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My husband and I have stopped on numerous occassions at the RHB in Annapolis. It's alright, not the best we've ever had, but a decent highway stop. The RHB in Prince Frederick is not quite as good, and the one in Leesburg is the worst of the three we have tried. That being said, I can think of far worse options when driving home after a long day on the Chesapeake. I do miss TX BBQ, however! My hubby misses Carolina pulled pork- eastern style, of course There a couple places that we like- Black Hog in Frederick and Carter Que in Mt. Airy. Every once in awhile, Urban BBQ fixes my Texas dive food cravings!

I've loved the goat cheese ravioli in a couple of seasonal variations. A friend of mine had a deconstructed banana split that he liked a lot. Everything I've tried from the menus has been great, so I don't think you can go wrong.

Maruca's pizza from Seaside Park, NJ. Traveled safely home and crisped up nicely on a hot stone.

Streusel (crumb buns) from Mueller's bakery in Bay Head, NJ. I love visits to the Jersey shore!

Toasted anadama bread with goat cheese and pumpkin butter. Really yummy for a quick breakfast.

My husband and I went to the Poe dinner last night, as well. I chose the Boston menu, along with the wine pairing, and my husband had the Baltimore. We started with an amuse bouche of beet macaroon with fois gras mousse- I am a beet fan, and I really liked how this just melted in the mouth blending the two flavors. The breadsticks with fennel pollen were crunchy, but otherwise underwhelming, though my husband thought the fennel livened up the flavor. The biscuits in the breadbasket were awesome! Tender, flaky, yum. The kalamata roll was yeasty, salty, and I would eat myself silly on them if I could. The first course chowder was delightful: clam-y and rich, but not cloying. The accompanying muscatel was bright and citrusy in a nice contrast. The crabcake was fantastic, sweet, delicate Chesapeake crab. The green apple and celriac remoulade was a pleasant, slightly sweet/ bright addition. It seriously impressed my crabcake enthusiast hubby! The second course Taylor bay scallops (listed as Nantucket Bay scallops on the online menu, but Taylor on the restaurant's printed menu) were quite good. The maitake mushrooms, soy air, and sea urchin were seriously delicious. I'd love to recreate this with Narragansett scallops from Rhode Island (my fave scallop). The sauvignon blanc was green and mineral-y, nice with the umami from the soy. The pigeon was surprisingly good. Neither my husband nor I have eaten pigeon, and we were pretty impressed. The potatoes were crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Our main dishes were generous in size. The wagyu was a bit rare for my husband's taste, but he loved it- he is not a beef lover- 'nuf said. My black chicken was the best flavored chicken I have had in a restaurant. The chestnut and parsnip purees were scrumptious. The bacon and brussels sprouts were salty and piggy in the best way possible. I liked the syrah as a pairing. The deconstructed boston cream pie was nice. I have had the ganache base at VOLT before, and I really like it. In a way it reminds me of a smooth version of the "skin" that develops on pudding. I love that! The accompanying braquetto truly was "chocolate and raspberries in a glass", as the sommelier described it. The Lady Baltimore "cake" reminded my husband of a fig version of the little pecan pies one gets in a convenience store- that's a huge compliment- he adores those pies. To me it was the ultimate fig newton. The sorbet was figgy delight. We both could've eaten more desserts. The complimentary ice cream sandwiches were a lovely treat- the oatmeal cookie with coconut ice cream was Ben and Jerry's worthy. Our take home gift of orange and spice muffins were tasty, too. The service was impeccable and welcoming. I am so glad that Frederick is home to this gem. It's just a 5 minute drive for me! We did enjoy the theater show at the Weinberg. It wasn't as Poe-intensive as we had thought it would be, but we laughed along. Planning for a Table 21 experience soon, well, as soon as reservations allow!

My husband surprised me with reservations for tonight's Poe dinner, as an early b-day present. I can't wait! My friend and I dined at VOLT for this past winter's Restaurant Week, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. I've been debating between the two menus, and I believe I'll go with whichever my husband does not chose. That way I can try some of each I'll be sure to report.

Giant Belgian and Beefmaster tomatoes have been on the menu @ my house for the past three weeks. My eggplants aren't quite right, but we'll see.

So my MIL has informed me that she is starting early on the holiday shopping. I definitely am in need of an upgrade in the toaster oven dept. What suggestions do ya'll have? I don't want to get crazy expensive, but she is generous. I want to get something that will last for awhile and withstand my husband's matzoh pizza cooking! What other must-haves in the kitchen? Processor- check, blender- check, stand mixer- check.

Think somewhere between "punch-key" and "poonch-key".

Urban Bar-B-Que totally has the vibe of the places I used to go to while I was @ Texas A&M. The brisket is my fave, but the sausage and pulled pork are very good as well. As far as sweet cornbread goes, this is the best. I have yet to indulge in soul rolls, but am sorely tempted each time I visit. Going here just makes me happy!

Dutch's Daughter has been a special occasion restaurant for my husband and myself and we're not blue-hairs. We had dinner there after we eloped and for subsequent anniversaries and birthdays. Their crabcake is fantastic! Probably my favorite. I'm not so much of a foodie that I don't enjoy their style of dining. Heck, I like some things at Cheescake Factory and Bob Evans... so sue me, I'm a Midwestern girl! Yes, they are beginning to become over-priced. What concerns me the most is their customer service... or lack thereof. The most recent time that DH and I ate @ DD, we waited for over 30 minutes for our "reservation". We were directed to the "dungeon" where we sat, unattended and feeling quite forgotten. Our meal was good, not great. They have slipped in the past few years. And what's with little kids in jeans running around the tables? DD needs to find their identity. It's a shame because they used to be dependable for a nice night out.

Last night- TJ's sprouted wheat parpadelle with marinara sauce, sauteed spinach, and grilled chicken, spinach, fontina sausages. Tonight- leftover Maruca's pizza. Yes, it's been in the freezer for a couple of months, but this NJ classic is still great! Or if the mood changes, roasted root veggies w/ plenty of black pepper and a drizzle of maple syrup, sauteed chicken breasts w/ a maple & rosemary glaze, and a tossed salad of baby spinach, dried cranberries and TJ's Goddess dressing.

Current TJ's rave- spinach, garlic, lentil soup. Oh, yum! Especially with the garlic naan! I do wish that the Thai shrimp gyoza would make a return appearance. They're my fave of the dumplings. Lately I've been digging on the honey chevre, too. And the roasted veggie enchiladas...and chicken verde... and banana waffles... sigh... I love Trader Joe's.

I like two kinds of chili- the stuff my Ohio mom makes (not too much heat) and the Texas- style I had while in college @TAMU. When I make my "Ohio" chili, I use a stick of cinnamon, a couple of whole cloves, a couple of bay leaves, sweet Hungarian paprika, chili powder (Gebhardt's if I have it), kidney beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, green bell peppers, sweet onion, and lean ground beef or turkey. My Texas chili comes from here: http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2006/10/...art-two_18.html Though I don't make it quite so spicy and my beer of choice is Shiner Bock. Hmmmm, I think I need to make chili this weekend!

Breakfast was toasted homemade Anadama bread spread with honey chevre and pumpkin butter (both from Trader Joe's). Lunch was good ole Ohio-style chili (not too spicy w/ cinnamon) and shredded sharp cheddar. Mmmm-mmmm!