Tag: food

Coffee That Impresses Me

I like a mild-tasting coffee. I do not want a robust or overly strong coffee. I once tried a coffee that had a hint of chocolate, and it was a perfect combination of flavors. When I ask my barista to put a lot of froth on my cappuccino, I expect a lot of froth. Several times over the years, I asked for a lot of froth, but my cappuccino had only two teaspoons, which was very disappointing. Once a barista asked me if I knew what a cappuccino was, I replied yes, as I had had several in Italy. The funniest experience was when a barista made a cappuccino with dry coffee cream. The capouichino was undrinkable, so we asked for our money back. Once I ordered a latte in France, I got one cup of hot tea and one cup of hot coffee. I could see how she thought I had ordered tea, but I could not figure out why she bought out a cup of coffee as well. I ordered a hot latte on a cold winter’s day, and my barista brought out a Frappee. I drank it and said, ” Can I please have a hot latte now. I want a barista who is fully trained and knows what she is doing, as that makes for the perfect coffee drink. I prefer coffee shops that sell food along with their coffee. Coffee shops should be clean, and you should be able to hear each other while you visit. If they play music, I want it playing softly in the background.

Restaurants And Food

I have ordered food at a restaurant where the soup was almost cold, and blood was running out of the steak. I told our waitress to reheat the soup and bake the steak until it was well done. One time, I went to a restaurant, and they had run out of almost everything on the menu. I ended up ordering a salad. I want a restaurant with a pleasing ambiance, and I like one where I can watch them preparing the food. It’s nice to go to a restaurant and have them remember what you want to order. It is nice when the waitress brings out fresh water and more bread without having to ask. I have eaten at five-star restaurants while traveling, and that is indeed a wonderful experience. The waiter comes to your table and asks if you need anything else, offering more coffee or hordevers. I have ordered duck, lamb, oysters, Virginia ham, and other remarkable, mouthwatering foods over the years. Eating on the French Riviera was one of my favorite places to eat. How the meal is prepared and presented at the table tells you in advance if the food will be good or bad. Treat yourself while on vacation, as memories last forever and other things fade away over time. You only go around once, so make the moments memorable.

Tags Coffee, food, Travel

Life On The Road

Eating Out

Do not eat fast food while you are traveling on the road. Fast food has many more calories than a good meal from a restaurant. The fast will likely cost more than a good meal from the restaurant. Eating something good for you is worth a bit of wait time. I would rather have a salmon meal with vegetables, soup, or baked potato. Fast foods are very fattening; if you order a hamburger and fries, you hardly get any vegetables except one lettuce leaf and one tomato slice, and they generally throw in a large soda loaded with calories. Eat healthy, wiser, and better foods for a better and healthier life. I knew a person who ate fast food all of the time while on the road, and she could hardly move, and it led to an early death.

Give Yourself Time

If you tire of driving, take a coffee and take a break. Find an attraction in the area and check it out; you will most likely be glad you did. Give yourself at least two hours’ leeway, as there may be road construction and detours to your destination. Never show up late, as that says a lot about you. It tells the other person your time is important, but their time is not.

Finding Lodging

Always try to make reservations. Driving all night to find a place to rest will wear you out even more than driving in heavy traffic. Always plan, and then you will eliminate many problems. If you find your lodging unacceptable, tell them and find a better place to stay the night. I had excellent lodging at this cabin-like house.

Snacks While Driving

If you want chips, eat a healthy energy bar, almonds, walnuts, or baked potato chips. Avoid sugary foods and fried foods if you can. You might want to drink a healthy energy drink as many new ones do not have sugar except natural juice. I like natural juice drinks, vegetable drinks, and water.

Go For A Walk For A Break From Driving

I like to find a park to walk in or walk while looking at the stores in a town. After driving for three hours or more, walking relaxes the muscles in your legs and helps your back. Talk to other people walking, and they may tell you about a must-see attraction in their town.

Driving Everyday On Busy Roads

Always watch out for the other guy on the road. The other guy may do the unexpected. I had a lady do a U-turn at a one-way intersection. I honked at her, and she finally realized she was going the wrong way when another car and she met face to face. At least no one got killed or injured since they did not collide.

