VAMOS COMER: A LISBON FOOD GUIDE!

Me enjoying a glass of rose in the countryrard at Blue Restaurant in Lisbon while I await my dinner

Me enjoying a glass of rose in the countryrard at Blue Restaurant in Lisbon while I await my dinner

The familiar delectable scent of melted cheese filled my nostrils as our server dropped another dish off at our table. We were at Taberna Bairro do Avillez in Lisbon having dinner and although we were only three dishes in, Adam and I were already in foodie heaven.

This past September, my boyfriend Adam and I ventured to Portugal to see if it could live up to its social media hype. One thing that took me by surprise was how much Lisbon had to offer beyond the seductive smell of freshly baked Pastel De Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts) and the sizzling sounds of succulent Piri-Piri chicken – two popular food highlights.

Adam appeared out of nowhere with this Pineapple drink while we were exploring LX Factory - an outdoor market in Lisbon.

Adam appeared out of nowhere with this Pineapple drink while we were exploring LX Factory - an outdoor market in Lisbon.

Now, it’s not unusual for Adam and I to go all out on food while on vacation and this trip was no different. As a matter of fact, we have the gluttonous habit of following one dinner with another, dubbing the act a ‘bang bang’, LOL! While in Lisbon, not only did we eat at the majority of places on our pre-planned list, but also found a couple new restaurants in Lisbon we added along the way. Needless to say, when Adam and I claim to have ‘eaten our way through Lisbon’, we feel the statement is completely justified.

So here we are, one month post-trip and Adam and I are still talking about our favourite dishes. Together, we compiled the ultimate ‘Lisbon Food Hit List’ of all our favourite restaurants in Lisbon as well as cafes, take-away counters, and bars so that that next time you find yourself in Lisbon you can dine like you’ve got two hollow legs too!


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Inside Taberna Bairro do Avillez - one of the best restaurants in Lisbon

Inside Taberna Bairro do Avillez - one of the best restaurants in Lisbon

- LISBON RESTAURANTS -

Prior to our trip, I had read a lot about Michelin star chef Jose Avillez. Said to be one of the best chefs in Portugal, dining at one of his Lisbon restaurants during our time in in town was an absolute no-brainer. Open for lunch and dinner, Taberna Bairro do Avillez, Jose Avillez’s most casual restaurant offers Portuguese cuisine with an Avillez twist! There wasn’t a dish that Adam and I didn’t like and even though we were full, we could not stop eating. My favourite dish was the Alfachinha with crispy cod topped with garlic mayonnaise and a spicy tomato sauce, while Adam favoured the uniqueness of the octopus in a kimchi sauce, with garlic and sweet potato. Overall, this was both our favourite meal and if you are going to go to one restaurant in Lisbon, this is it!

Hands down my favourite DISH of the entire trip was actually a sweet potato gnocchi I had at my hotel’s restaurant. Recently renovated, Blue Restaurant has a chic, relaxed atmosphere inspired by the city’s blue sky and azure waters. Further, this Lisbon restaurant has the cutest little pink courtyard where Adam and I chose to enjoy our breakfast daily. Although the menu does change, all items on the menu are made of locally-sourced fresh seasonal ingredients to insure the highest quality of flavours. Like I said, my favourite dish from the ENTIRE TRIP was the gnocchi I had here. I tried to go back for it before I left but unfortunately it is only available on their dinner menu (a heartbreaking realization for me). Regardless, if they ever take it off their menu I will cry! Yes, it’s that good

For those interested in learning more about new age Portuguese cuisine, I would definitely recommend a restaurant in Lisbon called Delfina. Tucked in a corner of Praça do Município, inside the Alma Lusa hotel, Delfina is a fine dining yet casual Lisbon restaurant that serves up fresh and seasonal Portuguese-inspired cuisine along with a fabulous selection of local wines. Adam and I ate here on our second night and practically had to roll ourselves home. All the seafood dishes we had including the Bulho Pato clams, sautéed clams in garlic, olive oil and coriander; Fettuccini Alla Pescatore with Bulho Pato shrimp, clams, and mussels; and the Codfish A Brash, a traditional codfish dish with frayed matchstick potatoes and egg, were all exquisite and I unapologetically helped myself to the lions share.

If you don’t eat Piri-Piri chicken while in Portugal, did you even really go? Frangasqueira Nacional is a small restaurant in Lisbon with only a couple seats that, if you aren’t specifically looking for it, you would pass right by. Mostly intended for takeout, this small Lisbon restaurant has an even smaller menu of rice, a few side options and the clear star of the show, spicy Piri-Piri chicken two ways - baked and grilled. Adam and I ordered one of each along with a class of wine and sat at the only table they had outside not talking as we devoured our chicken. We enjoyed our meal here so much that we tried to go back later in our trip, but unfortunately it was closed. This not only checked every box for me when it came to fantastic Piri-Piri experiences, but it was also one of the cheapest meals we had (8€ per person) the entire trip!


