Eat Local: Rooftop at the Providence G

It's been a while since one of these posts! I had to get this one up pretty promptly, though, so y'all can take advantage of the excellent deal and deliciousness of Providence Restaurant Week. There's a number of participating restaurants doing 3-course $16.95 for lunch or $29.95/$34.95 for dinner-some of them even two-for-one deals!

I went down to Providence for the day on Monday with the express goals of doing almost nothing and eating delicious food-mission accomplished, ha! Rici, Dad, and I decided to try out a new place for dinner, Rooftop at the Providence G. None of us had eaten there before, but the menu looked great and we could make a reservation online (a not infrequent deciding factor for me).

We all opted for cocktails-the Fig Fusion, St. Goose, and East Ghost RI, then made our selections from the Restaurant Week menu. They also had their full menu available.

Dad and I both started with the black truffle cauliflower soup, while Rici ordered the fried artichokes. The soup was probably my favorite thing all night-but was super rich. The artichokes were a pretty sizable serving, so we all tried-and enjoyed-them and Rici still had some to take home with her, ha.

We got three different main dishes. Naturally I got the vegetarian one, beet root gnocchi, while Rici got a wood oven roasted chicken and Dad went for the grilled rare tuna. They were all beautifully presented and delicious!

We finished with dessert-something I rarely order out, so it is a special treat during restaurant week. Again, we all made different selections and got to taste each others-I had the lavender creme brûlée, Rici had the flourless chocolate cake, and Dad enjoyed the berry mousse. While they were all tasty, we agreed that the chocolate cake could have been improved by heating it before serving and the creme brûlée was a little too sweet for my taste, though the flavors were great.

The space is quite lovely, though a little chilly-as it literally is a rooftop with a glass roof over it for the winter! They have some cafe tables, a bar, and lounge seating. There was also live music, which we definitely enjoyed! It seems this is a regular thing there, so it would also be a great location just for drinks.

I would highly recommend checking the Rooftop-and I know I can't wait to go back in the summer when you truly are outside!

xoxoxo
Emma

Madison Wedding Weekend!

I was lucky to return to Madison so soon after my last trip there-this time to celebrate Caroline and Patrick's wedding! I didn't take a lot of photos there, as there's no way I could compete with the real photographer, but trust me when I say it was beautiful.

I arrived early Saturday morning-and when I say early, I mean 8:30am and nobody else was awake. Thankfully the hotel was able to give me an early check-in, so I swung by Tailgate Coffee (also a clothing shop!) and Dough Baby Bakery to pick up my favorite treats and chill in the room for a bit. I don't nap, unfortunately, so I was going to have to power through from my 3:00am wakeup.

I took a stroll up the street to find a card for the wedding-I knew I'd be able to find a cool one in one of the little shops that line the way to the Capitol. I am now obsessed with Madison Modern Market-but managed not to buy anything other than the card! I was very proud :)

A bunch of us Michigania people, plus Erica and Erik, met up at the alumni bar to watch as much of the game as we could before the welcome dinner. Michigan has not been playing up to expectations, but it's always fun to watch with my people.

I headed back to the hotel to meet up with Leslie and Michael (and snuggle their sweet dog Harley!), then headed over to the welcome party with them at a local park. It was super hot out, but still a good time! We eventually had to make our way to some air-conditioning, so of course went to our favorite piano bar, the Ivory Room, with the rest of the Michigania gang.

The wedding was Sunday afternoon, so Leslie, Michael, and I spent our morning walking around the UW campus area with Harley. We picked up more doughnuts (of course!) and nitro cold brew coffee from Colectivo before strolling over to the UW Memorial Terrace. My brother Lucas met up with us there (he happened to be in town for another wedding the same weekend!) to partake in the doughnuts as our brunch appetizer.

We then drove over to Everly, where we had a delicious-and super trendy-brunch. The matcha latté and summer salad were both gorgeous and delicious. If I lived in Madison, I have a feeling I would end up there a lot-I want everything on the menu!

Finally it was time to get ready for the wedding-which of course involved some sparkling wine! I must say, Leslie and Michael are one of my favorite couples to third-wheel, ha. We took an Uber over to Monona Terrace with Sheila, Cat, and Sam and did our best to stay in the shade until it was time to be seated. A gorgeous view, but boy was it hot-about 90 degrees! After the gorgeous ceremony, we had some drinks and nibbles, and of course our mini photo shoot. Who could pass up these lake views?

The reception was inside and so much fun. As always, I danced the night away, barely taking a break. I may be a terrible dancer, but I like to think that I make everyone comfortable to get on the floor! Caroline and Patrick did a great job of making sure they talked to everybody-and danced with them too!

My flight back wasn't until Monday evening, so I got to walk around Madison some more in the morning, and even meet Erica for lunch! We swung by the food carts then headed back to the UW Terrace to enjoy our food with a view. We even finally managed to get a picture in the chair-an oversized version of the ones all over the Terrace and a classic photo op.

