The Kupcake Factory Gourmet Cupcakes - Metairie, LA

I am cupcake crazy and always on the hunt for the tasty morsels. So, when I discovered The Kupcake Factory, that has locations in Kenner, New Orleans and Metairie, I wanted to try them.

Let me start by saying that the shop was nice, the staff was friendly and the cupcakes are baked fresh daily. However, the packing was horrible (they put the cupcakes in the box without a divider) and the flavor of the cupcakes were lacking. 

Not that the were dry, but they all could have been a little more moist and I didn't understand why a Birthday Cake Cupcake would have cream cheese frosting and not buttercream. In fact, I ordered 4 different types and they all had the same type of frosting.

One thing I did like is that the cupcakes have an appropriate amount of frosting.

The cupcakes were satisfactory but surely could have been better.

The Kupcake Factory

International Rose Test Garden - Portland, OR

Portland is known as the "City of Roses" so while in the city, I really wanted to visit the International Rose Test Garden which exemplifies it name.

Its free, it relaxing and satisfying to the senses (the rose smell lovely), just don't come on a rainy day. The rain cut my time short and kept me from exploring the beautiful garden in its entirety.

International Rose Test Garden

Voodoo Doughnut - Portland, OR

When I saw a line, I wanted to turn back and I did. The lure of the famous doughnuts couldn't stop me though and I returned about an hour later. It was now or never; I would probably never come back to Portland ever again and this was my chance.

Despite how the line looked, it actually moved pretty quickly. Once inside the brick restaurant, I was treated to eclectic, funky and fun!

Cash is the only form of payment accepted at this shop that features over 100 doughnut varieties and coffee beverages so be prepared.

On a first visit, I had to try their namesake Voodoo Doughnut that is shaped like a voodoo doll and oozes blood red jelly when you bite into it.

If you are a candy or cereal freak, you will probably find your favorite covering one of the doughnuts. With that said, I had to get a M&M Doughnut and Oreo Doughnut.

While in Portland, you can't go wrong with the "Official City Doughnut", the Portland Creme, a take on a Boston Creme.

And, unless you have mental issues (or don't eat pork), a Bacon Maple Bar is a must.

WOW is all I have to say!!


Voodoo Doughnut

Little Bird Bistro - Portland, OR

Less than a 3 hour drive from Seattle, I had to spend at least one day in Portland on my trip. The drive was worth it and I had a delightful time into Portland, but that was not without a stop at Little Bird for lunch.

As soon as we walked into Little Bird, we were greeted by the gentleman behind the bar. Right after that, two ladies came out and after a bit of confusion amongst themselves, we were finally seated. I won't say service was bad, but throughout the meal, I didn't get that warm feeling and I could have sworn I was being served by a drone. I don't think she ever cracked a smile, a blink, anything.

The restaurant is pretty small. There is not much room for seating and I felt like I was sitting on top of the table next to me. When you have to pull out tables (not chairs) for people to be seated, tables are clearly too close for comfort.

Once I was able to settle in, I looked over the menu and ended up ordering the Steamed Clams. The broth was Parmesan based with bacon, breadcrumbs and peppers. It had rich flavor without being overpowering. It didn't come with anything nor was I given any heads up or options so I had to request more of the complimentary bread to eat it with.

My burger obsessed boyfriend ordered the ‘Le Pigeon’ Burger with fries (you also have the choice of lettuce instead). He was very impressed with the burger.

The food was simply delicious (no complaints there), but I felt a bit distracted by the service and atmosphere.

Little Bird Bistro

Mee Sum Pastry - Seattle, WA

I passed by Mee Sum Pastry one evening and saw a lines of people waiting for food and vowed to go back. The next morning, I decided to stop by and ordered a selection of items.

I first had a BBQ Pork Skewer. The pork was sweet and tender, but not juicy. 

I then had a Steamed Pork Bun which I didn't like it. The dough was too rubbery and clammy. I also didn't love the filling, it was mixed with too much cornstarch or fat (whatever that was) and not enough meat and way too sweet to be savory.

The Baked Pork Bun fared better. It tasted like it had recently been baked. It had the right texture and that lovely golden brown crust.

I also had a Sesame Ball. The flavor was right but it was just way too greasy.

This was not food at its finest, but this is street food. It may not be the best, but it is quick and affordable.


Mee Sum Pastry

Space Needle - Seattle, WA

Seattle and the Space Needle kind of go hand in hand! It is far from the highest point in Seattle but with 360 views of the city it's pretty awesome. 

Instead of purchasing day/night tickets, go just before sunset like we did and you get both experiences for the price of one!

Space Needle

Chihuly Garden and Glass - Seattle, WA

Beautiful, amazing, outstanding, spectacular, unique, revolutionizing! This is a must for any art lover or visitor of Seattle!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Etta's Seafood Restaurant - Seattle, WA

We wanted to eat one place, but they were closed. We did a search on our phones and choose another restaurant, went there, and they were closed too. We walked back and forth slightly confused on what to do when we asked one of the guys in the fish market where to go and he lead us to Etta's with raving reviews. 

I had actually heard about the restaurant before getting to Seattle but it must've slipped my mind so when I heard mention of this place I was excited. While it is located in Pike Place Market, my experience was not all about just location, it was about nice ambiance, friendly service and good food.

I wanted to try a little of everything so I started with the Creamy Clam Chowder. Creamy was not the only word to describe it, it was Clam Chowder turnt up. The bacon was a typical addition you would expect but when you add parsley oil to that it is taken over the edge.

It was random and didn't fit into what I was eating but I ended up ordering a glass of Sangria. Theirs comprised of white wine and peach. It was cool but I felt it could have been more awesome and it just wasn't.

My boyfriend stuck to his burgers and had Etta's Double Double Burger. He seemed to really love it. It wasn't a typical burger and they added a few little twist that made it interesting.

I overheard the waitress at the next table hyping up the crab cake so I decided ordering the Dungeness Crab Cakes would be a good choice. It was all crab, light and crispy! The wheatberry salad was great too and I was very happy with the basil green goddess sauce that tied it all in and added a light, subtle flavor to it all.

I was stuffed but still I had to order dessert. We choose the Coconut Cream Pie. It was creamy coconut goodness but then there was the crust. It was too hard to cut through and just kinda ruined it for me.

On the most part, I enjoyed the food, service and atmosphere. The only complaint I had was that immediately after receiving my soup, the entrees were brought out so my main was just sitting there for quite some time while I finished my chowder and me no likey that.



Etta's Seafood Restaurant