Cafeteria Restaurant
/New York, NY
A rainy Saturday in NYC calls for comfort foods.
Although it’s called Cafeteria, it’s so not one.
Located in Chelsea. Great music. Delicious food and cocktails all in one of my favorite cities.
Ela
/If you like brunch, you have to try Ela.
Sunday Brunch in the Queens Village section of Philadelphia ~ fantastic!!!
The space is visually appealing and the staff warm and personable.
The food exactly what you would want for brunch. Every single bite of each dish was so so tasty. I ordered two of our dishes to go as well.
The Elixir(drink) menu is creative and fun.
Can’t wait to go back for dinner. The menu looks great. 💋
Barcelona Wine Bar
/Eating dinner with great friends at Barcelona Wine Bar
This weather calls for Tapas, Alfresco Dining and extremely well executed Spanish food and cool decor accompanied by two attentive servers per table. The only thing missing was 💃🏼
Absolute must try.. Barcelona Wine Bar ~ Passyunk Ave, South Philly
Had the most delicious, well actually lots of Tempranillo wine. So smooth. Perfect.
Featured: Pan con tomate - in Spain they call it crystal bread, which I would eat at breakfast and for a snack everyday when I was in Spain. It’s toasted bread that is drizzled with olive oil and topped with smooshed(I know so not a technical cooking term) fresh tomatoes the consistency of a purée and a sprinkle of salt. I was pleasantly surprised how good it was and how much it reminded me of Spain. I was so tempted to order another to take home.
Heffe Taco
/Today’s weather has a California feel. So to keep in the spirit of that.
Let’s have some street taco like food.
Great little place in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia.
Outside casual seating, quick service, tasty fresh made food all for less than $17(The truffle mushroom quesadilla, so good)💋
Gran Caffe L’Aquila
/There are various things that people choose to collect.. for me it’s experiences that take me to different places that lead me to meeting the most interesting, kind people.
This week a person(now a friend) I met in Barcelona a few years on one of my trips to Spain , I rented an Airbnb from him. He has 22 fabulous flats in the City. On Sunday, Jaume messaged me that he would be in Philadelphia for 3 days just finishing up his Singapore and India trip. And scavenger hunt while in India to find a “holy cow” among other things. Lol
He wanted to know what he should try to do during 1st visit to Philly.
I suggested the usual things and then we agreed to meet for lunch. That evening he would have dinner at my fav, Will Byob.
So we met at the Gran Caffe on Chestnut Street, one of my fav Italian restaurants in Philadelphia that cooks daily housemade pasta the way it should be al dente, has an innovative menu/wine list and all of the waiters are from Italy. Check it out.
Anyway, as if we were old friends, catching up on things that we have seen the other post over the years, travel, life, next chapters and of course food. He’s a foodie like me.
Both of us snapping pics and moving items from the shot for the other.
We grabbed housemade gelato and began walking.
I say to him.. “ You know, isn’t it amazing that I just so happened to find you on Airbnb a few years ago and now look at us now walking together eating gelato in Philadelphia”
Jaume - “ It is, but I never think I won’t see a person or place again at some point”
Me- “ I know, I believe that too. Truly I could go almost anywhere and know someone within a few hrs or a day or so of where I am.., my car is on the next street do you want to walk that way”
Jaume- “ Sure, I have no agenda... I’m just looking around”
Me- “ I love that, what a free way to be.. no agenda, just looking around... you know when I post this your free spirit style will inspire others”
Jaume- says jokingly..”now, wait I’m not trying to be a guru”
He’s the best, I’ll post his connect info separately. If your travel plans include Barcelona, reach out to him. He’s lovely.
I’m so glad that I’m a collector of experiences, the derivative benefits are exponential.
Yay, it’s Saturday💋
Cargot Brasserie
/Simple joy...sitting down for a delicious French Sunday Brunch without checking the time, as our day is completely ours.
The perfect local solution for when you wish you were in Paris but are in Bucks County.
This less than 1yr old modern French Brasserie is aesthetically beautiful, has delicious perfectly flavored food and attentive staff.
Featured a Mushroom Tartin with a wonderful flaky crust and beautiful flavors. And Croissant Pain Perdu with apple chutney and warm vanilla butter. So so good.
Located on the Princeton University campus across from the McCarter Theater.
Happy Sunday💋
PS- This newer Brasserie is fabulous, brought back memories of this time last year being in Paris with Sophia. Bon Appetit.
