Author: stlmaryland

Review: Steak & Main – North East, Maryland

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New York Strip
Filet Mignon with a
Loaded Baked Potatoe
Filet Mignon Meatloaf
Eagles Roll
Maryland Roll
Wasabi Love Roll
Philly Roll
Expresso Martini

A 5-Star Birthday Dinner at Steak & Main

For my daughter’s birthday, we headed to Steak & Main — a place we’d heard amazing things about — and the experience truly delivered. Even though the restaurant doesn’t require dressing up, we did anyway because that’s my daughter’s birthday tradition. It added a fun, elegant touch that set the tone for the night.

We had a table of six, and everyone ordered something different, which made it easy to get a feel for the menu. Three of us ordered sushi, and the plates that came out looked like something from a top-tier sushi house — fresh, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious. Two of us chose steaks that were cooked perfectly, tender and full of flavor. And one person ordered the filet mignon meatloaf, which turned out to be surprisingly incredible comfort food with a fine-dining twist.

As for gluten-free options, the menu wasn’t clearly marked, but our server was extremely helpful. She walked us through the menu and let me know exactly what was safe for us to order. It made a huge difference, and everything we chose was flavorful, safely prepared, and absolutely worth it.

The service, the food, and the atmosphere all came together for a night that felt special from start to finish. Steak & Main is a definite 5-star experience, and we left already talking about what we want to try next time.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here’s why:

Overall Experience: From the food to the service to the celebration vibes, Steak & Main delivered a perfect night. Truly worth every star.

Food: Every dish was incredible. The sushi was fresh, perfectly presented, and full of flavor. The steaks were tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. The filet mignon meatloaf was a delightful surprise — rich, savory, and memorable.

Gluten-Free Options: The menu wasn’t clearly marked, but our server walked us through everything we could safely eat. Every gluten-free dish was thoughtfully prepared and delicious.

Service: Our server, Angelina M. was attentive, friendly, and made the experience effortless.

Atmosphere: Even without dressing up, the restaurant has a warm, inviting vibe. Dressing up for my daughter’s birthday made it feel extra special.

Steak & Main
107 S Main St
North East, MD 21901
410-287-3512
https://steakandmain.com/

Review: Jersey Mike’s – Newark, Delaware

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As someone with a gluten allergy (and with children who are also gluten-free), finding a sandwich shop that truly understands cross-contamination precautions can be a challenge. Normally, we skip sandwich places altogether since gluten-free rolls are rarely an option, but at Jersey Mike’s, things were different.

I recently took my sons to Jersey Mike’s to try out their subs on Udi’s Gluten-Free Bread, and we were genuinely impressed. The guys behind the counter went above and beyond to make sure our order was safe. They were friendly, accommodating, and clearly knowledgeable about the steps needed to avoid cross-contamination. It immediately put us at ease and made us feel welcome, something that’s not always the case when dining out gluten-free.

At Jersey Mike’s, you can choose from two gluten-free bread sizes: Regular and Giant. We went with the Regular size this time since each of us ordered separate sandwiches. However, if we end up getting the same sandwich next time, the Giant size would be a better deal financially. It’s large enough to split in half and share, saving money without compromising flavor.

The meat and cheeses were freshly sliced right in front of us, which added to the quality and freshness of our sandwiches. The bread held up nicely (which isn’t always the case), had a good texture, and the fillings were fresh. While mine was a bit on the dry side and could’ve used a little more mayo, that was an easy fix with an extra mayo packet. Overall, it was a satisfying meal and a positive experience from start to finish.

Jersey Mike’s uses Udi’s pre-packaged gluten-free rolls, baked off-site to minimize risk, and they follow clear protocols to prevent cross-contamination. While a shared kitchen always carries some level of risk, from what I saw, they took every precaution seriously.

