tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18757624536459980552024-03-27T02:37:26.067-05:00Adventures in a New(ish) CityHouston food and lifestyle blog with the latest on restaurants, bars, food, drinks, travel, and fun!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-80680123077657326762017-10-23T08:36:00.000-05:002017-10-23T08:36:22.601-05:00The End of an Era<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
^ Could I <i>BE</i> anymore dramatic?</div>
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If you have been following my blog, first of all I love you (truly), and second of all, you've probably noticed I've fallen a bit off the radar in the past year. In think at one point in 2015 I was posting something like three posts <i>a week</i>, and lately it's been like, "Oh yeah remember my last post I did...three months ago?"<br />
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As a person who is constantly pushing myself to grow and evolve, the last thing I ever want to do is half-ass anything, including this blog, aka my baby, aka my creative [and edible] outlet that has seen me through moves, lots of travels, multiple relationship status changes, a major diet change of eating primarily plant-based foods, a wedding, highs, lows, joys, sorrows, lots of food, etc. etc. etc.!<br />
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In 2017 alone I got married, built a house, received my yoga teaching certificate, and was put up on the Astros Kiss Cam with my friend's husband (aka not my husband).<br />
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IF THAT ISN'T A CRAZY YEAR, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS.<br />
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All that to say, the time has come for me to say farewell to my beloved blog. I've felt it in my heart for about the past six months that this ship would be sailing soon, but it hurt too much to really pull the trigger. So I kept drifting through, pretending the reality wasn't there, until finally I realized I needed to give my creative [and edible] outlet a proper sendoff. In doing so, I present you with my three major life takeaways from the last four years, directly and indirectly related to experiences I've written about on this blog:<br />
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1) <b>Find your tribe. </b>Fortunately for Houstonians, the possibilities here are endless. I've gone in and out of different tribes, creating wonderful relationships and gaining valuable experiences through them all - From book clubs, to yoga, to running, to volunteering, to connecting with other foodies, there are so many options out there! Find your tribe and connect with others in your community.<br />
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2) <b>Be bold and ask for the things you want. </b>The worst anyone can say is no! One of my favorite examples of this: I was contacted about covering a Houston food event and was offered a pair of general admission tickets in exchange. I responded by saying I was interested, and I asked the following questions:<br />
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<li>Could I have a pair of VIP tickets instead of General Admission tickets?</li>
<li>Could I also have an additional pair of tickets to run a giveaway on my blog?</li>
<li>Could I be one of the guest celebrity judges at the event?</li>
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To sum up their response, it was as follows:</div>
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<li>Yes</li>
<li>Yes</li>
<li>No.</li>
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Two out of three ain't bad! And who doesn't love being served a healthy dose of Humble Pie now and again?!</div>
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3) <b>FOR THE LOVE OF GOD EAT THE BLACK PEPPER SPAGHETTI AT <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/01/coltivare-part-2.html">COLTIVARE</a>.</b><br />
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The most important things in my life are my relationships - My husband, my family, my pups, my friends, and new and exciting people I connect with on the reg. Food has a way of bringing people together and creating incredibly special memories. I am excited to continue eating and sharing joy with the people I love, and I wish the same for all of you.<br />
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AND BECAUSE THIS ISN'T <i>REALLY</i> GOODBYE!<br />
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(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)<br />
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I have a NEW blog up and running, which is more in line with the direction my life is taking! Please visit <a href="http://www.chipsandyoga.com/">www.chipsandyoga.com</a> to read about my musings on life, spirituality, and of course food (psh, like I could really get away from that). My life is taking a new, exciting direction, and I'm merely shifting gears a bit. I'll also continue posting food pics on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/newishcityhou">my Instagram</a>, so I'll see you there!<br />
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One giant hug and a big ole thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of such a special piece of my life! You truly mean the world to me.<b><br /></b>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-88566123010200859822017-07-12T08:06:00.001-05:002017-07-12T08:36:26.975-05:00Revolution Studio<i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, "open sans", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><b>This post was done in partnership with Revolution Studio, who provided me with a complimentary two-week pass to all of their Houston locations. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this fitness post. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</b></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: raleway, "open sans", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;"><b><br /></b></i>If you haven't taken a spin class in months, prepare to get your tush kicked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxaRq_73Cnre61CKNJIIpPIHiDVvaEJ-PhqEVUval1qucHLBhCTS4Ua-7OKlULp0bYcOMuh72iRXwfO2GXvnA5cnBWz4x5qkwhbXPgRMsfaETo7E9MWEHuf-ZTcm1a03iB6sksG7qj3Gh/s1600/revolution+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxaRq_73Cnre61CKNJIIpPIHiDVvaEJ-PhqEVUval1qucHLBhCTS4Ua-7OKlULp0bYcOMuh72iRXwfO2GXvnA5cnBWz4x5qkwhbXPgRMsfaETo7E9MWEHuf-ZTcm1a03iB6sksG7qj3Gh/s1600/revolution+03.jpg" /></a></div>
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(side note: One of the many - we are talking hundreds of - nicknames I have for my dog Newton is "little tush." Knowledge of this will make you either like me more or less. Jury is still out.)<br />
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I was fortunate enough to be able to try <a href="https://www.revolution-studio.com/">Revolution Studio</a> out for two weeks recently. My rockstar friend <a href="https://www.revolution-studio.com/Instructor/Instructors.aspx">Lindsay</a> is a yoga instructor there, and she's always posting such inspiring things about the studio, that I had to try it out! Revolution offers my two main fitness loves, Spin and Yoga, so I was totally game!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC5Hf0fjsj9g6itiCpxE1Eqlv6v_ysUpHdBlcTk5hxwJEGFDyRa1oT9AAitjYUrqVNW6PvIgVUe4XHJJsEclkEN5bZczYSg1OL9bEjDPiOumHa4IqqMnhzQ7s5zpbOA-7-xNk6LITHhdT/s1600/revolution+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC5Hf0fjsj9g6itiCpxE1Eqlv6v_ysUpHdBlcTk5hxwJEGFDyRa1oT9AAitjYUrqVNW6PvIgVUe4XHJJsEclkEN5bZczYSg1OL9bEjDPiOumHa4IqqMnhzQ7s5zpbOA-7-xNk6LITHhdT/s1600/revolution+04.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last weekend I started yoga teacher training at <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/05/houston-class-pass-fitness.html">Black Swan Yoga</a> (YESOMGI'MSOEXCITEDANDTOTALLYFREAKINGOUT!!!!), so I decided that before I jumped into a life of All Yoga All The Time, I'd take my other fitness love Spin out for a spin (see what I did there?)! I attended several indoor cycling classes at their Houston Memorial location (okay, and yes, threw a yoga class in there because how could I not?) because that one is closest to home and work.<br />
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The studio is clean, bright, and pretty. The staff are super helpful, energetic, and welcoming!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwGsNVjZQkpvFbFRKNaggAIKoy0sD33kgBxXJHNS0Xvbeu3GRjAMf4H76wGcYPQqqHpnromHNECo9-MLlhW9VFmTHb7F_L9GE0y802m78hGzoVWg46Vhf0AyC_yU7SssyWdT79L1ZUBFp/s1600/revolution+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwGsNVjZQkpvFbFRKNaggAIKoy0sD33kgBxXJHNS0Xvbeu3GRjAMf4H76wGcYPQqqHpnromHNECo9-MLlhW9VFmTHb7F_L9GE0y802m78hGzoVWg46Vhf0AyC_yU7SssyWdT79L1ZUBFp/s1600/revolution+05.jpg" /></a></div>
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And when I say I hadn't attended a spin class in months, I mean M O N T H S . And when I say it kicked my tush, I mean T U S H K I C K E D .<br />
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Just ask both my dogs, Tushy One and Tushy Two.<br />
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(oh, don't even pretend like you didn't see that one coming.)<br />
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All of the classes I took were so empowering, set to heart-pumping, inspiring music (I may have actually cried a little bit during the Pride Day class...), and were such a killer workout! I've taken many many different indoor cycling classes throughout the years. I've absolutely loved a lot, and I've absolutely hated a lot. The spin classes at Revolution Studio rank high on the list of ones that I love! The energy in the room was always so electric, and everyone left with a smile on their faces and totally jazzed about the past 45 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJs9wifbECA-uhZcUPlyvh3dCygvv0W8rPPwoOrbTXaOCJg8np3Dla_cOj7AXjqz4FDSNRDu-tL7kPsaOSHuVKBZsu_ZfgswyrvVCcSZGpnS6QnSghMsfx4ebemz6ku9xHp-DYLUkwD-Q/s1600/revolution+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJs9wifbECA-uhZcUPlyvh3dCygvv0W8rPPwoOrbTXaOCJg8np3Dla_cOj7AXjqz4FDSNRDu-tL7kPsaOSHuVKBZsu_ZfgswyrvVCcSZGpnS6QnSghMsfx4ebemz6ku9xHp-DYLUkwD-Q/s1600/revolution+01.jpg" /></a></div>
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The yoga classes I took there (I also attended one a few months back at the Houston Upper Kirby location with the <a href="http://www.houstonfoodbloggercollective.com/">Houston Food Blogger Collective</a>) were also fantastic - Warm, sweaty, centering, and inspiring!<br />
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If you are looking for a bomb-tastic spin class in Houston, (and if you're looking to add in some yoga as well!), Revolution is not only a one-stop shop, it's a welcoming studio that offers high-quality, tush-kicking classes that make you feel empowered, healthy, and wanting more!<br />
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Just ask Newty-New and Tushy-Two!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com3Revolution Studio29.7785439 -95.5479596999999792.1851388999999983 -137.03233469999998 57.3719489 -54.063584699999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-3298702107167765642017-06-28T08:34:00.003-05:002017-06-28T08:44:47.174-05:00Brunch at The General PublicRaise your hand if you love brunch!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2fu8ng8-6P2MRgg-yAW6Vi824tmuRqt25PoF7YRSjQb-YRazHbunVnYrPTSTXNaYrLcPjHmUQvYkYWKFDuCX1h2jIjLzxc-NpFL_h5Tms9QyUpXZFa0hQdxbJaXmIn2wziUEnfyL4HOF/s1600/general+public+houston+restaurant+01+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2fu8ng8-6P2MRgg-yAW6Vi824tmuRqt25PoF7YRSjQb-YRazHbunVnYrPTSTXNaYrLcPjHmUQvYkYWKFDuCX1h2jIjLzxc-NpFL_h5Tms9QyUpXZFa0hQdxbJaXmIn2wziUEnfyL4HOF/s1600/general+public+houston+restaurant+01+updated.jpg" /></a></div>
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Silly me, of course you do. So let me tell you about a great Houston brunch!<br />
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This Father's Day, Jon and I brunched with our families at <a href="http://thegenpublic.com/">The General Public</a>, a super hip bar/restaurant located in Houston's City Centre area.<br />
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(Who said brunch was just for Mother's Day, ammiright?)<br />
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They were offering half priced bourbon and burgers for Dad's Day, which appealed to several members of our party, like my carnivorous husband.<br />
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Ermm, I totally posted that picture thinking it was of a burger, but upon closer inspection...that's chicken. I guess it really has been a long time since I've eaten meat?<br />
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But I'm getting ahead of myself!<br />
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To start, we split the avocado farm bread, as well as the burrata & pistachio farm bread.<br />
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The avocado farm bread was topped with extra virgin olive oil, an herb salad, and - you guessed it - avocado. I thought this would be my favorite of the two, and it was really light and lovely, but I could have used more avocado and less salad (huh, more fat, less greens, SHOCKING.) in the ratio. Still good! Just not my favorite of the two.<br />
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Because my favorite of the two was INSANE. The fresh burrata smeared on top of the pistachio crusted baguette was HEAVEN. The chilled burrata was creamy and silky, and the pistachios were seriously meaty. Like, for a second I was all, "You guyssss are you playing a trick on me? Is there meat in this????"<br />
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Y'all, there wasn't. It was just hearty yet delicate, earthy, and SO GOOD. So good, in fact, we ordered <strike>one</strike> two more for the table.<br />
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For my main course of food I ordered the Shakshuka (too bad no one recorded me when I ordered it because it was all kinds of mispronounced, and I sounded like a total tool).<br />
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I'd been wanting to try shakshuka for a while, and this seemed like a great opportunity to give it a whirl! And it was seriously delicious. The dish consisted of crushed tomato, toasted cumin, smoked paprika, soft poached eggs, and a buttered baguette. And while it looks simply like spaghetti sauce with eggs, it is so much more than that! Juicy, acidic, and sweet, the flavors swirled wonderfully together to make a perfect dip for the baguette. The element that really stood out to me was the cumin, and not because it was overpowering (which is often the case if you aren't careful with cumin - I've certainly made that mistake a few times), but because it was such a perfect unique, playful complement to the rest of the dish. And I mean, you could throw a poached egg on a lizard and I'd eat it.<br />
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....that's not true.<br />
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I also got to sample my sister Emily's side of hash au gratin - crispy potatoes with green chili cream and parmesan cheese - and they were so sinfully good! Rich, indulgent, cheesy, hearty, delicious taters - It was all I could do to restrain myself from eating her whole side!<br />
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The General Public is a really cool Houston restaurant. The food is fresh, delicious, and affordable, and the industrial/masculine themed interior was pretty darn cool. I definitely recommend giving their brunch a try!<br />
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Brunch lovers unite!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0The General Public29.778773 -95.5618272.1871399999999994 -137.046202 57.370406 -54.077451999999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-42464507266469250712017-06-14T08:04:00.000-05:002017-06-14T08:04:32.581-05:00Houstonia's 2017 Taco Loco<b><i>This post was done in partnership with Houstonia, who provided me with an event ticket, free of charge. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this Houston food post. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</i></b><br />
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Happy Taco Tuesday!<br />
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Taco Tue...Wednesday. It's Wednesday. Taco Wednesday. But, please, like that ever stopped you!<br />
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This year I was invited to attend <a href="https://www.houstoniamag.com/events/houstonia-taco-loco-uptown-park-uptown-houston/">Houstonia's Taco Loco</a>, and it was awesome. The event was held in Uptown Park and included a Taco Takedown between several restaurants, a Margarita Mixoff, live music, and even a lil' wine for yours truly!<br />
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The thing that I especially loved about this Houston food event was that there were two vegetarian taco options, and several of the restaurants were also able to make a substantial veg option when asked - One that didn't just consist of a tortilla, salsa, and cheese (welcome to my world). Like, <a href="http://www.brokenbarrelwoodlands.com/">Broken Barrel</a> made me a taco on an incredible pineapple tortilla (THAT'S A THING, Y'ALL), topped with caramelized onions and peppers, HELLO.<br />
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And <a href="https://www.bosscatkitchen-houston.com/">Bosscat Kitchen & Libations</a> offered me their hearty breakfast taco, sans brisket - Delicious!<br />
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A popular spot was <a href="http://fieldandtides.com/">Field & Tides</a> for their taco, which happened to be vegetarian (and insanely good). It had great textures and popping flavors.<br />
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But my personal favorite was the vegan taco option from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cochinitaco/">Cochinita & Co</a>. I topped mine with some of their spicy garlic sauce, and it packed some serious heat!<br />
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Oh, also there were lovely desserts from <a href="http://cakesbyginahouston.com/">Cakes by Gina</a>, and Jon lost his mind over the churro cupcakes.<br />
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And margaritas upon margaritas of course!<br />
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They were all great, but my <i>favorite </i>margarita was...<br />
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...wine. My favorite margarita was wine. Sorry, sorry, I'm not a margarita person, and I never pretended to be! BUT there were some super duper spicy margaritas floating around that I did really like, cross my heart. Pretty sure <a href="http://ambriza.com/">Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen</a> was my favorite, and I almost died from the spice, but as the kids say, you only live once! (And it was reeeeally good)<br />
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The votes rolled in, and here were the results:<br />
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People’s Choice, Best Taco: Broken Barrel<br />
People’s Choice, Best Margarita: Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen (<i>seeeee????</i>)<br />
Judges’ Choice, Best Taco: <a href="http://fusiontaco.com/">Fusion Taco</a><br />
Judges’ Choice, Best Margarita: <a href="https://cycloneanaya.com/">Cyclone Anaya’s</a><br />
Judges’ Choice, Most Creative Ingredient: <a href="http://sammyswildgamegrill.com/">Sammy’s Wild Game Grill</a><br />
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And there you have it! This year's Taco Loco was an awesome, delicious Houston food event, and I'm so glad we were able to go!<br />
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Taco Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Eeeeeveryday.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0Uptown Park29.756195 -95.4568429999999922.1645920000000025 -136.941218 57.347798 -53.972467999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-65019517512428686022017-05-26T08:48:00.001-05:002017-05-26T16:25:04.331-05:00Vacation Days: Our Honeymoon in Bora BoraThe great thing about doing a post on Bora Bora is that you have to literally do zero edits on your photos because life there is just one giant beautiful filter that trumps all of Instagram.<br />
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(Also, maybe I'm a little bit lazy and don't feel like doing any photo editing right now?)<br />
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Jon and I had an INCREDIBLE honeymoon in Bora Bora, and it seriously needs to be on everyone's bucket list of places to go. The entire island (Islands? I suck at geography.) is absolutely breathtaking, the water has every shade of blue you've ever seen and more, and the people are lovely. It really is like waking up in a dream!<br />
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I didn't know if it'd be possible for us to go there for our honeymoon because a trip to Bora Bora is not exactly cheap. HOWEVER, we booked our trip through <a href="https://www.costcotravel.com/">Costco Travel</a> (who knew, right?), and we ended up paying half of what we should have for the whole trip. Don't get me wrong, it still wasn't cheap, but it was much more manageable! We stayed at the <a href="http://www.lhw.com/hotel/Bora-Bora-Pearl-Beach-Resort-Spa-Bora-Bora-French-Polynesia">Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa</a> in one of those dreamy little overwater bungalows, and we had the most relaxing, amazing time. So onto the pics!<br />
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When we arrived at the resort, they greeted us with the best water of our lives. Jon and I still don't know what was in it (blood orange? vanilla? Polynesian magic? debatable.), but it was the most refreshing, delicious thing we could have asked for after a full day of travel that included four plane rides and a ferry.<br />
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When we checked in to our bungalow, we were greeted with this (I think for booking through Costco? In the end of pontoon bungalow? Again, unclear, but welcomed!)<br />
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Also, we were greeted with this view:<br />
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We were there during the off-season, so only two of the resort's restaurants were open - a laid-back bar at the pool, and a more formal dining room for dinner/breakfast. Both were great, and we got to see a Polynesian show at dinner one night!<br />
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Breakfast was included with our stay, and it might have been my favorite meal offering from the resort. Every day they had a full breakfast buffet, with a variety of freshly squeezed juices and lots of veg options for yours truly.<br />
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We took the ferry to the mainland a couple of times to visit the shops and <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g669130-d1794628-Reviews-Aloe_Cafe-Vaitape_Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html">Aloe Cafe</a>, which we really liked. And since the prices of meals do add up, we went to the grocery store to stock up on some snacks, meats, and cheeses to have on hand.<br />
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So the first half of our trip, it rained A LOT. So much so, that one of the nights, Jon and I woke up thinking there was a hurricane going on, and that our bungalow was definitely going to blow over. You think you've seen it all during a Texas rainstorm? Honey, you ain't seen nothin' til you seen a Polynesian rainstorm!<br />
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It was okay, though because we brought Bananagrams and lots and lots of books, and they had a pool table that we got good use out of.<br />
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(Umm, sidenote, I just noticed Jon played the word "Hydrogen." High five, husband!)<br />
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(...but he also played the word "ane" which...is definitely not a word.)<br />
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(UPDATE: Jon just texted me a screenshot of Google telling him that "ane" is actually a word. I still disagree.)<br />
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We still got snippets of sun here and there, so we took advantage of the resort's mini golf course and live outdoor music one night by the pool, which we loved!<br />
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On the morning of day four though, I do admit that I woke up very downtrodden from all the rain. I started frantically looking to see if we could hop a "quick" flight to Hawaii, New Zealand, or Australia (spoiler alert: we couldn't.), and just when I thought all hope was lost and I started really feeling sorry for myself (you definitely have my permission to punch me in the face), the clouds lifted, and we got several hours of uninterrupted sun (with clouds and rain here and there) for the rest of the trip!<br />
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You know those Instagrammers who practice yoga on the beach and look really inspiring and incredible doing it?<br />
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THAT WILL NEVER BE ME.<br />
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But despite what those stunning pictures above suggest, I tried stand up paddle boarding for the first time ever (you could rent them for free from the resort), and was actually pretty darn good at it!<br />
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(I can say that because I'm historically terrible at all sporty things, just refer to the previous two pictures.)<br />
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We also snorkeled around the reef gardens in our resort, which were beautiful but it also sort of creeped me out? I'd never really done snorkeling before, but I'm out on boats all the time for work, so I expected to be a natural at it. But I gotta admit, I felt super vulnerable and a tiny bit freaked out.<br />
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To be fair there was a 6 foot sting ray rumored to be milling about nearby, SO.<br />
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That view was through the floor in our bungalow. So cool!<br />
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More eating, more drinking, more drowning in the beauty of it all!<br />
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I'm not normally one to stay put when on vacation. I like an itinerary and lots of exploration, but after an admittedly very stressful 7-month wedding planning stint (I'll be real with y'all, Type A Sally over here really <i>really</i> did not enjoy planning a wedding, a fact that Jon and I are still in shock over), having a quiet, relaxing vacation in paradise with my new husband was everything and more. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Bora Bora (wherever that is, still not sure.), GO. Get a Costco membership (they didn't pay me to say that, promise!), book a trip for half the price, and GO.<br />
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Heaven!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0BP169, Vaitāpē 98730, French Polynesia-16.476397 -151.77231900000004-44.0679885 166.74330599999996 11.115194500000001 -110.28794400000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-90902060609633172492017-05-16T08:39:00.002-05:002017-05-16T08:39:28.664-05:00Our Wedding!I'M SO SORRY I HAVEN'T BEEN AROUND FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS!!!<br />
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I've been doing a little bit of this:<br />
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<br />
...a little bit of that:<br />
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<br />
...it started with a kiss, now we're up to bat. (NAME THAT SONG AND IF YOU KNOW IT, YOU ARE OFFICIALLY MY NEW BFF).<br />
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Oh, and also we bought a house, AND I've been traveling nonstop for work (and not-work), and it's been pretty wild lately. But all good things! So, if you have any interest in seeing what our GREATEST DAY EVER looked like, scroll on down for photos of our Texas Hill Country wedding! But first off, mad props to all of our AMAZING vendors we used, and yes, I'd recommend them all:<br />
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Venue: <a href="http://sfperforming.com/">Studios at Fischer</a><br />
Photographer: <a href="http://lauraelizabethphotography.com/">Laura Elizabeth Photography</a> (All of these amazing photos are hers!)<br />
Coordinator: Michelle the Rockstar<br />
DJ: Michael Roos, <a href="http://truedjsofdallas.com/">True DJs of Dallas</a><br />
Transportation: <a href="https://fly-rides.com/">Fly-Rides Austin</a><br />
Catering: <a href="https://pappasitos.com/catering/">Pappasito's</a> San Antonio<br />
Flowers: <a href="http://www.flowerlandsm.com/?srccode=PS_OSM&_vsrefdom=p.5017">Flowerland</a><br />
Makeup: Jon's awesome sister Jaclyn!<br />
Hair/Makeup: <a href="http://www.madamemakeup.com/">Madame Makeup & Hair</a><br />
Dessert: Our wonderful family friend Kay, and <a href="http://www.penningtonscakes.com/">Pennington's Cakes</a><br />
Photo Booth: <a href="http://mbpphotoboothco.com/">MBP Photo Booth</a><br />
Bartenders: <a href="http://www.elitebartendingservices.com/index.html">Elite Bartending Services</a><br />
Bridesmaids Dresses: <a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/">David's Bridal</a><br />
Bride's Dress: Pronovias, bought second-hand from <a href="http://www.marrygoroundbridal.com/">Marry Go Round</a><br />
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Away we go!<br />
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<span id="goog_1469634351"></span><span id="goog_1469634352"></span>The weather was perfect, the wildflowers were a-bloomin', the air guitars were a-rockin', we were surrounded by so so so much love and joy, and I got to marry the most amazing guy I know. Thanks for following along!<br />
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Muah!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com10Studios at Fischer29.9725698 -98.263044299999992.380969799999999 -139.7474193 57.5641698 -56.77866929999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-13655790031026786162017-03-15T08:54:00.000-05:002017-03-15T08:54:56.029-05:00Republic Diner + Sojubang, Plus A Giveaway!This will be my last blog post for a little while because I'm getting married, oh, next week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNV9w6jdKabYA1DFZ5AgrXGgZQ1S-zmUiQhAtjSlQs9_e7K83Rvhxx9zcQbmf7A7jsFoi4z9vCMOlZGNI-ApQAeeso2NEt8RR_c_U-XvrY5L1Obbxy3J_-lwn14Vh4-7aAI90BVRUtsST/s1600/republic+diner+01+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNV9w6jdKabYA1DFZ5AgrXGgZQ1S-zmUiQhAtjSlQs9_e7K83Rvhxx9zcQbmf7A7jsFoi4z9vCMOlZGNI-ApQAeeso2NEt8RR_c_U-XvrY5L1Obbxy3J_-lwn14Vh4-7aAI90BVRUtsST/s1600/republic+diner+01+updated.jpg" title="Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)<br />
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(Psst, Houston friends, scroll down for an awesome <u><b>VIP</b></u> giveaway!)<br />
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A few weeks ago I had dinner with my friend Heather at <a href="http://republicdiner.com/">Republic Diner + Sojubang</a>, a restaurant located in Houston's Heights neighborhood.<br />
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We figured we had to start off with some soju (a distilled vodka-esque beverage), so we each tried a soju cocktail containing pepper infused soju.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjI1jd2_LWEA_o4PKOnm46G-F2rtSl19X-czTJGlKBp7zdmnC0vdmhoSuGLDqB8PO07vNsDghHFrnjPNicGZVNZoZszGuzCMyueZetLqffyP4vOHXU7-Mq8h5iwpylTVPjEkdtzhCHlrx/s1600/republic+diner+02+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="soju cocktail at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjI1jd2_LWEA_o4PKOnm46G-F2rtSl19X-czTJGlKBp7zdmnC0vdmhoSuGLDqB8PO07vNsDghHFrnjPNicGZVNZoZszGuzCMyueZetLqffyP4vOHXU7-Mq8h5iwpylTVPjEkdtzhCHlrx/s1600/republic+diner+02+updated.jpg" title="soju cocktail at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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We both went nuts over this drink! It was wonderfully spicy, refreshing, and soul-warming. Think prickly pear margaritas without the tartness of a margarita, and with the crispness of a G&T. Omg LOVE!<br />
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For our first round of food, we split the kimchi fries (marinated beef on the side) and pajeon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVzJkfP1fVuKmLJSwf5BGR5wwB5_dWrefdgX9XDeMSdYM3QENFHIBcbgT7XllAYssCpPKcYB9-13b2FzN1zmC0XLnO44exuBWVEeNyO_rGi3cNVO5PSxZhUmJAX7S_WcerWoum0ZPVf_P/s1600/republic+diner+03+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kimchi fries at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVzJkfP1fVuKmLJSwf5BGR5wwB5_dWrefdgX9XDeMSdYM3QENFHIBcbgT7XllAYssCpPKcYB9-13b2FzN1zmC0XLnO44exuBWVEeNyO_rGi3cNVO5PSxZhUmJAX7S_WcerWoum0ZPVf_P/s1600/republic+diner+03+updated.jpg" title="kimchi fries at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Don't those look incredible? And they were pretty darn good. Topped with kimchi aioli, sesame sauce, and scallions, the house cut fries were lively and delightful. I have a feeling the beef brought the fries to an even more elevated level, but the vegetarian version was very satisfying!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEyIfegC1bJi9W5Wl7D8omd2nQazKh0I6-lBFhNZlUMkxB0hj4DsHrGAyolX05vEYQnaSWR0HrfZQBgTR3nqhodqlcqSKO8jLOIa7aJJbHzU0hJ-SGjx_Tn2o27BFF1YZpwQYCefC8jrq/s1600/republic+diner+04+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pajeon at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEyIfegC1bJi9W5Wl7D8omd2nQazKh0I6-lBFhNZlUMkxB0hj4DsHrGAyolX05vEYQnaSWR0HrfZQBgTR3nqhodqlcqSKO8jLOIa7aJJbHzU0hJ-SGjx_Tn2o27BFF1YZpwQYCefC8jrq/s1600/republic+diner+04+updated.jpg" title="pajeon at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The pajeon was easily my favorite bite of food that evening. The hearty pancake was stuffed with scallions and red peppers, and was served with a side of spicy soy dipping sauce. And it. was. HEAVEN. The pancake was super dense yet fluffy, and the various different flavors were so savory and insanely delicious. It was so so good, y'all!<br />
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For my entree, I ordered the kimchi fried rice without the bul gogi (marinated ribeye). While I enjoyed the fried rice, I could have used a bit of sweetness to counter the kimchi, which was very present. Our server offered to add tofu to my dish, which was certainly thoughtful of him, but were I to order it again, I'd go without it, as I didn't feel that it really added anything. Regardless, it was a satisfying and flavorful entree, and you can't go wrong with anything that's topped with a runny, fried egg!<br />
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Republic Diner + Sojubang is an incredibly inexpensive Korean restaurant in Houston that offers an array of unique, flavor-popping dishes (TRY THE PAJEON AND PEPPER SOJU FOR THE LOVE OF ALL). It's a great spot that I definitely recommend checking out!<br />
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Oh, and about that giveaway...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6DxUJdiCugpK9im6mOdjDbHJhekctwF3ubZMw_DB9t-Zz1kc5lZMU310r_UytNouDKQjlpEP28DGNYigGMsF-WCl1vHMB_i_9e9Weq9YEdEZx_ivBXVdJJXtFyNuGdEmsoKw71zSod4K/s1600/republic+diner+05+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kimchi fried rice at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6DxUJdiCugpK9im6mOdjDbHJhekctwF3ubZMw_DB9t-Zz1kc5lZMU310r_UytNouDKQjlpEP28DGNYigGMsF-WCl1vHMB_i_9e9Weq9YEdEZx_ivBXVdJJXtFyNuGdEmsoKw71zSod4K/s1600/republic+diner+05+updated.jpg" title="kimchi fried rice at Republic Diner + Sojubang, a Korean restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.menuofmenus.com/">The Houston Press Menu of Menus® Extravaganza</a>, presented by Stella Artois, is one of Houston's largest food & wine events, featuring over 40 area restaurants alongside wine, beer, and spirit sampling.<br />
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<u>Here's where the Giveaway comes in</u>:<br />
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<b>One lucky Adventures in a New(ish) City reader will receive two (2) VIP tickets to this year's Menu of Menus® Extravaganza,</b> held at Silver Street Station in Houston on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, from 7:00 - 10:00 pm. And a VIP ticket (valued at $95) grants you admission to the event one hour early! To enter, go to the giveaway box below, and log in with your name and email address (this will not be posted publicly). Once logged in, click the "Enter Contest" dropdown, and then the "Enter!" button. One entry is allowed per person, and only Houston-area residents are eligible. The contest starts NOW - Wednesday, March 15, 2017, and it ends on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 11:59 pm CST.<br />
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**Bonus: If you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AdventuresInANewishCity/">like my Facebook page</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newishcityhou/">follow me on Instagram</a>, and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/newishcityhou">follow me on Twitter</a>, you get a bonus entry for each social media follow. Just click the dropdown on "Like Facebook Page", "Follow on Instagram," and/or "Follow on Twitter," then click "Enter!" for each one that you follow! This is applicable for existing followers, as well as new ones.<br />
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This is a super fun event (check out <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/04/2016-houston-restaurants-menu-of-menus.html">my post from last year</a> as well as <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/04/the-2015-houston-press-menu-of-menus.html">my post from 2015</a>), so you don't want to miss out! The winner will be drawn at random and announced next week - Good luck!
