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City Gems: Kailua

{I love to travel. I also love to eat, blog and shop. I know many moms around the country who are just like me and so I thought why not have some of those savvy moms share their favorite places with us. So that the next time we’re in town we’ve got the inside scoop on where the true city gems are. We want to take a virtual walk in your shoes through your little town, big city or sassy suburb. Who better to do that then a local savvy Mom who has shopped there, changed a diaper and spilled coffee there. ~Andrea}

Next up in this blog series is from our very own, Sherry Fahrenwald and she is taking us to Kailua, HI.

Kailua, Hawaii is a trendy little seaside town on the windward side of Oahu. It used to be one of those little island secrets that very few were able to experience with Waikiki being the main tourist attraction of Oahu where the majority of tourists spent there time. However, in recent years Kailua has gained increased popularity with tourist from all over the world for a few reasons. President Obama has spent every Christmas here since taking office so I believe that aided in putting Kailua on the map. There is also the fact that Kailua and Lanikai have been rated the best beaches in the world. So there you have it, Kailua has been discovered.

There are endless things to love about this city but today I’ll show you a few of my favorite places to shop, eat and sit down for a cup of Joe.

Olive Boutique is a charming little clothing store tucked away on one of trendy Kailua’s side streets. The store gives off a fun fashionable beachy chic vibe with lovely window designs that are sure to draw you in off the street. This fabulous clothing store has a variety of popular clothing lines ranging from Ella Moss, Splendid, Bobi, Dole Vita shoes and much more. She also carries a variety of fabulous jewelry lines to die for. Devin Krista Jewelry being one of my personal favorites.

On top of all the fantastic clothing brands and accessories, Olive also carries Voluspa candles (my favorite), Kai fragrance as well as a line of super adorable greeting cards.

The clothing in this store really fit the relaxed lifestyle of Hawaii while also being fashionable and timeless at the same time.

Address: 43 Kihapai St, Kailua, HI 96734 Phone: 263-9919

Prima’s is a fun modern Italian American restaurant in Kailua, Hawaii. However, you won’t find a lot in the way of pasta’s on this menu. They are known for using the freshest of ingredients and cooking with food that is in season changing up there menu throughout the seasons.

There are a few amazing authentic Italian pizza’s to choose from as well as many unique appetizers such as Maitake Mushroom, Winter Squash Salad, Chicken Fried Veal and a fantastic assortment of Gelato. Perfect for sharing with a small group of friends. A delicious meal can be made out of the appetizers alone.

Address: 108 Hekili St #107 Kailua, HI 96734

Chadlou’s is also on a little side street in Kailua and it just happens to be right next to the clothing store Olive. How convenient is that? Shopping and coffee go so well together.

Chadlou’s has created the perfect ambience for a trendy coffee shop with its eclectic feel the moment you walk through the door. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and get comfortable on the over stuffed sofa, chairs or high top tables. Although I’ve never been there during live-entertainment they also have an open-stage which is sure to provide an amazing coffee experience.

Address: 45 Kihapai St Kailua, HI 96734

Sherry is a freelance writer and events planner with a passion for fashion and interior design who lives in beautiful Hawaii with her husband and two kids. She enjoys lunch dates with the girls, walking the gorgeous beach of Kailua and most of all spending quality time with her family. In her free time you will find her blogging about life, fashion, interior design and parties at The Life of the Party blog or setting trends with the Polyvore community.

May 14, 2013 Posted by City Gems In City Gems, Featured Posts Tagged Aloha State, Beach Chic, Chadlou's Coffee, Hawaii, Italian Food, Kailua, Olive Boutique, Prima's Restaurant, travel in Kailua Comments 2

City Gems: Encinitas/Carlsbad

Next up in this blog series is from Christine Fox and she is taking us to Carlsbad/Encinitas, CA.

If you live in Southern California then most likely you’ve been to Carlsbad and Encinitas via Legoland. Yes, Coastal North County San Diego, aka “Home to Legoland California,” which is located about 80 miles south of Los Angeles and 30 miles from downtown San Diego. While Legoland may be the main attraction to getting people to visit, my hometown has much more to offer than just building bricks.

