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[personalitini]

Take Me to Little Park

A Lovely Brunch with a Good Friend

What better way to spend a Sunday than over brunch with a close friend? Today, I went to Little Park with Frank and had a wonderful time!  To start our dining experience, we each got an "Improved" Mimosa. It was made with Rum, Aperol, Sparking Wine, Orange and Honey. The drink was very refreshing and a great way to kick off the meal! The vibe of the restaurant was incredibly inviting and the service was top-notch, a lot of attention to detail and constant refills of coffee - who doesn't love that?

For our entrees, we both went with egg dishes, always a safe move for brunch. I got the "Eggs Your Way" with potatoes and toast. I decided to get them scrambled with cheddar cheese. Frank got the Garden Herb Omelette with mushrooms, goat cheese and a small side salad. He also got a chocolate + tea scone. 

Both of our entrees were delicious! The potatoes with the eggs were very flavorful and they served a great room temperate whipped butter for the toast. Don't you hate when the butter is too cold? Frank's scone was super yummy, it tasted like a chocolate chip cookie. 

For dessert, we got cinnamon toast ice cream with brioche crumbs. IT WAS SO GOOD! It tasted exactly like the cereal milk after having cinnamon toast crunch cereal. It really reminded me of the cereal milk ice cream at Momofuku Milk Bar. This one was a bit sweeter though. 

Overall, I had a wonderful brunch! I would recommend going to Little Park for brunch or any other meal. A great time!

Cheers!

Liz

[personalitini]

New York Botanical Garden & Frida Kahlo Exhibit

La Casa Azul

Only a short 20 minute train ride from Grand Central, The New York Botanical Garden is a wonderful break from the city! 

My best friend, Warren, was visiting from Hong Kong so I figured this would be a great activity. Also, we could check out the FRIDA KAHLO: Art, Garden, Life Exhibition. 

  One of my favorite areas of the garden was the Rose Garden!!!

The Frida Kahlo Fall Harvest area was fun - led to some creative photography!

The peak of the visit was the Conservatory, which also housed the Frida Kahlo Garden, LA CASA AZUL! 

Check out the NYBG! The Frida Kahlo exhibit is until 11/1. Check it out!

Cheers! Liz

[personalitini]

Marta! Marta! Marta!

A Lovely Evening with Martha Washington

IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG SINCE MY LAST POST!!! Alas, I am here to bring you my take on a happening new wood-fired pizza spot, Marta, in the Martha Washington Hotel. 

I caught up with Christine during #NegroniWeek and we had a wonderful evening!

We started with the SUPPLI ALLA TERRAZZA - so delicious! My only critique would be that there were more than 2! We got one white-sauce Speck pizza made with Bechamel, Speck, Arugula, Calabrese Chili, Fontina as well as the red-sauce Salsiccia made with Pork Sausage, Cremini Mushrooms, Mozzarella, Pecorino.  Both pizzas were delicious and filling. We made a good selection! We also split the MARKET VEGETABLES & ANCHOVY DRESSING - interesting flavors, quite nice.  We closed out with a selection of three gelati: Black Fudge (not good, far too bitter), Mint-Hazlenut (too too minty!) and  Burnt Croissant Stracciatella Gelato (the best, I wish we only got this one!).

I'd recommend to come here. There are multiple areas to seat in the restaurant - we were seated in the rear area by the back bar. This is prime seating - you can lounge in the relaxing, comfy chairs/couches and actually have a conversation without yelling. Such a perk :)

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

Take Me Away Tuome

Inspired New American Cuisine

Over a month ago, I met up with a bunch of the founding contributors for the NY Chapter of Tabelog at Tuome in the East Village. I've wanted to check out this spot for a while and I was glad to do so on someone else's dime!

The cocktails were delicious and the food was a perfect match. 

LOVED the Crispy Deviled Egg, the Chicken Liver Mousse with NY Maple Syrup on Milk Bread, Blue Crab Mac & Cheese with Karee Curry and Mascarpone and the Berkshire Pork Belly. So yummy! Wish I could have had the "Pig Out for 2" - next time!

I plan to come down here for a sit-down meal. The event was great to mingle and was focused on heavy appetizers. I'd also like to point out this spot is next door to Minca, a favorite of mine for Ramen!

