Follow my adventures around the globe and get inspired for your next trip! Expect to find great food/drink options and place to see outside of the ordinary!
What’s better than relaxing outside with a glass of wine with friends? Savory pasta filled with lasting flavors of course! Ristorante La Nuova Piazzetta in Roma came highly recommended and did not disappoint. The waiters were funny and made the experience even better. We didn’t get a single thing that wasn’t delicious! Don’t skip out on the Tiramisu- it’s the best I’ve ever tried! .lanuovapiazzetta
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In the country of pizza and pasta, how do you choose where to eat? We decided to try That’s Amore because of the song and it was delicious. The calamari was flavorful and not chewy. The pesto was the best pesto I’ve ever had. Even though I don’t like tomatoes, the bruschetta was on point! If they were only playing the song, it would have been perfect!
Is it a bookstore? Is it a bar? It’s actually a wonderful combination of both! Who doesn’t like to grab a drink surrounded by books while hanging out with some friends? Libreria Berisio is that perfect combination in Naples, Italy. They have an extensive drink menu so you’ll be sure to find something you love!
Block 16 Urban Food Hall at the Cosmopolitan is a great place to grab a quick bite while wandering the Las Vegas strip. It has a wide array of options - from sushi at Stella Bar to chicken sandwiches from Hattie B’s to flatbread sandwiches at Bang Bar by Momofuko to District Donuts and more sandwiches at Lardo. Best of all, nestled in the back is Ghost Donkey which is a fun speakeasy you don’t want to miss!
Despite getting rained out two nights in a row (weird southern CA weather this year), the Paribas Indian Wells tennis tournament is still a good time. We went for round one and the top seed players weren’t on the schedule but luckily we caught a few practicing. Most importantly, I got front row seats to watch my favorite player Carlos Alcaraz practicing. Event if you’re not a tennis fan, Indian Wells is a beautiful place to spend a couple days. Who doesn’t like being surrounded by lush green hills (thanks to all the rain) and palm trees all around?
Martini Velvet Lounge is an intimate place to catch up with friends or grab a drink. It’s located on the second floor of Vitello’s Restaurant in Burbank, CA and often has live music and other events like comedy nights. There’s also food items if you want a bite. If you’re looking for a nice place to relax and catch up with friends, it’s a place to check out.
The Ceviche Project is a hidden gem in Silver Lake which will make you feel like you’re on vacation on an island. The restaurant is small but cozy. The menu features fresh, flavorful seafood and the tostados are on point. I can’t believe I didn’t discover this place sooner!
It’s a rainy day in Los Angeles today. On days like this, I like to think about all the nice outdoor places LA has to offer so I can plan a fun day in the sun once the weather improves. On a recent trip to Glendale, we discovered a cute outdoor bar at the Americana called Ombra. Ombra is part of Amici and the food is brought from Amici next door. The bar is great for people watching and enjoying the music with the fountains shows. The food from Amici was a great addition to our drinks. It’s a great place to spend a Sat afternoon for some Vitamin D!
Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese restaurant known for its dumplings. They have locations around the world but you’ll still find lines with hungry faces waiting to try their delicious cuisine. Most recently, we went to the Glendale location which recently expanded to the Glendale Galleria. Of course there was a line of people waiting but luckily it went quickly. I started with a lychee cocktail which was refreshing. Then, we indulged in Chicken & Mushroom Bao buns, Spicy Chicken Wontons, Chicken Shanghai Rice cakes and Chicken Noodles. The rice cakes were new to me and completely different from what I thought, but savory nonetheless. The entire meal was very satisfying. They even gave us Red Envelopes for Lunar New Year! I can understand why the lines are long!
One of the best parts of visiting Disneyland is the wide array of dining options. On a recent trip, we decided to venture out to The Craftsman Bar at Grand California Hotel & Spa. It was a typical sunny day in Southern CA and hanging out poolside was the perfect way to spend a couple hours. It does tend to get crowded so if you can get a reservation, it may save you some time. We opted to sit at the bar since the full menu was offered. Their cocktail list had many interesting drinks and their food options were limited but most things sounded good. I got the Poke Bowl which I enjoyed and my husband liked his burger. If you’re tired of the food options inside the parks, head over to the Craftsman. You can enter through the back of California Adventure!
Edwin Mills by Equator is laid back gastropub in Old Town Pasadena in one of the area’s alleyways. It’s a great place for any meal. On the weekends, enjoy bottomless Mimosas for less than $25. On weekend evenings, enjoy the live music. They have daily specials which you don’t want to miss. The inside decor is interesting to say the least but on a nice Spring afternoon, sit outside to people watch while you eat or drink!
An Indian Sports Bar?! I’d never heard of such a place until Pijja Palace started gaining traction in Silverlake. Reservations are hard to come by but we finally scored some recently. Pijja Palace is a casual eatery with delicious flavors. Our reservations were at 5pm (when they opened) and there was already a line to get in. The walls are lined with TVs to cheer on your favorite team and the cocktails all have an Indian twist. The chefs do a great job mixing Indian spices into traditional Italian dishes. The lamb sliders were a good starter. The Malai Rigatoni was a spin on Vodka Penne and a much better version in my opinion. The Northern Makini sauce with Chicken Tikka and Bell Pepper Jalfrezi made for a great pizza. To end the meal, the cookies and Cardamom soft serve was perfect - sweet but not too sweet and the cardamom added a great subtle flavor to the dish. I can’t wait to go back to try the rest of the menu!
