I love when a dress is not only fabulous but super easy and comfortable, don't you?!
In addition to many really cute summer dresses, fantastic accessories abound such as this treaure worthy sucken treasure necklace.
Happy Shopping!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Shop and Tell: :recent anthropologie visit
I had an event in DC recently so I headed out a bit early and did a little shopping in G-Town. I stopped in Anthropologie and to quote Miss Julia, "big mistake, big, huge" in the best possible way! Now, I will preface this with saying that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the retailer. Love the unique styles, generally very approachable prices and fabulous customer service, hate-ish (hate is a strong word) the sometimes lack in quality of the garments. That being said, check out some of these cuties :)
I love when a dress is not only fabulous but super easy and comfortable, don't you?!
I love when a dress is not only fabulous but super easy and comfortable, don't you?! 
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Policy-many pleasant surprises.
I finally had the opportunity to visit Policy for dinner the other night. Located at 1904 14th Street NW, it is a bit hard to find blending in with many of the other store fronts on the block. The decor is interesting, the main color theme is black, white and red. It has that sort of warehouse feeling and the way the booths are set up in the main room remind me of a dressed up diner. I think the idea behind it was good, I just personally don't know if it fits the space as well as it should.
The hostess was very nice and encouraged me to wait at the bar while I waited for the rest of my party. As often happens in DC, they were running late due to traffic so I had ample time to check out the bar and it's offerings from a bit of a distance. Why? Well, the bar area is a bit on the small side and it was packed.
They offer a lot of interesting beers, nice wine selections and several unique cocktails. I ordered the Hibiscus cocktail which is a combination of Hangar One Mandarin Blossom vodka, fresh hibiscus, prosecco, St. Germaine, and hibiscus grenadine. The first sip was a bit "surprising", lots of strong flavors going on, but as I continued to sip, it really was delicious! Once my party arrived, we immediately (post a cocktail each for the ladies) started to order. Our server by the way was also very courteous.
In the end, we ordered the following plates: Sweet chili glazed pork belly, Madras curry lamb sliders, crispy duck spring roll, yellowfin tuna tartare, roasted marinated olives, and the herbed gnocchi. So while I did not list it first, I must start with the tuna tartare. I will bring back the word "surprising. I use that word because I was surprised at how amazingly fresh the tuna was and the chef thoughtfully put some well placed wasabi in the center that did not overpower but wonderfully enhanced the dish. WONDERFUL!!! Another pleasant surprise were the olives. I was told they are brined in house and they were succulent. The curry lamb sliders were very well cooked and had just the right amount of fresh mint. The duck spring roll had a nice amount of duck and were crispy without being greasy. Note, while we all liked them, we were not huge fans of the dipping sauce.
The herbed gnocchi was another nicely prepared dish. My favorite part about it was the nice dollops of goat cheese. Be sure to scoop up a bit with each bite, it makes all the difference! Now, I come to my one real disappointment.......the sweet chili glazed pork belly. I will preface this by saying that apparently our order had been "given to another table" so they were trying to get one to us as quickly as possible but, it was overcooked and bland. It reminded me of the pork spare ribs that you can order as appetizers at many Chinese food takeout restaurants. The sprinkling of pork rinds would have been a lovely compliment but unfortunately they were also lack luster.
All in all, a nice dining experience with several very pleasantly surprising dishes and yummy cocktails.
The hostess was very nice and encouraged me to wait at the bar while I waited for the rest of my party. As often happens in DC, they were running late due to traffic so I had ample time to check out the bar and it's offerings from a bit of a distance. Why? Well, the bar area is a bit on the small side and it was packed.
They offer a lot of interesting beers, nice wine selections and several unique cocktails. I ordered the Hibiscus cocktail which is a combination of Hangar One Mandarin Blossom vodka, fresh hibiscus, prosecco, St. Germaine, and hibiscus grenadine. The first sip was a bit "surprising", lots of strong flavors going on, but as I continued to sip, it really was delicious! Once my party arrived, we immediately (post a cocktail each for the ladies) started to order. Our server by the way was also very courteous.
