I rarely pick ice-cream as a dessert when I'm dining out. Unless it's artisan, I feel cheated paying for someone else to scoop from a tub that I could buy myself.

I don't use the word lightly, when I say I'm obsessed with ice-cream.

A few summers ago when I was in Greece, a friend had to ration my money such was my ice-cream problem. It was so hot (40º+) and it was the only thing I could (and would) eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It's impossible to pick my favourite flavour. I love chocolate. Mint is refreshing. Violet and Rose when in France. Phish Food is comforting. 99's equal summer.
My latest obsession is Sea Salt ice cream. Do it.
The best thing that ever happened to me*, was when I was staying in Boston about 8 years ago. There was a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop in the hotel. I was in heaven. Sure, we have B&J's here in Ireland but we only have a fifth of the flavours available in the states.

These four beauties are on my 'to try' list when I next go across the pond.

The Late Night Snack one has fudge covered potato chips. Oh America, while I worry about your obesity epidemic, I can't but love a country with an appetite for the ridiculous.

'Never has a nation so small inspired so much in another'




Yesterday I braved the rain and the crowds,
and headed into College Green to see OBAMA speak!
We had to queue for about 3 hours to get a good(ish) spot but it was worth it.
And I got frisked by Secret Service, amazing!
I felt like I was in an episode of The West Wing.

Add to that my 3 sightings of The Queen last week
and I've enough 'Head Of State' moments to last me a while.

Here's the speech, if you're interested. It's a goodie.
He had the audience in the palm of his hand.
Sigh.

Here's a nice bit of awareness for your Monday morning/afternoon/whatever it is wherever you are.




I doubt this will be released over here, but I'd love to see it.

And in (kind of) related news, this morning Obama launched his campaign for 2012.

GObama!

OH. MY. GOD.

1. I love The Selby anyway.
2. But now he's doing a section called 'The Edible Selby'.

AMAZING.

First to be featured is a famous bakery in San Francisco called 'Tartine'.
Just yesterday I was flicking through their cookbook in Hodges Figgis!


Look at these beauties:






the whole thing is here

I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Ryan Tubridy's new book all about JFKs infamous visit to Ireland in '63.

The book is a great read so far, especially enjoyable if, like me, you're into US politics.

This combined with an article about pumpkin pie, has made today an American one for me. I decided to bake the pie, which is now in the oven, and while I wait for it to bake I'm dipping into the book. Lovely!

I might even top the evening off with an episode or two of The West Wing.

There are some good things about being an unemployed nerd.

And here's a bonus picture of the beautiful JFK jr.

This is America's unhealthiest drink.

2010 calories!!!

That's the equivalent of eating 68 rashers, or 38 choc chip cookies!

As far as I'm aware, Cold Stone Creamery is an American thing.
Although I did spot a branch in Copenhagen (what's going on
Danes, I thought you were healthy?). And as disgusting as the
shake sounds, I'm intrigued. I love my food and milkshakes (Eddie
Rockets Oreo-Yum), and this sounds like an experience. I'll have to
add it to my list of things to 'test' roadtest it next time I'm in the
States. Along with copious amounts of Pancakes, Fries, and
Twizzlers (my fave). When in Rome...

In case you're wondering, here's the top 20 worst drinks.