London Calling

Hello 2020 and welcome back to my…blog posts! I know it’s been a while since I’ve written something on here but the last few days have been hectic to say the least.

I wanted to come on here and tell you about some of my favorite places in London, perfect for capturing those IG moments or just having a quick bite. I was fortunate enough to travel there three times within the last few months and boy was it a treat! Without further ado here’s some of my favorite spots (mostly food related) because you know that’s how I roll.

London:

Sketch:

Yes, I know everyone and every Instagram influencer under the sun already knows about this place but finally, after years of putting this on my to-do list it became a reality.  I decided to skip the pink room everyone sees on their social media feeds and opted for a seat at the back bar with the late night crowd. After a long day of wandering around the city by myself, I waited for my dear friend, Kara, to get off work for some much needed drinks.

The drinks are quite pricey but on the plus side there’s plenty of posh people you can schmooze with to buy you another. ;) Having a ‘charming’ American accent really works wonders in these types of situations.

Needless to say, the interior at Sketch exceeded all my expectations! I visited during the holidays so the decorations were very E X T R A (in the best way possible). Even the futuristic egg pod bathrooms lived up to the design hype.

KatBabe Tip: Come here for a cocktail and the ALL the photo ops!

V&A Museum:

One of my favorite museums to visit, there’s always something worth checking out. You could easily spend a whole day here but I especially love the featured exhibitions. I was thrilled to find out one of favorite photographers, Tim Walker, was the special exhibition going on during the time of my visit. I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in his surrealistic fashion images. The set design for this exhibition was absolutely phenomenal and something I’ll remember seeing for a long time.

KatBabe Tip: The best place to get cultured.

Burger & Beyond:

Located in the trendy Shoreditch area the happy hour is a bargain for your buck!  Who could resist the calling of a £5 menu in sea of overpriced food options. I’m so glad I came across this place thanks the boys behind the TOPJAW Youtube channel. I’ll link the video here for their London recommendations.

KatBabe Tip: The Bacon Butter Burger is a MUST order!

Borough Market:

I made sure I came here on a weekday as to avoid the large crowds and lines to purchase things. In fact I didn’t buy much at all, the vendors were generous enough to give a food blogger traveling from LA a nice big sampling of everything at the stalls (lucky me!). The one big purchase I made was from Kappacasein Dairy. The grilled cheese was just as cheesy, melty and delicious as I was hoping it would be.

KatBabe Tip: Visit the market on an off day and make sure you come hungry!

La Mia Mamma:

This charming restaurant offers a cozy setting with equally delicious pasta dishes made to order. The first thing you’ll notice is the Italian grandma’s enticing you with their handmade pasta skills from the front window of the restaurant. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through different regions of Italy, as the menu changes monthly. My favorite dishes were the Parmigiana Di Melanzane with layers of cheesy, tomato sauce covered aubergines and the Pacceri Alla Genovese pasta dish for it’s luscious beef and onion gravy sauce. Both plates licked clean!

KatBabe Tip: Enjoy a real authentic Italian meal here + cute waiters.

Gloria Trattoria:

This place has my heart, probably because a cute French boy took me here for my birthday! Great choice on his behalf. The restaurant was absolutely beautiful, modern and cozy. The food and wine weren’t a bad touch either.

KatBabe Tip: Make your date take you here.

Bao London:

I was so lucky to arrive here on an off day, during the weekend and a little after lunchtime. (something you have to do everywhere in London) I’ve heard the line can be unbearably long for this small concept restaurant. This place single-handedly had one of the BEST first bites of food I’ve eaten in London! The Classic Bao with its utterly tender braised pork meat and sweet nutty peanut powder made for a powerhouse bite.  I opted for the £15 lunch menu offered 12-3PM / M-F to try some of the other dishes but it was clear who the star of the show was. Come here for the Classic and Fried Chicken Bao, then wash it down with a Japanese yogurt cocktail.

KatBabe Tip: Can’t go wrong with The Classic Bao!

GAIL’s Bakery:

This bakery is the perfect place to pop in for a morning cup of coffee, fresh made pastry, and to cozy up with a book. I absolutely love starting my mornings here! The pastries, sandwiches, and drinks are fresh and plenty. You have the convenience of taking something to-go or staying a while to get some work done.

KatBabe Tip: Breakfast for all budget types.

Nando’s:

No trip to the UK is complete without a visit to Nando’s!  A fast food restaurant with a sit-down element, the Peri-Peri chicken, selection of side dishes and array of spicy sauce options are a standout.  I dream of the day when they decide to open a Nando’s in California.

KatBabe Tip: If you’ve never been, you MUST eat here once.

The Ivy:

A collection of modern British restaurants which offer beautiful interiors and stellar window displays. I’ve included pics from the Winter 19’ and Spring 20’ seasonal displays. You don’t need a meal to get the full experience of this restaurant but I highly suggest visiting one of the many London locations for a tea or cocktail in hand to indulge in the atmosphere.

KatBabe Tip: Bougie prices but with a beautiful setting.

Dishoom:

Everyone knows it! Everybody wants to eat here! Be prepared for long wait times if you thinking coming here for dinner on a weekend is a good idea. I like to go during off hours, preferable on a weekday and a little after lunchtime. No wait and the service is great. It’s true, the Indian food is as good as you’ve heard and my go to dishes are the Ruby Chicken, Garlic Naan, Biryani Rice and the Masala Chai for a cold winter’s day.

KatBabe Tip: Worth the hype Indian food.

Brick Lane Market & Old Spitafields Market:

The market is a bustling artistic hub on Sunday’s in Shoreditch. Filled with food stalls, attractions and second hand shopping for any vintage lover. The joy of the market is you never know what you’ll find, so start digging!

KatBabe Tip: A little something for everyone can be found here.

Harry Potter Studios Tour:

You don’t need to be a Potter Head to appreciate how well curated this tour is! It was so surreal seeing the sets, costumes, props, just EVERYTHING up close and and personal. The tour is approx. 3.5 hrs long because of how much there is to see and do.  I can’t say enough wonderful things about this place, and it truly is magical.

KatBabe Tip: Bring some comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget your Butterbeer!

