Category Archives: Travel

Opening Day

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It’s a very exciting day here in Boston as the much anticipated Boston Public Market officially opened its doors at 11 am. K and I are heading there after work {hours are 8 am to 8 pm, Wed-Sun I believe} and I can’t wait. Be sure to check out my Instagram feed this evening as I’m sure I won’t be able to control myself with the food photos!

I remember the first time I went to Chelsea Market {back in 2009} and wishing my beloved city had such an incredible space dedicated to all things food. Little did I know that the Boston Public Market has been in the works since 2001. According to the BPM website “In 2001, a group of food producers, restaurateurs, and food lovers gathered to form the Boston Public Market Association. After years of work advocating for the development of a public market in Boston, they gained the support of elected officials and helped identify a permanent site for the market.” But worth the wait it is as it’s the only locally sourced market of its kind in the United States. Everything sold at the Boston Public Market is produced or originates in New England.

The list of vendors is impressive too. Union Square Donuts, Mother Juice, Bon Me, Cellars at Jasper Farm, Sweet Lydia’s and Sienna Farms. My kitchen, tummy and fridge will be so pleased.

Tuesday Travel

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austin

Last fall, K and I were planning our first trip together. We were tossing around Napa Valley, Seattle, Chicago and Austin, which we ultimately decided on. And how glad I am that we did. A city known for food {and food trucks}, live music and interesting people. How could you not want to go? After many hours of research {and reading my new favorite guide books, Wildsam Field Guides}, I think we pulled together the ideal list of must do’s. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Stay

San Jose

The decision of where to stay in Austin was quite easy. I had read about Liz Lambert and Hotel San Jose in many a travel magazine and all the reviews were spot on. Concrete floors and minimalist interiors featuring handmade furniture, white linen sheets and Malin + Goetz bath products all in the heart of South Congress {or SoCo as the locals call it}. You can’t go wrong. We were literally 5 minutes away from all of the hot spots in town. Liz also has a sister property, Hotel Saint Cecilia, which looks amazing and is on the list for our next trip.

Eat

Elizabeth Street

I could go on and on about the food but in the interest of time {it’s 6 pm and I really should hit publish on this}, I thought it wise to just share the links and a quick anecdote of our favorite spots.

Guero’s Taco Bar {our first stop in Austin that certainly set the bar: beer, tacos and live music}

Jo’s {coffee house in the parking lot of Hotel San Jose; tasty coffee and breakfast wraps too}

Elizabeth Street Cafe {my absolute favorite spot in Austin; great for breakfast, lunch and dinner}

Banger’s {great beer selection and the fried cheese curds were life changing}

Hillside Farmacy {my second favorite spot; the green and black painting above is from their exterior}

La Condesa  {mexican street corn, enough said}

Juice {el jefe is the way to go}

Burro Cheese Kitchen {the BEST grilled cheese I’ve ever had}

Homeslice {always need to find a pizza place in a new city}

Amy’s Ice Cream {cause you need ice cream after a slice of pizza}

Franklin BBQ {truth be told, we didn’t go and opted for a sub par option; our only regret of the trip}

Do

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Our first night in Austin we did the one thing that I was a bit skeptical of. We sat by the Congress Bridge and waited for dusk and the flying of the bats. Did you know that Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America? It is truly unbelievable to see. The colony is estimated at 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats and each night from mid-March to November, the Congress Bridge bats emerge from under the bridge to blanket the sky as they head out to forage for food.

Austin is the live music capital of the world so you must, must, MUST see live music in Austin. We made it to The Continental Club and Austin City Limits. We had plans to go to The Broken Spoke but I sadly fell asleep {I am blaming it on a food coma}.

I also highly recommend renting a car and driving out to Hamilton Pool. It’s breathtaking. Barton Springs was also on the list but with unseasonably cold weather during our visit we didn’t make it.

Shop

The shopping in Austin is some of the best. My must’s include:

Allens Boots

By George 

Stag Provisions

South Congress Books 

Parts and Labour

Uncommon Objects

I think that about covers it all. If you are looking for a great getaway, I highly recommend you put Austin at the top of your list. This city has just about everything! And please remember to follow my travels on Instagram #awaywithmay.

Tuesday Travel

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Hello friends and welcome to a new column Tuesday Travel. I love a weekend getaway and now that I am back in Boston, my weekends have been filled with many a getaway. Today I thought I’d share with you the first of many. Provincetown.

I grew up traveling to Ptown for high school sports but let’s be honest that was nearly 20 years ago. I was long overdue. And thus a few weeks back, one warm Friday afternoon, we battled the traffic from the Back Bay to the Seaport and boarded a fast ferry to whisk us away. 90 minutes later, paradise.