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="3c0a5f9f4" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3c0a5f9f4/" id="rcwidget_xarhnh9x" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-29551553661017204842017-02-23T12:50:00.004-06:002017-02-23T12:50:55.569-06:00Giveaway: The I Do! Soiree hosted by Weddings in Houston!<i><b>This post was done in partnership with Weddings in Houston. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this wedding post. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</b></i><br />
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Engaged and confused?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4jmqgK-pcLBB5oNDG1DsY7FPOx1yLlvghP3yTpRUna-j6_krJ8YlzoDL1eS_FFciR2HUt9UlwovZaWeAe0P-laY-7d9pTqEcHd9oU4C1b_OTFOAn_rNvHX8_f5rqO6nBJ3_T0Fi0pE2i/s1600/Soiree+Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4jmqgK-pcLBB5oNDG1DsY7FPOx1yLlvghP3yTpRUna-j6_krJ8YlzoDL1eS_FFciR2HUt9UlwovZaWeAe0P-laY-7d9pTqEcHd9oU4C1b_OTFOAn_rNvHX8_f5rqO6nBJ3_T0Fi0pE2i/s640/Soiree+Ad.jpg" title="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yeah me too.</div>
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Which is why I'll be attending the <a href="http://bit.ly/idosoireeinfluencer">I Do! Soiree</a> next week, and I'm inviting one of you and a guest to also attend! (Well, actually, I'm inviting ALL of you, and you can buy tickets for only $25 <a href="http://bit.ly/idosoireeinfluencer">here</a>, but try entering my contest first!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5FEUK-sXkQqgaR3ERt2APPkKBegM_I8IudN0bG-GW8oXpTDrYiJWOAVbdFuUXIbNoxBPAbVO5tPAQcAlkAH0SkwMvNasAnD-iTPQv5oJtVsaiFHrkEFRE199BxfK1AcKZRRlc6X1H611/s1600/Soiree04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5FEUK-sXkQqgaR3ERt2APPkKBegM_I8IudN0bG-GW8oXpTDrYiJWOAVbdFuUXIbNoxBPAbVO5tPAQcAlkAH0SkwMvNasAnD-iTPQv5oJtVsaiFHrkEFRE199BxfK1AcKZRRlc6X1H611/s1600/Soiree04.jpg" title="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" /></a></div>
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The I Do! Wedding Soiree is hosted by the awesome local wedding magazine, <i><a href="http://www.weddingsinhouston.com/">Weddings in Houston</a></i>. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 28 from 6:00-9:00 pm at <a href="http://www.thecorinthianhouston.com/">The Corinthian</a>, a super iconic event venue in downtown Houston. Attendees will meet face-to-face with some phenomenal Houston wedding planners (uhhh side note to everyone newly engaged: If I could go back and do it all over again? I'D GET A WEDDING PLANNER.), event designers, and top Houston wedding vendors. You'll also get to enjoy ridiculously delicious food and drink (I mean, if that's the main reason you're going, I'm certainly not one to judge) including decadent wedding cakes and desserts by Houston’s best bakers. The season’s most popular, beautiful gowns will be on display in a Strolling Fashion Show, and you can also check out different reception table designs, floral displays, wedding photography and film, wedding invitations, and registry items, all while enjoying live music and entertainment!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxKPRfAHsZvkx-BLL_0clLc0FKQybZuQ1vTHsTPCqEY1x01Qp7jp-5oS48j_EopDszeRuJdvtISBDewSZQQ4jmm4C999umd0-NnqhC49t0NY5EcaL3ex8szLnsWJsHRrgVAjG4JgZvaJi/s1600/Soiree03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxKPRfAHsZvkx-BLL_0clLc0FKQybZuQ1vTHsTPCqEY1x01Qp7jp-5oS48j_EopDszeRuJdvtISBDewSZQQ4jmm4C999umd0-NnqhC49t0NY5EcaL3ex8szLnsWJsHRrgVAjG4JgZvaJi/s1600/Soiree03.jpg" title="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" /></a></div>
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I've also been informed that every engaged couple is treated as a VIP, with red carpet treatment, a gift bag filled with hand-selected beauty, home and luxury wedding products worth hundreds, and the chance to win some fantastic door prizes! I mean who doesn't love free stuff, especially free wedding stuff, because all that shiz adds up y'all. #truth</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtnWi4jGUs43VeXqgiwcBMTsEU-mmznlJsAgfu1JY4ZWhSK4Ye56auOTN9IsHzuySWAGvtpPLXGzLChMU8RbhvhK5ifS4ou2qW3MPnyWjUzU644mh9HUHPlNgTSaUt6trNaf7OilNy2eH/s1600/Soiree06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtnWi4jGUs43VeXqgiwcBMTsEU-mmznlJsAgfu1JY4ZWhSK4Ye56auOTN9IsHzuySWAGvtpPLXGzLChMU8RbhvhK5ifS4ou2qW3MPnyWjUzU644mh9HUHPlNgTSaUt6trNaf7OilNy2eH/s1600/Soiree06.jpg" title="The I Do! Wedding Soiree, Hosted by Weddings in Houston" /></a></div>
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<b>HOW TO ENTER: </b>One (1) lucky Adventures in a New(ish) City reader will win two (2) tickets to the I Do! Soiree! Enter to win by following these two steps: </div>
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1) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newishcityhou/">Follow me on Instagram</a> AND</div>
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2) Tell me in the comments section of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ3SPYilEGD/?taken-by=newishcityhou">this photo</a> what aspect of your wedding you are most excited about (food, dancing, booze <~~me.) ! </div>
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Easy Peasy! The winner will be picked randomly and announced on Instagram within 24 hours. Good luck!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0The Corinthian29.7623246 -95.35954262.3106921000000007 -136.6681366 57.2139571 -54.0509486tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-75871241270398452142017-02-17T12:13:00.001-06:002017-02-17T12:41:42.495-06:00Vacation Days: Charleston, South Carolina"I thought Charlotte was in<i> North </i>Carolina...?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKODvztrvdt9wsYIykJAY3qqtd_LlJppI68YoCYp3QtxYXGKUEQZebU0aSBg_7x7ehZA7amXLrkDKdhYFvlcaa6VEixHudsw5ZHfp5ONjuVJHKEEl0X3UR7o93Hwek3hBZh6rj0GxakET5/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKODvztrvdt9wsYIykJAY3qqtd_LlJppI68YoCYp3QtxYXGKUEQZebU0aSBg_7x7ehZA7amXLrkDKdhYFvlcaa6VEixHudsw5ZHfp5ONjuVJHKEEl0X3UR7o93Hwek3hBZh6rj0GxakET5/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+21.jpg" title="Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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"It is, Mom. We are going to Charleston."<br />
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^ This conversation took place right before getting on the plane to Charleston for my bachelorette party!<br />
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(...in other news, my mother has officially disowned me.)<br />
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Oh yeah, and Happy New Year everyone, since I haven't posted since 2016! I'll be all married and stuff in, oh, A MONTH, and blog life will be back to business as usual after that.<br />
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(Well sort of, since Jon and I decided that now would also be a good time to build a house. You know, since life is so calm for us at the moment.)<br />
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Last month, some of my favorite people in the whole world got together for a super fun trip to Charleston to celebrate my final crazy (they're not crazy.) days as a single woman! I caught an early flight out of Houston with my mom, my friends Lindsey and Danielle, and Jon's mom, Rosemary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkYc4RR5CoJaZIL-vzkS5Oi4trVNZTmKpjeXYvUTQv6WBraoiJzp_cCymNVIi__9m2qPMB5svV0qIN8IRtYFcMYZWlbHuDXi7oMOzWQ2G6vKLECt3zZH6ZqNYGuutfJ_guQyI-ipUpN8v/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flight from Houston to Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkYc4RR5CoJaZIL-vzkS5Oi4trVNZTmKpjeXYvUTQv6WBraoiJzp_cCymNVIi__9m2qPMB5svV0qIN8IRtYFcMYZWlbHuDXi7oMOzWQ2G6vKLECt3zZH6ZqNYGuutfJ_guQyI-ipUpN8v/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+01.JPG" title="Flight from Houston to Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapchat: newishcityhou</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkmjcrt4wEOfXcjzCEf6NfLXRu5hM_JUSlj1pHgRuRbLJy5HpqSIEK81DjwdWHmr7E-uX-RJQB7ArmEso_3U6BSX4ijlFl7cE3uh_Yw4FOfJo76hgQ7DqgC0kWSRcvVExe8r9G80kZru_/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flight from Houston to Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkmjcrt4wEOfXcjzCEf6NfLXRu5hM_JUSlj1pHgRuRbLJy5HpqSIEK81DjwdWHmr7E-uX-RJQB7ArmEso_3U6BSX4ijlFl7cE3uh_Yw4FOfJo76hgQ7DqgC0kWSRcvVExe8r9G80kZru_/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+03.jpg" title="Flight from Houston to Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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My amazing sister and woman of honor Emily booked us rooms at the <a href="https://charlestonhistoricdistrict.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?src=vanity_hyatthousecharlestonhistoricdistrict.com">Hyatt House</a>, a hotel that's located in historic Charleston on the main strip, King Street. And fun fact, they save a buck by swapping out wall decals for actual furniture!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuX0xT7CM6zVQ2TjH07GMTlCB_ExSkpe4RcdzO_ZbCSc2CviRnnS9e7sfqJBUkudYTDeKUgdFhyclu7WCJvdu6keh2iKDuSod-06meu2bKOK1S1F3kbR77W5aTO7ngMkDwmhKtDkxFrud/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hyatt Place in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuX0xT7CM6zVQ2TjH07GMTlCB_ExSkpe4RcdzO_ZbCSc2CviRnnS9e7sfqJBUkudYTDeKUgdFhyclu7WCJvdu6keh2iKDuSod-06meu2bKOK1S1F3kbR77W5aTO7ngMkDwmhKtDkxFrud/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+05.jpg" title="Hyatt Place in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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Just kidding, that was only in the hallways. But that's my friend Heather proving that, despite what the world may tell you, you too can actually sit on large sticker benches!<br />
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When we walked into our room we were greeted with the world's MOST AMAZING CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, roses, and a bottle of bubbly from my brideswoman Alice Ann and my sweet friend Sherz!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLDoivs3iB27Ds5bSTakER-3-B-Xz7ipUXtQFpTiOEmxO_wqmLdys6SPXtBgf0rIDWXscMzJeCJl-AVWkH_Hs3762W5Xx8kVlEnFPNlUiPXwsnaQlAnMrddtlGcFVZ7nZwlTE_sXDZeta/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cookies and champagne in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLDoivs3iB27Ds5bSTakER-3-B-Xz7ipUXtQFpTiOEmxO_wqmLdys6SPXtBgf0rIDWXscMzJeCJl-AVWkH_Hs3762W5Xx8kVlEnFPNlUiPXwsnaQlAnMrddtlGcFVZ7nZwlTE_sXDZeta/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+04.jpg" title="Cookies and champagne in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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(We missed having them there with us, but this certainly eased our sadness).<br />
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Those of us who had arrived (my flight crew, plus Em and Heather) walked to lunch at a teeny, adorable restaurant called <a href="http://www.fiveloavescafe.com/">Five Loaves Cafe</a>. I enjoyed their mediterranean garden burger and a chardonnay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOMyJZpS3A_tsxS-RFoQ0TPCw8p7jYxqoM8B-FQ4yItR1RXlrNrnUE823FhWsTz_l13f-2yf_GPmXCLk42WQaRsl86N_FU2uMhhL5D0Sr8lYIlNJJikkVKfN65BIKCem3kniLrn5YICl5/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Five Loaves - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOMyJZpS3A_tsxS-RFoQ0TPCw8p7jYxqoM8B-FQ4yItR1RXlrNrnUE823FhWsTz_l13f-2yf_GPmXCLk42WQaRsl86N_FU2uMhhL5D0Sr8lYIlNJJikkVKfN65BIKCem3kniLrn5YICl5/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+06.jpg" title="Five Loaves - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe8sSEteZmMZD0KP7Bwdwglh16osfMgrH3RbRltcklylPZC5IIi2-Ba39vVMWyZGiNQTW8ARlcBIoB3B1TAhL7Xdggs3NRrlc3FJVjp6IJRAfoYmAghfmucnMF5xerBR_dk78Jx6ckCLq/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette++07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="veggie burger at Five Loaves - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe8sSEteZmMZD0KP7Bwdwglh16osfMgrH3RbRltcklylPZC5IIi2-Ba39vVMWyZGiNQTW8ARlcBIoB3B1TAhL7Xdggs3NRrlc3FJVjp6IJRAfoYmAghfmucnMF5xerBR_dk78Jx6ckCLq/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette++07.jpg" title="veggie burger at Five Loaves - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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Then the rest of the gang arrived: my fabulous friend Christy, my brideswoman Courtney, and my bridesman L.J.! We set off walking down King Street (seriously, we were in such a central awesome location) and grabbed drinks at <a href="http://charlestonbeerworks.com/">Charleston Beer Works</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifK7osiEeo0sZFstJdA7SS27dzIwB9joSlXSbSIs73dbHDwfFyMFE7c-bnWHACTYVzBXgNMyT1lu5Z1wxVOoHUnCkd_a0vHY1wHhFOZkjn2oTEQSWVqBfQctEgNdXB6xcW93WlJEylJBrn/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette++08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drinks at Charleston Beer Works - a bar/restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifK7osiEeo0sZFstJdA7SS27dzIwB9joSlXSbSIs73dbHDwfFyMFE7c-bnWHACTYVzBXgNMyT1lu5Z1wxVOoHUnCkd_a0vHY1wHhFOZkjn2oTEQSWVqBfQctEgNdXB6xcW93WlJEylJBrn/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette++08.jpg" title="drinks at Charleston Beer Works - a bar/restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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After drinks, it was time for dinner! My sister made us reservations at <a href="http://indacocharleston.com/">Indaco</a>, a rustic Italian eatery located off of King Street.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWB7xkhs91lYGU1qe7TJpDegeB2sGfojL2uRM6BgmORJhVZyl7GqdrJSKpw-RCe2l8pAnaHJDd1GC7WKNsD-8niC3O6LDhq5j7ervNaveJX6nJ8AX05oG3f5TEEfMCNPEuPpA6W-w-RO8/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="burrata at drinks at Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWB7xkhs91lYGU1qe7TJpDegeB2sGfojL2uRM6BgmORJhVZyl7GqdrJSKpw-RCe2l8pAnaHJDd1GC7WKNsD-8niC3O6LDhq5j7ervNaveJX6nJ8AX05oG3f5TEEfMCNPEuPpA6W-w-RO8/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+11.jpg" title="burrata at drinks at Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJU8xBpRF9E8vOGGFGXeY1Is9Z0m7eEHd4CU6fos2w0YVAi3ZWcqM711br7rMgTbN-r0KDMF1B8CjmwnqoCFuL5KgLdIZIH_DEe2jbYZQhg3v8udEg0UEMIK-6rT0u6YbC9nZjy1qCbhr/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette++10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ricotta toast at Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJU8xBpRF9E8vOGGFGXeY1Is9Z0m7eEHd4CU6fos2w0YVAi3ZWcqM711br7rMgTbN-r0KDMF1B8CjmwnqoCFuL5KgLdIZIH_DEe2jbYZQhg3v8udEg0UEMIK-6rT0u6YbC9nZjy1qCbhr/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette++10.jpg" title="ricotta toast at Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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We ordered the burrata and ricotta toast for appetizers, and they were to die for! For my main course of food, I ordered the black pepper tagliatelle without the pork tesa. Our server seemed concerned about my vegetarian modification, but I ordered it, and it wasn't bad!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDKbVRkmHLTr3Llx5V4NEP1m5zksf5l-riutQnSKJ63BqYC4ARhn1PXEqaiblMPt0y6TTNVBfHNTXQhBNYOVYYPBfQaKZzprcYbCU20KLLk7JkgbasxVAESvywSBuxXkQLtY2WR-ndGzM/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pasta at Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDKbVRkmHLTr3Llx5V4NEP1m5zksf5l-riutQnSKJ63BqYC4ARhn1PXEqaiblMPt0y6TTNVBfHNTXQhBNYOVYYPBfQaKZzprcYbCU20KLLk7JkgbasxVAESvywSBuxXkQLtY2WR-ndGzM/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+12.jpg" title="pasta at Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios46Mu7UTKWqdBP31O_my8C6OqgEmqoj9cM5SDqnWH8gorXLubn0DU2gJ_OpGovu8SIyVjUSSvkCki-CD_COzteatAAypZyZm3IUhknXic6rxFY1tFSbdyhWdx_aEkyUOTRI5X2FHUQtp/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEios46Mu7UTKWqdBP31O_my8C6OqgEmqoj9cM5SDqnWH8gorXLubn0DU2gJ_OpGovu8SIyVjUSSvkCki-CD_COzteatAAypZyZm3IUhknXic6rxFY1tFSbdyhWdx_aEkyUOTRI5X2FHUQtp/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+09.jpg" title="Indaco - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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Then we decided to WIG OUT and hit up the bars!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d-F90TgYtuX1FkxORsY3R3bBuBZs6WVU2wSK9Jx5GNmbtbIFK1orSSnecMZ7PFhAwQ5BG8GTEulA1sZVDh1LZSB4oEgIGOmW7h3uGc88QU_XqMG0QiBtCC7dR6kxT78f8k6SjZxMfBos/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d-F90TgYtuX1FkxORsY3R3bBuBZs6WVU2wSK9Jx5GNmbtbIFK1orSSnecMZ7PFhAwQ5BG8GTEulA1sZVDh1LZSB4oEgIGOmW7h3uGc88QU_XqMG0QiBtCC7dR6kxT78f8k6SjZxMfBos/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+32.jpg" title="Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Emily</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgGs_lwk8DjAticgE_KtgSsufdSM9gIpNCuxQuNhag1Zs1shPMtidgRVUddu8Gn9uOeXYLcRhYw2YU9Nny9URPBqtHUxHt6f-cx8flAjksq0tX21MXgKy5RCLQ6QJJSWvGqYVVYZlLAs-/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Prohibition - a bar in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgGs_lwk8DjAticgE_KtgSsufdSM9gIpNCuxQuNhag1Zs1shPMtidgRVUddu8Gn9uOeXYLcRhYw2YU9Nny9URPBqtHUxHt6f-cx8flAjksq0tX21MXgKy5RCLQ6QJJSWvGqYVVYZlLAs-/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+13.jpg" title="Prohibition - a bar in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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(and by bars I mean one bar, <a href="http://prohibitioncharleston.com/">Prohibition</a>, because I was out way past my bedtime.)<br />
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The wigs were a hit, and it was so much fun! In fact, I'm planning on walking down the aisle in mine........<br />
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The next morning my mom and I woke up hours before everyone else (are you sensing a theme here?), and we enjoyed the FREE OMELETTE BAR at our hotel, OMG.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZd5jsc_OmVnc7atahdtcSMhzz7WqxhqofvXYLTGZmdaey78ffI-IcQgfWuJTVOwBLk0R3lyC1Iuv0jBIripeYPfQSvB9V3p15nCb29pALcLj7bsvCYdPZ-ITBDtq5XlDvmc7jgliSMxx7/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="omelette bar at Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZd5jsc_OmVnc7atahdtcSMhzz7WqxhqofvXYLTGZmdaey78ffI-IcQgfWuJTVOwBLk0R3lyC1Iuv0jBIripeYPfQSvB9V3p15nCb29pALcLj7bsvCYdPZ-ITBDtq5XlDvmc7jgliSMxx7/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+14.jpg" title="omelette bar at Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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Then we all hopped in Ubers and headed to GORGEOUS Sullivan's Island, where my friends appeased me and endured pretty darn cold beach yoga!</div>
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(Mad props to Lindsey for teaching the class)</div>
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(Also, we lasted about 10 minutes and were like "okay, that was nice, get me to alcohol").</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrZBlGTXHTRub7WE6-eJ7Ds6dFfPOReeIAOISY2BtT7HNsGctVKV2504H6p_keB8HqjA8xOM8du78pGPwOAmAuwJxjUcwJesc1R_XZ-8azODoL3ZOnr0CZcrSaY-gBmn1EbD4Z406V1iJ/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="yoga on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrZBlGTXHTRub7WE6-eJ7Ds6dFfPOReeIAOISY2BtT7HNsGctVKV2504H6p_keB8HqjA8xOM8du78pGPwOAmAuwJxjUcwJesc1R_XZ-8azODoL3ZOnr0CZcrSaY-gBmn1EbD4Z406V1iJ/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+02.jpg" title="yoga on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Rosemary</td></tr>
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We received a tip from one of our Uber drivers that <a href="http://poestavern.com/sullivans-island/">Poe's Tavern</a> is the place to go on Sullivan Island. Well, you don't have to tell us twice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfoD72Akcsm7peQ8PpwAcXgSe89Fx7AYuRwqra4gSkw2pdZiYwgU-EazXkMzMwXTK51hC9wjsPxacYPUfh61Jp7BzCFLi_HRR4v1CxGyc-Xu-xW5fX_n882Nh2qOq3VaGYwtXuaQaZYqQ/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poe's Tavern - a restaurant on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfoD72Akcsm7peQ8PpwAcXgSe89Fx7AYuRwqra4gSkw2pdZiYwgU-EazXkMzMwXTK51hC9wjsPxacYPUfh61Jp7BzCFLi_HRR4v1CxGyc-Xu-xW5fX_n882Nh2qOq3VaGYwtXuaQaZYqQ/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+17.jpg" title="Poe's Tavern - a restaurant on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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This spontaneous, no-frills meal was easily one of my favorites of the weekend. The food was simple and delicious, and the Edgar Allan Poe decor was seriously cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWZNNXWZoGt4jyo-kH9iWKW90w007_XnNCJhyphenhyphenTTiPUOa-zYwMcSIySJeumj4cVFfyG0DE-0gk7X7I6nvk-TGCiiEqDA2aX1IMZRPfco6QxbALaMFrrsmnq54JpoqyHpe5uGYNcQlQ5az3/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chips and queso at Poe's Tavern - a restaurant on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWZNNXWZoGt4jyo-kH9iWKW90w007_XnNCJhyphenhyphenTTiPUOa-zYwMcSIySJeumj4cVFfyG0DE-0gk7X7I6nvk-TGCiiEqDA2aX1IMZRPfco6QxbALaMFrrsmnq54JpoqyHpe5uGYNcQlQ5az3/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+18.jpg" title="chips and queso at Poe's Tavern - a restaurant on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcbg7g2zplQMxNBxpwhcpUkbUhhqeZr51_NSIFKDdFGF6rUlLp0KQZmofz7X5aiKv8J36K27zHKuK3YCnVRNtg6ZcM7KItX8fiGLFZDAceI1AzKvIgZNz7a2i40-QDmRsg_GMpVYUYL6y/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="veggie burger at Poe's Tavern - a restaurant on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcbg7g2zplQMxNBxpwhcpUkbUhhqeZr51_NSIFKDdFGF6rUlLp0KQZmofz7X5aiKv8J36K27zHKuK3YCnVRNtg6ZcM7KItX8fiGLFZDAceI1AzKvIgZNz7a2i40-QDmRsg_GMpVYUYL6y/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+19.jpg" title="veggie burger at Poe's Tavern - a restaurant on Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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We shared chips and queso to start, which was a delicious app, and I had my second yummy veggie burger of the weekend! (Fun fact, I actually had a third one the next day at home in Houston because I like to live on the wild side).<br />
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Then we went back to our hotel, freshened up (Read: NAPPED.), and took a walk down beautiful King Street! But not before stopping at the nearby <a href="http://revelatorcoffee.com/store-location/charleston/">Revelator</a> for some awesome coffee. Seriously, this place revived my faith in and love for cappuccinos!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvACIHxFVMReqs4e-oxn1HxTWoXUIKq_XRJzBwyGkZCE6Ma4Hw_KUM29in_hTV1kXAiAPK79H9fSJHK0UbgG7iXpGELaOBk1DuW4ykcegCgL_qwEPSB1Mg6hnVL5FFvXupmyu6UE9C_W34/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Revelator - a coffee shop in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvACIHxFVMReqs4e-oxn1HxTWoXUIKq_XRJzBwyGkZCE6Ma4Hw_KUM29in_hTV1kXAiAPK79H9fSJHK0UbgG7iXpGELaOBk1DuW4ykcegCgL_qwEPSB1Mg6hnVL5FFvXupmyu6UE9C_W34/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+20.jpg" title="Revelator - a coffee shop in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA48wnLMpbGtJPipgxxcCLYrsfRloR3whrdxREgh3iSWKeZQMr62aC9CDxfDqBU3YbqBz7dHHWaDeG-6ie6rftUW0s1Gmx-Ke0BK8ryWP4vIQhO4OuM340e5CACj9GiE7k5f-XS8iYPtUR/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA48wnLMpbGtJPipgxxcCLYrsfRloR3whrdxREgh3iSWKeZQMr62aC9CDxfDqBU3YbqBz7dHHWaDeG-6ie6rftUW0s1Gmx-Ke0BK8ryWP4vIQhO4OuM340e5CACj9GiE7k5f-XS8iYPtUR/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+22.jpg" title="Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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After tooling around town, it was time for a bevvy at <a href="http://www.chswine.com/">Wine & Company</a>, a lovely wine bar that basically looks like my dream house inside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQLs0oeIcl5iEGx0YVXZylnGBYL_motZctO693chDPHSagp-matYGwqM4Qk_HU45GTdA86cxu8WERdDpblT8spGYyOO0HosJnS9yG2-occUbfHQMfpy8VK6_8xhj1_40mvlwqoqaCzV6y/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wine & Company - a wine bar in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQLs0oeIcl5iEGx0YVXZylnGBYL_motZctO693chDPHSagp-matYGwqM4Qk_HU45GTdA86cxu8WERdDpblT8spGYyOO0HosJnS9yG2-occUbfHQMfpy8VK6_8xhj1_40mvlwqoqaCzV6y/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+24.jpg" title="Wine & Company - a wine bar in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH-Gu43-5nLrwwCNgqHKQZsczi2md5gYwyS54pLfocyjBAEhiivG1fGsWK3C5O8zpU4Oz1h5hnHPdk6JQR-zjIK-gJi4vdOe4auxReVuhFmy4H_Xo79pPfpnCHNceNu0Nb3wkcgKF9G2s/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wine & Company - a wine bar in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBH-Gu43-5nLrwwCNgqHKQZsczi2md5gYwyS54pLfocyjBAEhiivG1fGsWK3C5O8zpU4Oz1h5hnHPdk6JQR-zjIK-gJi4vdOe4auxReVuhFmy4H_Xo79pPfpnCHNceNu0Nb3wkcgKF9G2s/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+23.jpg" title="Wine & Company - a wine bar in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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After a few glasses of rosé, we headed back to the hotel for the actual bachelorette party! I won't go into the nitty gritty details, but know that it involved toilet paper, underwear, a Jon-themed trivia game, wine, and snacks!<br />
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(Also Heather decided to move on from sitting on fake furniture to drinking fake champagne, which I assure you is way more fun than it sounds).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbB-E2c_gjFJxjZuM_ZVj2BQ2ARYrMvCGZRdsqsNrGoWNgFWMSovYsizXGSPZq2gSK8oegdnR6BKvJ6F32ieCboKe1nq4ygfS9Tlde_N04LErft9kGH1ZHNJGWTS6NkSql15b5DudVWEy/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbB-E2c_gjFJxjZuM_ZVj2BQ2ARYrMvCGZRdsqsNrGoWNgFWMSovYsizXGSPZq2gSK8oegdnR6BKvJ6F32ieCboKe1nq4ygfS9Tlde_N04LErft9kGH1ZHNJGWTS6NkSql15b5DudVWEy/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+25.jpg" title="Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYSH08_J_vx6Gu6gEkbo5nkozjwmUx6UHs7hBVvTcrFwXslSiZuDWoVPlqaU2vEgL58BvCrQp80GmU95-2_qWdRG4Ar7eShSVfJQcGfW3f_0COuwurO8XpPJrW0fHI2GfPp1QO1GfDkPC/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYSH08_J_vx6Gu6gEkbo5nkozjwmUx6UHs7hBVvTcrFwXslSiZuDWoVPlqaU2vEgL58BvCrQp80GmU95-2_qWdRG4Ar7eShSVfJQcGfW3f_0COuwurO8XpPJrW0fHI2GfPp1QO1GfDkPC/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+26.jpg" title="Hyatt Place - a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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After these girls and guy went wild, we went to <a href="http://www.thegrocerycharleston.com/">The Grocery</a>, where Courtney had made dinner reservations for us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7jYeNlX9o3DljECsYYEK03Nc3HntAVkOxKzWMtqciZ9DpTYqOKT7prHVU7fzSq-nBGq4Dds-jxFeM1daUq9HyDUn4_B7o77-8xatld3-rZjPLSd1bT-xKOIZSVuJPrvntEmh7NS4tsxY/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7jYeNlX9o3DljECsYYEK03Nc3HntAVkOxKzWMtqciZ9DpTYqOKT7prHVU7fzSq-nBGq4Dds-jxFeM1daUq9HyDUn4_B7o77-8xatld3-rZjPLSd1bT-xKOIZSVuJPrvntEmh7NS4tsxY/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+29.jpg" title="bread at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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Here was another meal in Charleston that I absolutely adored! The atmosphere was cozy and rustic, the service was fantastic, and the food was dynamite. We were given some complimentary, crusty fresh bread, and I ordered the roasted beet salad to start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s965iMgAVTvgkf-t36bizKL9fNT_GePk0p6Z817HhnECbmL8EnGMYzG6BOndyA4CQf0KIQEUV8og80QpEWPLS0CQ_WLp0aromCSDdoAO5f-nYGdqoX9rpe0pQ-1kjnY-lo5MpraSZZJG/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beet salad at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1s965iMgAVTvgkf-t36bizKL9fNT_GePk0p6Z817HhnECbmL8EnGMYzG6BOndyA4CQf0KIQEUV8og80QpEWPLS0CQ_WLp0aromCSDdoAO5f-nYGdqoX9rpe0pQ-1kjnY-lo5MpraSZZJG/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+27.jpg" title="beet salad at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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This sweet, light lovely salad was wonderful! I then ordered the cabbage gratinee, which was unique and incredibly enjoyable, followed by an off-menu vegetarian platter that our server recommended. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMJYnvT51pz4BaJ8uE9OvnQEpIKLN-9OhpNwAzb3uHVHzSK8Y8-IhcmV26owOOoFmNVCfaXnrw2MFnvRcFIISm7oeaTDeB4Nfilyb-goyInio6m-Ozn2xMbbPqq2zBZYBaR0Hvt9jaKl6/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cabbage gratinee at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMJYnvT51pz4BaJ8uE9OvnQEpIKLN-9OhpNwAzb3uHVHzSK8Y8-IhcmV26owOOoFmNVCfaXnrw2MFnvRcFIISm7oeaTDeB4Nfilyb-goyInio6m-Ozn2xMbbPqq2zBZYBaR0Hvt9jaKl6/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+28.jpg" title="cabbage gratinee at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLdLC9ff51eSRn6y59Otjz-AzDKS9LmrRZopYo-yCKiM2eBsBXPe2TpD5xVFY-P4cuo310ALZc8UZhYYOPuvqdM304p_ocCx9gSNMwPcrIryT6yiECSUYfRlhkltJsG3OzlgCORDSNpX0/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian platter at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLdLC9ff51eSRn6y59Otjz-AzDKS9LmrRZopYo-yCKiM2eBsBXPe2TpD5xVFY-P4cuo310ALZc8UZhYYOPuvqdM304p_ocCx9gSNMwPcrIryT6yiECSUYfRlhkltJsG3OzlgCORDSNpX0/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+30.jpg" title="vegetarian platter at The Grocery - a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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The platter contained a bunch of their vegetarian sides: roasted cauliflower, roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, the beet salad again (I wasn't mad about it), and something else that I don't remember because it's been too long, but it was all delicious!!<br />
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Then we were off to the bars (....bar), but not before hitting up <a href="https://jenis.com/scoop-shops/jenis-king-street/">Jeni's</a> Ice Cream!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLKMnTuhJI9gT9jRR60qMqFzacjay2M2LkKPhRoIe2xvqLUukKHLD2E6wY8pweyv7DFkrOiokdLpjyINz2TGroHFg1oldXKbpHd0wMzqkrJDVKd_0VkNdOl53o-pb2I0Z17RA1bg-Mndu/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jeni's - an ice cream shop in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLKMnTuhJI9gT9jRR60qMqFzacjay2M2LkKPhRoIe2xvqLUukKHLD2E6wY8pweyv7DFkrOiokdLpjyINz2TGroHFg1oldXKbpHd0wMzqkrJDVKd_0VkNdOl53o-pb2I0Z17RA1bg-Mndu/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+31.jpg" title="Jeni's - an ice cream shop in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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I've heard many-a rave review about Jeni's, and their creamy, flavor-popping ice cream did not disappoint!<br />
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After the bars (...bar), we went back to the hotel to rest up before our flights back the next day!<br />
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Charleston is an AWESOME city, filled with fascinating history, beautiful scenery, a great bar scene, and killer food. It definitely gets my glowing endorsement as a fantastic bachelorette party destination!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVjLYF1MD6HyNIk4qPuSROiwKl6WCuS3clcn-DhYEg_i0wuMwzerA18YtFe3HAWWbp3sj0V2wS0JaGh5YNOUduE4A6VYsK5Ly5kt35zdOm_xxJKO5d8-AE6WNn_9OKTXD8DhEp8Bfw1P9/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVjLYF1MD6HyNIk4qPuSROiwKl6WCuS3clcn-DhYEg_i0wuMwzerA18YtFe3HAWWbp3sj0V2wS0JaGh5YNOUduE4A6VYsK5Ly5kt35zdOm_xxJKO5d8-AE6WNn_9OKTXD8DhEp8Bfw1P9/s1600/charleston+travel+food+drinks+restaurants+bachelorette+15.jpg" title="Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina" /></a></div>
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I mean, just look at that! (and pretend it's 80 degrees and not 42...)Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com1Charleston, SC, USA32.7764749 -79.93105120000001332.3494714 -80.576498200000017 33.203478399999995 -79.285604200000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-66321115481006913752016-12-19T08:48:00.001-06:002016-12-19T08:48:44.241-06:00The 2016/2017 Winter Menu at Seasons 52<b><i>This post was done in partnership with Seasons 52 in Houston, who provided me with my food and drinks, free of charge. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this restaurant post. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</i></b><br />
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Brrrr, it's cold out!</div>
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Whaddaya say we crank up the Mariah Carey Christmas, bust out our best mock turtle necks, take a break from all the cookie-baking, and go out for some deee-licious food?!?!</div>
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A few weeks ago, Jon and I were invited to try the winter menu at <a href="http://www.seasons52.com/home">Seasons 52</a>. The restaurant has two Houston locations, one in City Center and one near the Gallaria/River Oaks (where we ate). We've been to the restaurant a couple of times (read about it <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/12/seasons-52.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/04/seasons-52-houston-2016-spring-menu.html">here</a>), and we had such good experiences both times, that of course we were thrilled to go back!</div>
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As the name implies, Seasons 52 changes its food with the seasons, or "What's Good Now." Feeling inspired, I kicked things off with one of their seasonal cocktails, the organic sunshine martini.</div>
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Made with orange-infused prairie organic vodka and simple syrup, the basic drink was anything but! Sweet, bright, light, and smooth, it went down a little <i>too</i> easy - It really was sunshine in a drink! While I enjoyed it, I'm not a super sweet toothed person, so I opted for a glass of red wine as my second drink. Seasons 52 has an awesome wine list, and I always love investigating it!</div>
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We were presented with an amuse bouche of prosciutto, goat cheese, and peaches, which Jon happily enjoyed for the both of us!</div>
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Then we ordered a couple of appetizers, starting with the lobster & fresh mozzarella flatbread for Jon and the artichoke & Laura chenel goat cheese flatbread for me. </div>
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Having previously had the lobster & fresh mozzarella flatbread, Jon knew he was going to love it again. I'd had a version of the artichoke flat bread before BUT it was back when I had my stint with veganism so IT HAD NO CHEESE. But this time? IT HAD CHEESE. And I'm telling you, the soft cheese cut very nicely through the tart balsamic coated veggies. The flatbread itself was super light and crispy, and a great way to kick things off!</div>
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We also ordered the artisan cheese fondue to split during this first round of food.</div>
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OH Y'ALL.<br />
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A creamy, luscious combination of cave-aged gruyere and cheddar made this dreamy cheese dip one of my favorite two food items of the evening. The tangy, lovely cheese was made even more delicious when paired with an assortment of breads that offered varying tastes and textures to elevate it. This was one hella awesome fondue!</div>
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Oh but this round of food was not over, folks, because we also ordered a side of their roasted brussels sprouts without bacon!<br />
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Cooked in a 15-year aged balsamic, what I found most notable about these brussels sprouts were their ever-so-slightly crisped outer layer. The texture was great!</div>
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I also ordered a side of truffle mac 'n cheese en brodo.</div>
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I LOVE truffle, but I recognize how easy it is to mess it up. Throw too much in, and forget about it being palatable. Luckily for me, the restaurant could not have gotten this truffle mac more right! It had the perrrrfect amount of truffle oil, along with a rich swirl of gruyere and cheddar, all topped with a delightfully crunchy panko crust. This mac and cheese was DIVINE.</div>
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For our main course of food, Jon ordered his favorite, the red snapper (what he always gets at the restaurant), and I went with the vegetarian tasting plate.</div>
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I also always order the vegetarian tasting plate, however this one had completely different components in it than it did on my previous two visits. The plate consisted of a wood-grilled kohlrabi steak, asparagus, a fennel-roasted onion, and vegan paella. The kohlrabi and asparagus were fresh, standard, and good, and the fennel-roasted onion, was unique and surprisingly delightful (I don't hate fennel, but I generally don't lose my mind over it). But the vegan paella? OH THE VEGAN PAELLA. Y'all, I seriously ate chorizo that night. I mean I didn't <i>really </i>eat chorizo, of course, but I ATE CHORIZO. The vegan paella was hearty, earthy, spicy, textured, and insanely delicious, with vegetables and bits of some sort of fake chorizo thrown in there. This was my other favorite thing I ate that night, it was so incredible!!</div>
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The restaurant then presented us with their beautiful display of teeny, adorable desserts. Jon opted for his usual, the pecan pie, and I went with the red velvet cake. Jon's was very good, but I adored my less sweet, richer, decadent red velvet much more. The cheesecake frosting was perfect, and there was a surprise little raspberry at the bottom!<br />
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I love Seasons 52, which is why I keep going back. The restaurant offers incredible, seasonally appropriate food, as well as awesome service to boot. Houston is lucky to have multiple locations, and I can't wait to go back again!</div>
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Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season!!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0Seasons 5229.742493 -95.45183292.290851 -136.7604269 57.194135 -54.1432389tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-23902119752174037432016-11-14T08:40:00.001-06:002016-11-14T08:40:48.051-06:00Cooking GirlI'M STILL ALIVE, HOUSTON, I SWEAR!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2qm_4viAE4gRMQK8QUsR_WK_VoAZtvuO3r8qyK8bc3tmb2AjFcuEk0qXAhqnMdd35uzaaDfnuiWvi_kXMrR3J85voSKyLhtYMWhfjzRRKJLiEcfTJnbVKk2q-cAQssB0hC3sNp7pXThn/s1600/cooking+girl+01+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2qm_4viAE4gRMQK8QUsR_WK_VoAZtvuO3r8qyK8bc3tmb2AjFcuEk0qXAhqnMdd35uzaaDfnuiWvi_kXMrR3J85voSKyLhtYMWhfjzRRKJLiEcfTJnbVKk2q-cAQssB0hC3sNp7pXThn/s1600/cooking+girl+01+updated.jpg" title="Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" /></a></div>
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For all [two of you] still reading this (hi mom!), thank you. This long string of few-and-far-between restaurant blog posts will come to an end in a few months when life settles down for me. But I'm here now, and I'm here to tell you about the awesome, fabulous food at <a href="http://www.thecookinggirls.com/">Cooking Girl</a> - a BYOB ($4.99 corking fee, y'all!) Chinese restaurant located in Houston's Montrose neighborhood.</div>
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My parents are huge fans of the restaurant, so my mom and I went a few weeks ago. When we were seated in the tiny, packed (make a reservation!), no-frills spot, we were presented with a complimentary appetizer of light puffy chip-like things (you've missed my super excellent food descriptors, haven't you?). They weren't exceptionally flavorful, though slightly sweet, and a nice little pre-dinner teaser.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrLCxN9aFHrsgc1dlry7s0ZE_YD7hotiwSwbncNWYyB8s-qXb9zNZipBT6lK6X2nLfoxoD1iQSgVvxlQ9FTB7nOKQ71AuetMgcLYiVSMfoxlFIixlyzCPe9uejAK6MVzuiD2pUNYM_iFs/s1600/cooking+girl+04+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="appetizer at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrLCxN9aFHrsgc1dlry7s0ZE_YD7hotiwSwbncNWYyB8s-qXb9zNZipBT6lK6X2nLfoxoD1iQSgVvxlQ9FTB7nOKQ71AuetMgcLYiVSMfoxlFIixlyzCPe9uejAK6MVzuiD2pUNYM_iFs/s1600/cooking+girl+04+updated.jpg" title="appetizer at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" /></a></div>
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For our first course of food, we ordered (at the server's recommendation) the garlic-flavored cucumber. </div>
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Unfortunately, it wasn't exactly a<i> first </i>round of food, in that it took quite a bit of time to come out, and it when it finally did come out, it was about a minute before we received our entrees. All that aside, the dish itself was pretty darn good. As a general rule, cucumbers make me feel dead inside, but I was glad I trusted our server on this one! The sauce that the crisp cucumbers were swimming in was super garlicky, with a lovely oily, syrupy feel. There was definitely chili in there, and it also packed some serious heat! I don't know if I'd order it on my next visit (since the whole cucumber/dead inside thing), but it will be on my regular rotation of food items to order there for sure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3HhqzQfd-5-L1Y8kmFqANxy1tuMMBrwKV8oz4U8dl8HTx21qZdD7UDEIoUqOkxVGjbw706XnLQI0JhGz8hYEdLLN6UwSk5m0OxxmganY8V8SmVsHO5d0K0RlfPe__x376m2gYhNL2GjH/s1600/cooking+girl+03+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garlic-flavored cucumber at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3HhqzQfd-5-L1Y8kmFqANxy1tuMMBrwKV8oz4U8dl8HTx21qZdD7UDEIoUqOkxVGjbw706XnLQI0JhGz8hYEdLLN6UwSk5m0OxxmganY8V8SmVsHO5d0K0RlfPe__x376m2gYhNL2GjH/s1600/cooking+girl+03+updated.jpg" title="garlic-flavored cucumber at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" /></a></div>
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Oh but you know what I will order EVERY. SINGLE. TIME?</div>
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The pepper potato silk.<br />
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For our main course of food, my mom and I split two items - one of which was the pepper potato silk. People rave about this dish, and WOW. Potatoes are delicately peeled into noodle-like strands and cooked ever-so-simply in oil and peppers. This fine dish also had some MAJOR heat, and I cannot convey just how multi-layered and incredible it was. Eating it was a beyond-delightful, jaw-dropping experience. I seriously have not stopped thinking about this dish for the past few weeks, and it will definitely be in the running for my top 10 favorite dishes of the year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN16uvEoelY8_7YoPUROJgCWtdUu8h9uq-g7pUNvkvWp2MqEkWvr6qPxnUO95M36Pc1Ad5tf9rTKRVirm8CGeXvY0fsapSrojDyf6HN22IlbA53L-M9FcWBhqYiyIyJ9hj_Wzn_NGmzpZ/s1600/cooking+girl+02+updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pepper potato silk at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN16uvEoelY8_7YoPUROJgCWtdUu8h9uq-g7pUNvkvWp2MqEkWvr6qPxnUO95M36Pc1Ad5tf9rTKRVirm8CGeXvY0fsapSrojDyf6HN22IlbA53L-M9FcWBhqYiyIyJ9hj_Wzn_NGmzpZ/s1600/cooking+girl+02+updated.jpg" title="pepper potato silk at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" /></a></div>
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The other entree we split was the restaurant's mabo tofu.<br />