You Have Arrived At Your Destination

I hope you have a good and successful business trip and that your vacation is everything you want it to be. Ask people what you should see and find the top ten attractions by asking Alexa or Google. Read what travel bloggers have said about things to do and see where you are. Safe driving and safe travels.

Tags food, tips, Travel

Where To Find Relaxation

Travel

I find traveling very relaxing once I arrive at my destination. If I arrive early enough in the day, I will go on a little shopping trip. I also look at the menus posted outside of the restaurants and decide which one I will stop at for my evening meal. I find a coffee shop and ask some of the locals what they think I should see in the area. I love to look in museums and attend concerts, operas and more. I love looking at new and beautiful scenery. Travel opens up your mind to new experiences and adventures that no one can ever take away from you. I love European travel, traveling in the USA, day trips, and small-town shopping. I love to stay at the same hotel, so I so not have to move around if possible. It is nice to have a central location when you travel that is located between what you want to do and see. By having that prime location, you can walk to everything and see more if you took a taxi there. I look forward to travel and enjoy it very much. I love traveling with a great travel companion as you can share your fun experiences with each other for years to come. Happy travels ahead for all.

Outdoors

I am very relaxed when I work outdoors in the spring and thru the winter. Breathing in the fresh air and moving around outdoors refreshers one’s mind body and soul. I love working in the soil in my garden, weed whacking, lawn mowing, shoveling, moving snow with a snow blade and painting outside. I love to watch the animals at all times of the year. I love to see the small baby animals and squirrels gathering up nuts for the long winter months, I love to the birds eating at my bird feeder and watching them gather up their nesting materials. I had a skunk that had her babies by my house, and she took off with them when they were grown. Outdoors is my favorite place to be to enjoy what God has created for us. We are stewards of the land, and we have dominion over the animals, and we should care for them and never mistreat them. We our one of God’s creatures also.

Pets

Pets bring lots of relaxation to our lives. It is very relaxing to have a cat resting on your lap purring away. Watching animals at play is relaxing as they chase each other’s tails or throw a ball or toy in the air. A resting pet seems not to have a care in the world. Pets can be all sprawled out and happily sound to sleep in pet dreamland. When one’s cat takes a catnap sometimes, we join them. Pets bring joy into our lives every day. Our pets are like family, and we love them like family.

Food

Eating your favorite foods can be very relaxing. A large piece of banana cream pie or a chocolate candy bar can relax one after a hard day at work. Eating a fancy evening meal can relax one immensely. I love flavored coffees and fruit smoothies. I look forward to one at least twice a week. Now go out and eat your favorite food or have your favorite beverage and you will be relaxed.

Tags food, outdoors, pets, Travel

Food And Drinks In North Iowa

Food And Coffee In North Iowa

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date November 7, 2022
No Comments on Food And Coffee In North Iowa

Excellent Lattes, Lunch, Desserts, And More

I love the coffee and cinnamon rolls at Bean and Bistro, located in Northwood, Iowa. I also love their everything hash browns and their lunch specials. The help and staff are amiable. I like how the coffee shop is decorated and has a very inviting atmosphere.

I look forward to having one of their warm, delicious fresh cinnamon rolls. One of their cinnamon rolls has a cream cheese topping that is out of this World.

I love the coffee and food at Three On The Tree in Mason City, Iowa. I have had their Quiche, scones, bread pudding, and excellent soups. It is a fun place to sit down, watch the traffic go by, and enjoy looking at the old business signs in the coffee shop as it once was a Dodge dealership.

I love the coffee and food at Black Sheep Coffee Baa, located in Greene, Iowa. I have had many beautiful soups, sandwich wraps, almond sticks, and other wonderful and tasty desserts. They always have a lot of people visiting the tables. I cannot go home without at least six almond sticks to snack on.

I love going to the Kountry Kupboard in Osage, Iowa. I love their extra large tasty muffins and their various coffee drink specials. I love their store as the front part of their store sells all kinds of healthy and delicious foods. I have purchased their different casseroles and dates rolled in coconut, spices, pickles, healthy snack items, and much more.

