Ever So Sweet Bakery, well mostly.

I love going to visit my family in Charleston (well, the 'rents stay in Summerville) because it gives me an opportunity to try new and different things. Ever So Sweet Bakery is right down from where they live and finally, they were open on one of my visits. Now that is not to say they were not open before, it's just either I was too late or too early to catch them open.

I was totally excited when I went in. The front showcase does over a wide variety of choice from bagels to cookies. Therefore I decided since this was my first visit and I had a 4 hour trip ahead of me, I would not only get a breakfast choice but several others to accompany my daughter, son and I on the trip.

I bought:
A popover w/ strawberry butter
a lime-coconut cupcake
a Carmel chocolate cupcake
a butter toffee cookie
a pecan cinnamon roll pull apart thing
lime curd tart

As you can see I pretty much went the gammet, especially since I had heard mixed reviews. Ok 2- one good and one not. I wanted to decide for myself.

To begin:
the popover -while it was excellent in appearance and looked exactly as a popover should, I don't think they meant for it to be that hard and crusty on the outside, maybe, but tobesure not. The inside was nice and moist which is par for a popover. I was just disappointed with the outside, it was nearly inedible. I am still very much on the fence with the strawberry butter. One taste I really like it, the next taste- I am not sure. Would I buy this again? The popover? probably not, the butter yes- maybe with some sort of toast though and not this.

lime-coconut cupcake and the Carmel chocolate cupcake- I am going to talk about these together because my just turned 6 year old loved the icing on both but said "why is the cake part so thick". Agreed. The lime coconut icing was very enticing to look at, it was very pretty as was the 2nd one. Well actually all the cupcakes were just beautiful, but what good is that if they aren't so good.
The problem here was the cake part. It was extremely dense. To the point there was really no crumbs and I was begging for water. I don't know that it was an isolated recipe error because both cakes, one yellow and one chocolate had the same density to them. Would I buy anymore cupcakes here? Definitely not.

The pecan roll- Definitely delish! It was huge and for $2.50 I would say definitely worth it. The topping was Divine and the pecan taste was prevalent which is what I love. It was more like a swirled giant muffin than a roll. I would more than buy it again.

Butter toffee cookie- the flavor was there, the cookie itself was ok but the stickiness of it made it difficult to eat. The gentleman working the front said it was one of his favorite cookies. I could see that if you get it right out of the oven, but the next day it is just a chore to eat. I should have tried the peanut butter one that he also recommended.

Let me say, I have saved the best for last. The Lime Curd Tart. There are just no words, but I will try. It was eye catching, appealing and enticing. At $5 I wasn't sure it wasn't going to be worth it, but I was wrong. It was definitely worth that and made up for the cupcakes!!

The lime curd tart had a marshmellowish meringue on top that my daughter couldn't get enough of it! The crust was buttery and an awesome base for the tart. The filling, was key-limish but not like the pie. I love lemon curd, had never had lime curd, but I definitely want some more. I think the tartness of the curd with the over the top sweetness of the topping worked more than I could have hoped for. After the disappointing cupcake, I was about to be pee oed that I had spent all that money on not so good bakery stuff. But the lime curd tart was definitely redeeming for this bakery. Would I buy it again? Ya damn skippy I will.

Pricewise, I would say the cost was pretty decent. The popover was $2.50, the cupcakes $2 apiece, the cookie $1, the pecan roll $2.50 and the tart $5.

Overall I would visit this bakery again- for the lime curd tart alone, but also probably for some of the bagels. Definitely don't think the cupcakes would be worth another try just because as stated, they were 2 different types but the density issue exits in both of them. They make cakes here too, I have to wonder if they are the same- hopefully I will get a chance to try those at a later date.

I will also mention 2 other things: I was disappointed that they didn't make their own tea. They did have a bottled Italian sweet tea that was doable. Also, there were a few customers there that were definitely regulars as they said everything there was fantastic. I would argue with that kind sir, but I wouldn't push it too far because there are few things there that I thought were over the top delish!!

Ever So Sweet Bakery- Yeah. I'd go there again, especially because they are less than half a mile from my parents.

Wendy's, Panara....etc...

