We’ll Always Have Paris… Part II

This is the last post about the trip. The last two days we were in Paris. I will make a list at the end of several places that my friends recommended us, so you can have more information.

Day #3:

– This day we took the Bus Tour as we did in the other destinations. We wanted to have a full tour so we could do a little sightseeing in Paris. We went around the major tourist’s attractions and then we got down at Champs Elysees. Since it was raining we took this day to do some shopping and visit the stores. We walked through Rue de Rivoli and Rue de St Honoré, there were a lot of high end boutiques so we just strolled around and did some window shopping.

– After walking all around, we had diner at Café Fouquet’s, a nice restaurant in Champs Elysées. We didn’t want to have diner in this area because I consider it too “tourist-y” for me, but we did want to have a nice view of Paris at night. The food was delicious, but too expensive for the things we ate. We had escargots, tomato salad, onion soup, a bottle of rose wine and we paid around 250 Euros, so I would not recommend eating on these street unless you are looking for a high end gourmet place with a view.

Where to go in The Hamptons Part II Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, East Hampton

This post is a continuity of the latest post “Where to go in The Hamptons.” This is Part II, a recommendation of places to visit in Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, and East Hampton.

Este post es la continuación del último post “Where to go in The Hamptons.” Esta es la Parte II, una recomendación de los lugares a visitar en Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton y East Hampton. 

Sag Harbor:

– Bay Burger

A roadside local burger joint that delivers fresh flavors and undeniable marvelous home made ice cream. Everything that this place offers is made from scratch with local ingredients.  The décor is simple but cozy, and the staff is extremely friendly. Additional to meat burgers, you can also find Lobster Rolls, and my favorite, the Fish Burger; made with atlantic cob, chopped and seasoned with garlic, shallots, and parsley, served with spinach and homemade tartar sauce. It was exquisite, definitely the best fish burger I have ever tried. Even though the menu is simple, every dish is made with a certain elegance that surely distinguishes this burger joint form the others. Comfort food is what Bay Burger is all about.

Bay Burger es un lugar muy local situado al costado de la carretera que va hacia el pueblo de Sag Harbor. Es un restaurante que ofrece sabores frescos y excelentes helados hechos en casa, bueno en realidad todo que lo que sirven está hecho en casa desde cero con ingredientes locales y de temporada. La decoración es simple pero muy acogedora y la gente es super amigable. Además de las hamburguesas típicas de carne, también sirven los famosos Lobster Rolls y mi platillo favorito del lugar, la hamburguesa de Pescado. Es la mejor hamburguesa de pescado que he comido, el bacalao es molido con ajo, perejil y shallots, rebosado en pan molido y servido con espinacas y salsa tártara. Estaba delicioso, perfectamente sazonado. Aunque el menú del lugar es simple, cada platillo está elaborado con cierta elegancia que distingue a este lugar de los demás.  

Bridgehampton:

– Pierre’s

A French Bistro known for its amazing pastries. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and diner. It specializes in local seafood and the menu changes constantly according to season, so expect freshness and elegance in ever dish. The ambiance is cozy, elegant and sophisticated but relaxed.

Un Bistro Francés conocido por su maravillosa pastelería y panadería. Todos los días sirven desayuno, comida y cena, y brunch los fines de semana. El lugar se especializa en servir mariscos locales y el menú cambia constantemente dependiendo de la estación, por lo que pueden esperar platillos frescos y de temporada. El ambiente es acogedor, clásico y sofisticado, pero relajado a la vez.  

East Hampton

– CittaNuova

CittaNuova is an italian fashionable and stylish trattoria. The ambiance is casual and the setting outside are perfect for drinks in the afternoon. Everything in the decoration for this place was brought directly from Italy. The menu gives a sophisticated touch to the traditional Italian dishes.

CittaNuova es una trattoria italiana muy chic y de moda. El ambiente es totalmente casual y las mesas en el patio son excelentes para tomar unos drinks en la tarde. Toda la decoración del lugar fue traída desde Italia. El menú brinda un toque sofisticado a los platillos italianos tradicionales. 

– Nichol’s of East Hampton

Nichol’s is a truly local English Pub in the roadside of Montauk highway, almost located in Amagansett. The ambiance is completely casual and easy going. Locals say celebrities can be spotted from time to time, so be aware. The service is a little bit slow, so have patience when you come to Nichol’s.

