goin' to the zoo...zoo...zoo

I mean, aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium, that is! That was the first part of my birthday actually. There we sampled a delicious clam chowder and oyster po'boy.

Yum! After meandering through the aquarium, we explored the surrounding area for a bit and found a piece of our childhood.

Dippin' Dots!

ice cream break...

I couldn't resist inserting this post in the midst of the bridal shower posts, because seriously, who can resist ice cream? For Friday night fellowship activity night, we all trekked over to Fenton's for some good, old-fashioned ice cream.

Now, I do think that Fenton's ice cream isn't the best out there (too much sugar, and sometimes overkill on flavors), but their portions are HUGE (as are their prices, sadly). You go more for the experience, I think; it's loud, crowded, but still retains the charm of an old-fashioned ice cream soda shop.

We shared the Black and Tan. It's toasted almond ice cream with vanilla ice cream, fudge, caramel, whipped cream, and a cherry on top!

Tim had the challenge, where they give you a massive amount of ice cream with all the fixin's on top for you to finish in 15 minutes. Tim did it in 7.

See how happy we are? (No we didn't eat this between the two of us...there were four of us sharing!)

Fenton's Creamery
4226 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611-4749

Pictures courtesy of Tammy.

ici

N, I am so, so jealous of your trip. I really want a donut now. A mochi donut. Maybe more than one. Probably 5. Or 10.

So, in my jealous rage, I will post about Ici, because I know you love it. Yes, I am shameless. Yes, I also know you will be back here soon and this post will mean nothing! Please, just let me have my moment of insanity.

The Bay Area is notorious for spawning restaurants out of Alice Waters (creator of Chez Panisse), who is often credited for the sustainable, green, organic movement in New American cuisine/restaurants. Now, I don't know much about that--it makes for simple dishes with fresh ingredients, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. Ici is an ice cream shop, created by a pastry chef who worked for Waters, with these same principles. Good ingredients, but you pay for it.



Nevertheless, the ice cream there is (at times) creative and delicious. Their flavors include classics like vanilla and chocolate, but they often experiment with other pairings, such as chicory coffee, earl grey, candied walnut, cilantro-lime (don't ask!)...

I got a scoop of candied Meyer lemon with a scoop of chicory coffee (the strangest pairing, both are delicious on its own, but I wouldn't get them together again) on top of their famous cone with a chocolate bottom. Dan got a caramel something or other with apricot? I totally forgot, but those were interesting too.



The lines are atrocious, always, and the flavors, which change daily, are hit-or-miss, but on a hit day, it's so worth it. They're really nice people--you can try all the flavors you want before making your decision!

Ici Ice Cream
http://www.ici-icecream.com/
2948 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705

bi-rite creamery

Speaking of The Best Thing I Ever Ate, the show also featured Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco, which we have been to!!

The ice cream (salted caramel, need I say more?) is really, really good. No really, I have to stress that. They write the flavors of the day on a charming blackboard and also on the glass display. They'll let you try all the flavors you want. Yes, good service, but trust me, you're paying for it.


The last time I went, they had set up a softserve counter with a couple of baked items. I wouldn't wait in line for these things; instead, brave the insanity and walk to the other end of the block to wait in line for the real ice cream.


They also have a cute little market where you can buy produce, groceries, and other specialty items. Love!

Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 626-5600

san diego adventures and my mama's birthday part 2

Part 2 is all about desserts. We went to Extraordinary Desserts, which boasts cakes, tarts, and other baked goods, with ice cream, tea, coffee, and drinks as well as savory food. Situated in an urban warehouse with modern decor, Extraordinary Desserts is a bustling hub for San Diegans who want to grab a bite, chill with friends, or sample sweets. (We went to the location near the Gaslamp District.)




We ordered a beignet, which is somewhat of a French donut, served with strawberry ice cream. I confess, I didn't think it was that special (maybe I expected more because it was on the specials list or maybe I'm just spoiled because we have great bakeries in the Bay Area); it was a bit sweet for my taste.

We also had a coffeecake, but my mother, who ordered this, was sadly disappointed because Asian bakeries, when they say coffeecake, mean coffee-flavored cake, whereas American/European bakeries mean cake to eat with coffee. Nevertheless, it was good, but also a tad sweet. Still who could say no to that presentation?

Daddy ordered some tea (cute no?), but I didn't think it was worth the money really, but the teabag (I know, blasphemous!) was unique and they filled the pot with hot water each time you asked.

Some more pictures:

Extraordinary Desserts
1439 Union St
San Diego, CA 92101