It's been 3 years since I started working in the food industry-so crazy to think about! My passion for food, baking, and anything related to dark chocolate and caramel is what led me to study the pastry arts and follow my dream of working in professional kitchens. Ironically, I never really go out to eat anymore! I've had a growing list of restaurants to visit in Boston-and beyond! I was lucky enough to get a few days off a few months back to spend some time in New York and make it a point to eat at my favorite places, as well as try some new ones I've been drooling over from foodie Instagram photos. It was a food-centered trip, and for that I was beyond grateful.

I visited my old neighborhood in Brooklyn Heights. I fell in LOVE with Brooklyn Heights when I first moved there to attend pastry school. I can honestly say it is one of the most charming places I've ever been to-it is a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets, beautiful historic brownstones, and cute coffee shops.

 

 

 

 

The Brooklyn Promenade xoxo

Williamsburg for lunch at ROBERTAS....

 



 

 



Possibly the best wood-oven pizza we've ever had...the chewy crust, that charred flavor, those FRESH toppings...ohmygod.

Dinner with friends at MOMOFUKU

 



Afternoon break at CAFE SABARSKY for some old-world charm and Viennese Pastries

Decadent night out at DEL POSTO (photos didn't turn out that great but the experience here is unforgettable)

~BIRTHDAY POST~

 

I've always loved celebrating birthdays, whether it be my friends', family, or my own! I usually plan a big night out every year, gather my best friends, and go somewhere fun, starting with a great dinner and usually ending with dancing. This year, I decided to keep things more low-key, as it's hard with my schedule working in the restaurant industry. And also because I just wanted to take a break from planning anything. I tend to make to-do lists every day, make plans far in advance for everything, and just try to micro-manage my life. I have to remind myself that it's important to be able to reflect on things every now and then and go with the flow.

 

I did have a wonderful dinner with my loving boyfriend and amazing parents at this AH-MAZING Steak House! Boston Chops is the perfect place to go with a group for a night out or to bring out-of-town guests. It really has that big city feel, with high ceilings and a stunning glass wine room. If you're into old-school cocktails, like me, try the Manhattan and definitely go with the NY steak and pair it with the side of herbed mushrooms. Of course, I had to get dessert because my favorite thing ever was surprisingly on their menu-Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was perfect.

 



Chocolate Heaven

When I turned 10, my mom and grandmother took me and a friend to a...wait for it....chocolate dessert buffet. I still remember to this day helping myself to more than several cups of chocolate mousse, among other treats. Pastry chef already in the making! As if I'm not around desserts enough, I joined a friend on a recent Saturday afternoon at the Langham Hotel in Boston to basically re-live my 10th birthday. Cafe Fleuri features an exclusive dessert bar that has everything from chocolate treats, cotton candy, a chocolate fondue bar, and crepes made to order. The room was a disappointment (we felt like we were sitting down to a continental breakfast at a courtyard Marriot). But for all-you can-eat desserts, you can't complain. The marjolaine was especially impressive, as I  fully appreciate how time-consuming it is to make. And the orange pot de cremes were so decadent! It's not too late to try the desserts-the chocolate bar is open from September to June every Saturday. It's really the perfect way to spend a day with girlfriends.

Go: Cafe Fleuri, Langham Hotel, Boston, MA

When: Saturdays, From September to June,  11-3 pm

Perfect for: Girlfriend outings, birthday parties, bridal parties

Weekend in Connecticut

Working in the city is something I've always been fond of. I love the energy of the city and walking every morning by my favorite shops and sights. I'm a city girl and always will be. But- a weekend in the country is greatly needed every so often. It recharges me and helps remind me that it's OK to slow down! My very dear grandmother lives in Connecticut so I'm lucky I can visit whenever. But if you ever have a weekend or even time for a day trip, Litchfield, CT, is lovely to visit. It's a picturesque New England town surronded by rolling hills and farms. I stopped by my favorite boutiques, flower shop, and even had time to pay a special visit to a dairy farm for some ice cream!