Nichol’s es un Pub Inglés totalmente local ubicado al costado de la carretera Montauk pasando Amagansett. El ambiente es muy casual, nada elegante. Los locales dicen que a los artistas les gusta mucho asistir a este lugar, así que, manténganse atentos. Lo único malo del mismo es que el servicio es un poco lento. 

– Babette’s

Babette’s is all about organic, seasonal, fresh, and locally produced ingredients. The menu includes completely vegetarian dishes and it has a wonderful juice bar offering fresh smoothies and cleansing juices. It has an outdoor patio that transforms into an oasis for almost every season. Its main focus is to support and sustain the community by helping local farmers grow and connect. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; however, it is famous for its tasty and flavorful brunch.

Babette’s se dedica a servir alimentos locales, orgánicos, frescos y de temporada. El menú incluye platillos totalmente vegetarianos y su barra de jugos ofrece smoothies muy refrescantes y jugos para limpiar al organismo. Tiene un patio que se transforma en un oasis durante primavera, verano y otoño. La finalidad principal del restaurante es crear platillos deliciosos apoyando a la comunidad y ayudando a los granjeros locales a crecer. Está abierto todos los días para desayuno, comida y cena; sin embargo, es muy famoso por el brunch los fines de semana. 

– East Hampton Point

East Hampton Point is the restaurant from the hotel with the same name. It is an elegant, sophisticated, and high end restaurant right in the middle of the marina in East Hampton. The menu is rather exquisite, serving contemporary American cuisine. The best thing about this restaurant is the view, it is truly breath taking; nothing more comforting than enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the sunset.

East Hampton Point es un restaurante que forma parte del hotel con el mismo nombre, un hotel de lujo que se encuentra en la marina de East Hampton. El lugar es muy elegante y sofisticado. El menú ofrece platillos exquisitos de comida Americana contemporánea. Lo mejor de este lugar es la vista, realmente es espectacular.

Shopping, lifestyle, beach:

There is a huge amount of shopping in these three small towns. I recommend to stroll around the Main Street in East Hampton, and on the Montauk Highway that crosses though Bridgehampton. The stores are painteresque, beautiful, and extremely charming. If you want to go to the beach, go to Main Beach in East Hampton. It is a public space, so you must bring your towels and benches if you want to relax even more.

Hay muchos lugares para ir de compras en estos pueblos. Yo recomiendo que caminen por la calle Principal de East Hampton y en la carretera a Montauk que cruza todo Bridgehampton. Las tiendas son muy pintorescas y super bonitas, con un charm inigualable. Si quieren ir a la playa, visiten Main Beach en East Hampton, es una playa pública por lo que deben llevar sus propias toallas, sillas y alimentos.  

I completely recommend visiting these towns, they are absolutely astounding. Thank you for reading!

Les recomiendo ampliamente que visiten estos pueblos, realmente son hermosos. ¡Muchas gracias por leer!

Swap and Flea at The Gypsy Wagon

This weekend I went to a local store here in Dallas called The Gypsy Wagon located in Henderson Avenue in Uptown, and they were hosting a flea market which they call “Swap and Flea.” The store is amazing, kind of quirky and funky, it really is a unique place with lots of original and one of a kind things to find. It sells everything, from clothing, shoes, accessories, things for home decoration, to excellent gifts, all specially and carefully selected by the owner Carley Seale. The clothing selection is kind of gypsy, or hipster, and what I liked about the store is that almost all of the things that they sell are handmade by artisans, with sustainable materials. For me it is a store really true to its idea and concept, everything that you find in here is absolutely wonderful!!

The flea market was great, there were at least 10 or more local vendors with really cool and interesting “junk” to offer. And I mean “junk” not in the bad way but in the “reusable, old” kind of way, because all of the things that they were selling were really good!! Great for cool hunting! My favorite thing that I found on the flea market was the Photo Wagon, a mobile photo booth. I have never seen anything like it, as the name resembles it is a vintage wagon where you can take up to 4 photos playing dress up with all the cool things they have in there. It is fun, original, unique, and you can rent it for events or personal use. If you come to Dallas, this store is really a must visit for women and, it is located in a hot spot surrounded by great local restaurants and bars.

