Washington DC

East Coast Trip Finale-

Our final stop, Washington DC

For never having been there, to being there twice in one year, this place has quickly become one of our favorite places to visit.  


Our first night stay was at the Hotel Helix.  Very quirky for a Kimpton Hotel! We loved it!  Our room could have fit a 50 person party, it was huge.  Enough sleeping room for 20 or so too!  And my favorite part of the room...the mini bar had a Pez in it!  A little disappointed in the room, but only because I knew they had a bunk bead suite and wanted it so badly! Unfortunately, it was unavailable for our stay. :(

We stayed local to Logan Circle and picked up dinner at Whole Foods and returned to our room to enjoy.  


We waited for darkness and then took out the Public Bicycles, Kimpton offers for free, for a night ride.  We had wanted to see the monuments at night last trip but never made it back (long walk, didn't want to do it twice!).

The bikes were great.  Probably the highlight of the trip in DC.  Very easy to do in DC-  They are a bike friendly city.  I was probably a little over eager... biking in the dark in a park, not my best idea.  But once we found where we were going we got to hit the White House, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.  

I made it back after a 6 mile bike ride, feeling accomplished and cultural.

Since I was so motivated to get out and do stuff we headed over to Georgetown.  Thinking the bike idea was going to be too difficult in Georgetown (which it totally would have been!) we walked the 25 blocks to our favorite cupcake shop, Georgetown Cupcakes. They open at 10 am every day and knowing they are a small shop and have limited seating we headed over early.  We arrived at 9:25 am and found we were first in line!  Less than 5 minutes later a line had formed.  We ordered our favorites (mine are PB Fudge and Chocolate3) and sat in the little cute shop.  

Just 2 blocks away are the Exorcist stairs!  

You know, where the Priest fell to his death...

Yeah, I walked up.  Only 1 short break.  

Getting vertigo just looking at this photo!  And yes, that small shadow at the base of the stairs is a person!  Creepy!


The next stay was at the Donovan House.  This hotel is my favorite in all of DC.  It's new, modern and fabulous.  And they have a great Asian-fusion restaurant, Zentan!  Oh and a gorgeous roof top bar/pool area!  The area is located perfectly-  good eats, parks and a view of the White House, which is only 3 blocks away!





We spent the morning before we left at the National Cathedral.  Beautiful inside and out!  You could spend an entire day here and not see everything! We only spend 30 mins because we had Roxi with us.  





Now for some rest!
Enjoy your stay- Melissa

Philadelphia

To continue on our East Coast Road Trip...

The drive to Philadelphia was easy but don't forget to have cash available for all the tolls!  We took a bridge that was $15!  Fifteen dollars!?!
Coming from California, I just don't understand it.  

We stayed at the new Hotel Monaco in Center City, across the street from Independence Hall.  Our room over looked the Independence National Historic Park, currently home of the Liberty Bell.  Nice park-  great for Roxi, she was able to do her business looking at the Liberty Bell!  Hotel and the area felt like a small urban city with so much history.  
Back to the hotel-  Great location, fantastic staff, and eclectic furniture- everything I want in my Kimpton Hotel!

We started the evening at Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge.  It's almost across the street from where dinner was and with the hour+ wait we decided to hop over to get a drink and some appetizers.  Dan and Wes got a Sake flight, Melissa got an apple martini and I was boring with water.  We also shared a vegetarian roll and something else (I didn't eat it, so I can't remember or comment on it).  What I did have was great and a perfect light snack.


While waiting at Raw El Vez texted us to let us know our tables were ready. First time I've ever had the restaurant text you "your table is ready" but what a great idea!  At El Vez, "Mexican-American meets East LA in a Tijuana Taxi" we met up with more friends for an Engagement Party.  I can attest, best Mexican food I've ever had anywhere outside of California!  And the place is fun and quirky too!  Great ambiance for food and friends!  Oh and they serve Margaritas by the pitcher people!  And it was conveniently located only a couple of blocks from our hotel.  

In the morning we ate at the hotel's restaurant, Red Owl Tavern.  Good food, although I've come to expect it!

Off to DC...

New York

Let the East Coast Road Trip Begin!

I try to do too many thing on my vacations!  This trip includes NYC, Philly & DC, 5 Friends, a meet up with Family, FOOD and a wonderful dog Roxi.

To start our adventure we'll begin at the beginning.

