All posts tagged: Travel

Exploring Hong Kong

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We had one full day in Hong Kong and since we were still attempting to adjust to the time difference, we decided we would just explore rather than run around doing too many touristy things.  As described by one of our family friends, Angie, Hong Kong is basically New York City and China Town on a much larger scale.  There are malls after malls after tailor shops after malls after electronic stores after street food after malls after electronic stores throughout the whole city.  The worst part about it is that everything is so much more expensive here, so Jess couldn’t even go shopping…not that we actually have room in our backpacks to acquire anything 10 hours into our trip. Thanks to suggestions from Amy and Co., a member of the Singer family, we decided to walk around and head towards the Star Ferry in the morning-ish (we slept in a bit).  On our way there we decided to walk through the park near the TST MTR station.  To our surprise there was a small …

30 Hours of Travel

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Our trip started the minute we woke up. We tossed our bags on our backs and headed straight for Roslyn train station to catch the 6:19am train to Penn Station. Being that the train is the only morning train that we didn’t have to transfer in Jamaica, we decided to go with it. We transferred to the NJ Transit train to Newark Airport with 2 minutes to spare and arrived at the Newark Air Train, or monorail, a little before 8am. We decided that taking the train to the airport was so incredibly easy and stress free. We didn’t have to worry about traffic and we knew exactly when we would get there. It also was a lot less expensive than a car service or the torture of making one of our parents drive us. Well, 8am at Newark was apparently WAY too early. The ticketing counter for Air China did’t open until 8:25am, but they didn’t start ticketing until 8:45am. We wandered around and then made sure to be the first people on line to get …

Let the adventures begin!! 

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Originally Chasin’ Cravings started out as a way for me to get my home cooked meals down into real recipes, instead of trying to remember what I had done in the kitchen when friends or family asked about some of the photos I was posting of my food. Then, it turned into a great way for Steven and me to share experiences we were having at restaurants locally when we moved to NYC for my Master’s program at NYU. Now, it has transformed to providing advice for food and hotels during vacations. So, I was thinking about how Chasin’ Cravings could keep growing and fully encompass my life adventures. As most of you know, I will be starting dental school at NYU in August and although the slogan of Chasin’ Cravings is “Follow your tummy…”, I have begun to find ways to incorporate this into many aspects and events in my life. Part of this is because I am always thinking about food, and the other part is that this can also be interpreted as …

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. …

Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue: Richmond, VA

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Six hours down and thirteen to go! At this point during our drive from New York to Florida, it was time to make a stop for dinner. After referencing one of my facorite apps, Food Network on the Road, the decision was to try Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue in Richmond, VA. Since they won their throw-down with Bobby Flay, we knew that we couldn’t go wrong. When we walked in, the rich scent of hickory overcame us. The joint had high top tables, some outdoor seating and booths, each with their own roll of paper towels. We ordered at the counter: full rack of baby back ribs, baked beans, fried okra, and sweet tea. We waited for our name to be called over the speaker at one of the high tops. The walls were covered with awards, photos and articles about Buz and Ned’s. By the front door they sell bottles of their home made BBQ sauce and chicken sauce. When the food was ready, they called our name and we picked it up …