How To

Posted on September 28, 2015 by adaymay

I made it back from D.C. safe and sound and what a weekend it was. Hope you had a great one too. Today, I wanted to share a new column How To. In these, I hope to share some helpful advice on how to handle situations that can sometimes be tricky. First up… How to be a House Guest. Since I stayed with two dear friends during my recent weekend escape, I am fresh with ideas of how to navigate this situation.

Communicate. Make sure your host knows when you are arriving and your plans for arriving to their home.
Be Gracious. Pack a little gift for my host{s}. Nothing lavish but personal.
Space. Realize that you are in someone else’s home so be mindful of your bags and where you leave your things.
Go With the Flow. This is very important. Of course your friends want to show you a great time, but sometimes life happens and plans {dinner, shopping, etc.} fall through. Always remember why you are staying with your friends to begin with.
Offer to Help. Clean up after dinner. Strip your bed. Tidy up the bathroom. All those little things. You would want someone to do in your home.
Send Thanks. Always, always send a thank you note.

Away

Posted on September 25, 2015 by adaymay

Happy Friday, sweet readers! As you read this, I’m on a plane en route to a very special place. Washington DC. For a girl who use to visit this political epicenter once a month for work, it’s hard to believe I haven’t been back in nearly 3 years. Can’t wait to see all that is new in the city. As always, feel free to come along with me on this adventure on Instagram following #awaywithmay. I hope you enjoy this first weekend of Fall. I’ll see you back here on Monday!

Tuesday Travel

Posted on September 22, 2015 by adaymay

The second stop of our European adventure was Bruges, Belgium. A short hour and fifteen minute train ride from Brussels, Bruges is the most well-preserved medieval town in Europe and has a small town charm similar to my little island. Although the weather was a bit cold and rainy, K and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time in this picturesque town. Here are just a few of the highlights from our time In Bruges. Note: skip the movie.

Stay

We stayed at the delightful Hotel Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, tucked down a little alley minutes from the central Markt. This was our view. Picture perfect, don’t you agree?!. And even better, the service. Belgian waffles at a moment’s notice. Amazing! I had originally wanted to stay at Number 11 B&B but they were sold out. How happy are we that this worked out!

Eat

We arrived in Bruges to a torrential downpour so naturally a pub was in-order. We had pinned De Garre on our Pinterest board, which by the way is a great way to capture all your travel ideas, and were happy to discover that it was a short distance from our hotel tucked down an alley {are you sensing a theme}, which in a rain storm was a good thing indeed. Truth be told, we walked by it the first time. But thank goodness we found it as De Garre was exactly what we hoped it would be. A place where you instantly feel like a local. We tried the house brew, Garre and enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich and some bar snacks. A must-do in Bruges.

Luckily, the sun broke through so after a beer {or two} we decided to explore by foot. We found Dumon, the chocolate hotspot of Bruges according to many. After selecting a few goodies to bring home as gifts, we decided to indulge our sweet tooth a little more at Oyya, an ice bar known for their ice cream, frozen yogurt and waffles. The after eight was my clear choice and K had a Belgian waffle with Nutella ice cream. The closest in terms of deliciousness to our beloved Juice Bar.

The best meal during our time in Bruges was at the Brouwerij De Halve Maan, a brewery established in 1564. They have a wonderful patio and with the sun shining, we enjoyed traditional cheese croquettes and a blond brew. I had hoped to spend an afternoon at a tea house, but sadly the one I had read about Merveilleux was closed.

Do + See

Bruges is filled with history and charm and there is oh so much to see. My top recommendation would be to take a canal tour. I believe there are five different companies and we simply chose the one closest to our hotel. The tour lasted a little over an hour and for a water girl like me, I was in heaven. My favorite part? Seeing the yellow lab with his head in the sun. Just take a look.

My second recommendation would be to climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfort Tower for a 360 degree view of this magical town. The higher up you get, the narrower the staircase so be prepared. Coming down I must have looked in distress, as a woman asked “are you ok?” I was just being cautious and moving slow!

