If those words spread fear in your heart and wallet, get thee to an outlet mall at once.

Frederick does not boast any outlet shopping venues, per se, but there are two good choices easily within driving distance -- the Prime Outlets of Hagerstown and the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg. I have visited both and don't have any particular favorite, however I often find myself heading north rather than west.

On Black Friday, what's better than shopping. I think it is a national pasttime. Eat turkey on Thursday, shop on Friday. And if you are not at home to eat leftovers, you have to eat out -- at the outlets.

I love the charming Main Street ambiance and the 70 or more stores don't seem to overwhelm you as you stroll up one side and down the other.

The Food Court, at one corner of the shopping street, offers a nice respite from all the shopping -- a place to sit down and enjoy a drink, check your e-mail (free WiFi available), and grab a bite to eat.

We stopped in for lunch mid week and I was surprised to find so many folks out and about, as I expected the weekends were the busiest of times.

The Food Court is basically a large square dining area, well lit with windows for two walls. There are plenty of tables and seating.

Food vendors include the ubiquitous Subway and Auntie Anne's Pretzels, sort of mall staples. Two I was not as familiar with included Branding Iron BBQ and Corrado's Pizza.

The menu at Branding Iron, a charming little cubby of Texas memorabilia, features one-pound baked potatoes, barbecue sandwiches and platters, chili, burgers, dogs and fries, nachos and large salads. Their motto is "We pit smoke our meat for 13 hours."

I can believe that. A beef brisket sandwich, sliced when you order it, was deliciously tender and tasty. You can order it sliced or chopped. The portion of beef was very generous, piled on a soft roll with a large slice of sweet onion. The barbecue was mild and slightly sweet. Impressive for a food court. The side of slaw provided a nice contrast and I'd like to try the potato salad. A combo runs under $10, which includes a side and large drink

And, they are not kidding when they claim the potatoes are one-pounders. They are served up piping hot and split wide to accommodate the butter, sour cream, bacon, cheddar and chives. Very filling and a massive amount of food for $4.25.

Another item that caught my eye was the Texas Po' Boy sandwich made with sausage and brisket. I would also like to try the chili, which if anything like the barbecue, has to be great.

If you are in the mood for Italian, Corrado's Pizza offers an impressive array of pasta dishes, strombolis and calzones, salads, Philly steaks, and or course, pizza. Prices here are very reasonable with pasta dishes under $6 and most cheesesteaks and subs under $7. You can grab a generous slice of cheese pizza for $2.50. We tried the cheesesteak stromboli ($5.50) served with a very tasty marinara dipping sauce. The sauce was chunky with tomatoes and tasted fresh, though not overly spicy. The stromboli, a tad greasy, was delicious and stuffed with thinly sliced beef and loaded with melted cheese.

We were a bit stuffed, but there is always room for dessert.

The sweet spot at the Food Court is The Meadows Original Frozen Custard. The custard and frozen yogurt is made fresh every day and available in milkshakes, smoothies, sundaes, banana splits, sandwiched between two huges cookies (chipper) and made into ice cream cakes. They also offer Italian Ice and gelaties.

Prices are reasonable ... $2.50 for a medium cone and $2.99 for a good-sized M&M chipper sandwich. I would recommend splitting this.

Some favorites include the Black Cow root beer float and the apple dumpling sundae. Yummm.

Frederick is lucky to have one of these on Whittier Drive, and we were not disappointed to end our visit to the Gettysburg Outlet on such a sweet note.

I can't wait to get started on my Christmas shopping.

In Good Taste reports on an unannounced dining experience and is not meant to be a critical review.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.