B&H Photo

So if you have read Pam’s great tips on things to look for when buying a camera, you probably have thought about which camera to buy.   Now that you have asked yourself some good questions and are possibly ready to buy something, I wanted to share with you a great tip that you may not know about.  BandH Photo in New York City has a fantastic used/refurbished camera department.   They sell everything from lenses to bodies, you name it they have it.  

Now, they may not have the specific camera/lense you are looking for, but it isn’t a bad place to start.  Maybe you weren’t prepared to spend a whole lot on a brand new camera but wanted to upgrade from your pocket point and shoot, or you wanted to try a new lense for your slr.  They people who work there are EXTREMELY knowledgeable and can help you with your every need.  I ended up buying a lense for my Nikon film camera  (a 28-200) and I got it for $99.   (Yes that is also because I am a little old fashioned and like shooting in film) You can’t beat that!  And I love it!

BandH is also great when you are buying a new camera.  I have to say, there is nothing better than having a staff that knows everything about cameras.  And they do.  Now that you have read Pam’s postings, you have a better idea about your specific wants, so when you go to BandH, the staff can guide you through the different makes and models to get the one that will suit you the best for the best price.  I personally like Nikon and Canon the best, but when I bought the Canon Powershot G10, I went to BandH.  The man talked me through all the models and told me what to expect from each.  At the end I spent $100 more than I had planned, but I am so happy with my camera.  Their reputation is excellent and you will see why.  You can order from them on-line, but it is worth the trip if you ever find yourself in New York City to go there and experience it for yourself.

Pillars of the Earth

I love history and I love historical fiction.  When I go to Europe I love visiting huge cathedrals and castles built centuries ago.  I now appreciate these beautiful pieces of architecture even more after reading “Pillars of the Earth”, by Ken Follet.  If you like historical fiction you will want to add this to the top of your reading list.  That said, “Pillars of the Earth” is a huge book.  There is no getting around it.  If you are thinking about taking it on vacation you will absolutely want to have a Kindle a Nook or an ipad.  Or check an extra bag because it just might be heavier than your suitcase.   I read all 1100 pages in a week.   I couldn't put it down.  One of my friends asked me if I was carrying around the bible.  But I didn't want to miss any opportunity to read a few pages.

The story takes you back to 1123 where we follow the stories of Philip, prior of Kingsbridge who has the dream of building the greatest Gothic Cathedral of all time, Tom who is the mason who becomes his architect and Lady Aliena, the woman who holds a shameful secret.  This is an epic novel that will follow their lives and hold you spellbound for the duration.  Then when you finish that you can move on to the sequel, “World Without End” which will take you 200 years into the future to this same town of Knightsbridge to see the future of this cathedral and the town’s inhabitants.  If you like historical fiction at all, GO GET THIS BOOK.  Oprah said it first and I have to reiterate, this is an amazing book!  It will not disappoint.

Handmade gifts in Boston

I am continually talking about how I love to find that unique thing when I go travelling that will make me remember my trip.  I also love finding gifts for other people for their birthdays or holidays that are special.  Even better if they are made by a local artist.  Well, when I was in Boston last week, I found a store that had so many beautiful, unique things I almost needed a shopping cart to get home.  Gifted (on the corner of Tremont and Dartmouth) is a fabulous store that carries just about everything you could want.

Handblown glass, gorgeous pashminas, jewelry, handbags and more.  Many things in the store are made by local artists, but there are also pieces from Africa, Mexico and other countries around the world.  It is really a fantastic little store with prices that are nice to your wallet.  Christmas is coming and soon we will all be in that frenzied shopping mode, but if you shop at Gifted your holiday gift getting might just be a little easier and more rewarding.  You can also visit them online.  Of course don't be surprised if you end up buying something for yourself.  You just might not be able to resist!
2 Dartmouth St.
603-494-8391

Happy Thanksgiving!

Join us tomorrow for another travel story.  In the meantime enjoy your day, eat lots and wear loose fitting clothes.

