The Roosevelt Room: Austin, TX

The Roosevelt Room is a hidden gem in Austin’s downtown warehouse district. Behind their large doors and curtains, lies an award-winning cocktail bar/speakeasy that will surely be an experience you’ll never forget. First opened in 2015, The Roosevelt Room prides itself upon concocting unique and unforgettable drinks, food and dessert. Did I mention even the desserts are cocktail-inspired? (i.e. Mezcal cheesecake).

Interior

This hidden gem evokes the feelings of a 1920s speakeasy—from the dim-lit decor, jazz music, to the black-and-white paintings on the walls—one step past their curtained doors feels almost like you’ve been transported to one of Gatsby’s haunts.

There’s a variety of seating throughout the bar, from sitting at the bar, privates tables by the entrance, intimate booth seating against the wall, or a banquet-sized table down the center.

If you want to take home a momento of your experience, the bar will let you purchase the drink menu if you’re not in the mood to buy a souvenir t-shirt.

Menu

The menu is thick like a book, offering a variety of food, dessert, and cocktail options. We did not order any of the food, but saw many people order desserts, sandwiches, and salads to accompany their drinks.

What’s amazing about their menu is their the cocktail portions are divided up into decades. If you’re interested in trying a cocktail that was popular during the Roaring- twenties, there’s a portion only for that time. The menu starts from the 1800s, to the Victorian Age and Industrial Revolution, to the age of Old Hollywood in the 40s and 50s all the way to modern day. There’s even some drinks inspired by famous writers such as Fitzgerald and Hemingway.

The Roosevelt Room also offers a variety of Non-alcoholic beverages that are just as carefully crafted as their alcoholic counterparts.

Drinks

The cocktails at The Roosevelt Room were truly a piece of art. We decided on “Too Little, Too Late” and “Cigar Box.”

Too Little, Too Late: Arette Blanco Tequila, red grapes, thai basil, coconut, honey, jasmine water, lycheee juice, verjus

Cigar Box: Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, smoked black tea syrup, lavender bitters, tobacco essence, served on an ashtray with a flamed cinnamon stick

It was a beautiful presentation for both cocktails. “Too Little, Too Late” was fragrant, creamy and the perfect balance of refreshing and sweet. “Cigar Box” was served with a lit cinnamon stick, first making its way to our table with the sweet and smokey smell of cinnamon. Both were delicious, but between the two “Cigar Box” was my favorite for the presentation, taste and the transformation of flavor as you sip the drink.

My experience at The Roosevelt Room has me looking forward to trying their extensive drink and cocktail-inspired food/drink menu. It was truly an experience that I will never forget, and it’s a place I want to share with everyone in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for an amazing, hand-crafted cocktail experience I recommend if you find yourself in Austin to visit this speakeasy.

For more information about The Roosevelt Room, click here.

Roosevelt Room IG

The Roosevelt Room can be found at 307 W. 5th Street Austin, TX 78701

x Yzabelle

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill: Austin, TX

Moonshine is a local gem that we discovered on our first trip to Austin, and it’s one of the reasons why we look forward to each time we return. The restaurant reminds us that good ‘ole southern hospitality is always welcome, especially with a warm side of cornbread to take back to your Airbnb.

With all its charm, Austin is home to historic buildings including Moonshine—one of Austin’s oldest buildings that was formerly a trading goods store that also housed a saloon and domino parlor. Though now a restaurant, it retains that Texan charm with its Western style decor and candle-lit tables.

Food + Drinks

Initially when we sat down, we looked at the menu but to honor our first trip to this Austin gem, we decided to stick to what we ordered the year before. The only thing that we changed were our drinks, deciding on their house cocktails over their moonshine. If you enjoy moonshine—especially ones locally made with different flavor profiles—then this place is the one for you, offering a moonshine flight that we had tried previously. Each moonshine ranges $7-8 per serving, but for the flight you can mix and match for $18. If you’re not into cocktails and moonshine they have an extensive bourbon, whiskey, and rye menu as well.

Appetizer—The original moonshine “corndog” shrimp with honey mustard sauce topped with a blueberry swirl. Definitely an interesting combination but one of the items that Moonshine is known for. Mustard sauce + blueberry compote meld together well and complement the outer crunch and soft, warm pillowy center. Truly addicting, and after one bite you’ll be wanting more.

The restaurant also serves their in-house made popcorn that has a nice seasoning to it while you wait for your dinner, as well as a piping hot basket of jalapeño cornbread with a side of butter.

