NYC Eats & How to Travel With Foodies

Brandon and I both love a good dining experience. Whether it’s the Deux Moulins in Montmartre or a taco stand on the North Shore, we get it done. When it comes to traveling we both love to do the research and hit up some wicked places, not only for the food but for the whole experience. But, I have to say our taste in food can be polar oppositions at times. While he loves a good quality cut of steak, I’d be happy with a do it yourself salad bar with fresh ingreds. And when it comes to travel eats you are also under a strict time constraint. You could be choosing two lunches and two dinners, max. Then you need to decide on all the coffee, pastries, ice cream...it could really never end! So, how can it be done? How can you hit up your favourite spots in one trip, without the other person hating on you for dragging them to Your Butcher’s Daughter for the billionth time? You can most definitely save yourself the foodie fight, and here’s how. 

{Marinara Pizzeria on the Upper East Side-- I got the cauliflower crust, while B got the original}

1. Don’t make separate lists. 

If you make a list on your own you’re sure to set up an argument. Foodies are passionate about where they eat, so having an ok meal on a trip when you are limited in time is not going to sit well. If I made a list of all the delish (to me), healthy places in NYC and told B I had our dining covered, he would despise me for the whole trip! You can definitely take note of some places you're excited to try but do not make a definite list based on your own preference. 

{Los Tacos No.1 in Chelsea Market}

2. Do your research together and come up with a list of mutually agreed upon places. 

This is something we did together and it worked so well! We both sat at the computer and since Brandon is more visual we watched YouTube videos for the best rooftop bars in NYC or the best restaurants pf summer 2018. It helps when you both can see them on screen together and can decide which ones you both are loving. Once we chose a few we looked into the menus to ensure we’d both be happy. We both knew we needed tacos from Los Tacos No.1 in the Chelsea Market, so this was an easy meal. The tacos were easily some of the BEST we ever had. 

{We both heard amazing things of Babbo's (Mario Batali's restaurant in Greenwich). When we saw the menu spoke to both of us it was a no-brainer!}

Tip- make a list of places by area so you’re never forced to make a decision on the fly. I do this so I know if whether we’re in The Meatpacking or Upper East Side, we’re covered.

{Berry Eclair from Almondine Bakery in Brooklyn}

3. Give your travel partner one non-negotiable and accept it. 

You gotta give in. Relationships are all about compromise right? There is no winner in the battle of the foodies. Allow your travel partner one place they are just dying to try out. Sometimes you may actually love it! The last time I brought B to a vegan resto he ended up loving it! So you hate where they’ve chosen? Do not be sour. Remember they are doing this for you, too! Appreciate the experience for what it is. Even if it’s a cheese museum and you hate cheese. Haha—no... but imagine Brandon brought me to a cheese museum!?! I’d die. In all seriousness, embrace the situation and do it with a smile. If you show an ounce of discomfort it will likely ruin their whole experience. Show up in full. 

{Guacamole burger from By Chloe for me, and a slice of Joe's Pizza in Greenwich for B}

4. If it’s possible, do a combo. 

This works sometimes! Do you have a “fast foodie” place you want to check out? Or a food fest that will host multiple trucks? For example, in the Chelsea Market, there are loads of different food vendors. If you both can satisfy your foodie cravings in one meal, but not necessarily have the same thing, go for it! Take it away and have a picnic in the park. Or research two spots semi close to each other where you both can get your fix. We did this while wandering around Greenwich. I wanted me obligatory stop in By Chloe's for the guac burger, and B wanted a slice of Joe's famous pizza. We both got what we wanted (take away for both), and headed to the park to eat. 

5. Realize there is always next time. 

Yup. There’s always next time. Or the next city, with the next best restaurant. Don’t let yourself get down that you didn’t visit all your spots. Just be glad you got a few crossed off your list. 

Was this helpful? How do you guys make it through traveling with other foodies? 

x

{Ralph's coffee truck in Rockefeller Centre}

Blueberry Vanilla Collagen Smoothie with Vital Proteins + Giveaway

Collagen... what is it? Why do we need it? What are the benefits?