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Enjoying a beautiful glass of red Portuguese wine and a charcuterie of meat and cheese from By The Wine in Lisbon

Enjoying a beautiful glass of red Portuguese wine and a charcuterie of meat and cheese from By The Wine in Lisbon

A great find by Adam, By The Wine was a cool wine bar we went to in the Chiado area after dinner one night. The atmosphere was lively and both the light from the restaurant and the groups of people sipping glasses of wine poured out onto the sidewalk. The wine list was (as expected) very extensive and reasonably priced, but the thing that caught us by surprise was their large selection of food offerings. After ordering our wine at the counter, Adam and I watched one chef created a large charcuterie board of Iberian Bellota ham and a selection of cheese followed by a small salmon ceviche dish, all the while growing hungry once more. We didn’t order more food that night but we did come back for a proper experience later on in the trip and highly recommend this Lisbon restaurant be on your list of places to try, or at the very least, to pause and enjoy a glass of wine.

Time Out Market Lisbon

Time Out Market Lisbon

- LISBON FOOD MARKET -

The first place Adam and I checked out while in Lisbon was Time Out Market Lisbon. Essentially a food hall featuring forty of the best restaurants in Lisbon as well as delis, cafes, and food vendors, Time Out Market Lisbon is the perfect one-stop shop for those who want a quick overview of the food in Lisbon. Even though each restaurant can only offer a handful of their signature dishes you don’t feel limited in choices. Adam and I loved having the ability to pick and choose from different stalls and customize our own little lunch menu. In terms of drinks, on top of vendors selling a small selection of alcohol there is a wine shop if you want to buy a bottle or a bar in the middle of the food hall for something more specific. Further, if you are looking for a fun activity to do while in town, cooking classes are also available at Time Out Market Lisbon.

Roman style pizza in Lisbon via Pizzeria Romana Al Taglio

Roman style pizza in Lisbon via Pizzeria Romana Al Taglio

- TAKE AWAY RESTAURANTS IN LISBON -

One take-away restaurant in Lisbon Adam and I quickly became obsessed with was Pizzeria Romana Al Taglio. We had found this small, Roman style pizza shop on our way back downhill from watching the sunset at Castelo De Sao Jorge, and even though we were on our way to dinner, the smell of freshly baked pizza stopped us right in our tracks. “What’s one slice?...” we reasoned with ourselves, “especially if we split it!” And boy did it deliver! With over 10 different styles of pizza to choose from at any given time, all generously dressed with toppings and offering an impeccable combinations of flavours, this little gem hit the spot every time. If you are ever looking for a quick bite of food in Lisbon, cheap snack or are just craving really good pizza, this place is definitely worth seeking out. 

- PASTEL DE NATA CAFES -

A Lisbon food guide would not be complete without a couple Pastel De Nata recommendations and prior to the trip, a friend had recommended Adam and I check out Pastelaria Batalha while in Lisbon. Previously they had done a Pastel De Nata baking class there and said their tarts were some of the best. Eager to sign up ourselves, Adam and I ventured there for a coffee and a tart on our first day in town to see if it lived up to its hype – and it did! Not only did I love the cute cafe vibe it had going on but also the warm and approachable nature the owner had despite having clout as offering one of the best Pastel’s in Lisbon. I guess you can say after our baking class I grew attached to this place and its story. I loved learning about the history of these enchanting treats, what characteristics makes a good one, and how to make them at home, which if you ask me is the best souvenir you could bring home!

By the time Adam and I had got around to finally trying Manteigaria (located across the square from Pastelaria Batalha) we had not only eaten our fair share of these delectable desserts, but learned to make them in our baking class. Having walked by the cafe several times during our visit to Lisbon, I vividly remember my desire on the last day to make sure we tried it before heading to the airport. We still had a couple hours before our flight and the small cafe in Chiado was only a 10 minute walk away. So after quickly organizing our things and dropping our luggage at reception, Adam and I ran up the street for one last tart. The place did not disappoint. As a matter of fact I would say it was the best Pastel De Nata in Lisbon I had eaten. Perfectly cooked with a flaky crust that melted in your mouth along with the sweetest, creamiest, custard filling to compliment it. My only regret was not trying this place sooner.


That’s it! If you have any questions about the food in Lisbon, Lisbon food market or comments/recommendations for restaurants in Lisbon you think should be added to this list, please feel free to hit me up in the comments section below, otherwise VAMOS COMER! I hope you enjoyed the food in Lisbon as much as we did!


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MY SECRET WEAPON FOR PLANNING THE BEST BACHELORETTE WEEKEND IN VEGAS & HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR TRIP!

I. Was. Soaked! My clothes were dripping wet! And yet, I couldn’t stop dancing!

It was July and I was in Las Vegas celebrating my girlfriend’s bachelorette. It had been excruciatingly hot all weekend long and going out during the day when the sun was at its highest was almost painful. Thankfully today I had planned for us to go to Encore Beach Club for the Chainsmokers pool party and the jets of water being sprayed over the crowd were an absolute godsend! A momentary break from the heat that I welcomed with open arms!