Sweet Treats

Photo courtesy of Elizabethan Desserts

I have a weakness for cupcakes and anything that is frosted and looks way too pretty to eat. The best place to find sweet treats in Encinitas is a bakery that is hidden within a nursery and all you see hidden among the many plants they’re selling is an aqua sign that says “Bakery.” Pull into the rather large parking lot and just follow your nose to Elizabethan Desserts. While everything on the menu is delicious, you can’t go wrong with the Peanut Butter Carmel S’mores Bar ($4.25) which they flambe right in front of you like a true s’more or the Chocolate Toffee Cupcake ($3.25). They just opened up an indoor eating area too so pull up a chair and enjoy your sweets.

However if you have a hankering for pie, head north to Carlsbad where you’ll find the Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all on the menu but I say skip the meal and just eat the pie. With 25 pies to choose from you may want to choose two or three slices and share with your family and friends so you can sample all the yummy flavors like Oreo Cookie Cream Pie, Key Lime Pie, Sour Cream Apricot and Boysenberry.

Family Time

If you can manage to lure your kids away from the many amusement parks in the San Diego area, there are actually a lot more things to do in the area than you think. In fact, hidden just around the corner from Legoland is the Museum of Making Music, which offers you and the kids the opportunity to learn about the history of music in America all the way to how they make modern music. The exhibits are interactive and are sure to keep the kids entertained on a rainy or a sunny day.

Photo courtesy of HapiFish

In today’s day in age happy hour and kid-friendly dining are not synonymous but at HapiFish, they are! HapiFish is one of the most kid-friendly places to eat in Encinitas but not so kid-friendly that the adults feel like they’re eating at Chuck E. Cheese. A full sushi menu as well as gourmet tacos and wok bowls, the menu has something for every palate. Definitely order the signature Beach Bum roll, Fried Green Beans and the Hamachi Hapi.ness. With happy hour available every day from 3 to 7 p.m., you’ll miss the crowds and the kids will be happy, as will you.

Beauty in my City

Photo courtesy of Detour Salon

You know how Cali girls are, we love to look good and Encinitas has no shortage of places to go for a quick blowout, hair cut or mani/pedi. My personal favorite is located right in downtown Encinitas just a few blocks from the beach, Detour Salon. With an adorable boutique in front filled with the latest trendy beauty items like fun nail polish colors or blouse you can wear out on the town that night, it’s just the start of your beauty experience. The salon is funky and chic and if you are dying to have the latest hair style, this is the place to get it. From ombre hair to hair extensions, Detour will get it done right.

Me Time

I’m a barre workout addict. There are so many variations that have popped up in the past few years but the method is essentially the same — isometric movements that exhaust the muscles to make them stronger. Hidden in an old shopping center is Studio Barre, a barre workout studio that is one-of-a-kind in its mix of cardio, strength and barre movements. Open seven days a week, it’s a great place to get a good workout in and you won’t get out of there without spending a few dollars in the adorable front office boutique which carries Lululemon, Suja Juices and Violet Love headbands. Instructors to look for: Charlotte, Shannon or Kris.

Christine Fox is an Everyday Mama to three and a Carlsbad based freelance writer. She loves everything that has to do with shopping and being the talk of the playgroup when she finds the perfect shirt and diaper bag. Her fashion philosophy is simple, that being a mom does not mean that you should sacrifice style. You can be a mom and still be stylish! When she is not shopping or writing about shopping, she can be found playing with her three kids at the park. Her favorite stores are Target, Nordstrom and Anthropologie but when it comes to finding the perfect pair of jeans, no store is off limits. She has her own daily blog at everydaymama.com, is style editor at stylebakerymom.com and momtastic.com. For more mom finds, follow her on Twitter @EverydayMama.

Apr 2, 2013 Posted by City Gems In City Gems Tagged barre class, Carlsbad, chocolotate toffee cupcake, christine fox, coastal california, detour salon, Elizabethan Desserts, Encinitas, everydaymama, hamachi hapi ness, hapifish, Legoland, museium of making music, north county san diego, Southern California, studio barre, village kitchen & pie shoppe Comments 1

City Gems: Date Night in Chicago

Next up in this blog series is from Alison Ray and she is taking us to Chicago, Illinois.

