Travel Blogger – …on the B.L.

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

September 30, 2019September 30, 2019 RaeAnna

Outdoorsy is not necessarily the adjective I would attribute to myself, but I do love the great outdoors. When traveling, I tend to find myself doing as many outdoor things as any adventure enthusiast, so travel me is gung ho outdoorsy.

Lake Tahoe has been on my places to visit for a long time, but I never had a reason to go until recently. I was already trying to figure out a way to make it back there before I had even left. I’ve seen a few lakes in a few corners of the world, but I’ve never seen a lake quite like this. The water is indescribably beautiful. Clear and turquoise. I half expected to see dolphins or whales. I’m not an idiot, I know they don’t live in lakes, but I’ve only ever seen water like that in very specific places in the ocean.

Being completely honest, I had never really thought of where Lake Tahoe is. I knew it was somewhere Californians visit. It straddles the California-Nevada stateline. I stayed in South Lake Tahoe, which is on the California side. Between the North and South sides is a rivalry. On the plane, I sat next to a lady who lived in South Lake Tahoe, and the man sitting next to her lived on the North. I would love to say I’m exaggerating when I say things got heated as they debated which was better, but I put my headphones in to better ignore them. I saw no blood, so there’s that. From what I gleaned from the locals is the North side is made up of twelve(?) towns. They’re more remote and quiet with less walkability but the same amenities as the South, more compact, touristy, and robust, side of the lake. South Lake Tahoe is one city with more ski resorts and better walkability. It just depends on what you want atmosphere wise. I haven’t been to the North side, but I hear it’s great.

201909306011011555812276298 — Channeling my inner Aquaman.

20190930_180246-01 — View from Cave Rock.

Places to Stay
Hotel Becket is where I stayed. It’s cute, clean, and within walking distance of just about everything you could want. It looks like an old motor lodge that has been completely renovated with modern amenities.
Honestly, there are tons of places you can stay around Lake Tahoe. There is no shortage and something for every budget.

201909305536670238035234776 — Enjoying the boat tour of Emerald Bay.

What to Eat
Riva Grill The Riva Grill is a gorgeous restaurant with an amazing view of the lake. It’s beloved by the locals and this tourist. You can even park your boat at the dock and eat and outdoor patio for warm days. The food is really amazing. I don’t care for crab, but their crab risotto is superb. One of the reasons I fell for this restaurant is their sense of humor. The signature drink is the Wet Woody. I don’t drink, but they made me a Virgin Woody. Best drink ever. The drink menu is full of risqué details and double entendres.
Driftwood Cafe is in Heavenly Village across from Hotel Becket. Family friendly with large portions, it’s a great place to start your day with a hearty meal before hitting the slopes, the trails, or the water.

20190930_180413-01 — Sitting on the Nevada-California state line.

Things to Do
Water Sports are one of the biggest draws to Lake Tahoe. The waves are even big enough to surf. Shocked. But true. From jet skis to water skis, there’s something for everyone on this lake.
Snow Sports are a huge draw in the colder months. I wasn’t lucky enough to be there for the snow, but I’ve been told the skiing and snowboarding is amazing. Hopefully, I can make it back soon to experience it for myself.
Clearly Tahoe is a clear kayak rental. It was absolutely amazing. The water in Lake Tahoe is so clear you’ll want to be able to see it as much as possible. Clearly Tahoe offers guided tours around the lake in their completely transparent kayaks. I’m a huge fan of kayaking, so this was amazing for me. At night, they offer LED tours, which allow you to see the lake in a completely different light. This really was incredible.
Hiking opportunities are everywhere. Cave Rock is an easy hike with a stunning view of the lake. There are tons of places to hike and stop to take in the beauty or capture a picture. There’s also a great overlook of Emerald Bay.
Heavenly Village is a cute shopping area full of stores and restaurants nestled into the bottom of the mountain. It’s a great place to find a bite to eat or pick out a souvenir. I got a little work done at a coffee shop because workation!
California-Nevada State Line is a great picture opportunity. I like to call it my Walk to Remember moment because I was two places at once. If you walk about a quarter mile up the mountain on the road going through Heavenly Village, you’ll find a great spot where the line is in the road.
Boat Tours are an amazing way to see the Sierra Nevada mountains and the lake. We took the Emerald Bay boat tour out of Zephyr Cove. It is gorgeous. The water is a beautiful emerald color. Plus you can hear fun facts about the Lake and the history surrounding the area.
Vikingsholm is a 38 room mansion on Emerald Bay open for tours. I wasn’t able to visit it, but I did get to see it on the boat tour. It was gorgeous. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see it the next time I visit.

20190930_175527-01 — A tea house on an island in the middle of Emerald Bay.

