Nothing Bundt Cakes [4/5]

Given the advertising bonanza that has announced their arrival, you have likely heard of Nothing Bundt Cakes which opened earlier this month in the Jones Valley shopping center. As part of that same PR blitz, they invited me in to try some samples and talk with the manager. I followed that up with a second visit to purchase some bundtlets (pictured above) in additional flavors.

Rafael's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant [4/5]]

Forever questing after good Italian food, the hubby and I found ourselves pulling up to Rafael's one Friday night. Parking was a series of flashbacks to soccer team pizza parties at similarly small, strip mall located, pizza joints.

Walking in the door, that image was reinforced by the counter--staffed by teenagers and overshadowed by a large menu board--but nearly erased when I turned to look at the dining area. The decor was surprisingly nice with updated paint and metal wall hangings.

Hildegards German Cuisine [4.5/5]

Hildegard's has long been our list of places to try. Not only was it the last German restaurant in town that I hadn't reviewed but it is also the most beloved of one of my friends. Their Tuesday-Saturday schedule had thwarted us a few times, but one Friday the hubby and I finally found ourselves pulling into their parking lot.

Carson's Grill [2/5]

Intrigued by the idea of a casual bar and grill in Hampton Cove, the hubby and I stopped in for dinner at Carson's Grille on Sunday. Tucked behind a gas station and sharing a section of strip mall with a nail salon, it's unassuming and easily accessible.