. I was just disturbed at the amount of rice that covered my plate versus the number of crab cakes that were sitting there. However, once I started eating the cakes, I realized why they had only given me three - they were FILLING. Stuffed with a ton of crab meat, you could actually see the minced veggies and taste the delicious bread crumb topping with every bite. A side of tartar sauce accompanied my dish, and that was delicious as well. The cakes were so good that I gave a piece to Mom to try, and she vowed to order this dish on our next visit. The crab cakes were really excellent, and I certainly did not go hungry (thank God).

Before our meals had arrived, Mom and I had contemplated ordering a piece of lemon cake that we saw on the list of specials ($3.95). That idea quickly went out the window because we were stuffed. Rosa came over to see if we wanted anything else, but we did not. She took the rest of Mom's meal, put it in Styrofoam, and brought us over a couple of take-out menus (I asked her for one). She also brought the bill, which came to:

4 meat croquettes - $3

Cacoila - 7.95

Crab cakes - 8.95

Food total - $19.90

Beverage total - 3

Subtotal - $22.90

Tax - 1.15

TOTAL = $24.05

For all the food we had, this price was definitely a steal. We left $29 on the table for Rosa, which included a 20% tip. On this particular day, we did not visit the restroom. However, since the dining room is very clean, we expect that the bathroom is of the same standard.

On every local restaurant Web site that Mom visits, they always mention Antonio's for the best Portuguese food. Now that we've visited twice, we can definitely agree with the high rating that everyone gives it. With great service, food, and prices, you should definitely check out Antonio's Restaurant, but get there early! Waiting in line on an empty stomach is just torture.

Antonio's Restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

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Date: 3/1/08

Well, here is a picture of the outside of Antonio's Restaurant, a highly recommended Portuguese restaurant located in New Bedford, MA. Mom and I had every intention of doing an official review of Antonio's for our readers, but guess what? Staring eyes prevented me from taking pictures of the interior and our delicious food. Perhaps I was looking extra interesting in my blue sweatpants, but whatever the reason, I couldn't take any photos. Let me give you a quick synopsis of what we had:

Mom and I decided to try a meat croquette and a cod fish cake for an appetizer ($.75 each). They were OUTSTANDING. The meat was a blend of pork, beef, and chourico, while the cod cake was flavored with minced vegetables. For my entree, I had the junior (8 oz.) Antonio's steak ($9.95), which arrived on a platter framed with a pile of homemade fries and yellow rice. The steak itself was topped with a piece of ham and a fried egg. Mom ordered the fish and chips ($8.95). Both meals were fantastic. Mom's fish was very white, flaky, and not at all greasy. My steak was cooked perfectly and the ham and egg complimented it very well. We both enjoyed the fries. For dessert, we each ordered a piece of flan. I'm not sure if it was homemade, but we each received a large piece topped with a dollop of whipped cream. It sat in a caramel-like sauce and was very flavorful. The bill came to $30.80, and I left $37 for the waitress. The service was excellent, the dining room was packed, and parking was a breeze with the extra lot across the street.

We will DEFINITELY be going back a second time - maybe even this Saturday. Both Mom and I now understand why everyone has been recommending Antonio's to us. I promise you - next time there will be pictures! Lots of pictures of delicious food, and delicious food it was.

Newport Creamery

www.newportcreamery.com

Aside from the time I almost broke my tooth on a piece of plastic that was stuck inside of a Maraschino cherry (and was only compensated with a $10 gift certificate that I basically had to beg for), Mom and I really enjoy visiting Newport Creamery. The original location in Newport, RI, will always hold a special place in our hearts, but we often visit our own hometown location on President Avenue here in Fall River. We are never disappointed (I should mention that the cherry incident happened in Newport).

