Seattle: Memorable Firsts

Although this is not my first time trying sushi, I can now say that I love it. This time took my sushi experience to a whole nother level.

Blue C Sushi is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Because I'm so easily amused, I was overjoyed by this entire experience. Sitting in a booth alongside the conveyor belt flaunting the seemingly endless variety of options in front of our face, we grabbed a few including: a Spicy Tuna roll (tuna, spicy sauce, cucumber), a California (crab salad, cucumber, avocado, masago), a Spider (fried soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado, mayo, masago), a Spinach roll (which was a ball of spinach that I was not a fan of), and cupcakes from Cupcake Royale to top it all off.

I love that each plate only comes with a few sushi pieces. I get a bit overwhelmed by entire sushi rolls, but this way it's easy to try a wider variety of rolls. I also loved that they incorporated some of Seattle's favorite desserts from Cupcake Royale and Mighty O Donuts, bringing an unexpected bonus to an already great experience.

I can't say that bubble tea is my new favorite thing, but I'm happy that I tried it. The flavor of the actual drink was tasty, and the tapioca balls were interesting for the first few sips, but it wasn't too long before I had enough of them. I hear that Ambrosia Cafe is among when it comes to best bubble tea, so I'm glad that I experienced it there.

I'm happy to have finally tried dim sum at Jade Garden. Similarly to Blue C, the serving style of lots of little dishes makes for a more fun and varied experience. We tried a number of things including pork buns, sticky rice and even tripe (which I have to admit wasn't as awful as I would've thought).

I'm making it a habit to try a local beer whenever I visit a new place. In Seattle, it was Ridgetop Silverycity Red Ale. Being the non beer drinker that I am, I think it tasted like most other beer that I've tried. I neither loved nor hated it.

It may be surprising that I did something other than eating during my trip. Believe it or not, I had my first experience on a trampoline at Sky High Sports. (It's possible that I've been on a trampoline at some during my childhood, but I honestly don't remember. It's been on my to do list in my adult life for quite some time now.) I have to admit that I felt a bit ridiculous as one of the few adults (maybe the only adult with no children) there as groups of children ran by me. I was even a little bit intimidated at first when I saw what looked like a field of trampolines.

Watching the children, some who looked like they'd barely mastered walking, bound across the field of trampolines and bounce off the walls, it was only a matter of time before I was infected by their contagious energy. I was also inspired by the freedom I saw in a few women who were doing bouncing exercise. With all of that combined with the intensity I witnessed in the dodge-ball game in an enclosed pit, I was ready to go. I immediately realized that it was not as easy as the others made it look. Although I eventually got the hang of it, I was surprised by how much physical effort it took. I enjoyed the release and the freedom that came with each bounce. I enjoyed t so much that I'd love to develop my trampoline skills.

Not only does Sky High Sports offer a fun atmosphere, but with their dodge-ball pit and AIRobics classes, they also create a unique trampoline experience. It became clear within minutes of my experience that this is fun for all ages. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

I found a YouTube video that shows just how cool this place is:

Foto Friday: I Love My Life

Is it crazy to say that have an "I love my life" moment almost every time I eat? Don't judge me. I enjoy eating, and I love sweets. During my 2009 trip to Minneapolis, I slipped momentarily into heaven with my first taste of Sebastian Joe's ice cream. A-MA-ZING!

P.S. Please believe I LOVED my life when my friend surprised me with two pints of Sebastian Joe's when she came to NY later that year. OMG!

Vegas Baby!

There is so much to do in Las Vegas that it could take multiple visits to get a full experience. Contrary to popular belief, Las Vegas offers so much more than casinos: food, shows, nightlife, outdoor activities, spas, and shopping. It even offers family-friendly fun (even though I personally don't know if I would take my children there).

Hotels
This time around we stayed at Excalibur. It is certainly appropriate for families and can accommodate budget friendly vacations. However, I personally wouldn't do it again. Lesson learned. At Excalibur, guests can find Dick's Last Resort (which seemed to be popular), the infamous Thunder from Down Under, and beer pong.