B&G Oysters ROCKS!

Being a native of Bostonian, I am extremely picky about my lobster.  If it hasn't come from the cold cold waters of Maine or Massachussetts, then it probably isn't going to be sweet and tender enough for me.  I had heard that the lobster roll at BandG Oysters in the South End was the best in town, so I went to see for myself.

The rumors are true.  They are amazing!  The key to a great lobster roll is that it should have tons of lobster meat (it did), very light mayo so as not to overpower the taste of the lobster (check), and the lobster itself should be tender and sweet (it was - SO SWEET).

I was tempted to get the lobster BLT, but I wanted to check out the original before going for the twist.  I couldn't have been happier.  I even ate the hot dog bun, which I never do because they are normally not very good.  Not this one!  It was a scrumptious brioche bread bun.  All buttery and delicious.  Yum!

BandG Oyster (as you would expect from the name) also has some of the most fantastic fresh oysters anywhere.  They change daily and they have a pretty large selection which includes both East and West Coast oysters.

I sat at the bar where there is lots of room to eat.  There are several tables as well, but the restaurant is fairly small and cozy.  For me, sitting at the bar is great because you actually get to see them making all the food.  I saw so much that I have to go back and try.  The staff is extremely knowledgeable and really friendly.  They will also help you pair wine with your food if you like.  If you like seafood and are in the Boston area, you owe it to yourself to go to BandG Oyster.  You will feel like you are eating the catch of the day right out of the net.
BandG Oysters 550 Trement Street
617-423-0550

Italian tapas in an upper west side gem

I think one of things that I enjoyed most about going to Barcelona was the tapas bars.  It is really nice to go with a friend or 2 and taste a bunch of things and still not feel overly full like we so often do here in the states.  At Salumeria Rosi that is what you will get; the Italian style tapas.  They have an AMAZING selection of Italian wine and cheeses that will knock your socks off.  It is small and cozy, yet sophisticated.    

We started with a sette fagioli (a 7 bean salad in a light dressing).  All the portions are small so we each got just enough that we didn’t feel to full.  We then had a chickpea crostini with 

broccoli rabe and a Torta di porri (A leek torte with pancetta and parmegano reggiano).  Both were exquisite.  Next we had a farrottto del risotto ( a risotto that is made with faro instead of the traditional risotto rice with pumpkin and sunflower seeds) that was to die for.

And unlike getting a risotto for yourself, it didn’t make you feel like you needed to walk 7 miles home before you could lie down because it was small and you split it!  We then finished with a selection of meats and cheeses.  

Salumeria Rosi is small, but they do take reservations.  I suggest making one, especially if you are planning on making a trip on the busier Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings.  The atmosphere is delightful and the servers very knowledgeable and friendly.  It is a slice out of an Italy (plus you won’t have to deal with the weekend crowds of Eataly to get some authentic Italian food).  If you are looking to see where the Upper West Siders eat, then hit Salumeria Rosi.  You will get to taste a lot, not spend a fortune and have a great meal! 

Languages on the go

While there is nothing out there that can take the place of a language class with a teacher to help you learn, I discovered there is a great alternative for people on the go who just don't have time for a class.  I found Pimsleur language tapes to be extremely useful.  

I have only gone through the first level, but I did find the tapes really helped me with the stuff that I would want to know when on vacation. There was a lot of focus on pronunciation.   It will require you to speak out loud, so all you really need is a place where you can do that.  You are not supposed to do it for more than a half hour a day, so you can do it in the car or while you are getting ready in the morning.  It is just learning made easy and a half hour a day is very manageable.   Again, I will say that there is no substitute for having a real live teacher, but if time is something you just don’t have, Pimsleur is a fantastic tool.  The CD's are also available at many libraries.

It’s all Greek to me…or at least it used to be.

