Spaghetti and Meatballs

I don't often order spaghetti and meatballs when I'm out (my mother's would undeniably make my BEST list) but sometimes all you crave is a soft, moist blend of breading, garlic, fresh herbs, and - of course - meat. A hearty marinara that clings just enough to the spaghetti, with tiny bursts of tomato (gotta love a sauce with some body to it) completed our dish.

I say "our," because at Carmine's, no one dish is for one person. We're talking traditional family style cooking and serving - three of us couldn't make it through an appetizer and a single entree. It was a little embarrassing. My advice: go big and go hungry! Or go small and prepared for lots of leftovers (which were just as delicious the next day).

Where to enjoy this yourself:

Carmine's
425 7th Street NW
at the Penn Quarter
Washington D.C.
http://www.carminesnyc.com/

Many of you may know of the famous Carmine's in New York City - same get up! They've branched out to DC, Atlantic City, and the Bahamas. I can vouch for the Theater District (NYC) and DC locations!

Custom Hotcakes

Now, I've already posted about hotcakes. And I don't like to be redundant. But! THESE hotcakes aren't on the menu - they're a custom make-up of the best they have to offer (in my humble opinion :)

Pamela's offers a few really great combinations to fill their crispy-edged hotcakes. Fresh banana with chocolate chips and whipped cream is one...fresh strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar is another. So why not have the best of both worlds?? Fresh strawberries with chocolate chips and whipped cream? Yes, please!

Where you can enjoy these by request yourself:

Pamela's
Pittsburgh, PA
http://www.pamelasdiner.com

Here are all the different locations they have throughout Pittsburgh. Check out their website for exact locations of each branch:

- Mt. Lebanon
- Squirrel Hill
- Shadyside
- Millvale
- Oakland
- Strip District

Hello, readers!

Thanks to everyone for your patience. Early last spring I moved to a new state, new job, new life. It's been very exciting, and I've been keeping extremely busy! However, I think I can confidently say I'm now settled in. And have been enjoying some great food. Get ready for some great posts (with much better regularity)!

Cheers! :-)