CincItalia 2013

This was our 3rd year, going to CincItalia, and I was just as excited, at the thought of eating yummy Italian food, as I was the 1st year! There’s always the Mexican versus Chinese food debate (I, typically, put people on one team or the other – I’m Mexican) but the universal love is, usually, Italian. I mean, garlicky, cheesy goodness? Does it get better than that?!?!?

We got there pretty early, on Adult Only night (again, some people can’t follow directions…) so the choices were WIDE open, to us! It did seem like there were less food booths this year? And, a lot of the same booths, had the same choices, so there wasn’t a lot of new action.

We always LOVE the St. C’s booth – they’re always fun and excited to be there. Plus, they have 2 of my favorite things! (The Italian sausage and pepper sandwich and fried oreos!)

Our first bite…(btw – keep in mind that there were 4 of us. So, we may appear to be pigs but we all shared – or, at least, that’s what I’m telling myself)

St. C’s Italian Sausage and Peppers

 

That was, definitely, the crowd favorite, from the past 2 years! And, still just as good, this year! (I smeared lots of mustard on it, too!)

First bite of the festival!

(yes, he loves it when I shove the camera in his face, mid-bite!)

St. C’s Italian Coney

 

WE had this last year but our bestie couple got it this year! It was HIS (male bestie – have to protect his identity!) FAVORITE ITEM OF THE NIGHT! Yes, I made everyone tell me their favs!

We took a lap to see what we HAD to have – next stop was the Tambellini booth. Last year, they were, by far, the most popular booth.

Tambellini’s Stuffed Shells

 

This was Mike’s FAVORITE DISH OF THE NIGHT! Lots of cheese, inside the tender shells. The meatballs were nice and moist, too. The vodka sauce was delicious. We did, however, think that the booths need knives, for splitting purposes!

BIG BITE!

 

Big Bite GONE!

 

Also, at Tambellini’s booth – Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Our girl bestie and I, let the boys have at that one (I’ll get to what we were eating, at the time, next)

Great cheese amount. Personally, I don’t have a lot of interest in Chix Parm. The boys, however, devoured it, in seconds.

 

While the boys were taking down the hoagie, the girl and I stopped at, what I believe is a St. C’s booth, too. She got a white sauce pasta…

San Lucia Pasta

We tasted this last year, too. My bestie has an obsession with alfredo.

 

This was her FAVORITE DISH OF THE NIGHT!

It was very good. I’m not a fan of the sun-dried tomatoes…so, I just avoided them. We would have preferred a meatless version but the chicken was already mixed in.

Five Burroughs Pizza Wheel

 

You could smell the awesome garlic, pouring off of this thing! It was filled with oozing cheese, pepperoni and tons and tons of garlic! It was MY FAVORITE DISH OF THE NIGHT! I know that Five Burroughs has awesome pizza (which, we never get to try here…) but they KILLED it, with the pizza wheel!

We made a pit stop, at the dessert table. The boys wanted some cannoli. I’m not a fan, so I let them have it. I, did, however, want to buy one of the Italian senior ladies. Words can’t even describe how adorable (and talented!) they all are. But, I think it’s frowned upon to buy another human.

Cannoli

 

I think that was about 3 bites, for the boys.

I, however, got Tiramisu. No one else loved it, like I did. I’ll admit, it’s a very specific taste and you either love it or hate it.

Yep, minus a few bites, I took the whole thing down. Weight Watchers be damned!

We sat and chatted and, maybe, people watched. The west side is so good for that.

After a half hour breather, we were up and at ‘em and playing some bars and bells. Then, the fried oreo booth called our names…

Fried Oreos (with chocolate AND strawberry sauce)

 

There are no words. This is probably ALL of our favs but, we had to choose a dinner entrée, as our favorite. If I could have a little man, that stood in my kitchen, and fried oreos, for me, all day long, I would. They are just perfect. It’s like a blend of funnel cake, with a chocolatey middle. It sounds so wrong to fry an oreo but really, it’s, oh, so, RIGHT!  Those bad boys didn’t stand a chance.