This trip to Vegas had been months in the making and as maid of honour it was my duty to plan and put it all together. The bride-to-be had invited a small group of people along and even though the numbers were manageable I didn’t know any of the other girls. As someone who doesn’t go to Vegas often I was also a little worried that I: 1) wasn’t up-to-date on what the best parties and restaurants in Vegas were, and 2) didn’t know if the girls were big partiers and would be into what I planned for us. Overwhelmed and nervous, I reached out to a friend who I knew had either planned or attended her fair share of Vegas bachelorette parties and she let me in on one of Vegas’ best kept secret.

Enter the Venetian Resort’s Celebration Team, an in-house concierge service available to guests of the hotel who need help planning the perfect Vegas trip itinerary. My contact Kylie not only helped me secure two Bella Suites next door to one another (ensuring we were all together), but also helped me arrange dinner reservations, provided pricing for show tickets, put me in contact with club promoters, and decorated our room with balloons and champagne for an unexpected dazzling arrival! Within a week of contacting The Celebration Team, our entire weekend itinerary was planned and I started to feel way more confident the girls were going to enjoy themselves - and I was right!

The entire weekend went off without a hitch. The girls and I danced at some of the best clubs, ate at some of the best restaurants, and celebrated the bride-to-be all weekend long. Fast forward to the end of the weekend, the girls and I huddled around in a circle at the Vegas airport laughing as we recapped the events of the past couple days. Together we made a list of highlights from our weekend so that anyone planning a trip to Vegas would have a great place to start. Here is what rose to the top:


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Parties, Restaurants and Bars!

When it comes to partying in Las Vegas everyone knows there is no shortage of mega clubs and amazing pool parties to choose from. Although the girls and I did go out pretty much every night our favourite ‘night out’ or should I say ‘day out’,  was definitely the Sunday we spent at the Chainsmokers pool party at Encore Beach Club. Little did we know, Kylie had totally hooked us up. The promoter she had put us in contact with made sure we got a great booth in front of the stage and even a free bottle to get us on our way. I don’t think the day could of gone any better. We had our own little private area to put our stuff down, dance till our feet hurt, and let go of any inhibitions we may have had. We stayed in that booth for over 5 hours, dancing despite being completely soaked from being sprayed by the water jets overhead. This was a Vegas party for the books and we were all here for it!  

While in Vegas the girls and I splurged on some pretty extravagant dinners but none was more delightful than our dinner at Rivea. Located on the 64th floor of the Delano Hotel, Rivea is Vegas fine dining at its best. Chef Alain Ducasse uses bold flavours and inventive approaches to add new life to classic French and Italian dishes. As an added extra bonus, the restaurant’s patio also offers the most breathtaking view of the Vegas strip during sunset - a perfect backdrop to an incredible meal. The girls and I got to sample the majority of items on the menu by way of the tasting menu and both the Ricotta Ravioli with Swiss chard and Mint, and Lobster Risotto were two table favourites. If you have cause for celebration like us, dining at Rivea is a must!

Further, I would be remiss if I didn’t also recommend doing some pre-dinner drinks at Skyfall Lounge, a laid back lounge club that offers the same amazing panoramic views as Rivea. The girls and I enjoyed a couple cocktails and glasses of champagne here before heading into dinner at Rivea and in hindsight it was probably the perfect place for us to kick off our trip and get acquainted. Since the atmosphere was relaxing and the music wasn’t overbearing, carrying on conversation and getting to know one another was super easy. Having a couple drinks here before dinner not only helped set the mood for the evening but was also the perfect way for us all to get to know each other and ease into a Bachelorette party weekend in Vegas.

Another crowd-pleaser I was happy to see made the list was our dinner at TAO! This Pan Asian bistro is not only one of my favourite restaurants in Vegas but also happen to be conveniently located in our hotel. The restaurant’s menu and atmosphere never fails to impress and since the girls and I decided to share everything family-style we really got to explore the menu. Although the Crispy Orange Chicken and spicy Lobster Kim Chi Fried Rice were originally ordered for the table I definitely took the lion’s share - sorry not sorry. The fact that the bride-to-be told me later that it was one of the best meals of her life was just the icing on the cake.

If you are as obsessed with the roaring 20’s, art deco interiors, or just have an appreciation for delicious hand-crafted cocktails, Rosina is definitely worth seeking out. Nestled into a corner of the Palazzo casino floor, Rosina is where class and cocktails intertwine. The girls and I had a couple rounds of drinks in the intimate space before dinner and we just loved it. We actually ended up being late for our dinner reservation that night because we were having so much fun taking cute photos by the bar and enjoying delicious libations we completely lost track of time. Considering how close it was to the Venetian and TAO, if you are staying or dining at either you should definetly add in a quick (or not so quick in our case) drink at Rosina to your itinerary.