Elan Café:

If you love over the top décor, bundles of flowers and the color pink this place is for you! Every cafe location offers a picturesque backdrop for all your photo needs.

The café is even known for serving a £15 latte made of blue sapphires. I tried it….although the flavor was lovely it wasn’t unique enough to buy again. On the plus side, the strawberry cake I ordered was light, delicious and something worth buying again!

KatBabe Tip: Take your pics and fulfill your sweet tooth cravings here.

Saint Aymes:

I’m on the fence about putting this one in because I genuinely had some of the worst customer service of my life from a certain waitress at this café….but I’m a sucker for pretty things. So I’ll just say, skip the food, take the pic and there’s far better places to spend your quid at.

KatBabe Tip: Pretty plates sh** service. There I said it.

Honorable Mentions:

I honestly have so many photos from London I’m just going to do a photo dump here of places you should definitely check out.

• Walk around the Soho area and come across this beautiful light installation on Carnaby Street.

• Walk by this super Instagrammable pink cafe named Peggy Porschen. Debate weather or not to buy something a million times, don’t buy anything, but keep taking pics in front like you did LOL!

• Admire the colorful houses on Bywater Street in Chelsea and wish you made enough money to live there.

• Grab a drink and a bag of crisps from The Churchill Arms.

• Eat a Sunday Roast, from literally anywhere! Yes, this is a mandatory meal tradition if you haven’t partaken already.

• Grab the best almost croissant you’ll ever eat from Pimlico Road Farmers' Market. Open Every Saturday 9am-2pm.

Surrey:

I’m fortunate enough to have friends who live in the city and family in the countryside. I really enjoyed the change of scenery Surrey had to offer!

RHS Garden Wisley:

An absolute treat and breath of fresh air from the city, the gardens are an absolute delight to wander around. My cousin, Jessica, took me around for a stroll through the bright orange and yellow hues the fall landscape had to offer. I especially loved the fountains and small pools of water that added a sense of relaxation to the grounds.

KatBabe Tip: The perfect place to get back in touch with nature.

Richmond Park:

I didn’t get many pictures here because the sun was setting when we arrived but the park is worth mentioning because of its charming and bustling wildlife. Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks. Hundreds of deer can be seen, peacefully grazing at a time and posing for pictures.

KatBabe Tip: Enjoy a picnic and some deer too!

Shere:

It was a chilly winter night. My cousin and I had just finished watching one of our favorite Christmas movie, The Holiday, and had a laugh about how we came from the same places featured in the movie.

For those of you who’ve never seen the movie, here’s a short summary. Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.

Shere, is a small English village in which some of the movie takes place and was only a quick drive away. You can’t help but fall in love with this quaint town and beautiful views. It was so fun seeing the filming locations in person and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local cafes.

KatBabe Tip:  The perfect side trip for movie fans!

So many things to see, experience, and most importantly EAT! I hope you’ve enjoyed this lengthy blog post about one of my favorite places. As always, if you visit any of these spots please be sure to tag me @heykatbabe in your posts, stories ect. so I can repost them to my account. Feel free to leave a comment down below about where I should visit next in the UK!

Spring Break in the Bay!

Spring Break has come and gone but here’s the lowdown on my latest getaway. My friend and I were planning a road trip for a while so San Francisco seemed like the perfect weekend escape!

The Drive:

My friend Rachel and I decided to drive out early Thursday morning to beat the traffic and make some stops along the way. We pulled out Google maps, drove up the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy1) and began our long trek up North. I absolutely love this drive because it’s so beautiful and scenic but WOW is it a long one!

Start & End Time with Stops: 6:30AM - 8:30PM: 14 Hrs Total

There’s little to no service on this route so bring your favorite mixtapes and have a paper map handy. Thanks to good company, lots of coffee, peach Red Bull (my newest addiction) and some old Kanye CD’s in the car we made it to our destination.

Check out our favorite pit stops below!

Madonna Inn:

This hotel is one of my favorite quirky places to visit in San Luis Obispo. The main building features an ornate floral dining room, gift shop, wine cellar, great food and much more. As the first stop on our long road trip, we parked and went to the cafe to grab some breakfast. The service was friendly and we split a huge portion of pancakes, fresh biscuits, and super savory corn beef hash which I highly recommend.

After fueling up, we decided to take some cute pictures and head down to the wine cellar and gift shop. Downstairs they offer a $15 tasting of their signature Madonna Inn wines. We decided to try them all but my favorite is still the White Zinfandel, which has a sweet strawberry flavor, perfect for sipping on a hot Summers day.

Places to Visit:

• Elephant Seal Vista: We didn’t spend much time here but it was nice to get out of the car and catch the ocean breeze. We saw huge Elephant Seals tanning on the beach, living their best lives. It was the perfect place to regroup, crack open a Red Bull and watch nature do its thing.

• Bixby Bridge: As huge fans of HBO’s show Big Little Lies, the Bixby Bridge is always front and center of the opening credits. It makes the perfect pit stop. We parked along the side of the road to take some photos and admire this architectural wonder. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery and dramatic views, driving over the bridge had me feeling my Reese Witherspoon fantasy.

• Point Lobos State Park: We decided to pay the $10 free to drive into the park to get the best view of the cove. Each time you look, you see something new that draws you in. The park offers gorgeous ocean views, secluded coves, and beaches fit for a scene in The Little Mermaid. Enjoy a scenic hike along the cliffside and keep your eyes peeled for a whale sighting.

• Carmel-by-the-Sea: After hours of driving, we decided to check out this small, quaint town. Full of boutiques, art galleries, and eateries, a leisurely stroll around town is part of the pleasure when visiting. After looking around, Rachel and I found a nice Italian restaurant, Napoli Wine Bar, where we ordered some delicious bites off from the Happy Hour menu. The garlic bread, mussels and clams were a standout.

What to do San Francisco:

One of my favorite cities to visit, I briefly lived in downtown during my college years where I made so many memories. The landscape is always changing but I’m glad a few of my favorite places are still around. There’s to many to name, I’ll have to do a separate blog post of my favorite SF spots but here’s a few to add to your list.