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

A Gluten Free Paradise

The Little Beet Table

Normally, I spearhead selecting the restaurant when I go out to eat. I love researching new spots and providing options. My close friend Aish is a tad difficult to plan for though...she is vegan and prefers to also eat gluten-free. I love eating most things and actively seek out gluten, so picking something that both of us will enjoy can be a challenge. 

Aish suggested The Little Beet Table, a newish gluten-free restaurant in Flatiron. I got there a bit early, so I ordered a Zacapa Rum Old Fashioned. The bartender accidentally made a Zacapa Rum Manhattan instead. After he made the drink I ordered, he kindly offered me the "oops" drink. It was delicious! I love ordering traditional whiskey/bourbon drinks with the rum I work on. YUM!

To start, we split the Mushroom Flatbread, served with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan & herbs, as well as the Kalettes with shallot confit. The flatbread was really tasty but a bit small - I guess it's a good thing that I wanted more! The Kalettes? WHERE TO START? I looked them up and they are a new trademarked vegetable, a hybrid between Kale and Brussels Sprouts; a result of 15 years of vegetable "breeding"! 

For entrees, Aish got the Quinoa Risotto with seasonal vegetables and mushrooms. It looked like a big ol bowl of mush but she loved it. I ordered the pasta special with BONE BROTH! Bone broth is OOOO SOOOO TRENDY!! It was delicious. I would have enjoyed a huge bucket of bone broth. So much more flavorful and filling than a traditional stock. We split the Roasted Carrots with whipped ricotta, sumac and pistachios. This was an interesting combination of flavors - loved the carrots! 

Overall, all the food was tasty and delicious! I typically have a perception that gluten-free = BAD. Not the case! It is difficult for me to pay nearly $15 for most of the non-entree items that were fairly small portions. I enjoyed the restaurant but not sure if the value proposition is there for me.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

HANDY NASTY!

A High Five to Han Dynasty!

Before my close friend Miranda set off for South America, we had a Szechuan feast! She had never been to Han Dynasty and I needed to fix that immediately. I would also mention I was CRAVING it! It is so DAMN spicy but it hurts so good!

We started our meal with a required appetizer: the Dan Dan Noodles! The noodles are tender and perfectly soft. They are tossed in chili oil and served with minced pork, garnished with scallions. They are utterly divine. Simply a must try. 

We also got the Wontons in Chili Oil. I'm pretty sure we got the Wontons vs. the Dumplings...but I'm not sure! Either way, they were incredible as always! In order to calm down my palate, I ordered a beer. Maybe it didn't help the spice, but it was cold and tasted great!

For our entrees, we got the Dry Pot Style Lamb. This is a signature dish and usually a 10/10 on spice - we asked for 5/10. Still couldn't feel my face, but that is ok. We also tried a new dish: Garlic Sauce Style Chicken. It is described as "sweet, sour, and spicy" and I agree that is accurate. It was a nice change. I haven't tried anything at this spot that I don't like. It is simply fabulous. 

Although this spot doesn't take reservations, you can give them your phone number and wait at a nearby bar. The system is so efficient! You get a text message when your table is ready and a 10 minute window to return. If you need to cancel, just text back. I don't love when a spot doesn't take ressies, but this is worth it, especially given the awesome technology. A MUST GO.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

Happy Hour at Stingray Sushi = Hours of Happiness

Sushi with the Family

After we worked up an appetite doing some holiday shopping, my family and I headed to Stingray Sushi in Scottsdale. We went during Happy Hour (2:30pm to 6:00pm, daily). All house Maki rolls, appetizers and tacos were half off. 

We ordered a massive amount of food. Given the pace that we were inhaling it, I wasn't able to snap pictures of everything. We got the standard assortment of rolls (spicy tuna, spicy salmon and yellowtail) and some fancy schmancy ones (spider roll and two (!!) Las Vegas rolls). I had some of the sushi and ordered some fun appetizers. We got the Rock Shrimp Tempura (fried shrimp covered in spicy mayo, amazing!), several tacos (lobster, tuna and rock shrimp) and Miso soup. 

The service was top-notch (constant refills of beverages) and there are three locations in Arizona (Old Town, Biltmore and Scottsdale). If you find yourself in Phoenix and want to enjoy some sushi, I highly recommend it. The Happy Hour is the way to go!