On today's visit, at around 3:30 p.m., we had one thing in mind - ice cream. Since we never did get that milkshake at Red Robin, Mom and I were all about getting a big sundae with lots of toppings and the delicious Newport Creamery ice cream. We pulled into the parking lot and luckily got a space close to the door (the lot, although located in a large plaza, fills up fast). Mom and I stepped inside and read the sign that told us to wait to be seated by a member of the waitstaff. We didn't wait long before a waitress with a blue Newport Creamery shirt came over, grabbed a few plastic-covered menus, and escorted us to a booth that was just across from the grill. After she left, we were joined by a second waitress named Kayla. Mom said that Kayla must be new to waitressing because she was very pleasant. Perhaps if we catch her in a few months, it will be a different story. We hope not! She offered to bring Mom and I two waters and we gladly accepted. They quickly arrived in plastic glasses. Kayla also asked us if we would be having ice cream. We said yes, and she took away the silverware that was left on the table for us. After asking for a few moments to decide, Kayla returned to find that both Mom and I were getting the exact same thing - a Turtle Sundae made with three scoops of coffee ice cream ($5.09 each). This particular sundae is topped with hot fudge, caramel, walnuts, whipped cream, and a cherry. Kayla happily took our order to the open kitchen area, which is just part of the Newport Creamery charm.

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I always feel at home inside Newport Creamery. No matter which location you visit (either the two in Massachusetts or the 11 in Rhode Island), all of them look pretty much the same. Obviously, this happens with chain restaurants, but there's something cozy about this place. Perhaps it is the beige booths, tables, and dividers (there are are only booths and a counter at the Fall River location), or the striped wallpaper and colorful paper place mats with pictures of delicious food on them. Whatever it may be, I like Newport Creamery a lot better than I like Friendly's. Friendly's, to me, is always frantic, while Newport Creamery seems to attract a calmer crowd. There are hanging lights above each booth, and large windows all around the restaurant which are shaded by Venetian blinds when the sun's rays get a little overwhelming. Located next to the open kitchen are two coolers - one for ice cream cakes, and the other for tubs of Newport Creamery ice cream that are for sale. This area is also where you can walk in and order something to go, and on summer days, the outside window is open for ice cream and other cool treats.

Newport Creamery has it all. From breakfast to dessert, you can pretty much get anything your heart desires here, and the service is usually very good. Both Mom and I really enjoy their breakfasts, but we usually get a late start during the day and are too late to order it. We really wish the breakfast menu could be served past noon. What we really adore are the hash browns. Mom says that they resemble a little square fry more than the fried potatoes that people are used to - so delicious. Mom calls them "puffs of delight," and that's exactly what they are! I really enjoy their omelets and stuffed French toast. For people who are coming in for lunch or dinner, the options are almost endless. Starters include items like the Newport French fries ($2.59), popcorn chicken basket ($5.99), cheese quesadilla ($6.19), and buffalo chicken tenders ($6.99). You can also order soup, including Newport's famous clam chowder (cup - $2.69; bowl - $3.69; bread boule - $4.69). Sandwiches include the Newport clubs ($7.19) featuring the Big Beef cheeseburger, tuna salad, chicken salad, ham and turkey, deli sandwiches ($6.49), and Mega Melts ($7.19), which features ham and cheese, tuna and cheddar, or turkey and Swiss served with tomato on grilled New York deli rye. All sandwiches are served with your choice of fries, seasoned fries, potato salad, cole slaw, broccoli, vegetable medley, or mashed potatoes with gravy. Salads include the Executive Chef's salad ($6.89), the sesame pineapple chicken salad ($7.19), and the salad and half chicken quesadilla ($6.09). Newport Creamery has a variety of chicken sandwiches including the BBQ and cheddar ($7.39), and a steak and seafood menu that includes steak sandwiches ($6.39) and a New Englander fish sandwich ($5.99). I always hear good things about the burgers here, and it's probably because Newport Creamery uses 100% fresh Black Angus beef. Burgers range from the Big Beef ($5.69) to the Smoky Mountain BBQ Superburger ($7.79), which is a half pound burger topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, onions, and BBQ sauce, served on a bulkie roll with lettuce and tomatoes. If that doesn't satisfy your craving for meat, perhaps you can try to take on the Holy Cow burger ($8.69), featuring a whole pound of beef served club style (probably because it's easier to get it in your mouth). Newport Creamery also has a list of comfort foods such as their chicken pot pie ($6.99 - but it's seasonal), fried clam dinner ($7.29), and the fresh battered fish and chips dinner ($7.59). However, some people have never even eaten a meal here! They just come for their award-winning ice cream. You can get anything from an ice cream soda ($3.49), to their famous Awful Awful ($3.59 and up). The motto is that it's "awful big, awful good," and they're right. However, my mother thinks that it is weird that, to make an Awful Awful, you have to start with a vanilla base. Why would you when you have all the flavors right in front of you? I tried to explain that a frappe is made with flavored ice cream, but I understand what she means. She's just looking for more flavor in her drink, and who doesn't want that? Other ice cream treats include the clown sundae ($2.49), the Super Chipper ($2.79) which is a giant ice cream sandwich on a cookie, and their large list of gourmet sundaes. You can even be brave and order the Holy Cow sundae ($9.99), that is, if you're willing to eat ten scoops of ice cream, four toppings, banana wheels, and walnuts.

