Cafe Chloe (San Diego)

I am writing this review from the sky over the desert of Arizona; and beyond the beautiful sunset, the taste of flaky almond croissants hasn’t left my imagination since brunch at Café Chloe.

A finale to a girls’ weekend with my four best friends and our mothers, we chose this sought-after spot to give us a last “splurge” before reality (and our diets) commence. The layout of the café was all I could ever want in a restaurant: abundant natural light, curated greenery, a mahogany bar surrounded by white walls and furniture, and quaint tables and chairs throughout the wrap-around patio. The 72-degree weather allowed doors to remain wide open, welcoming sunshine and a nostalgic California breeze.

Upon being seated in a cozy nook in the back, the ten of us unanimously ordered the three different daily pastries - almond, plain, and chocolate croissants - for both the daughters’ side and the mothers’ side. Ashley sliced each pastry for a sampler-style starter alongside our coffee drinks, served in wide-rimmed white ceramic bowls with saucers. The lavender-lemon mimosa sounded divine, but I held myself back considering the continuously-flowing red wine at Cucina Urbana Saturday night did me over! A hazelnut soy latte was just right.

The second entreé down literally called my name: poached eggs over wild mushrooms and a rustic baguette slice. The forest fungi were extra buttery and the slightly runny yolk’s added richness, yet I couldn’t get enough of the combination. I was happy to add a few arugula leaves to each bite, as a light salad with sundried tomato on the side could not be ignored. The yogurt and granola with starfruit, asian pear, and blackberries was expertly seasonal and very popular at the table, as well. Ashley’s traditional applewood bacon and two eggs over easy came with a pulled piece of toasty baguette. I love how Café Chloe elevated classics in its own dainty way, from start to finish…

Better Ice Creamed

My darling friend Mary Catherine Hughes is no short of brilliant. She's a woman who wears many hats: A bubbly Southern Belle in New York City, a Broadway star-to-be and Nanny extraordinaire. But when the KitchenAid ice cream attachment turns on, MC brings a whole new level of mastery. Epic mastery.

It's called Better Ice Creamed; "it" being MC's latest hobby and newest business venture, which is easily warming the hearts of freezing New Yorkers despite frozen temperatures outside. The concept is magnificent: Take a delicacy and turn it into ice cream form. It tastes better as ice cream any way...Right? Right. And we're not talking about the ingredients of pumpkin pie (cinnamon or pumpkin spice ice cream), for example. We are talking about literal slices pumpkin pie infused into a creamy vanilla base that Mary Catherine is perfecting daily. Or a cronut-better-ice-creamed and presented to the cronut (croissant + donut) creator, Dominique Ansel.

When MC visited Memphis for the holidays, the ice cream bowl came with her. The two of us conversed via text message throughout December, spitting out random ideas for unique Memphis pint flavors. We came down to three flavors: Prozac (from Muddy's), Bread Pudding (from The Second Line), and Chocolate + Cinnamon Glazed Donut (from Gibson's).

Holy wow.

I missed out on the Prozac chocolate cupcake flavor while in Nashville over Christmas, but the other two surprisingly graced my doorstep last week before she headed back to New York! I couldn't believe my taste buds. The velvety smooth dessert is rich yet so irresistible and memorable. Chef Kelly: Not to offend your current dessert menu, but I'm thinking a Better Ice Creamed version of your scrumptious bread pudding should be on the list!

Now, if only we could figure out standard shipping to Memphis...If you live in New York, lucky you!

Thanks for sharing with me, MC!

St. James Cheese Company (New Orleans)

In case you were not aware, cheese is essentially one of my favorite creations on this earth. I managed to live on it (with a baguette) throughout my summer in Paris, and I could definitely manage living on it (with traditional accompaniments, of course) if ever stranded on a deserted island. When introduced to St. James Cheese Company last weekend in New Orleans, I quickly reconfirmed my love for the food group.

The Uptown restaurant, which takes orders at the quaint counter, lined up regulars against the overwhelmingly wonderful cheese displays and counters. I couldn't fathom the variety; but I loved it! Local and regional jams, honey, cheese boards, crackers, spices, and olives filled the walls. A large chalkboard describes the menu in its entirety...The Croque Monster and macaroni and cheese sounded out of this world, but I needed lighter fare to get me through the New Orleans weekend.

I ordered the parmesan reggiano salad with artichokes hearts, scrumptious black olives, Fra Mani salami, walnuts, dijon vinaigrette, and plenty of parmesan. The portion was mighty generous. If St. James were situated near me, I'd entitle this salad my new "go-to." I don't think I could ever get tired of the desirable flavor combination.

Riley ordered us a cheese board -- I love how St. James simply asks if you'd like three, five, or seven cheeses. We opted for three: a bleu, a brie, and a gouda. And that cherry compote...Perfection.

I typically vow to only try new restaurants in new cities. Here, I am declaring an exception. I will be going back to St. James during my next New Orleans road trip, and I could not be more excited for it!

