It was a bizzy January.
Off I went spanning the globe for Unique Sweets, Season Two. I traveled to DC and Philly on a world wind 48 hours of eating sweets. Yes, someone has to do it.
Big shout outs to Tamra McCraw (DC) and my brother, “Goldy” Goldsmith, (Philly) for graciously offering to spend each day driving me around. It was hilarious watching them both slip in and out of sugar comas. They really need to save this stuff for the pros.
As a Philly girl, it was so special spending the day with my big bro. Walking, talking and eating around our childhood stomping ground puts life in perspective. Yes, take the time to smell the……chocolate. xo
Heidi took this shot with her iPhone which totally sealed the deal to say bye bye to her blackberry.
Please meet the sweetest mother and son team from Bakeshop in Arlington, VA. Justin Stegall and his mom, Linda, own the most humble and delicious business, as evidenced by this love note to Justin.
We checked out Bayou Bakery, also in Arlington. I suggest you don’t where black jeans while eating their beignets.
In DC, I popped in and out of establishments that profess to have the best retro desserts, frozen treats and more.
Luckily, the last stop was Spike Mendelsohn’s, Good Stuff Eatery in DC. Yes, they have absolutely amazing milkshakes (toasted marshmallow, cotton candy?), but I couldn’t resist eating his (#NYCWFF) award wining burger. The perfect savory end to a very sweet day.
Next up, Philadelphia. Betty’s Speakeasy is a tribute to Liz Begosh’s grandmother, Betty and her Tasty Buttons Fudge Shop. Today, Betty’s is a neighborhood gem that’s way more then a fudge shop. Its a “pantry and kitchen” with emphasis on local and organic products (who buys local flour?!). Did you ever hear of a Flipping Jack Cupcake? Neither did I. It was cool meeting Liz and talking art. With my background in photography and film and hers in industrial design, and a mutual love of sweets, its as if we were separated at birth.
I would go back to Philly for brunch at Supper. Located on South Street, near where I worked my first culinary job, Mitch and Jennifer, the husband and wife owners, are amazingly warm passionate people. I felt at home. Michael would love the vibe, very MGFD.
I loved so many brunch items on the menu – they are a little like mine (delicious!) but also on steroids. Red Velvet Waffles, Shoo Fly Pie French Toast…that’s all I’m saying, for now.
Shane Confectionary will be on the Sweet & Sticky episode, I think (don’t quote me). This precious little candy shop has been around since 1863. Crazy, right? Check out the retro uniforms…you’ve got to love the gloves! Caramels, butter creams, chocolates and candies, awesome!
(Joey Vento, the owner of Geno’s passed away in 2011. He will be missed)
j
Before heading back to sunny Miami, we stopped at Philly Soft Pretzel Factory. Those babies are far better than the Federal pretzels of my past. And, not unlike the day before where we ended it with Spike’s burger, this day we ended it with, of course, a Philly Cheesecake. Pat’s or Geno’s? I’ll never tell!