It did not take long for our ice cream to arrive. Both sundaes looked amazing, although mine seemed to be leaking. Mom was in heaven because she was eating her favorite treat - coffee ice cream. What she enjoys about the sundaes from Newport Creamery is the fact that the ice cream is always nice and firm. She doesn't like when the toppings overwhelm the ice cream, making it mushy. The whipped cream topping was real and delicious. Mom's only gripe was, although the toppings were fresh, they could have been a little warmer. Perhaps they would have jelled with the ice cream more instead of clumping at the bottom of her glass, making it look like there were more toppings than ice cream. Either way, she thoroughly enjoyed her sundae, and said that it is a great size for the price.

I feel the same way about the toppings. I even think that maybe they went a little too heavy with them as I couldn't even get my spoon into the ice cream without some liquid pouring down the side of my glass. By the time I had finished, I had accumulated a small puddle of goo on my paper place mat. Although the sundae was delicious, this is not the first time that I've had a messy experience with one. Nevertheless, I stuffed my face until I couldn't even move. I love ice cream.

When she realized that Mom and I were through, Kayla returned to bring the bill. The total came to:

2 Turtle Sundaes - $10.18

2 Waters - 0

Subtotal - $10.18

Tax - .51

TOTAL = $10.69

Mom left $13 in the bill holder for Kayla, which included 20% tip, as we slowly made our way toward the front door. As we got into my car, we both commented on how much we like Newport Creamery. It may not be everyone's first choice for breakfast, lunch, or a sundae, but it has always been a part of my family's eating history, and I can't wait to go back again. I'm just sorry that they removed the Swansea Mall and Silver City Galleria locations. I know how popular they were. Perhaps they could make a return?

The Newport Creamery in Fall River is located at 1670 President Avenue. The hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. on weekdays, 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (508) 678-6346.

Red Robin

www.redrobin.com

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Since our first attempt was a dud (see below), and with all the rave reviews that we've been getting from our fans (one who just went because of their catchy TV jingle), Mom and I decided to take a chance and drive all the way back to Wareham to visit Red Robin, located in the Wareham Crossing plaza on Cranberry Highway. This time, we got to go inside. It was just around 12:30 p.m.

I had noticed that there were quite a lot of cars in the parking lot. I was hoping that it wasn't going to be too frenzied in there. When Mom and I stepped through the large glass doors, we were immediately greeted by a uniformed hostess who informed us that there would be a 10-15 minute wait. However, despite all the cars in the parking lot, the place looked pretty empty. I heard her mutter something about the "St. Patrick's Day rush," but again, there weren't that many customers. Nonetheless, she took my name and gave Mom and I two large, colorful, plastic menus to browse over while we waited. I also asked for a take-out menu, which I promptly received. As we took our seats on the nearby benches, we noticed a TV built into the floor! What a crazy place. Also near the door were a few video games, and a ton of balloons. I'm sure the kiddies love this feature, but should there really be a pile of kids right at the entrance? Maybe these things should be off to the side somewhere, where people aren't waiting to be seated.