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I requested for the dish to be made vegetarian (I believe it normally comes with pork), which was no problem. Once again, my mouth was on fire, and once again, I loved what I was eating. Served with a side of steamed white rice, the sauce was on trend with the other dishes and perfectly oily. It was hartier, earthier, and thicker than the other two sauces and had *slightly* more of a gel-like consistency. Typically I'm more a fan of firmly cooked tofu, but the softness of this tofu was a welcome alleviating contrast to the über spicy (yet welcome) attack on my tongue. Even my mother - who thought she didn't like tofu - was a fan!<br />
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Cooking Girl is a no-frills, <i>super </i>affordable authentic Chinese food restaurant in Houston. And for all of you Houstonites who love to sweat over the spiciest of foods, take heart! This place is for you. Even with the slight timing issue with the courses, the service was great, and the food was super impressive! And hello, you had me at "BYOB."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKrBznBg9dtB7X5rGuGuohLuOujhXiTD_gZrOlS-42aFQA1-Ov43zfcSUbG_s5I7EL24eeBxCWbdRk4W6VVyxfDat5CuPTgVQm1k9bZWjEnPVPRHkfNzWu9Q9NPuBXQrtiO4emFQvN-Ma/s1600/cooking+girl+05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mabo tofu at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKrBznBg9dtB7X5rGuGuohLuOujhXiTD_gZrOlS-42aFQA1-Ov43zfcSUbG_s5I7EL24eeBxCWbdRk4W6VVyxfDat5CuPTgVQm1k9bZWjEnPVPRHkfNzWu9Q9NPuBXQrtiO4emFQvN-Ma/s1600/cooking+girl+05.JPG" title="mabo tofu at Cooking Girl - A Chinese restaurant, in Houston" /></a></div>
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*insert peace sign fingers emoji*
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/houston/cooking-girl-montrose" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Cooking Girl, Montrose and other Restaurants in Houston"><img alt="Cooking Girl Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/18184740/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0Cooking Girl29.7480077 -95.3863754000000229.7477922 -95.38669040000002 29.748223199999998 -95.386060400000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-16121301715323648172016-10-11T08:44:00.001-05:002016-10-11T12:29:45.110-05:00Vacation Days: West Hartford & BeyondHey there, stranger!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6mYwX10tBXtGSQIBia8QGPIjJj3DBG0cJ_qJ7dLo7DoF0EwLvY1ml4vhvEuYjwqCA5egMzUDYTQ9OXdwZ2ZXwIiNE6WZXvO2gDKTl9HFH1MsfDofmtLS8mIXveCjzLh4uNxXVRrbUWH4/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+beer+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New England Brewing Co. - A brewery near New Haven, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6mYwX10tBXtGSQIBia8QGPIjJj3DBG0cJ_qJ7dLo7DoF0EwLvY1ml4vhvEuYjwqCA5egMzUDYTQ9OXdwZ2ZXwIiNE6WZXvO2gDKTl9HFH1MsfDofmtLS8mIXveCjzLh4uNxXVRrbUWH4/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+beer+11.jpg" title="New England Brewing Co. - A brewery near New Haven, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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Yes, it's been almost a month since you've heard from me, and it's due to three things:<br />
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1) <b>I'm planning a wedding. </b>If you haven't gathered from this blog, I am a super Type A, organized planner of a person, and whenever people had previously told me how stressful and difficult and crazy it is to plan a wedding, I always thought, "I believe it, but how bad is it <i>really</i>?" Well the Wedding Planning Gods are now laughing their faces off at me, because y'all? It's seriously a lot of work. It's fun, don't get me wrong! But a massive time-suck. Bear with me through these next six months. (Because eek! I decided it'd be a good idea to only give myself SIX MONTHS to plan a wedding!)<br />
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2) <b>I'm quietly cleansing.</b> Well I guess it's not so quiet since I'm announcing it on my blog. I did a lot of traveling last month that entailed eating indulgent (albeit DELICIOUS) food, as well as *slightly* over-imbibing some of the alcohols. So I'm on day 10 of a modified vegetarian <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/10/my-vegetarian-whole30-recap.html">Whole30</a> (allowing myself tofu, beans, quinoa, and permission to not be a total spaz when I actually do go to restaurants) in order to clean myself out a bit. But only for 20 days because I value my sanity. (Also, my sister will be in town on Day 21, and we have champagne plans <~~~ Real reason). But this means I'm not really eating out at <i>new </i>restaurants a whole bunch, so there's a lack of content for the blog. Whomp whomp.<br />
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3) <b>I traveled more than I was home last month.</b> I'm still catching up on everything after a trip to <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/09/disney-world-2016.html">Disney World</a>, a work trip to New Orleans, a work trip to Vermont, and a trip to West Hartford, Connecticut.<br />
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What's that, you say? Can I share more about my trip to Connecticut? I thought you'd never ask.<br />
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Jon and I visited our close friends Lenny and Christy in West Hartford towards the end of September. This was tacked on to the tail end of our trip to Vermont. West Hartford is adorable and charming and filled with great food, restaurants, and bars. When Jon and I arrived, Christy took us to the laid back restaurant <a href="http://www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/burger/">Max Burger</a> for lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8qVLrtILlhOYZfXqKfoV5aDIotp44ZcVf1C0NbqNIiG35CcG_K2418Q_bMH-gFjIDEnaqyUrI4S6e5mBp2ZgOBVlN3vKXbjiI8ivb4WA_oySqiNhG4sQlQbBJhIDYxA-oLalVjIb1sdF/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+veggie+burger+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="veggie burger at Max Burger - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8qVLrtILlhOYZfXqKfoV5aDIotp44ZcVf1C0NbqNIiG35CcG_K2418Q_bMH-gFjIDEnaqyUrI4S6e5mBp2ZgOBVlN3vKXbjiI8ivb4WA_oySqiNhG4sQlQbBJhIDYxA-oLalVjIb1sdF/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+veggie+burger+01.jpg" title="veggie burger at Max Burger - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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I ordered The Grateful Veg with a fried egg on top and a side of baby broccoli. The restaurant's housemade quinoa-sunflower seed burger was topped with cheddar cheese, shaved red onion, roasted tomato, baby arugula, green goddess dressing, and avocado. This was one OUTSTANDING veggie burger, filled with unique textures and mouthwatering flavors! Lenny joined up with us after he finished work, and we headed over to happy hour at the open, airy, and pretty <a href="http://www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/oyster/menu.php">Max's Oyster Bar</a> (same owners as the burger spot!). We enjoyed some bubbly champagne and oysters (I opted out of the oysters because, #shellfish).<br />
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After freshening up and hanging out for a bit at L and C's house, we headed out to dinner at the Italian restaurant <a href="https://trevact.com/">Treva</a> in West Hartford.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVsYgCcZLY6HC23WNXAjtnUaitBOoraDbNdG1wkUre7hrpCcz91XRIMPYsg8S5lHUuVvE2btH4Pxnjxidws-NS7eLAUX5de9aj_aXjqL53k48YlF_usvQ5ktHUfChOBDkPS36s5BfyEGA/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bread+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread and wine at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVsYgCcZLY6HC23WNXAjtnUaitBOoraDbNdG1wkUre7hrpCcz91XRIMPYsg8S5lHUuVvE2btH4Pxnjxidws-NS7eLAUX5de9aj_aXjqL53k48YlF_usvQ5ktHUfChOBDkPS36s5BfyEGA/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bread+02.jpg" title="bread and wine at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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Our super engaging server was born and raised in Italy and full of fun, informative facts! We started off with a delicious bottle of red wine, and some of the restaurant's complimentary rustic bread with olive oil.<br />
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For our first round of food, we ordered the restaurant's burrata.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTj1whxaeGvpVs1bKIMNbhknOhanAUJGiKgSp63PnyxSJfuAZp4Zlr4H8-i5YMVgYGD465zTo0mt8gJmRkV7y71lqbw74lKZASP2Wtw-CiOTqULeh6eqfp1IXacwzhUy8VUbOf_LeYFX8/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+cheese+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="burrata at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTj1whxaeGvpVs1bKIMNbhknOhanAUJGiKgSp63PnyxSJfuAZp4Zlr4H8-i5YMVgYGD465zTo0mt8gJmRkV7y71lqbw74lKZASP2Wtw-CiOTqULeh6eqfp1IXacwzhUy8VUbOf_LeYFX8/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+cheese+03.jpg" title="burrata at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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I adore burrata, and this one ranks high on my list. The inside of the cheese gave off a textured, almost cottage cheese-like consistency. The flavor was light and slightly tangy, and paired wonderfully with some roasted peppers and arugula salad. It was delicious!<br />
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For the next round of food, we split the arancini.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CjS_FFlg8-MMlFE6PM3YT8eoJIHHN3e7OVpOT8UXxYjdWwDbRtVDbwk1BPlxkspnQwCryVaO6UUira2Ao2Q12hCNaTqZ86rN7_oNG4kigEPA_OyPf3TNmGOX8k6glh7tsJ6N3zOdZB5C/s1600/hartford+vacation+restaurants+food+arancini+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="arancini at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CjS_FFlg8-MMlFE6PM3YT8eoJIHHN3e7OVpOT8UXxYjdWwDbRtVDbwk1BPlxkspnQwCryVaO6UUira2Ao2Q12hCNaTqZ86rN7_oNG4kigEPA_OyPf3TNmGOX8k6glh7tsJ6N3zOdZB5C/s1600/hartford+vacation+restaurants+food+arancini+04.jpg" title="arancini at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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Another crowd-pleaser, these golden-fried rice balls were stuffed with luxardo cherries and more delicious burrata. The sweet/salty combo that resulted was lovely!<br />
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For my final round of food, I couldn't not order the restaurant's tonnarelli cacio e pepe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sSM6-1Wh35W4dcHGmQre1ftHB1bmt8Ydw7FxpvozowFZH2J1ljaUn54d3UBIqEyofV75Hd-Vrcsra9-kajbqYYrPmr2Frb868H2QuZ_dZxJNKJ_Zj8WDBvll6JsVmE6oOrFNESC-v5cQ/s1600/hartford+vacation+restaurants+food+pasta+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cacio e pepe at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sSM6-1Wh35W4dcHGmQre1ftHB1bmt8Ydw7FxpvozowFZH2J1ljaUn54d3UBIqEyofV75Hd-Vrcsra9-kajbqYYrPmr2Frb868H2QuZ_dZxJNKJ_Zj8WDBvll6JsVmE6oOrFNESC-v5cQ/s1600/hartford+vacation+restaurants+food+pasta+05.jpg" title="cacio e pepe at Treva - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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(If you know of my love affair with <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/01/coltivare-part-2.html">Coltivare's version</a>, you understand why).<br />
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Treva's version was a bit heartier, with thicker noodles and a more syrupy olive oil. It was smooth, simple, and really wonderful!<br />
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The next day was our day of hopping around (aka eating food around) the state of Connecticut AND Massachusetts! We started off with breakfast at <a href="http://goldbergsbagelcafe.com/home/">Goldberg's</a> in West Hartford (as recommended to me by <a href="https://howtoeatrd.wordpress.com/">my friend Lauren</a>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3jo0UQ6yxEVD3BsyeIO_sokNqzuoP93-EkKiJjXwNYSp1Z_EyWA0i4C9x7zJBxs1rwdj6BstpB9z2pE667FQFQMqTfgOeIqwzJ9lXaBzPRSJwN50iL6HEEyjhLIcX6WCVN62wpKHKuGT/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bagels+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Goldberg's - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3jo0UQ6yxEVD3BsyeIO_sokNqzuoP93-EkKiJjXwNYSp1Z_EyWA0i4C9x7zJBxs1rwdj6BstpB9z2pE667FQFQMqTfgOeIqwzJ9lXaBzPRSJwN50iL6HEEyjhLIcX6WCVN62wpKHKuGT/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bagels+07.jpg" title="Goldberg's - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LWbl0ZPkRZDDMv7eMcbtu_lokhs8VgpWXSDmu6lVyn9lNQMUTOrKeTUcGBPxTnP3KsoA2qvnpzYeB17iu9ts4I7f4E2D3RyqDyIMCSWpXxqfS_wYLWfAd8o_xrj5uN3LAUvHjWcOpXuG/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bagels+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bagels at Goldberg's - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LWbl0ZPkRZDDMv7eMcbtu_lokhs8VgpWXSDmu6lVyn9lNQMUTOrKeTUcGBPxTnP3KsoA2qvnpzYeB17iu9ts4I7f4E2D3RyqDyIMCSWpXxqfS_wYLWfAd8o_xrj5uN3LAUvHjWcOpXuG/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bagels+08.jpg" title="bagels at Goldberg's - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mQY30BdzOtvQGJWjC0-3ZB49AJ4-VSVZyWQxpcC71PG3KPZxXWBw7SkH_14XXQLOqtylRJy2f3yoTHe7CbqSgIw7tRybS1fEtVzw6ir68oyaLokHIVrTN-i7jWknjFjVS6OYy7YIY-OF/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bagels+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bagels at Goldberg's - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mQY30BdzOtvQGJWjC0-3ZB49AJ4-VSVZyWQxpcC71PG3KPZxXWBw7SkH_14XXQLOqtylRJy2f3yoTHe7CbqSgIw7tRybS1fEtVzw6ir68oyaLokHIVrTN-i7jWknjFjVS6OYy7YIY-OF/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+restaurants+food+bagels+10.jpg" title="bagels at Goldberg's - a restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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I ordered a jalapeño cheddar everything bagel with scallion cream cheese (say that ten times fast), and it was EVERYTHING. Fluffy, oozy, melty, tangy, spicy, and absolutely GLORIOUS, eating it was essentially a religious experience.<br />
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After that, we headed to <a href="http://www.newenglandbrewing.com/">New England Brewing Co.</a> near New Haven to taste some local beers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzI3lzSrBgzo7uti1xfO6JTFetwWMScVTeT9Z_q7T15NuTemNWC9B-IgD1sUPKvwQhxwGU5uQoJB4yr3g0g_l5iIcZpn6XnUUpay13q0ZYAEHMU0s2hn-w7NdIddqvGY7YhSUch-s5hXt/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+beer+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New England Brewing Co. - a brewery near New Haven, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzI3lzSrBgzo7uti1xfO6JTFetwWMScVTeT9Z_q7T15NuTemNWC9B-IgD1sUPKvwQhxwGU5uQoJB4yr3g0g_l5iIcZpn6XnUUpay13q0ZYAEHMU0s2hn-w7NdIddqvGY7YhSUch-s5hXt/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+beer+12.jpg" title="New England Brewing Co. - a brewery near New Haven, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVbNuQ3nnb4DqrD53TaKSumB8wYSbpRMcpQwuuCFeTQV4Qw891nKMzlbO3AysIUBfo8dhrXKWzPPI2lLgFbp-EyX16KXGWPoSnU-94KVso_ui2kDUoJ91AeLqAA17ZEF9QoG0AuF0wy7c/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+beer+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New England Brewing Co. - a brewery near New Haven, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVbNuQ3nnb4DqrD53TaKSumB8wYSbpRMcpQwuuCFeTQV4Qw891nKMzlbO3AysIUBfo8dhrXKWzPPI2lLgFbp-EyX16KXGWPoSnU-94KVso_ui2kDUoJ91AeLqAA17ZEF9QoG0AuF0wy7c/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+beer+13.jpg" title="New England Brewing Co. - a brewery near New Haven, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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I'm not even anywhere close to being any sort of beer expert, but these beers were REALLY good. And the tasting space was small, but super fun!<br />
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After that we decided we hadn't had enough bread, so we were off to the restaurant <a href="https://www.pepespizzeria.com/">Frank Pepe</a> for some authentic New Haven pizza!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7gqOSD7k41HyJntiXjfM2ZgqXKnJSDhgekJfh6PEErHoVEZv6BSMMMEVKuqb8lTy9cgz5e9eEG6sAmeuXxLyKhmiUZV84DVdspdboRayWGD05j38Ey0exA9bUmYt-1NWq5C0jEkT2ZSo/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+pizza+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7gqOSD7k41HyJntiXjfM2ZgqXKnJSDhgekJfh6PEErHoVEZv6BSMMMEVKuqb8lTy9cgz5e9eEG6sAmeuXxLyKhmiUZV84DVdspdboRayWGD05j38Ey0exA9bUmYt-1NWq5C0jEkT2ZSo/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+pizza+14.jpg" title="Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFqEmVKmsBubR9Z-ZnJ7jxuC92xNd9f4RiU123kTae-aVIvcDvPhXckumDE-6NoO_JyYdhLiRLrnxuX51uXhnPolj-L7zx59TCtbeX3GCBsdFyP8LBXTY-TqynbZTZJRCVKc7XisetTKX/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+salad+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="salad at Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFqEmVKmsBubR9Z-ZnJ7jxuC92xNd9f4RiU123kTae-aVIvcDvPhXckumDE-6NoO_JyYdhLiRLrnxuX51uXhnPolj-L7zx59TCtbeX3GCBsdFyP8LBXTY-TqynbZTZJRCVKc7XisetTKX/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+salad+15.jpg" title="salad at Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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We ordered a tasty house salad, which meant the whole experience was healthy of course.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UWWwG55NRg8b390xxm84OZmxzyslgcBOiXXD4l-s84AbKZ7rFdZYU4uSWWjCOfPzC-XSGv7TuH-FKIAuhisygD-7pUWkT3zms3NKd-ShUslmxgtbHIp_PcYtpDJeTPbGe3hDAM5DWTJ1/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+pizza+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pizza at Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UWWwG55NRg8b390xxm84OZmxzyslgcBOiXXD4l-s84AbKZ7rFdZYU4uSWWjCOfPzC-XSGv7TuH-FKIAuhisygD-7pUWkT3zms3NKd-ShUslmxgtbHIp_PcYtpDJeTPbGe3hDAM5DWTJ1/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+pizza+16.jpg" title="pizza at Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRTUg0XH_0xWRx53VNd3ia2PHavGuyp3275MU4Fp1DbDUvUS7Bp5x0Vvr4EQUdvsAxjflb89EXoNiuqCAQxKLKA18CmVQb_vCT63PstYfmpyp2y43c5gLPMI9gIKLErDqUTCjZRJ4Xrxe/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+pizza+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pizza at Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRTUg0XH_0xWRx53VNd3ia2PHavGuyp3275MU4Fp1DbDUvUS7Bp5x0Vvr4EQUdvsAxjflb89EXoNiuqCAQxKLKA18CmVQb_vCT63PstYfmpyp2y43c5gLPMI9gIKLErDqUTCjZRJ4Xrxe/s1600/new+haven+travel+vacation+food+restaurants+pizza+17.jpg" title="pizza at Frank Pepe - a restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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For our main course of food, we split two pies: One was half tomato pie/half mozzarella, while the other was half pepperoni/half mushroom, garlic, and onion. New Haven pizza really is in its own category of pizza. It's a thinner, crispier, slightly sweeter version of New York pizza, and I really really enjoyed it! The mozzarella pizza was a nice introduction to this style of pizza, but the tomato pie and the mushroom/garlic/onion versions were tied as my favorites. While other tomato pies I've had in the past had no cheese at all, Frank Pepe's version had a very small amount, which allowed the sweet tomato sauce to shine without being overpowering. And the veggie pizza was simply outstanding. The caramelized veggies were wonderful atop the crispy, almost-burnt crust! I even had some later that night (and maybe accidentally bit into a pepperoni that somehow ended up on my slice? Oops. I didn't freak out too much though).<br />
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After we had finished filling ourselves up on [more] bread and beer, we headed up (over? down? I'm terrible at geography) to Worcester, Massachusetts to see the band We & Mrs. Jones play at <a href="http://www.nicksworcester.com/">Nick's</a> (fun fact, a scene from <i>American Hustle</i> was filmed there!). L and C's friend Madelyn is the lead singer of the band, and she is AWESOME.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCf-ItzcBHNlfJml0To43jDNYC5IvVSuAG6wj9VGop66pXGRfPx4nHf-DgdvavI-Qv3hw-yJYTT3UlzbFowlHjOb6GdOiXsxmN2qJztwWVu3gRpSNuErf5OZSWPPB3QrAn1g1TngCDHYs/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+drinks+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="We & Mrs. Jones playing at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCf-ItzcBHNlfJml0To43jDNYC5IvVSuAG6wj9VGop66pXGRfPx4nHf-DgdvavI-Qv3hw-yJYTT3UlzbFowlHjOb6GdOiXsxmN2qJztwWVu3gRpSNuErf5OZSWPPB3QrAn1g1TngCDHYs/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+drinks+22.jpg" title="We & Mrs. Jones playing at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" /></a></div>
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Actually, we got to witness one of her final shows before going into retirement to have a baby! It was so seriously great.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt6m9kBLzPSgS9Fmfe42d0nA-q_XUGmvhL9lzAPJOVkLp3T-u3j2nNcv32K9nB-z49-MQ_fKgvH651-bwK8d5opzuEcKzENQoIm_qhGep4YiVUqBN9j0FraG9FXVc9mLuMpZd1MBVLGFx/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+martini+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="martini at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt6m9kBLzPSgS9Fmfe42d0nA-q_XUGmvhL9lzAPJOVkLp3T-u3j2nNcv32K9nB-z49-MQ_fKgvH651-bwK8d5opzuEcKzENQoIm_qhGep4YiVUqBN9j0FraG9FXVc9mLuMpZd1MBVLGFx/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+martini+18.jpg" title="martini at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tSrQhQ_iW7Eew7sG-aucqYIQlmaNmtIG0ESCmwIEDF1R_23fsdLeI7KOya3FUS0p8b3FqwQr8To7KATNaEeMmAxBBKF86l2OZ6ie3zAIUvWCScRA5cifh5kN3Ork3ZsOV44gVXATmvR8/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+pretzels+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pretzel at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tSrQhQ_iW7Eew7sG-aucqYIQlmaNmtIG0ESCmwIEDF1R_23fsdLeI7KOya3FUS0p8b3FqwQr8To7KATNaEeMmAxBBKF86l2OZ6ie3zAIUvWCScRA5cifh5kN3Ork3ZsOV44gVXATmvR8/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+pretzels+21.jpg" title="pretzel at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5fUhNsqf9DcLwW0ilK8EAO9d9NTkAyhI8t2dpfaUv77Y_sHE8uZ_VfeEX5UCbjPZcuPUbAJP44UHngpzCrtnpTdQoy-s1UH6QcDGIl8YWhLcC9IV1edlzHz94KQePVocW6jMj-vlDzLP/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+cheese+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cheese plate at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5fUhNsqf9DcLwW0ilK8EAO9d9NTkAyhI8t2dpfaUv77Y_sHE8uZ_VfeEX5UCbjPZcuPUbAJP44UHngpzCrtnpTdQoy-s1UH6QcDGIl8YWhLcC9IV1edlzHz94KQePVocW6jMj-vlDzLP/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+cheese+20.jpg" title="cheese plate at Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" /></a></div>
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I sipped on a sturdy martini ('natch), and we also ordered some food to share - a giant pretzel, along with a no-frills cheese plate. The pretzel came with a side of - wait for it - CREAM CHEESE, which seriously completed my life. The cheese plate was massive, and really just what we needed (MORE CARBS).<br />
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The next day, Jon and I headed back home to Houston, but not before stopping at <a href="http://www.totalwine.com/">Total Wine</a>, the rest of the country's response to <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2013/08/a-heavenly-sight-specs-on-smith-street.html">Spec's</a>. And it was glorious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfyx4Hs3W8N2vvrzhF9BA3bQrstoYGC1FSgBzx4EtvfdSeMaRPUBcowolmkfZUql5YXHtHy_NGKSVq501rKA_haTLJGhR2_8ieVctKQnr7U40Adwtxtk2owJyf4eiryKzqSWtVETmLghr/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+booze+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Total Wine in West Hartford, Connecticut" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfyx4Hs3W8N2vvrzhF9BA3bQrstoYGC1FSgBzx4EtvfdSeMaRPUBcowolmkfZUql5YXHtHy_NGKSVq501rKA_haTLJGhR2_8ieVctKQnr7U40Adwtxtk2owJyf4eiryKzqSWtVETmLghr/s1600/hartford+vacation+travel+booze+23.jpg" title="Total Wine in West Hartford, Connecticut" /></a></div>
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And that concludes our trip! It was a whirlwind of an awesome weekend with great friends, great food, and great fun in West Hartford and beyond!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjRQJn9z-o01PT688JCoTGevfQCCAqzPegBbBbCC2Q22-L7WfBDK6v-1sh8bZgxfmvPaF6_B0l6cFQS28RVHBTs7m6IyP9gFXHDvSiUeDFjIkNWxceIOhCuVQFakfBX7dSPm3SQ2Cuf78/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+drinks+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjRQJn9z-o01PT688JCoTGevfQCCAqzPegBbBbCC2Q22-L7WfBDK6v-1sh8bZgxfmvPaF6_B0l6cFQS28RVHBTs7m6IyP9gFXHDvSiUeDFjIkNWxceIOhCuVQFakfBX7dSPm3SQ2Cuf78/s1600/worchester+vacation+travel+bar+restaurant+food+drinks+19.jpg" title="Nick's - a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts" /></a></div>
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I should probably have some more bread now.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0West Hartford, CT, USA41.7620842 -72.742015141.6673317 -72.9033766 41.856836699999995 -72.5806536tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-56849044451415895232016-09-20T06:30:00.000-05:002016-09-20T06:40:27.933-05:00Vacation Days: Disney World 2016 + Some Very Exciting News!!Spoiler alert, because I can't wait an entire blog post to tell you:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojEhyvbS1tyzIg7wa_O6aemef0KeeUSJ1i2dr40yUoM3ahQaeIkZLduyv216TBXiUe7_FMDkk16btKPIn-PIk-02ub2t9hiXwurvVZpWrjb2jI_8hX4N9J_H1RmjuJUrVUasGsb2PmcnF/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paris Bakery at Epcot in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojEhyvbS1tyzIg7wa_O6aemef0KeeUSJ1i2dr40yUoM3ahQaeIkZLduyv216TBXiUe7_FMDkk16btKPIn-PIk-02ub2t9hiXwurvVZpWrjb2jI_8hX4N9J_H1RmjuJUrVUasGsb2PmcnF/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+62.jpg" title="Paris Bakery at Epcot in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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!!!!!!!!!<br />
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That's right, as of a little more than a week ago, I am officially engaged to the greatest, kindest, silliest, most thoughtful and wonderful guy I know. To say I am over-the-moon excited would be an extreme understatement! But I'll get to the whole engagement part in a bit. I just needed to start off by letting the long line of men waiting around for me know that I am now very much off the market.<br />
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(And by "long line of men waiting around for me" I'm referring to two people - my toddler godson Lincoln and an adorable 80+ year old man who once stopped me in Central Park and told me I looked like Jennifer Aniston. Yes of course he had 20/20 vision, why do you ask?)<br />
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My family is a Disney family. Like a fanatical, starry-eyed, super enthusiastic Disney family. We hadn't been to Disney World all together <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2013/07/vacation-days-disney-world.html">in three years</a> (I had gone <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2013/10/vacation-days-disney-world-part-2.html">a separate time since then</a> with friends). So we were pumped to go on this trip, along with Jon and Emily's boyfriend Danny! So if you're interested in the deets, scroll on down below for some photos (taken by me, my dad, and my sister) from our super fun and memorable family vacation!<br />
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We arrived late in the morning on a Thursday and all checked into our respective hotels, grabbing a bite to eat along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OwatrsEFZDOSQGfgB3jEDZXo6yfA4qcTsLOzFhHsaQLg5wKK0vmKvZ4sD_4Z1CvkBuYgkgoQkM6icFvcqNZLgK-GfsYm5G7-gUN5gPiJzhgs30iQembmzzlKguLNVVhisIFQ0uY8PvIf/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beach Club Villas in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OwatrsEFZDOSQGfgB3jEDZXo6yfA4qcTsLOzFhHsaQLg5wKK0vmKvZ4sD_4Z1CvkBuYgkgoQkM6icFvcqNZLgK-GfsYm5G7-gUN5gPiJzhgs30iQembmzzlKguLNVVhisIFQ0uY8PvIf/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+28.jpg" title="Beach Club Villas in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kRvgxVldKkeaWGb0Fe2wdiQ01gFMysPNIdzgGh6Bg-r9gGqGh0iJmmV3xBzYcrWOWqY_fD_PtZa4PFbIRPaCKCNbuMnbKNU1EFRwR-TeDFbicZJzu6sfM43h_6TJKuWgIEGJFdD41tjO/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+salad+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="salad at Beach Club Villas in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kRvgxVldKkeaWGb0Fe2wdiQ01gFMysPNIdzgGh6Bg-r9gGqGh0iJmmV3xBzYcrWOWqY_fD_PtZa4PFbIRPaCKCNbuMnbKNU1EFRwR-TeDFbicZJzu6sfM43h_6TJKuWgIEGJFdD41tjO/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+salad+29.jpg" title="salad at Beach Club Villas in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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All of our hotels were on Disney property, and Jon and I stayed at the Beach Club Villas. Located on a beautiful boardwalk, and just a five minute's walk away from my favorite park, EPCOT, I absolutely loved this lovely hotel. I grabbed a quinoa, vegetable, chickpea salad from the hotel's marketplace for my lunch, and it was very tasty and filling!<br />
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Then we hopped on a bus and met up with everyone at Animal Kingdom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ3rJ16K9_pv5Ghr0Wr7tm5K6boWCWWy6JrEv-2ar42IIZonFagF8ga2PkOX9FQKFakVfIzOVybMAssruGMGBYaEoX5BGWKsC52Ow97PhYQMozMMELq1khXWHciz8Z4A7jOkUax_P9g28/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ3rJ16K9_pv5Ghr0Wr7tm5K6boWCWWy6JrEv-2ar42IIZonFagF8ga2PkOX9FQKFakVfIzOVybMAssruGMGBYaEoX5BGWKsC52Ow97PhYQMozMMELq1khXWHciz8Z4A7jOkUax_P9g28/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+30.jpg" title="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVNNJ_s1xeuqa4SKj1BqbudPcQAR81Yhuesvd8x7EY1pBGrEpXlPsp3FOaE4eqdAdwRW0oEiRo3Q9zlZ3gpSg5JvVMqyEuc-yQdNaaZ_rqX-adr6EE5_18b3eu8DzaQAc2L6VVmb4cX8N/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="magic bands at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVNNJ_s1xeuqa4SKj1BqbudPcQAR81Yhuesvd8x7EY1pBGrEpXlPsp3FOaE4eqdAdwRW0oEiRo3Q9zlZ3gpSg5JvVMqyEuc-yQdNaaZ_rqX-adr6EE5_18b3eu8DzaQAc2L6VVmb4cX8N/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+31.jpg" title="magic bands at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Animal Kingdom is beautiful and lush with vegetation, as well as - duh - animals. It's such a peaceful and pretty park!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9ZCZ7KaLGuKch5aR_vkFWlxpQE8FWybgd0M5PLJE1b5V6Pm6Hu7dGXIJjNSwimPOP2k5EXXwgw1OLOndkGEPlfRoetdRtfI-cTRWFUROMFhz4kVU4EPxeN5GEpJHWg1nJJujGzKXuDDV/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9ZCZ7KaLGuKch5aR_vkFWlxpQE8FWybgd0M5PLJE1b5V6Pm6Hu7dGXIJjNSwimPOP2k5EXXwgw1OLOndkGEPlfRoetdRtfI-cTRWFUROMFhz4kVU4EPxeN5GEpJHWg1nJJujGzKXuDDV/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+03.jpg" title="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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^ Emily got chosen to be a line time taker for Kali River Rapids. We were very proud.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha78YPNWeditt3QSOQb0MPx03d0zdum-lbZnqRO0dS4-1f_QCWZ22S-ps3UV-PYFSGFx4qsk5bkxR6iSrSXGNap0lHdtGe6HvRatO3E9od9Z2HUE351FGFaH81WoJwmu4rJfSw2PxX85Vv/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha78YPNWeditt3QSOQb0MPx03d0zdum-lbZnqRO0dS4-1f_QCWZ22S-ps3UV-PYFSGFx4qsk5bkxR6iSrSXGNap0lHdtGe6HvRatO3E9od9Z2HUE351FGFaH81WoJwmu4rJfSw2PxX85Vv/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+37.jpg" title="Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vT1PVfH2v9QeFOnN88hrNoHh_mA2ti0FCtug-3d4I8vVGCShIO0bzU4FidYw9_gPA81XvUCKnvjBM-SJjd_65LuH5SsgoyslXcsFaqnNtU0toOiCxXRjoEY8lMNxXJgN84iKPtXmthX/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vT1PVfH2v9QeFOnN88hrNoHh_mA2ti0FCtug-3d4I8vVGCShIO0bzU4FidYw9_gPA81XvUCKnvjBM-SJjd_65LuH5SsgoyslXcsFaqnNtU0toOiCxXRjoEY8lMNxXJgN84iKPtXmthX/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+04.jpg" title="Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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After the rapids, we went on Emily's favorite ride, Expedition Everest. It's this super fun roller coaster through "Mount Everest" and there may or may not even be a couple of scary yeti appearances along the way!<br />
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Then my mom and Jon needed a beer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu478D9qXH7o18B18zijEdUUlQ8wO9JUHryoDbrgridsVgJxCagKZkLdMFflK0tIq07Z5TyVcG5eIS8Z9SwNjZ-yjKWK1pMRIOixTkDbNNp3HS7w8miliSphkhnqKa4BbCUTvui0chZ4g4/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+beer+32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu478D9qXH7o18B18zijEdUUlQ8wO9JUHryoDbrgridsVgJxCagKZkLdMFflK0tIq07Z5TyVcG5eIS8Z9SwNjZ-yjKWK1pMRIOixTkDbNNp3HS7w8miliSphkhnqKa4BbCUTvui0chZ4g4/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+beer+32.jpg" title="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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And Emily and I needed a (spiked!) Dole Whip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimuZ-SKn3HNbrEeHqK84vNZeCprZq52-41gLKRPhZ2Kio6pKoVBWpdiG-ZJ07fGhuAuZoDfnRWOAFYJzOTUr2gNpof6ov2YBFUMaRa5v2w8_kVi4wt8Ui50QA7Cp9wtG3qxMm1uNdY4R_/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+food+dole+whip+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dole whips at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimuZ-SKn3HNbrEeHqK84vNZeCprZq52-41gLKRPhZ2Kio6pKoVBWpdiG-ZJ07fGhuAuZoDfnRWOAFYJzOTUr2gNpof6ov2YBFUMaRa5v2w8_kVi4wt8Ui50QA7Cp9wtG3qxMm1uNdY4R_/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+food+dole+whip+01.jpg" title="Dole whips at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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This was pretty exciting for us because we love the Dole Whips at Magic Kingdom. But with rum? HELLO. Ice cream + pineapple juice + booze, yes please.<br />
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Maybe it was the live music, maybe it was the Dole Whips, or maybe it was the all around magic of Disney, but then we decided to dance in the streets like no one was watching.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzeDbq857n3Z3zkVx9caQHLGHUuWHhNtGYG1Q6tT_T5A_lBmV1zgJDWVIv6aU0h1TvZu3Vs9VoLSC3-MgACEMOPdRc6_Z5UJVgB9Ng3MJLIJDptMy_AuP6pzvSAT1Nv1mr1ec-ewuKkvw/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzeDbq857n3Z3zkVx9caQHLGHUuWHhNtGYG1Q6tT_T5A_lBmV1zgJDWVIv6aU0h1TvZu3Vs9VoLSC3-MgACEMOPdRc6_Z5UJVgB9Ng3MJLIJDptMy_AuP6pzvSAT1Nv1mr1ec-ewuKkvw/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+07.jpg" title="Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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(Except clearly Jon and Danny were, off to the right, and were quickly trying to get as far away from this bizarre family as possible).<br />
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(Also, please ignore my horrifying roots).<br />
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Then we watched the <i>Festival of the Lion King</i> live performance, followed by going on a safari, aka, watching <i>Lion King</i> but in real life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRbPxCtTTbslRG6Hz35IkcyJIzGJuf88pMTeLdmZzTegHGiDw7mA20xyUwW_bdM1uHL3T66eBjGPlkMlqTayK4wrNs1AGVdCger7jniOqY1mBSqD_jmt63RTNhzIbG8DO_rDftUL0MrMR/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="safari at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRbPxCtTTbslRG6Hz35IkcyJIzGJuf88pMTeLdmZzTegHGiDw7mA20xyUwW_bdM1uHL3T66eBjGPlkMlqTayK4wrNs1AGVdCger7jniOqY1mBSqD_jmt63RTNhzIbG8DO_rDftUL0MrMR/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+34.jpg" title="safari at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIhvg-h32NV6H1IjT0krdHPZJUVnXng2z39bH7YawUud5KzafFHarJTNsiXMv3w5e7lcKwjzM_mcifD1yt_4Cg1Arz5eC_Un1eN9MEOyFbIDWp5XyC-LR1GBr8nqW3Dp3iySjKqEM_cUq/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="safari at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIhvg-h32NV6H1IjT0krdHPZJUVnXng2z39bH7YawUud5KzafFHarJTNsiXMv3w5e7lcKwjzM_mcifD1yt_4Cg1Arz5eC_Un1eN9MEOyFbIDWp5XyC-LR1GBr8nqW3Dp3iySjKqEM_cUq/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+35.jpg" title="safari at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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We also hit up a spinning roller coaster ride that whips you around like crazy and makes you lose all feeling in your neck called Primeval Whirl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4HpSTeq_55eXZ2tI9PUe1i86Zex1njlCEakjSpSJBm3nSAQOfIIcPB18YUh8Z600PMmOCTKN-ZNBxv4E8Uj2i1R_Hql9nqip8u71A9sWi5kRsM7ZiOExgeH_EEnb60IQrQavVSuCBRlX/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4HpSTeq_55eXZ2tI9PUe1i86Zex1njlCEakjSpSJBm3nSAQOfIIcPB18YUh8Z600PMmOCTKN-ZNBxv4E8Uj2i1R_Hql9nqip8u71A9sWi5kRsM7ZiOExgeH_EEnb60IQrQavVSuCBRlX/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+05.jpg" title="Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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(The pole is covering Jon's face in this photo)<br />
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The last attraction we hit up at Animal Kingdom was what shockingly ended up being Jon's favorite thing we did, the <i>Bug's Life</i> 3D movie in the Tree of Life called, <i>It's Tough to be a Bug!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nqDNM5oKY5ZTv6RnIbdiZB0_1aOeBUBpYx3S08l-k6c72li7D3gcD3GC7lMNKEu4HYKXYG8w7GWw6FOq8EtDk0lNd7u1XFSXOt38JsTpWo4xjl2v5Gm8LmInCtTlDohw8USlAxNjvY9w/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nqDNM5oKY5ZTv6RnIbdiZB0_1aOeBUBpYx3S08l-k6c72li7D3gcD3GC7lMNKEu4HYKXYG8w7GWw6FOq8EtDk0lNd7u1XFSXOt38JsTpWo4xjl2v5Gm8LmInCtTlDohw8USlAxNjvY9w/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+33.jpg" title="Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxEktvlwzA2SpCD7S877RDWxlj_JW7ZNfiMTeC4Kf7KosnlJdFdcZDvqW8hXQckTbQZb-6otx8RSOuE7lX5rGBo8hSVRyW4pnGlW7xBEJ4Dt7dXPvd9URWExwie6sy8eSBslfxbgOqpm8/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="It's Tough to be a Bug! at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxEktvlwzA2SpCD7S877RDWxlj_JW7ZNfiMTeC4Kf7KosnlJdFdcZDvqW8hXQckTbQZb-6otx8RSOuE7lX5rGBo8hSVRyW4pnGlW7xBEJ4Dt7dXPvd9URWExwie6sy8eSBslfxbgOqpm8/s1600/disney+animal+kingdom+vacation+06.jpg" title="It's Tough to be a Bug! at Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Having worked up a major appetite, it was time for some food (and more booze)! We headed to <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coronado-springs-resort/rix-lounge/">Rix Lounge</a>, a martini bar located in Disney's Coronado Springs hotel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglavZArbSZT9M4Hatj-9oQqO5J-c8JFcy0cKnKjaCFXz3ynSg3ntDjT-819RqFnQfcb7JUap7HcCxJ_HQHVZdcR9atW7ABXlGMZqmx515ZItZHldt2NH0tFvjAdx9XqLsAGMJLO2qVdczF/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="martini at Rix Lounge in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglavZArbSZT9M4Hatj-9oQqO5J-c8JFcy0cKnKjaCFXz3ynSg3ntDjT-819RqFnQfcb7JUap7HcCxJ_HQHVZdcR9atW7ABXlGMZqmx515ZItZHldt2NH0tFvjAdx9XqLsAGMJLO2qVdczF/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+38.jpg" title="martini at Rix Lounge in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoKo4fxEj7Gm_kCuOPv2nnuj3vjYiZ46PgsEtVf1d4LKjWaz9VfsZskhU0ll2D9GLgP4evK3iAI00ha2xf_Z_jmMXlmsejaIyktWag_1oIxKZcTWjYhSVBADg1ViZDIFOBfsTn5Dd_0mG/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+fries+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="potato wedges at Rix Lounge in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoKo4fxEj7Gm_kCuOPv2nnuj3vjYiZ46PgsEtVf1d4LKjWaz9VfsZskhU0ll2D9GLgP4evK3iAI00ha2xf_Z_jmMXlmsejaIyktWag_1oIxKZcTWjYhSVBADg1ViZDIFOBfsTn5Dd_0mG/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+fries+39.jpg" title="potato wedges at Rix Lounge in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnIJo8vE7dWclk57OdsQXlxcSn7KepqBQg5JOh0cDaK-_Skw3vAL7CgsYvBMBqTcJiKUm3tEkviWBa-CP8ui_nDFMEryOB399cqDjScZib8FD8H2VIy_J1357k53pNZYqLmAGobvRCedQ/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+flatbread+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flatbread at Rix Lounge in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnIJo8vE7dWclk57OdsQXlxcSn7KepqBQg5JOh0cDaK-_Skw3vAL7CgsYvBMBqTcJiKUm3tEkviWBa-CP8ui_nDFMEryOB399cqDjScZib8FD8H2VIy_J1357k53pNZYqLmAGobvRCedQ/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+flatbread+40.jpg" title="flatbread at Rix Lounge in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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First of all, you had me at martini bar. Second of all, it was a really swanky, fun spot. My martini was stiff and delicious. The food offered at Rix consists of mostly shareable bites from a small menu. There weren't a whole lot of veg options, but I ordered their buffalo chicken potato wedges without chicken (which I really enjoyed), as well as their veggie flatbread (which didn't really do much for me). The atmosphere was great, and we all had a really fun time!<br />
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Before embarking on Magic Kingdom the next morning, Jon and I ordered up some room service for breakfast. It was decently priced and really convenient because we were able to schedule it the night before. We did this twice during the trip, we were such big fans.<br />
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Both times I ordered an egg white vegetable omelet with sliced tomatoes and toast, and it gave me the perfect amount of fuel to start the day off!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0IP4L1OUOOeGrtih4RFfHzuy44tvswJi1I4poTVxur7OUCubEOlu120JV5btxLhTOCsJgULkj3mrlBYyLy13aZA8NuJypE1BF1q1mEaPlKEjacNkG2ZmYHeHgIVK_eBasoivI1tuw7LY/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0IP4L1OUOOeGrtih4RFfHzuy44tvswJi1I4poTVxur7OUCubEOlu120JV5btxLhTOCsJgULkj3mrlBYyLy13aZA8NuJypE1BF1q1mEaPlKEjacNkG2ZmYHeHgIVK_eBasoivI1tuw7LY/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+43.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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We told Jon that since it was his first visit to Disney World, he <i>had</i> to wear a first timer button. He was a good sport about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w1yFWJ36v0cLZQOkVjNAmT-CpXzjhHS8CzNQq89uLi0TUY-H9_CYInrs4N1GwWNgrKazum0A6CtXMEOsR8MLRqaA3gc7oAxzuyZKsopd8rHAiAp7TCItNoxvR8p4JUGXiuCSJcaqWoSZ/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w1yFWJ36v0cLZQOkVjNAmT-CpXzjhHS8CzNQq89uLi0TUY-H9_CYInrs4N1GwWNgrKazum0A6CtXMEOsR8MLRqaA3gc7oAxzuyZKsopd8rHAiAp7TCItNoxvR8p4JUGXiuCSJcaqWoSZ/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+49.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier18BksEwrnoS8T1OOO3UUaK1ZvxXetuokQNXzhKblzFHgnPCq3Iov-kpATc2dCj0ChyELqMc6xdiYjGc4vr2ZABhAYTgmsTTI9D3p1yC4PbusV15ly9W1VEKkwPgF2co1WKQyPWutwtX/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier18BksEwrnoS8T1OOO3UUaK1ZvxXetuokQNXzhKblzFHgnPCq3Iov-kpATc2dCj0ChyELqMc6xdiYjGc4vr2ZABhAYTgmsTTI9D3p1yC4PbusV15ly9W1VEKkwPgF2co1WKQyPWutwtX/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+08.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpKX34JfMCstxny0mGMmbLujUSaeO53npSlW5j3kn6siSUxbIYXamBlf5E2saxPuZCDjHnQBjJjtSKK_XAhOlrX_IBbIysWK4og_Xh_LFc96QVmNhEuuY1T_Rz89JyuH5HMErAmnTA8SP/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpKX34JfMCstxny0mGMmbLujUSaeO53npSlW5j3kn6siSUxbIYXamBlf5E2saxPuZCDjHnQBjJjtSKK_XAhOlrX_IBbIysWK4og_Xh_LFc96QVmNhEuuY1T_Rz89JyuH5HMErAmnTA8SP/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+09.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lzBTwuqH3ddIMQ6_7zR1gzcylqrrVtSfctidFJjxP4NGCyMdR4JbKUTyI2r9tZmQ5uLxb8njb6O5SG_Kg0EE1SYAAzjR_kcMwcDMYVLdHCUbZ00NyHSje_IlnZziABdWDodC4mcyu96_/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lzBTwuqH3ddIMQ6_7zR1gzcylqrrVtSfctidFJjxP4NGCyMdR4JbKUTyI2r9tZmQ5uLxb8njb6O5SG_Kg0EE1SYAAzjR_kcMwcDMYVLdHCUbZ00NyHSje_IlnZziABdWDodC4mcyu96_/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+10.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Yes, that's a giant crane behind Cinderella's castle. Apparently <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wdwcrane/">it's famous</a>!<br />