I used to be almost fluent in Spanish.  I took 6 years of it between junior high and high school and now it is sort of sad that I can’t put sentences together very well.  When I went to Spain in the spring I was surprised by how much came back to me.  I had been talking about taking a Spanish class for years, but I didn’t get around to it.   Well I vowed that before going to Italy this year I was going to take Italian and learn some of the basics.  I had been looking into a class for a couple of months but hadn’t committed to anything.  Then one day in my Daily Candy email, I found a special deal for foreign language classes at Idlewild Bookstore (a bookstore dedicated to all things about travel).  I felt it was a sign and I registered for Italian. 

The class was fantastic.  It was a small class, it takes place in the back of the store and my teacher was Italian.  They offer classes in Italian, Spanish & French with classes in all levels from beginning to advanced.   It is a great way to learn a new language.  You get a lot of individual attention with the focus being on speaking the language.  If you have ever wanted to take a language class and have been putting it off like me, stop procrastinating and sign up!  It will be some of the most fun you have had in a long time.  Maybe I will see you there. (25% off for early registration)

12 West 19th St.

212-414-8888

Gaslight in Boston is a winner!

If you want to feel as though you have just arrived in the best French bistro in Paris with the most charming atmosphere, then Gaslight in the South End is for you.  It also happens to be where the opening scene of “Knight and Day” with Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise is shot.  Start off by going to the bar and enjoying one of the magnificent cocktails that are as lively as the canary yellow dress Cameron Diaz wore. 

I had the Pierrot (Vodka, Aperol, St. Germain, & Lemon Juice, served in a martini glass).  I feel like it just might be the new Cosmo.  


Sadly, I forgot my camera, so there is no photographic representation of the amazing meal I enjoyed.  However, I have managed to get some pictures from the restaurant so you will get a good idea of how amazing the food looks.  Chris Robins is the chef there and I can tell you from having worked at and eaten at some of the top restaurants in New York City, he is cream of the crop.  Top Chef or Iron Chef or whatever other chef shows there are need to have him on it!


For starters, I am truly obsessed with the French onion soup.  It is the BEST French onion soup I ever had.  I am still kind of dreaming about it and will certainly go back for more next time I am in Boston.  I will assume that part of why it is so good is because it is prepared with braised beef short ribs and truffles.  It was RIDICULOUS!  After that I had some of the freshest seared scallops I can remember having since I was in Cape Cod last summer. 

 I assume they were wild because they melted in my mouth and had that fresh off the boat taste.  It was served with a celery root puree, mushrooms and truffle vinaigrette.  I was between that and the Organic Salmon, but opted to go for something I don’t normally eat.  (The server told me that the salmon they serve is the only organic salmon in the world.  It comes from Scotland where they have farm-raised fish that is fed wild shrimp – which is what they eat – there is no dye added, they are merely recreating the wild atmosphere without tampering with the fish, so therefore it is organic.  Who knew?).  My friend had the cassoulet that was so good it would have had Julia Childs begging for the recipe.  We finished the meal with the coconut cake served with mint-simple syrup that was to die for.
I love Paris and French Bistros, but if I can’t be in Paris, it is good to know that I can eat at Gaslight!

Pamela on Cameras: How to choose the brand that is right for you

Ok, we've gone over the digital camera basics.  By now you should have a pretty good idea about what features you want.  But what about brands? Should you aim directly for a particular brand of camera, to be sure you get the best?  Is there a best brand of camera? Well, maybe there is a best one for you--if you take the time and patience to look at the tremendous variety available, you may find that one brand suits you better than another--it feels more comfortable in your hands or has a feature set that you like a lot. For example, some digital cameras can now record video clips, which may be very handy for some travelers! A number of companies have entered the digital camera market, some of which expanded into the field after years of producing film cameras and lenses. Most offer a whole spectrum of choices, from a tiny p&s to a hefty pro model costing many thousands of dollars. There are two well-established brands that rise above the rest in terms of quality and prestige, Canon and Nikon. Each of these has countless fans, who are prepared en masse to defend their favorites at considerable length, and do, if given half an opportunity!. Most serious photographers are either "Nikonians "or "Canonians".Both are wonderful choices; you simply can't go wrong with either one. Other brands that are more recent entries into the market, but who have their proponents as well, are Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic and Kodak. The pros and cons are different with each brand (look at issues like customer service and repair statistics, for example) but you can get very nice pictures with all of them. It's just up to you to learn how to get the most out of your camera.