Eat & Drink:

I’m not going to lie, we mostly came to the city to eat great food (prepare for a food huge photo dump). I don’t usually do this but here is a compilation of photos from the places we ate in San Francisco.

• Mums - Home of Shabu Shabu: Located in Japan town with a decent priced lunch menu. The meats were fresh, easy to cook and just melted in your mouth. I want to go back immediately. What more can I say?!

• Golden Boy Pizza: I love the tagline “Where it’s hip to be square.” A couple of sweet New Yorkers paid for our slices which made it all the better. We ordered their famous Clam and Garlic pizza, which was totally delicious but you’ll need a pack of gum or two after eating.

• Golden Gate Bakery: One of my MUST visit places in the China Town, Golden Gate Bakery is worth the wait. The Egg Tart is ridiculously good, perfectly flakey with a melt in your mouth egg custard. I regret only buying one.

• Li Po Cocktail Lounge: Another favorite in China town, the Mai Tai’s are legendary and you should definitely get one. Anthony Bourdain approves!

• El Farolito: My favorite burrito in the city, this place never disappoints and the burritos are always packed with flavor. Don’t let the long line deter you, it goes by quickly, I promise!

• Souvla: Get the Frozen greek Yogurt with Baklava Crumbles & Honey! It’s perfect for a hot summers day and the best dessert without being to sweet.

• Monroe SF: Come here on Friday’s for their weekly battle of the decades happy hour and dance night. $1 Cocktails start at 5pm and you don’t want to miss that!

We also made a few stops in Oakland to pick up some fresh food from the farmers market, eat Thai food and take some pics in this lovely green house.

Tomales Bay:

One of my favorite stops on the trip was the scenic drive up north which featured lots of green pastures, super blooms and cows. We stopped at Tomales Bay Oyster Company to pick up a dozen oysters each for $20 and headed to Bear Valley Picnic area to set up the perfect spread. It was my first time shucking oysters, which I got the hang of after a few tries. Can’t wait to show off my skills!

Wine Country:

On the last leg of our trip we stayed with family in Santa Rosa and spent a day driving through Napa county to get our wine on. Here’s a few of the wineries we visited.

• August Briggs: The August Briggs tasting room is located in downtown Calistoga. We did the Pinot Noir flight for $15 which came with three wines from their tasting menu. My favorite was the Pinot Blanc which had a light, crisp fruit flavor that made it easy to drink and perfect for Summer.

• W.H. Smith: Right next door is the W.H. Smith tasting room which also offered a $15 menu and three wines of your choice. This tasting menu included a selection of Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Our favorite was the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc "T" Brand which had notes of pear, honey-dew and lychee fruit that you can taste after each sip.

• Korbel Winery: A brand I’ve overlooked numerous times in the wine isle but I was intrigued to learn more about its history. I’m so glad I discovered this winery because they give free tours and tastings. I highly recommend visiting the Korbel Winery because it’s so rich in history and you get to try flavors you wouldn’t find in your local super market. After many tastings, I chose a bottle of the sparkling wine called Sec, which I cannot wait to open on a special occasion.

St. Helena:

There are so many cute shops and restaurants here, it’s hard to not spend all your money at once. We stopped at The Model Bakery, where the English Muffins are praised by Oprah Winfrey and featured in her 2017 Favorites List. Oprah was darn right, these are the fluffiest, most perfect English muffins anyone could wish for. I took a few home with a jar of Meyer Lemon Marmalade. Check them out below with a few extra pics sprinkled in.

• Napa Valley Olive Oil Company: Another great find. Taste test dozens of different flavor profiles and take home your favorite. I bought a bottle of the Peach Balsamic Vinegar and the Extra Virgin Tuscan Herb flavors which I like to mix together.

One of the best road trips I’ve taken in a long time, Rachel and I are dubbing it the “Artisanal Tour” and we’re hungry for more!

Cactus Cooler: A Weekend in Arizona

A few weeks ago I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona for a Japanese street fair. It’s been years since I visited (specifically when I was 5 yrs old searching for arrowheads in the summer of 96’) so it was nice to make my way back to the desert. No collecting rocks this time around but I had my fair share of taking in the sights, eating great food, and exploring the new downtown Phoenix. I’ve listed a few of the highlights down below for your AZ bucket list.

When we arrived in Phoenix the weather was cold, overcast, and damp for the most part. It had been snowing in the desert (a rarity in Arizona) and the landscape was unrecognizable. We only caught a glimpse of snow covered cactus but it was a truly breathtaking sight.

Stock Photos from Anton Foltin/Shutterstock

Hotels

The Renaissance Hotel:

There’s nothing I love more than a perfectly situated hotel near several shops, sights, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Located in downtown Phoenix, The Renaissance Hotel offers great service, beautiful decor with modern fixtures, and most importantly 2 complimentary drinks a night with your stay. The food at the Dust Cutter Bar downstairs was kind of a hit and miss but everything else was top notch during my stay.

The Saguaro Scottsdale:

My mom and I rented a car for the day and drove to Scottsdale for a few hours to walk around the area. We didn’t stay at this hotel during our visit but it was right next door to SMoCA so I had to take a look. Located in downtown Scottsdale, this colorful hotel is hard to miss! I loved walking through all the different lobby areas, taking pics of the neon decor, cool fixtures, and murals painted throughout the hotel. I wish I had brought my swimsuit because the pool areas were easy to access and provided a picture perfect scene, minus the 50 degree weather outside.

Food & Restaurants

Matt’s Big Breakfast:

I first saw Matt’s Big Breakfast in an episode of Diners Drive-ins and Dives and boy did Guy Fieri steer me right! The old location featured in the show is now closed but its bigger, better, self has popped up right next door and holds three times as many people as the first place. I suggest coming here on a weekday to avoid the long brunch lines.

After taking my seat I ordered The Waffle which comes with sweet cream butter, real maple syrup and two slices of thick-cut bacon. HELLO FLAVOR TOWN! Everything was savory and delicious. I’d recommend getting one of the omelets too!

