Foodie Heaven Part 2

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

If you’re new here chances are you haven’t met my inner fat girl. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leslie and I’m a foodie.

I find this crazy to say, but eight years ago I wrote a blog post entitled “Foodie Heaven” about my experiences with the South Beach restaurant scene. Needless to say, I have been way beyond overdue for a Part 2. For one, more than half the restaurants I reviewed no longer exist. More importantly, many other dope restaurants are worthy of a Golden Life Musing.

On my most recent trip to Miami Beach, I ventured off the beaten path of my go-to restaurants in the heart of SoBe and boy am I glad I did! Here are six new restaurants to check out the next time you’re in town that are sure to delight your foodie senses too.

Before I hop into those, it’s worth noting that I did return to my all-time favorite KYU, which recently reopened after a nearly 18-month closure due to a remodel. This hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami, is a must-visit! My Golden Life Musing review from 2019 says it all. You’re welcome.

Oceanside Hotel Tavern: This quaint, American fare restaurant across the street from my home for the week in the mid-beach area of Miami Beach quickly became my Cheers. I stumbled upon it on my way to Starbucks one morning and the rest was history. My first meal was a simple shrimp scampi with a side of roasted vegetables, but the taste was anything but simple. I devoured every single bite. The brunch menu caught my eye the following day and the salmon benedict did not disappoint. I kept going back and inviting others, which allowed me to try more delectable items on the menu including the mussels in garlic wine sauce and the healthy but appetizing power bowl. It’s also worth noting that the excellent service (despite bad reviews) and adorable patio perfect for people-watching also contributed to my adoration of this little restaurant.

Silverlake Bistro: This unassuming American fare bistro located in the Miami Beach neighborhood of Normandy Isles has a little something for any foodie. But if you’re a cheeseburger lover, you’ve found your home. My mom, who’s a bit of a cheeseburger connoisseur, got me hooked and I haven’t looked back. Everything about this traditional smash burger cooked to order is delightful, including the special sauce. Paired with the truffle fries, it’s nothing short of perfection. The Brussels sprouts simply prepared with a bit of sriracha, aioli, and chives were absolutely delicious. This restaurant is tiny, but the food packs a powerful punch!

Limoncello: This delightful authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of South Beach had me at lemon. I love just about everything lemon-inspired or flavored so this restaurant quickly became a favorite. Considering seabass is my absolute favorite fish, when I heard the catch of the day was branzino, my choice was clear. The preparation of the catch of the day was top-notch. As the branzino is cooked in a large crust of sea salt, they bring the whole fish out to the table for a big reveal presentation involving fire, alcohol, spoons, and knives. It was all very fancy and I was here for all of it! In addition to the delicious fare, the energy and vibe of this place was very lively and welcoming. Tip: Sit outside. The inside is nowhere near as charming as the outdoor eating area.

Salt Cafe: This delightful, vibrant restaurant also in the heart of South Beach does not just have good food, it is also perfect for people-watching. The charming outdoor patio has abundant seating and fans that make it comfortable to sit outside. Admittedly, I was not happy about brunch ending at noon, but the mushroom truffle pizza made up for it all. In a word, it was delectible. Considering that I had my mouth set on the crabcake benedict with spinach, a return visit is necessary!

Tanuki South Beach: Admittedly, this modern Asian restaurant was my least favorite of all the new restaurants, but there were some bright spots here! As they specialized in sushi, of course we had to try two of the sushi dishes – the dynamite crab roll (which surprisingly was served warm) and the truffled yellowtail. I enjoyed them both, but there were mixed reviews at the table. The rock shrimp and the Brussels sprouts were the best on the menu, with the butterfly chicken wings coming in second, prepared with an Asian glaze. The grilled corn with shisito butter looked and sounded promising but fell flat unfortunately, as it lacked flavor. The chocolate molten cake made up for it, as it was arguably the best tasting dish we tried.

Michael’s Genuine:  I saved the best for last, but a warning. Do not visit this restaurant if you are pinching pennies. Let me just say I’m grateful for rich friends! Every single bite I had at this restaurant located in the delightful Design District of Miami was absolutely delicious. Their website says that they provide fresh seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality, which could not be more accurate. I recommend if you are going with friends do family style so you can taste as many items as possible. I didn’t think I could have a truffle mushroom pizza that was any better than Salt Cafe, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Other dishes to try include the tuna carpaccio, spiced lamb & charred eggplant (served as a hummus consistency), and the roasted cauliflower shawarma. Even the craft cocktails and desserts were top notch…Chef’s kiss!

When in New York

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It had been several years since I made it up to New York City. A friend’s movie filming and another friend’s big promotion were as good of excuses as any to get back to the City that Never Sleeps. Any time I’ve visited, no matter what the occasion, as a foodie I couldn’t help but indulge in the city’s dynamic culinary scene, and this time was no different. 

The first stop on this trip was a delightful little Italian restaurant in the heart of Soho called Mamo. My dear friend knowing my foodie appetite and affinity for Italian food booked us a table, and it did not disappoint.

If you are a seafood lover, this restaurant is a must-try! But before I get to the food, what was most notable upon entering the restaurant was its warm and homey, yet elegant, upscale feel. The old-school movie posters, soft lighting, and cozy bar on the first floor offered a unique charm that was undeniable.

For an appetizer, we started with the Insalata di polpo e ceci (octopus salad), which included chickpeas, tomatoes, cherry peppers, and basil leaves. Delicioso! It was so fresh you would think they plucked that octopus right out of the sea.

Normally I would have gone for what my friend ordered, which was the angel hair with shrimp and pistachios. (I had a bite and it was yummy). But when I saw the fish of the day on the specials menu, they had me at branzino. This succulent seabass was served in a lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs. This fish for two (thanks mom for sharing) was accompanied by a fresh garden salad with a simple but delightful vinaigrette. Chef’s kiss!

