Adventures by Olga

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We had a great experience on Sunday to celebrate a birthday at Osteria in Westport Village. It was early in the evening so the place was almost empty. We got a nice covered table on the front patio to enjoy the cool summer weather that day. The service was so nice and courteous from all the staff. They do offer a small children’s menu but it’s priced $10 per dish which I thought was on the high side for the tiny portion size we received. That would be my only complaint. On the positive side, my son devoured all the noodles. So kudos to the chef! I got the salmon pesto dish which was gluten free and delish. The only thing I would add is better seasoning on the salmon and more pesto but still an excellent dish. Everyone else loved their choices as well and had a clean plate. They brought out a homemade cannoli and a candle to help us celebrate.

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Last week’s adventure took us to Holland, Michigan. We had the chance to do a little bit of everything, from hiking to beaches to blueberry picking. The best part was getting the opportunity to hit the road and bike with my son which we don’t get to do very often. There are endless walking/riding paths around Holland which make it a great family destination. The only downfall is the great dunes leading up to the beaches meaning lots of stairs to climb. Not ideal when you’re towing around a lot of beach necessities. The house we rented did not pan out as we planned, but nonetheless, we made the best of it. The hiking trails of Riley Trails Park were very interesting to explore for a couple of hours. Even if it’s hot, a lot of the trails are covered with trees and there are so many mushrooms to see. There’s a small pond with fish, heron, turtles, dragonflies and butterflies that was enchanting. Bowerman Blueberries Farm is nearby to stop off for a treat or some lunch. My son had a blast playing on their outdoor handmade playground and we devoured a couple of their freshly made donuts.
The Lake Michigan waters were a little chilly this time around and quite a bit of algae that made swimming unpleasant. Overall the lake and beaches were still a beautiful place to relax for the afternoon. My son enjoyed playing in the sand but it was too cold for him to swim in the water very long. Tanglewood Winery was such a hidden gem to visit. We got to pick amazing blueberries, play some outdoor games and drink some good sangria. Service was so excellent and kind. Would love to visit them again in the future. Our last day we took a day trip to Grand Haven which is a wonderful beach town. They were having a big festival for the 100th Anniversary of the Coast Guard. There was a parade of military ships that was cool to watch. We hit the beach and walked the pier to check out the beautiful red lighthouse but unfortunately got rained out. We couldn’t call it a day without visiting Norm’s Ice Cream. The portions were huge like I’ve never had before. So get a baby sized scoop and that will be like a regular size anywhere else. Great treat to end the day in Grand Haven. The drive from Louisville is not too bad but with a toddler in tow, 6 hours was a bit long for us. I’d prefer to stay under 5 hours next time. We made a couple of stops along the way to pick some peaches at Overhiser Orchards and taste wine at Cogdal Vineyards. I wasn’t impressed with either place. Overall our trip was not like we planned it to be but it was still a nice family gateway for 5 days.

Kicked off Burger week at Noble Funk tonight with some friends. They had a half patty melt and 502 brew for $5 each to celebrate. The patty melt was loaded with two patties, cheese and onions. It came with a side of perfectly seasoned tater tots but was missing my fresco sauce. I enjoyed the food and the beer. Service was definitely lacking. The space is beautiful and comfortable. There’s lots of outdoor seating and a couple of games to take advantage off. Looking forward to more chances to visit but just don’t make it downtown often.

Just steps from our hotel was the Parlour Room. It was esthetically pleasing to the eye so I explored the option of having our final night dinner there. It looked to be a heavy favorite with google so the 3 of us gave it a try. I wasn’t too hungry yet so we decided on deviled eggs topped with caviar and burrata app as my main. Everything was delicious and probably some of the best eggs I’ve had. The burrata was missing a little seasoning but otherwise the ingredients paired well. High level of service from all the staff. Curated taste of decor. If in midtown, give them a wirl.

First nights dinner in NYC was a huge success. Not only did we get seated right away but our food came out faster then we could say “we’re ready to eat”. Check out Friedmans for their friendly, quick service and even better food. Pictured are the salmon grain bowl and grilled chicken sandwich. Both were just excellent. Nice flavor and quality ingredients. Kids enjoyed the fried chicken and waffle dish which was more than enough to share between two. Not a big place but so efficient.

