What to do in Connecticut

Summer Fun at Mystic, Connecticut

It was a few weeks left before summer ends and we wanted to make our last hooray before school starts. Other than the beach or water park, a walk in a downtown seems to be a good idea, we thought of CT. It is about three hours drive from Long Island, NY to Mystic, CT.

 

Where to Stay

 

Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun 

Address: 2049 Norwich New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382-1330

We booked a 4 day/3 night-stay at the hotel. They are close to Mohegan Sun and they have a shuttle up to 1am form Mohegan Sun back to Hyatt Place. This was the cheapest we were able to find in the area. It wasn't the best as some reviews states it is outdated. But we choose this because of our budget and given that they have shuttle to Mohegan Sun, I think it is smart to save by booking in a cheaper hotel and enjoy the area. Although, it wasn't really as bad. We booked a 2-Queen size bedroom with spacious living room (with a sofa bed). It includes a refrigerator and a wide-screen TV which the kids approve! I just wished they have a microwave (there is one by the lobby). They have a fitness center that we did not use, and an indoor pool, although, can use some cleaning. Do not expect too much on breakfast as the place gets crowded and if you feel like having a DIY waffle, prepare to wait for a long line.

Amenities:

Free breakfast

Free internet access

Free parking

On-site mini bar/grab-and-go sandwiches

Fitness Center and Indoor pool

Business services (computer access and printing)

Mohegan Sun

Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382-1372

Of course there is an option to book other fancier place such as  Mohegan Sun. They have all the entertainment, dining, shopping, casino/gaming you need for your getaway trip.

Again our idea is to book a cheaper hotel, travel a few minutes and enjoy the amenities nearby.

 

 

Dining

There are a lot of local dining area, but our vacation is not complete if we do not plan a dinner date. Whenever there's a change, hubby makes sure that we have our dinner date. He booked at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse. There is an adjacent sports bar, but we prefer a sit-down, quiet dinner.

Check this Facebook Reel of the MJ Steakhouse

The mash potato trio is a must-taste to go with whatever steak you prefer! 

They have a wide selection of wines, coincidentally we prefer Jordan (our choice of wine every anniversary) - has nothing to do with MJ.

Where to Go

Mystic

 Mystic is famous for a lot of things, its downtown, local dining, local shopping, old country and small town feel. Check out:

Mystic Aquarium

 Check out this snapshots of Mystic Aquarium

Sea Lion Show 

Rays of Mystic Aquarium

Clown Fish  

Fish Aquarim

 

 

Old Mystic Village

Nice little walk around local stores and restaurants. There are more than 30 shops in the village. From local jewelry, chocolates, honey to art and crafts and more. There are eight dining hubs to choose from, local beer, pub vibe, pizza, steak and of course donuts! We didn't miss to check out Deviant Donuts as our quest to find great donuts (we had Holy Donuts in Portland, Maine), sounds like the opposites but equally tasty, unique and interesting!

 

 

Mystic Downtown

Explore Mystic by taking a walk from Water Street and enjoy the downtown vibe. Enjoy a day at the port, checkout the drawbridge, local shops, and dining experience.

 

Sift Bake Shop

Walk along a downtown with local store, the Sift Bake Shop (inside Sift Bakeshop) owned and operated by Chef Adam Young 2018's WINNER of Food Network's BEST BAKER IN AMERICA.

Mystic Pizza

A loved local restaurant made more famous through Hollywood. Mystic Pizza is a move with Julia Roberts (I believe to be one of her firsts movies) where she plays as one of the waitresses. The movie was released in 1988. Let me know if you have seen it.

 

Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream

 

We also checkout Foxwoods and an indoor Tanger Outlet. 

Address: 455 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT 06338-3830

 

Going back we tried the Ferry Ride from Bridgefort, CT to Port Jefferson, NY via The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company. It was a little more than an hour ride, at least a break from driving. Tickets are per vehicle and adults and varies depending on the season. 

There are more places, activities, shops, restaurants and sites to explore in Connecticut. This was just a glimpse of what to do there in the time that we had...  more importantly anywhere with your friends and family is the best place to be!

