Tacos are always a go-to. Here in Poughkeepsie, my favorite tacos come from a truck located on Main Street across from the Market Fresh Supermarket. This day I was feeling hungry and got 3 tacos de lengua (beef tongue) and 3 carnitas tacos (braised pork). The corn tortillas were warmed on the plancha with left over juices from the tender meat. It sealed the deal. 

At The Culinary Institute of America, students have many options for food. This day I chose to eat a chicken wrap with avocado, bacon, and pickled vegetables served with homemade potato chips. Between bites of the wrap, the crispy and crunchy potato chips always tempt me. Nonetheless, I always save the pickles for last to cleanse my palette. 

Arriving at my home in Philadelphia for the weekend, it felt great. My family loves to enjoy fine artisanal foods from an Italian market right down the street. With a glass of red wine, I sliced some soppressata and through a few mixed olives onto the board. Then, I carved some Calabrese cheese called Crotonese and of course, the king of Italian cheeses. . . Parmigiano Reggiano.

A warm night is not fulfilled until you enjoy a delicious ice cream. An award-winning Gelateria in Philadelphia called Gran Caffe L'Aquila produces gelato just as you would eat in Italy. It is rich, devine, smooth, and creamy. The fondante (on the cone) is the richest of them all consisting of 70% dark chocolate. You sure need a glass of water after this scrumptious treat.

The morning after my 21st birthday I scurried to South Philly for a bowl of authentic Pho. Arriving solo, the owner welcomed me in and placed a pot of tea on the table. In a matter of 6 minutes after seating, my order came out of the kitchen piping hot. I got beef pho with tripe, tendon, and thinly sliced flank steak. It was just what I needed. This 8$ bowl of love fulfilled my birthday weekend. As for next week, I may need to diet.