For anyone living gluten-free who misses a good deli-style sandwich, Jersey Mike’s is definitely worth a visit. We’ll absolutely be going back.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here’s why:

  • +1 star for excellent gluten-free awareness and precautions
  • +1 star for friendly, accommodating service
  • +1 star for freshness (meats and cheeses sliced in front of you)
  • +1 star for availability of gluten-free bread in both sizes
  • –1 star for the sandwich being a bit dry and needing more mayo

Location Visited:
Jersey Mike’s Subs
1107 S. College Ave
Newark, DE 19713
📞 (302) 454-7100
🕙 Open 7 Days a Week: 10 AM – 9 PM

November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month 🌾✨

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Did you know November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month? For my family, this month is more than just awareness; it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come on our gluten-free journey.

My children and I were diagnosed with gluten allergies back in August 2013, and we’ve been living gluten-free ever since. At first, it felt overwhelming, reading every label, asking endless questions at restaurants, and trying to recreate all our favorite meals without gluten. But over time, it became second nature. We discovered new foods, learned how to cook differently, and realized that a gluten-free lifestyle can still be full of flavor and joy.

Living gluten-free isn’t a trend for us; it’s a necessity. It’s how we stay healthy, energized, and balanced. However, I also know how challenging it can be, especially for families just starting out. That’s why Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month is so important – to spread education, understanding, and support for those who are navigating this lifestyle for the first time.

Here are a few ways you can get involved this month:
🍞 Try a new gluten-free recipe via my blog — you might be surprised how good gluten-free recipes can be!
🍕 Support restaurants that offer safe, gluten-free options.
🛒 Read ingredient labels carefully — gluten can hide in sauces, snacks, and even vitamins.
💬 Share your story — your experience might help someone else who’s struggling.

Being gluten-free isn’t about what we’ve had to give up, it’s about what we’ve gained: better health, awareness, and the appreciation for the foods that truly nourish us. 🌿

From Farm to Freezer

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Splitting a Half Steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary

If you know me, you know I like to keep my freezer stocked and support local farms whenever I can. There’s just something satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from — and that it was raised with care.

Recently, my cousin and I decided to go in on half a butchered steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary in Elkton, Maryland. Their beef is processed and packaged by ClarkCo Meats in Pennsylvania, and the quality really shows. Everything came vacuum-sealed, clearly labeled, and ready for the freezer. My cousin and I split it evenly, and now I’ve got about 115 pounds of fresh, local beef stuffed in my freezer.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary is a gem in the area; they sell beef, pork, eggs, and honey, all produced right on the farm. You can truly taste the quality and care in their products.

The first cut I decided to try was a tri-tip, and oh my goodness — it was delicious! Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. There’s nothing quite like grilling up a piece of beef that was raised just a few miles away. It feels great to support local farmers while stocking the freezer with something wholesome and genuine.

I love the sense of self-sufficiency that comes with this — knowing I have a good supply of quality meat for the months ahead. If you’re near Elkton, MD, I definitely recommend checking out Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary. Local farms like theirs are what keep communities strong, healthy, and connected.

✅ What Caught My Eye

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary really stood out to me for several reasons:

  • They offer grass-raised, grass-finished beef with no hormones or vaccines.
  • The farm is located right here in Elkton, Maryland.
  • They also raise heritage pork, produce honey from their own apiary, and provide animal feed and farm supplies.
  • Founded in 2018 by Chris and Stephanie Dodds, along with their son, they’ve built a strong family-run operation rooted in quality and care.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary
360 Williams Road
Elkton, Maryland 21921
(302) 650-4688
https://sunnybrook.ag/

Review: Ninethai Kitchen 2 – Pennsville, NJ

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Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

For over a year, my kids and I have been on a mission to find authentic gluten-free Pad Thai on the East Coast. We tried multiple restaurants in Newark, Delaware, and while some were good, none captured the flavors we remembered from living in Lake Tahoe, California. Gluten-free options often compromise taste, and we weren’t willing to settle for “just good enough.”

In June, we officially moved to Maryland, but we had already spent time at our new house in October and February before getting everything settled in June. We discovered Ninethai Kitchen 2 in Pennsville, NJ, just last week, and happy we stumbled across it. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was a small, family-run operation. At the time of our visit, the restaurant was being run entirely by one person—hosting, serving, and cooking all at once. While this meant that getting attention could be a little slow, it also made the experience feel personal and authentic. You could see how much care and effort went into every dish.

