Santa Fe

Eat

Santa Fe has aneclectic dining scene with an emphasize on organic local meats and produce, featuring southwestern classics with international influences.

Pasquale's - Downtown (right off square)
Great breakfast spot. All organic and locally sourced food. Small intimate interior with a few community tables. There is always a line outside,for good reason. Breakfast lunch and dinner daily.
121 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | 505 983 9340
www.pasquals.com

The Compound - Downtown (up the hill above the galleries)
Great for lunch. Make a reservation, request a patio table and enjoy the amazing Santa Fe weather. Located in a cozy adobe home. The tuna Niçoise salad was incredible.
653 Canyon Rd A, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | 505 982 4353
www.compoundrestaurant.com

Geronimo - Downtown (up on hill above the galleries)
Sit in the cozy bar for dinner, or make a reservation in the dining room or outside on the front porch. In an old house on canyon road; browse the galleries on your way to dinner. Shared a bison entree which was one of the best meals I have had. The tuna tartare and beef carpaccio appetizers are not to be missed. Lots of vegetarian options.
724 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | 505 982 1500
www.geronimorestaurant.com | Map

Radish and Rye
If you like whiskey go here! Hip industrial interior. Known for their extensive bourbon list and local farm inspired menu. Dinner spot, loved the trout.
505 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | 505 930 5325
www.radishandrye.com | Map

Stay

Inn of the Anasazi
Perfect location, just off the square. Boutique Rosewood Hotel with extremely friendly staff. Great bar scene, pull up a chair and drink the delicious Silver Coin margaritas with George and Charlie.
113 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | 505 988 3030
www.rosewoodhotels.com

Coffee

Collected Works Bookstore & Coffeehouse
Enjoy your coffee while browsing the great book selection. Best coffee with best atmoshphere in Santa Fe.
202 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | Open Daily 8am - 6pm
www.collectedworksbookstore.com | Map

Drink

Bell Tower Rooftop at Le Fonda
360 degree views of Santa Fe.  Located right off the Plaza
100 E. San Francisco St. Santa Fe NM | Open M-F 3:00pm to twilight, Weekends noon to twilight
www.lafondasantafe.com

La Choza
Go here for a margarita and guac after the farmers market. Casual.
905 Alarid St, Santa Fe, NM 87505
www.lachozasf.com

La Reina at El Rey Hotel
Known for mezcal and signature cocktails. Located in the hip (hipster), simply decorated converted motor lodge. Take an Uber if staying downtown
1862 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505 | bar opens at 5
www.elreycourt.com

Do

Farmers Market
Loved this market. Tons of vendors with a variety of goodies (veggies, fruits, jams, baked goods, crafts, and the list goes on).
1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | Open Wed 3:00 to 6:00 & Saturday 7:00 to 1:00
www.santafefarmersmarket.com/

Ghost Ranch Horse Back Riding - about an hour outside of Santa Fe
Education and Retreat Center, that was the home and studio of Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as the subject of many of her paintings. Sign up in advance for the horse back riding tour.
280 Private Drive 1708 Highway, US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510
www.ghostranch.org

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Intimate museum, download the app before hand for the audio.
217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | Open daily 10am - 5pm
www.okeeffemuseum.org

International Folk Art Festival (in July)
Incredible selection of folk arts from around the world. There are no bargains here -- these are the finest craftspeople in their fields who travel from far and wide to come to IFAM to showcase their art. Purchase the early bird passes!!!!! Take the free bus.
620 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
folkartmarket.org

Ojo Caliente - about an hour outside of Santa Fe
Deemed sacred by Native Americans, Ojo's legendary waters have been soothing body, mind and spirit naturally for thousands of years. The only hot springs in the world with four different sulfur-free, healing mineral waters. Eclectic charm, be sure to have a meal there. Everything is from their garden and you can purchase their excess produce in the gift shop.
50 Los Banos Rd, Highway 414, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
www.ojospa.com

New Orleans

New Orleans City Guide

Eat

Gautreaus Restaurant New Orleans
Mariza | New Orleans

Coquette | New Orleans

Bouligny Tavern | New Orleans

Patois | New Orleans

The District - NOLA

District | New Orleans
Mariza Tavern
 - 2900 Chartres Street
Bywater - 504 598 5700
Modern Italian-inspired fare dished out in an airy loft building with an industrial-chic vibe, a "small" wine list that's full of "outstanding values".