If you’re looking for the right walking shoes for those long days exploring new sites let me let you in on a secret. The best shoes I’ve invested in are Dr Scholl’s Time Off sneakers. Made it countless hours walking around NYC with absolutely no foot or back pain for our recent 4 day trip. They are stylish enough to wear day or night. You’re welcome!

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We’re sad to be leaving the big apple after 4 glorious days. It was a wonderful experience to see family and friends we hadn’t seen in almost a decade. To reconnect and experience the city through the children’s eyes. Our hotel in midtown was excellent! The rooms were not spacious which is to be expected but what they lacked in size they made with the friendly service. Don’t hesitate to book your stay at the Executive Hotel Le Soleil. La Guardia is a clean, beautiful, easy to get around airport.
We went by ferry, subway and taxi. Liberty Island and Ellis Island were a short jaunt away by Statue city cruises. Waiting in the lines to board the ferries was no small feat though. It’s definitely a popular attraction but being immersed in the history was super special. Walking Central Park and getting to let the kids have their run of the playgrounds was in the cards for day 2. Checking out the Jewish Museum was not in the plans but since we were already on Museum Mile and had already been to the big name options, we thought we’d give the small fish a try. It did not tickle my fancy but to each their own. Since only 2 levels were open, it only took 30ish minutes to go through and set us back $30 for 2 of us. FYI, not a place to brings kids. The evening was spent checking out some rooftop bars. The least favorite was Monarch. Superficial staff and atmosphere so don’t bother. We enjoyed our overpriced drink and made way to better sites. A tiny martini set me back $21. The Lookout was a much friendlier vibe but once it started to rain we decided to call it. No night would be complete without late night food. We found a ramen shop that was still open and shared a large beef ramen bowl. Zen Ramen & Sushi didn’t impress me much but it did the job of filling our bellies. It was decently priced, $20 since we didn’t get anything else. Follow me for more updates about our trip.

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We celebrated Mothers Day at Brasserie Provence this morning. I haven’t been here in years and had forgotten how excellent the food choices can be. The only option for today’s festivities was a 3 course prix fixe menu for $60 per person. I thought it was a little exuberant for brunch but I was proven wrong by the end of our meal. I truly enjoyed every taste of every course. There were plenty of choices to suit everyone in our party. The service was also on point. Truly a beautiful place for any special occasions. We each even got a beautiful hand made chocolate with the check. 5 ⭐️

Our 1st Thurby experience was a hot one this year. Parking was free and simple at the Expo center. It felt like we got there at the busiest time because the line for the shuttle bus was a mile long. Thankfully, they opened another line so we bolted our way there. The streets were closed off just for these shuttles so getting there was a breeze. The Paddock entrance was nicely manned and we got in with hardly no wait. This year everything looked so different inside. Churchill went through some major renovations. It was packed but they had traffic flowing well. Getting to our seats, I was so excited to see they were under cover. That made a huge difference with how hot it was that day. My two complaints would be too much smoke around our box and how loud the music/announcements were over the loud speakers. You definitely had to scream the whole time to have a conversation with anyone. The lines for the food were ridiculously long inside but everything else was easily accessible. The new paddock area was glamorous with so much room to stand and watch the horses prior to race. The excitement was contagious. I finished the day down a few bucks on bets but loved rooting on my horse picks. More to come about Oaks!