When the hostess finally called my name (although Mom earlier bolted off the bench when she heard the name "Marybeth" - I guess to hungry ears it could have sounded like "Laura"), we got up and followed her into the dining room. She asked us if we preferred a table or booth, and since Mom likes tables and I like booths, we chose a table. The hostess led us over to a banquette, so I was kind of excited since we could each have what we wanted. The hostess told us that Caitlin would be our waitress, and she would be over to greet us in a moment. That moment wasn't very long because before we knew it, Caitlin appeared ready to take our drink order. She had asked us if we had ever been to a Red Robin, and before Mom could answer, I screamed, "Yes!" The reason I did that is because - although this was our first visit - I didn't feel like listening to the history of the place, tips on how to order, and all the other tidbits that come in the learned script that the poor waitstaff has to memorize. I just wanted to eat. While we were waiting on the bench by the entrance door, Mom and I had decided to order milkshakes with our meal($3.99), which came with its own refill tin. I was going to get banana, and Mom was going to get chocolate, but Caitlin sadly informed us that the milkshake machine was broken. Distracted by the word "no," Mom and I decided on two Diet Cokes. When Caitlin went to retrieve them, we went back to choosing which gourmet burger we were going to have. After all, gourmet burgers are what Red Robin is all about. Caitlin quickly returned with the two Diet Cokes which had been poured into glass Red Robin tumblers. Meanwhile, Mom and I had finally settled on our burger choices. Mom chose the Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburger ($8.99) with no tomato and pepper-jack cheese (she had a choice of a few cheeses). I chose a burger that happened to be a Red Robin Signature Selection - the Whiskey River BBQ burger ($8.99). When Caitlin asked us if we wanted them "pink" or "no pink," we weren't surprised. On a cardboard box at each table, there is a small section that explains that "pink" means medium, and "no pink" means medium well. Caitlin took away our menus and left Mom and I to check out the interior.

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Red Robin is definitely a family friendly restaurant. With the loud music, colorful decor, and a large statue of a "Red Robin" giving a thumbs up to customers, I can't see why kids wouldn't like this place. It almost reminded me of Chuck E. Cheese's, only more adult (no ball jump, unfortunately). Not only were there TVs in the floor, but there were TVs on the wall that featured various sports games. I was seated across from a huge wall covered in framed posters of iconic people, TV shows, movies, and food. The exposed pipes across the ceiling made for a very trendy look, while the bright red and beige colors made the dining room feel very welcoming. Modern chandeliers and ceiling fans were situated above each table and booth, and I noticed that each table could be expanded by folding up the leaves. Mom had a good view of the kitchen, which housed a plethora of stainless steel cookware. On each table was a container of Red Robin seasoning, which encouraged all to sprinkle it liberally over the burgers, salads, and other dishes. Also on the table was a cardboard box that gave some hints about certain things offered (the bottomless steak fries, the refillable drinks, etc.). Both Mom and I also commented on how clean everything was, and we were surprised considering Red Robin is very "kid-friendly."

If burgers are your thing, then Red Robin is the place for you. Specializing in "gourmet" toppings rather than plain old ketchup and mustard, even picky eaters won't be able to decide which burger to order. My friend, Gregg, recommended the Royal Red Robin Burger ($9.29), which is topped with a fresh, fried egg. Other burgers include the Sauteed 'Shroom Burger ($8.99), the Pot Roast Burger ($9.49), the Banzai Burger ($8.99) topped with grilled pineapple, and the 5 Alarm Burger ($8.99) if you're feeling hot and spicy. They even have the Monster Burger ($9.99) which includes two huge beef patties. The "Knife & Forkers" list includes the Burger Parmigiana ($9.99), the Honky Tonk BBQ Pork Burger ($9.99), and the Chili Chili Cheeseburger ($9.49). All "Knife & Forkers" are served with garlic Parmesan steak fries. If you're looking for something to wet your appetite, you can choose from one of their many starters. The Towering Onion Rings ($7.99) look great because they arrived stacked into - what else - a tower. They also have Red Robin Buzzard Wings ($8.99), the Just-In-Quesadilla ($9.99), and the Cheeseburger Con Queso ($6.99), which is a spicy cheese dip with fresh ground beef, topped with salsa and fresh cilantro and served with corn tortilla chips and Red Robin's own jalapeno-cheese flour tortilla chips. For sandwiches, soups, and wraps, Red Robin offers the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Wrap ($9.79), the French Onion Soup ($4.99 crock; $2.99 cup), and the Souper Sandwich Combo ($9.99). Salads include the Apple Harvest Chicken Salad ($10.49) and the Crispy Chicken Tender Salad ($9.99). Entrees include the Gourmet Mac & Cheese with Chicken ($11.49; vegetarian $9.49). Mom was drooling over this one, but she decided to save it for another time. Others like the Arctic Cod Fish & Chips ($10.99) and the Chicken Parmigiano Pasta ($11.79) sound very delicious as well. Red Robin also features a great dessert menu, kids menu, and a list of "Chillin' Concoctions," a.k.a., cold drinks.