Then, the boys got a second wind. I don’t condone the next action but, I understand it. Pizza does have an allure (even if it is Larosa’s). Yep, they did the one thing that I threatened to break knee caps over…they ordered a piece of Larosa’s pizza.

Okay, even I have to admit, the pizza looked good. And, it NEVER (I repeat), NEVER, looks that good when you get it delivered!

I forgave them and let them continue a happy life, with knee caps, in tact.

While they were betraying me with the pizza, I went to the Dolce Vita Gelato booth. The guy working the booth was awesome and easy to chat with! I got some lemon sorbet – I mean, I had to cleanse my palate and all…

 

It was cool, refreshing and light. Very lemony, which I love! I am a huge fan of the gelato but really just wanted something with citrus.

And, that’s it. We rolled out of the festival. Full and happy.

I wish that they would have taken my suggestion and served lemoncellos, as a drink addition! But, alas, I can’t always get what I want.

I think, for the most part, portion sizes were right on target, as were prices. The only booth that I think that needed to lessen sizes (and then, in turn, the prices) is the Tambellini booth. The portions were ungodly huge. At a festival that you want to sample everything, you don’t want to peg people down with 1 item.

We had a fabulous time and had great eating – if you’re out and about, on the west side (Harvest Home Park), today and tomorrow, stop by CincItalia! To me, it’s one of the things that makes the west side unique. And, if you get something different, than the items above, take a pic and send it to me! I’ll post them here!

Guess what I get tonight? NADA! Could this weekend get any better, eating wise?!?!?

 

 

 

Princess & the Points 5

Yep – Mother’s Day weekend. A weekend of eating. Of course, is there EVER a weekend that doesn’t include awesome eating? Maybe that’s just my life?

Friday night, started off with…guess what? Pizza Hut. The boy is NOT venturing into foreign pizza territory these days. So sad. As long as it’s not Larosa’s, we’re good here, however.

Here’s Mikey’s cheese pan pizza – I’m convinced that they can’t make a large pan without a cheeseless section, in the middle. (top left)

I got bacon and mushroom, on thin crust – 6 points each.

It was yummy. I know we live in a Larosa’s land, over here…but, I do like me some Pizza Hut.

Saturday night, we had Olive Garden. I refuse to take pictures of that. I figure most everyone, and their mother!, has been there, before.

Sunday – Mother’s Day! We went to a friend’s house and all the men cooked and cleaned for us. My baby boy made brownies – Ghiradelli Triple Chocolate. I’ll tell you what…I’m, usually, all about the homemade, but those are some damn perfect brownies!

Mike made deviled eggs, german style potato salad and broccoli and tortellini salad. I supervised and was in control of the salt and pepper, but he really did do everything else!

See? Photographic proof! Love my boys. I got some good ones.

So, here we are at…

Monday – Turkey burgers, roasted potato wedges and green beans (13 points)

The turkey burgers were, surprisingly, moist! VERY good and a nice, healthy alternative to a greasy cheeseburger. (which, are occasionally, a tasty choice)

Tuesday – BBQ Chicken Casserole (6 points)

Yes, it was my own creation. I have those, occasionally!

 

It was a hit with the family. Me, not so much. I’m just not a fan of chicken, in general. It’s fine.

Wednesday – Every man (or lady!) for himself!

The kids were at Grandma’s. Mike was at a business dinner. I ate a Smart One.

Thursday – Pizza Casserole (7 points)

It’s baaaaack. Seriously. I can’t get rid of it.

 

I think, next week, I’m going to make a veggie one. I’m sick of all the meat.

So – guess what I get to do tomorrow? I get to do lots of yummy eating at CincItalia 2013! http://www.stcfestival.org/CincItalia_2013/index.php

It’s probably bad that I’m REALLY excited, right? Be prepared for lots of pictures and if you’re feenin’ (thank you, R Kelly) for some delicious Italian food pics – check out my 2, previous,  CincItalia blogs!

 

 

 

Mad Mike’s Burgers & Fries – White Oak

…or should I say “Five Guys” renamed?