Considering that Mamo also has a location in Miami and I tend to make it down there more often, a visit to the Sunshine State’s location is definitely afoot! You know, for research purposes and all (insert smile here). 

The next day we headed to another restaurant with a Miami location, Zuma. Mom and I first visited the Miami location, which is located inside the beautiful Kimpton Hotel Epic, years ago and fell in love. So of course, when in New York, we had to test and see if the New York location could live up to its sister restaurant down south. 

I loved even the entrance to the restaurant. It’s the attention to detail for me.

This upscale, trendy restaurant in midtown Manhattan offers both traditional and unique Japanese cuisine, in my opinion, bursting with flavor in every good way possible. We opted for lunch considering our late afternoon train back to D.C. and intentionally chose dishes that we hadn’t tried at the other location.

I started with the miso soup, which was perfect for a crisp spring day, and offered just the right amount of flavor and warmth. Next, I ventured onto the pirikara hamachi maki roll, which was a spicy yellowtail roll with serrano pepper, avocado, wasabi mayo. I normally wouldn’t choose a roll with that much kick, but I was feeling adventurous. I was assured that it was not a burn-your-mouth type of heat, and my waitress was spot on. It was absolutely delicious, especially adding the fresh sliced ginger to the mix. Mom chose two appetizers, the chicken skewers with spring onion and rock shrimp tempura with chili tofu. The sauce that they served with the latter was amazing. 

Another thing to note about Zuma is the authenticity and stunning beauty of the decor. The attention to detail is unmatched. I’ve never been to Japan, but you couldn’t tell me that I wasn’t there on that afternoon. It’s also important to share that the service at both restaurants was impeccable.

Photos just don’t do this place justice.

When in New York, do yourself a favor and make it a point to visit these two dope restaurants, but please make sure you make a reservation. Others know how great they are too. You’re welcome!

Review: The Elcielo Experience

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El Cielo also offers 13 and 10-course tasting menus for the not-as-adventurous foodies.

I had another “first” experience recently, so naturally I couldn’t wait to tell you about it. Normally I’d tease out the suspense, but since I have so much to share I’ll get right to it. I had the opportunity to indulge in a 20-course tasting experience. (All foodies collectively swoon here!) If your eyes widened and your mouth watered a little bit, you had the same reaction I did when I first heard about Elcielo Restaurant in my hometown of Washington, D.C. This quaint, Michelin-star restaurant serves Colombian cuisine and offers a unique fine dining tasting experience that you will be sure to never forget.

If you’ve experienced, or have at least heard of a tasting with courses in the double digits, consider yourself fancy. But for the majority of you reading this blog, prepare to be just as impressed as I was by all Elcielo has to offer.

Don’t worry, I won’t ruin all the surprises for you by documenting each part of the 20-course menu. I will, however, document some of the highlights here, just in case you decide to indulge.

It’s the details for me…

Let’s start with how much attention to detail was evident with every course. They say you eat with your eyes first, so Elcielo certainly knows how to make a great first impression. The presentation with each course was superb. Each plate was so beautifully decorated and well thought out that it had you savoring each bite, while also eagerly anticipating the next dish. They don’t call it the Elcielo “experience” for nothing.

I loved how with each course, our server thoroughly and carefully explained the dish and shared the history or thought behind its conception. It’s as if they are fully invested in you getting as much as you can from your time there so that you can leave full, both literally and figuratively.

This fish dish was my least favorite of the 20 courses but it was beautifully plated.
This small bite of tapioca & foie served a powerful punch
I can’t say that I’ve ever seen or heard of tuna tartare served thtis way.
One of the most beautiful dessert dishes I’ve ever seen…and everything was edible!
This fun, tasty dessert made me feel like I was back on the beach in Cartagena.

I should also point out that this is not an experience for gluttons. Rather, this is an experience for the adventurous. They call it a tasting menu, because it’s just that. You get to taste, or small bite, of a variety dishes as they take you on a journey of different scents, sights, and tastes you’ve never had before.

And the winners are…

There was not really anything I didn’t like on the menu, but a few of the dishes shined above the rest. My absolute favorite dishes were the Truffle buñuelos, Guajira’s dry shrimp rice, Tree of Life, the corn soup (believe it or not), and the quail, wild onion & rice.

Corn Soup: This dish sounds plain, but the flavors were far from it. I’m not much of a corn chowder person, which is what I thought it would be when I saw it on the menu and looked at it. But, I think this was one of my favorites because of how pleasantly surprised I was. I ate every drop.
Guajira’s dry shrimp rice: This fritter, for lack of a better word, made of fried dough had the most delicious shrimp and rice filling. It was so good, my bestie and I considered asking if we could get another order. But the menu called out to us, “But wait, there’s more!” And indeed, there was.
Tree of Life: This flatbread with four cheeses and a perfect combination of herbs and spices was absolutely delicious. It was served with a creamy garlic cilantro spread that was to die for!
Quail, wild onion & rice: I was not prepared to be wowed by this little game bird as much as I was. The meat was so tender and flavorful and it was perfectly complimented with a delicious wild rice and yummy sauce.
Truffle buñuelos: I haven’t yet met a truffle I didn’t like, but this one was different. It looks like a plate of rocks, but if you look carefully, you’ll see a delightful finger-sized morsel that had a gooey center that literally melted in our mouths with one bite.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention the Coffee field. It was an elaborate display of the Colombian coffee-making experience that included sights, smells, tastes, and a few other sensations that are hard to describe. A photo would not have done it justice.

Roundabout course 7 or so, my bestie and I looked at each other with faces of overwhelm. We asked each other, how in the world is there more? Some of the dishes were more than just a couple of bites, so we made it a point to pace ourselves and try not to eat all of those dishes. We won and lost some battles lol. 