We left out of LAX at 3:45 with 1 bag and 1 dog on jetBlue.  jetBlue is great with the Pets!  Your dog or cat must be under 20 lbs with the carrier and able to fit under the seat.  We attempted to get her on the plane without purchasing her a ticket.  At $100/way it adds up fast...and it's not like she nor I are getting anything for it.  We had no issues but I was quite nervous.  Watching Dan carry a moving/vibrating bag on a plane, even if I knew what it was (Roxi), still made me uneasy.  No one questioned anything!  And we were all set to go.  I gave her some doggy drugs to make her more comfortable, which made me less comfortable!  I spend the entire 5 hours looking at her every few minutes to make sure she was ok and still breathing!  
What made the flight slightly enjoyable (when I wasn't panicking I OD'd my dog) was Breaking Bad!  

--Breaking Bad.  I do not like shows that are trendy, critically acclaimed or generally liked by many.  This show is Bad, bad meaning good!  I won't bore you with my thoughts here, I'll save it for another post.  But damn what a show!

We got in at midnight which worked out really well for us, other than the cost of one of our free night stays at our favorite hotel!  We were meeting a friend who drove up from DC there so he was able to pick us up at the airport. Getting from the airport to the City is truly the worst part of flying into New York (JFK).  We typically take the airtrain ($5) to the Jamaica Station and hop on the LIRR (Long Island RailRoad) to Penn Station ($7-12 off-peak & peak). This is usually the cheapest and quickest way in.  Still takes about an hour+ but cost is generally much less, unless you have a large group (at least 5 people), taxi's are way over priced.

We stayed at the Kimpton hotel Ink48 (48th and 11th Ave) and had another

wonderful experience.  Upgrade!  Inner Circle Treats!  Roxi Friendly!
What's great about this hotel is it's beautiful rooms and interesting history. It was formerly a printing house!  They've kept the printing theme going to their restaurant PRINT, and rooftop bar The Press Lounge (amazing rooftop views! day or night you must check it out, even if you aren't staying at Ink48 and grab a cocktail while there!).  We were able to sneak a peak at the view but they were closing up so we couldn't sit or drink.

In the morning we hit the streets early!  New York is known for it's great food and as a formal local I miss it.  We went to the best bagel shop, Absolute Bagels (UWS, take the 1 train to 103 and a few blocks up, 2788 Broadway, between 107th and 108th).  I get the sesame seed bagel toasted with cream cheese, Dan opts for the egg bagel toasted with butter (couldn't be more different!).  And don't just take my word, they have a 4.5 review on yelp! out of 492 reviewers!  Everyone else I know highly recommends the everything bagel (I fear change).

Then we took a leisurely walk down to 82nd and Amsterdam for a snack at the Gin Mill (UWS, take the 1 train to 79th St and Broadway or the B&D to 81st St and CPW, 442 Amsterdam, between 81st and 82nd).  Great drink specials, my personal favorite buffalo chicken strips and seasoned tater tots! We headed back the the hotel to pick up our dog Roxi and check out.  


Hello Brooklyn!  On our way to our next stop we hit up the bestest, cheapest, hottest, Sicilian slice of pizza!  L&B Spumoni Gardens (take the N to 86th St, the D to 25th Ave or the F to Avenue X, 2725 86th St, Brooklyn).  This place is deep in Brooklyn, might take an hour to get there depending on where you are coming from-  I think it's the 2nd to the last stop!  But oh so worth it. Pizza is fresh (because everyone is buying it up!) and cheap.  You have a choice between Round Slice or Square (Sicilian) Slice.  The square is so good, I haven't tried the Round!  It has a thick bread-y crust piled with mozzarella cheese, a layer or sauce, some parm and extra virgin olive oil.  I am sad thinking about how long it will be before I get another slice!  Did I mention cheap? It's $2.50 a slice and $1.50 for a can of soda.  Get 2 to start.


Next Stop...Philly!

Kimpton La Jolla

Quick Night Stay

After a long weekend of painting the house (yes, we painted the exterior of the house, rather started is more like it) we took an hour trip down to La Jolla for some rest and relaxation.  



An hour drive down to La Jolla (minutes from San Diego) and we were ready to relax.  Getting to the Kimpton Hotel was a little confusing but, thank you google maps and my wonderful iPhone, we made it!  The hotel grounds were beautiful.  Very green and inviting.  Dropped the car off with valet and made our way in.

Hotel La Jolla, The lobby was wall to wall windows and had a very open vibe.  Roxanne helped check us in.  She was, typical Kimpton, very helpful in checking us and our Roxi in.  She made sure Roxi was taken care of-  There was a dog bed, bowls and a new toy waiting for her in our room!  We had our welcome goodies and after we got cleaned up another set of goodies arrived with a note, "No more painting!  from Roxanne"  She went out of her way to make us feel welcome and taken care of.  

