Vestri: the best gelato in Florence

Gelato di Bar Vivoli (Florence, Italy)

evaluation: meh. Absolutely nothing memorable about this gelateria. In fact, I don't even remember what flavors we got.

I see now why Vivoli is falling quickly from the ranks of "best gelato in Florence"

But the out-dated guidebooks still recommend it, so the tourists still flock here. Particularly unfriendly staff too. (probably has something to do with all the tourists.)

Mercado

a picture is worth a thousand words...

... "How was Italy?"

Osteria Ganino (Florence, Italy)

When searching for a accommodation in Florence, location is everything (and perhaps aria condizionata). So I could not have been happier to find a bed in breakfast in the very same piazza as my favorite restaurant in all of Florence. This restaurant must be the most underrated osteria in the city. (continue later)

Spanish Pastries (Candeleda, Spain)

Birthday Breakfast in Candeleda

Jamón Ibérico

my perfect birthday breakfast :)

Japanese/Korean breakfast

Natta = fermented soy beans = gross

Salt Water

Paella in Spain (Candeleda, Spain)

Mondana's Birthday Dinner at AnQi Bistro (Orange County, California)

Mondana and I had an amazing (too many course) meal at AnQi Bistro & Noodle Bar. (I'll update this post with details on the amazing meal later.)

The cupcakes are from SusieCakes, which is an awesome lil retro feeling bakery in my neighborhood. My favorites are the "Celebration" cupcakes, which is just their version of vanilla, and of course their amazing Red Velvet cupcakes - which some argue are better thanSprinkles (gasp).

The sparking wine has some super cheesy name like "the love of Paris" or something of that sort. It is around $4 at Trader Joe's. However, it is peach flavored. And for my dear friends who are just warming up to the taste of alcohol (aka Mondana) it is AMAZING. Super sweet. Goes down nice and easy. Gets the job done. :)

...and yes, we take celebrating each other's birthdays quite seriously, I know. haha

Dinner with Drew (Austin, Texas)

ACME in New Orleans

New Orleans for Mardi Gras

...finally updating blog. more pictures to come.

The Waterburger v. In-N-Out Debate

Cooking instead of Typing

Procrastination has never tasted so good.
Bow tie pasta with:
Sundried tomatoes
Fresh feta cheese
Sauteed artichoke hearts
Aspargus (cooked lightly so they're nice and crisp)
Fresh diced tomatoes
Sauteed red onion
Sauteed garlic
(No sauce. Just a bit of salt and pepper. All the olive oil from sauteing and the melted feta added enough moisture and flavor.)
Yummmmm
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Lunch at L'Express, New York City

I had a veal milanese sandwich at this cute lil (and busy) place called L'Express in the Gramercy/Flatiron neighborhood. Absolutely to die for!! The cappuccino was one of the better ones I have had. I was very impressed with this place. (P.S. This place is 24 hours. Score.)
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