So there you have it! Our Vegas top 5! If you have any questions or are looking for more insight/want to know more about our trip or how to contact the Celebration Team at the Venetian, just hit me up in the comments below and I will be happy to help answer any questions you have.

Until then, safe travels!

xx

-Soheila


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INSTAGRAM WORTHY SPOTS IN NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND!

Taking in the gorgeous views from my balcony at the The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island

Taking in the gorgeous views from my balcony at the The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island

The water sparkled like blue zircon sapphires as I stood speechless, taking it all in. As a child, I have faint memories of sailing around the Bahamas with my dad, but now, seeing the intense and mesmerizing crystal clear blues of the water was enough to leave me breathless all over again. “Somebody pinch me,” I thought.

This trip to the Bahamas was going to be very different than any of my previous visits with my father. For one I was not with family, and secondly, I was finally going to have a chance to explore more of Nassau Paradise Island. My stay in Nassau Bahamas would be split between two of the largest and most popular paradise island resorts, Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar; and while in town I was also going to get the chance to explore many other smaller Nassau Bahamas hotel properties and talk to locals in hopes of finding out where the most Instagram-worthy spots on the island are! So, are you ready?

Views of Cabbage Beach from the porch of a three bedroom unit at Sunrise Clubs and Villas

Views of Cabbage Beach from the porch of a three bedroom unit at Sunrise Clubs and Villas

One of the smaller properties I visited was the Sunrise Beach Clubs and Villas, located on Cabbage Beach. It was here while standing on the back porch of one of their three-bedroom villas that I saw the water sparkle like blue zircon sapphires for the first time.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN NASSAU BAHAMAS

Cabbage Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the Bahamas and spans approximately 8 km. Along the beach, you will find countless resorts, bars, and restaurants lining the shores. The beach itself has the most beautiful clean, white sand, and although the water is shallow and perfect for beach walks, swimming, and sunbathing, I have heard the rip currents can also be very strong. Since there are no lifeguards on duty I would suggest being mindful of this when going in the water. Cabbage beach starts at the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas property and the further west you go the quieter the beach gets. By the time you hit Sunrise Beach Clubs and Villas or the famous Four Seasons Ocean Club (more on that later), the beach becomes less busy and in my personal opinion much more enjoyable. Since there are many restaurants and bars along the beach, beach chairs can easily be rented wherever you decide to settle down, making this the perfect place to post up, do a little ‘liming’, snap some Instagram worthy photos and enjoy a gorgeous beach day in Nassau Paradise Island.


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The gorgeous mosaic pool at Graycliff Hotel in Nassau

The gorgeous mosaic pool at Graycliff Hotel in Nassau

RESTAURANTS IN NASSAU BAHAMAS

The second place I recommend you check out while in Nassau Paradise Island Bahamas is the Graycliff Hotel and surrounding Graycliff Heritage Village. Not only does the hotel have great historical significance, but it also has an amazing fine dining restaurant – the first 5-star restaurant on the island and the best food I had while in Nassau – and an expansive wine cellar that boasts over 200,000 bottles of wine at an estimated value of $20 million! The hotel itself is located near downtown Nassau and was originally a mansion built in 1740 by Captain John Howard Graysmith, a famous pirate known for looting treasure ships along the Spanish Main (the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea). If you have a chance to visit the hotel I would recommend snapping some photos by their gorgeous mosaic pool in the back which is like a little tucked away oasis and unlike anything else, you will see in Nassau Bahamas. If you continue through the Heritage Village you will also find the Graycliff Cigar Company, Graycliff Chocolatier, and Bahama Barrels (Bahamas’s first winery) – all of which are great places to pick up some souvenirs.

NOTEWORTHY LUXURY RESORTS & HOTELS IN THE BAHAMAS

The Versailles-inspired tiered manicured lawns and gardens at the Four Season Ocean Club

The Versailles-inspired tiered manicured lawns and gardens at the Four Season Ocean Club

Anyone who loves James Bond movies would recognize the famous Four Seasons Ocean Club from the Daniel Craig-starring Casino Royal. Not only is the Ocean Club an extremely exclusive property but the grounds are absolutely stunning. On the property, you will find beautiful ocean views, tranquil spots in which to relax, a beautiful fine dining restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water, and a racket club. For me, what made this property so Instagram-worthy was the 35 acres of Versailles-inspired tiered manicured lawns and gardens. If you can snag a dinner (it’s definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Nassau) or lunch reservation at the hotel restaurant (Dune Restaurant) make sure to take a walk around the property to find the gardens. You are guaranteed some beautiful, fairytale-like pictures here!