We toured the area, made a stop at the 5-6 happy hour, grabbed a snack and then cleaned up for dinner at the Cusp.  

Their restaurant, Cusp, is located on the 11th floor with gorgeous panoramic views.  We arrived around 7 pm and watch the beautiful sunset from our table.  Food was great with a Mediterranean/Italian fusion.  I started with the Grilled Olive Bread and Arrabiata dipping sauce, that was so good I could have stopped there!  My entree was the Roasted Artichoke in a Tomato Ragout.  I'm hungry just thinking about it!  We also shared the Fire Roasted Cauliflower Gratin which I crave regularly now.

I wish we could have stayed longer.  I feel we'll be there once a year, it was that fantastic.

If you are headed on a trip check out the Kimpton Hotels.  They are a warm and inviting boutique hotel you have to experience at least once.  You won't be disappointed!
And if you're headed to one in July tell the desk at check-in "bicycle" for a special treat.  When reserving become an In-Touch member to get all the great perks!  You can tell them lovemaddux@hotmail.com referred you!  Some of the perks we've received have been Room Upgrades, Raid the Mini Bar, Bottle of Wine, Free WiFi, Welcome Goodies, T-Shirts, Movies...

Enjoy your stay- Melissa
(and let me know if you stay at a Kimpton and what you loved about it!)

Arizona Tour

Off to be with the desert folks for a few days...

Spending time in Arizona in the summer can be grueling.  Unless you hit up these amazing places, and stay indoors or by a pool.

A girl friend and I started our 5 hour trip to AZ about 10 am on Friday, 6/21.  Figured we avoid the morning rush and most of the evening traffic.  From the LA area it was only about 6 hours total driving.  We arrived for our first day in Scottsdale.  I really enjoy this small city, has some great food places and one of the best Kimpton Hotels for pool/lounging, the Fire and Sky Resort.  Just as the name states, it's a resort.  They have 2 pools, 1 with a sandy/pebbly beach!  The other has waterfalls and fire (Fire and Sky Resort, not just a cleaver name)!  The hotel staff was also fantastic.  We had a bottle of prosseco waiting for us!  Along with some snacks and some of the best Parmesan Cheese!  Yum!

We kept it easy and stayed at the resort for the majority of the time, but if you have time check out these great places...

• Sombreros Cafe and Cantina, Scottsdale, AZ  Great Mexican food.  The atmosphere here is authentic as the cooking.  I recommend the Corn Chowder, loaded with jalapenos, and the Potato Tacos Dorados.  Don't forget the Margaritas!  Refreshing on a hot Arizona day.
• Sugar Bowl Located in old town, this Ice Cream Parlor is part historic and part amazing.  Fun family establishment, everything a Ice Cream Parlor should be.  

On to Sedona and the Grand Canyon!  Anyone going to the Grand Canyon should take some extra time to visit Sedona.  It was slightly cooler, temperature wise, than Phoenix and much more picturesque.  Red Rocks!  One of Mother Nature's great gifts.  

We popped in to the Blue Moon Cafe for a quick lunch.  Good food, good prices, and nice people but have some time available to stop.  They are busy most of the time and they don't move as quickly as I am used to.

In total, I think we spent about 2 hours in Sedona.  A quick drive by some of the Red Rock landmarks, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.  And on our way to the Grand show...the Grand Canyon.

Cost was $25 for the entire car to enter the Grand Canyon.  It's pretty busy but you can easily see everything in 1 day trip.  

After a long day of traveling, we finally ended up at in Phoenix at the Kimpton Palomar!  We didn't have a lot of time, but we did find the time to do my favorite Arizona pizza place, CIBO!  They call themselves an Urban Pizzeria Cafe.  I call them Delicious!

We snacked on the Caprese Salad and some bread before the margarita pizza of awesomeness came.  It did not disappoint.  Such a cute house, its set in a restored 1913 bungalow with loads of outdoor seating (for those hot romantic nights).  There is always wait, so plan accordingly.  

Upgrade!  Finally some relaxing time in the hotel.  We got upgraded to the corner suite!  It was so beautiful and exactly what I want my future NYC apartment to look like...when I'm a millionaire!

One final stop on the road trip, CrackerBarrel!  Maybe it's because I'm from California but, every time I see a Cracker Barrel I have to stop.  Cheesey Hashbrown Casserole!

