North Portland location, less of a wait, same Scandinavian charm…what’s not to love about Broder Nord? I can’t get enough of the abelskivers and quirky Swedish decor.
restaurants
Boston
Boston will always have a piece of my heart. I spent my freshman year of college at Boston University and have been back to visit several times since. If you can swing it, go on Marathon Monday – it’s unlike any other sporting event or celebration I’ve ever been to. It really is the BEST. On Marathon Monday I would recommend starting in Kenmore Square and walking towards Brookline. Cover as much of the race route as you can -it’s a super festive atmosphere and all the bars along the course are packed!
City Guide below –
Must Do’s:
Fenway Park. Even if you can’t make it to a game, just go. It’s magical. There was a great article in the NY Times last month about furthering development in the area, link here)
Freedom Trail. So. Much. History. And, if you take the ferry back from Charlestown the views of the city are amazeballs.
Duck Tour. Cute, quirky way to see different parts of the city.
More Faves (by neighborhood):
1. South Boston – Loco, 2. North End – Regina Pizza, 3. Back Bay – Alibi (inside what’s now a hotel, but used to be the Boston jail), 4. Beacon Hill – Tatte Bakery, 5. South End – The Gallows
Beacon Hill/Back Bay:
Beacon Hill Pub – the divest of dive bars. We went during the afternoon and there weren’t a ton of people around but you could imagine that it’s a hot spot on Friday nights.
Explore the shops in Beacon Hill – start on Charles St.
Flour – cute Boston area chain with great breakfast, lunch and coconut macaroons.
North End:
Mike’s Pastry – go to both Mike’s and Modern and then cast your vote for best cannoli!
South End:
Myers + Chang (one of the owners is on this season of Top Chef!)
The Butcher Shop – amazing cuts of meat, great sides and awesome neighborhood atmosphere. If I lived in Boston, I definitely try to make the South End my home. All the charming restaurants and row houses are fun to walk past.
South Boston:
L Street Tavern (the bar made famous in Good Will Hunting)
Shamrock Pub – doesn’t look like much from the outside, but seems like it was (and still is) a watering hole for local union workers. An interesting spot that you wouldn’t find in a lot of other places.
Other:
Eagle’s Deli (take the T to Cleveland Circle)
Pinocchio’s (near Harvard Square)
Michael’s Deli (in Brookline)
Hope you enjoy!
xo,
MJ
FOOOOOD: La Moule
If you’re looking for a little slice of Europe in PDX, look no further than La Moule. Located in a charming section of SE Clinton St. this is a gem that’s not to be missed. Now that the rain is here to stay in Portland, steaming bowls of mussels are perfect for a rain-soaked fall evening!
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- Photo via Eater Portland
FOOOOOD: All-Way
Looking for an In-n-Out style burger in Portland? Look no further than All-Way. Yes, it’s in kind of a weird location (random old bldg near Nordstrom on Broadway), but the burgers are delish. We went for lunch, but I think this would be an awesome place to go with friends before or after a night out. Great burgers, full bar – what more can you ask for?
xoxo
MJ
FOOOOOD: Pollo Norte
I have never been to a place quite like Pollo Norte. A tiny little spot on 42nd Ave & Killingsworth – this place is killing it. They serve 1 thing – rotisserie chicken – and they do it well. Totally beats the chicken sitting under the warmer at Whole Foods. Your chicken comes with a choice of sides, tortillas and two different salsas. Everything tasted super fresh and really delicious. They’re branding is also spot on, I’m a total sucker for good branding.
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- from Pollo Norte instagram. When the neon Pollos sign is lit up – chickens are available!
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- from Pollo Norte instagram
xoxo
MJ
FOOOOOD: Boxer Ramen
I love food. Like a lot. I’m a self proclaimed foodie and eating rules. One of Matt and I’s fave things to do is check out new bars and restaurants. Anddddd, we’re lucky to live in a place like Portland with so many awesome options. Other than everyone’s fave Top Ramen, I’m pretty new to the ramen and pho world. However, now I’m obsessed. Boxer Ramen in Union Way is one of the best. The space has a minimalist vibe, there’s like 6 items on the menu and no take out. Rather than being a detriment, these are some of the things that make it great.
Definitely check it out next time your in the mood for a delicious, spicy bowl of ramen. Xoxo MJ
Flights. Booked.
On Saturday we booked our flights for a September trip that will be one to remember. We’re going back to South Carolina for our 2nd annual (golf) trip with friends. And from there heading to Amsterdam, St. Andrews and London. The planner in me is already plotting out some must dos.
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far – I’d love to hear any suggestions!
Amsterdam
De Pijp
Cafe MP – probably our all time fave bar in Amdam
St. Andrews & Edinburgh
Still trying to figure out the highlights here. Will definitely post an update sometime in the next six months (yes, I’m definitely ahead of the game).
London
**this will be my first time to London and I’m pretty pumped.
Oxford Circus
Definitely planning to check out the Design Sponge city guides for Edinburgh & London. And of course a few guidebooks. September here we come!
xoxo
MJ
NYC
Last week’s work trip to NYC provided ample time for exploring (the best kind of work trip). A few highlights below…
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- Sun in Central Park
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- Love the type on the YMCA building
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- Central Park
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- Top of the Rock
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- Rockefeller Plaza. Really wishing the tree was still up!
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- Eataly. So. Good.
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- High Line in the FREEZING cold
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- So many lights at Chelsea Market.
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- Chelsea Market.
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- NYC Parks symbol reminds me of the Canadian flag
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- DVF.
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- enough said.
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- Employees Only
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- Little Branch
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- One of the best decisions of the trip.
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- Everyman Espresso.
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- Times Square
Going back in Feb for 5 days and hoping for more adventures!
xoxo,
MJ
For the Love of the South Part 2
And the trip continues…
Beaufort
Beaufort, SC is a CHARMING place. It was recently rated America’s Happiest Seaside Town by Coastal Living Magazine – and it’s easy to see why! Similar to Savannah, we got a lot of recos from the Design Sponge city guide for Beaufort.
The cottage that was stayed in at Secession Golf Club was the cutest! I literally took pictures of all the interior details so I can remember to incorporate them into our house someday. Needless to say, we will definitely be back.
We started off with lunch at the Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe. It was AMAZING. The decor of the cafe was spot on – I’m a sucker for subway tile and the color green. When I sat down to write this post, I went back to their website and saw that their homemade soups, just made Oprah Magazine’s favorite things list for Jan. 2015! I think I literally could’ve eaten here every day we were in Beaufort.
We finished up the day in Beaufort with a horse drawn carriage tour. All of the homes in the historic area are amazing and Beaufort was actually the filming ground for a lot of movies – most notably The Big Chill.
sketchy through the trees picture of The Big Chill House
The other awesome place we ate in Beaufort was Wren – amazing burgers.
Our day trip to Hilton Head was definitely a highlight of the trip. The water was SO warm compared what we’re used to in the Pacific Northwest. It was amazing to just lie on the beach and read!
We spent our last day in SC with a day trip to Charleston. I was really excited about this trip, but it was so, freaking hot and humid that it was tough to really enjoy it. Oh well, guess that’s a good excuse to go back someday! A few highlights below…
Another carriage tour!
Cru Cafe – one of the best meals of the trip, and a delish Rose’! (Get the shrimp BLT)
King Street
Here’s to an amazing trip with even better friends!
xoxo
MJ
MOLLIE JO 