Stops, Shops & Snapshots by Sara

  Peach-Perfect Brunch with My Bestie at Fannie’s This darling restaurant just off Main Street in Warwick was the perfect spot for a post-tennis brunch with my bestie. I was in town visiting my longtime pal Mandy, and we kicked off our girl’s day with a clinic at Matchpoint Tennis in Goshen (a total steal at $35 for 90 minutes of play!). Afterward, we headed into Warwick, whose downtown was even more charming—and bigger—than I expected. Mandy hadn’t been to Fannie’s yet, so we decided it was the ideal choice. As best friends do, we ordered to share for maximum deliciousness. She went for a Bloody Mary, I opted for a Mimosa (fresh-squeezed OJ—yes, please!), and then we split two standout dishes: an omelette with fresh summer veggies (zucchini and tomato) and the absolute star, French toast topped with local peaches. As a peach lover, I couldn’t resist—and it was every bit as heavenly as I hoped. The service was just right—prompt without being rushed—so we had plenty of time t...

Bites, Bread, and Bliss in Pittsburgh’s Ever-Charming Strip District Delicious from start to finish! We kicked things off with the meatballs and whipped ricotta —absolute perfection—but honestly, the star for me was the bread. Imagine a magical hybrid of naan and pizza dough, warm and pillowy, perfect for savoring on its own or with dips. We also shared the cauliflower appetizer [pictured], which was just as delightful. For entrees, my friend opted for the chicken, and it was enormous—plenty to enjoy and even share if you’re not too greedy! The environment was lively and welcoming, and our servers were exceptional. They even split our shared salad for us without hesitation, which felt like such a thoughtful touch. After our meal, we couldn’t resist stopping by the pastry line to take treats home for Emily’s husband and kids. The line moved quickly, and the display was brimming with more tempting pastries than we could possibly choose from—everything looked incredible! And let’s tal...

A Leisurely Lunch That Stole the Afternoon!!   Nice is nice, but this afternoon with Danny turned out to be a highlight of our trip! We were waiting for friends arriving from Antibes and decided to treat ourselves to a slow, indulgent lunch—the kind that feels essential when you’re on the French Riviera. A quick search led us to La Villa Massenet , and we wandered in, instantly welcomed by the staff with that effortless French warmth. The space itself is charming and thoughtfully appointed, with comfortable tables that invite you to linger. We lucked into a spot beside the service window (not everyone's go to, but for me it's a front-row seat to the parade of beautiful dishes making their way out of the kitchen) —each dish that went by was tempting us to order just a little more than we could manage. I had the lamb shank (pictured) and it was perfectly cooked—rich, tender, and full of flavor. Danny’s beef tartare was equally delightful. And if that weren’t enough, a sweet...

Bill’s Grill:   When traveling with my dad and his partner, MJ, I’ve learned they’re happiest revisiting their tried-and-true favorites from past adventures. So when I suggested a new detour on our drive back from the Crystal Coast, I braced myself for polite hesitation. But sometimes a little nudge toward something new pays off — and this one really did. Bill’s Grill in Wilson, NC, has that perfect mix of small-town warmth and good, honest cooking. It’s an easy hop off Highway 795, and within minutes of walking in, we felt like locals. The cheeseburger was outstanding — I went “all in” with chili and pickles, and it was worth every bite. The fries and hush puppies were freshly fried, hot, and crispy, the kind of sides you can’t stop picking at even when you think you’re full. And the cake… let’s just say it deserves its own billboard. Moist, homemade, and served with the kind of pride that makes you believe the recipe’s been passed down for generations. It tasted exactly ...

Burgers Worth the Detour – Ted’s in Meriden:   Another road trip gem you only discover when you have an adventurous co-pilot! This stop was with Anastasia, a Boston Beer Bestie, when we were both making the drive from NYC back to Boston. I was thrilled to have an excuse to veer off the highway, and Anastasia’s research delivered big time. Ted’s Restaurant is famous for its steamed cheeseburgers — a regional specialty you don’t often see outside of Connecticut. I went for the Everything Burger, which was stacked, juicy, and full of flavor in every bite. Anastasia chose the Black & Blue, which had that perfect tangy bite from the blue cheese. Both were satiating, comforting, and exactly the kind of road trip indulgence you want. We also ordered the chili cheese homefries and a basket of French fries, which came out fresh, hot, and full of flavor. Even though we could hardly make a dent in them (thanks to those monster burgers), we loved every bite we managed to sneak in....

Call Your Mother—And Tell Her Breakfast Was Amazing:   We booked a 9:00 a.m. reservation at Mother's Bistro & Bar to beat the rush (and because our Willamette Valley wine tour bus was pulling out of downtown promptly at 10:30 a.m.)—and it turned out to be the perfect way to start the day. Mother’s has that welcoming, slightly nostalgic vibe you want in a breakfast spot, but with an elevated menu that still feels indulgent. One of the best parts? They offer half portions of certain dishes—ideal for leaving satisfied without feeling too stuffed to enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities. I went for the salmon hash, perfectly seasoned and rich without being heavy, while my friends ordered the decadent challah French toast and the flavorful Greek frittata. Everything was beautifully prepared and arrived quickly, which we appreciated given our tight timeline. I also loved that Mother’s has a little retail section with their signature “Call Your Mother” mugs. Of course, I co...