Moving to Chicago in 2003 we quickly realized it could take a life time to experience the best restaurants the city had to offer. We do our best to adventure out of our comfort zone and try new places but to be honest we love supporting the places that provide great food, service and are consistent. Date nights are special to us and we love spending time together at one of our favorite eateries.

SUNDA:

photo credit: Sunda, Sassy Moms in the City

Obsessed is an understatement when it comes to why we love Sunda. It starts with the outstanding Asian fusion menu, impeccable service and chic dining space. Opening their doors in 2009, Sunda’s popularity has not slowed down. On any given night of the week it’s still the place to “be seen”. But don’t let that fool you. The menu is a foodie’s paradise and the perfect destination for date night when you’re in the mood for a lively atmosphere. The Brussels Sprout salad and rock shrimp is to die for and a must eat.

eat this: crispy brussel sprout salad, rock shrimp tempura, seared crab crusted ahi tuna sashimi, baked snowcrab handroll, kobe beef crispy rice

sip this: billy’s super fresh saketini, lychee luxury drop, peared sake

special touch: birthday diners receive a card hand signed by the staff and $10 gift certificate as a thank you for celebrating at Sunda

bonus: gluten-free menu, Brunch on Sundays, half-priced appetizers and specialty cocktails Monday through Friday from 5pm-7pm in the lounge and bar

online: http://www.sundachicago.com, Facebook, @Sunda, @BillyDec, Instagram
110 W. Illinois Chicago, IL 60654 p. 312.644.0500

VIVO:

photo credit: Vivo

We’ve been dining at Vivo for over 7 years and while I can’t remember how we stumbled across one of Chicago’s most beloved Italian restaurants, it was truly one of our best finds. An intimate space, Vivo is the perfect destination to take someone special. The atmosphere is lively and romantic with walls lined with bottles of wine, however the most unique feature is the converted elevator shaft – Table 70. A romantic table for 2 (or 4) overlooks the main dining room complete with its own private velvet curtains. I celebrated my 35^th birthday in the 2nd floor private dining room and to this day my friends still talk about how much fun we had.

eat this: calamari grigliati, carpaccio tricolore, gnocchi gratinati with black truffle sauce, scallope di mare, chocolate obsession, tiramisu

special touch: reserve the romantic table 70 (elevator shaft). Restaurant is available for weddings, baby showers, birthday celebrations and private events

online: http://www.vivo-chicago.com/, Facebook , @VivoChicago
838 West Randolph St.Chicago, IL 60607 p. 312-733-3379

GT FISH & OYSTER:

photo credit: GT Fish & Oyster, Sassy Moms in the City

It takes a lot for a Chicago restaurant to impress this Florida girl when it comes to seafood. I’m usually very skeptic but had heard such great things about GT Fish & Oyster we decided it was worthy of celebrating our anniversary. Chef Giuseppe Tentori won me over the minute I tasted the melt in your mouth oysters, I knew this was the real deal. For this reason alone, GT Fish & Oyster is one of the hottest tickets in town. The restaurant is very intimate (115 seats to be exact) so make your reservation early. The bar is lively and the menu is a mix of traditional and modern seafood in a small plates format. Don’t let the small plates fool you – you’ll walk away completely satisfied. For my full review visit here.

eat this: fresh oysters, tuna poke, sage gnocchi, lobster roll, fish & chips, cioppino, GT mac and cheese

sip this:   the waitlist (Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit, lime, bitters), Stoney island lemonade (apricot, mango, lemon, iced tea, spiked with Pimms)

special touch: live tweet with Chef GT and you never know what special treat he may send to your table!

bonus: open for brunch Saturday & Sunday, Lunch Mon-Friday, Dinner Sunday – Saturday

online: http://gtoyster.com, Facebook, @giuseppetentori
531 N Wells Street, Chicago   p. 312-929-3501

