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Showing posts with label Downtown Charm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Downtown Charm. Show all posts
French Broad Chocolate Lounge - Asheville, NC
Oh, my!
If you love chocolate, your mothership has landed!
I've read a few reviews that call this place expensive and refer to the staff as being pretentious. While it isn't exactly cheap, it isn't overwhelming. Although, anything adds up quickly when you have 4 kiddos.
Most importantly to note, though, the staff was PHENOMENAL. One young guy in particular, was probably the friendliest, most enthusiastic, most attentive service employee I've seen in years. I wish I would have caught his name, and I could kick myself for not having given him a bigger tip!
All in all, we ordered:
Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Salted Caramel Drinking Chocolate
Triple Layered Chocolate Ganache Cake
Cookies and Milk Ice Cream
10 truffles, with a few duplicates
The hot cocoa was our safety net in a comfortable flavor. Heavy on the milk, but still plenty of chocolate. I thought $4.50 for a hot cocoa was a little much, but you're talking to someone who has never been to Starbucks. They have tons of custom flavors and options available, so I guess if you go for something more exotic, the price tag isn't terrible.
The Salted Caramel Drinking Chocolate was the hit of the evening. I've never experienced drinking chocolate, and none of us had any idea what to expect. Oh. My. Heaven in a cup. It's a little hard to explain. It pretty much is melted chocolate with a bit of steamed milk. Heavier in substance than cocoa, but it still flows perfectly when gently sipped. They refer to it as a Melted Truffle, and it wears this honor well. Again, you have tons of flavor options, so have a little fun with this one! You'll be oh-so-glad you did! $4.50 for a cup of the drinking chocolate felt like a smart investment. And one I definitely hope to make again as soon as possible!
The Ganache Cake was yummy, too. The outside layer felt like it could have used a touch of freshness, but the inside ganache was perfect... They had several options of cake slices, but this one was a definite winner for our collective palates. Next time, I'd like to try the Olive Oil Chocolate Cake, as it also looked amazing and sounded unique. Most of the cake slices ran around $5-$7 each. They weren't as generous as, say, slices from the Cheesecake Factory, but they were definitely larger than you'd get in the average casual dining restaurant.
Ogie is a little less brave, so the Cookies and Milk ice cream was his selection for the occasion. The lady who waited on him was quite patient as he sampled a few choices, and then she loaded him up with a generous double scoop that kept him quite happy. The kids portion was $2 and change, but the double scoop was more our speed at $5.25.
Ogie tried three of the truffles, but they were a bit too exotic for an 8 year old; so we divvied them up amongst the ladies instead. The girls aren't quite as brave as I wish they were, so we didn't get anything vastly avant-garde from the truffle selection, but we each got to try Peppermint, Hazelnut, Turtle, and Sorghum. The kids all gravitated towards the Peppermint and the Turtle. Mama Bear loved them all, and one day will definitely try some of the more unique flavors from their Signature or World Collections, like the Indian Kulfi, Masala Chai, Mole Negro, Earl Grey, and the Canela Picante...
Oh. My. Mothership, take me away!
I'd love to list all your options. From truffle flavors, to cakes, to ice cream, to other cookies and desserts, to all the hot drink choices... But, you'd be better off visiting www.frenchbroadchocolates.com
Or, you'd be even better suited to go there. Now. Literally. Don't even get dressed. Just jump in your car and drive. To Chocolate Heaven.
PS... Happy 12th Birthday, Bibby!
If you love chocolate, your mothership has landed!
Most importantly to note, though, the staff was PHENOMENAL. One young guy in particular, was probably the friendliest, most enthusiastic, most attentive service employee I've seen in years. I wish I would have caught his name, and I could kick myself for not having given him a bigger tip!
All in all, we ordered:
Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Salted Caramel Drinking Chocolate
Triple Layered Chocolate Ganache Cake
Cookies and Milk Ice Cream
10 truffles, with a few duplicates
The hot cocoa was our safety net in a comfortable flavor. Heavy on the milk, but still plenty of chocolate. I thought $4.50 for a hot cocoa was a little much, but you're talking to someone who has never been to Starbucks. They have tons of custom flavors and options available, so I guess if you go for something more exotic, the price tag isn't terrible.
