Tea Stains on Parchment

I'm sure we've all seen a certain Italian, family baker on TLC. You know, the one who has three annoying sisters? The one with the stereotypical Jersey-Italian accent? Yes, I'm talking about Buddy Valastro from Cake Boss. After watching every episode of every season, dreaming of cannoli, tiramisu, lobster tails, and (of course) cake, I wanted to try it for myself, obviously! But is it really that amazing? The sweet, little Italian bakery we see on the show? I stumbled across Carlos' Bakery, wedged between skyscraper and expensive boutiques, the product of nearby Rittenhouse. It seemed like fate. My friends and I were just saying that we needed something to eat; apparently soft serve ice cream and a third of a cheesesteak isn't a meal! Naturally, seeing a bakery made us think that was the answer to balancing our meal. I practically insisted that we go in. My friends were international students, after all, and this was part of the American experience--celebrity TV c...

After a 6:15 a.m. flight, an hour long layover in Florida, and less than pleasant neighbors on my flight home, I was ready for lunch. And not just a sandwich from any run of the mill airport kiosk. I wanted delicious, sumptuous, blog-worthy food. My plane took me to Kansas City, but my stomach took me to Westside Local. The restaurant itself lives up to any foodie, hipster gastropub--exposed brick, modern art by local artists, rustic wooden benches. It was perfect. I wanted something different, a get away from dining halls (though I really shouldn't complain; they served scallops the other day...). My only complaint about as I sat down, looking at the menu, was that I did not have a clear choice of what I should order. Everything was unique, flavor combinations that perfectly melded the classic with the exciting. I started, if I'm being honest, a little jealous of my server, who had winged eyeliner so sharp it could filet a fish and a blinding highlight...But you're pro...