Your 3 day weekend guide to Palm Springs →

Palm Springs has always been a go-to destination for me. With the help of Coachella and Kris Jenner’s weekend home there, it has redefined itself as not only for snowbirds and golfers but an ideal weekend for lovers, pals or a family vacation (a pool in the backyard is never a bad idea).

Why I love Palm Springs; it is a quick 2.5 hour flight from Vancouver (or usually has a direct flight from most major cities), can be visited year round (depending how how much heat you like), offers a plethora of restaurant choices, great accommodations and could be walked or cruised through on a bike.

This last trip was birthday motivated and I knew I wanted to eat and drink well, soak up plenty of pool time and take in a show (more on that later). I challenged myself to go to all new places, an old soul needs to get out of her comfort zone from time to time. Naturally I turned to my go-to eater.com for inspiration as a starting point. It ended up being a great weekend in the heart of Palm Springs with no rental car necessary and a light enough itinerary to enjoy a siesta and a few games of ping pong.

Where to stay:

We went to a boutique hotel for this trip and stayed at the Avalon Hotel and couldn’t be more impressed. Only an 8 minute drive from the airport and you were welcomed by bright yellow doors into a mid modern space and the most helpful staff. We were greeted with a glass of bubs and happy birthday from the manager who was genuinely excited we were spending our celebrations with them. The multiple pools, complimentary cruiser bikes, poolside restaurant (Chi Chi), room views and central location made it the perfect place to spend the weekend.

Where to eat:

A 3 day weekend means you don’t have the luxury of wasting a bad meal - I’m usually a fan of the brunch and dinner only sprinkled in with poolside snacks and a happy hour to tide you over. Excited to share my new go to spots in Palm Springs (but still appreciate the OG’s from this post a few years ago).

Del Rey : a sexy spot with small tables and small plates. Nestled in the Villa Royale hotel you find this tapas bar past the pool behind a few unsuspecting doors and are met with low lighting and iconic art from past patrons (think Marilyn, Dean, Frank and Lauren (Bacall not me)). Ask what the specials are but don’t miss out on the steak, cauliflower and beet salad.

King’s Highway Diner: found in the ever trendy Ace hotel, you are transported back with the retro aesthetic almost feeling like the diner in Pulp Fiction. The portions are hearty and offers an all day menu so you don’t need to worry about an early wake up call to get your breakfast burrito fix. Fun fact: tater tots in burritos are thing in Palm Springs and we weren’t mad about it.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar: i loved this restaurant. A juxtaposition to the rest of Palm Springs mid modern vibe; in this space you walk into a concrete forward space with industrial lighting and a long shared table. The staff is outstanding and truly love what they do. There wasn’t a dish we didn’t like but a few standouts were: the melon & burrata salad, duck fried rice, goat cheese pierogi and the steak. Go here!

1501 Uptown Gastropub: found a bit outside of downtown, this spot was ideal for Sunday brunch and a hair of the dog. Ranked as a diner’s choice, I would describe this place as solid and consistent (she says after going there once). Something for everyone and a cute outdoor space.

Melyvn’s: located in the Avalon’s sister hotel, the Ingleside Inn, Melyvn’s offers both bar and restaurant dining that will suit whatever you’re looking for. We opted for the bar to enjoy the live music and ambiance. You could wear a black revenge dress or a baseball hat here and not feel out of place - definitely my vibe. Order a dirty martini and the burger.

Where to go for the best night out:

More Kardashian inspiration, I was influenced by a recent trip they took to Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret where it looked like it might have been the greatest night of their lives. Tickets are cheap and cheerful and there are no shortages of $1 bills at the bar. I’d recommend booking a reservation in advance to secure the best seating (aka the splash zone). We lucked out the night we went as it was Disney Drag and the energy Cruella, Ariel and the rest of the cast brought had you throwing up dollar bills like you just didn’t care. The light roasting of the crowd kept the audience in constant laughter and even included photo ops after the show. It was my first time here but will be added to the roster of must do places to visit when I go back to Palm Springs.

Needless to say, trying all new places to stay, eat and do paid off. I had the best weekend with the girls and hope I’ve inspired you to try some new places or experiences.

Would love to know if I’ve missed any of your favourite spots?! Leave me a comment, I’ll do the hard leg work and go back to research.

Until next time,

xx

LC

A London To Do List: After you've done the tourist stuff.

When I think about London, this quote by Samuel Johnson pops into my head:

“…when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

I couldn’t agree more. Another London local, Paddington Bear also says: “In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.” Which is another favourite quality I feel about this city - just look around the tube and you’ll see all walks of life from the suit, backpacker, student or dame.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting London a few times and even had a working visa there in 2014, which allowed me to really immerse myself in the city and get a sense of life as a local. It’d been 5 years since I was there and I  couldn’t wait to get back to a city that feels like another home, embrace a no-plan plan and not be obligated to do all the tourist stuff (been there, done that). I mean, if Liz asked me to pop by for tea, I definitely would.

I know it’s cliche of all of my city guides but I have to start with the food. It’s one of my favourite things to check out in a new place and London has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. I also think that because London is a melting pot of all ethnicity the cuisine is a smorgasbord of different cultures and is always changing. I’ve also come to the conclusion that while in some cities to be a successful restaurant means you have one location tallied with reservations and line ups, in London, if you’re able to open a second or third or SEVENTH location, that means you’ve really made it.

The Food

Dishoom: Reading how Dishoom came to be in 7 locations, it was interesting to understand that it started with the idea of honouring the concept of Irani Cafes of Bombay. In the 1960s there were over 400 and less than 30 remain today. With a focus of bringing people together over food and drink regardless of their background is evident from its warm environment, delicious food meant to be shared and sampled, and authenticity. I’ll definitely need to go back to try more dishes but some favourites that stood out were: Black Daal, Chicken Tikka and Okra Fries.

Andina: Pervuian heaven! Another gem found in the Shoreditch hood that offered up an intimate space good for groups or sitting at the kitchen bar. You definitely need to try the signature pisco sour as well as the ceviche which I’d say it’s most known for. Other must orders were the chicken wings and corn bread. Expect a line up if you’re choosing to walk in, we waited about 45 minutes at 9pm, but worth it! You can grab a dirty martini at the Ace Hotel lobby bar while you wait.

Granger: When I lived in London I actually lived across the street from the Granger in Notting Hill and it was ALWAYS lined up. Didn’t matter if it was Tuesday at 2pm or peak Sunday brunch hour. I was curious to see if the hype had stood the test of time 5 years later and it did. Still lined up almost a block long for Saturday brunch, but the service is excellent and the Nottinghill people watching is enough to pass the time. The burger is epic and a must order, and their brunch has a great menu satisfying the lovers of porridge (me!) to a more traditional English breaky. GO HERE.

Blanchette: With locations found in Shoreditch and Soho, it makes for a perfect spot to indulge in fine French cuisine for brunch, a boozy lunch or before the theatre. When you walk in you’re immediately taken to a French countryside bistro of exposed brick, cozy booths, decades of random knick knacks on the walls and a dripping candle or two. The happy hour offered a great selection of french cheese (obviously) and the service was fantastic - she basically just told us what to order and recommended the monk fish which was a nice light contrast to all the meat and cheese. Adorable spot - will be coming back for brunch for sure!

