You really can just relax...

Have you ever relaxed? Not just an hour or two when you feel like you've escaped from the stresses of the moment, but several hours-maybe even days- when you just put it all in prospective and  you don't even spend a moment thinking about seemingly insurmountable tasks. I think this is how I felt on Hilton Head Island.  The Island is divided into neighborhoods that are called "plantations." Initially this was confusing as I was prepared to visit all the different plantation homes that I believed existed. After reviewing the map, and taking a ride through one, it became apparent that I was a bit confused. I think each of these plantations offers a different beautiful view. Almost every plantation has a dramatic entrance surrounded by greenery.  Oak trees dripping in spanish moss (very reminiscent of New Orleans)  led us into Port Royal Plantation where we stayed in a more than spacious 3 bedroom condo. Largely a family oriented vacation destination  offering beaches, boutique shopping and bike trails that span the length of the Island. There's a friendly approachable feel but at the same time it's not too intrusive. 

Despite the fact that we had a fully stocked kitchen we went out for many meals to 

take advantage of the seafood that surrounded us!  I shared with my sister a nice appetizer of crab claws- and they cracked off the shells for us- that always just makes things so much easier! It's not very uncharacteristic of me but I can't seem to remember the name of the restaurant where we enjoyed this meal, but it was in Harbor Town across from the well-known lighthouse. Before the trip was over, I was discussing with my sister about booking the condo again for next year.

Berries By The Bucket, And Glass

It's hard to believe I've only been to Long Island a handful of times in the five plus years I've been in New York. I always wanted to see the "Napa Valley" of New York, but for one reason or another I never quiet made it to the wineries on Long Island. One very long day in the office we were all day dreaming of a fun getaway for the summer. After a few different ideas, we finally picked a day and planned the escape! With no real plan and a map of the North Fork of Long Island, we began the ride. It was about a two hour journey. We made about three vineyard stops and tested a few different wines- including trying some ice wine which was really sweet and a new discovery for me. As lunch time approached, we asked for a few recommendations and all directed us to Love Lane Kitchen. A very cute local place featuring all kinds of delicious specials every week. The day we were there they were offering a lobster roll, chicken and mango salad and a Chicago style hot dog. A very filling, delicious meal made us a little unsure about our ability to continue on our post-lunch wanderings, but we did not fail!  We began a new type of adventure. There were roadside stands to see and fruit to be picked. Blueberries and raspberries have never been so well sought after. (The birds really seem to take a liking to blueberries in particular.) I  even snuck a taste of the blackberries.. which were not quite at the peak of their season. All around it was a great day full of simple pleasures from a not-so-far away place.

More than Horses and Spring Water

If you've never been to Saratoga Springs, you're missing  out on a great escape not so far from New York City.Combining beautiful lake scenes along with a lively downtown boasting many local artists and designers. This town well known for horse racing and the natural spring water fountains scattered throughout the area. The water has a slight odor and taste, that for me, after one sip was a bit of a detractor.  But on the upside there are several delicious places to eat both all around you. Broadway (the main street downtown) is home to a few of the notable restaurants.

For breakfast, a start at Mrs. London's is what I'd advise. The almond croissant is a good pick. . It's slightly crispy on the outside (with a few paper-thin sliced almonds on top) and soft buttery inside make for a very nice contrast and the almond filling in the middle is a very nice surprise that you don't always find.  There are several other pastries and sandwiches and soups to choose from there that are equally as good.

If you wander off Broadway, into the Art District you'll find a pub called Local among galleries. It serves some traditional pub food and fresh salads and a few specialty dishes (with creative little names) that seemed to have Irish roots. Some favorites here were the mushroom, chive, swiss omelet, and hash hash.

If you have the time and the spirit of an adventurer you'll go beyond downtown about 10 minutes more on a two lane highway to PJ's -you should see the smoke from this bbq spot before you even see the building. The walk up ordering and outdoor picnic table seating offer a fun change from the more formal outdoor dining spaces, and this setup works well with the location right off the highway. It truly is a fun roadside stop with a menu that rivals many larger bbq restaurants. The only warning I give give is...watch out for the bees!! This should tell you how we felt about the food...

