Travel

10 Things to do in Charleston

[heart_this] · Nov 17, 2015 · 1 Comment

My job takes me on the road several times a month and Charleston has been by far one of the coolest cities I have gotten to travel to three times. Each time I go back, I keep discovering more reason this could be one of my favorite places. Whether you are there for work, play or a little of both, here are 10 things I think you should do in Charleston, South Carolina.

Try an oyster shooter. If you like Bloody Mary’s and oysters, think of the two combined in shot form. It’s made with pepper vodka, cocktail sauce, lemon juice and a little horseradish if you like heat. Pearlz Oyster Bar has a great happy hour specials and while you’re there, try an oyster shooter.

Eat hushpuppies. I had never had the luxury of eating these delicious pillows of heaven. They are made with a cornmeal batter, fried into little bite-size pieces and are both sweet and savory. Every place makes them a bit different, so you’ll have to find your favorite.

Drink bourbon. Charleston lent itself to a lot of firsts for me. One of which was drinking real bourbon. The Husk Bar has an extensive list of options, but I chose to start with one of their punches, which is like a gourmet bourbon cocktail. Sip it upstairs in the lounge with exposed wood and a really cool vibe.

Try boiled peanuts. These were another first for me. While I wouldn’t necessarily try them again, I am glad to say I’ve at least given these Southern staple a shot.

Find your favorite biscuits. There are biscuits on the menu at almost every restaurant, and like hushpuppies, everyone makes them in their own style. I loved the warm basket from Poogan’s Porch, but for a cute little hole-in-the-wall experience try Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. It’s even open until 2 am on weekends.

Walk through the Battery. The homes on the waterfront are absolutely remarkable in their pastel colors with their grandiose porches. I want to know the story behind every single one of them and meet the families that still call them home!

Explore the local shops and bakeries. The streets in Charleston are ones that you could walk up and down hundreds of times and discover something new each time. I loved finding Sugar, this tiny little walk-in bakery with the best caramel cupcake I’ve ever tried.

Drive across the bridge to Shem Creek. Charleston’s charm extends beyond just King Street. If you have time, take the short drive over the bridge to Shem Creek and enjoy some afternoon cocktails and appetizers while watching dolphins swim in the water at Red’s Ice House.

Indulge in a Southern Brunch. The signature dish of the city is shrimp and grits, so indulge in that as a brunch dish or add a crab cake to your Eggs Benedict. Even the traditional eggs, bacon and potatoes taste better in the South. If you’re planning on weekend brunch, be ready for a wait as brunch is the thing to do on Saturday and Sunday.

Put pimento cheese on everything. Everywhere I go in Charleston, I love trying their pimento cheese. The spread can be put on crackers, bruschetta, veggies, fried green tomatoes, biscuits or in a grilled cheese sandwich. The options for this spread/dip are unlimited. My favorite was at the Husk Bar when it was served on toast as a bruschetta with a little bit of crumbled bacon on top.

I would love to hear what other things are a must-do in Charleston. I could make this list go on and on, so maybe I’ll have to do a part two! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Seattle Girls Weekend

[heart_this] · Sep 3, 2015 · 1 Comment

I recently had the revelation that friendship, like travel, gets better with age. I have known Bridie and Jenn since fourth grade – that’s more than 10 years! We decided to meet up for a weekend in Seattle where Bridie just moved to explore, eat great food, drink some local brews, and mostly, catch up. These girls know almost every quirk and characteristic about me, but they still keep me around! Our friendship has continued to grow and get richer, even when we’re all in different cities.

That’s kind of how I feel with travel. You capture and experience cities differently as you get older. I traveled to Seattle my freshman year of college, but going back five years later made me see things in a new lens. One of the things that resonated with me the most is I could go to the middle of nowhere, but being there with great friends who would be up anything would make it an absolute blast. This second time to Seattle with my best girlfriends was all the more memorable simply because of their personalities.

Pike Place Market remains one of my favorite spots to visit. I could roam around staring at the vendors, produce stands and flowers for hours. If I had unlimited money (and lived in the city), I would sample my way through every food option and buy a bouquet of fresh flowers every week. When the girls and I got to the Market, we first made a stop at the famous Gum Wall for the experience and trademark photo. The wall both weirds me out and fascinates me every time! When you make your way upstairs into the shops, you’ll catch the famous fish throwing area. Those guys are such a blast to watch! Then, the rest of the market is all yours to explore. My favorite produce stop is Sosio’s Fruit & Produce. They offered us samples of these “OMG Peaches” that truly make you say “Oh my gosh!” I also picked up a handful of fresh lychee to make lychee infused vodka. Such a random purchase, but I had never seen fresh lychee for sale before so I had to get some. It was literally $2!! Details to come on how the infused vodka turned out.

After an evening of going out in the Capital Hill neighborhood, we needed a beach day to…ahem…recover. We checked out some really cool spots, but my favorite had to be The Unicorn. It felt like a Britney Spears music video for Circus and had a list of the coolest cocktails. Saturday morning, the sun was shining so we packed our bags and headed to Golden Gardens Beach. Who knew that Seattle had such blue and sandy beaches? Not me! Seattle’s summer weather is the best time to explore places like this. After working up an appetite tanning (haha), we roamed to the Ballard neighborhood for food and drinks. I could have walked up and down the streets all afternoon! We had fish and chips at Market Arms and then went to the Ballard Beer Company to try some local brews and chat with friends. My favorite thing was their really cool decor on the walls and their stack of games. We sat and played cards while we enjoyed our beer.

The weekend went by way too fast and I had to leave early on Sunday morning, but there are still so many things I would love to explore in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Next time, I’m hoping for some outdoors adventure to see the stunning greenery and maybe even go chasing waterfalls. Seeing Bridie and Jenn while visiting the city for a second time was the perfect addition to my summer. I’m grateful for their friendship and the ability to travel to cities, both new and familiar.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Gourmet Gab in Denver, Colorado

[heart_this] · Jul 16, 2015 · 1 Comment

One of my favorite things about my job is my ability to travel. I had the opportunity to visit Denver, Colorado for a weekend of meetings, but was lucky enough to experience some delicious eats in between. The weather was crisp and chilly, the city was clean, and the food was great. First off – let’s start with the hotel. We stayed at this place called the Curtis Hotel where every floor has a different retro theme. The hotel even kept the infamous 13th floor and it is horror movie themed! Our floor was all about Elvis, and we were greeted by Elvis hits every time the elevator approached our level.

