First Snow in Des Moines, Iowa!!

Let me make one thing straight before I start.  I hate snow and I hate cold weather. What can you expect from a gal that was born and raised in Hawaii and lived in Southern California for the last 12 years? I’ve been spoiled. This is my first year residing in Texas and I’m not a fan either. Keep telling myself I’m moving the wrong direction in the country. Anyway, though I hate snow, there is just something about that first snow that does get me excited.  I probably won’t be jumping for joy in Texas when it happens but when I landed in Des Moines, Iowa and learned it was supposed to snow that afternoon I was excited.  I think I was the only person around who was happy to see the white powder falling. It was my first time in Des Moines, so everything was new to me.  That’s actually a nice feeling - Exploring a completely new place with no expectations. What I loved most about Des Moines (and I wish all other cold cities would do this) was the fact that they have a skywalk in the the downtown area connecting buildings to each other so you don’t have to step a foot out into the cold.  How genius is that????  Anyway, I wasn’t against walking in the snow but the skywalk is so much more comfortable. Found my way down to the court district where I had some comfort food at the Court Avenue Brewing Company. Why is it that I tell myself when I enter a restaurant that I’m going to eat healthy and then end up ordering off the menu a specialty item that isn’t so healthy but oh so good? I’ll put it in writing here, if you’re wanting a hearty meal the Court Avenue Brewing Company has an awesome Meatloaf. Because it was cold outside (yes that’s MY excuse) I also got the bread pudding with ice cream.  Also recommended.  Overall experience at the Court Avenue Brewing Company was great.  No complaints. It’s one of those places I can see returning to again if I ever get back this way.

I did obviously get outside to capture the snow.  I had to.  It was fun to play in it for a bit.  I think I’ve now had my fix and winter can keep the rest of the snow.  I don’t think I’ll be so lucky though.  Have a bad bad feeling that I’ll be seeing more of this cold, wet, powder in the weeks to come...... 

It was fun Des Moines. You’re one city I won’t mind returning to. Hope to see you again one day.....

Detroit and the Perfect Cobb Salad

I’ve been to Detroit Michigan several times now.  Haven’t wandered far enough to say much about it.  I did get outside the hotel in the dark cold windy evening grabbed a shot of the street.  Not a whole lot to see.  I’m waiting for daylight to be able to actually explore an area again.  These short winter days aren’t exactly working for me.  Anyway on this visit I must say, I had the PERFECT Cobb Salad.  I know how exciting is that?  Not much to write home about but any chef might want to take note.  What I loved most about the salad was the fact that it wasn’t put together (pictured).  I could control the amounts of things I wanted to go into it.  It worked out beautifully.  Sadly that’s probably the highlight of Detroit this visit.  When I get back this way, if I decide I want a cobb salad I know where I’m going. Thanks Detroit!   

Eating my way up the Vegas Strip!

Eating my way up the Vegas Strip!!!

Yup I said it.  Vegas will get you one way or another.  I’ve been pinching my purse strings really tight lately so I’ve become a little bit more frugal in my traveling adventures.  I’m obsessed with the High Roller in Vegas and am dying to actually get on it; told myself last visit I would do it but I found myself back in Vegas and said to myself “Uhhhhh no. Not this time. Can’t afford the splurge.” So I did the next most stupid thing minus drinking and gambling with my money (though playing the penny slots did cross my mind for a minute), I ended up eating my way up part of the Vegas strip.  Aside from the fact that I should be on a diet and I should be watching what I’m eating (lately the diet has turned into a see food diet and I have to change that); I gave myself no real boundaries, that included my wallet.  

Starting point was Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.  How did I end up there?  I honestly don’t know.  Guess luck or just being stupid enough to see a line and follow people in thinking the food would be good.  Ok maybe I’m being harsh.  I was famished. I hadn’t had dinner the night before so I was looking for a good hearty breakfast.  The waitress had recommended the Corned beef hash with poached eggs which sounded great, but I was highly disappointed when my plate arrived.  Presentation was good, but the serving size wasn’t quite what I had expected.  I had seen other dishes there with a bigger portions which was more substance.  Remember I was starving!! Scarfed down my corned beef in a few bites.  Learned that one of my poached eggs ended up being overcooked to the point of it being boiled.  Needless to say I left disappointed and wished I went around the corner to the all you can eat breakfast buffet for just a few dollars more. I know better for next time...

Stop two: Well after wandering around in between shops I saw something magical. It was the Honolulu Cookie Company. If you don’t know I was born and raised in Hawaii and the Honolulu Cookie Company is good but not quite good as Big Island Candies. It’s a close second in my book so seeing that shop made me light up. Wandered in for some free samples and of course I had to bite the bullet and buy a few cookies for the road.  Las Vegas is what I call the second Hawaii.  The influx of local Hawaii people into Vegas is very very common, so seeing a Hawaii shop in Vegas always makes me smile.  It’s probably the closest to home I’m getting this year.  

Stop three: Yes yes yes, when I noticed Serendipity 3 on my Vegas map I went bonkers.  I had to make a stop.  I’ve seen it in movies.  I’ve seen people buzzing about it. If I’m not mistaken it’s a New York based shop but I’ve never been, so I had to stop in and have the frozen hot chocolate!!!  Stepped up to the bar and had a heated discussion with the nice bartender over what frozen hot chocolate to try.  There were quite a few of them on the menu.  I opted to go with the original, he had recommended it.  Can we say worth every calorie???? I looked over the menu and I guarantee I will be back.  The fried Twinkie Sundae sounds amazing.  I think I need to diet for a month before tackling Serendipity 3 again. It is complete danger zone.  After I downed every drop of that frozen hot chocolate I vowed that I would actually WALK back to my hotel on the other end of the strip.  I needed that hour long walk to burn off some of the calories I had inhaled.  Bartender was thoughtful enough to give me a to go cup of water for my journey. It was much appreciated.

By the time I got back to my room, it was food coma time. See you again at some point Las Vegas.....