I'm going to break this into chunks because a proper recap seems terribly daunting at the moment. From the weather, to the food, to the art and the activities, it really was the ideal weekend away. Our hotel was lovely, our time was spent on things that seemed rewarding and our bellies were consistently full.
It's really the best city I've been to. I'm reminded each time I return. Sure, it's totally a pain in the ass, but I guess I feel like that pain is related to the very risk of walking down the street (you may be runover at any moment) but as they say "with great risk, comes great reward."
So, where to start with a proper recap? Well, food of course.
I of course cannot cover each and every bite and meal (although I'm tempted!) so let's note some of the highlights.
First of all, so many restaurants seem all about the return to Americana and things that seem "old." Gone are the days of modern sleek minimalism and here are the rickety wood floors and taxidermy on the walls of poorly lit rooms. I see this a bit in Chicago, but it was nearly everywhere in NYC. This was problematic in the picture taking process, but I was able to sneak a few.
August
Yum, Yum, Yum. This was certainly one of the tastiest meals in my book. Despite our reservations we had to wait a bit to sit in the back room, which is glass enclosed and gives the impact of sitting outside. But, with a glass of wine in hand the tiny kitchen in plain view the wait was not even remotely a bother. The charm of the restaurant certainly benefited the delicious food. Thanks to my friend Tim for this rec.
Stumptown at the Ace
Lucky for us, each morning we were able to satiate our grandest coffee desires by just walking downstairs and indulging in the Portland standard Stumptown Coffee. As you may or may not know, I'm a bit obsessed with my morning coffee, so this was a real treat. I was also surprised to so thoroughly enjoy my first piece of glazed french toast (pictured above.) Now isn't that a delicious idea?
Freemans
Scott and I hit up this duly recommended spot for lunch after a hot day of shopping. Tucked down a seemingly secret alley way, this was a charm to sit in and sip my cinnamon lemonade. I had a bit of a mishap with my salad (an uninvited guest was living in it) but I won't go into detail about that because I still left feeling pleased by the experience. (Note the taxidermy!)
Ace Hotel Bar
I'm not going to lie, this glass of whiskey was terribly overpriced, but we were on vacation and when one is on vacation one is often willing to pay a bit more for things like a glass of whiskey. That being said, being able to sit comfortably in the hotel lounge and sip away while interesting people mingled about the atmosphere was enjoyable andworth the extra money. I could see myself stopping in everyone in a while to enjoy a drink.
Pates et Traditions
Sunday, before we returned to our windy city (mostly muggy) we met up with my dear friend Paul who pointed us in the strategic direction of crepes in Brooklyn. These were awesome. The restaurant was kitschy and cute, but the food was outstanding. This was the perfect brunch treat.
Ok! Also of note Momofuku Noodle Bar. At the risk of not enjoying any meal without a camera, I left mine at home for this meal, but wow! We headed this direction at the recommendation of two independent sources. Thanks to each as we enjoyed every noodley bite of this delicious meal. The 45 minute wait was just enough to explore the neighborhood, have a drink and then take our seat to some delicious kimchi.
Fig and Olive was the result of no reservation and a bit too much wandering. At first glance, this place was tool bag central. We even overheard a waiter talking about his deep meditation session after his workout that morning. But, you know what? The food was delish. I had this zucchini carpaccio that I will definitely make at home.
Not bad for four days, eh?
It's really the best city I've been to. I'm reminded each time I return. Sure, it's totally a pain in the ass, but I guess I feel like that pain is related to the very risk of walking down the street (you may be runover at any moment) but as they say "with great risk, comes great reward."
So, where to start with a proper recap? Well, food of course.
I of course cannot cover each and every bite and meal (although I'm tempted!) so let's note some of the highlights.
First of all, so many restaurants seem all about the return to Americana and things that seem "old." Gone are the days of modern sleek minimalism and here are the rickety wood floors and taxidermy on the walls of poorly lit rooms. I see this a bit in Chicago, but it was nearly everywhere in NYC. This was problematic in the picture taking process, but I was able to sneak a few.
August
Yum, Yum, Yum. This was certainly one of the tastiest meals in my book. Despite our reservations we had to wait a bit to sit in the back room, which is glass enclosed and gives the impact of sitting outside. But, with a glass of wine in hand the tiny kitchen in plain view the wait was not even remotely a bother. The charm of the restaurant certainly benefited the delicious food. Thanks to my friend Tim for this rec.
Stumptown at the Ace
Lucky for us, each morning we were able to satiate our grandest coffee desires by just walking downstairs and indulging in the Portland standard Stumptown Coffee. As you may or may not know, I'm a bit obsessed with my morning coffee, so this was a real treat. I was also surprised to so thoroughly enjoy my first piece of glazed french toast (pictured above.) Now isn't that a delicious idea?
Freemans
Scott and I hit up this duly recommended spot for lunch after a hot day of shopping. Tucked down a seemingly secret alley way, this was a charm to sit in and sip my cinnamon lemonade. I had a bit of a mishap with my salad (an uninvited guest was living in it) but I won't go into detail about that because I still left feeling pleased by the experience. (Note the taxidermy!)
Ace Hotel Bar
I'm not going to lie, this glass of whiskey was terribly overpriced, but we were on vacation and when one is on vacation one is often willing to pay a bit more for things like a glass of whiskey. That being said, being able to sit comfortably in the hotel lounge and sip away while interesting people mingled about the atmosphere was enjoyable andworth the extra money. I could see myself stopping in everyone in a while to enjoy a drink.
Pates et Traditions
Sunday, before we returned to our windy city (mostly muggy) we met up with my dear friend Paul who pointed us in the strategic direction of crepes in Brooklyn. These were awesome. The restaurant was kitschy and cute, but the food was outstanding. This was the perfect brunch treat.
Ok! Also of note Momofuku Noodle Bar. At the risk of not enjoying any meal without a camera, I left mine at home for this meal, but wow! We headed this direction at the recommendation of two independent sources. Thanks to each as we enjoyed every noodley bite of this delicious meal. The 45 minute wait was just enough to explore the neighborhood, have a drink and then take our seat to some delicious kimchi.
Fig and Olive was the result of no reservation and a bit too much wandering. At first glance, this place was tool bag central. We even overheard a waiter talking about his deep meditation session after his workout that morning. But, you know what? The food was delish. I had this zucchini carpaccio that I will definitely make at home.
Not bad for four days, eh?
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