On the bottom floor of the Curtis Hotel is a restaurant called The Corner Office. The restaurant continues with the retro theme and has just as much personality. Playing off their theme, The Corner Office’s menu is shaped like a filing folder for dinner and a music record for brunch. We dined there twice and I left full and happy both times. The top right picture in the collage is of the “Soul Train Benny” with crab cakes and cilantro hollandaise I devoured for brunch. You must also try their “Disco Biscuits” with house made tomatillo jam. If you’re boozing, check out their bottomless “Dy-No-Mite Bloody Mary Bar.” It was epic. Below that picture is the cocktail I ordered at dinner. The “French Connection” is truly one of the best drinks I’ve ever had: Grey Goose, St. Germain and Prosecco. For dinner I ordered something completely random — the Tikka Masala as recommended by the waitress. It was phenomenal and not at all what I would’ve expected from a retro restaurant in Denver.

Other dining adventures included breakfast at the well-known establishment Sam’s No. 3. I indulged myself in the Mexican Breakfast with eggs, chorizo and pork green chili. Those potatoes were just as good as they look. We also couldn’t have ventured to Colorado without trying some of the local brews. Union Station in Denver right by Coors Field in downtown has all these different restaurants to try out for a variety of food. We grabbed a quick bite there with a Colorado brew and loved people watching. My other favorite spot was called Tamayo, which is described as modern Mexican. Their watermelon margarita was exactly what I needed for an afternoon refreshment – and just look at that color! Along with chips, salsa and guacamole (essential), I ordered a few of their street tacos and a squash blossom quesadilla. The quesadilla was also street taco-sized but packed with so much flavor! I want to replicate this at home.

Although I didn’t get to do any more sight seeing or adventures in the city, the restaurants I got to taste set the bar high for my next trip to Denver. It’s been years since I’ve been skiing, so maybe next time I’ll venture to Colorado for a winter ski trip instead of a work trip. What are your favorite spots in Denver I should add to my list?

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Saturday Farmer’s Market in Carmel

[heart_this] · Jul 14, 2015 · 1 Comment

Indiana is surprising me more and more every week. I’m finding gems that are making me swoon for the mid-west. Last weekend, my friends and I went to the Carmel Farmer’s Market. The town is about north of Indianapolis and more of the suburbs. Not only is the name adorable – I mean come on, it’s named after candy! – but it’s so quaint. The downtown area has boutiques and public art. The residents are the cutest young families. The houses have gardens and are painted pastel colors.

This farmer’s market is behind the Palladium, this stunning building that houses the Center for the Performing Arts. Green grass, blue skies and warm sunshine painted the perfect scene for us while we walked around scoping the produce, drinking iced coffee and eating donuts. My hands were full and my stomach was happy. What more can I ask for?

I’m searching for just the right way to use the sweet corn, zucchini, squash and onion I bought. I want to preserve the natural flavor of the produce because it’s so dang fresh. And with most meals in the summer, I’m hoping to spend as little time in the kitchen so I can savor the beautiful weather. If I can make my way down to our community grill, I may grill up the corn with some turkey burgers this week. The zucchini, squash and onions may get tossed in the oven for roasting so I can drink a glass of wine on the patio while I wait.

I think this farmer’s market is going to have to become a weekend tradition for the next few weeks of summer. Next time I think I’ll snag some heirloom tomatoes for a caprese salad and some cherries to eat by the pool. What are your favorite farmer’s market finds?

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

48 Hours in Austin, Texas

[heart_this] · Jul 9, 2015 · Leave a Comment

If you love good food, great music and excellent people watching, you should make a trip to Austin, Texas. I visited the capitol of the lone star state for a quick 48 trip, but even in that short time I got a great essence of the city. It’s eclectic, green (literally because of the hills and lakes), and colorful. If you’re only going for a quick day trip, here are a few things you can do to get the gist of the city quickly.

South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo, is the strip in the city filled with boutiques, clothing shops, restaurants and food trucks. I would describe it as funky-meets-country. Places like Uncommon Objects have knickknacks and vintage items hanging from every surface of the place. A couple of stores over, Allen Boots has rows and rows of gorgeous cowboy boots that every Texan should have. I spent the whole afternoon roaming up and down South Congress. I met a family friend, Jazz, to listen to live music outdoors and eat tacos at Guero’s Taco Bar. Don’t forget to stop and take a picture in front of the famous “I Love You so Much” wall. It’s wrapped around the side of Jo’s Coffee, which is small but is noticeable because of the sage green color. One thing to note — you’re going to need to tack on about 20 minutes to find parking near South Congress Ave. It’s rather tricky, but just make sure to read the signs so you don’t get ticketed in the neighborhoods behind the main avenue.

If you’re visiting the capitol of Texas, you must take time to actually explore the Capitol Building itself. I wish I would have made time to go inside, but I’ve heard it’s stunning. You know what they say, “Everything’s bigger in Texas!” Even walking around the grounds outside was so pretty. I love that you can see a view of the capitol standing along South Congress Avenue, too!

I mentioned that Austin was colorful. There are murals and artwork everywhere you turn! I loved getting to see the classic “Greetings from Texas” mural, which is just a quick drive from South Congress. Next time, I want to go see the adorable “You’re My Butter Half” one. How cute is the exterior of the vegan ice cream shop I visited above? Sweet Ritual had such cool flavors, like Cubano Coffee. It was a closer to the UT Austin campus, which you should drive by if you have time. It’s gorgeous!

For the evening of your visit to Austin, you should check out the nightlife scene of 6th Street. I spent my Saturday evening with a family friend, but I have heard that is the place to go in Austin for drinks, dancing and music. It’s on my list for my next trip to Austin.

The saying of the city is “Keep Austin Weird” and I am an advocate for that, too. The mix of bohemian, quaint, colorful and trendy makes the city fascinating. I wish I could have spend more than 48 hours there, but that just means I have to come back. Until next time, Austin…

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

My Trip to Charleston, South Carolina

[heart_this] · Jun 11, 2015 · 1 Comment

Simply put: Charleston stole my heart. The seafood was the freshest I have tasted. The biscuits were more buttery and flaky than I could have imagined. The homes made me feel as if I were on the streets of a movie scene. You don’t need to be in the city long to realize what a gem it is. Buildings are painted in pastel colors, the water is walking distance away from incredible restaurants and the Spanish Moss is enchanting. Exploring on a work trip in March, the only complaint I can really think of is the parking. However, what can you expect from a historic city that is still paved in cobblestone?