The Salted Caramel Drinking Chocolate was the hit of the evening. I've never experienced drinking chocolate, and none of us had any idea what to expect. Oh. My. Heaven in a cup. It's a little hard to explain. It pretty much is melted chocolate with a bit of steamed milk. Heavier in substance than cocoa, but it still flows perfectly when gently sipped. They refer to it as a Melted Truffle, and it wears this honor well. Again, you have tons of flavor options, so have a little fun with this one! You'll be oh-so-glad you did! $4.50 for a cup of the drinking chocolate felt like a smart investment. And one I definitely hope to make again as soon as possible!
The Ganache Cake was yummy, too. The outside layer felt like it could have used a touch of freshness, but the inside ganache was perfect... They had several options of cake slices, but this one was a definite winner for our collective palates. Next time, I'd like to try the Olive Oil Chocolate Cake, as it also looked amazing and sounded unique. Most of the cake slices ran around $5-$7 each. They weren't as generous as, say, slices from the Cheesecake Factory, but they were definitely larger than you'd get in the average casual dining restaurant.
Ogie is a little less brave, so the Cookies and Milk ice cream was his selection for the occasion. The lady who waited on him was quite patient as he sampled a few choices, and then she loaded him up with a generous double scoop that kept him quite happy. The kids portion was $2 and change, but the double scoop was more our speed at $5.25.
Ogie tried three of the truffles, but they were a bit too exotic for an 8 year old; so we divvied them up amongst the ladies instead. The girls aren't quite as brave as I wish they were, so we didn't get anything vastly avant-garde from the truffle selection, but we each got to try Peppermint, Hazelnut, Turtle, and Sorghum. The kids all gravitated towards the Peppermint and the Turtle. Mama Bear loved them all, and one day will definitely try some of the more unique flavors from their Signature or World Collections, like the Indian Kulfi, Masala Chai, Mole Negro, Earl Grey, and the Canela Picante...
Oh. My. Mothership, take me away!
I'd love to list all your options. From truffle flavors, to cakes, to ice cream, to other cookies and desserts, to all the hot drink choices... But, you'd be better off visiting www.frenchbroadchocolates.com
Or, you'd be even better suited to go there. Now. Literally. Don't even get dressed. Just jump in your car and drive. To Chocolate Heaven.
PS... Happy 12th Birthday, Bibby!
Ice on the Landing - Chattanooga, TN
It's not every day you get to go ice skating when you live in the South, so this was definitely an extra special treat. The downside is, when you don't go ice skating every day, you tend to stink at.
This wasn't exactly the most fruitful investment we've ever made, but it's one of those things that you have to try, at least to know you tried!
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| Gearing Up! |
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| Ice Princesses |
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| Are You Brave Enough, Bibby? |
As for the critique, I'm going to go out on a limb and assume there are probably better places to try your hand at ice torture, um, I mean, ice skating, than a temporary rink set up and ran by iphone-wielding teenagers who were also NOT raised in an icy biome. Everyone was friendly, but not super helpful. The cashier knew how to take your $10, but not much else. The rest of the staff seemed more interested in coordinating a group pizza order.
After struggling for a while, we decided to rent "Ice Buddies" for $4 each. The blue plastic units that resembled handicapped walking devices looked super-useful in helping the little kids learn to position themselves on the ice. But apparently, if you're over 5 feet tall, you get an actual handicapped walking device.
If you are concerned about looking socially awkward, I'd already discourage the use of an Ice Buddy. Since I'm not the slightest bit concerned about social awkwardness (if I were I'd never leave the house and this blog would simply be toys.blogspot.com) we attempted to give these gizmos a try.
All awkwardness aside, they were still pretty useless. They didn't slide at all. If you're over 5 feet tall, suck it up and learn to skate without an Ice Buddy. Instead, spend your $4 on hot cocoa. Or butt padding.