Panera bread...how I love thee....but your website sux...http://www.panerabread.com/menu/cafe/ the food DOES NOT. I do not have one of these places over where I live, therefore I have to celebrate it when I am home in Charleston by patronizing the location in Summerville, Sc.

On the Saturday morning I stopped there on my way out of town, t hey had a bunch of youngins working in there (read nonchalant teenagers). The menu has so many fabulous choices in the sandwich dept. that it was hard to make a choice. I did, however choose :

Turkey Artichoke
on Focaccia
Smoked turkey, spinach artichoke
spread, Asiago-Parmesan, tomatoes
& caramelized onions

This panini delivered. Completely. I loved it. The flavors were so perfect, nothing about it was wrong, well, except the choice of sides. Don't get me wrong, I totally get the "new age fancy sammich eater" thing, and no, fries should not be served with this sandwich. I have no clue what would have been a good accompaniment but I know it wasn't in the offerings they had there - a hunk of bread, an apple, and god knows what else- they lost me at apple. Here though, is the official listing from their menu of sides:

• Portion of French Baguette
• Portion of Whole Grain Baguette
• Kettle-Cooked or Baked Chips
• Apple

The chips may have been good, but the girl mumbled so I got a french baguette, which was, by the way freakin awesome- I am after all, a bread addict. The chips may have been good too though. When I pulled around, it was like a junior breadmakers of America camp meeting. They teens were all piled up against the counters. They glanced at the window and sent one over to get my money and then went back to it until I interrupted them again by having one sent over to deliver my food. Nonetheless, Panera Bread----loves it!

Wendy's. Normally, there are only certain things I eat from these fast food places. For example - McDonalds - only their coke, iced mocha, McRib, hashbrowns and occasionally yogurt parfait. Wendy's honey bbq boneless ribs and fries. Only. Oh and coke. They are 2nd behind McDonalds for good soda.

I was due to go to a luncheon today for my Social Worker's Association. The traffic was horrendous because of some construction, so I whipped around and decided to try something different at Wendy's. The apple pecan salad is now my 2nd fave thing to eat there. It has craisins, apples, blue cheese, grilled chicken and a to-die-4 pomegranate dressing. I liked it so much, I will probably have it for dinner tonite. That dressing is probably the best I have had in a while- and sort of "fancy-pants" - magazine food, my husband calls it- and straight up my ally!

Wendy's apple-pecan grilled chicken salad- Loves it!

Gourmet--No way..part two

Being from Charleston, SC, I have been fortunate enough to sample many different types of cuisine, from Gullah to Israeli Mediterranean. I've experienced many types of bread-and yes, even ciabatta.

A couple of weeks ago, a new eatery opened up in Lillington. I am beginning to think maybe the building is why nothing is ever good in that place. First it was Iguana's then it changed and changed and changed again until it is the establishment that is there now...West Front Street Diner or Cafe or whatever it is called. It is located at 1 West Front Street-not that it matters. My co-workers and I decided to give it a try. The menu was 4 -6 pages on notebook paper. This may turn out to be the root of their problem. Nothing they specialize in, but everything to offer.

I for one was very excited when I saw a large selection of different gourmet type sandwiches, among other things, which actually may have ended up being the downfall. I settled on a Mediterranean grilled chicken sandwich. It described the sandwich as grilled chicken, feta cheese, olives, grilled onions and sauce. I was delighted! I chose ciabatta bread because it has always been really good in my opinion, with this type of combo.

My female co-worker ordered the Alfredo pasta sans chicken with garlic bread. My male co-worker ordered the french dip with aus jus.

We were very excited about an opportunity to have something besides fast food in this 1 sidewalk town. Oh. This disappointment.

Problem 1.

The aujus. The sandwich was like a footlong sub. The dip was about a quarter teaspoon. When my co-worker asked for more, it was ignored.

Problem 2.

Fettuccine Alfredo. Served with untoasted bread, with unmelted butter. When my coworker ask that it be heated, it was served back to her burnt.

Problem 3.