The Bell & Crown: I’m not sure you can even say you’ve experienced London unless you’ve been to Sunday Roast…in my mind it’s an every Sunday sort of thing that you gather at your local pub (where everybody actually knows your name {insert Cheers line here}) and you be merry and boozy all afternoon. To contrary belief, I have it on accord from the Canadian locals living in London that it’s more of an occasional thing, catch up with old mates or show a visitor how yorkshire pudding is really made. This particular location was a bit of a haul outside the city (but was an invite from true Londoners so happy to make the trek!) - it was SO cute and had river front views. Perfect way to fill an afternoon and be in bed by 8pm.

Sketch: Oh man, anyone who played tea party growing up would fall in love with this place - even if you didn’t, the pink room sucks you in with its violins in the corner, petit fours, a caviar man in a top hat and a bathroom that is likely used more for photo ops than function. I’d heard of this place from a few bloggers I follow and knew I needed to experience this first hand. So naturally, I put on my best beret and had tea with my bestie. It doesn’t get more British than that! Granted it’s a bit of an indulgence, I’d say that the amount of food you got was worth it, not to mention the service and ambiance. Go for it, have your tea and drink it too. They also offer different rooms for dinner and drinks that look nothing short of a page out of Alice in Wonderland. I’d recommend making a reservation though as it’s quite busy!

The Bell & Crown

The Hoods

Shoreditch: Our Air BnB was in the heart of Shoreditch just a block down from the Ace Hotel. My friend actually worked at the Ace Hotel so we already had a baseline that this was an area we wanted to be in. I’d definitely recommend checking out the hotel if even for a coffee or drink in the lobby bar. To keep with all Ace Hotel themes, you’ll find an impressive collection of records and a photo booth to bring you back to your pre-teen days at the mall. The area is also crawling with the best vintage shopping around and the art of Banksy down random alleys and buildings. You could explore this neighbourhood on foot and find any vintage band shirt you’d want, an avacado smoothie or a spin class; something for everyone. It’s also a 10 minute walk to Liverpool street station and kind of follows the rule of 20 minutes to almost any neighbourhood you need to go to.

Notting Hill: I mean I won’t beat a dead horse on this one but it’s just so classic London to me. The architecture, the market, the colours, the fashion. It fills my cup of tea (see what I did there?). Not much had changed since we lived there and we actually were there on a Saturday to see Portobello Road in its prime form.

Hyde Park: I used to run in Hyde Park every day when I lived near there, I’m not even much of a runner but there was something that actually made me enjoy the exercise. The huge pathways made way for bikes, scooters, runners, families, random saxophone players and wildlife. With London being a metropolis of vast grand buildings, there’s something to be said about 350 acres of land in the heart of the city for people to enjoy. Take a book, bring a picnic, feed the ducks or take a paddle in the pond. One of my favourite places.

Kings Cross: This was one area that had really changed since I was last there. I mean, it still is home to the 9 and 3/4 platform to take you to Hogwarts, but its now gained a shopping area called Coal Drops Yard. It’s a perfect mix of food, coffee and shops in a spacious area that even has teeter totters in the middle! It was fun to wander through and be introduced to independent local shops like Bonds (another recommendation from a local!). The store made me almost want to purchase a checked bag to take home all the things but settled on the Earl of East candles that smell unbelievable.

The Shopping, The Culture and In Between

V&A Mueseum: I learnt there was a  Christian Dior exhibit on and was so excited to check it out but it was sold out. Sigh, will be back. Goes to show the no-plan plan doesn’t always work. We still checked out a Fashion exhibition that showcased the evolution from the 1800s. There were A LOT of corsets but still interesting to see how the classic pieces remain relevant and current today.

The National Portrait Gallery: My favourite! I’m sure for many. What can I say - I love a good story and every face paints its own. You will find everything from the Dames, Sirs, Jagger and Winehouse. A great pit stop before you catch a show or comedy act in the theatre district.

So now that you know where to eat, drink, and get some culture - there is the question of nightlife (after all the eating). I’m not cool enough to know the night scene, so we were grateful enough to be hanging with locals who suggested a place called ‘The Piano Works’. I knew this was the place for me when I heard Prince being tickled on the ivories.  The venue is all live music where the song choice is completely decided by its audience. So naturally you could have a mix of random garbage or everything from Spice Girls, Bowie, Tom Jones and Kendrick Lamar. Expect a line up if you don’t have a guest list, but I promise you won’t be disappointed.

As you can see, London will always be calling for me - would love to know your favourite places about this magical city!

xx

LC

A Time In Turin; the Paris of Italy

When my client said their office was in Turin, Italy and that they’d need me to come onsite, I smiled and nodded in the video conference and immediately had to look up where this place was! It sounded familiar and the reason being was the Winter Olympics were hosted there in 2006 before Vancouver - IT WAS ALL COMING TOGETHER. Not really but upon further research I found this place is the capital of Piedmont: famous for its cuisine, architecture and some neighbouring delicious wine regions (Barolo and Barbaresco to name a few.) I have loved all the other places I’ve traveled in Italy so I was excited to knock another place off my list and see what really made this place Paris-like.

The office we were visiting was outside of the city center which required a car rental, which meant I got to drive in Europe and the void in my life of driving stick would be filled - what can I say, put me behind a wheel in the small side streets in Europe and I turn into Jason Bourne. In all honestly though, I drive aggressive and fast (I’m told) but I quickly learned the way to get by driving in Italy is being confident and to only loosely follow the street signs.

I wanted to be in the city so we could enjoy our non working hours as much as possible - we stayed in an adorable Air BnB central to great restaurants, a market across the street and short jaunt to the nearest river and row of bridges - it’s Europe after all, that’s a staple in every city.

What we did

Arriving on Sundays in Europe is always good and bad - primarily because very little is open. But we made sure to have a plan to fight the jet leg when we arrived and that was the The National Museum of Cinema. I immediately fell in love. It’s housed inside the Mole Antonelliana tower - a famous landmark Turin is known for (so checking two things off the list!). The museum was started in 2008 and has quickly become one of the most popular museums in Turin. It showcases the history and evolution of film through cinematographic devices, light boxes, movie posters, artwork, film reels and movie books. In the center there are loungers you can watch movies on a big screen (Breakfast at Tiffany’s was playing - for me, I imagine) and walk the circumference of 5 levels looking at film from movies, to music videos to live concerts and short films. My love of film made this such a special memory - I’d highly recommend it!

We also visited the Museo Egizio which interestingly enough is the oldest museum that is devoted entirely to ancient Egyptian culture. Found in the city center, it was probably one of the most beautiful museums I’ve ever been to. There is A LOT to get through, not Louvre level but we opted for the 1.5 self guided tour and I felt it captured just the right amount of history in between my coffee stops. The level of detail that went into the design of the tombs was incredible; we learned how the tombs were buried with food, wine and water to help them through their travels into the after life. I would definitely visit again given the opportunity.

Turin is also home to a plethora of piazzos. A piazza: defined as a central plaza or marketplace and most commonly found in small Italian towns. I dragged my colleague to the Piazzo San Carlo which was 30 minutes in the wrong direction we were going, while also ruining a new pair of heels - stilettos are not friendly to the cobblestone streets. Regardless, we both appreciated the illuminated piazzo that was filled with surrounding shops (30% gelato), kids running around and a few photo ops. 

Where we ate

Eataly (derived from the words EAT and ITALY): Our Air BnB hosts recommendation, I was surprised to learn you can find Eataly’s all over the world including New York, Boston, LA, Chicago etc. Eataly started with the idea of one place for people to eat, shop and learn about delicious food. You could pick out your food fresh to be cooked and then wander the store sampling all the cheese, cannelloni, and then visit the wine cellar to get a bit tipsy.