When we travel, we enjoy incorporating a fine dining experience into our trip. However, it’s often a random choice of restaurants based on reviews and pictures as most Michelin star restaurants have an ever changing menu. In Porto, we decided to take our chances on The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant led by Chef Ricardo Costa (2 Michelin ⭐️). We were welcomed by the host and seated in the lobby. We were served our first couple small courses in the lobby before being taken to the main dining room overlooking the water. Each dish that came out was more delicious than the previous one. The flavors were rich and the presentation was elegant. The servers were funny while maintaining their professionalism and poise. One of the courses was in the kitchen which we always enjoy. The kitchen was definitely less chaotic than others we’ve witnessed. All in all, this restaurant quickly became one of my favorites ever and crept its way into my top 5! Their wine pairing was also one of the best we’ve experienced (coming from someone who is not a wine enthusiast).
Livraria Lello, or Lello Bookshop, is a must visit in Porto Portugal for those who like Harry Potter. Rumor has it that JK Rowling got some of her inspiration for Harry Potter in Porto and spent many of her days here. Even if you’ve never heard of Harry Potter, the book store is a small but magnificent wonder. There’s an array of books to peruse. And if you don’t enjoy 📚 , enjoy the architecture of the building. Many have called it the prettiest bookstore in the world! You’re welcomed by a red winding staircase surrounded by floor to ceiling books. Don’t forget to look up and see the stain-glassed ceiling.
The lines get long so make sure to buy tickets online and go at your scheduled time. Also, if you decide to purchase a book, the 8 euro entrance fee is subtracted from your bill, so it’s a win win!
Happy almost 2024! We stumbled upon our last meal of 2023 on Pink Street in Lisbon! We heard a live band on the street and saw a couple empty tables at Restaurante Rio Grande and decided to check it out. We started with prawns in garlic and chili sauce which melted in our mouth. My main dish was Roasted Chicken with Fries while my husband had the Steak and Eggs. Both were great but the location was even better. It’s a great place to people watch and enjoy the weather! Pink Street during the daytime is a vastly experience compared to the night scene!
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Reminiscing about our Japan trip and all the delicious food we got to indulge in. I’ll let the pictures do the talking on this one 🙂
Located in Santa Monica, Citrin is a one star Michelin restaurant by Chef Josiah Citrin. The large red door welcomes you into an open bar leading to the dining area. The ambience is relaxed and modern but the food is meticulously plated and delicious. The chef’s tasting menu gives you options in each course so you can try an array of things and maybe even grab a bite of something different from your friends. Since we went during truffle season, they had a supplemental white truffle risotto which was pricey but delicious. The servers were generous with the truffles and the risotto was devoured. Citrin is a great place to celebrate a special occasion!
Growing up, I remember watching Sanjeev Kapoor whip up delicious looking meals on Khana Khazana (my first cooking show). I was excited to see his restaurant Khazana while roaming around Toronto and had to try it. The food was well worth it! The service could use work and we waited a long time to get our food. We tried the Jodhpuri Papad Paneer Tikka, Bhatti Murg Tikka, Kaali Kadhai Chicken and finished off our meal with Pistachio Kulfi. The garlic naan was fluffy and flavorful! The food is definitely worth a visit (hopefully their service is better).
Kashiwaya was one of the most interesting fine dining experiences I've had. Japan is filled with Michelin star restaurants and it's tough to pick one (or 5). My husband booked this one for my birthday while in Osaka, Japan. It was about a 10 minute walk from the Metro so we decided to walk the short distance. The first park was a hike uphill in a dark neighborhood without people around. The restaurant is located in the middle of a neighborhood and inside what looks like a normal home. There was a woman looking out the window to welcome us in. We were asked to remove our shoes and taken into a very plain room with a long table and two chairs. We had two waitresses and each time they would walk out, they would sit and bow and then shut the door. It was a 12 course meal mainly consisting of seafood. Overall, the food was good with some new flavors bursting in my mouth. The cuisine was not like most I'd experienced but savory nonetheless.
é by José Andrés is a hidden restaurant inside Jaleo at the Cosmo in Vegas. Reservations are hard to come by and there is no menu. This peaked our interest and we were excited to finally score reservations for my husband’s birthday. We met outside Jaleo and were given our Golden Tickets for entry. Since it was my husband’s birthday, we were also given a glass of champagne while we waited. We were then escorted into a small red room with a doll watching our every move from a cage on the wall. We were introduced to the chefs for the night and our adventure commenced. Each dish was plated in front of us and allowed us to appreciate the intricacies of putting the plates together. Each bite was delicious and the chefs were engaging. This was not only a delicious dinner, but a show watching the chefs do their magic. Highly recommended and will give you appreciation for fine dining!