My favorite church of the trip {there we many} was the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The chapel, built in the 12th century, is pictured above. The Basilica is said to house a vial of Christ’s blood. You really must visit. Church of Our Lady is also top of many visitor’s list as it houses a Madonna & Child sculpture by Michelangelo from 1504. Cool fact: this statue has been recovered twice. Once from the french revolutionaries in 1794 and once from Nazi Germans in 1944. The church also has the second tallest brick tower in the world.

A short distance from the brewery is Minnewater, what many refer to as the Lake of Love and you will see many a visitor snapping a selfie here. Fortunately, we found a kind man to take our photo, which may just be a contender for this year’s holiday card.

And last but certainly not least, you must take an evening stroll through Bruges. The lighting is… you just have to trust me on this one. Bruges, a place certainly beyond belief.

Tuesday Travel

Posted on September 15, 2015 by adaymay

As promised, today I am excited to share all the details from the first stop of our European tour… Brussels. Home to the European Union, TinTin, nearly 400 Embassies, and a beer hall with over 2,000 beers, Brussels certainly does have lots to offer. And while many suggested we skip Brussels and head right to Bruges, I am happy we decided to kick off the first two days of our vacation here. So without further adieu, here are my Brussels must-do’s.

Stay

Hotel Des Galeries. My most favorite hotel ever. The location, the decor, the pillows. Located around the corner from the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, this picture perfect hotel is close to everything you will want to see in Brussels including the Grand-Place and Manneken-Pis. And although I was a bit worried when I saw just how close we were to the Grand-Place, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the rooms were. The bathrooms are breathtaking and are stocked with my favorite Malin + Goetz products. And, Comptoir des Galeries, owned by French chef Julien Burlat, is connected to the hotel and serves the most delicious continental breakfast.

Note: This photo was not our room but sadly my photo was a bit too dark due to the grey weather we encountered. These photos are from the hotel website.

Eat

The first thing K asked upon our arrival was “what do you want to do?” To which I replied, “I want to eat a Belgian waffle!” Fortunately, the Gaufre de Bruxelles was around the corner from our hotel and let me tell you they have the best waffle EVER. Although there were cheaper options outside of the main square, these were euros well spent!

For those who know my girl well, they know she loves her beer so of course we had to find a spot to enjoy a traditional Belgian brew.

Across from the Manneken-Pis is an eclectic bar Poechenellekelder, filled with treasures and beer paraphernalia where I tried my first sugar beer. Quite tasty if I do say. After we finished the first {of many} beers, we decided to head to The Delirium Cafe {thankfully a stones through away from our hotel) to dive into their menu of over 2,000 beers. My girl was in heaven!

With a slight buzz and a bit of jet lag kicking in, we decided to enjoy a traditional meals of moules frites {mussels and fries}. Rick Steves was our trusted guide {or rather his book} and he suggested the touristy yet fun Chez Leon. We started with a simple tomato salad and then enjoyed a big old pot of mussels in white wine broth with shallots and garlic. So good and they provide plenty of bread to soak up all the broth.

While touring around the Sablon neighborhood on our second day, we stumbled upon a delightful delicatessen shop Claire Fontaine that had the most beautiful prepared lunches and decided to grab a few bites to enjoy at their little tables outside {three in total}. I highly recommend visiting this little shop, if even just to enjoy the smells.

Sadly, our dinner recommendation for our final night was a bit disappointing {Lola} but some places I had on the list that we didn’t get to try include: Les Filles and Mammouth.

Do + See

One of the main reasons why K and I decided to keep Brussels on the itinerary was purely driven by our vices… she loves beer and I love chocolate and thus many of the things we did involved finding good beer and tasting delicious chocolate!

At the top of our beer list was a visit to Brewery Cantillon, which began brewing in 1900 and today uses the same method for crafting their Lambic beers. Although the Lambic {sour} beer is not my thing, we learned so much about the process. Did you know that spiders keep away harmful insects as they serve as effective predators to maintain a biological equilibrium in the brewery? With that, a Lambic brewer will never destroy a cobweb and killing spiders is very much frowned upon. How cool!

As for chocolate, there are so many different places to visit. My favorites included Elisabeth, a shop that represents several local Belgian artisans. Their belief: better souls make better treats! I picked up the most delicious dark chocolate Orangette. “One of the things you should try once in your life, is the flavour waltz of chocolate and orange.” And what a waltz… these didn’t make it back to the states with me. In 1919, Mary began as a chocolate shop that is now claimed to be the favorite of the Belgian royalty. It was in this shop that I learned what makes a true Belgian praline. What sold me here was not only the flavors and variety but the packaging. Perfect for all the gifts I needed to bring home!