Travel, Travel Eats

Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain

August 7, 2018 RaeAnna

I am obsessed with Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain. I have been going for as long as I can remember. There are trips to Steamboat Springs, and all I remember is begging my mom to take me to the soda fountain. I discovered phosphates here.

Lyon’s is a fully functioning drug store located on Lincoln Avenue in downtown. With a pharmacy and other drug store necessities, it also sells beautiful cards, crafts, and home goods. I made use of the drug store part to get some first aid items because I actually ripped my toenail off at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Ouch!

The Soda Fountain is towards the back on the left side of the store. The floor is black and white tile. The stools are red. There’s a jukebox. Honestly, it’s as straight out of the 1950’s as I have found yet. They have food, but most people come for the ice cream in the summer. A kid cone is only $1, so you have no excuse! I love the phosphates, which if you don’t know what they are, they’re also known as Italian sodas in coffee shops. Fizzy, flavored yumminess. I suggest blackberry.

I am not lying when I say, I went every day I was in Steamboat. The workers behind the counter actually learned my name.

Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain
840 Lincoln Avenue
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970.879.1114
Facebook – @lyondrug

Travel, Travel Eats

Bésame

July 30, 2018 RaeAnna

I hadn’t been to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in nine years. Almost exactly. The first full day in town, I wanted to walk around and scout out all the new stuff. I walked passed Bésame, smelled what was wafting out the door, stopped to look at the menu, and I knew I would be back before long.

Fast forward a couple days.

The decor is fabulous. At the bar, there are blue velvet chairs. Equal parts comfy and luxurious. There are floor to ceiling windows looking onto downtown, which open up during service to let in the fresh mountain air. There is a small patio with four tables. Succulents adorn each table. The dining area is beautiful decorated with dark wood. An upstairs has extra seating for parties or the busy season. Spanish music plays in the background. (I danced on my way in and out.)

These photos are taken from two different trips to Bésame. I was too full for dessert the first time; I had to go back in order to try their kickass desserts. The first time we sat on the patio, and the second time we sat at the bar. There’s just the right amount of shade to make it fabulous.

The service was impeccable. Hayzen was our server and the bartender both times. Being a non-drinker who still likes unique, fancy drinks is not always easy for bartenders. He is my new favorite, so if I come into a pile of money and have an event, I will hire him immediately. I had a virgin peach mojito (fantastic) and then a virgin spicy, sweet passion fruit margarita. Seriously, amazing. Not only is he a talented tender of bars, he is incredibly personable, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about the restaurant.

The food was fantastic. There is a smatter of South American and Spanish dishes. I saw Patatas Bravas on the menu and, duh, had to order it. Then I ordered the Tostada de Vieja Ropa. I dated a Cuban for a bit in college, and he introduced me to Vieja Ropa, which is now one of my favorite foods. I have high standards and Bésame met them. What I loved about the dish: it was served on a sweet plantain disk. Believe me, it’s awesome! The kitchen accidentally made an extra order of their special of the day, which was a chorizo tostada with a small green salad. Hayzen – being the fabulous man he is – sent it our way. He jokingly said “Just leave a good review!” Little did he know, I was already geared up to write this phenomenal review. I should probably go post on yelp too…. Anyways! The chorizo was awesome. I don’t love refried beans because they usually have an au de tin can after taste. Not these! Yum. The table next to mine wanted me to let you all know the ceviche was the best they’d ever had. I am inclined to believe them because they were older with what seems like a good handful of money by their dress and jewelry. Anyways, the ceviche is always changing depending on the fresh fish market, and that day it was made with salmon.

For dessert on the very last day in Steamboat Springs, I enjoyed the Kaffir Lime Churros and the Banana Bowl. Hayzen said the Kaffir Lime Churros have a slight fruit loop taste because of the unique flavor combination. He is not wrong. It’s not in an intense fruit loop flavor, and it definitely does not have the refined sugar throat coating quality. It’s served with frozen wine grapes and a Mexican hot chocolate dipping sauce. The Banana Bowl came highly recommended, and I will recommend it to you. So good! I can’t even describe it to you in any other words than heavenly.

So the reason the food is so delectable is because everything on the plate is made in house. It’s hard to beat fresh ingredients. It’s even harder to beat food made in house. You can taste the difference in the tortillas and plantains and especially in the refried beans. Pickled onions are amazing when they are freshly pickled. I love that sweet crunch they added to the Vieja Ropa!

I went to Bésame for lunch because we were trying to keep vacation costs low by cooking dinner at home, and lunch tends to be cheaper for equally great food. (Pro tip: go out for lunch on the weekends, you’ll save a bunch!) Anyways, it is definitely more expensive than McDonald’s, but it is affordable and a really wonderful experience. I would like to go back and enjoy dinner; the menu is bigger and looks delightful.

