I am a street art fanatic. I can't thank the artists enough for giving the world so much beauty. I take pleasure in the hunt up until I find what I'm looking for. Even better when I'm surprised along the way.
I’m a late bloomer as a craft beer enthusiast and there’s no stopping me now. My style preferences are stouts and barrel-aged beers, although I have started to enjoy hazy IPAs.
Busboys and Poets is impressive on a number of levels, making it worthy of an individual post. I intended to dine at the location nearest to my hostel; however, stumbled upon a different one purely by accident. While this spot was extremely appealing (especially the patio), I decided to stick with my original plan due to some anticipated imbibing. I couldn't leave without taking a few snaps though (5th Street and K).
Busboys and Poets offers flavorful food, energetic background music, an eclectic decor, fun vibe, and cool events. Drooling on your keyboard is absolutely permitted at this time while viewing my yummy dishes at the flagship location (2021 14th Street NW).
Coconut Tofu Bites
Harira Soup
I also enjoyed a House Salad with baby kale, tomatoes, carrots, jicama and yuzu vinaigrette. All this mouth-watering food was paired with glasses of Pinot Grigio and Chenin Blanc. Even though I was ready to bust a gut, I couldn't leave without browsing the interesting selection of books.
Oh how I wish I could be a regular at this extraordinary restaurant. http://bit.ly/1f48r2Q
I had the pleasure of being invited to a new experience on my recent trip to Philly, where I reveled in my first wine flight. Panorama is an Italian restaurant and wine bar located inside Penn's View Hotel. The venue offers 120 wines on tap, 150 wines by the glass, and 28 wine flights. These impressive numbers have earned many accolades including the Guinness Book of World Records.
Panorama is beautifully decorated, classy, and inviting. I'm especially fond of the stained glass doors and wall mural, and the display of wine bottles is absolutely mesmerizing.
I let my cordial and enlightened bartender order for me, and he chose flight #402 (Aromatic Alternatives to Chardonnay). I was overjoyed when I saw the exquisite quintet delivered in such a fetching manner.
A great time to check out all they have to offer is during happy hour from 5-7pm Sunday through Friday and Saturday from 3-5pm. Do yourself a favor and become acquainted with the wine at Panorama. http://www.pennsviewhotel.com/panorama#wine-bar-section
Wine is one of my preferred beverages; therefore, I was ecstatic to accept an invitation to Lewis Winery Station. The winery is conveniently located right off Interstate 94 in Lake Mills between Madison and Milwaukee.
The space is an old gas station and I love their idea of reuse, keeping that retro look with the gas pumps. There's a lovely patio for al fresco sipping with views of a park across the street.
Lewis Winery Station offers three complimentary samples with each sample thereafter only $1.00. The staff person serving us was pleasant and knowledgeable. All the wines I tasted were flavorful and unique, and my favorite was the Pomegranate Zinfandel.
If you fancy olive oil and balsamic vinegar, there is a tasting station for those items as well.
Aside from their own wines, you can purchase bottles from around the world. So many varietals, so little time...
Are you like me and become really enthusiastic when you find the perfect place to throw back a few beers? Color me happy, because my new centrally located digs are within walking distance of the Mason Lounge.
As soon as you enter this easygoing bar, you will feel like you are at a friend's house. Check any pretensions at the door, because they aren't needed here. Kick back on a bar stool, high top or cozy sofa. Marvelous tchotchkes can be found just about everywhere you look.
The proprietor, Bryan, and his staff, are extremely friendly and will take good care of you. There is a dandy assortment of wine and whiskey; however, the real draw (in my book) is the impressive selection of craft beer. You may do a double take when you see the sweet prices that go along with them, averaging about $5 per beer.
I enjoyed everything I sampled including Des Chutes Red Chair IPA, Furthermore Floating Fire, and especially the New Belgium Portage Porter and Widmer KGB Imperial Stout, which are pictured below.
FYI - not the typical glass size
I don't need another reason to make a date with the Mason Lounge, but if you do, they offer live music and no TVs. The overhead music won't break your eardrums, so you are good with conversation. This would also be a cool place to bring the folks (if you like hanging out with them).
I'm proud to say that I plan to be a regular. Whether you are a local or just breezing through town, you need to check out the Mason Lounge.
The last part of my journey to Italy was the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. The majority of this post will be photos, because I traveled here to take in the scenery and photos speak better than words this time.
The sea and mountains in Sorrento
A shuttered hotel that I would like to rescue
The colorful coastline in Sorrento
Sorrento is beautiful in its own right and the place to catch a bus to the coast. My definition for this bus ride can be defined as death-defying due to the height and extremely narrow road. I wonder what kind of training is involved for the bus operators before they are let loose. You can see what I mean right here.
I dined at the same restaurant twice because of the stunning outdoor garden area and food. I even ordered the same dish both visits because it was so delicious! I highly recommend eating at O'Parrucchiano if you visit Sorrento - http://www.parrucchiano.com/en/index.php
Tuscan bean & escarole soup at O'Parrucchiano
The gorgeous outdoor dining area
Arriving in Positano was a dream come true! After recovering from the initial shock of beauty, I ventured around to discover an abundance of unique shops. I decided to eat at a fancy restaurant called Ristorante Max - http://www.ristorantemax.it/ing/default.htm. It's an art gallery, wine bar and restaurant rolled into one exquisite space. This restaurant is very pricey including a charge for being seated; however, I don't regret it for one minute and it was well worth it.
Magnificent Positano!
I had lunch in this lovely outdoor area
Too chilly for a dip, but good for people watching
Despite my fears, it was time to hop on board again to go a little further up the coast to Amalfi. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time here, but that just means I will have to go back (no arm twisting required).