I was just as curious as you. You may have seen some of my recent Instagram stories regarding collagen peptides and are wondering what's the deal. Rewind to last year when I discovered Vital Proteins thanks to The Balanced Blonde and Shut The Kale Up. I kept seeing them pour these little blue packs into their morning coffees and I needed to investigate! 

P.S. there is a giveaway AND a video below, so keep scrolling!

What is it?

Collagen is a protein found in the body. It promotes the growth of healthy hair, skin, nail, bones, and joints. But when we work out and get older, it breaks down and cannot replenish enough on its own. Collagen is great for the skin and getting that glow, too! Once it hits the bloodstream it acts as a binder for water and hyaluronic acid (you know how much I love H.A.), therefore holding in that moisture and resulting in plump, hydrated skin. Beauty-full? Yeah, I'd say so too! It also promotes a healthy gut since it is filled with amino acids.

Best way to increase collagen?

Ingest it. Topically it's not as impactful. Ingesting pure and natural sources of collagen is the best way to get it right where you need it. 

What's the deal with Vital Proteins?

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (aka collagen in powder form) are sourced from grass-fed, pasture raised bovine hides.No, not vegetarian or vegan, but they are gluten free, dairy free, paleo friendly and whole 30 approved! With each scoop, you are getting 20 g of collagen. That's insane. The difference between regular protein? Collagen protein has higher levels of amino acids which help to give us the strength for stronger joints, and skin elasticity.  The original is tasteless and totally dissolves in liquid. They also have flavoured products such as Melon Mint, Mixed Berry, and my favourite, Vanilla Coconut Water.

How to use?

The possibilities are endless! Stir the original in coffee (no taste and totally dissolves), add to smoothies as a protein boost, or shake with water. I love adding a scoop in my energy balls, baked goods (like pancakes and cookies) and mixed in with oatmeal and soup.

Here's a recap:

**20 g of collagen, 18 g of protein with 1 scoop
**tasteless and dissolves completely
**beauty boost & anti-ageing-- glowing, healthy skin, nail and hair strength
**strength-- bone & joint health
**gut health-- all those amino acids

Let's put it to use, shall we?

Here's a detox smoothie recipe that I am OBSESSED with. Try it out! 

Blueberry Vanilla Detox Smoothie

ingredients:

1 handful greens (spinach, kale)

1/4 cup frozen zucchini 

1/4 cup frozen blueberries 

1 scoop Vital Proteins Vanilla & Coconut Water
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

almond milk (however much to result in your desired consistency, start with 1/2 cup and add more milk or ice as needed)
extras: I always add in some maca powder (for balancing hormones) or ashwagandha (to release stress/anxiety), or Brain Dust (for a boost), and almond butter to make it extra creamy. Feel free to add some frozen banana slices if you'd like it a touch more sweet!

top with your faves: granola, nuts, seeds, etc!


GIVEAWAY!!! Vital Proteins and I are teaming up to give you the ultimate pack-- the Vanilla & Coconut Water Collagen Peptides AND a pack of the original Collagen Peptides! All you have to do is enter below. Super easy! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Contest open to Canadians AND US residents! Thank you to Vital Proteins for allowing me to share a product that I love! 

NYC Eats

Bluestone Lane Collective Café

New York City has some of the most amazing dining options in the word. Every time I go I am constantly scoping out new places to check out and I'm always sure to make a list of all the places I want to get too. Do I ever make it to all of them? Heck no! But I keep adding and saving for the next trip! You've seen my Parisian bakery highlights and my tour of The Feast of San Gennaro where I indulged in French delicacies and classic Italian festival fare, This trip we hit up some sweet cafes, amazing brunch spots and great coffee shops, so I knew I had to share! From lemon ricotta pancakes to acai bowls, check out below for some spots to add to your list. 

