Review - Local 360 - Seattle, WA

Local 360

So I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I have a slight bias against the hip "Localtarians" that are so prevalent in the Pacific Northwest.  A friend recently moved to PDX and one of his first observations was the over the top localtarianism.  Portlandia even spoofed the whole local sustainable movement in one of their shows.  With a roll of the eyes, I think to myself, "Really? What is the big deal?"  

Review - Wann Izakaya - Seattle, WA

Wann Izakaya

I just love Izakaya style dining.  It's like Japanese Tapas, small plates meant for sharing, and lots of drinks to go around.  We've been going to Wann for quite some time and the food is consistently good!  I love the ambiance of the restaurant, and almost every time we are there, Japanese hipsters are there, boisterously speaking in their native tongue and having what appears to be a great time!

Review - Seatown Seabar and Rotisserie - Seattle, WA

Seatown Seabar and Rotisserie

Located next to Etta's in the Market is Seatown Seabar and Rotisserie, another Tom Douglas creation... The menu consists mostly of seafood for obvious reasons, and unfortunately there isn't much for my SO to eat here.

Anthropologie - Draw The Eye Vest

Anthropologie Draw The Eye Vest $49.95 (reg. $88)

Lately I've had a thing for vests - I love layering them over long sleeves during winter, and short sleeves during summer... The Draw The Eye Vest is gorgeous! I love the mixed printed cotton and knit body.  This vest is lightweight enough to wear well in to summer and pairs really well with skirts or jeans... 

Recipe - Burmese Tea Leaf Salad

Burmese Tea Leaf Salad (Lahpet Thoke)

During a recent trip to San Francisco, we finally dined at the much raved about Burma Superstar.  One dish we knew to try was the Tea Leaf Salad.  According to their website they actually go to Burma to get the tea leaves (Lahpet) for their salad.

Review - Espressamente Illy - The Palazzo - Las Vegas, NV

Espressamente Illy

As I've stated on my blog before, my SO is a coffee snob - when we vacation he needs to find good coffee, although he will resort to Starbucks if that is his only choice.  He usually scopes out indie coffee houses with hipsters working as baristas, however, this appears to be something that is lacking in Las Vegas.

Anthropologie - Striped Borders Boyfriend Cardi by Field Flower

Striped Borders Boyfriend Cardi by Field Flower $29.95 (reg. $118)

Living in a city where the weather fluctuates, it's hard to know what to wear.  Layering is something that is natural for any Seattlelite. One minute, it's warm and sunny, then next a breeze comes in from the Sound and it's freezing cold.  So cardigans are a necessity.  The Striped Borders Boyfriend Cardi from Anthropologie is perfect for spring or summer in Seattle.  It's lightweight, delicate, and girly-nerd chic.  

Review - Carnevino - Las Vegas, NV

Carnevino

We were promptly seated in the smaller dining area on the opposite side of the host station & bar.  After having dined in the main area before, I was a little disappointed, the side we were seated in is directly in the casino and really didn't give the fine dining ambiance we were hoping for. Not to mention the blaring music - Red Hot Chili Peppers, really? At what is described as fine dining? The music was too loud, and along with the noise from the casino, I might as well have chosen to dine at a cafe.  Our server even commented that he had to tune out the bad choice in music and blamed Mario Batali for the music selection.  Ugh.

Anyways, on to the food...

Review - Palazzo Resort, Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV

Palazzo Resort, Hotel & Casino

Because my SO's parent's live in Vegas, we visit pretty frequently.  Not that we didn't go to Vegas a lot before they moved there, it's just a new excuse for a weekend of overindulgence!  I have stayed at most of the hotels on the Strip, with the exception of most of the older ones.  The Palazzo is one of my favorite places to stay.

Anthropologie - Drifting Lilies Dress by Leifsdottir

Drifting Lilies Dress by Leifsdottir $79.95 (reg. $298)

When I saw the Drifting Lilies Dress I fell in love with the print...  Layers of flowy chiffon, it's just so feminine!  But at full price, and without knowing where I would wear this dress, I didn't even bother to try it on.  Then it hit the sale racks... and now it's on a second markdown!