In the end, we ordered the following plates: Sweet chili glazed pork belly, Madras curry lamb sliders, crispy duck spring roll, yellowfin tuna tartare, roasted marinated olives, and the herbed gnocchi. So while I did not list it first, I must start with the tuna tartare. I will bring back the word "surprising. I use that word because I was surprised at how amazingly fresh the tuna was and the chef thoughtfully put some well placed wasabi in the center that did not overpower but wonderfully enhanced the dish. WONDERFUL!!! Another pleasant surprise were the olives. I was told they are brined in house and they were succulent. The curry lamb sliders were very well cooked and had just the right amount of fresh mint. The duck spring roll had a nice amount of duck and were crispy without being greasy. Note, while we all liked them, we were not huge fans of the dipping sauce.
The herbed gnocchi was another nicely prepared dish. My favorite part about it was the nice dollops of goat cheese. Be sure to scoop up a bit with each bite, it makes all the difference! Now, I come to my one real disappointment.......the sweet chili glazed pork belly. I will preface this by saying that apparently our order had been "given to another table" so they were trying to get one to us as quickly as possible but, it was overcooked and bland. It reminded me of the pork spare ribs that you can order as appetizers at many Chinese food takeout restaurants. The sprinkling of pork rinds would have been a lovely compliment but unfortunately they were also lack luster.
All in all, a nice dining experience with several very pleasantly surprising dishes and yummy cocktails.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Bourbon Steak Pig out!
The fabulously hungry were in attendance this Sunday at the Second Annual Pig Out on the Patio at Bourbon Steak restaurant. While storms loomed in the AM, the restaurant still managed to pull together a great indoor/outdoor piggyfest! Among the offerings, chopped pork, slaw, crispy skin, corn bread, potato salad, salad (a delicious peach and arugula salad), rumored ribs and beans (I say this because I saw the ribs on somebody's plate but I could not find the station that had them and everyone I asked did not seem to know where they were, VIP ribs perhaps? :) no sighting of the beans) hot dogs (pork & beef), bratwurst with nice grilled fixings selections, chiccarones with pork shoulder, crispy pig ears and pork rind which were very yummy, and, to me the most surprising and FABULOUS addition, freshly shucked while you waited clams and oysters. DC Brau participated and served free flowing glasses of a few of their specialy brews. Non-Alcoholic selections included a very refreshing cucumber water and watermelon punch. The service was wonderful and the event was a refreshingingly "different" way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Definitely put it on your to do list for next year!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Casa Tua Restaurant, South Beach
This was my second visit to this lovely spot. This haven of casual elegance is very aptly named, Casa Tua, or, your house. From the moment you pass through the tree lined entry way of this beautiful old home (there is a private club and guest rooms housed there as well), you will be overwhelmed by the gorgeous simplicity of the interior. The host and wait staff are lovely and courteous. There is a private dining room to the left and then the main indoor dining rooms (indoor and outdoor) are to the right. It was too hot to sit outside (for me) so we sat in the cozy indoor dining room. You truly feel as though you are in someone's home. There are family pictures, books on the shelves, you feel at home.
For appetizers, we ordered the tuna tartar (a house specialty) and the grilled octopus. The tuna was bright, fresh and luscious and the grilled octopus was cooked perfectly. As a middle course we opted for the special risotto which was adorned with scallop (note: previously we had enjoyed the faro risotto with lobster which is OUT OF THIS WORLD, but was sadly not being offered that night, if it is available when you go, get it, period). The risotto was prepared with just the right amount of firmness and the scallops were a lovely addition to the course. For the main course, we both chose (because I had loved it the last time and my husband loved the bites he kept taking from me!) the beef tenderloin with foie gras, roasted hazelnuts and leeks. This dish is incredible. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and all of the elements of the dish (surprising to me a few years ago, however, on this trip I noticed several restaurants offering a version of it) complimented each other in the most harmonious, glorious way.
