The Standard Baking Co.

I’m having one of those morning when I can’t quite seem to wake up.  I know exactly what would help, a bold coffee and chocolate croissant from The Standard Baking Co.  Yummmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Typically I save these trips for special occasions since I live about 30 minutes away during traffic time, but I may have to make an exception this morning.  Just look at how gorgeous their croissants are!

One of the first things people kept telling me when I told them I was moving to Portland Maine was that I had to check out this amazing French bakery down on Commercial Street.  They weren’t wrong!  Nestled in the heart of  the Old Port at 75 Commercial Street it is a charming little bakery that serves, hands down, the most scrumptious breads and pastries I’ve ever had…. and I come from the land of Flour (an equally amazing bakery) in Boston so you know I am worthy of judging!  You don’t have to just take my word for it, they have amazing ratings on Yelp and I have yet to meet a local that doesn’t sing their praises.  Beware that parking can be a bit tricky during peak times and make sure you have a pretty good sense of what you want before you get to the front of the line, yes there will most likely be a line, so you won’t irritate the many folks that are lining up behind you to get their orders.  Next time I host a dinner party you’d better believe that I will be picking up some a fresh baguette and cookies

Photo Credit: Still Life With Cupcake.  She does a fabulous review, click here to read.

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  The Green Elephant

A huge shout-out to The Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro in Portland, Maine located at 608 Congress Street.  Carnivores beware this type of delectable cuisine might become all the rage if restaurants keep serving up such mouthwatering fare.  It’s tough to stand out in the Portland area since every corner seems to bring another amazing restaurant but The Green Elephant has definitely made me want to return again and again.

Credit: Portland Daily Photo

I had a bit of time to kill this afternoon and it was lunch time and I had been hearing rave reviews about this little vegetarian restaurant in the neighborhood so I decided to stop by and give it a try.  I was not disappointed.  The interiors were utterly charming.  They hit straight at my heart since I’ve always been a fan of the combination of light wood and the classic Emeco Navy chair.  They had a sweet little bar in the back that I would have taken advantage of had it been in the evening I wasn’t responsible for getting my car home.  I only had a chance to try a few things on the menu but I’m looking forward to going back again soon to dive into some of the heartier meals.  Today I had the Tempura Asparagus Salad with Coconut-Milk Peanut Dressing and due to the encouragement of my waitress the Brussels Sprout Appetizer.  She said they weren’t to be missed and I agree.  I even took a picture!

So if you’re in the area make sure to stop in and treat yourself to some vegetarian or vegan dishes that will help you finally understand what those animal lovers are always raving about!  Click here for full menu.

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  Two Moms In The Raw

Since I’ve been spending so much more time at Starbucks lately I have decided that I need to find a healthy treat for when my tummy starts rumbling.  I just switched over from my mocha to a peppermint tea… no more chocolate shots for this gal… well, at least for a while. One of my new finds that I’ve been loving is the “Two Moms In The Raw” granola bars.  They have a delectable cinnamon flavor and they fill you up without making you feel sluggish.  Be warned you have to participate in the eating of this granola bar.  You jaw will definitely get a work out but it’s worth it.

Click here for nutritional information.

The other good news is that the goji berry and blueberry granola bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, 100% organic and vegan.  You really can’t go wrong!

 

 

 

 

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  Run Don’t Walk It’s Honeycrisp Time

It’s that time of year when apples are in season, hooray! I have to admit that I’m the type of person that eats apples all year round even though they aren’t in season, but boy oh boy do they taste better in the fall… no mealy or tasteless rocks this time of year.  I guess I’ve always taken that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” saying a bit too seriously. As I study more and more about the benefits of eating a local and seasonal diet I have begun to feel sad about having to say goodbye to my favorite foods for part of the year. Luckily we’re in the heart of apple season so I have some time to adjust to my seasonal eating plan.  Over the weekend I was in Whole Foods picking up some last minute ingredients for a dinner party I was hosting when I saw the sign for Honeycrips apples, I literally ran over to the stand, luckily there were no children blocking my way.  I filled up my bag with six beautiful apples and even though it’s kind of gross to admit I did eat one of the way home.  I’m trying hard not to think too much about the stuff I didn’t get the chance to wash away.  I encourage all of you to head to your local market and pick up your favorite apples for eating and baking.  There are so many great recipes out there to try.  Perhaps I’ll even post one of my favorites later this week.  For now just enjoy eating something that’s fresh and in season.  They way mother nature intended.

For any dorks out there click here to read an article on the origin of the Honeycrisp apple.

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