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A quick weekend trip to celebrate a birthday in Chicago includes some memorable restaurants and sites.
On arrival, we had some to to kill so we grabbed lunch in West Town at a top rated restaurant, Un Amor. The reviews on Yelp were not wrong. This place is the real deal. Food is all freshly prepared in house. The empanadas were crispy and delightful. The carna asada bowl was more than I could finish. Nice ambiance in the place.
Next to check in to Embassy Suites Deerfield. No problems with check in or rooms. Nice that they have a nightly reception for their guests. Although the snacks they provide are subpar.
After settling into the room, we ventured out to the nearby Chicago Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful spring day to walk around and take in the sites and sounds of the flourishing gardens. I absolutely loved it. The only downside is it was a Saturday and very crowded.
In the evening we had reservations at the Peterghof event restaurant. They were not ready as timely as we arrived but soon after the doors opened and we were guided inside to our long table. There’s an appetizer portion of the night and our server, Anya, took excellent care of us the whole night. Served us food and made sure we had enough to drink. At around 9 the live music starts which was a little loud to hold a conversation but very fun to dance. The evening included hot dishes and some desserts to finish the night. We danced into the wee hours.
Waking up on Sunday was not so fun. We had a late check out which was a bonus but gave us a late start to our day to explore downtown.
We found ourselves wandering through Millennium Park. The tulips were in bloom and the weather was gorgeous so it made for an enjoyable afternoon. The Bean and Buckingham Fountain were under construction right now but since I’ve seen them before it was no big deal.
Our next stop was to grab a late lunch at Miss Ricky’s housed inside the Virgin Hotel. The top restaurant on TripAdvisor didn’t blow my socks off but I enjoyed my shrimp and grits entree.
Walking along Michigan Ave to our next destination was lined with street performers was a nice treat. Arriving at Amorino, the Italian gelato shop was in chaos. There were probably close to 100 ppl in a tiny space all trying to get their turn at tasting what is magical. With a single cone you can pick up to 3 flavors which will go into creating art not ice cream. So delicious and smooth. It took longer than we wanted to get our turn but it was well worth it.
The drive back was without traffic pit falls which made for a quick arrival back home.
Very successful birthday weekend was had by all.

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Spring break adventures 2024 are in the books and a joys time was had by all.
Flights into Tampa on Southwest are non stop which is ideal when traveling with a toddler. I highly recommend Southwest for your next trip. Everything was on time and as smooth as smooth can be for an airline.
Our rental was booked through Airbnb and was in a superb location on Treasure Island. Our host, Franco, made all the accommodations my needy family needed.
The beach getaway was just what everyone needed to feel rejuvenated. Traveling for 6 days to a beach is an ideal amount of time to enjoy the sunshine without the burn.
We got to experience the Sunken Gardens in St Petersburg which exceeded all of our expectations (pictures below). As well as a visit to the St Pete Pier which was in the same area. Nice area to walk around and get a bite. We promised the lil man ice cream so we stopped on the 2nd level of the pier for some cool treats. The playground area was partly under construction so we didn’t stay there long. Definitely worth a visit to either walk around or ride on their tram which goes from the marketplace to the end of the pier.
On the rainy day we visited 2 very awesome places to get that toddler energy out. The first was Romp n’ Roll in St Petersburg and the 2nd was a brand new location of Catapult Adventure Park also in the vicinity. Boy did our boy have fun that day. Rompey’s was a little more structured play but he really enjoyed learning to climb the monkey bars. The Catapult experience was a little pricey for 90 minutes of play ($35 and didn’t include the ropes course) but I think he had the time of his life on the the inflatables and slides. I joined in some of the fun with him but he preferred running around with some of the kids that embraced him and told me to “leave him alone” (and so it begins).
The other fun adventure was a trip on a pirate ship with lasted about 90 minutes and was worth every penny ($40pp). Highly recommend visiting John’s Pass and taking the boat tour if you have a young one. We also ate the the Boardwalk Grill while on the Pass which has fresh seafood options. Service was so nice and the food very good.
I’ll do separate posts about all the great places we ate during our stay. We went to the grocery and had at least 2 meals at home every day to save money. This is definitely the way to go if you don’t want to spend a fortune on your trip.

So in summation, we saw, we played and we ate our way through the Tampa area. It was a delight.

First day in Tampa.
Exploring Lettuce Lake Park.
Lunch an Psomi-Michelin rated Greek eatery
Checked into Embassy Suites.
Spa time at the JW Spa
Dinner at On Swann
Evening stroll on the Riverwalk
Visit to Beacon rooftop bar.
Good night Tampa. It’s been real.
Thanks to all those in the service industry that made my day: Nate, Regina, Deacon, Tyler and Tony.

Free appetizer when you dine in…sweet n sour soup. Nemo roll on the right and Barbie roll on the left. Nemo good, Barbie not so good.