The wine lists, yes, plural, there are two, the "regular" and the reserve which start at about $250 a bottle and go up from there, were both impressive. I loved the fact that the regular one highlighted up and coming selections. The sommelier recommended a brut from this grouping and it was light and crisp, excellent.
Place this restaurant at the top of your list!
For appetizers, we ordered the tuna tartar (a house specialty) and the grilled octopus. The tuna was bright, fresh and luscious and the grilled octopus was cooked perfectly. As a middle course we opted for the special risotto which was adorned with scallop (note: previously we had enjoyed the faro risotto with lobster which is OUT OF THIS WORLD, but was sadly not being offered that night, if it is available when you go, get it, period). The risotto was prepared with just the right amount of firmness and the scallops were a lovely addition to the course. For the main course, we both chose (because I had loved it the last time and my husband loved the bites he kept taking from me!) the beef tenderloin with foie gras, roasted hazelnuts and leeks. This dish is incredible. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and all of the elements of the dish (surprising to me a few years ago, however, on this trip I noticed several restaurants offering a version of it) complimented each other in the most harmonious, glorious way.
The wine lists, yes, plural, there are two, the "regular" and the reserve which start at about $250 a bottle and go up from there, were both impressive. I loved the fact that the regular one highlighted up and coming selections. The sommelier recommended a brut from this grouping and it was light and crisp, excellent.
Place this restaurant at the top of your list!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Blue Door Fish restaurant in the Delano Hotel, South Beach
This was my second visit to this restaurant which of course will tell you that my first experience was a good one:) Well, the staff and fare at this swank hot spot in the very fabulous Delano Hotel did not disappoint again! The dining room is composed of "waves" of grey and white billowy fabric that hangs effortlessly on the walls. The circular flow of the dining room makes it very condusive to people watching (you will want to!) and adds to the comfort of the overall feel and flow of the restaurant.
The host/hostess and the wait staff were very cordial and pleasant. We were greated and seated with smiles and presented with our menus (or the door to deliciousness as I will refer to it!) and an impressive wine list and cocktail menu.
The "first part" of menu offers a selection of raw bar choices (oysters, clams, shrimp & lobster) and caviar as well as a fantastic variety of appetizers which include vegetarian, seafood and what looked very appealing and apparently was just as tasty (thank you table next to us for the feedback) beef carpaccio.
I had the Crabavocat (at the waiters suggestion) which was an indulgent combination of guacamole, crab salad (large, succulent pieces), tomato coulis and crispy shrimp. To say it was fresh and "plate licking" delicious would be an understatment. This is an absolute winner and I highly recommend it! My husband had the Thon Thon which is composed of a series small pieces of seared yellowfin tuna, marinated daikon, topped with a soy lime ginger dressing. I rarely order seared yellow fin tuna for an appetizer or entree because I often find it "overly crusted", sliced way to thick and ultimately overdone. This was not any of those things. The tuna was lightly crusted, perfectly cooked and sliced thin and delicious. Needless to say, my husband was anxiously anticipating his main course as I had "enjoyed" most of his tuna!
For entrees, the choices consist of a variety of fish that are either prepared in the choice way of the chef or offered to you grilled with your choice of suaces which range from a light preserved lemon and fresh herbed olive oil to a heartier dijon bearnaise. The meat selection offers choices from Boeuf Gorgonzola to simple roasted chicken.
Being in the mood for seafood, I ordered the Loup Cajou which is sustainable Chilean Sea Bass with hears of palm, soy glazed cashew nuts with garlic, lime and fresh herbs. The fish was cooked perfectly and the sauce which was light and flavorful helped to enhance the natural (delicious) flavor of the fish. My husband ordered the Homard Banana (which I had the last time). The dish offers sumptous and sweet maine lobster (out of the shell) with carmelized banana, and a cilantro lime sauce.