Laleo: A great option for brunch on the weekends but we enjoyed a lovely lunch on their patio. Found in a quiet neighbourhood with surrounding businesses, but you can immediately tell it’s a local favourite and the food is prepared from scratch with love. The women walked us through the menu making recommendations and genuinely wanted us to enjoy the meal - we went with a few items but the stand out choice was definitely the “Golden One” which was kind of like a rissotto rice ball? That’s probably butchering the description but just order it.

Il Camaleonte Piola: Another small, warm and welcoming spot with a limited Italian menu featuring only what’s fresh for the season. The anti pasto misto as a starter was delicious and I couldn’t tell you the rest of what we ordered because we were told what ‘Nonna’ had made that day and trusted our server to deliver - probably some of the freshest pasta I’ve ever eaten. (Note: these small hole in the wall places typically only take cash so be prepared!).

Other notable food restaurants to try is Tre Galline: almost every blog mentioned this place and my plan of rolling in with no reservation did not get us anywhere. Book ahead! I’ll be back.

THE COFFEE

Caffe Al Bicerin: Last but certainly not least is this cafe. It is an integral part of Turin’s history and has been around for 256 years - YES, 256 YEARS. Known for their large selection of chocolates, coffees and the infamous Bicerin drink which is served in a tall glass made up of coffee, chocolate, milk and syrup (see photo below). This cafe can be found across from the Sanctuary of the Consolata which meant that Al Bicerin was the place to be after church let out. Another fun fact I learned about this cafe was that while it was owned by a man it was actually managed by women during a time when cafes were intended to be exclusive for men and not “suitable” for women. Under this female leadership it allowed for women to feel comfortable and safe which is admirable, not to mention the ladies of Al Bicerin were known in the community for caring for homeless - pretty bad ass women if you as me. We couldn’t take the coffee home but we took all the biscotti.

The Views

Santa Maria del Monte: One of the most famous spots in Turin to get a great view of the Mole Antonelliana and mountains on a clear day. You’re able to drive up to this look out (I’d recommend strong skills in navigating first gear in a car at a steep incline), otherwise you can walk up. You can walk through the church as well as admire the statua della madonna over looking the city.

While we didn’t see all the things Turin (Torino to the locals), it still spoke to my soul as most European cities do. It’s quiet but still has a genuine energy to it - markets filled with locals and few tourists, buildings thousands of years old still cared for like new and businesses run with the integrity of the generations before they could have inherited from their family.

I’ll be back Turin, and I think maybe, just like Paris - you will always be a good idea.

Where is your favourite place to travel in Italy? I don’t think I’ll ever tire of that country!

xx

LC

A Weekend in the Windy City

There are a few cities that I keep in my travel roster and Chicago is definitely one of them. It’s a place that stays relevant with its architecture, food, museums, and sports teams. While it does remind me of New York in many ways, it has it’s own charm that makes it a destination you can visit year round.

I’ve had the opportunity of doing some travel for work as of late and I’m one of those people that usually likes to tack on some pleasure with business and find ways to extend a trip if I can. I found myself in Lafayette, Indiana and when I realized Chicago was a short 2 hour drive I felt I had to celebrate my birthday in the windy city. DISCLAIMER: the drive was NOT 2 hours and for a person who does love driving, big city traffic is enough to make anyone mad. Tack on navigating an O’Hare Airport pick up may be so frustrating to end a relationship or just leave the person there all together - luckily my friend is one of the most patient souls and waited for a very delayed pick up. Uber or the L train is the way to go.

Having been to Chicago once before and it being the first time for my friend, we checked out a few staples but managed to get in lots of new spots.

Where we Stayed

We opted for an Air BnB in Uptown, home to the famous jazz club ‘The Green Mile’ where you’ll find the drinks to be strong and the jazz to continue to 4am. The Air BnB was in an iconic building that had a coffee shop and bar in the lobby, a gym with a full boxing ring and a roof top lounge. With the city filled with so many pocket neighborhoods I was excited to see what Uptown could offer, and we were only about 25 minutes from city center.

Where we ate

Avec: Where birthday celebrations started. A spot I found doing some blog research and it didn’t disappoint - the place was packed on a Thursday (always a good first sign) and boasted everyone from the suits to young families and a bachelor party. Our waiter was quick to offer suggestions and the highlights were definitely the chorizo medjool stuffed dates.

The Girl and the Goat: As soon as I found out I’d be in Chicago I tried to get a reservation here without any luck - this place has been on my radar since my last Chicago trip 3 years agao. It has earned a reputation with the chef, Stephanie Izard, earning the title of Top Chef in 2008. Found on the infamous Randolph Street, home to every cuisine to man kind, we lucked out and got a seat at the bar and had a great time. The ambiance was incredible: dim lighting and big windows with a huge open kitchen, the drinks were strong and delicious and the food didn’t disappoint: we loved the empanadas and kohlrabi salad. There was also a wedding proposal in our presence so love was really in the air.

Lula Cafe: Cutest brunch spot found in Logan Square - it’s not new and had a local feel as you walked in, even better you weren’t greeted with a block long wait for a table (I hate being hangry anytime but especially at brunch). With the menu constantly changing depending on the season, it will keep you coming back to see what new items has been cooked up. I opted for the Tofu Veg Scramble and it was perfect fuel for exploring the murals and boutique shops in the area.

Other notable mentions:

Lou Malnatis for deep dish (not my favourite but you know, when in Chicago) - plan for a 30 minute line up.

The Hampton Social for eggs benny and an instgram moment.

The Publican for brunch, not to be confused with the Publican Market across the street.

What we saw

The Chicago White Sox: Naturally, my usual MO is going to a sporting event whenever in a new city - I was disappointed to not visit the infamous Wrigley Field but had a great time watching the White Sox dominate the Cubs, even Kanye and Saint showed up! I’ll meet the Green Monster one day…

Architectural Boat Tour: This was my second time doing this tour and I’d do it a third time. It was a beautiful day (opposite to my December sailing last time) and the guides truly make it so engaging - you always leave learning something new about the city. The attention to detail on these builidings is incredible; the marble from the finishing on the old post office mirrors the new build across the river which captures the reflection perfectly complimented with the colour of the water and sky (or something like that). You won’t regret it!

Second CIty: Home to where oh so many SNL stars made their big break, it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s the perfect size to feel like you’re part of the show but can sit far enough back that you won’t get picked on (for some reason - always a fear at improv!). They offer early bird and late night shows to appease all people; we ended up at an 11pm show that I actually stayed awake for which is a feat in itself and clearly entertaining.

Chicago Murals: Can be found all over the city and we ended up on an impromptu walking tour of some famous ones in the Logan Square area. It’s evident the city takes so much pride in its art - just another element of character to the city.

Union Station: What can I say - I come from an era of Gossip Girl and I’ve got a thing for airports and train stations; perhaps just always keen for an adventure. Union Station is beautiful, found in the heart of downtown with all the pillars, windows and vaulted ceilings. Take a stroll through… XOXO GG

What to leave with

Garrett’s Popcorn: Didn’t know about this til a co-worker told me about it. Garrett’s is the OG Chicago mix. And if you’re lucky to find someone in your life that likes the sweet as much as you like the salty then you’re set - the caramel and cheddar mix. This place has numerous locations and usually always a line up. Plane friendly - grab some at the airport and make someone’s day.