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

It's the Red Rooster

Harlem for Dinner

After our cultural immersion at La Bodega 47, we headed up the street to Red Rooster for dinner. This culinary hot spot is from Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The restaurant highlights elevanted American comfort food with ingredients sourced from local farmers.

To kick off the evening, we started with an array of appetizers. I also got a rum punch that was served family style for the table. I don't recall what was in it, but it was tasty. The cornbread was incredible, served with honey butter and tomato jam. The Chicken & Waffle was served with chicken liver butter and bourbon maple syrup. The Black Kale Salad was served with a fried egg, black garlic dressing and bottarga (salted, cured fish roe). The Deviled Eggs are served with chicken skin mayonnaise. My favorites were the cornbread and Deviled Eggs. The Chicken & Waffle was ok and the Black Kale Salad was interesting - unique flavors for sure! 

For my entree, I got the Mac & Greens, made with NY Cheddar, Parmesan and Collard Greens. Other people at my table got the Shrimp & Grits, Shrimp & Papaya, Fried Yardbird and Roasted Salmon. I loved the Mac & Greens - so delicious!! The other entrees looked tasty though I didn't try them - too full!

This is an awesome restaurant with a great vibe - I want to go to the Sunday Gospel Brunch!

Cheers, Liz

[personalitini]

Giving Thanks: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Remember Thanks-giving Everyday

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. As I'm typing this, my parents are prepping a 20 lb turkey for my family to enjoy in several hours. Earlier today, my mom and I chopped up vegetables for her famous layered salad. The fourth Thursday of November has always represented a special day of overindulgence: we prepare way too much delicious food for the four of us. I also support Diageo with each responsible sip. 

Back when I lived in Charlotte and my family came to me, we had one more guest: my best friend Warren. About two years after I moved from Charlotte to New York, Warren moved to Hong Kong. I'm glad that although we are farther away than ever, we're with people that we love.  When I turned 30 this past August, Warren visited me right before his move to Asia. My other dear friend Courtney came to celebrate as well. I'm lucky to have these "old" friends in my life for over 5 years.

Between today and last Thanksgiving, I've met another incredible person: Aish. We met in a class at Stern and really starting clicking past December. Since we're both still waiting on Prince Charming, we recently had a girlfriend getaway up to Hudson. When two close friends decide to travel together, it is one of the ultimate tests of friendship. Hanging out with someone for hours at a time is very different than a weekend away. Coming out of the trip, I can say we're closer than ever. I'm thankful for having Aish in my life. She has been there to listen, especially when I wasn't even sure what I was trying to say. 

Friends are the family you get to choose. I'm glad these people have chosen me to be a part of their lives. There are many other friends I haven't included by name: if I did, I'd probably miss out on dinner and never leave the computer. There is far too much I want to say. Thank you for being a part of my life. 

My family continues to be the ultimate support system, there for the highs and the lows of a life full of change. Since last Thanksgiving, I've graduated and started a dream career in alcohol marketing. Sometimes, getting exactly what you want can be more than you've ever imagined. I've grown a lot professionally and personally in a role that continues to challenge and develop me as a person. I thank my mom, dad and (especially) brother in helping me be the best "me" that I can be, even if it is a painful process :)

I am thankful for my Diageo family. I am doing exactly what I set out to do several years ago. It has really stepped up my Instagram game. As an investment banker, the photo ops were a tad limited. 

There are so many things to be thankful for not just today, but all year. A home to live in, food to eat, health to celebrate. I often focus on the few things I don't have (where is Mr. Right?) and forget how grateful I should be for everything else. I'm working on being thankful and sharing thanks constantly - not just today. Whether it is a coworker, bartender or friend: say thank you and say it often. It doesn't cost you anything beyond two spoken words :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

Giving Thanks: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Remember Thanks-giving Everyday

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. As I'm typing this, my parents are prepping a 20 lb turkey for my family to enjoy in several hours. Earlier today, my mom and I chopped up vegetables for her famous layered salad. The fourth Thursday of November has always represented a special day of overindulgence: we prepare way too much delicious food for the four of us. I also support Diageo with each responsible sip. 

Back when I lived in Charlotte and my family came to me, we had one more guest: my best friend Warren. About two years after I moved from Charlotte to New York, Warren moved to Hong Kong. I'm glad that although we are farther away than ever, we're with people that we love.  When I turned 30 this past August, Warren visited me right before his move to Asia. My other dear friend Courtney came to celebrate as well. I'm lucky to have these "old" friends in my life for over 5 years.