We ordered the Pad Thai and the Tom Kha soup, both gluten-free. We requested spice level 3 out of 5 for the Pad Thai, and it was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the flavors. The Pad Thai itself was rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced, with the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors we had been longing for. The Tom Kha soup was equally delicious, creamy with just the right touch of lemongrass, coconut, and lime, which is a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.

Although service was limited due to the solo operation, the quality of the food more than made up for it. The cozy atmosphere and the dedication of the chef made the experience feel unique and authentic, and it was clear that every dish was prepared with love and expertise. Sharing this meal with my kids was a joy, and we all savored each bite and appreciated the flavors that reminded us of our Lake Tahoe days.

Overall, I would give Ninethai Kitchen 2 four stars. The food is outstanding, and the flavors are truly authentic, especially for gluten-free options. The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is that service can be limited when one person is running the entire operation. However, the Pad Thai, with its perfect heat, and the Tom Kha soup were so delicious that they more than made up for any wait.

If you’re in Pennsville, NJ, craving authentic Thai food with gluten-free options, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. It’s a small, cozy spot with incredible flavors, and we are already planning our next trip. Whether you’re a family, a Thai food lover, or gluten-free, Ninethai Kitchen 2 delivers an authentic experience you won’t want to miss.

📍 Location:
Ninethai Kitchen 2 (previously sang tong thai – Located in: Cranberry Plaza)
233 S Broadway • Pennsville, NJ 08070
📞 (856) 726-2803

You can also order online at: orderninethaikitchen.com

From Garden to InstantPot: My Two-Day Pepper Dehydrating Journey

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I picked a batch of jalapeño, habanero, and cayenne peppers from my garden and decided to dehydrate them in my Instant Pot so they wouldn’t go to waste. 🌶️ It was my first time trying it with whole peppers, and I was curious to see how it would turn out.

The Instant Pot automatically sets the dehydrator to 125º for 7 hours, so I loaded all the peppers in together and let it run. When the timer finally beeped, the cayenne peppers were perfectly dried — crisp and ready to store. But the jalapeños and habaneros were still soft and far from done.

So, I reset the dehydrator and ran another cycle. And then another. It ended up taking two long days before the jalapeños and habaneros finally reached that perfect dry snap. The whole house smelled amazing — smoky, spicy, and earthy all at once.

It was definitely a slow process, but totally worth the patience. Now I’ve got a container of homegrown heat ready to crush or grind whenever I want to add some fire to my cooking. Nothing beats preserving your own peppers straight from the garden. 🔥

A New Chapter: Helping Students Shine

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It’s been four months since I made the cross country move to Maryland, and what a whirlwind it’s been! I had hoped to start school, aka work, back in August, but a series of interview delays had me close to tears at times. Sometimes life has a funny way of testing your patience, but finally, everything aligned, and I was able to finally step into the interview process.

Starting a new position at any elementary school is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. This is new territory for me since I’m used to being an Instructional Para, but every day is a chance to learn, grow, and sharpen my skills in my trade as a one on one Paraprofessional. Meeting new co-workers, connecting with students, and learning the ins and outs of this new environment will shape up to be an adventure I know I’ll be grateful for.

As for extra cash, DoorDash will be my little side gig, and just when needed, probably more during the summer months when school is out of session. It’s a small way to supplement my income without taking away from the focus I want to put into my work at the school.

Here’s to a successful school year filled with learning, laughter, and new connections (both with the students and my new colleagues). New beginnings are always a little scary, but there’s nothing quite like stepping into something that challenges you and helps you grow.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

🌾 A Day at Kincaid’s Ranch in South Jersey

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The kids and I spent the day with our friends, Jim and Beth, at their beautiful ranch in Bridgeton, New Jersey, recently, and what a blast it was! It’s the kind of place that makes you instantly breathe a little deeper. Wide open land, blue skies stretching forever, and that peaceful South Jersey calm that stays with you long after you leave.

