The Lyons Den

As promised…

I really just want to touch on the crucial places (NYC, Boston, and Chicago) from my 2013 trips…meaning I ate at a restaurant (or 5) that left an impression…and probably responsible for one (or 5) of the 30 lbs I need to lose.  They were all totally worth it.

NYC

I’ve only been twice (first time was when my boyfriend/now-husband at the time took me there by surprise and proposed…beyond amaze) but both times I was blown away by my dining experiences.  This past visit was for a girl’s trip.  Not just a girl’s trip but an almost completely paid for trip.  One of the girl’s boyfriend gave her a “girl’s trip to NYC” for Christmas.  That’s right – he paid for our flights and our stay at the Waldorf Astoria.  He even got us tickets to see the Book of Mormon on Broadway…and the seats were in-cred-i-ble.  Quite a gift, huh?  Any males that might have stumbled upon this post – take note!

strolling nyc

ladies before del posto

best iced coffee on earth

locanda verde

pretties

ladies outside empellon

Shopping, dining, drinking, and even late night girl talk (complete with late night fatty room service).  I need one of these trips at least once a year.

We ate at several places throughout the trip but two of them really left me wanting more.  Following them on IG and twitter doesn’t help the situation either.

Empellón Cocina – If you know me at all, you know my love of all things Mexican.  Some people even think I am Mexican by my appearance (I’m not though..) but I think it directly related to my constant appetite for Mexican cuisine.  I’m really not even that picky about it.  I will say I appreciate both sides of the spectrum pretty equally.  Meaning my favorite mexi is either the super authentic, not-trying-hard-at-all, hole in the wall places and my other favorite is fancy mexi.  Empellon is definitely fancy mex.  The restaurant was trendy, and packed, and pricey.  But it’s Lower East Side/Manhattan so what do you expect?

Highlights were the scotch egg, pistachio guacamole, and the salsa tasting.  Oh and my margarita was one of the best I have ever had.  Couldn’t tell you what it was called but I believe jalapeno was involved.

all seven salsa, please!

scotch egg

incredible marg

We also ate at Locanda Verde one evening and Ssam Bar  for lunch one day.  Both were also amazing but for the sake of not writing a novel, let’s skip to the end-all be-all of dinners.  Literally the most amazing dinner I have experienced to date.  Del Posto.  We all did the 8 course captain’s dinner & wine pairing.  A bit over the top?  Perhaps.  Regrets?  NONE.  I don’t remember a lot of it for two reasons – it was a LOT to remember AND it is sort of like a distant dream to me.  Did we really eat there?

I do know my favorite course was the Spaghetti with Dungeness Crab, Sliced Jalapeno & Minced Scallion.  And that’s all I’m giving you along with a quick slideshow below because really – everyone needs to just go experience this place on their own (at least once).

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Oh and one more NY staple that helped cure a horrid hangover one morning (along with a million different types of drinks) – a slice of NY pizza pie!  If anyone knows of authentic NY pizza in the Atlanta area, please let me know about it immediately.

BOSTON

My husband and I went to Boston for the first time this year.  We flew there from Atlanta and then rented a car to drive to NJ for my Dad’s graduation after our weekend trip in the city.  Lots of history in Boston which I loved, especially because we don’t quite have that down south.  We walked everywhere and saw a lot.  But what stood out the most?  You guessed it – the food!  We stumbled upon this place, The Butcher Shop, for lunch the day we got in and OMG BEST STEAK TARTAR EVER!  The place itself is super cool too.  Wine bar meets butcher shop.  Eat there or stop in and grab something out of the fridge to take home (but at least stay for a glass of wine).

steak tartar to die for

the butcher shop

charcuterie

crazy huge hot dog

We also ate at B&G Oysters one night.  Same restaurant group as The Butcher Shop and really – same level of impressiveness.  This is the restaurant that turned my husband on to oysters.  Not only did he eat one…he ate several…and liked them a lot!  If you know him, you understand how epic this night was for me.  I, on the other hand, learned that I don’t like lobster rolls and I need to stop trying to like them.  I love the idea of them but I have ordered them enough times to know that they are just not my thing.  No fault to B&G, just a simple personal palette error.

b&g atmosphere

had to order more

my last lobster roll ever

b&g oysters

The Liberty Hotel was a cool late night spot for us.  Cool bar and great ambiance…if you are into the whole old jail turned hotel thing.

Fenway Park is obviously a must-see.  There wasn’t a game when we were there but the bar is open and you can see the field from your stool.

Walking around the city is easy and walking to Cambridge isn’t bad either…unless you are completely starved.  Take it from me and eat first.

The North End is officially one of my favorite places in America.  I still haven’t been to the motherland (Italy) but the North End almost filled the gap for a bit.  I loved everything about it.  There are over 100 or so Italian restaurants I think?  I don’t know the exact number…maybe it’s over 50.  Either way, they are supposedly all pretty much awesome…otherwise the place will shut down and fast.  So just make sure a place has been in business for over a year or so and you should be safe.  Oh and don’t even get me started on the pastries.  I’m a sucker for a cannoli and these shops have every type of cannoli you can imagine.  Heav-EN.

That’s going to wrap it up for today but I should have plenty of time to blog this week with the big snow storm coming and all.  One whole inch of snow is expected.  Brace yourself ATL!

Plus, Chicago deserves it’s own post since it’s my most favorite city in all of the states.  Annnnd I went twice this year so I have a lot to share!

Cheers!

ML