Weekend Adventure-Montreal

I use the word "adventure"  in my title because that is literally the experience we had traveling to Montreal. Being a nomad, I am always up for an adventure. I have the longing to travel constantly ingrained within my soul. One weekend, my best friend Chris and I were discussing places we wanted to visit when Montreal came into the conversation.  We had both heard that Montreal was "the Paris of North America" and that it was a hub for young artists and trend setters (or hipsters if you really want to go there). It was right up our alley and was so close to New York City, so why not? Plus, Chris is Canadian and had never been to Montreal so it was about time, and I was up for the adventure. The following weekend, after little research and a few drinks we found ourselves on an overnight bus to Montreal. Before I go into the best parts of the trip let me start by saying whatever you do- DO NOT TAKE THE OVERNIGHT BUS. Yes it was an adventure and funny in the beginning, but by the time we got to Albany at 4am and were forced to sit in an abandon, cold bus station, we were not laughing anymore. Although we were travelers on a budget, next time I would 100% splurge on the airline tickets to avoid a repeat of that 10 hour bus ride. 

We arrived in Montreal around 8am, dropped our backpacks off and began to explore. First thing first, coffee- lots and lots of coffee. We were so exhausted and so cold, I will never forget that morning, but after the coffee we were ready to explore. As I mentioned in blog about my London trip, I love to bike, so of course we had to rent Bixi bikes. I highly suggest Bixi bikes in Montreal, they were a great mode of transportation and great way to see the city. The best part-they only cost 7 Canadian dollars for 24 hours and have check-in points on pretty much every corner. We cruised through the famous Old Town Montreal, stopping at all the historical sights. Old Town Montreal is actually very similar to Paris with some of the same street names, old squares with cobblestone roads, and their very own Notre Dame. 

After exploring Old Town we decided to bike up to where we had read was more of the artsy/young area of Montreal. What I loved about Montreal is that around every corner we found street art, an installation or just something unusual. Even the apartment buildings had spiral staircases leading up to their doorway that were painted all different colors. I actually saw some of the coolest apartment buildings in Montreal, especially the brownstone with the castle roof (I SO want to live in that building someday!) After much biking we headed to the famous Schwartz's deli for their world renown smoked meat sandwich. Let me tell you, it is worth all of its glory- so delicious!

That night we met up with some of Chris's friends from Toronto who went to McGill. They took us out and showed the Montreal nightlife scene which reminded us so much of our days at underground Brooklyn parties back in high school. After a late night, the next morning we slept in then headed up to the Olympic Stadium and Montreal Botanical Gardens all located up on the hill across the St. Lawerence river. It was gorgeous day to be outside so we enjoyed strolling through the gardens even though we weren't huge fans of the exhibit which consisted of giant animals, people, and objects made out of plants.

For dinner that evening Chris's friends took us to the most amazing taco bar called Ice House. If you are ever in Montreal I highly recommend it. We sat on the patio and enjoyed a tray of fish tacos, portabello tacos, and chicken tacos with Bourbon lemonade! After dinner we decided to explore Montreal at night a bit more, but both being exhausted had to call it an early night.

One thing I love as much as Bulmers and biking is brunch! So the next morning we got an early start to make it to the legendary Beauty's for brunch. Beauty's one of Montreal's gems and there is always a line out the door. The owner of Beauty's opened the diner in 1942 and still works their with multiple generations of his family! It was one of the most memorable brunches of my life, starting with the make your own bloody mary tray. Everyone likes their bloody mary made differently so Beauty's serves your bloody mary as a tray of every and all ingredients you might want in your drink so you can make it just the way you like it. Such a great concept! For brunch we had to share Beauty's most famous dishes, The Beauty's Special and the Super Beauty. The Beauty's Special was a sandwich of veggies, cream cheese and smoked salmon all served on a famous Montreal bagel. We then split the Super Beauty which was your basic breakfast plate, pancakes, eggs, bacon, potatoes....but it definitely was one of the best brunches I have had with that home-cooked feel to it!

Post amazing brunch we decided to head over to Parc Royal for Tam Tams which is a Sunday tradition in Montreal. I love the idea that every Sunday, strangers gather the in the park for a drum circle and anyone can join in or dance on the sidelines. With little time left (I had to take the bus back that night) we wanted to make sure we had enough time to make the hike up to Mont Royal- the highest point in Montreal. The top was a great place for photo ops and spectacular views.....

