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31 May 2012
Last night I spent the evening at a new restaurant in Toronto called Grand Electric with my friend Pamela. Okay It’s not really new, it’s been around for a while but it’s been written about, and hyped up so much I wanted to let that hype blow over a little before making my way over to try it.
Grand Electric is a tiny little place in Parkdale that’s serving up Mexican food alongside designer bourbon and whisky drinks. The music is loud—maybe a notch too loud since my voice is raspy from yelling over it this morning—but at least it’s good music… well good if you like 90’s hip hop like Group Home, which I do because, let’s be honest, it’s never been as good as it was in the 90’s, just sayin’…
The food and drinks are listed on chalk boards around the room in place of actually menus. We started off with some cocktails, I got the Grand Electric Sour complete with frothy egg topping, my dear friend got the Bourbonade which she loved. They also have craft beer and rye drinks and I could see how one could easily drop a wad of cash getting drunk on these $8.00 cocktails, but let’s move on to the food.
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29 May 2012
If you’re looking to book accommodations in Rome, you’ve probably come across some fine print about an additional ‘city tax’—also sometimes referred to as the ‘Rome Tourist Tax’—which is levied against visitors to the city. If the term ‘city tax’ sounds like your hotel is running a scam, rest assure it isn’t. This is unfortunately a real tax that has been in place since 2010. As my grandma always said ‘the only things for sure in life are death and taxes.’
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29 May 2012
The lovely Trevi Fountain in Rome
Did you know that legends say that if a visitor throws a coin into the fountain they ensure a return visit to Rome?
I think I’ll throw in a few euros so I can guarantee it!
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22 May 2012
I don’t know about you, but when I’m in Rome I spend a lot of time walking which requires a lot of espresso to get me through the day. By the end of the evening, despite several espresso shots, I’m still dragging my feet and in desperate need of a pick-me-up that won’t keep me up half the night. So while in Rome, I thought why not try the classic Italian dessert tiramisu—which literally translates to ‘pick-me-up’ (see what I did there?)
Although tiramisu wasn’t created in Rome (Siena, Tuscany actually) it has since become a favorite of many all over the world. It’s easy to see why people love it since it’s made of coffee soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and flavoured with cocoa and booze, all very good things. When you suggest tiramisu to just about anyone you instantly see longing, and maybe a bit of drool, wash over them. I however, have never had a really good tiramisu. Don’t get me wrong they are never bad, just never drool worthy. Since I’m not going to Tuscany this time around I thought I would seek out the best tiramisu Rome had to offer. Pompi is said to have some of the best tiramisu this side of Tuscany, so obviously I had to try it!
The reviews weren’t wrong the tiramisu is pretty good, although I liked the strawberry one more than the classic, but that’s just me. Check out the close up pictures below, just don’t drool on your keyboard.
Pompi has other sweet delights as well, although the tiramisu counter seemed to be the most popular. Here are some pictures of the other goodies they carry.
The other interesting thing about Pompi is the bar section in the back that is open until 1:30am (late for Roman standards). The bar is dark with black lights and club music pumping, so not really great for a romantic moonlit dessert chat. Apparently they often have DJ’s from abroad who spin sets for the late night crowd with a sweet tooth.
BAR POMPI - VIA 7 ALBALONGA, ROME
Open Daily 6:30AM-1:30AM
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15 May 2012
Super cute bow sneakers in a Naples shop window. Perfect for spring.
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09 May 2012
It’s tough to pinpoint exactly what it is I love so much about Italy—the food, espresso, wine, history, shopping, weather, the food… Yes I know I mentioned food twice, but let’s be honest, the food really should get a second mention! Pizza and pasta are some of my absolute fave foods, so much so that I think I should have been born Italian.
When working out my itinerary for this trip to Naples and Rome I wanted to make sure I got a taste of some of the best these cities have to offer, and I wanted to try to avoid as much of the tourist stuff that I could without missing any of the important sights, like the lovely Colosseum.
I just love this picture!
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29 Jun 2011
Balthazar cafe and restaurant in SoHo is a really nice little French restaurant, perfect for brunch or your evening meal. Bartender can make a mean cocktail and they have a delightful bakery inside too!
80 Spring St, New York- (212)-965-1414
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29 Jun 2011
This is THE best place to get interesting gifts or some new pieces to spruce up your home. TFP (The Future Perfect) carries the latest and greatest in art and design for your home, and stocks pieces you won’t find anywhere else. They carry a lot of New York designers and some from other places as well. Their inventory is fresh, new and totally perfect.
55 Great Jones St, New York (212) 472-2500
http://www.thefutureperfect.com/index.php
colorful window display with ceramic dishes above.
Very cute stackable tableware set. On the left you can see the 6 dinner plates stacked up to create a building (the roof is a serving dish!). You can get a whole set and make your own little dinning city, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these! Beside the plates you can see the mugs and not shown in the photo are the bowls that create a different building. 
These Industrial lamps are fantastic, I love the black tops on the bulbs instead of shades. 
French Toile pillows get brightly colored embroidery floss overstitch treatment.
But the piece de resistnace has to be…
NEEDLE POINT GRAFFITI PILLOWS!!! I’ll take one of each please!!!! -
28 Jun 2011
New York, New York.
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agentizzy353 asked: Thank you for the follow up on the Biltmore Hotel pool information. My uncle owns three of the restaurants there and I work at one of them. Quite interesting.
Awesome blog by the way. Have a good day! Cheers!No worries, I had to double check myself to make sure I had it right. I had the brunch at the Biltmore and it was amazing (if that’s one your uncle owns pass along my thanks for the stellar meal!)
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