Stops, Shops & Snapshots by Sara

The Original Pancake House --  Pancakes that will even win over non-pancake fans!   I’m not someone who craves pancakes often—maybe once every few years—but these were worth the trip and the treat. The moment I walked in, the charming, spotless atmosphere set the tone. Everything on the table tasted fresh, clearly made with quality ingredients and care. I went for the blueberry pancakes , which were light, fluffy, and bursting with juicy berries - so so fresh. My friend ordered the Dutch Baby , a showstopper of a dish—golden, puffy, and perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon. We shared an order of fresh berries  (those blueberries were as big as Willy Wonka!!). and crispy hash browns on the side, both well worth adding. Our server was prompt, kind, and genuinely friendly. She even offered insider tips for my next stop in Astoria—proof that great hospitality goes beyond just good service. If you’re in Portland and want breakfast th...

Two Fat Cats Bakery — Sweet as Pie in Portland If you find yourself in Portland, Maine, and are even remotely a dessert lover, make your way to Two Fat Cats Bakery . I was visiting from out of town with one very specific mission: try an authentic Maine blueberry pie. Mission accomplished — and deliciously so. We ordered a mini blueberry pie to share, which turned out to be the perfect choice. The crust was exactly what you hope for in a homemade pie — light and flaky, but with just enough substance to cradle the filling without getting soggy. The blueberry filling itself was bursting with flavor — sweet, tangy, and fresh, like summer in every bite. The staff were as warm as the baked goods. When I ordered an iced tea and then immediately changed my mind, they happily swapped it for an Arnold Palmer without hesitation. That kind of small-town kindness makes the experience feel extra special. If I lived in Portland, I’d be here far too often — for the pies, yes, but also for the sen...

Finelli’s Italian Villa: A Timeless Altoona Classic Finelli’s has been a beloved Altoona institution for as long as I can remember. It’s the kind of place that marks milestones—my high school prom dinner was here, and years later, I brought my college boyfriend to experience one of Altoona’s most special dining spots. It's more than just a restaurant; it’s a local rite of passage. Some reviewers mention the ambiance—yes, it leans into an old-school fine dining look, but that’s part of its charm. This isn’t big-city sleek or trendy minimalism. This is Altoona elegance, and it's beloved for a reason. Think of it like a Frank Sinatra ballad: you keep it on repeat because it always speaks to your heart. The food is consistently great. My chicken parmesan was top notch—crispy, saucy, cheesy, and served piping hot. The portion was generous, but I still made room for dessert. Every sweet on the menu is made in-house, and you can absolutely taste the love in each bite. Finelli’s is...

Genesis House: A Multi-Sensory Journey Through Korean Cuisine and Art Four of us ventured into Genesis House on a warm / hazy June afternoon, lured by the mesmerizing Forest installation on the ground floor—a tranquil, immersive art space that immediately set the tone for what turned out to be a memorable New York experience. What began as a casual exploration quickly turned into a full-on culinary celebration when we discovered the elegant restaurant tucked away upstairs. We decided to go all in with the tasting menu and beverage pairings—and it was absolutely the right call. Each course arrived like a small gift: thoughtful, beautifully plated, and rich in flavor and intention. The first course, a refreshing and gorgeously composed mulhwe (a chilled raw fish dish -- see picture above!), set a high bar with its clean flavors and artistic presentation. Just when we thought the kitchen couldn’t top it, the meal concluded with a transcendent pear shaved ice—ethereal, delicate, and ser...

Senza Gluten: Celiac-Safe, Comfortably Italian in the West Village Let’s be honest: finding a solid gluten-free Italian meal that actually tastes like the real deal is a tough order—especially when you’ve spent your life surrounded by Italian food culture. I grew up in Altoona, PA, where red-sauce joints are a local religion, and I now live in NYC, where Italian is practically its own borough. Between the two, I’ve grown a bit picky about what counts as “good” Italian. That said, Senza Gluten is doing something admirable and rare: offering a fully gluten-free menu that doesn’t feel like a tradeoff. I visited with a friend who eats strictly gluten-free for health reasons, and it was such a pleasure to have an entire menu available without needing to ask for modifications or risk cross-contamination. I ordered the lasagna, which was comforting and generously portioned. The gluten-free pasta was surprisingly well textured—not gummy or grainy like so many can be—and layered with rich ...

Root 11: Where the Puns Are as Fresh as the Produce Bloomsburg, PA Sometimes you’re road-tripping across Pennsylvania on Route 80, and your stomach sends you one of two messages: “Let’s find something deep-fried and covered in cheese” or “Help. Please. A vegetable would be nice.” Enter Root 11 , an absolute gem just off Route 11 in Bloomsburg, and yes — I practically squealed when I saw the name. I live for a well-executed pun, and this one is spot on. Not only is it a clever nod to its location, but also to the root veggies, wholesome ingredients, and local goodness that fuel their menu. I rolled in with my trusty co-pilot — who, unlike me and my usual salt-and-sweets pit stops, prioritizes energizing, nutritious meals. Root 11 fit the bill perfectly . I ordered a fresh, vibrant salad with a side of their creamy broccoli cheddar soup (gluten-free and soy-free!), plus a refreshing hibiscus lemonade that just tasted like wellness in a glass. Bonus: they have outdoor seating! My d...

  Bridge View Tavern: A Legendary Bite in Sleepy Hollow Exactly what I needed. On a spontaneous detour from Connecticut back into NYC, I decided to make the most of the scenic route and wound up in the historic village of Sleepy Hollow—yes, that Sleepy Hollow. And while the town is best known for its spooky Headless Horseman lore (especially in the fall), I discovered something just as legendary in its own right: Bridge View Tavern . This laid-back spot feels like a local secret you’ll be glad you stumbled upon. Cozy and unpretentious, it offers solid New American fare with a twist—and a beer list that would impress even your pickiest hops-loving friend. I was greeted by Patty, who introduced herself by name (something I will always appreciate—it’s that little extra touch that turns service into hospitality). I felt immediately welcomed and unrushed. Feeling adventurous, I went for the elk burger , stepping outside of my usual order—and I’m so glad I did. It was juicy, flavor...