Goin Up, On a Tuesday

Goin’ Up, On a Tuesday: Los Incas, Lima

One of the first things we do when arriving in a new city is check-in on Facebook. I know this sounds silly and I definitely believe there is much more to life than social media, but Facebook always has so many random ways of helping. Many times I have found friends in the same city, allowing us to meet for dinner or drinks. Here is also where the recommendations begin to pour in; after our check-in at Lima Peru, the obvious suggestion was go to Pizza Street!

After an afternoon of pisco sours and massages, we were starving and in desperate need of more pisco (one can never have too much, hmm ok you can, they are sneaky). As luck would have it, Pizza Street was about a 3 minute walk from our hostel in the Mira Flores district of Lima. The street is lined with your typical tourist restaurants, hosts holding menus enticing you with free drinks and the “best food in town.” This was not our first rodeo and I typically have a good eye for which restaurant will serve slop attempting to pass as edible cuisine. Towards the end of the street, we found Los Incas, which didn’t have the standard tourist trap appearance and promised a free pisco sour, #winning!

We surveyed the menu and immediately found ten items which made our mouths water and stomachs growl. We decided to share three plates so we could have a sampling of all the tempting choices. A man at a neighboring table suggested Causa which is a traditional Peruvian dish of chicken salad, avocado and potato. He also informed us that we had chosen the best restaurant on the street and this was his third time dining here this week. He explained many of the establishments on the other side of the street shared a kitchen and therefore churned out the same ‘tourist slop.’ So our choices were set: Lomo Saltado, Causa and a salad, in an attempt to pretend we are healthy.

Each meal was delicious and we kept sneaking extra bites even after our tummies were full. With an extra pisco sour we closed out our night. Our bill did take quite a few minutes to acquire, however this is South America and they live by their own set of rules regarding time. Apparently Pizza Street becomes quite the party after the dinner rush, however with an 8 am flight looming the next morning, we decided to go to sleep early. Even though we wish we could have stayed to play, we had many adventures awaiting us in Cusco.

Way too Wanderlust Recommends

Los Incas: Calle San Ramon 228, Lima Peru

Goin Up, On a Tuesday: King’s Carriage House, New York

There are two sides to me: the boogie little princess and the tomboy who can rough it with the best of them. For my birthday last year I choose the princess route and wanted an afternoon tea with champagne. Untapped Cities has an amazing list of the 27 Best Afternoon Tea’s in New York, which range from super pricey to baller on a budget. Of course the Palm Court at the Plaza or the Russian Tea Room would make the birthday of a lifetime. However, for the price of tea accompanied by one glass of Champagne at the Palm Court, I could have unlimited champagne elsewhere. After combing through the various choices, The King’s Carriage House on the Upper East side was the best option considering menu and budget.

So, I booked a spot in the cozy private room at the King’s Carriage House for me and my 15 best friends. The enticing menu included all the classic sandwiches such as watercress, cucumber and salmon. These were accompanied by traditional scones and an array of other sweets. In th end, they had me at chocolate dipped strawberries. Although not listed on the website, you can purchase unlimited drink packages for two hours to compliment your tea service with a private room booking. After befriending the amazing Irish owner, he allowed us to include champagne with the unlimited beer and wine package. So for $45 a person we had a delightful spread of tea, snacks and bubbles. The owner left us worried he was going to lose money from this particular booking.

Upon arrival we stepped into an Ireland country home, the little room was set with the proper afternoon tea decor. The walls were lined with flowery antique wallpaper and the table was set with fresh flowers and what would be considered “Sunday china” here in America. The service as impeccable and our glasses were never empty. I could probably eat my weight in the goat cheese and tomato sandwiches and wish I had a plate of them now!

I could not have asked for a better Afternoon Tea. We decided later that somehow this day had became everyone’s birthday, because we partied that way. Afterwards we crawled up 2^nd Ave with a suitcase full of champagne (don’t ask) in search of a more bars to continue the evening! We bar hopped ordered drinks and appetizers, because no matter where you go, afternoon tea snacks are never intended to be a filling meal.

We later stopped by Stumble Inn, as that is just where you go if you are on the Upper East Side. I ended the night hours later, breaking up my birthday crown ‘Mean Girls’ style, throwing pieces at my friends, because I was so lucky to share my birthday with them.

