New Review: Black Bottle Postern

It's finally Wednesday! And you know the perfect way to celebrate hump day is to schedule a Girls Date at a hip/trendy spot. :)

So tonight, my friend Tassoula and I headed to Black Bottle Postern in Downtown Bellevue. I have wanted to try this trendy spot in DT Seattle for awhile so I was really excited when they opened one in Bellevue because it is closer to my house.

Tassoula is a pretty great date because you give her the time and place and she makes a reservation in less than 5 minutes... truly a wonderful quality. So we picked 7:15 and when I arrived the place was packed, standing room only. And again I was thankful for Tassoula's planning. I was seated right away and as I walked all the way to the back, I loved the rustic yet trendy atmosphere that surrounded me. The one draw back was that is was pretty noisy so I wouldn't expect having an intimate conversation during their busy hours.

Tassoula arrived shortly after me and we hugged it out and got down to business... what to drink. We both decided red wine was our poison today because it was so chilly outside. I remember the beau saying 'Justin Cabernet Sauvignon' was a good wine so I was sold. The drink menu is a bit overwhelming because they have tons and tons of options.

That's why I love Tassoula... always game to have a good time.

Next decision what to eat?? Again there were so many option veggies,salad, meat, shrimp, flat bread... I mean how could you go wrong. The menu lists all options as 'Shared Plates' which means that you should order at least two items. But the good news is you will have some leftovers if you exercise self control. :)

Bacon Lemon Scallops with Frizzled Kale
This menu item was to die for... the scallops and bacons were cooked perfectly and the kale added a nice texture and tasty tart flavor. A bite with all the flavors is the way to go.

Proscuitto and Bechamel Flatbread

We ordered this flatbread because one of favorite people in the world, Marto recommended it. I'm still not sure how to pronounce bechamel or even what it is but the flatbread was a delightful cheese bread. :) It was cooked perfectly and very cheesey. The size of the plate is definitely enough for 2 people! The picture below just doesn't do it justice.

As Tassoula and I wined and dined ourselves, I realized just how much I love her. She makes me laugh constantly with her ridiculous stories. She is just so easy to talk with about anything and just goes with the flow. For instance, as the server was cleaning up a knife was thrown (okay not thrown dropped0 towards Tassoula and we joked that she was 'knifed in Bellevue.' I mean we are dorks but we got a good chuckle out of it. I truly appreciate our friendship and can't wait to hit the town with her again.

My review for Black Bottle Postern is very favorable.

Service: Laid back yet attentive
Food: Delightful with an option for every palette
Drinks: Delightful with an option for every palette
Atmosphere: Trendy, rustic and laid back
Price: Drinks are upwards of $10 and so are the shared plates. This is a great place to splurge but I couldn't hit it up every night. Check out their happy hour too!

New Review: Tropea Ristorante

Tonight I am showering my mom with birthday love. My dad and I are taking her to dinner one of her favorite local spots - Tropea Ristorante Italiano. I had never eaten here before both my parents rave about their lunch and dinner menus all the time.

As I pulled up to the Ristorante, I was kind of shocked because it is located in the middle of a strip mall. But as soon as I walked in I knew it would be much more authentic than the nearest Olive Garden. :) The restaurant is really small and quaint but it has tons of character.

Look at all that wine!

At 7 PM on a Tuesday, Tropea was pretty darn busy, which is always a great sign. The atmosphere was awesome and the servers were so helpful and attentive and both the wine list and menu's had tons of options... all these characteristics led me to believe I was about to have a great dining experience.

The only problem with so many delicious options is deciding... so I of course badgered the server about the menu and he finally persuaded me to order a Special Chicken Dish aka 'Pink Chicken.' I just loved our server so much, he has worked at Tropea for 15 years and knows pretty much everything about the menu and his personality was so refreshing, he really loves what he does. This is the type of restaurant where you can just tell you server what you want and they make it happen... just one of the many reasons I love small local restaurants. Tropea has numerous specials each day and my parents said to always order of the special menu because they have never had a bad experience. :) 

We opted not to order an appetizer because I was warned the dishes are ginormous, so the bread basket and olive oil dipping would have to do and it did. It was so garlicky and delicious!

