Todd Jurich's Bistro (And Why Five-Star Can Remain Laid-Back) If there is any reason to throw on one's best outfit and plan an extravagant evening, at least one restaurant in downtown Norfolk proves itself to be worth the expense. Todd Jurich's Bistro is the type of spot that would accommodate any occasion, ranging from…
Toulouse Petit - Breakfast of Champignons! Toulouse Petit brings New Orleans inspired fare to lower Queen Anne. Featuring a unique and flavorful Southern cuisine and ornate Creole decor, Toulouse offers a soulful dining experience from early morning until late evening. Brian Hutmacher, the owner of Mexican restaurant Peso’s, opened Toulouse Petit in 2010. The…
It was a bit like a dramatic Hollywood movie opening. You know, one of those director-was-overly-cheesy moments that “us” girls like. We’re at the hostess stand, and a gentleman taps me on the shoulder and says (for lack of blog-voice availability, insert deep powerful tone), “Your daughter...she’s very happy. No?” As I turn, all…
Happy hour appropriately occurs twice a day at Pintxo, a modern Spanish style tapas restaurant in Seattle's Belltown. There, diners are able to enjoy inexpensive sangria, wines, and beer accompanied by several delicious small plates during two happy hours. The first begins at five and ends at seven. Then break for siesta and come…
On a drizzly Monday afternoon, my sister Alex and I walked into the café. The room was buzzing with conversation and laughter. Every table was occupied with wine sipping guests beginning to unwind from their work days. We snagged a spot at the bar top and immediately studied the wine list. While Portello doesn’t…
Bend is framed by pines, peaks, and the Deschutes River. June is when the city fully leans into outdoor season. Patios fill early, paddleboards return to the river, and festivals stretch across downtown parks and brewery lawns. Bend balances adventure with comfort, making it just as appealing for families as it is for couples or weekend groups looking for a Continue Reading
Vineyard rows glow bright green, patios fill with afternoon tastings, and warm evenings stretch long enough for outdoor dinners and concerts under the stars. Each town brings its own personality, from downtown Napa’s lively tasting rooms to the quieter elegance of Yountville and St. Helena. Early summer is when Napa feels both celebratory and relaxed at once. 🟢 Where To Continue Reading
Tree-lined streets, public art, local restaurants, and the Boise River Greenbelt create one of the Northwest’s most approachable summer cities. June brings outdoor concerts, cultural festivals, farmers markets, and long evenings best spent on shaded patios or along the river. Boise feels active without feeling rushed, which is exactly part of its charm. 🟢 Where To Eat Ā Café Ā Continue Reading
🟢 Where To Eat Kell's Irish Restaurant & Pub Hidden beneath Pike Place Market in Post Alley, Kell’s remains one of downtown Seattle’s most enduring gathering spots. The warm wood interiors, nightly live music, and deeply comforting shepherd’s pie feel especially welcome after a cool waterfront evening. In June, the patio and alleyways around Pike Place come alive with travelers, Continue Reading
Sip & Stroll Salem Returns With Local Flavor and Community Spirit Late summer in downtown Salem feels made for evenings like this. Music drifts through the streets, tasting glasses clink between conversations, and local businesses stay buzzing long after sunset. Sip & Stroll Salem has quickly become one of the Willamette Valley’s most meaningful community events, bringing together local wine, Continue Reading