We hadn't been waiting long before we spotted a waitress (not Caitlin) coming over with our burgers. After figuring out who ordered what, she left Mom and I to dig into our delicious-looking burgers, which arrived in little red baskets. Mom's bacon cheeseburger was described on the menu as the best bacon cheeseburger in the city, state, nation, and all the world. It was a very nice size - not so small that you had to look for it, but not so large that you felt like a pig if you were to eat the whole thing. The meat was cooked perfectly (no pink). She was impressed by the look of it, and enjoyed that it came in a paper holder (Mom called it a diaper - yuck). Whatever it was, it kept the burger together nicely. The bacon was very meaty and tasty, the pepper-jack cheese was nicely melted, the lettuce was shredded and crisp, and it had the perfect amount of mayonnaise. The bun was fresh and covered the whole burger evenly. It made for a really tasty meal. She would definitely order this burger again. Mom even enjoyed her fries, and she said that there was just enough of them to go with the burger.



Red Robin was never to give us a second batch of their bottomless fries, since neither Mom nor I are big fry fans. I did, however, enjoy my seasoned bunch very much. My burger also came wrapped in a "diaper" and I was glad because of the layer of BBQ sauce that topped the sandwich. Actually, I was quite impressed at how neat the burger was. You would think that since it 1) was large enough that you had to open your mouth really wide to get it all in, and 2) was covered with slippery lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and BBQ sauce, that you would be covered in burger toppings. Not at all. I quite enjoyed the not-overpowering onion straws that supported the bottom half of the patty. All the flavors blended really well together, and the meat, like Mom's, was cooked perfectly.

Stuffed, when Caitlin came over to ask us if we were ready for dessert, both Mom and I turned her down. She cleared our plates away and brought over the bill. The total came to:

Sodas (2 @ $2.39) - 4.78

Bacon chz bg - 8.99

BBQ bg - 8.99

Subtotal - $22.76

Tax - 1.14

TOTAL = $23.90

Mom left $32 in the bill holder for Caitlin, which included a 20% tip. She was a very good waitress. While we were sitting there vegging out our from our meal, a friendly older woman in a light green Red Robin shirt (the regular waitresses were wearing red) came over to our table to ask how everything was. We said it was great, and we also said the same when she asked how our service had been. I asked Mom if she was coming over to all the tables to ask how their experience was, but she had seemed to only stop at ours. She had walked by the other tables smiling, but never stopping. Odd. Maybe she saw me writing down information and/or taking pictures. Perhaps she thought we were celebrities. Either way, we were honest about our visit. We thought it was great.

Before we left, Mom and I used the restroom. Like the dining room, it was very clean and organized. As we headed back to my car, we were both glad that we had finally been able to give Red Robin a real review. Although the frantic chain atmosphere is not something we usually go for, Mom and I visited today at the perfect time. We got to sample their great burgers, had good service, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We'll definitely be back, but on an off day. No Saturday nights for us!

The Red Robin in Wareham is located at 2421 Cranberry Highway in the Target/Lowe's plaza (Wareham Crossing). The hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (508) 273-0441.

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Date: 3/8/08

A few weeks ago, my sister and her boyfriend visited a Red Robin restaurant - the first one in the area (well, within a 25 mile radius). Mallory raved about her burger to me and Mom, so naturally we decided to take the drive to Wareham, MA, to see how good the burgers were for ourselves. Supposedly, you can get just about any type of gourmet burger. Sounded delicious!

Well, we never made it to Red Robin. Did we follow the MapQuest directions? Yes. Did they correspond with the directions my sister gave us? Yes. Could we find the place without driving up and down Cranberry Highway for about 30 minutes? No. Why, you ask? THERE WAS NO SIGN!!! Apparently, Red Robin is brand new to the area. So new - and deeply set within a large plaza - that there were no indications from the street that this restaurant even existed. I was BOILING. If there is one thing I hate, it is 1) wasted time, 2) wasted gas, and 3) not being able to go to the place we specifically drove all the way up there for. OK, so three things. Whatever.