Their ranch produces soybeans, stretching across acres of rich soil that shimmered golden-green in the afternoon light. I’ve always admired the work that goes into growing something so simple yet so essential. All around the property were walnut trees (the big, old ones) dropping what looked like green tennis balls scattered across the ground. I had no clue they were walnuts at first until Jim laughed and explained it. The kids wasted no time turning them into a makeshift baseball game, cracking a few open in the process and learning something new without even realizing it.

The 4-wheeler rides were another highlight — the sound of laughter chasing behind them as they zipped along side the fields. And the kittens… they were plenty, each one friendlier than the last. It took every ounce of willpower to leave without one tucked in a jacket pocket.

We spent the afternoon talking, laughing, and soaking in that quiet, easy rhythm that comes with life on a ranch. My grandfather was a produce farmer in California, so I know and deeply admire the hard work and dedication it takes to run a farm. Watching Jim and Beth care for their land and crops reminded me of the same kind of heart and grit my grandfather carried — something that never leaves you once it’s in your roots.

Easily a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ afternoon of fun and laughter; the kind that fills your heart and reminds you why small-town life on the East Coast is something special.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

When the Universe Closes a Door, You Learn to Trust the Path

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There was a time I wanted the Universe to give something back to me, a love I wasn’t ready to lose. I kept hoping the door that closed would open again. But it never did. And for a while, that hurt more than I could explain.

It took me a long time to realize maybe the Universe wasn’t being cruel. Maybe it was protecting me. Maybe it knew I needed time to find myself again, to stop pouring so much energy into trying to understand someone else and start putting that same energy into healing my own heart.

When your heart breaks, it changes you. It makes you look at things differently. You start to notice where you gave too much, where you accepted less than you deserved, and where you confused chaos for connection. You start to see how often you held on when you should’ve let go.

I used to think healing meant forgetting. Now I know it’s more about remembering, remembering who I was before I lost myself in someone else. It’s learning to sit with my feelings instead of running from them, to find peace in quiet moments, and to trust that every ending has a purpose, even when I can’t see it yet.

There are still days when I miss what I thought my life would look like. That’s okay. Healing doesn’t mean the memories stop showing up. It just means they don’t control you anymore.

Now, when a door closes, I don’t chase it. I pause. I breathe. I remind myself that not everything that ends is meant to be lost. Sometimes, it’s just the Universe making room for something better, peace, clarity, and a deeper kind of love that starts within me.

Trusting the path isn’t always easy. Some days, it’s just one step at a time. But even in the hardest moments, I can feel something bigger guiding me forward. And for now, that’s enough.

If a door has closed for you recently, maybe it’s not the ending it feels like. Maybe it’s the Universe quietly shifting things to protect your peace, even if you don’t understand why just yet. Be gentle with yourself while you wait for what’s next. Sometimes, the hardest goodbyes lead to the most peaceful beginnings.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Gluten-Free Blueberry Sourdough Pancakes

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A Cozy Rainy Morning Treat…

It’s raining here in Maryland today, which means one thing — it’s a pancake kind of morning. There’s something about the sound of steady rain and the smell of sourdough pancakes sizzling on the griddle that makes everything feel calm and cozy.

I based my recipe off Tastes of Lizzy T’s sourdough pancake recipe, but since I use gluten-free flour, I tweaked it a bit. Gluten-free flours tend to soak up more liquid, so I adjusted the recipe to keep the pancakes soft and fluffy instead of dry. And because I had a handful of fresh blueberries on hand, I tossed in a half cup, just enough to add little bursts of sweetness in every bite.

The result was absolute breakfast perfection; pancakes with a tang like buttermilk but with a deeper, earthy flavor from the sourdough. I used two cups of sourdough discard from my fridge, and the batter rose beautifully. The teenagers loved them, which automatically makes this a win for our rainy weekend morning.

As the rain keeps tapping against the windows, I’m already thinking about making another batch tomorrow. These pancakes were light, tangy, and full of flavor, and the kind of breakfast that makes a gray day feel golden.

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