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Our first ride that day was the Winnie the Pooh Ride. I rode with my mom and sister, while the boys all shared a honey pot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x09-DLB7U1mAPpiIhPccoyeZ90fYsefIEQU9YFm3Io6Vr8B2F_56EZLYQZNduYltm1p455qHQ67ALZfkHg8oV2-JTrdrrm6utNQHBBFOYp_Ey2H3ZlohrYrLuhZeWPlMv6i5Hwy-Lr6W/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winnie the Pooh ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9x09-DLB7U1mAPpiIhPccoyeZ90fYsefIEQU9YFm3Io6Vr8B2F_56EZLYQZNduYltm1p455qHQ67ALZfkHg8oV2-JTrdrrm6utNQHBBFOYp_Ey2H3ZlohrYrLuhZeWPlMv6i5Hwy-Lr6W/s1600/disney+vacation+food+rix+lounge+drinks+44.jpg" title="Winnie the Pooh ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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They said it was pretty awkward.<br />
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I'm not going to recap every ride we went on at Magic Kingdom because there were a lot, but I'll go through some highlights.<br />
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Buzz Lightyear:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtUMVU1Yit20XT88r0_byc2qPI9cF9hCA9ytn_bD1ewwCBF4iZ2DMe1yTXgMQRfGIqnsWSh_7dH4NXPng_t-JwWgNcwRSbLydOZpFRMjDDNm7CroYBNx1kRWyQFVM90_tWxx0Mr4Ra718/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtUMVU1Yit20XT88r0_byc2qPI9cF9hCA9ytn_bD1ewwCBF4iZ2DMe1yTXgMQRfGIqnsWSh_7dH4NXPng_t-JwWgNcwRSbLydOZpFRMjDDNm7CroYBNx1kRWyQFVM90_tWxx0Mr4Ra718/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+45.JPG" title="Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwon_HOeWCIZAAfIpCK4rcG0dUyDHLNyHAjwCvQAT8mi9KIVsXMEo4R1vTmGjo4Fqs9EnFiYiptHDs-mTcTV6Fjf-6e150LGrO3_YrohatzSWeaQ6n61CPm2Ypg0cq7LzFTZjj_7so2vV/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwon_HOeWCIZAAfIpCK4rcG0dUyDHLNyHAjwCvQAT8mi9KIVsXMEo4R1vTmGjo4Fqs9EnFiYiptHDs-mTcTV6Fjf-6e150LGrO3_YrohatzSWeaQ6n61CPm2Ypg0cq7LzFTZjj_7so2vV/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+11.jpg" title="Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuNNE_mLhCrmhaOU_YiGBv1Eq4XCiBSN_drifQbp-B5nuioojB2JYXRKXOZcqJ7mJIzGNpRFMldEdjDfBw_2JFLWiydIicK_RtcK3E_NdLJiiZJ6AAuxslpINIKACsOR1XmuKb-hSiZAE/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuNNE_mLhCrmhaOU_YiGBv1Eq4XCiBSN_drifQbp-B5nuioojB2JYXRKXOZcqJ7mJIzGNpRFMldEdjDfBw_2JFLWiydIicK_RtcK3E_NdLJiiZJ6AAuxslpINIKACsOR1XmuKb-hSiZAE/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+12.JPG" title="Buzz Lightyear ride at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Carousel of Progress:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T6V19dvFZmaIFDmwtbtzYcP0rAJoBpssuPL5Itb4GvfnzSIEecBqC34wB2WkX7akFgTFGoQa_fu74ncNYp2m0loOYrh_9GF-FqJCmJWHcPzdEEEOnwaWuTnG4m56DjcXa7-aMk8vjtGr/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T6V19dvFZmaIFDmwtbtzYcP0rAJoBpssuPL5Itb4GvfnzSIEecBqC34wB2WkX7akFgTFGoQa_fu74ncNYp2m0loOYrh_9GF-FqJCmJWHcPzdEEEOnwaWuTnG4m56DjcXa7-aMk8vjtGr/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+47.jpg" title="Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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^ This is apparently what the future looks like. Aren't you PUMPED? Also, we got stuck in the year 1890, and the animatronic characters looped through their script three different times. It was equal parts hilarious and terrifying.<br />
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Oh, and we ran into none other than my favorite person in the world, my cousin Colleen!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1j2fZPI4QnsirTC3Jh0ugMVXVhNrg0hz_zfx_bBwsy0pnn1WDWUvEQMUIQolqIy0OIh1r8ybQyS6B1fz1SSGETjtOjtkQPmtLpoxWkX-ONrYiRhkgpJZI081g_XOvAny8X38zM55iRTb/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1j2fZPI4QnsirTC3Jh0ugMVXVhNrg0hz_zfx_bBwsy0pnn1WDWUvEQMUIQolqIy0OIh1r8ybQyS6B1fz1SSGETjtOjtkQPmtLpoxWkX-ONrYiRhkgpJZI081g_XOvAny8X38zM55iRTb/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+13.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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(This was planned. She works at Disney).<br />
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Other highlights included Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor., and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA9plOA6hoaebUrygbH8unuJiIU7ife5eLL6KCm4QBP1JO5nIr2xe2OPdLN4OPicU36ArLCGJfdjKFjh14uQ555AzbbwmdTTXUYDzdDcyfgDjw25kwQVv24ozcITP_kEeVxeU0SeYOSc6/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA9plOA6hoaebUrygbH8unuJiIU7ife5eLL6KCm4QBP1JO5nIr2xe2OPdLN4OPicU36ArLCGJfdjKFjh14uQ555AzbbwmdTTXUYDzdDcyfgDjw25kwQVv24ozcITP_kEeVxeU0SeYOSc6/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+16.jpg" title="PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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For lunch we ate at the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/columbia-harbour-house/">Columbia Harbour House</a>, which is a tradition in my family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJhxq0u4B1nNTkSy6MAYu7BRIDxFnWtpZYfcIsj8XIP7GnkxAlgsZFziK0tww28IA7eF4ngoQtH2bljKc3quEyvPYkSpSHgI6R2_0us_cHPgPqKzu2yFKBBlzMi3fXBrNW6bLE-HoaVRF/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+food+46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sandwich at Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJhxq0u4B1nNTkSy6MAYu7BRIDxFnWtpZYfcIsj8XIP7GnkxAlgsZFziK0tww28IA7eF4ngoQtH2bljKc3quEyvPYkSpSHgI6R2_0us_cHPgPqKzu2yFKBBlzMi3fXBrNW6bLE-HoaVRF/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+food+46.jpg" title="Sandwich at Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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I ordered the lighthouse sandwich with a side of broccoli, and it was quite tasty!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI38wXqmnjBjBS1Yj9ZQ5oxJxQ2du0Z6f9cGK0MKRf3dHeaz4YvwARKLP1DrbkTbL5-VgmHZglSRHwLWI_N9mL1xpEzUnFcUTmW1SoG2MolHeBa2FQL3qXUa_qR87kaxvXghZp2c640T4l/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+food+dole+whip+48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dole Whips at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI38wXqmnjBjBS1Yj9ZQ5oxJxQ2du0Z6f9cGK0MKRf3dHeaz4YvwARKLP1DrbkTbL5-VgmHZglSRHwLWI_N9mL1xpEzUnFcUTmW1SoG2MolHeBa2FQL3qXUa_qR87kaxvXghZp2c640T4l/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+food+dole+whip+48.jpg" title="Dole Whips at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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And we also had another Dole Whip OF COURSE.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xkUIwADTXEQqmTmTn32UJWaj_jnQqw1gka7GsS68XWTtIv3d6qGYa6ogczSfapTBq0hfilwm8PSkkjACUv7-qMycdTK0laJmTNBXx-ZUvdxZLQdqyzSY85qVhLD55a8IfcBPM2d6AHtj/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xkUIwADTXEQqmTmTn32UJWaj_jnQqw1gka7GsS68XWTtIv3d6qGYa6ogczSfapTBq0hfilwm8PSkkjACUv7-qMycdTK0laJmTNBXx-ZUvdxZLQdqyzSY85qVhLD55a8IfcBPM2d6AHtj/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+50.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oFQaoKkOPWRb4ItU-6aHZUoEeqWAR9GXjRJvs8PAWE5_YLKALJCA7XcSZ-L-rAuKJHHNv5zc3xp02MVbDCOqL-_9rP4j4HCzU8GU_S_4a_HEQhGzzwizMyCWBw14u_hFPHN3Tpevl5Nf/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oFQaoKkOPWRb4ItU-6aHZUoEeqWAR9GXjRJvs8PAWE5_YLKALJCA7XcSZ-L-rAuKJHHNv5zc3xp02MVbDCOqL-_9rP4j4HCzU8GU_S_4a_HEQhGzzwizMyCWBw14u_hFPHN3Tpevl5Nf/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+51.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
<br />
So that was was Magic Kingdom Day, aka THE DAY MY LITTLE SISTER GOT ENGAGED!!!<br />
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Wait, what's that, you say? Two engagements in one trip?! You would be correct!<br />
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So the thing is, all of us knew Danny was planning on proposing to Emily at Disney. I knew for months, and I did not. tell. a. soul. I swear, it's the biggest secret I've ever kept! He had this whole plan that he would propose to her at the end of the day in front of Cinderella's castle, so it was this big, anxious, exciting day leading up to that moment!<br />
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(Except for Emily. She was completely clueless, even when I - out of nowhere - started applying makeup to her face 10 minutes before the proposal).<br />
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(Also, major props to my mother, who carried the ring around with her and was having minor panic attacks over it all day).<br />
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My parents said, "Danny and Emily, take a picture with us in front of the castle, and then we'll take one with Jon and Kim." <~~ (Fun fact, that second part never happened.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoufcHlEUCFvK0E_tDeXBgh9zMEEIM9icYADgs4XlaDykIkLN5h44j7sA1gNdbnpGfKIPhznpCIpDbJcbCtY1CaMeKV2am4g4iwyiM7c5E26vJiB_ahd3KUpUNB-grKh3wRPcEn_gr5B6X/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoufcHlEUCFvK0E_tDeXBgh9zMEEIM9icYADgs4XlaDykIkLN5h44j7sA1gNdbnpGfKIPhznpCIpDbJcbCtY1CaMeKV2am4g4iwyiM7c5E26vJiB_ahd3KUpUNB-grKh3wRPcEn_gr5B6X/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+52.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
<br />
Then Danny was like, "Em, let's take a selfie!"<br />
<br />
(and she was like uhh wtf you never want to take selfies.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKVM_JHFKgS0FAX7XiHSYc3O0e2VR0YnGSk_3TAMhyaHxXPuPjvkVnI6q7ps2F1qh_WD_7v2YpSHVCD4HKc5QbXkACQgJzTK1jr8Tv3BSzsNH4m3mXtJv_FybECrJrO9E-b7sUu2_lKY9/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKVM_JHFKgS0FAX7XiHSYc3O0e2VR0YnGSk_3TAMhyaHxXPuPjvkVnI6q7ps2F1qh_WD_7v2YpSHVCD4HKc5QbXkACQgJzTK1jr8Tv3BSzsNH4m3mXtJv_FybECrJrO9E-b7sUu2_lKY9/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+53.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
<br />
(um, please pause for a moment to check out the people in the background).<br />
<br />
And then he was all, "Okay, on the count of three, say YES!"<br />
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And she was all, "wwwhhhhaaaattttt???"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFxqyk1LCkIvE2n3zwwH4Bfa2X9wJoRM2ugONJuOJ6IBVObVYu8hc8SZ9L5L4QsioYqkbTFv_NBRDFKejALMkXT1Uj7DXHERIK4TxUOpwKU9K9NAGFZBToW8HoygXkB_W-Rfuxpq6nxlV/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFxqyk1LCkIvE2n3zwwH4Bfa2X9wJoRM2ugONJuOJ6IBVObVYu8hc8SZ9L5L4QsioYqkbTFv_NBRDFKejALMkXT1Uj7DXHERIK4TxUOpwKU9K9NAGFZBToW8HoygXkB_W-Rfuxpq6nxlV/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+55.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFc3das_HZUXh_qzJ_nzgq13z9M7uxX-Bq65QvjRzgiryuWAo8Lfn7gfbcnGBJY1nJy6eebjrrCWE6CProHb5lNyEsQbe6mTq6Zz0VQOZwv844WaYTq-nZ2FZG-SBNdFLLd2i3CTLyK5l/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFc3das_HZUXh_qzJ_nzgq13z9M7uxX-Bq65QvjRzgiryuWAo8Lfn7gfbcnGBJY1nJy6eebjrrCWE6CProHb5lNyEsQbe6mTq6Zz0VQOZwv844WaYTq-nZ2FZG-SBNdFLLd2i3CTLyK5l/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+56.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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And then I was like, "EXCUSE ME I CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE PICTURES I'M IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTIONSSSS!!!!!!"<br />
<br />
And then Danny's parents casually walked up and were like "Oh hey, you guys are here too?" Because Danny flew them in for the proposal!<br />
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Is that not perfect and wonderful and amazing, and did you not just cry your eyes out like I did?<br />
<br />
Whew!<br />
<br />
After that, we all headed to EPCOT for a lively, joyous, love-filled, lederhosen'ed dinner at the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/biergarten-restaurant/">Biergarten</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkO-Kvn6NOPnxjQDQ5KmrI71qRqrEjsWEenS6cbti4kni4qWxEWUrtgs0LAmWDH4PY-eqocBksM9BR2q9iO-J1mvj5DSc2_jBfswLItzCqGBdyAwjhZKGnYTsd90jadg5i9Do19Qjiozm/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Biergarten at EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkO-Kvn6NOPnxjQDQ5KmrI71qRqrEjsWEenS6cbti4kni4qWxEWUrtgs0LAmWDH4PY-eqocBksM9BR2q9iO-J1mvj5DSc2_jBfswLItzCqGBdyAwjhZKGnYTsd90jadg5i9Do19Qjiozm/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+18.jpg" title="Biergarten at EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Then we watched the EPCOT fireworks show <i>Illuminations</i>, cried some more, and had champagne at a bar in our hotel!<br />
<br />
The next day was our full day at EPCOT. Prior to Jon and me meeting up with my parents for breakfast, he suggested we have coffee on our pretty hotel balcony.<br />
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AND BY THAT HE MEANT COFFEE AND A PROPOSAL.<br />
<br />
!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Needless to say, I was completely, 100%, totally shocked. And so so SO happy! I knew pretty early on that Jon was it for me, and I'd be the luckiest person alive if I were able to spend my life with him. And now that's all coming true!<br />
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The cool thing about Jon's proposal is that my mom, my sister, and Colleen had no idea. So when we went to breakfast on the Boardwalk with my parents, my mom freaked! Also, where we ate was absolutely beautiful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbWi6HEn2w5nB9td3PVdNikNiXRq1Kr0n8MmtAWf5leUl5C40G0bSpKQcn-IXa3Rr2RbSE2A9E-JA_ryaftySg8T5SIRGFAcs51TjNBDdn-grVhEtIyHVtOVEiF1i-868ForwZ5oIL5ze/s1600/disney+boardwalk+vacation+60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boardwalk in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbWi6HEn2w5nB9td3PVdNikNiXRq1Kr0n8MmtAWf5leUl5C40G0bSpKQcn-IXa3Rr2RbSE2A9E-JA_ryaftySg8T5SIRGFAcs51TjNBDdn-grVhEtIyHVtOVEiF1i-868ForwZ5oIL5ze/s1600/disney+boardwalk+vacation+60.jpg" title="Boardwalk in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhYznJuFWOOV4zPAuJYsbc4mfmAT3M4GwldzRUB9hP_7eO67ZsrkeTVahUN62CAKwDR4lLg-Eu5NrVLPu4wG9H2_b0VmeczcePrFv4yP21OvsZ_jH_9Lz9ip6ixfR4qgymKz2YkoiIyFG/s1600/disney+vacation+boardwalk+food+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boardwalk in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhYznJuFWOOV4zPAuJYsbc4mfmAT3M4GwldzRUB9hP_7eO67ZsrkeTVahUN62CAKwDR4lLg-Eu5NrVLPu4wG9H2_b0VmeczcePrFv4yP21OvsZ_jH_9Lz9ip6ixfR4qgymKz2YkoiIyFG/s1600/disney+vacation+boardwalk+food+20.jpg" title="Boardwalk in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNcb6V31yaFeZJLo2HJ0eXGJotcLzgzCx2IOHpqLSey0PF_BvmjxK7UWu8pQ0OhtcEbMTcu_tKY87Arp3Xh-UgUbyRsdeNAtlzYDIxkfvYsnLGHd7F-C1OV6eV0_wemD-PfC8XxBhHNnr/s1600/disney+boardwalk+vacation+61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boardwalk in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNcb6V31yaFeZJLo2HJ0eXGJotcLzgzCx2IOHpqLSey0PF_BvmjxK7UWu8pQ0OhtcEbMTcu_tKY87Arp3Xh-UgUbyRsdeNAtlzYDIxkfvYsnLGHd7F-C1OV6eV0_wemD-PfC8XxBhHNnr/s1600/disney+boardwalk+vacation+61.jpg" title="Boardwalk in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
<br />
Before meeting my sister and Danny at the Paris bakery in EPCOT, we got some action shots of me telling Emily.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCUk4GIwkrDMOnpDmvwBh-bfJ_IeMoWv_Z2lzVb97Xsg9PpYMOU5KSIA12kYNWPNSoNKI7Ka9o0UdKk2enKoQCjTeh9rc1HjE4YB8-WBGbS-Qgl2Rot-KAA4oV1kB1kkBAd1PC_EKw_zv/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCUk4GIwkrDMOnpDmvwBh-bfJ_IeMoWv_Z2lzVb97Xsg9PpYMOU5KSIA12kYNWPNSoNKI7Ka9o0UdKk2enKoQCjTeh9rc1HjE4YB8-WBGbS-Qgl2Rot-KAA4oV1kB1kkBAd1PC_EKw_zv/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+21.jpg" title="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk8fHOkMmxHrnei18nwUP33dV1ziu0R27dsziuJdkCqzzfpGCADmlq3fdIsxquyrGrA296OEg2fK6zlpYIqU9yFhf6utCH7w4MlgT7DqbvOgBAMO_lX22TTCNpnwc64KhYxVFc_HLBSAG/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk8fHOkMmxHrnei18nwUP33dV1ziu0R27dsziuJdkCqzzfpGCADmlq3fdIsxquyrGrA296OEg2fK6zlpYIqU9yFhf6utCH7w4MlgT7DqbvOgBAMO_lX22TTCNpnwc64KhYxVFc_HLBSAG/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+22.jpg" title="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4gbdXyXUaniIL25ZoUe1cMuNfUUxxPbxK8bk4ZRp4aEh4SA5yyrhKv1cP4bFlWlH_f4hXSuEARl0nwr6jPECe9ozcc_ATYEbvwnC07ooS_TOFTTTVgmq4jfXx5twqxxjkOud586y9EjP/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drinks at the Paris bakery in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4gbdXyXUaniIL25ZoUe1cMuNfUUxxPbxK8bk4ZRp4aEh4SA5yyrhKv1cP4bFlWlH_f4hXSuEARl0nwr6jPECe9ozcc_ATYEbvwnC07ooS_TOFTTTVgmq4jfXx5twqxxjkOud586y9EjP/s1600/02.jpg" title="drinks at the Paris bakery in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Then we drank champagne, rode my favorite ride, Soarin', and met up with Colleen. And man, I got her good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiDQRdM55JfQWkSGFfc215qx0IJN3QmLHi7KCZjwCkyTgtIzAvZ6QKXBKil2GhPUiMKmN5HNi_lqNKQL4zajqbAHKLxXPuXHGkeJ1Px3uk0X215E6it6RUZSz-Vm0YjZMfBvlNvgcvm0h/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiDQRdM55JfQWkSGFfc215qx0IJN3QmLHi7KCZjwCkyTgtIzAvZ6QKXBKil2GhPUiMKmN5HNi_lqNKQL4zajqbAHKLxXPuXHGkeJ1Px3uk0X215E6it6RUZSz-Vm0YjZMfBvlNvgcvm0h/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+24.jpg" title="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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More rides, more laughter, more love, more magic, and more food.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJnQxf61aDFcISIoHUaTqCWAUWXySHh_V7XxabOupaF3Bvq0IKlVPJvZ3RTJMyJhnvKbCnkUJmMtPnOUa3mHfWC72nOU3vDL9rdtY3kDR0Pt9C9rnKp95WeYjhalWgO0ejUuYGDsJaqEW/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+nachos+63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lunch at the Mexican restaurant in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJnQxf61aDFcISIoHUaTqCWAUWXySHh_V7XxabOupaF3Bvq0IKlVPJvZ3RTJMyJhnvKbCnkUJmMtPnOUa3mHfWC72nOU3vDL9rdtY3kDR0Pt9C9rnKp95WeYjhalWgO0ejUuYGDsJaqEW/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+nachos+63.jpg" title="Lunch at the Mexican restaurant in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
<br />
Another Ogonosky family tradition is grabbing lunch and margaritas at EPCOT's <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/cantina-de-san-angel/">La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico</a>. So good!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzc7PqeGOVYIud3qIX9TTuKz3IVM0DPfN18IZWGOfuoV1TgMXHZbQwANHDjKtXQyW6gtRFQ7VdQoOj3XVDm1pzdgaxGXwOz5dE8c7q1BNByoFtmGMRtOkeZDvhflQsHJr4nX8_ftl_JTm/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzc7PqeGOVYIud3qIX9TTuKz3IVM0DPfN18IZWGOfuoV1TgMXHZbQwANHDjKtXQyW6gtRFQ7VdQoOj3XVDm1pzdgaxGXwOz5dE8c7q1BNByoFtmGMRtOkeZDvhflQsHJr4nX8_ftl_JTm/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+25.jpg" title="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03WJUa8F9sTi_SOMbtvj_b2RrAD5PIc6ijzxSWLDk6jgiAKE_ob9MK95VEe_rQAz9cvO1YGH93nGqQeP84fLoTHbGGp_wMu-TV6IvuUYPqR9JmOvgyrryA8U8zAdu89FyJjNndQ5DeSnp/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03WJUa8F9sTi_SOMbtvj_b2RrAD5PIc6ijzxSWLDk6jgiAKE_ob9MK95VEe_rQAz9cvO1YGH93nGqQeP84fLoTHbGGp_wMu-TV6IvuUYPqR9JmOvgyrryA8U8zAdu89FyJjNndQ5DeSnp/s1600/04.jpg" title="EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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(If these pictures are getting annoying, feel free to click on that little red box with the "x" on it in the top right hand corner of your screen).<br />
<br />
After we ate and drank around the world, we all split up for dinner. Jon, Colleen, and I had a wonderful meal at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/le-cellier-steakhouse/">Le Cellier</a>, located in Canada.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fqgqslLYkX8dbSI0l7ePEogBS9oWrO4rh33ADoSUGUn2tLliLY_e8_5ASqgE_bJjMcq7erBdo3hNozspxBpGVuwTtrE8MPpvKgPr8ztRwkjuteTExE4GWw617S4DXSYnRSyGYoV6pSNa/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+bread+64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fqgqslLYkX8dbSI0l7ePEogBS9oWrO4rh33ADoSUGUn2tLliLY_e8_5ASqgE_bJjMcq7erBdo3hNozspxBpGVuwTtrE8MPpvKgPr8ztRwkjuteTExE4GWw617S4DXSYnRSyGYoV6pSNa/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+bread+64.jpg" title="bread at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7T4-3ciS9foTNk5Ojs4_rPOMwjV2i541ZkLZFTXBSy4L512lPzmt_RWmZM7sGke9yKN7t6b4Iq-J5uE7JAPpXvdEMTgtWJVCFtD8MDZq1K7oMqHXUGcouWY3AQ7Sx5tmUSm6H-epZIFT/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+cheese+65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="brie at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7T4-3ciS9foTNk5Ojs4_rPOMwjV2i541ZkLZFTXBSy4L512lPzmt_RWmZM7sGke9yKN7t6b4Iq-J5uE7JAPpXvdEMTgtWJVCFtD8MDZq1K7oMqHXUGcouWY3AQ7Sx5tmUSm6H-epZIFT/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+cheese+65.jpg" title="brie at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagJRZiUDGpg4ixy7REAfMPG_z7vCNpyClfaeIv-xBc8HLljcliuda1eBbstoSUynERnWvwmnkjg1Mit68BUzq-FwREe8ysFseJaw7nPTox6KeR7c8NzwuhvSxw2EJ7RoJANtrtIRlImLR/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+tofu+66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tofu at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagJRZiUDGpg4ixy7REAfMPG_z7vCNpyClfaeIv-xBc8HLljcliuda1eBbstoSUynERnWvwmnkjg1Mit68BUzq-FwREe8ysFseJaw7nPTox6KeR7c8NzwuhvSxw2EJ7RoJANtrtIRlImLR/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+tofu+66.jpg" title="tofu at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUtA8u1BoRvrPcBu5M33xRe9HCs_zupcZyo0O0sJSDo0XQ_xBRmUR4uHlJ_GbZXIzETOqhh6Wwn-ZX1w6N4C1SyATGi5YdgR5Gpw9_uiS3mdQppY3tNH6e8BCl784hb5axsKIJ5ocFc-B/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+potatoes+67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="potatoes at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUtA8u1BoRvrPcBu5M33xRe9HCs_zupcZyo0O0sJSDo0XQ_xBRmUR4uHlJ_GbZXIzETOqhh6Wwn-ZX1w6N4C1SyATGi5YdgR5Gpw9_uiS3mdQppY3tNH6e8BCl784hb5axsKIJ5ocFc-B/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+potatoes+67.jpg" title="potatoes at Le Cellier in EPCOT in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Once we were seated we were provided with complementary pretzel bread, which was ugh SO GOOD. Colleen and I ordered the baked triple-cream brie to split as an appetizer, and while I liked it, it was almost - I can't even believe I'm saying this - a little too rich for me with the doughy baked shell around it. For my entree I ordered the meyer lemon-scented tofu, which was good, but didn't blow me away. But I also ordered a side of the potato-turnip gratin, and it was INCREDIBLE. Oozy, creamy, rich, cheezy, bubbling, and SO decadent. I couldn't get enough! Colleen and Jon were totally enamored with their dishes of New York Strip and halibut.<br />
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Then Jon and I came back to our hotel room to find a super thoughtful gift from our friends Dillon and Melinda!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdBy4G1yObSZlAcaD5sy-kMlbcFL-MFE3vvrCrWpzTzu0eR2kWudmNOG4SXwKvRw-YCQt8tAygodlNNPoC2ioHqGVvFa0BTtJo-gkqcDSP8po_hd1HxKBKGLvK1wuUShF51WBZ9hNwInU/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+68.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="champagne at Beach Club Villas in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdBy4G1yObSZlAcaD5sy-kMlbcFL-MFE3vvrCrWpzTzu0eR2kWudmNOG4SXwKvRw-YCQt8tAygodlNNPoC2ioHqGVvFa0BTtJo-gkqcDSP8po_hd1HxKBKGLvK1wuUShF51WBZ9hNwInU/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+68.png" title="champagne at Beach Club Villas in Disney World, Florida" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapchat: newishcityHOU</td></tr>
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The next day was our last full day, and we spent the first part of it in Hollywood Studios. Jon and I were able to take a ferry there from our hotel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrPgRSBsbvExcsCyE7hcg2dknAC-n20s4gYwc5wVb8sp7HMS-skWnrKhBVfqyRbDdUhxHTdn3lNj1UzUPRi8fyw3GgODYCEAzX_EeDd8WHnQldvC6yp1SaVl5suDFpyPZsvUjbhr7mWjk/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrPgRSBsbvExcsCyE7hcg2dknAC-n20s4gYwc5wVb8sp7HMS-skWnrKhBVfqyRbDdUhxHTdn3lNj1UzUPRi8fyw3GgODYCEAzX_EeDd8WHnQldvC6yp1SaVl5suDFpyPZsvUjbhr7mWjk/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+69.jpg" title="Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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This picture is funny because where is Jon even looking, AND check out the other couple taking a selfie behind us. BFFs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJu2tcM770AFVwGkstzbgExFiaW1khaSusGrP7nkcFTqmgN99N6ffH4pYNfK_mxARzXM-SxP8qonXR-7acaT0gRJAIVy09qaF-xvqzAXlWVc4lILnYQNM3KX67ifvjx8nqGS8kA05ZZ3h/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJu2tcM770AFVwGkstzbgExFiaW1khaSusGrP7nkcFTqmgN99N6ffH4pYNfK_mxARzXM-SxP8qonXR-7acaT0gRJAIVy09qaF-xvqzAXlWVc4lILnYQNM3KX67ifvjx8nqGS8kA05ZZ3h/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+70.jpg" title="Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJMVIAs6QwKqwuBSTkbs6MgNmuiEMSL01z-UUG67ZWTIqqnZp38XPsgfbPJwAB2bm5WNPtVwprYbuK0BXzp4QBnL5ORrLLOW8oUONwkhJvDyfLbIcXLF-wTZMmJwOx71_ZMM25-LkEF-2/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJMVIAs6QwKqwuBSTkbs6MgNmuiEMSL01z-UUG67ZWTIqqnZp38XPsgfbPJwAB2bm5WNPtVwprYbuK0BXzp4QBnL5ORrLLOW8oUONwkhJvDyfLbIcXLF-wTZMmJwOx71_ZMM25-LkEF-2/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+26.jpg" title="Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Our first ride of the day was the Rockin' Rollercoaster, which goes so fast it makes you look like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet68cqDIFueIkwFJk-IVYGD2i9AabdeEZtuqumtBNvAvL0mMWPBZzBYhVTR6IzOVKH47mfe0lrtVnn1YY8cykEFbuqXA0AEtzdalC-0MNYlLZHUxMgwav27CFgWVLn1dLo7YGREqKiwUS/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rockin' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet68cqDIFueIkwFJk-IVYGD2i9AabdeEZtuqumtBNvAvL0mMWPBZzBYhVTR6IzOVKH47mfe0lrtVnn1YY8cykEFbuqXA0AEtzdalC-0MNYlLZHUxMgwav27CFgWVLn1dLo7YGREqKiwUS/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+71.jpg" title="Rockin' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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We also hit up Toy Story Mania (SO fun!), Muppets 3D, the Great Movie Ride, and the Tower of Terror, where Jon almost knocked a lady out with his backpack that flew up in the air as we plummeted downwards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZblUhRmtCP-Lll7ZuSIxOU1WWRo8OsqB050qirWM39nD3rvlvrdt9_fzRxV6Nntrhfg8YzWFUToPKQtO5Df6ToZrHggsbFWvxCUXAm04Lv5nRtNlSQj4mBSiMV_ylw8os2ap5AMq00Oz/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZblUhRmtCP-Lll7ZuSIxOU1WWRo8OsqB050qirWM39nD3rvlvrdt9_fzRxV6Nntrhfg8YzWFUToPKQtO5Df6ToZrHggsbFWvxCUXAm04Lv5nRtNlSQj4mBSiMV_ylw8os2ap5AMq00Oz/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+73.jpg" title="The Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_wDmnck76DQ_WYy8Cd2XFJhah4TcBuzw-vYCOQDfViO09uLsYaUGB7A5azdD_OXgTGFSx2VrSfcd9PHnPwJpdPSFQYBb-CsgmBCwyQnNpJTlq1e8MPHiWYODJ6Daw28RoHETZqJNxTIW/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_wDmnck76DQ_WYy8Cd2XFJhah4TcBuzw-vYCOQDfViO09uLsYaUGB7A5azdD_OXgTGFSx2VrSfcd9PHnPwJpdPSFQYBb-CsgmBCwyQnNpJTlq1e8MPHiWYODJ6Daw28RoHETZqJNxTIW/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+27.jpg" title="The Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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For lunch that day, we ate at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/backlot-express/">Backlot Express</a> (another Ogonosky tradition of course), and I had an awesome caprese sandwich.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaT_NW5fR93Uim7drzg9AY1md7dq13Pl1wL6Q9qIKpcXjJJ-9qC3D4r1YLWtjjaoKM6woXiXdZYGR4W7n1HmqUU9Km9W8ruaSLOMl8cNQyju9oIfI82qEj6ctWA7IQjNCJejXkJu5bfLh/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+food+sandwich+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sandwich at Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaT_NW5fR93Uim7drzg9AY1md7dq13Pl1wL6Q9qIKpcXjJJ-9qC3D4r1YLWtjjaoKM6woXiXdZYGR4W7n1HmqUU9Km9W8ruaSLOMl8cNQyju9oIfI82qEj6ctWA7IQjNCJejXkJu5bfLh/s1600/disney+hollywood+studios+vacation+food+sandwich+72.jpg" title="Sandwich at Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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After lunch, we all went our separate ways - My parents hung out at their hotel pool, Emily and Danny went back to Magic Kingdom because they're young and alive, and Jon and I did about 30 laps floating in our hotel's lazy river.<br />
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We met up that evening for drinks at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/trader-sams-grog-grotto/">Trader Sam's</a>, followed by dinner at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/kona-cafe/">Kona Cafe</a> in Disney's Polynesian resort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJcAaJwLxz-MOytkCb9mRUATZY1RRW5ymCdqc1Z5mlzrTZLsegWVC2URH9VWR7nMW5yXrQ-oU7kTJtClVdMAc71cPsoBxRUndHrzVRMGxr1D6gPlZ-onA3wcCMm1Ks8uRAKYaMrq4_MIF/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+drinks+74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drink at Trader Sam's in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJcAaJwLxz-MOytkCb9mRUATZY1RRW5ymCdqc1Z5mlzrTZLsegWVC2URH9VWR7nMW5yXrQ-oU7kTJtClVdMAc71cPsoBxRUndHrzVRMGxr1D6gPlZ-onA3wcCMm1Ks8uRAKYaMrq4_MIF/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+drinks+74.jpg" title="drink at Trader Sam's in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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There was a 30 minute wait to get into Trader Sam's, so we enjoyed some fun, tropical drinks on the patio beforehand.</div>
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Once we got into the bar, we were quickly able to see why people love this place so much. It's a small, dimly lit tiki bar, where the bartenders do crazy things every time you order a drink. I ordered a zombie drink, and all of a sudden creepy music started playing, lights went up on some shrunken heads, and the bartender slowly limped out towards me, with a fake eyeball popping out of his head. Also, I guess one of them played a joke on Danny because his chair kept getting shorter and shorter, until we finally realized he was up to my mom's elbow and could no longer reach his drink.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc-G_sbY5yYB9SmF1aeXtnfNmd6ah_VvEuc_fihmMeiHWymIogL8KpGV8a7EcRnzoD0VH5HsKWHjSYtm6b1G3dyrmCODJljagJjEczQr2hmDQv0vmJh5EwWfoHKxpFQ9FiFCLL7_EBl0a/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+drinks+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trader Sam's in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc-G_sbY5yYB9SmF1aeXtnfNmd6ah_VvEuc_fihmMeiHWymIogL8KpGV8a7EcRnzoD0VH5HsKWHjSYtm6b1G3dyrmCODJljagJjEczQr2hmDQv0vmJh5EwWfoHKxpFQ9FiFCLL7_EBl0a/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+drinks+75.jpg" title="Trader Sam's in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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After drinks, we headed up to Kona Cafe for dinner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ3ZDjEju0L0VGGIcEURQHTbYo18EB_agMc8larNWdd4Hr8H8dqv0lRLN7qtkfcBWyxm4EEe6SqnBqeS5WOoPrW-if38mUiBwuOh2CE_NfytMyHXl3irddbI45MOZUJBo-t4gLxb6us56/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+bread+76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ3ZDjEju0L0VGGIcEURQHTbYo18EB_agMc8larNWdd4Hr8H8dqv0lRLN7qtkfcBWyxm4EEe6SqnBqeS5WOoPrW-if38mUiBwuOh2CE_NfytMyHXl3irddbI45MOZUJBo-t4gLxb6us56/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+bread+76.jpg" title="bread at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNORmjvGoacEj49qzrPAF8wpMDYxfedtWSCA1zZkbcAritNlej6L0oHMsi644dizIHU2jH8Vxo7129eR2QP_iDJSe8Gr1v1d2U6-_IkPLmBi5KEy9o6AWf_HrEe5eGJK7-3gtV7MttK33/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+soup+77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="soup at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNORmjvGoacEj49qzrPAF8wpMDYxfedtWSCA1zZkbcAritNlej6L0oHMsi644dizIHU2jH8Vxo7129eR2QP_iDJSe8Gr1v1d2U6-_IkPLmBi5KEy9o6AWf_HrEe5eGJK7-3gtV7MttK33/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+soup+77.jpg" title="soup at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof48vIA4DP78nA17BXpMXiBIOpz5710n2JhFkOVo4M59I-3pXWlhR3ugX_w-hJUK2DzRlS44zA96hmwyn2XuIQBh-oj6JzV9vG9zEdGTWneBWuUZ1ngCpw2UsSTXEKKUDrEMHn83w1Dy7/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+sushi+78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sushi at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof48vIA4DP78nA17BXpMXiBIOpz5710n2JhFkOVo4M59I-3pXWlhR3ugX_w-hJUK2DzRlS44zA96hmwyn2XuIQBh-oj6JzV9vG9zEdGTWneBWuUZ1ngCpw2UsSTXEKKUDrEMHn83w1Dy7/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+sushi+78.jpg" title="sushi at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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When we were seated, we were presented with an INCREDIBLE fluffy Hawaiian roll with sweet butter. My mom, sister, and I ordered the Thai chili soup to split as an appetizer, which was spicy and soul-warming. We also ordered some sushi rolls for the table, including a vegetable roll. It took forever for those to come out, and it turns out there was some kind of mix-up in the kitchen. When they did finally arrive, we dug into them and were very pleased!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ-vuyrBbv1U0WfQE7U_hsPSyCtclGtQBkAWX-xunIftmPevLO_2zeyQyz4N4N5DLXD_t1KaCWDB9es37jjnPeGjsQ4Gmxo6dmEC_2hFjnKk3P1vntE_TsFIqBNJTtCLoVN_b0a3s3IuS/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+noodles+79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pan-Asian noodles with tofu at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ-vuyrBbv1U0WfQE7U_hsPSyCtclGtQBkAWX-xunIftmPevLO_2zeyQyz4N4N5DLXD_t1KaCWDB9es37jjnPeGjsQ4Gmxo6dmEC_2hFjnKk3P1vntE_TsFIqBNJTtCLoVN_b0a3s3IuS/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+noodles+79.jpg" title="pan-Asian noodles with tofu at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPQQ9VEopl-l2-dZUwn960VLaeve8XlaLwdf2Cia59DQcpF8VQup3ZyymcaM32QI2rPz3czTEGBkaIq_IOwvavZFMK9K3zNo0bg-0ShtfJq8_pujFHiXUNDIQHvXj6wuCfrNbva6bjMU0/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+dessert+80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chocolate covered strawberries at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPQQ9VEopl-l2-dZUwn960VLaeve8XlaLwdf2Cia59DQcpF8VQup3ZyymcaM32QI2rPz3czTEGBkaIq_IOwvavZFMK9K3zNo0bg-0ShtfJq8_pujFHiXUNDIQHvXj6wuCfrNbva6bjMU0/s1600/disney+hotel+vacation+food+dessert+80.jpg" title="chocolate covered strawberries at Kona Cafe in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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For my main course of food, I ordered the pan-Asian noodles with tofu, and they were AWESOME. This was by far one of my favorite things I ate the whole trip. The yakisoba noodles were wok-seared with vegetables in a velvety ginger-garlic sauce, and they were insanely addicting! After we finished all of our food, they brought out a complimentary dessert of chocolate strawberries and a strange little Mickey head candy to congratulate us on our engagements! It was super delicious.<br />
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The next day (aka sad day) was our last day in Disney. Jon and I met up with Colleen for breakfast at the EPCOT Paris bakery before heading to the airport.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1afDYvziHiGLpRpsUVRri-gpGVM10i0DfUrR09pKqB_SkNbV7eSyeq_be6pWY0z3YLec_rzNjrwFFiOJnb_Vxn70Y-3IgSSJhtWiQkag2_LB1c9AQWWJkntM2gZ6s4znj1MICiCqGwNCg/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paris in EPCOT, in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1afDYvziHiGLpRpsUVRri-gpGVM10i0DfUrR09pKqB_SkNbV7eSyeq_be6pWY0z3YLec_rzNjrwFFiOJnb_Vxn70Y-3IgSSJhtWiQkag2_LB1c9AQWWJkntM2gZ6s4znj1MICiCqGwNCg/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+23.jpg" title="Paris in EPCOT, in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSwlY2G3rxHcrj-8L62OSEmUdQbM21iDoHU14iq4Zh2nlwJ-55Ri9sxUD9eWHK3az2xom71WyI54E_pIpoIb9wSDmAM2Avapz25xtAGTDkyeJk78RsvkBMqvWzgNzfbgfE3iG6fV5U7BA/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bakery at Paris in EPCOT, in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSwlY2G3rxHcrj-8L62OSEmUdQbM21iDoHU14iq4Zh2nlwJ-55Ri9sxUD9eWHK3az2xom71WyI54E_pIpoIb9wSDmAM2Avapz25xtAGTDkyeJk78RsvkBMqvWzgNzfbgfE3iG6fV5U7BA/s1600/disney+epcot+vacation+food+81.jpg" title="bakery at Paris in EPCOT, in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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I ordered an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on the freshest, butteriest, flakiest croissant you could ever imagine!<br />
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Once again, I had another incredible trip at Walt Disney World in Florida. The food was fantastic, the service was great, the sights were gorgeous, the attractions were beyond fun, and there were some obviously exciting events that transpired. I cannot wait to go back!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCHnihBkXU6ZSyRdXUNHbMdNR2z0UW_f2MAdbeE4DY9ZN1dhCdRkj7org8fdvI6XT9-gJFHsK6BpjS0a28HKB_lng8njxDGN2f3muB0eNFbcqVPFkNu6qYe_lhV1DD1YgslW6oC5yYGUt/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCHnihBkXU6ZSyRdXUNHbMdNR2z0UW_f2MAdbeE4DY9ZN1dhCdRkj7org8fdvI6XT9-gJFHsK6BpjS0a28HKB_lng8njxDGN2f3muB0eNFbcqVPFkNu6qYe_lhV1DD1YgslW6oC5yYGUt/s1600/disney+magic+kingdom+vacation+57.jpg" title="Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida" /></a></div>
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Like, tomorrow. Can I please go back tomorrow.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com4Walt Disney World28.3921554 -81.53221489999998528.3362809 -81.612895899999984 28.4480299 -81.451533899999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-37624853914864392312016-09-07T07:00:00.000-05:002016-09-07T07:00:22.710-05:00Pure Barre + Hughie's Vietnamese Tavern & Vietnamese Grille: A Recipe for Health and HappinessSometimes the most uncomplicated of events can lead to the most magical of evenings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEK-djjeFy5wDSoLXAsi_88UBncNC8UNkBX4aFMtBgD6xQ_A5WqdkxVrGM08qiUtJXxmQyEXWRmgzZg45YMchXNISVUpd1CJLDUhJW_rjI3AN4rLjbHKUVuu4eQ6WBt4jaKuK3FrQvSrF/s1600/pure+barre+houston+fitness+health+workout+gyms+wine+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pure Barre - A fitness studio in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEK-djjeFy5wDSoLXAsi_88UBncNC8UNkBX4aFMtBgD6xQ_A5WqdkxVrGM08qiUtJXxmQyEXWRmgzZg45YMchXNISVUpd1CJLDUhJW_rjI3AN4rLjbHKUVuu4eQ6WBt4jaKuK3FrQvSrF/s1600/pure+barre+houston+fitness+health+workout+gyms+wine+03.jpg" title="Pure Barre - A fitness studio in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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(especially if there's wine involved.)<br />
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But before I get into that, I have to let you know that I'm spending the majority of September traveling outside of Houston - both for work and for fun - starting this Thursday with a family trip to Disney World! I will report back on the trip (and duh food) ASAP,<a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2013/07/vacation-days-disney-world.html"> as I did before</a> during <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2013/10/vacation-days-disney-world-part-2.html">previous visits to see The Mouse</a>, but please know that my September posts may be a little limited.<br />
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Okay, back to now!<br />
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Last Wednesday, my good friend Heather brought me as her guest to a <a href="http://purebarre.com/">Pure Barre</a> class in Houston's Heights neighborhood. The boutique studio hosts barre/pilates type classes in a gorgeous space. I don't typically take these types of classes (I'm more into yoga and spinning these days), BUT I am happy to report that I had a really awesome time while I was there! The people there (all women that evening) were all SO welcoming and sweet, and of course it didn't hurt that it was "Wine Down Wednesday."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVpdu-Ar2-VGfXk4iBBZr2gGSEFqmMxzQVdIWLM4Mnhybx4QOqPaElw_TvjxEXCj16-YpEV7V_CdK_66_3qJNpxPSfB_7Y9Tn1z3LcZ3DhGAo41E3k_8KX7_l6UnThAYWwqbfRMX8Jc11/s1600/pure+barre+houston+fitness+health+workout+gyms+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pure Barre - A fitness studio in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVpdu-Ar2-VGfXk4iBBZr2gGSEFqmMxzQVdIWLM4Mnhybx4QOqPaElw_TvjxEXCj16-YpEV7V_CdK_66_3qJNpxPSfB_7Y9Tn1z3LcZ3DhGAo41E3k_8KX7_l6UnThAYWwqbfRMX8Jc11/s1600/pure+barre+houston+fitness+health+workout+gyms+01.jpg" title="Pure Barre - A fitness studio in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVqb7MxpgO4EnhmUDISYEV3UsHwIJnMTTVQbla7caRTGv3F06IFOwE6wL0IDQcD8PrLOpcJ3eBl3lk_tP6EqLoOi_S6Qh2H5fDr5CqE6e7OZaMRrKqf6Jkluol2z_JZ_ksCKlzJC0PECa/s1600/pure+barre+houston+fitness+health+workout+gyms+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pure Barre - A fitness studio in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVqb7MxpgO4EnhmUDISYEV3UsHwIJnMTTVQbla7caRTGv3F06IFOwE6wL0IDQcD8PrLOpcJ3eBl3lk_tP6EqLoOi_S6Qh2H5fDr5CqE6e7OZaMRrKqf6Jkluol2z_JZ_ksCKlzJC0PECa/s1600/pure+barre+houston+fitness+health+workout+gyms+02.jpg" title="Pure Barre - A fitness studio in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Pictured above is Heather's signature on a bar that celebrates the folks who have taken 250 Pure Barre classes! Pretty cool, aka she's my idol.</div>
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Since we had worked out in the Houston Heights area, we decided to grab food somewhere nearby afterwards. Heather had given a glowing endorsement of the restaurant/bar <a href="http://www.hughiesgrille.com/">Hughie's Tavern & Vietnamese Grille</a>, so off we went!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3E2ntymfn3eJANxo6Z7UrRqNCgJ_y1CvNYpMQYDHErz6IOj9KuPfJFsh9w6-0jcbYLZtdLt4B1MXkhinh2LMcHMTNCGIQAcW-smDv96Tjr65g_pcs9wPAvpbnHIyRmdLCFbJvdtW0Ffk/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3E2ntymfn3eJANxo6Z7UrRqNCgJ_y1CvNYpMQYDHErz6IOj9KuPfJFsh9w6-0jcbYLZtdLt4B1MXkhinh2LMcHMTNCGIQAcW-smDv96Tjr65g_pcs9wPAvpbnHIyRmdLCFbJvdtW0Ffk/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+01.jpg" title="Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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This super laid back dive was bumpin' on that Wednesday night. Heather and I sat ourselves at a table and ordered beers from their Wednesday Special - $2 Fire Sales ($2 cans of selected beers).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwHU0pewJvsgmbx79cJKEiENzzGN3S3xs2jfXTXOOpMK5XKFXdmq71SRFXNZonfU3uVUrXVez7itOfhKgWCwvWgvdigxs7rvjEyHDMG52uQab81y_taL36GO6cxQK82uBKGAq_HvIYORO/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+beer+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beer at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwHU0pewJvsgmbx79cJKEiENzzGN3S3xs2jfXTXOOpMK5XKFXdmq71SRFXNZonfU3uVUrXVez7itOfhKgWCwvWgvdigxs7rvjEyHDMG52uQab81y_taL36GO6cxQK82uBKGAq_HvIYORO/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+beer+03.jpg" title="beer at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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I opted for the Buffalo Bayou Sam's Daily, which was light, mildly citrusy, creamy, and refreshing!<br />