We finally pulled into the parking lot at around 6 p.m. Guess what? So did everyone else. There were no parking spaces, there were kids all over the place, and Mom spotted about 100 backs to the wall waiting for tables to be emptied. FORGET IT. I couldn't take it. I wasn't about to wait another hour to get a damn hamburger. After all that driving around and losing it in the car, we left Wareham and headed for Bravo's Restaurant, where we had a lovely meal.

Oh, and to top it all off, it was pouring all day ... and my check engine light was on.

We'll definitely try Red Robin again (now that we know where the damn place is), but certainly not at 6 p.m. on a Saturday night. A lot of fans often comment on the time that Mom and I go out to lunch/dinner. We often visit a restaurant at around 3 p.m., and the reason for that is that I HATE CROWDS. Not regular, calm, restaurant crowds, but loud, frenzied crowds that seem to gather inside of chain restaurants on weekends. No thank you. I'd rather go through a drive-thru, believe it or not. Mom agrees. She said that she doesn't like the craziness and there is a good chance that you're not going to get the best service.

Bite of the Week - Kraft Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts

Who doesn't like cheese and crackers? Well, perhaps people who are lactose intolerant have a problem with it, but I don't. That's why I love the Kraft Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts. I've seen two different varieties of the cheddar cheese, but Mom bought the extra sharp this time. These small squares (24 in each bag) come separated by a thin sheet of paper and are just big enough to fit on a Ritz or Saltine.

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THE VERDICT: Delicious! I love things that you don't have to work at. There is no slicing, dicing, cutting, hurting yourself while cutting, or any of that nonsense. You just open the recloseable fresh-lock seal, whip out a square of cheese, slap it on the cracker, and you're good to go. This is great if you have people coming over and you want to put something out for them. The taste is delicious, but the price is a little on the high side (Mom said that the regular price is about $3.59). Thankfully, they were on sale this week for $2.50.

Country Inn Restaurant

382 Market St.

Route 136

Warren, RI 02885

(401) 245-8318

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Although Mom and I are probably two of the youngest people that visit the Country Inn Restaurant in Warren, RI, we are crazy about it. After a failed attempt at having lunch at Swansea's Venus De Milo (who knew they opened at 5 p.m.), we decided to stop by our old haunt just knowing that we would be in for a delicious, home-cooked meal. Even though my last visit wasn't so special (I choked on a fish bone), I couldn't wait to try my hand, and throat, at another piece of scrod. We pulled into the large parking lot at just around 3:45 p.m.

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After walking up the stairs (there is also a large ramp) and through the small waiting area complete with country decor and large benches, we met up with the hostess who quickly showed us into the first room on the right hand side. It was fairly dark in there, but it made everything more cozy. When we first went in, there was only one other couple seated. Mom and I knew that we had come at a good time, because this restaurant tends to fill up quickly between 4-5 p.m. The hostess handed us two laminated paper menus which included a typed list of Saturday specials. Mom and I were soon joined by our waitress, who we could smell before we actually saw her. No, not in a B.O. kind of way, but she seemed to be lathered in perfume. A little much for people who are going to be dining, in my opinion. Perhaps overkill was her thing because her makeup seemed to be lathered on as well. As superficial as this sounds, it was a little distracting. She did not introduce herself, but was very polite and quickly took our drink order while leaving a bread basket at our table. Mom and I both ordered Diet Cokes, which quickly arrived in real glasses. Since I already knew what I was getting, but Mom was still deciding, she asked the waitress for another minute so that she could narrow down her choices. When the waitress returned, both Mom and I were ready to order. I chose the baked stuffed scrod ($12.75). Since it came with potato and vegetable, I chose the fried cauliflower and fries. Mom ordered the fried boneless chicken ($9.50). For her potato and vegetable, she chose butternut squash and mashed potatoes. Both meals came with soup or salad, so I chose white New England Clam Chowder (I was surprised to hear that red was offered - the impostor) while Mom chose chicken soup. The waitress quickly returned with both soups. They were very good.

