Why it rained today:

During my lunch break I stopped by the house to scarf down my MickeyD’s and pick up lots of papers put aside for recycling.  Before leaving I asked my aunt whether I would be able to add today’s paper to the huge bag filled with old magazines and scraps.  She said she had already thrown it away.  I gasped suddenly and asked, “Did you hear that?!”

She replied back somewhat startled, “What?  What is it!?”

“That’s Mother Nature.  She’s crying.”

“Oh, you’re so silly.”

It rained all afternoon.  Coincidence?  I think not.

And to McDonald’s:  I stopped by today because I haven’t patronized your restaurant in possibly years, which compounded my need for a double quarter-pounder with cheese and fries.  After seeing the nutritional information now neatly labeled on each wrapper, it will probably be several more years before I come back.  Always knew it was bad, just didn’t realize how bad.  Yuck.

“Cheekon gooood”

Fried chicken strips are delicious. However, when crispy breading starts showing up in the bottom of my purse, it may be time to cut back.

The title of this post alludes to the ‘Fifth Element’ with Milla Jovovich and Bruce Willis, when “Leeloo” (played by Milla) expresses how she feels after eating chicken for the first time. Well, “Leeloo”, that is how I feel EVERY time.

“Girl’s Gotta EAT!” at D’Amico’s Italian Market Café

Chicken Parmagiana (left), Fried Cheese Ravioli in marina (top), Sesame Snapper (right)

Chicken Parmigiana (left), Fried Cheese Ravioli in marina (top), Sesame Snapper (right)

Two things keep me coming back:  the “Daily Steamtable Menu” and their gelato.  D’Amico’s runs a lunch special Monday-Friday from 11am-2pm listing several selections of which the diner may choose 3 for $6.95.  Only a certain quantity of the items are made, and when they are out, they’re out.  Yes, that means an earlier arrival ensures a better selection.  In case you were wondering, I ate around 12:30 or 1-ish and was able to have all my first choices.  For those trying to swoop in during lunch hour and have a moderately priced meal, this place is perfect.  My food was not spectacular, but I am attributing my indifference to having tried other outstanding items on their regular menu.  Either way, I still think it was/is a good deal.

Normally I do not consider this creamy dish to be mentionable since there are plenty of shops around specializing in and serving only gelato.  But the convenience of a great Italian menu in combination with multiple flavors of gelato is absolute amore in my book.

Flavors included here: chocolate, pistachio, and vanilla with chocolate chips

As if you needed any more reasons to step into D’Amico’s Italian Market Café…  Too bad because I have one more.  Though never used personally, the “market” part of this cafe provides fresh uncooked pasta by the pound for customers to take home.  Their shelves are also stocked with goodies available for purchase (I believe) and great for Italian enthusiasts or adventurous restaurant patrons.

View of the interior showing stocked shelves and cases with uncooked carry-out items