Este fin de semana fui a una tienda aquí en Dallas que se llama “The Gypsy Wagon.” La tienda esta súper padre, muy funky y rara pero muy cool. Es una tienda que vende de todo, pueden encontrar desde ropa, accesorios, zapatos hasta cosas para la casa, para decoración, para regalar; todas seleccionadas especialmente por la dueña Carley Seale. Lo que me gusto mucho de la tienda es que la mayoría de las cosas que venden son hechas a mano por artesanos que utilizan materiales reciclables o sustentables. Realmente pueden encontrar cosas muy padres y únicas en esta tienda, además está muy bien organizada y muy bonita, aunque no compren nada vale la pena visitarla. Se me hizo una tienda muy apegada a su concepto e idea, muy hispter y trendy.

Justo el domingo que fui, la tienda organizó un mercado de “pulga” o “flea market” como le llamamos. Había como 10 vendedores con muchas cosas vintages y muchas otras muy interesantes y a precios muy buenos. También había un food truck que servía sandwiches de jamón de pavo, pastrami, salami, etc, muy ricos!! Una de las cosas que más me gustó del mercado fue un booth de fotos mobil, (Photowagon) un vagón vintage que toma hasta 4 fotos instantáneas en el que se pueden disfrazar y poner todos los accesorios locos que hay adentro. Nunca había visto algo así, el concepto está muy padre y muy original y lo pueden rentar para eventos espaciales o para uso personal.

Si visitan Dallas, les recomiendo ir a esta tienda, van a encontrar cosas muy interesantes y únicas; además esta ubicada en Henderson Ave que es una zona padrísima con muchos restaurantes alrededor. ¡Espero les guste!

 

Snider Plaza

So I’m still in Dallas with my sister and I’m in the look out for hot spots to visit. I know Dallas doesn’t sound like THE place to visit just for fun, but I think it does have a lot of good things to offer. It is so warm, people are really nice, and it has its own charm, for me it is the best city in Texas. One spot I completely recommend is Snider Plaza, an excellent family shopping center that has a lot of local stores to shop around, restaurants, and fitness boutique studios like Beyond Pedaling and Pilates Barre. My favorite store was Christina M Boutique, it has a lot of good stuff with reasonable prices, from shoes to accessories. I already tried both of the fitness studios and I completely recommend both of them, the spinning classes are fun, exciting, and motivating and the Pilates classes are so out of the ordinary and challenging. If you come to Dallas, this is definitely one of the spots to visit. Thank you for reading!!!! Hola!!! Sigo en Dallas con mi hermana y mientras se recupera yo sigo buscando diferentes lugares para visitar. Yo sé que muchos piensan que Dallas no es un destino padre para venir de vacaciones, pero la verdad es que tiene muchísimas cosas que ofrecer y muchos lugares para hacer shopping y comer delicioso. Uno de ellos es Snider Plaza, es un centro comercial abierto, tipo parque, muy familiar con muchas tiendas locales, restaurantes y estudios boutique para hacer ejercicio. Una tienda muy padre que pueden encontrar ahí se llama Christina M Boutique, tiene de todo la verdad, desde zapatos hasta accesorios padrísimos y a precios muy accesibles. También tomé clases en los estudios de fitness, uno se llama Beyond Pedaling es un lugar para hacer spinning con diferentes ejercicios que son muy divertidos y motivadores. El otro estudio (The Pilates Barre) es un lugar para hacer Pilates en cama, pero no es la cama que ya conocen, es muy distinta y mucho más padre, los ejercicios requieren de más esfuerzo. Así que ya saben, la próxima vez que vayan Dallas, Snider Plaza es un lugar que definitivamente vale la pena visitar. ¡¡¡Gracias por leer!!!!

Two amazing cities, one informative post…

Ph. From www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx

This is not a regular post, it is not based on what locals do, but on what tourists, travelers, and experiencers can do in two very exciting cities: Mexico City, an article made by me, and Las Vegas, an article made by Kendra Thorntorn. Hope you like it…

My Beloved Mexico
by: Bettina Guisa
HISTORY, CULTURE, AND TRADITION

I don’t know how to begin to explain how amazing, vibrant, and exhilarating this city can be. Especially when I’m proud to say that it’s one of own. A city full of wonders, colors, culture, history, tradition, and hospitality: my beloved Mexico City.