I found the best crab cakes, fried green tomatoes and ribs. The top right picture of the crab cakes is from Eli’s Table. I ordered them for lunch with a side of grits and savored every just-been-caught-crab-filled bite. The stacked fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese were my favorite dish of the weekend. Pimento cheese is a new obsession. More on that later. For dinner, we got to experience Poogan’s Porch. By experience, I mean you actually feel as if you are dining on the porch of your family’s historic southern home. I could have had a whole meal out of the fresh baked biscuits and pimento cheese fritters as a starter. But then I went to cloud nine devouring the hickory smoked pork ribs stacked over and gouda mac and cheese. While the mac and cheese was slightly chewy for my taste, it had just the right amount of richness. As for the ribs, the meat fell off the bone it was so tender and sauce was unlike any other sauce I’ve tasted. I guess that’s what happens when you put an Arizona girl in South Carolina.

We didn’t even have an agenda as we explored the streets. Up and down, we roamed through boutiques, stopped for sweets and photographed the contrast of the old and the new. There’s so much on my list left to see in Charleston. I can’t wait to go back and spend (hopefully) more time soaking it up.

Any recommendations for my next visit? What are your favorite spots in Charleston?

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Columbia Restaurant: Tampa, Florida

[heart_this] · May 28, 2015 · 1 Comment

Because of my Cuban heritage, I have always wanted to visit Florida. Miami is at the top of my travel list, but I got the chance to swing by Tampa for a quick work trip. My co-workers and I squeezed in just enough time to dine at the historic Columbia Restaurant in downtown Tampa. It is the oldest restaurant in Florida and was founded in 1905 by a Cuban immigrant. The menu is a fusion of Cuban and Spanish cuisine, which brought back lots of memories of my study abroad experience in Spain.

When you walk in, you are greeted by the stunning crystal chandelier and old-world ambiance. The restaurant may seem overbearing in size, but that is how it got the namesake of being the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. You may want to spend time reading their menu ahead of time–it’s full of stories and the descriptions of the food are detailed. Share a pitcher of the sangria, made table-side by the waiter. While you watch, good luck resisting the generous slice of Cuban bread with butter. My grandparents used to eat this for breakfast every morning and I could eat it with every meal, too. For food, I recommend starting off with Columbia’s famous “1905” salad. It reminded me of an Italian antipasto salad because of the serrano ham, cheese, olives and garlic dressing. If you’re not quite hungry enough for an entire, you cannot go wrong with the tapas. I loved the ones we ordered: Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Devil Crab Croquettes, Gambas “Al Ajillo” and Scallops “Casimiro”. We did not order a dessert, but I would have loved to try the flan or the churros.

In case you missed it, read about my recent family vacation in Houston, Texas.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Family Weekend in Houston

[heart_this] · May 21, 2015 · 2 Comments

Houston, Texas has now become my new home away from home. Living in the city was incredible, and I will recap my favorites from the city in the coming weeks. Before I share those, I will be posting an installment of recent travel experiences I want to share. Here’s what is to come: the weekend my family visited Houston, a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, a restaurant from Tampa, Florida and my first time in Cabo. First up: H-Town!

My dad, step-mom, step-sister and I ate our way through the city, stopping along the way for happy hour and lots of photos. The Biscuit Paint Wall is the perfect spot for photo shoots, just down the street from one of my favorite coffee shops called Common Bond. I ordered the incredible breakfast sandwich pictured below that was oozing with egg yolk, cheese and guacamole on their signature fresh-baked bread. The favorite cocktails of the weekend were the Hibiscus Royal from benjy’s (champagne + hibiscus) and a classic martini from the St. Regis Hotel where the live band in the Remington Bar is on fire on Saturday nights. Benjy’s also has some of my favorite happy hour appetizers like the salmon sashimi (featured below), the crispy tofu and the spicy crispy chicken with blue cheese. It was so wonderful sharing a city that I have grown to love so much with my family. While we accomplished a lot, I certainly have things left on the bucket list for our return!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Crawfish Season in Houston

[heart_this] · Mar 11, 2015 · Leave a Comment

When I moved to Houston, I heard about two main things that everyone looks forward to in the spring: the livestock rodeo and crawfish season. I am grateful I have gotten to cross these two things off the bucket list so far. And even luckier for me, both of these events have been incredibly delicious.

Last weekend, I was going to visit the Houston Crawfish Festival but due to the rain, it got cancelled. Instead, my friend and I went to BB’s Cafe. The restaurant is known for what they call Tex-Orleans cooking, or in other words, New Orleans-themed food with a Texas twist. We started off with these Tex-Cajun Virgin fries, which were recommended by the waitress. Extra crispy and salty shoestring fries were topped with queso, gravy and roast beef. I would not have normally spotted these on the menu myself because they sounded so rich, but a few bites into them I was already trying to imagine how to make them myself at home. Why did I kid myself into thinking I would not like them? After seven months in Houston, I could practically eat queso like soup. Plus, the tender beef basically melted in my mouth.

Despite a long wait and an incredibly crowded place, we got our crawfish in record time. Three pounds of these little guys looks daunting for two people, but in reality, you only eat a little bit of meat from their tails. This was the perfect amount. There is quite an art to dissembling the creatures. It requires just the right amount of pressure to open up the shell near the belly of the crawfish and a gentle finesse to pull the tender meat out of the tail. All the work is worth it when you dip the meat in butter and lemon juice, then lick your messy cajun-stained hands clean. You mustn’t forget to roll your corn on the cob in the leftover buttery/cajun/lemon juice on your plate or dip the red potatoes straight into an extra side of seasoning.

My tall glass of sweet tea with lemon was refreshing when the cajun seasoning had a little kick. However, I would not disagree with the choice of ordering a cold beer or bloody Mary for an afternoon brunch. This surely will not be the last time I get my hands messy with this delicacy. Next time, though, I will avoid wearing an ivory sweater that will easily show evidence of my cajun-indulgence.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Road Trip Tips for Your Next Adventure

[heart_this] · Feb 2, 2015 · 1 Comment

In the midst of chaotic work hours and overly booked calendars, we often miss the beauty of spontaneity. While I was home in Arizona during winter break, my four good friends and I spontaneously decided the night before that we were going to take a road trip to Sedona, Arizona and do wine tasting at a quaint little vineyard called Page Springs Cellars. I am sure you can imagine the memories that come with packing four girls into a tiny car with barely any phone service…not to mention our throwback music selection. I created this short video as a recap to our laughter-filled-dance-party-packed-trip.

Here are my top five tips for your next road trip:

Pack Ahead
Have your bags packed and snacks ready for the trip the night before. Waking up at the crack of dawn when it’s still dark out is so much easier when all you have to do is throw your clothes on! Snacks like trail mix, pre-sliced fruits and some crackers will give you variety incase you get hungry throughout the day.