To sum up, Chicago will keep me coming back for a 3rd and 4th time. It’s a great spot to go and for a weekend whether it’s a birthday, stag or mid November. Keep in mind, it is WINDY - that’s not just a saying. If you and your friend get really frustrated with your long hair blowing madly in the wind every time you step outside and decide on an impromptu haircut at Floyd’s “we sometimes do girls’ hair” Barber Shop - take a walk around the block and think it through again. It’s ok - it evened out.

Where’s your repeat travel spot?

xx

LC

Charcuterie, Cheese Curds & Churches: A Guide to Montreal

This past long weekend my girlfriends and I decided to get away, contribute to the Canadian economy and venture to Montreal! This year also marks Montreal's 375th Birthday so we thought best to see what the festivities were all about. The weather forecast was looking good and the Airbnb was booked, but, besides that, we really showed up with no plans and decided to fly by the seat of our pants. And by that I mean wherever there was a patio, wine and poutine to be consumed.

Our Airbnb was perfect! Nestled in the Plateau neighbourhood, we easily agreed we could live there; I kept getting confused what city I was in as it had somewhat of a Brooklyn feel to it. A mix of young families, Nonas who've lived there all their lives and a few musicians serenading you from across the balcony (for real). Unlike some cities, the character of every building was intact, right down to the spiralling staircases, exposed brick and glass door knobs - I love those. In the movie Clueless, the Dad says, "Everywhere in LA takes 20 minutes, Cher!", and this was also true for our location. Typically all of our destinations were a 20 minute walk or a short Uber away. Noteworthy streets & spots to check out: Mont Royal Street, Parc La Fontaine, St. Laurent Blvd and the Gay Village. 

Montreal, like a New York, does not have a shortage of places to eat or drink - I had scanned some blogs and the New Yorks Times '36 Hour Book' briefly before coming, but my list quickly became 25 places long and, with 3 days to tackle it all, I didn't know where to start. We were lucky enough to have some locals to turn to for some recommendations which are always the best: be a tourist but don't eat like one is always the goal.  The food and drink that earned our top billing are below:

Grenade:  We weren't completely sure we were in the right spot when we walked up to this place, but as we stepped inside we noticed that half the place was a classic dark bar you might expect, but the back opened up to this beautiful patio with colourful seating, industrial string bulb lighting and a disco ball to boot. We ate the salmon tartare and the steamed buns (pork and tofu) - both were delicious! We washed it all down with a pitcher of Sangria. 

Mimi La Nuit: You'll find this restaurant in the heart of Old Montreal which, when we were there, was a sea of tourists taking part in Montreal's birthday celebrations. We almost couldn't find this dimly lit, unsuspecting restaurant between the sea of line ups for The Keg and Old Spaghetti Factory - but this place is legit. The charcuterie here was incredible and so much value for the price. The crostinis were the highlight (salmon, chicken liver and mushroom); I could have just had that as my main meal. I'm glad it didn't end there though, because we would have missed out on the beef tartare and the duck confit. Other noteworthy options: the Tuna Tataki, Fried Cauliflower and Beet Salad.

Epicerie Hao: I was so excited to visit this Philippine inspired restaurant as the owners are cousins of a colleague. Not only are the owners as lovely as my colleague but their steamed buns were out of this world. You could tell they use only fresh ingredients and made to order. The pork was mouthwateringly good and the cucumber salad was refreshing. Seriously the best steamed buns I've ever had! And so photogenic!

Le Cartet: You'll find this unsuspecting brunch spot in the concrete jungle of the financial district. We went here on the holiday Monday and we were worried it was closed because the streets were a ghost town. We opened the door to find this is the hottest spot for brunch with rows of long tables completely filled. A 20 minute wait was definitely worth it though. Famous for their maple lattes, it was the perfect start to the day and the eggs cured the hang over. Other noteworthy orders: Salmon and Lox Bagel, Avo Toast, and the lattes that are served in a bowl.

 Chez Simone: This spot was recommended by the '36 Hour Book' and was fantastic! Found in our Plateau neighbourhood it offered the best charcuterie of the trip and I'd definitely recommend the roast chicken. Family style and shared seating promoted a good atmosphere.

La Salle á Manger: Brunch in the Plateau hood! Fuel before spending all our money at Rudsack, we enjoyed mimosas and eggs at this cute airy spot. I tried my first 'Scotch Egg' which was a delicious and new way to enjoy grade A goodness. 

Schwartz Deli: The infamous sandwich shop that has a round the clock line up. This has been a food staple in Montreal for the last 80 years; the charm of the oldest deli in the city did not disappoint. You're hit with the aroma of meat when you walk in the door and your mouth is immediately watering. Schwartz's knows it's clientel and offers a way to take the smoked meat home with you on the plan in vaccum sealed packages! Served on rye with a dollop of mustard and you're golden. Oh, and pickles. Always with a pickle.

Between the eating and drinking we were able to squeeze in some culture in the form of churches. The architecture in Montreal is truly incredible and so well maintained, you can see how much they value original buildings. One of their most iconic tourist attractions is the Notre-Dame Basilica. It was originally built in 1642 and over a few centuries of additions, the architect pulled inspiration from the Saint Chapelle in Paris which you can see through its gothic style and blue and gold colours. Several famous religious events have happened at this church, including Pierre Elliot Trudeau's funeral, a visit from Pope John Paul II and Celine Dion's wedding. This building also hosts concerts with its incredible acoustics, and in the summer you can see the Symphony Orchestra perform there! We also stopped off for Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal that offered a beautiful view of the skyline, which, I'll note, is very flat. 

A few other customs we loved about Montreal is the fact their happy hour is called 'cinq á sept' (5 to 7), the fact you can buy booze at gas stations and convenience stores and the access to cheese curds. One might argue that the taste isn't super strong and the cheese kind of "squeaks" when you eat it but they are the ultimate choice for mindless snacking. And yes, we took some on the plane: our carry-on bags were filled with smoked meat, mustard and cheese curds. We don't mess around.

Montreal is a vibrant city that you could visit over and over; there seems to always be something going on in this city. I'll definitely be back for the Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs comedy festival that plays in the summer. 

I'm inspired to do more exploring and weekending in Canada - what are your favourite Canadian cities?! 

xx

LC

Christmas Vacation: European Edition

 Christmas has never been my favourite holiday - I'm just going to put it right out there. So when we were planning a trip to Europe for Christmas I was fully aware that this time of year in Europe escalates to a whole other level, usually in the form of a plethora of Christmas Markets and bottomless Glühwein (mulled wine). I was excited to soak up all of the season. Like how Paris is always a good idea, Europe is always a good place for the soul. I was craving some culture and new experiences in new cities so I swallowed a dose of Christmas cheer, put on some red lipstick and headed across the pond! We went to 4 cities in 2 weeks and each city offered their own unique qualities and charm. We ate and drank our way through Prague, Amsterdam, Cologne and Copenhagen while fitting in what we counted as daily doses of culture in the forms of museums, walking tours, trips to church and climbing towers.

Keeping align with the world of highlight reels, I've got you covered on must see and eats of these beautiful countries.

