Kat's 9 Lives

This is my first time in Massachusetts and we took a trip to the Berkshires.  We stayed in a bed and breakfast inn for the night.  On our way back to Boston, Gourmet Pigs wanted to visit a local distillery and they recommended Rubi's Coffee & Sandwiches. Be sure to keep an eye out for this location as it is tucked away behind their market.  It can easily be missed, so if you can find their market then they can direct you to the right place.
The Grilled Cheese with comte grilled on pullman was nicely grilled on the outside but lacked a little oomph for me.  I like stronger cheeses and taste.  The comte they used was very light and subtle that is almost drowned out by the bread.  This was definitely too bland for me.  They should consider adding another stronger cheese to add flavor or a more aged comte.
We decided to share two sandwiches.  I wish I looked closely at the other board that had a grilled cheese with beef.  For the other sandwich we chose the Alpine with alpine cheese, cornichons, and dijon mustard on pullman.  This grilled cheese sandwich was much more flavorful and very tangy.  The cornichons added a nice crunch and made me shiver a little from the sourness.  I thought this sandwich was much better but I am not sure if it was really worth the price difference.  The regular sandwich was $5.50 and this one was $9.50.  It's definitely not that much better to be double the price.  Honestly, I would just buy all the ingredients from their adjacent market and make it myself as it would be much cheesier and tastier.
They offer a wide variety of baked goods that looked very tempting.  The cookies were nice and plump for about $2.50 each.  I thought the cookies were not bad but I like the inside to be a bit more soft and chewy on the outside.  This could also be that we ate it the next day since we were filling up on goodies all the way back to Boston.  I think I was also spoiled by the cookie I had at Ame's Street Deli in Boston.
I got the corn muffin as well because I was craving corn bread.  To be honest... I haven't even eaten it yet because I bought so many goodies from Boston! lol  It looked tasty.
As a picker upper, we both tried their fresh brewed coffee.  I decided to have the macchiato for that extra punch.  The coffee was strong but be warned about adding too much sugar.  I overestimated how many spoons and made my drink super sweet.  Luckily Gourmet Pigs had coffee and we ended up trying to blend the two drinks to even out the sweetness.  =D
All in all it was a cute place and I am glad we got to try it.  As for price point, I guess it isn't surprising for a tourist area.  Personally I like their store much better and would definitely shop there!

Rubi's Coffee & Sandwiches
256 Main St,
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413) 528-0488

The food in Vegas keeps on getting better and better.  To really enjoy Vegas, you have to go off The Strip.  Don't get me wrong, I like fine dining but to experience the real culture and fun of Vegas you have to explore! I always have a car so I can stay off The Strip and go to my favorite eats and to find new ones.  The Goodwich was recommended by another store owner nearby and I have been wanting to try this place for a while.
They use to have foie gras sandwiches that I would have died for! What you have to love is that you can add crispy chicken skin into the sandwiches.  Drool drool!! They had me at that ingredient.  If you are a health nut and don't enjoy the wonders of crispy chicken skin, then this place is definitely not for you.  Also... you are missing out!! The skin is one of the best parts and if you won't eat it, I will happily do it for you! =D
The Goodwich is a small stall on the corner of Dino's parking lot.  You can park, order, and they will kindly bring the food to your car as well.  There is limited seating and depending on what time of the year you go, it may be too hot or cold to sit outside.  Ms. Lin Guide and I immediately began munching on our tasty sandwiches.  Best to eat fresh and hot!
Their menu often changes but there are always intriguing concoctions and tantalizing choices.  For our first time, we decided to get the Patty on rye.  Inside was ground beef, smoked cream cheese, onion, and pepper jack.  Of course we added the crispy chicken skin for the extra Oooooomph! The rye was beautifully colored and nicely grilled.  I love the crisp outer texture combined with all the rich flavors of the sandwich and delicious crispy chicken skin.  The bread was so full of butter that it basically melted in your mouth.  I think I am beginning to drool onto the computer! lol
We were split on the 2nd sandwich as they didn't offer the foie gras at this time.  Ms. Lin Guide decided on the Cuban-esque on white, since we had rye on the other sandwich.  Inside was pork butt & belly, ham, swiss, and pickle maystard.  The flavors were good and a slightly different take on your typical Cuban sandwich.  Of course we added the crispy chicken skin for an extra kick.  For me, this was solid but it didn't really blow my mind away as the Patty did.
All in all I really enjoyed their sandwiches and the owner was very nice.  I'd definitely go back for a quick bite and to see what new sandwiches they have concocted.