Yo DJ
Put the music guru in charge of being DJ. The time flies by in the car when you have a great selection of music everyone can rock out to. Whether it’s from a CD mix or a custom Spotify playlist, you can’t go wrong with a few hours of karaoke.

Prevent the Hanger
Map out a few spots you have read or researched about to eat, even if you just do your research through Yelp during the car drive. Having a general idea of where you want to eat will prevent the hangry (hungry + angry) side from coming out and allow you for more time to explore.

When in Doubt…
Listen to the locals. If you’re stuck about where to go or what to eat next, ask around and trust what the people around you are recommending. They often know about the hidden gems that get overlooked by tourists.

“Can you send me that?”
Assign one person to start a iCloud Photo Stream so everyone can share their photos of the trip at the end of the day. This will allow you spend less time on your phone and more time relishing in the beauty around you.

Where are you planning your next road trip in 2015?

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Houston, We Don’t Have a Problem

[heart_this] · Oct 20, 2014 · Leave a Comment

It feels so good to be back on the blog! Last time I posted, I was dreaming about Houston and all the incredible food and culture I was about to experience. Now after two months of living here, I can truly say “wow” to this incredible city.

For those of you who may have seen on social media, we successfully colonized Sigma Kappa at the University of Houston! Now that the recruitment and colonization process has ended, I am returning to a somewhat more normal work schedule and getting into my groove of everyday life working with the colony. I work daily with the new members to educate them about the organization and help them transition into running as a new chapter. Now that I have (a teeny bit) more free time, I want to resume content on the blog! I’m hoping to weave in travel and restaurant showcases, recipes I try and general food/lifestyle posts about latest inspiration.

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Meet leadership consultant Gabriela Rodiles! #GR Gabriela is a recent graduate from the Theta Omicron Chapter at Arizona State University. When she was a collegiate member she served as the vice president of membership. Gabriela writes a food blog called Gourmet Gab. @gourmet_gab When she travels, she likes to try traditional foods or favorite restaurants in the cities she is in.

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I am still debating how to even recap the amazing food I’ve experienced over the past two months. Or how to explain the incredible diversity and culture present here. I’m eating the best BBQ, Tex-Mex and pho of my life, and I don’t even have to leave a 20 mile radius to do so. I’ve had the best fried chicken and waffles (sorry, Lo-Lo’s) for breakfast one day and then Louisiana seafood for lunch the next. I’ll post recaps here and there of some amazing eats I’ve experienced so far and some fun experiences I have had. There are restaurants, and good restaurants, on every corner. The people are friendly. They are Southern and say ya’ll, yes ma’am and yes sir. It’s has only been two months and I am feeling like I’ve found a niche. Eating lots of food, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures here is going to make this a memorable year. Houston, we certainly have no problems!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Houston, Texas Here I Come!

[heart_this] · Aug 4, 2014 · Leave a Comment

I could not be more thrilled to announce that I am moving to Houston, Texas for the year to start a new chapter of Sigma Kappa sorority at the University of Houston. Two other consultants, Danielle (left) and Bianca (right) will be helping me with publicizing the new sorority on campus and I am so excited to work with them!

Reading up on the city has made my excitement double every day. Business Insider ranked it the number 1 city in America. The New York Times wrote about how Houston should become a dining destination. Food and Wine condensed a list of must-visit places for every occasion. The ethnically diverse population of Houston lends itself to an amazing international dining scene. Andrew Knowlton wrote on Bon Appetite, “What’s not to love about a town where you can get a life-affirming bowl of pho in the morning, a stellar goat biryani at lunch, juicy soup dumplings as a snack, and the freshest Gulf seafood for dinner, then cap the evening with an expertly poured cocktail?” Needless to say, I cannot wait to explore.

My dad grew up in Houston and actually even attended UH for a year, so my placement seems completely suiting. I cannot wait to visit the neighborhood he grew up in, eat Cuban food with his friends and explore the place he called home for many years. Did I mention that my favorite artist, Beyonce, also calls H-town home? Sounds like fate to me!

While the upcoming months will be packed with commitments, I will be sure to blog as often as I can to keep you in the loop of my Houston experiences. Good ole barbeque is on the top of my list, as well as fresh sea food. (Have you heard of Reef? It was named the #1 Seafood Restaurant in America by Bon Appetite!) I also am anticipating that an authentic pair of Texas cowboy boots will be necessary for this Arizona girl. Think I can pull them off?

These, among many other experiences, will make this year one to remember. I cannot wait to bring you along on the journey. You can catch quick stories and thoughts through my tweets and Instagram as well, if you don’t already. If you are familiar with the city, please send any advice or suggestions my way!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Gab’s Latest Eats II

[heart_this] · Jul 31, 2014 · Leave a Comment

I’m back with more of the Gab’s Latest Eats series! After exploring more of the Indianapolis eats for the past 2 and a 1/2 weeks, I’ve compiled a list of some of the delicious food that were a part of my trip. I love how each of these foods brings up a memory with the women on my Leadership Consultant team. I think I will always be one of those people who associates some of my favorite moments with favorite meals.

First up, the pizza at Napolese Pizza at the Fashion Mall at Keystone was a perfect outdoor meal on a gorgeous summer evening. The combo of prosciutto, arugula and balsamic reduction drizzle will never fail me. Paired with the melon, cucumber and bacon arugula salad (bet you would’ve never guessed that combo, right?)…I was a happy woman.

Harry and Izzy’s Steakhouse was a treat after a long day of work. Although the steaks looked amazing, I was craving the Fettuccine Alfredo a much-needed comfort food. The grilled shrimp was a nice compliment to the rich house made sauce and a glass of buttery Chardonnay was the cherry on top.

Now we venture to the complete opposite side of the dining spectrum…Chick Fil A breakfast. Some of the women on my team do not have a Chick Fil A near them, so trying the famous Chicken Minis (mini chicken nuggets tucked inside a fluffy bun) was a must. I have to admit they hit that spot that morning, especially when dipped in a little Chick Fil A sauce–similar to the flavor combination of mayo, honey mustard and BBQ sauce!

An absolute must for long days of training is a fully stocked snack selection. This usually includes sweet, savory and crunchy items we can munch on all day. When we were given these adorable individual packaged popcorn bags with Cheddar and Caramel popcorn, they disappeared almost immediately. P.S. I love the entrepreneurial story of the twin sisters behind Just Pop In!

Until next time, hope you enjoyed this Indianapolis edition of Gab’s Latest Eats!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

The Las Vegas Experience

[heart_this] · Jul 19, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to spend three days in Las Vegas with the women from my work team. It was the trip of a lifetime to say the least. We ate some of the best food I have experienced, lounged at the pool and enjoyed the nightlife. My three favorite meals were brunch at Caesar’s Palace, Japanese at Nobu and Happy Hour at Giada De Laurentiis’ new restaurant, Giada. I will tell you a little more about it! Let me apologize first for the poor photo quality. I only had my iPhone but wanted to make sure I captured the dishes!