I love a great burger. There are a few reasons why I could never be a vegetarian…burgers and bacon are 2 of those reasons. I was uber excited that we were getting a new burger place, on the west side, and I’ve had a few of my KY friends tell me how awesome Mad Mike’s is. After church, a couple of Sundays ago, I grabbed my burger expert (Mikey!) and some family members, and my camera, and gained excitement for a fantastic burger experience!

Yeah – the menu board was checkered and looked suspiciously like Five Guys. Even the ordering process is the same. Mad Mike’s DOES have chicken breast sandwiches AND burgers that come named and pre-topped but…ultimately, the same. I was hoping for, at least, a different taste. (Please see my previous Five Guys tirades)

After looking over the menu, I decided on the Mad Cali. The boy just wanted a double cheeseburger, plain. And, we got a small fry, to split.

That’s mine – the Mad Cali. (Note that it came wrapped in foil – sound familiar?) Good cheese melt but…it was average. Didn’t make my taste buds sing.

Mikey’s plain cheeseburger – again, good cheese melt. He said that it was okay – that Smashburger was better (that’s my boy!)

Fries are EXACTLY LIKE Five Guys – which, to me, isn’t a good thing. The 2 perfect fries I’ve had are 1. Smashburger’s and 2. Senate’s. <–those have been the best fries I’ve EVER had. I ate about 2 – just wasn’t impressed.

I understand mimicking something that’s successful but you have do something that separates you from the herd, ya know?

A couple other burgers ordered…

I think that was the Look Out Below (fried egg)

You CAN get a ciabatta bun or…

…a pretzel bun.

So, yes, that’s different from Five Guys.

I really hope that it manages to stay – that location hasn’t had any luck, for the past gazillion years! But, I can’t say that it’s some place that I’m going to return to on a regular basis.

I’d rather have Smashburger…or Red Robin.

 

Princess & the Points 4

Well, I’ll back track, just a little!

Friday night, pizza with my boy – he wanted Pizza Hut (I can’t even tell you the last time that we got Larosa’s – thank God!).

Due to my weight watchering it, I got thin crust. The pan pizza just adds a layer of fat to my ass that I really don’t need.

Saturday night, we had some fun – took the boy to a Columbus Clippers game (a minor league team – don’t ask me to explain the A, AA, AAA difference…my ears might bleed from my lack of understanding)

Definitely more homey and less hectic than a major league field/game. Of course, what the hell are the mascots supposed to be?!?!?!

And, to get into the spirit of baseball (those that know me, know that THAT is hilarious), I got a hot dog, for dinner.

14 points (I didn’t eat all the onion rings) but it was damn yummy! The boys had cheeseburgers but they dug in and didn’t wait for the picture.

And, just because I can…

We got to our seats and proceeded to eat…cracker jacks (husband), pretzel (the boy), cotton candy (the boy), nachos (the husband and I shared) and these delicious things…funnel fries!

So yummy – I stole a couple from Mikey. (if they had a side of chocolate sauce, they would be perfect…just sayin’)

Okay – back to normal programming!

Sunday – Cinco de Mayo, baby! Taco Salads (12 points)

Monday – Pizza Casserole (6.5 points) Yes, it’s back

Tuesday – Chicken Strips, Dijon Potatoes and Green Beans (8 points)

I tossed the husband’s in buffalo sauce – I just wasn’t feeling that, though.

Wednesday – Baked Potato and Asparagus (8 points)

 

It was yummy – used some smart balance butter (which, really isn’t that much better point-wise, than real butter?) and light sour cream. LOTS of salt, of course. BTW – the husband had the same dinner…but with chicken.

Thursday – Honey Teriyaki Glazed Salmon on top of Polenta (12 points)

 

The salmon was so frickin’ delicious! The polenta…not so much. Think, bland (very bland) corn bread. Did I mention bland? The Southerners do cornbread so much better than Italians. So, my points were much less!

Tomorrow’s Friday and we’ve come full circle! Pizza Night and Mother’s Day weekend – yah!

 

Princess & the Points 3

I really need to not go the grocery store for about a month…minus meat and produce. THIS is what my cabinets look like…

That’s AFTER going through and donating a bunch of stuff!

Those are all SNACKS, people – just snacks! WHO needs that much crap?!?! Keep in mind, the girl and I don’t snack. The husband eats all the 100 calorie pack stuff and the boy, usually, eats just goldfish and potato chips! Why do I need oreos?!?!