 One more suggestion--as you share photos with other traveling friends, ask them about their cameras, especially if their pictures look good to you. Try to home in on their skill levels, and find out how they chose their cameras and whether or not they are happy with the results. Take a picture if you can! Conversations like this can provide you with some valuable shortcuts!

 So get out your calculator and your checkbook, and set your budget. Next time, we'll discuss point-and-shoots in greater detail.

Pamela on Cameras: How to choose the digital camera that is right for you

Picking out a camera system is just one of life's ongoing series of choices. I like to visualize these as the branches on a tree, repeatedly dividing. Each decision we make presents us with subsequent ones that are different from those we would have had, given taking the other option. According to Carl Sandburg, the road not traveled eliminates a whole parallel existence. For the most part, I think that's true, but not in the case of photography.

In today's photographic climate, choosing one camera or type of photography doesn't preclude another. So when you go out shopping for equipment, don't feel that you are married to whatever decision you make, if it turns out that you aren't comfortable with your purchase. A bit of research will help, however, in preventing unnecessary expenditures. Many elite photographers, in fact, have an assortment of cameras of various levels of sophistication, accumulated over time, as tastes and needs have changed, and still use them.  There is also an active market for good used equipment.

Some still hang on to the ones they started with, even an occasional box Brownie inherited from parents, mostly due to sentiment, so it becomes a shelf decoration, but not necessarily because it no longer functions. I wish I still had the Brownie I took my first really good picture with, at the age of 8 or 10--I was so amazed that I had managed to push the button at just the perfect moment! It was probably the beginning of my interest in photography as a hobby. There wasn't any way to make adjustments to the camera, and I think there was only one kind of film available for it--but it took some really great pictures!  So if you decide to purchase a camera that isn't technologically the most current, don't feel that you are doomed to subpar pictures.

The array of equipment you will be offered when you go shopping can be daunting, but with a little preparation, you can sort it out like a pro! To begin with, with rare exceptions, cameras come with two types of recording media: film and digital memory cards. Film cameras will open a lens, let light through, and bounce it around with some mirrors until it lands on a strip of film, leaving an impression which becomes useful after being doused with chemicals. There's more to the process, but it's already too messy and cumbersome for the average person to enjoy. In addition, film is a much more expensive proposition than digital; however, it isn't obsolete, because of the quality of photographs it can produce.  Film is still used by many elite photographers. Most sales clerks will assume (correctly, I would guess) that you aren't interested in using film, and will only show you digital cameras. In fact, many retailers no longer stock film cameras at all, except, perhaps, disposables.

A digital camera also opens a lens and lets light in and bounces it around, but at the end it lands on an electronic sensor, which is like a little computer covered with receptor cells that convert the light waves to digital data . Think of a mini solar roof! These are sent off to a small removable card--there are several different sizes and types, determined by the manufacturer of the camera--which records the electronic message. This is very much the way your eye works, so if you remember that from biology, you've got the concept!

Guest Blogger Pam Gurney

So, okay, you're off to acquire your  digital camera. Again, two main options. (There are some new, intermediate introductions, but they aren't yet well-established . We'll just  focus on the categories that are widely available.) The first one is known as "point and shoot" and the second as "D(digital)SLR(single lens reflex--the mechanism for directing light inside the camera, inherited from 35mm film cameras)". Point-and-shoot cameras are small, compact, and have fixed (non-removable) lenses. They range from very basic to loaded with bells and whistles. If you are on a tight budget, you can spend less than $100 to get started, for a p&s that you can't adjust much, sort of like your smartphone. At the top end of the scale, you can get one with lots of features including manual settings that pushes $500. DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses, sturdy bodies, and more elaborate innards. An entry-level DSLR starts at a few hundred dollars, but a high-end model can be very pricey--up to about $8,000, not including the lenses, which can cost more than the camera bodies.. It's probably a good idea to have an idea of the upper limit of what you want to spend before you start shopping--a salesperson who likes and knows the stock can tempt you into a model that's beyond your needs and budget. Avoid buying a camera that is so advanced  you will get discouraged just trying to understand the manual, even if you can afford it!  You will get better pictures from a simple camera than a fancy one that you can't set properly!