Rustic Brew, located in Hampton, Iowa, is another favorite coffee and food restaurant I love. I love their Rueben sandwiches, meatloaf dinner, numerous thick soups, and extra large chocolate chip cookies. The help and staff are amiable and accommodating to your needs. Check out their lunch specials.

K & B Emporium is an excellent place to have lunch and coffee. I love their thick and creamy soups and their puff pastry chicken soup. I love eating the different varieties of quiches they offer daily, with grapes, bread, soup, or a salad. The pies and homemade baked goods are delicious, and I take some home with me. I like their biscotti dunked in coffee, and my favorite flavor is the almond biscotti. Their pies are lovely; I especially love the banana or coconut cream pies. I like macaroons, tarts, pumpkin bars, and large ginger snap cookies. I am a big fan of their focaccia bread and much more.

I love eating at the Bel Mar restaurant in Osage, Iowa. Their tenderloins are enormous and very tender and tasty. I had a piece of their wonderful lemon meringue pie. Their tomato soup is homemade and extra thick. The coffee is good, and they have cream for your coffee. They have a lunch special every day.

The food at TelUWut Grille and Pub in Osage, Iowa, is excellent and generous beyond generous. I love the wraps that come with soup. I generally bring home one-half of a wrap that I eat for my evening meal. Their sweet potato fries are delicious and not greasy. You can always find an excellent lunch special on their menu.

Cabin Coffee, located in Clear Lake, Iowa, has fantastic coffee and food. I love their cheese bagels and soups. The atmosphere is friendly and lovely. Their tomato soup hits the spot on a cold day. I love their turtle coffee drinks and their café au lait.

Starbucks coffee has always been a favorite of mine since none of their coffee has a bitter aftertaste. I love their frappes, small breakfast treats, banana bread, and other bread slices. I love their Dragon berry drinks.

Scooters coffee in Clear Lake, Iowa, has been a favorite place for me to stop and grab a quick and refreshing coffee or fruit smoothie. I love their sweet rolls and hot breakfast sandwiches. Scooters coffee has an excellent pleasant taste.

Block ten coffee, located in Sheffield, Iowa has excellent lunch specials. I love their soups and sandwich wraps; I always order a latte or a cappuccino. I love their Belgium cream chocolate-covered donuts and their coffee bread slices.

Java 18 Coffee, located in Garner, Iowa, has excellent coffee drinks and food. The atmosphere is open and light and very pleasing. I had a wonderful breakfast and lunch there. They are located right next to Hwy 18.

Tags Coffee, food, Travel

My Favorite Places For Coffee And Food

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date April 4, 2022
No Comments on My Favorite Places For Coffee And Food

Rustic Brew is Located In Hampton, Iowa

Rustic Brew has a mild blend of delightful coffee with no strong aftertaste. I love all of their various coffee drinks and brews. The atmosphere in the restaurant is charming and appealing. I love their lunch specials and all of their excellent homemade soups. They have homemade chicken soup of various kinds, tomatoes, and many others. I love their extra-large chocolate cookies with huge melted pieces of chocolate in the cookies. I love their large Rueben sandwiches as they are very generous with their meat.

Bean And Bistro is Located In Northwood, Iowa

I love all of her extra-large cinnamon rolls at Bean And Bistro. I especially love the cream cheese cinnamon roll. She makes the best everything hashbrowns I have ever had. I have eaten her breakfast sandwiches which taste delicious. I love her paninis and wraps. She always has lunch specials, and you can order cinnamon rolls in advance since they sell out soon in the morning.

Three On The Tree is Located In Mason City, Iowa

I love her homemade Wisc. Cheese soup at Three on the Tree. They also sell corn chowder and chicken wild rice soup. They have quiche, cheesecake, bread pudding, and biker bars with oats and grains. I love their lattes and cold coffee drinks. They sell scones and other treats. They used to sell Dodge vehicles in the building, and she has a picture of people waiting for service and an old lite-up garage sign.

Scooters Located In Clear Lake, Iowa

When I want a quick coffee drink or treat, I drive to the Scooters pickup window. I love their lattes and their cold coffee drinks. I love their peach mango smoothies. Scooter’s coffee is mild, with no strong aftertaste. They are quick and efficient with your coffee orders.

