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Destination Nespresso

May 6, 2013 by

Miami Nespresso

Although traveling for work can be tiring, tough on the family you leave behind, and often lonely, getting to know the cities you’re in can often provide just enough fun and change in scenery to make you appreciate your job, family, and your wonderful life. And, if you do your homework, you can become familiar enough with the city to feel somewhat like a local, or at least, comfortable with your surroundings.

When traveling, there are always three things I research in advance to help me feel more in tune with my destination city…

  • Running paths or trails
  • Local patisseries or dessert places
  • Coffee shops

Last week, I was fortunate to be in both Miami and Boston. Although each city is remarkable in it’s own way, I seem to focus on what matters most….and that’s finding a little bit of home through a safe and scenic place to run, fantastic food and desserts, and a great cup of espresso.

Now, as most of you know by now, my espresso habit is fueled by my Nespresso machine. Each morning it puuurrrs to me in that wake up and smell the dulsão de Brazil way. So it’s only natural that waking in a strange city becomes even stranger sans Nespresso.

Ironically, Miami and Boston (and Chicago for that matter) all have something in common… and more than just great food and fantastic running paths. They are all home to Nespresso boutique stores. This may seem insignificant, but if you know anything about Nespresso you know that they have very few boutique stores in the US (in only 8 states). And I just so happened to stop in two boutiques in two different states in the matter of 5 days!

 What I loved about each was how similar they were to the overall design (sleek, clean, and modern/edgy) and that they hosted a tasting area to sample their most popular espressos. Miami actually took their “tasting area” one step further by provding a full cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a tres chic experience on a warm spring Miami evening.

With so many sites to see in Boston and Miami, you may wonder why I spent my time pining over coffee. In reality, coffee was just one small part of the overall experience on my trips – albeit an important part and one that made me feel a little closer to home.

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New Year, New Job, More Travel Than Ever

February 10, 2013 by

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Bonjour! It’s that time of year again…when Bistro Chic starts filling her travel calendar with amazing trips! And, because I’ve just started my new fantastic job, I will be doing more travel than ever!

For instance, last week, I was in sunny California just south of Los Angeles. I stayed at a beautiful beachfront resort where I happily enjoyed a bit of wine, champagne, and amazing views. Even though it was overcast most of the 4 days I was there, it was much better than being in snowy Chicago, especially because I was able to run outside twice along the cliff (yes, I said “cliff”) path.

What’s next for this traveling chic? Here’s my tentative itinerary for the next 6 months

  • March: Vacation in the Caribbean – Grand Cayman here I come!
  • April: Happy Birthday to me. I’m off to Miami and Washington, DC
  •  May: Orlando bound
  • June: Vegas baby!
  • July: Back to Florida, but this time to Amelia Island

Stay tuned as I share more details about my upcoming adventures!

Where will your travels take you in 2013?

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A Gourmet Mexican Adventure

July 23, 2012 by

As part of my “day job”, I occasionally get to entertain out of town guests, which often times, includes dinner at fancy smancy restaurants. Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend a business dinner at Frontera Grill in Chicago. Now, for anyone who is a foodie or is familiar with Chicago, you will know that Frontera Grill is the restaurant of Chef Rick Bayless. The restaurant is difficult to get into on any given night and reservations often have to be made weeks in advance. However, through our connections, we were able to secure a room at the last minute in Chef Bayless’ very private kitchen/library.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we wove our large party through the back of the restaurant, through the main kitchen and through some very secret entrances and exits, where we finally ended up in the private kitchen on what I think was the second floor. This covert entrance added to the excitement as did the beautifully prepared appetizers waiting at the end of our trek. Now you may look at the photos and wonder why this guacamole is so special.

This guacamole is not your average guacamole – it is Frontera Grill guacamole, paired with homemade tortilla chips, made famous by Rick Bayless. Aside from the mouthwatering guacamole, Rick Bayless is also famous for serving authentic, gourmet Mexican food, with a mix of flavors that will leave you dreaming about your next trip to Frontera. Oh, and did I mention the margaritas? They were definitely the best I have ever had and would be worth a 2-hour wait without question.

Although my photos of the rest of the meal did not turn out well due to the dimly lit dining area, the courses served in our five-course tasting menu were amazing. Trust me – the mole sauce rocked! As you can see, the whole experience turned into one complete Gourmet Mexican Adventure….and one that will be hard to top.

If you ever find yourself heading to the Windy City, I highly recommend dining at Frontera Grill. And when you do, have a margarita for me!

Ciao

Filed Under: Food & Wine Tagged With: , , ,

5 Days in Southern California

March 5, 2012 by

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Bonjour! I just returned from a fabulous trip to Carlsbad, CA, where it was 65-75 degrees every day. Aside from the weather, there were many reasons why my trip across country was fantastic…..

  1. I stayed in a beautiful, luxury resort – La Costa – with a huge room all to myself
  2. I enjoyed a wonderful piece of pork from Sbicca in Del Mar
  3. I bought a darling pair of sandals from the resort’s tres chic boutique
  4. I learned that Conundrum produces a red blend wine – ooh la la!
  5. I was fortunate to run every day outside with an unbelievable Southern California view (above)
  6. I was able to visit with my younger brother and his family who moved to San Diego about 5 years ago

All of this and more! Not bad for a 5-day business trip :-) Next stop, sunny Florida in April!

Ciao

 

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , ,

Guide to a Travel Chic Wardrobe

October 17, 2011 by

(photo source)

In just two days, I’ll be headed to Hawaii for a two-week business trip/anniversary trip. When packing for a trip, it’s just as important to consider what you will wear on the plane as is it to decide what to wear on the ground.

Like any aspiring chic French woman, comfort is key, but style can’t be forgotten, even when traveling. My business trips are usually limited to 3-4 hour jaunts around the US;  however, an 8-9 hour flight to Hawaii takes special consideration in regard to what to wear in transit. Not only do I need to consider being confined to my seat for an extended period of time, but I also need to address the temperature difference, leaving 40-degree Chicago weather and landing in 85-degree heat.

To address all of these factors – comfort, style, temperature, and flight length – I believe that wearing layers is a must, provided your under layers are just as cute as your outer ones. Let’s take a look at how to pair functionality and practicality with a bit of style:

3 Go-To Travel Chic Outfits

  1. Preppy Chic – Khaki pants, short or long-sleeve white button-down, with a lightweight v-neck navy sweater or waist-length cardigan. Throw on a strand of long pearls just for fun!
  2. High Street Fashionista – Your favorite or most comfortable jeans, crisp white t-shirt, a velvet blazer (a la Jcrew), paired with a scarf or long necklace.
  3. Celebrity in Disguise – Long, wide leg black yoga pants (I prefer Lucy) paired with a short-sleeve solid t-shirt with a long-sleeve black t-shirt on top. Add oversized sunglasses and a chunky scarf for the dramatic effect.
What’s your go-to travel outfit?
Ciao!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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