Dinner—Chicken fried steak with chipotle creamy gravy, side of Mac n’ cheese. Beeler’s center cut chop with bourbon spiked apples, side of garlic mash. Portions are Texan-sized, but we don’t mind leftovers as it’s going to be just as delicious for a next day brunch with piping hot cups of cafecito.

Drinks—The Waterloo: Waterloo gin, cucumbers + grapefruit juice. Silvermoon margarita: Silver tequila, Paula’s Texas orange. This time around opted for their house made cocktails to have with dinner; both were refreshing and paired well with our southern-style dinner. Definitely one of my favorite gin cocktails that I would order again the next time we go.

Waterloo cocktail, corndog shrimp and housemate popcorn

Corndog shrimp with mustard blueberry sauce

Chicken fried steak + Mac n’ cheese, Bourbon pork chops w/ peaches + garlic mash

After a long dinner and a few cocktails later we still had some food left on our plate. As big eaters, we often finish what’s on the table, but even at Moonshine they took care of us when we asked to take our food to-go—Our waiter gave us a full basket of jalapeño cornbread and more bread, even asking us if we wanted more.

Moonshine is an Austin staple, and it’s a stop that you should make even if you’re in the city for a layover. Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Both times we did not have reservations and never had an issue with getting a table. If inside dining is too full, they also offer patio seating decked out with romantic lighting.

A big thank you to our waiter and the staff at Moonshine for the great food and Southern hospitality, we look forward to dinner the next time we’re in Austin.

You can find Moonshine’s Downtown location at 303 Red River Street, Austin TX 78701.

Website

Instagram

x Yzabelle

Josephine House: Austin, TX

Josephine House, found in the booming tech city of Austin, is a homey farm-to-table restaurant serving dishes with the freshest ingredients possible. On the corner of Waterson street, the restaurant fits right in making it seem like a person’s home but there is more than meets the eye. As you walk closer you’re welcomed into what feels like an old farmhouse, fullness of old world charm.

Through endless Yelp and Instagram searching, I discovered this gem as the place to celebrate my anniversary.

Interior

Food + Drink

Menu

Because the restaurant prides itself on providing the freshest ingredients, the first thing you’ll notice is a smaller menu. Even though the menu is smaller than what some may be used to, each dish is crafted with care. Other than the freshness of their ingredients and the decor, Josephine House is most known for their Steak Frites. It’s good to note if you’re only looking to try this dish specifically, Monday nights is Steak Frites night (Steak Frites + unlimited wine!). If you’re not able to visit them on a Monday, you can still order the Steak Frites as we did.

Josephine House accepts walk-ins, but reservations are preferable.

Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir

Their wine menu ranges from Rosé to crisp whites and drier Malbecs, but for dinner we decided on a full-bodied Pinot Noir to go with our dishes. If you’re not quite the wine drinker the restaurant also offers different southern-inspired cocktails as well as refreshing mocktails for those who prefer to skip out on the alcohol.

Drinks with dinner: Bottle of Ken Wright Pinot Noir

Homemade bread and butter with appetizer salad

For the appetizer we ordered one of their popular salads, aqua dulce lettuce topped with fresh ricotta, chopped hazelnuts, shallot vinaigrette, watercress, crisp radishes, and cucumber. The salad had a bite to it with the cucumbers and radishes, contrasted with the warm nuttiness of the chopped hazelnuts. Fresh and vibrant— definitely a combination of flavors I wouldn’t have thought of, but after the first bite we wanted more.

Appetizer: Agua Dulce Lettuce- Ricotta salata, watercress, cucumber, shaved radish, hazelnuts, topped with shallot vinaigrette

After a light and refreshing app, dinner quickly follows. After hearing about their steak frites (one of, if not the best in Austin!), I wanted to try it myself. Verdict: Would order it again, especially on Monday Steak Frites night for the unlimited vino. My boyfriend chose another well-known dish—the Berkshire pork chop. Deliciously tender and melt in you mouth, the flavor profile of the pork chop blended seamlessly with the cheesy grits, roasted corn succotash and crunchy celery salad.

An important thing to note about their pork chop is it’s not cooked well-done. Yes, your immediate reaction might be “oh no!" but the chef and the waitresses explained to us when the pork is this fresh, it’s okay to eat it medium as you would a steak. I wouldn’t trust eating a pork chop medium everywhere, but this is definitely a place you don’t need to worry about.