The Goodwich
1516 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 910-8681

I had seen my coworkers bring back some sandwiches from Sprouts Farmers Market.  The funny part is that it was the ugliest sandwich I had ever seen with a faux bread beret on top of the sandwich.  It was the oddest sandwich, so why would I want to try their sandwiches out?  Well you can't judge a book by its cover.  Even though the bread was hideous, the sandwich was filled to the brim with tasty ingredients.  Also, for some reason my coworker has also never been charged for the avocados they spread generously into her sandwich.
Finally one weekend I decided to stop in for a sandwich because it was the easiest thing to get for dinner after a tiring days work.  This was my first time there and first time ordering.  They have slips there that you can fill out with what you would like in your sandwich and how much of it inside as well.  I liked that it has that extra option of how much you would like.  The guy behind the counter was super friendly and said that he would take care of me.  He really did take care of me and filled my sandwich to the brim with ingredients.  Normally I am not a huge sandwich fan, but man was I drooling from all the tasty ingredients he added for me.  He was also very sweet to suggest a few treats that he loves.  This gigantic sandwich was only $4.49.  Here's the list of ingredients : Cheddar, Swiss, Tomatoes, Onions, Lettuce, Bacon, Avocado, Ham, Sprouts, and Turkey on Squaw Bread.  They don't have squaw listed as a bread choice but the guy told me that it was the best way to go and he was right!

You can make this into a meal by adding a dollar.  With that you get a bag of chips, a small side, and a bottle of water.  Not a bad deal I must say! Even my picky father agreed that it was a great deal after he saw my gigantically stuffed sandwich! Now that's saying something lol.  Since I had such a great first experience, I went back within a week or so for another helping.  Word to the wise, it really makes a difference who makes your sandwich because the lady who made my second sandwich charged me for every little thing and it was probably half the size of my first sandwich.  Note to self : Only look for him to take care of me! ^_-

Sprouts Farmers Market
3775 Alton Parkway  
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 705-5435

Chick-Fil-A, now what does that mean?  To me it means "Eat Mor Chikin"! I must admit that it was one of the cutest billboards that I have ever seen.  Every time I pass by one of them, I can't help chuckling.  It reminds me of Ms. Lin since she is born in the year of the cow.  The more reason I should be eating beef!! lol I haven't really listened to what the signs have been saying since I have never been to a Chick-Fil-A.  It has always been on my mind that I should try them out but I never felt the need or was just being lazy.  Finally my best bud and I were talking about it and she had a hankering for brownies.  (PS this was a secret craving) So we headed down to the closes Chick-Fil-A by her house for some dessert.
Even though I had been very full from dinner, I had to squeeze in the room for my FIRST Chick-Fil-A ever! lol We were going to go through the drive-thru to make it easier.  I brought up the fact that I had never been and she offered for us to both go in.  Nah, call me lazy but the drive-thru counts! lol So officially I have never been inside a Chick-Fil-A but I have now had their sandwich lol.  Based on recommendations, I decided to have the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Bacon.  The flavor had a nice kick and the chicken was nicely fried.  It wasn't overly battered nor did it felt oil.  I kind of wished I had more of their original sauce to dip the sandwich in.  The sandwich was a little dry without the sauce or maybe I just like it saucy.  ^_~
All in all it was a good sandwich full of flavor.  It wasn't your normal fast food spicy chicken sandwich where they claim to be spicy and end up being dull and flavorless.  I even got to try their "special" brownies.  My best bud kept raving about how it was like a tasty chocolate cake with the layer of frosting on top.  At first it really scared me because it sounded heart-clogging and not in a good way, but once I took a bite, I understood what she meant.  It was moist and sweet without being overly oily.  Maybe it will be "our" spot now since she was the one who took me to my first Chick-Fil-A.  Now if she could get me to get up in the morning to have their delicious breakfast that so many people rave about lol. 
Chick-Fil-A
26792 Portola Pkwy
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
 