Thanks to Conde Nast Traveler, I knew the place to stay was Salt House Inn. Located on the East End of town and a short 10 minute walk from the docks (right off Commercial Street), the Salt House Inn is a boutique inn redefining the b+b experience. We stayed in Room No. 8, a deluxe king with a oars above our heads, accents of yellow and gray throughout the white-on-white palette. Updated nautical chic at its finest. The owners also opened a sister property this past Memorial Day weekend, Eben House, one of only three brick colonial homes left and built by Captain Eben Snow in 1776. Next time, I think we will stay here.

Whenever I travel, I always love to discover where the locals go. While confirming the details of our arrival, I asked our innkeepers for the inside scoop. After a little research, I decided on Victor’s for our first dinner. Located on the West End of town, Victor’s has been named as Ptown’s culinary hotspot. And hot spot it is. The bar was packed and the service pleasant. It was a little noisy for our liking but worth it after we tried the Ahi tuna napoleon. Next time, we will probably go for early cocktails and the raw bar. And a walk through the West End is a must. The homes here are perfection. Every time we turned a corner, I found a new favorite.

In my opinion, the best part of staying at a b+b is the breakfast and let me tell you, Salt House Inn didn’t disappoint. Sour cream coffee cake (so good I begged for the recipe), fresh fruit, greek yogurt with homemade granola and honey, toast and muffins. The perfect mix to start our day.

As if we wasn’t satisfied from our breakfast spread, I saw on Instagram that Happy Camper was having a little pop-up at The Canteen on Commercial Street. After picking up a quick coffee at Wired Puppy, down Commercial Street we went. K and I split the orange chai {so good} as our real goal for the morning was to get in a bike ride. Ptown Bikes came highly recommended so after our donut adventure we walked to Bradford Street to get ourselves some bikes. We decided to take the trails out to Race Point Beach, about a 2.5 mile ride from town. Little did I know that trails are actually trails. Nothing like my rides out to Madaket Beach. Should you decide to take a ride, be prepared to exert some energy. In the end, it was worth the sweat as Race Point is beautiful. A wide, expansive beach with sand dunes that are breathtaking.

After our ride back to town, we needed a little nourishment. I had read about a little sandwich shop Pop+Dutch, which just happened to be down the road from Ptown Bikes. K got their special sandwich which for the life of me I can’t remember what it was and I had their green goddess chicken salad on a brioche bun. It hit the spot. They also had a fresh watermelon aqua fresca, which helped to hydrate us both.

For dinner, we decided to grab a few appetizers and drinks at Joon Bar + Kitchen, which we were told has become the new local spot. And what a great spot it is. I decided on their White Linen cocktail, made with ginger vodka, lemonade and fresh mint. My new summer drink! The reason we decided on just appetizers was because we were holding out for Spiritus Pizza. On the walk home, we stopped in for four slices to enjoy on our deck while watching the sunset. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Sunday was our shopping day. A few shops not to miss: John Derian, Tim Scapes, Room 68 and Adam Peck Gallery. And turns out we saved our best meal for last, The Canteen. I can’t say enough about this place. Next time we go to Ptown, I think I may just eat every meal here. It is just that good. The cod banh mi, the honeysuckle popsicle, the seating area with a view of the harbor. The Canteen is one of those places I wish I could pack up and bring home with me.

Ptown, I left a little bit of my heart with you and as an island girl, that is saying quite a bit. We can’t wait to visit again. I am most thankful I don’t need to drive to you. Cape traffic in the summer is brutal!

Island Time

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Nantucket
Driving around my little island yesterday one thing was quite clear… summer is officially here! For all of you planning a getaway 30 miles out to sea, I wanted to provide a few updates to my Island Living guides.

First, a few things to note. Sadly, Trillium on Washington Street has closed up shop. But, you can find some of their product offerings, including my absolute favorite John Robshaw textiles at Bodega. And Sweet Little has moved from the wharf up to 40 Centre Street.

Now onto the new. Whenever planning a trip I always start with where I’m going to eat so let’s begin there.

B-ACKyard BBQ
Bourbon, beers and BBQ near the water… sounds too good to be true! Lucky for us, B-ACKyard BBQ opened their doors last week in the former Captain Toby’s space. I haven’t had a moment to try the food yet but have plans to do so on Saturday night. Just look at their sides… ranchero baked beans, cole slaw, a mason jar of pickled vegetables, and Vermont cheddar cornbread. Counting down the hours till Saturday night!

