Category: Dinner

[California] Sausalito Sunsets & More Rosé

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During my recent trip to California I got to visit a lot of fun and interesting places, one of my favorite was the city of Sausalito. After spending the earlier part of the day at Muir Woods (more on that later), we were taken to this lovely waterfront town. I love the water and although I can appreciate the beauty of the mountains and forests, there’s nothing like being by the shore.

I immediately knew I wanted to spend more time exploring my surroundings, but knew we had a ferry to catch back to San Francisco. Relying on just online reviews and outside seating, we decided to have dinner at Salito’s.

Knowing that it was our last day in California, we were taking it all in. Everybody seemed happy and without a single care in the world. Except maybe the couple next to us, they were clearly on a first date and it was so fascinating to watch them both react to each other. No, I was not creeping.

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That, my friends, is Salito’s crab alfredo. Not bad at all, although I must say, their mussels and sauce was delicious!

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Note on those sunglasses, got them in California, love the reflection but totally lost them. They must be in some unpacked bag in my room right now, but that may not be the case. I’m not so concerned about the money (they were super cheap), I am saddened more by how well they photographed. Check us out on the shot below!

After dinner, we still had some time before the ferry departure. I saw people drinking by the water and I immediately knew where I needed to be. Turns out, this place called Bar Bocce allows you to eat and drink by the water in a very casual and comfortable setting. I only had drinks, but people around us were enjoying some very delicious pizzas. Note to self: return to this place with a blanket and a big appetite.

This is me at Bar Bocce’s backyard. That face says: “I love my wine, I love this place and yes, I know it sucks that I have to leave”. It’s like you can already see the inevitable sarcasm in my eyes, right?

Waiting for the ferry was not bad at all. Perks of waiting for the last ferry? You get to see the sunset as you leave Sausalito behind. You can also attempt, for the one hundredth time, to take the perfect picture of the Golden Gate Bridge.

[Dinner] Grano Trattoria

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I love Italian food, as any sane person should. Cheese is everything, no questions asked. When it was time to pick where to go for my first birthday dinner (yes, there is more than one, duh) I wanted to go somewhere Italian.

I’ve been dying to try Rosemary’s in the West Village, many friends have recommended it, but there were no reservations available when I checked. Thanks to the Open Table app I discovered another option for dinner, Grano Trattoria.

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Obviously, I started with the daily selection of cheese. These were particularly more special since I had been on some sort of cheese deprivation period, which basically means that I was eating normal amounts of cheese and no the ridiculous amounts that my heart desires.

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This is what got me. This risotto was DELICIOUS. It was the perfect balance of thick and creamy. I think by some, this risotto can be considered more on the cheesy/creamy side, but in my eyes that equals perfection.

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My boyfriend got the veal parmegiana, which looks messy but was actually pretty good. I’m not a big fan of veal, but he said it was good. He’s usually an easy chicken parm kind of guy, so I think that says a lot.

So that’s how my birthday celebrations began! If it was up to me, I would celebrate all month (which I kinda do in some way) but I tried to be normal and kept the celebrations down to a week. I always love to go out to dinner and try new places, but there’s always a nice extra touch when you’re going out for a special occasion. You don’t need to get me any presents, just feed me, seriously.

Boston: Seafood & Sea Life

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Who decides to visit Boston during a blizzard? Well, this lady over here! Nothing says romantic Valentine’s Day weekend like a frozen face, right? Thanks to some nonrefundable tickets, I went from bitter cold New York to over the top freezing Boston. I had a really good time, there’s something about being stuck in one room that makes you appreciate your company even more. There’s not a lot of people I would want to be stuck with during a blizzard, thankfully my boyfriend is one of them.

I’ve been to Boston like 10 times and even spent a summer there, I’ve always loved it. This time, we started things off a little bit more touristy than usual and I was ok with it. Union Oyster House is America’s Oldest Restaurant and there’s a reason it’s still up and running, it’s actually really good!

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I obviously went with the classics. Started out with a Oyster House Clam Chowder (which I believe is the same thing as a New England Clam Chowder) and finished it up with a delicious Lobster Salad Roll. I can’t help but get a taste of summer each time I have meals like this. It makes me think of dinner by the water, salty hair after the beach, sunglasses and happy days.

We also tried out Legal Seafoods… delicious! We had the shrimp coconut as a starter and honestly, they might have been the best ones I’ve had so far. They were also gluten free so my friend who can’t have gluten was also able to enjoy them with me.

Then the snow started and the fun ended. Just kidding, we went out anyways and had a delicious dinner at Lineage Restaurant. I must say, our cab did slightly crash into a pile of snow on our way back, it was scary.

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Best part about a blizzard? Room service! Worst part about a blizzard? Room service!

When you have 2/3 meals through room service you know that your final bill is going to hurt. In my defense, everything else was closed.

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I love nature and as much as I know that an aquarium and a zoo are not natural, I can’t help but still enjoy visiting them. It’s unfortunate that these animals are never going to experience real life, but if a visit to an aquarium or zoo is what it takes for someone to be inspired, care a little more about these creatures and somehow contribute to the greater cause, then I guess it’s worth it.

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I think that it’s pretty cool that even though it was freezing outside, these little creatures can have their little piece of paradise stay intact.

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Don’t worry little fishy, I’m counting down the days for summer…

Hacienda Madrigal & Restaurante Raíces

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Horseback riding is a different way to explore Puerto Rico. I got the chance to visit Hacienda Madrigal for the first time this December and really enjoyed the experience. People were super nice and the views were spectacular. Needless to say, I also took my new baby camera out for a stroll. I can’t get over it and want to share as much as possible.

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Afterwards, we went to the original Raíces Restaurant in Caguas. A lot of tourists visit their location in Old San Juan because it’s closer to hotels and cruises. I haven’t been to the location in Old San Juan, but their original spot is pretty cool. Everything around the restaurant reflects the time when my dad was born. It really gives you a nice sense of Puerto Rican history and for that on its own, it’s worth it. If your mouth is not salivating right now for that mofongo relleno de churrasco, then I don’t think you’re human (if you’re vegetarian you’re excused, but not really).

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Photos taken and edited by Cristina Nogueras – Canon EOS Rebel T5

Otto Strada, New Restaurant in Hoboken

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A few months ago, Otto Strada opened up its doors in Hoboken. If you are looking for delicious Italian food and good ambiance, this is your place. My personal struggle when visiting an Italian place is that I am never sure if I am going to want pizza or pasta, but Otto Strada had solid choices for both desires.

Another plus? It’s BYOB, bingo!

I also expanded my Italian vocabulary by learning that Otto Strada means Eight Street, which, voila, is where this new spot is located. Ah, the genius.

Although my food comma kept me away from ordering dessert, I was drooling over a gigantic dessert calzone. That’s right, calzone for dessert. I was creeping, but I could not look away from the Nutella drizzling from the inside of this wonderful thing. I recommend you leave room for dessert, highly encouraged.

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One of the specials for the day: a delicious pesto with roasted tomatoes

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My boyfriend is trying to learn to take food pictures, he is getting there very slowly, so cut him some slack! – Pollo alla Milanese con Prosciutto: breaded chicken pounded thin, pan seared, topped with prosciutto, homemade mozzarella and tomato bruschetta over a bed of arugula tossed with a lemon vinaigrette