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Dining at the Country Inn is like stepping back in time decor-wise. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why it draws an older crowd, but I know the other reason - older people know where to get a good meal. In our particular dining room was a large cast iron stove, a plethora of country decorations (roosters, horseshoes, pictures, old guns, etc.), and beautiful floral curtains that covered the windows facing Route 136. The printed rug and the large wooden rafters made the room feel very inn-like, while the old-fashioned wooden tables were topped only with mauve place mats to ensure cleanliness. Small lamps were situated around the room while vases with faux flowers sat on every table. Also on every table was a small list of specialty coffees and desserts, all which were deliciously described. Mom likes this particular dining room because she said that it is less frantic than the other ones. Apparently people like to dine at the bar or near the large fireplace that is in the neighboring room, but nevertheless, she was right about the frenzy. The other dining room, separated by glass doors, was getting rather crowded by the minute. Although the Country Inn is a classy place (with the waitstaff in black and white uniforms, etc.), the weird music playing in the background seemed to be very out of place (European techno).

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At Country Inn, they specialize in comfort food. Appetizers and salads include the antipasto ($7.50), clams casino ($6.95), peel and eat shrimp (1/2 lb. - $8.95; 1 lb. - $14.95), stuffed mushrooms ($6.95), and the sirloin steak Caesar salad ($12.95). Sandwich specials include the New York sirloin steak ($8.95), lobster salad roll ($15.25), and grilled chicken ($6.95). They also offer Country Inn Clubs such as the hamburger ($6.95), steak ($9.25), and the tuna ($6.95), all served with fries or cole slaw. Italian sandwiches include the veal ($7.25), sausage ($5.25), and eggplant ($4.75). Country Inn is all about meat, and they certainly offer a lot of it. Seafood fantasies include broiled by scallops (market price), baked stuffed shrimp (3 pc. - $14.95; 4 pc. - $16.95), baked scrod ($11.50), and clam zuppa ($11.95). Deep fried seafood is also available such as the fish and chips ($9.95), fried oysters ($14.25), and fried seafood platter (market price), which includes fish, clams, baked stuffed shrimp, fried shrimp, fried bay scallops, smelts, and a stuffed quahog. Now, when you're ordering your meat, there is a diagram to follow on the menu. It goes from extra rare, which is described as having a "purple, cold center" (*gag*), to well, which is "gray center." Still sounds gross, but I'll take gray over purple. Meats include veal parmigiana ($13.95), veal piccata ($14.75), chicken Francaise ($12.25), chicken Marsala ($13.95), broiled pork chops ($14.75), Filet Mignon ($21.95), and the Steak a la Mama ($19.50). You can also order pasta, American favorites such as Yankee pot roast ($9.75), and Italian delights such as meatballs, peppers, and fries ($8.95). They also have a list of side dishes, desserts, and extras.

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Although the restaurant was starting to get busy, Mom and I had not be left waiting for very long. Both meals arrived steaming hot and looking great. One of the great things about Country Inn is that the food always arrives steaming hot - an A+ in Mom's book. She has such a high tolerance for hot food, and hates when food is served luke warm. At first, Mom thought the waitress had made a mistake. Her chicken looked like several pieces of fried fish, as in fish and chips. However, it was chicken - fantastic chicken (served with a side of cranberry sauce). All the pieces were very moist, perfectly done, and coated with a very light, crisp batter. Mom thought they were absolutely delicious. Her meal was served with a mound of homemade mashed potatoes (which she couldn't finish) and a separate dish of butternut squash, which was sweet and tasty. The whole meal was a delight. Mom couldn't get off that chicken!

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I DIDN'T CHOKE! All fish bones stayed out of my throat this time around. My fish was superb - white and flaky with a buttery crumb topping. I squirted some lemon over the top for an extra kick. The stuffing used was a mixture of what looked like a seafood casserole and actual stuffing mix. Fabulous! It was very tasty, and I ate every bit of what was served in that little metal dish. Unfortunately that meant that I had to leave a lot of fries, which were great, and fried cauliflower behind. I enjoyed the fried cauliflower, but I think frying a vegetable kind of takes away the purpose of having a vegetable with your meal. With the fries, I think it was a bit much (my own fault for picking the two together).