So plan your next trip!!! 

Check out Sightseeingpass...

Places to See in Portland, Maine

PORTLAND, MAINE

Family-friendly trip to Portland, ME

             Maine  is located in the Northern East side of the United States along the borders of Canada, Vermont and New Hampshire. Portland, Maine is sometimes confused with Portland, Oregon or Portland in the UK. But this state is unique and known for its coastal waters, fresh lobsters, national parks and its lighthouse. 

Portland is on the largest city in Maine. It is about a 6-hour drive from New York. It is a great place for all seasons, but we picked our summer trip to enjoy the sights of this beautiful city. Here are some tips on how we manage a family trip.

Prepare for the long drive.

Traveling with kids is no joke, especially if it is a long drive. Pack lots of snacks and drinks, as well as their favorite toy. (We decided that this is a gadget-free trip, so no tablets or gaming consoles.) It worked out okay as we have their favorite DVDs. Although headset is a must, so they can enjoy the show, while we enjoy our music. Have a cooler plugged in so they can have a cold drink on the way. We packed enough comfortable clothes for the kids, including swimwear, sunblock/sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

 

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Plan for the Stay

As much as I want to share where we stayed, it was a disappointment. But as a tip, hotels around Portland is quite pricey as you go farther away from the tourist destinations, it gets cheaper. We booked a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay which I think should be good enough time to explore Portland.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

 

Both us and the kids enjoyed the Botanical Garden trip. One that made the trip interesting is the search for the trolls, the kids loved it (and us, too)! It gave the kids a "quest" as we walk around the park. They are called the Guardians of the Seed; five giant works of art were hidden around the park and we slowly trek around to find them. Along with it, are stories where the children learn about the forest, the trees and how to be connected in nature.

 

 

 

It may sound tiring, but feeling the fresh breeze, hearing the sound of nature and looking at the beauty of the flowers and trees makes it all worth while. This trip is not just for youngsters and youngsters at heart, but for all ages. There are shuttles around giving an option to take a ride. You really do not have to roam around if walking is not your favorite, you can simply sit down in our of the many parks and just be with nature.

 

 

Family Fee: $55 (check out their website for up to date fees)

 

 

Victoria Mansion

A National Historic Landmark, the Victoria Mansion showcased the exquisite architecture, beautiful interiors and history. It brings you back in time and the guided tour immerses you through the vast collection of almost all original artifacts and restored wall to wall artwork.

Family Fee: $35 (check out their website for up to date fees)

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth

https://fb.watch/eqyaHv0PKO/

It was a beautiful view of the coast while enjoying a lobster roll! 

Parking Fee depending on duration of stay.

Dining

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Okay, the main reason we came was really the food, seafood.... lobster to be exact! So we heard that Maine is famous for its lobster, so why not check it out...

 

We tasted both the lobster in a restaurant and lobster as a street food, and is equally delicious. We had the famous Cousin's Maine lobster roll in their food truck by the Lighthouse. We booked a dinner at Saltwater Grille for their baked stuffed lobsters; the children loved the clam chowder and fried calamari. I am not a fan of raw, but hubby loved the freshness of the oysters. You can never go wrong with fish and chips for the kids' entree.

But if your craving for seafood and lobsters now, you cane have lobsters delivered to your home through Get Maine Lobster, they offer 10% off your first order and choose from a wide-selection of fresh catch seafood!

Stop-Over Worthy

 

Don't miss the Holy Donut, our favorite is the Maple Bacon Donut, Bacon Cheddar, and Triple C!

 

Planning for your next adventure check out The Sightseeing Pass for a worry-free tour!

The Basic of Wine Tasting and Pairing - A Beginner's Perspective

Wine... 

...the subtle sound of a classy drink and yet can be overwhelming from wine selection to wine tasting. 

This article is for novice just like me. So, if you are a wine expert, you can stop right here, as you more than likely, know more than what I know. This is for a beginner who would love to genuinely learn how to enjoy a glass of red wine or white wine without the fear of being judged. 