Of course, you can use the internet and make an online purchase, which is a good way to save money, but for this first time, it's best to at least make a scouting trip to a brick-and-mortar store and handle the merchandise.  If you are going to buy online, pick a reputable company. One I personally like is Amazon, because the prices are a bit lower than most other stores, there's no tax charged, and, since Amazon is what's called an "authorized" reseller for the major equipment manufacturers, you don't have to worry about the warranty not being honored, should you buy yourself a lemon!  Tomorrow I'll get more into specific brands.

A great New York City wine bar

I am pretty much a wine drinker.  Occasionally I will be enticed by a cocktail or even a beer (I like the good, rich, highly caloric beers), but for the most part, you will see me drinking wine.  That said, I believe that life is too short to drink bad wine.  So when I meet up with friends and we are deciding where to go, I often suggest 8^th St. wine cellar.   It is a cozy little nook on 8th between 5th & 6th, just below ground level.

The food is great; the wine is great (an not overpriced) it has a cozy, yet elegant atmosphere and service that is A+.  Owned and run by 2 veteran Union Square Café bartenders who truly know their stuff, this place is a real gem.  Yes, they do have a full bar and not just wine.  The beer list is cockfull of  fantastic artisinal beers.  The menu is small but what is on it is done really well!  They support local perveyors whenever possible so you are getting good quality there as well.  The Mac & Cheese is amazing, the meatballs are to die for and the small plates like the meats & cheeses or the bruschettas are delicious.  The kitchen stays open late (after 11pm there is a smaller late night menu) and the bar gives last call around 4am.  You will not find a friendlier staff anywhere.  It is one of my favorite bars in the city.  If you are looking for a bar with great atmosphere and wine that will agree with even the fussiest wine drinker,  check out 8^th St. Wine Cellar.  You might just keep going back.

28 West 8^th,, between 5^th & 6^th.  (It is downstairs so make sure to watch for the number so you don’t miss it)

"The Tower, The Zoo and The Tortoise"

Did you know that The Beefeaters who guard the Tower of London are obligated to live within its walls?  I didn’t.  Not until I read Julia Stewart’s new novel “The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise”.  

The story’s main character is Balthazar, one of the Beefeaters, and not only has his wife left him, the Queen of England has decided to leave him in charge of the new Menagerie at the Tower, and his 181 year-old pet tortoise has run away.  The characters are charming and the story is really delightful.  It is a tale of things lost and things found, of love and the pursuit of happiness and all within the day-to-day life of a being a Beefeater.   It is a book that is clever, funny and poignant and you will not want to put it down.  

Another great vacation book

“The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” is as delightful as it is intelligent, and a wonderful book to have with you on vacation.  

Alan Bradley’s debut mystery novel centers around the character of Flavia de Luce, an 11-year-old girl with a passion for poisons.   The story takes place in the 1950’s in England where we meet up with Flavia who has a gift for chemistry and a knack for solving crimes.  Mr. Bradley’s has done a wonderful job of keeping the perspective of a precocious 11-year-old while entertaining the reader of any age.  This is not a young adults book.  Don’t be fooled.  Flavia is full of the wit of an 11-year old going on 40 and will capture your heart from page one.  Winner of several awards for best first novel, including the Macavity and Barry awards, it is a great book that will have you coming back for more.  The twists and turns will keep you guessing to the very last.  His second in the series, The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag is equally as delightful, and the 3^rd in the series is due out in hardcover February 2011.