As I said earlier I ordered the 'Pink Chicken' which is a chicken breast and side of penne pasta topped with Tropea's famous aurora sauce. Aurora sauce is a blend of alfredo and spaghetti sauce... and it was delicious. I could only eat half of my dish because I was saving room for dessert because there are two full pages of options. :)

My dad ordered the 'Lobster Ravioli Special' which was very tasty. The picture below does not due the meal justice. It is a rich dish so you may want to share a couple of dishes but my dad had no trouble finishing it off. FYI huge pieces of lobster are included in this dish.

My mom ordered a special Fetttuccine dish with homemade sausage and meatballs. I have to tell you her dish was the prettiest and tastiest. The meatballs are to die for and the sausage isn't to bad either!

Since we were celebrating my mom we all decided to order our own dessert and share it. As I said above their are two pages of delicious desserts to choose from. My dad ordered a delicious pistachio parfait, I ordered the famous Cannoli, and my mom ordered something really pretty and interesting... none of us could recall it. :) 

The pistachio parfait was the best dessert I have had in awhile, the cannoli filling was life-changing and my mom's mystery dessert was tasty but definitely was our third favorite. 

My experience at Tropea couldn't have been any better. Please check it out and support this local business. :) 

PS I just want to go on the blog record that I have the BEST parents in the world. Seriously... how cute are they? So CUTE!

Hot Stone Massage... Pretty Please

Today's agenda includes more of the same... small breakfast, gym, spa, normal breakfast, sunbathing and dinner. :) Its a tough life on vacation!

My workout included cardio and an emphasis on legs.

20 minutes on the bike
15 reps of reverse lunges with a 15 lbs barbell
15 reps of jump squats with a 15 lbs barbell
15 reps of walking lunges with 10 lbs dumbbells

10 minutes running on treadmill
10 reps of reverse lunges with a 15 lbs barbell
10 reps of jump squats with a 15 lbs barbell
10 reps of walking lunges with 10 lbs dumbbells

5 minutes bike
10 reps of reverse lunges with a 15 lbs barbell
10 reps of jump squats with a 15 lbs barbell
10 reps of walking lunges with 10 lbs dumbbells

By the end of my workout my legs were shaky and ready to be massaged. :) We headed to the Red Lane Spa for our 'Hot Stone Massage.' As I got ready for my massage I stole a couple of glasses of water and a delicious banana because I was parched and hungry like a hippo. PS St. Lucia has the best bananas I have ever tasted and they are the perfect size. Check them out.

I was really excited for my 'Hot Stone Massage,' because I am always cold! As they started applying the hot stones I was in heaven and felt so relaxed. FYI if you think the stones feel to hot on your skin, SAY SOMETHING. Dave unfortunately didn't speak up and this is what happened. I didn't have this experience I thought it was simply magical. :)

Safe to say this was Dave's first and last 'Hot Stone Massage!'

After we showered we had our typical Lox and Bagel breakfast followed by some must needed pool time. WINK WINK. I started 'Cutting for Stone,' which was recommended to me numerous times. The beginning is filled with characters, background and tons of medical information but just stick with it and you will begin to love the characters. After reading 100 pages or so, I needed a nap and to relax a bit more under my umbrella.

Dave was kind enough to snap this picture. :)

I had a great nap and was ready to hit the pool bar for some drinks. After being in the sun most of the day we decided to hit the showers again and get ready for dinner at the 'Bayside Restaurant.'

As we were walking to dinner we saw the most beautiful sunset of our trip. The colors were truly amazing and we just sat down on the beach and appreciated it.

As we looked at the menu 'Bayside Restaurant' both Dave and I looked at each other and started to laugh. The title of the menu was "Lover's Menu," but there was nothing lovey about it except for the heart and cupid at the top. Again Sandals cheesefest! I ordered the Seafood Chowder and decided to give the Steak and Scallops awhirl. I forgot to snap a picture of the menu and our food... shoot but it really wasn't that wonderful. It was more of the same food the steak was rubbery and the seafood was frozen and the dessert was the same at every restaurant. :( 

After dinner we decided to walk the beach and resort to get some pics.

