Lula Cafe Chicago Review: The Logan Square Original That Still Feels Essential

Lula Cafe Chicago Review: The Logan Square Original That Still Feels Essential

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Back when Lula Cafe opened in 1999, Logan Square was a bit of a ramshackle neighborhood. Long before Logan Square’s exponential growth and gentrification, Lula Cafe started a true Chicago trend that hasn’t let up ever since – cozy and unpretentious neighborhood dining, sourced from local, fresh, and in-season ingredients at a reasonable price. Hundreds of restaurants have tried to capture the magic of Lula Cafe in the last 27 years, and only few have succeeded to have the level…

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Drinks and Mediterranean Bites at Zapote: Rosewood Mayakoba’s Lively Cocktail Bar

Drinks and Mediterranean Bites at Zapote: Rosewood Mayakoba’s Lively Cocktail Bar

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There are four, interconnected although totally distinct, resorts in Mayakoba, Mexico. It is really tough to decide where to stay, and often prices and available deals dictate your choice. We recently stayed at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, which I chose for their super large and private villa offerings, as well as the multitude of different restaurants on the property. A close second option was the Rosewood Mayakoba. One of the reasons I chose not to stay at Rosewood was the spotty…

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Tequila and Mezcal Tasting at Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Premium Agave Spirits at the Copa Lounge

Tequila and Mezcal Tasting at Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Premium Agave Spirits at the Copa Lounge

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One of our favorite activities to do while traveling is doing a tasting of the local spirits. We have really enjoyed incredible learning and tasting experiences at Nayara Tented Camp and Cala de Mar in Ixtapa. This time, at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, we decided to check out their Agave tasting, which took place in their dramatic, open air Copa Lounge in the main resort lobby area. The set up for the tasting was prepared before we arrived, and there were…

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A Private Day-Trip From Mayakoba To Tulum, Yal-Ku Lagoon, and Cenotes: Spectacular Sites, Questionable Value

A Private Day-Trip From Mayakoba To Tulum, Yal-Ku Lagoon, and Cenotes: Spectacular Sites, Questionable Value

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On our recent trip to Banyan Tree Mayakoba, we knew we wanted to get off property and explore some of the surrounding areas, since we had never been to Quintana Roo, Mexico before. This resort, and all other resorts in the Mayakoba area partner with a tour company called Mayakoba, for all of their airport transfers and tours, so you’ll get the same offerings and prices no matter where you stay in Mayakoba. The tour company also has a large…

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Monteverde Chicago Review: A Cozy Winter Dinner At One Of Chicago’s Hardest Reservations

Monteverde Chicago Review: A Cozy Winter Dinner At One Of Chicago’s Hardest Reservations

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Winter is giving out its last gasps here in Chicago, and before it’s over, I definitely wanted to publish my thoughts on our extraordinarily delicious and cozy dinner at Monteverde. This restaurant is one of the toughest reservations to get in Chicago, but when you’re willing to eat early on a Monday or Tuesday, your luck significantly increases. We ate here during Restaurant Week in 2026, but there were so many delicious looking menu items, that we opted for a…

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Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s Most Exclusive Experience: Ixchel Private Dining on the Romantic Lagoons

Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s Most Exclusive Experience: Ixchel Private Dining on the Romantic Lagoons

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I’m excited to start my series of reviews and articles about our stay at Banyan Tree Mayakoba this February, 2026. First up, I wanted to write all about the Ixchel private dining experience, which is offered by the resort for breakfast or dinner. While pricey, this was easily one of the best experiences we had at the resort all week, and well worth the money. Ixchel is a Mayan goddess governing the moon and fertility as well as medicine and…

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Hawksmoor Chicago Review: A Steakhouse Struggling to Stand Out, Despite Its London Pedigree

Hawksmoor Chicago Review: A Steakhouse Struggling to Stand Out, Despite Its London Pedigree

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I swore off going out for dinner on New Year’s Eve years ago. It’s a total mess, and even the best restaurants end up disappointing me in some way. Nevertheless, I continue to go to a new place every single year, hoping that the next place will prove me wrong. We ate at Hawksmoor, Chicago on New Year’s Eve, 2025, and while the experience was not bad overall, it still managed to disappoint. Hawksmoor is one of the newest steak…

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The Lambs Club Review: Old School Charm and Refined Pre-Theater Dining in Midtown, NYC

The Lambs Club Review: Old School Charm and Refined Pre-Theater Dining in Midtown, NYC

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We enjoyed a pre-theater dinner at The Lambs Club in New York City on a recent trip in October, 2025. Being in Midtown, and directly across the street from the Hudson Theater where we were seeing a show that evening, I had relatively low expectations. Located in the Chatwal Hotel, we were pleasantly surprised by the attentive service, old-school atmosphere, and absolutely delicious food. The Lambs Club gives you all of the old-school steakhouse vibes. When we were seated in…

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How to Visit The Met: Essential Tips for Navigating New York’s Iconic Art Museum

How to Visit The Met: Essential Tips for Navigating New York’s Iconic Art Museum

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Gosh, where do you even begin when you’re trying to write an article about tips for visiting the largest collection of art in the United States? The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is synonymous with grandeur, hosting one of the most fashionable charity galas every year, and is easily the most impressive building on the upper east side of New York. Can you digest this place all at once? Absolutely not. While it’s not quite as big…

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After Chicago Delivers Luxe Bar Dining and Some of the City’s Best Cocktails

After Chicago Delivers Luxe Bar Dining and Some of the City’s Best Cocktails

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Following last year’s somewhat disappointing foray into Chicago’s annual Restaurant Week, I was ready to eschew Restaurant Week forever. That sentiment was only strengthened after viewing the offerings for 2026, from over FIVE HUNDRED participating restaurants. Honestly, I’m not sure how pizza places have gotten in on this multi-course prix fixe deal, but I was overwhelmed and ready to just say, “not this year.” However, After really caught my eye – mainly because I have been absolutely loving eating at…

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