As a novice, I would honestly say wine tasting can indeed be enjoyable and yet can be complicated at first. It is quite overwhelming to learn wine tasting from an expert, as the terms can be complex. So, we'll start from the very basic, simple tips on how to enjoy the wine that you received last holiday that is still sitting in you cupboard somewhere in the kitchen waiting for your attention.

Wine Pairing 

Now you're seated at the table in a fine dining restaurant with the overwhelming selection of wine, how do you do this?

You have to understand the rationale of wine pairing is to compliment the taste of the food with wine, creating a balance, a rhythm of flavor, a circus in your palate.

There is much complexity in knowing, for example, which wine has high tannin to compliment fatty foods. So the simple way to approach as a beginner is by two ways:

1. Pair by color.

    Typically, chicken and fish/shellfish pairs with white wine; pork can be paired with white or red; steaks/beef can be paired with reds.

2. Pair by flavor/taste. 

    Given that we are not familiar which wine is which, just bear in mind that you would not want to pair a bitter food with a bitter wine, rather pair, say a spicy food with something sweet to balance the pair. It will be safe to say, pair a fish with a light white wine, so not to overpower the taste of fish. 

Wine Tasting

You have seen how others hold the wine glass, then swirl it, they smell, then sip... (but, what are they doing, really?) Let chop it down, so next time you will not just copy it, but really understand what's going on.

How to hold a wine glass

You can hold the wine glass by the stem or by the base (one reason behind it, is the temperature of you hand can affect the serving temperature of the wine when you hold the body of the glass). Although holding the bowl of the wine glass is not a sin, it just feels right to hold it by the stem or base.

Swirl the wine

Secure the stem and base of the wine glass between your pointer and middle finger (or whichever finger you are comfortable with) and swirl it around like making circles, but not big swirls otherwise it will be spill all over the table; just enough to coat the sides of the wine glass (reason behind it, is aeration, you what to release the aroma of the wine).

Stick your nose in the glass and smell the aroma

This, I think is the most difficult to appreciate. The idea is to smell the aroma of fruit, spices, smokiness, and/or earthiness of the wine or any other aromas. It takes practice to sense these aromas. But for the purpose of knowing the reason why, now you know that it is to smell or find the aroma of which the wine is made of or aromas associated in the making of the wine. 

Enjoy the first sip

You don't gulp the drink right away, take the first small sip, enough to have the wine travel from the tip of your tongue and around your mouth. This is the opportunity to taste acidity, tannin (bitterness) or the sweetness of the wine (or the opportunity to tell the sommelier to change if you didn't like it).

Common Wines

Red Wine

The most common is Cabernet Sauvignon /ka-bər-ˈnā-sō-vin-ˈyän/

Try a streak or lamb rack with a  Cabernet Sauvignon

 

White Wine 

It includes Chardonnay, Reisling, Pinot Grigio /ˈpē-(ˌ)nō-ˈgrē-j(ē-)ō/

Try chicken with Chardonnay

 

Rosé

Try a grilled salmon with a Rose

 

Start practicing your swirl, sniff and sip in the comfort of your homes, here are some wine stores that offer delivery.

In Good Taste 

Learn more about Wine 101 in the Learn About Wine page of  In Good Taste. They also offer wide variety of Red, White and Rosé, as well as wine categories by region such as France, Italy and California.

 

 

Vinesse Wines

Currently, they have a Special Offer of 6 Exceptional Wines for Just $41.94.

 

Wine Library

 They have a wide selection of Reds, Whites and Summer Sale of  Rosé.

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Wired for Wine

 Other than wine by the bottle perfect for your home, they also offer gift sets.

So, next time that you are invited in a wine tasting party or dining in a fine dining restaurant. Do not be overwhelmed. Try a simple wine pairing technique as above or the least is ask for a suggestion from the sommelier, it wouldn't hurt. 

Enjoy your meal and drink responsibly!

Top Gun: Maverick 4DX Experience (NO SPOILER!)

 It was a long wait for a sequel, three decades! Finally, Pete Mitchell is back!