My husband was cautiously optomistic even though I assured him that the banana while a bit unconventional brought the dish to the next level. In the end, he not only agreed, I think he wanted to order "extra bananas". The harmony of the sweet fleshy lobster which just the right about of "bite" to it and the creamy carmelized bananas is heavenly. Just as good as I had remembered it! He tossed in a side of macaroni and cheese for good measure (choosing this over the more "sofisticated and expected" items such as sauteed mushrooms and asparagus) which was bubbly and cheesy with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Plenty for two.
The dessert offerings were to die for! Floating islands, crunchy dulce de leche cigars, flan and more. I chose the flan which was amazingly light and fresh and my husband opted for the crunchy milky sweet goodness of the cigars. A wonderfully decadent end to a fabulous meal.
Utlimately, a sexy, chic setting with a lovely menu that you are sure to enjoy!
The host/hostess and the wait staff were very cordial and pleasant. We were greated and seated with smiles and presented with our menus (or the door to deliciousness as I will refer to it!) and an impressive wine list and cocktail menu.
The "first part" of menu offers a selection of raw bar choices (oysters, clams, shrimp & lobster) and caviar as well as a fantastic variety of appetizers which include vegetarian, seafood and what looked very appealing and apparently was just as tasty (thank you table next to us for the feedback) beef carpaccio.
I had the Crabavocat (at the waiters suggestion) which was an indulgent combination of guacamole, crab salad (large, succulent pieces), tomato coulis and crispy shrimp. To say it was fresh and "plate licking" delicious would be an understatment. This is an absolute winner and I highly recommend it! My husband had the Thon Thon which is composed of a series small pieces of seared yellowfin tuna, marinated daikon, topped with a soy lime ginger dressing. I rarely order seared yellow fin tuna for an appetizer or entree because I often find it "overly crusted", sliced way to thick and ultimately overdone. This was not any of those things. The tuna was lightly crusted, perfectly cooked and sliced thin and delicious. Needless to say, my husband was anxiously anticipating his main course as I had "enjoyed" most of his tuna!
For entrees, the choices consist of a variety of fish that are either prepared in the choice way of the chef or offered to you grilled with your choice of suaces which range from a light preserved lemon and fresh herbed olive oil to a heartier dijon bearnaise. The meat selection offers choices from Boeuf Gorgonzola to simple roasted chicken.
Being in the mood for seafood, I ordered the Loup Cajou which is sustainable Chilean Sea Bass with hears of palm, soy glazed cashew nuts with garlic, lime and fresh herbs. The fish was cooked perfectly and the sauce which was light and flavorful helped to enhance the natural (delicious) flavor of the fish. My husband ordered the Homard Banana (which I had the last time). The dish offers sumptous and sweet maine lobster (out of the shell) with carmelized banana, and a cilantro lime sauce.
My husband was cautiously optomistic even though I assured him that the banana while a bit unconventional brought the dish to the next level. In the end, he not only agreed, I think he wanted to order "extra bananas". The harmony of the sweet fleshy lobster which just the right about of "bite" to it and the creamy carmelized bananas is heavenly. Just as good as I had remembered it! He tossed in a side of macaroni and cheese for good measure (choosing this over the more "sofisticated and expected" items such as sauteed mushrooms and asparagus) which was bubbly and cheesy with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Plenty for two.
The dessert offerings were to die for! Floating islands, crunchy dulce de leche cigars, flan and more. I chose the flan which was amazingly light and fresh and my husband opted for the crunchy milky sweet goodness of the cigars. A wonderfully decadent end to a fabulous meal.
Utlimately, a sexy, chic setting with a lovely menu that you are sure to enjoy!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Back to Reality, we miss you Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne!
Hello there :) Just returning from a fantastic vacation in Key Biscayne and I thought that a review of the "happenings" in Key Biscayne and South Beach that I experienced would be a nice jumping off point for the first few entries in my blog in which I hope to share with you my love for travel, food, fashion and family!