We ended our night listening to the band 'E-treme' in the lobby. They were playing Motown tonight and it was actually really enjoyable. We danced a bit, drank and enjoyed being outside on the beautiful patio. I'm guessing tomorrow will entail much of the same. :)

Sandals Resort Hopping

Today started off with more of the same... small room service breakfast followed by a cardio workout and finishing the morning with a lox and bagel breakfast. 

Cardio Workout

20 Minutes - Stair Climber

15 Run - Level 6.5

10 Bike

Next we headed off to sunbathe, socialize, drink, read and get ready for a couples dinner. The great thing about a resort full of couples is that meeting people is really easy especially for Dave, everyone is super nice and just want to mingle and enjoy beautiful St. Lucia. Over the course of our trip we met a couple from NY Loren and Jeff that were really fun and decided to go to dinner with them at Halcyon Sandals Resort, which is a sort bus 15 minute ride. It is so nice that Sandals provides transportation between the resort. :) 

We decided to try out The Pier Restaurant which sounded fun because they would have outdoor seating in the evening. 

Doesn't this just look fabulous.

Once we arrived we all were really glad that we choose The Sandals Grande Resort because is just is better, bigger and more happening. Halcyon was still beautiful, clean and in St. Lucia so it wouldn't be a bad choice. As we approached The Pier Restaurant we realized that outdoor seating didn't exist but the interior was nice and I was sure that the company would make up for what it lacked.

All the appetizers looked wonderful and I think Dave ordered almost every one of them. :) Remember all  -inclusive baby! I ordered the Seafood Chowder and Surf and Turf and a lot of wine. Okay our table consumed a fair amount of wine. I couldn't get a great shot of the chowder but it was tasty once I added a bit of salt and pepper. I also couldn't snap pictures of Dave's appetizers fast enough, so we will just say they were all good!

As my surf and turf came out it was missing the surf... but mashed potatoes made it okay. I asked for my surf and they gladly brought be out 3 small shrimp which was a bit of a letdown. The steak was okay, the shrimp were super garlicky which is never a bad thing and the mashed potatoes were money. The thing is nothing really seems that fresh at any of the restaurants. :( 

It was really fun to have dinner with another couple that was ready to have a bit of fun. Dave and Loren really clicked and Jeff and I are both super laid back, so we just let those two go! Its so funny how opposites really do attract. Jeff and I had a fun naming all the cheesy piano songs that were played while we dined, it actually turned in to quite the competition. You had to name the song, artist and movie. I think that gives every one some insight into how cheesy the songs were... think Titanic, Beaches etc. 

Before we caught our bus we made sure to get some pics! 

I mean I am just really photogenic, don't everyone get jealous!

Dave is missing because he was voted best photographer! We headed back to our hotel and hung out for a bit in the lobby for another glass of wine and then called it a night. :) It was another great day in beautiful St. Lucia!

Pigeon Island National Park Hike

Today we got up at 6:45 AM and enjoyed a light breakfast in our room, I love all inclusive room service because you aren't getting robbed blindly. :) So you better believe even if I'm not hungry I am getting room service in the AM!

Dave had heard from a couple that a beautiful hike was nearby... I asked him where and he pointed to a peak that looked ridiculously high. Check it out below. Pigeon Island, a National Landmark that served as a British Fort in the 18th Century. Note: that there is an entrance fee of $5.

I thought I am totally game for this hike because the scenery is beautiful, we can escape the resort and stay fit on vacation. I couldn't wait to see the view from the top. As we approached the park it was very well maintained but apparently St. Lucian's don't start work until 9 AM so we had to wait a bit for the park to open. While we waited I walked the beach and looked for shells... its the child in me. Wherever there is a beach there must be beautiful shells. Not so many beautiful shells in the park but the scenery was very lush and beautiful and we found some mini crabs too.

The hike was moderate and not to scary on the ledges. :) The scenery was amazing and again it was so clean! As we walked to the top of Fort Rodney Hill, there was beautiful views and a well-preserved fortress. You can see all of Rodney Bay and on a clear day Martinique. It was quite windy up top but the water was so beautiful... my advice is to hang on tight.

