The Great Garcias !!

http://www.garciasausage.com/

Good morning! Since posting the previous post about "Stadium Diner" and their Garcias I have received a few comments and text messages regarding the deliciousness ( is that a word?) of the great Garcia smoked beef sausage......mmmmmm. To understand the desire, obsession and unique taste of Garcias you must 1) be from Miami and/or 2) have tasted one. In my humble opinion,  Garcias are a class of sausage that stands on its own and anyone from Miami that has grown up on them will agree. Garcias come in several varieties such as pork and beef, hot and smoked beef. My favorite of the three is the smoked beef.

I cannot remember the first time I had a "Garcia" ,as they are known, but I do recall the versatility of them. Growing up, they were the go to meat for breakfast, lunch, dinner or for a go between snack , and they still are! I loved them with white bread, boiled and then lightly fried in the pan or split. As I grew up, I evolved to cooking them on the George Foreman grill and this took them to an entirely new level. Then my mom cooked them for dinner with Zataran's Jambalaya rice and it was good! However, the fact still remains that Garcias are by far my favorite sausage.
I remember when I lived in Arizona I would have my visiting family and friends bring me some from Miami, lol! I would still have to do the same when I move to Atlanta because at the time they did not sale them here. Until one faithful day, a fellow Miamian saw that distinct green and white box in Publix and when she called me with excitement and told me about her discovery she and I both were overly excited. Ever since then, I pick up a box for an in between snack or a breakfast favorite.

Most recently, I let a friend try one and he loooooooved them! I know people that do not eat red meat but they will kill a box of Garcias and would not feel bad about it.  If you are from Georgia, you may prefer the Georgia sausage but once you have a Garcia your life will never be the same because the desire will always be there for a taste of what comes in the green and white box.

So, if you have never tried a Garcia and they sale them in your area I encourage you to try one. If you need cooking tips, feel free to drop me a line and I will be more than glad to assit.
Try a box and enjoy!

Stadium Diner (Miami)

Greetings all! I hope that everyone is doing well and that you are starting to get into the holiday spirit! This past Veteran's Day weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling to the MIA for a wedding on 11-11-11, which turned out to be pretty nice.  Also, during my brief stay, I had the pleasure of having breakfast at the Stadium Diner ( on 199th and 441) and it was a suprisingly great experience!

Strangely enough, in my 22 years of being a Miami resident I have never noticed the diner at this particular location.  Mainly because Miami mostly consist of chain restaurants and during my younger years ( pre-Waffle House) I ate at the usual spots......Denny's and IHOP ; however, at this stage in life these are the two places I NEVER go to because they do not use real eggs (sorry folks) and according to my friends, I am an egg snob and I am proud of it !!  So, in the absence of my preferred Atlanta breakfast spots (The Flying Boscuit) I love and prefer the Waffle House or the "truck stop" as some call it, lol!

On this particular breakfast date, I suggested the Stadium Diner because I wanted something different and Denny's was the only other option. To my surprise the food was excellent! The eggs were light, cheesy and fluffy, and the french toast was by far the best that I have had in a loooooong time. The best part is that they have Garcia's (sausage for the none Miami folks) on the menu!!! When I placed my order the waitress asked did I want it split, and I excitedly replied "yes!" because I was too excited they were an option.

Needless to say, the experience was great and I encourage the Miamians to try it out. However, I would caution you that their grits are NOT the best because you have to really "work" on them and after all that, there still seemed to be no hope (yes, I am a grit snob too). Other than that, the prices are right and the crowd is not overwhelming.

If you know of any great breakfast spots in Dade or Broward County.....do tell!

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving !!

Ranch Pork Chops!!

Top of the day to everyone, did you miss me!? Well I missed Baby (D)eelicious and I have something tasty to share! I come to you with new findings for one of my favorite things in the world....Hidden Valley Ranch dressing! Yes, I am a ranch lover to a certain extent, lol! Those that know me call my ranch creations "science projects" because some of the things I put ranch on does not compute with everyone's taste buds, until they try it. As a ranch lover, I put ranch on french fries, veggies and chicken. However, I will not put ranch on a salad....ewww, crazy I know!