80s and 90s kids are probably excited to see this, no surprise because the highly anticipated Maverick has rated higher than the original Top Gun (1986)

IMDb rated 8.5/10 stars

Rotten Tomatoes rated 97% Fresh and 99% audience score

We had our date night in the movie theater and the best way to experience Top Gun: Maverick is through 4DX. We went to Regal Cinema.

 

It is like going to Universal Studios, but only paying for one ride. It includes moving/tilting chair as the fighter jets fly and wind swooshing to the side of your ears as the speed picks up! It is feeling the wind in front of you, over your head and under your feet. Did I mention water?!? Yes! It was a total experience plus the surround sound and external lights beyond the big screen. (You do have an option to turn off the water though.) 

It was great that they did wait until the cinemas are open before showing Top Gun: Maverick; it is the only way to really enjoy it, in the big screen!

Other than the experience, it was the story line that makes us agree with both the ratings of IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, or even higher! (NO SPOILER!) They have completely correlated the original Top Gun. Although, you do not necessarily have to know the story of Top Gun, you can understand the Top Gun: Maverick in it's own respect. I still would encourage that you watch the original Top Gun as a refresher or just to love Tom in a different time and age.

A friend who is rather older than us watched the Top Gun (Paramount + and other cables are showing it lately) with her daughter (in her 20s) told us how her daughter made fun of her reaction (thrill/excitement) to Tom Cruise's scenes; now understands what is it about as she watch Top Gun: Maverick. I love that the new characters and older characters (no pun intended) were collaborated well, not to compete but to compliment each other's role.

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Other movies coming that has 4DX Experience includes:

 

Jurassic World Dominion

 

Doctor Strange: Multiverse Madness

 

Nope

 

Thor: Love and Thunder

 

Minions: The Rise of Gru

 

Elvis

 

Lightyear

Daniel NYC: Double Date || on our 11th Wedding Anniversary!

This year is something different, instead of dinner for two to celebrate our anniversary, Mitch collaborated with my niece's boyfriend to have a double date.

Mitch loves surprising me with something that does not come from a box. As usual, there is no way he will spill the beans; that is, if Fernando can keep the secret from Bridgette. 

Ahhh, young love! Sweet and exciting. It was not so long ago when we had the same spark. Not that we lost it; but at this point, we have evolved from enjoying that spark to fireworks! What best way than to share some points to this young lovers. Well, this young lad has not much to learn as he knows how to treat a woman. Fernando has taken Bridgette in dinner dates at Michelin-star restaurant such as Per Se and Gabriel Kreuther. So, it is safe to say, I am expecting no less tonight!

I am trying not to jinx our night as it appears that the traffic is smooth sailing. I do not want us to be late, just like in Per Se or too early, like in Atera. But as soon as we hit New York City... the curse of the bumper to bumper traffic. So my fingers are crossed, nervous but excited! Where is it going to be tonight? As I am tempted to use Google Maps to navigate the easiest way to get there, Mitch keeps saying, "I did not hold the secret, just for you to find out minutes before. So chill, we'll make it on time!

And we did! (how can I not trust this man?!)

I was genuinely surprised! I have been wanting to dine at Daniel!

Daniel Restaurant NYC

Daniel is the flagship restaurant of Daniel Boulud, a two-Michelin star chef and restaurateur. Daniel is located in the former Mayfair Hotel in Park Avenue. I was tip-toeing with excitement as we walked inside! But wait, there's more!

Daniel Boulud

As we are being walked to our seats, one of the host whispered, "He is here." Mitch, turned around and told me, "that's Daniel Boulud!" I know he will not be star-struck with Hollywood actors, but with culinary stars, he gets excited! At the same token, Mitch will be embarrassed to approach, so I immediately grabbed his hand and walked towards where Daniel is. "Chef, we are a fan, can we take a photo with you?" "Of course!, with the lovely French accent. "Are you leaving now?, he asked. "No Chef, we are just coming in." (I am thinking maybe he will ask how was the dinner?) In reply he said, "Enjoy!" as we walked back to the Main Dining Room. We are surprised to see him because Eddy Leroux is now the Executive Chef at Daniel.