If you’re ever in Steamboat, this is the place you need to go to!

Bésame
818 Lincoln Avenue
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970.761.2561
Instagram – @besamesteamboat
Facebook – Besame Steamboat

Travel, Travel Eats

Fly-By-Must-Eats in Chicago

July 5, 2018 RaeAnna

I love Chicago. I lived in the area for two and a half years. I worked in downtown for a while. It’s a city I can’t spend enough time in. There are so many things to do and see and taste. Seriously, it is a foodie’s city. So many amazing restaurants, and infinitely more I haven’t been yet. I could probably talk about the food in Chicago for just about ever, but I won’t.

I want to talk about four of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I could dedicate an entire blog to the food I love in Chicago, so I’m just including my fly-by-musts for when I’m home for a day or two.

Naf Naf Grill

I LOVE Naf Naf. I found it when I worked in downtown. I ate it all the time. Almost every day. This is not a hyperbole. It’s cheap. It’s quick. It’s healthy. It is beyond scrumptious.

I love Middle Eastern food. They have a garlic sauce I still crave on a weekly basis, but the tahini is excellent too! The shawarma and steak are great, but honestly I eat strictly vegetarian here because the falafel is that good. Have it in a pita or a bowl with rice, lettuce, hummus, or couscous and top it with great stuff. You have options. The lentil soup is worth a try. Everything is cooked in house and in plain view. I love watching pitas made in their bakery.

Naf Naf means ‘fan the flame’ in the context of bringing people together for a sense of community over a shared meal. They come through. I have never entered without being greeted and treated well. Their staff is attentive, kind, and full of personality. #Nafon

In downtown Chicago, you can spend a pretty penny on food. You won’t at Naf Naf. Unless I felt like eating myself into a coma, I would never spend more than $9. Believe me, you will leave stuffed. Hold my pita, I’m going back for seconds!

Davanti Enoteca

This is my favorite restaurant. As the foodie I am, I do not say that lightly. So much so, I am dedicating a whole post to this place.

Authentic Italian food in Little Italy. I accidentally happened upon it one day several years ago. I keep going back because everything is amazing. A testament to this, is they are always busy. So make a reservation. The menu is always changing. Thankfully, my favorite dessert, the Brown Butter Blondie, is always there! Plates are made to share, although I don’t always.

I wouldn’t call this a cheap restaurant, but you can find far more extravagant in Chicago. Go for a beautiful meal and leave a few pounds heavier.

Portillo’s

Portillo’s is an institution in Chicago. Have you even been to Chicago if you didn’t eat Portillo’s? I didn’t grow up in Chicago or Illinois, so I don’t have that innate love for the place natives do, but I always stop by.

Known for their Italian Beef, they also have hot dogs, salads, desserts, and more. I suggest an Italian Beef Sandwich dipped. I get mine with cheese on it because cheese. Dipped means they dip the sandwich in “gravy” or what the rest of the world would call the juice. It’s a messy sandwich. Roll up your sleeves and dig in. You won’t regret taking part in this institution.

I don’t think I have ever been to an empty Portillo’s. There are always people and usually a line. The drive-through around-ish lunch or dinner consists of two lines with quite the wait. It’s worth it. Everyone thinks so.

Argo Tea at Connors Park

This one isn’t a restaurant so much as a specific little cafe I love to visit. You can definitely grab a cup of tea and a nibble, so it counts. I found Argo Tea while living in Chicago. Their tea shops are all over. The tea is great. It’s yummy, and there are tons of unique flavors hot or iced. Buy a cup of tea, tea leaves, bottles of tea, or stock up on some swag. They brew the tea in front of you and offer yummy snacks.

This specific little gem is located in downtown Chicago at Connors Park. In a historic area full of beautiful architecture, it stands out. Modern and made of glass, it’s perfect for a respite. I found it one frigid winter day as I was wandering. My hands and nose were numb. I saw it and dashed for the door. Inside the transparent walls, I felt warm and cozy like I was in a greenhouse. A fountain only added to the affect. I love going and sitting because I feel like I’m watching the city without having to be a part of it. Also the tea is delightful.

I highly suggest taking a break from the bustle for tea time. It’s small, but you’ll love it. It’s hard to find, so here’s the address.

Argo Tea at Connors Park
871 N. Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Travel, Travel Eats

Eating in L.A.

July 21, 2017 RaeAnna

I love to eat. I mean, I really love to eat. When I lived in France, I tested every patisserie in Aix-en-Provence, the city I lived in. Eating is a major part of my everyday life. You can only imagine how it figures into my travel plans. While I was in California I ate at the obligatory: In and Out and Del Taco of course. I try never to eat places I can eat at when I’m at home.