The Mediterranean grilled chicken sandwich. Where do I begin? First, I was brought the salad. When I informed the waitress I asked for the sandwich, she argued with me that I ordered the salad. Finally, she took it back and came back with a sandwich and fries that were literally on a saucer. The bread was so burnt around the edges it was inedible. The fries were the best thing about the meal. The grilled chicken was cold and mushy. The sauce had wilted the cucumber and the feta cheese was practically non existent. I chose not to eat it. I thought I would be polite and not complain being that I was with my coworkers and between me and another coworker that shall remain nameless, well, we are well known in this town!

When the waitress asked if I wanted a to go box, I told her no. She asked me what the problem was and I repeated what I just wrote. She proceeded to take my debit card and charge me. She must have had second thoughts because she brought the manager over. The manager looked like she just stepped out of Trading Spouses and was going to start yelling about tainted money. Between the 2 of them they decided I needed a refund. AT this point, my coworkers have left. While they waitress and manager are collaborating on a refund which took about 14 min. too long, the "chef" came out and proceeded to speak to me in such a condescending tone that I pulled the Charleston card on him. Now please, I do not hate Lillington, but let's face it, this town is not the mecca of variety. Therefore, when he lowered his voice, put together his hands and proceeded to define ciabatta bread, I had had all I could take. I informed him that he should not speak to me as if I were from Lillington. I was from Charleston, SC and I had probably seen more gourmet food in a week than he has seen in his lifetime. He then, not taking the hint, tried to define Greek to me. Why must I revisit the insult again. I then raised my voice and informed him that I was not from Lillington, I knew what gourmet was and the crap he threw on that plate was not it.

At this point, it was his wise choice to head back to the kitchen. However, it did not stop the rest of the crew from peaking around the wall to see what "the bitch that just insulted the whole town" looked like. I had plenty of animosity for one day. I got up and went to the bar where now the owner, the manager and the waitress were collaborating on the refund. Finally after an excruciating lunch hour, I was refunded.

I rate this place a Hell No We Won't Go!! and you shouldn't either!

Holla for Challah

First..for those not in the know....jwmagazine.com gives this explanation of challah

It’s More Than Bread Baking
According to the Talmud, the mitzvah of challah baking for Shabbat was one of three commandments assigned to women. (The other two: going to the mikvah and lighting Shabbat candles.) The word challah does not refer to the bread that is eaten, but to a small piece of dough, taken from the rest of the batch, that is burned separately under the broiler and is not consumed. This piece is said to symbolize the portion given to the priests at the time of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Tradition tells us that when a woman “takes challah” and makes the appropriate blessing, she elevates the dough and acknowledges that all her family’s sustenance comes as a gift from God.


I worked at an Orthodox Ashkanzic synagogue (shul) for almost 10 years. During this time, I came to know about the best kosher food available in Charleston (South Carolina). First, there were three kosher caters in town. Marci Rosenberg, Helen Goldberg and Pita King. For sweets, Helen Goldberg was the best. Marci's challah is the best ever. I happen to know that she has been offered much for that recipe, there is no other that can compare. However, each caterer has their own "known for" product.

First and foremost - Challah-- go to the JCC and buy tons of it. It is to die for!! As a gentile, of course it is not as significantly important to me as it is Jewish people, but I do love that bread. You will not find anything comparable to it and you will not find a recipe that comes close to tasting like it -believe me, I have tried. When I make my monthly trips home to Charleston, I make sure my parents have picked some up for me to bring home!

Now on to kosher food in Charleston:



Helen Goldberg - noodle kugle. This kugle has cream cheese, cinamon, some kinda cheese and other stuff in it. The recipe of course is a secret. But I have been known to have my mom pick me up some of this and freeze it so I can make it last as long as possible. It is that good! I have searched the net for simliar recipes but have not been able to find anything that compares. Helen does good ole fashion southern Jewish cooking at it's best! Love it!



Marci Rosenberg- Her known for recipe is the challah. Her other food is great too but in a worldly fashion. It does not have the southern flair most people are use to (or should I say those that live in the south) but if you want to travel up north via your tastebuds, let her cater some stuff for you! You won't be disappointed.

Pita King - love, love, love it! I feel like I am being tastebudily transported to New York when I eat from there. I have had several items from the menu and all have been fantastic. Plus it's Kosher!!

Do yourself and your soul a favor- eat kosher in Charleston!