What I was not impressed by…

My $15 mocktail lol

I only had one source of complaint for this restaurant. From time to time, I’ll lay off the adult beverages and opt for mocktails. Imagine my surprise when I looked at the bill and saw the mocktail had an upcharge on it – an extra $5 itemized as “Don’t Take.” Of course, I had to ask the server what that meant. Do you know they charged me an extra $5 to NOT put alcohol in my drink? (Insert shock and awe here.) The audacity.

Fortunately, I had experienced some of the best food of my life, so I decided to remain in a space of gratitude. Needless to say though, it’s not something that I’ll easily forget and most certainly had to share! 

You get what you pay for…

As you can imagine, an experience like this is going to cost you. In fact, your meal is paid for at the time of the reservation, and they do not allow you to cancel and get a refund. You either have to reschedule (but make sure you do it more than 2 days in advance) or transfer it into someone else’s name. So make sure you’re committed before you go.

That being said, I would only recommend this restaurant for true foodies, and those with a fair amount of discretionary income. For two people with tax and gratuity charged before you step foot in the restaurant, it will cost you about the price of a two-night stay in a four-star hotel these days. Perhaps it’s something you reserve for a very special occasion. I don’t know what the value of an experience like this is worth to you, but what I can say is that if you do choose to indulge, you will not be disappointed!

Beautifully plated bison dish with potatoes and veggies.
A thoughtful Colombian nod to the DC Cherry Blossoms.
This lobster ceviche roll was one of the runner ups as my faves.
Clearly my bestie and I left happy lol.

Five Things to Do in and Love About the Holy City

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Do you know where the Holy City is? Transparently, I didn’t know prior to visiting Charleston, South Carolina that it bared that nickname. Apparently, it’s one of those IYKYK (if you know, you know) things, and I appreciated that it was one of the many new things I learned while visiting.

If you’re anything like me your next question might be a derivative of why in the world is it called the Holy City? I’m glad you asked. It leads me to the first of the many things I loved about this beautiful Lowcountry city that has become over time one of the top travel destinations in the world.

1. Soak in the rich history.

The first thing to note about Charleston is that it is steeped in history. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that much of that history is marred by the city’s significant role in the slave trade. Trust me, that fact is not lost on me as an African American woman. Nevertheless, somewhat ironically, this city is also well known for its role as a safe haven for those seeking religious tolerance and freedom. Hence the name, the Holy City. This was one of the many things I appreciated learning while enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city, one of the popular things I recommend doing while visiting. Prepare to be educated and entertained! On this tour, we had an opportunity to survey the beautiful architecture of historic churches and synagogues that are prevalent in the historic downtown area, also known as The Peninsula. It was also super cool to see in person the strikingly beautiful signature pastel homes for which Charleston is also well known.

2. Delight in delectable cuisine.

Over the years Charleston has also become quite the popular culinary destination. In fact, it was a major reason for me and my favorite travel partner’s visit. Being the foodies that we are, Charleston got a bump up on our travel list because of Little Jack Tavern’s award-winning burger. This delicious treat won the South Beach Food and Wine Festival’s Burger Bash that we attended in 2017 and we were hooked from there. Don’t judge us until you try it. 

We quickly found that the burger was just the tip of the iceberg of all the award-winning restaurants this foodie town has to offer. We had the best beef brisket of our lives at Lewis Barbecue, the most delicious vegetable risotto I’ve ever had at Eli’s Table, and the absolutely delicious she-crab soup at Fleet Landing. I also recommend trying the shrimp and grits and biscuits at Toast. You won’t be disappointed.

We did have one dining experience that is worth noting was mediocre at best. We heard mixed reviews from locals about Hyman’s Seafood. Some said it was a must-try, while others deemed it an unworthy tourist trap. After visiting, I’m inclined to say that it was the latter. I know that there are much better restaurants to visit and I’m looking forward to trying them on my next trip. 

Litttle Jack’s Tavern award-winning burger
The delicious rissoto at Elis Table
Mouth-watering beef brisket at Lewis Barbecue
Scrumptious shrimp and grits at Toast

3. Spend a day at the beach.

Spend a day at the beach. As beach bums, we were excited to learn that Charleston has a nice selection of beaches. We opted to visit Isle of Palms based on a recommendation from a friend and the concierge at our hotel. I understand Folly Beach is nice as well.

I recommend if you want to spend a day there, schedule your beach chair and umbrella rental with Isle of Palms Beach Chair Rental. When they ask you where you want your chairs to be set up, tell them in front of Coconut Joe’s. This will allow you to be close to the public restrooms and you can enjoy lunch or beach drinks at this fun waterfront restaurant and bar.

4. Enjoy the live music. 

Being the live music lovers that mom and I are, we were also drawn to the city for its diverse live music scene. We were happy to find that the weekend we visited, Forte Jazz Lounge was featuring a Motown hits show. Amazing! In addition to the phenomenal band, we enjoyed watching the audience members cut a rug on the dance floor.

We were also pleasantly surprised to be serenaded by a saxophonist and keyboardist during our delicious dinner on the patio at Eli’s Table. That contributed to one of our favorite dining experiences during our visit.

Listening to the dope duet featured at Eli’s Table

5. Partake in diverse shopping experiences.

If you love to shop, you’ll be in heaven on King Street. This bustling strip has everything from top name-brand stores and high-end specialty shops to one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique stores. It also boasts some of the city’s best restaurants.

We also enjoyed spending time perusing the unique crafts, artwork, souvenirs, jewelry, and other specialty items at the Old City Market. I was excited to get back home to try some of the spices I bought there.

Here are some other insider tips that are useful to know about Charleston as you plan your visit.