Sprinkles Cupcakes is a now famous cupcakery. It was founded in Beverly Hills, California in 2005, and since then, has grown into an iconic treat for people across the country. They rose to national fame for their delectable cupcakes, but became an instant hit when they introduced the cupcake ATM. You read that right! A cupcake ATM for those days you just need a cupcake now. If you’re like me, it’s happened more often than I’d like to admit. I actually have a Sprinkles here in Houston, but I had to go to the original to truly reach happiness. I enjoyed a chocolate marshmallow cupcake, which was delightful. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest the Beverly Hills Sprinkles as a quiet reading destination because there are so many people coming and going. It’s an upbeat place, which brings smiles to a lot of people of various ages.

I think part of my trip to Los Angeles was planned around this restaurant… Badmaash. I saw it on Buzzfeed or something on Facebook. I already knew I was going to LA, but I really got excited to go when I found out about this Indian restaurant. I love Indian food, but this takes it to a whole new level! They are known for their Indian mashups. I personally had the traditional comfort food of Butter Chicken as well as the Tikka Poutine. Poutine? you’re thinking. Yes, Tikka Poutine. You are not seeing things. It is an amazing mashup of the Indian Tikka Masala with the Canadian Poutine. They have tons of other mashups, but I’m only one person with limited stomach space. I could rave on and on about this place and their food. The decor was just awesome. The walls had Gandhi wearing different colored sunglasses. I would not suggest this as a reading spot. Though the food is top notch, it’s definitely young, hip, and loud but in a good way.

One of the last places I ate at in Los Angeles was La Brea bakery. It was awesome. The coffee was delicious. The food was delicious. I ended up going home with three loaves of bread because vacation and carbs. Who doesn’t love carbs? I love carbs. As far as reading, this is the best place to read. There are comfy booths, it has a quiet atmosphere. It is more like a local cafe than a bustling restaurant. I would go back in a heartbeat!

Experiences, Travel

Pasadena 2017

July 18, 2017September 8, 2019 RaeAnna

I’m a huge fan of vacation and travel. The combination of books and travel bring meaning to my life. I wish I were joking.

When I’m not visiting friends, I like to stay in Airbnb’s. They’re great! This time the Airbnb led me to Pasadena. I had never had any interest in the area outside of the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. I liked being close to the mountains, so the drive was worth it. I ended up really enjoying Pasadena. Also my Airbnb was just about perfect, so that never hurts. It was a small cottage with an overstuffed leather couch, comfy bed, cute kitchenette, espresso machine, and Beau was incredibly happy there because of the chickens. All truly good Airbnbs must have chickens, right? Beau sure thinks so. It was more than idyllic to reach for a good book in the morning and snuggling up with a book in the afternoon because, let’s be honest, I’m not really out that late. Overlooking the mountains, it was only eight minutes from downtown Pasadena, which is full of cute restaurants and buildings.

Right outside the front door of my Airbnb was a mountain road, which I took my car up one afternoon. I am normally a devastatingly careful driver, but this road made me drive with even more caution due to the immense twists and turns. Once at the top, it overlooked the San Gabriel Valley to the South and the mountain range the rest of the view. If you look at my Instagram, you can tell I draw a lot of joy and inspiration from being outside surrounded by nature. (Which is amusing because nature constantly tries to kill me due to my severe allergies.) I’m always in awe of nature and the beauty it holds. I really wish I could look out on mountains and trees as well as the city like I did every day in the Airbnb. For me, it would be the perfect reading-writing balance being able to venture into the city for distraction or wander through the woods for inspiration. If only Houston had that, but alas, we are flat.

Downtown Pasadena is great. It is full of buildings evocative of ye olden times. The city hall is a towering creamy stone. Kitty Corner to the city hall, there is a foundation for girls housed in a brick building with stained glass windows holding up curtains of thick ivy; I couldn’t help but to be taken back to London looking at that building. Walk half a block down the road, you’ll find brick buildings with sliding wooden barn doors. Great restaurants are in abundance! I found a chinese restaurant, which took me back to my childhood with their sizzling rice soup. I was in a little bit of heaven that day. The fashion bloggers were out in droves for all the picturesque spots in downtown Pasadena. I had never come across a several story Target with its own parking garage until Pasadena, but I guess, there’s a first for everything. Downtown is crowded with spots welcoming readers with open arms.

In downtown Pasadena, there is a park with a memorial. I didn’t know what it was at first, so I wandered my way towards it. It ended up being a memorial for the first public library. Unfortunately I couldn’t get near it because it was fenced off plastered with warning signs about falling rocks. Still it was very beautiful, and I love that there is a memorial to a library. Truly made my heart sing.