A few weeks ago, I was watching tv and saw a Hidden Valley commercial advertising their ranch powder dip and dressing and ranch pork chops.....mmmmm! Now, I will say that I am opposed to eating pork on a regular basis, but I will not pass up bacon (which I looooove) or a rib if it is put in front of me.....I'm just saying. However, years back I made the decision to stop cooking pork ( except bacon). Well, that all went out the window on this past Sunday because I dared to try ranch pork chops and man were they awesome and very tasty!!!

Initially I was concerned that the ranch powder might be overwhelming but I must say it was the perfect blend. I also must admit that these were by far the best pork chops that I have ever made and tasted, and I am proud to say that I made them. Along with the main attraction I made some roasted potatoes and carrots and they were great as well. I have heard that ranch (powder) on roasted potatoes is excellent but I was not ready to be that ranched out. However, it is something I will try on another occasion. If you dare to make them I suggest adding a little seasoning to the meat before adding the ranch topping.

http://www.hiddenvalley.com/recipe/v/121/Original-Ranch-Pork-Chops/
Lastly, if you are a ranch lover, I suggest you try Wal-Mart's ranch chicken wings....just thinking about them brings back happy thoughts and taste!!

Enjoy and Happy Eating!!

The Power of "Thank You"

Greetings all! Tonight in most churches is Wednesday night bible study and at my church we talked about "Honor"; and after listening to the pastor speak about the subject I was inspired to write. Not only was I inspired to write but I began to reflect on the few people in my life that I would actually consider honoring. These are a select group of people and it is meant to be that way for a reason.....

The  people that I consider honorable are people that I am thankful and grateful for on a daily basis. These are the "depositors" in my life and by that I mean that they usually leave me with something. This something could be an actual two-way conversation ( which people do not have any more), encouragement, a token of appreciation, a gift, inspiration, a real " how are you doing" or someone that listens. Whereas the other folks I encounter during the day or week fall into the "takers" category. These are the people that always call you with drama, talk about themselves, always need something and/or always complaining about everything.....I mean everyday cannot be a bad day.

Therefore, I was inspired by my pastor's words to let the people that are near and dear to my heart know that I honor them and I am grateful, blessed and thankful to have them in my life. Sometime, we tend to forget the simple power of "thank you" and " I appreciate you". Too often we are wrapped up in our own drama to take time out to ask someone  "how is your day?" or "how are you doing?". These simple words have power. I have a friend that calls just to say hi.....wow! What I love most about that is she asks, " so, how are you really doing?" and sadly I have to stop and think because very few people ask me that and actaully care and listen.

Keeping it short, honestly ask yourself, am I a depositor or a taker? Either way you answer I challenge you to make a deposit in someone's life by honoring them with a simple word or a card (not a text message). I also challenge you to not always be a taker but evolve into making more deposits in people's life and just watch how your life begins to turn around.

In closing, I honor my faithful followers and thank you for continuing to have interest in my words and experiences.

Be Blessed!!

Mind & Body Day Spa (Alpharetta, GA)

( Picture from northfultonshops.com)

Greetings Baby D lovers!! A few months ago I had the pleasure of buying a spa package from Groupon for Mind & Body Day Spa (MBDS), which turned out to be phenomenal and one of my best purchases from the popular site yet!!! I also had the pleasure of having a gentleman name "Javier" be my masseuse for the day. After it was said and done I had a 75 minute massage that left me feeling like jello, Javier had a nice tip and my life had been relaxed and changed....or so I thought.

