Hungry...Why Wait?

In case you don't have time to travel to any of these delicious places right now, I suggest a quick snack fix: Snickers peanut butter. It comes in 2 little tasty squares that the packaging suggests, "Save one for later." Ha! I don't know who has the self restraint to save one for later, I know I don't. The snickers/peanut butter is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. It almost tastes like a Take5 except I'd rather have the take 5, pretzel and all. With only 250 calories I'd say it's a tasty, satisfying treat.

Magnolia Bakery

Can you guess what I'm craving? Just saw this video of Bobbie Lloyd from New York City's Magnolia Bakery demonstrating how to make red velvet cupcakes...Yum. Magnolia Bakery may sound familiar as it's the bakery that was often featured on "Sex and the City." Though Carrie and friends considered the bakery one of their favorites, I've been to it once a few years ago and wasn't impressed. After seeing this video I think I'll have to give it a second shot and try out this recipe for red velvet cupcakes.

Smoothie King

I stopped by Smoothie King on 225A Glen Cove Road in Carle Place for the first time today. I was surprised to learn that they offer 38 smoothies under 300 calories. I ordered the MangoFest while my friend Devon got Angel Food. Upon ordering, the guy behind the counter asked if we wanted an enhancer with our drinks. Options include antioxidant, caffeine charge, diet down, energy, immune, joint and tissue repair, multi-vitamin, muscle builder, stress relief, and fiber blend for an extra 99 cents.

My friend Devon got what the guy referred to as the most popular choice, Angel Food which is a low-fat blend of banana and strawberries with a joint and tissue repair enhancer added to it. Other ingredients include soy protein, non-fat milk, vanilla, turbinado, and honey. Devon hates the taste of protein but approves the smoothie as the fruit masks that nasty protein taste.

I ordered the MangoFest, a tropical blend of mango, pineapples, and orange juice with a shot of antioxidant. Though it has 69 grams of sugar in the 20oz. size I got, it's only 285 calories and is 100% fruit juice sweetened. Every sip took me to a tropical island and I enjoyed every bit of it. The smooth consistency was perfect and it had just the right blend.

Together, our small smoothies cost $12.13, which we considered to be a pretty good deal considering the quality of our drinks. The store also offers a variety of protein bars and other healthy snacks. I would definitely go back to Smoothie King and recommend that you go out and try it for a little pick me up.

Cold Stone Creamery

Photo by Coldstone Creamery

There's nothing better than a smoothie on a warm, sunny, spring day. Ok, so it may not be spring and it's not that warm out, but 50 degrees is warm enough to catch spring fever in March.

After class today I rushed to Cold Stone Creamery on Franklin Avenue in Garden City to get what I thought would be the perfect thirst quencher, a Berry Trinity smoothie which is made with fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.

Cold Stone prides itself in giving its customers "The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience." They offer many creative creations such as birthday cake remix, apple pie a la mode, and coffee lovers only. The servers mix up the ice cream and candy bars (or whatever topping you like) and are known for singing when you leave a tip.

I've never been a huge fan of Cold Stone as the ice cream's overpriced, too heavy, and overrated. I have, however, enjoyed their smoothies the few times I've been there. Unfortunately, today I just wasn't feeling it. For $6 I got a "Love It" size (a medium) and it most certainly did not hit the spot. There was way too much ice, which gave it a watered-down bland taste. Disappointing to say the least.

The smoothies were the only thing that captivated my taste buds but after today's disappointment, this will be the last time I spend my money at Cold Stone Creamery. Based of the high prices and long lines I wouldn't recommend this place. I know I can find a cheaper, tastier place with smoothies around here. To be continued....