So, they say there is no place like home right? Well.......this now well rested Mama (thanks to Mom and Dad C for manning the casa and watching the kiddies!) thinks that the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne holds a pretty close second! This is a return trip for us. The last time was (gulp) five years ago pre-kiddos and we had a great time then too. From the moment of our arrival at which time the Front of House Manager, Chris Lee came out and introduced himself to me and kindly acknowledged my post on the Ritz Carlton Company Facebook Page noting how much I was looking forward to the trip, to when we (sadly) had to check out, our trip was truly fantastic. There was one slight hiccup with the time the room was going to take to be ready (in fairness, we asked to transfer to the ninth floor to be on the club level not on the 10th with access for convenience sake) and the baggage, (both of which were addressed by Chris and Marc Rapp the Manager of the Club floor with a level of customer service even beyond what one would normally expect even for the Ritz) everything was top notch!
Now, we chose (read......desperately needed!) to go away sans babies, but I can honestly tell you that I would not hesitate to go back with the children. They have a kids club and are just generally very welcoming to the young ones :) I would also tell you that should you be considering making this a family trip (or even if you are not), you should seriously consider staying on the club level (or a room with club access). The reason for this is that by the time you factor in breakfast lunch and dinner (you realistically could make the yummy light fare offered in the evening a dinner for the kids) as well as snacks and beverages (to include Champagne and wine) that are always available even if you are on off hours for the "spread", and the new "Club on the Beach" which is a lovely tent just as you enter the main beach entrance that has beverages and fruit and cookies available for club guests from 11-3, it really does pay for itself (and then some) and you always have a place to retreat to that is manned with a staff of many of the most cordial and competent people I have encountered. Marc Rapp who was previously mentioned manages the club to perfection. He can assist you with whatever you need, we even emailed him prior to arrival and pre-made all of our dinner reservations. You will be in GREAT hands!
The rooms, the suites and basics (sadly I have not had what I am sure is the PLEASURE of staying in the penthouse, sniff, sniff) are lovely. They are bright, well decorated and the bathrooms and closets are a very nice size. Again, if traveling with children or just in the mood to cook in your room, there are some rooms that are available with a kitchenette. The housekeeping staff is very courteous and our room was noticeably clean and refreshed after the morning service and then again nicely refreshed in the evening. (special note, the housekeeping staff leaves the TV tuned to their running advertisement for the Ritz which is done in a very unintrustive way and is actually very relaxing to listen to and to watch, it is just soothing music and pictures and words, you forget that you are technically watching an "advertisement" nice work again RC)
The lobby is lovely and relaxing (do enjoy the ice water flavored with fresh fruit, yum!)and the Rum Bar (which offers many different types of rum, light fare, cocktails wines and cigars, to be enjoyed on the outside patio) is like a page out of Casa Blanca (or at least as I would imagine it to be!!) Il Cioppino which is the fine dining restaurant is lovely (review to be posted in the next entry) and there is also a more casual outdoor dining option.
The Spa is everything you would expect from a Ritz Carlton as is the gym. There are two pools, one strictly for adults (we can all appreciate that!) with a nice bar and grill and the other pool is equally as lovely and it has a bar and an icecream shop (smart, smart!) and an outdoor pool shop stocked with suntan lotion, cute cover ups and kids gear. There is also a very nice jewelry store and a shop inside the lobby that offers beautiful itmes from ladies and mens wear to gorgeous and luxurious candles (truly amazing scents) and home accents to your basics such as magazines etc.
The beach staff is amazingly cordial considering they are running around all day is the hot sun and they will happilly set up loung chairs and tables and umbrellas at your request (even if you are not going to go to the beach until later in the day you should consider having your space set up and reserved in the morning) as well as bring food and beverages to you (very nice addition, they bring you a nice sized pitcher of iced water when you first sit down.
Absolutely put this destination on your list of "must go to" in the US!
So, sigh, it is back to reality for now. Foodie reviews of the restaurants we visited to come in the next post!
