Bite of the Week - Klondike Slim a-Bear Sandwiches

At a fan's request, we decided to review Slim a-Bears – a frozen ice cream treat from the makers of Klondike bars. In addition to being a lower calorie item, these particular bars had no added sugar! The package of six sandwiches was on sale this week at Stop & Shop for $3.99. The Slim a-Bear line also makes ice cream bars and fudgesicles. We've actually bought these several times, but have never reviewed them. This one’s for you, fabulous fan!

THE VERDICT: The sandwich itself is nice and thick, the vanilla ice cream is very creamy and flavorful, and the cookie outside is soft and chocolatey. This will really satisfy your sweet tooth, especially your ice-cream-craving sweet tooth! So, if you love ice cream like Laura and I do, these can really do the trick without playing tricks with your blood sugar. Try them and enjoy!

China Lake

2732 County St.
Route 138
Somerset, MA 02726
(508) 678-1888

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Since Laura's mind is devoid of thoughts this week, it's Mom to the rescue (or should I say … to the review).

We've been driving by China Lake, a Chinese/American/Szechuan restaurant, for years and years. Really! It's been on County Street in Somerset, a main thoroughfare, for 23 years. However, we've never stopped in … until today. Fantastic feedback on several web sites plus great word-of-mouth reviews from our many fans convinced us to give it a try, and boy were we glad we did. China Lake looks like a small, white country house set back off the very busy street. They have ample parking around the building, but somehow Laura had trouble deciding on a spot. I think we tried to pull in three times before she was content. She said she was finding a good spot for outside pictures, but I think she was weak from hunger. Anyway, we were soon parked and headed inside. It was 2:50 p.m.
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Lovely. That's all I can say about the inside. It's all pink and flowery with a mixture of booths, tables, and a separate bar area. It was also immaculate. The menu is large with a great selection of everyone’s Chinese favorites. For appetizers they have chicken wings and fingers, spare ribs, crab rangoon, and many other tempting goodies – all from $4.80-8.85. They also have pupu platters that include egg rolls, fried won tons, chicken wings, fried shrimp, spare ribs, teriyaki steak, and chicken fingers. You can get the pupu for two, three, four, etc. Plus, they have a pupu for one, which was unique to me. A pupu for two is $22. They have several Chinese soups, like the usual won ton, hot and sour, and egg drop. Their dishes are too numerous to mention, but include seafood dishes (lobster kew, shrimp /lobster sauce etc.), beef dishes (Mongolian steak, moo-shu beef etc.), pork dishes (pork/garlic sauce, hon sue yoke, etc.), and chicken dishes (lemon chicken, cashew chicken, etc.). All of these dishes run anywhere from around $9.50 to $17.10 (the latter is for the lobster). They have wonderful combination plates – you know the combos – from $5.70-7.65. China Lake also has many variations of chop suey, fried rice, and chow mein (Fall River, Cantonese, Boston, and Chicago styles). They also serve plates of just vegetables, egg food yong, lo mein, sweet and sour, and even salads, sandwiches, and sides. They also carry a nice selection of American dishes like steaks, chops, and cutlets; plus chicken dishes, and seafood (and my favorite fish and chips).


For our first visit, I chose a Fall River favorite – a chow mein sandwich, fries, and soda. As it happens, it's a daily special at $5.50. You can’t beat that! The chow mein (strained = no veggies), around the requisite hamburger bun, covered the plate and was delicious. The fries came in a little dish on the side, and the portion was perfect (and also delicious). What a great Fall River lunch … in Somerset!


Laura chose a combo ($6.95) of chicken fingers, fries (substituted for rice) and chow mein (strained). She loved every bite - especially the chicken. She said the coating on the fingers was so light, crisp, and not at all greasy. She'd definitely get them again.

All in all, why did we wait so long to come here? We’ll definitely be back … soon. Our total came to:

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Chow mein sandwich - $5.50
Chicken finger plate – 6.95
2 Diet Cokes – 1.85
Tax - $.89
TOTAL = $15.19

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We left $18.20 on the table for our very nice waitress. The service was excellent! We walked back outside happy and full. What a relaxing lunch … now on to the movies!

China Lake is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. They are closed on Monday.

Bite of the Week - Hormel Apple Bourbon Pork Tenderloin

We first came across this baseball bat-shaped piece of meat several months ago when Mom was looking for something different to make. Normally between $8-9, they were on sale (hence the purchase). Paired with some tasty white potatoes, Mom said that the pork tenderloin was very simple to make, and in less than an hour, our family was sitting down to a delicious feast.


THE VERDICT: Excellent! The tenderloin is billed as extra lean, and it was. Any remaining fat the meat may have had dripped away while roasting in the oven. This Hormel product comes in several flavors. I've seen the apple bourbon, teriyaki, lemon garlic, and a few others. This week, it is on sale at Stop & Shop for only $6.99. The meat was so tender and juicy, and I did not find any weird pieces inside (I am known for being the one at the table to always find a piece of fat or cartilage in her meat). We didn't even need to top it with a sauce; the apple bourbon flavor was strong, but not overpowering. It was a great buy, and I can't wait to have it for dinner again. So much for me trying to be a vegetarian this year.