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Heather and I decided to order the restaurant's Vietnamese eggrolls to start. We asked for them to be made vegetarian (our friendly server informed us they had meat in them), and for the sauce on the side to be something other than fish sauce - so they provided us with a sesame sauce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qe3qgBXwXm_y0WMWfhyphenhyphenwN1AIC06GrTE_VzBD4FduC-fLMD-Sn_V-L1MbMVkWRDa3GMIY_gbv6Ug3CwHtIkMBEmxbWhUwe8xL2diCUZBa2LY1vEX2fOupIWurh2ZWSdLa-fABHVDeMSID/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+rolls+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian egg rolls at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qe3qgBXwXm_y0WMWfhyphenhyphenwN1AIC06GrTE_VzBD4FduC-fLMD-Sn_V-L1MbMVkWRDa3GMIY_gbv6Ug3CwHtIkMBEmxbWhUwe8xL2diCUZBa2LY1vEX2fOupIWurh2ZWSdLa-fABHVDeMSID/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+rolls+04.jpg" title="vegetarian egg rolls at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The 3-bite sized egg rolls were the perfect size for a starter. They were super crispy, and had great popping flavors, with a filling of different pickled vegetables. Wrapping lettuce and carrots around them added a nice freshness, and the sesame sauce was zippy and delicious! This was definitely a great starter.<br />
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For our main course of food, Heather ordered the restaurant's shaking beef, and I went with the spicy lemon grass tofu, with a fried egg on top for good measure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSKchmXcQlxtpZWzD4TGiWxu41xZm7aOM30TXgHNyBUs6oBESXG3VxTXJbHm88hK-18FCnIicM_1huILez7Fae4jhwl0sY77XOdV2ukIeomI2-Mpg8ImlXreQ_c61IkJHQqgLmJLz27V7/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+beef+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="shaking beef at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSKchmXcQlxtpZWzD4TGiWxu41xZm7aOM30TXgHNyBUs6oBESXG3VxTXJbHm88hK-18FCnIicM_1huILez7Fae4jhwl0sY77XOdV2ukIeomI2-Mpg8ImlXreQ_c61IkJHQqgLmJLz27V7/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+beef+05.jpg" title="shaking beef at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1iXuk1ywV2psJ9AYdfDCVZ0KWuhpSdDdKWGiW60hf53VrcQK0b-2OqzKHTx2ohh_o2x2Pjsa8_jpflB6lE8f4O7-YsqZyfhMa0tB00fI4AFg_qTtX-iasthydktGh8X9i7F0b2XgpsgN/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+tofu+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lemongrass tofu at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1iXuk1ywV2psJ9AYdfDCVZ0KWuhpSdDdKWGiW60hf53VrcQK0b-2OqzKHTx2ohh_o2x2Pjsa8_jpflB6lE8f4O7-YsqZyfhMa0tB00fI4AFg_qTtX-iasthydktGh8X9i7F0b2XgpsgN/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+tofu+06.jpg" title="lemongrass tofu at Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Having already been a card-carrying lover of the restaurant's food, Heather of course enjoyed her entree - and I absolutely loved mine! Pan-seared tofu with lemongrass, sliced jalapenos, bell pepper, and onion was served with a bed of steamed rice, tofu sauce, and a kale vinaigrette salad. The tofu itself was lightly crisped on the edges and soft on the inside, and the flavors were filled with lemon, smoke, and spice. The vegetables added another layer of heat, and the runny egg brought a nice softness to it. And kale-hater that I am, I actually enjoyed the salad! (Heather was in a state of shock). This dish really was fantastic!<br />
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An evening of a good workout, good restaurant food, and quality time spent with a good friend in Houston cannot be beat. I definitely recommend checking out Pure Barre for a fun workout, and Hughie's Tavern and Vietnamese Grille for delicious food and great drink prices. Both located in Houston's Heights neighborhood, they create a recipe for one great night!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSQitCjwl5eoJPYzRXXnzRBwbpeoDcVXLK17FYowU1OYvmqwh05tYsbdjdmXaT0686b0bAJy9pyCaUwNxI7_6q0O5_3CI9rPnG6HM9qUEpJd-PvYMdVV1ORcFPbhUdVM6cWwB3qHTF7fa/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSQitCjwl5eoJPYzRXXnzRBwbpeoDcVXLK17FYowU1OYvmqwh05tYsbdjdmXaT0686b0bAJy9pyCaUwNxI7_6q0O5_3CI9rPnG6HM9qUEpJd-PvYMdVV1ORcFPbhUdVM6cWwB3qHTF7fa/s1600/hughies+houston+vietnamese+restaurant+bar+food+drinks+02.jpg" title="Hughie's - A restaurant/bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<i>Some enchanted evening.......</i><br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/houston/hughies-tavern-grille-the-heights" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Hughie's Tavern & Grille, The Heights and other Restaurants in Houston"><img alt="Hughie's Tavern & Grille Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16891258/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0Hughie's Tavbern & Vietnamese Cuisine29.8012907 -95.4316625000000162.3496536999999975 -136.74025650000002 57.2529277 -54.123068500000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-72721370392406551762016-08-25T08:43:00.000-05:002016-08-25T08:43:50.926-05:00Eddie V's 2016 Sparkling Sounds of Summer<b><i>This post was done in partnership with Eddie V's, who provided me with food and drinks, free of charge. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this Houston restaurant review. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</i></b><br />
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Sometimes you just need a date with your mom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVDuGdO3OHS-rNdqI6D_ShzKaw4YO9u8u82Cmg6qmyMDh_eWGa0UMnjFNmaBXlxhb4zdIk1ktqOu4oOJyd3MHrR8v6GzXDlxph8lf0SbPhwqjzQAoFkIdVE-lVf1Iq1dNeX39gSUhPZN/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlVDuGdO3OHS-rNdqI6D_ShzKaw4YO9u8u82Cmg6qmyMDh_eWGa0UMnjFNmaBXlxhb4zdIk1ktqOu4oOJyd3MHrR8v6GzXDlxph8lf0SbPhwqjzQAoFkIdVE-lVf1Iq1dNeX39gSUhPZN/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" title="Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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(A date with your mom where you drink all of the amazing bubbles and eat all of the wonderful things in Houston because life is too short for dull food and champagne that gives you headaches!)<br />
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This past Monday my mother and I went to the <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/11/eddie-vs.html">Eddie V's</a> in Houston's Upper Kirby West Ave complex, and we were on a mission to sample food and drink items from the restaurant's Sparkling Sounds of Summer menu, new Eddie's Hours menu, and main menu. Through August 28, the restaurant is celebrating the Sparkling Sounds of Summer with live iconic music genres - including Jazz, R&B, and American Standards - paired with a sparkling and shareable Lounge menu. Seated in the restaurant's beautiful lounge area, my mom and I totally dug the jazzy standards coming from the live band nearby!<br />
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First we were presented with some complementary bread and butter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-tLmzehV0eWCf-EqDaSXySNVZwgMcGxHP0wl8Uc7zdAldZfs5N5oNqkt0r-wFTqfrCgH4BVKrzXkl2FaG9GoEpYFFfnNnJOY-j53lxNyAMqYLj0UztmSRPtd2KdgVWkd8YJTes_yPTU9/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+bread+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-tLmzehV0eWCf-EqDaSXySNVZwgMcGxHP0wl8Uc7zdAldZfs5N5oNqkt0r-wFTqfrCgH4BVKrzXkl2FaG9GoEpYFFfnNnJOY-j53lxNyAMqYLj0UztmSRPtd2KdgVWkd8YJTes_yPTU9/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+bread+02.jpg" title="bread at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The fresh bread was dense and spongy, and the butter was wonderfully soft and herby.<br />
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Because Eddie's Hours (aka Happy Hour for all you day drinkers out there aka me) were ending soon at 7 pm, we both started with a cocktail from that menu. I ordered "The Perfect Martini" (I mean, how could I not.), and my mom went with the restaurant's "Bulleit Sour."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0NiCARJmG8zryxzNDvPStQWOnzoR6wdkquqLZDO8oogbUP5wyw7iD-JXoOSc_a38fRhnoLQ9Lx9qPlmuclORFi2FEE_m8qFrtwUz5woIVLF2e-TZedXsEbojOYAcmgW9dXbOE5cvQmsY/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+cocktails+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drinks at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0NiCARJmG8zryxzNDvPStQWOnzoR6wdkquqLZDO8oogbUP5wyw7iD-JXoOSc_a38fRhnoLQ9Lx9qPlmuclORFi2FEE_m8qFrtwUz5woIVLF2e-TZedXsEbojOYAcmgW9dXbOE5cvQmsY/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+cocktails+03.jpg" title="drinks at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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For those of you who have spent any iota of a second reading my blog (and thank you!), you probably are attuned to the fact that I love martinis with a fiery passion to the moon and back and insert any additional cliche lovesick phrases here. LOVE them. And y'all? I loved this one! I asked to have vodka in my classically prepared martini (though I do love gin as well), and it was stiff, ever so slightly dirty, and garnished with blue cheese stuffed olives, which duh is a total game changer. It was a fantastic martini, and I know it was made with the finest of vodkas because the drink went down entirely too smoothly!<br />
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My mother's drink was a concoction of Bulleit bourbon, honey, and fresh lemon and lime sour mix. Hers was suuuuper boozy, not overly sweet, and soul-warming, and it came garnished with drunken cherries, um hello, also a gamechanger. This was also a great choice!<br />
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For our first round (of about 70 rounds total) of food, my mom ordered three east coast oysters from the Eddie's Hours menu, and I chose the heirloom tomato tartare from the Sparkling Sounds of Summer menu.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSGIlsEGjYru3JUaSPVVBhNFj9LxUOzz02_mMDB29hoHVPKy1kL_tU9B23sduJfquT34wNzPSF9FZex-dWPFFoAtHHBSX4tG_4Oc9oismGZvFWde6UX8Kn0WVzTUNHamyYhORr8JKi4DO/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+oysters+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="oysters at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSGIlsEGjYru3JUaSPVVBhNFj9LxUOzz02_mMDB29hoHVPKy1kL_tU9B23sduJfquT34wNzPSF9FZex-dWPFFoAtHHBSX4tG_4Oc9oismGZvFWde6UX8Kn0WVzTUNHamyYhORr8JKi4DO/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+oysters+05.jpg" title="oysters at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL4rmTfqVIeYsRD3G28F467xsgh3qLDYW2b7DIDqsmzS9AxLFRICccTMHYlrJ107Nl8SQHtxPTyD8owO_Q3Un1txWiiltOIvUZk2vFSkZI_ihkcUGgp61YVGRnjLP0tLSs3wLtEQjKfH2/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+tomato+tartar+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tomato tartare at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL4rmTfqVIeYsRD3G28F467xsgh3qLDYW2b7DIDqsmzS9AxLFRICccTMHYlrJ107Nl8SQHtxPTyD8owO_Q3Un1txWiiltOIvUZk2vFSkZI_ihkcUGgp61YVGRnjLP0tLSs3wLtEQjKfH2/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+tomato+tartar+04.jpg" title="tomato tartare at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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My mom went crazy over her oysters (while I clung to the Epi-Pen in my purse because, #shellfish), and I also enjoyed my appetizer. Served with crispy crostinis, a blend of vine ripe heirloom tomatoes was drizzled with balsamic vinegar and herbs. It was a bright, beautiful, flavorful, summery bruschetta, and I was all to pleased to gobble it up!<br />
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Next up for food, we decided to split the Fuji apple salad.<br />
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A bed of mixed greens was topped with subtly sweet golden beets, tart dried cherries, delightful candied walnuts, a light ginger orange vinaigrette, and just the right punch of blue cheese crumbles. I tend to go for savory salads, but this is one salad on the sweeter side that I was definitely into! All of the flavors came together in such a fun, simple, and pleasing way!<br />
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After our salad, we ordered some drinks from the Sparkling Sounds of Summer menu - A glass of the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne for my mom, and the 24-Karat Cocktail for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAr6Q0uWv8isncmJGGjPMw6nCPb0MseVm9TXe32fuqfFZfV6SgjcEn1lfmUrshivUVwiwms20QyE0iU1d6L8erFnmqhaGsEA3Kaz9_Zmb5Xvx59fND3qm-s32wuaZexApURYRcm1eZI38/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+cocktails+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drinks at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAr6Q0uWv8isncmJGGjPMw6nCPb0MseVm9TXe32fuqfFZfV6SgjcEn1lfmUrshivUVwiwms20QyE0iU1d6L8erFnmqhaGsEA3Kaz9_Zmb5Xvx59fND3qm-s32wuaZexApURYRcm1eZI38/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+cocktails+07.jpg" title="drinks at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Mom's champagne was very dry but VERY smooth. It was definitely a solid bubbly choice! My cocktail contained Belvedere vodka (my favorite), Grand Marnier, raspberries, peach, and Ferrari Brut rosé, and was topped with a gold sugar rim. The sweet counterpart to my savory martini, this drink still managed to be light and refreshing. And how could you not love that gold sugar rim?!<br />
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After that, we ordered a ton of food to try! Starting with the jumbo lump crab cake for my mom, and the market vegetables for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJse0jue06aeU2guyjYZ0vFoA69qqNhPY5TtOUbXcGIO9QAnzqNvtiE_npapdNQA_Q6mFkcAHPZQ8JB0FfmXBP9mZUA1_QvHLlOzX3Z9pA5Cuyqji7fTzKnnapb5vHnmr_N8qkrzlkH9k/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+market+vegetables+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetables at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJse0jue06aeU2guyjYZ0vFoA69qqNhPY5TtOUbXcGIO9QAnzqNvtiE_npapdNQA_Q6mFkcAHPZQ8JB0FfmXBP9mZUA1_QvHLlOzX3Z9pA5Cuyqji7fTzKnnapb5vHnmr_N8qkrzlkH9k/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+market+vegetables+08.jpg" title="vegetables at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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My mom loved her crab cake, and I loved diving into my vegetables. I'd tried this on my last visit and there were only a few changes (brussels sprouts and roasted carrots instead of roasted beets and sauteed mushrooms included in this week's version), so I won't go too into too many details to avoid repeating myself. Just know that I LOVED it, and my favorite was absolutely the vegetable fried rice. Lordy was that awesome!<br />
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Then we ordered some more food from the Side Dishes portion of the menu - Crab fried rice, truffled macaroni and cheese, and au gratin potatoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8WIqGrmwE1PVDWVCSK1P-c76UtCTeo8lO1SR1VbLTETR56n2FJ07v3jYYwdb_QePE6c26lNlv4cDkKemxSuLosrNMU5iK2qwfVe-apf3yc48z33RAtdIyTjz5pd8vvFYqAAV9FvrE1VA/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+rice+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="crab fried rice at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8WIqGrmwE1PVDWVCSK1P-c76UtCTeo8lO1SR1VbLTETR56n2FJ07v3jYYwdb_QePE6c26lNlv4cDkKemxSuLosrNMU5iK2qwfVe-apf3yc48z33RAtdIyTjz5pd8vvFYqAAV9FvrE1VA/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+rice+11.jpg" title="crab fried rice at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOq5tU962gak3H6Qv0pqGDBtY69EtxfjW7VVZGG7LtOoN2RcalLLA8tSBT5Wyw-KrN8vakbxvrfjJjHu5CDzaRQYlaBM-DTRLvkIbw9IOLIDgv0Bbcd1UkAIn9BHU9KmQ_vz6-gRF5buf/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+macaroni+and+cheese+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mac and cheese at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOq5tU962gak3H6Qv0pqGDBtY69EtxfjW7VVZGG7LtOoN2RcalLLA8tSBT5Wyw-KrN8vakbxvrfjJjHu5CDzaRQYlaBM-DTRLvkIbw9IOLIDgv0Bbcd1UkAIn9BHU9KmQ_vz6-gRF5buf/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+macaroni+and+cheese+10.jpg" title="mac and cheese at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gUBptc4WrigKJ2ju70K_SEDH661BGqSfdbbBECUS-vEdjpwTGsU2Q_SJR9rVQVdy1HITBgdFj051k8k-3VivIOZHUksrS6-0iTngEHlb0o915rAYbGEMB2Ex4ULERNfy65mJVceb0ETY/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+potatoes+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="potatoes au gratin at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gUBptc4WrigKJ2ju70K_SEDH661BGqSfdbbBECUS-vEdjpwTGsU2Q_SJR9rVQVdy1HITBgdFj051k8k-3VivIOZHUksrS6-0iTngEHlb0o915rAYbGEMB2Ex4ULERNfy65mJVceb0ETY/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+potatoes+12.jpg" title="potatoes au gratin at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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My mom loved her rice, I went crazy over the truffled macaroni and cheese AGAIN (it won a strong honorable mention in <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/04/favorite-houston-restaurant-food-2016.html">my Houston Favorites post</a> from last year), and we both loved the potatoes au gratin. They were creamy, cheesy, rich, indulgent, and oh-so-comforting! My mom had declared the potatoes her favorite dish of the evening, and I voted for the mac and cheese...<br />
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...that is, until we ordered dessert.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMUH42Chohk3sr-IkmT4JUcSgiobsUgclcYUWHSXki2lsHzcAg7A60fx11Qc38TF2ydCRW567ejceeuOZGL_G7KiqvKXmaHX9a6EXqNP34qYzmM5MkjcxVAqX1roJqoTXNhyphenhyphenrMn7Cz3fH/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+dessert+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bananas foster cake at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMUH42Chohk3sr-IkmT4JUcSgiobsUgclcYUWHSXki2lsHzcAg7A60fx11Qc38TF2ydCRW567ejceeuOZGL_G7KiqvKXmaHX9a6EXqNP34qYzmM5MkjcxVAqX1roJqoTXNhyphenhyphenrMn7Cz3fH/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+dessert+14.jpg" title="bananas foster cake at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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For dessert, we ordered the restaurant's hot "bananas foster" butter cake, which was served with a side of butter pecan ice cream and topped with what can only be described as liquid fire (I'm a person who is easily impressed by magic shows, FYI). This was, hands down, THE best bananas foster I have EVER had. The cake was wonderfully crispy, crumbly, and sponge-y; the caramel was thick, buttery, and dripping with magic; the butter pecan ice cream was nutty and not overly sweet, and the bananas were absolute heaven. We couldn't get enough!<br />
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Hurry to Eddie V's in Houston's West Ave or City Centre area now so you don't miss the wonderful Sounds of Sparkling Summer event that ends this week. The music, food, drinks, and overall atmosphere in the restaurant's lounge area are beyond lovely. And the Eddie's Hours menu offers great deals on food and drinks as well. Or just go for a special night out, because you are sure to get just that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURAd383UMiDKLIDZSl5_qMwrGEC_xIKQfTrAQ5PMy4UIhnDuOBgNr3d3V1ITs8EDuWToNow0M2wktuQlRQ5Y1mC-oiYR5wpAwAFiRM1L1EKbG6pZu11VgjdxEDsoXw5s6wB1tHUSGqfi/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="food at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURAd383UMiDKLIDZSl5_qMwrGEC_xIKQfTrAQ5PMy4UIhnDuOBgNr3d3V1ITs8EDuWToNow0M2wktuQlRQ5Y1mC-oiYR5wpAwAFiRM1L1EKbG6pZu11VgjdxEDsoXw5s6wB1tHUSGqfi/s1600/eddie+vs+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+13.jpg" title="food at Eddie V's - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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^ So who's coming over for leftovers?Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0Eddie V's29.7409388 -95.4191281999999892.2892847999999972 -136.7277222 57.1925928 -54.110534199999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-62606527519370742422016-08-23T08:59:00.000-05:002016-08-23T09:08:05.903-05:00Houston Restaurant Weeks Brunch at Indika + A Giveaway!<i>(Psst, Houston residents - Scroll down to the bottom for an exciting Giveaway!!)</i><br />
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Only four more days until the weekend, which means only five more days until Sunday Brunch!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLEqQJ25V9ZMSMxz2io8uqLHE6sxJ0s6OPTkwTPVZxnMvlTFqCPzsKDhp3iBT8BIIAGMgQeu8NLg2L5ImdUhO9Uir6Xc9ZrV_hvVkdGYY8tCRPX7fhuxYDUAiobOCX-HVttVi5AzbvT_5/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLEqQJ25V9ZMSMxz2io8uqLHE6sxJ0s6OPTkwTPVZxnMvlTFqCPzsKDhp3iBT8BIIAGMgQeu8NLg2L5ImdUhO9Uir6Xc9ZrV_hvVkdGYY8tCRPX7fhuxYDUAiobOCX-HVttVi5AzbvT_5/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+01.jpg" title="Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Not that we're counting.<br />
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(but okay we are).<br />
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Last Sunday, my friend Meredith drove into Houston from Humble and met up with me for brunch at <a href="http://indikausa.com/indikausa/index.htm">Indika</a>, located in Houston's Montrose neighborhood. One aspect of Houston Restaurant Weeks that I'd yet to take advantage of was brunch ($20 per person for three courses of food, um hello). I've been eyeing Indika for quite a while, and their Houston Restaurant Weeks brunch menu looked ah-mazing, so it seemed like the perfect place to visit!<br />
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(And take note: Brunch at Indika is only offered on Sundays, and the place really filled up quickly, so make your reservations now!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMitW31yCkULZ5YyedCRGYlB5O-Adj1TuYyqDiSYuMEAE4hFosNrVPhZ0cz7TsKi291nCR97IFWThTUxpM5HAET3Z7qiHLl1XXqy5yAUEQnoOulRLPntqRfFw9zRMyjMqRW5VvGKZdxR3O/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMitW31yCkULZ5YyedCRGYlB5O-Adj1TuYyqDiSYuMEAE4hFosNrVPhZ0cz7TsKi291nCR97IFWThTUxpM5HAET3Z7qiHLl1XXqy5yAUEQnoOulRLPntqRfFw9zRMyjMqRW5VvGKZdxR3O/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+02.jpg" title="Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The inside of the restaurant is massive, with high ceilings and dramatic drapes. It's open, airy, and super inviting. We weren't drinking during this particular brunch because Meredith is pregnant with her cherub #2, and I prefer not to drink alone. <~~(I'm lying to you. I'd had a wild evening the night before, and by wild I mean played Monopoly and drank wine with Jon at home, so I needed a breather because this is what being an adult looks like).<br />
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Before we ordered our food, we were presented with the restaurant's green onion naan with yogurt sauce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcLrmaXHAj375dzUWOQkViGd4S7RcR7IQmJ4Pvyl_O1geAURAeJdzavExT5tQa7DFbd70nHWWx7oF_ECgiwBNVVGKx4fKiN4QjoAv5yYEKMXvyrJJV3kuapdJrOt8RxBOCNYAlLtYO95O/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+naan+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="green onion naan with yogurt sauce at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcLrmaXHAj375dzUWOQkViGd4S7RcR7IQmJ4Pvyl_O1geAURAeJdzavExT5tQa7DFbd70nHWWx7oF_ECgiwBNVVGKx4fKiN4QjoAv5yYEKMXvyrJJV3kuapdJrOt8RxBOCNYAlLtYO95O/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+naan+03.jpg" title="green onion naan with yogurt sauce at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The bread was fluffy and gooey in that wonderful naan-like way, and the green onions in it created a unique and lovely flavor. Dipped in the tart yogurt, it was fantastic!<br />
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For our first course of food, Meredith ordered the restaurant's sweet potato samosas with cilantro chutney, and I went with the spinach cutlet chaat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VHadoabBh5t11XpoRL8bUEt9VmYw8u78l7EN19bTCtOTHIrtWg_d6RccczhWsAUD677KvJUorJWnIXh2lgGu90NvVP_iKiUsgwRTRBu41Xv33w1xpff48jdQVWMCi7OPF8Fb5Mok9V90/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+samosas+chaat+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="samosas and chaat at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VHadoabBh5t11XpoRL8bUEt9VmYw8u78l7EN19bTCtOTHIrtWg_d6RccczhWsAUD677KvJUorJWnIXh2lgGu90NvVP_iKiUsgwRTRBu41Xv33w1xpff48jdQVWMCi7OPF8Fb5Mok9V90/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+samosas+chaat+04.jpg" title="samosas and chaat at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Meredith's samosas were slightly crisped and doughy, and the outer casing did not overpower the fluffy sweet potato filling inside. The tart chutney offered a nice counter-balance to the softness of the samosa. And my spinach cutlet chaat was possibly my favorite food item of the whole meal. A spinach patty of sorts was topped off with the tart chutney, a sweet barbecue-esque sauce, a yogurt sauce (I think?) and crispy noodles. The patty was soft and super herby, and the combo of bright, contrasting, delicious flavors and textures on top was an absolute masterpiece. I couldn't get enough!<br />
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For our second round of food, we got to pick two items (TWO ITEMS!!!). Meredith ordered the restaurant's coconut and millet pancakes with bananas, blueberries, and jaggery syrup, as well as the bacon cumin biscuit, pulled pork, and a fried egg (sans pulled pork). I opted for the chickpea crepe stuffed with mushroom and topped with tomato masala as my first choice, and the akuri (scrambled eggs) with a green onion masala.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMBMpWUiUllRYj9RciQiywFsJ8FRpUwjuj3iTKky4_r44G7siTJ1VS2xuPnteowKFZH07TLIXLYnlSFAjVxuYeOFXx1kNdOlvWQ59Pk5sVi1RFMDa5mAY7U0jPm18OGhVT_Gj4d-YdWaz/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+pancake+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pancakes at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMBMpWUiUllRYj9RciQiywFsJ8FRpUwjuj3iTKky4_r44G7siTJ1VS2xuPnteowKFZH07TLIXLYnlSFAjVxuYeOFXx1kNdOlvWQ59Pk5sVi1RFMDa5mAY7U0jPm18OGhVT_Gj4d-YdWaz/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+pancake+05.jpg" title="pancakes at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jdV7ieq2hurGBG3WKYOmvBfV5d719cOXFnCQhOMv9xtVAnDDBkhew50qw07_J7r-uEutEQNDE0VV6vn1f9xJo306jz-oDTT0ABlx0-8v_moQgZ7fPhrKdx8AJThX0MaoD7Cha-O2Ue-U/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+crepe+eggs+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="crepe and eggs at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jdV7ieq2hurGBG3WKYOmvBfV5d719cOXFnCQhOMv9xtVAnDDBkhew50qw07_J7r-uEutEQNDE0VV6vn1f9xJo306jz-oDTT0ABlx0-8v_moQgZ7fPhrKdx8AJThX0MaoD7Cha-O2Ue-U/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+crepe+eggs+06.jpg" title="crepe and eggs at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Meredith enjoyed her biscuit, but she was going NUTS over her pancakes! So of course I had to take a bite or three because they were UNREAL. The pancakes themselves were crispy/crunchy on the outside, and super dense and earthy on the inside. The bananas were essentially caramelized and downright sinful. The crispy topping of coconut flakes added wonderful texture, and it was all so delightful! It was definitely up there as one of the best bites we had!<br />
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My chickpea stuffed crepe had a nice sponge-y texture, and it was filled with sauteed mushrooms. The tomato masala was bright and acidic and went well with the crepe. I enjoyed this dish, though I think I enjoyed my eggs more. The taste of the akuri was wonderfully chive-y, and the texture was SUPER creamy. I'm definitely going to try to master the art of Indika's scrambled eggs at home!<br />
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For our final round of food (dessert!), Meredith ordered the rose cake parfait, and I opted for the restaurant's olive oil black pepper cake with blackberry compote.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vti6PWp_VfVJMBeqiBSSgSlb0bw5aUeF2NMzkc5PuH3ly0hc-J_uCJSRyoh-rGgRRTLb42EJc0T_qnjIcwpxEcKQh_U_WuYPYVRwgUVD2nDIMuyc-HOm_0bngilciRwiAyIN0fnqhX_O/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+parfait+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="parfait at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vti6PWp_VfVJMBeqiBSSgSlb0bw5aUeF2NMzkc5PuH3ly0hc-J_uCJSRyoh-rGgRRTLb42EJc0T_qnjIcwpxEcKQh_U_WuYPYVRwgUVD2nDIMuyc-HOm_0bngilciRwiAyIN0fnqhX_O/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+parfait+07.jpg" title="parfait at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, neither of us got really jazzed about the parfait (pictured above). To me, it was way too sweet and almost had a perfume-y taste. Meredith claimed it made her molars sing. BUT THAT OLIVE OIL BLACK PEPPER CAKE (pictured below), OMG. That cake was outstanding! The outer bits of the cake were crumbly and crunchy, resembling that of a coffee cake or cobbler. The flavors of it sang of harvest and Christmas time, with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The earthy, soul-warming cake was made brighter with the use of the sweet, tart blackberry compote, and the end result was just fabulous. This cake was neck and neck with the chaat for being my favorite dish!<br />
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And as if that wasn't enough, when we were finished, we were presented with two cardamom butter cookies. While having the texture of English tea cookies and the buttery-ness of shortbread cookies, they were on a whole other level with the warm, festive spice of cardamom thrown in. We loved them!<br />
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Houston's Indika offers high quality Indian food in a beautiful, inviting setting. The Houston Restaurant Weeks menu is a wonderful way to explore their different food offerings, and I cannot recommend Indika's Sunday Brunch enough!<br />
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OH AND SPEAKING OF BRUNCH.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoPR4nMDi9_jbn0pguXob9688aZMbZTtzOBT7gjFvlclj2zFg_VALo5hLdiFXHWEjufGhUQTt5PtS9wIzWfIytZEUZFlGs63CBpIZKZEWiNeFrsWrC-tKUnZ6nLryxannc3WGxqG92apX/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+cake+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cake at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoPR4nMDi9_jbn0pguXob9688aZMbZTtzOBT7gjFvlclj2zFg_VALo5hLdiFXHWEjufGhUQTt5PtS9wIzWfIytZEUZFlGs63CBpIZKZEWiNeFrsWrC-tKUnZ6nLryxannc3WGxqG92apX/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+cake+08.jpg" title="cake at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<u>Here's where the Giveaway comes in</u>:<br />
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<b>One lucky Adventures in a New(ish) City reader will receive two (2) VIP tickets to the Inaugural Houston Press <a href="http://microapp.houstonpress.com/brunch-the-morning-after/2016/">Morning After Brunch Event</a></b>, held at Bayou City Event Center Pavilion on Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. These VIP tickets, valued at $55 – $75 each, grant you early entry 30 minutes prior to the event (11:00 am), as well as food, wine, beer, and cocktail sampling. To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newishcityHOU/">follow me on Instagram</a> (if you don't already), and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJdCkq6Dv8y/?taken-by=newishcityhou">leave a comment on this photo</a>, telling me what your favorite brunch item is! A winner will be randomly selected by the end of this week, Houston residents only please. Good luck!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmI3t_EUVdVXX8w7TOKXlVpwtO42KbOMZ0fKVrvF7Ste_tUe5Wyjsn3JVcVJFw28MuwDdpfYrp5o291gCd3V_VwlCsVKerKpkZyZg0tUs4rW2cm5HGc_MnkqZM4RI3a3SMowSf-E2S0Yr/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+cookies+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cookies at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmI3t_EUVdVXX8w7TOKXlVpwtO42KbOMZ0fKVrvF7Ste_tUe5Wyjsn3JVcVJFw28MuwDdpfYrp5o291gCd3V_VwlCsVKerKpkZyZg0tUs4rW2cm5HGc_MnkqZM4RI3a3SMowSf-E2S0Yr/s1600/indika+houston+restaurant+indian+food+cookies+09.jpg" title="cookies at Indika - an Indian restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Most important meal of your day/week/life.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/houston/indika-montrose" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Indika, Montrose and other Restaurants in Houston"><img alt="Indika Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16882025/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0Indika29.7447953 -95.38789910000002729.7445798 -95.388214100000027 29.7450108 -95.387584100000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-19264766320877064002016-08-18T08:45:00.000-05:002016-08-18T08:51:40.617-05:00The Capital Grille's 2016 Generous Pour Summer Wine Event<i><b>This post was done in partnership with The Capital Grille, who provided me with food and drinks, free of charge. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this Houston restaurant review. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</b></i><br />
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Would you like some wine?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QWx0qjChPbwnLe3d1ZboJXMY6V43VHiR69SIRQEcYbmR0S87u9Rus1X_LCge85vqwmeuadDmCcFsoDllrMtSy_5svG9BbvYcK_hj0ONAvIWLTp6fnS5N-XhM6_PkUvkj1jY6Ws-gSbVH/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Generous Pour Summer Wine Event at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QWx0qjChPbwnLe3d1ZboJXMY6V43VHiR69SIRQEcYbmR0S87u9Rus1X_LCge85vqwmeuadDmCcFsoDllrMtSy_5svG9BbvYcK_hj0ONAvIWLTp6fnS5N-XhM6_PkUvkj1jY6Ws-gSbVH/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+01.jpg" title="The Generous Pour Summer Wine Event at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Of course you would. I know you too well.<br />
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Last year I had such a great experience sampling <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/08/the-capital-grilles-generous-pour.html">The Capital Grille's Generous Pour</a> menu, that when I was invited to try it this year, I jumped at the opportunity!<br />
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Jon came along for the ride, and we sampled seven different wonderful wines paired with food at the restaurant's Houston City Centre location. The theme of this year's event is "Rebels, Rule Breakers & Game Changers." For $28 per person with dinner, guests are invited to explore seven remarkable wines and enjoy as many as they like. This is an <i>incredibly</i> good value because some of the wines offered cost almost as much, just for a glass!<br />
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The first glass of wine we were presented with was the <b>Stellina di Notte Pinot Grigio</b>, which comes from the foothills of the Italian Alps (home of the world's most famous Pinot Grigio) and "is the result of a unique partnership of American innovation and traditional wine making." For our food pairing, Jon received prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella with vine ripe tomatoes, and I had the restaurant's fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil salad, with 15-year aged balsamic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub_TIaf_JQfWh7dFzl8-eSxflCwEw9ldnnLhMXWDBAPB-WfsrXCskXIhZc4N_8OjBrhZlnGaukZ9-Q6tEM_y9PF1ybsWsOMKkIe6V5Svt13qctob-R5JFZ17EhEQLPnqMWPL_30_rleQv/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+prosciutto+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella with vine ripe tomatoes at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub_TIaf_JQfWh7dFzl8-eSxflCwEw9ldnnLhMXWDBAPB-WfsrXCskXIhZc4N_8OjBrhZlnGaukZ9-Q6tEM_y9PF1ybsWsOMKkIe6V5Svt13qctob-R5JFZ17EhEQLPnqMWPL_30_rleQv/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+prosciutto+03.jpg" title="prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella with vine ripe tomatoes at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5afStd8mMZTzNYA86LJ7UrQ_yV35OXYpAGgJq6gIhOIIcty_urT_3YcCjo8fj7fcbXgo3CdsbUuLzSfb1FDGR-UxepZVDE0OYM_5Hq5xhMgEgD_Ubxr6pqJwpa1ruL_RyimyvgRmXrnpe/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+caprese+salad+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mozarella, tomato, and basil salad at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5afStd8mMZTzNYA86LJ7UrQ_yV35OXYpAGgJq6gIhOIIcty_urT_3YcCjo8fj7fcbXgo3CdsbUuLzSfb1FDGR-UxepZVDE0OYM_5Hq5xhMgEgD_Ubxr6pqJwpa1ruL_RyimyvgRmXrnpe/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+caprese+salad+04.jpg" title="mozarella, tomato, and basil salad at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The wine itself - which had a hint of chardonnay - was lemony, oaky, and light. I was a big fan of this wine, and it was one of Jon's favorites. Regarding the food, my caprese was absolutely lovely. The hunk of mozzarella was super fresh, the variety of tomatoes was flavorful and welcoming, and I was delighted that they didn't skimp on oil and vinegar. The balsamic was syrupy and exquisite. I was a fan of the restaurant's caprese last year, and I am happy to report that I am still a fan!<br />
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Next up, we were poured a glass of <b>Provenance Sauvignon Blanc</b>. The folks who make this wine took a gamble on it because they grow it in Rutherford, California - an area that is traditionally known for its reds. For our food paring, Jon received a lobster and crab cake, and I was presented with roasted whole tomatoes stuffed with mushroom, asparagus, parsley, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJiIqbvMnV5B-OpnjGsNLtLCMZczGT-9QC0YL-qrz5JFIUcT4RQmAfvenHo7pjCgxChHNL-vyrP9N8AFKSSjGydTFX3k0281oGjaPbMGAyH6lVbMZntdLGJ_Ok_blATr-BDHdlo7dI6nM/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+tomatoes+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="roasted tomatoes stuffed with vegetables at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJiIqbvMnV5B-OpnjGsNLtLCMZczGT-9QC0YL-qrz5JFIUcT4RQmAfvenHo7pjCgxChHNL-vyrP9N8AFKSSjGydTFX3k0281oGjaPbMGAyH6lVbMZntdLGJ_Ok_blATr-BDHdlo7dI6nM/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+tomatoes+05.jpg" title="roasted tomatoes stuffed with vegetables at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Sauvignon Blanc is usually low on my list of whites to buy. However, I was able to sip and enjoy the nuances in this one. Hints of citrus, grapefruit, and grass made this an intricate and interesting pour. While I also generally don't go nuts over roasted tomatoes, I did enjoy them, especially the filling inside. My absolute favorite part was the freshly grated slabs of oozy Parmesan cheese. The different earthy flavors and textures made this a unique and yummy appetizer!<br />
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We were then given a pour of the <b>Chateau St. Jean, Robert Young Single Vineyard Chardonnay</b>, which was a welcoming glass for me! This wine was produced from a single vineyard in 1975, which - for a chardonnay - was unheard of. Chardonnay is easily my favorite white varietal, and this one was no exception. Creamy, velvety, full, buttery, and oaky, I felt that it counteracted the citrus in my roasted tomatoes beautifully. It was by far my favorite pour of the evening!<br />
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For our next glass of wine, Jon and I were given a pour of the <b>Lyric by Etude Pinot Noir</b>. In 1982, its wine makers were determined to grow one of the world's most "unforgiving" grapes, and they definitely succeeded! For our food pairing, Jon's main course was the seared citrus glazed salmon with marcona almonds and brown butter, while I was given a plate of lasagna with roasted vegetables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR-4gIgkXY-rj0MUo-DTpkADG6JXLxlq_qtaHqqh6dXPFstFhUqVj1G4qHPrLfXyL-7fv1rNGDBXZd3eAqPBHSZHYZLWrtPrDq4D7Y3bNesevshkywK5UrhJ7nRPdpVXh_DuerdKy6nsV/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+salmon+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="salmon at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwR-4gIgkXY-rj0MUo-DTpkADG6JXLxlq_qtaHqqh6dXPFstFhUqVj1G4qHPrLfXyL-7fv1rNGDBXZd3eAqPBHSZHYZLWrtPrDq4D7Y3bNesevshkywK5UrhJ7nRPdpVXh_DuerdKy6nsV/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+salmon+07.jpg" title="salmon at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD79kvWUHsRcEtRVamgees9VcAYOZDRG0fgH5NoyJdEqEFvWQh_TMC6HBnw42HhPy_IUco4J1fG09IYViwzRXUUr3Oydp7FlhwFK0RZYf49ZBso56gR77QS_sELwUYaynGbWpcILSTGTz0/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+pasta+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetable lasagna at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD79kvWUHsRcEtRVamgees9VcAYOZDRG0fgH5NoyJdEqEFvWQh_TMC6HBnw42HhPy_IUco4J1fG09IYViwzRXUUr3Oydp7FlhwFK0RZYf49ZBso56gR77QS_sELwUYaynGbWpcILSTGTz0/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+pasta+08.jpg" title="vegetable lasagna at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The wine was woodsy, spicy, and had a fuller body than your average Pinot Noir. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed it. Jon adored his salmon, and I went crazy over my lasagna! The roasted vegetables inside included red peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms (shiitake and oyster), and the whole thing was topped off with a fresh salad. The cheese was bubbling, oozy, and crispy on top, and the vibrant flavors of everything were gasp-inducing. This was a really really REALLY exceptional lasagna!<br />
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We sampled the final three wines alongside our main course of food as well. The <b>Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz</b> was a game-changer in that it ultimately altered the landscape of Australian wine when it was created in 1951. This wine was suuuuuper dry, and as such was probably my least favorite of all of them. Jammy, with flavors of stone fruits, I definitely could taste how special this wine was, but I was definitely puckering with each sip! I'll say it - I'm a ninny when it comes to super dry wines.<br />
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The <b>Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Cabernet Blend</b> was first created in 1938 using French oak barrels. This resulted in California's first "cult" cabernet. Though not as dry as the shiraz, this was also a very dry wine. It had perfume-y, piney aromas and had me puckering once again! (For the record, Jon enjoyed this wine, as well as the shiraz. He can stomach dry wines better than I can).<br />
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For our final pour, we tried the <b>Stag's Leap "The Leap" Cabernet Sauvignon</b>. This winery is so bold that it named an entire growing region after itself! Being a cab, this was also a dry wine; however, it was one I could take on. It was smooth and full, and my second favorite of the reds (first being the Lyric Etude Pinot Noir). This one is also an insanely good value as part of the restaurant's Generous Pour event, because on the restaurant's regular menu it goes for almost $30 a glass!<br />
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Even though we were stuffed on fabulous food and wine, Jon and I decided to go for the gold and order more food - dessert! He ordered the cheesecake, and I went with the cookies and ice cream (maybe gelato? I don't know, I blacked out).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gUlkYh54xxuA3bZ9mhaqIFPjw_jDrZbXLgLlMfmnw28TT9yPdS15xGCfhXOVEo5asrfGZQqtXIc15MwZU8sZ1Rdm1Ehmf5VOyQojhSPtrFnqRS6neuG1tzElijkyjeYBUrPXUyZEXrYl/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+dessert+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cookies and ice cream at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gUlkYh54xxuA3bZ9mhaqIFPjw_jDrZbXLgLlMfmnw28TT9yPdS15xGCfhXOVEo5asrfGZQqtXIc15MwZU8sZ1Rdm1Ehmf5VOyQojhSPtrFnqRS6neuG1tzElijkyjeYBUrPXUyZEXrYl/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+dessert+10.jpg" title="cookies and ice cream at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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I had tried their cheesecake the previous year, and it was just as creamy, crumbly, buttery, and delicious as before! For my scoops of ice cream, I selected vanilla, hazlenut, and chocolate. They were accompanied by a chocolate cookie and a vanilla/coconut-esque style cookie. Each element was lovely on it's own, and even more wonderful when paired with another. My favorite choose-your-own-adventure-party-in-my-mouth option was the vanilla coconut cookie combined with the chocolate ice cream. Heaven!</div>