After lunch I wandered some more, got my cheese curd and New Glarus fix at the Tipsy Cow, hit up Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, and eventually made my way to the airport. Of course this was the time my flight was delayed, but I made it home and even to work the next day. A weekend well worth it-congratulations, Caroline and Patrick! It was an honor to share in your special day.

xoxoxo
Emma

Maybe you can go home again... (Part 1)

Get ready for an epically long post... ;)
This summer, I took advantage of our shutdown time at work to take a full week off and drive back to Michigan. Yes, a little insane (especially with my insistence on making the drive each way in one day), but worth it to have the mobility once I made it there. It was so wonderful to get to catch up with friends from so many stages of my life, from childhood to my last job before leaving for Boston.
I drove into the Metro Detroit area first (after a slight disagreement with Pennsylvania, where road construction added a couple hours onto my drive...sigh) to stay with Shelley, one of my (old) work besties. She was dog/housesitting, so as a bonus I got to play with an adorable pup!

On Sunday, we participated in a fundraiser event put on by her barre studio, Barre Code Metro Detroit, at Atwater Brewery. Nothing better than barre + beer + raising money for an animal shelter! Naturally we followed this up with brunch-at Vinsetta Garage, a restaurant I had actually been wanting to try back when I did a show with Birmingham Village Players. It was worth the wait!

On Monday morning I drove into Ann Arbor to spend some time just wandering around my hometown (and shopping for Alvan's birthday present!) and spend time with friends who live there. I hit up Roo's Roast for breakfast-my favorite avocado toast in Michigan and amazing coffee-then wandered around all my favorite stores downtown. Naturally I went to the M Den (where I limited myself to just one sweatshirt!), but also made it into Shinola, Cherry Republic, Rock Paper Scissors, and Literati (where I did not manage to limit myself to just one book...oops). I need to do some more research into Boston bookstores, as I'm sure there are wonderful ones...but I just miss Literati so!

obsessed with the food & drink section here!

I then met Elizabeth, a friend from the Ann Arbor theatre scene (particularly Brass Tacks Ensemble) for lunch at Sava's and a stroll through the Arboretum. It was a hot and humid day, but there was no way I was passing on the Arb-I love it not only for the natural beauty but also memories it holds from my childhood all the way through Shakespeare comedy performances with the Residential College Players (you never forget it when you have to spring through the woods on a hot summer night in Elizabethan dress to beat the audience!).

I had to get some ice cream at Blank Slate Creamery, of course-they have the best flavors and I love that it is all made fresh from quality ingredients! I then decided to take full advantage of happy hour (as it doesn't exist in Boston-which just drives me crazy) at the Raven's Club. I always love trying out their seasonal infused vodkas!

That evening I got see a number of people-first dinner with Alex (we became friends in middle school when I did my first play with Ann Arbor Civic Theatre) at Jolly Pumpkin, then sangria with Megan (friends since I volunteered to be her buddy when she transferred schools in 6th grade) at Aventura, then some of my trivia crew-Joe, Steve A, and PJ-where Megan and I helped them secure first place in the final round.

Tuesday was pretty chill, as it was planned entirely around lunch and dinner plans. I did make sure to go by Zingerman's for breakfast-and a couple drinks to take home-where I wondered why I couldn't just have leisurely mornings with pain au chocolat and café au lait all the time.

Megan and I had made reservations at the Lunch Room's new restaurant, the Detroit Street Filling Station, as it was their soft open-perfect timing, right? The food was fantastic and I cannot wait to go back (someday) now that they have a full menu-and to hit up the Diner & Canteen for some vegan ice cream treats!

Megan refused to take a photo with me...so I made her dog, Sophie, take one instead!

Tuesday evening I got to have a reunion of sorts with my old coworkers, my warriors of love. Binh hosted us all and it was truly fantastic to get to catch up with everybody. I have become close with some of my coworkers here, but there was something magical about our relationships there.

Stay tuned for part 2...I promise it is waaaay shorter!

xoxoxo
Emma

Eating Elsewhere: Madison

I had a quick trip to Madison to celebrate with my friend Caroline for her wedding shower and bachelorette-but still managed to fit in an impressive amount of food! Not quite as crazy as when Dad and I went to Denver, but still...

Her shower wasn't until the afternoon on Saturday, and I was staying with my good friends Erica and Erik, so the three of us decided to have some fun before. In the morning, Erica told me she knew the best doughnut place in Madison, so of course we had to go there. She wasn't wrong! Dough Baby Bakery is sooo delicious and I need to go back to try more flavors. Perhaps when I'm there for the wedding? We had the blueberry, mint lemonade, and chocolate almond toffee flavors-I think the blueberry was the winner for both of us. It was such a clear and strong flavor, and a little different from what is usually available.

Of course we stopped by Colectivo Coffee as well-one of my fave coffee places in Madison.

For lunch we joined up with Erik and went to a delicious restaurant, Alchemy, that I had actually been to during Lucas' graduation weekend. The stuffed grilled cheese sandwich and seasonal salad were killer.

Caroline's bachelorette began at her and Patrick (her fiancee)'s favorite cocktail bar, Graft-which also has fantastic food. It's heavy on the seafood and meat, so I could only enjoy some of it, but what I had was great. The jasmine rice salad in particular was delicious-enjoyed by vegetarians and meat eaters alike! Everyone else seemed to especially enjoy the scallops as well, and the brussels sprouts were great.