Anyone that knows me knows I loooovvvveeee the spa!! I don't go as often as I would like but I definitely make a pilgrimage at least 5 times a year, one being on my birthday. If you have never been to a spa or have not had a professional massage I suggest you put that on your bucket list . For me, going to the spa is all about the expeirnece and atmosphere. Furthermore, and it is my opportunity to really relax, clear my mind, rejuvenate and walk around in a comfy robe while I get pampered....there is nothing like it.

So....last weekend my friend and I scored a deal that we could not pass up at MBDS. I knew the deal was for me because I had chills after reading it (no joke). The package we purchased was a 2 hour treatment for $149 per person and contained a 1) a full body exfoliation and steam, 2) a scalp massage (mmmmm) , 3) a deep tissue massage and 4) a hot stone foot massage (yes all that!!). Just thinking about it makes me feel relaxed :). After purchasing the deal, I immediately requested Javier and he did not disappoint. I believe finding a great masseuse is like finding a great beautician because you never have to worry that you will not be satisfied when you leave, its like they just know what you need and this is true of Javier. Therefore, considering the above 2 hour treatment and the services of Javier this particular visit was deemed " life changing" in my book.

First, the body exfoliating treatment was awesome!!!!! I was placed in this huge steam capsule thingy and scrubbed from head to toe , and boy did my skin feel nice and soft after. I will admit that I was a bit apprehensive at first because I thought this stranger would have to see all of my "goodies" but that was not the case, lol! After he explained the plan and process I was relieved but I had decided if he did, I was going to be a "big girl" and roll with it, lol!! The exfoliation and steam process continued for about two cycles and during the steam treatment I was given a scalp and shoulder massage, and this is an experience in itself. My friend described it best when she said " you have not lived until you have had someone else bathe/scrub you " and she was definitely correct because it was a different, but a great experience none the less.

Then there was the massage, which was great as usual but the hot stone foot massage sealed the deal. Hot stone massages are by far my favorite treatment and I highly recommend it because it is so soothing to feel the hot rocks on your body......it is just divine!

So......if you are ever in Atlanta (or live in Atlanta) take a drive to Alpharetta and ladies be sure to ask for Javier!!!

www.mindandbodydayspa.com

Brick Street Cafe (Greenville, SC)

Greetings devoted followers, I am delighted to bring you another great find all the way from Greenville, SC! This weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Greenville. I know you maybe thinking ......"what's in Greenville?", but if you have never been I suggest that you put in on your bucket list. Although, this was my third trip there I still get excited when I talk about my favorite part of the city, downtown Main St. The best word to describe it, is cute and quaint. Cute in that you can walk the strip to shop, eat or just enjoy the scenery and the beautiful tree lined streets. On any account, my reason for writing is inspired by my visit to the Brick Street Cafe and my encounter with the famous Miss Sue.

(bakeryboyblog.files.wordpress.com)

The Brick Street Cafe was recommended by a local older couple that described the restaurant, their infamous sweet potato pie cake and love muffin as "life changing" (no joke). After hearing my favorite phrase, I immediate knew where I wanted to go for lunch. After speaking with the couple for a few and learning that the restaurant's chef and matriarch is a older black woman named Miss Sue and the family that owns the restaurant basically allows Miss Sue to cook and run the restaurant. I was also surprised to learn that Miss Sue was the family's cook for years. Once I heard that I was even more intrigued to experience Miss Sue and the Brick Street Cafe....

I immediately Googled the restaurant and saw that it had 4 out of 5 stars and all the reviews were excellent. When I arrived at the cafe, I mistaking (but thankfully) entered through the banquet room entrance/bakery of the restaurant. Once I entered, I was greeted by the overwhelming smell of sugar and homemade cakes, and I honestly thought I was in my great-grandmother's kitchen. I eventually made my way upstairs and I was amazed at the ambiance and decor of the restaurant because it reminded me of pictures that I have seen of cafes in Paris. The main dinning area had individual rooms with different themes and various colors and customers are able to select any area to dine in, and I thought that was so cute. Then in the back of the restaurant I saw the cake display......sigh!