NoMo Soho

NoMo Kitchen. This is the second time I've stayed at the NoMo Hotel. While the hotel kind of lacks some amenities (like free coffee in the AM), the restaurant sure is impressive. The lemon ricotta pancakes and baked and are some of the best I've ever tried. Their homemade granola is pretty delicious, too! If you're looking for a ritzy brunch, or late night cocktail, look no further. The restaurant is a stunning place and the glass roof makes for excellent lighting and ambiance!

NOMO Kitchen

Ruby's

Ruby's. Such a charming little Australian spot on Mott Street. I swear Brandon responded to every place we went to with "another Australian place!". But they know good food! The sweet chili sweet potatoes fries packed some serious heat and were the group's favourite. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals (pesto pasta, quinoa bowl, shrimp avocado salad) after a morning of travel. Don't forget a cappuccino or the watermelon-mint juice. It's so refreshing.

Ruby's

Cha Cha Matcha

Cha Cha Matcha. Okay, blogger confession: I spotted this place on Instagram and just had to go. Some of my family was staying at the Sohotel on Broome Street so it made dragging the group to this perfectly pink, palm printed palace very easy! I was literally giddy with excitement upon entering.The decor is everything-- white walls, palm print pillow, pink tables and palm trees hanging out in the back! The matcha lemonade, which has hints of mint, was so refreshing on this extremely hot morning! It's also great that they serve coffee for the non-matcha lovers. Brandon loved his flat white. We had planned to get back for some matcha soft serve (well, I did), but time got the best of us. Next time!

Cha Cha Matcha

Tacombi. Tacos, margs, sangria? Yes, yes, yes! I can't forget about the pineapple-ginger juice. Ugh, I want more! We hit up the Greenwich location on Bleeker Street, and Brandon and I were saying how we truly felt like we were in Mexico. With the big open windows, the kitchen out front and centre and the amazing hot sauces, this is one Mexican joint to visit. Scarfed down our tacos too fast for a photo-- opps! It's casual and perfect for lunch. 

Tacombi

Tacombi

Dimes

Dimes. A breakfast/lunch joint in China Town. We both needed something refreshing so went with the acai bowls. Mine was obviously topped with carob nibs, almond butter, and banana and I thought mine was the better of the two. They make an excellent cup of coffee, and since this place is around a 10 minute walk from SoHo I found it is probably overlooked by tourists! All the locals were sitting at the counter chatting with the barista, which is always a good sign. Would definitely recommend checking out the lunch options!

Two Hands. Another Australian cafe on Mott Street, and probably my favourite. The acai bowl was the best I have ever had, and I mean it! You also can't go wrong with the chia pudding. Both are topped with fresh fruit and gluten-free granola, which was crunchy perfection. I would be happy ordering anything off the menu, it's that delicious! It's a small space and if you have to wait it's worth it. The service is quick and you'll be seated in no time!

Happy Bones. Another amazing cup of coffee in SoHo (just down the street from Cha Cha Matcha). Small space, but makes a mean flat white! Take one to go. 

By Chloe. I know this place has been made famous by bloggers like Aimee Song, but it's so worth making a pit stop in the West Village for a bite! It may be vegan but you'll never know. Some of my favourites are the green hummus, any of the salads, the air-popped sweet potato fries with beet ketchup, and the cookies and kale ice cream... OH MY WORD. It's divine. Think vanilla/sweet cream ice cream with chunks of soft cookie. I still need to get back for the guac burger. Oh, and be sure to get a cookie to go! Chef Chloe is opening a location in SoHo, and a shop just for sweets beside the Bleeker location. Who's coming with?!


Need a dinner recco? Try out Emporio on Mott Steet for amazing Italian, Lombardi's or John's for pizza, HU Kitchen for healthy eats, Eataly for anything and everything, and The Butcher's Daughter for another healthy lunch. 

More questions? Comment below!

Want more NYC?