Amalfi dressed in white
The beautiful Amalfi Cathedral
Time for a gelati before hitting the road
I think seeing the Amalfi Coast in person should be at the top of everyone's bucket list. It's still hard to comprehend that I was actually there. I can't wait to return and explore some other areas including Capri and Ravello.
During the second leg of my trip to Italy, I stayed in a quaint little town called Castellammare di Stabia. Why there you ask? Honestly, I had never heard of it before and what sold me was an airbnb profile. It looked so beautiful and the host had such fantastic reviews, I couldn't resist; and, who doesn't want their own apartment in Italy? It's also centrally located and easily accessible to the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento, two places I had planned to visit. I highly recommend staying here - https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/526607. Staying in Castellammare di Stabia will give you a real flavor of what it's like to be a local, as it's a small community with people out and about everywhere. When I wasn't traveling around on the train, I was eating and drinking wine. The opportunities for delectable pizza and gelato are endless along Via Guiseppe Bonito.
A few of my favorite things
The best place for wine
There is also an Irish pub in the neighborhood called Maracana. The pub offers a great selection of brews, food and live music. My favorite hang out, though, was a wine bar called Enoteca Vineria Puopolo. The owners are so friendly and really know their wine.
It's a cool place to chill and perhaps meet a person, or two, from the U.S. I met several people from different states here one night. They were studying abroad and staying in Castellammare di Stabia. Such a small world we live in....
Wanted to take this pottery home
My day trip to the Ruins of Pompeii was unforgettable! What a fascinating place to explore and try to imagine what once was. I suggest wearing good, durable walking shoes or boots and plan on spending an entire day there. I don't think I grew weary even once from walking around, because it's so interesting and beautiful.
The intact structures are amazing
A gorgeous setting at the ruins
My next post about Italy will include the last part of my journey, which was Sorrento and the dreamy Amalfi Coast. Stay tuned and ciao!
I couldn't believe it when the plane actually landed at Fiumicino Airport. I was in Rome! It had been a dream of mine for so long that it didn't seem real. I couldn't wait to check-in with my lovely Airbnb host to say ciao, drop my bags, and head out to explore despite my fierce jet lag.
One of the beds in my spacious room
I decided to check out the Colosseum at night before heading there in the morning. It was the first "attraction" I wanted to see in Rome. I dined at La Biga, which I wouldn't recommend for the food. Naturally, restaurants near a major attraction aren't always the best option; however, this one was perfect for a direct view of the Colosseum and decent wine.
View from La Biga's patio
Even more awestruck during the day
Standing inside the Colosseum the next day was so surreal. What a remarkable site and feeling! The price of your admission ticket includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Come equipped with good walking shoes, but the amount of walking and standing you do will be worth it. Astounding beauty everywhere.
A pop of purple at Palatine Hill
Ruins at the Forum
They had us all fooled - how do they do it?
I'm guessing you will be as parched as I was after spending all day walking, so head over to Colosseum Bar - Bar Tavola Calda for some refreshments. This is a great lounge for cocktails with very friendly and charming bartenders.
Cheers!
One of many, many favorite varietals
Wandering around Rome the next few days was the perfect way to capture it and feel like a local. Discovering art in the street, sidewalk flower shops, espresso bars and a whole lot more.
Inhale the scents
Cycles and graffiti
Where I got my photo booth fun on
Here are my favorite quirky things about Rome:
You can park your car anywhere, and I mean anywhere (sidewalk included).
There are running water faucets all over the city, so bring your recyclable container and never go thirsty!
You get out of your car at an automatic car wash and wait for it.
Random photo booths!
Stray cats and dogs everywhere.
You can drink alcohol on the streets and I took full advantage of that.
While there are lovely fountains sprinkled around the city, my favorite was the stunning Trevi Fountain! Beware - there's always a very large crowd, so it will be difficult to capture a photo that doesn't include a family or two:)
See what I mean?
Wish I could have a windowsill like this
A trip to Rome wouldn't be complete without a visit to Vatican City. This was another surreal experience. I arrived towards the end of the day and had a very short wait time to get inside. The interior of St. Peter's Basilica is absolutely breathtaking; however, I was taken aback when seeing the embalmed body of Pope John XXIII. Missed the memo on that one.
Staring in wonderment
Beauty inside St. Peter's Basilica
I rarely dine at Italian restaurants in the U.S.; however, Italian food in Italy is like no other. From bread to pasta to pizza to gelato, it was all divine, and don't even get me started on the wine! I give high nods to the following establishments:
il tajut - the interior of this place is reason enough to pay a visit (see photos). They have a fantastic wine selection and small bite offerings. http://www.iltajut.it/
Leon Pizzeria Vineria - a slick interior with very friendly staff. Really decent pizza and wine with great specials. Also, one of very few places with wifi:) http://www.ristoranteleon.com/
Isidor - I really liked the almost cave-like brick interior of this restaurant. I had delicious pasta and they offer a wonderful selection of tasty wines. http://www.hostariaisidoro.com/home-eng.html
La Calamita - This place actually sells wine and beer. The owner is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and I walked out of there with some incredible beers. This is also where I learned you could drink on the streets of Rome:) http://appside.it/item/la-calamita-beer-and-more/
Pizzeria Luzzi - Where I had my first pizza pie! Felt like a local, inexpensive and great pizza. I even saw a man hauling in wood for the wood fired oven as I ate. http://www.yelp.com/biz/luzzi-roma
The hard worker at Pizzeria Luzzi
A very cool sitting area at il tajut
Adore this cork sink at il tajut
Divine profiteroles at Isidor
The shear excitement of being in Rome caused severe lameness in terms of keeping track of all the places I went to, because I know I'm missing a few:/ If I recall any of them, I will add to the list. The only other thing you need to know is that Rome should be on your bucket list for its history, beauty, food, architecture and people. Ciao!