~By: Amanda

Way Too Wanderlust Recommends

King’s Carriage House: 250 East 82nd Street, New York NY 10021 +1 212 734 5490 http://www.kingscarriagehouse.com

Stumble Inn: 1454 2nd Avenue, New York NY 10021 +1 212 650 5061 http://www.nycbestbar.com/stumble

The Travel Shack in Vienna, Austria

The reason I love a good hostel is because you can make new friends who all have the 411 on what to do in that city. Checking into Wombat Hostel in Vienna, I quickly made friends with a crazy Aussie. He told us about the best bar in Vienna right around the corner from the hostel, with a shot list that will change your life. Typically I am not a shot person, I’m a pretty small person and shots make alcohol rush into my veins and often throws me over that drunk edge. However, with shot names such as the “Chuck Norris” and “fire shot” I was instantly intrigued. The guy had been in Vienna for 6 days and gone to Travel Shack for five of them; so all I could think was, “I must go!”

After a quick stop at the Christmas market for some cheap dinner and of course gluhwein, we arrived at Travel Shack a little early for the party….ok, we were the first ones there. Travel Shack has three rooms and a stage with a stripper pole, because that is absolutely necessary in a party bar. We settled in with some delicious German helles beers, because it’s not time for shots yet (what kind of girl do you think I am?) We decided to play a few games of pool before the masses showed up. I lost a lot, but you can’t be good at everything.

After failing Team America at pool, things started to pick up at the bar, or in other words, more people showed up. The DJ showed up and the music became more lively. It was time for the shots! Earlier in the evening I had carefully consulted the menu, as there were so many choices. It was obvious, to me that only acceptable shot for me was the “Chuck Norris.” Basically its a shot of your choice and the bartender then smacks you across the face, twice, once on each side. If I’m taking a shot, its going to be tequila. Otherwise the outcome can become quite grim; lets not even talk about Fireball and what that does to me. I steadied up to the bar— I’m a little girl right?— this guy bartender is gonna go easy on me, right? …. NO! Down the hatch and BAM, wow Austrian bartenders don’t play around. However, I couldn’t quit laughing, it was hysterical. Next, my travel buddy decided on the Fire Shot, where they essentially light your mouth on fire. It was like a dragon.

Our night continued with countless helles. Being a full moon, the bar hired several artists to paint everyone with neon body paint, in honor of the Full Moon Party celebrations in Koh Phangan, Thailand. At some point the Aussie bought a paddle of different shots. I can’t remember what each one was, but at this point I was far past caring. The karaoke room opened up and everyone crowded in to sing group karaoke. We found ourselves a place to sit on top of the table at the far end of the room to sing along. My only complaint about this entire bar, was they would not allow “Wonderwall” by Oasis in the Karaoke room. That is my jam; how do you not like this song? The rest of the night was spent dancing and laughing, until it was time to slink back to the hostel at 2 am. Stopping for doner kebab, which is the most accepted drunk food in all Europe, we strolled home with happy tummies.

This was by far one of the most fun bars I have ever been to anywhere in the world, so much so that I already have plans to return with the usual posse this summer; pretty much specifically to go here again. My friend who is essentially the queen of shots is already looking at a calendar.

~By: Amanda

Way too Wanderlust Recommends

Travel Shack: Mariahilferguertel 21, 1150 Vienna Austria +43 1 961 0131 www.travelshackvienna.com

Wombat Hostel, The Lounge: Mariahilfer Strasse 137, 1150 Vienna Austria +43 1 897 2336 www.wombats-hostels.com booked via www.hostelworld.com

Goin’ Up, On a Tuesday: Chez Gladines, Paris

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, my favorite restaurant in Paris. Now I know everyone has their favorite restaurant in Paris, but this particular one is mine. It’s not very big and it’s probably not that out of the ordinary, but it’s inexpensive and it’s always PACKED. It specializes in Basque cuisine and the food is sensational. It’s so delicious that locals start lining up at the door when it opens at 7 pm and good luck getting a seat for a large party. Sometimes, for two, you might get a table in twenty minutes, however sometimes it’s an hour wait. (For that, there is a nice wine bar about three doors down.) But I always like to find out where locals go to dine because I feel like they know best.