Simple in SoHo
NOMO SOHO
Big Apple Red
New York Minute
Brooklyn Flea Market
Brooklyn Bridge & The High Line

San Francisco Travel Diary

San Francisco.. Ah, where to start! The city of hills, multi-coloured Victorian homes, cable cars and fog. If you've been following along on Instagram or Snapchat (@gabpacifico) you would have seen my mom and I took a pre-Holiday vacation to take in a few days in the Bay area. We spent our days walking endlessly, trying all the restaurants that we possibly could, and exploring the different areas of the city. Although the sun may have only graced us once we had such a great time. San Fran is a undeniably beautiful city with so much to do and see. I put together a mini diary from our stay as being here only a few days makes me in no way an expert on the city. I'm sharing my favourites from where to find some delicious coffee, shop local and see some great views.

Stay

We went on a limb booking this trip as we didn't know much about San Francisco prior to going. We stayed at the Marker Hotel which was a few minutes walk from Union Square. Union Square is the main shopping area in San Fran, and the amount of stores in this vicinity will literally blow your mind. I mean-- Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's, Bergdorf's, all within a few minutes walk?! Staying near Union Square may be touristy but it is definitely central. 

I loved the Marker for the hydration stations outside the elevator (I need to remember to drink more water while travelling), and their wine reception from 5:00-6:00pm. Coming back to a glass or two after a long day of site-seeing was definitely appreciated! The rooms were a fine size, and there was wifi. What more did we need?

Eat

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, so I always try scope out some must try spots before leaving home. Favourites included Jane and Café St. Jorge (which was a mission to get to, as it is in the Mission!). Jane has two locations and I recommend venturing out to the location on Filmore Street that way you can shop this adorable street. Jane's menu is full of healthy salads, avo toast (obvi), smoothies and more. Their counter is stacked with treats, gluten free goodies, and take home granola. I wanted to try it all! You also cannot go to San Francisco without trying Mr.Holmes Bakeshop for some seriously delicious pastries, and no, sadly we didn't make the 9:00AM cruffin craze. Other notables that I would have loved to try are Tartine and Dandelion Chocolate. There never is enough time, is there?!

{Jane on Larkin Street}

For lunch I loved Souvla, for a healthy take on Greek food. And Jane again… we could't get enough!  You could also head down to Fisherman's Warf for some seafood, or a bowl of Boudin's famous calm chowder. There is also an insane amount of Mexican restaurants in San Fran. Check out Trip Advisor to choose your favourite! We had a delicious meal at Colibri. 

{Jane on Filmore}

The coffee scene in San Francisco is one of the best I've experienced. We tried the famous Blue Bottle, Peet'z, and -my personal favourite- Philz. Philz focuses on my favourite kind of coffee-- drip. But it's their blends that are so creative and tasty. My favourite was the Tesora- full of butter, nut and caramel aromas. So comforting! 

{Cafe St.Jorge}

Do
Some of my favourite moments from this trip were spent just wandering the streets! There are so many different neighbourhoods to visit which makes it's hard to see it all. Hayes Valley was one of my favourite areas for shops and eating. 

Filmore Street also became a favourite area of mine. Be sure to pop into Nest for some unique decor finds, as well as Jonathon Adler. There is also a Rebecca Minkoff boutique as well as Alive + Olivia. For beauty finds be sure to hit up the Benefit boutique, Aesop and -my favourite- Credo Beauty for clean and natural beauty products. 

We took the time to walk up Lombard Street for some incredible views, took a stroll through Chinatown, and made it all the way to be pier. We had a Full House moment in Alamo Square, and we also walked through the famous Haight-Asbury and found some pretty interesting characters along the way. You must jump on a cable car just for the sake of it, and make your way across the Golden Gate bridge. Like I said, SO much to do! 

Keep scrolling for more pics! And stay tuned for more from San Francisco and Palm Springs.

{Souvla}

{Philz, and a cable car decked out for the Holidays}

{Haight-Ashbury}

{Mr.Holmes Bakshop}

{Octavia Street}

{delicious- Smitten ice cream}

{houses around Alamo Square}

{walking up Lombard Street}

{Chinatown}

{Mom (aka the best travel partner!) and I}

Have you ever been to San Francisco? What are your favourite things to do in this stunning city?