As for the sights to see, there aren’t too many. The Grand Place, Notre Dame du Sablon, the Royal Palace and of course the Manneken-Pis, the statue of the little boy peeing. From what I’ve read, this statue represents the freedom and joie de vivre of living in Brussels. A place where happy people eat, drink… and drink and then pee. On this particular day, he was dressed in old army gear. Some days he isn’t dressed and other days he is. Just depends on your luck!

Oh Brussels, you are certainly a place where we ate and drank quite a bit. Next time we visit, we will be sure to check out The Comic Strip Center and the Musical Instrument Museum.

New {in Boston}

Posted on August 24, 2015 by adaymay

As last week got away from me {sorry for my silence}, I wanted to keep my promise and devote this week to all things Boston. Today, I thought I’d share with you all that is NEW in this city of mine.

To keep things easy, I thought I’d go neighborhood by neighborhood. First up, Fort Point.

Fort Point/New Waterfront/Innovation District

I use to fondly call Fort Point the land of Barbara Lynch as Congress Street was home to three of her restaurants (Sportello, Drink and Mention). In just a few short years, though, Fort Point has blossomed and is now included in what many are calling the Innovation District, which includes The Seaport and the Waterfront. Companies like EnerNOC and Vertex are relocating to this thriving district. Driving down Seaport Boulevard, you can’t help but notice the luxury condo towers popping up left and right. The growth is incredible. Even more incredible, the restaurants to join the scene. A few to note: Mario Batali’s Babbo Pizzeria, Gather, Committee, and Empire {sister restaurant to the Back Bay’s Red Lantern}. I haven’t been just yet but I hear Hotel Envoy is the place to go for an evening cocktail and the best views of the Boston skyline at their Lookout Rooftop Bar.

South Boston/Southie

With the development throughout the Seaport/Waterfront, it’s no coincidence that South Boston has become the neighborhood for young professionals to enter the real estate market. In a recent article, I noted that Southie currently has over forty projects in either the planning/approval stage, under construction or just opened phase. All this activity has led to the opening of some pretty legit neighborhood spots. American Provisions is my go-to for delicious sandwiches, wine, cheese and provisions for an afternoon picnic, LOCO Taqueria & Oyster Bar for a night out on the town {and celebrate #tacotuesday} and Neatly Nestled for a wonderful selection of home goods and last minute gift ideas. I hear if you are single, Lincoln Tavern is the place to go. And you must check out The Lawn on D, a first of its kind, outdoor interactive space {adult playground} with a unique art installation of 20 lighted oval swings, games galore {bocce, ping pong, corn hole} a sound stage and open-air bar. This place has certainly lifted Boston’s cool factor.

Ink Block

In between Southie, I-93 and the South End, use to live a little paper called The Herald. But since it moved to the waterfront, this warehouse zone of the South End has been relatively quiet with just a gas station, Medieval Times and the Pine Street Inn. But times are a changing. Today, Ink Block is a 6-acre development with three unique buildings and 315 apartments to help restore this once vibrant neighborhood. This has certainly helped to extend the sophistication and appeal of the South End. At the anchor of it all, is a Whole Foods Market, which makes me a happy girl as my apartment is about a 8 minute walk away. Add to that, a milk + honey spa, and Ink Block is moving to become the hub of the South End.

Downtown

When Filene’s closed their doors in early 2006, Downtown Crossing lost a bit of its luster and for the past ten years has been a place one passes through to and from the Financial District and the Boston Common. Thankfully this is changing. Millennium Tower, a luxury high-rise residential skyscraper is emerging from the former retail location. And while occupancy won’t begin until next summer, you can check out the development while visiting the first city location of Roche Brothers. Word on the street is that acclaimed chef Michael Mina will be opening a Boston location of his acclaimed Pabu restaurant. Is it 2016 yet?!?!

Also changing the face of Downtown Boston is the highly anticipated Boston Public Market, which since opening last month, has become my new favorite spot in Boston.

