Aroma d’Italia Gelateria Cafe 155 National Plaza National Harbor MD 20745 October 24, 2009

Their menu alone impressed me with its breadth and its depth.  Gelato, coffee and espresso drinks, frappe blends, hot chocolate, Mighty Teas (real tea), smoothies, kid’s menu, and other dining options homemade croissants, muffins, scones, biscotti, soup, and salads (tuna, caesar, Greek, Lombardi). Their paninis melt while you eat them provide options for different eaters (three cheese grilled cheese, turkey with provolone, lettuce, tomato, bacon, garlic spread and balsamic vinegar called Aromimax, tuna, and Toscano is a vegetarian option with red peppers, eggplant, artichoke hearts, red onions, mushrooms, greens, tomato, basil, pesto, provolone and balsamic vinegar; wraps also available.

Personal pizzas served on lavash flatbread provide another option for customized dining at reasonable prices. Cheese pizza costs $5.85 plus $.65 per topping (grilled chicken, pesto, red onions, pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms, tomato, and green peppers) before tax.   Aromi d’Italia provides excellent food at fair prices with gracious staff, indoor and outdoor seating.  Their phone number is 301-839-3492, fax number is 301-839-3493 and website is located at http://www.aromicafe.com .

Contact her at 540-903-0212 or by e-mail at sherrieh4@gmail.com for residential and commercial real estate assistance.  Even if you live outside of Virginia, she will locate a professional to assist you with buying, leasing or selling real estate.

Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson

Carytown Burgers Chicken Salads 3500 1/2 W Cary St Richmond VA 23221 October 21, 2009

After visiting Carytown Teas, eat a meal at Carytown Burgers and Fries next door.  Order downstairs then walk upstairs and find a table or eat outside with their patio heaters and wind-covered space.  Take away and delivery to certain areas are also options.

Eleven chicken variations, BLT, BBQ, Fired Cod, Fish and Chips, Grilled Cheese (two kinds), twenty-five burgers, vegetarian options (garden, black bean, mock chicken nuggets, portabella with/without brie, six hot dogs, fries, tator tots, onion rings, potato salad, cole slaw, mozzarella sticks, soup, five salads, homemade chili, sodas, milkshakes, cheesecake, cake, cookies, and kid’s baskets round out the menu.  I’m impressed with their variety of menu offerings for a burger joint and their 1/3 pound Angus burgers.  Prices as of a recent visit (everything is a la carte) were up to $7.29 per item for a “Barnyard Brawl with Chicken tenders, egg, bacon, and white American.”  Their hot dogs start at $2.79 and run up to $5.74 for a “corn dog meal with two corn dogs and fries.” Homemade Chili runs $3.99, cobb salad with bacon, blue cheese and guacamole costs $6.29 and their milkshakes are $2.99 and $3.69.  Prices listed are before taxes and tips to drivers/servers and are subject to change.

Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson

Henrys 310 E Main St Charlottesville VA 22902 October 10, 2009

Located on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall (park your vehicle at the Market Street Parking Garage) below a pizza parlor and accessible by an elevator, Henrys reminds me of a diner with a large variety of menu items, white painted interior and happily chattering servers.  Their mac and cheese compared to the best bowl I ever ate in Boston while their chili and coleslaw also made my taste buds satisfied and my stomach  close to full.  Hot open-faced roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy  makes me hungry as I write this.  Order a slice of pie for dessert. Their phone number is 434-295-7550 and they are open Monday through Saturday.

Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson

Jimmy Johns 7313 San Pedro Ave San Antonio Texas 78216 August 28, 2009

Attentive, friendly delivery within a certain radius of their store. The best subway bun I have ever tasted. This is a gem of a recipe. Reasonable prices right now in San Antonio, Texas, $4.49 8 inch sub sandwiches and $5.49 giant club sandwiches with open hours seven days a week for the ultimate convenience for customers. Also, to go catering, but not sure what that means exactly. $3.49 plain sandwiches without vegetables and sauce. Vegetarian options (more than one!), chicken, ham, BLT, turkey, tuna, and even a low carb lettuce wrap. Questions? Phone: 210-340-2224. Website today listed Monday-Sunday from 11am-9pm for San Antonio location only.  Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson. Jimmy Johns is their company trademark.

