Central Market at Preston Royal – First look!

New Central Market opens

Central Market throws open it’s doors today! The Preston Royal locale (previously housed by Borders) marks the opening of Central Market’s ninth store. IttyBittyFoodies had a media sneak peak yesterday at some of the innovations and offerings customers can look forward like the new selection of New York Deli-style dishes and baked goods. Think artisanal boiled and then baked bagels onsite and new bialys and New York City based Charlito’s cocina artisan salumi.There’ll be a full service custom sandwich bar with a “Build Your Own” sandwich option as well as a menu of chef created sandwiches.

Electrifying your Jack-O-Lantern

Electrify your Jack-O-Lanterns with LEDs!

Being from Australia where Halloween isn’t such a big deal, I must admit that I’ve never carved a pumpkin before – until today thanks to the kind folks at TXU energy who organised a lovely pumpkin carving event at Central Market on Lovers Lane. Matthew McIntosh (“just like the apple” he says) from Central Market gave us step by step instructions on carving.

IttyBittyFoodies celebrates 1 year

Lollo & Pikelet

Happy Birthday IttyBittyFoodies! It’s time to have a Birthday Month Celebration! A year ago, I didn’t know if I could write again after taking a hiatus from writing when Lollo was born. Well here we are on our 60th post and nominated for Babble’s Top 100 Mom Food Blogs (please vote here under Cheryl Collett), named one of Dallas Best Blogs on Wherelocalseat.com and was featured on TinyDallas under Moms We Love.

Pikelet is about to turn 6 and Lollo is now 3.

Mad about Macarons!

Goodbye Whoopie Pie - Hello Macaron!!

Pikelet & Lollo turn into trained seals at the sight of a macaron – the French macaron not the American macaroon made with shredded coconut that the kids say look like wiry spider legs. The French macaron (pronounced mac-ah-ROHN) or the Gerbet as it is known in France, is a delicate meringue cookie sandwich filled with a sweet, chewy center and when made properly, it is a delightful bite from heaven.

L-R: Rush Patisserie, Creme de la Cookie & Chocolate Secrets

Check out IttyBittyFoodies fave macaron places:

Unleash your inner cookie monster – Cookie Happy Hour

Central Market cookies

Who doesn’t like a good happy hour especially when it involves some of IttyBittyFoodies’ fave cookie spots. Tart Bakery offers a Happy Hour special each week this summer on Wednesday & Thursday from 3-6pm. This week it’s buy 3 get 1 free cream filled cupcake.

Central Market is launching a new line of cookies freshly baked each day

JJ&B – Jellies, Jams, Butters & Le Ster Crepes

Holiday Pack - Trio from JJ&B

We are having a love affair with the handmade jams & jellies from JJ&B. The Holiday Trio Pack (Chocolate Raspberry, Ginger Pear Preserves and Cabernet Savignon Jelly) delivered from Artizone is a treat  and we’ve been slathering them on everything from the Mother’s Day french toast brunch, sandwiches for school lunch to crêpes for dessert.  Our recent discovery, LeSter Crêpes has been a huge hit. The kids like to taste test with the trio of JJ&B jams but  no one can agree which one they like best. Unfortunately with only 12 crêpes in a pack, they’re all gone in two days.

Ratatouille or Chuck E. Cheese? An open letter to Dallas Child Magazine

I picked up the December issue of Dallas Child today and excitedly flipped to Pg.30 to see the featured article ”Best for Families – Dining and Destinations” article and boy was I shocked. On the list were Tin Star for Hottest Taco Joint, Babes Chicken for Ultimate Eatery to Share a Meal Family style, Chuck E. Cheese Best Pizza Pie with a Side of Playtime, Rainforest Cafe for Coolest Themed Dining Experience. There were two that I thought were ok, eatZi’s Market & Bakery for Best Healthy Dining and Paciugo’s Gelato & Cafe for Best Spot to Snag  a Frozen Treat. What a sad city we live in if this is considered Dallas’ Best?

This season’s holiday treats & gourmet gifts

Salted Caramel Cookies from Wackym's Kitchen

As we head into full holiday mode, here are some gourmet gifts that my kid foodies love to bring to people’s houses or share with their little friends at dinner parties.

8 Ball Squash

8 Ball Squash

… the cutest little zucchini in the world!  They’re round and the size of a billiard ball – thus the name 8 ball squash. They are so darn cute, it’s almost a pity to cook them. But here’s a delicious recipe for you to try with your kids. Pikelet & Lollo liked to play with them more than eat them but the squash did looked good enough to try (which is all a parent can ask for). It’s a wonderful Fall accompaniment especially with grilled Lamb Rib Chops.