We had a chance to explore the newest hotels on the strip: Cosmopolitan, which seemed to bring Miami and all its bling to Vegas, and Aria, which still had the sexy new car smell. Who knows where we'll end up next time.

Food
Hash House A Go Go (in Imperial Palace) was one of our first stops because of all the raves we heard about it. From our experience, it seems that once the excitement of the obnoxious portions diminished, the meals left much flavor to be desired. I'd be willing to give it another chance, but I can't say I was blown away the first time around. Fatburger and my two bacon egg cheeseburgers made me so happy. Open 24 hours, it is definitely a great after party spot. I also enjoyed one of Pink's hot dogs, had my first experience at Denny's, and tried a burger with guacamole and pico de gallo at Cabo Wabo.

I was so excited to see a few of my New York favorites, like Max Brenner and Serendipity 3 (both at Caesar's) in a place that does everything a little bigger and bolder than the rest. Happy hour at the Chocolate Lounge at the Sugar Factory also tickled my fancy as something I'd like to try next time. My to do list also includes Aureole Wine Lounge, where they have Cirque du Soleil-esque wine angels who float through their four-story wine tower.

Nightlife
The acrobats also flew through TAO to deliver bottle service in an extravagant way that only Las Vegas can. I can certainly say that TAO orchestrated a production and delivered a unique club experience. I was also pleasantly surprised by the genuine hospitality by most of the club staff, from bouncers to cocktail staff (something I am not used to in New York). It was an added bonus to enjoy the Vegas nightlife with partygoers who were generous enough to share the VIP experience with us. Foundation Room: check. Pure: check. LAX: Check. I feel accomplished that I finally got to redeem myself and go to Coyote Ugly, which I've been wanting to do since my pre-21 trip to Vegas.

Adventures
Because I'm always up for some adventure, some of my favorite Vegas activities include the rides at the I dare any visitors to brave the rides atop the Stratosphere Hotel for a major rush. The New York New York rollercoaster is also a fun little adventure right on the strip. I would certainly love to venture out and do zip lining, sky diving or a helicopter tour.

Shows
Although we didn't do any shows this time around, Zumanity (which we saw last time) left quite an impression on me.

For your listening pleasure, I'd like to share the soundtrack of our Vegas adventure:

• Lil Jon- Outta Your Mind feat. LMFAO
• LMFAO- I'm in Las Vegas Bitch
• J. Lo- On the Floor feat. Pitbull
• Pitbull- Give Me Everything feat Neyo, Afrojack, and Nayer
• Beyonce- Run the World (Girls)

I already look forward to going back! I'm building my to do list.

What are your favorite Vegas activities?

Seattle

Last time I went to Seattle (in 2008), I did the touristy stuff: The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Ride the Duck tour, and it was a good time.

This time around I felt more at home, and I had an even better time. It was probably because of all the food involved:

It all started with sushi, which I can now say I enjoy. At Tuna House, we started with a roll that was really good, even though I don't remember what was on it. We also had a caterpillar roll, which was so cute I didn't want to eat him. It was in the shape of a caterpillar with eyes made out of octopus and green pepper antenna. (He was a cuter version of this guy.)

Later at 22, I sipped a Pontiac, which was a cocktail of Metaxa brandy and pomegranate liquor with muddled orange and lemon and garnished with a sugared rim, which was my favorite part because it gave the drink a sweet finish. I tried the red beet and squash soup, which was tasty and interesting, and the tortilla in a skillet: potatoes, tomato pesto and mozzerella cheese, was full of flavor. I enjoyed the taste of the grueyere mac and cheese that my friend ordered too.

Some solo exploration led me to Ezell's, which I hear is an Oprah favorite. After tasting the chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat with spicy flavor and the little buttered cloud of heaven of a roll, I know why.

Another jaunt led me to Catfish Corner, who boasts their farm raised catfish. The experience started with the most pleasant cashier. While waiting, I was so amused by a woman (whose expression probably matched my own) smiling in anticipation. Then came my plate piled with catfish, with beans and rice, potato salad and cornbread. You know a meal is good when the side items are just as memorable as the main event. I have to admit that I didn't love the cornbread, but the other two sides were so full of flavor that I was conflicted about which to taste next with each bite. I had the dilemma of wanting to save some to enjoy the experience again later but I did not want to stop eating.

