My Grandmother, The Epitome of Glamour!

My love for all things stylish can be attributed to one woman, my grandmother. She is truly the epitome of glamour. I blogged about her at the Q--check it out!

Austin--Who knew?

I visited a psychic last year who told me that I would travel southwest. Could be New Mexico, Arizona, somewhere in the southwest. I thought to myself "uhh huh" as I gave her the "whatever you say" look. I'm thinking tropical islands so why on earth would I return to the desert when I'd already been to Santa Fe and Sedona? I thought I'd fulfilled that quota.

Well...less than a year later wouldn't you know it I found myself in Austin, Texas. The weather was h-e-l-l hot. But the vibe was cool and laid back.  I experienced a bit of culture shock. For an east coast girl who's used to a fast pace and city grime Austin was literally a breath of fresh air. I visited Barton Springs Pool where everyone frolics in the fresh warm water from the Barton Creek. For six bucks you can ride the kiddy train around the park and see joggers, canoers, and swimmers. The city is pro energy, nutrition and fitness. It's the birthplace of Whole Foods Market. The ginormous, well stocked, beautifully merchandised location on Lamar puts all others to shame. 

You can't talk about Austin without mentioning music. It's known as the live music capital of the U.S. I checked out a honky tonk band, and matching dancers, at the Continental Club, listened to a jam session at the Elephant Room and got entranced in some deep bass electronica at a joint on Sixth street. I must say I felt much more evolved and cool for having stepped out of my little comfort zone. Ha!

As far as food goes you can expect a lot of tex-mex. But if you want a more upscale alternative check out South Congress Cafe--loved the cool exposed brick and concrete floors. The calamari was tender and not overly fried. Walk down the street, pass cool clothing shops and home furnishing stores, to Guero's Taco Bar for a good mango margarita and grilled veggie entree. The portions were very generous. You can eat outside while taking in the action on SoCo. That's South Congress to all the locals.

Yea Mon

I went to Jamaica for the first time a couple weeks ago. It was a brief trip--two days--but I managed to pack a lot in my stay at the Iberostar Rosehall Suites in Montego Bay.

As the name implies the I.R. Suites is an all suites all-inclusive hotel. It's literally the middle child located between the Iberostar Grand (Luxury, Adults Only) and Iberostar Beaches (Family). After a twenty minute ride from the airport, I was welcomed by friendly staff and a complimentary drink upon arrival. Although it's a family resort it was pretty quiet, which I loved. I do like kids, but from a distance...is that mean?

First thing I like to do after settling in my room is explore the hotel so I know the layout. The internet cafe is open 24 hours. I didn't have to wait for a computer but even if I did there was a pool table, board games, books, and loud 80s tunes to keep me entertained. The gym is located next to the spa. It was clean and there was a variety of machines to choose from. However, it was humid (ick) and lacked an enjoyable view (sorry but the tv and concrete wall didn't do it for me.) I joined other resort guests in the large theater for their nightly entertainment. The faux Las Vegas showgirl and silly comedy routines were as cheesy as I expected. BUT as they say, "if you can't beat `em join `em," so I participated in ONE line dance with some other brave souls. It was quite hilarious.

A thing about eating at all inclusive resorts. You usually end up eating more than you expect even if you have no intention on doing so. The buffets scream "try me! try me!" Expect to gain a few pounds just by looking at the food. There are four international a la carte restaurants to choose from which require reservations. I ate at the international buffet, which you know I usually don't like, but I was with a group, so I went along. I became instant friends with the whitefish and plantains (uh, yum) and mangos (soooo sweet and delicious)!

I enjoy Bob Marley and realize his importance in Jamaican culture as well as music history. But, I know this is sacrilegious to say, I was relieved not to hear another "One Love" or "Jammin" song once I hit U.S. soil. I think part of me was craving a more authentic Jamaican experience where you not only meet "real" Jamaicans but you mingle with and get a true sense of their culture. I'm amazed by how international Jamaica is. The mostly African population is mixed with people of Asian, Spanish, and Indian descent. The colors of the flag represent the the country's legacy, history and agriculture--Yellow (the sun) Black (the peoples struggle) and Green (the land). Vacationing within the walls of any resort is great for chillin' out, grazing the day away, and enjoying yourself. But if you want a more cultural experience you have to find a trustworthy guide, make friends with the locals, venture out, use common sense and of course, have fun. I plan on going back to find out more about the legendary White Witch of Rose Hall.

English translation: "Where are you going?"

Patois translation: "Wher gwan?"

English translation: "Great", "Good", "Fine"

Patois translation: "Ire"

English translation: "Yup", "Yeah" ,"I agree"

Patois translation: "Yea Mon"

Iberostar Rosehall Suites

Montego Bay, Jamaica

1-876-680-0000

www.iberostar.com

White Witch of Rose Hall

Montego Bay, Jamaica

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Witch_(of_Rose_Hall)

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.

 ~Spencer Johnson

Confession Time

So it's been a minute since my last post. And I feel a little guilty about it. In fact I was trying to come up with some excuses to tell you (whoever you are, thanks for reading, please come back) but came up with none. At least nothing that was worth posting-- unless you count getting caught up with work demands, dealing with a leaking car trunk for two weeks, being emotionally, mentally, physically exhausted as acceptable excuses. 

