Review of Vermont Cheesecake Bakery

Photo by MK

Just outside of Woodstock in Quechee, VT is a darling wood building which houses the best bakery I found in New England - thus far. No matter what state I'm in, or what restaurant I visit, I rarely sample baked goods or desserts - mainly because I'm so picky about the ingredients and then always end up thinking how much I prefer my own baking. In all honesty, I still feel that way, but if I were to buy another baker's cakes, it would be from the Vermont Cheesecake Bakery.

I still haven't tried their cheesecake since I'm incredibly picky about that particular dessert, so it was a slice of their scrumptious carrot cake I enjoyed. A genuine carrot cake without any unwanted veggies or fillers, and even made with pecans rather than walnuts and a delicious cream cheese frosting that complemented rather than overpowered the moist cake.

Carrot Cake - A delicious take-home treat from Vermont Cheesecake Bakery.

This little bakery gets 4 1/2 stars! Unprecedented in the MK chronicles of bakery reviews. I daresay the next time I'm in Vermont, I just might stop in and try one of their cheesecakes - the Moose Mess Chocolate Cheesecake looked particularly pleasing.

Restaurant Review: Bigfork Inn, Bigfork, MT

Photo by MK

Located in the tiny village of Bigfork, Montana, The Bigfork Inn is by far one of the absolute best restaurants in the village. With an extensive menu featuring everything from fresh salmon and prime rib to my favorite, a Crispy Farmhouse Duck (Twice roasted for crispness, our famous duck is served with a pecan, bing cherry, red current sauce) and a variety of vegetarian, pasta, and meat dishes, with an array of delicious appetizers (try their Tempura Artichoke Hearts with Hollandaise.

Crispy Farmhouse Duck - photo: Bigfork Inn

Prices are moderate and on par with the delicious fare you'll be served. I've always received excellent customer service from the hosts and wait staff. A clean establishment (which is a must in my book) and delicious food make for a guilt-free dining experience.

Tempura Artichoke Hearts - photo: Bigfork Inn

What about dessert you ask? Truth be told, I rarely ever eat dessert at restaurants, but they do serve cheesecake, mousse, and a variety of pies.

Restaurant Review: Tigh na Sgiath, Inverness-shire, Scotland

Tigh na Sgiath-Photo by MK

Heaven seems so far out of reach at times, until you are sitting down in a cozy and elegant dining room and a charming server sets a plate in front of you, filled with some of the most delectable creations you've ever had. In the heart of the Scottish highlands is Tigh na Sgiath, a country house hotel with the most fabulous chef I've ever had the experience to meet.

Chef Elaine McDonald-Coulter is a magician in the kitchen creating succulent entrees and mouth-watering desserts, you'll not give one thought to anything but the pleasure of that moment. She even made simple toast (served before my full Scottish breakfast) somehow taste better than any I've ever had. Her Highland Lamb is oh so tender, and what she can do with the most common of fowl is amazing.

A well-deserved, "Gold Plate" dining award winner! I believe you haven't lived until you've experienced dining at Tigh na Sgiath.

Note: A few of her delicious recipes are listed on their website.

Restaurant Review: When in Rome-Bigfork, MT

Restaurant Review: When in Rome, Bigfork, MT

I discovered long ago that pizza was one of my main food groups - no kidding. I figured out as a child that if I ordered a supreme veggie pizza I was killing lots of birds with lots of delicious stones. So, when it comes time to choose my favorite pizza spots, I'm rather picky. It turns out that When in Rome chef Engjell Vrapi, makes the best pizza crust ever to pass through my lips. Their secret? Well, you'll have to ask him, but it's a whole-wheat crust that doesn't taste like cardboard or health food - it's just that good. Competition winners in Las Vegas, these guys know pizza. Oh and in case you decide to stop in, they also have a nice selection of delicious pasta dishes - enjoy the food, wine, and service at When in Rome.

Images courtesy of When in Rome.

Restaurant Review: 3 Dogs Cafe - Rockport, Maine

I've been to a lot of small eateries and bakeries around the country and I usually walk out feeling anything but satisfied. After leaving 3 Dogs Cafe, I wasn't just satisfied, I wanted to drive all the way back to Maine just to have another sandwich.

On a nice visit up the Maine coast, we happened upon 3 Dogs Cafe on our way into Camden. Expecting to simply grab a quick bite and get about my sight-seeing, I ordered The Islesboro sandwich and was pleasantly surprised... it was delicious! I have to admit, I put together a pretty amazing sandwich, but this was by far the best one I've had in any eating establishment outside of my kitchen. The interior was clean and welcoming, the selection just right, and the atmosphere...tasty. Now, I can only speak to their sandwiches as I didn't eat any baked goods or other desserts, but the sandwich is worth another visit (and I live in MT). 

They also had the large homemade dog biscuits that both our pups thoroughly enjoyed - it was a nice touch.

The service was only average, but friendly enough that it wouldn't stop me from returning, and shouldn't stop someone from dropping in and enjoying what they have to offer. I recommend 3 Dog's Cafe to pretty much everyone.

3 Dog's Cafe

309 Commercial St 

Rockport, ME 04856

Image © 3 Dog's Cafe