First up, the blueberry pancakes served with fresh berries. The fluffy, sweet pancakes were complimented by scattered blueberries, slightly warmed from the skillet. The mimosa was one of the best I have ever had. Light orange juice and amazing champagne creating the perfect bubbly refresher.

Dinner at Nobu in Caeser’s Palace was a dream. The sushi was the most flavorful, unique and gourmet I have ever experienced. The Lychee Martini completely set the tone. It was sweet, but not too sweet, made with fresh lychee juice. Would love to recreate it at home. Next was the Tuna Tataki with ponzu (Japanese citrus sauce), scallion, miso and garlic chips. So flavorful I couldn’t get enough of it. The two pictures below the tuna show the Wagyu Beef cooked table side over stones with liquid flame. Quite the spectacle! Not pictured, but another favorite, was the Yellowtail Jalapeño with soy, cilantro and garlic. I loved the slight kick of spice with the yellowtail sashimi. If you ever have the opportunity, Nobu in any city is a must.

Last but not least, one of my favorite experiences was going to Giada at The Cromwell. I have been following the process of establishing the restaurant via social media and was so excited when I found out it would be open on my birthday! Everything down to the little details had Giada’s classy touch. Golden “G” monograms were everywhere–on the menus, plates and even on top of the cocktails. Upon walking into the restaurant you could immediately view the line chefs creating fresh pastas and hand-made pizzas.

The environment was welcoming, sophisticated and touched with Giada’s glamour. The food was better than I could have imagined. Since we had a group dinner planned later, we got a couple appetizers. The creamy, soft Burrata cheese with incredible olive oil and balsamic salt (!!!) was a favorite, as well as the Orzo Meatballs, which were light, moist and so flavorful. I can’t wait to go back one day to experience a full meal and (fingers crossed) meet “G” herself. Thanks for making my birthday celebrations so wonderful, Giada!

I am so lucky that I got to take this girls trip to Las Vegas and dine at some of the best restaurants thus far. Hope you are inspired to check out a couple new places next time you’re in the city, too. More travel adventures to come!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Gab’s Latest Eats

[heart_this] · Jun 30, 2014 · 1 Comment

If you have been following me on Instagram, you have probably seen that I have been traveling a lot lately. For my new job as a Leadership Consultant for Sigma Kappa Sorority, I have been spending time in Indianapolis, Indiana at our national headquarters for training. My team of consultants and I were also in Las Vegas last week for our National Convention…another post to come on that soon. My idea for “Gab’s Latest Eats” is to give you an insight into what I’ve been eating as I travel. I’ve discovered some great foods on the road and I hope you are inspired to replicate the flavors yourself at home.

McAlister’s Deli Peach Tea

McAlister’s is like the Paradise Bakery or Panera of Indy. Their lunch combos always hit the spot, but the signature of McAlister’s is their Sweet Teas. I loved the Peach Tea so much that I look forward to going back when I’m in Indy in July. Craving to make some on your own? Try this Peach Tea recipe with real peaches.

Brics Blackberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

After a long day of work, a bowl of ice cream really hits the spot. Brics Ice Cream is in Broad Ripple, the cool college town outside of where we stay in Indy, and they have unique rotating ice cream flavors. The combo of blackberry and chocolate is a favorite of mine and if you haven’t tried it, please find a way to pair the two together. You could even cool down this summer by making your own Blackberry Chip Ice Cream by Ree Drummond.

In N Out Animal Style Cheese Burger

While I can’t say this is the first time I’ve tried In N Out, it was so fun watching my coworkers from the South taste their first bite while we were together during Convention. Ordering the burger “Animal Style” means it’s slathered with their special sauce (kind of like Thousand Island dressing) and topped with fried onions and pickles. For anyone anxious to try this combo until they can get out to the West Coast, Food Network did a replication that looks almost as good as the original.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Adventures in Flagstaff, Arizona

[heart_this] · Mar 17, 2014 · Leave a Comment

When I decided to stay in my home state of Arizona for college, I vowed to be more adventurous during my four years and explore places in Arizona that I hadn’t ventured before. Last week, two of my girlfriends and I took a day road trip up to Flagstaff, Arizona with zero plans what we were going to do there other than eat, drink and take in the city. The spontaneity made the trip all the more exciting. While I learned that I am a city girl at heart, I was also reminded that the simplicity of small towns is something I appreciate.

Here is a little story of our of our experience in Flagstaff with the video I captured during the day.

We started our day at Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery to refuel from an early morning drive. Kelly ordered a cappuccino and that stunning chocolate croissant that we savored every bite of. I love that you can get a hearty and fresh breakfast or lunch as well as a quality coffee all under one roof at Macy’s. The girls and I are definitely coffee shop people; we could have sipped cappuccinos and chatted all day.

One of my favorite parts was visiting this amazing mural painted by a friend of Audree. You remember Audree right? She’s the fashionista from the blog Simply Audree Kate. We snapped lots of pictures in front of the mural in the beautiful crisp weather.

We spent the afternoon exploring the downtown area with one of Kelly’s friends, Julie, who also gave us walking tour of Northern Arizona University. Downtown was so quaint with the historic vibe. NAU was a beautiful campus surrounded by so much nature. Later that afternoon, all of our walking was rewarded with some local beer and appetizers at Beaver Street Brewery. We tried their 20th Anniversary Pilsner, which was refreshing and reminded me of my trip to the Czech Republic where the pilsner originated.

Our day trip to Flagstaff was something I will definitely remember. I encourage you to round-up a couple of friends, hop in the car and venture someplace new for a spontaneous trip, too. Let your stomach be your compass and soak in the flavors of the city by their local food and drink.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

A Day in the Life of a Food Network Intern

[heart_this] · Jul 17, 2013 · 1 Comment

Today I’m offering a sneak peak of what it looks like to be a twenty-something living in the city interning at the Food Network. There’s a very good chance this run-down is 100% unique to me, but I thought it would provide a fun insight into what my summer weekdays look like. I have to step back every day and remind myself not to get too used to this routine because I only have 2 and 1/2 weeks left. New York City has stolen my heart and I cannot wait to return after graduation. But until then, here’s a day in the life of Gabriela. Want to read how I got the internship? Here’s how!

gourmetgabatwork — Me and my favorite C Wonder Monogram Mug at the office on a sunny morning.