  • When to visit: We visited in the heart of the summer when the humidity was at its highest and the mosquitos and flies were the most aggressive. If you prefer milder temps, I recommend visiting March – May or September – November. However, this is also when hotel rates are the highest.
  • Where to stay: We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hilton Club Liberty Place. What I loved most was the low-key, homey feel and its location. I liked not being situated in the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, while also being a nice 15-20 minute stroll (if not visiting in the summer) or a less than 10-minute ride away.
  • Getting around: We found that taxis were pretty much on par with rideshares to and from the airport, but for the shorter distances Uber was less expensive and more convenient. We also found that to be the case for our drive to the beach, which was a 30-minute ride each way.
  • Try out the Pedicab: Pedicabs, or bike taxis, are ideal if you want to travel short distances in the downtown area. It was very convenient, especially during the summertime when the Lowcountry heat can be treacherous. It is also a super cool experience, and might I also add, eco-friendly.
  • Check out the Hot List: We appreciated a Hotlist sheet of places courtesy of Eli’s Table. One of the great finds on this list was the rooftop experience at the Market Pavilion Hotel. It is listed as Grill 225 under upscale dining recommendations, which was a little too stuffy for our taste, but the rooftop area is a whole different vibe. It is open to the public, despite an intimidating entrance into the extremely formal lobby, and boasts spectacular views of the city, tasty signature drinks, and sexy summer vibes. It’s definitely a must-visit in my book!

Review: KYU Miami

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

Leslie at KYU Miami

A few years ago, I blogged about the restaurant scene in the Miami Beach area and I entitled the post “Foodie Heaven.” No doubt, the Miami area is one of the best places to visit if you want to have your taste buds tantalized, and as is the case for many large cities, there are always new restaurants popping up to keep you on your toes. Ironically, it was around the time that I wrote Foodie Heaven that KYU emerged onto the Miami restaurant scene but I failed to discover it until last year. And boy what a discovery it was!

KYU (pronounced /kyo͞o/) is an Asian-inspired restaurant located in the artsy and hip Wynwood district in Miami. I want to point out that while the food definitely uses a lot of Asian spices and techniques, I promise you it is in a class all its own. Each dish is artfully crafted, mirroring the artistic, eclectic feel of the neighborhood in which the restaurant resides. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed with a modern, chic type of vibe and the staff is pleasant, friendly and knowledgeable about the dishes.

I most recently visited for the third time, allowing me to sample a good portion of the diverse menu, which has a little something for everybody no matter what type of eater you are. I’m not really sure how this is possible, but each time I’ve visited I’ve fallen more in love with the food. That’s why, hands down, this has become my favorite restaurant to visit in the Miami area.

Let’s start with the roasted cauliflower. I know what you’re thinking. Cauliflower, really? Yes, really. It’s just that good! The sauce, made with goat cheese and shishito-herb vinaigrette, is really what makes this dish, and if you’re not convinced you just have to take my word for it. My mom, who historically has not been a fan of cauliflower or broccoli, devours it every time we visit.

roasted cauliflower

KYU is known especially for its wood fire items, which in my opinion have the most dynamic flavors out of all of the other menu items. And they want you to know that for every tree they burn, they replant five.

At the top of my wood-fire item list: the Thai fried rice stone pot. This is not like any other fried rice you’ve had before. The rice is actually not fried at all, rather it simmers in a stone pot that is filled with all the yummy goodness that you can imagine including a bunch of Thai herbs and spices like lemongrass and Thai basil. Don’t be alarmed by the partially cooked egg that comes on top as it is delivered to the table. The waiter carefully mixes everything together for you at the table as the rice and all its ingredients continue to cook. It’s actually an experience!

 

For you fried chicken lovers, you’ve got to try the Korean fried chicken. It’s not smothered in grease like the others in my top five best fried chicken recipes, but I assure you it made it to the list. I especially love the red chili butter (think hot sauce) accompanying it that makes it good for sopping, if you can stand the heat.

korean fried chicken

Also on the wood fire list is the Florida red snapper, which most recently became my favorite dish on the menu. It literally melted in my mouth and I wanted to cry. I’m really not exaggerating. I felt a tear well up in the corner of my eye and I had to laugh at myself. The brown butter-white miso that was delicately drizzled on top just made the dish for me. It was so good I ate little bites just so I could savor it for a little while longer. I did not want it to end! Don’t judge me.

red snapper

Some additional menu items that I would recommend are the baby back ribs, the beef short ribs, and the soft-shell crab (served in traditional steamed Chinese buns). They are all delightful in their own right. Admittedly, I have not tried everything on the menu but based on everything I’ve had so far, you can’t go wrong.

 

Baby back ribs
Beef short ribs
Soft shell crab bun
Grilled broccoli

Some other things to note if you plan to visit KYU. Perhaps try family style on your first visit, which many of the menu items can accommodate. Because there are so many good dishes to try, you may want to order several of them so each person in your party can partake in the deliciousness. Also, this restaurant is moderately priced compared to many of the restaurants in the Miami area, with happy hour offering half off many of the popular dishes.

Last word of caution. If you’re planning to go, be sure to make a reservation. I’m not the only one who thinks KYU is pretty amazing. You’re welcome!

Review: Sedona, Arizona

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As soon as I feasted my eyes on those mesmerizing red rocks my body immediately relaxed. It was my first time in Sedona, actually the whole state of Arizona, and the charm and beauty of the area had preceded my introduction. The purpose of my visit: relaxation and the exploration of an untapped and, in my opinion, underappreciated American gem. Even having done some research on this hidden treasure prior to my visit, I wasn’t quite prepared for all of the magnificence of what I experienced.

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Let me preface my review with a slight detour from the destination itself. This delightful weekend was a girl’s trip and much needed mental health weekend that could not have come at a better time for any of us. From demanding careers to newborns back home and everything in between, we were all worn out and I was happy to provide the perfect prescription for the woes of adulting. If you are reading this right now and you haven’t scheduled your own mental health break or some type of getaway to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit, stop right now and schedule it! Well, first finish reading the blog and then get to scheduling (smile).