Kids having fun at Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island

Kids having fun at Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island

If you have kids or are just a big kid at heart, the waterpark at Atlantis Paradise Island is an amazing place to check out and snap photos while in Nassau Bahamas. Aquaventure, Atlantis’ waterpark, is a remarkable 141-acre with Atlantean-themed towers that house high-speed water slides. Numerous swimming pools, a water playground/fort, a mile-long not-so-lazy river with rolling rapids and wave surges, and twenty additional swimming areas can also be found scattered throughout the property. The good news is you don’t necessarily need to be staying at Atlantis to access the park as day passes can be purchased at The Atlantis Adventures Tour center located outside The Coral. Space is limited so best to arrive early and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an Adult (18 years or older) to access the water park. While on Atlantis grounds, make sure to also check out the numerous aquariums on the property for a glimpse at majestic stingrays and schools of tropical fish.


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One of the pools at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

One of the pools at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

Last, but definitely not least, the Baha Mar Campus offers numerous amazing photo opportunities. The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, where I stayed, is the largest hotel on the Baha Mar campus and has 6 gorgeous pools to choose from – one of which even has a grotto! Colourful cabanas along with cute little Airstream trailer food trucks can also be found scattered throughout the property, both of which make incredibly cute backdrops for photos. Besides the beautiful casino (where you aren’t really allowed to take photos of/in) the Baha Mar campus is incredibly photogenic and all three hotels that make up the campus – Baha Mar SLS, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar – offer unique experiences. The Baha Mar SLS (the party hotel) and the Rosewood Baha Mar (Nassau’s ultimate private, luxury hotel escape) provide guests with further exclusive access to parts of the property that Hyatt guests do not have including smaller, private pools (SLS has one and Rosewood has two) as well as a private beach (reserved for Rosewood Baha Mar guests only). No matter which hotel you end up staying at though, you are bound to get some great shots for your IG!

This is obviously just the tip of the iceberg for Instagram worthy spots in Nassau Paradise Island, let alone the Bahamas! One place that should for sure be on this list, but I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to really visit, is downtown Nassau. Known for its bright colourful buildings and Straw Market, downtown Nassau Bahamas is super close to the cruise ship port making it an easy place to visit if you are coming in via boat. Other than that, Nassau is a beautiful island with so much to offer and I am sure anyone who visits will find unique spots of their own to add to this list. If you know of or find a spot that you think I should add to this list, feel free to leave me a note in the comments below!

Until then safe travels and happy photo taking!

Chilling on my balcony at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau Bahamas Paradise Island

Chilling on my balcony at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau Bahamas Paradise Island


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ROAD TRIPPING: SANTA BARBARA, THE AMERICAN RIVIERA

Wandering around the beautiful Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Wandering around the beautiful Santa Barbara County Courthouse

When it comes to bucket list road trips, driving up PCH has been at the top of mine for years. I have been to California many times to visit my older sister, but we usually end up staying in Los Angeles where she lives. Don’t get me wrong, Los Angeles has so much to offer and I love going there to visit my family, but there is no denying that California has so many other amazing cities to discover as well. That is why when I found out that I had to go to Anaheim for a work conference, tacking on a couple extra days for a little 48-hour road trip to Santa Barbara with my sister was an easy decision.

There is something special about driving along a windy ocean coastline, the salty wind in your hair, listening to your favourite tunes that can make any stress you are feeling completely fade away. At least that’s how I started to feel as we approached downtown Santa Barbara, a small costal city cradled by the Santa Ynez Valley that is known for its So-Cal lifestyle, surf culture, and of course amazing wines. In anticipation for this trip I had put together a jam-packed itinerary that was going to be so much fun my sister and I could not wait to kickoff our little ‘sister bonding getaway’!

GENERAL WEATHER FOR SANTA BARBARA

The weather in Santa Barbara is generally very pleasent and mlld thanks to the breeze that comes off the ocean. June to September are definitely the warmest months with highs of 25 celcius (77 fahrenheit) and lows of 15 (53 fahrenheit) ! June is said to be a bit foggy but generally still very enjoyable, and December to February can be rainy with lows of of 8 (45 fahrenheit) and highs of 19 (66 fahrenheit)!


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Hanging out in the lobby of the Kimpton Goodland Hotel just outside Santa Barbara

Hanging out in the lobby of the Kimpton Goodland Hotel just outside Santa Barbara

BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

During my research I came across so many cute hotel properties in Santa Barbara.  Ultimately, and after much debate, my sister and I ended up settling on the Kimpton Goodland* in Goleta, a small town just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The hotel looked very trendy, the kind of trendy that would be appealing to millennials looking for a not-so-fussy, yet hip and comfortable place to stay while in town. The property used to be an old motel that the Kimpton brand took over and revamped, and I loved the nod to surf culture and its So-Cal aesthetic. Our room was small but cozy for two and we ended up spending most of our time hanging around the pool, enjoying complimentary wine and appetizers in the lobby (6PM daily), and making s’mores around the hotel’s fire pit. Even though we only stayed there for one night we really enjoyed ourselves and would totally stay there again!

