Root & Bone (NYC)

The last 5 and a half years in the city have been full of exciting first dates, flirty messages on dating apps, and even a couple serious relationships. While most of these experiences were basically positive, there was one extra terrible dating experience. BUT, with every awful date there is a silver lining and that silver lining was discovering Root & Bone.

On a very VERY cold February night a few years back I met a guy who suggested we go to dinner at a little spot in east village. I wouldn’t normally meet someone for dinner, only because I prefer to get a cup of coffee or a drink in case it doesn’t go well, but decided against my better judgement to meet him at a restaurant.

For whatever reason I agreed to meet this guy for dinner, I am so thankful I did. As someone who LOVES eating out, Root & Bone is one of my favorite spots in New York. This has been my go-to spot for dinners/brunches with out of town friends, girl’s night dinners and special date nights.

There hasn’t been anything on the menu that wasn’t absolutely incredible. I’m not the biggest fan of southern food, growing up in upstate New York, chicken and waffles wasn’t something we ate, but I have really enjoyed every visit to Root & Bone.

As for the chicken, it’s brined in sweet tea and then fried. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Some of the other highlights that I ALWAYS order are the biscuits with chicken au jus, deviled eggs (which are the best deviled eggs you will ever have, seriously), cheesy grits, mac n cheese and of course the waffles.

I highly recommend trying Root & Bone!

Dubrovnik – Croatia

Forty-eight Hours in Dubrovnik

 

A whirlwind trip started in Dubrovnik with only 48 hours to take in the city. One of several walled city, Old Town Dubrovnik was absolutely stunning and immediately transports you back in time. I put together my favorite moments and activities that are a must have experience!

Taverna Otto

This restaurant outside of Old Town Dubrovnik was absolutely amazing. I started with the pork belly with pomegranate and a shredded cabbage slaw and had the lamb with a pea puree as my main. Both dishes were cooked perfectly, the lamb just melted in my mouth (I only used a butter knife to cut this lamb). Besides the food being absolutely incredible, the restaurant has great atmosphere with dim lighting and stone walls. Check it out here.

 

IN line with how much I enjoyed the food, I also LOVE how I can find espresso everywhere, bars, restaurants, cafes…. Caffeine is also within walking distance!

Monastery Franziskanwekloster

This monastery is located as soon as you walk into Old Town Dubrovnik and houses a museum of artifacts. Construction of the monastery began in 1317.

 

Monastery Franziskanwekloster Game of Thrones Tour

Yea, I’m that person. We went all the way to Dubrovnik just for this tour. It was EVERYTHING I had hoped it would be. We were very lucky and had a great tour guide who not only knew her GoT facts, but also weaved in Dubrovnik’s history throughout the tour as well. Highlights include visiting the scene of Joffrey’s wedding (and death), The House of the Undying, The Spanish Steps where Cersei took her walk of shame and the dock where many scenes we filmed, including Sansa speaking to Little Finger and Cersei watching her daughter sail to Dorne.

 

Walk the City Wall

The walk around Old Town’s wall with hundreds a photo opps!

 

Ride the Cable Car

The cable car is well worth the wait if there’s a line! Unfortunately, it was rainy and a bit foggy when we took our ride, but the view was still spectacular. You can see all of Old Town from the cable car and a lot of Dubrovnik.

 

Labor Day Getaway

The tropical storm warnings switched our beach plans into a weekend at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. It wasn’t exactly the weekend I had been planning, but turned into the perfect spot to spend a couple days.

Weekend Highlights:

Delicious food from Ballo inside Mohegan Sun. I had eggplant parmesan (not pictured below), shared the arancini and melon with prosciutto over olive oil and salt. I didn’t have the pulled pork and truffle gnoochi, but it received raving reviews. Everything we had was absolutely delicious, no complaints.

I finally learned basic strategy/odds for Blackjack and  was able to win money for the first time.

We were able to find a bar in the resort that was playing the WVU game, Let’s Go Mountaineers!

We danced all night waiting to see Marc Anthony (who is scheduled to appear at Mohegan Sun) only to realize we were waiting for the wrong Marc Anthony. After being in the Vista Lounge for two hours, we finally realized the Mark Anthony who was scheduled is the Brooklyn DJ Mark Anthony. We had a laugh after we realized the Latin sensation Marc Anthony probably would not do a night club appear at a Casino Resort in Connecticut. By the way, DJ Mark Anthony was actually great.

BONUS! The Food Truck Festival was happening that weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed everything I ate. (Featured below is the ahhhh-mazing duck burger and oysters. Not featured, ribs and cannolis. Yes, I had cannolis two days in a row.)