Andrea "W" R.'s Profile

Elemental seems to be a favorite among locals and I can see why with it's friendly service, on-site bean roasting and modern decor. However, I just don't think I'm enough of a coffee snob to appreciate Elemental Coffee Roasters.

I like syrup with my latte and lots of sugar with my coffee. They claimed they had neither syrup or sugar because their coffee is so good that they don't need it. I had several cups of coffee over my 2 days in OKC and there was something missing...syrup and sugar! I actually found myself wishing I had a starbucks in my hand instead. Gasp.  I did however enjoy my yogurt and granola very much.

The communal seating at Elemental Coffee Roasters may look nice, but I found it to be a bit uncomfortable.  If you're really into coffee you'll probably be quite satisfied at Elemental. However, if you drink coffee with the purpose of staying awake like I do you're likely to have an A-OK experience here like I did.

While I typically like to check out boutique hotels when exploring new cities, sometimes it's nice to stay at the well known chains because you know what you're getting. When we first booked the Hilton I expected good service, a clean spacious room and an adequate gym. I got all that and more during my 24 hours in Oklahoma City.

I didn't spend very much time in my hotel room, but was easily able to catch up on some ZZZ's in their cozy bed. Fortunately, I didn't hear until the next day that the Skirvin is supposedly haunted cause that would have kept me from getting such a good night sleep. I woke up to no ghosts and ventured down to the basement to the gym filled with all sorts of cardio and weight equipment. And I had it all to myself.  

You have to pay for wifi in their rooms, although they do offer complimentary wifi in the hotel lobby. The plush couches in the lobby became my office during my short stay.

I wasn't thrilled with the location because there didn't seem to be many dining options within walking distance. My colleague and I enjoyed 2 meals at the restaurant at the hotel, but ventured out for a long walk in the cold for our 3rd meal in OKC.  I wouldn't hesitate to book the Skirvin again, but next time I would also look for a more centrally located hotel...or rent a car.

I was psyched for a lunch at Out the Door until we discovered that it's been closed for a few months. I hear it's going to reopen one of these days, but my growling stomach was forced to find another lunch option...quick! My dining companion suggested Cupola Pizzeria, also located within the Bloomies building. Sold!

We split the butter lettuce and heirloom radishe topped with a goat cheese dressing. I was sold at "goat cheese dressing," but found the salad to be so-so.  The bianca pizza turned out to be yummy. It was a tad burnt, but that's how I personally like my pizza.

It turned out to be a tasty lunch. I'd choose Out the Door again if it was open next time, but Cupola Pizzeria is a fine choice in it's absence.

They take reservations for brunch- whoo! And have a parking lot right across the street- double whoo!

Prasino also happens to serve some lovely food for brunch as well. I ordered Baby R's favorites: a pancake and a egg. She went to town on the pancake and can't say I blame her cause the few bites I had were pretty scrumptious.  For myself I ordered a skillet, which was tasty. Baby R was also a big fan of the potatoes that came with my skillet.

They got the baby's food out within minutes, which was much appreciated. However, they took a long time when it came to the adult food. Brunch still ended up being a 2 hour ordeal, but I guess it's better to be waiting for food at a table rather than for a table outside in the cold.

My colleagues and I are currently engaged in a friendly "Biggest Loser' competition. I may be giving away my winning secrets right here, but before kicking off the competition last Monday I decided to eat all my favorite fattening foods the weekend before...to tilt the scale for my first weigh-in.  And if any meal is going to help tilt that scale it's brunch at Hearty.  

The brunch here is so "hearty" that they don't even have skim milk for your coffee. That alone has to add at least 1/4 lb to the scale- riighht? They do have egg whites, although really there's no point in even trying to be healthy with these tasting looking entrees. While I was eying the chicken n waffles and the red velvet breakfast dog I let my friends order those...and figured I"d snag a few bites. I myself ordered an omelet with brie, onions and chicken sausage (although I asked for mine sans chicken sausage).

We also got an order of pumpkin pancakes and French toast to share for the table. And that would be at least another 3 lbs for the weigh-in. The pumpkin pancakes were a favorite at the table. I helped myself to several bites of the french toast, although it did taste a bit too much like dessert to be eating for brunch.  

I'll be staying away from here for the duration of the competition, but highly recommend for anyone looking for a scrumptious calorific Sunday brunch!

PS: They take reservations for brunch, which is a rarity in Chicago!

There are so many restaurants in Greektown that it can be difficult to choose, but Greek Islands is my fave among the bunch. It's enormous so you can always get a table (although they do take reservations), affordable and I find their food to be pretty good too.