Fenway

Similar to the Innovation District, condo buildings are under construction all along the back of Fenway Park. Add to that, a Target and rumors of a Wegmans grocery store, and pretty soon you’ll never have to leave Fenway. And if you have out-of-town guests visiting, just have them book a room at the recently opened Verb Hotel. The pool scene alone makes me want to book a stay-cation here.

Cambridge/Somerville

There are many in Boston who refuse to cross the Charles River and venture over to Cambridge and Somerville. But let’s be honest… this is where the food revolution has taken off in Boston. Alden & Harlow, Sarma, Union Square Donuts, Loyal Nine, State Park, Spoke Wine Bar. You can’t go wrong! Planning a trip to Boston, I highly recommend crossing the Charles and taking in the food scene on the other side.

So there you have it… my take on all that is NEW in Boston. Planning a visit? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or email me with any questions. Happy to help!

Image Credit: Drawings of classic Boston icons by Swiss Cottage Designs via their blog.

Tuesday Travel

Posted on August 11, 2015 by adaymay

I had one of the longest drives of my life to Providence during the December snow storm of 2007. What should have taken 50 minutes, turned into an 8 hours ordeal. The moment I pulled into the parking garage, I vowed to myself I would never drive to Providence again.

That was until my dear friend {and fellow MHC sister} Christina introduced me to East Side Pockets, home of the best falafel wrap in the Northeast. I am known to drive just about anywhere for good food and thus decided a drive to Providence wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Especially if food was involved. But you know what, I never stayed. That all changed, though, when I read about The Dean. At that moment, Providence quickly moved up my list for a weekend getaway.

Turns out, Providence is pretty awesome.

Stay

I could go on and on about The Dean but I will keep it to this. A 52-room boutique hotel with a coffee shop, German beer hall, European speakeasy and a Karaoke bar all housed in a former brothel. How could you not want to stay here? If you opt for a bit more traditional and classic, I suggest the Providence Biltmore.

Eat

For such a small city, the culinary scene in Providence is off-the-hook. Here are few must try places.

Birch {Owner and chef Benjamin Sukle, a 2014 James Beard semifinalist, has created an intimate and unique dining experience with only 18 seats around a u-shaped bar. The menu is a four-course tasting and guided by local and seasonal fare. By far, one of my top dining experiences thus far in 2015.}

Al Forno {The restaurant that put Providence on the culinary map.}

Nick’s on Broadway {A delicious gourmet brunch spot. I had the baked polenta with Rhode Island corn + Vermont cheddar with poached eggs and pumpkin seed pesto. So good!}

The Grange {A great spot for the vegetarians, this cheery cafe is always a safe choice for a healthy and wholesome meal. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.}

Tallulah’s Taqueria {An East Providence gem!}

Kitchen {Truth be told I missed this place on my last two visits, but I hear it is fantastic, just look at their exterior.}

Seven Star Bakery{I love me a bakery and their lemon cakes are sinful.}

The Eddy {The place for a nightcap in Providence.}

I’m already making a list of places to try on our next visit: Olga’s Cup and Saucer, North Bakery, The Dorrance, The Shop and Ken’s Ramen.

Do + See

One of my favorite things to do in Providence is explore. The architecture is mesmerizing and each neighborhood has such a unique feel. Typically I drive to a new neighborhood, park the car and just walk. Some of my favorites include:

A walk down Thayer Street. Located in College Hill, Thayer Street has a similar feel to Harvard Square and is bursting with energy and intellect from near by Brown University. Great shops {Berk’s for shoes is a favorite}, coffee shops and bars abound {and East Side Pockets, of course}!

A walk around Wayland Square.

A visit and walk around Westminster Arcade.

A walk to the State House.

***********

There is so much to do in Providence that I haven’t yet had a chance to do. WaterFire, RISD Museum, a concert at Providence Performance Arts Center. Must start planning my next visit stat!

Main Image Credit: Parrot Design Studio

Tuesday Travel

Posted on July 28, 2015 by adaymay

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

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

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}

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:

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

Posted on July 14, 2015 by adaymay

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

Posted on June 25, 2014 by adaymay

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

Posted on May 29, 2014 by adaymay

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!

A Day with May

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