Starbucks is Located In Mason City, Iowa

Starbucks Carmel macchiatos are a favorite of mine. I love the various sandwiches from Starbucks and their quick bread. I love the turkey jerky they sell in their restaurant, which has no nitrates. I love their dragon berry cold drink and their peach smoothies. Starbucks always seems to have healthy snacks and food.

Country Cupboard is Located In Osage, Iowa

I love their lattes with added flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, and more at Country Cupboard. They have a good selection of large homemade muffins to choose from. They have a fantastic atmosphere, and their restaurant is spotless. They have homemade cinnamon rolls, which sell out in a hurry.

Block 10, Located In Sheffield, Iowa

They have an incredible wrap filled with turkey and cut-up avocados at Block 10. I love their homemade soups. I have had their loaded potato soup and bisque tomato soup. They have daily lunch specials. I love the old fire truck in part of the restaurant. They also have a Sundae bar which I will try out as the weather gets warmer. I love their chocolate eclairs that are filled with Belgium cream. They have a lovely gift shop upstairs.

Black Sheep Coffee Baa is Located In Greene, Iowa

She has excellent coffee drinks with a pleasant and inviting atmosphere at Black Sheep Coffee Baa. I have had her wraps and excellent homemade soups. I love the almond letters that she bakes. She bakes cookies, bread, muffins, and much more. I love her old stove and other items in her coffee shop and bakery. I always bring home at least six almond letters that I put in my freezer and eat at a later date.

Tags Coffee, food, Travel

Bean & Bistro Located In Northwood

Bean & Bistro Located In Northwood, Iowa

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date February 1, 2021
2 Comments on Bean & Bistro Located In Northwood, Iowa

Coffee, Chai Tea, And More

I love the coffee at Bean and Bistro. I have had their lattes, cappuccinos, and regular and decaffeinated coffee. Their coffee has a nice mild flavor, and I love the aroma of the coffee. I love their vanilla chai tea and their hot chocolate. I have had vanilla, pumpkin spice, caramel, and other flavored coffee drinks. All of their coffee is made to perfection. If you ask for a lot of foam in your coffee, you will get that.

Breakfast and Cinnamon Rolls And Cookies

I love their Wednesday burrito breakfast special. I order the burrito with ham in it, which is delicious. I love all the food at Bean & Bistro in Northwood, Iowa. The burrito is filled with hash browns and cheese that I ordered. You can get your burrito with ham, bacon, or sausage, which also comes with sour cream. The special comes with a large cup of coffee and cream if you want it. Their cinnamon rolls are the best cinnamon rolls that I have ever eaten in my life. The frosting is a light brown cinnamon that gives it the right amount of sweetness. I wouldn’t say I like cake icing cinnamon rolls as they are way too sweet, and they do not make those which I am glad for. They also make another outstanding cheesecake cinnamon roll. The cinnamon roll has cheesecake on top of it, and I love cheesecake. I generally take home two cinnamon rolls to have later on. I would highly recommend trying their cinnamon rolls as they are mouth-watering. I like to take home some of their cookies to snack on. I have tried their chocolate chip cookies and more.

Lunch

They have various kinds of wraps that come with chips. They have a grilled cheese sandwich which comes with tomato soup. I have tried their soup and loved that it was not spicy, as I wouldn’t say I like spicy foods. Their grilled chicken wrap is delicious. They have smash burgers with caramelized onions, bacon, Swiss cheese, and homemade chips. They have daily lunch specials that are very generous and filling. I love all the food at Bean and Bistro n Northwood, Iowa.

The Owner And Staff

The owner always asked me how my food was, which I appreciated. She works in the kitchen with gloves on while she prepares your food. Her co-worker is an excellent barista, and they both have pleasant personalities. They take time to visit with you and put a smile on your face. I ordered six cinnamon rolls one day for other pothers to pick up when I arrived. They were ready to go when I got there.