The name is Chez Gladines, it is in the 13th Arr. close by the Corvisart mètro stop on Rue des Cinq Diamants. There are actually six locations throughout Paris so it is easy to find one near you; I frequent the Butte-aux-Cailles location. Basque cuisine is from the Southwest region of France, along the Spanish border. It specializes in grilled meats and fish and stews. It is very rich and hearty food, not delicate Parisian cuisine and the portions at this restaurant are extremely generous. As much as you would like to, it’s difficult to finish your plate. The wait staff here are always extraordinarily busy, but everyone speaks English and I’ve always been happily received with smiles and jokes. You can order a glass of wine or Sangria while you wait, and you can’t beat the house Sangria at only €2.50 a glass.

So I have a penchant for duck– I can’t help it, if it’s on the menu, I’m ordering it. Chez Gladines has a duck with Roquefort sauce that will make you swallow your tongue. Everyone raves about the veal and the Cinq Diamant salad as well. The escargot is another crowd pleaser, and it comes with bread to soak up the garlicy goodness. None of the main dishes are over €14, and you may as well split a bottle of wine because those are all about the same price. I’ve come here with colleagues quite a few times and we like to share our dishes around the table just so everyone gets a taste of something different. My favorite are the potatoes. This is southern French comfort food at its very best and if you have room for dessert afterwards I would be shocked!

As with European dining culture you may share a table with other guests, it’s part of the casual and friendly atmosphere. Nothing fancy, just great food and wine to keep you smiling and happy as you join in the banter around you. It’s a great restaurant for a first date or with close friends, but I wouldn’t recommend dining here solo. Bring cash as they still don’t accept credit cards! Come prepared to have some wine while you wait and work up a big appetite!

~By: Anna

Way Too Wanderlust recommends:

Chez Gladines, 30 Rue des Cinq Diamants, 75013, Paris, France +33 1 45 8070 10 http://www.chezgladines-butteauxcailles.fr

Goin’ Up, On a Tuesday: Flight at Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

There are some things when visiting a city that you just do; even if it means spending an insane amount of money on just one cocktail. Everyone knows I have an affinity for rooftop bars, you can just read my other blog posts. So, when in Rome… or Singapore as the case may be, you go to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, you ride that elevator all the way to the top, you go to Flight Bar and Lounge and you order that Singapore Sling. Money will always come back, time and experiences will not!

Donning the one ‘fancy’ dress we had thrown in the backpack for our month long tour of Asia, we choose the food court in the mall attached to the Marina Bay Sands for dinner in order to balance out the budget for what we were about to blow on cocktails. For about 8 USD I had a delicious Indian vegetarian feast, which I couldn’t possibly finish. Anna opted for Chinese duck, which was weird, but she loved it. Anna always likes to order duck anytime it’s on the menu, and when in Asia, I like to stick to vegetarian. After our food court adventure, we moved on to what we came for. The Marina Bay Sands is a beautiful maze. Even sober we managed to get on the wrong elevator twice. We discovered that there are three tower elevators. You want to take the first Tower One elevator from the main lobby entrance, straight up to the 57th floor. The rooftop in itself is a wonder with three restaurants, a bar, a club lounge and the infamous infinity pool whose entrance is more guarded than Fort Knox. You can only enter the pool by use of a room key to prove you are staying at the hotel. Flight Bar and Lounge is about as bougie as it gets. With incredible views of the skyline and comfy seating, it would have been the perfect place to watch the sunset, if we were ever on-time for anything. However, just as beautiful is the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers lit up against the night sky.

Now let’s get to the most important thing: the cocktails; specifically, the Singapore Sling. Flight’s Singapore Sling menu offers three options, the traditional one and two other variations. The bartender provided an explanation for the Sky Sling and the Straights Sing, which were created by Flight’s own mixologist. Daring to be different, I elected to take one for the team and order the Sky Sling. Anna kept tradition alive and choose the original cocktail, for proper comparison. While both options were quite delicious, I was happy with my choice of the modern version of the classic. If Gin is not your thing, the bar menu includes a variety of other creative cocktails, an extensive wine list and every high-end liquor available. Food and snacks are also available at Flight, but we couldn’t justify spending an hour’s worth of work on a couple of appetizers. That’s only appropriate for alcohol!