Being the travelpreneur I am, I thoroughly researched the resorts in the area and landed on the Amara Resort, which is in the family of one of my favorite hotel brands, Kimpton. I love the boutique resort feel and the attention to detail in customer service and of course, the food. I also loved that a ginormous red rock formation served as the backdrop and focal point of the outdoor pool, communal lounge area and restaurant. Additionally, out of all the luxury hotels offered in the area, the Amara presented some of the most reasonable rates.

View from my courtyard room balcony
View as you step out on the patio of the hotel restaurant
I loved that the double rooms featured amazingly comfortable queen sized beds

I loved pretty much everything about this hotel, including the glorious infinity pool and decent sized hot tub adjacent to it. However, based on the capacity of the resort, the pool area is a bit small. On more than one occasion, particularly during peak hours of the day (noon – 3pm), there were more guests than lounge chairs and cabana beds. Aesthetically, it is a lovely, well-landscaped and designed area. But if you want to have a relaxing day at the pool, you better arrive before 9 am or you won’t have a place to lay your towel, much less your body.

What’s not to love about an infinity pool with a glorious backdrop like this?
My friend Marnel and I could not wait to get in this pool. The water was just right!
Cheers!

What I loved most about the resort was pretty much what I most look forward to on any trip: the spa and the food. Considering Sedona is spa country, meaning that it is most well-known for its spas, I was excited about venturing to a destination that specializes in my beloved past time. The Amara Spa itself is not a full-service, large-scale spa but it certainly delivered in service and quality. After a glorious 90- minute massage, a rejuvenating nap in the relaxation room and a refreshing visit to the sauna, I literally had to pry myself away from the place. If it wasn’t for my grumbling stomach, I might have stayed all day.

If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll appreciate that the Kimpton brand specializes in an award-winning collection of seasonally-inspired restaurants and bars. Considering that type of yummy goodness was just steps away from our living quarters, we spent a lot of time at Saltrock Southwest Kitchen, Amara’s signature restaurant. Literally everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner and everything in between was absolutely delicious. And since it was Cinco de Mayo weekend, we just HAD to indulge in the handcrafted margaritas as well. Delicious!

There was a lot of “cheersing” this weekend lol
This salmon was delectable
I thoroughly enjoyed this frittata
Definitely one of the top benedicts in my life!
Researching the handcrafted cocktails 🙂
My friend’s delightful, falling off the bone osso bucco
My friends raved about this huevos rancheros

We also had top-notch experiences at other well-known Sedona gems such as Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, which boasted ridiculously beautiful views of the mountainous Sedona landscape, and Etch Kitchen and Bar of the beautiful L’Aubuerge Resort and Spa, which is nestled along the banks of Oak Creek. Neither of these options were cheap but they were well worth the delicious fare and breathtaking views. We opted for the all you can eat gourmet brunch at Etch where we thoroughly stuffed ourselves with some of the most delicious brunch bites I’ve had to date.

One of the most delicious ribeye’s ever!
The seafood platter…yummm…
The photo doesn’t even do the view from the Mariposa justice
Pretty much sums up our weekend! The creek setting for brunch was amazing…
My friends clowned me for being “double-fisted” with the desserts…and yes I ate every single bite. 🙂
Brunch!
My friend’s surf and turf (lobster and filet mignon)

The most unexpected but memorable highlight of the trip came at nearly the tail end and in hindsight, it should have taken place at the beginning because I needed another massage afterwards. Anyone who knows me knows I have two fears: insects and heights. I can’t say that I was ever excited about the idea of hiking, but I did want to explore Sedona and see some of the magnificent views I’d heard and read about, so I looked at it as a necessary evil when two of my girlfriends suggested we go. Little did I know, a hiking trail called Devil’s Bridge would have me stare my fear straight in the face.

When presented with two options, I selected the trail because the reviews said it offered hands down, the best photo ops. Sign me up! Let me be clear. I had NO idea what that meant. I got to what I thought was the top and jumped for joy that I had made it through my first hike without passing out or having a heart attack.

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Then I was rudely awakened to the fact that I was not at the top and I had some serious climbing left. Yes, climbing. At one point we had to use our feet, legs, core, arms and hands to pull our bodies up to what was the real top. Then nothing prepared me for what I was going to see next. Devil’s Bridge. They don’t call it that for nothing. Granted, the natural sandstone arch is not as high or as narrow as it looks, but when you’re standing on it and look out and see that you are peering down on a forest and there’s nothing on either side stopping you from plunging hundreds of feet to your death – well it’s pretty scary. But, it was a magnificent view. I can say without a shadow of doubt, I was afraid (heart beating through my chest and legs trembling), but I did it anyway…with the help of my friends, holding my hand as I gingerly stepped towards the middle of the bridge.

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Now you can understand why I was regretting getting the massage before the hike. But, I was able to reward myself with the brunch I mentioned above and a nice long dip in the hot tub afterwards, which sufficed.

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Needless to say, Sedona was in fact, a trip of a lifetime. For you Americans reading my blog I want you to know you really don’t have to go outside of the United States to see some of the greatest wonders of the world. They literally are right here in our backyard. And believe it or not, I didn’t even get to experience all there is to experience so yes, I’ll be returning. Upon my next visit, I plan to check out the famous spiritual vortexes, take a pink jeep tour, and maybe just maybe indulge in a hot air balloon ride if I want to get my heart pumping again.

There are a few things to note if you plan to take my word for it and make Sedona one of your next travel destinations. Save up some money because the best places to dine and spa are not cheap. Fly into Phoenix, rent a car, and enjoy the amazingly scenic two-hour ride to Sedona. It is useful to have a car while there. Everything literally shuts down by 9 pm so you’ll want to make sure you grab some munchies and perhaps a bottle of wine or two from the Circle K to keep you entertained until your bed time. Lastly, stay off of social media and away from the rest of the world as much as you can while you’re there. Otherwise, you’ll miss all the magic this splendid little town offers.

