babbo

Tease me all you want but yes, I did drag my sister to Babbo just because it's one of Mario Batali's restaurants. I remember staying up late watching Iron Chef (the original dubbed version) from the top of my bunk bed and later watching it once Mario became an Iron Chef. I even did a presentation on him for an Italian class in college.



Contrary to what I'd expected, the restaurant is very quaint and almost hidden from the outside-- I don't think we would have found it if we hadn't looked for it.



It's silly, I know. But his food is pretty amazing.

the park

There are few things better than Sundays in the park with friends. Ice cream is just the chocolate-shell on top.

happy mother's day weekend

Our office compiled this video in which we answer the question, "How has your mother inspired you to travel?" It warms my heart knowing that the people I work with cherish their mothers like this; and that my own mother has always been the original source of all my inspiration.

PS - I'm on the video landing page!?!

caracas

My new favorite restaurant and my new favorite food in my new favorite neighborhood. Arepas are where it's at.

I didn't know what arepas were until Joanna introduced us to Caracas. If you're unfamiliar, I'd describe them best as little Venezuelan sandwiches with corn-buns (gluten free!). They come in a ton of different combinations but my favorite so far are any that include avocado and plantains.

The perfect little meal.

 

bakeri

My favorite way to find new places is through the recommendation of friends. After just arriving in Williamsburg, I wrote to Nicole asking for advice about local eateries and Bakeri was one of the cafes I happened to visit from her list.

The tiny bakery is tucked away in a street off Bedford, the main road. There isn't much room inside and upon entering, I realized it wouldn't have the same charm if it had been any bigger. There's one large communal table and a little hodge podge of tiny tables by the window. There are vintage relics throughout and all the plates are mismatched (my favorite).

Beyond all of this charm, I ordered a strawberry, pastry creme, and lavender galette which tasted exactly as it sounds: like Spring. I didn't have quite enough time to sit and enjoy everything as much as I'd wanted (it's like I'm always late), but it wasn't a terrible way to start the day.