UNION SUSHI + BARBECUE BAR:

photo credit: Union Sushi, Sassy Moms in the City

My first Union Sushi experience was following their beautiful photos posted on Instagram. I was intrigued by the vibrant colors and unique presentation of my favorite food group. The photos reeled me in, but the food and high-energy atmosphere keeps me coming back for more. Maki rolls are showcased in unique wraps such as collard greens, soy paper, or cucumber, in addition to the traditional seaweed nori. The menu boasts a variety of raw and cooked options along with a handcrafted, creative cocktail menu. And the complimentary bowl of chili-seasoned edamame is the perfect start to your evening.

eat this: truffled tuna with truffle oil, avocado, parmesan, chili fresco, wonton chips, soft shell crab roll, specials offered off the menu, ice cream bar or cannoli if available

sip this: Surprise + Delight – Cucumber vodka, muddled strawberry, pimm’s no. 1, lemon, simple syrup, muddled lemongrass, seltzer

special touch: The Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar Chef’s table is available to be reserved for parties of 2, 3 or 4 on Tuesday though Saturday evening. Details here.

bonus: classic sushi rolls can be ordered in half (4 pcs) or full (8 pcs). they now offer delivery service!

online: http://www.eatatunion.com, Facebook, @eatatunion, Instagram
230 West Erie St. Chicago, IL 60654 p. 312.662.4888

An award-winning Certified Meeting Planner, Alison has over fourteen years experience as a professional meeting & event planner and eight years as the CEO of Metropolitan Marketing & Event Group and now So Chic Media. As the Managing Editor of Sassy Moms in the City, Alison has been featured in Chicago Baby Magazine, named “The Sassiest Mom” by TCW Magazine, Oprah LifeClass Blogger and 2011 CBS Chicago Most Valuable Blogger Nominee. Producing sold out events with 50-600 influential women in attendance at each event, Sassy Moms in the City/So Chic Media has raised over $40,000 for charity partners.

Mar 19, 2013 Posted by City Gems In City Gems Tagged Alison Ray, chicago, City Gems, Date Night, GT Fish & Oyster, illinois, local places, Sassy Moms in the City, Sunda, Travel, Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar, Vivo Comments 0

City Gems: La Jolla

Next up in this blog series is from Katie Dillon, and she is taking us to La Jolla, California.

I often forget that not everyone knows where La Jolla is, let alone how to pronounce it. La Jolla (La-HOY-ya) is a seaside community in San Diego, California that’s known for pretty beaches and an upscale-casual lifestyle. With everything our little slice of heaven offers, it’s difficult to leave. Here are my personal favorite things to do.

Style In My City

Mimi & Red, located in Bird Rock, provides women with reasonably-priced, stylish finds from maxi dresses to fun, everyday accessories. The owners clearly have an eye for what’s in season, as it’s tempting to take entire displays up to the cash register for purchase.

Lululemon seems to power the entire La Jolla mom community from luon pants to over-sized shirts that are both comfortable and flattering.

Tijon is a new addition to the La Jolla shopping scene. Get this: You can design your own perfume in a real lab setting. Grab a white coat, pipettes and experiment away under the direction of experts. They’ll also keep your perfume recipe on file in case you need a refill. The store is full of neat jewelry and other gifts, too.

Sweet Treats

Come on In Cafe! is known for casual breakfasts outside, lunches to go and half-priced bottle of wine nights on both Mondays AND Tuesdays. However, the cake is to die for. Get banana, carrot, lemon blueberry or coconut and thank me later. An entire 8″ cake is just $30 and I’ve been known to buy, slice and freeze for single-serve portions later.

Froglanders has been the popular fro-yo spot for as long as I can remember. The parking lot is terrible, but there’s something about the silky low or nonfat treat that makes 17 three-point turns worth it. Get the nonfat peanut butter flavor.

Kids Stores

Geppetto’s is where I buy birthday presents, mainly because with locations across the county, I know the gift can be returned if it doesn’t work out. Also, they dish out excellent advice. I often run in and tell the sales person that I need a gift for, say, a 2-year-old. They pick out a popular favorite, wrap it and I’m out the door within 10 minutes. Priceless.

