been gone for a while...

so we've been gone for a while, sorry about that!
i've visited many restaurants in the time i've been gone. i've had some kiddy cocktails and caesar salads, but i don't think i should review them because i don't remember them all too well now! so, i'll wait til we go out again.
in the meanwhile, enjoy this song :) 90's gangsta rap, yo
Ice Cube – It Was A Good Day

peace & luv,
B

GTF(o)

Half price frappuccino deal again! I went with Allie and Kristen (pictured below) to try the Green Tea Frappuccino Blended Creme. On my starbucks cup, the drink was labled "GTF" for green tea frappuccino. I couldn't help but think "GTFO" everytime I glanced at it. Anyway, it was a lovely, sunny day and the frappuccino was delicious! I got it with nonfat milk and without whipped cream. Total caloric content: 390, 5 from fat. It definitely hit the spot for me and I would buy it again (even for full price). My friend, Allie (to the right, eyes closed... lol oop), ordered the mocha cookie crumble and actually received a mocha coconut frap. We told the barista and, without question, she gave us the correct one and let my friend, Kristen, keep the mess-up. That was pretty nice and a sweet (literally) deal for Kris!

Overall

Pros: intersting and satisfying flavor, half price deal, good customer service

Cons: caloric content, normal price

peace&luv,

B

Dubhe Imperial Black IPA: Double the Hops! Double the Fun!

Dubhe Imperial Black IPA: 
             "Double the Hops! Double the Fun!"
by: Ashley Albrecht (the "A" of B&A)

Stats:
Name: Dubhe Imperial Black IPA
Description: "Ale brewed with hemp seed"
ABV: 9.2% (!)
Brewer: Uinta Brewing Co. (Salt Lake City, UT)
-Named after the major east-west mountain range
 in the Rocky Mountains
-Slogan: "Earth, Wind, and Beer"
Bottled: 03/19/12

Impressions:

    Although described by Uinta as "toasted, chocolaty dark malts align with an astronomical amount of hops," I'd say it's less toasty and more bitter chocolaty - like a balanced bite of dark chocolate: not too bitter, not too sweet.  Although extremely hoppy, Dubhe doesn't leave the stale bitterness on the palate that many a IIPA are known for; rather, it finishes very smoothly.  The buzz from the 9.2% was highly welcomed, and slowly emerged, manifesting itself as an ambient feeling of Gemütlichkeit or the German word for "an environment or state of mind that conduces a cheerful mood and peace of mind, with connotation of a notion of belonging and social acceptance, of being cozy and unhurried."


Stars: 4.5/5


Story (from Uinta Brewing Co. website):

"Named Utah's Centennial Star in 1996, Dubhe (pronounced Doo-bee) illuminates the front of the big dipper from 124 light years away. Dubhe, also known as Alpha Ursae Majoris, is a red giant that appears orange in color and has a mass 4x that of the sun."

java chip frappuccino

There was the happy hour half price frappuccino deal at Starbucks today from 3-5. I went with one of my best friends, Sydney. I had a venti (24 oz) Java Chip Frappuccino with nonfat milk and no whipped cream. For 420 calories, I devoured the drink in less than 20 minutes. Even though the frappuccino was about as many calories as my usual dinner, it was worth it. The chocolaty mocha goodness was just too good to pass up for half off! I didn't get to see the receipt, but I think the total came to about $3.00 for the largest size that Starbucks carries. I'd say that's a pretty good deal! Of course the empty calories aren't ideal, but if you're in the mood for some seriously sweet caffeine then I suggest the java chip frappuccino. The only downside is for all of you whipped cream lovers. With whipped cream and whole milk, the drink comes to a whopping 580 calories. THAT'S RIDICULOUS. I calculated that the whipped cream counts for 120 calories. I personally hate whipped cream and love to opt out of those useless calories. If you really must have your whipped cream fix, you can always choose a smaller size or nonfat milk for less calories.
The happy hour deal will be going on from May 4-13. I might go again tomorrow after my AP test and get a different frappuccino. I've already tried the Mocha Cookie Crumble, Peppermint Mocha, Strawberries and Creme, and Vanilla Bean frappuccinos. The Tazo Green Tea Frappuccino looks really interesting. I used to go all the time with friends until I realized what a collasal waste of money (and calories) it was. It's still a waste of money but, the half price deal does lure me in quite well.

Overall

Pros: delicious taste, half price deal

Cons: lots of calories, usually more expensive

peace&luv,

B

octavius: day 1

First post from Brittany, kiddy cocktail and caesar salad enthusiast. Codename: Octavius, caesar's son. Hah, get it? This is Day 1, otherwise known as the creation of B&A Culinary Crossings. My sister, Ashley, and I will be posting about our culinary ventures at various restaurants. My main focus will be on my favorites, of course, kiddy cocktails and caesar salads.


peace&luv,

                                                                             B