November 24, 2013

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Part I

After spending ten blissful days traveling around Thailand, 
I was feeling nice and relaxed (and recharged)!
We missed the city life, 
so transitioning from the beaches of Krabi to the busy streets of KL wasn't too difficult. 
We felt right at home as soon as we checked into our suite at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel,
smack in the center of Malaysia's capital. 

We spent our first day in KL exploring through Chinatown, 
playing around in Merdeka Square, 
and strolling through the gorgeous butterfly park. 

My senses were overstimulated the whole day - 
between the colorful graffiti decorating the streets,
to the fragrant aroma wafting from the eateries on every corner. 
The mixture of cultures was a beautiful sight to take in from every angle. 

natasha

November 20, 2013

Waypoint Public

There's a new foodie power trio in town,
and I am very pleased with what they're bringing to the table. 
Literally.
Amanda Baumgarten, formerly of Herringbone
has just joined a team that includes Bottlecraft Bottle Shop owner Brian Jensen,
 and John Pani, a local hotel and hospitality vet. 
Together they operate Waypoint Public,
an awesome new eatery in North Park, 
that includes a custom 30-tap system for beer and wine, a back patio with lounge chairs and a kid's area.

I stopped by Waypoint for brunch last weekend,
and was delighted with my experience. 
The food was bursting with flavor, 
and the atmosphere was perfectly chill for an early Sunday afternoon full of beer and football. 
I'll definitely be back for brunch soon,
and I can't wait to check out the dinner menu. 
The B.F.L.G.T.A. - bacon, lettuce, fried green tomato & avocado on grilled sourdough
House Michelada
"Eat well and travel often". AKA my life motto. 
Waypoint Burger - burger, mozzarella, pulled pork, tomatillo salsa, spicy pickled veggies on a ciabatta bun
Short Rib Hash - charred poblano peppers, yukon potatoes, spinach and horseradish hollandaise
3794 30th Street
North Park, CA 92104

natasha

November 17, 2013

Chi City Quickie

Kicked off the weekend with a feast at Girl & the Goat.
Everything was so delicious, but that pork shank really took the cake!
Beautiful colors on Michigan Ave.
Home-made udon soup by my Martha Stewart bestie. 
Stay classy Chicago.
Absolutely sublime dinner at Brindille!!
Veal Sweetbreads//New Brunswick Oysters//Foie Gras
Noisette of Lamb Saddle//Tranche of Duck Breast & Foie Gras
Highly, HIGHLY, recommend this place!
My friends are stunners, wouldn't you say?
Our visit happened to fall on Halloween weekend, 
and you know I'm not one to pass up a party. 
We found the coziest costumes and hit the town purring. 
Can't get enough of that skyline. 
Meow.
Staying out till the wee hours of the morning calls for a gluttonous brunch the next day. 
Nightwood didn't dissapoint. Those burgers and tater tots?
Gimme right meow!

natasha

November 11, 2013

Raglan Public House

I'm not typically much of a beer drinker. 
Sure, I'll throw back a few during Sunday football, 
and I've never been one to turn down a game of beer pong,
but for the most part, I tend to stick to the classics - 
red wine or vodka. 
But then there are days, or weeks rather,
when a girl just needs an ice cold, frothy beer. 
You know what I mean?

San Diego has some serious microbrewery game,
and last week was the perfect showcase - San Diego Beer Week!
Yes, a whole week dedicated to beer. Sounds amazing, right?
I couldn't pass up an invitation to check out Raglan Public House,
the unpretentious older brother of one of my favorite burger joints in San Diego.
Being as cool as it is, Raglan was of course participating in SDBW,
and just happened to be hosting Coronado Brewing Company on the day that we visited.
Lucky us - we got to knock two birds out with one stone,
and damn those birds were mighty fine. 

We kicked the night off with a flight of the kiwi,
choosing six brews to wet our whistles. 
Our favorites?
The Milk Stout for me, and the Stupid Stout for the husband. 
The Islander IPA with Starburst Candy is also a must try, in my opinion. 
Once we narrowed down our beverage selection for the evening,
it was time to indulge in some comfort food. 
I sprang for the night's special - a lobster bisque served in a bread bowl,
out. of. this. world.
while Erik kicked off Thanksgiving season by ordering the monthly special - 
a sandwich filled with all your turkey day favorites. 
That sandwich may not be the most photogenic item on the menu,
but holy hell was it delicious. 
Portobella Fries - fried portabella mushrooms with a rosemary dipping sauce. 
Want some?
Come and get your own. 
I promise you wont regret it. 
A huge thank you to Raglan for hosting us!

1851 Bacon St. 
Ocean Beach, CA 92107

natasha