Pinewood Social (Nashville)

I had always heard about Pinewood Social, the brilliant 13,000-square-foot collaboration of breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner; coffee and alcoholic drinks; bowling, dining, and lounging. It's dubbed "a place to meet;" and oh, did I meet a fine selection, both on and off the menu.

Upon entering the vast space, the 360-degree bar may first grab your attention. Yet turn left, and you'll see a mini Crema shop (Nashville's popular espresso spot) with apron-clad baristas and a tiny curated pastry counter. I withheld the initial intention to order a vanilla almond milk latté and saved it for the way out, since we were immediately hitting the road back to Memphis.

Although I am a major brunch fan (especially sunny side up eggs), my mother and sister prefer lunch. So, off we ordered at 11:30 a.m.: a lobster roll, kale salad with grilled shrimp, chicken and biscuits with no gravy (rookie mistake, but we didn't feel as stuffed), and fried broccoli.

The chicken on the biscuits was divine -- not too greasy or breaded, but perfectly crisp upon a dense biscuit. I managed to mention that this put Chick Fil A to shame...and I never thought I'd utter those words.

The lobster roll was different than expected, especially since it wasn't "roll," but more of a sandwich on texas toast. The lobster itself was meaty and flavorful. I could have done without the bun and cauliflower salad. Lobster meat on a plate, please?

The kale salad was mountainous and marvelous, especially with shrimp. I recommend it, though I could have enjoyed a small portion rather than regular (they give you the option). I loved the parmesan and mix of greens and purples atop the plate. It went nicely with the flash-fried broccoli with vegan almond aioli (which I could have eaten alone).

The cinnamon sugar doughnut special...oh goodness. Three dips: bourbon vanilla, salted caramel, and Nutella. Because the dessert was served as doughnut hole, one bite felt like no harm! So I ate three. One for each dip. No regrets.

Next time, I'm bowling and trying the dinner menu. I cannot wait to return and Pinewood Socialize.

Texas Pecan Pie

Corsicana, Texas (fifty miles south of Dallas) holds a treasured tradition that, believe it or not, has been around for over one century. Yes, the quaint, family-owned Collin Street Bakery has been shipping pies and their infamous fruitcake since 1896. While I cannot fully comprehend the depth and breadth of this well-established company, I will tell you that they make a mighty fine pecan pie. Hence why I declare today not Wednesday, but Pieday.

Will, one of the owners, shipped a pie and fruitcake to my apartment this past weekend to receive my opinion. He attached a hand-written letter with thoughtful suggestions for serving and enjoying the handmade desserts. Southern hospitality does wonders.

Well, Will, when you literally provide a pie for my kitchen table, you don't have to do much convincing.

I cut a slice (maybe two) and heated it in the microwave for 20 seconds. The molasses melted and created the oozy-gooey texture few can master. Upon the first taste, you'll immediately notice the pecan-sugar blend. I loved it. Plus, the roasted pecans were extra sugar-coated, reminding me of my favorite Billie's Pecans blend. The crust, while thin, proved extra flaky and buttery. Hello, heaven.

Order your own baked confection (or send to a special someone) with the code "41CARA" and I promise you will not be sorry! Did I mention the bakery also makes cookies, cheesecakes, cakes, and anything you could ever dream of? Did I also mention the bakery specializes in shipping special orders, especially if you do not live in Corsicana? It's true - a Christmas miracle!

This post is in partnership with Collin Street Bakery. Thank you for supporting our sponsors!

The Gift of a Legacy (Humphrey's Memphis)

Folk's Folly, Memphis' original (and only local) prime steak house, is our family favorite. It's where we savored my final meal in Memphis before heading off to college, and it's where we have celebrated too many birthdays among the five of us to count. It is where I can count on a fabulous filet a la duxelle (butterflied with a rich mushroom demi glace) or classic lobster tail (candle-lit butter and all). It's where I most appreciate Memphis' fine southern hospitality.

Next door's prime cut shoppe has always been fueled by the legacy of founder Humphrey Folk. Only now, he's at the forefront of the picture. The new name proudly reflects off of the redesigned retail space, where you can take the same filet from the Folk's Folly dining room to your own dining room. Or, if not for your home, for someone else's.

Humphrey's offers fresh (never frozen) prime cuts for overnight delivery anywhere in the Continental United States. Yes, that means you can ship to any relative or friend! Every recipient receives a finely crafted packaging suite (hand-signed by the butcher) with cooking instructions and the works.

If you're still in need of a Christmas or Hanukkah gift, and you're past the standard shipping deadline, take a sigh of relief. You've got Humphrey's. Your friends and family will not forget this fine gesture of quality, thoughtfulness, and hospitality, especially compared to generic, go-to gift ideas. Take my word for it. Order now.

Humphrey's rebranding was crafted by doug carpenter & associates. Check out our company's portfolio here.

photos by sarah rossi and john david dowdle