The Nautilus
Every year there seems to be that one new restaurant that captures all the buzz. A venture between 3 alums of the Boarding House/Pearl empire, The Nauitlus on Cambridge Street is “the place” this summer. The concept is a mix of classic and modern, small plates and feast selections all focused around the joy of sharing a meal and libations together. While The Nautilus prides itself on being a New England restaurant with a coastal/seafood base, their menu inspiration is rooted in Asian flavors and ingredients of the haute street food variety, with a major nod to the tapas style of Spanish cuisine. Tempura east coast oyster tacos. Why yes! Clinton Terry is the mastermind behind the bar and I must say, seeing this man make a cocktail is something else.

Meursault
One thing that is a constant in the summer is meeting friends visiting my little island for a cocktail. This little gem will be my new spot for just that. A charming wine bar in the former Cordillera Imports space on Broad Street, brothers Ethan and Jed Dupree have created an intimate place to grab a delicious class of vino and indulge in a few light bits of delicious cheeses and charcuterie. If you haven’t been to their wine and cheese shop on the wharf, it’s a must. Their toffee covered almonds tossed in powdered sugar are to-die for.

Handlebar Cafe
Since moving back to the island two years ago, there is one thing I have missed greatly… a wonderful coffee shop. When I heard that Jason Bridges and Courtney Nemeth of Nantucket Bike Tours were moving into the former Trillium space on Washington Street, right next to The Lovely and Parchment, I jumped for joy (literally). Although they aren’t open just yet, rumor has it that it will be any day now. My fingers (and toes) are crossed.

I think I have said this time and time again but I really believe that Nantucket has some of the best shopping around. From housewares, to clothing, to vintage to beauty… our little downtown certainly does pack quite a bit in. And lucky for all of us, a few new shops have made island roots this year.

Follain
I stopped into this beauty shop last week as I have been desperate for a new face moisturizer and in a brief 5 minutes, the owner Tara taught me oh so much. I left with an amazing face oil by Shamanuti, a petite jar of simple butter, which I have been using religiously on my cuticles, and a bottle of Follain liquid soap. And the best part, I made a 1-time deposit on this beautiful bottle that once I finish, I can just pop in and refill for less than $10. And even better, their flagship store is in Boston on Dartmouth Street, blocks away from my new apartment. What a great idea. Love a company that makes it easy to be green! And her makeup selection is spot-on. I am obsessed with my RMS un-cover cover-up.

CJ Laing
Truth be told, I’m not really a Palm Beach girl but when I drove by the window of CJ Laing, based in Palm Beach,and saw their beautiful ikat jackets, I instantly fell in-love. This beautiful little shop has a wonderful collection of jackets, embroidered tops, shorts, dresses, Stubbs & Wootton shoes and a killer jewelry selection. Looking for that perfect top to go with your white jeans, this is the place to find it!

Grey Clothing
While technically not a shop, you must check out Grey Clothing’s online store. Her products are all designed and hand printed on island. Love. And the tried and true tee… I can guarantee this is what I’ll be wearing on the 4th.

Sconset Gallery
I have been collecting Nantucket art since 2006 so when I hear a new gallery is opening, I get very excited. When I heard that Chandra and her husband Carlin, who have impeccable taste, were opening a gallery in Sconset, I was even more excited. A crisp white backdrop in an old Sconset cottage at 1 New Street… breathtaking. Art openings will take place every Thursday night from 6-8 pm and the gallery will be open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Just one more thing to add to your list while you are exploring Sconset.

So there you have it. The places to add to your summer list. Do let me know if you are planning a trip to the island. Would love to see you and answer any questions you may have!

Places

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row34
One thing about island life is that I no longer have my finger on the pulse of the dining scene in Boston. And so I took full advantage when my dear friend Abby was in town for Wine Festival. I told her I was escaping the madness of Figawi weekend and heading to my old/new city for the long weekend. When I said, where should I eat, without hesitation, she said “Row 34“.

So of course I raced home and took to my trusty computer for a little research. I was thrilled to see that Row 34, which opened last November in Fort Point (one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city, in my humble opinion), is the latest collaboration from the Island Creek Oyster Bar team: Skip Bennett and Shore Gregory, restaurateur Garrett Harker, and chef Jeremy Sewall. For my frequent readers, you know Island Creek is one of my all-stars. Their vision was to make Row 34 a working man’s oyster bar. And the name, a kind of oyster raised at the Island Creek Farm. I like it already.

I wasn’t the only one looking for a reservation for Saturday night… the only openings were 9:00 pm and 10:15 pm. Boston is the new New York! When we arrived at 9 pm, the restaurant was abuzz. The bar packed and the open kitchen and oyster bar instantly caught my eye. While Row 34 is known for their beer program, I opted for a glass of rose… the Gobelsburger Cistercien to be exact. Delicious.