Green Soul
/Absolutely beautiful open air restaurant & lounge space. Healthy soul food set to the soundtrack of fabulous jazz and hip hop. Today was honoring Notorious B.I.G. and similar artists.
Live jazz music most evenings.
The food was delish and so many options for meat and plant based eaters.
Pics of Sweet Potato, Wild Rice & Black Eyed Pea soup and of the Portobello wrap with collard green pesto and Gouda.💋
Pretty Bird Coffee
/Happy last Saturday before Christmas
Of course, I had to make a stop at my favorite coffee lounge ~ Pretty Bird Coffee. Although, I’ve been here a million times. I still like taking pics of this super cute place that has yummy drinks/food and the most fantastic team and sweet owners. Check out the adorable packaging of their self-roasted coffee beans. The perfect gift.
Today, I’m having cheesy grits with scrambled eggs, kale chips, spinach, tomato and sriracha berry drizzle. Crazy good. XOXO 💋
July 21, 2017
Happy Friday!!
I'm always on the lookout for a boutique coffee shop, you must check out the family owned and operated Pretty Bird Coffee in Yardley Borough!
So good, fresh made doughnuts slightly warm when served today we had cinnamon and strawberry doughnuts. Sophia.. said "Wow"
Fantastic cappuccino and outrageously tasty unique smoothies.
Super cool waitstaff💋
Introducing the Cinnamon Cruffin topped with cream cheese frosting and the Samoa latte with Almond milk( taste just like a Girl Scout cookie)
Amazing!!!
February 10, 2018
Double Knot
/Few more pics of holiday fun and absolutely amazing, probably the best Japanese I’ve ever had. The perfect speakeasy type of candlelit restaurant that has a wonderful assortment of small plate options for everyone. And tons of options for vegetarians and vegans. Plus super tasty innovative cocktails and the largest sake collection in Philadelphia.
So descend down the stairs and feast your eyes on beautifully plated creative and tasty food. Absolute must try. Thank you Nicole Frick Biancofor arranging the dinner plans. Had a fantastic time with both you and Lisa Lukasiewicz Welch 💋
Bottega Louie Restaurant and Gourmet Market
/Feast your eyes on this meal that we enjoyed housed in a beautiful grand magnificent all white space. A bustling, vibrant restaurant with the aroma of fragrant food from an completely open kitchen. Presented by magnificent servers and gracious managers.
The vino, the appetizers, main course and finally the desserts. Come on, absolutely amazing. The next time you are in LA, to plan to dine at Bottega Louie. They don’t take reservations, but trust me it’s well worth the wait. 💋💋
Boulevard Restaurant at Beverly Wilshire Hotel
/Beverly Hills, CA
Had to have a Pretty Woman moment with Sophia. One of my all time favorite movies.
Wonderful lunch at The Blvd~ Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Will BYOB
/One example of happiness is to share a beautiful dining experience with girlfriends. We inspire one another, giggle out loud together, show compassion and true concern for one another. We simply just accept each other exactly as they are.. concluding, wow, they are all absolutely delightful.
Tonight we had the pleasure of dining at Will BYOB located on Passayunk Ave in So.Phila.
This extremely special French inspired culinary gem which features regional ingredients in a cozy intimate setting is led by Chef Chris Kearse.
Chef Chris is a true culinary genius. The 2nd oldest of 8 children born and raised in Levittown, Bucks County,PA.
He began cooking as a child, but his gift was unearthed when he took over cooking duties for his family, preparing dinner for his parents and 7 siblings every night while he was in high school.
His gift lead him to be offered positions in many of America’s top restaurants including the highly regarded French Laundry in Napa Valley, CA.
So fest your eyes on the culinary presents Chef Chris prepared for us. Bon Appetit💋
Chart House
/Atlantic City, NJ
Thank you so much Wendy Goldman and Marty Brooker for a delicious dinner, wonderful conversation and for sharing your home away from home at the Jersey Shore with us. What a great start to the weekend. The two of you have hearts of gold. XOXO
Blue Moose Restaurant & Cafe
/No one does Sunday Brunch better than Skylar of the Blue Moose Cafe, and to do so with your family and friends. Absolutely perfect.
Lots of giggles and super flavorful food that never disappoints.
Ahh, a fantastic way to start the week.
Happy Sunday
January 1, 2017
Woohoo 🙌 its 2017!!! Let's do this..
