All posts filed under: Reviews

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New City, New Friends, New Memories in Hanoi, Vietnam

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About a week before our journey to Southeast Asia began, Jess overheard another nanny talking about how she was moving to Hanoi in a few days while waiting for school pickup. Jess couldn’t help but introduce herself to ask for some tips about the city. They ended up exchanging emails and after a few quick messages back and forth, planned to meet in Hanoi. As a pleasant surprise, Morgan and her husband Nick offered to show us around for the day, as it had been almost eight years since they first met while studying abroad in Vietnam and wanted to do some touristy things as well. We began our day meeting our new friends at Cafe Phố Cũ, a well hidden gem of a coffee shop located behind two souveneer shops. Had we not met Morgan and Nick out front, we never would have found the place! After a brief conversation on the sidewalk, Morgan drove her motor bike straight through the souveneer shop, down an alley in the back of the store and into …

Tim Ho Wan: Dim Sum

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The moment we heard about an inexpensive, Michelin Star rated Dim Sum restaurant, we knew we had to try it. Tim Ho Wan, which actually lost its Michelin Star this year, definitely did not dissapoint! We had originally planned to go to Tim Ho Wan for dinner, as a friend advised they would be packed during the lunch hours. Tucked away in the lower level of the IFC mall in the MTR Central Station, Tim Ho Wan was not easy to find. By the time we found it, after walking in circles for an hour and a half, the lunch rush was nearing its end and we only had to wait in line for ten minutes. Even though there was a short wait, the restaurant was still very crowded.  As people got up, seats were immediately filled and many of the tables were communal. As we waited to be seated, we were handed a pencil and a yellow card to place our order. We didn’t realize we were suppose to fill this out while we were waiting, …

Late Night Meal, Day 1: Hong Kong @ Kai Kee Restaurant

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When we arrived at The Perkin Hotel, it was around 11:30pm.  We settled into our room and knew we needed something to eat, since we had only had the sub-par airplane food for the last 30 hours.  We walked out of the lobby and realized we were smack in the middle of quite the nightlife, even for a Tuesday night.  The street that the hotel is on was closed down to pedestrian traffic only and lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. After roaming for a bit, we were approached by the owner of one of the restaurants.  He said, “Come on in for a drink and food! We have the BEST american food around.”  We immediately stopped him and said “We just landed from New York, american food is definitely not what we are looking for.”  He laughed and completely understood.  He told us to go back down to the main road and turn left.  There would be two restaurants: Relax for a While, and Kai Kee Restaurant.  To be honest, we couldn’t even find Relax for a While …

The White House Tavern: Aspen, CO

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The White House Tavern was our last meal in Aspen, and boy did we go out with a bang! We sat at the bar with Tyler and a full view of the open kitchen. Although this was only half of the kitchen, as the other half is in the back, we were still able to see a lot of the exciting action. Tyler started us off sharing a local beer on draught, while we decided what to have. Once he told us the special was a version of a reuben, we were sold. We just had to decide if we wanted to have the super popular chicken sandwich or a burger. I do not eat burgers very often because I like to have my burger rare or medium rare and sometimes it is hard to find a place that you can order this way. When I told Tyler this, he said “Go with the burger!”, so we did. We sipped our beer, which was really good, and toasted to a fantastic week in Aspen. We …

Meat and Cheese: Aspen, CO

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One of the things we noticed and loved about a lot of the restaurants that we visited in Aspen, CO was the presence of an open kitchen.  Although we sat at a table at Meat and Cheese, we were close enough to the bar/open kitchen area to be entertained by the food prep.  We only had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, but there was plenty to browse in the deli and shop area of the store.  They carry fresh produce and a selection of cured meats and cheeses, some of which are made in-house. Additionally, the stock various condiments, sauces, salts, spices, and snacks to go along with the meat and cheese or to create extravagant meals.  Finally, they have different hand made china and ceramic bowls, cups, plates and serving platters.  After we perused the shop for a bit, we were taken to our table. The restaurant side is very “clean eats” style, with hand painted walls featuring different types of flowers and sections painted with chalkboard paint which presented the …