Jose Andres delivers his magic again at Agua Viva - this rooftop restaurant is located in DTLA at the Conrad hotel. Its location makes it a wonderful place to have dinner before an event at the Walt Disney Hall or after a day at the Broad Museum. The views of downtown LA are beautiful and the food does not disappoint. The dessert (Pizzelle) was one of my favorites!
Hawaii has many oceanfront restaurants but Chef Christian Testa at Orchids delivers creative dishes with a gorgeous view of the ocean. The cocktails with warm bread and warm butter are a great way to enjoy the sunset (make sure to book accordingly). The Hawaiian Yellow Fin Ahi Tartare and Hamachi were fresh and flavorful. I took a risk by trying the Grilled Scallops with Black Tiger Prawns and they were cooked to perfection and served on top of a grilled garlic baguette. The Lasagnette is an interesting take on pasta which is spot on. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a delicious meal with a beautiful view, Orchids will not disappoint.
If you enjoy food, you’ve heard of British Chef Gordon Ramsay. He has multiple Michelin stars restaurants and is a spectacle to watch on TV. During our last trip to Vegas, we tried Gordon Ramsay’s Burger in Planet Hollywood. The restaurant meets you with a firey wall and a line of guests waiting to try the burgers. I didn’t grow up eating beef and have never had a real burger so I was attracted to the fact that you could substitute a chicken patty for any of the options. I picked a Truffle Burger with a chicken patty and it was the best chicken sandwich/burger I’ve ever had! The chicken patty was so flavorful and well cooked, it just melted in your mouth. I love fries but the burger was so good that the fries (although delicious and crispy) were an afterthought. If you’re in Vegas (or one of the other locations), I’d highly recommend a visit to Gordon Ramsay’s Burger. My husband states that the original beef patty was even better 🤷🏻♀️
Casalena is the new kid in town making a huge splash with its beautiful space and delicious food. Despite just opening in June 2023, Casalena has already drawn large crowds to Woodland Hills and it's one of the new places to check out. The atmosphere is inviting and the drinks are refreshing. The menu has some of the standard pizza/pasta fare with some unique variations if you're feeling adventurous. We only tried a couple things (tuna tartare, charred octopus, truffle pizza, peach cobbler) but I can't wait to go back and try more! .la
Located in the heart of Yorkville, CSuite is a speakeasy like no other. After making three circles around the area, we finally found it and were given a warm welcome into the bar like we were family. If you can, sit at the bar where you will meet Albert. Even on his birthday, he was working his magic to create delicious cocktails for us. He’s well versed in drinks and will keep you entertained. He asked for our preferences and then created a couple of cocktails which we savored. The only staff overheard that we were celebrating our anniversary and even brought a cute sign and gave us a little parting gift. If you’re in the Toronto area, I would definitely stop by CSuite. Remember, it’s a speakeasy so don’t try to look for a huge sign but use my last picture as a reference!
Is it a meal or is it a cocktail? BarChef delivers uniquely mixed cocktails that leave you in awe. The mixologists are well trained in their craft and the drinks will leave you wanting to come back for more. There’s some small bites if you would like something to munch on and we enjoyed the cheese board with our cocktails. If you’re searching for a unique experience without the mundane cocktails, BarChef in Toronto is the perfect spot.
A chef’s table experience is one of a kind. You have the ability to see the intricacies of the kitchen and how each person makes the meal come together. My favorite part was watching how the chef orchestrates the evening’s presentation. You see the gamut of emotions the chef experiences through the night and the passion s/he has to ensure that the guests enjoy their meal. We had the honor of this experience at Enigma Yorkville in Toronto. Chef Quinton Bennett is a treat to watch and the dishes were exquisite as was the cocktail pairing.
Yamashiro, aka “Mountain Palace” sits on the Hollywood Hills overlooking Los Angeles. The restaurant is meant to a recreate a palace near Kyoto, Japan which is located in “Yamashiro” province mountains. Aside from the beautiful scenery, you’ll find an array of Japanese cuisine and fine cocktails. Whether you choose to splurge on a sushi boat or choose a few different bites, you’ll leave satisfied, wondering when you will return. My only disappointment was the Tempura Banana Split.
Sometimes you walk into a restaurant without looking it up and your taste buds are happy! With so many restaurants to choose in Santa Monica, we randomly walked into The Independence for brunch and loved our simple delicious meal! I went for an Egg Sandwich and the bread was toasted to perfection. The truffle fries were well balanced! The brunch burger looked and tasted good! Sometimes, you just have to walk in without the preconceptions!
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker - how could you not be intrigued to check out a place with that name? It’s one of my favorite brunch spots on Sunset Blvd where you can sit outside and people watch all while enjoying a delicious meal. Their Colorburst Lattes will leave you in awe! But if you want an adult beverage, try the mimosa flight! The sandwich pictures is the spicy truffle chicken sandwich!
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Can’t wait to share my next adventure! #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelgram #traveling #traveler #lablogger #europe #europetravel #eurotrip #summervibes #summertime
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