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Weekend trip up to N. KY/Cincy area. Started the day visiting Findlay market to discover their lunch options. FYI, not many indoor tables available for eating. We sat outside which was a little chilly. They have many different food options and a little farmers market too. We tried the Belgium house and Babushka pirogies. Both were good but nothing anything super special. They had a fun event going on in light of valentines so it was incredibly packed. It was very difficult to navigate the close quarters. We noticed a street car running nearby. To our surprise it happened to be free so we just had to partake. Public transit on its finest with sites to see and even more interesting people that ride…wowza! The next stop was driving north to Glenwood Gardens. Not too far from downtown, about 20 minutes or less. There’s a fee to park and a fee to go into the gardens area. Seemed a little excessive but it was cool to explore for about an hour. Very kid friendly and we loved the tree house and music garden. They even have an activity center with art, animals and puzzles. Definitely worth a quick visit. We didn’t get to explore their trails but maybe next time.
Once we were good and tired, it was time to check into our hotel. We drive to Newport to Hampton Inn. The service at the front desk was not at all welcoming or friendly. Up to our room we went. It did not face the river so that was disappointing. But for just one night, it fit us just fine. We took some time to splash around in the miniature pool and then it was time to head out for a yummy dinner. Hofbrauhaus was a short stroll from the hotel. As usual there was a wait but it went by quick because we wanted to walk the Purple People bridge at sunset. The table was ready within 20 and the band was finishing up their last 2 songs. That was actually a bit of a relief since it was hard to communicate with all that sound. The meal was pleasant while the service nice. Cool atmosphere too.

Day two adventures: we had free breakfast at the hotel. It was actually pretty decent with lots of options for all of us to enjoy. We then moseyed over to the Newport Aquarium. Even though we pre-purchased our tix in advance we had to wait in line outside to activate our free pre-k membership. The line took about 45 minutes and was not an easy process but this is what you do if you want free stuff I guess. The aquarium was enjoyable through and through and I think the pirate bridge over the shark tank was the kids favorite. So much so they wanted to do it multiple times. Being a holiday, the place was packed but we still managed to have a great time.

Since I’m wild about sushi, I take every opportunity to try new eateries whenever the chance prevails. This week I was working on the south side which brought me to explore a different part of town. I stumbled upon Roman’s Asian Kitchen. I order carry out and kind of glad I did. The ambiance isn’t inviting. Just kind of basic. The service seems a little slow and not super friendly. I will say I think the prices are fair. I liked seeing 2 for $19 options. That’s normally how many rolls I order so it was fitting. The sushi is pretty decent. Not the freshest around but I’d give it three and a half stars. Would I come back? Yes, their menu is extensive and there’s so much to choose from. I also ordered their strawberry milk tea. I tried to ask for light sugar but unfortunately that was lost in translation and I got full sweetness level. I wouldn’t order bubble teas here again because the boba is not up to par. They’ve only been open a couple months and I wish them lots of luck.

❄️ Happy winter solstice! ❄️

Today is the shortest day and longest night of the year, and the official start of winter.

Took the day to explore a little of what makes Kentucky a world renowned destination….bourbon!!! Even though I’m not the biggest fan of drinking bourbon, I sure can appreciate the history and authenticity. Buffalo Trace has grown leaps and bounds since my last visit. The tour was led by Laurie who was not just informative but added a bit of colorful humor. Everyone greatly enjoyed walking around the grounds and learning the history and process. There was an excellent tasting after the walking part of the tour. We got to try different types of bourbons they sell. My favorite was the cream bourbon that you can top off with some root beer for a delish concoction of an adult root beer float. The gift shop is at least 3 times the original size with all sorts of merch. They do a specialty bourbon release each morning. Today it was their Weller Reserve. You can only buy one of those every 90 days. Everything is tracked by a wrist band they give you at the beginning of the tour. All the staff were friendly and kind. They run a smooth operation.

Get into the Hanukkah spirit.

Get in the Holliday spirit with our made to order potato 🥔 pancakes “aka Latkes” straight from gramma Ruth’s secret recipe box. Their a perfect combo to go with an meal or holiday party 🎉! Dine in, call it in or order online at Born2Bagel.com

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My review of the newly opened Osteria. The name doesn’t really jive with the food because it’s supposed to mean simple Italian food. This place is the opposite of simple. The dishes are specially crafted to combine ingredients in a masterful way. The drink of choice was a lemon drop martini. It was strong but small, rimmed with raspberry sugar. The lobster sliders came out in an order of 3. Presented beautifully and tasted just as good. The buttery, salty roll was a nice touch. The lobster salad, although not in access, still hit the spot. My main dish was a Cesar salad with extra anchovies. I was not impressed with it. The dressing was too watered down, not creamy and the chovies were not fresh. I would not order again. My husband loved his pasta dish and said it was some of the best he’s had. They make their pastas in house. Next time I would opt into one of those dishes.