Tortilla Flats

355 Hope St.

Providence, RI 02906

(401) 751-6777

www.tortillaflatsri.com

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL MENU

Thanks to a gracious donation and suggestion from our fan Jodi, Mom and I found ourselves heading to Providence in the midst of a snowstorm to visit Tortilla Flats, a fun little Mexican restaurant on the corner of a busy street. At first I was stressed over the parking, but was lucky enough to score a spot across the street in front of the Jewish Hospitality Center (and hoped that they were, in fact, hospitable enough to let me stay there). We entered the restaurant at around 3:30 p.m.


When we got inside, we were greeted by a waitress, who we later learned was named Cassie (and who reminded me of my cousin Sherri). Mom asked for table, so she led us to a cute area at the back of the restaurant and put us at a table by the window. We were given two colorful lunch menus to look over as we struggled to take off our winter gear. Cassie returned to the table to take our drink order - two Diet Cokes ($1.75 each). I am really into Mexican food, so of course, everything on the menu looked good. Mom is a little more reserved because of her hate-hate relationship with vegetables, but was still able to find several dishes that she wanted to get. When we had finally narrowed down our choices, Cassie returned to place the order. Mom chose the pulled pork wrap ($7.99), while I went with the Baja tacos ($11.95). After Cassie left the table, I realized that I had forgotten to order the jalapeno salsa and chips ($2.50) as an appetizer. Cassie returned and asked us what kind of salsa we wanted - mild, mixed, or hot. At first we went with mixed, but Mom wanted to try the hot, so we went with that. Boy, when they said hot, they meant it! That salsa was extremely hot and delicious. Thank God for the sodas because Mom and I kept having to take sips of it to cool our mouths down. The chips - a mix of regular and blue corn tortilla - were tasty and crunchy. A great start to any meal!


As we waited with inflamed mouths for our entrees to arrive, we took a few minutes to check out the restaurant. It is very trendy, and we can see why the college set likes to come here for drinks. The restaurant was dark, so I apologize if the pictures aren't that good. There was a large flat screen on the wall pointed toward the bar area, and several booths and tables scattered throughout the restaurant. The decor was typical of a Mexican restaurant - lots of eclectic art, pottery, and strings of lights. There were also some t-shirts hanging along one wall, and many Christmas decorations that actually fit right in with the crazy theme.

Overview of the main dining area.

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Extra tables behind us.

One of the cute wooden booths.

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We hadn't been waiting long before our food arrived. Both plates looked fantastic. Mom's pulled pork wrap came with a side of peppery fries and a cucumber salad, which she slid onto my plate. Mom was very pleased to find that her wrap was filled to the brim with tender, sweet pulled pork mixed with a layer of cheddar/jack cheese. She also enjoyed the fries, which were thin, crisp, and nicely spiced with salt and pepper. It was a very filling and tasty meal.

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My fish tacos were outstanding. They used tilapia, which is a type of fish that I don't normally care for. However, when mixed with other things, tilapia can be quite tasty. This particular tilapia was sauteed with garlic, red onion, and white wine, and served inside two soft shell tacos stuffed with lettuce, tomato, and chipotle ranch dressing. The dish also came with a side of pico de gallo and rice. The only downside to this dish was that I could have used less of the rice and had another of the delicious tacos. They were stuffed beyond capacity, and the ingredients were fresh and tasty. The rice was good, but I'm not that big on rice. It's just a personal preference. I say add one more taco to that plate and it will be all the more fantastic!

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When Mom and I were finished eating, Cassie came over to clear our table and bring the bill. The total came to:

2 Diet Cokes - $3.50

1 Baja tacos - 11.95

1 Pulled pork wrap - 7.99

1 Jalapeno salsa & chips - 2.50

Food total - $19.94

Liquor total - 2.50 (the chips?)

N/A Beverage - 3.50

Tax - 2.08

TOTAL = $28.00

A great price for a great meal. I left $34 on the table for Cassie, which included a 20% tip. She was a great waitress! Before heading back out into the snow, Mom and I used the ladies' room. It was very clean and organized.


After climbing over a pile of snow and almost getting killed by a plow barreling down the street, we were safely back in the car. We'd like to thank Jodi for the great suggestion and for donating her hard-earned cash to support our site. The next time we visit Tortilla Flats, Mom said that she is going to try their bison burger. Mom? Eating bison? What else will 2010 bring?

Tortilla Flats is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday.

Happy New Year!

The Best and Worst Finds of 2009

By: DIANE

Best New Restaurant: The best new restaurant of 2009 is Tavern on Main. Located in Chepachet, RI, this 200 year old inn is a treat for the eyes as well as the tummy (and the resident ghost doesn't hurt either). Love it!

Best Meal Deal: No, not the dollar menu at the fast food joints. I love the 3 for $20 deal at Chili's. A full-size appetizer, two full-size entrees, and a great dessert - all for $20. You can't go wrong, and there's a great selection of choices. Terrific!