Captain Blacks piqued my interest simply because I saw fried mac and cheese on their menu. It was interesting. It came with a tasty sauce, but I'm not sure if I loved it. I think if it had sausage or bacon and jalapenos that would have made my taste buds happy. The chicken and waffles that my friend ordered looked tasty too.

Not only did I get to do Chocolopolis happy hour, but my chocolate lover's dreams came true at the Luxury Chocolate Salon. There were so many delicious delectables, from chocolate wine and healthy chocolate to goat cheese chocolate. Chef Michael Poole's white chocolate lemon meringue truffle was definitely among my favorite.

I can't forget to mention my tasty chorizo, potato and manchego omelet at Table 219's brunch.

Even though we didn't eat there, Dick's Drive-In left an impression on me. Maybe next time.

Fun Finds (a few things that helped me navigate through Seattle)

• My lovely host provided me with my own guest key from Wackeys, which was really cute.
• Eat24Hours.com- an online food delivery service that's also available in other cities.
• GoTime.com- a happy hour resource that is also available in various cities throughout the country.

Dine In Brooklyn: DUMBO

So I finally made it to DUMBO, and I love it there! As seen in the photo, the area allows amazing and unique views of the Brooklyn Bridge. DUMBO, which is actually an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that I think is a hidden treasure.

Thanks to Dine In Brooklyn 2011, a few friends and I had the opportunity to enjoy a 3 course dinner at Water Street Restaurant for only $25. It feels like an old tavern, but the menu offers mouth watering southern cuisine, which I didn't expect but I must say was a pleasant surprise.

Going with the theme of embracing the Brooklyn experience, I stepped out of my comfort zone and went for Six Points Sweet Action, a local beer. I won't say that I loved it. Beer is certainly an acquired taste that I'm working on getting my palette accustomed to.

I love that Water Street Restaurant offered their normal menu, unlike other restaurants that offer special menus of items that are not available beyond the restaurant week, which I always thought was weird. If I fall in love with a dish I can't go back and get it again because it's not on the regular menu. But I digress. I started with the Crawfish Poppers, which I absolutely loved. For the entree, I couldn't resist the Catfish in a Quilt (of bacon!) lying comfortably over a bed of black-eyed peas, cabbage and corn. Although I don't usually like sweet/savory combinations, I really loved the spicy pineapple glaze it was topped with. For dessert, I went with the dark chocolate and peanut butter brownie, which honestly wasn't my favorite. The texture of the brownie reminded me of a flourless cake or a vegan dessert. I liked the peanut butter but could live without trying it again.

Even though I'm not a big fan of pie, I would like to try the key lime pie because it seemed to be a popular item among the guests around us. Also on my To Try List are the crab cakes and DUMBO gumbo. I'd also like to try Big B's Deep Fried Deviled Eggs, which Big B himself (also known as General Manager Brian) proudly recommended as his personal contribution to the menu. Brian and the rest of the staff were very attentive, and the entire restaurant had a very comfortable and familiar vibe.

I would highly recommend Water Street Restaurant , and would even go as far as to offer to accompany anyone interested in checking it out (not just to satisfy my own yearnings). There is still time to take advantage of Dine In Brooklyn, whether it's at Water Street Restaurant or one of the other participating Brooklyn restaurants (until March 31).

I'd definitely love to become more familiar with the DUMBO area. The famous Ignazio's Pizza, River Cafe, and Dewey's Candy shop are my first stops.

March 1: National Pancake Day

Tomorrow is National Pancake Day. It is not just a day for a FREE short stack. That's the bonus. It is really about raising awareness and money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Their goal this year is $2.3 Million.

P.S. Some IHOPs now have chicken and waffles! What?!! Gotta go get that!

My Love Affair with Five Guys

Five Guys Burgers and Fries that is. What kind of girl do you think I am?

