Boston Day Two: Cambridge, Cafe Crema, Sweet and Jose's

I'm full. This city is killing me... in the best way possible, of course.

Luckily, I fit in a five mile run this morning, which made the indulgence oh-so-much better. From then on, though, it was all downhill.

Anyway, what you've all been waiting for. Today I did Cambridge, which is the charming setting of this little school you may have heard of. Harvard? Yeah I had to google it.

Hahvahd Square is such a cute little area. I'm talking great coffee shops, bakeries, eateries, whatever. It's all there. I was planning on making lunch at my sister's apartment, but I couldn't resist the temptation of some quaint little cafe calling my name. I set off in search of the perfect sandwich...and found it!

Cafe Crema has soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goodies and a ton of caffeinated beverages. What more could a girl ask for? Nada. I ordered the Veggies and Ricotta sandwich: Whipped ricotta-roasted red pepper spread with grilled portobello, roasted fennel, spinach, tomato & red onion on a toasted homemade baguette. Yum. I love love love it when a sandwich has a crusty bread. This one was fantastic. And I've never had a ricotta spread. It's a yes.

I heard all these bakery orders that sounded so tasty, and it was really hard to resist the muffins and the cookies but I did.

Only to wander across the street to Sweet, the local cupcakery. Sweet was really cute. They had mini cupcakes and an all white interior. I got two minis and literally had just a bite of each because I was stuffed from my sandwich.

It might have been a waste of money, but it was a sweet waste of money. Pictured is the cappuccino: moist espresso flavored cake baked with Callebaut chocolate crowned with signature Sweet frosting and a dusting of cinnamon and dark chocolate: rich chocolate cake baked with Dutch cocoa. Ahh. I liked the cappuccino but I loved the chocolate on chocolate. Just a bite never satisfies me but it did this time.

When the sister was off work, I got coffee (and Vanessa got bubble tea) and we set off for the Science Museum. Yeah, it was so cool. Nerdy stuff, folks. Nerdy but fun.

I must have walked like 10 miles today because  I was on my feet for at least six hours. And all that walking gave me quite the appetite. We headed out of town to Jose's, a festive Mexican restaurant in Arlington, just a couple blocks off of Mass Ave.

I love Mexican food but it's inevitable that I eat too many chips. The guacamole didn't help my cause, but it was certainly delicious. I was being indecisive, as usual, so I ordered the Fiesta Grande, a combination of a taco, enchilada and flauta. Delish. And pretty too! Sometimes Mexican food isn't photogenic but I think we can agree this looks pretty darn good.

And here we are, watching reruns of trashy reality tv and vegging out hard. Tomorrow I meet my friend Alyssa for breakfast and then the fam is heading up to Booth Bay, Maine! Ahhh, what a week!

Portobello Fajitas

As a freshman, I always heard Waring Commons at Penn State had the best food. Italian pastas, fried chicken, lo mein, pizza, cheese burgers everyday... I was in heaven. I never went for the California blend of veggies, and you could call my salads ranch with a side of lettuce, cheese and croutons.

It's true. Just a few short years ago, I disliked detested vegetables. I ate sweet corn laced with butter, peas with a cheesey sauce and carrots drowned in dressing. I think my entire freshman year in college, I avoided vegetables like the plague. I was proud to be veggie-free.

My friends, however, loooooved salads. Big girl ones with tomatoes, kidney beans and even tofu. They didn't even use ranch dressing! It blew my mind. And here I am today, a huge fan of Boca burgers, vinaigrette and even broccoli. I've come a long way.

I should preface this recipe. 17-year-old Jessie hated mushrooms. I thought they stunk. They tasted rubbery. They felt gritty in my mouth. Ew.

22-year-old Jessie eats mushrooms instead of burgers, woo wee! And instead of chicken, beef, or even fish, in honor of my transition, tonight's dinner was portobello fajitas. Veggies as the main event.

If you've never had portobello 'shrooms, you've got to try them. This recipe might be a good kick in the pants for you, because their flavor isn't overwhelming. If you like fajitas, give it a go. Anyway, here goes it.

Portobello Fajitas

What ya need:

4 portobello mushrooms 

2 red or yellow bell pepper, quartered  

2 tbsp olive oil

8 small tortillas 

1 avocado, skinned and pitted and mashed 

1/4 cup light sour cream 

1 tsp chili powder 

Salt and Pepper
Toppings for your fajitas (grilled onions, refried beans, cheese, whatever you'd use)

Cilantro

What ya do:
1. Brush your bellos and peppers with a little bit of olive oil on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stack your tortillas and wrap in foil. 
2. Grill portobellos, peppers and tortilla packet directly over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
3. Mash one avocado and combine with light sour cream, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cut grilled veggies into strips and spread avocado evenly among tortillas. Pile veggies onto tortillas and top with other toppings and cilantro. 


Yum! I do get sick of Old El Paso, the authentic Mexican (or not) so this was a nice change up!