Gorgeous New England: The Cookie Monstah (Boston's Mobile Cookie Truck)

My mom and I were out and about on a shopping trip when we walked up upon The Cookie Monstah, a mobile cookie truck.  In one quick whiff of  fresh baked cookies, Mom and I stood asking "should we get a cookie NOW or should we shop first?"  You're probably thinking "Why couldn't they do both?"  Well, some things in life require your full attention and should not be done at the same time; Shopping AND eating good cookies fall into that category. We decided to look over the cookie menu (from afar) and come back after we shopped.  I think we set a record, we were done in a short time and right back to the truck.  Oh decisions, decisions! What should I get?  All of the cookies were lined up so pretty as if in a museum case.  The minute you relished one smell, an imaginary fragrant finger would grab you by the nostrils and lead you to another. Oh shoots! I'm really having a dilemma. I know I want the cookie n' ice cream option but what combination should I go with?  At this point I'm a happy but lost 5yr old. My Mom, not so much. She steps up, gestures for me to move over and says "While she's still deciding I'll take..." She rattles off about 3 or 4 cookies. What?! Really Mom!!  She then looks at me and smiles "I don't know which ONE I want so I will try the ones that sound good to me."  Myself and the very nice gentleman running the truck let out a laugh. He and I agreed, "She is a woman who knows what she wants and gets it."  

I finally chose the Cashew Turtle Ice Cream with the Signature Chocolate Chunk Cookie

In between our  my moment of indecision, we spoke with the gentleman about the truck. Sir, was this your brilliant idea? No, his sister Missy Gale is the owner and baker of  these delicious homemade cookies. This mother of four believes so much in the comfort of the chocolate cookie that she crafted up a plan to share her best cookie recipes with her friends, family and US!. Why thank YOU Missy Gale. Boston appreciates the fact that we can now get cookie wasted (cold milk included). If you need a cookie fix, the mobile cookie truck can be found in and around the Boston area, at special events in the Massachusetts, or get this, AT YOUR PRIVATE EVENT.  Yes, you can rent the truck! And if that's not in your budget, no worries, you can have a warm order of cookies delivered to you for less than $10 depending upon your Boston location.(click delivery Rate Card) So in the words Ms. Cookie Monstah herself, "Please come say hi, try a cookie or an ice cream sandwich, she looks forward to meeting you."

I can't remember what this  ice cream sandwich was called but it was delightful. We giggled all the way to the car while eating this Monstah. 

Just to give you an idea of  the type of cookie magic Missy Gale is baking up at several Boston locations (click to "Find the Truck") check out the ice cream sandwich list below:

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• The Classic: chocolate chunk cookie with vanilla ice cream.
• The Tahitian: oatmeal coconut cookies with coconut ice cream.
• The Shortcake: sugared sugar cookies with strawberry ice cream.
• The Salty Dog: salted caramel cookies with totally turtle ice cream.
• The Mudslide: double chocolate cookies with coffee Oreo ice cream.
• The Green Monstah: chocolate chunk cookies with green monster ice cream(mint Oreo).
• The Peanut Squared: creamy peanut butter cookies with peanut butter ice cream.
• The Nor’easter: red velvet cookies with white chocolate chunks and chocolate ice cream.
• The Cinnabomb: oatmeal cinnamon raisin cookies with rum raisin ice cream.
• The Choco Rainbow: M &M cookies with chocolate ice cream.
• The Limonada: lemon poppy cookies with purple cow frozen yogurt.
• PB &J: peanut butter cookies with strawberry ice cream.

The list is serious, right? Ok, who wants to meet up and get cookie wasted? 
Follow The Cookie Monstah on Facebook

Gorgeous New England: Boston's Baddest Burger kicks off the Summer with FREE Burgers.

I heard something about a burger battle and free burgers happening in the Massachusetts area so I had to do a little research for you guys. Real friends don't let friends miss out on grilled goodness and a cold one. Right?  Right!!  So, jot it down or get your phone calendars in order. Boston's Baddest Burger Truck  has teamed up with Amstel Light,The Official Beer of the Burger™    to kick off a wicked cool summer in and around Massachusetts. Starting May 24th through June, You can stop by any of the locations listed below and grab yourself a FREE burger. 