You can probably tell by now that I'm a straightforward gal and I like to share my experiences raw, with no preservatives. Blogging has become a new passion of mine. It's an extension of journaling which I've been doing since puberty. There's an internal tug of war occurring in my mind between saying what I mean and meaning what I say while being somewhat entertaining and informative.  I hope you'll stick around while I try to navigate this thing called life. The journey has been unpredictable so far.

Cajun for Wimps

At first glance one (that being me) who can't handle spicy, cajun or blackened anything would say it wasn't too smart going to the High Street Cafe in West Chester. But that one (again, me) would be wrong. The High Street is a funky restaurant located at the end of the main drag in downtown WC. The cuisine is gourmet cajun and creole style and it's the only restaurant of it's kind in the area.

I forced myself to not to eat more than one slice of the warm bread and seasoned butter before my entree. That took major willpower. I had the cajun popcorn shrimp caesar salad minus the cheese with the dressing on the side. I must not have minded that it packed a little punch because I nearly cleaned the plate. The key lime pie was made fresh by Kevin, our friendly waiter. I'm a key lime pie connoisseur and I have to say this was real key lime pie. It was ridiculous i.e. good as heyl, key lime pie... Okay I'm off the key lime pie soapbox.

But don't just go there for the zesty food and wine. The staff is efficient and attentive. Donny Syracuse, the charming former rock band member and owner will greet you with a warm smile and make sure you're enjoying your meal. Dave Manley, acoustic jazz guitarist, will play some creative interpretations of familiar and not so familiar melodies that will make your experience as lively as your tastebuds.

Call for reservations, especially on the weekend. It gets packed.

The High Street Caffe

322 S. High Street

West Chester PA 19382

610-696-7435

highstreetcaffe.com

Let the Water Run

Had brunch on Sunday afternoon at the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge. The weather was perfect for sitting under the canopy eating alfresco with Boathouse Row, across the Schuykill River, as the backdrop. Not a fan of buffets in general but this was special. I had lunchbr--started with lunch then worked my way back to breakfast. The salmon medallion with mesclun salad was so tasty it didn't need the balsamic dressing I was looking for. Shared what I think was the best belgium waffle I've ever tasted (ever) with my mother. I made up for that other half by indulging in petite fours and of course the obligatory mimosa. I was a very happy girl.

The eclectic group of diners included a small group of middle aged gay men, a European couple, and a Middle Eastern family of five. The staff was most hospitable even as they prepared for a wedding of 300 later that day.

Meeting the owner, Michael Karloutsos, was a treat. He was down to earth as he gave a brief history of the major restoration of Water Works from its previous life as a watering system, aquarium and public pool to the picturesque romantic vision it is today.

The experience was so memorable I tried to recreate it on Tuesday night. Dinner started off with a mediterranean plate of pita slices with hummus, olive tapenade and feta (too salty for my taste); followed by wild mushroom risotto and sauteed spinach. Deeeee-lish!

A stroll along Kelly Drive or visit to the Philadelphia Art Museum are a just few steps away.

The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge

640 Water Works Drive

Philadelphia PA 19130

215-236-9000

thewaterworksrestaurant.com

Great restaurants are, of course, nothing but mouth-brothels.  There is no point in going to them if one intends to keep one's belt buckled.  ~Frederic Raphael

The Tria Trifecta. Good. Food. Wine.

I finally checked out Tria after years of walking right by it. It's a wine, cheese and beer cafe located off Rittenhouse Square, Philly's posh spot to see and be seen. I met a friend there at 5pm for drinks and light fare.

Usually a light menu has me squirming in my chair mentally planning my "real" meal as soon as I leave. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying and yummy the food was. To start with I had Goat Cheese, Roasted Garlic and Pesto Bruschetta. Then I had a salad with Arugula, Beets, Goat Cheese, Crushed Almonds and Balsamic Vinaigrette. I was impressed by the varied and unpredictable wine menu that perfectly compliments the vittles. Two glasses of Bodega Benegas Malbec, off the "Bold Red" menu, were smooth and delightful. I (reluctantly) shared the Nutella Panino and Tria cookie plate--mmmm.

The vibe was cool and energetic. Completely unpretentious. A little noisy--so you might have to lean in when conversing. It's a small place that gets busy quickly.I suggest getting there early for a good seat because they don't accept reservations. I went on a weeknight and was amazed by how crowded it was by the time we left. Prices were reasonable. Most items are $10 and below. My friend and I split the bill which was around $45 for each person.

I'm definitely going back for more. Might even check out the Sunday wine school.

Tria

triacafe.com

Rittenhouse Square * 18th & Sansom Streets * 215-972-TRIA

Washington Square West * 12th & Spruce Streets * 215-629-9200

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.  Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.  ~Mark Twain

Lusting for Dubai.

Why? 

• Dubai. I like the way it sounds. 
• The Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan 15-Feb 15).
• Drinks at The Rooftop. 
• Rest at the Shangri-La hotel.
• ...A girl can dream.