Tam Tams

After the hike we had two more things on our to-do list before saying goodbye to Montreal....poutine and Kronenberg Blanche. Poutine is a Canadian dish consisting of french fries, cheese curds and gravy that we had yet to have that weekend. Kronenberg Blanche is one of my favorite beers which they only sell in Europe, but I had been able to find it a few places in Montreal. Multiple times on our trip we had heard about and read about the famous Brutopia in Montreal, but no matter what we did we could not find this hidden gem!  However, just as we were about to head to the bus station we found Brutopia!!! Yet, being so excited to have finally found Brutopia, I decided to spontaneously miss my bus home....but it was okay, it gave us time to hangout in Brutopia and get poutine-a great end to our adventure!

If you are ever missing Europe, like I do every day, I suggest a weekend in Montreal. It is a charming city, rich in culture, with a truly European feel to it. Oh and I forgot to mention, everyone speaks French! I knew people who lived in Montreal were French Canadian, but I never expected to encounter such little English. Even those who clearly spoke English would speak to us in French! The language barrier adds to the unique culture of Montreal and made us feel even more like we were back in Paris! 

One Day in Malibu, California

Last week I took a break from the snowy winter in NYC and headed to Los Angeles to spend time with my family for the holidays. It was so great to be back in California not only because it was 80 degrees, but because I spent five quality days with my family,  hitting the beach, hiking, and just hanging out in the sun! It also got me to think a lot about where I grew up and how lucky I am to be able to come home to one of the most beautiful places in our country. I send clients to California all the time so I figured it was time to share local secrets from my own backyard....

Malibu, Calfornia- you've seen it on TV, in movies and probably read all about the celebrities who live in Malibu Colony and frequent restaurants like Nobu. Most importantly, Malibu is home to some of the most amazing beaches in all of California. If you are visiting California I highly suggest making a day trip to Malibu. In order to make sure you steer clear of the tourist traps like Duke's, and usual Malibu hot spots such as Paradise Cove, I have put together a guide to one perfect day in Malibu.

1. Start your morning at Coogies Beach Cafe in Malibu Colony right off Pacific Coast Highway. It is well known among locals and celebrities alike for serving excellent California cuisine. What do I mean by California cuisine? Check-out some of Coogies favorites such as blueberry wheat pancakes, the organic Brazilian acai bowl, or the portobello benedict. If you are not in the mood for a full breakfast, Coogie's offers a variety of fresh juices and smoothies.

2. After a satisfying breakfast head across the street to Cross Creek shopping center for a look in some of Malibu's high-end fashion stores. While the stores may be pricey, you can find some great sales. If not, the chic plaza is a great place to catch some rays and maybe even spot a celebrity or two. After all, Cross Creek is filled with signs that read "Paparazzi Free Zone" !

3. When you're done peaking in the shops at Cross Creek head along PCH until you reach Corral Canyon. The trail entrance is right behind Malibu Seafood and its a great hike to work up and appetite for lunch. The total length of the trail is 2.5 miles and leads you right down to the beach. The views of the Santa Monica Mountains with the beach in the distance are picturesque California in a nutshell.

4. Once you have made it back from the hike, jump in line for the BEST seafood in town at Malibu Seafood. There is almost always a line, but I guarantee it is worth the wait. They serve a wide variety of fresh fish grilled or fried right on the spot, just the way you like it. I highly recommend the tilapia or for those wanting to splurge, they are famous for their fish and chips. When your order is ready grab a seat on the patio overlooking the ocean, take in the views, and enjoy! An added bonus- its BYOB so make sure to bring a couple bottles of your favorite wine!

5. After lunch head a bit further up the coast until you hit Zuma Beach. Zuma is my beach. To this day, when I come home the first thing I do is head to Zuma. I have always been a beach girl and through my travels I have come across some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Greece to the Amalfi Coast to the Caribbean- nothing compares to Zuma beach for me. Maybe I am biased because of the memories I have had at growing up with Zuma in my backyard, but check it out for yourself- you won't be disappointed!  Careful though- the water can be pretty cold!

6. At this point you must be ready for a drink, so its time for happy hour! Head up through the hills on Kanan Road to Agoura and hit some of my favorite California spots.  As you are driving through the hills you will notice many vineyards, which naturally means many options to stop for a wine tasting along the way. My suggestion, SIP winery, located right next to the Canyon General Store (one of my favorite places to hit when I was a kid for after beach snacks). They offer an excellent selection of local wines in their small tasting room or outdoor patio area.

