Product Review: California Pasta Shops Inc. - Fresh Handcut Gourmet Pasta

California Pasta Shops Fresh Handcut Pasta

33905 HARPER
CLINTON ,  MI  49236

Phone: 586.790.7080
Price: $$

In a pasta mood, I decided to try California Pasta Shops fresh Handcut Gourmet Pasta.  I am glad the grocery store had placed a "Made In Michigan" tag on the self to highlight this product, because due to its name I would have never guessed it was made here in Michigan.  A 1 lb. package of this pasta was only $3.19, a good value considering it makes enough pasta for 3-4 meals.

I followed the instructions on the packing, placing the pasta in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.  As son as the pasta was drained I immediately grabbed a noodle for my first taste test.  I was surprised, the pasta tasted perfectly al dente.  My only complaint is that some of the pasta failed to separate, causing a few dense clumps of pasta. Overall this pasta was just average, tasting better then boxed noodles, but not good as some other fresh pastas I have had.  

Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander. 

Product Review: Cardillo Pizza Sauce Seasoning - Spicy Mix

Carrillo Pizza Sauce Seasoning

Cardillo Seasonings
16751 Curtis
Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: 248.333.2425
Price: $





www.CardilloPizzaSpice.com

Browsing the aisles at Hillar's Market, I stumbled upon little packets of pizza sauce seasoning hanging on a chip clip in the pasta sauce section of the grocery store.  These intrigued me.  I immediately grabbed a packet and flipped it over to see what else was needed to make it.  All that was needed in addition to the seasoning packet was a 15oz can of tomato sauce and two tablespoons of olive oil.  I always have olive oil on hand, so at $1.69 for the seasoning pack and $0.99 for the tomato sauce, I tossed the little packet in my cart. 

This sauce was extremely easy to make, I grabbed a bowl and dumped in the tomato sauce, seasoning, and olive oil.  Whallah after a quick stir and about 30 seconds I had pizza sauce.  It smelled amazing, but it was time for the taste test.  I grabbed a spoon, stuck it in the sauce.  I was a little overwhelmed at first, this sauce packs a punch.  When they say "spicy mix' they are not kidding around.  The sauce has a really good flavor and I like spicy food, but this was a bit to spicy for me. 

Prepared Sauce

Overall I really like the concept of this sauce as tomato sauce is usually a staple item in most homes.  The seasoning packets are cheap enough and shelf stable, making them another easy item to keep on hand.  I often find myself craving pizza and having everything to create something resembling one, minus the sauce, so problem solved.  The flavor of this sauce is really delicious and I can't wait to try their "less spicy" verities.   

Below is a video from the Cardillo Pizza Sauce website, showing you just how easy it is to make their sauce.


Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander

Product Review: Towne Club Soda - Vanilla Cream

Towne Club Soda

6400 E 8 Mile Rd
Detroit, MI 48234
Price:$

Towne Club is a Michigan brand of soda pop.  It is produced and sold primarily in the Detroit, Michigan region.  Towne Club first started selling soda in the mid-1960s in its own retail outlets called "Pop Centers"  The concept was simple, 24 bottles of mix 'n match flavors were sold in wooden grates.  The prices were low, making it an affordable alternative to big brand soda companies.  In the mid- to late-1980s the company fell on hard times, closing its retail outlets.  Today Towne Club soda is still produced and sold in the Detroit area in both glass and plastic bottles.

 

While shopping at Hillar's Market in Ann Arbor, I was lucky enough to stumble upon this soda on sale for $0.88 in the beverage cooler.  Being a sucker for vanilla flavored soda I couldn't resist the chance to sample it.  I had never heard of this soda company so I wasn't sure what to expect.  The anticipation was killing me so I didn't waste time cracking open the cold glass bottle as soon as I got home.  YUM!!! was my  first reaction.  This was probably the best vanilla soda I have ever had.  I was born and raised in the Detroit are, so how did I not know something so delicious existed here?  The soda has an excellent flavor and will be making the top of my list for treats.  The only reason I am not giving this soda a full 5 stars is that it is just a tad to sweet for regular drinking.  Overall this is an amazing soda and I can't wait to try the other flavors.  

Towne Club Soda

16 fl oz. glass bottle - $0.99

Grape - Orange - Tropical Fruit Punch - Peach - Strawberry

Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander

 

Restaurant Review: Brown's Root Beer & Sandwich Shop - South Lyon, MI

399 South Lafayette Street
South Lyon, MI 48178-1407
Phone: (248) 437-6376
Hours: Call
Price: $$





www.brownsrootbeer.com
Brown's Menu

Bown's Root Beer & Sandwich Shop has been on my restaurants to try list for about 3 years now. From a quick glance it appears to be a small eat in diner with an exterior ambiance of an A&W drive-in. Catering to the hungry the menu features coney dogs, burgers, chili cheese fries, and an array of sandwich creations. I decided to try their coney dog as was voted the best coney in 2010 by the local new paper. The chili had great flavor, with just a touch of heat. As for the rest of the food, it was run of the mill. My husband had a burger and he complained that it was very dry. Ewww....nothing worse than a dry burger!