This city has more to offer than what you’ve probably have heard on the news, there is not comparison of what you hear than what you can experience in every unimaginable way.
It’s a city that has it all, even a piece of heaven. I’m talking about an extraordinary place in the middle of chaos that makes you believe in magic: Bosque de Chapultepec (Cerro del Chapulin), one of the biggest “urban” parks in Latin America. With 686.05 hectares it welcomes around 15 million visitors per year providing them a historic, recreational, and environmental place to enjoy and conquer every day. It has 9 museums, including the National Museum of Antropology and History, one of the most important museums in Mexico with 26 rooms of astounding archaeological and ethnological pieces gathered since the eighteenth century. Another museum, which is also an emblematic building of the city and the country, and one of the most wonderful places to visit in Mexico, the Museum of National History. Known as the Chapultepec’s Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), an eighteenth century castle that compiles most of the history of Mexico including the building itself: a gunpowder factory, home of emperors, headquarters of the military school, residence of the presidents of the country, until 1939 when it was turned into a museum. You can see everything in this unforgettable piece of land, it has it all, including a museum where children can play, touch, and learn (Papalote, Museo del Niño); to an amusement park, two lakes, a zoo, and a forest with great restaurants and activities to relish.

If you are looking for a more contemporary and modern art, The Jumex Museum is the place to go. Designed by the British architect David Chipperfield, it’s a place designated to learn, explore, and discover contemporary art. Another museum, which is worth visiting at least once, is the Soumaya Museum, a non profit establishment that collects, researches, conserves, and exposes masterpieces of art from Mexico and Europe.

Besides museums, Mexico City has an astonishing place waiting for you to discover. The Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes), one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life, a place where artists turn opera, dance, and theater into national jewels.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

How can I talk about Mexico without naming its traditional and one of a kind food? Known and well desired in many countries around the world, Mexican food is best savored in Mexico. One of the best places to eat authentic Mexican food is called Tacuba Coffee (Cafe de Tacuba), founded in 1912. The restaurant is a big house from the seventeenth century, fueled with inspiring gastronomical history and high quality standards; a true gastronomic gem in the City. Another Mexican food devoted restaurant is El Cardenal, a beautiful traditional place full of character where you can taste genuine Mexican flavors. They are a reminder that food tells a story through its aromas, techniques, and savors. You can really tell that this food was made to inspire and conquer every palate.

BEST OF THE BEST

Mexico City is compiled with different kinds of zones that suit different personalities. Two of my favorites are Polanco and La Roma. Polanco is a chic and high end zone that offers great restaurants, shopping, and culture. It has all kinds of restaurants for all types of palates and distinctions. You can taste extraordinary traditional food from Yucatan (cochinita pibil) in a small and not so fancy restaurant called Turix. You can have one of the best brunches in the city in this pet friendly place Maque or have the night of your life in Gravity a pop music nightclub with great drinks and great ambiance.
La Roma is now considered one of the best zones in Mexico, it’s hipster, trendy, and so out of the ordinary. You can take a walk over its streets feeling completely in a different kind of world; it takes your breath away. My favorite place here is Rosetta, an Italian restaurant offering amazing food and great service with the most romantic scene you have ever experienced. A must visit in Mexico City. If you want a drink or two you must visit Salinger, foamous for its gin and tonic combinations, the food is limited to snack bar but really delicious. And if you are looking for more of an alternative place to dance and drink the place for you is Mono, a speakeasy nightclub designated to make you move under the beat of electric, progressive, and techno music with no strings attached.

RECREATION AND ADVENTURE

I couldn’t leave the fun out of this amazing journey through my city. There are a million things to do here but these two are my favorite. Take a ride on a hot air balloon above the dreamiest place in Mexico: Teotihuacan, a national heritage gem full of wonder and history. The ride is extraordinary, you can see all the pyramids from above and learn more about our culture. The other wonderful adventure and a must do in Mexico City is a promenade in the Xochimilco canals inside the colorful gondolas (or “trajineras” as we call them) where you can hear Mariachi, taste authentic Mexican food, and have a shot of tequila. Xochimilco is a World Heritage Site that welcomes tourists and locals for a once in a lifetime experience.

This is just a taste of my beloved Mexico, there are still so many wonders and adventures waiting for you, so book a trip to Mexico city and have the best experience of your life.

Four Ways to Get Your Thrills in Sin City
by: Kendra Thorntorn

Everybody knows that Las Vegas is a fun place to be. In fact, if you bother to step outside the air-conditioned comfort of your hotel or casino, you’ll find that there are some truly thrilling, once in a lifetime experiences available to the intrepid Las Vegas vacationer.

FOOD FIGHT!