I will say, though, since my first time with Five Guys back in Atlanta, I've been in love with the mouth watering goodness this chain of burger joints offers. My heart flutters whenever I see the sign. So imagine my surprise when I saw a sign that read "Five Guys this way" at LaGuardia Airport. It almost felt like a set up as I followed sign after sign way out of the way from the gate I was supposed to be heading to, but after already making the commitment I couldn't abandon my mission. My mouth was already watering in anticipation. With each sign my craving got stronger and my pace became more urgent until finally there it was, and I swear it was illuminated a little more than the other places in the food court.

Because it has been quite a while since my last time, I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed by the topping options like it was my first time all over again. I did manage to order a bacon cheeseburger (which I forgot is actually a double burger) with ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, just how I like it. The first bite took me to a happy place, where I stayed long after the last bite.

After ordering my burger I noticed that they offered breakfast, which I've never seen before. So it was only right that after my flight back home I revisit to grab a bacon egg and cheeseburger for breakfast. It was everything I wanted and more.

Rosa Mexicano

I haven't always been a huge fan of sangria but the Sangria de Rosa Mexicano (with flavors of apricot and citrus) was one that changed my mind.

I also really enjoyed the guacamole, which was made table-side with fresh ingredients. Maybe I was just really hungry, but it was really good. I could not get enough of it.

NYC Restaurant Week: Angelo & Maxie's

Determined to not let the snow ruin my plans again, I finally made it out for NYC Restaurant Week. With my gift card to Angelo & Maxie's it was perfect way to share the experience with my Her Journey team member and blogging buddy Desiree!

The mood was set with a Peach Fizz Up (Absolut, Champagne, peach schnapps and orange juice), a fruity and tasty concoction that put me in a relaxed, island state of mind. We got warmed up with the soup of the day: a black bean puree. The main event, the Filet Mignon au Poivre, packed way more punch than I expected. Even though our waitress sizzled it as a spicy dish, crusted in black pepper, my mouth watered in anticipation, but I honestly underestimated it. It was a hefty cut of meat that was full of flavor and spice. Accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and the biggest stalks of asparagus that I've ever seen, the meal was more than I could handle. I had to throw in the towel prematurely. However, not before topping it all off with black and white cheesecake, which I usually don't eat, but drizzled with raspberry sauce, it was a tasty treat.

After such a satisfying meal, I would highly recommend Angelo & Maxie's, and I will definitely be back. I must go back for the Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich, which they say is for two people but I don't know yet if I plan to share.

The best part is that some of the participating restaurants have chosen to extend the Restaurant Week menu to February 28!

Fun Friday: 5 Cheap Treats under $5

Who says you have to break your pockets to have fun? I sure don't. Eating is one of my absolute favorite things to do, so I make it a priority and am willing to spend a few extra dollars for a great dining experience (instead of on a new pair of shoes or a weekly manicure, but I digress). However, you don't always have to spend a lot for a tasty treat. I've found some great food deals, all under $5:

2 Bros Pizza (Several locations)
I remember my elementary school days when I would go to the pizza shop after school for a slice that was $1.25. Now, especially in Manhattan, that is not a reality. EXCEPT at 2 Bros Pizza, where a slice is $1 (no tax!) ALL THE TIME. My first time seeing the sign, my thoughts went from "this can't be true!" to "this is a dream come true!" The best part about it is that the pizza is really good. Because of the high volume of traffic they get, they're popping pizzas out like a factory. Chances are that your slice will be hot and fresh. This is where I go for a quick pizza fix.

Gray's Papaya (Several locations)
This is no secret because Gray's Papaya has been around a while and has been featured on shows (like Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations) and even made appearances in movies (like The Back Up Plan). That doesn't make it any less exciting to get the Recession Special: two hot dogs and a drink for less than $5. How can it get any better? It's open 24 hours. That's how!

Croxley's (28 Avenue B; also in Long Island)
Imagine a place where wings are 10 cents and there are over 100 different beers to choose from. This place exists, and it is called Croxley's. I don't even drink beer, but at Croxley's you just have to. Who can resist a beer and wings for under $5?

Agozar Cuban Restaurant (324 Bowery)
Grab a buddy (or a stranger) and get 2 for 1 tapas. From Costillas (ribs) to the Cubaniche (Cuban sandwich), they offer some tasty treats. Happy hour is 5pm-7pm, and drinks are 2 for 1 too!