Enjoy your stay- Melissa

Bridget Everett & The Tender Moments

What Did I Just See?

Bridget Everett and The Tender Moments (BE&TTM) played Monday night at the Largo at the Coronet.  I was a virgin...my first show at the Largo and my first experience with BE&TTM.  

The Largo, an intimate theater, felt like 1950 and I was under dressed.  It was such a small venue that you felt like you knew everyone there, I'm guessing less than 200 people were there.  It made me feel like I wasn't cool enough to be there.  

The show was to begin at 8:30 pm.  We arrived at 6 pm to get assigned seats (first come-first row) and then walked around the area.  Great area, which in LA means I felt safe!  We walked a few blocks down to the Beverly Center and grabbed a quick bite and then made our way back to the Largo.

At about 8 pm the place was slowly filling up.  My date went to the restroom and as I waited I noticed next to me was Mr. Jonah Hill.  Trying to contain my excitement, I quickly texted my date, just to look like I was cool and had something to do.  He was also waiting for his date/friend to return from the restroom.  So he seemed very friendly, so I cautiously glanced at him, we caught eyes and smiled.

As 8:30 rolled around we entered the small theater.  I found the seats to be comfortable, but could easily see they were old and could be tight if you're not average size.  My excitement grew as in walked Whitney Cummings!  She was with her current flame Peter Berg.  She was gorgeous, absolutely stunning.  

I gather myself and the next notable celeb walks by... Mindy Kaling.  Dressed in a bright red bebe sweater and large glasses, she was not to be missed.  I wanted to run up to her and hug her, but I refrained.  She may have noticed my excitement when I realized she was sitting behind me!  Because she later moved to the back of the theater.

As my excitement wore off, out walked the man himself, Adam Ad-rock Horovitz.  His age is now apparent, in his jeans and t-shirt.  The thrill of seeing him again went through me like electricity-  Honestly never thought I'd see him perform again, RIP MCA.
He introduces the opener, Gabriel something.  Funny guy, although not sure I'll remember him in a week.

It's BE&TTM turn.  Having no clue of where the night was going to go, I smiled at the thought of what will be and held on (little did I know how hard I'd be holding!)
Out walks this giant woman wearing a white jacket, the button hanging on for dear life and a long white slip.  Not a minute in and the slip is off showing her black lace panties.  OK, that's where this is going...
I knew nothing of BE&TTM.  My only info was given to me by my Facebook "like" of the Beastie Boys.  They announced the show and that was all I needed.

Best description of what I saw, Naughty Cabaret/Comedy Burlesque.  It was hilarious and boy could that woman could sing!  It was a show I'll never forget.  Watching her command the stage, so much that at times I'd forget my favorite Beastie was up there, was pure genius.  

Go in with an open mind and you'll be amazed at the magic.   

Enjoy the Show- Melissa

June Gloom

Another LA Weekend-

I really never went to LA often, I swear.  But then I found a good reason to go...good food.

Metrolink is having a $10 ride all weekend long special (I don't know how long this promotion will last, but my guess is all summer).  Their Weekend Pass gives you unlimited Metrolink rides for $10 (and includes some other mass transit too).  It is available for purchase at all station ticket vending machines and is good from 7 pm Friday through 11:59 pm Sunday.

It's been awhile since I've ridden the train out here, i was really looking forward to it.
Ticket was easy to figure out (as well as the train schedule).  This can't be too bad.

Arrived early to the train station and there was already a good amount of people already there waiting for the next train.  It was pretty full, but still easy to find a few seats together.  And it was the cleanest train I've seen, compared to NYC, DC, SF.

On to Olvera Street.  I can remember many a High School Spanish class field trips here.  It was the best part of the entire year (what a nerd-  i know).  The food was cheap and different and the atmosphere felt like I was in Mexico (or what I envisioned it to look like).  It was a different world, one where I felt like a Stranger in a Strange land.

On this day- Everyone was out selling their items ranging from leather purses, wallets shoes & vests, candy, masks ala nacho libre, and graphic T-shirts.

I would visit if you have the time and are in the area.  Loads of authentic culture, diversity and fun.  Take the train and enjoy the fabulous Margaritas!

Next stop, Georgetown Cupcakes.  Only my friend and I would go on a 1 hour, one way, bus trip for a cupcake.  But thankfully, it was worth it.  Highly recommend anything with Peanut Butter!  I picked out a dozen, including Peanut Butter Fudge, Salted Caramel, Banana Split and Chocolate Cubed.  They didn't last very long!