GPS survival Buying Tips GPS June 24, 2009

tips are essential these days with so many makes and models to choose from in a variety of big box stores and online. How to choose the best one for you? Consider what features you really need to have by answering the following questions:

1. How often will I use my GPS?

2. Will any other member of my household be using this GPS and for what types of trips (short, long distance, 2 stops, multiple stops)?

3. Why am I buying a GPS? Is this for daily trips to and from regular locations or for long business or vacations?

4. Do I like how the screens are set up or is their interface bothersome to me?

5. Is this GPS easy for me to read or do I have to squint?

short sales, foreclosures, homebuying videos   http://www.youtube.com/sherriehartzell

Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson

Union Street Public House 121 South Union Street Alexandria Virginia 22314 January 18, 2008

No matter how many times I have eaten here before, I always venture back to this restaurant for very good food and a menu to suit anybody’s food cravings of the moment and anybody’s desired spending limit. Steaks are always a delight and I highly recommend their unique version of a steak sandwich which arrives at your table on an English muffin face open and topped with steak and melted cheddar cheese. Also, their garlic mashed potatoes won’t disappoint. Consider trying their cream of crab soup that is just sweet enough yet savory. Their booths upstairs are comfortable and accommodate larger groups perfectly as do their various table configurations. Even on a Friday or Saturday night seating is sometimes possible without a reservation. I recommend calling them in advance especially if your party is more than four people to avoid any long waits. Their po boy with oysters and steak is another pleasing menu alternative plus their deserts are delightful.

http://www.usphalexandria.com

Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson

Pops Ice Cream 109 King St Alexandria, VA 22314 January 10, 2008

For ice cream enter into the land of old ice cream parlors with red and white striped wallpaper, black cast iron chairs, and a large selection of ice creams plus cherry and vanilla cokes, milkshakes, and sundaes (including hot fudge plus other specialties). Their ice cream is one of my favorites and apparently the recipes have been around for well over 40 years. I tried cherry vanilla this time and a guest of mine had their hot fudge sundae. Their ambiance alone is worth the visit even before you eat their ice cream and kids will really enjoy this place. Their phone number is (703) 518-5374. Remember Pops only takes cash so stop at the bank or cash machine on the way if you do not normally carry cash. Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson

Embassy Suites 10th and New York Avenue, Washington, DC January 3, 2008

Having frequented many major hotel chains, I really did not believe I would be impressed by this one when I stayed here. Their concierge, Earl Pope, was beyond helpful and full of many suggestions. He even gave us a HOTEL VIP card for a fantastic restaurant and bar we love to patronize. The hotel suites were well-equipped with refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, average comfort level chairs and couches, and clean-lined interior design. The suites front room was a bit too small to house a pullout and an extra bed so two people can sleep in this room. There was hardly any room to walk once both were in the room. The only major letdown of our stay was their out in the lobby area standing only computer kiosks that were in the main line of traffic and very slow on a good day. If a guest had a long day, was tired, or even had a special need, this computer access would have been a serious issue for even the happiest of people and the very slow connections were inexcusable.Their standard fare at cocktail manager’s receptions was good and food was basically cold finger foods so it was of average quality when compared to their topshelf breakfasts. Omelette bar, fresh fruits, cereals, coffees, juices, hot teas, pancakes, sausage, and bacon were their breakfast offerings. I have nothing but compliments about their breakfasts. A grandparent or two with grown children and their grandkids would absolutely delight at these breakfasts and with the ease of getting food fed to your family in a timely manner with very little waiting time. One or two of the adults walking through the line while the other adults picked up some juice, coffee, cereal and fruit to eat at the table during the waiting time for omelettes and other hot food would be an ideal arrangement.To top off our stay, we were about five blocks from Metro Center, and had easy access to the Washington Monument and other local DC tourist attractions. If a traveler wanted to take a cab, they were plentiful and if timeliness to a business meeting or a tour was essential, then call Mr. Pope and he will have one ready for you.

Written by Sherrie Hartzell All Rights Reserved and copyrighted 2010. 540-903-0212 Coldwell Banker Elite-Locust Grove, VA licensed real estate salesperson