To Cell or not to Cell Revisited

As far as cell phones companies go, things are just not the same in Italy as they are here in the states.  This is what I learned when I tried to get a phone in Rome for my 17 day stay in Italy.  In November a friend from Italy visited New York and got a phone for a month that cost him $30.   That included unlimited texting and calls within the US, and I thought I would do the same when I got to Rome.  Well, that was not the case.  I tried several places, most of which didn’t offer monthly plans.   I finally found one store that offered me a phone for 90 Euros but I was going to have to pay for all my calls after 15 minutes and it wasn’t cheap by the minute. 

A friend of mine who travels a lot recommended Travel Cell (a company that rents international cell phones).  I decided that I would find a cheaper way when I got there.   It is not easier or cheaper.  It is close to impossible and I wish I had gotten travel cell.  It is worth the high minute charges if you think you want a phone for local calls if for no other reason than the convenience of having a cell phone.    My friend who used Travel Cell said that they mail you the phone a few days before you leave, the service was great and the company is reliable.  If I decide to get a phone the next time I go to Europe I am not going to try to get a phone there.  I have learned that sometimes going with a sure thing is the best way to go.

"The Last Talk With Lola Faye"

Thomas Cook’s latest novel “The Last Talk with Lola Faye” is a fantastic mystery novel, but not necessarily in the traditional sense.  

It is the story of Luke, a not so successful writer, who finds himself face to face with Lola Faye, the woman he believes responsible for the murder of his father.  He agrees to have a drink with her in order to find out why she has come to see him, but the evening doesn’t turn out the way he expected.   As the truth comes out you will discover things are not always what they seem.  Mr. Cook does a wonderful job of leading you down one path and then leaving you off somewhere completely unexpected.  I loved every minute of this book.  An absolute page turner.  If you want a great book to take with you on vacation, this one should be on the top of your list.

Guest Blogger! Mom talks cameras

One of the best parts of traveling is making and keeping memories.  Here, the first of my mom's series on cameras and photography.

I was cleaning my office this week, and in the process came across some pictures of my daughters that I hadn't seen in years. Oh, the memories! My brain started squeezing out long-forgotten experiences--times and places and actions that I thought would be stored forever in perfect detail, never far from my conscious mind! But the human brain isn't designed to recall detail, as much as overall impressions and emotional atmosphere. I know that because I just read an article last week about how memories are stored. It rang true--all those wonderful firsts, for example--when exactly did Skye speak her first sentence, or Kyle laugh out loud? I always thought I would remember such times to the minute, but I don't.
 

My father was the family photographer, and it became kind of a joke--there are hundreds of Polaroids of the grandchildren, which at the time we viewed as excessive. He and my mother would return from trips with rolls and rolls of film, which were turned into thousands of slides, over the years. My attitude was benevolent, but not fully appreciative. Now I understand.

        By now the point of this is obvious--our casual snapshots can become the protectors of priceless memories that might otherwise be lost. Trips are over in a flash, new experiences crammed into a few days or weeks, but they can be extended almost indefinitely by the pictures that record them.

        So, is there a best way to preserve your impressions? Probably, but it's different for everyone. The only common denominator is the camera--obviously, you have to have one of those! But it doesn't have to be any particular brand or type. If you have something already that suits you, my advice is, "Use it!" If not, here are some suggestions for getting started with travel photography.

        Before your enthusiasm gets the better of you, and you are tempted to rush off to the nearest camera store or Best Buy, and throw your photographic fate into the hands of a salesperson, take some time to think about your personal style as a photographer. Do you prefer to be able to stick a tiny digital in your pocket, or would you see a fancy pro model with lenses for every situation appealing? How much time and effort do you want to spend on taking pictures during your travels? Would you enjoy patiently setting up your camera on a tripod to get just the perfect shot of that sunset, or is it ok if the photo of the sunset is just streaks of color, as long as you remember the fun you had taking it? Do you want a piece of equipment that is state-of-the-art, or one that you won't mourn if it falls into a canal in Venice? Most travelers are somewhere in between. So, first, take your photographic temperature, and decide where you want to start.