Of course, pictures are absolutely necessary atop the Marina Bay Sands. The bar manager Michael is a master at capturing the best angles and lighting for your photos and he is a really nice guy as well. He spends several minutes with each group of guests to ensure their complete satisfaction and to help them take the best “no filter needed” photos! Before we knew it, those little black checkbooks came all too quickly and in the end we each spent about 30 USD inclusive of tax and tip. 7% GST and 10% service charge are automatically included on all checks. Vowing that it was our vacation splurge, little did we know we would return two evenings later. The rest of our group arrived in Singapore wanting to enjoy the same experience, but that, my friend, is what American Express cards are for.

Way too Wanderlust Recommends:

Flight Bar and Lounge at the Marina Bay Sands: Sands Sky Park, Tower 1, Level 57, Singapore +65 6688 9977 www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/nightlife/rooftop-bars/flight.html Say hi to Michael O’Shea, Bar Manager, IG: @flightofoshea

~By: Amanda

Goin’ up, On a Tuesday: Gordon’s Wine Bar, London

The perfect combination, wine and cheese, are nectars of the gods. I can’t even remember how I learned about Gordon’s Wine BAR. Several years ago I enjoyed a glass of wine on the patio with friends. Fast forward to this year, I remembered Gordon’s Wine BAR when meeting up with a friend who shares my passion for refreshing white wines.

Gordon’s Wine Bar is located just off the Embankment stop on the Tube and is the oldest wine bar in London. Located in the basement, you step down into a grotto style establishment, detailed with an original wine cage, antiquated wood and candlelight. The bar is located in the back and there is an amazing variety of whites, reds, roses, ports, bubbles, basically if its made from fermented grapes, you will find it at Gordon’s. Stepping outside the box we grabbed a Hungarian Savingon Blanc, which the bartender highly recommended. Now comes the other important decision of the night: which cheeses are going to make the best dinner ever. You can purchase a plate of 1, 2 or 3 cheeses and you need the three cheese plate, because there are so many amazing options. Our hands-down favorite is the Taleggio from Italy. The cheese portions served are insanely large and accompanied by chunks of delicious bread.

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A fair warning though, this bar is always crowded. The indoor seating never seems to be enough, so it is recommended you arrive by 4 pm to guarantee a seat inside. There is additional seating on the patio sidewalk which flanks up next to Victoria Embankment Gardens. Typically one can find a seat outside quite quickly or a spot at one of the standing barrels. Heat lamps hang over head and keep you warm in the chilly months, but after a bottle you wont feel the cold anyways and after two you wont care about anything…. Needless to say, we returned three days later to order the exact same thing.

Way Too Wanderlust Recommends

Gordon’s Wine Bar: 47 Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NE +44 207 930 1408 www.gordonswinebar.com

~By: Amanda

Goin’ Up, On a Tuesday: Rock and Reilly’s NYC

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If you have read any of my past posts, you already know I think a rooftop or high-rise bar is everything. While typically more pricey than an Irish pub happy hour down the street, there is something to be said about seeing the city from several stories up. From this height, all the crazy and mess melts away and you only see the beauty of the sprawling metropolis. Six stories off the Manhattan streets, Rock and Reilly’s is a great place to meet your friends and enjoy the view before starting your night out in NYC.

Looking to escape the crowd near Penn Station, I stumbled upon this gem hidden in the Renaissance Hotel on West 35th St. With indoor seating and an outdoor patio, this place is jumping around 5-6 pm as the after-work crowd pours out of the their cubicles, seeking coping mechanisms from their jobs. Rock and Reilly’s amazing wine list includes a French Rosé and an Italian Persecco, which are superbly refreshing for those summer evenings on the patio. With an extensive whiskey list, several beers on tap and creative cocktail list there is something for every type of drinker. While tequila is a poison that I typically enjoy, I suggest avoiding the tequila cocktail on their signature menu, because it tastes like a hospital smells. I wish I could remember the name, but some things you want to forget, like bad sex.

Lets talk about food, because that is truly the way to everyone’s heart! Well, after alcohol. A pivotal reason why I return here so frequently is for the Wee Burgers; maybe order two plates, because they are topped with bacon and cheese. The beef used on these sliders is sensational. I actually personally know the individual who sells the beef to the chef at Rock and Reilly’s and this man knows his meat. Other menu favs include Blistered Shishito Peppers (which taste just like Spain), and Irish Nachos.