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Once again I was completely blown away by my experience at The Capital Grille in Houston's City Centre area. The service at the restaurant was well beyond exceptional; the food was intricate, thoughtful, and outstanding; and the wine on The Generous Pour menu was interesting, varied, and delicious! It is also worth noting that neither my roasted tomato appetizer or lasagna were on the restaurant's menu-The Capital Grille is incredibly accommodating to all different kinds of diets and willing to work with its diners to create meals in line with their food preferences. And just like last year, The Capital Grille is also participating in <a href="http://www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com/">Houston Restaurant Weeks</a>, so if you pair that with the Generous Pour, you're going to have a fantastic evening of food and drinks at a fine dining restaurant for quite the bargain!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiow52sbBvj5Q1_ZFNDfdYAkJuohBsJNcUc0Pv3Z3IuSfRMoSc5mP-cvtGjiPoy144fzhNgbBeXeho95XIo7SyLV7zIhGi3uspgKiVZ-sOrYmuCGWzAMhegG6nJPYyFCCfieR5ymdw8euf/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Generous Pour Summer Wine Event at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiow52sbBvj5Q1_ZFNDfdYAkJuohBsJNcUc0Pv3Z3IuSfRMoSc5mP-cvtGjiPoy144fzhNgbBeXeho95XIo7SyLV7zIhGi3uspgKiVZ-sOrYmuCGWzAMhegG6nJPYyFCCfieR5ymdw8euf/s1600/capital+grille+houston+restaurant+food+wine+06.jpg" title="The Generous Pour Summer Wine Event at The Capital Grille - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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More wine?Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com4The Capital Grille29.7799634 -95.56204930000001229.7795329 -95.562679800000012 29.7803939 -95.561418800000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-84799168447943618162016-08-16T08:48:00.001-05:002016-08-16T14:57:22.861-05:00Houston Restaurant Weeks at Radio MilanoMan, I LOVE this place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPtFdcloBAztbnszE4sTxzBDIteniaRaYnb8wkNh4yrIN9_Uv9hLGI6CeHgWeD5xdeN18Zgp5WSyXcIfVCRL6yrldU1TH9qGV1jld3eIh8oeL0kZOaAQJeomU_5u2R1yWItcCqpnJsMR3/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Radio Milano - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPtFdcloBAztbnszE4sTxzBDIteniaRaYnb8wkNh4yrIN9_Uv9hLGI6CeHgWeD5xdeN18Zgp5WSyXcIfVCRL6yrldU1TH9qGV1jld3eIh8oeL0kZOaAQJeomU_5u2R1yWItcCqpnJsMR3/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" title="Radio Milano - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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So it was a cryin' shame that Jon and I hadn't been back to <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/02/radio-milano.html">Radio Milano</a> in over a year! As this is definitely a fine dining restaurant on the pricier side, we decided to take advantage of their Houston Restaurant Weeks menu and enjoy dinner there last weekend with our friends Dillon and Melinda.<br />
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Radio Milano is great - not only because the food is out of this world - but because if you want, you can make a whole experience out of it, which is exactly what we did. It's located in Hotel Sorella in Houston's City Centre area, so there are so many additional things to do nearby. The restaurant has a beautiful bar with excellently crafted cocktails downstairs, so we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink. Jon ordered a bourbon, and I went for the greatfruit rose cocktail, with vodka instead of gin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQLxPn1JMpBHFkE6DQhw0kgcEO8TjReXuaba0-Ws38vBEfVzNJ0EOzFZW5REodZBgiZkZzlwHAo-YZ8M_u376fdjU_cb0DGSKGVTHZ4rIn9f50r860vslF7vo6UWOPOHJh4SpKCSlQ99s/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Milano Bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQLxPn1JMpBHFkE6DQhw0kgcEO8TjReXuaba0-Ws38vBEfVzNJ0EOzFZW5REodZBgiZkZzlwHAo-YZ8M_u376fdjU_cb0DGSKGVTHZ4rIn9f50r860vslF7vo6UWOPOHJh4SpKCSlQ99s/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+02.jpg" title="Milano Bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuizS6KA6TkIsrfkX-I6tv74kUrshPCMGVMhwe4JvnpjtH6SmdR2CWOXI7MzYMYu22GRI0hx3E-2YcKzrFAOJrx1tHMTEomkUDZvglU8EzC1A21ySvULPpNKc5MpU6SNQfHGkKpVg9PRfV/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Milano Bar in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuizS6KA6TkIsrfkX-I6tv74kUrshPCMGVMhwe4JvnpjtH6SmdR2CWOXI7MzYMYu22GRI0hx3E-2YcKzrFAOJrx1tHMTEomkUDZvglU8EzC1A21ySvULPpNKc5MpU6SNQfHGkKpVg9PRfV/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+drinks+03.jpg" title="Milano Bar in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The (beautiful!) drink consisted of lillet, grapefruit, elderflower, and vodka. It was subtly sweet, subtly bitter, perfectly boozy, and super refreshing!<br />
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After we'd all enjoyed our cocktails, we headed up to the restaurant's main dining room for some food. We ordered a bottle of wine and were presented with some bread to snack on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cTG4RjQ2e1BphQUy0v2wZR97j23Y2ZCK0D8Rn82EdlhohThUIZG6gHe5QZnv_dVuChO6lZNYLegvr2VCdDj6AZtzDobZ18aGy_uXgZBbS5VBZX29cO3jqJUb-BFCtnPiqUtIPep7WhE-/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+bread+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cTG4RjQ2e1BphQUy0v2wZR97j23Y2ZCK0D8Rn82EdlhohThUIZG6gHe5QZnv_dVuChO6lZNYLegvr2VCdDj6AZtzDobZ18aGy_uXgZBbS5VBZX29cO3jqJUb-BFCtnPiqUtIPep7WhE-/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+bread+04.jpg" title="bread at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The bread was herby and fresh, and it was served with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The vinegar was syrupy and sweet, and paired very nicely with the savory bread!<br />
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All of us decided to order from the Hosuton Restaurant Weeks menu (in contrast to last year when the four of us visited <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2015/08/caracol.html">Caracol</a> for Houston Restaurant Weeks, and we all went rogue and ordered off the main menu). But before we even delved into our individual meals, we ordered their antipasto (meat and cheese) plate to share.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLj1QLwapnqqTS7OB_IzmfNeY45-2u5P6lLsVlQwCCaSjIZWSvU2fwY35rHuTdoe4q8VeioPmOX37dz3KVxmESYIYEmjFRGUoYpARRRHvTTSBGlfuSnJvu5uKLhI3SNsyBdeJzTm-tUxW/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+cheese+meats+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="meat and cheese at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLj1QLwapnqqTS7OB_IzmfNeY45-2u5P6lLsVlQwCCaSjIZWSvU2fwY35rHuTdoe4q8VeioPmOX37dz3KVxmESYIYEmjFRGUoYpARRRHvTTSBGlfuSnJvu5uKLhI3SNsyBdeJzTm-tUxW/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+cheese+meats+05.jpg" title="meat and cheese at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The cheeses consisted of a soft cheese similar to a brie, Manchego, and something else I don't remember (blue maybe?). All had incredibly prominent, delicious and different flavors and textures. Served with lightly toasted bread, honey, jam, and pickled vegetables, I was a big fan!<br />
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For our first course of food, Melinda let me try her caprese salad, and I ordered the corn soup without bacon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoRahQuIsVvIYdObZmIEPSQHb7zd1ZKZOoIRmZvnTrTFp8lKsGc2RTHZ8_1218BETZhZV69ZoPX9IlcDCqdKyICkGNZwb3EQqL-tHcY1m8Gqyn-DGtImT9Qn6vN7Gbnw-IlETB5fPFUDr/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+caprese+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="caprese salad at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoRahQuIsVvIYdObZmIEPSQHb7zd1ZKZOoIRmZvnTrTFp8lKsGc2RTHZ8_1218BETZhZV69ZoPX9IlcDCqdKyICkGNZwb3EQqL-tHcY1m8Gqyn-DGtImT9Qn6vN7Gbnw-IlETB5fPFUDr/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+caprese+06.jpg" title="caprese salad at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc-wdDPd6qzrKmnvrVSmSY8lFLFELxs9aLcxeIJP8Qf6ISeJ4yhdoHjeldBFG_cJLiJUORp7EV4LOjOLcxiUdikjfAhaPLdZqwtGY0jLkV9lbg4QwsxD3M7I6RZY-2b-EfsKRJhMGzMn_/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+soup+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="corn soup at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc-wdDPd6qzrKmnvrVSmSY8lFLFELxs9aLcxeIJP8Qf6ISeJ4yhdoHjeldBFG_cJLiJUORp7EV4LOjOLcxiUdikjfAhaPLdZqwtGY0jLkV9lbg4QwsxD3M7I6RZY-2b-EfsKRJhMGzMn_/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+soup+07.jpg" title="corn soup at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The caprese salad was SUPER fresh and sat in a lovely, creamy Thai basil sauce. My corn soup was awesome. Smooth, rich, and sweet - it was summer in a warm bowl!<br />
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For our next course of food, everyone ordered something different. I went with the vegetarian choice, the goat cheese tortellinis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraNfhVvvQG_-J1Mac8qVyAUPk5-RLjvqNn6ut6k5ZC21c0AEPBcCsEoIfJoBgI3CjOHgsh-E1M1jpteUSETSZdWyZNIkKNf0QGxJnT0HSyiJj33B6_SiFWw2YvodbVuzT64wvIUYyjrYT/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+pasta+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="goat cheese tortellinis at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraNfhVvvQG_-J1Mac8qVyAUPk5-RLjvqNn6ut6k5ZC21c0AEPBcCsEoIfJoBgI3CjOHgsh-E1M1jpteUSETSZdWyZNIkKNf0QGxJnT0HSyiJj33B6_SiFWw2YvodbVuzT64wvIUYyjrYT/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+pasta+08.jpg" title="goat cheese tortellinis at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I never met a cheese I didn't like. BUT there are some that I'm less enthused about than others, one being goat cheese. I think goat cheese must be carefully done in dishes because it has the tendency to dry everything else out. So while the goat cheese didn't necessarily have that effect on this pasta, I think something softer in flavor like ricotta might have brought it together a little better. HOWEVER the rich, decadent brown butter sauce combined with fragrant sage and crunchy hazelnuts certainly was outstanding!<br />
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For our final (dessert) round of food, we made sure at least one of each desserts was ordered. Thus, we were all able to try the chocolate souffle, affogato, and pistachio napoleon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPOuLzP5TNQLLcn5g4LkIim0XwEdl9GQyBSVUvZwqeH_HM2l5eTXhz878CQhHVRKEfVsP-RRJnJ9z89SngbsQToTWZUvlq9yLczBAbCe_CVIzjlS7myo4UcG3Pn6G3fe4bK-BCU7dnGWl/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chocolate souffle at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPOuLzP5TNQLLcn5g4LkIim0XwEdl9GQyBSVUvZwqeH_HM2l5eTXhz878CQhHVRKEfVsP-RRJnJ9z89SngbsQToTWZUvlq9yLczBAbCe_CVIzjlS7myo4UcG3Pn6G3fe4bK-BCU7dnGWl/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+12.jpg" title="chocolate souffle at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5_PsSmhL0azkk5POseXFtFoz2E4pyzhsVOPSXul-XenEbc7gg0PSuFcjKABwtVL2b5fDa7OoRau66zLeks0-BVjjF9hsSJyGINgu3GB_azau2lqLGPpL4vOpamPLPXsAUkTc2xGIslhQ/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="affogato at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5_PsSmhL0azkk5POseXFtFoz2E4pyzhsVOPSXul-XenEbc7gg0PSuFcjKABwtVL2b5fDa7OoRau66zLeks0-BVjjF9hsSJyGINgu3GB_azau2lqLGPpL4vOpamPLPXsAUkTc2xGIslhQ/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+10.jpg" title="affogato at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXp94BbceZYEvFnNLDDMObmfy8Y7RAwSIwKmL5LnXTsYJYuBi2phKxePOh7RI243sQZwOtcCckaiDGTVKb6iUi8mmrnZavAxkqIdwvmmUBSIOvVKRpQZIrN6OxKA3NLqf2dTX74nKYDNvM/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pistachio napoleon at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXp94BbceZYEvFnNLDDMObmfy8Y7RAwSIwKmL5LnXTsYJYuBi2phKxePOh7RI243sQZwOtcCckaiDGTVKb6iUi8mmrnZavAxkqIdwvmmUBSIOvVKRpQZIrN6OxKA3NLqf2dTX74nKYDNvM/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+11.jpg" title="pistachio napoleon at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The chocolate souffle was covered in an amaretto sauce and served with a side of marscapone cream. It was a full, rich, dense brownie of a chocolate cake, and the marscapone cream added a lovely softness to it.<br />
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The affogato was a scoop of hazelnut ice cream topped with vanilla infused espresso. This was basically coffee in dessert form,-It was completely different from the souffle, and also great!<br />
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I think all four of us agreed though, that the colorful pistachio napoleon was our favorite. The dessert consisted of raspberries, pistachio cream, raspberry sorbet, and a light wafer of some sort. The flavors were so contrasting (bright and tart raspberry sorbet, versus earthy, soft pistachio cream) that the end result was fantastic!<br />
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Extending our lovely Houston evening, after dinner we walked over to a bar right next to the restaurant (still inside the hotel) that had lounge chairs and cabanas around a little pool. Then we also may have had another drink downstairs? (shh...)<br />
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Both times I've been to Radio Milano have been wonderful. This fine dining Houston restaurant has incredible food and an incredible atmosphere, so it's definitely one to add to your list. And I DEFINITELY recommend taking advantage of their $45 Houston Restaurant Weeks menu to get a taste of several different outstanding food items. I refuse to wait another year and a half to go back!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljHDB584EgxGjOz74-IeifQYE4ILXp7OmF46mBrJMrBa-BSlvA5ave7tZlCeo6T4X6UTZ-eT_F6_NJPCIC5ZZqfZXItcmJHS80_nyGeusZQXvj0JEUO9nwJDYuxMyVgmXJL8K1X-HLCMc/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dinner+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dinner at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljHDB584EgxGjOz74-IeifQYE4ILXp7OmF46mBrJMrBa-BSlvA5ave7tZlCeo6T4X6UTZ-eT_F6_NJPCIC5ZZqfZXItcmJHS80_nyGeusZQXvj0JEUO9nwJDYuxMyVgmXJL8K1X-HLCMc/s1600/radio+milano+houston+restaurant+food+dinner+09.jpg" title="dinner at Radio Milano - a restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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Like, seriously. I want to marry this restaurant.
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/houston/radio-milano-memorial" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Radio Milano, Memorial and other Restaurants in Houston"><img alt="Radio Milano Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16893079/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0Radio Milano29.7799559 -95.5613637999999812.3283079000000022 -136.86995779999998 57.231603899999996 -54.252769799999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-6226765746634060452016-08-11T08:43:00.002-05:002016-08-11T09:17:27.972-05:00Houston Restaurant Weeks at Hunky DoryHi hi hellooo, my name is Kim, remember me friends?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejClak-VEpbXnT1AXw7f-o3N6B0wB5ZFre9KGfrx_GKnc6IhF1Wkp0quHEdNAxsNrFqynLZ8M1FY6GbAvZ1oe5HApER9BXCNAe6f0h3sHakUiUj_M2v3oiHhphUwnmSWOQ3PH2CxE7v5N/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejClak-VEpbXnT1AXw7f-o3N6B0wB5ZFre9KGfrx_GKnc6IhF1Wkp0quHEdNAxsNrFqynLZ8M1FY6GbAvZ1oe5HApER9BXCNAe6f0h3sHakUiUj_M2v3oiHhphUwnmSWOQ3PH2CxE7v5N/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" title="Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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I should have mentioned this about a month ago, but my Houston restaurant posts have slowed down a bit, and here's why: I was recently promoted at the nonprofit I work for, which has been very exciting!! HOWEVER, I'm way busier now, which means a) I'm going out a little less for my sanity; and b) I'm blogging a little less for my sanity. When I get home from work now, I'm more inclined to chill out (with wine, let's be real) than crank out three restaurant posts in a week, you feel me? BUT I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!<br />
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Because, duh, I love food too much.<br />
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So. This month is exciting because not only are the Olympic sporting games happening, but the Olympic Houston food games (aka <a href="http://www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com/">Houston Restaurant Weeks</a>) are also happening! I don't know about you all, but I like to take advantage of Houston Restaurant Weeks at spots that might be a little on the pricier side that I wouldn't necessarily frequent on the reg (because my bank account says so).<br />
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Enter: <a href="http://treadsack.com/hunkydory/">Hunky Dor</a>y.<br />
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I met up with three of my girlfriends (Kate, Mary, and Laurel) from the<a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/03/2016-houston-rodeo.html"> Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo</a> Wine Garden Committee for dinner there the other night. I've actually looked into dining at the restaurant before, but they never seemed to have much in the way of veg food options that really excited me. But I was pleasantly surprised to learn they had vegetarian options for all three courses on the Houston Restaurant Weeks menu, and they all looked very appealing!<br />
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For the first round of food, Laurel and I ordered the salad, while Mary and Kate ordered the Iberico ham and summer melons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8eWEytH0Vd3EsD1SkK8higAI0-8I3YdBr1fHNj298wCyOqsBK8Xyz6AMr47eX2G7ZHzMOF8c7Z5Q34eGjziyPQG1rqpHzPmyN8j_Th62TyUIiGJLl345HKjAnVfXxBXmILIP-blsXKqG/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+salad+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="salad at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8eWEytH0Vd3EsD1SkK8higAI0-8I3YdBr1fHNj298wCyOqsBK8Xyz6AMr47eX2G7ZHzMOF8c7Z5Q34eGjziyPQG1rqpHzPmyN8j_Th62TyUIiGJLl345HKjAnVfXxBXmILIP-blsXKqG/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+salad+02.jpg" title="salad at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lXDeIVZUPFRtvp_AAidbmrc0GO9cDQ_zy_kItNhEj6FdnLYwBtRntAcGvx6A5jpOg8BqmK78Vp1WH8Px6ihmewWe1ByVxIC7geWlLGo92-ChCxHlLNo7VIfZ08NkwiYUr2rFMWcCGSCo/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+salad+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ham & melon salad at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lXDeIVZUPFRtvp_AAidbmrc0GO9cDQ_zy_kItNhEj6FdnLYwBtRntAcGvx6A5jpOg8BqmK78Vp1WH8Px6ihmewWe1ByVxIC7geWlLGo92-ChCxHlLNo7VIfZ08NkwiYUr2rFMWcCGSCo/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+salad+03.jpg" title="ham & melon salad at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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My salad was comprised of mixed greens, marinated cucumber and avocado, and a creamy avocado dressing. All in all, it was a pretty average salad. The cucumber, avocado, and dressing were placed below the greens, and everything but the dressing seemed to get lost in the mix. The dressing itself was creamy, zippy, and lovely. I just wish there had been more of the other non-leafy ingredients, or maybe even the addition of citrus and/or nuts of some sort. It was fine, but it didn't blow me away, and Laurel felt the same. Kate and Mary, however, seemed to really enjoy their first course!<br />
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For the main course of food everyone but me ordered the restaurant's braised and grilled short rib. I went with the chicken tikka masala, made vegetarian.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD5IvzCVAei_2DNiGKn7gXPq1cBFPaN9uBVpfh7qMKrLPPmLDK_ORBulcFUs4E8_FzhxA7nY9jzLVbyvQnbf_TV9sz8Szo3sFVX-BPHYOHRnDwZwivriimWynUfeVKvX1Ju6AdHccqa98/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+meat+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="short rib at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD5IvzCVAei_2DNiGKn7gXPq1cBFPaN9uBVpfh7qMKrLPPmLDK_ORBulcFUs4E8_FzhxA7nY9jzLVbyvQnbf_TV9sz8Szo3sFVX-BPHYOHRnDwZwivriimWynUfeVKvX1Ju6AdHccqa98/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+meat+04.jpg" title="short rib at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5TYSaE80MFBzhXNkg6juREQ3Vk2Nrat2MMNbCLNbVhopLkLx5M_BsQnSSx8hxBtmNJcMgIMnb5M97ihe9eaY19AjHd9Ytqup2LV4IRrHN7vm47XrY52GMGWJSO3pJC5gUu-FHG4ykj-l/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+vegetarian+tikka+masala+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vegetarian tikka masala at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5TYSaE80MFBzhXNkg6juREQ3Vk2Nrat2MMNbCLNbVhopLkLx5M_BsQnSSx8hxBtmNJcMgIMnb5M97ihe9eaY19AjHd9Ytqup2LV4IRrHN7vm47XrY52GMGWJSO3pJC5gUu-FHG4ykj-l/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+vegetarian+tikka+masala+05.jpg" title="vegetarian tikka masala at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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There wasn't a clean plate at the end of this round, y'all! My friends all enjoyed their shortrib, and I was a huge fan of my food. Root vegetables, and possibly some fruits (?), swirled together in a thick curried tomato yogurt sauce atop a bed of steamed basmati rice. The sauce was earthy, warming, and comforting (you forget that it's 100 degrees outside, promise), and the rice was firm and cooked al dente, which made it stand up against the sauce. The textures (pumpkin seeds were in there I believe?) were fun and varied, and the flavors were wonderful. I was definitely pleased!<br />
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For the final round we made sure to order at least one of each of the restaurant's desserts to split: the sticky toffy pudding, eccles cake with cheddar, and dark & stormy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMGJVv4K37M6mVekN-NAB1kOBtrgTbL3KaUjwQfCBxMOcDpiul4p3NHRBtyBBVK-rFe2KRguthjW4j0RBrgQSuxZPi95Y_zHHjNKdWr5B2JbT7IU4KA-cklW7lG-sgQsihxNKlbUQmcgj/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sticky toffee pudding at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMGJVv4K37M6mVekN-NAB1kOBtrgTbL3KaUjwQfCBxMOcDpiul4p3NHRBtyBBVK-rFe2KRguthjW4j0RBrgQSuxZPi95Y_zHHjNKdWr5B2JbT7IU4KA-cklW7lG-sgQsihxNKlbUQmcgj/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+07.jpg" title="sticky toffee pudding at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopzOhhxJqZqkfyv3mI0op1VCrn6IQTdwMxfUV0XKinpb3A2jURf5ilGTZAafdcmJdIrzDbyA_7Bd4cQLjRAb6IdHWTX5gUf-xr_ik5J3K8el32FLDCny4saVbsekjQhvFn-_1VrrlfqKv/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="eccles cake with cheddar at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopzOhhxJqZqkfyv3mI0op1VCrn6IQTdwMxfUV0XKinpb3A2jURf5ilGTZAafdcmJdIrzDbyA_7Bd4cQLjRAb6IdHWTX5gUf-xr_ik5J3K8el32FLDCny4saVbsekjQhvFn-_1VrrlfqKv/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+08.jpg" title="eccles cake with cheddar at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-2XlIo5iOPKVEnBJ2pGzGYamks3glHM1EyQF5VfOSxGmvIkTnP_dLx5K021bgy0X5PEwAFr5pCORoEJqqyROg4FqpFxrhMj1QGKbBdVvd-GQJJEcG3j4xTtFHiZGWHbIWivU3mPEDJr7/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dark & stormy at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-2XlIo5iOPKVEnBJ2pGzGYamks3glHM1EyQF5VfOSxGmvIkTnP_dLx5K021bgy0X5PEwAFr5pCORoEJqqyROg4FqpFxrhMj1QGKbBdVvd-GQJJEcG3j4xTtFHiZGWHbIWivU3mPEDJr7/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+06.jpg" title="dark & stormy at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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The sticky toffee pudding was not actually pudding as you might suspect (British people are such tricksters)- It was in fact a sponge date cake, soaked in caramel sauce, served with clotted cream. It was nicely spiced, sponge-y, and quite tasty on it's own, under the decadent caramel. The clotted cream added a nice softness to it though, and brought it all together. This was my second favorite of the three!<br />
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Because I don't have a huge sweet tooth, I anticipated the eccles cake with cheddar would be my favorite. While it didn't win that title, it was still very enjoyable. A flaky warm puff pastry stuffed with dried fruit, candied peel, and spices was served alongside a hunk of sharp mouthy cheddar. Cheese and bread, what's not to love?<br />
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But my <i>favorite </i>of the three was the dark & stormy, and no not because it had alcohol in it thank you very much (okay maybe a little bit because of that). Rum ice cream was topped with rum caramel (sensing a pattern?), lime, and ginger beer. So basically, what we were presented with was a spiked root (well ginger) beer float, and it was FABULOUS! The swirl of velvety caramel with the smooth ice cream in the fizzy ginger beer was playful, sinful, and outrageous. A squirt of lime added a nice punch as well, and I thought this was my favorite food item of the evening!<br />
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Until...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tx2RWU1hrQkEZzWdqKGuoTn78B1KmFQAVxeVxJNc9lCx7W5apjdcVBm_E34ENHqfjQl8o2hxRLuRB8KOUt_mH3ZbM0jNqrNEiGR5Cr0MPXgNl6aMukSJAXF7U9sY_tkiAoyCrSBtaHkv/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="shortbread cookies at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tx2RWU1hrQkEZzWdqKGuoTn78B1KmFQAVxeVxJNc9lCx7W5apjdcVBm_E34ENHqfjQl8o2hxRLuRB8KOUt_mH3ZbM0jNqrNEiGR5Cr0MPXgNl6aMukSJAXF7U9sY_tkiAoyCrSBtaHkv/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+09.jpg" title="shortbread cookies at Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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So, funny story- Hunky Dory finished up our meal with some complimentary bunny-shaped shortbread cookies. When our server brought them out, Laurel exclaimed, "WHALES!"<br />
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(turn your head sideways, and I promise you'll see it).<br />
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But these were SO GOOD. Like, S O . G O O D . The cookies were insanely buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I'd go back just for these!<br />
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Hunky Dory is a fantastic restaurant choice for Houston Restaurant Weeks. The cozy interior is decorated beautifully, the service is great (although at times a <span style="font-size: large;">*</span>tad<span style="font-size: large;">* </span><i>over</i>-attentive, but I'll take that over <i>in</i>attentive any day), and the food is really really good. I definitely want to go back to this great Houston Heights spot!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrc8S05u85Ar_3TmT2HX0uR-39M3wDpQpQ9_jofINCEq14WvwoeHoK22zBUkl4f9B1tgUInMELMt6RxQG9zslESmAB_BYFCJ6XGwdebZgMnjyN9d7LkazUUwUPN8A9FByeU8QdIr5WDua/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrc8S05u85Ar_3TmT2HX0uR-39M3wDpQpQ9_jofINCEq14WvwoeHoK22zBUkl4f9B1tgUInMELMt6RxQG9zslESmAB_BYFCJ6XGwdebZgMnjyN9d7LkazUUwUPN8A9FByeU8QdIr5WDua/s1600/hunky+dory+houston+restaurant+food+10.jpg" title="Hunky Dory - A restaurant in Houston, Texas" /></a></div>
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For the whales, you know?<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/houston/hunky-dory-tavern-the-heights" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Hunky Dory Tavern, The Heights and other Restaurants in Houston"><img alt="Hunky Dory Tavern Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16892107/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com2Hunky Dory29.801938 -95.4103339999999782.3502949999999991 -136.71892799999998 57.253581 -54.101739999999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-34127970932561990912016-08-01T08:38:00.003-05:002016-08-01T08:38:40.950-05:00OxheartWell, it finally happened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bzp1ALK6XeBeh3RgQ9BXa1gUv7mbyM00L3luzOEjR0F6MJr-vWUWYZgflM_69A3gxFRN7sia1pzXsDA5CDmN9ny1LQ6cfzG2bBTYMPKI7tWPmzgF40GfHM8VV37RhocNKAfTMTotkNCq/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="champagne at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bzp1ALK6XeBeh3RgQ9BXa1gUv7mbyM00L3luzOEjR0F6MJr-vWUWYZgflM_69A3gxFRN7sia1pzXsDA5CDmN9ny1LQ6cfzG2bBTYMPKI7tWPmzgF40GfHM8VV37RhocNKAfTMTotkNCq/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+01.jpg" title="champagne at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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I had dinner at <a href="http://oxhearthouston.com/">Oxheart</a>!!!!!<br />
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I've been wanting to go to this high profile Houston restaurant and try their renowned food since, well, the beginning of time really, and I finally went! Jon and I figured my birthday was as good an excuse as any, so that's how we celebrated on the evening of my 31st.<br />
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Upon entering the cozy, eclectic little restaurant located in downtown Houston, Jon and I were seated at a table for two and presented with a glass of champagne each - on the house (!), in celebration of my birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64KlwuM10CUyLjnb2hqWqUWTm1ns6BrNZsLk5zeL10UJ_TrFAVV6MFuc4Kz2jAyxuBtzM3ydNiX4bOedCcmp1HPuacJjAS_JORGj73RD4JIkHg2mEInBLEdbsjyZoQSeHh3F3nBqJ4jGd/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64KlwuM10CUyLjnb2hqWqUWTm1ns6BrNZsLk5zeL10UJ_TrFAVV6MFuc4Kz2jAyxuBtzM3ydNiX4bOedCcmp1HPuacJjAS_JORGj73RD4JIkHg2mEInBLEdbsjyZoQSeHh3F3nBqJ4jGd/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+10.jpg" title="Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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For $75 a person (why this definitely falls under the category of "Special Occasion Houston Restaurant" in my book), you get a pre-fixe meal of six different food items. The offerings change with the seasons, and there is always a regular menu, as well as a vegetarian menu. The restaurant's meals are largely plant based, so several of the courses end up being the same on both menus. Jon opted for the regular menu, while I went with the vegetarian, and we split a bottle of Beaujolais for kicks.<br />
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To start, both Jon and I were presented with the first course, which was a soup consisting of crystal dumplings in summer vegetable broth, with braised roselle, raw beans, and jasmine tea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWYxHyb1OlTOIsOshXWi9OjpFXikWXVeQ420CM3ouvTGYXcSDDBwDvpxCyRO2TgpPRlh-vbtkad-RBwkAwzLRCV381pxIPFiYcJqPqEMtA-vpKsN0892YvG1owyOBiUficLjbhv6aHipl/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+soup+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="soup at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWYxHyb1OlTOIsOshXWi9OjpFXikWXVeQ420CM3ouvTGYXcSDDBwDvpxCyRO2TgpPRlh-vbtkad-RBwkAwzLRCV381pxIPFiYcJqPqEMtA-vpKsN0892YvG1owyOBiUficLjbhv6aHipl/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+soup+03.jpg" title="soup at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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This not-hot, not-cold soup was light, oily, slightly tart, and herb-y. It was absolutely lovely, and tasted like everything had been freshly plucked out of a nearby Houston garden that morning (probably was) and swirled together to create a wonderful concoction. When I saw the tiny portion size (something I'd been well aware of and expecting), I thought Jon was going to be like uhhh wtf, but to my surprise, he really enjoyed it!<br />
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Our second course of food was also the same on both menus, and it was the restaurant's mung bean crepe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxr3zQcvybd9L-8qR2C8UCbqRQ-F6Kko9JJUv7qomzKd8O2k4uOWNh_EmgtOG3ZaHy5V-HdZ5vS9zeb8fE8UzfaLDQFSRhihR2JcocIZkiOidVV4it8BzPQsAZrpfGeVdlkxTa2GosERpd/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+crepe+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mung bean crepe at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxr3zQcvybd9L-8qR2C8UCbqRQ-F6Kko9JJUv7qomzKd8O2k4uOWNh_EmgtOG3ZaHy5V-HdZ5vS9zeb8fE8UzfaLDQFSRhihR2JcocIZkiOidVV4it8BzPQsAZrpfGeVdlkxTa2GosERpd/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+crepe+04.jpg" title="mung bean crepe at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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omg Y'ALL. The crepe was stuffed with alliums, potato skins, and miso, and served with a side of pickled roots and burnt onion, and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I seriously cannot tell you how incredible this dish was. The crepe itself was slightly crisped, doughy, and borderline hearty; the textures of the soft crepe and the crunchy pickled vegetables was deliriously enjoyable; and the flavor combinations of everything was insane. This was my favorite food item of the evening, and it is definitely in the running for one of the best Houston dishes I've had so far this year!<br />
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Not part of the six courses, we were given some fresh rolls to nosh on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qpOLMnnbmLD6Y_BDCQXrG-qeXF6bGGTGR3DKnZnqYVTfK-bnEd0Yu1zxutcTpgUGVkI6YgT5_jQbAZB5dX9K3O92xUKEedXFY_cEigwEcychgmJOH3_Bn2SIG6EskE6SkL5oeloVPfAn/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+bread+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qpOLMnnbmLD6Y_BDCQXrG-qeXF6bGGTGR3DKnZnqYVTfK-bnEd0Yu1zxutcTpgUGVkI6YgT5_jQbAZB5dX9K3O92xUKEedXFY_cEigwEcychgmJOH3_Bn2SIG6EskE6SkL5oeloVPfAn/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+bread+05.jpg" title="bread at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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The bread was fluffy, grainy, and slighly sweet. Definitely enjoyable!<br />
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Jon's third course of food was the gulf snapper a scapece with basil-kombu broth, and mine was the English cucumber poached in fermented cucumber juice, with bitter almond, spiced tomato fondant, and French sorrel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGvdayIvxRhZcYOPf-4Fzc9CUFlJdakqBDvf4Y8HORzMP6dCSiN80iH4GTuRslmpYaZMTTLA8PUcZaHqeweP36K8NpC5SFvITynGpktsFFV5MFs0-e7DdY3002FRo7qw1xemhYjGAjyc9/s1600/oxheart++houston+restaurants+food+fish+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGvdayIvxRhZcYOPf-4Fzc9CUFlJdakqBDvf4Y8HORzMP6dCSiN80iH4GTuRslmpYaZMTTLA8PUcZaHqeweP36K8NpC5SFvITynGpktsFFV5MFs0-e7DdY3002FRo7qw1xemhYjGAjyc9/s1600/oxheart++houston+restaurants+food+fish+17.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKghRijucpu-zwdwaHgadhntxIP_jCa6d1FIYiW-zM0kitcIubJUN78mAKEtJKTbuqOLLyewfW8SbAy_4qdLLKMB7VCxcx_zUo63SLXcfQLs7X3uK24wYxIBrcmoUgMWBBQzlfz_nh5H5/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+cucumber+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cucumber dish at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKghRijucpu-zwdwaHgadhntxIP_jCa6d1FIYiW-zM0kitcIubJUN78mAKEtJKTbuqOLLyewfW8SbAy_4qdLLKMB7VCxcx_zUo63SLXcfQLs7X3uK24wYxIBrcmoUgMWBBQzlfz_nh5H5/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+cucumber+07.jpg" title="cucumber dish at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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First off, how beautifully do these two dishes go together? I hadn't realized until putting these pictures side by side how perfectly they match! Jon went nuts over his snapper, and he said it was his favorite food item of the evening. My cucumber on the other hand was my least favorite bite. While visually it was STUNNING, I found the taste to be a bit underwhelming. The textures were nice, but I really could only taste cucumber, which in my opinion is a pretty watery, unexciting vegetable.<br />
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The fourth round of food was the same for both of us, and it was a porridge of Texas grains, vadouvan, cauliflower, and navel oranges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTfHHrlW0LUKm3y_-l9r74_H4djTgD15i3IaQAW4TDPP1K5334h-sGghS0jiV7SKF1mVujciS4duHYaWwx5WrWkTmz_ys5fCLSnw8mFgLGV00BzfXoK_pC_FpdbdqTDJ455c_HMM6pY28/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+porridge+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="porridge at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTfHHrlW0LUKm3y_-l9r74_H4djTgD15i3IaQAW4TDPP1K5334h-sGghS0jiV7SKF1mVujciS4duHYaWwx5WrWkTmz_ys5fCLSnw8mFgLGV00BzfXoK_pC_FpdbdqTDJ455c_HMM6pY28/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+porridge+08.jpg" title="porridge at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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We both also really loved this dish. With warmer nuances hinting towards the colder months - like Indian spices, heavy grains, and cauliflower - the porridge still managed to maintain a bright lightness with citrus and bright herbs. It was oily, smooth, and utterly delicious!<br />
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For Jon's fifth course of food, he was given the restaurant's freedom ranger chicken stuffed with rice and collard greens, with a jus of chicken and dried shellfish. My course consisted of slowly roasted carrots with cured, smoked carrots, celery, and a white onion-black pepper emulsion. For this round we were presented with some fancy locally-made knives to choose from.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF8AB34A9SncvmNpkAlwtUE8k8J7KkIqqFjrYOEaUg66S708LTBcB3w1jVTIDX17EtE_fVhWfGOvpV60wtik_Ze1cd4bBeif5WFB6uKQesdkL4J2EIKCzv_OkfhnpLim2FEZRdE-WfS5s/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF8AB34A9SncvmNpkAlwtUE8k8J7KkIqqFjrYOEaUg66S708LTBcB3w1jVTIDX17EtE_fVhWfGOvpV60wtik_Ze1cd4bBeif5WFB6uKQesdkL4J2EIKCzv_OkfhnpLim2FEZRdE-WfS5s/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+12.jpg" title="Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbteQ9dH0U39sxbjGlPl9G02Ih-GSZyW6rFiYXJFL_DgGpz5v87q3zcLhkqMNfwPmpP6q1gXbQrdY_QWxLWy0coJSqK0-mk-5_Bf7_6_Z2FmhpItVbgkkvCr4LjaSheT3li3FcRKKDOhN/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+meat+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chicken at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbteQ9dH0U39sxbjGlPl9G02Ih-GSZyW6rFiYXJFL_DgGpz5v87q3zcLhkqMNfwPmpP6q1gXbQrdY_QWxLWy0coJSqK0-mk-5_Bf7_6_Z2FmhpItVbgkkvCr4LjaSheT3li3FcRKKDOhN/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+meat+11.jpg" title="chicken at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwv8icZ5sKVJoLvHKWffh8vRtrpfmFl5CUumLy-bYwTR7FYov5_tCsQNlkvDFdlyFYehwXXnwzMobpdWHRCqUjNyh6yq7rLVfXn95LnXOtfhUgH2eVuyJOptzH2nGgq7xLlWxCOra5QsM/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+carrots+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="carrot dish at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwv8icZ5sKVJoLvHKWffh8vRtrpfmFl5CUumLy-bYwTR7FYov5_tCsQNlkvDFdlyFYehwXXnwzMobpdWHRCqUjNyh6yq7rLVfXn95LnXOtfhUgH2eVuyJOptzH2nGgq7xLlWxCOra5QsM/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+carrots+03.jpg" title="carrot dish at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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Jon's chicken smelled INCREDIBLE, and he affirmed that it was. My carrots were OUTSTANDING. Smoky and leathery, I was pretty much convinced that I was actually eating bacon or beef jerky. I seriously went nuts over the carrots, and this was easily my second favorite dish of the evening!<br />
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(who knew carrots could be so invigorating?!)<br />
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The final round was the dessert round!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWxeRKWizGDXPAYRuJrPz9gR0zTapbE3b2-Zv8o4yXJhTaAcLlqx4O_U2DjT8cWDH5WzhJO1kDpMrLE7VufSVvbIsv7ABdPGS-N5rta_ck_bCA0JBzgsspp5cYwxmck7LwtEMxjFxdEhp/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+dessert+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dessert at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWxeRKWizGDXPAYRuJrPz9gR0zTapbE3b2-Zv8o4yXJhTaAcLlqx4O_U2DjT8cWDH5WzhJO1kDpMrLE7VufSVvbIsv7ABdPGS-N5rta_ck_bCA0JBzgsspp5cYwxmck7LwtEMxjFxdEhp/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+dessert+14.jpg" title="dessert at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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Jon and I were each given a plate of creme fraiche cremeux, and strawberry glazed with mushroom, sorghum, and lime. (My version was sans gelatin, while Jon's included some). This was a wonderful, light, sweet, simple dessert, and how in the heck they got mushroom to work in a dessert is beyond me, but by gollee, it worked!<br />
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Then for good measure the restaurant brought out some small pound cake like loaves, aka second dessert, and I wasn't mad about it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5KFabw3fTcoQ8k3b366uxFTifjr5pgW2ti-jvBgComfBUaNbxwMnYeJCMYnyNh4YapJP3vKh9XVC7s4y6GgPIjcWvsJrpe4ZX6q6_C0y7zjh4vNlrIA5CNr4ETe0gDNF8iRTv6qZgfn7/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+dessert+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dessert at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5KFabw3fTcoQ8k3b366uxFTifjr5pgW2ti-jvBgComfBUaNbxwMnYeJCMYnyNh4YapJP3vKh9XVC7s4y6GgPIjcWvsJrpe4ZX6q6_C0y7zjh4vNlrIA5CNr4ETe0gDNF8iRTv6qZgfn7/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+dessert+15.jpg" title="dessert at Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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I am so so SO happy to report that Houston's Oxheart lives up to the hype. Even though the portions are smaller, Jon and I left feeling completely satisfied and totally enamored with everything. The food is so carefully prepared and special, and the whole experience we had was wonderful. If you have a "Special Occasion Houston Restaurants" list like I do, definitely tack this one on there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCW_PmQSq15PNNAxn5TL3gvnUPBmHEB5XwVr4CAdVWG-r9VN847djFV6s0DHVUW00VzGJrRnjvXT0WvoUa7rhdfq8HIShpxZrqN-oHHDDNI91i49OYJEmcogKJpvffC6O4d88V0e5wUDV/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCW_PmQSq15PNNAxn5TL3gvnUPBmHEB5XwVr4CAdVWG-r9VN847djFV6s0DHVUW00VzGJrRnjvXT0WvoUa7rhdfq8HIShpxZrqN-oHHDDNI91i49OYJEmcogKJpvffC6O4d88V0e5wUDV/s1600/oxheart+houston+restaurants+food+09.jpg" title="Oxheart - A restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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But can't every day be "Special Occasion Houston Restaurant" Day?<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/houston/oxheart-downtown" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Oxheart, Downtown and other Restaurants in Houston"><img alt="Oxheart Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16890117/minilogo" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a> Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com5Oxheart29.767778 -95.3540249000000134.2457435 -136.6626189 55.2898125 -54.045430900000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-43796103923649887142016-07-27T08:45:00.000-05:002016-07-27T08:48:32.721-05:00My House Fitness + A Giveaway!<i><b>This post was done in partnership with My House Fitness in Houston, who provided me with a complimentary workout. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this gym post. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</b></i><br />