7. If you're in the mood to check out some old Malibu landmarks, take a detour off of Kanan onto Mulholland Drive and check out The Rock Store and The Old Place. Plus, there are some great spots for photo ops along the way. The Rock Store is the bikers hangout, and motor cycle enthusiasts come from all over to drive through Mulholland and grab breakfast or a drink at the Rock Store. You might even get a glimpse of Jay Leno who frequents this hidden gem. The Old Place has been around for 70 years and is one of the oldest still standing restaurants in the Santa Monica Mountains. It has a unique history being across from The Peter Strauss Ranch, once serving as a playground for the rich and famous. The Old Place has always been a family owned local bar a restaurant and is definitely a one-of-a-kind spot but make sure to plan your visit, they are only open Thursday-Sunday from 4pm-10pm.

THE OLD PLACE-

 THE ROCK STORE-

8. Last stop on our tour is right at the top of Kanan Road near the intersection of Highway101-Ladyface Ale House and Brasserie. Ladyface is a local favorite, brewing their own beers onsite. Why the name Ladyface? Well if you grab a seat on their outdoor patio and look to your right you will see Ladyface mountain (the top of the mountain looks like the face of a lady). Ladyface offers a wide selection of beers paired with exceptional food. On my most recent trip home I popped by Ladyface for their great happy hour specials and had salmon sliders and fresh-cut fries- I highly suggest both dishes. I paired my food with their La Grisette which is a light and crisp beer, but if you want something heavier go for the Blind Ambition.

Well, there you have it- those are my favorite spots from the place I will forever call home! California Dreamin' baby!

London Calling!

This past July one of my closest friends, Jess, moved across the pond to start her life with her new hubby Tom. You can read all about her story on www.loveandlondon.com. Jess and I met in Florence and became close friends instantly, bonding over our love for travel. I had always promised that the day she moved to England I would buy my ticket to come visit her, and that is exactly what I did. With Labor Day right around the corner, timing was perfect, and I could not wait to see her and her new life in England!

Jess and Tom live in an adorable flat just outside of London. Their flat is complete with a guest bedroom (which I like to refer to as my room) and the cutest little terrace overlooking the town. The first thing we had to do when I arrived- have a Bulmers on the terrace. One thing you should know about me, I am obsessed with Bulmers. It is an English cider that I first had in Florence, but they do not sell it in America (no Magners is not the same thing) so Jess and Tom had a fridge full of Bulmers prepared for my arrival.

Ironically, the town they live in is right near Cobham, where I lived with my family when I was younger, so one of the days, we headed to Cobham to check out my old stomping grounds. We walked the high street then stopped at The Old Bear for a Bulmers. It was so lovely to sit in the garden at The Old Bear with my best friend and her hubby and reminisce on my life in England.

After our outing in Cobham we headed to Guilford for dinner at Wagamama's! Wagamama's the most amazing noodle shop with locations throughout England, a must-have if you are ever in London! I also suggest having one of their amazing fresh juices with your noodles.

If you ever find yourself in London and looking for a quick day trip I would suggest heading to Brighton beach. Brighton is a quaint coastal English town about an hour from Tom and Jess'. It doesn't exactly have the best beach, but it has a charming old boardwalk and is famous for their adorable little "lanes" with shopping and excellent restaurants.

For dinner we headed to a new vegetarian restaurant called Terre a Terre that Jess had read about. Honestly, I am not too sure what we ate but everything was delicious! It was not one of those vegetarian restaurants where you get a plate of vegetables- oh no, the sample platter we ordered was filled with an assortment of unique delish dishes!

On the last day of my trip Jess and I jumped on the train to London (its only about 20 minutes) for a girls day. First thing, lunchtime! We headed to Camden, which is very young, trendy area of London. I love Camden not only for the hipster vibes and vintage clothing, but they also have some great restaurants and nightlife. We had lunch at Rossopomodoro, an Italian restaurant with several locations in London. Having both lived in Italy it is hard to impress us with pizza, but I have to say, Rossopomodoro's pizza was amazing. After devouring the pizzas and some shopping in Camden market, we headed to the tower bridge for some sight-seeing and Barclay's bikes. We both love to bike ride so London's new Barclay bike system was a must. For 6 pounds you can rent the bikes for 24 hours. Although, we nearly got hit by a few cars, the bikes were a great way to see London in a short amount of time. To finish off the day- drinks a local cafe called Thomas Cubitt located on an adorable West Village- like cobblestoned street. Having my first Pimms cup (traditional English drink) was the perfect way to end a wonderful day.

To top off my trip....I stumbled upon one on our offices in London. I still cannot stop thinking about that store.....who knows maybe one day I will be working there ;)