PRAGUE

Oh Prague! You can see why is called a romantic city. Having been one of the few places that was not bombed in WW2, the city had such an old historic feel and the buildings were so well preserved. Give me some bridges and some water and you've won me over. We climbed the Petrin Tower, it's the little sister to Paris' Eiffel Tower and gives you an incredible view to take in the city. What you'll see from this view is the Charles Bridge, famous for the gargoyles that apparently ensure a safe return to Prague if you give the statue a rub. This bridge is also the only bridge not made of wood and the secret ingredient to the mortar used is egg whites! The tower views also give you a great look at the King's Castle that stands out among the red roofs, important to note this castle lights up the skyline at night thanks to the Rolling Stones (the band). That's right! When the Stones were performing in Prague they concluded the castle should be lit at night and when the King said there was no budget for the lights the band generously donated them.  Another visual to note with the castle is the flag, it is used as an indicator for the people of the city to know when the king is in residence, if it's down they know he is out of the country and more likely than not embarrassing the country due to his fondness of the sauce. Prague is also home to the National Opera Theatre, how could we not go? I wanted my "Pretty Woman" after all. The theatre did not disappoint, but in true LC fashion I managed to fall asleep ... I blame the jet lag? Other city highlights to note is the Astronomical Clock which is manually run (except for the moon) and follows biblical number system, you'll also find the Lennon Wall under the Charles Bridge. My favourite part of Prague was the Christmas tree in the middle of the market, I think the tree was so magical it would turn the most scrooge of people onto Christmas.  

• Where we ate & drank:
  • Divinis:  We have a knack of eating at the best restaurants first, the steak tartar and the truffle pasta could be anyone's last meal. 
  • Naše Maso:  We concluded this may be the best burger we've ever eaten, a small butcher shop that you can take out or eat in with a glass of vino. The staff was so cute and helpful, likely if you lived in Prague this would be a regular stop to make your day better. I'll be back for the meat loaf. 
  • Bugsy Bar: Delicious drinks in a dark and sultry cocktail bar, perfect for a fedora and people watching.
  • Cafe Savoy: So good we went TWICE! Freshly made everything, special note to the french toast that was light and heavenly as well as the perfect marriage of eggs and truffles. Go here. 
  • Pastar: Amazingly fresh Italian food, the foie gras was delicious and the wild boar pasta was incredible. Just get the special, even if you're not sure what's in it - you will not be disappointed.

AMSTERDAM

I could walk the streets of Amsterdam for days, in fact we did. We logged some serious kilometers exploring Amsterdam but the distinctive architecture of the city provided a great distraction to take in all of the cities charm. Walking the canals you simply get immersed in the different colours, bikes, door ways, design details and quite possibly the family cat in the window.  

• There is no shortage of museums to visit in this city, we visited 3 that offered a wide array of pieces and artists: 
  • FOAM Museum: A photography museum that features a mix of young talent from around the world and provides them with a platform to share their work and world famous artists.
  • Van Gogh Museum: This museum hosts the largest collection of work from Vincent Van Gogh, it's incredible how many pieces he actually created and how it was so reflective of what was going on in his life. This exhibit also features his friends Monet and Daugbigny, artists really do feed off each others creativity and methods.
  • Moco Museum: With a focus on more modern and contemporary art, this exhibition features the works of Banksy and Warhol - they had their famous pieces 'Girl with the Red Balloon' and the Soup Cans but by far the coolest thing was the truck on display with Bansky's work - you literally felt like you were on the streets of London and you could feel both the political and hopeful impact his work has had on people.
• Amsterdam Light Festival: We were lucky enough to experience the water colour canal tour that took you through the entire city viewing different artists work from the water. 
• De Pipjt: South of Amsterdam this district is known as "the melting pot of cultures and nationalities" where you'll find an a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. 
• Where we ate:
  • Baker's & Roasters: Epic brunch work the wait, I'm currently recreating their turmeric, ginger almond milk latte at home.
  • Omelegg: Nutella filled croissants and any of the omelettes will not disappoint. Also! First omelette in the Netherlands, it must be good! 
  • Restaurant Red: Steak & Lobster. Enough said. 
• Red Light District: An eye opening walk... 

HAARLEM

I may move to Haarlem. We probably wouldn't have explored this city if it wasn't where our Air BnB was. It's about a 20 minute drive from Amsterdam and is this quiet place with cute little houses and store fronts with almost a Medieval look and no shortage of bikes. You literally felt right at home in this neighbourhood and like you could envision people's lives in this place, largely because when you walked by you could basically see into their entire home but still. Neighbourhood coffee shops, delicious restaurants, great boutique shopping - all these side streets led you to a giant square called Grote Markt, which nicely housed a giant Christmas tree which complimented the 14th century St.Bravo's church well. 

• Where we ate & drank: 
  • De Jopenkerk: this former church is now a place of warship Haarlem's infamous Jopen beer!
  • Rataouille: A michelin star restaurant that was recommended to us, quite the experience and the staff was phenomenal. From the wine pairings to the wide spectrum of dishes - our table left the meal impressed and with aspirations to become a sommelier. 
  • Thrill Grill: Burgers and Truffle fries. Delicious.
  • Anne & Max: Great spot for breakfast! Fantastic bowl of porridge. 
• Where we shopped:
  • Sissy Boy: I wanted all of the things in this store, from home to clothes, this place had unique pieces.
  • Number Nine: Great boutique spot with local designers which guaranteed we'd be coming home with some updated European style. 

COLOGNE

• Christmas Markets: I'd definitely say Cologne had the strongest Christmas market game. The city transforms into this enchanted Christmas land with each market offering a unique take on the holidays spirits. There were no shortages of food or drink to indulge in and your nose was pulled in every way from currywurst to bratwurst to freshly made crêpes, waffles and strudels all to be accompanied with a mug of glühwein in adorable Christmas mugs. The Heimat der Heinzel and Markt der Engel were our favourites and even included a skating rink in the middle, magical star lit streets, and a ferris wheel!

• Cologne Cathedral: The shining star of this city has to be it's Cathedral, spanning over 8,000 square feet, the gothic architecture commands the attention of the city and was even home to the three wise men and 20,000 other guests for that matter. You could stare at the details all day. 

• Museum Ludwig: The exhibition that was on was celebrating it's 40 year anniversary. It had a mix of 25 different artists and a wide array of art forms including videos, sculptures, and contemporary and traditional spices. 

COPENHAGEN

Christmas in Denmark! We were so excited to conclude our trip in this beautiful country, I'd only heard good things. Our pre-planning clearly lacked on this leg of the trip as we learned that in Copenhagen you celebrate Christmas on the 24th and most of the city shuts down from the 24th-26th or even til the New Year! We figured it out and made the most of the city, including a Christmas dinner feast from the epic corner store and a breakfast spread from 7-11. Other highlights (I know, there is more...) included:

• Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park: Fun fact, Disneyland was actually modelled after this place! Found in the heart of Copenhagen this amusement park is the second oldest in the world and offers a market feel with danish culture and some epic rides, noteworthy: 'The Demon', a rollercoaster peaking out at 28 meters high and 'The Golden Tower' which drops you from 63 meters high above the city. 

• Mad Kaffee: This brunch place is a must visit! Instead of a traditional menu you're given a pencil and an order form where you write your name at the top and pick your items, it's a dream of this indecisive soul who typically wants a bite of everything and not a lot of anything. This place delivered with everything from fresh pressed juices, in house baking of traditional danish pastry and croissants and an americano that will make anyone's day better. 