Coke with Cherry Syrup, Coney, and Onion Rings

However, if your sweet tooth needs to be satisfied then you're in luck! Brown's fountain drink menu is top notch featuring root beer (they make their own), Vernors, and Coca-cola that can be flavor enhanced with cherry, vanilla or chocolate syrup. Looking for something a little more creamy? How about a root beer float, black cow, or the Michigan favorite, a Boston cooler? I went with a Michigan made product, a Saunders hot fudge cream puff. It was delish! Nothing beats Saunders hot fudge on top of a cream puff shell that is filled with vanilla ice cream.

Saunder Hot Fudge Cream Puff

If you want to try Brown's Root Beer & Sandwich Shop my advice is to call first for the hours. They do not appear to have set hours of business, and were closing for the day at 3pm on a Saturday. 

Lindsey @ Munchin' Michigander

Restaurant Review: Mister Spots - Ann Arbor, MI

808 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: 734.747.7768
Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:30 AM to Midnight
Fri-Sat 10:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Sunday Noon to Midnight
Price: $$




www.umgoblue.com
Mister Spots Menu

I ventured to Mister Spots in a quest to try what they claim to be "Ann Arbor's best buffalo wings".  Any one who knows me well knows I have issues with meat served on the bone, I just can't eat it.  With that being said I decided to take one of my friends who is a known wing connoisseur to give me his expert opinion on Mister Spots wings.  Mister Spots is a small restaurant which caters more to delivery and carry out customers.  While you can eat in the restaurant, there are only a few tables and booths.  The decor is pretty dated, and the building as a whole is pretty run down.  Since Mister Spots lacks the relaxing atmosphere that my friend and I were looking for, we opted to place our order to go.  We placed our order for a half dozen Buffalo Style Spot Wings with original hot sauce and a side of blue cheese and headed home.  On the drive the aroma coming the wings was amazing.  The smell alone was making me consider trying one, but my whole meat on bone phobia kept me from actually doing it.

1/2 Dozen Buffalo Style Spot Wings $ 4.45

Once we got home I barely had time to to snap a picture before my friend started tearing into the wings.  His reaction after the first bit was that the wings were pretty good and worth recommending.  His opinion quickly began to change after this first bite.  He thought wing sauce was pretty good but the heat was a little stronger then the average wing sauce.  This normally isn't a problem with a side of blue cheese to cool them down.    This is where his opinion started turning south.  The blue cheese served to us with the wings had a foul taste and was pretty much not edible.  Thankfully I had a bottle of ranch in my fridge to quickly remedy this problem.  As he continued to work his way through the styrofoam container of wings the heat from the sauce was starting to get to him.  He mentioned that the sauce had a great flavor but thought the heat might be a little much for the average person.  Upon finishing I had asked him what his overall rating was and if he would choose Mister Spots again for wings.  He said they were not so bad that he wouldn't eat them again, but they were not his first choice for wings.  They tasted a bit overcooked, and the chewy and slightly to crispy breading made them a little difficult to chew through.  Assuming they were overcooked his overall rating was that Mister Spots wings are good, but nothing special.  

Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander

Product Review: DeYoung's Fore Seasons Chipotle Blend

13501 Austin Court
Hartland Michigan 48353
Phone: 810.333.5531
Price: $




www.deyoungsforeseasons.com/

My husband and I had the opportunity to try DeYoung's Fore Seasons seasonings at a taste of Michigan tent while we were in Midland. We had committed to purchase a few of our favorite items to support our local entrepreneurs. Tasting all the products was a small feast to say the least, and DeYoung's Chipotle Blend was our top pick. Not only because it is made in my home town of Hartland, but it delivers a flavor explosion that leaves your taste buds begging for another bite.

Chipolte Blend is a mixture of 18 herbs and spices. This blend is not topping the scoville scale, but does pack a smokey heat. There are an array of recipes on DeYoung's website utilizing this seasoning. However, if you have meat and Chipolte Blend you have a 5 star meal in the making. Mix it in ground beef for burgers, or sprinkle on chicken, pork, beef, or fish, before grilling. However you end up using this seasoning, I promise you will run out of seasoning before you run out of flavor. Check for it at your local retailer.

Grilled Pork Chop Seasoned with Chipotle Blend.

Lindsey @ Munchin' Michigander

Restaurant Review: Yesterdog - Grand Rapids, MI

1505 Wealthy Street Southeast (Eastown)
Grand Rapids MI 49506

Hours: 

Mon - Sat 10:30 - 2:30 a.m.