Flowers outside the flower shop. Inside you can find other plants and even unique terrariums.

Remembering to stop and smell the flowers. Something I seldom do in my busy work week.

 Inside the Arethusa Farm Dairy store in nearby Bantam, CT. Clean and simple display. The all-white interior makes the perfect statement for a dairy shop that sells the freshest, simplest products!

Simple menus are always the best menus.

Fresh Cheese and Ice Cream to take home! I'm loving the pink cartons!

 

 

 My favorite boutique in CT. Oliphant is a great place to find colorful jewelery, unique gifts, textiles, and furniture.

 

 I love this modern living look! A little quirky, yet still sophisticated.

 Those antlers, from Africa, are on my wish-list for home decor. They lay perfect on a table, but I'm thinking of getting some to hang on a large empty wall.

 

 

 

 

GO: Litchfield, CT

 

SHOP:  White Flower Farm

             

             Lawrence Jeffret Estate Jewelers

             

             Oliphant

 

EAT:    At The Corner for lunch

             

             Arethusa Farm Dairy for homemade ice cream. I suggest the coconut with dark chocolate chunks!

               

 

 

 

 



 





-Neighborhood Spot-
 The Blue Ox
 for Upscale American Comfort

 

 

Want classy sophistication without heading into Boston? Also want an incredible burger with an inventive cocktail? Blue Ox, located in Lynn on the Northshore, has just that. Blue Ox is a gem! It's cozy, yet modern and sophisticated, with award-winning entrees and a unique list of cocktails. The award-winning Blue Ox Burgers are perfectly sized 1/4 lb. burgers on golden brioche buns. Aside from the applewood smoked bacon, the best part about this burger is when you take that first bite and the gorgonzola dolce slowly oozes out from the center. It's really a beautiful thing. I suggest trying one of the cocktails (I had the Old Meets New Fashioned)which reminded me of Mad Men. But that house-infused bacon bourbon with maple bitters may have to happen next time!  

SB *Restaurant Picks*

The Blue Ox

191 Oxford St., Lynn, MA 01901

 Drink: The Old meets New Fashioned (whiskey, muddled orange & cherry, maraschino liqueur)

 Eat: Baked Stuffed Brie, Chop Salad, The Blue Ox Burgers, Herb Roasted Chicken 

 Perfect for: Date night, special occasion, cozy & intimate dining.

 

 

 Sunday Brunch: Scratch Kitchen

 

I almost forgot how nice Sundays can be-sleeping in after a late-night, lazily lounging around the table with the paper spread out, coffee brewing. Then going out for Brunch. I adore brunch. I could do brunch every day.

 The thing about brunch is that it really shouldn't be complicated. It should just happen. No one wants to wait in a long line with a hangover. You shouldn't have to travel more than 30 minutes away from home. And the food has to be hearty and plentiful because this really can be THE meal of the day.

Last Sunday, with family and boyfriend, I picked Scratch Kitchen in Salem for my long overdue Sunday Brunch. Scratch is a great new find that focuses on local, farm-fresh ingredients. The house- cured bacon (which I tried and loved!) is featured in several dishes and they make their own condiments. The eclectic menu features dishes such as baked beans on bacon-scented cornbread  and herb pesto scrambled eggs. The service was friendly, hospitable, and kept the coffee coming. Small neighborhood feel with a serious take on sunday's favorite meal of the day.

SB *Restaurant Picks*

Go: Scratch Kitchen (Salem, MA)

Try: The Bacon Benedict, Breakfast pizza (not on the menu) and Green eggs and ham w/ some Goat.

Perfect for: family, friends, and bacon lovers.

 

 

Eggs Benedict

The Hat of the Matter

• Happy Saturday! Looking for some fashion inspiration? Visit the special exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in downtown Salem, MA. It features countless hats and fascinators! Remember Sarah Jessica Parker's whimsical butterfly fascinator on the red carpet?! It's here!