Tag: Foodie

A Taste of Paris in Florida

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Located at 170 Beach Drive N.E. St. Pete, FL sits Cassis American Brasserie a Parisian style restaurant overlooking St. Pete’s waterfront.

So what’s a brasserie anyway? A brasserie is defined as a restaurant serving simple hearty food and drinks at affordable fares, a place that brings people together in a vibrant friendly atmosphere; and that’s just what Cassis American Brasserie does. Walking onto the outdoor terrace, guest will feel as though they walked into a Parisian café in the heart of Paris with its well-designed exterior and interior.

Cassis is perfect for families, a night out on the town or date night as the restaurant caters to all crowds whether you’re looking for romance or a good laugh with family and friends.

The restaurant offers menus for brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Each menu includes a variety of options holding true to the French/American flare that will satisfy anyone in your party from small bites to the dessert. It’s guaranteed guest will leave full and wowed by the service, atmosphere, and cuisine. Even four-legged family members get quality service with their own special menu making them feel like a king or queen.

Check out their menus here!

Not looking for a large meal? Stop by the bakery for pastries, ice cream or simply enjoy coffee or a drink on the outdoor terrace which looks out onto the harbor and surrounding St. Pete.

Cassis offers valet parking Monday – Thursday 5pm – close, Friday 4pm – 11pm, Saturday 10am – 11pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm

Skip the Caribbean and Head to Virginia Beach

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Just a short drive from Washington, D.C. both locals and tourist are sure to enjoy this quaint beach town. Now, I must be honest, when my family said we were going to Virginia Beach for vacation I was upset. All I could think was, “why can’t we go to Disney or the Caribbean?” I had no idea what to expect or even if I would like it. Well, guess what?! I loved it. From the beach to the boardwalk to the restaurants to the town itself; the whole experience was beyond wonderful. I’m already planning my next trip back!

I would highly recommend this destination to anyone looking for a reasonably priced beach getaway. Read more for your ultimate Virginia Beach vacation guide.

 Stay

One of the reasons why I enjoyed Virginia Beach is because we had an oceanfront view, which is very common for the hotels along the boardwalk. Visitors pay reasonable prices for breathtaking views, proximity to the ocean, restaurants and more. When booking your trip check out these hotels and resorts.

Eat

No need to travel far for food! Most hotels along the boardwalk include their own signature restaurant (most seafood). All restaurants are around the same price and offer a variety of choices from breakfast to beach bites to happy hour and dinner! Here’s a list of a few that we tried. Pro tip: try the orange crush, which can be found at many of the restaurants along the boardwalk (you can thank me later).

 Play

With Virginia Beach being the last largest town on the Virginia coast I can promise travelers will find something to do. After spending a few days at the beach, venture off to Bush Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Cape Henry Lighthouse or simply rent a bike a check out all the beautiful home along the coast.

 

What are you waiting for? Plan your trip today!

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Dining in D.C. & Georgetown

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Among its historic landmarks, you will find D.C. offers a variety of dining options perfect to satisfy any foodie! The food scene in D.C. matches its diverse culture from small cafe’s near national landmarks to boutique style restaurants in Georgetown to larger chain options near the center of the city and more!

Having recently visited D.C. I had the pleasure of experiencing a few different restaurants and cafe’s that offered large menus with a variety of choices. Check out my favorites below:

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Martins Tavern: Ever wanted to dine with the president? Well here’s your chance (sorta)! Martins Tavern has seen its share of former presidents including a Henry Truman, The Bush Family, JFK and more. If your lucky you can even dine in one of the many tables the presidents sat in and let’s not forget the oh so famous booth where John proposed to Jackie. If you like a bar atmosphere, with comfort food and presidential history then I would recommend checking out Martin Tavern!

located at 1264 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington D.C. 20007 

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Ristorante Piccolo: Who says you have to go to Italy for homemade Italian food? Ristorante Piccolo is serving up popular homemade Italian cuisine sure to please any appetite. Pro tip: be sure to arrive early as the restaurant is small and fills up fast.

located at 1068 31st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

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Founding Farmers: Looking for a modern restaurant with homemade dishes? Then I highly recommend checking out Founding Farmers. In 2005 Mark White a third -generation farmer and the president of the NDFU  came together to showcase their passion by supporting their local farming community. That passion has led to having freshly sourced produce and more from over 40,000 farmers to the kitchen at Founding Farmers where all meals are prepared from scratch! I had the creamy vegetable bacon bucatini, which I gave two thumbs up. (pretty cool place right!?)

located at 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington D.C. 20006 

Blackbird Doughnuts a Local Favorite

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Located at 492 Tremont St, in Boston’s South End is a local favorite serving up fresh donuts and coffee.

If you love your morning Joe paired with a fresh donut then this is the place for you. Blackbird serves up unique gourmet donuts from scratch with all natural and local ingredients. It’s signature fluffy texture comes in a variety of flavors including Vanilla Glazed, Chocolate Sprinkle, Boston Cream, and more. If you’re more of a cake lover try one of their cake donuts. My favorites include The Blackbird, Blueberry Cake, and Mocha Chip. You can find the full menu here!

What’s really unique about Blackbird is they are a true Boston brand as they create special donuts around Boston holidays and sport’s teams. All while serving up their traditional flavors.