7:30-8:00 am
Time to rise and shine! Let’s be honest, I snooze until 8:00, which gives me around 30 minutes to get ready, pack up my lunch and get out the door.

8:30 am
kitchen-confidential Leave for work and enter the madness (aka: the sidewalks full of rushing New Yorkers).The minute I leave the lobby I have to merge into the sea of walking traffic and get to the subway. Subway ride usually consists of reading on my Kindle (just started Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential), listening to music/the weekly Joy the Baker podcast.

9:00 am
Arrive at Chelsea Market and head up to the Food Network offices. I’m always surprised by the quietness of the market in the morning, but enjoy the closeness to serenity because during lunch and after work it is bustling with chaos. Once I make it to my desk, I immediately grab my mug and head to the break room to get coffee. I always get excited walking past the edit bays in the hallway on my way to get coffee because I get a momentary peek of Food Network shows they are editing for television.

9:15 – Noon
Work, work, work! This typically involves answering emails, writing captions for photo galleries, fact checking, meetings and catching up on new FN Dish and Healthy Eats posts. Around 12:00 is when the combatting of hunger for lunch begins and I try and stretch it out as long as I can so I don’t get hungry again at 5:00.

12:30 – 1:00 pm
30 minutes of fighting against the desire to eat lunch and I finally give in. Lunch typically consists of Honey Roasted Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, summer produce salads or leftovers (my favorite).

1:00 – 6:00 pm
This time frame is typically fueled by hours of Beyonce and Justin Timberlake Pandora music. Is that inappropriate for the office? I will admit I often have to quench the desire to bust out moves in my office chair when one of my favorite songs comes on. How awkward would that be one of my editors came over as I was shimmying to Crazy in Love? A second round of coffee usually comes around 2:00pm when the afternoon sleepiness hits. I can’t forget to mention the snacking on samples (yesterday there were Levain Bakery cookies up for grabs, but some other favorites have been Raleigh Cake Pops, Perugina Chocolate and Sanders Fine Chocolates).

6:00 pm
When the work day is wrapping up, I quickly browse FoodNetwork.com for dinner inspiration. I love how New Yorkers only grocery shop for what they need, when they need it. I have adapted to this type of meal planning and after work I typically grab the things I need to whip up whatever I’m in the mood for. The Manhattan Fruit Exchange is my favorite place to shop. Since it’s right in Chelsea Market it’s the most convenient and means less intimidating lines than Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

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6:30 pm
Time to get cooking in our tiny apartment kitchen. Lately I’ve been loving Couscous and Feta-Stuffed Peppers, Pasta with Marinara and Veggies, Stir Fry, and Roasted Veggies with Brown Rice. While eating I usually catch up on an episode of the Newsroom (my new favorite series) or Food Network Star.

8:00 – 10:30 pm
Relax, read, blog, answer regular-life emails and get ready to repeat the day over again tomorrow!

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into my humble life in the Big Apple. Looking forward to sharing more adventures that take place in the next few weeks before I head back to reality.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Want to know how I got the dream job interning at Food Network? Read my post here!

Turning Twenty One

[heart_this] · Jul 10, 2013 · 3 Comments

Can I just say how amazing it is to be 21? New York City truly comes to life once you can explore the city through food and drinks. I had such a fun-filled birthday weekend two weeks ago…sorry I’m a little behind! My dad and step-mom visited the city for the weekend to celebrate with me. Here’s a little recap of our adventures. First stop: Cookshop in Chelsea. We had such a scrumptious birthday brunch complete with specialty Bloody Mary’s (pictured above).

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Cookshop was absolutely packed with people on the beautiful sunny Sunday. The wait was worth it because I had the best poached eggs ever (pictured above). A big slice of toasted sourdough bread was topped with summer squash and two perfectly cooked poached eggs. A creamy tomato sauce oozed over the layers, bringing all the flavors together. Replication of this recipe–or as close to it–coming shortly. Another favorite of the table was my dad’s order of the Cookshop scramble served with a homemade biscuit, which was incredible. Highly recommend!

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After brunch we walked along the High Line, one of my favorite things to do on a gorgeous day. My family was fascinated by the renovated rail-road tracks filled with greenery and loved the picturesque views of the city. Some more walking lead to an afternoon of shopping in SoHo. We went in and out of boutiques for hours and my dad was such a trooper!

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The best part of Sunday was the rooftop bar called The Press Lounge at the Ink48 hotel. The views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline were unbeatable. We had a glass of wine before dinner watching the sunset–it was beautiful. Rooftop bars are some of my new favorite places in the city. I cannot wait to continue exploring them drink by drink over the summer ;)

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Every meal over weekend was exceptional. We loved the restaurant Gigino in Battery Park, which had an amazing view of Lady Liberty and served authentic, fresh Italian food. I ordered the melon and speck salad (pictured below) and it was perfect for a hot afternoon with bubbly Prosecco. Dinner at Barbuto in the West Village was fantastic on a bustling Saturday night. Huge garage doors open creating an indoor-outdoor dining room, plus I had a view of the open kitchen busy with action. The flounder with a chile powder sauce was a huge hit at the table. My birthday dinner at Azul Bistro in the Lower East Side was complete with lots of white sangria, flaky and buttery empanadas, a freshly seared meat platter and a flan-topped chocolate cake. The salsa music set the tone for our large, energetic group. We ate and drank for hours, and loved every minute of it!

I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family who made the celebrations so special. Memories of exploring the city through food and drink are the best, and I have so many from my 21st birthday weekend. Now, let the party continue!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

4th of July Weekend: Picnics, Malts and Peanut Butter

[heart_this] · Jul 8, 2013 · 1 Comment

With our picnic snacks and blankets packed, my girlfriends and I ventured to Central Park for an afternoon of sun, stars and stripes. People watching in the park was such a fun way to spend the Fourth of July. Thank goodness blue skies held out for us without rain!

My friend Erin from work made these delicious little pepper poppers. She said she simply cut the mini sweet peppers in half (you could also use jalapeños), filled each with a teaspoon or so of cream cheese, sprinkled a little grated cheese and crumbled crackers on top (breadcrumbs would work, too), seasoned with salt and pepper and baked them. They held up well in a plastic container and were a fun finger food to nibble on!

Central Park amazes me every time. It is such an oasis away from the chaos of the city and the greenery is refreshing. Looking forward to more picnics in Sheep Meadow and afternoons of people watching this summer.

Burgers, French fries and milkshakes sounded like the perfect all-American dinner for Independence Day. My friends and I dined at Islands Burgers and Shakes in the Upper West Side before heading to the firework show. The black-and-white malt (pictured below) was seriously heavenly. The sides were drizzled with a thick chocolate sauce so you got a nice big slurp of it at the end.