So no trip to LA would be complete without a stop at Urth Caffe.  AND since I couldn't get there my last LA adventure, I was determined to this time!

2 words, Tortilla Soup

It is worth a 2 hour in traffic trip.  EVERY TIME.  

I usually pair it with a Caesar Salad.  Other favorites have been the Pot Roast Sandwich, the Quesadilla, and the Bread Pudding.  Let me know what you've had there and loved!

Back to the bus!  Final stop, Venice, CA.  About an 1 hour and a half from Union Station.  It was the most enjoyable bus ride of them all.  A leisurely walk down Abbott Kinney and I was at my destination.  Good Food, Good People.

Best part about all the travels-  People Watching!  There were some very interesting characters throughout the trip.

• Some man yelling at a Mother with very young 2 kids to pay attention to the kids
• Am an wearing board shorts yelling at the bus driver
• The man who pressed his chest into my hand so hard I couldn't move it from the pole I was holding on to
• The next man who held the pole higher and now my hand was in his armpit
• A older woman who grabbed a young girl from her mother and had the girl sit on her lap!  The mother was shocked but, I was more shocked, she didn't do anything about it!
• Walking through Union Station and seeing a dog wearing a jean jacket.  The owner, recently released from jail,ended up on my friends train.  She got to watch a Sheriff catch him in the bathroom with no train ticket.

Enjoy your stay- Melissa

How is it June already?

Lazy Weekend-

Another hot weekend and nowhere to go.  Feeling a little domestic.

Target Trip!

What goes on in Target?  Is it some kind of magical time warp?  Just a step to the left...and then a jump to the riiiiight.  But seriously, what is it about this place?  You walk in for 2 things, kleenex and shampoo.  You walk out spending at least $100 and a few hours!  And what's amazing-  You love every moment in there!  You find things you didn't know existed but, you can't live without.

Here are some of my wonderful findings:

• They now have fresh dog food!  Full refrigerated section.  I'm sure Roxi is looking forward to some new eats!
• Fourth of July is everywhere!  It's the season for red, white & blue, bbq's and picnics.
• Gardening season is also here.  So, I picked up a few pots and stands.  

We just purchased a new bedroom set.  It's very simple, and elegant.  I feel like a grown-up!  It was a long and semi-painful process.  We went to Ashley Furniture on a whim and didn't find anything we really liked.  A nice woman showed us around, but nothing we liked we could afford.

Then came the internet search!  It was love at first sight.  Now to convince Dan!  Easy!  Went back to Ashley (ironically) and bought it!  Now we have to wait until June 30!  Why must I wait!  I'm never good at it.  In the end, we got a great deal and it's got me really excited about updating the house.

We're painting the house, hopefully in a few weekends!  We've gone with Glidden in Pebble Grey, a Blue/Grey trim and Rich Navy accent.  I'm sure there will be a few good stories and hopefully, some good pictures!

And, we're looking at some new kitchen appliances.  Specifically a fridge, range/oven and an over the counter microwave.  That will be closer to February, hello tax return, unless there is some major sale!  What is your favorite appliance brand?  We currently have 1 of everything!  Fridge- Fridgiare, Oven- Kenmore, Dishwasher- Whirlpool, Microwave- GE.  Any must have features?  Comment below!

Memorial Weekend

Hotel Wilshire - Los Angeles

Smiling Roxi

Decided for a getaway weekend in LA.  Only took an hour to get here!  

Roxi loves it so far.  She's our wonderful and very energetic Shih-tzu.  We try to do a handful of Roxi-friendly trips a year.  Earlier this year she took her first flight to New York, NY.  Her favorites are Phoenix, AZ, & Santa Barbara, CA.  

She's really acclimated well.  Already enjoying her vacation.  

We are at another Kimpton Hotel, of course.  I really hate staying anywhere else.  We are in a suite today.  It's just lovely.  A beautiful stylish urban room.  Makes hanging out in here with Roxi much more enjoyable!  While we wait for Dan to arrive home.  Well, home for today!

My favorite LA places, which I will get to, are Urth Caffe & Georgetown Cupcakes.  I know I should be doing something more cultural but I'm a foodie through and through.  Speaking of foodie, the hotel staff just brought me my special surprise for being an inner circle member, Cheese, Honey, Cookies & Prosecco!  I forgot how well cheese & honey go together!  SO delicious.

Off to check out the rooftop pool

-Enjoy your stay!  Melissa