When was the last time I had a macaron?? Okay, maybe it was only a week or two ago but I had a hankering for some good ole macarons.  I did some research and found a local cafe that offered heart-shaped macarons! Score! I drove out to ROCQ Café for a tasty lunch.  Don't bother calling because they were either too busy or they don't pick up the phone lines because I couldn't get anyone on the phone.  I wanted to make sure they still had macarons before I go.  Nonetheless, I took the chance and drove out for lunch.
They have a nice case of treats and pre-made sandwiches along with their quiches.  I wanted to try their macarons most of all so I had to pass on the other tasty desserts in the case.  There was a bunch of stuff to choose from their menu.  I really wanted to have some quiche but I already read the warnings from other diners about how it is more "bite-sized" than a full meal.  Boy, were they not kidding.  No fear, I always over order and make sure I get to try everything I want on the first go.
After a long debate, I decided to go with the Quiche Lorraine made with bacon and Swiss cheese, $6.95, that comes with 2 sides.  They will put the quiche in the oven for you and heat it up.  I thought the quiche had a nice crust and was tasty... but... man it is tiny.  Even my best bud thought it was small.  For lunch, I might need a few to fill me up.  The quiche was well made but I have to say that the ones you buy at the supermarket are almost the same, like Nancy's.
For the sides, many people recommended their Orzo Salad.  They were running low but I asked if there was more and luckily they had another batch.  I thought this salad was a bit too bland for my liking.  My best bud taste tested for me as a backup opinion and agreed that it was too light.  Some bites had a hint of onion that added a kick.  I think they needed a lot more bits of onion to stimulate my tastebuds.
All their sides are veggies so the choices for me were very limited.  For both orders, I got the same 2 sides.  I thought the Potato Salad was not bad.  They had chopped jalapeños embedded in every bite, which gave it a kick. 
What I thought was really tasty was the Tri-Tip Sandwich, $10.95.  The lady who took my order recommended it and I was a little skeptical because I hate overcooked meat.  This was actually very nicely seasoned and flavored.  The tri-tip was mixed with onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and chipotle mayo.  I thought the beef was tender and everything came together in a nice bite.  There was a nice spicy after kick.
The only thing I would complain about this sandwich was because it was an oily mess.  I liked the chewiness of the bread mixed with the tenderness of the meats and vegetables, but after every bite drops of orange-reddish oil would drip down.  By the time I finished the sandwich, my entire hand was drenched in oil.  It was a bit much, but I didn't really mind it since I had a napkin and the flavors were very smokey and tasty.
Now onto the main attraction that brought me here... the macarons.  Call me a sucker but I love it when my food talks to me or comes in cute/funky shapes.  They have heart-shaped French macarons for $1.70 and normal circular shaped ones for $1.60.  Maybe I should have woken up earlier for more flavors because by the time I went, there were only a few kinds left.  I grabbed all the different varieties. 
To be honest, they were not bad but not great macarons.  The texture was a bit softer than what I like, but the good thing was that I could let it sit an extra day for the outer shell to firm up.  O=) I didn't quite like the chocolate mint because it tasted like toothpaste a little bit to me.
The heart was the most fun to eat and I enjoyed the rich chocolate flavor.  I love being a heart-breaker =D Oh I mean breaking the heart macarons in half to share with a pal.... right? lol
For lunch, they were actually pretty packed and seems to be a local favorite.  It's not a bad place to get away from work and to enjoy lunch.  They try to create a peaceful garden like feel.  Considering the area, it's nice to find a little cafe tucked away here.
All in all I enjoyed it but it was a bit pricey for lunch.  My total bill came out to about $30 and ummm that was all just for me! lol O=) Next door is Round Tables Pizza with an All You Can Eat Lunch Buffet for only $5.99 per person... hmmmmmm....
ROCQ Café
22722 Lambert St
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 916-0722