     
     

Shopping in Charlotte

There's a great little area in Charlotte called NoDa (North Davidson Street). This little arts district, the SoHo of Charlotte,  has all kinds of boutique shops as well as adorable bars and cafes. 

Known for hand made jewelry, hats, clothing, as well as earthly home decor and gifts, NoDa is the perfect destination for all your gift giving needs... and chances are you'll end up with a little something for yourself as well. The eclectic food options range from gourmet crepes to fish tacos to classic cajun and creole cooking.  Warm up with a gingerbread latte at the Smelly Cat Coffehouse, which is probably worth going to for the name alone.  Pick up a "C'mon Get Smelly" t-shirt...  you can pretty much guarantee no one back home will have one like it!

NoDa hosts a free Gallery Crawl every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. You can browse the neighborhood's swanky galleries while enjoying smooth music played by local street musicians. 

Visit the popular watering holes, meander through the fine collection of galleries, shop in the boutiques or bring your pets to the doggie bar (where humans are welcome as well)!  If you are looking for a marketplace for fun, beautiful and unique items,  NoDa is a great destination.

Good Eats: Charlotte, NC

Charlotte has many great restaurants... something for pretty much any taste.  Before dinner on Saturday, we went to a new Scottish bar called Molly MacPhersons in uptown Charlotte.

A beautiful bar which feels cozy despite it's size, Molly MacPhersons has a menu with traditional pub fare as well as some fun Scottish additions such as neeps and tatties and scotch eggs. The highlight for me was the very impressive scotch list and beer menu, which had a over 20 Scottish beers as well as dozens of other interesting imports.  After a highland scotch or two, we walked around the block to an excellent steak and seafood place called LaVecchia’s.  The food was great, and the oceanic decor was really fun.

If you are into something more casual,  Dandelion Market might be the place for you.  Kyle claims they have "ridiculously good grilled cheese sandwiches" and the bartenders remind her of nice “local” NYC bartenders (i.e., if they like you, they will let you know what days they work and remember your drink order).  They also have a great craft beer list.

For fine dining, the multiple award-winning and highly acclaimed  Zebra restaurant boasts organic, free range, local and sustainable fare.  We didn't make it there on this trip, but it's definitely at the top of the list for the next time I'm in Charlotte.

All in all, when it comes to food, Charlotte has something for almost every taste and occasion. Have you been?  Send me your recommendations and I'll be sure to check it out next time I'm there!

Apple Picking!

Apple Picking!
Visiting my sister Kyle in Charlotte was awesome for many reasons (see yesterday's post) but another great thing about getting out of the city is that you can do fun country stuff... like apple picking!  On
Saturday, Kyle and Jamie (her husband) and I went over the border to York, SC to the Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill apple festival.

It was really fun.  Besides the apples and pumpkins, there was also hay rides, a bbq stand shaped like a gun, apple butter and cider making demonstrations, and a blacksmith.  Jamie and I headed straight for the hard cider (yum!).  I bought a handmade iron candlestick from the blacksmith. We all shared a pulled pork sammie and listened to some banjo music from a live band. And of course, we picked apples.  We bought hard cider and apples to take home....but the highlight?  WASSAIL!!!  While Kyle and I were cooking dinner (and dessert, more on that in a minute) we heated the wassail on the stove. Jamie and I drank it with spiced rum. OMG.

For the record, wassail is a spiced cider meant to be consumed hot. If you don't have the good fortune of having an apple orchard nearby, there is a recipe (and brief wassail history) at Kate Hopkins charming blog, Accidental Hedonist.

When we got home, we had to figure out what to do with 10 lbs of apples.  So one thing we did was make a very tasty apple crumble pie (recipe at the end of the post).