If you have experience skating, this might be fun. But, then again, if you have experience skating, is it fun to dodge the dozens of people around you that don't know what the heck they are doing?
$10 per person seems a little expensive for Ice Bumper Cars, whether you are the car or the bump.
But, even with our egos bruised as badly as our derrieres, it's still an afternoon spent with friends.
And THAT is what it's all about!
Cream City - Cookeville, TN
Any town that has a Historic District named after an ice cream store is A-OK in my book!
I don't know the history of Cream City, but I know the place there now is pretty awesome!
It's got a laid back coffee shop type atmosphere with comfy couches and chalkboard-topped tables. The kids love to pick from the many flavors they offer, and then grace the tables with their artistic masterpieces.
In addition to ice cream, you've got a variety of hot drinks, sodas, and a few snacks like hot dogs.
Two of our favorite flavors are the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake and the Mexican Chocolate.
I'm not sure what your favorite is, but I'll bet Cream City has it!
I don't know the history of Cream City, but I know the place there now is pretty awesome!
It's got a laid back coffee shop type atmosphere with comfy couches and chalkboard-topped tables. The kids love to pick from the many flavors they offer, and then grace the tables with their artistic masterpieces.
In addition to ice cream, you've got a variety of hot drinks, sodas, and a few snacks like hot dogs.
Two of our favorite flavors are the Dulce de Leche Cheesecake and the Mexican Chocolate.
I'm not sure what your favorite is, but I'll bet Cream City has it!
Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop - Brevard, NC
Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop
"What a FUN Place to Eat in Brevard, NC!"
50 S Broad Street,
Brevard,
North Carolina
Brevard,
North Carolina
"What a FUN Place to Eat in Brevard, NC!"
Brevard, North Carolina is a fun little town in any season.
In its quaint downtown area, you will find a plethora of unique food choices. Some are more expensive than others, though; so if you are looking for something fun, casual, and not bank-breaking, consider Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop!
If you have kids, you'll definitely want to be checking out the two story O.P Taylor's Toys. If you park on the east side of the building, Rocky's is just two or three doors down.
The second you walk in the door, the 1950's swallow you up and transport you back to a time of good, simple family fun!
The jukebox is cranking out tunes, while the decor and ambiance engulf your senses. Whether you're in the mood for a burger, or a shake... Or even a banana split, Rocky's is going to hit the spot.
The wait staff is super friendly, and they all go out of their way to make sure you and your family are having an absolute blast.
When we visited, my youngest was 11 months old, and she spent the entire visit in her high chair bopping away to the classic tunes.
When you are done eating, be sure to check out the souvenirs, and the awesome shop connected to the diner... Yep, you guessed it! D.D. Bullwinkel's General Store! Whether you feel the need to browse old-fashioned toys, modern hiking supplies, or just spend a few moments absorbing the local flavor, these two places are definitely a load of Brevard-style fun!
For great music, excellent burgers and fries, and super huge, delicious banana splits, Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop gets 5 stars from our gang!
Yum, yum!
If you have kids, you'll definitely want to be checking out the two story O.P Taylor's Toys. If you park on the east side of the building, Rocky's is just two or three doors down.
The second you walk in the door, the 1950's swallow you up and transport you back to a time of good, simple family fun!
The jukebox is cranking out tunes, while the decor and ambiance engulf your senses. Whether you're in the mood for a burger, or a shake... Or even a banana split, Rocky's is going to hit the spot.
The wait staff is super friendly, and they all go out of their way to make sure you and your family are having an absolute blast.
When we visited, my youngest was 11 months old, and she spent the entire visit in her high chair bopping away to the classic tunes.
When you are done eating, be sure to check out the souvenirs, and the awesome shop connected to the diner... Yep, you guessed it! D.D. Bullwinkel's General Store! Whether you feel the need to browse old-fashioned toys, modern hiking supplies, or just spend a few moments absorbing the local flavor, these two places are definitely a load of Brevard-style fun!
For great music, excellent burgers and fries, and super huge, delicious banana splits, Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop gets 5 stars from our gang!
Yum, yum!
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