November 12, 2018 Smashburger
Not all my meals as a blogger are glamorous – too be very honest, most days my kids want to eat at Panera. I swear if I have to look at another grilled cheese this week I may scream. So I try and find other places for them to try. We had a special mom and daughter day so I took her out to Smashburger – she loves burgers these days. Not bad for being a chain (and not an every week kind of thing) – the bacon and swiss burger was totally edible. Of course we added on fries and I was pleasantly surprised as how much I liked the shakes – they are made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Join their rewards program to get a point for every dollar spent and when you get 100 points you get a $10 reward. Get a free side or shake with any purchase on your birthday as well.
Lunch is always a hard meal for me – whether it is for school or out at a restaurant. We sometimes get in the chicken fingers, grilled cheese, hot dog, macaroni rut. With school it is even harder as we aren’t allowed to send kids with fruit or veggies cut at home (allergy reasons). What do you do for your kids for lunch? I’d love to have some other new ideas.
Smashburger
1298 Worcester Street, Natick, MA
www.smashburger.com
Tags: burgers, casual dining, family friendly, take out
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November 9, 2018 Uhlman’s
I am always looking for a new place to try ice cream. Uhlman’s (pronounced yool-mens) is located in Westborough and they make delicious ice cream in small batches. (They are closed for the season, but keep them in mind for next year.) They are open from March to October, 11am – 8pm daily. So what do they have? Hard ice cream, soft ice cream, frozen yogurt, allergy friendly options, and no sugar added flavors.
Flavors like strawberry cheesecake, Milky Way, Oreo, green tea, ginger, coconut, mint Oreo, bubble gum, m&m, Cookie Monster, cake batter, heavenly hash, chocolate peanut butter cup, cherry vanilla, frozen pudding and pumpkin Oreo will be sure to tempt anyone you bring. Allergy friendly flavors include orange, raspberry, pineapple and lemon dole whip that is nut free, dairy free, gluten free and cholesterol free. No sugar added flavors include vanilla, black raspberry and coffee. Frozen yogurt comes in flavors like cappuccino crunch, coffee, Oreo, chocolate chip, mint chip and black raspberry chocolate chip. Strawberry cheesecake is a winner in my book so keep your eyes open for it next season.
They offer ready made and made to order ice cream cakes – YUM!! Looking forward to next summer already.
There are a few picnic tables to eat your ice cream at, as well as some grassy areas for the kids to burn off some energy before getting back in the car. They have some cows on property that are always fun to look at as well. If you go in the afternoon, they have lunch time hot dog specials!
Uhlman’s is a cash only shop, but there is an ATM on site. Their prices are very reasonable and have appropriate sized kids ice creams 🙂
Uhlman’s Ice Cream
232 East Main Street, Westborough, MA
https://www.uhlmansicecream.com
Tags: cash only, dairy free, family friendly, gluten free, ice cream
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November 8, 2018 Washashore Bakery
I hadn’t been to Mashpee Commons in a while, and was excited to see that the space where we used to get sandwiches has turned into Washashore Bakery. They have the cutest little desserts that taste good too. We picked up a few teats to bring home for dessert – the lemon tart was just perfectly done and the kids adored the little lobster cookies. The shop offers cinnamon buns, scones, coffee cake, pop tarts, lemon squares, blondies, brownies, cheesecakes, bread puddings, cookies, cupcakes, tea breads and more.
The bakery was opened in 2016 by Sandy McPherson and you can pop in and see them icing cakes or making desserts in their open kitchen.
For Thanksgiving they are offering pies at $23 in the following flavors: pumpkin, pecan, chocolate cream, apple cranberry, apple, cherry and blueberry.
Washashore Bakery
14 Central Square, Mashpee Commons, Mashpee, MA
Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Sunday 10am – 4pm
Tags: bakery, cape cod, casual dining, dessert, family friendly
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November 7, 2018 Muffin House Cafe
So my dad loves the Muffin House Cafe’s muffins. We used to have to drive out to Medway to get him some, but now we don’t have to anymore. They just opened up another location in Natick, right next to Dairy Queen. The shop is small, there is one little table, so plan on getting these to go or eating them at Dairy Queen’s picnic benches. The parking lot is also small, but the muffins are worth it. They are baked fresh daily and come in more flavors than you know what to do with. Muffin flavors include blueberry, corn, coffee cake, chocolate chip, banana nut, blueberry banana nut, double chocolate chip, pistachio, morning glory, white chocolate chip, cranberry orange, Pina colada and more. Muffins are $2.79 each, $6.74 for 6 and $30 for a dozen. They have Red Barn coffee available as well as some other baked goodies (cupcakes, danish etc.). Muffins are generous in size and super tasty – I happen to like the morning glory and the coffee cake ones the best
They are opening a fourth location soon in Hopkington at 43 Main Street.
