What if you could revisit a beloved place from your past and experience it anew through the eyes of your child? That's exactly what we did on our recent journey to Boston and Vermont, retracing the steps of a trip we took years ago. Join us as we relive the magic of Boston's culinary scene, indulging in fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder at the iconic James Hook. Our adventure brings history to life at the Boston Tea Party Museum, where we sampled the very teas tossed into the Boston Harbor in 1773, merging flavors and stories in a way only New England can offer.

Our journey continues as we explore the vibrant streets of Boston's North End and the lively atmosphere of Quincy Market. We share the joy of discovering treasures at the Vermont Country Store, with its blend of nostalgia and unique finds. Vermont's breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic of cheddar biscuits before we marvel at the artistry of hand-blown glass at Simon Pearce. A stay at the cozy Trapp Lodge treats us to venison chili and home-brewed beer, while a local coffee house offers a hearty breakfast that warms the soul.

As our adventure wraps up, we savor unexpected moments like a bear encounter at a mountain resort and a celebration meal of schnitzel with lingonberry sauce for our daughter's graduation. Each day brings new tastes and tales, from hiking to a chapel with stunning views to exploring the farm-to-table movement with fresh maple syrup. Traveling through New England with family not only reignites cherished memories but also creates new ones, all flavored with the region's rich history and culinary delights. Listen in as we share the laughter, the flavors, and the unforgettable experiences that made this trip so special.

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✍️ Episode References

James Hook & Co.
[https://www.jameshooklobster.com/](https://www.jameshooklobster.com/)

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
[https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/](https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/)

Simon Pearce
[https://www.simonpearce.com/](https://www.simonpearce.com/)

Trapp Family Lodge
[https://www.trappfamily.com/](https://www.trappfamily.com/)

Salumeria Italiana
[https://www.salumeriaitaliana.com/](https://www.salumeriaitaliana.com/)

Regina Pizzeria
[https://www.pizzeriaregina.com/](https://www.pizzeriaregina.com/)

Vermont Country Store
[https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/](https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/)

Modern Pastry Shop
[https://modernpastry.com/](https://modernpastry.com/)

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Ever been disappointed by a side dish that just didn't measure up to your entree? We sure have! In this episode of Sweet Tea and Tacos, we, Dave and Jen, are back in Mississippi and ready to talk about our biggest restaurant pet peeves. From the predictability of cheesecake and brownies on dessert menus to the importance of serving fresh and thoughtful vegetable medleys, we cover it all. Join us as we share our frustrations and thoughts on how restaurants can elevate the dining experience beyond just the main course.

But it's not just about the food. We'll discuss the often-overlooked aspects of dining out that can make or break your meal—like the pain of being seated at undesirable tables and the disappointment of bland desserts like creme brulee. We'll also dive into the ongoing issue of staffing shortages affecting service quality at some of our favorite spots. Hear our personal stories and insights on how high standards and proper service etiquette can ensure a positive dining experience and keep customers coming back.

Wrapping up, we'll reminisce about a standout visit to Ruth's Chris Steak House, where attention to detail truly made the meal memorable. From the importance of authentic cuisine to our call for more imaginative dessert menus, we cover what makes a restaurant truly exceptional. Plus, as we navigate through the oversaturation of fast food chicken joints, we emphasize the importance of teaching children proper restaurant behavior and ordering etiquette. So, tune in, share your thoughts with us, and let's make dining out a more enjoyable experience for everyone! Thanks for listening!


Yelp
https://www.yelp.com
Commander's Palace
https://www.commanderspalace.com
Brennan's
https://www.brennansneworleans.com
Ruth's Chris Steak House
https://www.ruthschris.com

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Ever been in the middle of a recipe only to find your knife squashing tomatoes instead of slicing them? That's where Richard from Bear Claw Knife and Shear comes in, bringing his edge to Sweet Tea and Tacos! This week, we're all about honing your blades and cutting through the clutter of choosing the right knives for your culinary quests. Richard spins the tale of his journey from a small sharpening operation to a booming business, giving us the sharp truth on how investing in quality steel and craftsmanship can transform your cooking.

Our kitchen counters become the arena as we tackle the art of knife sharpening and maintenance. Discover the secrets to keeping your blades in peak condition, from the WorkSharp belt sharpener's quick touch-ups to the importance of steering clear of those dreaded glass cutting boards. We share why sometimes leaving the sharpening to the pros can save your knives (and fingers) from unnecessary wear and tear. And for the DIY chefs out there, we've got some pointers that will have your knives gliding through ingredients like butter.

But it's not just about the knives—your cutting board deserves love too! We chop into the world of cutting surfaces, weighing up the pros and cons of wood versus plastic and how to keep them in top shape. And let's not forget the essentials: from the humble paring knife to the mighty chef's knife, we cover which blades are must-haves in every kitchen toolkit. So, sharpen your ears and join us, Dave, Jen, and our cutlery curator Richard, for a culinary conversation that's sure to leave you on the cutting edge of kitchen prep!

This list of references from your episode was generated by Headliner AI. If you enjoy them please tell other podcasters by giving a shoutout to https://headliner.app in your episode ✨


Bear Claw Knife & Shear
[bcknife.com](https://bcknife.com)

Wusthof Knives
[wusthof.com](https://www.wusthof.com)

Zwilling J.A. Henckels
[zwilling.com](https://www.zwilling.com)

Kingshan Knives
[kingshanknife.com](https://www.kingshanknife.com)

Work Sharp Sharpeners
[worksharptools.com](https://www.worksharptools.com)

Crucible Industries
[crucible.com](https://www.crucible.com)

Niagara Specialty Metals
[niagaraspecialtymetals.com](https://www.niagaraspecialtymetals.com)

Richard Steinberg Making Knives YouTube Channel
[YouTube Link](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rKfUoFJ2r9zJ6q7JX5H6A)

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