Oh, This Was No Buffet Scene

If  you've been to Vegas recently you'll notice the large signs promising a prime rib and lobster feast for $19.99 are VERY few and far between. So with the departure of such a "fine food" combination - what possibly could have filled such a void? Well,  many new dining options many of them boasting famous chefs and some sharing the same name and concept of sister establishments back east. 

So, I was recently able to see through the clutter of that scene and walked down the halls of the Wynn to find a country club! This is where we had a most delicious brunch. Starting with watermelon gazpacho with crab and avocado. Then, followed by french toast bread pudding(must note: a thick slice of apple smoked bacon on top.) I probably would have cooked the bacon a little less but it did have a great smoky taste. As if that wasn't enough food, we ordered something savory-or as I prefer to say salty-  poached eggs with barbequed smoked pork (must note: there was a bacon cheese muffin under the egg and charred green chile hollandaise sauce on top and accented with a grilled jalapeno.

 I think I smiled every time I took a bite of each dish. I know I cut every bite into about five pieces, so the meal lasted for as long as possible.

Jazz Fest

There are two very special weekends in spring that will always have significance for me. This year I was lucky enough to be able to go to the first weekend of The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival-known as simply Jazz Fest- to the regulars.  A music festival like no other.  It brings together the best local musicians, along with nationally known groups and visitors from all over the world, but there's a really relaxed feeling that takes over the whole city. This year was a record breaking year and although very difficult to find a parking spot when heading out to the Fairgrounds somehow,  it still feels very intimate. Perhaps it's because there are so many familiar faces- family and friends. I feel completely content knowing that I can't really plan what to do, or who I want to see next, because you never know who you'll run into, what delicious smelling food might distract you, or what artist might draw you in-providing a detour. 

The stage names have changed some taking on new corporate names and others more of a tribute to the neighborhood. The food vendors have grown but the standard dishes such as crawfish pie, cochon de lait and mango freezes are still there. The festival has always been, for me, one of those occasions where people, performances (both planned and spontaneous) come together and the energy is so authentic and comfortable that you just don't want to day to end...

The City of Brotherly Lovin'

I've been to Philadelphia once before but I think I was 6 and I don't count that. It was viewed more, at that time, as a long day of walking and looking at boring historical plaques. I went this time for a long weekend and didn't do much walking, due to the bad weather, but I did get to see lots the neighborhoods (from the car). I have to say it reminded me a lot of Europe and it was very charming. (These are some pictures of Elfreth's Alley. One of the first places immigrants settled and made a neighborhood. Now these properties are very pricey and the houses are historic landmarks.)

I think staying a bit removed from the heart of things was nice. We were at the Hyatt Penn's Landing. I enjoyed some surprisingly tasty (for hotel food) tortilla soup presented in a clay pitcher as of it were Mexican tradition. 

I really like the Rittenhouse Square area and we enjoyed  a great dinner at Parc Restaurant. A meal of pate and a  filet of light, crispy, thin  and delicious branzino. It's too bad my stay was so short because there were plenty more places I wanted to try. For instance, I heard there is a really great restaurant Le Bec Fin- a foodie friend suggested this one. Alma de Cuba was a suggestion from my sister another I'll have to go back for and Amada -highly rated and recommended by a friend from work. There were several little chocolate boutiques all with their own unique theme. My birthday chocolates came from Naked Chocolates. 

On a non-food related note, there were lots of really cute boutiques that I never made it too...I'm coming back:Moletta, sugarcube, Joan Shepp, Closet Fever, Petulia's Folly look out!

 I found a great studio, too! The Clay Studio-where I discovered some great potters and bought a vase by Andy Brayman. I'm  developing a list of potters to watch-all of which I found there. Now, I just need to start making some pieces myself. 

Thanks Philly! 

Florida-golf anyone?

 The Doral Golf Resort & Spa - It's a nice property and it was the site of one of my winter meetings-so that made it even better! If only we could re-route the airplanes heading into Miami Int'l away from the skies above the pool and lobby! Not too much to report food wise there- except for a  final meal on the patio overlooking the greens. (I had pretty decent grilled fish sandwich.) However, for the second evening dinner we went to The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables (a very cute little community with an old world spanish feel. ) We had a nice dinner at Fontana restaurant in the interior courtyard, with the tower of terror structure behind us (pictured). Lots of history surrounds this property, but not enough time to explore..guess that means I have to go back. 

And no, there was no golfing for me!