Between today and last Thanksgiving, I've met another incredible person: Aish. We met in a class at Stern and really starting clicking past December. Since we're both still waiting on Prince Charming, we recently had a girlfriend getaway up to Hudson. When two close friends decide to travel together, it is one of the ultimate tests of friendship. Hanging out with someone for hours at a time is very different than a weekend away. Coming out of the trip, I can say we're closer than ever. I'm thankful for having Aish in my life. She has been there to listen, especially when I wasn't even sure what I was trying to say. 

Friends are the family you get to choose. I'm glad these people have chosen me to be a part of their lives. There are many other friends I haven't included by name: if I did, I'd probably miss out on dinner and never leave the computer. There is far too much I want to say. Thank you for being a part of my life. 

My family continues to be the ultimate support system, there for the highs and the lows of a life full of change. Since last Thanksgiving, I've graduated and started a dream career in alcohol marketing. Sometimes, getting exactly what you want can be more than you've ever imagined. I've grown a lot professionally and personally in a role that continues to challenge and develop me as a person. I thank my mom, dad and (especially) brother in helping me be the best "me" that I can be, even if it is a painful process :)

I am thankful for my Diageo family. I am doing exactly what I set out to do several years ago. It has really stepped up my Instagram game. As an investment banker, the photo ops were a tad limited. 

There are so many things to be thankful for not just today, but all year. A home to live in, food to eat, health to celebrate. I often focus on the few things I don't have (where is Mr. Right?) and forget how grateful I should be for everything else. I'm working on being thankful and sharing thanks constantly - not just today. Whether it is a coworker, bartender or friend: say thank you and say it often. It doesn't cost you anything beyond two spoken words :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

Giving Thanks: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Remember Thanks-giving Everyday

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. As I'm typing this, my parents are prepping a 20 lb turkey for my family to enjoy in several hours. Earlier today, my mom and I chopped up vegetables for her famous layered salad. The fourth Thursday of November has always represented a special day of overindulgence: we prepare way too much delicious food for the four of us. I also support Diageo with each responsible sip. 

Back when I lived in Charlotte and my family came to me, we had one more guest: my best friend Warren. About two years after I moved from Charlotte to New York, Warren moved to Hong Kong. I'm glad that although we are farther away than ever, we're with people that we love.  When I turned 30 this past August, Warren visited me right before his move to Asia. My other dear friend Courtney came to celebrate as well. I'm lucky to have these "old" friends in my life for over 5 years.

Between today and last Thanksgiving, I've met another incredible person: Aish. We met in a class at Stern and really starting clicking past December. Since we're both still waiting on Prince Charming, we recently had a girlfriend getaway up to Hudson. When two close friends decide to travel together, it is one of the ultimate tests of friendship. Hanging out with someone for hours at a time is very different than a weekend away. Coming out of the trip, I can say we're closer than ever. I'm thankful for having Aish in my life. She has been there to listen, especially when I wasn't even sure what I was trying to say. 

Friends are the family you get to choose. I'm glad these people have chosen me to be a part of their lives. There are many other friends I haven't included by name: if I did, I'd probably miss out on dinner and never leave the computer. There is far too much I want to say. Thank you for being a part of my life. 

My family continues to be the ultimate support system, there for the highs and the lows of a life full of change. Since last Thanksgiving, I've graduated and started a dream career in alcohol marketing. Sometimes, getting exactly what you want can be more than you've ever imagined. I've grown a lot professionally and personally in a role that continues to challenge and develop me as a person. I thank my mom, dad and (especially) brother in helping me be the best "me" that I can be, even if it is a painful process :)

I am thankful for my Diageo family. I am doing exactly what I set out to do several years ago. It has really stepped up my Instagram game. As an investment banker, the photo ops were a tad limited. 

There are so many things to be thankful for not just today, but all year. A home to live in, food to eat, health to celebrate. I often focus on the few things I don't have (where is Mr. Right?) and forget how grateful I should be for everything else. I'm working on being thankful and sharing thanks constantly - not just today. Whether it is a coworker, bartender or friend: say thank you and say it often. It doesn't cost you anything beyond two spoken words :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

Giving Thanks: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Remember Thanks-giving Everyday

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. As I'm typing this, my parents are prepping a 20 lb turkey for my family to enjoy in several hours. Earlier today, my mom and I chopped up vegetables for her famous layered salad. The fourth Thursday of November has always represented a special day of overindulgence: we prepare way too much delicious food for the four of us. I also support Diageo with each responsible sip. 