*Since my stay, the Kimpton Goodland has been purchased by AWH Partners and has changed it’s name to The Leta Hotel (a nod to the city of Goleta). It still has all the beloved elements associated with the property like the fire pits, pool, air stream and restaurants, however enhancements have been made to their hi-speed Wi-Fi, streaming services, bedding quality and lobby area.


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WINE TASTING IN SANTA BARBARA

Being a huge wino, visiting wine country while in Santa Barbara was a must! The Santa Ynez valley is known for producing numerous varietals thanks to its varying micro climates – a very unusual thing. Further, one of the reasons why Santa Barbara County produces such flavourful wines is because the Santa Ynez valley actually runs east-west as oppose to the typical north-south. This means that vineyards and crops have more hours of daylight and therefore produce more flavourful fruits and vegetables. Naturally the first thing we planned to do when we got to Santa Barbara was hop on a tour with Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours. Shortly after checking into our hotel the van arrived to pick us up and within 40 minutes we were sitting in the heart of the Santa Ynez valley sipping on a delicious glass of Rosé. Our driver Paco was very knowledgeable and told us all about the wineries and the history of the area. A picnic lunch was arranged as part of our tour and Paco had made sure to reserve an area on the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyard from where to enjoy it. Paco wanted to make sure we had time to fully absorb the experience and made sure we stayed on schedule and had enough time at each winery in Santa Barbara. To sweeten the experience he also provided complimentary waters and snacks for us to enjoy while on the bus between wineries, leaving us to sit back, relax and really enjoy the experience.

RESTAURANTS IN DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA

After our amazing day with Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours, my sister and I made our way into downtown Santa Barbara for dinner at a new food hall that had recently opened downtown. Cubaneo, a California inspired Cuban restaurant; Shaker Mill, a Cuban inspired craft cocktail bar; and Modern Times, a soon-to-be opened brewery, share a casual indoor and outdoor eatery space dubbed Kim’s Service Department. My sister and I both love food and we both know when travelling to unfamiliar cities it’s easy to blow a lot of money on expensive dinners at well-known restaurants. What we were after though was finding those smaller, cheap and cheerful spots that only locals go to and Kim’s Service Department was just that. Menu prices were extremely reasonable and both my sister and I found something on the menu to enjoy. Being a Cuban restaurant, I went for the ‘Number One’, a  gluttonous pork loin sandwich with caramelized onions, pickled Fresno chilis, cilantro, garlic aioli, and little gem lettuce on a toasted baguette. The combination of flavours was incredible and I loved how the toasted baguette ended up soaked up all the juices and flavors to help you get the full impact of each ingredient. Paired with delicious fruity craft cocktails from Shaker Mill, this made for the perfect end to our first day in Santa Barbara.

Breakfast in bed at the Kimpton Goodland Hotel just outside Santa Barbara

Breakfast in bed at the Kimpton Goodland Hotel just outside Santa Barbara

THE FUNK ZONE SANTA BARBARA

The next day, while enjoying breakfast in bed, my sister and I decided that after checking out and before heading back to Los Angeles, we would drive to check out the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara. My sister, who is a fantastic artist, really wanted to wander through the numerous artist studios, galleries, home good stores, cafes and shops that make up the Funk Zone and I was happy to oblige. The Santa Barbara Funk Zone, once considered an undesirable part of town, has been gentrifying in recent years. Converted warehouse spaces now house a variety of interesting businesses, breweries, restaurants, and market spaces. Murals and contemporary art pieces are scattered throughout the neighbourhood as well as over two dozen wine tasting rooms - all within blocks of each other. That’s right, you don’t even need to leave downtown Santa Barbara to experience a wine tasting in Santa Barbara

Before heading back to Los Angeles we decided to grab a quick lunch at Tyger Tyger, a Southeast Asian food cart inspired restaurant in the Funk Zone Santa Barbara. The building is hard to miss with its giant, white tiger mural painted on its facade. Inside, neon pink lanterns lining the ceiling add further charm to its trendy Asian aesthetic. Once again, we weren’t looking for anything too fancy and Tyger Tyger’s quick, counter service setup was the perfect combo of price point and deliciousness. Starving, we ended up ordering way more than our stomachs could handle, but we both loved the exotic flavours that came with each dish. My favourite was definitely the Vietnamese crepes and the Shrimp Summer rolls, while my sister was more drawn to the Pulled Chicken Salad – all great options if you ask me.

So many amazing food options to choose from at Tyger Tyger

Although short and sweet our road trip to Santa Barbara was packed full of fun activities and things to do, and definitely only made my desire to see more of California even stronger. If you ever find yourself doing a PCH road trip or are in the Los Angeles area for an extended amount of time, I definitely recommend doing the 90-minute drive to Santa Barbara and experiencing the beautiful city for yourself. You don’t necessarily even have to stay overnight, but one thing is for sure, it’s definitely a city that can’t be missed!


OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO IN SANTA BARBARA


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP TO SANTA BARBARA


That’s it! If you have any questions about downtown Santa Barbara, The Funk Zone Santa Barbara, Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara or comments/recommendations for the best restaurants in Santa Barbara, please feel free to hit me up in the comments section below, otherwise I hope you have a beautiful trip to Santa Barbara!


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DISCOVERING SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE - A DIFFERENT SIDE TO MEXICO

Exploring the hilly cobblestone streets of San miguel de Allende

Exploring the hilly cobblestone streets of San miguel de Allende

It was 6am and I was tired. It had taken me pretty much all of the previous day to travel from Toronto to Mexico and I hadn’t arrived at my accommodations until close to 1am. Now, in the early morning, I found myself floating 1000 feet above the small town of San Miguel de Allende in a giant hot air balloon. The sun was starting to rise in the distance and streaks of light illuminated the world below me, casting a warm glow. ‘How did I get here?’ I asked myself in a bit of a daze from the beauty I was witnessing.

Truth be told the answer to my question is not as amazing as that first sleepy morning in San Miguel. It was my editor who had reached out to me and asked if I wanted to go, and if I am being completely honest, San Miguel was a destination that had yet to come up on my radar. Curious to know more about it, I of course did what most millennials do, I Googled it and was soon scrolling through beautiful pictures of bright colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. ‘This place is so beautiful!’ I thought to myself. With my sights set on San Miguel I instantly started to day dream of all the pretty shots I was going to take and I knew there was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity. 

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE WEATHER

The weather in San Miguel de Allende doesn’t vary too much thought the year. The average high temperatures hover between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius (73 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit), and the best time to visit San Miguel de Allende is said to be between November through April because there is less rainfall than in the summer months. One thing to note though is that it does get chillier at night so make sure to bring some cardigans or layers for after the sun goes down.


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San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful, walkable, little town in the heart of Mexico!

San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful, walkable, little town in the heart of Mexico!

San Miguel de Allende is a small, charming, hilly town in Mexico (population of about 90,000 in the town proper) that is located 270km north west of Mexico City. Unlike other more popular Mexican beach destinations, San Miguel de Allende is completely land locked and is actually situated at a higher elevation than Denver, Colorado. In the early 20th century the small town of San Miguel was in danger of becoming a ghost town, but thanks to the opening of the renowned Instituto Allende (a visual arts school) in 1950, the city developed a booming art scene that drew in people from all over the world. Today, the city continues to thrive and its flourishing art scene has become a haven for bohemian expats and artist who want to settle in Mexico (the town as about 17,000 expats which is quite larger considering its total population). In recent years, gastronomy has also started to take centre stage in San Miguel aided by the town’s lush surrounding farmlands and vineyards. Today, San Miguel is a popular weekend retreat for Mexicans, a hot spot for weddings, and an attractive destination for international visitors like myself.

- SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE HOTELS -

Travelling to San Miguel is not cheap. Unlike other destinations in Mexico, the closest airport to San Miguel is actually in Leon, an hours drive away which makes it a little more difficult to get to. Shuttles and car rentals are available but since accommodations are in such demand, it’s better to visit during the week to avoid peak hotel room rates.

While in San Miguel I stayed at Hotel La Morada, a quaint 4-star boutique hotel with only 26 rooms. This hotel in San Miguel was perfectly located steps away from the main square of town and I could see the iconic pink church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel from my room’s balcony. The hotel itself was once a colonial house that recently underwent renovations and although the remodeling gave the hotel quite an upgrade, it still maintains much of its historical charm.

If you are looking for more upscale accommodations to stay at while in San Miguel there is no shortage of choices. Three that I visited for drinks and/or dinner while in town and found VERY APPEALING were L’Otel, Rosewood San Miguel, and Live Aqua.

L’Otel, a luxurious, super boutique property – only 10 rooms, all of which are suites – is actually located a stones-throw away from my hotel and was part of Doce 18 Concept House, a collective of design, art, and gastronomy offerings. Travel and Leisure listed L’Otel as one of the best boutique hotel in the world in 2017 and it did not disappoint. You don’t have to stay there to enjoy it either. Check out the stores and wander around the food hall downstairs before making your way to the top floor where the hotel is located. You can buy a drink or order bites from the bar upstairs and enjoy it outside by the pool. You well love it and I can only describe it as an interior designer’s wet dream.

During my time in San Miguel De Allende, I spent a morning visiting the San Miguel Rosewood Hotel. This hotel was very impressive in both size and the way it fuses history with modern convenience and style. One of the great features of this hotel is that it has a few large residence style suits ranging from 2 - 5 bedroom that you can book when travelling as a large family, group of friends or for a wedding party. Each suite features spacious indoor living areas, garden patios, a full kitchen, private garage and rooftop terraces! You can even elevate your experience with these suits with the addition of a personal butler or a pre arrival grocery service. Furhter, the Sense Spa at Rosewood San Miguel De Allende is also worth check out as it mixes luxury pampering with indigenous Mexican ingredients known for their healing properties.