And, I can’t fit ONE more damn thing in the fridge. Do I need 50 bottles of salad dressing?

So, if you know me and hear about me going to Kroger, on Friday, please, yell at me!

Weight Watchers, this week! Well, last week, I lost a whopping .7 but given my eating week, I’ll take ANY loss. Hoping, with Jillian Michaels pushing me and calling me a fat ass, this week, I’ll have a better number.

Sunday – Sloppy Joe’s (homemade, made with ground turkey) and Green Beans (6 points)

Simple and always a crowd pleaser. Ground turkey used to really bother me but the stuff I’ve been getting is REALLY good. It’s, texturely, the same and tastes REALLY close to beef.

Monday – Shrimp Curry (7.5 points)

It was so damn good. I was told that 1 tbsp of red curry paste would make it spicy…it didn’t. Next time, I’ll put a couple tablespoons, in there! But, the taste was amazing! (I’ll also do fresh shrimp, next time – so, it can soak up the flavor!) The husband LOVED this!

Tuesday – Pizza Casserole (7 points)

This has, quickly, become one of the family’s favs (well, minus the boy who only eats 10 things). I have a feeling it’ll be on the weekly rotation! And, it IS really good (and easy!)

Wednesday – Fish, Asparagus, Dijon Fries (10 points)

Had to use up the Jack Daniel’s Lime Glazed, from last week – it was better grilled. (of course, I added some seasonings to it). Love asparagus – the husband tells me I make the best asparagus. Yeah, olive oil, salt and pepper is my “secret”.

Thursday – Bean Quesadilla (12 points) 

 

The husband and kids weren’t home – so, I made a bean and cheese quesadilla. The whole thing was 12 points (that included the avocado and light sour cream) but, I only ate 1/3 of it. A quick, easy meal!

That wraps up this weight watchers week – I’m looking forward to weighing tomorrow!

 

Pappadeaux – Take 3

3rd time! Yes, 3rd time people!

The husband is, absolutely, convinced that I should love Pappadeaux. He goes, frequently, for lunch and loves it. Granted – he ALWAYS gets the same thing (Ginger something salmon) and lunch prices are a ton better. BUT – he gets so personally offended that I just don’t see the big deal with it.

Apparently, I’m in the minority. Mike got a GC and he said we were going (again!) Saturday night, for date night. Got to Pappadeaux and they were so frickin’ crowded. I was looking around, so confused, because I REALLY don’t understand the appeal of the not very tasty, way over-priced seafood restaurant.

We were quoted 1 hour and 10 minutes. I wanted to blow that popcicle stand but…we waited. And, waited. Waited some more.

Thank God I’m able to talk and talk (Mike *might* disagree) because, after checking on our wait (with the so very bright hostesses), we were told that it was looking more like 1 hour and 30 minutes. Again, I was ready to roll out of there. But, we waited.

I was giving them until 8 (yes, we got there @ 6:10, peeps!) and then I was informing a manager WHY we were leaving and we were headed out the door. <–the hostesses are teens and they have zero customer skills. With the wait being so messed up, the manager really needed to be involved for crowd control.

Of course, with my internal ultimatum going, we were sat about 5 minutes before 8. For those of you, good with math, that’s 1 hour and 45 minutes! And, 35 minutes past our quoted time. That shit just doesn’t fly at a “good” restaurant! I was ready to tell them to shove their crappy seafood where the sun doesn’t shine but…we were also about to eat our arms off, we were so hungry.

Our server, God love him, was VERY apologetic, about our wait. Of course, he had NOTHING to do with the situation and he was the ONLY one to apologize! (I’m NOT looking for FREE things here…just an acknowledgement that things have gone awry and they’re trying to remedy the situation)

I was under strict orders, from Mike, to get whatever in the hell I wanted because he was bound and determined to, at least, make me like the food, that night. Since we knew the menu, by heart, at that point, we were ready to order ASAP.

It all comes with bread...(I broke the bread for you!)

The bread is good – nice and crusty, on the outside and soft, on the inside. Butter could have been a smidgen softer.

