Amazon Hot Spot

It's true: Amazon thrives in Seattle.
I know a good deal of people who work there and they love it. Their "campus" is pretty nice and is located in a central Seattle area. But I think I've found the real reason why people love going to work there: the Brave Horse Tavern.

Now, if there was a trendy Tom Douglas eatery located at the bottom of MY corporate office, I'd be at my office from dusk until dawn!

I've heard a lot about this magical watering hole and decided it was high time I checked it out. So after work, the Pod and I headed to South Lake Union for a bite at the Brave Horse.

The place was absolutely packed. The patio was full and the inside was equally busy. We found a table by the window and quickly scanned the drinks menu.

When our drinks arrived, it was time for food.
Suz, Abs and I didn't hesitate and immediately ordered some plates to share.

Holy pretzels.
These babies came with smoked peanut butter & bacon dip, sour cream & onion dip, and pimento-cheddar dip. Pretty much heaven.

fried Wisconsin cheese curds

sausage, potatoes and grilled asparagus

turkey burger with all the toppings & sweet potato fries

Hours later we went our separate ways, our stomachs groaning with satisfaction.
Well done Tom Douglas, well done.
And no fair to all you Amazon workers who get to pop into this establishment whenever you please!

I heard they serve breakfast too...
Menu's & website HERE.

xx

Aki Sushi

There's something about trying out a new sushi restaurant that gets me really excited and anxious at the same time. I usually have a mild internal conflict about whether or not it will be good enough for the price point, or if the fish is truly fresh.

Surprisingly enough I had none of my usual banter when B & I were directed to Aki Sushi. It came highly recommended and, since we had an "in", we didn't have to wait in line when we go there. We were seated in the dining room and reviewed the delicious menu before ordering a few dishes. 

If ever in British Columbia and are craving some really good quality sushi for a modest price, this is the place to be. It's a casual restaurant located on West Pender with an outstanding menu. The sushi was spot-on, and we left feeling very satisfied on our fill of Sake and fish.

Japadog Delish

For those of you who haven't been, Vancouver BC is an incredible city.

Downtown is a metropolis of high rise apartments surrounded by parks and fresh water. There are boats constantly maneuvering in and out of False Creek and the smell of Asian inspired cuisine around every corner.

Like I mentioned earlier, we didn't bring maps with us. And since it was an "international" trip, we didn't have our data coverage either. But this didn't hinder our trip in the slightest! In fact, being the good foodie's that we are, we had already decided on the most important thing to do in Vancouver: EAT.

B had researched this food cart (naturally) that Anthony Bourdain stopped at on his No Reservations show a couple of years ago. We looked over the menu online and agreed this would be one of our first stops in BC. And we didn't have to look far at all! Right on the corner of Burrard & Smithe, and conveniently located right outside our hotel, was the original Japadog. 

Japanese food + hot dog = Japadog

This amazing cart is literally the BEST street food I have ever had. 

B's Spicy Cheese Terimayo

My Oroshi Dog

After eating there for our first meal, whenever we would brainstorm our other researched eateries, Japadog always came up. I mean, why not? But we refrained. 

I will honestly say though, if I have any excuse to come up to Vancouver, it would be for a Japadog.

Locals love it. Tourists love. I love it.

Website Here.

Savvy Sightseer

City travel essentials:

1.  Converse. Perfect for walking long distances yet effortlessly cool.

2.  Scarf. The easiest way to turn that plain T-shirt into something a little more stylish & classy. Mine is made by Swiss designer, Felix Buhler.

3. Trench. Especially in the north west, this is a must-have. Rain? No problem. Sun? Still perfect. Mine is from Gap from about 4 years ago. 

4. Cross-body Purse. It has to be big enough to put your phone, chapstick and cards in, but small enough that you're not fretting about it being rummaged through by strangers. This one fits the bill to a T, thank you Kate Spade! 

5. Sunglasses. Even if the sun isn't obviously shining, sunglasses are a great way to shield your eyes from sidewalk vagabonds. Or to keep your boyfriend from noticing you checking out the Louis Vuitton window every time you walk back to the hotel...

Oh, Canada!

3 day weekends are rare in the real world.

Intending to take full advantage of the long weekend, B & I planned a little international trip for the holiday and drove north to Vancouver, BC.

The weekend was laid back: no data coverage and no maps. We tried to do some typical tourist sight-seeing things, but it was outrageously expensive. $5 to park and another $32 to see a bridge? I don't think so. 

Instead, we put our money where it mattered: in food & (for me) in Topshop.

Granville Island Market

Lentil Soup & Fresh Focaccia Bread

Stanley Park Totem Poles

Aki House Roll

Breakfast Crepe

Yaletown

Canadian beer for watching the Memorial Cup

Smoked Meat Breakfast Bagel

Details on my favorite dining spots in Vancouver still to come.

Stay tuned!

xx