As many of you know, I am not biggest fan of Bruxie.  I thought the concept was new and innovative but fell short on execution.  The best thing I tried at the Chapman location was their smoothie.  On a nice warm Sunday I was invited to a media event at TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea and happen to come across a bunch of great eats that I just had to try out.  It's a far trek for me so I better enjoy all I can in one trip!
Even though I had a filling brunch, I could always make room for a smoothie.  I was hoping that they had some tasty concoctions for me to try out.  Someone tempted me by saying they offered a lobster roll, which sadly turned out not to be on the menu.
The store front looks very nice and there are a bunch of seats for people to enjoy the bruxies.  They were a little bit slow to take the order but everyone was friendly there.  I thought it was cute that there was designated corner for take out.  They brought everything to me as it came out.
At first I debated on just getting a Dulce de Leche smoothe but I decided that I should use this opportunity to give their bruxies one more try.  The shake was thick and sweet.  I think their caramel is very smooth but a little too sweet.  Say hello to diabetes, but I guess in a good way? lol I needed a tall glass of milk after consumption.
This time I decided to try something different instead of sticking with the only bruxie I liked at the Chapman location.  I can be too daring at times, but I chose to have the Hot Pastrami Bruxie.  Here is the funny part, I really want to find the ultimate pastrami.  Even though I have been hunting for it and let down many times, I still dive in head/mouth first trying to find the perfect one.  They used Boar's Head Pastrami with Gruyere, Cider Slaw, Sour Pickles, and Spicy Brown Mustard.  I thought the combo of flavors were not bad.  It was reminiscent of a Reuben.  My word of advice is eat it FRESH! Don't take it home because I took a few bites there and finished the rest at home.  There was massive pools of oil dripping everywhere, which was kind of sad and scary at the same time.
All in all it was fine but I definitely wouldn't drive so far for this when there is a closer location near me.  Still, I think the hip vibe and ambiance in this area really makes this location better.  There's tons of other foods and things to do around this area so if you are nearby you can make multiple foodie stops to get your fill.

Bruxie (Brea Downtown)
215 W Birch St
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 255-1188
 

I love it up there in San Gabriel where if you hop a few blocks over you will find yourself in another city full of yummy goodies. In El Monte there's this place called Tito's Market that's well known for their empanadas and sandwiches. The area can seem a bit sketchy but you know what, Tito's Market is the safest place around with 4 cop cars parked in front and another one pulling in as I pulled out. This place must be a hot spot for cops, so don't worry because it's super safe with tons of people coming in and out grabbing their food to go.
The ladies are very friendly and the prices are very reasonable. Everyone is very polite. The Beef Empanadas are $1.79 and they are a pretty decent size that's filled with tons of meat. I have been here twice and yet to try the Chicken Empanadas, so be sure to come earlier because that always seems to run out first. The first time I had the Milanesa as well but I wasn't that impressed with the sandwich but I did really like the empanadas so this time I had to stop by since I exited from the 60 Freeway on Rosemead. It's great for a quick grab and has that wholesome feeling.
All in all a great local eatery that's priced very reasonably. They have a huge menu that's worth looking into if you lived nearby. As for me, I am just there for a "snack" on my way to a multiple meal fun night!

Tito's Market
9814 Garvey Ave
El Monte, CA 91733
(626) 579-1893

It's time to give Lee's Sandwiches another look. To be honest I had lost my love for this chain for a while but thanks to the Lee's Sandwiches in Rowland Heights, it has rekindled the flame. The facility is very clean and you can watch them as they make your sandwiches.
Plan to eat your sandwiches there when they are freshly made. It's best when the sandwiches are still crisp.
They caught me in their web and surprised me with their Vegetarian Sandwich. Yes, you read right, veg-et-ar-ian. I was shocked too that I could ever like something made without meat. Inside the French baguette is a mixture of finely chopped fried tofu skin, thin crisp noodles, fried sweet potato strips, and more. Mixed with the sweet pickled vegetables and herb, it's like a flavor explosion.
I made a mistake and forgot to add avocado on the first sandwich, so I had to go for a second one loaded with avocado. Believe me, it makes a huge difference. The buttery goodness of avocado really helps enhance the crisp texture and sweet flavor. Everything tastes better with more avocado. =D
My hunger overcame me and I devoured the Grilled Pork Sandwich. The meat was warm, flavorful, and satisfying. It really hit the spot. The savory flavor of the pork was nicely enhanced by the crisp sweet pickled vegetables. I would definitely recommend people to eat this while it is warm and fresh for the best flavor.
Today I chose to be a little more adventurous in my drink choice. I would normally get an iced coffee, but I couldn't resist the temptation of a Durian Smoothie and an Avocado Smoothie. It's rare to see a place offering durian so I couldn't pass that up. Glad to have a good amount of choices to choose from.
All in all this is a great location to get my Vietnamese sandwich fix. Before, I would say that the vegetarian sandwich was the way to go, but now I really like the grilled pork as well. The good thing is that the prices are always very reasonable so I can pick up everything that I want without breaking my wallet. I wish I could have one of their sandwiches right now. It would just hit the spot!
Lee's Sandwiches
18194 Colima Rd
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
(626) 810-8887