It was a weekend to explore new spots all around Louisville. Saturday took us out to Gaucamole in Nulu. Beautiful, vibrant decor. Totally different from the old Rye I used to know. It’s just popping with color and energy that’s hard to contain. Service was Very nice! Extremely busy on the weekend but the place is huge. They’ve definitely capitalized on every inch of space. The menu remains intimate like the old spot but with what feels like a lot more vibrancy. The guacamole app is perfection. I wasn’t that into my cucumberita but I’m glad I ventured out. The shrimp tacos were brimming with flavor, just too much sweetness for me in the sauce. I’m more of a savory gal. My son loves his simple quesadillas, I didn’t like the price ~$13. All in all, it was a great evening out with some close friends.

Sunday took us to the Southend to try the Streatery. Not busy in the afternoon which was nice. Had a couple football games on the tele to engage. There’s a good variety of food options just not as much as I had thought. My poke bowl was pretty decent. A little light on the salmon protein but that’s my only complaint. I’d come back for more goodies to try. The donuts were my fave and must try. Their kept warm so they taste if their right out of the oven. They even have bubble teas and alcohol.

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While out and about, I wanted to check out a new place. I’ve been craving some sushi and saw they have really good reviews. I was surprised to see how small it is inside but even on a Friday night, they were not very busy. We had no trouble with being seated immediately. I like how condensed the menus keep their offerings. Plenty of different dishes but not too much where it feels overwhelming. I chose edamame which was very decently priced at $3.75 and the volcano roll (pictured $14.95). Both were excellently prepared. I tried my husband’s salad and soup as well as his steak entree. The salad with the ginger dressing was perfection. The soup was too salty and tasted almost burnt. The steak hibachi dish was just the standard hibachi meal without the show. All in all we enjoyed our meal and would come back if ever in the area.

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Bourbon & Beyond 2023 is in the books. We only braved the crowds on Sunday and that was almost too much to handle. The lineup was insane: Aloe Blacc, Babyface, John Batiste, Blondie and Bruno Mars just to name the ones we saw. The drinks and food prices were outrageous. Parking was $30 per day. It’s all in fun but how do people afford that if you go all 4 days?!?! With General Admission, it’s standing room only and it’s way behind the VIP tickets. If you want to bring a chair, you have to buy another pass. Those were sold out weeks in advance. The artists were undoubtedly amazing to watch perform live. I just can’t put myself through fighting the unruly crowd and standing around to watch a show for that long. I guess I’m too old for all this but I know it’s not stopping many others from attending. I’ll be curious to see the attendance numbers when they come out. I’d say it was a record crowd.

This Thursday is when all the fun begins

Always a great brunch spot with so many options for the whole family. Pic of Pesto chicken quinoa bowl. So delicious! Just the right amount of pesto not to overpower the dish. Would be even better with the addition of pine nuts. Their juices are so amazing and the pancakes fluffy and big. For a Sunday they we’re busy but we were seated extremely fast. Highly recommend with their multitude of locations available. Thanks for a great meal!

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Girls brunch at the new hotspot…House of Marigold. Don’t mind if I do. Couldn’t get a resy so we showed up and had to wait about 30 minutes. They have a nice bar area to enjoy their lovely drink assortment. It’s bright and welcoming inside but a little on the loud side because of how crowded it gets. Service was overly friendly and accommodating. Plenty of choices on the menu, from gluten free and vegetarian to meat lovers. We started with their build your own deviled eggs platter. Nicely presented (pictured). For my main, it was a hard choice. I settled on the burger but opted to add an egg. It was humongous and nicely dressed. The beef was juicy and flavorful. The bun soft and fresh. Of course, I could not finish it. Really great treat all around. Will most definitely be back soon. They change their menu from time to time so I’m looking forward to see what they come up with next.