boston getaway: part one

I recently went on a short weekend trip to Boston with the boy and my sister to spend some quality time together before the beginning of the spring school semester and the craziness that February will bring. Boston is my city pre-New York, where I spent most of my high school years and it was so strange experiencing a place several years later being significantly older. Not a lot has changed from what I noticed, other than several random new shops, new frozen yogurt places (the fro-yo craze didn't really exist in the states ten years ago), and an explosion of Starbucks on every block (seriously when did that happen?) but I realized that my perspective definitely has. It's good growing up.

YANKEE LOBSTER - Seaport district

We did quite a bit of research before we came into the city to make sure we at least got some good fresh seafood during our short trip and Yankee Lobster Co. seemed to be exactly the kind of unpretentious, family-owned, no frills place I was looking for. The food was really fresh, clean, and simple, which is the ideal way to serve seafood if you want to highlight the quality of the ingredients.

Delicious clam chowder and fish stew


Crab meat roll


Lobster roll

QUINCY MARKET/FANEUIL HALL

At night, we wandered around the Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall area, where I used to come a lot to eat and hang out when I was younger.


There was the most random farmer's market open at night here - people selling produce and fish in 10 degree weather. That's some serious dedication.


The seafood here looked so good - the fish were only a dollar a pound!






Inside the marketplace, we drooled over the baked goods at this little cookies and sweets shop.








Couldn't pass up the opportunity to eat this heathbar cookie - it was totally worth the $3!








ATLANTIC FISH

For dinner, we went to Atlantic Fish, which I was really excited to try because it's highly rated in Boston for their fresh seafood.








Grilled calamari milano


Pan seared sea scallops over linguine in a basil pesto with artichoke hearts and pico de gallo


Maine lobster with green beans and potatoes


Grilled mahi mahi


The Captain's Platter - deep fried shrimps, scallops, clams, and cod with hand cut fries

Overall, Atlantic Fish was great and reasonably priced compared to what you would get in NY - sticker shock whenever I get off this little island happens practically every five minutes it seems. Atmosphere-wise, It was a little too date night for the suit and tie set for me but those fried shrimps really took me to another place. I love a well-cooked shrimp... and I would of course love something off of the boy's plate better than what I ordered for myself. Stealing little nibbles sometimes are the best way to go!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I realized halfway into this post that there were way too many photos to jam in one sitting. Will do a part two soon. Stay warm everyone! ☺

las vegas 2010: part two

While I was in Vegas, visiting the Shark Aquarium at Mandalay Bay was one of the best things I did. It seems that no matter how old I get, the incorrigible kid in me who used to push my pudgy/smudgy face and hands against squeaky clean aquarium tanks to get that much closer to the sea turtles, is still alive and well, albeit a bit more contained.

This little guy was one of the obvious favorites.


They have giant rooms where you stand and watch as sharks/sea turtles/fish swim all around you. It's such an exhilarating experience!


I really liked this tiger shark. They have stripes when they're younger that later turn to spots as they age.






The touch pool where you can pet a sea creature - fyi, they feel just like jello.

The Wynn Hotel

The Wynn was by far, my favorite hotel that I visited. Next time we're in Vegas, this hotel will be the definite choice! The interior is really decadent and lovely and the vibe here was just what I had imagined a Vegas hotel to have.

Parasol Lounge at the Wynn - right next to Daniel Boulud's brasserie








The boy and I had so much fun here, we're already trying to plan another trip sometime this year. Las Vegas part three might not be so far off after all! :)

eleven madison park

The boy and I recently went to Eleven Madison Park for a lovely date night and enjoyed some of the most delicious food and wine I've had in a long time. Everything was perfectly seasoned, cooked, and presented, just to my liking. Beyond the food, the service here to say the least, was impressively sincere and gracious. I've previously written about some other Danny Meyer places that I've visited including Gramercy Tavern, Shake Shack, and Union Square Cafe, and Eleven Madison Park is another great hit that really represents the best that Danny Meyer has to offer. It's definitely my favorite out of the group. I would recommend this spot to all of you classic "fine dining" loving foodies out there who love a good meal minus all the fluff.

I loved this drink!! How adorable is this bottle?


Pizzetta Carbonara: Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onions (normally topped with Lardons on the menu but I ordered without)


Ricotta Gnocchi with Violet Artichokes and Olives (again, ordered sans bacon)


Macarons cookie plate




Chocolate Peanut Butter Palette: Caramel Popcorn and Popcorn Ice Cream

Edible gold flakes - how beautiful! Almost too precious to eat... almost ;)

In other news, I'm planning a quick weekend trip this weekend with the boy and my sister - any good tips on where to go, what to eat, what to see in Boston?

Happy Monday everyone!