The malt was the perfect sweet balance to salty, crispy thick cut fries (YUM) and a tender, juicy burger. Making a burger choice was so difficult considering the dozens of options ranging from decadent to hot. I went with the Tijuana burger topped with jack cheese, guacamole, sautéed onions and crispy bacon. Needless to say, I couldn’t finish it all, but ya have to splurge every once in a while! Fireworks over the Hudson River that evening were incredible! I’ve never seen any show like it. It is a must-see on the 4th of July and has set my expectations very high for next year.

Over the weekend my roommate and I enjoyed the sunshine (and humidity?) by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. My recommendation is to start on the Brooklyn side so you can see the views of Manhattan as you walk. And watch out for the zooming cyclists–they are cruising along the narrow paths.

My roommate and I were in the exploring mood so we decided to hit up a destination we had on our bucket list called Peanut Butter & Co. We walked through Lower Manhattan up to Greenwich Village (and eventually back home to Midtown–5 miles total!) to get there, but it was so worth it. For peanut butter fanatics like ourselves, this was the perfect lunch. They make classic and unique peanut butter flavors ranging from “Smooth Operator” to “Mighty Maple” and then put them on creative sandwiches and into milkshakes and baked goods. You can also find their blue-topped peanut butters in local stores!

I ordered the Cinnamon Raisin Swirl sandwich (pictured below). Normal PB & J sandwiches will never taste the same again. Toasted wheat bread was slathered with cinnamon raisin peanut butter on one side and vanilla cream cheese on the other, then layered with thin slices of tart green apples. It was out of this world. The cream cheese tasted like vanilla frosting and the PB was bursting with cinnamon specks and chewy raisins. Eating it on a mini-picnic in Washington Square Park (right around the corner from the shop) was so perfect I didn’t want it to end. PB lovers, please drop what you’re doing and go to Peanut Butter & Co. right away!

I would say it was a pretty all-American, patriotic 4th of July weekend full of delicious NYC memories! Looking forward to happy hour at a rooftop bar this week, eating fried chicken and waffles with the roomies, and finishing up a Thanksgiving project at work. Have a great Monday!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

My First Food Network Byline

[heart_this] · Jun 17, 2013 · 3 Comments

Summer in New York is in full swing. The rainy days are dying down (fingers crossed) and the city is buzzing with energy. I was thrilled to write a few articles for the Food Network website and work on mouth-watering photo galleries. Yesterday, the Healthy Eats blog post Weekend Breakfast: Hash Browns went live and my name is attached to it! I also got to write the article How to Eat More Whole Grains recapping some easy ways to incorporate delicious whole grain recipes into your meals. For summer recipes, check out this Fresh, Healthy Summer Recipes gallery I wrote a few captions for. It has been such a great experience, plus there are more delicious projects I can’t wait to share.

Saturday was a glorious, picturesque day. My roommate and I started it off by going to the Union Square Farmer’s Market (pictured above). We scored some incredibly fresh produce–radishes, cucumbers, bok choy and apples–for so inexpensive. My favorite part was buying organic milk in a glass jug! I’m looking forward to making the market a weekly routine.

Next was a venture to Brooklyn for the infamous Fort Greene Brooklyn Flea Market. Walking to the market I found this mural of the rapper Notorious B.I.G.. How great are all the colors! The Flea Market was super cool. Too pricey for my wallet, but fun to explore and people watch. The food there was so diverse and surprisingly inexpensive. I’m saving my funds for the Smorgasburg food market, which is also in Brooklyn but exclusively for food! I’m scoping out the grilled corn with chili, lime and cheese and the famous Dough Hibiscus doughnuts.

I tried some new favorites this weekend. The Taro bubble tea in Koreatown was scrumptious, but left me craving an adventure in Chinatown. Taro is described as being similar to sweet potatoes, but I loved the lavender color! LT Burger was a fun spot to meet girlfriends for Happy Hour. The sliders were so delicious and the perfect sampler of their best burgers. They also have an impressive gourmet shakes menu including Caramel Popcorn and Macaron. I tried the S’mores shake, complete with a toasted marshmallow on top. Next I want to try their melted Gouda curly fries.

This week is going to be filled with lots of activity! I get to help the prop stylist at a photo shoot on Friday, and my family comes to visit on Saturday to celebrate my 21st birthday. Every week just keeps getting better and better in this magical city!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Authentic Chinese Dining in Queens

[heart_this] · Jun 6, 2013 · 1 Comment

The sounds, smells and sights of Flushing, Queens transported me to China last weekend. After only a thirty-five minute subway ride, I felt like I was in a whole different world. Authentic markets, food and language filled the streets. I was completely immersed in a culture I had yet to experience.

I met up with some close family friends at Biang, originally a fast food restaurant that expanded its brand to a full waiter-service location. The exposed brick walls, hip music, modern pendant lights, graphic posters and deep wood tables immediately set a positive precedent for the cuisine. We started off our meal with tofu and lamb skewers. The lamb was phenomenal…tender and well-seasoned.

The garlic bok choy and cold cucumber salad were both phenomenal veggie dishes, which I don’t have pictures of because I was too busy savoring them. The mini bok choys were cooked with thin slices of garlic that allowed the natural taste of the greens come out. The cucumbers were bathed in Szechuan pepper oil and black vinegar sauce. Going to try replicate both if possible.

Then we ventured into the flour-based dishes. The fresh house-made noodles were excellent, varying in consistency and taste. The first noodle dish we tried was cold. The noodles had a thick texture and were topped with a spicy red sauce and tofu. The second noodle dish was the best thing I ate all night: stewed oxtail flavored with a stew sauce, green onions and greens. The thick hand-ripped noodles were so fresh and almost slightly sweet, and the sauce was so flavorful we almost ordered rice to soak up every last drop.

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The last course was quail eggs on sausage with toasted mantou slices. These mini “tapas” were like a Chinese version of a gourmet breakfast sandwich. The yoke of the sunny-side-up eggs oozed into the ginger spiced sausage patties. Finally, the taste of the sweet and soft steamed buns left you wanting more.