Best Appetizer: If you know me by now, you know I have a hate-hate relationship with veggies. So to get me to eat any, it has to taste fantastic, and the butternut fries at Lorenzo's in Middleboro, MA, fit the bill. They are very lightly battered with a crisp outside, and sweet and creamy inside. I'm practically a vegetarian now!

Best Bread Basket: A few years ago, it was Bittersweet Farms in Westport, MA. This year, it's Bayside - also in Westport. What is it with Westport and bread baskets? Yum.

Best Fish/Seafood Restaurant: Captain Parker's on the Cape. We've heard about it, but never visited until this year. We'll be back - especially for the haddock and chowder.

Best Muffins: On a day when I was feeling so ill, we went to this charming little bakery called The Gingerbread Construction Company in Wakefield, MA. The muffins were huge and absolutely amazing. I really need to visit again so I can appreciate the beauty of this place - when I'm not Kermit green.

Best Italian Bakery: It was tough deciding between DiVozzi's in Peace Dale, RI, and Bova's in Boston's north end, but I'd have to give the edge to DiVozzi's. There's something about their cream - such a tasty sweetness. The shop is adorable and its a nice ride getting there.

Best Donuts: Still Kane's in Saugus, MA, and Allie's in North Kingstown, RI. Anyone have any new suggestions?

Best Clam Shacks: The favorite has to be Kool Kone in Wareham, MA. It has great indoor/outdoor seating with fantastic fried seafood. Plus, a great ice cream window. The runner-up is Lobster Trap on the Cape. It is a little more upscale than Kool Kone and definitely more pricey, but it serves great seafood in a nice setting.

Best Ice Cream Shop: We discovered Oxford Creamery in Mattapoisett, MA, this year and we're so glad we did. It has the best old fashioned sundaes around. Oxford serves delicious Richardson's vanilla ice cream with thick hot fudge (which they sell in containers), real whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry. It's simple, but outstanding.

Best Bagel: Actually, they get their bagels from Bristol Bagel Works in Bristol, RI, but the Bagel Train in Swansea, MA, is an experience unto itself. How often do you get to have great bagel sandwiches on a real train?

Best Bakery: You know I love bakeries - getting in there and spinning around like a top, trying to see everything at once. But this bakery - Madrid in Marlboro, MA - is something special. It is so elegant, so European, and so delicious. This is the place to get something when you want to impress your guests.

Best Sandwiches: I have quite a few favorite sandwich shops, but this year's discovery is tops - Provender in Tiverton, RI. It's a little expensive, but they use top quality meat, cheese, and homemade bread. Don't forget to get a giant cookie on your way out. Delish!

Best Italian Restaurant: Mike's Kitchen in Cranston, RI. This restaurant serves old-school Italian food like squid salad, veal dishes, and fish and seafood pastas. It's not fancy, but the food is amazing. While I'm on the subject of Italian food, in my opinion, some of the top pastas are:

• Best Ravioli - Gennaro's, Quincy, MA (huge and filled).
• Best Spicy Sauce - Spumoni's, Pawtucket, RI.
• Best Manicotti - Magoni's, Somerset, MA.
• Best Lasagna - Riccardi's, Fairhaven, MA.
• Best Meat Sauce - Johnny Macaroni's, East Bridgewater, MA (sliced meatballs).
• Best Fettuccine Alfredo - Magoni's, Somerset, MA.

Best Pizza: We finally tried Minerva's III in our own backyard - Fall River, MA - and haven't looked back. The cheese pizza is so tasty. It has real cheese, a great crust, and a sweet/spicy sauce. My new favorite!

Best Breakfast Place: For great pancakes and smoked applewood bacon (thick), try The Pancake Man on the Cape. The pancakes are large, but very light and oh so good!

Best Cupcakes: Still Babycakes in Quincy, MA. Any new suggestions?

Best Burger: I have to defer to Laura on this one. She tried the filet mignon burger at Crowther's in Little Compton, RI, and has been talking about it ever since.

ALSO ...

Biggest Disappointments: The closing of Morgan's, Butler's Donuts, Bravo's, and the fire at the Oriental Chow Mein Company. Also, the change in the Baskin Robbins frosting, and the overall taste of Panettone.

Biggest Comeback: Crowther's Restaurant in Little Compton, RI. What a difference a new chef and crew makes! This went from being one of my worst restaurant experiences to one of the best of 2009.

Longest Roadtrip for a Bite: The two (long) hours to and from Gloucester, MA, to get a St. Joseph sandwich at Virgilio's (which tasted like Marzilli's in my town of Fall River), and some pastry from Caffe Sicilia (uncomfortable experience). Sigh ...

Major Diane Events: Trying my first rib from Backroad Grille in Bristol, RI, and loving it! Also, eating the butternut fries at Lorenzo's in Middleboro, MA. Me ... eating veggies! Thank God they were fried.

... and finally, our ...
Biggest Project: The Nasoya wraps! Yowza!

That's it! Signing off, and I stand by my opinions.

Happy New Year!
Diane