Hillside Artisans is an adorable, upscale boutique geared toward kids ages 0-8 with an emphasis on the younger end. As the name implies, they focus on great design and rich colors. Skip Hop and Tea Collection are a few of the brands they carry. This might be a good stop for the mom who doesn’t have a baby registry or the kid who has everything.

Date Night

Whisknladle’s excellent yet not overwhelming wine selection plus the artisan cheese and meat cutting board tend to win us over on date night. We sit in the cozy space, chat and nibble on charceuterie. Eventually, we’ll moved on to some sort of fabulous locally-sourced specialty entree and mind-blowing dessert, like the butterscotch budino.

Herringbone is one of Brian Malarkey’s seafood-oriented restaurants. The indoor-outdoor ambiance and earthy-chic decor almost outshine the food. I mean that as a compliment. Try the whole fish ceviche–it’s worth every penny of the $25 price tag.

Hotels

La Valencia remains the belle of the ball, rich with history and luxurious amenities. It’s in the midst of a renovation, though most of the hotel is open. Situated on Prospect Street, you can walk to the best shopping and dining as well as the beach. The ocean views from the lobby and most rooms are hard to beat. Brunch at the Mediterranean Room is a must-do.

Grande Colonial offers a bit more value, while just a few blocks away from La Valencia. It’s La Jolla’s oldest hotel at 100 years old and quite family-friendly. It’s easy to walk to the Cove and you can see the famous seals lounging from some rooms. Room service comes from NINE-TEN, one of the best restaurants in the city. Order the half-baked chocolate cake and the lemon ricotta pancakes.

La Jolla Shores Hotel rests right on the big, flat, white sand beach called–you guessed it–La Jolla Shores. It’s here where most of the surfing, kayaking and other water sports take place. Kids can spend ages on the beach and playground here and if you forget to pack anything, the boutiques on nearby Avenida de la Playa can hook you up. The hotel is newly renovated, but doesn’t have much of a pool. You won’t need it with the beach just steps away. The ocean breezes here are amazing.

The big question: If I’m planning a trip to San Diego, should I visit La Jolla? The answer is that it depends on your budget, time on the ground and whether or not your family is of the power-tourist variety. If the latter, maybe skip it. But if you’re looking for family-friendly lodging that skews slightly upscale, gourmet eats within walking distance, ocean views, and boutique shopping, definitely put La Jolla on your itinerary.

Katie Dillon writes La Jolla Mom, a lifestyle site dedicated to luxury travel, parenting, food and local happenings. When not traveling, she lives in La Jolla, CA with her husband, daughter and dog. She freelance writes for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Trekaroo, 10Best (a division of USA TODAY Travel) and Red Tricycle. Find Katie also on Google +, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Mar 5, 2013 Posted by City Gems In City Gems, Travel Tagged California, Come On In Cafe, Froglanders, Geppetto's, Grande Colonial, Herringbone, Hillside Artisans, Katie Dillon, La Jolla, La Jolla Mom, La Jolla Shores Hotel, La Valencia, Lululemon, Mimi & Red, Whisknladle's Comments 2

City Gems: Dallas

The first up in this blog series is from Valerie Rowekamp and she is taking us to Dallas, Texas.

I have been proud to call Dallas home for my entire life. It’s a city with southern charm, rich history, diversity, sophistication, and is the No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas. Here are just a few of my personal favorite city gems!

Foodie Favorites

photo credit Dallas Observer Blog

Velvet Taco is where fresh, gourmet, made-from-scratch tacos are created and consumed until the wee hours of the morning. I can guarantee you that you’ve never experienced a taco (or sangria) quite like they serve up in this funky little Dallas taco shop.

Food Trucks can be found all over the metroplex serving up unique gourmet goodness on wheels. We stalk the trucks on social media and hit them up when we’re at events/festivals. Some of our favorites are Nammi Truck, Trailercakes, and Jack’s Chowhound.

Family Time

Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas and a great place to play, learn, and see animals. I love that my children get to see and feed animals in their own natural-looking habitats and they love features like the Children’s Zoo (with a playground, interactive petting zoo, bird habitat, and splashing stream.

Texas Rangers games in the Ballpark are one of our favorite sports venues because it has an amazing baseball themed indoor playground and activities for little baseball fans.