Soooo, sneak out of work early and join me for a cocktail…..and Wee Burgers!

Way Too Wanderlust Recommends

Rock and Reilly’s: 218 West 35th Street New York, NY 10001 +1 646 850 2850 www.rockandreillys.com

By: Amanda

Goin’ Up, On a Tuesday: Rooftop Athens, Greece

Watching the sunset over a beautiful city such as Athens is the perfect way to finish a day. A rooftop bar with delicious cocktails is an amazing way to enhance any sunset. The Galaxy Bar and Lounge on the rooftop of the Hilton Athens holds one of the best vantage points in the city and is a wonderful place to start your evening. With direct views of the Acropolis, the very long curved open terrace runs the entire length of the hotel. Before heading down to the Plaka for a Greek dinner feast, make sure to meet your friends at the Hilton Galaxy Rooftop bar for pre-dinner drinks.

My favorite drink is the Champagne Supernova, which is champagne with vanilla vodka infused with lychee and rose flavor. The drink menu offers a diverse selection of drinks, including an entire page dedicated to the magic known as the Gin and Tonic! While definitely on the pricy side, the stunning sunset views are worth it, so stay for one cocktail at least and take some very Instagram worthy pictures. The cocktails are also inclusive of complimentary bar snacks, and I love bar snacks!!! If you are truly sticking to a budget, beer is a reasonable choice.

YOLO, so you might as well spend a couple extra dollars and see a glorious sunset over the Acropolis.

Way Too Wanderlust Recommends

Galaxy Bar Hilton Athens: 46 Vassilissis Avenue, Athens 11528, Greece +30 210 7281402 www.hilton.coom/en/hotels/greece-athens-ATHHITW/dining/index.html

~By: Amanda

Goin up, On a Tuesday: Highlands NYC

For our inaugural bar/restaurant Tuesday, I have choosen a place new to us this summer, which is becoming a fast favorite! Highlands NYC located in the West Village is a Scottish style pub with upscale finishes.

The Happy Hour here is what continuously draws us back, including $5 beers, $6 wines and $8 cocktails. My favorite is the Highland Mule, which is topped with a watermelon ice pop, while Anna enjoys the Old Fashioned. The beer and wine selection are not your basic ratchet house wines or large brewery domestics either and include a refreshing French Grenache/Syrah Rose and the Lionshead Pilsner from Pennsylvania. The happy hour snacks are definitely worth noting too, try the beef sliders or one of the flatbread selections.

While I have not had the opportunity to partake in the dinner menu, it looks fabulous. For those whisky connoisseurs, Highlands NYC also has a large selection of Scotch, bourbon and other selective whisky flights. Anna choose the Isle Hopping flight and recommends flight tasting as a fun afternoon activity!

Way too Wanderlust Recommends:

Highlands NYC: 150 W 10th Street, New York, NY 10014 +1 212 229 2670 www.highlands-nyc.com

~By: Amanda

Way too Wanderlusts NYC Blog list

Goin’ up, On a Tuesday: Poco Loco, Amsterdam Netherlands

As luck would have it, our favorite fondue restaurant in Amsterdam was full…no reservation on a Saturday night, epic fail on us.

After wandering around the Nieuwmakrt Square we stumbled upon Poco Loco a Tapas bar. This cafe- restaurant has outdoor seating on the patio and cozy indoor seating; Poco Loco also provides both Dutch and English menu descriptions. After consulting the menu we decided on the Royal Tapas selection, which is 7 different sharable tapas chosen by the chef. The staff has graciously in the has past accommodated food allergens, including seafood! Typically we order 1-2 other tapas as a supplement, especially those including the disription of cheese. To finish you dinner try the champagne and lemon sorbet which is disguised as a dessert…NO it’s a cocktail and party starter. This drink will even flip that whiny friend trying to go home!

Each trip to Amsterdam has brought us back to Polo Loco this summer, the food has always been amazing. I would list specific tapas recommendations, but anything on the menu is worth a go. They also have a wonderful selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Poco Loco has a resident house cat, who shows up always about the time dinner is served. He has a funny Dutch name, which I couldn’t pronounce if I tried. For a low key and delicious dinner this is the spot in Nieuwmakrt!