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(Psst, Houston residents -- Scroll down to the bottom for an exciting giveaway!)<br />
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A couple of Saturdays ago, I started my morning off bright and early like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VqQMzndk8yfuk5kV6joOB1XNDBVdr90DnAqEIAZw4Rf4VRZxP8RQ-Qema1yDXBvDsQofbbl1_cn-GleqMwiv8d1rTMENytEzEp4ah7zxozGyu8M3ZVHMr-H2fgni9FGge6koycMNuQPw/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VqQMzndk8yfuk5kV6joOB1XNDBVdr90DnAqEIAZw4Rf4VRZxP8RQ-Qema1yDXBvDsQofbbl1_cn-GleqMwiv8d1rTMENytEzEp4ah7zxozGyu8M3ZVHMr-H2fgni9FGge6koycMNuQPw/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+03.jpg" title="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " /></a></div>
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Despite me having had a <span style="font-size: large;">*</span>little<span style="font-size: large;">*</span> bit of wine the night before, I ended up muscling through (pun totally intended) and having a fantastic workout at <a href="http://myhousefitness.com/">My House Fitness</a>!<br />
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My House Fitness is a boutique gym that is new to Houston and Richmond. I attended a class at their studio in the Heights. My House Fitness also offers community-centric trainings for every fitness level, as well as nutritional and lifestyle support. Specialists take an individual approach by helping gym-goers with personalizing their goals, providing them with measurable progress, and encouraging them to have fun in a non-intimidating environment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNJWd4h_TN76srma_CvwloMegnJ_ezv2t38Wbc9Hz7mtRTNeKnHud6JcHWSGbv7xdSDt8v7WlmMj3TfjKyOFmGlaEFSWt1LJrZ7XdADZaMW9lEvI8d-CIQNm20syImhYm9YSeM5BgiKgK/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNJWd4h_TN76srma_CvwloMegnJ_ezv2t38Wbc9Hz7mtRTNeKnHud6JcHWSGbv7xdSDt8v7WlmMj3TfjKyOFmGlaEFSWt1LJrZ7XdADZaMW9lEvI8d-CIQNm20syImhYm9YSeM5BgiKgK/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+05.jpg" title="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " /></a></div>
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The intimate space is incredibly laid back and welcoming. Chris Markos, who owns the Houston Heights gym with his wife Lyndsey, greeted me with a smile and great enthusiasm. I quickly found out that the other folks attending the class with me were equally as enthusiastic and super chill. My House Fitness is the opposite of a pretentious gym, that's for sure!<br />
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The class I participated in that day was their "Games" class, which was basically one hour of adult recess. And yes, it was absolutely as awesome as it sounds!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZZI0LBNY96tu3TrwkhTPQhWavYsA0mrSk58J_bOL_PQN64NTW-4k9P-gfYf-FSoiZues01Cpex5ezVFWVzFAwj39TiwJkYdXr0dR-a9L-yj6NEMfGr75nJxlKy4H0p4h_qVOOckunt4q/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZZI0LBNY96tu3TrwkhTPQhWavYsA0mrSk58J_bOL_PQN64NTW-4k9P-gfYf-FSoiZues01Cpex5ezVFWVzFAwj39TiwJkYdXr0dR-a9L-yj6NEMfGr75nJxlKy4H0p4h_qVOOckunt4q/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+02.jpg" title="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9tmysPOhcHC8y5J3UK3JxsZ5M0ZuZJoccuf3cPbvJaMtZd-l9oF2_z330GDjaoewaAXsJOgJ8fWIaZaxVcj48sDr_7neYdFok20Sgz__hx-pnuFGqqWhm-z9eMOczzLOkXf62L6GldQz/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9tmysPOhcHC8y5J3UK3JxsZ5M0ZuZJoccuf3cPbvJaMtZd-l9oF2_z330GDjaoewaAXsJOgJ8fWIaZaxVcj48sDr_7neYdFok20Sgz__hx-pnuFGqqWhm-z9eMOczzLOkXf62L6GldQz/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+01.jpg" title="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " /></a></div>
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On that particular day, we were divided into two teams in a challenge of hangman - meets Wheel of Fortune - meets a circuit training class. We were given a card which had blanks on it that would eventually become a sentence. Several stations were set up with letters or hints face down. To receive a letter or hint, we had to complete the exercise assigned to its station. 10 burpees? You get an R. 30 mountain climbers? I'll take an S, Trebek.<br />
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(Yes I realize that's Jeopardy. You get the idea).<br />
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And look at that exquisite form I've got going on!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-m2xyOM6DfUsTFYfUuEp7kM7YArPUcnAVQT_fL91Q3VQl99U2Kb0rYSfMAHqXljbO9rqYFnKAS-BxwP59P8W2m3WbQRetj7ZoC__JS6eXBUrv3vSh697tZ6kK-m2VQqAUEtTstkee5UE/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-m2xyOM6DfUsTFYfUuEp7kM7YArPUcnAVQT_fL91Q3VQl99U2Kb0rYSfMAHqXljbO9rqYFnKAS-BxwP59P8W2m3WbQRetj7ZoC__JS6eXBUrv3vSh697tZ6kK-m2VQqAUEtTstkee5UE/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+07.jpg" title="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: My House Fitness</td></tr>
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Just kidding, please don't, I look like a gremlin. Also, WHERE ARE MY PUPILS.<br />
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The game was SO much fun, and while I definitely got a great workout, I was having such a blast that it didn't seem like actual work (though my thighs were whistling a different tune the next day)! And nbd my team (TEAM GRYFFINDOR) won the challenge, and the prize was a week of free small group training for everyone on my team!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0K89Kg_qxUFWL2s7Jl9uIi6m_5EWFQxsjj4OsNN-pB8F273UHhd32Kl75wyaYbeModNs16J0JMYmTJefMFwh98hNKRJ4I4OoFOT5ndlMmVyuEvJzYKaGoVa1sdsBiwYLMCwVlZV7Zk-6/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0K89Kg_qxUFWL2s7Jl9uIi6m_5EWFQxsjj4OsNN-pB8F273UHhd32Kl75wyaYbeModNs16J0JMYmTJefMFwh98hNKRJ4I4OoFOT5ndlMmVyuEvJzYKaGoVa1sdsBiwYLMCwVlZV7Zk-6/s1600/my+house+fitness+houston+gym+08.jpg" title="My House Fitness - a boutique gym in Houston " /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: My House Fitness</td></tr>
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My House Fitness is a wonderful new addition to Houston's workout scene. I cannot stress how comfortable everyone made me from the second I walked in, what a great workout I got, and just how fun the class was! And even after the hour workout, everyone hung around for a while after to socialize, a definite indication of what a positive environment this place is. If you're into community-oriented, personalized, humble, FUN workouts, My House Fitness encompasses all of those things and more!<br />
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<u>Here's where the Giveaway comes in</u>:<br />
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I decided to give my week of training to one of you all so you could experience the awesomeness of My House Fitness for yourself. HOWEVER, Chris and Lyndsey are so wonderful, that they agreed to DOUBLE the training! This is such an AWESOME deal, y'all. So, one lucky Adventures in a New(ish) City reader will receive two (2) weeks of small group training (which includes their games class!), twice a week, totaling in four (4) sessions at My House Fitness in the Heights, located at 1507-A West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77008. To enter, go to the giveaway box below, and log in with your name and email address (this will not be posted publicly). Once logged in, click the "Enter Contest" dropdown, and then the "Enter!" button. One entry is allowed per person, and only Houston-area residents are eligible. The contest starts NOW - Wednesday, July 27, 2016, and it ends on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at 11:59 pm CST.<br />
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**Bonus: If you go over and like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adventuresinanewishcity">Facebook page</a>, follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newishcityhou/">Instagram</a>, and/or follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/newishcityhou">Twitter</a>, you get a bonus entry for each social media follow. Just click the dropdown on "Like My Facebook Page", "Follow Me on Instagram," and/or "Follow Me on Twitter," then click "Enter!" for each one that you follow! This is applicable for existing followers, as well as new ones.<br />
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Good luck!<br />
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<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="3c0a5f9f3" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3c0a5f9f3/" id="rcwidget_x6knltqw" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Because you need more recess in your life.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0My House Fitness29.8021902 -95.4276909999999824.2801556999999981 -136.73628499999998 55.3242247 -54.119096999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-17872252230381309772016-07-22T08:36:00.002-05:002016-07-31T15:17:58.884-05:00The Great 2016 Houston Chinatown Food Crawl!<i>It's my birthday, and I'll go on a Chinatown crawl if I want to...</i><br />
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Yes, today is a huge milestone birthday for me, the big 3-1!<br />
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All right, so maybe it's not a big milestone, but I will say that based on the past year of life, the 30s rock. And I DON'T think 30 is the new 20 because you couldn't pay me enough to be 20 again! (um, hello, fake IDs are so stressful, I mean what? Mom, I swear I never had one of those, thanks for giving birth to me 31 years ago, love you!). Anyway, it was a great year, it's been a great 31 years, and I'm celebrating the Houston food way today with a <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2013/11/giving-nyc-run-for-their-money-hot.html">hot bagel</a> for breakfast, lunch at <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2013/10/lovely-lunch-at-benjys.html">Benjy's</a> with my mom, and dinner at <a href="http://oxhearthouston.com/">Oxheart</a> (AHHH FINALLY!!!) with Jon!<br />
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And also by telling you all about the amazing food crawl I participated in last weekend! One of my #squad members proposed back in May that we do a Houston Chinatown restaurant crawl, so we put our calendars together and nailed down a date.<br />
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(July 17, 2016 to be exact. A day that will be forever ingrained in my foodie brain!)<br />
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The members of the food crawl included my friends <a href="https://www.instagram.com/isabelissimaa/">Isabel</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eatwithjudy/">Judy</a>, <a href="http://www.thepancakeprincess.com/">Erika</a>, <a href="https://sarahinthesouth.wordpress.com/">Sarah</a>, and me. Isabel and Judy are incredibly knowledgeable about Houston's Chinatown, so they were our fearless leaders on our journey of visiting SEVEN restaurants within the span of 4 1/2 hours!<br />
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We all met up and piled into my Ford Focus (I think I only almost killed us twice, which was a feat in and of itself, but nvm.). Our first stop was <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/six-ping-houston">6 Ping</a>.<br />
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This Chinese bakery was filled with lovely sweet and savory baked goods. We went the sweet route (because dessert first, right?), and ordered - pictured from bottom right, going clockwise - pan dan, Japanese cream cheese cake, red bean with mochi bread, and egg custard bread.<br />
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The green pan dan sponge cake was super light, with subtle buttery flavors (almost a little too subtle for me). But it was suuuuper light and felt like I was eating clouds! (or so I've heard).<br />
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The Japanese cream cheese cake had a very unique texture. It was fluffy, yet slightly spongey, and milky. It was also good, but the others were my two top picks.<br />
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The bread pastry filled with red beans and mochi was fantastic. It was smooth, sweet (but not overly sweet), earthy, and light. This was my first time experiencing beans in dessert form, and I totally dug it.<br />
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The pastry bread filled with egg custard absolutely knocked the wind out of me. The outer bread was fluffy and flaky, and the inside was sooo creamy, buttery, and not too sweet. It was my third favorite food item of the entire crawl!<br />
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Our next stop was <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-san-tofu-houston">San San Tofu</a>.<br />
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This convenience store/grocery store/buffet/restaurant is all vegetarian all the time. My kind of place! To start we ordered banh ich, which was essentially dough filled with a meat substitute. The fried outer casing was sweet and chewy, and the insides were savory, had a ground meat texture, and had a sort of barbecue flavor, They were quite tasty!<br />
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Then we all shared a bowl of bun rieu, which is a soup that traditionally contains crab meat. This version contained tofu cubes, a crab substitute, noodles, and vegetables, and was served with a side of fresh veggies and herbs. The broth was tomato-y and super light, and the noodles were thin and silky. The flavors and textures were comforting and joyful, and the whole experience was like sipping on clouds (...or so I've heard?). A dash of mint on top added a wonderful bright contrast. Altogether, the soup was absolutely lovely.<br />
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We also shared a cup of housemade soy bean milk, which was ricey, fresh, slightly sweet, and very refreshing!<br />
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Our third stop was the Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant <a href="http://www.haicangrestaurant.net/">Hai Cang</a>.<br />
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Yes, those are giant living spider octopus lobster things, why do you ask?</div>
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No one was really in the mood for spider that day, so we decided to start off with some coconut water, brought to us in actual coconuts! I'm actually not a big fan of the taste of coconut water, but this was definitely better than the bottled stuff. And how can you hate anything that comes in a coconut?<br />
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For food, we ordered the water spinach with garlic. The leaves were still slightly crunchy and not too wilted, and it had a very nice subtle garlic flavor to it.<br />
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The main course of food was a salt and pepper tofu that we all split, aka my 2nd favorite bite of the Houston Chinatown Crawl! Y'all, this was INSANE. Served with fun sticky rice, the tofu was spicy, beautifully crispy, soft (but not soggy) on the inside, and had a simply awesome texture. The spices were bold and outstanding, and this easily is one of the best tofu dishes I've ever had!<br />
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After that, we decided we needed something healthy, so we ordered a cha watermelon from <a href="http://magiccupcafe.com/">Magic Cup</a>.<br />
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...with a side of "Magic Puffs" (help.). The watermelon-based drink is actually Mexican influenced, with chili powder mixed in. It also came with a spicy, zingy tamarind cha moy straw. The candied straw had the texture and taste of a spicy Fruit Rollup. Mixed in with the textured, slushy, fresh watermelon drink, the flavor contrast was divine!<br />
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The magic puffs smelled and tasted like funnel cake. They were pure unadulterated delicious doughy fried goodness, and we had no regrets.<br />
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(but maybe a little).<br />
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Our next restaurant on the Houston Chinatown Food Crawl was <a href="http://tantanrestaurant.com/">Tan Tan</a>!<br />
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This Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant is super iconic. We walked in, and I instantly felt de ja vu because I know I've seen it on a food show before. To start, we ordered dessert first (sensing a trend?) - the Thai dessert and the Che 3 Mau. The Thai dessert was a bright pink liquid-y concoction that was waaaay too sweet for my tastes. With a coconut base and gummy candies inside, it was very bubble gum-esque and not really my cup of tea (errr desert?). But the Che 3 Mau <i>was</i> my cup of tea! The layered dessert is made up of different colored beans and tastes like a chilled, sweet bean soup. It was very unique, and once again affirmed my new discovery that I enjoy beans in my dessert! (who knew?)<br />
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For our main course of food, it was a two-parter, starting with the tossed flat fried rice noodle with Chinese broccoli. This dish was very similar to Thai drunken noodles, which I love. Tan Tan's version was saltier and slightly bitter. Filling and tasty, I enjoyed it, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if there was a hint of sweetness.<br />
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The last dish we ordered was the whole reason we came to Tan Tan and was far and away my absolute FAVORITE bite of the evening! It was the house special rice cake. Sounds pretty unexciting right? WRONG. This eggy omelette(ish) dish is made of eggs, rice cake (not like the rice cakes we are used to), pickled daikon, and green onions. Judy is a pro at ordering this dish, and she asked for it to be fried on both sides to be crispier. Y'all, I cannot even tell you how INCREDIBLE this was. It was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, creamy, textured, playful and ridiculously good. The cake was already incredible enough on its own, but it was served with a side of zippy, salty sauce for good measure. I think Sarah described this heavenly dish best when she said "If an omelette and a latke had a baby, this would be it." BINGO.<br />
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And because we needed more food...<br />
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<br />
....off we went to the restaurant <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Xiongs-Cafe-%E8%80%81%E5%9C%B0%E6%96%B9-aka-Lao-Di-Fang-184383461582299/">Xiong's Cafe</a> for some dumplings! My meat-eating friends ordered some fried dumplings with meat, and we also tried the steamed vegetable dumplings. The inside of the veggie dumplings where hearty, meaty, and chicken-like, with some sort of bitter green component included. The outsides were slippery and doughy, and the dumplings fell apart pretty easily. These weren't my favorite dumplings I've ever had, though it sounded like my friends were going nuts over the fried meat ones! I think next time I'll go with the meat dumplings.<br />
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Just kidding guys. Gotcha!<br />
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Our last stop of the day was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Juice-Box-191386806421/">Juice Box</a> for some [more] dessert!<br />
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The five of us split a shaved ice mixed with pineapple, mango, strawberries, and tapioca balls. This was SO delicious! The shaved ice was covered in sweet, creamy condensed milk, and the fruit was super fresh, juicy, and sweet! The tapioca balls added a fun, playful texture. We ordered ours without ice cream, and honestly it didn't need it! I was a big fan of this fruit-packed dessert.<br />
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The dining scene in Houston's Chinatown is absolutely unreal. With hundreds (thousands?) of restaurants, you've got lots of great, authentic options to choose from. And it's super inexpensive! I'm so glad I finally made the trip out there, and I cannot wait for part two!<br />
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Because that's what you do when you're 31, says me.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-86512202740399386692016-07-19T08:40:00.000-05:002016-07-19T08:53:49.604-05:00The 5th Annual Sundown at the Grove<b><i>This post was done in partnership with Sundown at the Grove, who provided me with food and drinks, free of charge. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this Houston event review. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</i></b><br />
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We are truly in the thick of the dog days of summer here in Houston.<br />
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But I have a cure for those hot, sweaty, summertime blues!<br />
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(that is, if you live in Houston, aka the center of the swampy sun right now).<br />
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And my cure is this: <a href="http://www.thegrovehouston.com/sundown/">Sundown at The Grove</a>.<br />
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Last week I was invited to attend Sundown at The Grove, an event that takes place on Wednesday nights every summer in the Treehouse space above the restaurant <a href="http://www.thegrovehouston.com/">The Grove</a>, located in Houston's Discovery Green park. A $20 ticket grants you a couple of hours in this beautiful setting overlooking the trees and park (and people congregating doing Pokémon Go which sorry if you're a superfan but it kind of weirds me out, but then again I read the whole <i>Twilight </i>series <span style="font-size: large;">*</span>maybe<span style="font-size: large;">*</span> more than once so judge away), four courses of light bites paired with beers from the chosen brewery of the day, and tunes cranked out by a DJ! Oh, and you also get to enter to win Southwest Airline tickets, which is never a bad thing.<br />
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Sundown at the Grove has been on my to-do list the past couple of summers, so I was pumped to finally get to go!<br />
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I took Jon as my +1, and we were exceptionally grateful upon entering the open, airy, air-conditioned room. We also ran into my Houston blogger friend <a href="http://blackgirlswhobrunch.com/">Erika</a> and got to enjoy our food and drinks with her and her sis. Jon opted for a wine paring instead of a beer pairing (BECAUSE THAT'S AN OPTION), but I stuck with beer since I wanted to report back on it. The featured brewery of the day was Houston's own <a href="http://8thwonderbrew.com/">8th Wonder,</a> which even though I'm not a huge beer person, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBWNluhrUjV/?taken-by=newishcityhou">I totally dig theirs</a>!<br />
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Served buffet style, the first course of food was a mini banh mi, paired with Rocket Fuel. I did not eat the banh mi since it had meat in it, but the Rocket Fuel ended up being my favorite of the four beers! It was dark, chocolate-y, and esspresso-y (excellent descriptors, I know).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnDOR_HlDT8GXIDu_RIXPH5Jqd0o65yCyEsWa3g4d2YZ-lqKlU0siNyy1tKhAuRI2qS5qvGVDGQ5zFJdzXClplMDQm6AaW1Ixpv8Wl-9jIdtU3xIWTjXFAf5DHSYHdx2wsgxr5boslF6e/s1600/sundown+at+the+grove+houston+food+events+banh+mi+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="banh mi at Sundown at The Grove - a Houston summertime food and drink event" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnDOR_HlDT8GXIDu_RIXPH5Jqd0o65yCyEsWa3g4d2YZ-lqKlU0siNyy1tKhAuRI2qS5qvGVDGQ5zFJdzXClplMDQm6AaW1Ixpv8Wl-9jIdtU3xIWTjXFAf5DHSYHdx2wsgxr5boslF6e/s1600/sundown+at+the+grove+houston+food+events+banh+mi+02.jpg" title="banh mi at Sundown at The Grove - a Houston summertime food and drink event" /></a></div>
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The second food item was my favorite of the evening - the homemade cracker jacks, paired with Dome Feaux'm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP0BdYwE0PYh_HdcG-4cNAwOSfAdudIChNfSXtpQDsMIVy28OOLKHRedygnqH-Bn_SRk9GTLnMeGRGxllZ5QJjCpVu4I-AxeF1dWtKmmW1ZtI_cRa-YFtPnspwcbLtyb3hkEl2_u0-EXj/s1600/sundown+at+the+grove+houston+food+events+cracker+jacks+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cracker jacks at Sundown at The Grove - a Houston summertime food and drink event" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP0BdYwE0PYh_HdcG-4cNAwOSfAdudIChNfSXtpQDsMIVy28OOLKHRedygnqH-Bn_SRk9GTLnMeGRGxllZ5QJjCpVu4I-AxeF1dWtKmmW1ZtI_cRa-YFtPnspwcbLtyb3hkEl2_u0-EXj/s1600/sundown+at+the+grove+houston+food+events+cracker+jacks+03.jpg" title="cracker jacks at Sundown at The Grove - a Houston summertime food and drink event" /></a></div>
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These cracker jacks were ADDICTING. They were only slightly crunchy, so they didn't hurt your teeth, were LOADED with caramel, and absolutely outstanding. I seriously lost my mind over these!<br />
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(and may have gone back for seconds? #help.)<br />
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I'm no beer aficionado, so moving forward, just know that all of the beers were insanely refreshing, delicious, and paired perfectly with the foods!<br />
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The third round of food was a grilled pineapple and chili salad, paired with Astro Turf. This nice light, citrusy salad had a little bite from some red onions, and some texture from pumpkin seeds (I believe). It was the perfect salad for a "my legs won't stop sticking together" kind of summer day!<br />
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The last round of food was a bananas foster pudding, paired with Intellectuale.<br />
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Before my heat-fried brain could register the idea that the pudding probably had gelatin in it, I was a bad vegetarian and took a bite. And I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty darn magical. The pudding was smooth and playful, the banana was beautifully cooked, and the caramel drizzle looped everything back to the cracker jacks. I only had one bite because my brain finally caught up to me, but I can attest that this was an outstanding dessert! And the Intellectuale was my second favorite of the beers - It was light, lemony, and refreshing!<br />
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Sundown at The Grove is a fantastic summertime Houston food and drink event. It attracts an after-work crowd, filled with people seeking refuge from the heat and celebrating making it mid-way through the week. The mood is laid back and fun, and the food and drinks are great!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSIJQnH5cjeb737cSYS8M00a5oBqUuFxYbiaNGXoXm4YTL_fxsB9xbPM4iQG1MJcrkETxix7nOfHuXt6EweYLLEM-zvN3zFPqF_5GbGBtlL08n2K2Xq52aoTKR6GTwsmwr7m93jHuslGF/s1600/sundown+at+the+grove+houston+food+events+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="food and beer pairing at Sundown at The Grove - a Houston summertime food and drink event" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSIJQnH5cjeb737cSYS8M00a5oBqUuFxYbiaNGXoXm4YTL_fxsB9xbPM4iQG1MJcrkETxix7nOfHuXt6EweYLLEM-zvN3zFPqF_5GbGBtlL08n2K2Xq52aoTKR6GTwsmwr7m93jHuslGF/s1600/sundown+at+the+grove+houston+food+events+05.jpg" title="food and beer pairing at Sundown at The Grove - a Houston summertime food and drink event" /></a></div>
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But I need some more of those cracker jacks...Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com0The Grove29.7527205 -95.360627929.7526665 -95.3607069 29.752774499999997 -95.3605489tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-64422362486912618292016-07-15T08:53:00.000-05:002016-07-15T09:15:24.646-05:00Media Preview of Houston Restaurant Weeks: Sal y Pimienta<i><b>This post was done in partnership with Sal y Pimienta, who provided me with food and drinks, free of charge. I was not monetarily compensated for writing this Houston restaurant review. All opinions are completely, 100% my own!</b></i><br />
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I don't often make my way out to City Centre, but when I do...it's good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp47ViKUZV2i32dhUV01ixLjU3TSJzmMLSNQ2eXH4Ru0KqbQ1-z-2ev3buLnAl5aKhb_vRDqBhwxAW1VGHiWGl_uDloAgPuuVq1Ki_JIDidUB02ZfEZLGlbu-vWxPBFzutHRNQddbejqnR/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp47ViKUZV2i32dhUV01ixLjU3TSJzmMLSNQ2eXH4Ru0KqbQ1-z-2ev3buLnAl5aKhb_vRDqBhwxAW1VGHiWGl_uDloAgPuuVq1Ki_JIDidUB02ZfEZLGlbu-vWxPBFzutHRNQddbejqnR/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+01.jpg" title="Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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Last week I was invited to attend a media preview of <a href="http://salypimientakitchen.com/">Sal y Pimienta's</a> (that's Spanish for salt and pepper!) Houston Restaurant Weeks menu. I had never been, and the food on the HRW menu looked stellar - with veg-friendly options - so I was game! My friend <a href="http://www.barebakeryhouston.com/">Kelly</a> came along to join in on all the food and fun. Other blogger/writer friends in attendance were <a href="http://www.thepancakeprincess.com/">Erika</a>, <a href="http://www.brunchandconversation.com/">Dalida</a>, and <a href="http://houston.eater.com/authors/ellie-sharp">Ellie</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76QtfM2ISYvvbXWaPm13DAibBxtq33FX0V2igvJo4LC8i5MooY1ABOL3Ns5mi9UqEebdzCM5AFdBmAxB8Gk6ckDrY3FXRo4Pd5qZX_PmoyGSg49PiI0Z9ph1uDCcWLoBwQdg_eVD8g519/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76QtfM2ISYvvbXWaPm13DAibBxtq33FX0V2igvJo4LC8i5MooY1ABOL3Ns5mi9UqEebdzCM5AFdBmAxB8Gk6ckDrY3FXRo4Pd5qZX_PmoyGSg49PiI0Z9ph1uDCcWLoBwQdg_eVD8g519/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+02.jpg" title="Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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Before we were brought to one of the restaurant's private rooms for the tasting, we were given a presentation on their fresh, locally-sourced meats by Concept Developer Gianfranco Percovich.<br />
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Why, yes I'll show you a picture of some plump, juicy, raw meat!<br />
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(I thought you'd never ask.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWj9uqinRTw80PxFru9eXcRFL6O7_UFg7R2oHMVPqPjytoLFEWpF73eVPy_1T-9PMoKDwejxcCWpPcZ0Aho6TLzp_4IQ8RKShLPnpDKAfW3ulWLvjpuqA_gvUxTtYFo5OyB09_ZuKS-E4/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+meat+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="meat at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWj9uqinRTw80PxFru9eXcRFL6O7_UFg7R2oHMVPqPjytoLFEWpF73eVPy_1T-9PMoKDwejxcCWpPcZ0Aho6TLzp_4IQ8RKShLPnpDKAfW3ulWLvjpuqA_gvUxTtYFo5OyB09_ZuKS-E4/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+meat+03.jpg" title="meat at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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After this vegetarian regained consciousness, they seated us all together, round-table style.<br />
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Sal y Pimienta's Houston Restaurant Weeks dinner menu costs $35 per person and includes three courses of food. $5 of every HRW meal purchased goes towards the Houston Food Bank.<br />
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First, we were presented with some wine and food items not found on the HRW menu to kick everything off, starting with some house-made chips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytw0MMUffR6NwBgb4Tmmj74QO-_LjChLzC1_Z5xsD_NjfAcYjjIhU7brPNWJfJZZM3yLvSKB5CCfG4WXNyya-zE83xj6SM_Tan9lFCycB9OuZKr6i8OtiqaJELsfkb0GIWvMMNHPb24eE/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+chips+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chips at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytw0MMUffR6NwBgb4Tmmj74QO-_LjChLzC1_Z5xsD_NjfAcYjjIhU7brPNWJfJZZM3yLvSKB5CCfG4WXNyya-zE83xj6SM_Tan9lFCycB9OuZKr6i8OtiqaJELsfkb0GIWvMMNHPb24eE/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+chips+04.jpg" title="chips at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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If you know me at all, you know I have zero self-control when it comes to any and all chips. And THESE chips were no exception. Thick, warm, and slightly-yet-perfectly oiled, they were made even more wonderful when paired with a side of a tart chimichurri type sauce.<br />
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Then, we were presented with some flatbreads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CojLCP6F0i1jUeff5mTuZq8IehprJcRiO171xjVSLbyUkdUzw2H3nVzOsmIkl2IQHbXXgpgLYsVkcin_9Jixs586Gw22AAlr8P_NK8Oby6ZhL6s6svprDbS0u_aIRhD2FuPCvPZPGmT2/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+flatbread+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mozzarella onion at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CojLCP6F0i1jUeff5mTuZq8IehprJcRiO171xjVSLbyUkdUzw2H3nVzOsmIkl2IQHbXXgpgLYsVkcin_9Jixs586Gw22AAlr8P_NK8Oby6ZhL6s6svprDbS0u_aIRhD2FuPCvPZPGmT2/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+flatbread+05.jpg" title="mozzarella onion at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDJehTyENYAtImEsqRaE3YwWGies5GdejlzAw8lDjHuacjf4TjK2lE7qmOANQfpSqGQ5tZ6LTNNluqmpi_cDoTc3IqzikAOTJweavMkKMZAEitkgZ5RKmeqYjVPoXFM5On7-z0N7q7RbX/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+flatbread+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="basil, tomato, mozzarella flatbread at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDJehTyENYAtImEsqRaE3YwWGies5GdejlzAw8lDjHuacjf4TjK2lE7qmOANQfpSqGQ5tZ6LTNNluqmpi_cDoTc3IqzikAOTJweavMkKMZAEitkgZ5RKmeqYjVPoXFM5On7-z0N7q7RbX/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+flatbread+06.jpg" title="basil, tomato, mozzarella flatbread at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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The first of the restaurants' flatbreads was topped with mozzerella and caramelized onion. It was gooey, uncomplicated, and indulgent. The second was a flatbread with fresh basil, tomato, mozzerella, and avocado. I thought the first flatbread would be my favorite, but I ended up loving this one more! The citrus-y, bright tartness of the tomato was wonderfully complemented by the ripe avocado and gooey cheese. It was lovely!<br />
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For our first round of food from the Houston Restaurant Weeks menu, I ordered the empanadas Argentinas, choosing the cream of corn and provolone filling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkctwE_8PdEjLfsgIUYQONonDT_Kzf1HniEY1Q2gbtUNk6nsNmBPUzF_rW2pVx1X_mdCvIDnRNSUwS7OOOdarxzOvXJ88PXOyuZHfBWEIPZYMjvkSppwGqVpMTkTDhOD8P1yJ0bzDmx2rT/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+empanadas+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="empanadas at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkctwE_8PdEjLfsgIUYQONonDT_Kzf1HniEY1Q2gbtUNk6nsNmBPUzF_rW2pVx1X_mdCvIDnRNSUwS7OOOdarxzOvXJ88PXOyuZHfBWEIPZYMjvkSppwGqVpMTkTDhOD8P1yJ0bzDmx2rT/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+empanadas+07.jpg" title="empanadas at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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The outer casing of the empanadas was thick, which combated the all-too-oft-reported issue of a soggy empanada (ammiright?). However, the thick outer casing did not overpower the deliciousness living within. The super creamy and rich creamed corn and provolone was insanely decadent and very enjoyable. These little starters were hearty and satisfying!<br />
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For my second course of food, I ordered the canelones of spinach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6CSfAR9_SHFIZTEHl5nHw_8dJ4LByB-lq9kEHlkklXA2LGBPqmDXSAT-dcmCd5XM0Z0OKcA0YEH7VjmY0rFGcdSqy-1SLTRP-ro4NL4QCKmwW98oCXGAx94nVgNBc-AJwfaVBTXApTWA/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+pasta+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cannelloni at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6CSfAR9_SHFIZTEHl5nHw_8dJ4LByB-lq9kEHlkklXA2LGBPqmDXSAT-dcmCd5XM0Z0OKcA0YEH7VjmY0rFGcdSqy-1SLTRP-ro4NL4QCKmwW98oCXGAx94nVgNBc-AJwfaVBTXApTWA/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+pasta+08.jpg" title="cannelloni at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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Homemade cannelloni pasta was stuffed with spinach, salsa blanca, and ricotta cheese, and was topped with pomodoro sauce. And this. was. AWESOME. The bubbling cheese was so melty and lovely and EVERYWHERE, and the fresh pasta managed to cut through all of it with a wonderful soft texture. It was incredibly herby and fragrant, and I ate every bite! This was definitely my favorite bite of food from the evening.<br />
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Kelly ordered the restaurant's tenderloin a la parrilla, and some other folks ordered the red snapper, which both looked delicious as well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1Zse93ZDpB2JkH9GPnO-n84MnPmLtWEODFzUMUaLS-kbZavbq_y1G12C-hAOP5j4h0zE6Jetd90nBkOGEFcIz1ZscBRHMz0kOB6uCVfEJvRWJqqqlhM4cb_ETZhfb3ZPsSlod1KM5WhN/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+steak+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tenderloin at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1Zse93ZDpB2JkH9GPnO-n84MnPmLtWEODFzUMUaLS-kbZavbq_y1G12C-hAOP5j4h0zE6Jetd90nBkOGEFcIz1ZscBRHMz0kOB6uCVfEJvRWJqqqlhM4cb_ETZhfb3ZPsSlod1KM5WhN/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+steak+09.jpg" title="tenderloin at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMdxxMPJNA1jiRt-_Rz17q06-hDPwKGJ7hI_TWaAjxJxt-JN9wctSr0kODx7ouwnkxyZ593GwzllDXIX65QMDYGEMpe_QJfirlndfgkpgav-KhHEEwIZVqPTOkpT4x06f76deo7D-AL1y/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+fish+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="snapper at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMdxxMPJNA1jiRt-_Rz17q06-hDPwKGJ7hI_TWaAjxJxt-JN9wctSr0kODx7ouwnkxyZ593GwzllDXIX65QMDYGEMpe_QJfirlndfgkpgav-KhHEEwIZVqPTOkpT4x06f76deo7D-AL1y/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+fish+10.jpg" title="snapper at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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For our third course of food (aka, dessert), I ordered the flan, and Kelly opted for the petite dulce de leche cheesecake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI8CyhiQ3o3N5MmnbUQvaGIHglk8Gumj-6FcrknHZ2DMIkQfeB5HRlAT5zxkNlOAH6bhyc6lNFKnxc67a4QdjjhGPKS4ufobr4hzsPmWI0uJmqg0QD_95LGW7eecOssjQdLn3soUvzw5q/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flan at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI8CyhiQ3o3N5MmnbUQvaGIHglk8Gumj-6FcrknHZ2DMIkQfeB5HRlAT5zxkNlOAH6bhyc6lNFKnxc67a4QdjjhGPKS4ufobr4hzsPmWI0uJmqg0QD_95LGW7eecOssjQdLn3soUvzw5q/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+11.jpg" title="flan at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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My homemade vanilla flan was topped with dulce de leche, and the texture of this dessert lived somewhere between cake and pudding, which was an unusual, unique experience (for me at least). The flavors were nice - not too sweet, and a bit nutty - but I will say, Kelly's dessert knocked my socks off! The homemade smooth and rich dulce de leche cheesecake was served with dulce de leche sauce, and it was WONDERFUL. It had a prominent cream cheese-esque flavor that I loved, and the sweet caramel topping counteracted with it beautifully. Almost everyone at the table seemed to concur that this was their favorite dessert of the evening!<br />
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If you're like me, and you don't get out to Houston's City Centre area much, Sal y Pimienta is a great reason to go. And their Houston Restaurant Weeks dinner menu is certainly one that should be on your radar. With vegetarian and gluten free options abounding, there are many choices for different diets. And for $35 you're getting a hell of a deal in Houston - great atmosphere, delicious food, and a wonderful experience!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPrdF_OWdzhyL5OTaRspZzg6hdDTTTflE32aKInWFYXajpcFy0zYvaBS-YsxesNXiL_pdqTyL58KH3B_tVFM8RUASmdUqYN5HVCIdfdZHtZfCF6ZV6AVdxKhcvsBNuia909XbD9mOEFvO/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cheesecake at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPrdF_OWdzhyL5OTaRspZzg6hdDTTTflE32aKInWFYXajpcFy0zYvaBS-YsxesNXiL_pdqTyL58KH3B_tVFM8RUASmdUqYN5HVCIdfdZHtZfCF6ZV6AVdxKhcvsBNuia909XbD9mOEFvO/s1600/sal+y+pimienta+houston+restaurant+food+dessert+12.jpg" title="cheesecake at Sal y Pimienta - A South American restaurant in Houston" /></a></div>
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Dream lover come rescue me.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com2Sal y Pimienta29.7815358 -95.56084794.2595013 -136.8694419 55.303570300000004 -54.2522539tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1875762453645998055.post-17610672489539260392016-07-12T09:06:00.003-05:002016-07-14T21:42:16.738-05:00Vacation Days: San FranciscoAfter <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/06/vacation-days-sonoma-wine-country.html">frolicking (aka drinking)</a> for four days in <a href="http://www.adventuresinanewishcity.com/2016/06/vacation-days-sonoma-wine-country.html">Wine Country, California</a>, Jon and I were off to San Francisco!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFq_tDkkdPdh3e37Q32_tBon1kzYWF48cTnr-qZiulQkNM88eDq4N1hgv2ebsndd-tjGSUwthpc__bqkiV8rrL7xkr-yYtpiGybNPMshni5ObNP-poDzpS47hvyvwphX8RKFEREiGgFmnf/s1600/sonoma+travel+food+drink+breakfast+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breakfast in Sonoma, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFq_tDkkdPdh3e37Q32_tBon1kzYWF48cTnr-qZiulQkNM88eDq4N1hgv2ebsndd-tjGSUwthpc__bqkiV8rrL7xkr-yYtpiGybNPMshni5ObNP-poDzpS47hvyvwphX8RKFEREiGgFmnf/s1600/sonoma+travel+food+drink+breakfast+19.jpg" title="breakfast in Sonoma, California" /></a></div>
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^ But not before I biked into downtown Sonoma for some food and fun reading time while Jon was still asleep!<br />
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(I was able to sneak in a lot of reading this trip, which was so so lovely.)<br />
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Then, Jon and I were off!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenxZdHTlhVKlK1Kk-yCB3pW7AZBpiXHDtCHKaK84-scCThO-2OpzVeqo2DQtEKNgb_wxdhFIiGmy3jV3C9rLJjoYvPhjCV5RsSkA1E8KHKfMx1GHrMvwgqvRFdEqnE5VKUf24TYjrrBy4/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenxZdHTlhVKlK1Kk-yCB3pW7AZBpiXHDtCHKaK84-scCThO-2OpzVeqo2DQtEKNgb_wxdhFIiGmy3jV3C9rLJjoYvPhjCV5RsSkA1E8KHKfMx1GHrMvwgqvRFdEqnE5VKUf24TYjrrBy4/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+20.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" /></a></div>
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So there's this big red bridge in San Francisco that people go crazy over. Huh.<br />
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(I'm kidding YOU GUYS, I know about the Golden Gate Bridge, sheesh.)<br />