With all this excitement, I forgot, this is a double date! Mitch and Fernando already had in mind, the seven-course tasting menu is the dinner of choice with the wine pairing for Mitch. 

For starter, they had us love broccoli presented in a way you'll love greens differently.

 

 

and this carefully crafted baguette, but it was the butter that will make you want to have more of it  

The first of the seven-course was Midland Farm Beef - "Pressé" of Scharbauer Ranch Wagyu Oxtail and Foie Gras, Smoked Eel, Young Beet, Horseradish Kendall Cream 

The generous portion of Foie Gras makes you appreciate its unique taste, as well as making Mitch have a taste of beets (which he does not like, in this case he did!)

The second was Pacific Hiramasa - Michigan Cherry, Fresh Almond, Spruce Tip, Pink Celery Chutney

I am not sure about having sweetness in a main dish, but the cherry actually complimented the sashimi, as the hint of pepper lingered which I was not a fan of.

The third was Fennel "Vichyssoise" - Basil Glazed Morro Bay Oysters, Burrata, Seaweed Pearls

They serve the dish followed by the pouring out the vichyssoise to our plate (talk about presentation here).

The fourth course was Cape Cod Diver Scallops - Foraged Seaweed, Fingerling Potato, Watercress Emulsion

These three layer of goodness is Fernando's favorite. The scallops were layered over the potato and topped with the seaweed and covered with watercress emulsion; this dish is easy to enjoy, not overwhelming to the palate, as you taste the gift of both the sea and the land.
 

The fifth is Maine Halibut - Espellete Crusted, Morels, Minnesota Wild Rice, Nettles, Baby Shallot Tempura

This is a feast of the eyes and the palate. It is as if you are presented with an appetizing garden with pleasing colors. 

Check out the seafood selection tab at US Wellness Meats for wild Alaskan Halibut delivered to your home.

The fifth is Scharbauer Ranch Beef Striploin - Eggplant, Garbanzo and Black Butte Chickpeas, Pommes Anna, Sesame-Beef Jus

I would think it takes careful and artistic knife skills to male the delicate Pommes Anna. The perfectly cooked beef striploin will make you love steak even more.

 

If you are craving for steak, check out Grassland Beef for a wide variety of steak and other meats delivered to you.

At this point, we really feel full but there is more for dessert...

There were two selection of which we had both to share with each pair.

Michoacán Vacherin - Avocado-Lavender Sorbet, Marzipan Ice Cream, Tequila Foam, Lime Meringue, Crèam Chantilly

 

and Dominican Republic Milk Chocolate - Elvesia Crémeux, Cubeb Peppercorn Sablé, Café Aue Lait Gelée

I feel like the desert is overflowing as it keeps coming... a selection of hand-crafted chocolate of which is a great pair with freshly-brewed coffee.

With an additional special dessert to greet our anniversary.

Craving for more chocolates, check out zChocolat for selection of luxury French chocolates!

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For the wine pairing, I stick to a choice of reisling as I honestly cannot enjoy different wine to pair so I had Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Sharzhofverger Riesling Spӓtlese, Saar 2017

The Head Sommelier, Chris Dooley presented Mitch the taste of:

• Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2017
• Do Ferreiro, Albariño, Rias Baixas 2014
• Domaine Jean Monnier Les Rougeots, Meursault, Burgundy 2019
• Domaine Dufouleur, Cuvée du Chateau, Nuits-Saint-Georges 2016
• Domaine Jasmin Côte, Rôtie, Rhône Valley 2013
• Lenkey, Cuvée November, Tokaji, Hungary 2012
• Graham's 20yr Tawny Port, Portugal

Check out In Good Taste for perfect wine gift, every time!

Enjoy 6 exceptional hand-picked wines at Vinesse Wines as they support small batch independent winemakers!

Here are some savings if you feel like grabbing a bottle of red or white: 

Save up to 70% and Get Free Shipping on select wines at Wired for Wine

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It was indeed a great night of good food, exceptional experience, and most importantly the one of the best time spent with family. Cheers for more years to us and to this young couple! Until our next dinner!

 

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