An Ode to Heirloom and Mayo Toast

My unhealthy obsession with mayonnaise is scoffed at 11 out of 12 months of the year. Only French bistros provide refuge during the other 11 offering my beloved condiment alongside fries without me asking. But in August, oh in August, something magical happens. You see, August is also known as “heirloom season.” That wonderful month when oddly shaped and luxuriously colored tomatoes sprinkle the farmer’s … Continue reading An Ode to Heirloom and Mayo Toast

Gena W.August 19, 2019July 17, 2021Leave a comment

Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens, Lunch

Bar Bruno

I love fried fish tacos. The crunchiness from the beer batter, the subtle whitefish inside, a crisp slaw on top, some kind of creamy binding keeping everything together in a fresh corn tortilla. Finding these delicacies, and especially finding one that knocks it out of the park is surprisingly difficult. A lot of fast-casual Mexican restaurants don’t serve fish tacos, or if they do, it’s a grilled … Continue reading Bar Bruno

Gena W.January 24, 2019October 7, 2019Leave a comment

Homemade, Lunch

Miso Sweet Potato Grain Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

They say you find inspiration in the strangest of places. And after a week in California, I did not expect to find one of the most delightful, satisfying grain bowls on my way out of the state: at the United Lounge at LAX. Because of my high Amtrak status (it’s a thing) – and my Dad’s United credit card, we’ve been privileged to frequent lounges … Continue reading Miso Sweet Potato Grain Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Gena W.January 15, 2019February 9, 2019Leave a comment

Brooklyn, Fort Greene, Lunch

Habana To-Go BK

Habana, ooh na-na. While I know that’s not the actually words, the song was stuck in my head as a enjoyed the best Cuban sandwich New York City has to offer. At Habana to Go BK, one of the five iterations of the Habana brand in the city (they also have locations in Tokyo, Malibu and New Orleans), good vibes run throughout. The brightly decorated … Continue reading Habana To-Go BK

Gena W.November 9, 2018January 30, 2019Leave a comment

Lunch, Paris, France

Caractere De Cochon

We wander to discover. To trust our intuition. To listen to that little voice that tells us which alley to turn down and which restaurant to enter. It’s something that, at least for me, feels very lost these days. I often open my Google maps to direct me to a destination one block away, or put my trust into FourSquare to guide me to the … Continue reading Caractere De Cochon

Gena W.February 7, 2018October 23, 2018Leave a comment

Homemade, Lunch

Garlicky Kale Salad with Butternut Squash

It’s winter in a bowl. After a boxing class on Sunday, I wanted to make something complex for dinner but on the lighter, fresher side that wouldn’t break the bank. I remembered my favorite blogger, Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, had recently written about a salad that “takes a while to make, as far as salads go, but it’s so good.” She was right. … Continue reading Garlicky Kale Salad with Butternut Squash

Gena W.December 18, 2017October 23, 2018Leave a comment

Drinks, Lunch, New Zealand

Gibbston Valley

You’ve just survived a 20+ hour flight and the most frustrating car rental company in history, what are you going to do next? I’m going to DisneyWorld!

Just kidding, you’re in New Zealand. You’re going to a winery.

But as one individual on TripAdvisor aptly described, Gibbston Valley, which is located somewhere along the stretch between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka is the DisneyLand of the area, complete with a tasting within a cave filled with lit up barrels and Instagram-able moments.

Continue reading “Gibbston Valley”

Gena W.May 2, 2017January 30, 2019Leave a comment

Brunch, Los Angeles, CA, Lunch

Joan’s on Third

Half-market, half-cafe, fully delicious. Joan’s on Third is a Los Angeles favorite, causing this city hot spot to even expand to a location off of Third (although keeping the same name). There’s a reason why crowds gather for brunch or lunch, or even a quick bite to go. The food is excellent. It’s a very “LA” kind of spot with fresh ingredients being the primary … Continue reading Joan’s on Third

Gena W.April 9, 2015April 25, 2016Leave a comment

Los Angeles, CA, Lunch

Bay Cities

In a city where healthy food rules supreme and fad diets make their way onto every menu, one Santa Monica favorite defies all the rules. Bay Cities Italian Deli is a classic. Prepared foods, fresh Italian pasta, glass displays filled with cheese and plastic containers filled with homemade sauces and pesto. But that’s not why you are here. You have come to meet the Godmother. And … Continue reading Bay Cities

Gena W.March 17, 2015February 16, 2016Leave a comment

Long Island, Lunch, Massapequa

All-American Drive In

There’s nothing more classic then the American Drive-In. These are a dying breed, slowly being replaced by Five Guys or Shake Shack. All-American Drive In stands alone in Massapequa, Long Island. The classic institution sticks out like a sore thumb, across street from a modern America strip mall complete with a Starbucks and Frozen Yogurt spot. Inside, the place looks like it hasn’t changed much in the … Continue reading All-American Drive In

Gena W.September 10, 2014December 23, 2014Leave a comment