We didn't have time to make our own crust, so we just got the pre-made refrigerated kind, which worked out great.  Two crusts come in the package, and we just needed one for the pie, so we used a small cookie cutter and cut pieces of the other crust to put on the top for decoration.  Isn't it pretty?

This is the season to enjoy apple orchards, pumpkins, cooking yummy autumnal food, and drinking wassail... you may be lucky enough to not even have to travel to do this!

Recipe

• 1 (9 inch) pie shell
• 6 cups thinly sliced apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Place sliced apples in a large bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice if desired. In a small bowl, mix together white sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle mixture over apples. Toss until apples are evenly coated.  Spoon mixture into crust.
3. In a small bowl mix together 1/2 cup flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter or margarine until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle mixture over apple filling. Cover top loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until top is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Weekend Trips: Charlotte, NC

Of course we would love to dash off abroad at every opportunity, but it's just not always practical... and besides, you might find you have some very good reasons to travel within the good old USA.  Like visiting family! Last weekend I went to Charlotte, NC to see my sister who is six months pregnant.  We got up to all kinds of hijinks, which I'll get to later this week.  But the #1 travel tip I learned from last weekend? Go visit your family! I hadn't seen my sister since she moved from NYC to Charlotte in March, and not to be all mushy here, but family is important, and, especially if you live in a city like I do, six months goes by in the blink of an eye.  Other great things about visiting your pregnant sister in Charlotte:
1. It's less than a 2 hour flight from NYC.
2. Someone actually picks you up at the airport
3. Free place to stay (dog included)
4. Fun activities like apple picking and outlet shopping
5. You don't really have to pack because you can just wear the clothes she can't fit into anymore

Charlotte
Charlotte is a great city, and there are several reasonably priced flight to and from New York daily.  A long weekend would be ideal, but (if you have a day job like me) you can leave after work on Friday, come back on an early flight Monday and still have two full days there without missing work.   Charlotte, believe it or not, is actually the 18th largest city in the US (based on population), and besides it's rich historical past, it has some great restaurants and is home to a number of notable universities.  Apparently the Charlottians were quite plucky during the revolutionary war. The city earned it's nickname "The Hornet's Nest" when residents drove out British commander General Cornwallis (who had occupied the city).  He wrote that Charlotte was "a hornet's nest of rebellion," and the name stuck.  See all the crazy things you learn when you travel?  Even more reason to go visit your family, no matter where they live, you are bound to learn something cool.

If you can't stand your family, go visit a friend instead! The fact is, we never take enough time to travel and see the people who are important to us. Trust me, going across the river to New Jersey or Connecticut is like a outrageous expedition for us Manhattanites.  So the thought of taking an entire weekend and getting on a plane to somewhere where people actually have drivers licenses and supermarkets is like a ridiculous proposition.  But just do it. Go. You will be glad you did.

Nhow Milan

If you are looking for a fun, modern and colorful hotel to stay in while in Milan, then Nhow is your perfect match.  It feels like something that is right out of "The Jetson's".  The lobby is enclosed in glass with plastic furniture and artwork from local designers that is extremely hip. (apparently it is all rotating, so you might never see the same stuff).  The upper floors are very cool.  The walls look like one big Jackson Pollack painting, and the door to your room is simply part of it.  

The rooms themselves are modern and shiek with a brown and orange décor and lighting that would be appropriate for even the hippest downtown scene.  Although be careful not to hit the button that shuts off all the lights or your friend (Skye) might just end up taking a luxurious shower in the dark and yelling for you to turn the lights back on while you remain dry, in bed and in fits of laughter.  (I thought it was funnier than she did). 

After our dinner at Il Nodo we went and had drinks at the bar and had a lovely dessert.  I wasn’t sure from the pictures on line if we were going to get a bed in the shape of lips or a cloud, or if it would be cool or cheesy, but I risked and came out a winner with Nhow.   It was a fun change from all our other accommodations in Italy and it seemed rather appropriate for Milan.