• Walking Tour:
  • While all the locals celebrated Christmas, the tourists were left to explore the city with the help of a walking tour! We learned about some key players to the country like Bishop Absalon who founded Copenhagen and Christian IV. Christian IV was the King of Denmark for 59 years - during that time he had highs and lows including the Thirty Years' War and his ambition to focus on economic development for Denmark. His legacy lives on with his initials C4 branded on the buildings he was involved in building.
  • Christiania aka Freetown Christiana was founded in 1971 as a "social experiment" by squatters and artists, the "free town" refers to the fact this area is not policed by Copenhagen law enforcement and is protected by Christiania Law of 1989. In the Christiania community you'll find no shortages of murals, cafes, museums, cultural centres, music venues as well as 30-40 different types of cannabis for sale. Christiania has it's own flag and currency and it's understood that when you enter Christiania town you are leaving the EU. It's hard to describe what it was like to walk through this community but it is definitely sometimes to experience first hand, photography is forbidden but our tour guide encouraged us speak to members of the community to hear how they came to be apart of Christiania. 

I couldn't think of a better way to end 2016. Naturally, we were planning the next trip on the layover home because there is a lot of this world to see and, as the saying goes, "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer." Oh, and 'Memories are Souvenirs too', a sign in Amsterdam told me so. 

Where's your next trip?! 

Happy New Year!

xx

LC

My Solo, Impromptu trip to Chicago

As a habitual planner I am always trying to work on my spontaneity in life: reservations don't always have to be made, days don't need to be planned out to the last detail and if things don't work out you don't have to take responsibility for the failed plans' shortcomings. Life should be lived more on the no-plan plan which is something I'm constantly working on. I have had some glimpses of spontaneity over the past few years, but probably the one I get the most reaction from is the trip I booked to Chicago on 6 hours notice... BY MYSELF! 

I'd recently been on the job hunt and was looking to change my career. The whole process was emotionally draining and I still wasn't particularly sure I was on the right career path, but despite my uncertainties I had found a job and signed the offer to start on Monday. Before I entered into this new phase of my life I felt like I needed to both de-stress and have a change of scenery before embarking on this new journey.

It's Wednesday night and I'm searching Expedia and Kayak for travel deals that would have me on the beach by Thursday morning. With my friends unable to pick up and go from their jobs and lives, I made the decision to take the trip alone. Limited funds and lack of last minute deals killed my beach dreams, so I started looking at some cities I've always wanted to visit and Chicago came on my radar. The windy city: home to the Chicago Bulls and Cubs, the Magnificent Mile and who could forget Ferris Bueller's famous day off. I was sold and a few hours later at the airport. 

I always appreciate a city with easy commute options from the airport. The CTA train takes you from O'Hare Airport right downtown, and it wasn't more than an hour later I was standing on the Magnificent Mile looking at a tree lined lit street that gave me the Christmas feels (and I'm not even a Christmas person!). I'll mention my trip happened in the middle of December and coming from the west coast I found the windy city to be also quite chilly. The trip I booked had me staying at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile: a beautiful hotel, perfect location for walking distances to museums and attractions along with a king size bed that Kevin McCallister from Home Alone would be stoked to jump on and snuggle up in. I had no time to plan this trip so I hit up the concierge for some tips to start my first night (and the following nights) in the city. 

First stop led me to the John Hancock building, iconic to the Chicago skyline standing 1,000 feet above the ground. I was in time to catch the sunset and received a tip that rather than spending the money on the observation deck, head to the 96th floor bar for the same view to be enjoyed with a cocktail in hand. A seat for 1 is no trouble to find and I ended up with an incredible view and met my doppelgänger on the same trip as me. She happened to be starting a job on Monday as well and went on a last minute trip herself! I will recommend checking out the bathrooms at this bar as they have a floor to ceiling window. Needless to say my selfie didn't turn out but still a cool view! 

Dinner, for 1. The common misconception when you see someone dining alone is they'd been stood up or are at the wrong restaurant and their 3 friends are next door. My quick research on the restaurant scene led me to The Girl & The Goat, the executive chef had recently won Top Chef so naturally I wanted to see what the hype was about. The concierge politely informed me there was no way I was getting a table there. She recommended Beatrix instead and I couldn't have been more pleased! I opted to sit at the bar where I was confused for a nice man's blind date - it was all going well until the girl showed up 45 minutes late and I basically third wheeled their date and made menu suggestions. I'd recommend the Straight "A" Salad which I re-create at home and the meatloaf (a restaurant fave!). 

Three Dots and a Dash: one of the coolest bars I've ever been to. Another recommendation from the concierge, she basically told me to walk down a dark alley for 10 minutes and when you see a torch you'll know you're at the right place. A bit unnerving but I was game! You're escorted downstairs to this room and you're immediately immersed in the feels of a beach side bar on a tropical island. Drinks literally the size of the table and more umbrella drinks than you could imagine. The room is filled with a mix of men in suits and tourists but the vibe is intoxicating. I traded in my usual neat scotch drink for the "house" drink of rum, all spice and something citrus. It was heaven and I was drunk 3 sips in. 

Museums! I love visiting museums in new cities, I was lucky enough that the David Bowie exhibit was on at The Museum of Contemporary Art. The man was a legend you really saw how ahead of his time he was, from his persona Ziggy Stardust to his elaborate costumes and music videos. David Bowie changed music and his iconic forward thinking approach to the artistic side of it all paved the way for artists to be able to express themselves through so much more than their music but rather display what music meant to them as artists and how they connect with their audience. The Art Institute of Chicago was another highlight and one I could keep coming back to to fully absorb the monstrosity that is this museum - it is one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States in fact. I won't pretend to know too much about art but I do enjoy wandering the different rooms and era's, noteworthy mentions would be Monet, Picasso portraits, Andy Warhol and the painting that captured Cameron's attention in Ferris Bueller, exhibit A below. 

Architecture Boat Tour: A friend had recommended after doing in the summer and I was pleasantly surprised that it was still running in December. We were welcomed with coffee and baileys to keep us warm on the river as we cruised through the city. The architecture was incredible to learn about and the view from the boat offered a different perspective than walking by it. My favourite building was the London Guarantee that stands tall beside the Michigan Avenue Bridge. 

Chicago Bulls Game: How could you not go and watch the Bulls play, I mean Michael Jordan played on the same court... a $50 ticket got me a seat at literally the very last row in nose bleeds but it was one of the most fun times I had at a sporting event. I don't think it was a very important game against the Portland Trailblazers that night but the crowd made it feel like it was a game 7 in the play offs. I appreciated the gentleman sitting beside who told me the full history of the Chicago Bull's history as he'd been a season's ticket holder for 25 years. Best. Fans. Ever. 

I obviously couldn't leave without a cliche solo photo in front of the giant bean! I'd definitely visit Chicago again as I feel like I just tipped the iceberg with all the fun things to do in this city, next time I want to catch a show at Second City and a Cubs game! 

Has anyone else done a solo trip? Where did you go? Would you do it again??

xx

LC

Weekend on the Sunshine Coast!

I love weekend getaways; a short and sweet escape from your regular routine and usual weekend activities. However, in order to do the art of weekending well you need to make sure you plan ahead to get the most out of your trip! Yes a bit of a tedious task but usually every group may have a planner(or volunteers) to take charge and make sure everyone has the best time. My list below is tips that I find helpful, a little how-to guide if you will... 