Dinner

Steak Frites (cooked medium)-seared Niman ranch New York Strip, steak sauce (on the side), topped with maitre d’hotel herbed butter

Berkshire Pork Chop (cooked medium)-Oaxacan green corn grits, charred succotash, topped with fresh celery herb salad

Dessert

To finish off our night, Maria our waitress helped me make our night extra special with after dinner cocktails and a surprise dessert. Their desserts also incorporate a farm-to-table element, such as using flowers in their cream for their desserts.

Anniversary dessert

Orange blossom pot de crème

Our experience at Josephine House was so memorable that I’m not only adding it to my list of favorite restaurants, but it’s a restaurant that I would dine again at in a heartbeat.

A big thank you to the Josephine House staff and our waitress Maria, who made our anniversary night extra special. Thank you also for the amazing southern hospitality.

For more info on Josephine House: Click here

X Yzabelle

Pane e Vino: Miami, FL

Tucked away at the end of Espanola Way, you’ll find an intimate restaurant that makes you want to book a trip to Italy. While it was difficult to get reservations, it was very much worth it. If you’re a lover of Italian food, especially homemade pasta and service, then Pane & Vino is a restaurant you need to visit next time you find yourself in Miami.

Interior

As you enter the restaurant you’re welcomed with endless lit candles and table side chatter. The interior is inviting through its charm of dim lights, in addition to the smell of freshly made bread and pasta. You’ll find it feels like you’re in a nonna’s house, and the restaurant is decorated with trinkets you’ll find around a house—small sculptures, fake potted flowers, decorative signs and paintings. Even the bathroom feels like it’s lived-in, and that’s what the restaurant makes you feel like—you’re welcomed into someone’s home eager for the culinary adventure you’re about to embark on.

Food + Drink

Burratina

From their vast menu of homemade pastas to intricate appetizers, we started off with something light gradually moving onto the heavier pasta dishes. For wine we asked our waitress, Sara, for her recommendation based on what we ordered. We decided on a red wine from the south of Italy to pair well with each course.

Wine: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Appetizer: Burratina with parma, topped with sweet tomatoes and fresh basil and thyme.

Pasta: Cappelletti verdi Tartufati–handmade green pasta stuffed with fresh ricotta and mascarpone cheese, served with butter, Parmesan cheese and black truffle sauce

Tagliatelle Paglia e Fieno–handmade bicolor tagliatelle with crispy Parma prosciutto in a creamy portobello mushroom sauce

Dessert: shots of limoncello + Panna cotta ai Frutti di Bosco–homemade panna cotta with fresh mixed berry sauce on top

Tagliatelle in a creamy mushroom sauce

Cappelletti in truffle sauce

Homemade panna cotta with fresh berry sauce

Stomachs full and glasses empty, we spent time speaking with the owner and our waiters not wanting to leave. Our experience at Pane e Vino was amazing, delicious, and memorable. A big thank you to the owners and our waitress Sara for their hospitality, service, as well as making my boyfriend’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience. I’m looking forward to visiting this restaurant the next time I’m in Miami.

For more information about Pane e Vino:

Website

Instagram

x Yzabelle

Sea Salt Breezes

Ocean waves, the sun's warmth on your back and sand in-between your toes —these are things that people usually associate with summer. But last December I took a chance and headed to the beach. Though it seemed like a crazy idea at first with it being winter, I went regardless and it turned out to be a memorable and awe-inspiring day. Sometimes it's the unexpected moments that leave an impression. There are times that we need to move out of our comfort zone and try something new. One thing I'm looking forward to are picnics on the beach and taking dips in the ocean. 

It's good to know that the beaches are empty during the winter making it a prime location for relaxation and down time. Just remember to bundle up!

x Yzabelle

Union Square Greenmarket

I love the authenticity of a farmer's market. I love being able to smell the ripe peaches and herbs and coming into contact with fresh and organic produce. It's great to talk to the vendors (sometimes farmers) about their produce or product. Even if you're not looking to buy anything there's something for everyone, plus it's always fun to look around. 

From freshly baked goods (gluten-free, vegan, you name it), fruit juices, weird plants and camera crew this farmer's market is by far my favorite. It's even been my savior at times when I found myself close to hangry. 

If you plan on visiting, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays have the best turn out with a majority of all the vendors being there. 

