Fun With Carbs

Some people crunch numbers or push papers all day long  to earn a buck. Me? I chase down cupcake trucks. 

I heard from Courant colleagues earlier this week that a new mobile bakery, the Cupcake Brake, had launched in Hartford. Knowing how popular the Cupcake Truck is in New Haven – and how crazy the lines are when that truck comes up to Hartford – I knew this would be a hit.

Check out my post on A La Carte.

Interesting backstory – the truck’s owner is a former financial planner. He earned a culinary degree years ago, went into finance and then realized he wanted to get back into baking. Nothing like following your dream.

I tried one of the “Mohegan Mocha” cupcakes topped with vanilla buttercream this afternoon. Holy decadence. The buttercream is made with real vanilla bean – and LOTS of butter. A carrot cupcake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting is waiting for Rob.

Bun Tom Thit Nuong with grilled shrimp and pork

I reviewed West Hartford’s Pho Boston for the Courant today. Delicious Vietnamese dishes. Love the chicken pho and the bun with grilled shrimp and pork, pictured.

What’s even more fun than eating great authentic food is sharing it with those who are brand-new to it. This was the visit where Sara attempted to eat tripe, hot chili peppers, sriracha and tapioca pearls. Revisit this entry here, especially if you want to laugh – or cringe.

Click here for Pho  Boston’s website.

Get hungry, burger lovers. Five Guys Burgers and Fries has opened in  Enfield, CT at 168 Elm Street, right next door to Asnuntuck Community College.

Read my previous post on these delicious burgers and fries here.

This is the only store (thus far) north of central Connecticut, where you can find Five Guys locations in Farmington, Avon and Middletown.

Count 'em. Nine patties.

When you’re a food blogger, it’s your job to eat a lot. And sometimes it’s your job to watch others stuff their faces, as we did yesterday afternoon at Doogie’s in Newington. Rock jock Zuko from Hartford’s 106.9 WCCC took on the “Whacky Burger” challenge at the restaurant.

The burger, pictured at left, consists of three pounds of beef. That’s nine 1/3-pound patties. Also: French fries, onions, peppers, secret sauce and three types of cheese.

You can read the entry (with video and more photos) over at A La Carte. It was entertaining, to say the least!

I am now blogging at A La Carte, a new daily restaurant blog for ctnow.com.  Click on over and check it out!

Already, we’ve covered some delicious stuff: Bun Lai welcoming children and families for a free sushi lunch at Miya’s, approval for the state’s first Sonic Drive-In in Wallingford, a week-long three-course lunch special for just $20.10 at ON20 and a new happy hour deal at the Cheesecake Factory. I’m also working on a St. Patrick’s Day/Irish menu roundup, and I’ll be covering a Whacky Burger eating challenge at Doogie’s Friday afternoon.

If you hear of any restaurant openings/closings/menu changes/events/you name it, feel free to email me anytime. much appreciated!