Written by Candace on October 9, 2013 | 10 Comments

Apple Picking
The Perfect Double Date

I am thrilled that the fall season has finally arrived in all it’s glory.

This is by far my favorite time of year. I love the cool weather, hot soup, and the anticipation of all the holidays. One of the things that I think goes unnoticed is how much this time of year brings people together. The wedding season usually stunts our social life so I’m eager to get to spend more quality time with those I hold dear as the wedding season comes to a close.

With this in mind, Vitaliy and I decided to usher in fall with close friends while we were in St. Louis last month. Sarah The Architect had the brilliant idea of going apple picking together. It was a perfect double date! We went to Eckert’s in Illinois, but I’m sure you can find a good apple picking spot wherever you’re located.

I often miss my window for apple picking so don’t delay. Grab a few friends and go have fun! Now, if only I knew how to make a homemade apple pie.

Chime in or Share

Written by Candace on September 24, 2013 | 3 Comments

Saint Louis Date Idea: The Mud House

Our trip to St. Louis is winding down and before we know it we’ll be saying our goodbyes. My least favorite part about coming home.

But before we leave, we had to share our newest discovery. It’s absolutely perfect for a date! The spot is called The Mud House and it’s located on the famous Cherokee Street in St. Louis. It’s technically a coffee house, but their food menu makes it so much more. Vitaliy enjoyed their soup-of-the-day a few times, and I was completely hooked on their Mushroom Reuben sandwich. However, I’m a total sucker for breakfast, so one of the days we worked there I enjoyed their famous French Toast which was to-die-for.

Besides the great food, my top two reasons why this would be a great spot for a date is the atmosphere and the neighborhood. Let me explain.

If you’re going to go on a date, you want to take him/her somewhere unique. The Mud House has a bicycle hanging from the wall. Does it get anymore interesting? Their décor has a total vintage/hipster vibe and you can’t help but want to walk around and enjoy all the art on your way to your table. Not to mention, their restroom is covered in old board games. You can trust that any location that takes the time to design their restroom knows how to pay attention to detail in every way.

But to get the most out of your experience to The Mud House, grab your coffee to go and enjoy stepping back in time as you stroll Cherokee Street hand in hand. There are tons of little shops and bakeries to enjoy. But be sure not to miss the plaques telling the old stories of the families of Cherokee Street. There is so much history in this quaint little neighborhood.

The Mud House is definitely a new St. Louis favorite of ours. If you live in the area or are planning a visit, be sure to check it out! Here are a few other St. Louis staples that we never miss when coming to town.

Ted Drewes Ice Cream – Come here after a Cardinals baseball game!

The Pasta House – A St. Louis chain; I come here for my toasted ravioli’s.

Park Avenue in Lafayette Square – Get your St. Louis gooey butter cake here with a cup of coffee and then stroll Lafayette Square Park.

Chime in or Share

Written by Candace on August 28, 2013 | 4 Comments

Smitten
Ice Cream Shop

As you all know, I am from St. Louis where frozen custard is the reigning champ of ice cream.

Since moving to the bay area over 7 years ago, I have yet to find an ice cream shop to rival my beloved Ted Drewe’s back home. I have since grown fond of the tangy tartness of frozen yogurt and hold off on ice cream until I make a trip home where I can get the real deal.

BUT…I recently discovered Smitten Ice Cream. It has the old school charm of my beloved Ted Drewe’s with the modern hipsterness that is so San Francisco. It’s not frozen custard so it’ll never be at the top of my list, but it does have unique features that make it admiringly delicious.

It’s one of a kind! Literally. The owner, Robyn Sue Fischer, spent five years developing an ice cream machine that runs on liquid nitrogen.
Every cup of ice cream is made to order right in front of your eyes. Edible artistry!
It’s smooth and creamy just how I like it!
Robyn uses all natural and locally grown ingredients like a true SF foodie. I’d expect nothing less!
And their shop is located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Hayes Valley.

I can’t take credit though, it was our awesome clients Larry and Amy who led us here. As we encouraged them to approach their engagement session as a date, they opted to start things off at Smitten Ice Cream. We had so much fun and the ice cream was so delicious, I knew I had to share it with all of you. Grab your love and head to Smitten! With your ice cream in hand, stroll around the park across the street or walk the neighborhood of Hayes Valley. Then come back and thank me later!

Chime in or Share