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Before checking into our rental, we popped into a restaurant called <a href="http://akaisarusf.com/">Saru Sushi</a> for lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlBhVNTDHYGKbZaQc5cP-r0G3gZLBWnwXZplzIib7rsrcOrvyELIoWrrCqHf-0k8zBae2YCC9kPm_BiwVqLPNEb4dkdu9ZnsEM_zr6gV7QcSd-5qACQOo8m7Oo0tnm8uy9_F566p4NBPy/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+sushi+edamame+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="edamame at Saru Sushi - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlBhVNTDHYGKbZaQc5cP-r0G3gZLBWnwXZplzIib7rsrcOrvyELIoWrrCqHf-0k8zBae2YCC9kPm_BiwVqLPNEb4dkdu9ZnsEM_zr6gV7QcSd-5qACQOo8m7Oo0tnm8uy9_F566p4NBPy/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+sushi+edamame+21.jpg" title="edamame at Saru Sushi - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_M8EGDNvkdqfxM-6UFnEpIuO0GmDCn7hpAQoWY0iS8KZBHP5TjM60cMjuDzhe9tJkleuKKayMXktxSSqWjFRw5fzQxvsyWnjOyWorUMaCXl4pWIZvsdjoIGYuAzsSe2STsnm0NVW0Cuy/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+sushi+eggplant+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="eggplant appetizer at Saru Sushi - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_M8EGDNvkdqfxM-6UFnEpIuO0GmDCn7hpAQoWY0iS8KZBHP5TjM60cMjuDzhe9tJkleuKKayMXktxSSqWjFRw5fzQxvsyWnjOyWorUMaCXl4pWIZvsdjoIGYuAzsSe2STsnm0NVW0Cuy/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+sushi+eggplant+22.jpg" title="eggplant appetizer at Saru Sushi - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe0kfIkvdO-7zLls1iMN5wTascgGuhv24tUN76wIxln4Snr1TR6yObGYnAz6H0sUaU6slrnwHmqnGLlTvYAscUMJ5wkIsTcw8F6UR3VVi-__i-V5_a6OukZULKPzKWRl40aNrZEZWw-9Q/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+sushi+vegetable+roll+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="veggie roll at Saru Sushi - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe0kfIkvdO-7zLls1iMN5wTascgGuhv24tUN76wIxln4Snr1TR6yObGYnAz6H0sUaU6slrnwHmqnGLlTvYAscUMJ5wkIsTcw8F6UR3VVi-__i-V5_a6OukZULKPzKWRl40aNrZEZWw-9Q/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+sushi+vegetable+roll+23.jpg" title="veggie roll at Saru Sushi - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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We split the edamame, which was good - your standard edamame. Then I ordered the restaurant's delicious - and slightly sweet - eggplant appetizer, as well as a veggie roll filled with avocado and sweet potato. It was soft, warm, sweet, and DELICIOUS. Jon ordered two big ole rainbow rolls and really enjoyed them. He said it was some of the freshest sushi he's ever had!<br />
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After lunch, we bought some gear for the Giants game we were going to in a couple of days (since our beloved former Astro Hunter Pence is on the team, this seemed acceptable), and then we checked into our really cute <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/574068?unitId=1121385">studio apartment we rented off of VRBO</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7anXcSoOd-iVvn2v0iJr1sZXmyYzgtVIO97dq-KjdMKcAI33o4_G4cbwOc-06zAVs-GlOMCktpGYx_MtpxIA18Iu4BNUaE-LC_RtekxY19UFLDtu0cwEC5xpIdqSvOU8s8gseNQS1KnD/s1600/san+francisco+travel+61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="apartment rental in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7anXcSoOd-iVvn2v0iJr1sZXmyYzgtVIO97dq-KjdMKcAI33o4_G4cbwOc-06zAVs-GlOMCktpGYx_MtpxIA18Iu4BNUaE-LC_RtekxY19UFLDtu0cwEC5xpIdqSvOU8s8gseNQS1KnD/s1600/san+francisco+travel+61.jpg" title="apartment rental in San Francisco" /></a></div>
<br />
(it had a killer back patio.)<br />
<br />
(which I never used because it was 66 degrees outside and I was cold.)<br />
<br />
(you can punch me in the face now.)<br />
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Once we were settled in, we walked to the restaurant <a href="http://www.alsplacesf.com/">Al's Place</a> for dinner. This is THE place to eat in San Francisco right now, and it's very hard to get a reservation. <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/restaurants-travel/best-new-restaurants/article/als-place-no-1">Rated the Top New Restaurant of 2015 by Bon Appetit Magazine</a>, I was super pumped.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7exymBSderr5uxqf9Exrpa_oVqnz8Xx4pDEGNbvnp8KFkwHvRLTMGALGOtYP8Z4cZi5Gw35IPPWi0uo_omi0RYsaikBymWAgbyGArcCmj0uwLdZIUPJVy_Cucz0YtEgZUKTVGMzBXtfGD/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+drinks+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drinks at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7exymBSderr5uxqf9Exrpa_oVqnz8Xx4pDEGNbvnp8KFkwHvRLTMGALGOtYP8Z4cZi5Gw35IPPWi0uo_omi0RYsaikBymWAgbyGArcCmj0uwLdZIUPJVy_Cucz0YtEgZUKTVGMzBXtfGD/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+drinks+24.jpg" title="drinks at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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Once we were seated, Jon and I looked at the menu and realized we had no clue what we were looking at. Most of the ingredients were completely foreign to us, so we had many questions about the food. In terms of drinks, Jon went with a glass of wine, while I tried one of the restaurant's cocktails. Their small cocktail list is made up of mixed drinks with low proof alcohol that I'd never heard of and fun names such as "Mr. White," "Mr. Pink," and "Mr. Orange." After chatting with our very helpful server about my preferences (we were seriously lost), I opted for "Ms. Brown." It had a light, almost bourbon tinge to it (though I can't exactly tell you what it was), and it was good enough for me to order a second one!<br />
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Then we ordered our food. The restaurant's menu is designed for sharing, and our first item to try was their infamous brine pickled french fries with smoked apple sauce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDClL4m4-NO4mqHvbTtkbJlYnvPajzJSzGsmo6kThdHiohSRsDA3D2atVzOCfmqR9ugnmjIZgAivvFASTzrf6ssdnjlm27lLNtFVXjGVt3I5ca84Io1Qyd6zFBdwMtLKIK77xSAO2E80iw/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+french+fries+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fries at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDClL4m4-NO4mqHvbTtkbJlYnvPajzJSzGsmo6kThdHiohSRsDA3D2atVzOCfmqR9ugnmjIZgAivvFASTzrf6ssdnjlm27lLNtFVXjGVt3I5ca84Io1Qyd6zFBdwMtLKIK77xSAO2E80iw/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+french+fries+26.jpg" title="fries at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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These were very unique and very tasty. They had the consistency of french fries (with a little more sponginess), but the pickling process gave them a salty fermented taste that made them taste altogether like something else.<br />
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Next up was the fava'd mushroom broth chawanmushi (don't worry, we didn't know what it was either) with cherry and pistachio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VfmqTVFoUCVC0oz2zkYbBoFLl4yRh1IY8O5a66S7GeEa5u8RZEpmOKPOkwsmh26GQF3sYKfFNWdwqWnDSQSD-XGHgLJFGJktLpcAXdMFG1ycTOY4YDeiqf2vgsFplaGFUUUKrNvKYJCB/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dinner+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colorful broth at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VfmqTVFoUCVC0oz2zkYbBoFLl4yRh1IY8O5a66S7GeEa5u8RZEpmOKPOkwsmh26GQF3sYKfFNWdwqWnDSQSD-XGHgLJFGJktLpcAXdMFG1ycTOY4YDeiqf2vgsFplaGFUUUKrNvKYJCB/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dinner+25.jpg" title="colorful broth at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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To be honest, I don't really remember what this tasted like, so I can't tell you much about it. But the general reaction we were starting to have about everything was, "This is pretty good..but it tastes very different than I thought it would..."<br />
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Our next round of food consisted of the General Leo's cauliflower with mashed peas, burrata, pistachio mousse, and rhubarb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrn7r1Rd_JxGeY-GXsZS_SKtSmoZhqCjmYSKc5evWbVWz8LYq5_uch_NjttzCLiLh1Mdyz2XEZe6D-LyrJF7ey3ImRShc8VVpqI34frCH5xwtaVqoIaP_AwRm1Cgh4BzbYNXx3DKyu6xF/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dinner+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="General Leo's cauliflower at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrn7r1Rd_JxGeY-GXsZS_SKtSmoZhqCjmYSKc5evWbVWz8LYq5_uch_NjttzCLiLh1Mdyz2XEZe6D-LyrJF7ey3ImRShc8VVpqI34frCH5xwtaVqoIaP_AwRm1Cgh4BzbYNXx3DKyu6xF/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dinner+27.jpg" title="General Leo's cauliflower at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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Do you see cauliflower in this picture? It's there, I promise...I think? The chilled burrata was very nice, and the cauliflower (the brown stuff below the greens), actually tasted like a very fishy fish. So once again, it was unique... but good... but odd.<br />
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After that, we shared the yellow eye bean stew with torn bread. I didn't snap a photo of this one (probably because it was our favorite shared item), but Jon and I really enjoyed this. It was hearty and herby, and did in fact taste like bean stew!<br />
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Our last shared round of food (Jon also ordered trout and pork belly, and had similar puzzling-but-not-bad reactions to them) was the campanelle with smoked fumet, charred fava pesto, and goat's gouda.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehBSh3Bgzn__M9KclH1GnHPoBoau82v6hlLXvFxoYWhKqgxLOYOKoqDFxdsRQAV5DXpWkLl3PJ9UbRj6WNbaxAHdpKIYw5U0R2cycGqWoCYv8F15TikkIeIxWcEQ9qpjfI6w_7TdnV8YO/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dinner+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pasta at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehBSh3Bgzn__M9KclH1GnHPoBoau82v6hlLXvFxoYWhKqgxLOYOKoqDFxdsRQAV5DXpWkLl3PJ9UbRj6WNbaxAHdpKIYw5U0R2cycGqWoCYv8F15TikkIeIxWcEQ9qpjfI6w_7TdnV8YO/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dinner+28.jpg" title="pasta at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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Not pictured, I also ordered a poached egg on the side, which I added to it. I enjoyed this pasta as well, and it did taste like pasta. The pesto was a little thicker and earthier than what you typically find due to the use of fava beans, and it was a very hearty dish. It was fragrant, and had some lovely flavors. Altogether, it was a nice course.<br />
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After ingesting all of these teensy tiny plates of what we had come to learn were molecular gastronomic surprises, we were hungry for dessert. We ordered some sort of berry and cream compilation that sounded promising and safe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Cn8zH0lQyjW_Vt8SZSJGGQW2-GCoSdD5f_N9mhsqHcAO3IM2bQfb5WYcbiv_MBZfjUmbjuXPyC3SYzWhjxHWwukwpQBw3YRl5b7Gc4spDEXn9vwfBK7zneUlJnOlAtTqCR3YLlXIvSFm/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dessert+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dessert at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Cn8zH0lQyjW_Vt8SZSJGGQW2-GCoSdD5f_N9mhsqHcAO3IM2bQfb5WYcbiv_MBZfjUmbjuXPyC3SYzWhjxHWwukwpQBw3YRl5b7Gc4spDEXn9vwfBK7zneUlJnOlAtTqCR3YLlXIvSFm/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+als+place+dessert+29.jpg" title="dessert at Al's Place - a restaurant in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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...until I put it in my mouth and ATE AN ENTIRE WAD OF CILANTRO!!!! (or something else that tastes like cilantro, because we know it couldn't <i>actually</i> have been cilantro). I haven't recoiled from a piece of food so drastically in a very long time. Jon explained that once he mixed everything together the "cilantro" taste was subdued, but I couldn't stomach another bite. He really liked it, but he also really likes cilantro. SO.<br />
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In conclusion, re: Al's Place. If you are looking for a <i>creative </i>- and I will say, surprisingly non-pretentious dining experience (the clientele was chill, and the staff was super friendly), and you aren't worried about paying a premium for it (oof.), you will definitely get that at Al's Place. I think by this point after all of the elaborate meals we had been having recently, Jon and I were pretty tapped out of the culinary dramatics. The food <i>was</i> good, and it was never what we expected it be, and I totally get that that's the whole point. We certainly laughed a lot, and our new game of "Guess what the heck I'm eating now?" was quite entertaining!<br />
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After our scientific dining experience, Jon and I hit the hay so we could wake up early for...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn6A3dBJrNhLPVAX6jOYVv0j1xQcv5ysGNYH-aJqmuWRMpc6_ejnf6Xaca76gc4km0_zE0aHpRTfjIVhx_JSR-k-Ux6yoX82-waKCpTE7BPLQ_xd_VL3VdQIBR0x4FJFC3Rr5XUFicSY1/s1600/san+francisco+travel+alcatraz+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alcatraz in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn6A3dBJrNhLPVAX6jOYVv0j1xQcv5ysGNYH-aJqmuWRMpc6_ejnf6Xaca76gc4km0_zE0aHpRTfjIVhx_JSR-k-Ux6yoX82-waKCpTE7BPLQ_xd_VL3VdQIBR0x4FJFC3Rr5XUFicSY1/s1600/san+francisco+travel+alcatraz+11.jpg" title="Alcatraz in San Francisco" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>dun dun dunnnn!!</i><br />
<br />
Alcatraz.<br />
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Jon is a major history buff, so this was one of his "must-sees" in San Francisco. We purchased tickets ahead of time for the first ferry tour of the day, so we could beat the bulk of the crowds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jeWMm31UDyTwFEBhFmQofABbfXE-kan3mj91vvDAPr6PHzv_Der9C04tX8jOLSTJR4k6wENgXA7srtCPWj1yItLElky3IjWl-YaPxO_0pEkmnv4a76nwj1Muc3brsdLQZeenv6O_t89/s1600/san+francisco+travel+alcatraz+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alcatraz in San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jeWMm31UDyTwFEBhFmQofABbfXE-kan3mj91vvDAPr6PHzv_Der9C04tX8jOLSTJR4k6wENgXA7srtCPWj1yItLElky3IjWl-YaPxO_0pEkmnv4a76nwj1Muc3brsdLQZeenv6O_t89/s1600/san+francisco+travel+alcatraz+03.jpg" title="Alcatraz in San Francisco" /></a></div>
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While Jon ate the tour up, I was glad I did it, but probably wouldn't do it again. First of all - and I completely understand that the reason they do this is to accommodate the sheer mass of people that come in every single day - I found it strange that everyone was given an audio headset for a guided tour and walked around in silence throughout the island. It was really bizarre to me. That, and I'm acutely affected by my surroundings - <i>shopping malls</i> depress me (anyone else?), so I'm sure you can imagine what a crumbling maximum security prison might do to me.</div>
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But it really <i>was </i>fascinating, and I learned a lot of interesting facts about Alcatraz, like 1) It started off as a Civil War fort, but of course California didn't really do anything in the Civil War, so it remained untouched until becoming a state prison; 2) Since Alcatraz was a state prison, there were like only seven prisoners there who'd gone to jail for murder, since that's a federal crime. Most of the prisoners were there for things like theft and tax fraud; 3) After it closed down, Alcatraz became the site of an American Indian occupation in the 60s, which was a peaceful demonstration that lasted almost two years.<br />
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See, I learned stuff!<br />
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Also, there were some killer views of San Francisco from the island.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qc_jfdDR6_cbSazFdWhIsVE0Gx6DQJO2iFJ48nVoKHqBGTtLgINxZTiCySH4SarhJeeDZJjgFER0-JUt5xp8UQgTyQ9QqpnqJTXR_H0ql9974AQ_MPMCNbYGFhZlX3MjE1APhAoPYhR2/s1600/san+francisco+travel+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Qc_jfdDR6_cbSazFdWhIsVE0Gx6DQJO2iFJ48nVoKHqBGTtLgINxZTiCySH4SarhJeeDZJjgFER0-JUt5xp8UQgTyQ9QqpnqJTXR_H0ql9974AQ_MPMCNbYGFhZlX3MjE1APhAoPYhR2/s1600/san+francisco+travel+05.jpg" title="San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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After a few hours, we headed back into the city for food!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ4nmjMzTnMpJ4_4OQ_ZL6dhyphenhyphen4wwl_2nnM-ikeRT4zKHHv1KBJGvQuycp9IXA_OHT6pva_1PqK8d20QYBP3LOAAQRKr4ImNroRHzMey5rBHkfhOHYRvlRZcxLJN-ydPRw3yW_4HeqPD0A/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+tonys+pizza+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tony's Pizza Napoletana - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ4nmjMzTnMpJ4_4OQ_ZL6dhyphenhyphen4wwl_2nnM-ikeRT4zKHHv1KBJGvQuycp9IXA_OHT6pva_1PqK8d20QYBP3LOAAQRKr4ImNroRHzMey5rBHkfhOHYRvlRZcxLJN-ydPRw3yW_4HeqPD0A/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+tonys+pizza+33.jpg" title="Tony's Pizza Napoletana - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTlLlkmETptdoywPHtPwjlpMy_Gz-3KqTNyfEVXAJU6aXgJmJcP_Fyf7w0ASZAG4hStK8AAYi7rUBJPMVnN3M8VtnXHbEomYikjdiB4RqJc-_WnYUTb-bV7kZZJ4WxYoni7Cj2icN-Qty/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+tonys+pizza+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tony's Pizza Napoletana - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTlLlkmETptdoywPHtPwjlpMy_Gz-3KqTNyfEVXAJU6aXgJmJcP_Fyf7w0ASZAG4hStK8AAYi7rUBJPMVnN3M8VtnXHbEomYikjdiB4RqJc-_WnYUTb-bV7kZZJ4WxYoni7Cj2icN-Qty/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+tonys+pizza+35.jpg" title="Tony's Pizza Napoletana - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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Lunch was at the restaurant <a href="http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com/">Tony's Pizza Napoletana</a>. As advised by my parents, Jon and I snagged seats at the bar, where we had front row seats of the employees making perfect pizzas in the woodfired oven. Jon ordered a pepperoni pizza, and I ordered one of the restaurant's specialties - the tartufo, without prosciutto. Oozing with melted mozzerella, burrata, and goat cheese, the crisp, fluffy-crusted pizza contained wild musrooms, truffle oil, a sprinkling of piave, and some fresh arugula. It was absolutely as rich and lovely and satisfying as it sounds!<br />
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Once we'd finished up our food, we did some exploring!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmXktPWSJNQdGNnYY30eadpH10NItXS7eYc80xrRoZbnXbMi0lLG410QZ4BHqw2klztJs36kvOgwosEjLdgyIIoo0FN6yEVCsLD7qTe5XciXZGQW_12iqF_pxU9jqtCGo6PRVe0o7QHDw/s1600/san+francisco+travel+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmXktPWSJNQdGNnYY30eadpH10NItXS7eYc80xrRoZbnXbMi0lLG410QZ4BHqw2klztJs36kvOgwosEjLdgyIIoo0FN6yEVCsLD7qTe5XciXZGQW_12iqF_pxU9jqtCGo6PRVe0o7QHDw/s1600/san+francisco+travel+09.jpg" title="San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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We decided we should walk over to Lombard Street, since it wasn't too far from Tony's.<br />
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(Sidenote: When I say we "walked" anywhere in San Francisco, what I'm actually saying is we "hiked up a 90 degree incline, aka Mount Everest 2.0.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDiLwtGGRkthQzv5GU1JZk_V6TOODkd9isept17aZiokb8W-ohg5wd5glYZHitWMrtU-pSD3YBpcwJlJIBzrxlcY9Ai9-KHPEOEdx-TStBJuc81x-erpVTtFiBjuxvII3Tj2X7e4wvFTL/s1600/san+francisco+travel+lombard+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lombard Street in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDiLwtGGRkthQzv5GU1JZk_V6TOODkd9isept17aZiokb8W-ohg5wd5glYZHitWMrtU-pSD3YBpcwJlJIBzrxlcY9Ai9-KHPEOEdx-TStBJuc81x-erpVTtFiBjuxvII3Tj2X7e4wvFTL/s1600/san+francisco+travel+lombard+08.jpg" title="Lombard Street in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAWlQJ27k8lFmUpSOCxW4J52XrH4-j9_p11iCLL1Hxqp0HV1I0mwyYG9xlL27JLI2d4YtyJGlxQ9tEHHk4PqxsKZuCgSCKdL5lkXPzLGSrdbKHR2tWqEvhN0NuNtG9wXVQlvS0l2k2nAe/s1600/san+francisco+travel+lombard+street+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lombard Street in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAWlQJ27k8lFmUpSOCxW4J52XrH4-j9_p11iCLL1Hxqp0HV1I0mwyYG9xlL27JLI2d4YtyJGlxQ9tEHHk4PqxsKZuCgSCKdL5lkXPzLGSrdbKHR2tWqEvhN0NuNtG9wXVQlvS0l2k2nAe/s1600/san+francisco+travel+lombard+street+36.jpg" title="Lombard Street in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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Then we wandered over to Chinatown!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEbiTSKoT-SS_RV5mKh3SbLAJcwPArVcO4ONy852nSdIftIpHgEGqWvM52Kj9dAetXVDski5xXHUUwA4HhoSwwMT4lgyQweZpOk2FAZGFvmx26UAh-fzY1v4mWmLw-3D_7qX9o51vMshL/s1600/san+francisco+travel+books+37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Lights Book Store in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEbiTSKoT-SS_RV5mKh3SbLAJcwPArVcO4ONy852nSdIftIpHgEGqWvM52Kj9dAetXVDski5xXHUUwA4HhoSwwMT4lgyQweZpOk2FAZGFvmx26UAh-fzY1v4mWmLw-3D_7qX9o51vMshL/s1600/san+francisco+travel+books+37.jpg" title="City Lights Book Store in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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On the way there, we stopped at <a href="http://www.citylights.com/">City Lights Bookstore</a>, which is a really famous historic bookstore with a bajillion books that I just <i>had</i> to check out.<br />
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(Actually, props to Jon - he's the one who did the research and found this gem for me.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvGcAHt1fYI8Z_LtJ2XyRXThgMtJgi0xD3BHLchjd69-G5HiovQi7_THqN4wlGNZLZQGbobRDRgZvURUD-MwxoBQjjuPyMIKuN5rNU1WJ9-b7miekfr7zqrtuFQHprn0RgxEf6Jdontvm/s1600/san+francisco+travel+chinatown+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chinatown in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvGcAHt1fYI8Z_LtJ2XyRXThgMtJgi0xD3BHLchjd69-G5HiovQi7_THqN4wlGNZLZQGbobRDRgZvURUD-MwxoBQjjuPyMIKuN5rNU1WJ9-b7miekfr7zqrtuFQHprn0RgxEf6Jdontvm/s1600/san+francisco+travel+chinatown+10.jpg" title="Chinatown in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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San Francisco's Chinatown reminded me a lot of NYC's Chinatown - Crowded, bustling, colorful, and filled with lots and lots of stores containing a variety of different knick knacks.<br />
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Once we'd felt we had gotten our Chinatown fill, we went back to the apartment to rest up before dinner.<br />
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(PLAN YOUR NAP TIMES, PEOPLE.)<br />
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Speaking of dinner, we actually had reservations at another high profile San Francisco restaurant that night. But as previously mentioned, Jon and I were pretty tapped out and just wanted some chill, no-frills, yummy food. I canceled our reservation, and did a quick search on my phone of restaurants nearby. We settled on <a href="http://www.emmysspaghettishack.com/">Emmy's Spaghetti Shack</a>, located in San Francisco's eclectic Bernal Heights neighborhood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fOd3zMUHBMJxIGNZXYbn6F5lRnu2AeLRhY9DpJt6HBagPiHphOV64PQgTz5tf5fdUWpn5NO10Ca9WuoiAC_FUBoFeQQlTG2lE5OWpmiEuTJ8-g4O3AoeOvSX4G6atddVoAbdDWswcWkf/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fOd3zMUHBMJxIGNZXYbn6F5lRnu2AeLRhY9DpJt6HBagPiHphOV64PQgTz5tf5fdUWpn5NO10Ca9WuoiAC_FUBoFeQQlTG2lE5OWpmiEuTJ8-g4O3AoeOvSX4G6atddVoAbdDWswcWkf/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+38.jpg" title="Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpdzOC3DFz7VUszs06z1Kl8n6HaRFJuQqBdiGYYy8DJfm3_Hj5WqRpHvO_aN3aUx2bxH8e3n9OeP0gr0PQyLKeYfeUHlFopHGBDtiuKhIqkzAYdAUVN3AwLyN6oWbFUf_XdA8j4_CqBzu/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpdzOC3DFz7VUszs06z1Kl8n6HaRFJuQqBdiGYYy8DJfm3_Hj5WqRpHvO_aN3aUx2bxH8e3n9OeP0gr0PQyLKeYfeUHlFopHGBDtiuKhIqkzAYdAUVN3AwLyN6oWbFUf_XdA8j4_CqBzu/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+41.jpg" title="Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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The inside of the restaurant was funky and casual (think string lights, aprons hanging on a line, photo booth in the back, etc.) There was about a 15 minute wait, so Jon and I had a drink at the bar. He ordered a glass of wine, while I opted for a white sangria.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tYsm0obbnxa1t2QrpCQW_PA2qRXep5go7FOqOyzODWK1xOye3pxZkMEc6p1xznMu63rSUz62sNNSDX1rScbxa1JX4yzrtzUkk7HwXvMqmbx0fu3h8au0-aAFetXUnPsRteZFpB3MhWCW/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+sangria+39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sangria at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tYsm0obbnxa1t2QrpCQW_PA2qRXep5go7FOqOyzODWK1xOye3pxZkMEc6p1xznMu63rSUz62sNNSDX1rScbxa1JX4yzrtzUkk7HwXvMqmbx0fu3h8au0-aAFetXUnPsRteZFpB3MhWCW/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+sangria+39.jpg" title="sangria at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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I'm not even close to kidding when I say I think this is the best sangria I've ever had! It was sweet and light, and the beautiful flavors of the fresh basil and strawberries were astounding. We were off to a great start!<br />
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After we were seated, Jon and I were presented with some complimentary bread with oil and vinegar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZLN94Yyh646NKNDGcUBGm2TlkkAVoXAeCjSTfFSoIzhwX-zTn0UjwzkCaE_LhGbBeRJcz4sEE9za86e_6OoxOGvq5UbfrcJz6jViXeIFBPT199irgma9P8gJEJzjH40pTLXHxkFZgz1E/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+bread+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bread at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZLN94Yyh646NKNDGcUBGm2TlkkAVoXAeCjSTfFSoIzhwX-zTn0UjwzkCaE_LhGbBeRJcz4sEE9za86e_6OoxOGvq5UbfrcJz6jViXeIFBPT199irgma9P8gJEJzjH40pTLXHxkFZgz1E/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+bread+40.jpg" title="bread at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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The spongy focaccia had a nice hint of rosemary to it, and was a great way to kick everything off.<br />
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For our first order of food, Jon ordered a dungeoness crab cake, I ordered a small mixed greens salad, and we split the bocconcini balls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ1Q2kskhqmc-e3sO4TDYEHC9btI6Fucm_KVN71AiFE9N_zE3erJaq8a3oBJf9Wg9r2opU_qut5ZSfcsFDRVlIOnQ7yA-xYgg4YZwi1lr1m4CBm2b8il4CZJH1SD_uMTB3bYy96xKM7BW/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+salad+43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="salad at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ1Q2kskhqmc-e3sO4TDYEHC9btI6Fucm_KVN71AiFE9N_zE3erJaq8a3oBJf9Wg9r2opU_qut5ZSfcsFDRVlIOnQ7yA-xYgg4YZwi1lr1m4CBm2b8il4CZJH1SD_uMTB3bYy96xKM7BW/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+salad+43.jpg" title="salad at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn9RmlbLahYOCOvqHft_DaKobbsqk5_ntsJhxqpAGBCR0Ahzo3G9fGIKIyAym6_TtDadOrVCvrG8SBykq3HBjCN0nOwD3WDK9rBgqbSihCDDh87dfrQGEuN_bcdpeEVEoMcd-xTTwVJNP/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+fried+mozzarella+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fried mozzarella balls at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn9RmlbLahYOCOvqHft_DaKobbsqk5_ntsJhxqpAGBCR0Ahzo3G9fGIKIyAym6_TtDadOrVCvrG8SBykq3HBjCN0nOwD3WDK9rBgqbSihCDDh87dfrQGEuN_bcdpeEVEoMcd-xTTwVJNP/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+fried+mozzarella+42.jpg" title="fried mozzarella balls at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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Jon thoroughly enjoyed his crab cake. My salad was simple, and nothing out of the ordinary, but I was needing some greens in my life, and this is exactly what I was looking for. The two of us went nuts over the bocconcini balls though - Deep fried, ooey gooey fresh mozzerella was wanderfully crispy on the outside and loaded with sensational herby flavors. Served with a house marinara and homemade ranch, they were absolutely fantastic!<br />
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After eyeing the size of an order of spaghetti at another table, Jon and I decided to split one for our last round of food (and he got meatballs on the side).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPLEYPPbbzWHQmU6oXKZVO8HDdYHMnE_RqRMWzu8hWVwLSzOv0hpn3aVvcJp37oszp8cLUT6FRv_5GCZcqGW0IUAexEPfP-yG26o2mCWs-IR3vVaS8_HofuvYzzZn9vbc0xla0bpKw9UA/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+pasta+44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="spaghetti at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPLEYPPbbzWHQmU6oXKZVO8HDdYHMnE_RqRMWzu8hWVwLSzOv0hpn3aVvcJp37oszp8cLUT6FRv_5GCZcqGW0IUAexEPfP-yG26o2mCWs-IR3vVaS8_HofuvYzzZn9vbc0xla0bpKw9UA/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+emmys+spaghetti+shack+pasta+44.jpg" title="spaghetti at Emmy's Spaghetti Shack - a restaurant in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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And let me tell ya, there's a reason Emmy's restaurant is called the Spaghetti Shack! This was soooooo good. The thick, fresh, gummy noodles were beautifully soaked in a tart, citrusy tomato sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley and a heaping amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese. This hearty dish was comforting, simple, and just wonderful.<br />
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It's safe to say this last minute change-of-plans dinner was one of our favorite meals (and one of the cheapest!) during our entire vacation!<br />
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(This is why it's good to make plans, but also be okay with changing them while on vacation based on where you're feeling you are right then in your life.)<br />
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The next morning began with more sightseeing, starting with Fisherman's Wharf!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UVgTdq2BpR3FYQmaedbF7IUvKAVdbp8CGO5t5pGl9d8QslSFREA0mnsDpcWDWcCdrOpngn2rxiZ4lQL2uUzacEacDEPQHRAI4lCZWFyYh_mF_jxLUvDA-UaLLdP2hZUjr5ToKdzsmDtM/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UVgTdq2BpR3FYQmaedbF7IUvKAVdbp8CGO5t5pGl9d8QslSFREA0mnsDpcWDWcCdrOpngn2rxiZ4lQL2uUzacEacDEPQHRAI4lCZWFyYh_mF_jxLUvDA-UaLLdP2hZUjr5ToKdzsmDtM/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+46.jpg" title="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvog5D4UMouUy9OxAgpyL67gn63wW7cHkMJm3-9gbmhYkZv6pD6uRHfWnEIAjVEsCQ1vMqxrkAEcQLnn9alPVKeyjHTjHft5jmGATQhq2k6byv0WdwHlBosKsV2zJ2hWPS-p1pg9kTCpC/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvog5D4UMouUy9OxAgpyL67gn63wW7cHkMJm3-9gbmhYkZv6pD6uRHfWnEIAjVEsCQ1vMqxrkAEcQLnn9alPVKeyjHTjHft5jmGATQhq2k6byv0WdwHlBosKsV2zJ2hWPS-p1pg9kTCpC/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+47.jpg" title="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz5FxG_nebzm39tv9BHA1QgSjTtqcAkesFmQzMr-nFVTb57e5ha34nqgXn12PFE4m7T4XU9zy5cd3iS0crEJY4nEuD_u66KqFbKzjU4yhFykaNO1Xoeh-Y4cfX_IHhrlDurBnediwS3hE/s1600/san+francisco+travel+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz5FxG_nebzm39tv9BHA1QgSjTtqcAkesFmQzMr-nFVTb57e5ha34nqgXn12PFE4m7T4XU9zy5cd3iS0crEJY4nEuD_u66KqFbKzjU4yhFykaNO1Xoeh-Y4cfX_IHhrlDurBnediwS3hE/s1600/san+francisco+travel+12.jpg" title="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Biw4MaKC31rQwz097X1Czpr7S8sjllPwM_Zbi7rVBqNnDpyNh8uo1u1KbjlWKvfBuoH30quyKKvBDGbuJtuSu-k770kalV8z2UgCGOJzDKsCuPfvWin_uAlEL3-zJnM0X59I2JZ-H6XN/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Biw4MaKC31rQwz097X1Czpr7S8sjllPwM_Zbi7rVBqNnDpyNh8uo1u1KbjlWKvfBuoH30quyKKvBDGbuJtuSu-k770kalV8z2UgCGOJzDKsCuPfvWin_uAlEL3-zJnM0X59I2JZ-H6XN/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+13.jpg" title="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtr4BrbqRq-bxTPXpQgRyCPvaSKgX4yKiHJiUKjh4m12cKXzrRGeHXw8cU3PgLxfN3VRC_I6vdvbFjz4a4viR5xw-j18cksteU-8-XgK64jFNeTG97YZqv5WLE-XRGql7Ov8QElcjVM_I/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtr4BrbqRq-bxTPXpQgRyCPvaSKgX4yKiHJiUKjh4m12cKXzrRGeHXw8cU3PgLxfN3VRC_I6vdvbFjz4a4viR5xw-j18cksteU-8-XgK64jFNeTG97YZqv5WLE-XRGql7Ov8QElcjVM_I/s1600/san+francisco+travel+fishermans+wharf+14.jpg" title="Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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The seals at Pier 39 are HILARIOUS. They sunbathe, and do synchronized swimming dances, and make the most ridiculous trumpeting barking noises, and we are kindred souls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzbGnzfx1ogOG-GiCXEVyNVBCeaAyiqeQuK3MOiT3V_Dz47QRcKiNXhVmGpGWFsNEGIfVndCXokq5vmSuGYURcSBFYOGoTnSjGn350uZqsHqhLxtOoMwsoINJbgxkrbiS_wiROKfp3h82/s1600/san+francisco+travel+ferry+building+48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ferry Building in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzbGnzfx1ogOG-GiCXEVyNVBCeaAyiqeQuK3MOiT3V_Dz47QRcKiNXhVmGpGWFsNEGIfVndCXokq5vmSuGYURcSBFYOGoTnSjGn350uZqsHqhLxtOoMwsoINJbgxkrbiS_wiROKfp3h82/s1600/san+francisco+travel+ferry+building+48.jpg" title="Ferry Building in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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After communing with my seal peeps, we headed to the Ferry Building to grab a picnic lunch, which we enjoyed at West Bluff Park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLNSXplfzHnzjuEamCBPfjrWD2zpMLA-Sgiyjal_KVj1hcU9gttLg4ekP1kyH-Bu9Nw1QFpPd3dz2zyj2IAhZepKiBG2s6AaOBCOZp6karF-53tnnQBnVxtJnwQ3BawcrA9ufMbVCMj57/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLNSXplfzHnzjuEamCBPfjrWD2zpMLA-Sgiyjal_KVj1hcU9gttLg4ekP1kyH-Bu9Nw1QFpPd3dz2zyj2IAhZepKiBG2s6AaOBCOZp6karF-53tnnQBnVxtJnwQ3BawcrA9ufMbVCMj57/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+49.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PfgykqqdMf2n9_eVUHdwGh9FJN5CbV0eG5Z-rAeU-u51FbbSzGgWkolXkbfI7GDdYuY_2ltXt48uMd1UAA3QQvjfaA4mimhaV3gF8sXsZccyxsp6hjvfiL8CTE3X453pVMTq0oE1ppt0/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PfgykqqdMf2n9_eVUHdwGh9FJN5CbV0eG5Z-rAeU-u51FbbSzGgWkolXkbfI7GDdYuY_2ltXt48uMd1UAA3QQvjfaA4mimhaV3gF8sXsZccyxsp6hjvfiL8CTE3X453pVMTq0oE1ppt0/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+50.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" /></a></div>
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With arguably some of the best views in San Francisco, we were shocked to find that this park was not very busy or touristy at all! I DEFINITELY recommend doing this if you're ever in San Francisco.<br />
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And remember how I mentioned in my last post Jon's new passion for Insect Photography? Well...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw05n8UxitR5YF906whc_FhjHf0TYTzw0V4SAysvvlfEELhZpjLUQeLoHM_Ks1AnhtkhI8h5aRAa1Am3WnzXj2-RJc_Y-PPxWRdckSyrBgfm9Cbh26vd8nIMTXMDxU3UjORL9UfOCEF0Y/s1600/san+francisco+travel+51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="West Bluff Park in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw05n8UxitR5YF906whc_FhjHf0TYTzw0V4SAysvvlfEELhZpjLUQeLoHM_Ks1AnhtkhI8h5aRAa1Am3WnzXj2-RJc_Y-PPxWRdckSyrBgfm9Cbh26vd8nIMTXMDxU3UjORL9UfOCEF0Y/s1600/san+francisco+travel+51.jpg" title="West Bluff Park in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCJOqIa2JxHPZNeOtpbzbsQAQpcmJ36T2NeYPpZCSNxp4vfOi22fNC5KRv61YoA4JR8fdov3AyfKhMsVYm3hvq4JiOIcTraaXVHWg71oKgczxCF4m6Xh9bP8RQpcZPAFyKO1lCUtfH_QR/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="West Bluff Park in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCJOqIa2JxHPZNeOtpbzbsQAQpcmJ36T2NeYPpZCSNxp4vfOi22fNC5KRv61YoA4JR8fdov3AyfKhMsVYm3hvq4JiOIcTraaXVHWg71oKgczxCF4m6Xh9bP8RQpcZPAFyKO1lCUtfH_QR/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+16.jpg" title="West Bluff Park in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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^ Are you dying? I'm dying. Step aside, bugs!<br />
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After we'd finished our food and wine, we headed back to the apartment to get ready for the Giants game!<br />
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Pride was happening in San Francisco that weekend, and it happened to be Pride Night at the game, so I wanted to buy a rainbow scarf to celebrate! (and keep me warm, let's be real). We headed to Castro street, which was so alive and buzzing with happiness and rainbows, my heart burst into a million pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ruKp2nJxOgwJpA3deItTH2eqwXzBL6sVDIdZxwSJ4qaK37jPQbbqFRn8q5lY_b7psVlBigFcll3Be-CtcfZgriAkqIEqcK1UDFAbFpqeYP9IuzLSf8A7XCIwN0N70aklya-CBJ0VMj_/s1600/san+francisco+travel+53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Castro Street in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ruKp2nJxOgwJpA3deItTH2eqwXzBL6sVDIdZxwSJ4qaK37jPQbbqFRn8q5lY_b7psVlBigFcll3Be-CtcfZgriAkqIEqcK1UDFAbFpqeYP9IuzLSf8A7XCIwN0N70aklya-CBJ0VMj_/s1600/san+francisco+travel+53.jpg" title="Castro Street in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU3QEk4DA1G73YO0Vg4jc9SjxExih-M1i4L19Ika1WBo-ywPJRXwJvaTS_msvSbCBAaPalIPwmc2ilQRft7Ce26ZyMOnI9N7uyTI_Vw4aqV7ish1HgvXPost_vaW-3Tlwmtb9CtbmUq9j/s1600/san+francisco+travel+54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Castro Street in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU3QEk4DA1G73YO0Vg4jc9SjxExih-M1i4L19Ika1WBo-ywPJRXwJvaTS_msvSbCBAaPalIPwmc2ilQRft7Ce26ZyMOnI9N7uyTI_Vw4aqV7ish1HgvXPost_vaW-3Tlwmtb9CtbmUq9j/s1600/san+francisco+travel+54.jpg" title="Castro Street in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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There was also a really moving shrine to the victims of the Orlando shooting, which definitely brought me to tears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOQiSLK6GkT3Q7fcHrY5c91zT5Xqqd0wbqsQYXZDnyNJ0Xk0EG6wHcCgImMbNCv9ZxHm8xAlPKXS1jFGl_FiPf9vHn8Yse0CVy3vNgUAdxXzJ7rXp2vgwriyZCZ7Jbg4Ocv-tWeWvg9k1/s1600/san+francisco+travel+52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Castro Street in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOQiSLK6GkT3Q7fcHrY5c91zT5Xqqd0wbqsQYXZDnyNJ0Xk0EG6wHcCgImMbNCv9ZxHm8xAlPKXS1jFGl_FiPf9vHn8Yse0CVy3vNgUAdxXzJ7rXp2vgwriyZCZ7Jbg4Ocv-tWeWvg9k1/s1600/san+francisco+travel+52.jpg" title="Castro Street in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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After we walked around, and I had purchased my scarf, we headed to the game.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAwE5si1e141BpFebhFE22KWeRGmH6xTCRxAIqXps5VgVDA4E2ebJ6ZGd09wjnNRzSfxyGTsYR12ZMA-yQHGC8W-xtdXVPbWiQW542WKaN2nT2sWKQDXh6zeaV-XmztU51sn3RHjUJ-xH/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="AT&T Park in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAwE5si1e141BpFebhFE22KWeRGmH6xTCRxAIqXps5VgVDA4E2ebJ6ZGd09wjnNRzSfxyGTsYR12ZMA-yQHGC8W-xtdXVPbWiQW542WKaN2nT2sWKQDXh6zeaV-XmztU51sn3RHjUJ-xH/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+55.jpg" title="AT&T Park in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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AT&T Stadium - where the San Francisco Giants play - is GORGEOUS. With sweeping views over the bay, this is definitely the most stunning baseball stadium I've ever been to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYZT0WIeUOe4z0h2Qag9pcr5eG3Lvi4Q9YrNu-5rs7mMNamLMoSLLLmsRrP-imr2MN5b-JsY-xSfg5PQxHdLu-VcMZ8_MFxCuRg2RP3I1iqXp8cgH_WbRfNFZxaegMBa7zKnUsN_G54p2/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+baseball+63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYZT0WIeUOe4z0h2Qag9pcr5eG3Lvi4Q9YrNu-5rs7mMNamLMoSLLLmsRrP-imr2MN5b-JsY-xSfg5PQxHdLu-VcMZ8_MFxCuRg2RP3I1iqXp8cgH_WbRfNFZxaegMBa7zKnUsN_G54p2/s1600/san+francisco+travel+food+baseball+63.jpg" title="AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnqXvBUibTmk6TYoxUC9ViFR4CTd3uzLwflR_z9SLWitDGu-5z3mXxqpasQ4qRUoFZEP5KwW7o3JlFoGsqL2pljv2x0cNtaQ-PWDPCE9ttuQHOVAGEfaVpbU_VImASlJiuwnlIzui0kMg/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+food+veggie+dog+58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="veggie dog at AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnqXvBUibTmk6TYoxUC9ViFR4CTd3uzLwflR_z9SLWitDGu-5z3mXxqpasQ4qRUoFZEP5KwW7o3JlFoGsqL2pljv2x0cNtaQ-PWDPCE9ttuQHOVAGEfaVpbU_VImASlJiuwnlIzui0kMg/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+food+veggie+dog+58.jpg" title="veggie dog at AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomBrh8jfCgL46NDkJO3fQQZc3tR3ipxsjsLWIjBMpQtXaBXU3tKARuC510JrHQw14qxWGUR65kikAhPReBWtpg2lc7dgph9zjvzpb8kGRB1rRQeRK-84TjaHe7zNvLlAJSEt0csrom36d/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+food+fries+59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="garlic fries at AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomBrh8jfCgL46NDkJO3fQQZc3tR3ipxsjsLWIjBMpQtXaBXU3tKARuC510JrHQw14qxWGUR65kikAhPReBWtpg2lc7dgph9zjvzpb8kGRB1rRQeRK-84TjaHe7zNvLlAJSEt0csrom36d/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+food+fries+59.jpg" title="garlic fries at AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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A few years ago AT&T Park was rated by Peta as one of the Top 5 vegan ballparks. So there were plenty of options for this vegetarian! I went with a veggie dog (slathered in cheese), and I really really enjoyed it. We also kept seeing signs for garlic fries? (because apparently that's a thing in San Francisco?), so we ordered a side of them. They were very good, but very potent, and I'm pretty sure my pores were oozing out garlic for the next three days as a result.<br />
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(sorry to everyone I came within feet of.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeU26WdAf17pNYncVVt4asnefZ5e386TVp2N3xCenUHbA-WDnzKDZASSBsNxsVzVhIsZbqTYbNmYw7GL3IxhCYQYFrGif9SlQ2U6ogKpnn52mz4sxS_Ptk1U9ARiS-Fa8XSyLj4XxRwP9/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeU26WdAf17pNYncVVt4asnefZ5e386TVp2N3xCenUHbA-WDnzKDZASSBsNxsVzVhIsZbqTYbNmYw7GL3IxhCYQYFrGif9SlQ2U6ogKpnn52mz4sxS_Ptk1U9ARiS-Fa8XSyLj4XxRwP9/s1600/san+francisco+travel+baseball+60.jpg" title="AT&T Park - the baseball stadium in San Francisco, California" /></a></div>
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The Giants won, and the game was awesome! It was a great way to spend our last night in San Francisco.<br />
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If you have the opportunity to go to Northern(ish) California, I strongly encourage it. Everything is completely surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty, there are so many things to do (WINE.), and lots of fantastic food options. By time we got back to Houston, Jon and I were already talking about what we were going to do on our next trip back!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8rq_IaGBPag9NuDAzGmDgm4AwpcyhueDlFp_XIaw5ZOZvLADxy3TLjlVWTi2i8W0Ca_Z-1ZlRN6-60DKl49eAbTEisdwvZvav70PMZbGkj7_Wm3gY5zVTlyEw19bUZjsKE_gyoypV68z/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8rq_IaGBPag9NuDAzGmDgm4AwpcyhueDlFp_XIaw5ZOZvLADxy3TLjlVWTi2i8W0Ca_Z-1ZlRN6-60DKl49eAbTEisdwvZvav70PMZbGkj7_Wm3gY5zVTlyEw19bUZjsKE_gyoypV68z/s1600/san+francisco+travel+golden+gate+bridge+18.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco" /></a></div>
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^ Huh. There's that big red bridge again.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*</span>All photos were taken by me with my iPhone, or by Jon with his Nikon.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17828229908609111673noreply@blogger.com2