La Petite Grocery -  4238 Magazine Street
Upper Garden District -  504 891 3377
Uptown stylish bistro perfect for weekend brunch. Delicious Contemporary Louisiana fare modern, but  still very New Orleans.  Gracious and fun staff, the  crab beignets are  "to-die-for".

Patois - 6078 Laurel Street
Uptown - 504 895 9441
Paris bistro feel with trendy bar in the front room. Great for Sunday brunch.

Bouligny Tavern - 3641 Magazine Street
Upper Garden District - 504 891 1810
Spectacular Happy Hour ($2.50 Kronenbourg 1664, $5 wine, Crostini & Bruschette and 1/2 off all fried snacks, the Tempura Green Beans are a must). Stop in here for drinks and a snack before going to sister restaurant Lillete (next door)

Lilette - 3637 Magazine Street
Upper Garden District - 504 895 1636
Some of the best food in NOLA. French and Italian fare at this stylish hip Uptown bistro. Be sure to grab a cocktail at Bouligny Tavern before or after.

Coquette - 2800 Magazine Street
Lower Garden District - 504 265 0421
Cool Garden District bistro, fabulous ever-changing farm-to-table menu. Beautiful, vintage-looking space.

The District - 2209 Magazine St
Lower Garden District - 504 570 6945
Donuts, sliders and cappucinos. Great for a quick breakfast or lunch.

Gautreaus - Garden District
No name on the door this intimate restaurant is nestled in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Elegant and sophisticated vibe. Reservations are recommended.
1728 Soniat Street New Orleans, La 70115
www.gautreausrestaurant.com | 504 899 7397

Stay

Windsor Court Hotel New Orleans

Windsor Court Hotel New Orleans

 

Melrose Mansion Boutique Hotel New Orleans
Melrose Mansion | 937 Esplanade Avenue
Edge of French Quarter - 504 944 2255
Perfect mix of modern luxury and history in this beautifully renovated 14 suite Victorian Mansion. A few minute walk to the French Quarter, enjoy complimentary coffee and breakfast poolside or in the breakfast room.

Windsor Court - Edge of French Quarter
Elegant old world hotel is centrally. The service is top notch, the rooms are beautifully appointed, the beds are super comfortable. Their are gorgeous flower everywhere, they offer daily British tea service. Don't miss the roof top pool. The lounge on the second floor is a perfect spot to meet for a cocktail before going out.
300 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130
www.windsorcourthotel.com | 504 523 6000

Play

Cocktail Museum New Orleans

Tipitinas - 501 Napoleon Ave
Uptown - 504 895 8477
A NOLA institution (established in 1977), one of the best places in the city to catch a show. Small intimate venue with a food truck out front!

Le Bon Temps - Garden District
Dive neighborhood bar with great local live music. Saw the Soul Rebels and they are great!
4801 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
www.lbtrnola.com | 504 895 8117

Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail
Unique and fun museum with exhibits spotlighting the food, drink & culture of the South. Guests are encouraged to grab a drink from the attached Toups South Restaurant (second oldest physical bar in the US) and cruise through the exhibit. Although we did not eat in the attached restaurant, it looked very good.
1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113
www.natfab.org/cocktail-museum | 504 569 0405

Drink

Bacchanal Wine Bar New Orleans
Cane and Table Restuaraunt New Orleans

Snake and Jakes | New Orleans

Delachaise -|3442 Saint Charles
Garden District | 504 895 0858
Great cozy afternoon wine bar or late night outside hangout. Magical white light draped front patio, outstanding by the glass wine list, fabulous cheese plates and delicious pommel frites. Stays open very late!

Bacchanal - Bywater
Bohemian Eclectic bistro that doubles as a wine and cheese shop. Pick out your cheeses in the wine room and then they put them together on a platter with delicious accompaniments. Trees with strings of lights overhang a courtyard with mismatched tables and chairs and nightly live music. This is one of my favorite NOLA spots, you will need to take an Uber/ taxi.
600 Poland Avenue New Orleans, La. 70117
www.bacchanalwine.com | 504 948 9111

Cane and Table -  French Quarter
1113 Decatur Street - 504 581 1112
Rum based cocktails, young hip staff, charming interior and courtyard where the ambiance feels like Old Havana.

Snake and Jakes | 7612 Oak Street
Uptown | 504 861 2802
Legendary dive bar set in a shacklike setting with late hours (open to wee hours in the morning) and year-round retro holiday decor.