For more information about Union Square's Greenmarket, check out their site here.

x Yzabelle

Sweet Summer

One of my favorite summer essentials is ice cream, the quintessential summer treat. Who doesn't love a scoop (or two) on a waffle cone? One thing I was looking forward to being back in Milwaukee was the frozen custard. It's smooth, thick and delectably creamy consistency is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Milwaukee, WI is known to have the best custard and you can take my taste buds' words for it. I also got to try The Purple Door, which had delicious beer ice cream.

Vanilla + chocolate custard in a dish

Butter Pecan Praline + strawberry custard

Malted chocolate + Eastside dark beer

What's your favorite flavor?

x Yzabelle

A Traveler's Notebook's Guide to Milwaukee, WI

I've been visiting Milwaukee for years, so often that I consider it a second home. When I say I'm visiting Milwaukee some people's eyebrows raise. "Does your family have a farm?" or "People still live there?" What many people don't know about Milwaukee is the wonderful sense of community the city has along with the amazing food culture. 

The city is primarily known for its bratwursts, breweries and having the best custard on Earth (not kidding here). You can feel the foodie movement here. There are intimate coffee shops and artisinal shops popping up around the city. The city is bustling with hundreds of activities, places to visit and endless custard scoops just waiting for you to join in. Even though there is a lot going on, Milwaukee still has the small town feel that I adore. It's best to come in the summer as there are a variety of festivals: Greek festival and Summerfest to name two. And don't forget the Wisconsin State Fair.

I'm excited to share more of my MKE adventures and I will be posting more of my favorites soon.

Outside Colectivo Coffee

If you're visiting or interested in visiting I hope you fall in love with the city as much as I have.

EAT

The Original Pancake House: The Original Pancake House is a chain with locations around the U.S. I prefer this location's cozy environment to the cramped one in Chicago. Charming and quaint, it's a bright and welcoming yellow house filled with pancake goodness. Complete with a gazebo outside for pictures. Everything is delicious but my favorites are: apple pancakes, blueberry pancakes, buckwheat pancakes and corned beef hash.

Breadsmith: Breadsmith is a banana bread game changer as I haven't met a banana bread that I did like. Amazing homemade bread and generous samples, they have more than 20+ kinds of bread and have seasonal ones as well. They now have a location open in Brooklyn, NY. 

La Rêve: The Milwaukee destination for macarons and all things French cuisine. Perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner and an evening treat. Pastries are beautifully done and the decor transports you to Paris without really leaving. 

Mazo's: More like a mom and pop shop, Mazo's also has great burgers allowing you to customize it as you'd like with a variety of toppings.

Culver's: Home of the famous butter burger and special custards of the day. They also have cheese curds.

Kopp's: Huge burgers and pretty good custard, a perfect summer combination. They stray towards more unique custard flavors like piña colada and watermelon.

Milwaukee Public Market: Milwaukee's Chelsea Market. There are a variety of food vendors, artisans, fresh seafood and really good coffee. I recommend having lunch or dinner (or both) at the St. Paul Fish Company, it's worth the wait. Get their raw oysters and lobster roll. You know you've arrived when you see a giant fish dangling from the ceiling.

Jake's Deli: Known for their corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, it's a different take on the Jewish classics. A little bit spicy, yet oh so tender it's perfect with their pickles and a side of their fries. They currently have three locations in Milwaukee. 

Fujiyama: Japanese restaurant with a focus on fresh sushi and hibachi. The sashimi was extremely fresh and they did not skimp on quality or the amount of a particular ingredient. Start off with an iced green tea and kani salad. I recommend all of the sashimi entrees. Try the shiso (perilla leaf) that's served with the sashimi; the flavor complements the fish well. 

Balisteri's (Wauwatosa): Family owned, Balisteri's is the perfect locale for lunch or dinner. Get the "everything but the kitchen sink" pizza and conch salad. Come in on Fridays for the Fryday fish fry.

Leon's: Leon's can be summed up in three words. Best. Custard. Ever. Everyone in Milwaukee has their favorite but Leon's is my go-to for real custard. They have special flavors of the day along with their usuals: chocolate, vanilla, butter pecan and awesome sundaes. Chocolate has been my favorite since I was kid. 

The Purple Door: They don't have a purple door but they have really good ice cream. They have unique flavors such as Old Fashioned (yes, the drink), dark beer, whiskey, black tea + fig...the list goes on. My favorites are eastside dark beer, chocolate chunk and buttermilk blueberry. 

