A Moroccan Getaway--sort of.

When Nick was in town a couple of weeks ago we wanted to go out for dinner and I couldn’t think of anything that I as craving—so the options I offered were limited. Nick got on his phone and just browsed the closest restaurants to my apartment. He came across one called Medina Oven & Bar in Victory Plaza. Oh my gosh, what a gem! They serve Moroccan and Mediterranean foods and the atmosphere is wonderful too. It is decorated with a seductive Modern Moroccan style interior design that makes the ambiance feel quaint and romantic. It was the perfect spot!

While there, we also ordered a bottle of a delicious red Moroccan wine, Amazir Beni M’Tir. I’ve never had Moroccan wine but I am definitely a fan. The Morocco soil is known for producing soft, full-bodied fruity red wines. This particular wine had flavors of ripe black fruit with other complex and elegant flavors. I loved it! If you need a romantic date spot—tucked away in a quiet corner of Victory Plaza is this jewel that I highly recommend. 

Medina Interior Photo: MedinaDallas.com

Shrimp Salad CousCous Photo: MedinaDallas.com

Lamb Tagine Photo: MedinaDallas.com

Medina Patio Photo: MedinaDallas.com

Cheers!

Cristi

{Good Grapes Destination} Cancun, Mexico

Recap: We just returned from our family vacation in Cancun last week and I found a new favorite spot! We've been going there for the past 15 years, so to try a new (to us) place that we haven't already tried is always a difficult task. This year's new place was Casa Tequila. It was wonderful! Their food and their margaritas are absolutely delicious! They also have a Playa del Carmen, which is wonderful because we've stayed on that beach as well and will absolutely return. Be sure to check it out if you're ever in Cancun or Playa! And make sure to have a margarita! Salud!

Casa Tequila Cancun Location Photo: Google

Casa Tequila Playa del Carmen Location Photo: Google

Casa Tequila Combo Mexicano Platter Photo: My Own

Casa de Tequila Cancun Location Photo: Google

Cheers!
Cristi

Take Me There: Eataly NYC

Bonjourno!  I've recently overheard a few conversations mentioning a place in New York called Eataly.  Fortunately, without knowing my passion for this type of open food marketplace, my good friend Michele treated me to my first visit to Eataly in April. 

Eataly is a grand Italian food and wine market in Turin that has come stateside and landed in Manhattan. You have to go there to experience it all, but I can honestly say I was in heaven.  Inside you feel as if you're walking miles and miles in some of Italy's hidden alleys and passageways that lead to some of the most wonderful little trattorias, pizzerias and butcher shops.  We stopped for an espresso (the machine was too impressive not to) and headed to the main Piazza, where we enjoyed a selection of fresh cheeses and cured meats prepared by the butcher.  Who needs a cross-Atlantic flight when you can get a three hour train ticket to experience authentic Italian?  Buon Appetito!

Here we are at the Espresso bar

Eataly, 200 Fifth Ave (at 23rd St.), New York, NY 10010

As in Italy, an afternoon stop for cheese, meats and Lambrusco is a must!

Hope you get the chance to experience it for yourselves one day!

Cheers!

Ana