• Location! Location! Location!
  • This weekend my friends and I went to Half Moon Bay, BC on the Sunshine Coast, not to be confused with Half Moon Bay in California - that location looked great too, but unfortunately was not in the sailing schedule for BC ferries... It was everyone's first time to the Sunshine Coast and it did not disappoint! Even better, from door to door the travel time was just less than 3 hours - that included a ferry ride!
  • **FIRST TIP: For weekend getaways, don't spend your whole time travelling, you'll barely feel relaxed before you have to back up and go again! I'd say destinations in the 3-5 hour range are best for Friday-Sunday trips.

Smuggler's Cove

• Accommodation
  • **SECOND TIP: Whether you're a group of six or a twosome, think about what you're looking for out of the weekend to plan for the best accommodations. Trips to the spa might mean you're best suited for a resort or hotel, in our case we were looking to relax by the fire pit and make some delicious food (Seafood Boil!! More on that later!). An Air BnB was the best value and suited our agenda, be sure to note the number of people in the house allowed and any additional costs! We rented a house that had enough space for everyone to have a room, a huge kitchen, a fire pit and the seclusion from city life we were looking for. 

• FOOD!
  • Again, location becomes a factor when planning the food situation, for our destination to the island we decided it was the perfect setting to try our first Seafood boil. We hit the local fish market and picked up fresh crab, mussels, prawns and clams - paired with some lemon, a plethora of salt and we were in business. Oh, and butter, can't forget that! We served it up by dumping the pot of seafood deliciousness right on the table - such a fun way to feast. And an easy clean up!
  • **THIRD TIP: The rest of the weekend was mostly groceries we brought over, I'm a big fan of this approach as I think that on short vacations grocery trips should be limited so you can just enjoy (also saves you some dollars in the end usually)! We had lots of family styles meals and grazing. For your next trip look at what the local specialties are and try something new! 

Being locals! 

Island afternoons.

Breakfast, is the most important meal of the day.

The end result of the Seafood boil! 

• Activities
  • **FOURTH TIP: I find activities are always best to not necessarily be set in stone, you don't want weekends to feel over planned... that would defeat the purpose of a weekend away! Unless that's your goal and you want to fit in all the things - go for it! We realized that one of BC's greatest natural spectacles was right in our back yard, the Skookumchuck Narrows were about 45 minutes away from our place and the 4km hike led us to where twice a day there is a change in tide reversing the direction of the rapids! How exciting! Sadly, we were a few hours late to witness this phenomenon but it was still a gorgeous hike... we'll be back for you Skookumchuck. Next we stumbled upon Smuggler Cove after missing our turn off, it was literally just us on the rocky beach and a few jelly fish, so serene! Lastly, we were introduced to the long running tradition of the 'Sleepy Hollow Rod Run' where literally the entire town sets up on the side of the highway (think living rooms set up on the side of the road), needless to say there were some pretty impressive cars to admire. So basically is what I'm saying is that sometimes, even planners, need to fly by the seat of their pants and see where the day takes them! Enjoy, talk to locals, get suggestions and explore. 

Skookumchuck Rapids, a few hours to late... 

Brown Lake enroute to the Skookumchuck! 

So that sums up our little summer weekend getaway! I love going new places and a change of scenary, we booked this trip only on a few weeks notice so don't be deterred that we're already in August (when did that happen by the way?!), lots of summer left to enjoy. 

The last tip I'll pass along is that while outside stargazing and having sing alongs around the fire, be mindful that voices DO carry and islanders will call in a noise complaint. We had a visit from the local authorities but he appreciated that us city folk forget the stillness of the island means voices carry... or it could have been the Nate Dogg song choice on the speaker, we'll never know! 

Happy Weekending!! 

xx

LC

A Weekend in Wine Country

With every big life change I always have the inkling to get out of town; an adventure before a new chapter begins, if you will. I started a new job this past Monday and I knew my vacation needed to be doable in two days: not too much travel time and ideally somewhere to soak up some sun. The end result ended up being right in my "backyard" of BC - Kelowna! The last time I was there was as a kid driving from Edmonton, so I was so excited to return and, this time, to enjoy the grapes (and by grapes I mean all of the wines the valley had to offer!) 

I went with a friend I've known since my high school days in Edmonton - and our vacation chemistry was spot on. It's so important to find the people you can travel with, because said people can make or break a vacation.

We stayed at the Okanagan Lakeview Bed & Breakfast; it was our first B&B experience and we were beyond impressed. Michelle and Ralf had a gorgeous lodge-like-home overlooking the lake. The house boasted high ceilings, exposed log beam; everything cabin-y you want in a B&B by the lake. The room was more like a hotel with all the amenities you could want, plus it displayed a view of the lake and our own private terrace! A big bonus was the delicious breakfast served to us the next morning; I think B&Bs are the way to go! I highly recommend this B&B if you find yourself in Kelowna.

We booked the "Afternooner" wine tour with Discover Okanagan Tours, and it was nothing short of fantastic - they even made an exception to pick us up from the B&B! Rocco, our awesome driver, had the pleasure of driving around 6 ladies for the afternoon, but the pleasure was all ours. From learning our names to http://quailsgate.com/ special requests and capturing photo ops, this man had it covered. And he knew his wine too! We went to 6 wineries and came back with more than 6 bottles... always just a wine enjoyer, I did learn a thing or two as well! Obviously less information was absorbed the more the wine flowed. Check out our wine facts and highlights we learned from the wineries we visited!

Summerhill Winery: 

• Known for its Pyramid (aka "fire in the middle") and their sparkling wine! The unique component of this pyramid versus other wineries is that it follows the french tradition of putting sparkling wines in dark, cool places for 30 days so the "cuvee & dosage marry".
• I took home a Riesling, which I thought would be great to have on hand for summer! Not the biggest white wine drinker but the Reisling was the perfect blend of dry and sweet and went down too easily... will be adding this to the rotation for girls night on the patio! 
• Marechal Foch: I am not a fan of this berry: it's a hybrid french wine grape. I enjoy sitting by a campfire but don't enjoy drinking them. But, as we learned, every palate is different. Could this be the cilantro of wine?!
• What we bought: Brut and Riesling

Rollingdale WInery:

• Cherry Port: I usually only endure a port with my grandparents after a meal, but this cherry port was so nice! The cherries naturally make it sweeter and had a very nice finish! Who knew??
• Did you know the grapes aren't picked until Halloween? The wineries have been happy with the hotter weather this year: longer growing season = more sugars = sweeter wine and higher alcohol = winning!
• This winery is Organic Certified which means no sulphites are added to the barrels. So it's basically just fruit, which is good for you, so drink up.
• There were two SUPER sweet wines that were able to win over the NON drinker in our group! Impressive.
• What we bought: Tumbleweed

Little Straw Winery:

• Cuvee: a type of wine that is dependent on the season, the weather, the blend and cannot be replicated! If you find one you like, best to stock up or you'll miss out.
• When trying so many wines the tastes started to blend together, so we were told to always take a second sip as the first one is not an accurate representaiton of the wine. Good to know.
• Chef Trevor is the talented in house chef who offered a tapas menu at the winery. These tapas were on a different level! Wine soaked apples with homemade boursin with honey and chives was a stand out winner! All paired well with an incredible rhubarb rosé - YUM!
• What we bought: Tapestry

Mt. Boucherie: 

• BC has so many great white wines and bubbles to offer, I wasn't as impressed with the reds until this winery. We found the Syrah that had been opened this year - it was by far the best red of the tour! 
• This winery gave a great view so we snapped a photo with the bridal party on our tour - a sweet punch of girls that let us join their celebrations! 
• What we bought: Syrah

Quailsgate:

• First of all, I'd be completely find with getting married here. It's so beautiful with a terrace overlooking the vineyard and lake! A stunning property.
• We learned that rosé should be enjoyed the same year it was made! (I may have a few bottles to get rid of...) In fact, the colour of the wine actually turns after the season! So, Rosé Okay within the year.
• What we bought: Chassele (the trifecta of wines - the varietals). 