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When our waitress saw that we had finished, she came back over to our table. Mom and I contemplated taking home our leftover sides, but we were in for a day of shopping, and didn't think that fried cauliflower and butternut squash would hold up very well in the back of a Kia. Believe it or not, the waitress made us feel very uncomfortable about leaving behind food. She asked us why we were not taking it with us, and we told her about the shopping - not that we had to. I hate having to explain myself to people. I understand that it is part of her job to ask if we want to take our leftovers home, but when we say no, just live with it! Believe me, I am not a food waster. Perhaps I wouldn't be so "curvy" if I left some food behind, but don't make me feel guilty about leaving behind fries. As she lingered and slowly asked us if we wanted dessert, Mom and I shocked her by saying yes. Since we had left behind our sides, she probably thought that we were all done. Hah! Not when grapenut custard pudding ($2.95) and spumoni with melba sauce ($3.50) is on the menu! We ordered one of each, and the waitress hesitantly brought them out. When she saw that I was low on soda, she offered to bring me out another. She actually seemed disgusted when I asked for water instead. Boy, we were really annoying this woman. Either way, our desserts were yummy. For $2.95, Mom received a very generous portion of grapenut pudding. It came in a fluted goblet and was topped with whipped cream. Grapenut pudding is kind of a New England classic. A lot of people outside New England have never even heard of it, but they are missing a fantastic treat. It's a cold, creamy textured pudding (although sometimes served warm) and it has softened Grape Nut cereal swirled throughout. It's absolutely delicious. Whenever Mom sees is, she often orders it. My spumoni was very good and was also topped with a dollop whipped cream. I love the weird combo of the pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. It was cold and creamy - just what I needed after my hot meal.

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When we were done, our waitress reappeared to clear our plates away and deliver the bill. The total came to:

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Soda (2 @ $1.95) - 3.90

Stuffed scrod - 12.75

Fried chicken - 9.50

Spumoni - 3.50

Grapenut pudding - 2.95

Subtotal - $32.60

Tax - 2.28

Town tax - .33

TOTAL = $35.21

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We were able to find out the waitress's name (it was on the bill), but decided to keep that anonymous for this post. Even though she was an oddball, she was just doing her job. I left $42 on the table for our waitress, including 20% tip. Before we left, Mom and I decided to use the restroom. I spotted a basket of take-out menus on the way and quickly grabbed one. The restroom was pretty much clean, but a little disheveled. This happens often here, and we don't know why because the rest of the restaurant is usually spotless. Either way, we left there satisfied and looking forward to going back. Even with the nosey waitress, Country Inn still remains one of our favorite places to dine.

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Country Inn Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Bite of the Week - Mini Ben & Jerry's Cups

My sister likes ice cream ... sometimes. When she feels like having a little taste, Mom picks up a couple of half cups of Ben & Jerry's (which comes with a small spoon hidden under the cover if you want to eat them on the go). So far, the Stop & Shop we visit carries about five flavors.

THE VERDICT: Fantastic. Each little cup is a serving size, it comes with its own spoon, and it satisfies my sister's ice cream craving without her wasting an entire pint. PLUS, it's Ben & Jerry's! The flavors are always fantastic, different, and chock full of fun ingredients. I even think these minis could work as a diet reward. Instead of going for a whole pint, grab one of these. It's a quarter of the calories and it may just kill your ice cream craving. Eat up!

Bite of the Week - Wal-Mart Apple Flavored Drink Mix

Calorie free, sugar free, and easy to use on the go. Sounds good, right? Well, maybe not. Since I'm not the biggest fan of plain ol' water, I decided a few years ago to start "spicing things up" and picked up a box of the Wal-Mart raspberry flavored drink mix. It was fantastic! Feeling great after my discovery, I picked up a box of grape packets. Again, it was delicious! Plus, it was very easy to use because the powder was in its own individual sleeve. Next, I purchased the lemonade. It was OK. A little bitter, but lemonade can be that way sometimes. Finally, I decided to go with today's bite - the apple flavored mix.

THE VERDICT: Bitter. It seemed to want to be exactly like apple juice, but without the freshness and sweetness of real apples. I had a few packets, and then let them sit on the shelf in my pantry for quite some time. Actually, today I finally got around to throwing them out. It was almost like drinking a Sour Patch Kid. Although some may like it, I wasn't a fan.