Burnt Caramel at Tara's Organic Ice Cream - Berkeley, CA

Tara's Organic Ice Cream
3173 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
Website

I'd heard about Tara's but had only made it to Ici in Berkeley, but yesterday I had a "baby scoop" at Tara's because I didn't want a full scoop (I was kind of full), and it was so good! I also sampled the apple pie flavor, but it was a little too spice-y for me. I should have sampled the more unique flavors, but I always feel guilty asking for more than one sample. The burnt caramel was so good and different than my usual favorite, salted caramel, and it was creamy! Reminded me of a combination of the creaminess and the top burnt caramel part of a creme brulee.

Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe - Boston (as seen in Ted)

Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe
429 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02116

Had to try this place after watching Ted with Blake. John and Lori ate at Charlie's in a scene toward the end of the movie. Turns out Charlie's has great food and friendly service and customers in real life!

Blake's Western omelette was goood.

Western omelette

Blueberry griddle cakes (waitress recommended these). Good but not super duper amazing.

They even had a Ted movie poster

 

Sam's Chowder House - Half Moon Bay, CA

Sooo good! Not overly clammy or overly creamy.

Sam's Chowder House
4210 Cabrillo Hwy N
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Website

The Today Show said this place has one of the top 5 sandwiches in America in 2009. Not bad! We didn't try their lobster roll though, but everyone on Yelp seems to love it. If only I didn't hate lobster. lol

Good but nothing amazing. Soft and slightly chewy. Slightly sour too, and I do not like sourdough.

Polenta fries. Reminded us of those French toast sticks from Burger King! Good. Fried on the outside but soft and corn meal-y and slightly mushy on the inside. I can see the texture being weird for people, but I knew what to expect, and I love polenta! These were also very hot and fresh!

It's almost like having a bite of salty & fried corn meal porridge

Blake's fish and chips. Generous portions and tasty fish and coleslaw! Blake liked the fries too.

LOVED the cucumber salad. I love those types of salads. The burger was delicious as well, and the chips were freshly made. I'm not a huge fan of plain chips though, so I wasn't crazy about these. I should have asked for fries or something instead.

Not the best salmon burger ever (the best was this one from Black Hawk Grille in San Ramon), but this was definitely delicious!

Ice Cream at à la Minute - Redlands, CA

Kristine introduced me to this awesome ice cream place in Redlands. I went on Thursday with her, Marina, and Erin, and then I went a couple of days later with Mia because it was so good! This is one of those must-try ice cream places. Why? (a) Unique flavors, (b) fresh AND local ingredients, (c) they make it fresh from scratch right in front of you (with liquid nitrogen) right after you order, and (d) DELICIOUS! Firm and very slightly icy but creamy at the same time. Perfect!

19 East Citrus Ave. #105
Redlands, CA 92373

 My Salted Caramel:

Salted Caramel - "Granlund's caramel ice cream topped with French sea salt (Fleur de Sel de Guérande)"

Strawberry Balsamic - "Fresh from the strawberry patch!"

Chocolate Lavender (Ice cream & topping were delicious and just a subtle hint of lavender, which is good for people who don't like floral flavors like me!):

Chocolate Lavender - Blackbirds dark chocolate & Farm organic lavender topped with cocoa/cacao nibs mixed with Soffel clover honey

This mint chip ice cream was so delicious. I saw them blending the fresh mint leaves, and it wasn't too minty!

Fresh Mint Chip - "Fresh local grown mint mixed with Guittards chocolate chips"

The fresh & local ingredients!

So cool! Literally and figuratively.