So this is us last night after having dinner in Philadelphia and us this morning having brunch at our favorite place Blue Moose Cafe in New Hope.
The ending of 2016 and beginning of 2017 have been perfect.
The last pic sums up many things for me about love, kindness and a simple smile
Cookshop
/Meant to post last night💋
Delish! Super cute restaurant in Chelsea, NYC.
For cocktails~ Mellow Pomellow (Fruity, virgin drink for Sophia) and for me a delicious and refreshing blueberry mojito 💋
Brick Farm Tavern
/The Brick Farm Tavern in Hopewell, NJ is 100% Farm to table and locally sourced restaurant housed in a charming farmhouse.
This is my 1st visit, Chris our server was extremely knowledgeable and proud of the deconstructed food that is served and beautifully plated
Plus you can book private chef's table experiences with friends with seating next to the open kitchen.
All of you must visit this place. Can't wait to come back.
They also own the Brick Farm Market down the street and the latest member of this company as of 4 days ago- Red Barn Milk Co Creamery in Ringoes, NJ. Next up on my agenda
Brian's Lambertville
/About last night, it was an honor to celebrate my dear and sweet friend Michele's birthday at Brian’s Lambertville!
Consistently lovely BYOB
I believe one of the best kept secrets in Bucks County/Lambertville, NJ area
My dish chicken with herb risotto with veggies
The other dishes
Quinoa with veggies
Scallops and quinoa with ginger
And spectacular white chocolate bread pudding in amaretto sauce with espresso of course
Tre magnifique 💖
— eating dinner with beloved family♥ at Brian's Lambertville.
La Stalla
/La Stalla Italian Market
March 26, 2017
Happy Sunday!!!
The perfect Sunday breakfast is awaiting you at La Stalla Italian Market in Newtown, Bucks County, PA.
The Sfogliatelle pastry was slightly warm, just the right amount of flaky pastry and powdered sugar.. the perfect accompaniment to my cappuccino.
My afternoon treat will be the Asiago bread, this too was slightly warm when I purchased it. The aroma of the warm bread is intoxicatingly fantastic.. yesterday I only bought one, and totally regretted it. So today two it is. You know it's fantastic when your child wakes up and says .. all I want for breakfast is the Asiago bread.
Congratulations to my friends, The Masso family.
💋
La Stalla Restaurant
June 26, 2017
By far the happiest bon voyage dinner party ever at La Stalla Restaurant. Wishing my beautiful friend Michele Goldman Laue a beautiful new chapter, the happily ever after kind in Missouri with her amazingly cute daughter Eva and her soulmate Joe Bevilacqua.
Laurel Restaurant
/You know you are with your best friend,when you realize that you will likely have expired meter parking violations, but think it's completely worth it.
Tonight as we have done for many years Lisa Lukasiewicz Welch and I find a fantastic place to share a pre-Christmas meal in Philadelphia
This year we were fortunate to get a reservation at the #1 restaurant in Philadelphia, Laurel. This French restaurant located in the heart of South Philly is owned by my childhood friend Kristen Elmi and her exquisite and talented husband, Nicholas(America's top chef winner)
Lisa and I were beyond blown away with the level of perfection we experienced in food, presentation, and service throughout the 7 courses. The soft as cloud ricotta gnocchi with table side grated white truffle. Omg
Truthfully everything was spectacular.
I am sure A Michelin ⭐️ will be on the horizon.
Wishing continued success to Kristen and Nicholas who are truly living their dream each day.
But for me, laughing out loud with my bestie is one of the greatest gifts I have not just during the holidays but all year. Love you Lis💖
💋
Ristorante La Pergola Positano
/Amalfi Coast- Positano
Come on look at the color of the fresh tomatoes on top of toasted bread that when you bite into it olive oil gently drips out with just the right amount of salt between the tomatoes and bread.
Now feast your eyes on true Napolitano Margherita pizza!!
Margherita pizza is named for Queen Margherita, and was invented in Naples as a special tribute to the Queen when she arrived.
I can not wait for Napoli native,and Newtown, PA-USA Pasquale Palino restaurant owner/chef of Vecchia Osteria to open his 1st Napolitano style pizzeria in Newtown in a couple of months. It will be called Aqua y Farina and he has imported the true Napolitano pizza oven to create this spectacular pizza. In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out how I can bring one of these home on the plane.
Lol
💋🇮🇹
