Last weekend, we decided to go on a fancy date night (ie. not Vietnamese food, which you guys know I'm obsessed with) and hit up Rare in Kanata.  Marco had been once but it was my first time and it did not disappoint...


On our way to Rome, from Florence, we sat across from a guy on the train who had been staying in Rome.  Of course I asked him if he had any recommendations for food and he did: Dar Poeta.

He raved that it was possibly the best pizza in Italy, and since we'd already tried Gusta's, it was only natural to compare the best to the best...

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On our last night in Florence, we tried Sabatini, at the recommendation of Marco's Italian co-worker. We made a reservation online, and I checked out the Trip Advisor reviews which were all quite positive.  One reviewer had said it wasn't a super modern place or the 'it' place anymore, but that the food was amazing, so off we went...


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JACKET -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  WHITE SKINNIES  |  SNEAKERS  |  STUDDED BAG -- OLD (SIMILAR)  |  HAIR TUTORIAL

On our second night in Florence, we were able to get a reservation at Il Magazzino Osteria Tripperla, which was recommended to us by our Italian friend.  We had tried the night before but were unsuccessful to get in without a reso so made one for the following evening...

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DENIM JACKET  |  BLACK TANK (SIMILAR)  |  SHINY LEGGINGS  |  SNEAKERS  |  NINE WEST BAG -- OLD

Our first food stop in Italy was at Gusta Pizza.  We walked for about a kilometre, with our heavy carry-on bags to find this place and it did not disappoint.

The pizzas are exactly what you'd think authentic Italian pizza would be; saucy, thin-crusted with simple toppings like basil, spicy salami and roma tomatoes.

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Last night we went to The Albion Rooms in the Novotel hotel to celebrate a friend's birthday.  It was my first time and it did not disappoint.  The menu is small and the atmosphere is rustic meets modern with rough wooden tables, drop pendant lighting and cozy booths with pillows.


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During our three-day (anniversary) trip to New York City, I knew Hudson Clearwater was a place I wanted to try.  Joanna raved about it on her blog years ago, and I kept it in my back pocket for the future which happened to be the weekend before last.

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Our first breakfast in New York City was at The Grey Dog in Chelsea.  I had read about it through a link from a blog but I can't remember where.  It sounded exactly like something we were looking for:  off the beaten path, hipster-esque, home-cooking with breakfast classics.

We walked almost three kilometres--from Times Square; but next time we'll know to take the subway--to finally arrive at a rustic, coffeehouse on a quieter street lined with town homes and apartments.

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We decided to try out Salt yesterday for brunch, after the gym with a friend and I hadn't planned on sharing this eating out experience, but figured why not.

First off, the restaurant is gorgeous inside and if you're from Ottawa, you know this was formerly a Broadways and very casual.  It's now transformed into a velvet-and-crystal-chanelier chic lounge with beautiful, moody decor, plush arm chairs, a grand piano in the front bar, an open kitchen and completely overhauled bathrooms.

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Last week, Marco took me out for my first Ramen experience.  We went to Ginza in Chinatown for a casual meal to round out the long weekend.
 
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Marco and I hit up the new Central Bierhaus in Kanata to try out their sausages and massive selection of beer the other day and it did not disappoint.

After being greeted, via sign, in German, you're led through the massive, industrial pub to either a large booth, a long picnic-style table or a half booth (they also have a great outdoor, covered, patio).  We got the latter and sat near the back, close to the massive big screen and open kitchen.

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Last night, Melissa and I got together again for dinner and this time hit up Tennessy Willems in Hintonburg.  She had never been, so like our outing two weeks ago at El Camino, it was a first time experience.

Now, I have been to this place before, and had take-out as well and the gourmet wood oven pizza is seriously amazing, the salads are fresh and unique and the drink list isn't expansive but will likely suit whatever it is your looking for.

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My friend Melissa has been super gracious to stay at our place while we've travelled to Punta Cana and Las Vegas recently, and so instead of having her over for dinner to thank her, this time we decided to go out.

I have been to El Camino many times, it's safe to say it's in my top five, but it was still on her bucket list.  So, off we went to chow down on tacos and amazing deep fried goodness.

The hipster taco bar is located in downtown Ottawa and has quickly gained popularity for it's phenomenal tacos and fresh made margaritas.  The wait time is often over an hour, but worth it in my opinion, to at least try it.  Since we were meeting after work, we didn't have to wait but despite it being only 5:30pm on a Thursday, the place was already buzzing.


We sat down and got straight to business both ordering our fave local organic beer (Mill St).  I love me some tequila but it's hard to beat tacos and beer for me.

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