Sugarbowl:

This charming bubble gum pink restaurant in downtown Scottsdale is as cute as a basket full of kittens! Originally opened on New Year’s Eve 1958, this ice-cream parlor hasn’t changed much since it first opened. Step back in time and enjoy the pink booths, soda fountain, and old school games in the back room. The treats were truly delicious here, especially the vanilla ice cream which was so creamy and flavorful. We ordered a classic Rootbeer Float and the Raspberry Camel Back Soda (highly recommend) for our desserts.

Pizzeria Bianco:

Named one of the America’s best pizza places, I knew I had to come in and review it for myself. The most delightful surprise was the Pizza Margherita taking a backseat to the white pizza featuring less ingredients and managing to rock my world. Pizza lovers rejoice because the Rosso pizza with Red Onion, Parmigiano Reggiano, Rosemary and AZ Pistachios is pure perfection! I always thought heaping piles of melted cheese and sauce made the pizza but my mind has been altered, elevated, and changed for the better because of how good and simple this pie was. Not to say the Margherita with Fennel Sausage wasn’t good, it was great, but the Rossa was the star of the show in the pizza show down.

Phoenix Public Market:

I absolutely love visiting farmer markets in other cities, seeing what the locals have to offer and picking out a few of my favorites items to snack on and take back home to family and friends. A decent sized market located in downtown Phoenix showcasing the best of local food vendors, jewelry makers, fresh produce and more. Check out the Open Air Market which is open Saturdays (May-Sep): 8 am to Noon Saturdays (Oct-Apr): 8 am to 1 pm.

My stand out booth was Persian bakery vendor, Saffron Jak, who was handing out samples of fresh made Barbari bread (Iranian flatbread) with the most savory jams. I took home a few of these large flatbreads with the tomato and blueberry spread to kick off my morning.

The Churchill:

Located right next door to Matt’s Big Breakfast, this trendy container mall has a few specialty shops, food vendors, bars, and an area where you can play some cornhole bean-bag toss with your friends. A cool local hangout to grab a drink and relax while you look for your next destination.

I came back here on Sunday evening to check out The Pobrecito bar which offers $5 Bloody Marys all day Sat-Sun. Check out the full menu down below for other Happy Hour specials.

Fun & Entertainment

Talking Stick Arena:

With no plans in sight on a Saturday night, my mom and I stayed in looking for things to do around the area. Luckily we came across a comedy show featuring funny man Gabriel Iglesias, who was performing on his “Beyond the Fluffy Tour” in Phoenix that night. We grabbed last min tickets for $50 a pop and headed over to the arena to get some laughs.

The Talking Stick Arena was as big as the Staples Center in LA. It was the largest crowd on his entire tour and around 11,000 people came out to see him preform. My mom and I had a blast watching his comedic routine and hearing all about his crazy life stories. I can’t recommend seeing him enough or just go on YouTube to catch some of his content for yourself!

Crescent Ballroom:

I love exploring nightlife in other cities so I bought tickets to an event called “Dance Yourself Clean” at the Crescent Ballroom for some Friday night fun. The venue was cute, trendy, and offered a good amount of dance floor for getting groovy. I loved dancing to the indie pop hits playing all night long and the exceptionally cheap strong drinks offered up at the bar.

Arizona Matsuri Festival:

A cosplayers dream, the Matsuri Festival takes place at the end of February in downtown Phoenix and lasts Sat-Sun. There are lots of Japanese food booths, anime memorabilia, cultural entertainment, and shops to browse through. My brother was especially happy with his anime poster purchases!

Japanese Friendship Garden:

Perfect for a nice Spring day, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers beautiful views and a koi pond full of dozens of hungry fishes. General admission is $7 and grants you access to the full garden. I highly recommend purchasing some of the fish food at the front so you can participate in the feeding frenzy.

Art Museums

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art:

I wasn’t sure what to except when visiting the SMoCA but I’m glad I went because they were playing several art films during my visit. The exhibitions change every few months so you never know what you’ll run into but give it a chance because you might find something worth while.

I especially loved the courtyard area with it’s funky spinning chairs and the colored light panels from James Carpenter’s glass scrim wall. A great place to sit down and relax before heading over to the Sugarbowl or the Saguaro Scottsdale next door.

Phoenix Art Museum:

Art museums are a must for me so I try to visit as many as I can handle. The Phoenix Art Museum was a bit on the smaller side but offered a nice variety of older and more modern art works. I especially loved the dozens of black butterflies created by artist Carlos Amorales and the Yayoi Kumsama lights exhibition.

I throughly enjoyed my weekend getaway to Arizona and staying in downtown Phoenix. Everything was easy to walk to and there were lots of cool events going on the weekend we were there which made it all the more worth while. I didn’t do everything I wanted because the weather was too cold and rainy for a hike but I’ll climb up Camelback Mountain someday. Overall, I enjoyed a laid back weekend getting inspired, feeling zen, and eating well!

Minisode Monday: New York City

Minisode Monday is back, back, back again! Enjoy some bits from my recent trip to New York and make sure to read the full blog post HERE!

A VERY @HeyKatBabe Guide to New York

Bright Lights, Big City is the first thing that comes to mind when visiting a place like New York. On almost every block you’ll come across a 99¢ Pizza neon sign which beckons you in. Take the cue, go inside, and eat the slice because chances are it’ll be one of the best cheap bites in the city. There’s no denying how good pizza tastes on any given occasion but enough about food bae, let’s get to the rest!

Before booking my trip I made sure to do my research aka (consult with my favorite food bloggers on where to eat, play, and stay in the city) and let my instincts to do the rest. I tried to fit in as many places as I could in just a few short days and during the cold, bitter, weather. Fortunately I’ve been to New York before so the really touristy stuff is already crossed off my list and we can focus on the good stuff.

Where to Eat

Taverna Kyclades:

I had just finished watching Mama Mia 2 when my plane landed in New York, where I was greeted by a freezing cold 10° temperature while looking for my Uber. The movie aroused an aching for a taste of warm weather and Greek food. Inspiration at its finest! Thankfully I was headed to Astoria (known for its many Greek restaurants) to stay with an old friend and her half Greek roommate.

That night when we first walked into Taverna Kyclades the line was long but the host was very accommodating. He allowed us to check in and said he would text us when our table was ready, during this time we had a drink across the street in another bar. This allowed us to make perfect use of our 30 min wait period. When it was our time to dine, we were greeted by our main server, Kostas, who took great care of us that evening.