Now onto the important stuff… what did we eat. We started with a sampling of oysters (the Chatham’s were my favorite) and then moved onto bluefish pate with toast, white wine mussels in scallion butter, striped bass ceviche and the highlight of the meal… the lettuce cups with a crispy oyster and pickled vegetables. Our waitress was a doll and was attentive but not overly so. And she made our meal by sending over the butterscotch pudding, which I must admit I was a bit hesitant to try as I’m not a butterscotch fan but it was simply divine.

Row 34 has certainly joined my all-star list. Thanks, Abby for the wonderful recommendation!

Places

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Alden & Harlow
As we know, I love food and nothing brings me more pleasure that reading a recent issue of Food & Wine and planning my next getaway around where I’m dining. I’m one for the details and thus love to find a place that has it all – great food, great décor, great vibe. I love sitting down at a table and instantly noticing how much attention went into every detail of the place setting… the weight of the water-glass, the curve of the knife, the napkin itself. And let’s not even get started on menu design. My all-star list of places that just nail it include: Island Creek Oyster Bar, ABC Kitchen, Gjelina and Founding Farmers. I can now add Alden & Harlow in Cambridge to this list, and you should too. I went on a Saturday night a few weeks back and had a 9:30 reservations. Coming from island life, dining after 8 pm made me feel very hip! The space is subterranean (in the former Casablanca space on Brattle Street) with beautiful exposed brick, great lighting, an open kitchen, a killer wrap-around bar, vintage signs adorning the walls and shelves filled with things you would have in your home kitchen.

This is the first solo project for chef Michael Scelfo, who wanted Alden & Harlow to be representative of the food he would serve at home. And what food it is. Since opening earlier this year, this Harvard Square gem has become what many refer to as a “food-industry darling.” My friend and I started with the ubiquitous kale salad, featuring thin slices of fennel and an ever-so-delicious creamy pistachio dressing. The menu is meant to be shared so we decided on four plates: the golden corn pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and pop corn (interesting indeed); the rye pasta with confit chicken thigh and fig-liver butter and topped with crispy skin; the crispy Berkshire pork belly with grits, roasted kumquat and bergamot cure; and the highlight of the evening… the beef neck that was slow roasted and served with a parsnip puree, radishes and vinegar. For a selectarian (I try to stick to a mostly vegetarian diet), I must say it was to die for and worth every bite. Did we keep it to the basics, most certainly not but wow, what a meal.

The cocktail list was impressive and a bit overwhelming so we both decided on a great craft beer. Unfortunately dessert was not an option (my friend gave up sweets for Lent… who does this?) but I can tell you, the next time I’m in Boston, I’m heading back to Alden & Harlow for cocktails and dessert. Let me know if you want to join.

A Day in LA

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Los Angeles
L.A. Oh how I miss you! You have quickly become one of my all-time favorites (next to Chicago, New York and my beloved Boston). What do I love so much about you? I love all your little neighborhoods that feel like some of my favorites (South End, Kendall, Lincoln Park, West Village) all by the water. Life doesn’t get much better than that!

For all of you who haven’t been or are planning a trip out there soon (I highly recommend that you do), I thought I would put together my favorite day in L.A.

My Morning Juice
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I always try to start the day with a fresh juice and it is quite easy to do so in this city. My god. There seems to be a juice bar on every corner. My favorite by far is Kreation. With six locations and a juice kar (correct spelling, I promise) and bike around the city, they are easy to find. I frequent the one in Beverly Hills because it is right next to my all-time favorite cupcake place, Sprinkles. I figure if I’m juicing in the am, I can pick up a treat to splurge on in the afternoon.

Hike it Out
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One thing I never realized is how many amazing hiking trails there around L.A. Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, Tree People Inc. The list goes on and on. Since my parents are in the valley in Sherman Oaks, Tree People is just a short drive, although you have to go down Mulholland Drive, which is just about the scariest road I’ve ever been on. But the hike is well worth it. Just beautiful.

Lunch by the Beach
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I stayed in Santa Monica on my very first trip to L.A. back in 2006 so it has always held a special place in my heart. And then when I discovered Huckleberry Cafe, it sealed the deal for being one of my favorite neighborhoods. Huckleberry Café is what I dream of one day opening. A beautiful café with delicious sandwiches, salads, savory goods, sweet treats and a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy. This visit, I tried their arugula salad with grapefruit, pine nuts and fresh parmigiano reggiano and my mom had the butternut squash terrine. Perfection!

