After a stressful summer with lots of changes, one thing I couldn’t wait for was my end of summer trip back home. The last few times I’ve been home I’ve had back-to-back plans or occasions I was back for and haven’t had much downtime to actually spend with my family. So I’ve really been looking forward to this trip when the two pre-planned events for my week included a dentist appointment and Taylor Swift concert. Even better, my mom had the whole week off too so we could do as we pleased for the entire week together!

While trips home never seem long enough, I actually felt like I had some quality time with my family this time which was really nice. Let me take you down memory lane of my summer 2013 trip!

This time home we started out my trip with a family get-together! It was a kind of nice switch-up. Normally if we can get everyone together it’s on the tail-end of my trip so I was happy to see everyone (missing my Aunt Di and Uncle Del — We missed you guys!) The weather rained on our BBQ plans, but we made the best of our indoor space!

During the week we went to the local brewery where we met up with one of my mom’s friends and a couple of mine as well. Nothing like catching up with the old Enumclaw crew. No matter where I live, none of my friends can compare to these guys!

In true Anna fashion, I got to check out some of the new restaurants in the Claw too! Including the new sushi bar — yes a sushi bar in Enumclaw! I’m pretty picky when it comes to sushi, the last time I had it I took it home and cooked it (true story). Oshio’s nailed it though! They had a cool VIP room (Or so we were calling it) in the back where you took off your shoes, walked up to an elevated platform and then sat at a sunken in table. It was so neat and so different from anywhere else in town!

Another place I checked out that I’m now obsessed with is Legendary Doughnuts!

I’ve been following their Facebook page for the last year and finally got around to checking it out! The east coast doesn’t have anything on our west coast donut skills. And these were no exception!

I also spent some quality time driving ( I miss it) and admiring grocery store selections. I’ve gotten so used to our tiny grocery stores that Safeway gets me every time when I’m home. You mean this whole aisle is ice cream!? I swear I’m like an alien every time I come back, which is silly since that’s how I grew up. It’s funny the things you don’t notice or take for granted when you are so used to them!

Now onto the Taylor Swift concert! I got Little Duck tickets for Christmas for the Labor Day weekend show and the day had finally come! Way to make the poor girl wait 9 months for her Christmas present right?! Lol, we had a wonderful time though! The crowd was definitely very different from her last show and I think the only people there older than 10 were all parents, but it really was a great show!

She performed for over 2 hours and her set was crazy! Fireworks, tons of moving stages, and even a flying stage that went all over the stadium. Love or hate her, she can put on a phenomenal show!

Another highlight of my trip was our trip to the LeMay Car Museum. We got my dad tickets for Father’s Day, but the fam hadn’t made it there yet so we all checked it out together.

It was a really cool place! The outside of the museum reminded me of a big cockroach and was super modern inside. Even if you aren’t a huge car buff, you could still enjoy this place. It was kind of an ironic place for me to visit too when I think about it, now that I drive once or twice a year! Really cool place though!

My dad, John, and Kayla decided to try out their racecar simulator. It seemed pretty cool. I will say if you have a choice of who to drive with in a racecar, avoid Kayla. She wasn’t so good, haha!

On top of all of my adventuring, I also got some much needed relaxation time and home cooking (thanks Mom!).

Such a wonderful time! Until next time Washington, I’ll be seeing you :)

I am so excited to tell you guys about a new restaurant opening this Saturday on the Upper West Side called The Social House! 

My boss’ husband, Andre and his team at Manhattan Restaurant Consultants have been busy taking what used to be an ordinary diner and turning it into an upscale restaurant with American cuisine over the last month. And I’m confident you’ll be impressed by the concept they have come up with!

I’ve always loved the Upper West Side near my office, in the W. 80’s. It’s a great place to meet up with friends after work for a drink, and there’s no shortage of options for Happy Hour. The one thing the area has been significantly lacking on though is nice sit-down options. And that’s where The Social House comes in!

The restaurant gives off the perfect amount of class with a romantic touch. A much different vibe than the sports and dive bars that line the streets. Even if you aren’t in the mood for a sit-down meal, you can still enjoy one of their specialty cocktails in the bar at the bar tables.

Now onto the important things.. What to eat! I always enjoy trying dishes that are a little off the beaten path, and this restaurant nails a balanced combination of interesting dishes and spins on some of the classics you’ve tried before. My favorites on the small plates menu were the Figs on Horseback, Shrimp with Cilantro Aioli and the Striped Bass Ceviche with blue corn chips and avocado mousse. Mmm, my mouth is watering just typing these! If you enjoy flatbread, do NOT miss out on their selection! I tried the Roasted Wild Mushroom, Grilled Kale with Smoked Goat Cheese flatbread and it was fantastic. 

Now onto the entree! If I thought my mouth was watering before… I will definitely be back again soon to have their Roasted Hanger Steak with Chimmichurri Sauce! I order steak on rare occasion, but this one was calling my name of the menu. I’m glad I listened to the calling too, because if it weren’t completely against proper manners, I totally would have licked the plate. The sauce and seasoning on the steak was superb!

And yes, I totally realize I failed you on the pics of the food. The only downfall to fantastic mood lighting, is my pictures just can’t do the food justice, so I decided I’d leave a little left to the imagination so you have to go over there and give them a try! 

So I hope I have done just that and sparked your interest enough to get over there and give it a go. You definitely won’t regret it! Plus, have I ever steered you wrong in the food department? I didn’t think so..

Check The Social House out on Amsterdam between W. 81st and 82nd!

The rain has taken a vacation! Okay, for the day at least.. Here are a few snaps of some of the spring blooms popping up around the city!