My standout dishes from the meal were the quartet of delectable spreads: tzatziki, skordalia, taramasalata, and tyrokafteri (a peppers-and-feta purée) with warm pita bread. The incredible Saganaki (pan-fried cheese) think Greek mozzarella sticks along with the perfectly sweet and slightly smokey taste of grilled prawns. A meal here also comes with free dessert, galaktoboureko, which is a divine combination of creamy custard and flaky phyllo dough. The perfect way to end a delicious meal!

Emily’s:

I was told by one of my favorite food bloggers Ms. Kaitlin Orr (follow her here @carnivoor) about needing to try one of the BEST burgers in the world. She was right! This burger was seriously delicious and YOU need to try it if you ever get the chance and have $26 to spend on such delicious things. Emily’s is a small restaurant with two locations, one in Brooklyn and another in the West Village. I opted for the West Village location because it was closer and they serve The Emmy burger all day, unlike the Brooklyn location where they only serve 25 burgers a day on a first come first serve basis.

Everyone around me was ordering The Emmy Burger and upon first bite their face said it all. The whole restaurant of new comers were in disbelief about how damn good this burger is! A double patty perfectly cooked and still juicy in the middle, smothered in their addicting Emmy sauce, pressed between two large pretzel buns. A taste of actual heaven. Come here and be prepared to not share because if you’re anything like me you’ll want to order a whole one for yourself.

Panna II Restaurant:

I’ve walked by the place many times on every New York trip I’ve had, not knowing if it was a restaurant because there are so many flashing lights you’d think it was an electrical sign and equipment store. Warning (this place can really give you a seizure if you’re prone to those) but I decided to take my chances and enjoy the ambiance.

I was told the restaurant didn’t have the best food ever and was BYOB so my friend and I grabbed a nice bottle of wine and decided to share a small meal so we could at least enjoy the lights on a buzz. Not going to lie, the owner was mildly unpleasant and raised his voice when he found out we were ordering one entree to split. I’m glad we shared a plate because the Chicken Tikka Marsala was the most OKAYEST, mediocre, Indian food I’d ever eaten.

Come for the lights, super fun techno music, and don’t forget the booze because it’ll get you through your meal. (Tip: This is a cash only place)

Ichiran:

Add this to your bucket list because this is the BEST Tonkatsu ramen ever created! Don’t @ me.

Made famous in Japan, Ichiran is known for it’s flavorful Tonkatsu dish. The brand is slowly making it’s way across the states (please come to LA!). Upon entering the restaurant guests are assigned a table number at which they will be dining alone. When the number is called, you head to your private booth, press a small call button and a waiter appears to take your order. I ordered the “Recommended Set” (pic below) which will run you $24 and a Matcha Beer $8.90 for good measure. The booths are close enough so you can still converse with a friend but private enough so you can cut out any distractions and focus on the meal at hand. All in all a wonderful experience and the perfect dish for a cold winter day.

Roberta’s Pizza:

Ok, so I didn’t get to visit the NYC location and this pic is from the LA pop-up happening right now (who knows how long it’ll be around) but I HAD to include it because it’s truly some of the best ‘restaurant dining’ pizza in New York and another MUST eat. Their famous “Bee Sting” pizza made with spicy honey soppressata is the perfect sweet heat additive to make this slice seriously addicting. It’s also a very photogenic pizza. The Bee Sting is definitely the the Bella Hadid of modeling!

Where to Drink & Play

Rolf’s German Restaurant:

This place is like Christmas on crack and I LOVE IT! You can’t be a grinch going in because the decor is absolutely magical. Known for its over the top Christmas themed bar, Rolf’s keeps its Christmas decorations up from Nov-May so don’t miss out on the fun. My friend and I decided to grab some quick cocktails here, a glass of Mulled Wine and the Rolf’s Chocolate Martini which are both worth the pit stop.

Starbucks Reserve:

Think Starbuck’s rich cousin, who only wears Gucci, drinks high end cocktails, and dines gourmet only. The grande size of Starbucks locations, the store is by far the most impressive coffee shop I’ve come across. With so many exotic beans from all over the world you’ll need to consult with a barista on the best bean to order for your jolt of joe. If you’re looking to spice up your cup of caffeine, head up stairs to grab a Whiskey Barrel Aged Guatemala coffee cocktail from the bar. The interior is beautifully designed and the flatbreads, croissant sandwiches, and pastries are next level menu items at this location.

House of Yes:

One of my best friends recommended this club and I knew I had to go once I saw footage online of acrobat dancers swinging from the ceiling, over the top costumes, and a lady twirling from a birdcage high above the crowd. You can either RSVP online and get in for free before 11PM or buy a ticket which will grant you GA for whenever. The club is usually open till 6:30AM so the party never stops.

Every night is a different theme, my friends and I showed up on a Saturday to their “Glitterati” event which was really fun and lively. They had a glitter face painting station where you could get done up for a small amount of money and good music to dance to all night. Everyone went really hard with the costumes which you should too because why not? Check out the House of Yes website HERE for tickets and upcoming events.

Hardware Bar:

I was dying to see a drag show since I’d never been to one in New York. There wasn’t much going on Sunday night but my friend and I managed to Google something close by and boy was it fun. The bar had no cover charge and the seating, entrainment and ambiance was fabulous. New York drag queens are next level and miss @jansportnyc and @rosewithanaccent danced the house down with their spectacular performances!

Where to “Get Cultured”

Sleep No More:

This is HANDS DOWN one of the most unique, interesting, and memorable plays I will probably ever experience in my lifetime. I’ve been dying to come here ever since I first saw a glimpse of it on Gossip Girl ( “The Big Sleep No More” Season 5, episode 7) to be exact. Yes, this is a real play and its almost like being apart of a high performance art piece. Everyone wears a mask (one is provided for you) and you remain anonymous throughout the play while watching the performers.