If you’re a die-hard foodie then this is a must stop location as Blackbird’s menu includes doughnut ice cream sandwiches. Yes, you read right – DOUGHNUT ICE CREAM SANDWHICIES! Customers can choose from any of the day’s doughnut selection then add vanilla, chocolate or swirl ice cream! Talk about the ultimate Instagram pic, right?!

Open daily Monday – Friday 7 AM – 6 PM and Saturday – Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM.

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B Side Pizza & Wine Bar Exceeds Expectations

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B Side Pizza & Wine Bar located at 370 W 51st Street New York

B Side Pizza & Wine Bar located at 370 W 51st Street in New York City is truly a neighborhood favorite. Weather you’re a local or traveling for business or on vacation, B Side
caters to pizza and wine enthusiast alike. If you’re looking for small Italian pizza restaurant with a cozy, artsy, and retro vibe this is the place to spend your Friday night!

If your looking to share this is the restaurant for you, as the menu includes 11 homemade brick oven pizza options and small sharable appetizers. The restaurant is known for their pizzas and wine, but also does well with beer lovers as they have several craft beers on tap!

Having trouble picking just one pizza? My favorite is the Killer Bee. Topped with tomato, mozzarella, sopressata, garlic puree, chili oil and honey (yes, honey!). Priced at $16 this pizza will not leave you disappointed! Tip: pair it with a side of red wine.

B Side is open Sunday through Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and is within walking distance from popular New York City attractions.

Anna’s Taqueria

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Okay, I gave in! After a year of living in Allston, I decided to make the hop, skip and a jump over to Brookline to try the ever- so- famous Anna’s Taqueria and let me tell you it exceeded every expectation.

With six locations scattered throughout the Boston area, this Mexican restaurant is one you can’t pass up. As Anna’s is open Monday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Anna’s serves fresh, authentic tacos, burritos and bowls. As the prices are fairly reasonable I got two chicken tacos, which were very filling and tasty with a side of chips, guac and freshly squeezed lemonade (pictured below)!

If your every in the Boston area I would skip out on the Chipotle and try this local Boston favorite as it will leave you wondering why you haven’t tried it sooner.

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Locations:

Coolidge Corner-Brookline

1412 Beacon Street

 

JFK Corner- Brookline

446 Harvard St

 

Porter Square- Cambridge

822 Somerville Ave

 

MIT-Cambridge

84 Mass Ave

 

Davis Square-Somerville

236A Elm Street

 

A Cavity Waiting to Happen

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For those of you who are unfamiliar with Kane’s, Kane’s is a Boston staple donut shop with locations in Boston and the original in Saugus, MA. They have everything from coffee and tea to bear claws, pastry’s, cupcakes and their iconic donuts with flavors like Bacon Maple, Oreo and more made fresh daily.

More recently, Kane’s opened a pop-up location in Chestnut Hill from mid February to the end of March. After countless people posted pictures of these mouth watering donuts on my Instagem feed I figured why not give it a try.

I decided to go on March 27 the day before it closed. I got their at 7 a.m. right when they opened and within the time of me telling the man what I wanted, and paying the line was out the door and around the corner. I was shocked! I knew it was popular, but not this popular.

I was only going to get one I promise! It turns out the flavors that morning were too good to pass up! So I got six and figured I would bring them into work and share with my co-workers. With the donuts being large I thought we could cut them in half since I work in a small office. They were a hit.

Overall, I was a little disappointed. To be quit honest I didn’t expect these donuts to be as large as they were. I was expecting Dunkin’ Donut size. After a few bites I got full and they are extremely sweet Just one donut can be shared between two people.

Kane’s was a great experience, but it’s one of those places you only go once. Maybe Kane’s is only good for an Instagram picture and a cavity.

 

 

Brunchin’ @Union

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Let me be honest, I’ve been slacking on my brunch game. I’ve been skipping the gym on Sunday’s and sleeping in till 10 a.m. then rolling out of bed tossing my hair in a messy bun and putting on yoga pants and an over sized shirt and walking down the street to Harry’s, which is a sub par bar that happens to serve a decent brunch.

Today, I figured why not try a new place. Living in Allston, I live near some dives and also some of the most popular bars in Boston. Just a few blocks from my apartment is @Union located at 147 Harvard Ave in Allston. Now, don’t let the exterior of the building or Harvard Ave scare you away from this popular brunch location. It’s worth a shot.

After our short walk to @Union we had to wait about eight minutes to get seated. The restaurant itself is a cozy size with about fifteen tables serving up homemade orange juice and mimosas, Arabic coffee and an overwhelming amount of options.

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To start, I got a mimosa and the freshly brewed Arabic coffee. And for brunch I got the bacon and blue omelet (without the blue), which had caramelized onions, mushrooms, bacon and blue cheese. The meal also came with toast and breakfast potato’s.

Adam got iced coffee, pancakes and a side of bacon and another side of potatoes.

Overall, the food was really tasty and the atmosphere was cozy and quant with wood walls giving a coffee shop vibe. This is a great location for young adults or college students in the area looking for a reasonably priced brunch option.

If you’re going on a weekend be prepared to wait. On a busy day the line usually is out the door. But, again don’t let that scare you away it’s worth the fifteen-minute wait.

Google gave @Union 4/5 stars and I would give it a 3.5/5. Although the service was slow it was made up by the atmosphere and food.

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