"RHODE" TRIP EATS

Jet Setting doesn't always have to be about getting on an airplane to do fun things.  Sometimes, it's fun to hop in the car and go...and that's what I just did!  The week before New Year's, I took a quick road trip with one of my really good friends, her baby boy and mine up to Rhode Island. We went to visit one of her really good friends and her two nieces. We had a lot of awesome girl time, which included shopping at Providence Place Mall, and eating some traditional Rhody food.  

Our first stop was to Olneyville N.Y. System.  I had it on my list of places to check out...remember???

Olneyville N.Y. System is home to Rhode Island's best hot weiners. Hot Weiners are a staple of the food culture in Rhode Island, and the only way to order them is "All The Way." What will you get when you order it that way? Well...a thin hotdog (made of veal and pork), that is served in a steamed bun, and topped with meat sauce, diced onions, celery salt and yellow mustard...it is oh so good!  I washed it down with a cup of coffee milk (Rhode Island's official state drink).  What's that?  Rhode Island has an official state drink?  I know!  That's exactly what I said.  I never had heard of such a thing, but it's true.  Coffee Milk is a drink similar to chocolate milk, but instead of chocolate syrup, it's made with coffee syrup.  Coffee Milk was first introduced to Rhode Islanders in the 1920's, and became so popular that it was named the official state drink in 1993.  (I didn't try a "coffee cabinet"- coffee milk and ice cream...gotta have it next time!)

We then went to Newport Creamery for dessert and I tried one of their Awful Awful's.  Awful Awful stands for "Awful Big, Awful Good!"  And that so was the case.  I got the chocolate- basically one of the BEST chocolate milkshakes I have ever had!

What a fun little delicious "Rhode Trip!" 

 I still have to go back and try Bob and Timmy's and Haven Brothers Diner.  

Any other good places to try...let me know.

HAPPY 2012

Happy New Year Jet Setters!  I just returned from two back-2-back road trips.  The first was to Rhode Island, and then I spent New Year's in Montreal...both were amazing!  I hope to take many more trips in 2012 than I did in 2011 (having a baby made it a bit hard to do :).  Anyway, hope you all had a great New Year's....and I will share more about my trips soon!

10 THINGS

Poncho & Turtleneck: H&M, Pants: Ann Taylor Loft, Boots: Unity at Famous Footwear, Pin: Much Love Illy

1. Jet Setting to be with family tonight.  Yay, let the holidays begin!  Especially excited for baby's First Christmas!
2. Please love that it's almost 60 degrees out today. Are you kidding me.  It's the middle of December?!?
3. I have not even started my Christmas shopping!!!  Mall, I will be your best friend tonight and all day tomorrow.
4. Coquito!!!  It's a holiday tradition in my family.
5. Road Trip to Rhode Island next week with one of my best girlfriends, her son and mine.  Girl time is the best!  And with babies included...I'm in heaven!
6. Planning a family vacation for New Year's Eve weekend.  Trying to decide...Montreal, Boston, Philly or Washington D.C.
7. The best thing about our tradition of exchanging x-mas p.j.'s...getting to throw out some old ones and finally getting some new ones.
8. Mom just got email.  I know, I know.  It took forever, but it DID happen!
9. Just bought a jacket that was originally $149, on sale for $16.  Booyah!
10. Recently discovered Stephen's hot chocolate..need I say more?!?

RHODE ISLAND ROAD TRIP

I'll be taking a little road trip to Rhode Island (the Ocean State) with one of my girlfriends and our two little boys next week.  Of course shopping will be on the agenda, and next to that, some good eats.  If we make it to Providence, these are the three places I want to try:
(1) Bob and Timmy's: This place is home to a grilled pizza that's supposed to be really good.  There's a location in Providence and one in North Smithfield.  All of Bob and Timmy's pies are amazing from what I've heard (including the Red Pepper Layered Chicken and the Fully Loaded Everything), but the true Rhode Island classic is the Spinach and Mushroom pie.  The pie begins with 9 ounces of homemade dough soaked in olive oil.  After it's grilled, the pie is topped with fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, crumbled feta and more parmesan.

(2) Haven Brothers Diner:  This is a diner on wheels that's been around since 1888.  This place parks outside of City Hall and is supposed to serve really delicious burgers.  If I go, I have to try the Triple Murder Burger- a three patty burger with cheese, bacon, egg, sautéed onions and mushrooms, mayo, mustard, relish, ketchup, lettuce and tomatoes.

(3) Olneyville N.Y. System:  Since 1946, this place has been home to Rhode Island's best hot wieners.  There are three locations (Providence, North Providence and Cranston).  True Rhodies get the fully loaded with mustard, onions and loads of meat sauce.  The wiener is made with beef, pork and veal, then it's grilled and topped with mustard and meat sauce (which has onion, ground hamburger and spices).  Then it's topped with more onions and celery salt.

Yummo! I can't wait to go!  Got any more good Rhode Island eateries that I should try...let me know!