I got a cup of Lobster Bisque

They must have run out of soup plates – the soup was delivered as the cup, with a spoon handed to me. Lordy. Typically, I love the Lobster Bisque and while it had good flavor, they must have needed to put a new batch on. The vegetables were still crisp. Not good in the soup. (Lobster was tough, too)

Mike got a house salad

Boring! Lettuce, Croutons, Tomato – could they be LESS inspired?

Mike’s Dinner – Steamed Maine Lobster and Mussels

He really liked his, of course.

Mine – Grilled Costa Rican Mahi

The fish was okay – overcooked and needed more sauce, but average. The grits were HORRIBLE. They were clumpy and thick. Grits should be creamy. The green beans- I’ll let those slide because it’s my personal preference here – I, prefer, homegrown canned green beans. The crispy green beans do nothing for me – fresh or not. But, I’ll let that go since it’s my own issue.

God love Mike – he knew, really, before we were even sat how the night was going to go. BTW – our food took FOREVER! The manager did come out and apologize, saying it was stuck behind a large party. That’s all well and good but if you see a 2 top, sitting behind a party of 12…get the 2 top out first. That’s common sense.

All in all, it took us THREE frickin’ hours at Pappadeaux, last Saturday night. You want to know how much our bill was with 2 soft drinks, a cup of soup and a salad and 2 dinners, with tip? $85! For shitty food and a long wait. I REALLY don’t get the appeal and I REALLY never want to hear that we’re in a recession ever again.

Pappadeaux is all OVER, for me. I’m done with it – there are NO 4th chances. They suck…period. I’ll take my $85 and go to Bonefish.

BTW – I love my husband, more than words. He was FABULOUS company and we got lots of chatting time and I know, that he has the best of intentions.

 

Princess & the Points 2

I hate being the person who always complains (or brags…) about being busy. Seriously, I hate it. I’m more of the “let’s chill and read a book” variety. I, thoroughly, enjoy down time and I’m NOT afraid to admit it. BUT – sometimes life does get a smidgen hectic…and that has been my past 2 weeks. News flash – Craziness is, officially, OVER!

I have, however, been awesome about my points (weight watchers, people!). Even with my great foodie weekend, I managed to keep myself in check. Right now – 3 weeks later – I’ve lost 6.5 pounds. Which might not be that impressive but…my eating habits haven’t changed all that much and I’m not working out. Jillian Michaels will get me next week.

But, I AM making some fabulously healthy (and frickin’ delicious!) meals! Really excited to be back in the meal making saddle. (the husband had a work trip and then a golf trip, back to back weeks)

Sunday – White Chicken Chili (5 points) and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich (7 points)

The chili had such a great kick to it – and fabulous flavor! I’m, typically, not a fan of the chicken chili but…I’d totally eat this again. And, again.

Sandwich was my own creation – grilled chicken, teriyaki glaze, sauteed mushrooms, a little bit of LF mozz. (and, I put a little goat cheese, on mine). I used Aunt Millie’s Light Bread – voila! Delicious, low point sandwich.

Monday -Turkey Meatloaf, Dijon Fries and Green Beans (9 points, total!)

Everything, on that plate, was delicious! Especially loved the Dijon Fries!

Tuesday – Cheeseburger Salad (I used ground turkey – it was 9 points)

Yes, it was as tasty as it looks! And, I did lighten up the croutons. I love my cooking girlfriend but I really didn’t want to use a whole stick of butter! I used Aunt Millie’s light bread, cubed, 2 tbsp of butter and tossed them to make the croutons. My ass didn’t need a whole stick of butter.

Wednesday – Jack Daniel’s Glazed Fish, Asparagus, Artichoke/Mush Gratinata (9 points)

I got the fish, from Sam’s – it was okay. I could have done a better glaze. Just sayin’. (the husband agreed)

Thursday – BBQ Chicken, Vinegar Cole Slaw, Loaded Broccoli (10 points)

 

A very simple meal – and, one that took less than 30 minutes to make – love it!

I’ve already planned our meals, for next week – lots of new and exciting things! Shrimp Curry, being one of them!

Happy WW Eating!