COFFEE

Anodyne Coffee (MKE public market): Intimate counter setting amidst the crowd at the public market. Delicious cold brew with chocolatey, deep-bodied notes.

Colectivo Coffee: Their cold brew is lighter and has fruity notes. Perfect for studying, writing, snacking or breakfast. You can also purchase all their brews and merchandise; the mugs and t-shirts were my favorite.

SHOP

Third Ward: Milwaukee's historical district is the destination for food and the arts. There are a variety of stores such as Kit and Ace and a denim bar.

Milwaukee Public Market's Outdoor Market: Artisans selling art and jewelry. Only open on Saturdays. 

Marshall Building: Home to galleries and boutiques, they have gallery nights and evenings displaying local artisans' works. 

Kit and Ace: Cashmere basics that you can wash. From pants to tanks, they have every basic you  need. This location also features a local artist each month.

Goodwill (Brookfield): Located a few minutes from The Original Pancake House, this goodwill is perfect after brunch or breakfast. It's not like the Goodwills here in NYC, this one is extremely clean and organized. I nabbed a pair of vintage Levi's for $5 that were $90+ in NYC. If you're petite like me, head over to the boys section for a treasure trove of trousers and denim. They also had a great selection of film cameras that sold for a lot online. 

Army & Navy Surplus Sales: An old school surplus store specializing in military garb. It's perfect if you're looking to add a miltary-inspired piece (or two) to your wardrobe. Not much for a petite gal like me, but I loved the bags, pins/patches, hats and old books. I nabbed a book from the 1930s for $3. 

TO DO

MAM: MAM or Milwaukee Art Museum is my favorite museum in the city. It's worth waking up early to see its wings open, it's absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. 

Greenfield Farmer's Market: The samples here are huge and it's great to talk one-on-one with the farmers and sellers. They have the sweetest corn and juiciest cantaloupe. 

Baylor Melons: The Baylor family is known for selling watermelons directly from their truck in Milwaukee and surrounding cities such as Chicago. Straight from Mississippi the watermelons are huge, juicy and perfect to cool off in the summer heat. From time to time they also sell roasted peanuts. Be sure to check their twitter for their location.

Apple Holler: Located in-between Milwaukee and Chicago, it's the perfect destination for family and foodies alike. Come here for the apple and pumpkin picking then indulge in their homemade breakfast dishes at their restaurant. They're known for their buttermilk pancakes with a special flavor each month. Grab a cup of cider for $1 while exploring the farm. You can also find their stall at the Greenfield Farmer's Market. 

If you're interested in learning more about Milwaukee's culture and being in the know, I recommend grabbing a copy of the Shepard express and checking out onmilwaukee.com.

x Yzabelle

The Whitney

I have fond memories of The Whitney. I remember the numerous visits  my mom and brother took me to as a child. One of my favorite things was their workshops, specifically the sewing one. It was then that I learned how to sew and make my own pillow, some of which I have to this day. I was ecstatic and excited when I found out about the construction and opening of the new Whitney. *This is part three of the photo series from my mom's birthday (Check out the others here and here).*

Check out the new Whitney at 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014

All photos by me.

Camera: Canon Powershot ELPH 130 IS

x Yzabelle

Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream

If you've ever heard of Morgenstern's or seen it all over Instagram, one thing is for sure: it's really good ice cream. George and I made the trek down here, despite the super humid weather it was so worth it. I love the vibe of the place and how it's set up like a retro soda fountain (I have a thing for retro things). Treat yourself ("yo' self") and make sure to bring enough cash. P.S.: It's cash only but you'll be happy that you went to the bank.

Cake, sugar or waffle cone?

Mango-passionfruit sorbet

What's your favorite ice cream place?

Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream at 2 Rivington Street,

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All photos by me. Camera: Canon Powershot Elph 130IS

x Yzabelle

Grand Voyageur

I was ecstatic when I received this notebook from Paper Republic. Known as the grand voyageur, it's made with a traveler in mind and it certainly fits with my lifestyle and blog name! I've been using it everyday-- to jot down notes and to make sure I keep organized. I don't know about you guys, but I've bought my fair share of notebooks. It's that never-ending process-- it's pretty, you buy it, use it for a little bit, then it gathers dust. But I'm happy to say that I think this little notebook broke that habit and cycle. 

I'm in love with this notebook and I'm looking forward to seeing the leather beautifully age. Do you guys use a planner/notebook to stay organized? 