The play is loosely based on Macbeth. There are several characters you can follow throughout the 3 hour production at the McKittrick Hotel. The hotel has 5 floors and many different rooms to explore. Each with dim lighting, intricately designed sets and hundreds of props you can tinker with. My favorite room was an old timey candy bar with real candy in it, take one! I could write a whole blog post dedicated to how this play works but I don’t want to give to much away. Just know that if you decide to go, follow closely behind the two main characters Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Get ready to see a lot of nudity, be open to anything because the performers might interact with you one on one. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking/running around a lot. For more information and an unforgettable experience book a ticket HERE. All pictures provided by Google.

Museum of Sex:

My friend and I got free admission to the museum thanks to some helpful hookups and it was worth a peep if you’re into this sort of thing. Jump for Joy in the “Bouncy Castle of Breasts” (which is harder than it looks), see some naughty videos uncovered from the 20s, admire odd objects and explore the influence of the Punk Era featuring lots of Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll.

Whitney Museum of Art:

After paying the $25 charge for GA tickets, a visit to the 8th floor is a must because it’s where you’ll get the best view of the city and some cute picture ops. The featured exhibit was Andy Warhol, which is sure to put a smile on anyones face. The bright colors and loud prints will leave an imprint on your mind for decades to come. The museums other floors had many nice offerings and you can’t help but leave feeling inspired after visiting a really great art museum.

Bonus Bites & Places to Go:

Some other places I’ve visited on previous trips to NYC and worth mentioning are listed down below.

Dominique Ansel Bakery:

I’m so happy they finally opened up an LA location but if you’re in New York and in need of some delicious pastries, the famous Cronut and the DKA (short for “Dominique's Kouign Amann") is like biting into pure bliss. Both are buttery pillows of perfection with just the right amount of sweet that linger with you for a lifetime.

Prince Street Pizza:

Warning: The lines are LONG but this pizza is pretty darn delicious! I especially loved their famous Spicy Spring pizza — a crowd favorite made with a spicy, garlic-spiked sauce and the most perfect little cups of pepperoni’s ever. If you’re into pizza then this slice is a MUST try.

Red Rooster Harlem:

For moist, juicy, and perfectly crunchy fried chicken that ever touched lips, try Red Rooster Harlem. So finger lickin’ good I think about Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Hot Honey Yardbird more times than I’d like to admit. The side of cornbread with apple butter is a hit too! Make a reservation in advanced because this place gets packed, especially on the weekends.

Chelsea Market:

With so much to variety to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Dozens of little eateries, shops, and nooks to explore. If I had all the money in the world I’d come back to eat at every single restaurant here.

Olio e Piú:

Come here for a cute date or if you’re in the mood to splurge on a good Italian meal. The food is fresh, well made and the ambiance is delightful and quaint. My friend and I split the Bruschetta Ricotta, Spaghetti Alla Carbonara and Cozze En Padella.

The High Line:

The perfect place to walk off all that amazing food you’ve been devouring along your trip, The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long park created on a former New York Central rail line. Overlook the west side of Manhattan while admiring artwork, nature, city architecture and people you come across as you encounter them on you leisurely walk.

The MET:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's largest and influential art museums. So much to look at and admire here, GA is $25 for adults and an extra few dollars for whatever special exhibit is happening at the moment. Known for putting together it’s most famous celebrity filled benefit, The Met Gala. If you’re ever in town you must visit the museum during one of its ever change fashion exhibits. The lavish attention to detail that they pour into these exhibits is truly spectacular.

MOMA:

I was lucky enough to come here back in 2010 during Marina Abramović’s famous performance of The Artist is Present. A life changing art piece that that holds a special place in my heart. Although you won’t be able to see her on display (peering deeply into your soul) there’s hundreds of artworks to admire and lots of interesting special exhibits to look at. You never know what you’ll find, hopefully its that mind bending art piece that sticks with you for life!

Every time I come back from a trip to New York. I somehow leave feeling refreshed and inspired. I love the rush (BCE) big city energy can give you! Hopefully you’ll visit some of the places mentioned up above and create your own adventures. You never know where the city will take you!

Please feel free to tag me @heykatbabe if you visit any of the places off my list and let me know where I should visit next. :D

Scones and Bones at Hi SocieTEA in Hollywood

I can’t believe it’s the middle of January already, time flies when you’re hella busy! As a late birthday present to my dear sister, I treated her to a Nightmare Before Christmas themed tea time at Hi SocieTEA cafe. Located in the heart of Hollywood on the side of the W Hotel, the cafe is currently running its Nightmare themed high tea service till Sunday, January 13th. It was the very end of December when I booked our reservation so Christmas decorations were still in full swing at the cafe. Check out the interior below!

Seeing this makes me miss Christmas already

The Birthday Queen with her Pumpkin King!

Nice little bar area

Upon arrival we were greeted with a wide variety of teas to choose from, their were over 70+ variations of iced and hot teas to smell and taste test. My sister and I decided to pick one of the limited edition Nightmare Before Christmas tea blends to compliment our meals. My sister chose a white tea appropriately named “Zero” after Jack Skellington’s ghost dog and I opted for a green tea called “Frog’s Breath” which I decided I didn’t like after a few sips. We also got the “Deadly Nightshade Tea” option online which came with a sparkling hibiscus prosecco cocktail. Check out the menu below for the full list and ingredients of Nightmare themed teas.

My favorite options were the Zero and Oogie Boogie Oolong tea

After taking a few pics with the decor and man of the hour, Jack Skellington himself, our tea sandwiches and desserts had arrived. An impressive spread for two, the food was fun, delicious, and well presented. Enjoy some pictures below with descriptions of what we ate.

Wish you could see how sparkly these cocktails were in person

An impressive display of sweet and savory menu items

Tea Sandwiches: Salmon, cream cheese, micro greens & lemon / Thai Chicken with jalapeño & arugula / Prosciutto with burrata cheese & tomato jam / Cucumber, radish & cream cheese / Deviled egg sandwich

Desserts: Gold dusted chocolate macaroon / Pumpkin cupcake / Vanilla Oogie Boogie meringue / Blueberry Scone / Petit four chocolate mousse present / Red velvet whoopi pie

The tea is hot

Test out some limited edition Nightmare Before Christmas perfumes at the front

My sister and I really enjoyed this quaint little cafe. The staff members we’re very friendly and changed out my tea free of charge after I decided my first pick wasn’t for me. I’d love to go back again someday for the Harry Potter themed high tea. If you’re looking for a last min Birthday gift, friend get together or you just love the Nightmare Before Christmas you can grab your Hi SocieTEA tickets here before it ends!