The menu is quite large and can be a bit overwhelming, but I've found the following options are the best:
* flaming saganaki cheese
* cold spread sampler
* gyros

On my most recent visit I decided to be "healthy" (New Years Resolutions) and get the chicken kabobs. It didn't quite do it for me and I ended up indulging in my friend's patichio instead. Also good, but not quite healthy.

They don't deliver (bummer), but we like getting take-out from here. And the loud atmosphere is also a great place to take the little ones.

I'm almost embarrassed that I went to the same restaurant 2 nights/row while in NY, but after working an event across the street all day my colleagues and I were in serious need of some grub. Even if the grub happened to come from the same restaurant we had drinks at the night before.

The drinks at Bar 89 are pretty stellar...and strong. The French 75 is pretty good..so much so that I ordered it 2 nights/row. They may have "bar" in their name, but drinks aren't the only things they do well at Bar 89. With the help of our opinionated (in a good way!) waitress I ordered the flatbread during my 2nd visit. It was enough for 3 people, but I was soooo hungry and it was sooo good. And sooo I ate the entire thing.

And if the food and drinks aren't enough to get you excited Bar 89 may just have the coolest restrooms ever. While it's just silly to go to the same restaurant twice in one weekend in a city in NY, the restrooms alone are worth one visit.

Some things just taste better in your 20s and Bob Chinn's is one of them. My colleagues and I were just a mile or so away and I insisted that we eat at Bob Chinn's. "It's the best place ever! Wait until you try the garlic rolls! The seafood is to die for!"

We arrived about 30 minutes before closing and ordered a variety of stuff to share. I was eagerly awaiting the garlic rolls. They were OK, but nothing worth waiting for.  And the seafood was just so-so. Either Bob Chinn's has gone downhill or perhaps my taste has improved with age. Probably the latter.

The french fries ended up being my favorite thing we ordered and I did really like our waitress. She told us exactly what we should order and after a long night it was nice not having to make any decisions.

I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again in the future, but I won't be expecting the best meal ever next time. Perhaps I just needed to drink a few mai tais along with my meal like I did in my 20s.

A few years ago I was home visiting the fam and my dad took me for a walk at one of his new favorite places: The Green Cay Wetlands.  After a few minutes there I could see why he spent most of his days there. It's absolutely gorgeous, peaceful and fun to look for alligators (among turtles and birds).  

I knew my husband would be a fan so on our most recent trip to Florida I took him and the baby to Green Cay Wetlands. He fell in love as well and made me promise we'll go back on every future trip to Florida.  It helped too that it was a gorgeous 70 degree day in South Florida- can't beat those. Our baby enjoyed herself too. She couldn't spot the turtles and alligators (or 1 small alligator on this occasion) from her stroller, but enjoyed the walk...and her snack.

There are a few different boardwalks to choose from. We started with the 1.5 mile boardwalk and when we hadn't had enough did another loop around the smaller one (i think a little over .5 mile). Before leaving we stopped in the gift shop where we got our little one a wind up frog for the bath. I think she enjoyed that even more than the walk.

Caneel Bay was my first choice in resorts in St John, but after looking up the prices for the week of Christmas I realized my daughter would have to go without diapers for the year if we splurged here. And so we ended up at the lovely Westin thanks to my starwood points- can't beat a free vacation.

While we didn't stay at Caneel Bay, we did spend a lovely day here. The concierge at the Westin had highly recommended the brunch at Caneel Bay, but when we got there we were informed they aren't serving brunch til January. It didn't make much sense to me since the holidays are the high season for them, but the regular lunch menu looked great too.  Parking at Caneel Bay is $10, but if you eat lunch they'll validate your parking. Worked for me! The food at the beach restaurant was really good. I enjoyed a mozzerella sandwich and some tasty fries that came with it. And my hubby seemed to really like his club sandwich as well. The service was top notch as well, something we felt that was missing from our stay at the Westin.

We took the short trail over to honeymoon beach. It was a very small beach, but quiet and beautiful. I worked on my tan, while my husband snorkeled. He had snorkeled at many different beaches on the island and said this was one of the best snorkeling experiences.

We then walked back over to use the beach on Caneel Bay. They allow visitors, but you're not able to use their lounge chairs and equipment unless you're staying there. Regardless we were happy campers soaking up the rays (and more snorkeling for the hubby) on this gorgeous beach.

It was one of the loveliest days on the island. I'd definitely look into staying here during the off season when the prices aren't so high...or if i ever win the lotto.