The next day I went to brunch with Erica-the rest of the bachelorette party (Caroline included) seemed in no shape to enjoy delicious food, ha.

We walked over to Heritage Tavern, yet another great restaurant in the Capitol area. I can never turn down a breakfast sandwich, and this one was particularly well done. I like to assess brunch restaurants on their potatoes and Heritage didn't disappoint-they essentially made potato pancakes.

One is not allowed to go to Madison and not consume cheese curds at least once-Erica, Erik, and I decided to hit up the classic Old-Fashioned in the afternoon for said treat and a drink before I went to the airport.

Now, to plan out where I'll eat this weekend when I return...any hot tips?

xoxoxo
Emma

Eating Elsewhere: Denver (Part 2)

Our second day in Colorado was not much shorter, despite flying out that night (I believe our flight was at 11:59pm), but we didn't manage quite as many food stops. We still fit as much in around the christening and family party, though!

Of course we had to eat before heading to the Boulder area, but had to leave early enough that we didn't have time to take advantage of the many fantastic breakfast/brunch restaurants. Thankfully, Lucas knew of a great bagel place, Rosenberg's Bagels and Deli. I had a classic bagel sandwich, as did Lucas, but Dad amped it up with cream cheese and caviar on his. I was also pretty happy to take advantage of their nitro cold brew-so yummy! The combination of current and modern certainly created a fun atmosphere.

As we drove back into Denver after our (extended) family time, we had to make a stop at one of Dad and Lucas' favorite breweries, Black Shirt Brewing. I really enjoy beer, though don't drink it as often as they do, so was happy to take advantage of their flight-otherwise I certainly would have only been able to try one!

Their music theme is also super fun-they sell some awesome artwork, both prints and original, and the name of the brewery comes from Johnny Cash. Plus, their taps handles are microphones!
We finished the evening with dinner and drinks at the Rackhouse, a taproom that shares space with C Squared Ciders and Bierstadt Lagerhaüs Brewery. The restaurant is located above the cidery and brewery, so we were able to look down on their production.

I really enjoyed my cider flight-the lavender was particularly good! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but it was delicious. 

The food was also excellent. Dad immediately noticed the soft pretzel on the menu, so naturally we started with that. I then loved the banh mi (subbing in fried green tomatoes) and mac & cheese. 

By the time we left, Dad and I pretty much had to be rolled to the airport, but it was totally worth it! There's only about 98 more breweries (no exaggeration) and many more restaurants to explore!

xoxoxo

Emma

Eating Elsewhere: Denver (Part 1)

Boy oh boy does Denver have good food! Tons of breweries apparently also means tons of excellent "new American" as well...prepare to drool and/or plan your next trip.

After Dad's and my late arrival on Friday, Lucas took us directly to an excellent coffee shop and bar, Hudson Hill, conveniently right by his house. I was almost too tired to enjoy it, but their cocktails were absolutely worth staying up for (till what felt like 4am!).

Of course we finished the night with a slice...I never get tired of white pizza!

The next morning we hit up Lucas' go-to spot for visitors, Jelly Cafe, to fuel up for our "nature walk". We had a light appetizer of all their donut bites (OMG the spicy Thai peanut was ridiculous). I followed this with some breakfast sliders and breakfast potatoes, all of which was great. My standard for judging breakfast/brunch spots is the potatoes so I get them nearly every time...that's a good excuse, right?

Thankfully our outdoor adventures allowed us to work up enough of an appetite to enjoy a late lunch at the Post Brewing Co. (closer to Boulder to allow us to meet up with some more family). I think if you eat meat, specifically fried chicken, it might be more exciting...though my chile relleno and Post Dark Bloody were quite tasty, and the biscuits are to die for!

When we eventually made our way back to Denver, we made a pit stop at Little Man Ice Cream. We waited for about half an hour, which is apparently not long on a summer day! It was 100% worth it-I loved both the salted maple pecan and Earl Grey tea & cookies flavors I got, and who doesn't enjoy a freshly baked waffle cone??

After dropping the car off at home and walking around for a while, we finally thought we could consume some more food & drink. We had to hit up the classic tiki bar Adrift-I wish I could've gotten better pictures, as the decor and presentation were on point, but the lighting was not conducive to it at all. I don't think Lucas minded (he doesn't exactly love my obsession with photographing my food and drink) but I gave it my best shot! The exterior shot turned out much better...

We ended up eating dinner finally (very late) at a lovely little Mediterranean restaurant, Gozo, where we obviously started with the burrata. Without fail my one complaint is not allowing it to come to room temperature. It was definitely high quality cheese, and the accompaniments were excellent, but the flavor of the burrata itself comes through so much more when it is not cold.

The brussels sprout salad, however, I had absolutely no complaints about-I was in desperate need of protein and greens so it hit the spot. Dad's risotto was also delicious-I feel totally inspired to incorporate eggplant into mine in the future now.

Stay tuned for Day 2!

xoxoxo
Emma