The Atmosphere

The restaurant is nicely decorated. I love the antiques in the restaurant, as there are two old coffee grinders and a neat little antique corner table with a mirror. She has pictures of people drinking coffee and old coffee signs on the walls. There are more interesting antique pieces to look at. You can see her care in preparing food in the kitchen while waiting. Take a nice little drive and have coffee, breakfast, lunch, cinnamon rolls, and more at Bean & Bistro in Northwood, Iowa.

Italian Night

She will start Italian night starting Saturday in March from 5 to 8 PM; she will bring your wine or spirits to enjoy while eating Italian food. There will be an uncorking fee for your wine or spirits. What an excellent way to spend a Saturday evening with friends or family.

The Bistro Bed and Breakfast

She has a Bed and Breakfast above her Bistro. You can spend a lovely quiet evening above her Bistro and get served one of her fantastic breakfast items and your choice of hot coffee or other hot drinks that she has.

Tags food, Travel

Getting My cats Winter Essentials

Getting My Cats Winter Essentials

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date November 9, 2020
No Comments on Getting My Cats Winter Essentials

Heated Cat Beds

I buy my heated cat beds from Chewy.com. I like the K& H brand heated cat beds, which are dependable and last a long time. Some cat beds zip apart, and you can take out the element and wash the rest of the bed on a gentle cycle in your washing machine and then let the bed line dry in a warm basement or area of your home. I like the window sill, round and dog house style heated cat beds. Please ensure the cords are in good shape on all of your cat’s beds and that they are in good working order before use to prevent fires.

Stock Up On Cat Food And Litter

I stock up on cat food and litter as I do not want to move the heavy containers around when a solid sheet of ice is on the ground. I love that chewy.com delivers your cat supplies right to your door. I order cat food, treats, kitty litter, toys, and more from chewy.com.

Checkups At Your Vet

I ensure all my cats have had their checkups before winter sets in. My cat’s shots are all up to date, and their teeth are in good order. A happy cat is healthy, loved, and well-cared-for the feline. Taking your cat to the vet regularly may prevent a significant health problem. All of us want our feline friends to live their entire nine lives.

Cat Toys And Exercise Wheels

Your cat will be fitter and trimmed with an exercise wheel in your home for cats. It will take your cats a little while to use the exercise wheel. Cats running and pouncing on cat toys help shed some of those unwanted pounds. I have some brain teaser cat toys to alert my cat’s minds. My cats love cat treat balls. When my cats move the treat ball just right, a nice treat rewards them for their efforts.

Canned Food And Cat Treats

As the temps, my cats love adding more canned cat food to their diet. My cats love canned food with squash or pumpkin and chicken or fish. More food helps keep up their body temp. And their energy level. My cats always look forward to cat treats. My cats prefer chicken or tuna-flavored cat treats.

Clean Up Your Cat Dishes, Litter Boxes, and Bedding

I have fluffy towels for my cat’s next door to cuddle up in, and I wash them before cold weather arrives. I take my litter boxes outdoors, clean them with soapy water and a scrub brush, and put rubber gloves on. All of my cat dishes get cleaned or replaced.

Keep Your Cat Free From Drafts

Ensure your door seals are in good shape and your windows are closed securely. Put your cat’s bed, litter box, and dishes in a warm area for your cat. Never keep a cat outdoors without shelter, a nice warm spot to curl up in, a heated water bowl, and plenty of food. I hope you and your cats stay nice and cozy this winter.

Tags cat beds, cat treats, food, Frostbite

Patriot Wings Restaurant next To The Airport In Mason City

Patriot Wings Restaurant Next To The Airport In Mason City, Iowa

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date October 28, 2019
No Comments on Patriot Wings Restaurant Next To The Airport In Mason City, Iowa

My friend and I ate at Patriot Wings Restaurant recently and were very impressed with our food. There is a beautiful Mexican Restaurant there now that opened in 2021. I love how the restaurant was decorated for the Fall season. The surroundings and the atmosphere are magnificent. Our waitress came to our table promptly. She took our order and gave us a nice carafe of water.

I looked over the food delivered to the other tables while waiting. The food that was delivered looked mouthwatering. I could hear them tell their friends how wonderful the food tasted. Their conversation ended as they kept eating their food.