So, they say there is no place like home right? Well.......this now well rested Mama (thanks to Mom and Dad C for manning the casa and watching the kiddies!) thinks that the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne holds a pretty close second! This is a return trip for us. The last time was (gulp) five years ago pre-kiddos and we had a great time then too. From the moment of our arrival at which time the Front of House Manager, Chris Lee came out and introduced himself to me and kindly acknowledged my post on the Ritz Carlton Company Facebook Page noting how much I was looking forward to the trip, to when we (sadly) had to check out, our trip was truly fantastic. There was one slight hiccup with the time the room was going to take to be ready (in fairness, we asked to transfer to the ninth floor to be on the club level not on the 10th with access for convenience sake) and the baggage, (both of which were addressed by Chris and Marc Rapp the Manager of the Club floor with a level of customer service even beyond what one would normally expect even for the Ritz) everything was top notch!
Now, we chose (read......desperately needed!) to go away sans babies, but I can honestly tell you that I would not hesitate to go back with the children. They have a kids club and are just generally very welcoming to the young ones :) I would also tell you that should you be considering making this a family trip (or even if you are not), you should seriously consider staying on the club level (or a room with club access). The reason for this is that by the time you factor in breakfast lunch and dinner (you realistically could make the yummy light fare offered in the evening a dinner for the kids) as well as snacks and beverages (to include Champagne and wine) that are always available even if you are on off hours for the "spread", and the new "Club on the Beach" which is a lovely tent just as you enter the main beach entrance that has beverages and fruit and cookies available for club guests from 11-3, it really does pay for itself (and then some) and you always have a place to retreat to that is manned with a staff of many of the most cordial and competent people I have encountered. Marc Rapp who was previously mentioned manages the club to perfection. He can assist you with whatever you need, we even emailed him prior to arrival and pre-made all of our dinner reservations. You will be in GREAT hands!
The rooms, the suites and basics (sadly I have not had what I am sure is the PLEASURE of staying in the penthouse, sniff, sniff) are lovely. They are bright, well decorated and the bathrooms and closets are a very nice size. Again, if traveling with children or just in the mood to cook in your room, there are some rooms that are available with a kitchenette. The housekeeping staff is very courteous and our room was noticeably clean and refreshed after the morning service and then again nicely refreshed in the evening. (special note, the housekeeping staff leaves the TV tuned to their running advertisement for the Ritz which is done in a very unintrustive way and is actually very relaxing to listen to and to watch, it is just soothing music and pictures and words, you forget that you are technically watching an "advertisement" nice work again RC)
The lobby is lovely and relaxing (do enjoy the ice water flavored with fresh fruit, yum!)and the Rum Bar (which offers many different types of rum, light fare, cocktails wines and cigars, to be enjoyed on the outside patio) is like a page out of Casa Blanca (or at least as I would imagine it to be!!) Il Cioppino which is the fine dining restaurant is lovely (review to be posted in the next entry) and there is also a more casual outdoor dining option.
The Spa is everything you would expect from a Ritz Carlton as is the gym. There are two pools, one strictly for adults (we can all appreciate that!) with a nice bar and grill and the other pool is equally as lovely and it has a bar and an icecream shop (smart, smart!) and an outdoor pool shop stocked with suntan lotion, cute cover ups and kids gear. There is also a very nice jewelry store and a shop inside the lobby that offers beautiful itmes from ladies and mens wear to gorgeous and luxurious candles (truly amazing scents) and home accents to your basics such as magazines etc.
The beach staff is amazingly cordial considering they are running around all day is the hot sun and they will happilly set up loung chairs and tables and umbrellas at your request (even if you are not going to go to the beach until later in the day you should consider having your space set up and reserved in the morning) as well as bring food and beverages to you (very nice addition, they bring you a nice sized pitcher of iced water when you first sit down.
Absolutely put this destination on your list of "must go to" in the US!
So, sigh, it is back to reality for now. Foodie reviews of the restaurants we visited to come in the next post!
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