• May 24: Weymouth, MA at Curtis Liquors (486 Columbian St.) 3-5 p.m.

• May 24: Cohasset, MA at Curtis Liquors (790 Chief Justice Cushing) 6-8 p.m.

• May 25: Attleboro, MA at Yankee Spirits (628 Washington St.) 12-2 p.m.

• May 25: Swansea, MA at Yankee Spirits (207 Swansea Mall Dr.) 3-5 p.m.

• May 31: Sturbridge, MA at Yankee Spirits (376 Main St.) 3-5 p.m.

• May 31: Fitchburg, MA at Kappy’s (220 Whalon St.) 6-8 p.m.

• June 1: Springfield, MA at Winn Liquors (1038 Wilbraham Rd.) 3-5 p.m.

• June 1: W. Springfield, MA at Table & Vine (1119 Riverdale St.) 6-8 p.m.

(schedule courtesy of Michelle Levine from http://eatandsipinthecity.com)

The party continues until someone wins the crown at  Boston Magazine's Battle of the Burger on August 13, 2013. So grab your friends for some burger and food tasting, entertainment, Amstel Light at "cup runneth over" levels, and a New England wicked good time. This good time of course requires a designated driver or a cab on speed dial.  We know loud talking Bostonians will be in full effect and falling off curbs may be in the future for a few of you. Whatever your pleasure may be, I want you safe. So don't be a PISSAH!!(<-- i="">that's Boston talk for don't be the one to mess it up) 

No drinking and driving. k?! Thanks   

All this burger talk has me anxious for a Memorial Day BBQ.  I'll be handling a Jerk Turkey Baconburger. What about you?  Do you have a favorite burger recipe or are you a basic patty type?

Follow #BurgerBattle  on Twitter for up to date information on all events.

Gorgeous New England: John Carver Inn & Beach Plum Spa

I was invited to visit The John Carver Inn and Beach PlumSpa located in historical Plymouth, MA.  This would be my first time EVER going on a relaxing vacation ALONE. Alone? Really?  My honey isn't joining me?  What about the kids?  As I packed an overnight bag the answers to my questions became very clear… Yes, Yes, No, They will be fine.  *Sunglasses on, music on, and windows downs*

So off I went on a drive that spanned less than one hour to the final destination. I drove upon a panoramic coastal view that made me feel like I had flown over 300 miles to paradise. Wow! It’s amazing how you can visit a location several times as a kid and never fully experience the true beauty and appreciation until you return as an adult.  Yes, Massachusetts kids field trip to the Mayflower, Plymouth Plantation, and Plymouth Rock yearly.  But the bustling between yellow school buses, loud school kid chatter and the trading of brown bag lunches pretty much overshadows the beauty of it all. Yeah, so back to the trip!  My excitement set in and I could not wait to find The John Carver Inn.  I was greeted by  Old New England charm, the most pleasant staff and shortly thereafter the lovely owner, Deb Catania.  Ms. Catania gave me a tour of the Inn which has 80 rooms (standard hotel to luxurious suites) She shared her creative ideas about the design of the Inn “I want to stay true to Old New England while still implementing "new luxuries.” New luxuries meaning, working fireplaces and jacuzzi’s which makes good for a super romantic lock in with the one you love.  Family time can be enjoyed at the Inn also.  In fact there were many families enjoying the Inn during my visit.  Apparently, you can book a party at the pool!  Cool right?   The pool has a life size replica of the Mayflower with a 80ft slide that winds through the boat. There is a whirlpool, sauna, lap lanes and a deck for those who prefer sunbathing.  I wasn’t surprised at how accommodating the Inn is to families.  Ms. Catania’s father started it all 40 years ago with the opening of the first Hearth n Kettle.  Now today there are 5 restaurants, 3 Inns and Spas.  She and her brothers have truly created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for all.

