All posts in category Around Town

An Afternoon with Goats

Closeup Goat

A couple of weeks ago, I made friends with goats. Let me explain: covering 42 acres of the beautiful island of Maui, Surfing Goat Dairy produces fresh goat cheeses with unforgettable flavors. The dairy farm currently raises over 180 goats, taking proper care of the animals to ensure quality milk and cheese. In fact, many restaurants around the island use Surfing Goat’s cheeses.  During the tour of the dairy farm, we had the unique opportunity to feed and milk the goats. There was also a cheese tasting, which wouldn’t be complete without a large glass of Surfing Goat’s fresh lemonade.

During my visit to this farm, I couldn’t get enough of watching the baby goats, also known as ‘kids,’ sleeping and playing on oversized surfboards and logs. For a unique afternoon spent with goats and great cheese, Surfing Goat Dairy is a welcomed change of pace from laying out on the beach.

Surfing Goat

Farm with Rainbow

Sleeping GoatsGoats Eating

{Photos by Lauren}

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by Lauren on January 14, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on January 14, 2013

http://adashofcinema.com/2013/01/14/an-afternoon-with-goats/

Around Town: Ichibantei, New York City

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When my friend offered to take me to ‘this amazing Japanese restaurant,’ I just let it happen. I eat any type of Japanese cuisine, so I wasn’t too concerned. Turns out, this place, called Ichibantei,  really was amazing. The restaurant itself is small, with a long bar facing the kitchen and windows, and only a couple of tables. Off to the side on a busy street in the East Village,  Ichibantei can be a little confusing to find. The service is great, you can take as long as you want to eat without interruption, and the food is seriously quality.

I recommend: Teriyaki Chicken (I’ve never had teriyaki chicken so juicy and delicious!), Oyako Don, and Katsu Don. Plus all the usual side dishes like edamame and miso soup.

I can’t even talk about Ichibantei without my mouth watering. I’ll just have to refer to these photos until I can go again.

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{Photos by Lauren}

3 Comments
by Lauren on January 7, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on January 7, 2013

http://adashofcinema.com/2013/01/07/around-town-ichibantei-new-york-city/

Around Town: Icon Grill, Seattle

On a busy corner in the heart of downtown Seattle, Icon Grill is easily spotted with its big and bold sign. If you’ve seen the movie, Life or Something Like It (2002), starring Angelina Jolie, then Icon Grill may look familiar to you. The interior of the restaurant, however, is different than what it looked like 10 years ago. On an overcast day (that’s Seattle for you), I took a trip downtown to dine at Icon Grill and see what it was all about.  I ordered the Prime Rib Dip Melt, French Onion soup with a salad, and the Parmesan Lemon Sole.  The food wasn’t spectacular, but it’s a good place to go if you want a break from walking around and seeing the sights since it is conveniently located.

If you find yourself in Pike Place Market, try the Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar (which made an appearance in Sleepless in Seattle).

{Photos by Lauren; movie image}

4 Comments
by Lauren on November 14, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Around Town, Film, Food
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Posted by Lauren on November 14, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/11/14/around-town-icon-grill-seattle/

Around Town: Sunn – Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a beautiful place to walk around for the day. There is a beautiful church on top of a mountain of stairs, and with the close proximity to the water, everything is just a little more peaceful. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee as you walk around – Finland is the country that drinks the most coffee so you can bet that it is great (And it is. Very smooth). After browsing stores for a while, I found my way to a cute Bistro, called Sunn, serving brunch. My table looked directly out to the Helsinki Cathedral, which is majestic and breathtaking. The food was seriously incredible, and there wasn’t a bite I didn’t love. I enjoyed everything about this restaurant – from the old building it was located in to the friendly and accommodating service to the tasty meal flavors.

· · ·

Setting: Airy, comfortable, casual

Good for: Brunch, lunch with friends, quick lunch stop

What to order: Fried arctic charr and spring potatoes, Filo pastry filled with spinach and mushrooms, Eggs Benedict, Berry Smoothie

Downsides: The chairs are very narrow (random, I know)

Recommend: Getting bites from your dining partner’s dish – try as much as you can!

{photos by lauren / a dash of cinema}

2 Comments
by Lauren on September 19, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on September 19, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/09/19/around-town-sunn-helsinki-finland/

Around Town: Wienerkonditoriet – Stockholm, Sweden

During a morning shopping trip in Stockholm, I made a quick pastry stop into Wienerkonditoriet. I was on the hunt for a kanelbulle, a Swedish cinnamon bun. When I finally found the sweet treat, and after ordering it in very poor Swedish, I couldn’t wait to try it. I have read that kanelbulles are the next level Cinnabon, which is a very big statement to make. However, when I tried the kanelbulle, I understood. While Cinnabons are warm, super sweet, and melt in your mouth, kanelbulles taste more like Christmas, with an interesting spice that adds depth to its sweetness. Instead of an icing glaze, kanelbulles have a nib sugar sprinkled over the top.

· · ·

Setting: Comfortable, convenient

Good for: Quick pastry stop, sitting down to read

What to order: Kanelbulle, other delicious pastries

Downsides: The inside is a little dark

Recommend: Trying a little bit of everything

{photos by lauren / a dash of cinema}

3 Comments
by Lauren on September 3, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on September 3, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/09/03/around-town-wienerkonditoriet-stockholm-sweden/

Around Town: Babbo, New York City

Mario Batali can do no wrong. After loving Pizzeria Mozza and Eataly, I wanted to try out Batali’s New York City restaurant, Babbo Ristorante, to see what all the amazing reviews were about. Babbo is on a side street in the West Village,  and it could not be more charming. With a dim and intimate downstairs and an airy and spacious upstairs, Babbo offers a comfortable and private space to dine with friends and family. The food is made from local and fresh ingredients, and the flavors in each dish are incredibly rich. The Mozzarella di Bufala appetizer had the freshest mozzarella I have ever tasted. You definitely will not be disappointed here.