In true fashion, visitors can seize the day (and some antacids!) in any number of larger than life food challenges. There are several to choose from – the buffets alone can qualify if you do them right – but two of the best are right next to each other. You can grab a monster-size eight pound burger at the Monte Carlo, and true steak lovers and / or gluttons for punishment (and everything else!) can stroll on down to BRAND, a hip steakhouse on the Strip with a gut-busting challenge of its own: a $250 USD, 120 ounce steak grilled to perfection, a side of your choice, and two sauces of your own choosing. In either case, come hungry, and be ready for an audience, because your fellow diners and visitor’s love watching these spectacles almost as much as they love watching an underdog win it big!

YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT

Remember ‘JAWS’? It’s a classic, right? Well, it just so happens that the fine folks of Mandalay Bay resort have something you can only find in Sin City: The only predator-centric aquarium in the whole of North America. They’ve got it all – piranha, carnivorous Moray eels, and lots of other deep-sea hunters. Know what else they’ve got? Sharks. Fifteen species of them, in fact, and wouldn’t you know it, you can go diving with them! Participants get fitted for a shark suit made of chain mail, and then you and a crew plunge beneath the waves of the indoor ‘Shark Reef’ exhibit.

MUSEUMS

Las Vegas has quite a cultural scene. It boasts several museums, and while they range in specific content and exhibit type, it’s easy to find something anyone can enjoy. Suitable for individuals, couples, and families alike, a favorite example of Sin City’s must-do museums is the National Atomic Testing Museum, which chronicles Nevada’s unique history as a nuclear testing site. It’s located just a few miles away from the Strip, so make sure you don’t miss it!

THRILL RIDES

Last on our rundown of a thrill-junkie’s preferred pursuits of Las Vegas, but certainly not least, there is the collection of adrenaline pumping roller coasters and other such rides and attractions. Whether you’re looking to jump off a one hundred plus story platform or take on El Loco’s negative-G drops, if you look to amusement parks for your rush, Vegas has you covered.

These are some of my personal favorites. The attractions here are truly unique and the hotels make you feel right at home. With so many to choose from, sites like Gogobot make it easy to read user reviews so you can feel more comfortable on your next trip to Vegas!

Ph. by http://lasvegas.haasalumni.org

Strawberry Land…

I went to my hometown Irapuato this weekend because I had my annual rendez-vous with my high school friends. It was really fun specially because we realized we are growing up so quickly, there were 4 children and one is coming our way. So while I was here, I wanted to show you THE place to buy the best strawberries in town. As I told you before, Irapuato is known as “The World Capital of the Strawberries,” because of its massive local production. You can enjoy them fresh every season.

This place is called “La Casa de las Fresas” (The Strawberries’ House) an artisanal shop where you can find handmade crystallized strawberries, at least that is what they called them. They are strawberries that are passed through a syrup with a little bit of lemon and then put to the sun to dry for 8 hours until they are tender and sweet on the inside. After this process, they are covered with sugar, dried chili, milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. It is a traditional candy from Irapuato.

In this store you can find fresh strawberries as well and some local handmade crafts. I really recommend this place and most of all their candy, it is something you’ve never tried before.

Here are some pictures of my high school rendez-vous.

I was wearing Jeans: Zara, Shirt: Zara, Shoes: Steve Madden

Este fin de semana me fui a lugar de origen Irapuato, porque tuve mi comida anual con mis amigos de la preparatoria. Estuvo muy divertido, especialmente porque nos dimos cuenta como hemos crecido, había 4 niños y una bebé viene en camino. Así que, mientras estaba en la ciudad quiero enseñarles EL lugar para comprar las mejores fresas del pueblo. Como les dije antes, Irapuato, es conocida como “La Capital Mundial de las Fresas” por su masiva producción. Las podemos disfrutar frescas todo el año.

Este lugar se llama “La Casa de las Fresas,” una tienda artesanal donde puedes encontrar fresas cristalizadas, al menos así es como les llaman. Éstas son fresas que se sumergen en un jarabe con un poco de limón y luego son expuestas al sol para secarse durante 8 horas hasta que estén dulces y suaves por dentro. Después de este proceso, son cubiertas en azúcar, chile en polvo, chocolate oscuro, chocolate blanco o chocolate con leche. Es un dulce tradicional de Irapuato.

En esta tienda también puedes encontrar fresas frescas y algunas artesanías. Realmente recomiendo este lugar, en especial los dulces, de verdad es algo que nunca antes han probado.

Ratings:

Price: $$

Staff: Friendly

Quality: Excellent, specially because they are handmade.