Back when I lived in Charlotte and my family came to me, we had one more guest: my best friend Warren. About two years after I moved from Charlotte to New York, Warren moved to Hong Kong. I'm glad that although we are farther away than ever, we're with people that we love.  When I turned 30 this past August, Warren visited me right before his move to Asia. My other dear friend Courtney came to celebrate as well. I'm lucky to have these "old" friends in my life for over 5 years.

Between today and last Thanksgiving, I've met another incredible person: Aish. We met in a class at Stern and really starting clicking past December. Since we're both still waiting on Prince Charming, we recently a girlfriend getaway up to Hudson. When two close friends decide to travel together, it is one of the ultimate tests of friendship. Hanging out with someone for hours at a time is very different than a weekend away. Coming out of the trip, I can say we're closer than ever. I'm thankful for having Aish in my life. She has been there to listen, especially when I wasn't even sure what I was trying to say. 

Friends are the family you get to choose. I'm glad these people have chosen me to be a part of their lives. There are many other friends I haven't included by name: if I did, I'd probably miss out on dinner and never leave the computer. There is far too much I want to say. Thank you for being a part of my life. 

My family continues to be the ultimate support system, there for the highs and the lows of a life full of change. Since last Thanksgiving, I've graduated and started a dream career in alcohol marketing. Sometimes, getting exactly what you want can be more than you've ever imagined. I've grown a lot professionally and personally in a role that continues to challenge and develop me as a person. I thank my mom, dad and (especially) brother in helping me be the best "me" that I can be, even if it is a painful process :)

I am thankful for my Diageo family. I am doing exactly what I set out to do several years ago. It has really stepped up my Instagram game. As an investment banker, the photo ops were a tad limited. 

There are so many things to be thankful for not just today, but all year. A home to live in, food to eat, health to celebrate. I often focus on the few things I don't have (where is Mr. Right?) and forget how grateful I should be for everything else. I'm working on being thankful and sharing thanks constantly - not just today. Whether it is a coworker, bartender or friend: say thank you and say it often. It doesn't cost you anything beyond two spoken words :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

A Rumaissance in Harlem

La Bodega 47 Delivers Tasty Bites and Delicious Cocktails

My team and I headed up to Harlem for an afternoon of team bonding at La Bodega 47, a recently opened restaurant that features an impressive rum collection. We wanted to immerse ourselves in the neighborhood and also have their mixologists create some custom cocktails with Captain Morgan Rum. I'd say we accomplished that mission, and then some!

One of the first cocktails I had was the Storm Warning, made with rum, applejack, ginger, lemon, fresh thyme and soda water. DELICIOUS! Ginger is so popular right now - if you haven't tried it, make sure to try ginger beer. It isn't ginger ale and it isn't beer; it is absolutely tasty though! The trend of pairing savory herbs is cocktails (thyme) is really catching on - I love it.  

Overall, the menu features an impressive list of options that rivals many Manhattan bars you find a bit lower in the city. These cocktails match or exceed the quality but certainly are lower in price - such a nice feature. 

We had a BUNCH of tapas. I was too busy eating them, so I failed my food-togaophy duties. One of my favorite dishes was the Shrimp & Grits (below). It featured a lovely broth with tender shrimp and creamy (read: buttery) grits. We also had the mac & cheese (YUM), spinach. beets and caramelized onion salad (love beets!), roasted Brussels sprouts (tasty), Chorizo & Goat Cheese quesadilla (SO GOOD), short rib nachos (so rich and tasty), panko crusted calarmari (yummy!), sweet & spicy chicken wings (didn't try them), The food was very impressive - it matched the quality of the cocktails. It is such a pleasant experience with the food and drinks are at parity - often one suffers. 

I loved hearing the owner's (Brian Washington-Palmer) story - Harlem is undergoing a renaissance (Whole Foods is coming!) and a quintessential part of the cultural fabric of the neighborhood (the bodega) is disappearing. What better way to honor the history of Harlem than to reimagine something at its very core? That is exactly what Brian has done. He has been aided by Nikoa Evans-Hendricks, president of business development group Harlem Park to Park.

