Cross Country Road Trip 2012
Hello! Long time, no blog. You may be wondering where I've been these past few weeks. Or you may not be wondering at all. In that case, you should just check out these. Anyway, I've basically been in transit for the last few weeks. I road-tripped it from upstate NY to Arizona - making new friends, eating wonderful foods, and taking pictures like a maniac. Then I started school and ran around like a crazy person trying to figure out my new schedule and whatnot.
I know I haven't posted any recipes in a while (or any posts, for that matter), but I just wanted to share with you some of the highlights (mostly food) from my trip. If you are in any of these areas, I totally recommend you check some of these restaurants out!
The route
On this trip, my mom and I went a bit out of the way to visit one of my best friends, Megan, in Auburn, Alabama. If you've been to Auburn, you know it's incredibly beautiful and quaint (and humid!). It reminded me so much of my hometown in Tennessee. While we were there, Megan took us to The Amsterdam Cafe.
Shrimp and grits
Lately I've been embracing my southern heritage and eating grits like a machine. This dish was topped with smoked goat cheddar and an orange beurre blanc. So delicious.
Blue Crab and Maine Lobster Pasta
Need I say more?
Crab Cake and Avocado Sandwich
This sandwich was voted into Alabama's top 100 dishes. It was so darn good.
410 South Gay Street
Auburn, AL 36830
(334) 826-8181
Toomer's Lemonade
Apparently we couldn't leave Auburn without trying the famed Toomer's Lemonade. It was so delicious and tart. Another must go!
100 North College Street
Auburn, AL 36830
(334) 887-3488
After Auburn, we made our way to New Orleans. I only wish I had more time in this city!
Bridge Over Troubled Water (hehe)
If you've driven into New Orleans you probably know that there are some realllllly long bridges over the water. Like miles long. I couldn't get over it.
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans
Beignets at Cafe Du Monde
I'm NOT a doughnut lover. I'm not even a doughnut liker. But these beignets... They are a bit of sunshine on a rainy day. They are flowers and chocolate and all things good in the world.
Jaques-Imo's Restaurant
Dinner at Jaques-Imo's
This fish was wonderful. It came blackened with a delicious cajun-y sauce. And these little buttery cornbread muffins. The restaurant itself is super fun and lively. It's definitely a great place for a good time.
8324 Oak Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 861-0886
Ice Cream from Creole Creamery. From left: Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake, Cookie Monster, Violet Champagne (with real violets!), Coffee Pecan Brittle.
Amazing ice cream. Rich, creamy, and very unique. They are so unique, in fact, that I can't remember all of their "official" names. I wish you could taste just how good they were.
4924 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70115
504-894-8680
Southern Candymakers Shop in the French Quarter
So I've been told that these people have the best "prah-leens" in New Orleans. Since they were the only ones I tried, I don't think I can disagree.
Southern Candymakers Pralines: Original, Chocolate, Sweet Potato, and Coconut
After New Orleans, we made our way through Baton Rouge and Houston to San Antonio, my new favorite city.
San Antonio River Walk
The Alamo
Is it just me or did you think it would be bigger too?
More San Antonio River Walk
While in San Antonio, we had dinner at The Cove. Texas Monthly rated them as having some of the top 50 burgers in the state. I would have to say I completely agree (even though I did have a veggie burger, it was still one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten!)
The Bella Burger with a portobello mushroom, jack cheese, sauteed spinach, onion, and a spicy poblano sauce. I got the sweet potato fries with it. Sooooooo perfect!
The 09'er: pesto aioli, goat cheese, and roasted red peppers.
606 West Cypress Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 227-2683
Before we left San Antonio we had to make one more stop, purely for research purposes, of course. Adam Richmond from Man vs. Food came to San Antonio to tackle the 3 lb. cinnamon roll.
Yes, there is such a thing. And yes, we got one. To our defense, my mom and I did not eat the whole thing. That would be totally insane (but really delicious). I took a photo with my hand so you could get a good idea of the heft of this monstrosity.
The Mammoth 3lb. Cinnamon Roll
918 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 224-5001
So at this point, I know you think I ate my way across the country. Well, you're right. But I also walked, like a lot. So it's totes okay ;)
Have you been on any interesting trips (or to any neat restaurants) this summer?
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