 

Five Reasons to Stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

I’ve been to Vegas a lot, too many times to count in fact. But for as long as I can remember (likely since it’s opening in 2010), I’ve wanted to stay at the Cosmopolitan. It’s always had this classy, sleek, elegant vibe to it and I knew I was just destined to stay there. For whatever reason, things never seemed to line up to make it happen. When I heard a business conference I wanted to attend was taking place in Vegas, the stars aligned – and Southwest Vacations was offering a great flight and hotel combo – so I jumped on the opportunity. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. I can also see why it was named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the Top Hotels in the World.

There’s a lot to love about this hotel, but I thought I would offer a different type of review from the norm and give you the top five reasons I recommend staying here. By the way, they are in no particular order.

  1. The views. Nestled smack dab in the middle of “The Strip” and next door to the infamous Bellagio Hotel, The Cosmopolitan offers literally the best views in Vegas I’ve seen to date. Now all views are not created equal throughout the hotel, but if you are blessed to be given a view of the Bellagio fountain, I’m sure you will fall in love immediately just as I did. Particularly at night, these views are magical.

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View of the Bellagio Fountain and the Vegas strip from my 30th Floor room.

In addition, I learned that the Cosmopolitan is one of the very few hotels on the Las Vegas strip that offer balcony rooms and suites. My partners had the opportunity to stay in one of the wrap around balcony suites, which offered a glorious front and center view of the Bellagio Fountain that was to die for. If you have the coins and spectacular views are at the top of your must have list when traveling, I highly recommend the balcony suites.

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View from my friend’s 64th floor suite balcony…just amazing!

  1. The pools. Because we were traveling towards the end of pool season in Vegas there was only one pool open while we were there, but that’s all we needed. This was considered to be the “relaxing” pool in the Chelsea Tower right outside the spa, which I’ll get to in a minute. There are two more pools: The Boulevard, which is slightly more “turned up” and lively, and then there’s the Marquee Pool, an extension of the famous Marquee nightclub, that apparently is all the way “lit” and hosts day parties. The Cosmopolitan describes it this way: “a vibrant beach club experience for adults. By day it exudes a lounge-like feel, while at night it transforms into an extension of the nightclub.”

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Having a little fun with my partners at the Chelsea Pool.

We were quite comfortable with the Chelsea pool and some of us even indulged in the jacuzzi. Note, there is also a pool bar that is quite lovely but be prepared to spend some cash. I paid about $35 for chips and salsa and an adult beverage. I concluded that they were charging me for the scenery as well!

  1. The restaurants. Well you know they had me at food. I’m sad I didn’t get to try all of the restaurants the hotel offers but you know I could not leave without experiencing a restaurant with the name Eggslut. Just wow. While the egg sandwich I had was quite tasty, it was my least favorite experience out of the three restaurants I experienced. And really to call it a restaurant would be giving it too much credit. You ordered your food at the cash register, picked it up from a counter, and hunted down a seat in the crowded area of small tables and chairs they provided. While I do give them an A for originality and creativity with the variety of options and serving an all-day breakfast menu, I felt it was quite overpriced.

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But The Henry and The Wicked Spoon made up for it. I quite possibly had one of the top five cheeseburgers of my life at The Henry. So much so, I couldn’t eat the whole thing due to it’s massive size, so I asked a friend to store it in her refrigerator and made sure I found a way to heat it up so I could enjoy the rest of it before I left. That’s a lot of effort for a cheeseburger but I promise, it was worth it. It was everything a cheeseburger should be and more.

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My top 5 Cheeseburger cooked perfectly and topped with provolone cheese and grilled onions…yummy!

And then there was Wicked Spoon, their buffet dining option. Buffets are tricky. They are hit and miss for me but this one was right on target! This buffet had essentially everything you could want in terms of options from breakfast to dinner, from sushi to flatbread, and a variety of pastas, freshly carved meats and veggies. I quite possibly had some of the best fried chicken (definitely top 5) in my life. On a buffet! I was shocked. And considering how much they offered and how expensive other food options in the hotel were, it was only $35. Just about the same as my chips and salsa and adult beverage (sideye).

4. The shower heads. You may think I’m odd for this one but for me, it’s really the little things that make me happy—like rainforest, high pressure rainforest shower heads. I’ve stayed in many hotels and a lot of them do not invest in shower heads. I can think of another brand that does, and that is Westin. The heavenly showerheads Westin uses, and yes that is the name of their line “heavenly”, impressed my mom so much, she bought a handful of them online so each of my family members could have them in our homes. But, I digress. Other than my shower at home, my shower experiences at The Cosmopolitan were some of my all-time favorites!

 

5. The spa. Now there’s a caveat I hate to admit. Miss Spa Queen herself missed an opportunity to get spa services on this trip. [Insert tears here.] But I did get to take a mini tour and from the reviews of my partners on the services and the full-service spa facility, it is a must have experience. Therefore, I’m going ahead and calling my missed opportunity a strategic move. This just means that I will have to return to The Cosmopolitan so I can indulge in the Sahra Spa experience for a full site inspection (smile).

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This picture doesn’t do it justice but the entrance replicates a cave with a beautiful glowing waterfall at the end of the hallway.

Review: Dîner en Blanc

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

A few weeks ago I received my first invitation to attend Dîner en Blanc (DEB). I knew what it was based on photos I would see pop up on my friends’ timeline in previous years towards the end of the summer. Or at least I thought I knew what it was. It was a huge “white party” at an outdoor location where thousands of people gathered for dinner, adult spirits, dancing and fellowship. After experiencing my first Dîner en Blanc this weekend I have to say that perception was mostly accurate. But boy is it so much more to it than that.

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Enjoying my first Dîner en Blanc experience

I thought once I received the invite, I would pay the fee, find my white outfit for the event and arrive on the designated day ready to be served and fed at this pop up outdoor restaurant. Not quite. I quickly learned that DEB is all about creating your own experience. I’ll get to what that looks like in a minute.