When you walk in to the restaurant, you feel its soul. The portrait above has guided Brian has his point of inspiration in design. She is pretty damn happy - and you will be too when you come to La Bodega 47!

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

Sundaes on Sundays

Delicious Ice Cream in the East Village

After our yummy ramen dinner at Minca, Scott and I headed over to Davey's Ice Cream for DESSERT. Check out this flavor board!!

I am a huge fan of all things pumpkin, so my first flavor for my sundae wasn't difficult: spiced pumpkin! I thought the best way to mimic a slice of pie with a cup of coffee would be with a scoop of strong coffee. HOLY MOLY. That name was very accurate. Unlike the pumpkin, I didn't sample the flavor before I got the sundae. I sort of regretted it. It wasn't a sweet coffee flavor but more bitter. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't the coffee profile that I prefer. The salted caramel sauce did complement it nicely and the whipped cream was the perfect finale. 

My takeaway: when in doubt, try it out! I loved the authenticity of the flavors. Strong coffee was exactly was advertised. I assumed it would taste like other coffee-flavored ice cream I've had in the past and I was wrong.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

It's Raining (ra)MEN

Minca for Dinner

I love catching up with people over a meal, preferably if it is a steaming bowl of noodles...aka Ramen! I have a soft spot in my heart for Minca, a hole-in-the-wall joint in Alphabet City. I suggested to my friend Scott that we meet up there and that is just what we did!

Yes. I do realize that my last post was about Ramen... #sorrynotsorry. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. On my walk over there from the subway, I saw an awesome sidewalk sign: HEY PIZZA BITCHES. I love it. 

We were able to sit fairly quickly (yay for eating at 6pm). I got my favorite prep: Spicy Miso Ramen. The sauce is is soy-bean based with with a pork and chicken broth. It is served with wavy noodles. I love the addition of corn. I'm a big fan. It makes the dish extra satisfying. Also, more vegetables make me feel better about all the other goodies (PORK!) in the bowl. 

To wash down the delicious Ramen, I got a beer (not sure if it was Sapporo or Asahi). It was a nice contrast to the piping hot broth!

I highly recommend this spot. It is tied in my mind with Totto, but just behind Jin Ramen in Harlem.

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

All Aboard! Next Stop: Hudson

The Best Weekends are Spent with Best Friends

Recharging your personal "batteries" are even more important than charging your iPhone. This past weekend, I headed to Hudson for some much needed perspective. Unlike my typical intense planning prior to a trip, I (uncomfortably) took the play-it-by-ear strategy, hedged with awesome recommendations from Michelle (thank you!)

I made reservations at The Croff House, a wonderful bed and breakfast owned by proprietors Duncan and Russ. The five bedroom B&B is located on a quiet cul-de-sac that is conveniently located to the main street in town with restaurants and shops (Warren Street). Russ kindly picked us up at the train station (it would have been a short walk but I brought way too much luggage) and brought us to the B&B. We asked for some advice on restaurant options that cater to vegetarians (Aish!) and things to do (Farm to Glass Tour...more below!). 

The breakfast featured at the B&B was delicious! Each day we got: coffee (refills were constantly offered!), fresh orange juice, and chilled water. Additionally, Duncan baked fresh muffins (one day they were sweet with raspberries and the next day they were savory with sundried tomatoes), yogurt parfaits and an entree (quiche on Saturday and French Toast Sunday). I advised them that Aish is a vegetarian and they baked a meatless quiche for her and offered meatless bacon/sausage (to me, the fact that this exists saddens me). I highly recommend staying here if you find yourself in Hudson :)

The highlight of the trip was the Farm to Glass Tour recommended by Russ. On Saturday, we had a four hour tour of Hudson that brought us to a distillery, brewery and winery. When Kelley (the owner) picked us up, I was surprised to see Jessica, one of the bartenders that works at the Diageo bar! What a small world. It turns out that Kelley is close friends with Lynnette, who I work with on Zacapa Rum!

On our first stop, we visited Harvest Spirits and I fell in love with the Applejack. It doesn't count as cheating on Diageo if we don't make the product, right? The products are incredibly high quality and delicious, distilled from homegrown apples. The Applejack is made from distilling fermented hard cider twice in small batches; it is then aged for two years in ex-bourbon casks. It drinks like a bourbon whiskey more than a brandy. It is splendid.