· · ·

Setting: Intimate, cozy, and comfortable

Good for: Family dinner, date night, business meetings

What to order: Mozzarella di Bufalawith Ramps and Olio Verde, Black Spaghetti with Rock Shrimp, Spicy Salami Calabrese and  Green Chilies, Pappardelle Bolognese, and Goose Liver Ravioli with Balsamic Vinegar and Brown Butter

Downsides: It can be hard to get a table, so be sure to make a reservation

Recommend: Sharing an appetizer with your friends/family and having your own main dish

{photos by a dash of cinema}

3 Comments
by Lauren on August 22, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on August 22, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/08/22/around-town-babbo-new-york-city/

Around Town: ABC Kitchen, New York City

I loved ABC Kitchen the minute I walked in. The outside of the restaurant is not flashy, so it is easy to walk right by. I’ve gone a couple of times for brunch, which is a great time to go (but a difficult time to get a table). The food is as local and organic as possible, and everything tastes fresh and flavorful. I’ve tried the french toast with cherries, seasonal donuts, and Eggs Benedict with flying pigs farm ham, and my sister swears by the housemade yogurt and granola with housemade jam. ABC Kitchen is definitely worth going to if you are in NYC. If you can’t get in, I recommend trying The Standard Grill.

· · ·

Setting: Intimate yet spacious, earthy, clean

Good for: Family brunch, dinner with friends, date night

What to order: Eggs Benedict, housemade yogurt and granola with housemade jam

Downsides: Reservation difficulty (mainly for brunch)

Recommend: Reserving a table in advance or arriving when it opens to get a seat, ordering a main dish and sharing a smaller dish with your dining partner

{photos by a dash of cinema}

3 Comments
by Lauren on August 1, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on August 1, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/08/01/around-town-abc-kitchen-new-york-city/

Around Town: The Grey Dog, New York City

I found The Grey Dog when I was wandering around one sunny day. As I passed it on the street, I made a mental note to come back after looking inside at the charming interior and delicious menu on the walls. The Grey Dog is a great little place to meet up with friends for a quick bite, or just to eat and read on your own. The food has been great the past two times I’ve gone (breakfast and lunch). My favorite part about The Grey Dog is that it is off the main street, so the ambiance is calmer for a cafe in the City.

· · ·

Setting: Charming, cozy, and spacious

Good for: Breakfast and lunch with family and friends, going solo

What to order: Lemonade, Egg Sandwich with Cheese on a Croissant, Irish Oatmeal, Grilled Chicken Press with Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto & Roasted Tomato, and Roast Beef Press with Swiss, Sauteed Onions, Horseradish Sauce & Au Jus

Downsides: Waiting in line to order and then finding a table (though this makes it more casual, which is nice)

Recommend: Going for breakfast – it is quieter and there are fewer people

If you are looking for more restaurants in NYC, check out my Around Town page!

{photos by a dash of cinema}

1 Comment
by Lauren on June 27, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on June 27, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/06/27/around-town-the-grey-dog-new-york-city/

Around Town: Tipsy Parson, New York City

There are so many places to eat in NYC it is kind of ridiculous! The options are endless, which makes going out to eat a process involving research and making reservations. I have a list of restaurants I would love to try (it grows daily) and I depend on OpenTable to confirm a table. It helps if you can narrow down which area you want to be in (Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Meatpacking, West Village, etc). Because my list is too long and I don’t want to be going out to eat all the time, I sometimes depend on Yelp, friend recommendations, or find restaurants from books or websites to read reviews and learn a bit more before spending money.

My friend recommended Tipsy Parson to me, and everything about it sounded great. I checked out the menu online beforehand, and almost immediately knew what I wanted to order. Tipsy Parson is small and charming, with a comfortable exterior and interior. We opted for an early lunch so there were only a couple of other people eating, but the restaurant is small enough for the service and space to feel personal. I will definitely be going back for breakfast or brunch!

· · ·

Setting: Charming and soulful, cute neighborhood restaurant

Good for: Lunch with friends, business meetings

What to order: BLT (with an incredible side of crunchy potato chips), Mushroom Toast – next time I want to try the sticky bun.

Downsides: I found the portions to be a bit big

Recommend: Grab the seat next to the window – you can people watch!

{photos by a dash of cinema}

2 Comments
by Lauren on June 11, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on June 11, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/06/11/around-town-tipsy-parson-new-york-city/

Around Town: Bocca Di Bacco, New York City

I can never get enough Italian food. Whether it is just pasta with parmesan or a more complex dish with shrimp and herbs, I simply love every bite. Bocca di Bacco is a delicious Italian restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere, making it a great place to catch up with family and friends. The service is quick and the food is so filling that we couldn’t possibly stay for dessert. I am not as picky with Italian food than I am with other cuisines, but until I find a restaurant to top Bocca di Bacco, I will be going here for my Italian fix.

· · ·

Setting: Comfortable atmosphere with wooden tables and chairs

Good for: Family dinner, lunch with friends, date night

What to order: Classic Onion Soup, Taste of Four Cheeses, any of the pasta dishes (I ordered the pasta special)

Downsides: The music is a bit loud

Recommend: Sharing dishes since the portions are large

{photos by a dash of cinema}

2 Comments
by Lauren on May 30, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Lauren on May 30, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/05/30/around-town-bocca-di-bacco-new-york-city/

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