Upon receiving the invitation I quickly realized the exclusivity of it all. You cannot attend unless you are invited by a previous guest or someone who is defined as a group, pedestrian or table leader. You cannot just go to a web site, pay your money and participate, well unless you get on a 20K+ waitlist depending on the city. This is one of the draws of the event.

After doing some research I found that DEB originated in the late 80’s, when a French man wanted to host a dinner party but didn’t have the space. So he invited friends to a large public park in Paris and told them to wear all white, so they could identify each other. That epic idea turned into a now worldwide event in 70 cities every year. The one I attended in my hometown of Washington, D.C. is in its fourth year.

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DEB in DC 2017: Photo Courtesy of Dîner en Blanc Washington

So back to creating your own experience. After receiving the invite, I went to a web portal where I was given a list of instructions and guidelines for the event. I never knew dinner could be so complicated and detailed. But I quickly learned why. Each participant is expected to bring their own tables, chairs, linens, decorations, silverware, plates, and yes food. Wait what? Now why do I, or anyone for that matter, want to do this again? Lol. I almost declined the invitation, but something told me to try it.

I resisted the urge to complain about the whole experience because after all, I made the choice to attend – no one forced me. And since I paid my $49 to attend I was going to make the most of it. What exactly am I paying for if I have to bring literally everything, I asked myself. I read my long list of guidelines and found it covers the costs of making the event happen – permits for use of public space and amenities such as security, DJs and porta-potties, etc. Ok fine, whatever.

I opted to go the basic route. I did not buy a new outfit, I did not buy any decorations (I used what white accessories and tea light candles I could find at home), and I made a homecooked meal that would be easy to transport in a cooler I already had. Fortunately, the only thing my date and I had to buy was the tablecloth and chairs. Winning!

Now for the experience itself. I must also note that you are not informed of the location of the event until the day of the event, only the meeting location of your group. Upon learning of the location, you either have plans to walk or take public transportation. Wait, what? I’m expected to walk in my nice white outfit with tables and chairs and decorations and food? Sideye.

It actually wasn’t that bad, but there has to be some planning that goes into place on how you and your table partner are going to get all of what you need to the destination. It takes coordination for sure.

Once we arrived and got our tables set up, I must admit, it was quite an experience. I was not quite prepared to see all the ways in which people go out for this event. The incredible outfits, elaborate decorations and intricate designs of group tables were amazing. I found that it was almost as much of an art show as it was a dinner gathering.

By far the most elaborate table decorations I saw at DEB DC 2017!
My bestie Lauren designed her table beautifully

As the event was happening I finally got why the event was a draw for people. As I sat at my little table immersed in a sea of white in the middle of Pennsylvania Ave staring at the U.S. Capitol and laughed and exchanged toasts and smiles with my friends and danced around with our sparklers, I had a moment to take it all in. It was about the experience. It was beautiful. And we had created it all.

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Apparently waving of the napkins is a thing!

You also get to connect with some pretty interesting people who you may not otherwise have an opportunity to meet. I actually came across a woman who attends three to four DEB events around the world every year. She was just coming from the Baltimore DEB, which she highly recommended because it was more intimate than the D.C. event, which hosted 4,500 people this year. She was on her way to the one in Hawaii that coincided with a work trip. I can’t say that humping all of my materials around from city to city is attractive to me but hey, to each his own!

Some things to note about Dîner en Blanc, if you have the opportunity to attend.

The guidelines stated that you could not bring in outside alcohol and you are required to purchase wine at the event. But in doing so, you are subjected to an extremely long line to pick up the wine you purchased online. I stood in line for 40 minutes waiting for my wine. It made me wish I had just brought some from home, especially since security did not check our coolers going in.

If you are one of those who wants to create an elaborate table and get ideas about what to bring and the most effective way to do it, there are plenty of Pinterest profiles and suggestions within the Dîner en Blanc available for you to peruse.

I can’t say that I ever need to go back and if I do, ever be as elaborate as some of my fellow DEB participants were, but it was certainly something to experience. And if there’s anyone who’s looking to get out of their rut of doing the same ol’ thing each summer and do something different, this will certainly satisfy your appetite!

The City so Nice…

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

I’ve been to New York City too many times to count, but each time I go my goal is to have a difference experience. Even with a big city like New York, it’s easy to slip into a routine when you visit that same destination more than once, especially when you liked what you experienced the first time. You loved everything about that restaurant so you go back right? You absolutely had the time of your life when you went to that one jazz club so you revisited the experience. I get it. But the reality is, we never get to experience anything new if we don’t stray away from the comfort of what we know we like, to find something perhaps even better. That was my experience this past weekend.

The weekend started with my first stay on the Upper West Side. Most often when I’ve traveled to New York and I didn’t stay with one of my friends, I’ve stayed in a hotel in midtown Manhattan closest to the train station. This time, my traveling buddy (aka my mom) and I decided to venture off the beaten path and take the recommendation of a friend of a friend to stay at Nylo, a boutique hotel within walking distance of Central Park. (And we’re talking real walking distance, not the New Yorker’s version of walking distance.)

One of the first things I appreciated was that upon check in, the front desk clerk presented us with two complimentary drink tickets at the snazzy hotel bar. They had me at FREE. It just goes to show you that a little can take you a long way. Upon entering the room, we also noticed something very different than most of the standard rooms in which we’ve stayed in New York – it was actually pretty spacious! The rooms were also very well decorated, comfortable, and had a nice size bathroom and tub as well. The bar/lounge area reminds you of a friend’s comfy living room, complete with a chess set, and during the late night hours, you can find a small band with a vocalist crooning some of your favorite tunes. The hotel also boasts an award-winning restaurant, Serafina, which we didn’t get to try but perhaps we’ll have an opportunity on our next stay.

