Mad Girl Eats The Griddle Cafe Hollywood

The Griddle Café, 7916 Sunset, Los Angeles, CA.

Need a decadent breakfast? Stop here. Really. Sinfully shameful goodness on a plate. Start with a coffee…your choice of roasts AND your own personal French press delivered to your table. B freaking brilliant. That was an unexpected sign this was going to be an epic breakfast.

I knew going in I was to order the red velvet pancakes, the picture I saw of it was drool-worthy. Feeling oh so naughty, let’s try the Devil’s Daydream French Toast also. If you’re going to do it, do it big!

Big is what arrived! The red velvet pancake was the size of a platter, with a mesmerizing swirl of cream cheese frosting and heavy-handed sprinkle of powdered sugar. Tender, moist, rich red velvet goodness, add maple syrup and what you have is a sugar mongers bliss. Ah-mazing. Chocolate lovers, I didn’t leave you out.

With a name like Devil’s Daydream, just imagine what this is going to deliver! Thick luscious chocolate bread, loaded with semisweet chocolate pieces, dipped and griddled into a delectable French toast, topped with whipped cream and finished with both powdered sugar and cocoa. This was definitely a dream. I ate it like someone was going to steal it from me. Maple syrup just added the extra bam that sent me over the edge. If you eat this without sounding orgasmic, you’re not doing it right. This devil is daydreaming of when I can get back to Hollywood and eat more of their menu.

Tip: The coffee helped cut the sweet a bit, but get a side of bacon, sausage, or egg or you will be in a sugar coma.

Near the intersection of Sunset and Fairfax, next to the Director’s Guild of America building….hard to miss this large black glass modern office building on the corner. Maybe you’ll have a bite with Spielberg or Scorcese, you never know! Free side street parking.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.

http://thegriddlecafe.com

5 out of 5 bodacious bites of breakfast nirvana.

Alaska! Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau

Tracy’s King Crab Shack, 356 S Franklin St, Juneau, Alaska.

Located in picturesque downtown Juneau, just off the cruise ship docks, is the tiny masterpiece of Tracy’s King Crab Shack. You’ll see a pod of food truck/shack vendors from the sidewalk, and hidden in the back you’ll  find the mega King Crab sensations being offered at Tracy’s. Not only King crab, but all Alaskan crab, snow crab and Dungeness. Can I get a Yum Yum?!

The crab legs looked crazy amazing. Not feeling very hungry, plus chilled and wet from the typical summer Alaskan day, I opted for their Award-Winning, homemade King Crab Bisque. Creamy, hot, full-on rich crabby flavor and chunks of meaty crab were perfection. It hit the spot and was the best bisque I’ve ever had. Accompanying it were 2 luscious yeasty, fluffy, warm and garlic buttery dinner rolls. I could have eaten 20 of them! This was a flawless choice and a ‘must-devour’ if you find yourself in Juneau. By-the-way, you can order bisque packets and king crab from their site. Booyah!

As seen on Bravo’s Top Chef.

Open May 1-Sept. 25, 2013. 10:30am – 8pm. Outdoor and tented dining areas.

http://kingcrabshack.com

5 out of 5 super soup swilling satiated points.

Yum Yum Cupcake Truck in Orlando

I made it to Orlando’s Food Truck Bazaar at the Fashion Square Mall on a hot Sunday evening. With 22 trucks in attendance, I had my choice of cuisines. My first pick was the bright yellow striped truck, Yum Yum Cupcake. I’m a freak for some sweet treats. Dessert choice, done!

Their menu of cupcakes is a nice blend of old school and new trends. I have been fortunate to ‘taste test’ about half of them. Yum Yum’s cake texture is so unbelievable, a nice balance of density, sponginess, and moisture. I spotted my next cupcake victim….a newbie, the Maple Bacon. They generally sell out, so I kept my eye on the place while I ventured around to find dinner.

An hour later I felt like a stuffed pinata, but if Yum Yum is parked right in front of your sweet lovin’ face, it is a must to take one to go! Waiting in line, I spied the sample still on the shelf so I knew the Maple Bacon was available and within my heated grasp. Order up and ready to head home with my edible treasure.

Later that evening…..I wasn’t sure how this was going to go down. Many trying to create the maple bacon combo, really miss the mark. Not Yum Yum! The second I had it in my hot little hand, the maple and bacon aroma filled my head. One big chomp, to get the maple cream cheese frosting and bacon cake together, what a dream! Real maple and bacon flavors. Not too overly sweet, just a perfect blend of flavors and textures I adore together. Next bite involved the piece of bacon atop this fab treat. OMG….was it candied? My sweet tooth is beyond satisfied! I’ll take my bacon this way anytime.

Awesome flavors available.  There is something for everyone, even a delightful Gluten-free Vegan Peachy Keen! HOlla!

http://yumyumcupcaketruck.com  for a list of where they’ll be next! Find them, but caution…they are addictive.

5 out of 5 happy sugar high fives.

Mad Girl Gets Fed at The Shed in Mississippi

The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint, 7501 Hwy 57, Ocean Springs, MS. Two more locations: Gulfport, MS and Mobile, AL.

A pleasant surprise on the first day of my 6 week road trip, the stars aligned for me to have lunch at The Shed in Ocean Springs. A tasty treat awaits right off of I-10, Exit 57 in Mississippi!

My first impression ….what the heck is this crazy place?! It wasn’t your typical BBQ joint, nor was it a typical day. You see, the Food Network had production going on shooting the promos for their new show, “The Shed” featuring the family and sidekicks. Do to production, customers had to eat outdoors. It was a hot day and buggy, but not terrible.

I ordered the Shed combo, 2 meats (pulled pork and ribs), 2 sides (beans and sweet potato casserole), 2 bread. It arrived on a stainless steel divided tray, reminiscent of a school cafeteria…or a prison. Ha! Very cool idea, nonetheless.

The baby back ribs were good eats, but the pulled pork was the star! Smokey, tender, saucy yumminess.  I don’t think you can go wrong with any of their side choices. The baked beans were rich and hearty and the sweet potato casserole was so delicious, almost like dessert, I wanted more. Awesome meal, deserving of a happy dance!

The staff, owners/family are all on-point, kind and welcoming. The restaurant and property are entertaining in itself.  I look forward to returning, next time I’m on I-10.

As seen on the Food Network, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and the Travel Channel, Man vs Food Nation.

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. On-site parking.
Catch some good BBQ and a show. A whole wing-ding! 🙂

http://theshedbbq.com

4.5 out of 5 sweet and saucy smackaroos.