IHOP (Several locations)
Please forgive me. This is only available for a limited time, and with tax it is more than $5. However, all-you-can-eat pancakes at IHOP for $4.99 is one of my all-time favorite deals. I just had to include it.

There are countless deals throughout the New York City. Please believe that I will continue to share as I discover them.

What cheap treats do you indulge in?

P.S. NYC Restaurant Week is coming up (Jan 24-Feb 6)! It's the perfect opportunity to try a restaurant that may normally be outside of the normal budget at a discounted price.

Straw Bar

I finally did it. I went out in Long Island, and I enjoyed it.

I checked out a fairly new spot in Huntington Village: StrawBar

I tried a White Chocolate Strawberry martini, which I wasn't a huge fan of. It tasted a little bit like medicine. There were a few other ones that piqued my interest that I'll try next time.

Because there was a game on, we got 25 cent wings. You can't go wrong with that.

And the best part...the fried oreos. I also tried the red velvet cupcake, which was okay, but the fried oreos took the cake!

NYC Restaurant Week (Jan 24-Feb 6)

FYI

New York City Restaurant Week is approaching, and we all know how excited I am about that. This is the chance to venture out to restaurants that may not be the regular budget for a reduced price. I also think about it as a good excuse to try different types of cuisine.

Who's excited?! Which restaurants are you going to try?

A quick PSA for all the servers who are obligated to participate in this promotion:

Please keep in mind that it is the owner's choice to participate in this. Servers who are used to much higher checks per table must now deal with this discount, which affects their tips. Not that it is your obligation to pay their bill because they are the ones who chose this job. However, please do not go in with attitude that they owe you this deal, and if you can it would be a nice gesture to give them a little more than you usually would. Bottomline: please be kind to your server. Kindness makes everybody's day better :-)

(This was a public service announcement from A Concerned Server)

Are there are servers out there who have experienced Restaurant Week? What was your experience like?

It's Brunch Time

The idea of brunch is so much fun because thoughts of cute outfits and heels and mimosas are what come to mind. Obviously, that is not the definition of brunch, but I certainly think that's part of the appeal. From some reason brunch seems extra special because it's almost like you're breaking the rules. The time in between breakfast and lunch, there's not too much pressure to wake up early and have eggs and toast and not limited to lunch sandwiches. It's the best of both worlds. So to share some of my favorite brunch experiences:

Soul Series Sundays Brunch Mixer at Taj- Although Taj Lounge is Indian-inspired, on Sundays, the Soul Series is hosted by the Social Knights for soul food brunch. My favorite option is the Chicken and Waffles. I love the flavor and crispiness of the chicken, and the waffles are soft and fluffy. My only complaint is that I want more when I'm done.

Serafina- With the choice of a Bellini, Mimosa or Bloody Mary, I savored every bite of my Steak and Fabulous Eggs with Grandma potatoes.

Penthouse 808 Rooftop Lounge at Ravel Hotel -I believe ambiance contributes to brunch, and the rooftop lounge certainly delivers a nice experience, with a great view of the city skyline. Penthouse 808 offers a 2-course brunch year-round with climate control and heat in the winter. I absolutely love the Crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls with the tasty Mango Chili sauce and was pleasantly surprised by the Pesto, Tomato and Mozzarella Omelette.

230 Fifth- This rooftop garden also delivers a lovely rooftop experience with a beautiful view of the Empire State Building. With heat lamps, they offer rooftop brunch on Saturdays and Sundays all year round. I thoroughly enjoyed the 'Liquored Up' French Toast, which is soaked in Grand Marnier and Bailey's and served with marscapone, carmelized bananas, strawberries and maple syrup. I was also very satisfied by the Hanger Steak and Fries (which I had on a separate occasion).

I look forward to more brunches, and in research for my next pick, I will turn to someone who knows what they're talking about when it comes to brunch: the I Heart Brunch Blog

Vamanos Back to Cabana

My cousin likes Cabana so much that it was his birthday request. This time it was back to the South Street Seaport location. We started off just like last time with the Bocadillos (appetizer sampler), and again the Frituras de Camaron (Shrimp fritters) were my fave.