Bike Ride
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Being an island girl, I have always loved to ride my bike. And a bike ride from Santa Monica down to Venice Beach, nothing compares in my humble opinion.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
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I really developed a love for Venice Beach last winter when I headed west to visit my parents after they made their big move. Abbot Kinney Street has it all. Urbanic Paper Boutique, Steven Allen, Gjelina and Intelligentsia, the best coffee shop I have been to by far. This place knows how to do coffee right. The idea is for the barista to create an individualized experience for every customer, regardless of how many are being served. Awesome!

Cocktail Hour
Viceroy
I think I’ve shared this little fact with you before, but I have a thing for boutique hotels. One of my favorite hotel groups The Viceroy Hotel Group and their spot in Santa Monica is sheer perfection. Cocktails by the pool are a must.

Dinner Time
tavern
If I had to choose one neighborhood to live in, I think it would have to be Brentwood. Not only am I obsessed with Brentwood Country Mart but Brentwood is also home to Tavern Bar & Larder. You may have heard of this space if you are addicted to Million Dollar Decorators like I am. Jeffrey Alan Marks designed the space and it’s breathtaking and the talented Suzanne Coin is the head chef and owner. Never have I been some place where the décor and food are so on par. A definite treat!

Stargazing
Observatory
Griffith Observatory. You literally feel like you are top of the world. The views of L.A. are breathtaking and you know me, I have a thing for stars. I suggest going at sunset, packing a light picnic and spending a least a few hours up here. Well worth the time. And the really cool thing… amateurs bring out their telescopes too so you can meet, mingle and check out a bunch of different views.

Oh and the adorable L.A. poster above is from the one and only, Rifle Paper. Click on the image and you will be directed right to their site.

I’m Off

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LA
At this time tomorrow, I will be in (not so sunny) California. As seems to be my luck with all trips west, rain is in the forecast. Fingers crossed that the weather channel is off on this one. I will try to check-in a next week but gonna try and take a little break to. Need to recharge those creative juices. Will be thinking of you all and will see you back here on Tuesday, March 11. Until then, be well and know spring is almost here!

My Crush, Part II

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Giada
I hope you all enjoyed meeting my John last week. Today, I am sharing my girl crush… Ms. Giada. Isn’t she beautiful?! I can’t tell you how many times I have dreamed that we are cycling through Tuscany together. I think we could be besties. I also read that she has a love affair with tequila, just like me.

Seriously, if I could be any woman, I would want to be this lady. Grew up in L.A. with a grandfather in the film business, attended cooking school in France, married her college boyfriend (who just so happens to be designer and simply adorable), a mother and an Oxfram Ambassador. What a life! I may have just blown off a day of work and joined a B.J.’s Wholesale Club (my only purchase was Giada’s cookbook) to meet this woman a few years back. And let tell you, it was one of the best days of my life and my signed cookbook, one of my prized possessions.

Giada has one more thing to soon add to her resume… a restaurant. Yes, it’s true. She is finally opening up her own place in Las Vegas at The Cromwell, a boutique hotel, set to open in May. The restaurant, which will seat nearly 300, will showcase Italian food with a California twist with impeccable views. As Giada says, picture a modern Milan osteria, not a rustic Italian dining spot. My father has had a place in Vegas for years and I may just finally take him up on his offer to visit. Can’t wait to try this place!

Escape

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Beach Please
Let’s be honest. I think we could all use a little escape right now. With more snow in our forecast for tomorrow, I have officially started the countdown to my escape to Southern California. Surf, sunshine and sand… yes, please.

When daydreaming of warmer weather, I also think, what will I wear. Here are a few pieces I may just need to pack in my California bag and have ready for an island summer.

– I tried this Calypso tunic on while in Atlanta a few weeks back and made the executive decision that it will be my go-to summer 2014 piece. Great with skinny jeans or as a beach cover-up.

– My girls know that I’m a tried and true Nanette Lepore fan so when I saw this beautiful blue two piece, I just knew it had to be mine.

– Every summer, I have one mission… to find that perfect white dress. A special thank you to Shopbop for helping me find this one. Love how this will transition into evening with a simple belt and a leather jacket. Beautiful and so mine.

– Being that I’m a bit on the tall side, I love me a maxi dress and I am so grateful that this trend is sticking around for another season. Loving this one from Piperlime. Again, a perfect day to night option. I guess I’m secretly hoping for lots of evenings out this summer. Maybe just maybe!

– Last summer I had to sadly retire my favorite J.Crew sandals. I think these ones will make a fine replacement. Note to self… if you find a sandal you love, purchase 2 pairs and hide 1 away.