Muffin House Cafe
325 North Main Street, Natick MA
Monday – Saturday 5am – 6pm and Sunday 5am -2pm
Tags: casual dining, muffins, take out
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- Posted under Restaurants, Uncategorized
November 5, 2018 Sunshine Farm
This summer was all about picking our own fruit. The kids loved it – we did everything from strawberries to peaches and blueberries. One of the places that we like to go is Sunshine Farm in Sherborn. If you go when they first open in the morning you pretty much have the place to yourselves, even on the weekends. It’s not a huge place, but they have good fruit and plenty of it. You can park by the stand and walk down to the fields/orchards or you can drive down and park on the grass. You do have to walk a bit to get to the peaches, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes 🙂 (Flip flops might not be the best option if it has rained recently)
They do offer pick your own apples, 9am – 4pm daily. The cost is $25 per peck and $35 for a half bushel. There is a $2 per person entry charge as well. While we haven’t done apples here, we loved the blueberry picking (we did it this year and last year) and the peach picking. The peaches were enormous and they were the sweetest ones we have had in a long time.
They have an ice cream stand on site that is open 12pm – 8pm April thru October.
Where is your favorite you pick fruit spot?
Sunshine Farm
41 Kendall Ave., Sherborn, MA
Tags: family friendly, farm, fruit, pick your own
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- Posted under Trips
November 2, 2018 Mom and Pops Burgers
I can’t remember when I first heard about Mom and Pops Burgers, but I knew I wanted to try them out. When we were down at the Cape we took a day trip down to Chatham and we stopped here for a bite to eat. The weather was iffy – so sitting on the patio was going to be a gamble with the kiddos, so we waited for a table inside (your order at the counter and they call your number – you bring it to your table). It was fairly crowded, but we lucked out. Let me tell you that the burgers were DELICIOUS! I had the cheeseburger with lettuce, onions, pickles and “pops sauce” (ketchup and mayo based sauce) – all the burgers are made to order and you can call in your order if you are in a rush for time. The kids had hot dogs and they were completely happy – and of course we had the fries and frappes.
What other kinds of burgers do they have on the menu?
CALIFORNIA BURGER
Pepper Jack Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Mom’s Sauce
CHILI CHEESEBURGER
Chili, Cheese Sauce, Pickled Jalapeño Peppers, Onion, Mom’s Sauce
EL DYABLO BURGER (HOT!!)
Hot Habanero Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Shishito Peppers, Mom’s Sauce
NAUGHTY DYABLO BURGER (HOTTER!!!)
Ghost Pepper Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Pickled Jalapeño Peppers, Shishito Peppers, Mom’s Sauce
BACON AND BLUE CHEESEBURGER
Blue Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Mayo, Tomato
STEAMED CHEESEBURGER
Aged Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Onion, Pickles. Please allow 15 minutes of cooking time.
Next time we go we will have to bring my dad, I’m betting he would LOVE the steamed burger!!
What else do they have besides burgers and dogs?
BLT
Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo
CHILI
Chili, Cheese Sauce, Onion
FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Lettuce, Tomato, Chipotle Mayonnaise, Mom’s Sauce
FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH
American Cheese
MOM’S HOMEMADE LUMPIA
Hand-rolled Filipino Pork Eggrolls served with Sweet Chili Sauce
PLANTAIN + BLACK BEAN VEGETARIAN BURGER
Lettuce, Onion, Avocado, Sweet Chili Sauce – contains dairy
SALA
Avocado, Black Beans, Tomato, Monterey Jack Cheese, served with choice of Balsamic Vinaigrette, BBQ Sauce, Chipotle Mayo, Honey Mustard, Mom’s Sauce or Sweet Chili Sauce – For additional charge, add Beef, Chicken, or Veggie Patty
FILIPINO PORK BURGER
Adobo seasoned pork patty, house-made Papaya Slaw, Chili Garlic Mayo
Mom and Pops Burgers
1603 Main Street, Chatham, MA
http://www.momandpopschatham.com
Open 7 days a week 11:30am – 8pm
Parking located in front of the restaurant, along the right side and in the back – look for the marked spots.