We ordered the Black Angus Burger with french fries. Our black Angus burger was cooked to perfection, and it tasted delicious. Our french fries were seasoned and not greasy, and they were delicious. Our waitress filled our carafe with water again.

She had beautiful desserts you could eat in the restaurant or take home. I brought home a wonderful-looking cherry tart and a scone. The cherry tart was out of this world; it tasted terrific. The scone was very tender and had a marvelous flavor.

We saw a plane take off through the window while eating our Black Angus Burger and fries. Watching the planes come and go while you are eating your meal is fun. I always enjoyed eating at the airport restaurant as a young child. I was very fascinated with airplanes, and I still am today.

The restaurant also has a bar to enjoy a drink with your meal. I saw several people having a glass of beer. Some women were drinking mimosas. The food, waitresses, waiters, cook, and baker do an excellent job. I recommend eating at Patriot Wings Restaurant in Mason City, Iowa, next to the airport.

Tags food, Travel

Stores and Food That I Love in Kalona

Stores and Food That I Love in Kalona, Iowa

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date June 24, 2019
No Comments on Stores and Food That I Love in Kalona, Iowa

My Grandmother grew up in Wellman, Iowa, not far from Kalona, Iowa. I have relatives in Kalona, Iowa. My Grandmother was in the Pleasantview Nursing Home in Kalona, Iowa, until she passed away. My family and I would always shop in the stores in Kalona, and I still enjoy shopping in the stores in Kalona. Kalona is an Amish and Mennonite community. I love watching the Amish buggies go down the road.

Kalona Antique Company

I always enjoy going to the Kalona Antique Company, an old church converted into an antique store. I have made numerous small purchases there over the years. In my younger days, old metal toy cars, marbles, and other objects enticed me. I purchased a few old oil lamps in my later years. They have a vast assortment of acceptable items for sale.

Hardware Stores in Kalona

Yotty’s Ace discount hardware store is my favorite hardware store. They have the old hard-to-find items. I purchased a nice heavy gauge aluminum scoop shovel with a metal and wood handle made like the ones from years ago. I like the old wood floor in their store. I have purchased oil lamp parts, dehumidifiers, paint brushes, fire king bakeware, and more. I like the fact that it is a family-run, multi-generation business. They are very friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating to your needs.

I always stop at Gambles hardware to get my garden seeds. I purchased a friendly homelite gas-operated hedge trimmer that worked perfectly for years. I also bought a pellet gun there years ago. I love shopping at hardware stores. Gambles hardware stores carry a wide array of products.

Kalona Coffee House

The Kalona Coffee House can take care of all of your coffee needs. They make stunning lattes and cappuccinos. They have a wide array of cold coffee drinks—a nice place to meet, gather with your friends, and enjoy an excellent coffee drink. Try one of their muffins for a beautiful snack—a pleasant and fantastic atmosphere with a unique fresh coffee smell.

Tuscan Moon Grill

I love to eat my evening meal at the Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth in Kalona. I purchased their lamb dinner several times. The lamb came with a large baked potato and grilled vegetables. The lamb was cooked to perfection. I also bought a glass of white wine with a lovely delicate flavor. Tuscan Moon’s owner visited us at our table, and he was originally from Italy. I like a restaurant where the owner or chef visits with you directly as you know they take great pride in their restaurant and customers.

Kalona Creamery

I love the Kalona Creamery. I love their fresh cheese curds and other cheese. They have old-fashioned candy bar brands from my childhood days. I have purchased a sky bar, milk duds, etc. They sell canned pork and chicken, which is amazingly delicious. You can watch them make cheese curds.

Stringtown Grocery Store

Stringtown Grocery Store is an Amish convenience store. I have purchased their homemade bread, pies, and more. The Amish are excellent bakers. I love their fresh carrots, potatoes, apples, cherries, and more. They have all kinds of spices and seeds for sale. They have a wide variety of candy. They have all the baking ingredients available for your baking needs. They have nail clippers, harmonicas, and much more for sale—a fantastic, welcoming, immaculate store.

Plan a day trip to Kalona.

Kalona is a beautiful town to spend your day shopping with friends or family. You will have plenty of things to do to keep you pleasantly occupied all day long.

Tags food, Travel