Where do you go to chill?

The A/C at my house decided to break down Saturday night. Sunday afternoon as the temp pushed 90 degrees, I had to get out of the house. I grabbed the kiddo and we headed to SouthPark mall.

Now I am not a shopper. I don't buy things for fun or therapy. Months -- I'm talking as many as six or seven -- go by between trips to the mall. I head there when I need something specific, get it and leave. I don't linger. I don't windowshop.

Yesterday was a different story. I pushed my daughter's stroller down every wing. I browsed. I got my kid some shoes to replace a pair that disappeared at daycare (We think she threw them in the trash. She's very into throwing things in the trash.)

Then when I ran out of things things to look at and with a shopping list that was incredibly short due to impending A/C bills -- I headed for Cheesecake Factory for a little midday snack. And here's the ironic part, when the waitress asked if we'd like to sit outside, I said, "yes."

Where do you like to chill when you need a break from the heat? Or if your A/C broke down, where would you go?

What's your favorite pizza place of all time?

Story on Yahoo! names best pizza place in the country. Guess what? It's not in New York. It's in Phoenix. Click here for the story.

My favorite pizza isn't in NY either. It's a local chain in my native Dayton, Ohio area. Marion's Piazza. Marion's makes thin-crust pie cut into little squares. Closest comparison -- though not nearly as good -- is Donato's. For one thing, it's not just carry out either. I love the location in my hometown, Beavercreek, for its throw-back yellow, orange and green 70s decor and game room for passing the time while you wait on your order.

This is how much I love Marion's:

When returning from a college internship in France -- home to some pretty tasty bread and cheese -- I made my Dad stop at Marion's on the way home from the airport.

When traveling to a wedding in Columbus in 2006 I worked in a side trip to Dayton just for Marion's. I wanted my husband -- a Chicago pizza guy -- to try it and I was pregnant and having a fierce craving.

So what's your favorite pizza of all time?

Getting a Taste of Charlotte?

Just back from Taste of Charlotte, the annual food fest uptown that runs through Sunday. For more info, including prices, festival map and list of vendors, click here. Or to read restaurant writer Helen Schwab's story, click here.

Anyhow, it was fun -- and very hot -- walking around the booths running along Tryon from Martin Luther King to Sixth Street. I sampled three different Indian restaurants. My favorite taste: UDIPI's made-on-the-spot dosa.

Tasted reminded me of food fairs I used to stumble on in New York. If you go, pack sunscreen, hat and water (overpriced like at most festivals). It's supposed to be in the 90s all weekend. Oh, and save some room for a cool treat at the end. There are a few ice cream and smoothie stands.

What would you put in a Charlotte time capsule?

In yesterday's column, I answered a reader's question about a time capsule buried in 1959 at Charlottetown Mall. And I posed this question: What would you put in a time capsule buried today in Charlotte? I'm curious what you have to say.