This time I went for the Jamaican Me Crazy, which was pretty much a rum punch. I don't remember the ingredients, but there was a lot of rum because it was making me tipsy. For dinner, I went with the special, which was a pork chop in a tangerine sauce. It was really tasty.

Next time, I think I'll go back to Paella. I miss it, and I found myself looking over at my uncle's plate with a case of the "I want what he has."


Of course, we ended with the Tres Leches Cake. I also tried Banana Zeppoles, but I honestly wasn't a huge fan. I didn't expect the bananas to be such a major part. I did like the banana ice cream though.

Mmmm....another happy experience at Cabana.

'Tis the Season to Cook: Corn Soup

As I promised in a previous post, I'm going to share my attempt at corn soup. My uncle usually makes it for the holidays, but this year he is in Trinidad. I love corn and crave this soup so much that I took a shot at it with a recipe from my Naparima Girls' Cookbook.

It was pretty good for a first attempt. It was certainly the perfect snack for a snow day like today. Next time around, I would prefer it to be a little thicker. So I'll make sure to make mental notes for my next attempt.

Vamos Comemos!

As if the girls getaway wasn't enough, the topped off with an impromptu dinner at Cabana. I have been to the South Street Seaport location before, but this time was a trip to Austin Street (which I just found out is actually the original one).

It all started with A Brazilian Wax, which was a concoction of rum, passion fruit juice and pineapple juice. It was dee-licious!
Bocadillos (the sampler) which included shrimp fritters (I really liked those) veggie fritters (I wasn't crazy about them), jerk chicken wings (they had an interesting twist to them), and empanadas (I ate it but could have lived without it).

It got serious when my Pollo con Camarones arrived. It was a tower of rice, tostones, chicken, topped with shrimp and surrounded by a moat of gravy. It was accompanied by a small bowl of black beans. Each bite was savory and delicious.




The deal was sealed with the Tres Leches Cake. It was saturated with sweet goodness that melted in my mouth with each bite.

After that, all I can say is mmmmm with pure satisfaction.

Fun Find: The Original Soup Man

With my new dedication to diversifying my diet, I've been researching foods to enhance my nutritional intake. I'd been craving lentil soup for quite a while now, and it wasn't until my friend told me that lentils are a good source of iron that it made sense. I am anemic, and every so often I have strong cravings for burgers, but this time was an interesting twist.

On a chilly day in New York City, I found the perfect answer to both the cold weather and my craving. On 55th and 8th I discovered The Original SoupMan who did in fact have lentil soup. For exactly $5 I got my soup, a piece of bread, an apple, and a Lindt Chocolate for dessert. It was like the perfect snack pack, and I was just as happy as I used to be when I had a lunchables in my lunchbox.

I will also be attempting to make a corn soup for the holidays. I'll report the results if it goes well.

Happy Hour: Agozar

So I didn't make it to FOUR last night, but I did make it to Agozar Cuban Restaurant tonight. I met some fabulous ladies, including Danielle Fabulosity herself. It was so uncanny that a friend suggested that I join her meetup group, only to find that my namesake is quite like myself. An adventurous traveler and social organizer, just fabulous all around, she was more than a pleasure and a wonderful host for tonight's event.

Happy hour offered two-for-one tapas and drinks. After the mariquitas (plantain chips with yummy guacamole and black bean hummus), cubanito (a cuban sandwich slider), Pasion a Agozar (that had passion fruit juice!) and a Cubano Colada, I certainly had a happy hour.

I. LOVE. New York.

As if I didn't already love New York. One of the main reasons I love my city is because it is filled with new reasons for me to discover. I have to admit that I am a little sad about summer coming to an end. On the other hand, I'm embracing the fact that as an adult I have the freedom to extend the summer fun. In true NY summer fashion, I discovered a new rooftop lounge. Rare View is a newly opened bar and lounge on the rooftop of the Fashion 26 Hotel, which has also opened this year. Although I didn't stay long, I enjoyed what I saw, from the amazing view of the Empire State Building to the cute and chic seating and overall atmosphere. I will definitely be back.