We continued to Signal Peak which was a bit more challenging at an elevation of 359 feet. It was more of the same beautiful sights! I am so glad we took time to enjoy something outside of the resort. I would recommend this hike to any traveller that loves hiking and seeing beautiful views.

This hike was the perfect start to my morning... now off to the breakfast buffet. :) Lox and a bagel here I come.

St. Lucia Day 1: Mission to Relax & Enjoy the Resort

Today was a busy day… woke up at 7 am to work out and then head to the Red Line Spa for an 80 minute massage, then hit the sun all day. I mean it is a busy day but it is the right kind of busy. On vacation I love to work out because it just makes any kind of day better. The gym facility was okay, it had a lot of equipment for every type of possible workout which is great but it was a small space and super hot. So even if I didn’t work out hard it sure felt like it. Today’s workout included 20 minutes on a stair climber, followed by (3) sets of my least favorite exercise moves but it makes me work and that is what this girl wanted and ended by running for 15 minutes on the treadmill.

15 reps of burpee push-ups, jump squats and exercise ball sit-ups

10 reps of burpee push-ups, 15 jump squats and 15 exercise ball sit-ups

5 reps of burpee push-ups, 15 jump squats and 10 exercise ball sit-ups

Let’s just say this 40 minute workout made me sweat like a fool! Next stop the Spa…

The spa is very small and quaint giving it a great appeal. The service was great, the facility was clean and the amenities were great for a small spa.

The actual spa hit the spot for me and I walked out feeling ready to get my tan on with a few tropical drinks at the pool bar. I also was really excited to read one of my (3) books. Before the pool we hit up the breakfast buffet for some lox and bagel! That is my favorite vacation breakfast… I order it for pretty much every time. It was tasty and this time I added jalapenos, which makes it even better. Try it if you like spice and I promise you will thank me. 

Vacation breakfast of CHAMPIONS!

Sandals Grande had (4) pools to choose from but it really was an easy decision to choose one… because only one had a pool bar. I mean at an all inclusive you have to get your monies worth right? We found a spot and stayed there the entire day. It was really enjoyable and I started ‘The Alchemist’ and enjoyed it because everything happens so fast and it’s easy to get sucked into.

After getting showered up, we headed to dinner at one of the (6) restaurants at the resort. We chose ‘Barefoot on the Beach’ because it was on the beach! We sat down and were serenaded by cheesy love songs one of the many cheesy things at Sandals… stay tuned for a post dedicated to that. We ended up ordering (3) appetizers because it the portions were pretty small. The coconut calamari and conch ceviche  were very tasty and I definitely recommend those. J The conch was marinated in a nice vinaigrette topped an jalapeno that added the right spice. The calamari was paired with a nice sweet sauce and cooked great.

 I ordered the Seafood Bouillon and it was pretty good. It had lots of seafood and the dumpling tasted yummy but the sauce lacked seasoning but nothing a little salt and pepper couldn’t help. Next was dessert… Chocolate Cake Mousse thingy.

The presentation was good and the taste was okay and the atmosphere was great! 

As you can see we shut the place down!

Today was a great day… Tomorrow includes more the same stay tuned.  

Beautiful St. Lucia

Finally I have arrived in beautiful St. Lucia after close to tweleve hours of traveling. And a little surprise hour and a half bus ride to our resort. Upon arrival we witnessed a perfect sunset and were swept away into the Sandals cult of carefree happiness. :) (Of course I didn't have my camera to capture the memory)

So I have never done an all-inclusive vacation mainly because I am so poor and not to mention pretty cheap. But this time the beau and decided to try it out and it is a magical concept. Everything is already paid for except if you want ridic spa treatments (yes... please!) or do anything touristy (another yes... please!) The goal of the trip is to relax, drink and witness beautiful scenary for 7 days... I think I can do that.

As we were walking to our room everything was beautiful with a bit of cheese factor... meaning everything is a lover's special. The resort is beautiful, well-maintained, quiet and super friendly.

The lobby is beautiful!

And a Sandal's wouldn't be complete without a heart-shaped pool! 

Check out our digs for the next week... not to shabby.

What's on the agenda for tomorrow... workout, drink and stay in the sun without burning!