Let me pour you one ;)

Miracle Bar: It's Beginning to look a lot like Cocktails!

I know it’s still November but this Christmas Bar already has me in the holiday spirit. Someone cue Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas!"

Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, the Kimpton Everly Hotel is host to this years Miracle Bar, a festive bar concept which incorporates kitchsy Christmas decor and a cocktail bar full of vibrant drinks such as the "Bad Santa" and a "Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r". In addition to the decor, graphic portraits from local artist Monica Ananonu are on display in the lounge.

With picture opportunities at every corner, my friend and I made sure to take photos featuring all the displays. Enjoy some of the festivities below!

Stunning lounge area

Festive finds in every frame

HeyKatBabe’s toy drive. Come get these presents!

Heading in the right direction

An extravagant gift display welcomes you at the front

Santa’s got your butt covered in those bar seats!

Now let's get to those bar drinks and bar bites! (Star Ratings Included)

First Round

Run Run Rudolph: Gin, Mulled Wine Puree, Lemon, Cane Syrup, Prosecco

OMG wish I could get the recipe for that mulled wine puree! This drink was fragrant, light and perfectly balanced with all those holiday spices. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jungle Bells Nog: Cognac, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, brown butter, Cinnamon, Cherry, Vanilla, Almond Milk, Cream, Sugar, Egg, Nutmeg

I’m not an eggnog fan but my friend really enjoyed her pick. Creamy, smooth, and served hot, this cocktail will swaddle you like a newborn baby Jesus on Christmas. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The cute glasses are for sale at the bar too, just ask for the prices

I want 3 more of these added to my wishlist please

Second Round

Bad Santa (Served Hot): Hot Milk Punch with Barbados Rum, Trinidad Overproof Rum, Batavia Arrack, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Almond Milk, 8 Spices, Coconut Water, Coconut Oil

Bad Santa was a BAAADDIIEE, an incredibly potent cocktail, you could possibly use this as chimney fuel. ⭐⭐

Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r: Sweet Potato Essence, Barbados Rum, Cachaça, Trinidad Over Proof Rum, Dry Curaçao, Marshmallow Orgeat, Lime

Another one of my personal favorites, I loved how sweet and surprisingly refreshing this one was. The sweet potato essence was mild, which was pleasant, and the lime on top added a nice acidic component. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Santa and his missing torso

Reconnecting again

Bar Bites

Buffalo Cauliflower: Espelete, pickled carrots

Delicious, flavorful, and possibly healthier than a bar pretzel with cheese dip? (If it’s not I don’t want to know.) This dish was easily photographable and tasty. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tomato + Mozzarella Pizza: San marzano sofrito, fresh mozzarella, torn basil

It’s no Pizzeria Mozza but if you’re in the mood for a slice than opt for this menu item. Wish it tasted fresher but this was a decent bar bite and covered all the basics. ⭐⭐⭐

Does this picture make you say #spreadgoals?

Sliced, diced and looking very nice

Buffalo Cauliflower always hits the spot

View from above

If your looking for a cool place in Hollywood to enjoy a unique holiday cocktail and some festive decor, I recommend checking this place out with a friend. For more information check out the hours of operation down below.

Miracle Bar Hours

Open from Friday, November 23 till Monday, December 31

• SUN - WED 4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

• THURS - SAT 4:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Eat What You Catch: Malibu Fish Feast

I recently met up with my favorite fishermen, all around adventure guide and spearfishing expert David for an epic seafood feast that I will never forget! 

It was a clear sunny day in Topanga Canyon as I drove to meet David at his beautiful hippie hideaway in the Malibu mountains. We gathered all his spearfishing gear, wet suits, a case of beer and headed down to the beach to meet up with his friend Tone. We parked on the side of the road and walked over to their favorite diving spot (which will remain top secret) I filmed them getting their gear on and getting ready to dive into the deep ocean waters. For a beginner like me the waves were to unpredictable and the shoreline to rocky for me to come along, so I decided to stay on the shore and watch the action from afar. 

Over an hour later the boys came back with our catch of the day, a good sized Calico Bass and three large scallops. They said they were lucky enough to catch something that day because the waters so rough. I was glad I stayed behind this time. We put our oceanic friends in the cooler and headed over to the nearest grocery store to gather some fresh ingredients for our meal.

We decided to make Calico Bass ceviche and cook up some of their previously caught fish on the grill. The ceviche was very easy to make and tasted so fresh and delicious! We diced a filet of Calico Bass, chopped up 1 red onion, 3 avocados, 2 tomatoes on the vine, parsley, and added lots of lemon, lime and salt to taste. The ceviche only took 20 mins for the fish to fully cook from the acidity of the lemon juice. We ate it with tortilla chips. One of the best ceviches I've ever had. Wish I could be eating this everyday with a cold beer in hand!

Lastly, we chopped up some fire wood for the grill and heated up the rest of the Calico Bass, alongside scallops, bonito and white sea-bass to complete our Malibu fish feast. 

It was such an amazing day filming, cooking and eating everything we caught. Special thanks to David and Tone for letting me come along and showing me how fresh seafood can taste. All the hard work and preparation for this feast was well worth it! Check out the photos from our drool worthy meal down below.

Maui: Island Girl Eats and Places to Visit

I'm so lucky to have family who live on the beautiful island of Maui, on average I visit once every three years but this time I decided it was time to document some of my favorite places and eats along the way. Check out my vlog down below and keep reading for more tips for where to visit on this island!

Maui's Best Luau: 

I'm aware that this isn't accessible to everyone visiting Maui but I had to include it because it's a huge part of every trip I make. My island family are some of the greatest cooks I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and their passion and dedication to cooking is one trait I wish to inherit! We always enjoy a daily feast of Hawaiian and Japanese flavors. Check out some of my favorites below and watch my Maui Vlog: Family Luau HERE! 