On our next stop, we made it to Chatham Brewing to learn (read: drink) about local beers. I loved the Maple Amber and Raspberry Wheat (shocker - the least hoppy beers make me happy!). Although I'm don't consider myself a beer geek, I'm always interested in learning more about it...and sampling it too!

As our final stop, we went to Hudson-Chatham Winery for wine education and sampling. I loved learning about the Sistema Solera process used on the Sherries - just like Zacapa! I picked up a bottle of the Port to bring home - so delicious! 

I highly recommend this tour! At each stop, Kelley served us a hot cocktail made with ingredients from where we were visiting (spiked cider, a beer beverage and mulled wine). This was an awesome touch and I greatly appreciated it...since I love cocktails! This was certainly worth the $125 price. Kelley picked us up/dropped us off, provided snacks and water and took us to incredible local producers. I loved it!

I've put together a list of restaurants and bars I'd like to recommend if you find yourself in Hudson:

DINNER: Italian at Ca'Mea

I had an incredible weekend with Aish in Hudson, NY. If you're looking for a quick trip away from Manhattan, I highly recommend coming here! You can take the Amtrak from Penn Station and get off directly at the Hudson stop. You can enjoy a weekend away without a car rental. 

Cheers,

Liz

[personalitini]

All Aboard! Next Stop: Hudson

The Best Weekends are Spent with Best Friends

Recharging your personal "batteries" are even more important than charging your iPhone. This past weekend, I headed to Hudson for some much needed perspective. Unlike my typical intense planning prior to a trip, I (uncomfortably) took the play-it-by-ear strategy, hedged with awesome recommendations from Michelle (thank you!)

I made reservations at The Croff House, a wonderful bed and breakfast owned by proprietors Duncan and Russ. The five bedroom B&B is located on a quiet cul-de-sac that is conveniently located to the main street in town with restaurants and shops (Warren Street). Russ kindly picked us up at the train station (it would have been a short walk but I brought way too much luggage) and brought us to the B&B. We asked for some advice on restaurant options that cater to vegetarians (Aish!) and things to do (Farm to Glass Tour...more below!). 

The breakfast featured at the B&B was delicious! Each day we got: coffee (refills were constantly offered!), fresh orange juice, and chilled water. Additionally, Duncan baked fresh muffins (one day they were sweet with raspberries and the next day they were savory with sundried tomatoes), yogurt parfaits and an entree (quiche on Saturday and French Toast Sunday). I advised them that Aish is a vegetarian and they baked a meatless quiche for her and offered meatless bacon/sausage (to me, the fact that this exists saddens me). I highly recommend staying here if you find yourself in Hudson :)

The highlight of the trip was the Farm to Glass Tour recommended by Russ. On Saturday, we had a four hour tour of Hudson that brought us to a distillery, brewery and winery. When Kelley (the owner) picked us up, I was surprised to see Jessica, one of the bartenders that works at the Diageo bar! What a small world. It turns out that Kelley is close friends with Lynnette, who I work with on Zacapa Rum!

On our first stop, we visited Harvest Spirits and I fell in love with the Applejack. It doesn't count as cheating on Diageo if we don't make the product, right? The products are incredibly high quality and delicious, distilled from homegrown apples. The Applejack is made from distilling fermented hard cider twice in small batches; it is then aged for two years in ex-bourbon casks. It drinks like a bourbon whiskey more than a brandy. It is splendid.

On our next stop, we made it to Chatham Brewing to learn (read: drink) about local beers. I loved the Maple Amber and Raspberry Wheat (shocker - the least hoppy beers make me happy!). Although I'm don't consider myself a beer geek, I'm always interested in learning more about it...and sampling it too!

As our final stop, we went to Hudson-Chatham Winery for wine education and sampling. I loved learning about the Sistema Solera process used on the Sherries - just like Zacapa! I picked up a bottle of the Port to bring home - so delicious! 

I highly recommend this tour! At each stop, Kelley served us a hot cocktail made with ingredients from where we were visiting (spiked cider, a beer beverage and mulled wine). This was an awesome touch and I greatly appreciated it...since I love cocktails! This was certainly worth the $125 price. Kelley picked us up/dropped us off, provided snacks and water and took us to incredible local producers. I loved it!

I've put together a list of restaurants and bars I'd like to recommend if you find yourself in Hudson:

DINNER: Italian at Ca'Mea