Tags: burger, cape cod, casual dining, restaurant, take out
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November 1, 2018 Dapper Doughnut
I saw some posts about how The Dapper Doughnut that was opening in the Natick Collection. Such a cute idea and nice to have something new in suburbia! I had to figure out where they were, and it turns out they are in the food court upstairs in the mall near Sears – as far as I am concerned it feels like no mans land in the mall (sorry!). I kind of even forgot that the food court existed in there…although with all the restaurants going out recently (Au Bon Pain, Paul, NM Cafe), I have to admit, we did eat there one day….
The concept is fun. Pick your quantity (6/9/12+), pick your toppings, pick your sauce. We tried the cinnamon sugar, strawberry Nutella, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate sprinkles and strawberry bella. The mini doughnuts are made fresh while you wait – the kids thought that was pretty fun. They top them as you wait. The flavor combinations were good, but they just didn’t translate to the doughnuts very well – and frankly, when they cooled down they fell a little flat. So if you do decide to stop and get some – I’d recommend eating them while they are hot. Like them on Facebook and let them know when you order for 15% off your order.
The Dapper Doughnut
1245 Worcester Street, Natick, MA
Tags: casual dining, dessert, doughnut, kid friendly
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October 30, 2018 Ellana’s Kitchen
I was excited to be introduced to Ellana’s Kitchen a little while ago. I can’t remember who picked it, but it is definitely a neighborhood gem. I met Leah, Kim and Nancy out with my kids, and late morning we basically had the whole place to ourselves. The restaurant has a handful of two tops and a larger table in the back – just perfect for us!
Located just around the corner from Centre Street, Ellana’s Kitchen offers Venezuelan and Mediterranean cuisine. Let me just say that everything on the menu looked delicious, and we tried to sample everything they had. Their most popular breakfast (breakfast is served all day!!) is the Perico breakfast ($8) that includes two eggs served perico style (sautĂ©ed onions and tomatoes), served with an arepa, quest blanco (Latin American mild tasting white cheese) and turkey bacon (bottom left). Eat in or grab it to go!
Other items on the menu include a variety of arepas. pastelito de queso (baked puff pastry with ricotta and queso blanco), tequenos, empanadas, and a falafel plate. There is something for everyone – my kids even found things they liked!
Service was excellent and friendly. Parking is located at meters out front or nearby.
Ellana’s Kitchen
19 Pelham Street, Newton, MA
Closed Mondays. Tues – Fri 8am – 4pm, Sat + Sun 9-3.
Tags: casual dining, family friendly, gluten free, restaurant, take out
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October 29, 2018 Family Dinner
Sponsored PostÂ
There are a lot of companies out there doing CSA shares or meal prep kits. I like the idea of them but I often feel boxed in with the ingredients that I would get. Family Dinner reached out to me and I was excited to try them because I liked all the options that I had seen on their website. You pick your share and have it delivered to your house on Saturdays. There is no commitment, you can pick and choose when you want them to deliver. You can choose an omnivore share, a vegetarian share, a pescatarian share or a paleo share. The ingredients are local and they even send you recipe ideas to help you with the ingredients you receive. You can get a half share (great for 1-2 people) for $59, a whole share (good for 2-4 people) for $89, or a double share (for 4-6 people) for $139. So this is what I received – as you can see, the double share is ENORMOUS! They deliver to your home in these great insulated bags and you can even track your delivery online. Not going to be home? You can have the driver leave the delivery in a cooler that you leave out.
Here’s the rundown of the goods:
Omnivore Protein – Steak, Ground Italian Sausage from Feather Brook Farms; Salmon from Red’s Best; Chevre from Valley View Farmstead Cheese; Greek Yogurt and Eggs from Brookford Farm
Fruits and Veggies – Berries, Apples, Delicata Squash, Boston Lettuce, Juliette Tomatoes and Rainbow Carrots from Busa Farms; Potatoes from Brookford Farm; Kale from Brookford Farm
Grain -Orecchiette from Law of Pasta; Baguette from Iggy’s Bread
Special Treat – Nuts from Q’s Nuts; Granola from Iggy’s Bread
So here’s my thing. Veggies. I’m gun shy about them, I don’t think I even like them all that much, and I’m at a loss most times to know what to do with them. Growing up we didn’t eat a lot of veggies (except garden salads, which I promptly passed on), so as an adult, I wasn’t very adventurous about them either. But these ones I can handle, onions, peppers, kale, squash, leeks, eggplant and corn.