One can get hungry during a tour so lunch at Hearth n Kettle was only fitting.  I am no stranger to the restaurant which is located on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  My husband and I enjoyed many breakfast visits during our newlywed years. Ms. Catania suggested ordering off the lunch menu “The options and portions are just unmatched.”  She was so right.  She ordered a baked scrod that clearly looked like a sumptuous healthy dinner for under $10.  Now, I had a little hesitation about the lunch menu due to the “breakfast served all day” option.  That four word phrase always interprets as “oooh! Pancakes” After some consideration, I opted for the clam chowder and the spinach, bacon and egg salad.  Yes, someone thought it a good idea to take some maple cured bacon, crisp it to perfection and toss it upon spinach. Bravo to that brilliant mind!!  The clam “chowdah” was a winner. It was thick, creamy and very respectful of the clam to potato ratio.  You know there is nothing worse than a chowdah that turns soupy as you’re eating it and most of it is potatoes with tiny clam bits. Shameful!  So back to Hearth n’ Kettle and their awesomeness.  Their homemade salad dressings deserve mentioning because they are truly worthy of stocking in the kitchen.  You MUST try the White French.  Oh my goodness, a dressing should not caress bacon the way White French does. It’s magical all the way down to the tummy. LOL  Oh, and did you know that traditional New England Strawberry shortcake is served on a warm corn muffin and not that spongy round cup cake?  I had no idea but I tell you the truth it is DELICIOUS.  Noooo, I didn’t have dessert at lunch. I returned later that night to get something for my Scandal viewing pleasure.  I tried the Petite Sweets Sampler option.  The menu says it’s for those of us that just want a “taste”. Ha!  It’s really for those of us that can’t make up our mind. LOL  AND they give you more than a taste, you get your choice of 3 out 6 desserts for $7.  Make sure to order that one and you can thank me later.

Now, I’m content with lunch and good conversation with Ms. Cantania but apparently she wants to up the ante by taking me to her amazing spa. Ok! Ok! I surrender Ms Cantania. Beach Plum is her baby and you can feel the love she puts into it when she speaks so passionately about its inception and how she, personally tries everything before it’s made part of her establishment.   The boutique style spa is indeed laid out to be ones sanctuary of peace.  The aromatheraputic scents make you forget the day’s stresses upon entrance.  A nice relaxing  chakra dead sea salt bath was drawn for me before my facial.  Kimberly (massage therapist) is so sweet, I had her repeat the salts to me several times because I just could not decide. She suggested I mix them; We chose a mixture of balance, clarity and energy.  After 20 minutes of aquatic relaxation I was off to my facial. THIS WAS THE BEST FACIAL I EVER HAD and I am no stranger to facials. Seriously, Jessica must wrap her hands in angel wings at night.  Her hands are blessed from the heavens. I might have moaned twice and snored once and I’m not ashamed.  All of my cares were cast away as she nurtured my skin and massaged out some kinks. You want to experience it too? Ok! Ask for the Sea “C” Spa Facial.  Beach Plum has so many great spa options and medspa treatments for those that need a little extra. *whispers*. Kathy (medspa nurse) is your girl for the “extras.”  So fly solo or grab your girls, pick a Package and call up Jeanna (manager) to book you escape. The ladies at the spa have all become friends in my head.  I really enjoy a group of women that know their industry and have a great sense of humor to boot.

Totally relaxed, I finally arrive to my suite. *falls across the bed and enjoys the silence*  As I mentioned above, it was a Thursday night so I had to prepare for Scandal.  Dessert ordered (we talked about that above), Jacuzzi bath drawn, and fireplace turned on. Oh, it was a grand night in what is called the “Suite Dreams” Experience.  Euphoria would best describe how I felt wrapped in a silky plush robe, cozied up on  lavender pillows, and watching Olivia Pope and associates “handle it.” I too had it handled, all courtesy of  John Carver Inn.

So please plan a visit to John Carver Inn and Beach Plum Spa on your next visit to new England. If you’re already here, it’s less than 1hr from Boston and truly worth the trip.  In the meantime...

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