That night, my New Yorker friends took me to a fish bar called Crave a few blocks away. I’m typically not one for an entire meal of cold food but the salmon sashimi salad and the Whale platter, a tower of crustacean delights, was quite delicious. When in Rome, right? They serve a number of cooked items as well, including the Jamaican jerk spare ribs, which we had as an appetizer and they were quite tasty, especially with the sauce that accompanied them.

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Whale Platter

The next morning I found myself back in foodie heaven for brunch at a hidden treasure above the Museum of Arts and Design on Columbus Circle called Robert. Not only was each dish delightful in its own right (I’ll get to my lobster benedict in a moment), the beautiful décor and stunning views of the city may have me bending my own rule a little bit and returning for more. Now onto my love affair with this lobster benedict. It was so beautifully prepared on my plate, I almost didn’t want to eat it but my grumbling stomach said otherwise. It had to be one of my top benedicts of all time, and I’ve had quite a few. My dining partners loved their plates as well – endive salad with pears and apples topped with salmon and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, bagel and asparagus. Delicious!

Of course the highlight of our trip was getting to experience what we came there for – Whipped Cream, the ballet featuring Misty Copeland! Anyone who knows me well knows that I absolutely love to dance and experience it, especially live. [See Beyond the Barre] And having been a Misty Copeland fan ever since I knew she existed, it was a real treat for me to get to see her perform for the first time. Having seen a number of ballets, I can say that this was one of my favorite performances. The backdrops, the choreography, the music were all colorful and upbeat and had an overall joyful tone. In addition to Misty, who was absolutely amazing, I was also very impressed by the talented ensemble of dancers, especially the male lead. Considering Misty is only in four of the performances, you might not get to see her in this particular run but if you have a chance to check out Whipped Cream, you will not be disappointed.

We concluded our trip with a wonderful dinner at Keen’s Steakhouse, not too far from Penn Station. If you are a meat lover like me and mom, this place is for you. My mom and I opted to split the 24 oz T-bone steak, which was way more than enough for the two of us but believe it or not, they had an even larger steak and chops for couples to share. It was perfectly prepared and seasoned and the hand cut fries and green beans were the perfect complement. If you are a wine lover, they have a nice wine selection as well. Despite almost burning down the place (once with my mom’s scarf catching the flame of our table candle and the second time with my menu burning as I unknowingly held it over the flame moments later) we had an enjoyable evening lol. Hey at least we got great service because our waiter wanted to keep an eye out on us!

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Next time you’re in New York, do yourself a favor and live a little and experience some of those off the beaten path joys that make the city so nice they had to name it twice.

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Review: Grown Restaurant in Miami

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

Ever since I heard about a fast, healthy and organic food concept coming to the Miami area I was psyched about the opportunity to go. I’ve always liked the “fast” part of fast food, but the fast food options that I actually really like are few and far between. While I’m not a vegan or vegetarian or even a pescatarian, I appreciate good food that doesn’t just taste good, but is good for me as well. Needless to say, when I walked through the door and saw Grown’s motto: “Real food, cooked slow for fast people” I knew I was in the right place.

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Grown restaurant is the brainchild of Shannon Allen, the wife of former NBA star Ray Allen. Frustrated with the fast options out there, like so many others including myself, they decided to do something about it, and I’m glad they did. They pride themselves on serving organic, locally grown and nutritious ingredients and in their own words “practicing sustainability beyond the kitchen”, which is unheard of in the fast food arena. [Read their cool story HERE.) Grown opened in March of this year and according to the numerous press articles they’ve scored since then, business is booming and there’s no slowdown in sight.

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They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and there are options for just about every type of eater there is from vegan and gluten free dieters to seafood lovers and carnivores like me. My mom, who resides in Miami Beach, had been once before soon after it opened and raved about it so she was eager to join me on my first experience. She let me pick everything for both of us so I could try a number of things at once. I opted for the free range rotisserie chicken with sides of sautéed broccoli and herb roasted red bliss potatoes and ordered the grilled shrimp with sides of green beans with carmelized onions and toasted almonds and long grain rice for my mom. You could choose a sauce with your meal so I chose the herb yogurt, which went perfectly with the chicken and potatoes and the cilantro lime sauce that went well with just about everything we ate.

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Let me start by saying just about everything was delicious and seasoned to perfection! And it only took about 5-10 minutes from the time we ordered our food until our order was ready. My absolute favorite item was the green beans and I loved pairing the sauces with the sides as well as the proteins. My one disappointment was the long grain rice. I was expecting some type of snazzy wild or different type of grain rice but it was just plain ole white rice and didn’t seem to have much seasoning on it. But that’s not stopping me from going back. There are so many other yummy treats left for me to try.

In addition to the full meal options like we had (which also can be ordered family style feeding up to four people), they have a generous assortment of wraps, salads, soups, sandwiches, gluten-free baked goods, cold-pressed juices and smoothies. You can opt to eat in like we did, inside the restaurant or at one of the communal tables on the outdoor patio, or you can take advantage of the take-out or drive-thru options. I also absolutely loved how they have an “almost grown” menu and a little play station for the kiddies complete with interactive tablets to keep them occupied while the adults try to eat in peace.

Last but not least, while Grown may be an alternative to your normal fast food options from a timing perspective, don’t expect it to compete with the fast food boys from a cost perspective. Considering all of Grown’s ingredients are USDA-certified organic and sourced mainly from organic farms in South Florida, it is not cheap. The meal prices range from $12 – $25 per person. With drinks, our order came up to $48 total for lunch. I believe it was worth every penny, but sadly I couldn’t afford to eat like that every day.

Even with the elevated price point for fast food options, I believe Grown is well worth a visit. It really is in a class all by itself because most of their food options are still cheaper than many of the sit down restaurant options you’ll find in the Miami area, and I’ve been to many of them. When you visit, be sure to drop me a line to let me know what you thought of it…that is, if you don’t see me at the counter next to you!

As a lover of quotes, I adore the quotes they have strategically placed around the restaurant.

 

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