Creperie du Village: Aspen, CO

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As we wondered through the streets of Aspen, Co, we were in search of a great place for dinner.  On the corner of E Hopkins Avenue and S Mill Street, down some stairs, is a hidden gem: Creperie du Village.  Initially, we had no idea what we were in for.  It took us quite a while to decide to have dinner here.  We must have walked by the place about four times.  We even walked inside and spoke to the host twice before we made our decision.  They were able to squeeze us in at a two person table for dinner, but they were so booked that the host said he would need the table by 8.  This gave us an hour and a half for dinner, which was more than enough time.  The restaurant seats maybe 40 people including the bar space, which ensured that our food came out fairly quickly.  The small space added to the cozy and intimate ambiance of the dining experience.  It feels as though you have been transported from a …

Pittsburgh Brunch at Meat and Potatoes 

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After a day of skiing at Seven Springs Resort on Saturday with Stevens sister Liz and her boyfriend Jorge, we decided that Sunday would consist of lounging and brunching. What is better than the best place in Pittsburgh to build your own Bloody Mary for brunch?! So, we headed to Meat and Potatoes downtown. Luckily they were able to accommodate us today, but reservations are strongly encouraged, since this is one of the most sought after brunch spots in the city. Jorge had the Meat and Potatoes take on an old fashion made with bacon bourbon, orange vanilla infused maple syrup, and barrel aged bitters. The drink that took the stage was Steven’s morning manifesto, which we will all be dreaming about until next time. This “libation” includes cold brew coffee, myer’s rum, cereal cream, and orange zest. This was the best coffee cocktail that we have ever had. The girls went with the DIY Bloody Mary, one with honey siracha infused tequila and the other with Tito’s vodka. The waitress brought us our glasses …

For my Lehigh family! 

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The best thing happened today. We are driving to Pittsburgh, PA to visit Stevens sister Liz and her boyfriend Jorge for a fun filled weekend (more posts to come soon from Pitt). As we began driving I said to Steven “just go like you’re driving to Lehigh”, since that is the first part of the drive from NYC to Pitt. When we passed the Clinton diner, a phone call began on Bluetooth… “Hello, Bolete (‘Bo-leet’), how can I help you?” Says the voice on the other end. At this point, my face lit up like a child who was just told they were going to Disneyworld. “Hi, do you have availability for two in the tavern at 6:30?” Asked Steven. To our surprise, there was availability on a Friday night. We arrived about 30 minutes later and the place looked exactly as we left it. The restaurant is set on the first floor of a Stagecoach Inn with the most comforting yet simple decor. We have been dining here since we discovered them in 2010 …

Cheers to New Years Resolutions and Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor: Dania, FL

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The first stop once arriving in Florida and the last stop on the way to the airport is always Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant. The line to dine in can be fairly long, however there is plenty of entertainment while waiting. The infamous man with the monkey will allow for photos and performs tricks, after his hat has been filled, of course. Watching the children riding the mini carousel and testing out the hurricane simulator also helps to pass the time. There are giant cutouts of ice cream sundaes and Jaxson’s famous kitchen sink to take pictures in (someone can even be the face of the cherry on top). Once the wait is over, you are escorted to your table by the waiters and waitresses, who are all dressed in red and white pin stripes. Every inch of the walls are covered with old license plates, from Florida to Ohio to Texas to California, and everything in between. No matter where you sit, there is always an interesting article or photo on the wall …

Sunday Funday at Boston’s on the Beach: Delray Beach, FL

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It is 78 degrees, blue skies and there is a light breeze on the patio of Boston’s on the Beach at Delray Beach. Whether you are ready to watch the game or enjoy the weather and the view, this is the place for some good food and laid back atmosphere. If you like Bloody Mary’s, The Wicked Mary was made for you! The Wicked starts with San marzano tomatoes, celery juice, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and fresh horse radish. Although it is usually served with vodka, I substituted for tequila. The rim is covered in Celtic sea salt and old bay, which integrates well with the drink as well as the fixings on top. Garnished with a colossal shrimp, pepper jack cheese, salami, piri-piri pepper stuffed olives and celery, this cocktail dominates. For appetizers, we ordered the peel and eat shrimp and the NFL wings special. There were about 20+ shrimp served on ice with cocktail sauce. They were tasty and on the smaller side, but a great appetizer portion for at least four people to share. …