Sun 10:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $

http://yesterdog.com/index.html

Yesterdog Menu

Located in the popular neighborhood called Eastown inside Grand Rapids, Yesterdog is a MUST! Yesterdog's claim to fame is that it was the inspiration for the restaurant 'Dog Years' in the first American Pie movie. The menu features six hotdogs ranging in price from $2.00 - $2.50 each. In addition,  feature items include bags of chips and fountain pop. My favorite hotdog is the Ultradog. It is a combination of a hotdog and a steamed bun, topped with chili, cheese, onion, pickle, ketchup, and mustard.

The Ultradog!

When you enter Yesterdog be cautious as you prepare to place your order, as there are specific ordering rules that must be followed. If not, be prepared for some attitude from the staff!

The Ordering Rules:

1. When entering Yesterdog PLEASE walk down to the end of the counter.
Form 2 lines if needed.

2. We take HOT DOG orders FIRST. We start left and move right.

3. After dogs, we take drink orders, after drinks we take chip orders.

4. Once all dogs, drinks and chips are ordered, we will then begin to charge you for your order.

5. Once you are paid up you will then get your dogs on a tray or bag and seat
 yourself.

Leaving a tip is always the highlight for my husband when we visit Yesterdog. Customers are encouraged to toss coins into a old gramophone horn on the wall behind the counter. This may be the only time you can throw your loose change and not be haunted by your mothers voice telling you "don't throw things at people!".

As you seat yourself you may feel like you are walking through an antique store. The decor takes you back to the '30s or '40s. Coca-Cola signs, a jukebox, and other nostalgic decor fill the narrow restaurant, The dining booths have been carved with the names of boyfriend and girlfriends over the years (yes, I have left my mark). This makes for an atmosphere that is unparalleled to any other. Normally hotdogs are thought of something you put on the grill in the backyard or have at the ball park. However, this vintage dive makes a hotdog  a work of art. You have not had a hotdog, until you have had a Yesterdog!

Lindsey @ Munchin' Michigander

Restaurant Review: Big Ten Burrito - Ann Arbor, MI

810 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(1 additional Location)
Phone: 734.222.4822
Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 11am - 4am
Price: $$

www.btbburrito.com
Big Ten Burrito Menu
  

Big Ten Burrito is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor to get delicious, yet fast take out.  BTB (as the locals call ) has two locations in Ann Arbor, BTB on State Street and the BTB Cantina  on South University.  Both locations serve the same delicious food, but the Cantina has a lot more seating and serves alcohol.  I chose to visit the State Street location for this review.

Big Ten Burrito is the place to go when you want something filling and only have a few bucks in your pocket.  The space is small, but the food comes out fast and freshly made.  In my opinion it is a healthier, inexpensive alternative to fast food.  The menu is large serving burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas, tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and salads.  They also have a huge choice of delicious fillings including vegetarian, roasted veggie, grilled chicken, shredded chicken, ground beef, and steak.  When it comes to the burritos and chimichangas there is a choice between regular, delux, and giant.  The regular size uses one huge flour tortilla making a massive burrito, giant uses two of these tortillas making a burrito big enough for two, and deluxe adds sour cream and guacamole on the side.  The best thing about BTB's menu is that the price you see on the menu is the price you pay.  They have factored the tax into each menu item making it a great option when you only have a few bucks in your pocket.

Grilled Chicken Chimichanga Deluxe $8.00

My absolute favorite item on BTB's menu is the deep fried goodness known as the grilled chicken chimichanga deluxe.  They start with a huge flour tortilla and fill it with pinto beans, rice, cheese, salsa, and grilled chicken, wrap it up tightly and pop it in the deep fryer until it is a light crispy golden brown.  Once it comes out of the fryer it is served with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and more cheese on the side.

Grilled Chicken Chimichanga Delux $8.00

I have been visiting BTB for years and I have to say I have yet to be disappointed.  The food is always consistently delicious.  The prices are unbeatable, and with their hours keeping them open till 4am they are the perfect option for the late night studiers as well as those looking for a snack after the bars close.

Leslie @ Munchin' Michigander

Born in Detroit Gift Basket

Gift Basket made for our Uncle's 70th Birthday Bash. As he was born in Detroit we thought it would be fitting to make a basket that would be the envy of every Detroit Foodie!

Contents of basket: 

• Butter Popcorn from the Detroit Popcorn Company
• Better Made Potato Chips
• Sanders Hot Fudge
• Salt Water Taffy from the Germack Pistachio Company
• Raspberry Yogurt Covered  Pretzels from the Germack Pistachio Company
• Faygo - Root Beer
• Vernors Ginger Ale

The card inside read: "These items were born in Detroit and 70 years ago you were too!"

  

Leslie & Lindsey @ Munchin' Michigander