My other discovery from this weekend was the mouth-watering goodness I found at brgr. I've driven by before and have taken a mental note to check it out. I figure if your name is "burger" you have to know what you're doing when it comes to burgers, right? If New York Magazine voted them as the Best Milkshake, then I need to see what all the hype is all about. I promise my mouth watered at the thought of a great burger and shake. Because I happened to be on that block this weekend, I could not let the opportunity to pass me by. After a lunch of: The Down on the Farm Burger, which I added a fried a egg to (after seeing a bacon egg and cheeseburger on TV I've been obsessed), sweet potato fries and a black and white shake shot, which was my favorite part, I can now say that brgr has one more fan. The burger was juicy and satisfying, the fries were crisp (just how I like them) and not too thin, and the shake shot was the perfect little treat to top it all off. Something about the shake shot evoked the childhood memory of having Mister Softee on a summer day...mmmmm. What's cool is that they also have turkey burgers and a garden burger for everyone to enjoy the mouth-watering goodness.

I'd also like to share that this love for New York has been magnified by the love of friendship and sisterhood that has been rekindled this weekend. Since September 1st, Girlfriendology has been honoring the Month of Friendship with daily suggestions on ways to reconnect with girlfriends. I must admit that it got me thinking about how much more girl time I could use. I also felt a bit guilty because I could certainly work on being better friend and not becoming so focused on work and business that my friendships suffer. However, this weekend I had the honor of meeting an amazing group of women through She Creates Change, many of whom I already consider new friends. With this new love of friendship, I am even more excited about my friend's visit to NY. Not only will we have the chance to reconnect as friends, but I know that we'll also discover some more reasons why I. LOVE. New York!

P.S. The Bloggers Soiree is ONE WEEK AWAY! Another reason to love New York!

A Little Taste of Abaco

I couldn’t ask for a better greeting to the Bahamas than the potent Bahama Mama I had at Angler’s Restaurant at the Abaco Beach Resort. Less than halfway through, I was eased into vacation mode. Combined with some of the best chicken pot stickers I’ve ever had, grouper fingers and my first introduction to conch in the form of fritters (much like hush puppies), our first dining experience put me in a happy island mood that set the tone for an amazing trip.

There were a few things left a memorable taste in my mouth.

It’s funny how conch (pronounced konk) went from being something I first learned about on Spongebob and had only heard about on a few occasions to something my friends and I became very familiar with. I’m delighted that we were introduced to the ever popular conch salad by the conch man himself. Having been featured in Abaco Life and known throughout the island for his fresh conch salad that he prepares on the spot, “Show Bow” is the go-to guy for conch salad. With a genuine desire to feed our curiosity, Show Bow shared a taste and opened our eyes (and taste buds) to the world of conch, which we didn’t know at the time would pop up again several times throughout our trip.

Because of the simplicity of the recipe, a conch salad can quickly be prepared at any time, which we came to realize during our island hopping adventure (which I’ll share in another post). In between islands our gracious guide Charlie suited up in snorkeling gear on a quest for conch. During the moments we sat and took in the beautiful blue water, Charlie gathered 9 conchs, which later became the freshest conch salad we could have asked for.

On our fishing adventure, where I caught a tasty tuna (more on that in another post), we were introduced to the Cobia fish that the chef promised would be a treat. I couldn’t even tell you how it was prepared but it was so good that it made me want lick the juices that ran down my hand to savor each drop.

I cannot forget to mention the Mahi Mahi and peas and rice (not rice and peas) that we couldn’t resist at Snappa’s (our hangout). My spicy Queen trigger fish sandwich at Pete’s Pub, Sleepy’s jerk chicken, and the “Chicken in the bag” (a chicken breast, seasoned, fried, covered in ketchup, sitting on a bed of fries, all wrapped up in foil like a shiny present) that was so good it would make you yell obscenities.

And yes, our trip was colored with the bright colors of Bahama Mamas, Goombay Smashes, Ricardo’s Coconut Rum and orange juices, Blasters and the infamous Frozen Nippers. I even tried a Kalik, the beer of the Bahamas.

Maybe we were influenced by the aphrodisiac qualities of the conch or the various rum punches, but my heart is full of love for Abaco.