After deciding on the "Merry Christmas" room, I looked over the menu and immediately went to the desserts and everything looked great. A local couple nearby overheard my conversation about the love muffin and the unknown woman suggested I try Miss Sue's Chicken Salad, fruit and love muffin meal. She went on to say that the love muffin was "life changing" and she then went on to describe the taste and the muffin with so much passion that she began biting her hand, as if to say " it is that good".

Needless to say, I decided on Miss Sue's chicken salad sandwich, a love muffin and the bakery lady offered a piece of sweet potato pie cake.....and boy was it deelish! The cake was like a perfect blend of cake and sweet potato pie and it is by far the best cake creation (and cake) that I have everrrrrrrr tasted. Even the homemade butter cream icing was bliss and I am not a big fan of icing. Of course the love muffin and chicken salad sandwich was great, but that cake stole the show......mmmmmmmmmmmmmm! After I dined, I left there with a raspberry chocolate cake, sweet potato pie cake and a coconut cake....and everything was moist and a perfect blend of deliciousness.

Although the food and experience was excellent, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to Miss Sue and this was a priceless and blessed experience that I will never forget. If I did not know any better I would have thought she was a regular worker who was busing tables and minding her business.........but no, this is the person who's pictures are on the walls of the restaurant and for sale at the register, not to mention she is the creator of the delicious cakes and some of the menu items. According to Miss Sue , she is the only one that makes the chicken salad and sweet potato pie cake daily. She also told me that she raised 10 kids alone, loves to work and go to church and that God is her source. As she was talking I was praying that at 80 years old God blesses me with a life that I can be proud of, a constant zeal for life, the motivation to live and keep me in my right mind because Miss Sue exemplified all that and some, as well as the respect of everyone in that restaurant, and probably town. Miss Sue is what I call a DIVA in her own right, and she is most deserving of the honor that is displayed in the restaurant that she has created a name for.

Cafe Intermezzo

Back in 2009, I was introduced to a sweet spot in Atlanta called Cafe Intermezzo. On this particular night, I recall leaving a jazz club with a few friends and craving dessert. One of the ladies I was with suggested this spot and mentioned that they stayed open late ( 2AM) and the atmosphere and desserts were great. True to her word, it was a great experience and I always remembered the little restaurant, with the great dessert display and smelled of sugar when you walked in ( that is when you know it is good!).

Strangely enough, on Friday, the scene played out the same when I was out with a few friends. After we enjoyed dinner, music and drinks we wanted to seal the night with dessert. Instantly, I though of and suggested Cafe Intermezzo, the group agreed and off we went. However, this time, my GPS led me to another location downtown that I was not familiar with but to my surprise the experience was the same from the ambiance to the welcoming smell of sugar and then..........the lovely display of cheesecakes and other desserts!!!!!

Instantly, I saw the Oreo cheesecake and as I walked by the counter to go to the restroom it said "hello" and I was sold! Call me crazy but I am a firm believer that some things speak to me ( especially food, shoes, clothes etc..) and it is just meant for me to have, especially when that happens. Needless to say, the waiter over heard my request and ordered my Oreo and a traditional strawberry cheesecake for my friend, which she was eating and moaning at the same time....too funny!

People that know me well will tell you that I looooooooove (really, love) The Cheesecake Factory and that my favorite cheesecake is the sneakers, but the Oreo is a close second. However...........I dare to say that Cafe Intermezzo has some of the best restaurant cheesecake that I have every tasted  (even better than Junior's in NYC....sorry but true) and it is so smooth and rich, so much so that I could only eat half.

Thankfully the night and the experience was nice and we had the pleasure of sitting outside and enjoying our davine cheesecake experience. So, the next time you are in ATL or Charlotte, be sure to stop by for a late night snack at Cafe Intermezzo. Ohhhh.....they also have a full restaurant menu that looks pretty good, but as of now I cannot comment on that.....one indulgence at a time....gotta try and keep it sexy!!