Maui Swap Meat:

Considered a family tradition at this point, my family and I visit the Maui Swap Meat at least once every time we make a trip to the island. Located on Maui's University Campus the swap meat is open every Saturday from 7AM-1PM. There's a small admission fee which costs 50¢ and will grant you access to dozens of small shops, food trucks and farmers markets. It's a small place, easily covered within 40 mins but there's lots of great shops to pick up souvenirs, food to try and fresh fruits to take home. 

Ho'okipa Beach Park:

One of the many beaches locals and tourists like to hang out and surf at, the best part of this place is the dozens of turtles who also like to relax on shore. On any given day, at least 15 or more turtles will be lounging beachside for everyone to see. Turtles in Hawaii are considered an endangered species so you can only look but feel free to take as many pictures as you want. It is quite a sight to see and the area is perfect for taking a leisurely stroll.

Ukumehame Beach Park:

This is a locals hangout which offers fewer crowds, small waves perfect for beginner surfers and a laid back beach vibe for picnicking or tanning. Located at the southern end of the West Maui mountains off Highway 30, don't blink or you'll miss it. If you come here during the evening, Ukumehame Beach offers spectacular views of the sunset and the perfect shoreline tree for taking all your pictures on. 

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice:

I think everyone in my family agrees that Ululani's is the BEST shave ice in Maui! Its menu is a Maui-inspired selection of flavors including combinations like Broke Da Mouth (Pickled Mango, Li Hing Mui, No Ka Oi (Mango Coconut, Passion Fruit) and my personal favorite Party in my Mouth (Tamarind, Passion fruit Calamansi). I suggest getting a scoop of ice-cream at the bottom to sweeten up the dessert.

Tamura's Express for Poke:

Where can you get the best poke on Maui? That's a hard question to answer because there's so many options, I even love the Costco poke but this time I have to go with the locals favorite. Tamura's poke is made fresh every day using ono sashimi grade ahi and the majority of the fish comes straight from local fisherman. There's dozens of poke combinations to try and they'll even let you sample as many as you'd like. You can also grab a fresh made bento from the deli section and stock up on all the li hing mui candies you can handle!

Maui Mcdonald's:

It wouldn't be a HeyKatBabe guide without a Mcdonald's to get item! When my family and I are in need of a quick breakfast we always drive by the nearest Mcdonald's for an early morning fix. We love getting the Local Deluxe Breakfast platter which comes with rice, scrambled eggs, spam and Portuguese sausage. They also have a new Kona Iced blended coffee which I highly recommend adding to your meal.

Poke Hale Grindz:

Not a must visit on the Maui list but this corner store right down the street from my aunt and uncle's house was so cute and colorful I couldn't resist posting these pics. Enjoy!

Copenhagen: Where to Stay for Every Budget

Places to Stay

Airbnb:

Located on the third floor of an apartment building in downtown Copenhagen, this Airbnb offers a spacious floor plan with lots of windows, views of the city and fun decor. I really enjoyed the funky, contemporary art work this space had to offer and large kitchen which allowed me to cook breakfast for my family. The apartment was located near dozens of restaurants, convenient stores, bars and shopping areas to explore. Tivoli gardens was right around the corner and the train station was about a 7 min walk away. 

The apartment features 1 master bedroom, 1 guest bedroom and a large sectional sofa for guests to sleep on. You could comfortable fit up to 6 people in this spacious apartment. There was 1 bathroom which had a jacuzzi tub, separate shower, small sink and an indoor washer and dryer unit. Fast wifi and a tv with lots of English speaking channels was a nice touch.

Average Price Per Night: $260

Axel Guldsmeden Hotel:

Located in Copenhagen's Red Light District, which isn't as seedy as it sounds, this charming boutique hotel was quite the gem. The Axel Guldsmeden Hotel was about a 5 min walk from Copenhagen's Central Train Station and featured very trendy, upscale bohemian decor. Our room was fairly small but cozy, clean, and beautifully decorated. I really enjoyed the simple touches with pops of color and modern vintage objects placed throughout the room. There was a really nice shower and large stone sink in the bathroom which you can see down below.

I highly recommend checking out the restaurant attached to the hotel, Café Du Norde which you can read all about in my previous post HERE.

Average Price Per Night with Two Twin Beds: $216

Hotel Bethel:

Located right across the street from the picturesque houses of Nyhaven, Hotel Bethel offers the perfect setting to watch a Copenhagen sunrise or sunset. We stayed in a small room facing the courtyard, the hotel beds were a bit on the stiff side but adequate. There was also a small shower, sink and blowdryer which was all functional but nothing special. My favorite part of Hotel Bethel was that breakfast included with our stay. There was a nice selection of pastries, cheese, meats and other breakfast items to chose from. Free coffee and tea was offered 24 hrs a day. The staff were also very helpful and the bus stop was located right outside which took you to all the famous museums.

Average Price Per Night with Two Twin Beds: $165

Copenhagen Downtown Hostel:

I'm so glad we decided to go with the private room during our stay here, it offered a much quieter setting and we even had our own bathroom/shower combo. I should mention that the shower head was right above the toilet and sink area which I had never seen before. Moving on, the bunk beds were fairly comfortable and they had just put fresh sheets on for us when we arrived. You can't tell from the photos but I stayed on the top bunk which was quite high up from the ground. Make sure you don't fall off or it's a hard fall. Each private room had a theme, ours was a green tropical vibe which reminded me of Hawaii. Across the hallway was a John Travolta themed room which was funny and bizarre, are Danes into him? Someone please clarify.

The hostel offered free dinner which is served on first come basis, and the food goes pretty quickly here so get here early! I really enjoyed the nighttime scene which gave me a chance to mix and mingle with other travels from abroad. The bar had good cheap prices for Copenhagen standards, daily happy hours, was open till 4AM on the weekend and run by friendly staff members. There was also a nice big lounge for guests to hang out in.

During the morning, you can a purchase a pass for about $10 which gives you access to the breakfast bar. I'd recommend trying it out if you're on a budget and in need of some good food. The hostel also offered free wifi, walking tours of the city, and daily activities to meet other travelers.

Average Price Per Night for Private Room: $120

Have a favorite hotel, hostel, Airbnb location? Leave a comment down below and let me know where I should stay and review next!