F & M Patio Bar | 4841 Tchoupitoulas Street
Uptown (a few blocks from Tipitana's) | 504 895 6784
The diveiest of bars,  mandatory late night cheese fries while watching Tulane students dance on the pool table.

Coffee

Stumptown Coffee New Orleans
Stumptown - Warehouse District
This chic and delicious coffee shop is located in the trendy ACE hotel lobby. The oversized windows, exposed brick and marble floor interior offers plenty of seats to chill and work. I like the NOLA location even more then the NYC shop!
610 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
www.stumptowncoffee.com | 855 711 3385

Las Vegas (Off the Strip)

I always love a friends birthday as an excuse to a head to warmer climate for a few days. Vegas can be tons of fun, for me it was about exploring  O F F The Strip! Both the new Arts District and Freemont East are short Uber rides from the strip and full of eclectic stores, restaurants, galleries and coffee shops.

Las Vegas Off the Strip Guide

Art District

Makers & Finders Coffee Las VegasBuffalo Exchange Las VegasOff the Strip Guide to Las Vegas

Vesta Coffee Roaters Art District Las Vegas

Vesta Coffee Roasters

Vesta Coffee Roaters Art District Las Vegas

Vesta Coffee Roasters

Art District

A 10 minute Uber ride off the strip. The downtown Las Vegas Arts District is an up-and coming area that is full of art galleries, boutique coffee shops and retro/thrift stores.

Makers & Finders – coffee shop and cafe
Bright and stylish spot with amazing coffee and yummy latin fare. Great spot for breakfast.
1120 S Main St, Las Vegas NV
www.makerslv.com

Buffalo Exchange –
High-end thrift store. Products displayed beautifully. I scored here!
1209 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
www.buffaloexchange.com

Vesta Coffee Roasters –
Urban contmeporay feel, they roast the coffee in the back
1114 S. Casino Center Blvd. #1 Las Vegas, NV 89104
www.vestacoffee.com

Fremont East

Public Us Las Vegas

Public Us

Public Us Las Vegas

Public Us

Public Us Las Vegas

Public Us

Turmeric Flavors of India East Fremont

Turmeric Flavors of India

Fremont East

A 15 minute Uber drive from the strip, covered in street art, and full of cool bars and restaurants. Just up the road from here is Fremont Street which is a less crazy version of the Strip.

Public Us – start here and make your way towards Fremont
Strong neighborhood vibe,  farm to table fare and great coffee.
1126 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
www.publicuslv.com

Turmeric Flavors of India
Delicious Indian food, so many yummy options. Great prices
700 E. Fremont Street, Su #A

Places Worth Going

Lotus of Siam – take an uber, in a strip mall, not a nice area.
The best thai food I have E V E R had. We went for lunch. They have an impressive wine cellar.
953 E. Sahara Ave. Ste A5,  Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
www.lotusofsiamlv.com

Herringbone
Great for a leisurely brunch. Lounge outside on the chic patio. Feels more like Santa Monica then the middle of the strip!
3730 Las Vegas Blvd. – located in the Aria Hotel
www.herringboneeats.com

East Freemont Las Vegas

 

New York

It has been way to long since I visited NY. Luckily a work project brought me to the city. I stayed in Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Some highlights.

EAT

Iris Café- Brooklyn Heights
20 Columbia Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201
8:00 – 11:00pm
simple breakfast spot, just 2 blocks from my friends brownstone in Brooklyn Heights. Must try the avocado toasts with egg and  homemake ricotta on english muffins drizzled with honey.

Café Gitane – Nolita
242 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
8:30 am – 12:00am
cafegitanenyc.com
Delicious French/Middle-East fair, ideal at anytime of the day. Gets very busy, bring cash and sit at the bar with the old school vibe.

Gotan – Tribeca
130 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013
Weekdays 7-6 | Weekends 9-4
http://www.gotannyc.com
Coffee shop located in a historic factory building, featuring espresso drinks & light/ seasonal fare.

Gansevoort Market -Meatpacking
52 Gansevoort St, NYC, NY 10014
Open Daily from 8AM to 8PM
http://www.gansmarket.com
Sometimes in New York you just need a quick snack or light bite. This is one of the best markets in the whole city. It is the ideal casual spot, there’s a mix of cuisines and something for everyone–from fresh pasta and pizzas to sushi, mediterranean, thai, mexican. Right around the corner from the Highline, Chelsea Markets and the Whitney. It’s also just a great spot to sit back and enjoy a cappuccino after an afternoon of shopping to people watch.
Rumor has it this place will be closing winter 2016