The third hotel that I loved after just a quick visit was Live Aqua Urban Resort. This 153 room hotel is luxury to THE MAX. The hotel itself has a very modern feel and although I didn’t stay there, I did get to walk around the property and enjoy a tasty dinner at Spice Market, an Asian restaurant located on the second floor of the hotel. If you can’t afford to stay there, like me, I definitely would still recommend going to check it out to grab a drink or a bite. My experience was fantastic and I loved the meal and the delectable cocktails.


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- THINGS TO DO IN SAN MIGUEL -

In terms of activities I would definitely recommend doing the hot air balloon ride while in town. It was my first time in a balloon and since I am usually scared of heights, I wasn’t completely sure how it was going to go at first. To my surprise though I felt very safe and since the basket walls are quite tall, you end up feeling very secure. The company we used for our excursion was Globo San Miguel Hot Air Balloon Adventures. Rates start at about $200 CAD per person and after our excursion they took us to the Rosewood San Migel De Allende Hotel where they had arranged a beautiful breakfast in the hotel’s courtyard (an extra $25 CAD with your ticket). In hindsight I think this was probably the most delightful way to be first introduced to San Miguel and I absolutely loved the whole experience.

While in town I would also recommend checking out Fabrica La Aurora, an old textile factory that has been transformed into a multi-use art space that is now home to galleries, antique shops, and artist workshops. You can easily spend an afternoon there perusing through all the different spaces or even sign up for a workshops with a local artist. It’s a great way to experience the local art scene in San Miguel and get a taste for what it would be like to live there as an artist.

Since San Miguel has so much lush farmland surrounding it, I would also recommend doing a tasting at one of the local wineries. I mean where else can you try Mexican wine? I got a chance to do a tasting at Toyan Vineyard, an organic winery located just 10 minutes from the heart of town. Toyan offers tours of La Cava, ‘the caves’, a wine cellar 14 meters below ground. Stone monk sculptures light up the pathway down to the cellar and it is here where you will also find their tasting room which doubles as an event space. The tour and tasting was about an hour to an hour and a half long and the whole experience here was way more amusing then other wine tasting experiences I have had in the past. It definitely felt like more of a unique considering they actually bring you down into the cellars and you get to walk through dark lit corridors lined with barrels and bottles of wine. It also gave me a great excuse to bring a bottle of wine home as a souvenir!

- RESTAURANTS IN SAN MIGUEL - 

As I mentioned, in recent years an elevated gastronomy scene has become part of San Miguel’s overall draw. One place that has made quiet a name for its self is Chef Jorge Cocega’s restaurant Ruta De La Milpa. Chef Jorge forages for fresh local ingredients that he uses to create elevated indigenous dishes. It’s not just about experiencing traditional Mexican food at Ruta De La Milpa, it’s more about getting a REAL taste of Mexico in a fine dining setting. While there my group and I got to try Chef Jorge’s tasting menu which ran the gamut of menu offerings and the excessive amounts of ‘mmm, so good’ coming from everyone at our table was a sure indication that I was not the only one who was blown away by the meal. 

El Petite Four, a French patisserie and cafe in the heart of town also needs to be on your list of restaurants in San Miguel you need to try. We spent an hour here one morning, hanging in the courtyard of the patisserie enjoying a selection of wonderful pastries, sandwiches and coffees. The cousin duo who started this patisserie 20 years ago has built a business that has today become a staple and go-to place for wedding cakes in San Miguel. Chef Paco came out and welcomed our group and it was so nice to be able to interact and learn more about how their little French patisserie came to be in San Miguel – a very interesting story you should ask him to recount for you when you go.

Last but definitely not least, if you have the opportunity to get out to the countryside I would recommend going to El Vergel Bistro and Market, a small French country restaurant by Chef Ari Vasquez. Alongside the restaurant you will also find a small market where you can purchase a selection of deli products, cheeses, and even wines to take home with you. My group stopped here on the way back from visiting the hot springs and enjoyed a beautiful meal accompanied by a delicious glass of rosé on their shaded patio. The whole experience felt quite tranquil and I loved not just the food but this ‘new setting’ of enjoying lunch in the Mexican countryside.

Although my trip to San Miguel de Allende was a short one, I was taken aback by how beautiful and charming the hilly, colourful cobblestone town was. It was unlike any other travel experience I have had in Mexico. San Miguel felt truly unique which is why it was not surprising to find out that it continues to see an increase in visitors each year. If you are looking to experience a less commercial, more authentic Mexican experience, I would definitely recommend starting with San Miguel. I have full faith in its ability to capture the hearts of all who visit, as I know firsthand, it captured mine.


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP


That’s it! If you have any questions about San Miguel De Allende, hotels in San Miguel De Allende restaurants in San Migel De Allende or have some comments/recommendations for the best restaurants in San Miguel, please feel free to hit me up in the comments section below, otherwise I hope you have a beautiful trip to San Miguel!


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