I’ve been in a cooking rut, to be honest, since the baby, we have been eating out a lot because I’m just too tired to cook. This delivery really inspired me (will I go out and get these things on my own…probably not, but it was a good run while it lasted, right). So first off I made a sausage and eggplant pasta. I took the Italian sausage and browned it on the stove. I diced the eggplant and tossed it with some olive oil and then added it to the pan. I cooked up the orecchiette and tossed them all in together with some tomato sauce (it was a shortcut – if I had more time I would have done San Marzano tomatoes, basil and maybe some chicken stock). Topped it off with some of our own Parmesan cheese and dinner is served. I had a good 6 portions of this, so it was really nice to eat these as leftovers later in the week.
For breakfasts we really enjoyed eating the Maple Greek yogurt from Brookford Farm with the granola from Iggy’s. Top off with your favorite fruit, these days we are ‘on’ blueberries, and it makes a great way to start the morning.
These could have looked prettier but they certainly tasted delicious. Delicata squash on toast – 3lbs of squash, peeled and cubed. Olive oil and chili pepper flakes to taste. Heat oven to 450 degrees, toss squash, olive oil and flakes together an place on baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Cook for 15 minutes. On medium heat on stovetop, heat olive oil in pan and add 1 sliced yellow onion. Cook for 15 minutes. Add in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Cook for another 15 minutes. Combine squash and onions in bowl and spread over toast.
For the real recipe, check out the NY Times Jean Georges Squash on Toast. I tried this plain and then tried it with ricotta cheese (you could use mascarpone too) – both ways were delicious. I could also see adding some bacon on top for more depth of flavor.
The steak from Feather Brook Farm was delicious, we grilled with with a little Bosari for seasoning. My daughter will eat anything in sight, she hasn’t met a food she doesn’t like yet (the faster she can get it all in her mouth the better haha), but my son is a bit more….not picky, but selective. He’s one of those kids that doesn’t like his food touching his other food, otherwise, he probably won’t eat it. He isn’t really a meat eater, but did happen to enjoy a few bites of steak with some pilaf from our pantry and some broccoli (kale was a little too scary for him…and ok, me too).
I made egg ‘muffins’ with the eggs from the share along with leeks and the pepper – so simple and easy – great way to make things ahead for the week.
And I always have to have a delicious dessert, so I made baked pears. I sliced the pears in half and cut of a little sliver on the back side so the pears would sit nicely on the baking sheet. Take out the seeds with a melon baller or a spoon. I sprinkled with a little cinnamon and drizzled with some honey. Most people use walnuts but I decided to go with honey roasted almond slivers…just because. 350 degrees for 30 minutes and dessert is done! How beautiful are these?
Top with ice cream and it looks like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen making this dessert!
Use my code: GRUB50 for 50% off your first order!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I partnered with Family Dinner to write about my experience with their service. All product was provided complimentary. All opinions are my own.
Tags: csa, family friend, farm share, meal prep, vegetables
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- Posted under Products, Services
October 25, 2018 Hudson Creamery
After apple picking one day we decided to find something casual and quick. I hadn’t been to Hudson Creamery since I was little girl so it was nice to visit with my kiddos. The small shop offers 30 flavors of ice cream (hard ice cream only) and a variety of lunch options. They have a few tables located inside for those wanted to get out of the sun. They offer items such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs and lobster rolls. Portions are generous in size and prices are affordable. Â Ice cream is available in flavors such as cotton candy, Oreo cookie, rocky road, toffee crunch, totally turtle, coffee heath bar and cookie dough.
The burgers were tasty and the ice cream was very creamy.
Service was friendly, but a little on the slow side. Parking is available in the lot out front and they accept all major credit cards. Open 7 days a week.
Hudson is really starting to explode – with Medusa Brewing Co., Rail Trail Flatbread Co., New City Microcreamery, and all the cute shops on Main Street. I remember when there was nothing but Bar Lunch on the block (there is a throwback for all you Hudson natives!). If you’re in the neighborhood – stop by and play the piano outside Avidia Bank, stop in for some delicious cheese from Katie at Mullahy’s (63 Main Street), or even visit the Farmers’ market (June – Oct) every Tuesday (4pm-7pm) at the Town Hall (78 Main Street).
Hudson Creamery
418 Main Street, Hudson, MA
Tags: casual dining, family friendly, ice cream, restaurant
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