Notebook: the grand voyageur notebook in Cognac by Paper Republic

Here's to a fun-filled and productive week,

x Yzabelle

Astoria Exploring

Being a person who loves to explore one of my favorite things to do is wander about until I find a place that intrigues me. Pye Noodle and Tea and Milk were two of them. Astoria is a neighborhood I have yet to fully explore, but I'm looking forward to more delicious food. 

Pandan custard bread

L: Roasted oolong with signature cream. R: Hibiscus white peach with chia seeds and aloe.

Have any favorites in Astoria? I'd love to know.

x Yzabelle

The Highline

Hey guys! This is part two of the photos from my mom's birthday. Warning, photo overload. After eating at Cookshop (check it out) we walked off some calories at The Highline. I never get tired of this place and if you ask me to go I'll go in a heartbeat. Maybe it's the combination of industrial architecture and thriving greenery, but there are so many photo moments here. I've never been here in the winter time or walked the whole way. Have any of you?

What's your favorite thing about The Highline?

All photos by me. Camera: Canon PowerShot Elph 150IS

x Yzabelle

Chinatown

The other day I met up with some friends in Chinatown, with the plan to grab $1.00 dumplings and jumbo-sized bubble tea. Btw, it's way bigger than Starbucks' trenta (Warning: not for the faint of heart). Arriving early, I had the opportunity to explore Chinatown as if I was seeing it for the first time. Here are the digitals I took, film will be coming soon. 

The owner let me take a picture of her cat.

Best roast pork buns.

Betsy and Nicole.

Fried dumplings.

Lychee green tea.

Have you guys ever visited a place as if it were your first time? Where? I'd love to know.

All photos by me. Camera: Canon PowerShot Elph 150IS

I'm wearing a J.crew denim jacket (similar), vintage DKNY crop top, J.Crew trouser joggers (similar) and J.Crew cotton tote

x Yzabelle 

Down by the Bay

My brother and Siu surprised me with a trip to Oyster Bay for the 31st annual Oyster Festival. We took the LIRR and it was an about an hour ride. It felt like Summer all over again-with carefree days spent with good company. I consider this the last hurrah for Summer even though it's gotten pretty chilly and it's already fall. Oysters and fresh seafood just scream Summer. There were various family friendly rides, but the main attraction for us was the food. We started out with Wild Bill's Olde Fashioned Soda. Their sodas are homemade and made with pure cane sugar. When you buy the mug you get unlimited refills throughout the day, we purchased the insulated mug to ensure our drinks remained cold. The flavors included orange soda, birch beer, root beet, sarsaparilla, diet root beer, ginger ale, and vanilla root beer. The sarsaparilla and root beer were my favorites. The mugs are quite big but it makes for a good souvenir. Lots of people at the festival had them, and more than once was I asked whether it was alcohol (not here folks!). I believe drinking was allowed but only off the festival grounds, but there were other non-alcoholic beverages available if soda's not your cup of tea.

The kettle corn was so good I forgot to take a picture! They had samples of each flavor available but I enjoyed the simplicity of the sweet and salty. As for the pretzels, the pictures don't do them justice. They're huge! I'd say as long as a person's face, and the pretzel was bigger than my brother's. They made the pretzels throughout the day and had them grilled before handing them out to customers. This is what I wish a NYC style pretzel would taste like.

They oysters were served with cocktail sauce, but there was a wide variety of condiments. I enjoyed them the best with a squeeze of lemon, yuzu sauce, and the spicy Korean cocktail sauce. These were definitely worth the hour and a half wait (eek!), I could have eaten WAY more than five (you can't just have one). We were tempted to get back on line to get more oysters, but the line got even longer towards the end of the day.

There were two adorable Alpacas, and I only got one of their names (Bella). I got to pet her and they were very friendly and sweet. Initially Siu and I had thought they were toys, they were so still-then they moved! Lots of blankets, vests, and other clothing items were sold by the farm. We also ended up seeing lots of unique things such as handmade lace and artisanal cooking and baking mixes. The handmade lace was all made by this sweet woman, who not only made doilies, but shawls, hangers, and anything you could imagine. We didn't get to try the English pastries but they were selling out pretty quickly (missed out on the black currant cake). But I ended up purchasing a few cheesecake mixes and dip mixes that I plan to make soon. The booth that sold the mixes are based in Vermont, they have their own Inn which has outdoor and indoor activities. If I ever get to go I was to try kayaking and their cooking classes. If their mixes were delicious I could only imagine what the food at the inn tastes like.

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