All posts tagged recommendations

All Things Lavender

I’ve always enjoyed the scent of lavender. When I heard about the Ali’i Kula Lavender farm in Maui, I couldn’t not go. The lavender farm is a beautiful stretch of land overlooking the ocean and beaches. Strolling through the gardens on a sunny day is the equivalent of paradise. Not only were the fields gorgeous, but the lavender products in the gift shop were beyond delightful. Products included lavender soap, oil, eye masks, lotions, shampoos, and satchels. There were also food items such as scones, brownies, tea, butter, and honey.

To my surprise, I learned that lavender has many incredible uses. Lavender oil serves as an antifungal, it can be used on cuts and insect bites, it helps you relax, and it is often used to treat insomnia. For all those uses, a $12.00 bottle sounds like a win-win. For an affordable and relaxing morning or afternoon, visiting the Ali’i Kula Lavender farm is a decision you will not regret.

If you’re in Maui, also check out Surfing Goat Dairy for another amazing afternoon!

{Photos by Lauren}

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by Lauren on January 23, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Around Town, Film, Food

Tagged Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, Around Town, Hawaii, Lavender oil, Maui, recommendations, Tourist

Posted by Lauren on January 23, 2013

http://adashofcinema.com/2013/01/23/all-things-lavender/

An Afternoon with Goats

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.

{Photos by Lauren}

4 Comments

by Lauren on January 14, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Around Town, Food

Tagged Experiences, goat cheese, Hawaii, ideas, Maui, recommendations, Surfing Goat Dairy, travel

Posted by Lauren on January 14, 2013

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

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

Posted in Around Town, Food

Tagged Around Town, breakfast, chelsea, grey dog coffee, lunch, NYC, recommendations, The Grey Dog

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

Posted in Around Town, Food

Tagged Around Town, food, NYC, recommendations, restaurants, tipsy parson

Posted by Lauren on June 11, 2012

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

The Food Group

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and as we transition into April, flowers are one of the beautiful things we have to look forward to. We just have to get through the rain first.

When May’s flowers are in bloom, there are multiple ways to make use of them in lieu of a colorful bouquet. For one, some flowers are edible and make for excellent dessert and dish toppers. Here is a chart I found for you to reference, just to be safe. Certain flowers, such as hibiscus and rose, complement bubbly drinks or ice cream. Whether you choose to eat the flowers or not, they are a lovely spring dish, dessert, and drink addition that contribute a little something extra to your meal.

4 Comments

by Lauren on March 28, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Food, The Food Group

Tagged april, edible flowers, flowers, ideas, inspiration, may, recommendations, spring, the food group

Posted by Lauren on March 28, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/03/28/the-food-group/

Asia On Screen

{Flower Drum Song}

In honor of Chinese New Year, here are some films to enjoy with your jiaozi. I’ve seen several of these films a long time ago, and I can’t wait to re-watch them. How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?

{House of Flying Daggers}

{Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon}

{Mulan}

{The Last Emperor}

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

1 Comment

by Lauren on January 25, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Film

Tagged Asia, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Flower Drum Song, homemade, House of Flying Daggers, jiaozi, love is a many-splendored thing, Mulan, recommendations, The Last Emperor

Posted by Lauren on January 25, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/01/25/asia-on-screen/

Reading Days

I want to curl up with a good book next to the fireplace with a large steaming cup of green tea. I made a point of reading a lot last year, and I want to read at least twice as much this year. These are some of the books that are definitely making the list. What’s on your book list this year?

1. Tender is the Night – F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. Van Gogh: The Life - Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith
3. The Buddha in the Attic – Julie Otsuka
4. Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins
5. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman – Robert K. Massie
6. La Seduction: How the French Play the Game of Life – Elaine Sciolino

via

1 Comment

by Lauren on January 19, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Film

Tagged books, marilyn monroe, reading, recommendations

Posted by Lauren on January 19, 2012

http://adashofcinema.com/2012/01/19/reading-days/

Indian Movies

One of my tour guides in India gave me a list of movies that would be interesting to watch and I wanted to share them with you. To learn more about India’s history and culture, be sure to check these films out! I’m definitely adding them to my must-watch list.

1. Gandhi (1982)