Beaumont:

• Alexandre owns the Beaumont winery and he has FUN doing it. We walked into live music and even Rocco our driver was invited to drum along. He serendaded the group with a lovely rendition of 'Can't Help Falling in Love with You' to my friend Sabirah - it was coincidently her wedding song! He sung just to her, but his toothy grin had us all swooning...
• What we bought: The sparkling "Serenade" 

What's wine without a little cheese? Less enjoyable, obviously! We visited Carmeli's Goat Farm on the way out of town; the goats were so cute and not a fan of the rain! Our favourites we went home with were the chevary cheese (Provence, Lavender and Thyme & the Dill and Onion), gouda and the blue cheese. We paired with chevary cheese with a peach and bourbon compote - to die for! This place also offers a free cheese tasting with purchase, I'm pretty sure we tried 15 cheeses! What a delicious end to the weekend.

I apologize in advance if I've butchered the language or descriptors of wine. It became harder as the tour went on to retain much (for obvious reasons) but I enjoyed the experience so much! Kelowna is a beautiful place to visit with over 200 wineries - a repeat visit is required. I am happy to have broadened by understanding of wine even in the slightest... I'm pretty stocked up for summer too!

I'm always first to think outside the country for vacations but sometimes I need to remind myself how beautiful BC is and all the gems it has to offer.

Here's a little tip from me to you: before heading on the Crow's Nest (by accident...), be sure to fill up your tank of gas. We managed to reach East Gate gas station with 20km to empty to find that NO ONE was there. Needless to say we happily found out that 0km on a Ford Fusion will take you an extra 30 km's ... 

Cheers to weekend adventures and visits to wine country!

xx

LC

Keep Austin Weird...Y'all!

The most common question I got asked after I said I was going to Austin for the weekend was: WHY??? And my response was: Why not! The destination originally was chosen to go to the SXSW music festival, however, after doing some more research we realized that to attend that festival would be pretty pricey, so we decided to fly there just for the city's sake. Often compared to as a "Portland" of Texas, the state's capital offered a ton of culture, live music, landmarks and most importantly delicious food. And we ate ALL the food. 

There was a group of 6 of us and we opted for an Airbnb near the University of Texas. It was a great location and most places we wanted to visit were walkable or a short uber ride away. My first Airbnb experience was a great success and offered relaxed accommodation for a group (for a decent price, too!) The first day we were having beers on the back patio in 20+ degrees - in February. Done! 

I won't beat around the bush, food was the main motivation of the trip. I'd done some research before I went and there are so many fantastic blogs with countless restaurant recommendations that would require months to get through and inevitably stretchy pants or a mumu to get out of. Some of my favourite blogs for a guide to Austin were The Tig and Camille Styles restaurant guide .

Contigo was our first meal and before I'd even taken my first bite I was in love with the ambiance. The indoor/outdoor restaurant was lit by stringed bulb lights and a roaring fire in the corner with family style seating. After a friendly "Y'ALL" from our server, we proceeded to order basically every shared plate on the menu. Our favourites : foie gras, pork liver pate, steak tartare and proscuitto - these dishes are so good that when the plate was cleared our group admitted that if it was socially acceptable to lick the plate, we would have. Our mains didn't disappoint either: sausage, bacon burgers and steak, this farm to table restaurant  had all the meat covered. This restaurant became the bench mark for the rest of the trip. 

Surprisingly with all the eating we did this trip, not a ton of food photos were produced. Was this because we were all mesmerized by the best of the beefs? Probably (and I'm an Alberta girl - I know my beef.) Meat was a constant throughout the trip and we didn't meet a charcuterie board we didn't love. Taco's were available at basically every corner, and we found a delicious Taco food truck, Torchy's Taco - which we happily indulged while waiting to get into ANOTHER restaurant, Elizabeth Street Cafe. This restaurant is famous for it's Pho and croissants - it was rude to not try both. BBQ was obviously the other Texan delicacy we needed to try, and everything I read about Texas BBQ lead me to Franklin's BBQ. I hate line-ups but I was prepared for this one, as some reviewers even suggested to bring a lawn chair! Well, long story short, the 4 hour wait was not the best use of our time so we gave up and looked for the next best BBQ, which was closed... As Jay-Z would say, on to the next one, the 3rd best BBQ in Texas, Micklethwait! Granted we didn't taste Franklins, but this BBQ did not disappoint! The jalenpeno sausage was amazing and the brisket was so tender it fell off the bone! I'll chalk it up for the win. I did snap a photo of Franklin's below, the line-up went about 2 blocks long. 

In between the eating we did walk and explore the city (we needed to sweat out some meat after all...) The University of Texas was boasting with Longhorn pride and a sea of orange. The buildings were beautiful with so much history: the bell tower standing high above the campus was an iconic landmark. The true highlight of the skyline had to be the State Capitol building, both inside and out!

We also day tripped to San Antonio because the world was our oyster and that oyster was the state of Texas. Only an hour and half away we found a great spot for lunch, CURED. The charcuterie board was one of the best we had the whole trip and the bloody mary/pickle juice combination was a great twist on our beloved Caesar - this meal CURED our hangover to say the least. The restaurant décor was so cute too!! Tin ceilings, exposed brick, hanging meat and honey comb tiling. We also explored the river walk through the downtown which was flanked by restaurants reminiscent of Venice, well, an American Venice. San Antonio is also home to The Alamo where the battle of 1836 took place when Texas was fighting for their independence from Mexico (dose of history for you!)

Another favourite spot we checked out was Rainey Street, where you'll find old frat houses turned into bars and restaurants. I'd say it's an Austin secret spot but it's not, it was packed on a Saturday night - great restaurants, perfect location to bar hop and some fantastic people watching! Several locals recommended Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden and it didn't disappoint! A huge open space with long family style seating, live band (with possibly Willie Nelson on lead vocals) and a pig roasting in the corner - it doesn't get more Texas than that. Oh, and the food! 30 housemade sausages. Enough said. And 100 craft beers on tap washed it all down nicely. Our evening carried on to one of the frat house bars, Bar 96. It had a feel of an adult house party! The DJ kept us singing along to some classic rap tunes all night - between that and the free pour drinks we got our dance party on! 

Hamilton Pool is an hour outside of Austin. This natural pool was the result of a the collapse of an underground river thousands of years ago. The water is a glistening emerald green and it's surrounded by a cave with a waterfall cascading down. It's not big and you truly feel secluded from all city life. The water was refreshing to say the least - actually, it was freaking cold but worth it on a hot day! 

A few other noteworthy restaurant locations: Sway - a twist on modern thai with some asian fusion flavours mixed in! I'd recommend the son-in-law dish and some sake. We also went to Parkside for our Valentine's Day meal; naturally steak was consumed and it was delicious, but it was the sides that stood out for this meal! The mac n' cheese and squash were fantastic. Oh, and the beignets, those were magic. 

I hope I've inspired you to visit Austin (or have made you hungry?) It's truly a bad ass city with lots to do and even more to eat. 

Until next trip...

xx

LC & Gang