Lauren and I are back in the swing of things after having a few days off. Lauren flew to Charlotte to visit some friends and family, and I spent some time with one of our old college roommates, Nicole. I was really excited to spend a few days with the Maikisch family.
My first trip to New Jersey was to visit the Maikisch’s about four years ago. That trip resulted in a broken sternum and a bummed knee. (Nicole and I got into a car accident on that trip). During that trip they told me I needed one of the t-shirts that says, “New Jersey: only the strong survive.” The running joke now is that Nicole isn’t allowed to drive me anywhere because she broke me the last time. In her defense, it was not her fault, and I remained in mint condition this trip.
I really love visiting Nicole’s family. There is never a dull moment, and they are like a second family to me. They always treat me as if I am one of their own…kind of like the daughter they never wanted. They took me to H.I Ribs to eat. I fell in love with the restaurant on my last visit so they promised to take me again this time. The bar-be-que is delicious and I also had some South Carolina Honey Ribs. Not to mention Starr, the clown, is there on Tuesday nights making balloon animals for kids. Nicole and I both got balloons. Is anyone surprised?
As a small thank you, I bought them a couple of pints of Ciao Bella. I got the Chocolate Alba Hazelnut and the Tahitian Vanilla. Mr. Maikisch ate the Vanilla and Mrs. Maikisch ate the Chocolate Hazelnut. All by themselves. Needless to say, they definitely fell in love with Ciao Bella. I think by giving them their treats I became their favorite daughter 
Tags: Chocolate Alba Hazelnut, Chocolate Alba Hazelnut Gelato, Ciao Bella, Ciao Bella Gelato, ciao bella sorbet, gelato, New Jersey, Sorbet, tahitian vanilla, tahitian vanilla gelato