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I was so impressed by Biang that I am anxious to bring friends back for a second dining experience. Next time I venture into Chinatown I will tote my grocery bag to grab fresh cherries from the street vendors and inexpensive noodles for stir fry from the market. I also want to try authentic Boba tea. Any suggestions for flavors? Special thanks to Michael, Brian, Jenny and Julie for guiding me through my first experience in Flushing. I can’t wait for more adventures this summer!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Lately in New York City

[heart_this] · May 31, 2013 · 1 Comment

It has been a week and a half full of adventures in the big city! Lately in New York I have adventured around Central Park, in both sunshine and shade, eaten the best macaroons of my life and road tripped to the Hamptons. Read on for the details…

I got to experience Central Park in two lights this weekend: on a rainy, chilly Saturday and on a sunny Memorial Monday. The park really takes on a whole different personality when the skies are blue. You can practically feel the vibrance and energy of the community. My friend and I sat on a bench people watching–and dog watching–for hours! I am not even an animal-loving person, but the dogs in the park were so precious I think I’ve been converted. I am looking forward to picnics on the grass lawn this summer and running on the paths on the weekends.

Another recurrence this summer will be trips to Laduree, the famous macaroon shop in the Upper East Side. My friend, Cathy, and I went to sample them for the first time and I can say with complete confidence that they are the absolute best macaroons I have ever tasted. Every flavor melts into your taste buds sending you to momentary bliss. Rose was the winner for me. If someone would have told me I was eating fluffy rose petals, I would have believed them. The caramel with salted butter was chewy, soft, sweet and savory as if I was eating a real gooey caramel. A trip to the Upper East Side is completely worth it to experience these luxurious French macaroons.

Also on last weekend’s agenda–road trip to the Hamptons! My roommate from college, Katie, is visiting her mom in NYC for a few weeks so luckily we have been able to get together a few times. She invited me to take a road trip to the Hamptons with her mom and best friend, Belle, a full-of-life Italian girl from New Jersey.

The towns were exactly like I pictured them to be–quaint, charming and quite literally perfect. (Sorry I don’t have any snapshots of them!) I could just imagine Ina Garten walking down the street shopping or grabbing coffee. (Why didn’t I run into her!) The people in the Hamptons were some of the most beautiful people I think I have ever seen. Every man and woman seemed to have effortlessly pieced together an East Coast beach ensemble finished with a designer scarf, coordinating loafers and classic shades.

I got to sample two of the Hamptons’ staples–fresh warm Lobster Rolls (pictured above) and Seafood Bisque (below). The buttery sauce on the lobster roll was dangerously good and the seafood bisque full of chunky seafood was just the right amount of richness. I could easily fill up on these for a long day in the water and sun.

The beach was better than I could have dreamed of. Miles of soft sand and salty ocean left the city far from my mind. Katie’s mom is a certified yoga instructor, so we couldn’t help but must a few moves on the beach. Too bad it was chilly and overcast or I would have dove right into the water! The girls were the best tour guides over the weekend and I will always treasure my first New York memories with them.

The past week has been amazing. New York has already stolen my heart! I cannot wait to see what other adventures are yet to come. I have stories to share about celebrity and blogger sightings that I will save for next time! Until then…

Gabriela

Five Lessons Learned During My First Week in NYC

[heart_this] · May 25, 2013 · 1 Comment

1. People don’t make eye contact on the streets. It’s game face from point A to point B. No smiling, no saying “sorry” and no chit-chat. I’ve got places to go and people to see!

2. Just because you get off at the right Metro stop does not mean you can walk up the closest flight of stairs and magically be at your destination. Your next challenge after navigating the subway is finding the right street exit. In the 10 times I have taken the metro to or from work this week, I have ventured on a different route every time. On Friday I finally figured out which one works best…finally!

3. The noise never stops. Cars driving, subways rushing, feet walking. Judging from the noises I hear from my apartment window, I can tell sirens and horns are going to be the soundtrack of my summer.

4. Even if you’re not in a hurry, walk fast and act like you are…it’s more fun. Plus, there is always a sea of humanity bumper car racing around you. Might as well win the race!

5. Never leave for work in the shoes you actually plan to wear all day, unless they are absolutely 100% pain-free. Women carry their work shoes and wear a pair of sneakers or flip-flops regardless of the clashing outfit combination. It makes the commute much less fussy and saves the tootsies from unneeded blisters.

Any plans for Memorial Day weekend? Unfortunately it’s been chilly and rainy here, but I’m hoping to catch some sunshine rays by Sunday or Monday. Central Park is calling my name. I may even get to visit the Hamptons…cannot wait to share! Safe travels.

Love food. Love self. Love life.

Gabriela

Food Network Intern Diaries

[heart_this] · May 22, 2013 · 4 Comments

Greetings from the Big Apple! I am beyond thrilled to announce that I will be working at the Food Network and Cooking Channel this summer as an Online Editorial Intern. I will be eating my way through the city, exploring the incredible culture and learning from the best culinary resource in the media. I completed two full days so far and already love the people I work with, talking about food for 8 hours a day and especially Chelsea Market.

Chelsea Market will be my stomping ground for the next few months. It’s a food court slash boutique slash office complex. Originally it was home to National Biscuit Company so it still has the old-fashioned factory-like charm, exposed brick walls and rustic touches. Right when you walk in you can see what other companies are housed upstairs. I spy Food Network!

It is honestly surreal to think that I am working in the same office as the people who run my favorite channel! I am optimistically hoping that I will run into Bobby Flay in the Food Network Test Kitchens or get to talk to Giada De Laurentiis, my all-time favorite Food Network icon. Who knows, maybe I’ll get behind-the-scenes scoop of The Next Food Network Star or get to sample the creations from Chopped. Fingers crossed!

I promise to share everything that I am working on, like photo slide shows I create or Healthy Eats blog posts I edit. You just have to promise to follow along in my adventures and recommend fun things to do or amazing places to dine in the city. I haven’t been to New York since I was ten, so I am ready to absorb the East Coast lifestyle and jump into the quick-pace lifestyle!

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The weather has been rather cool and breezy lately, minus a few days or rain–not my favorite. My curly locks have expanded into a fluffy little fro thanks to the humidity. I cannot even imagine what my hair will look like at the end of July! Pictures to come, even at the cost of my potential embarrassment.

Tonight my friend and I walked along the High Line, a public park that spans two miles along old railroad tracks on the West Side in Chelsea. It is so unique and was filled with people soaking up the evening sunset. Rows of beautiful plants and trees line the tracks and every once in a while, a piece of public art pops out. I loved the colors in this remake on the classic V-J Day in Times Square photo.

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This is only the beginning of an amazing two and a half months in the Big Apple. I will be sharing stories, restaurant experiences and travel posts with you while I am here, so make sure to check back regularly! Since I am surrounded by recipes all day at work, I hope I pick up a good handful of cooking tips to share with you. I am so excited for all that is to come!

Love food. Love self. Love life.

Gabriela

P.S.
I will be Tweeting and posting Instagrams on @Gourmet_Gab, so be sure to keep up with me there! Don’t forget to like the Gourmet Gab Facebook page, so you can see photos and posts.