Travel Bethany Larson Travel Bethany Larson

Cru Café (Lunch)

Here’s another food pic I snapped in Charleston, SC when visiting a couple weeks ago. We stopped at Cru Café for lunch on Saturday. I got the Duck Confit Arugula Salad (baby arugula, tomato, candied pecans, fried onions, and port wine vinaigrette) and we all split the Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer.

Here’s another food pic I snapped in Charleston, SC when visiting a couple weeks ago. We stopped at Cru Café for lunch on Saturday and unfortunately didn’t make reservations, but luckily they had one table open for walk-ins. I got the Duck Confit Arugula Salad (baby arugula, tomato, candied pecans, fried onions, and port wine vinaigrette) and we all split the Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer. OMG, so good. Plus, the restaurant is an 18th century home, and if the weather’s nice, you can have lunch or dinner on the front porch! They also serve dinner. I highly recommend making reservations, ‘cause this place is popular for good reason.


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MENU: CLICK HERE

Hours

(As of now due to COVID)

WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY,
12PM – 8PM

Address

18 Pinckney Street

Charleston, South Carolina 29401

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Darling Oyster Bar Brunch

This beautiful Bloody Mary comes from The Darling Oyster Bar in Charleston, SC. Staples of theirs include Shrimp & Grits, French Toast, Crab Cake Benedict, and a Smoked Salmon Quiche.

This beautiful Bloody Mary comes from The Darling Oyster Bar in Charleston, SC when my sister and I were wedding venue hunting. Y’all need to go look at the @darling_oyster_bar instagram to see how cute this place is. Brunch here is a perfect way to start your day in Charleston. If you can, make reservations ahead of time, because they book up fast!


 
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We also ordered the blueberry and cinnamon biscuit for an appetizer/dessert. The meal I finally decided on?The seafood frittata with lobster, king grab, shrimp, bacon, fennel, goat cheese, crispy potato, and arugula salad. Other staples of theirs include Shrimp & Grits, French Toast, Crab Cake Benedict, and a Smoked Salmon Quiche.

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MENU: CLICK HERE

Hours

OPEN DAILY

4PM - CLOSE

Address

513 KING STREET

CHARLESTON, SC 29403

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Travel Bethany Larson Travel Bethany Larson

The Healthiest Airplane Snacks

I have a long day of travel and these are my essentials to get me through.

Instead of airplane food (what is even in that stuff??), I pull out my tried-and-true healthy and portable carry-on snacks. What are some items you can’t travel without?

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What’s in my bag:

  • Gin Gins (to ward off nausea)

  • RX Bars

  • Epic Bars

  • Fresh Fruit

  • Organic Slammers (puréed superfood snack)

  • Meds for headache, sleep, relaxation

  • Toothbrush/mints/chapstick


What’s in your carry-on?

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Townhouse

I’m on the road again! Avoiding fast food and finding real food while traveling is always a fun challenge for me.

I’m on the road again! Avoiding fast food and finding real food while traveling is always a fun challenge for me. For the flight, I packed snacks (almonds, RX bar, and a banana... I always avoid plane food) and I do my research before arriving to our destination to find restaurants that have food Tyler and I will both like.


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Last night’s dinner was at Townhouse in Birmingham, MI. It was amazing! Tyler got their award winning burger accompanied with the most delicious truffle fries and rosemary garlic aioli (I plan to recreate this at home 😍). I ordered the trout, probably the best tasting thing I’ve had in a while. It looked and tasted like salmon... only better. It came with fingerling potatoes, green beans, marcona almonds, brown butter, and charred lemon. I loved how on the menu they let you know which meals are gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian. They also have the option of a topless or naked burger (I wish more restaurants would do this!!!). If you ever find yourself in the Detroit area, eating at Townhouse is a must!


MENU: CLICK HERE

Address

180 PIERCE STREET
BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

Hours

MON - THUR: 11AM - 12AM KITCHEN CLOSES @ 10PM (MON-TUE) & 11PM (WED-THURS)

FRI: 11AM - 2AM KITCHEN CLOSES @ MIDNIGHT

SAT: 10AM - 2AM KITCHEN CLOSES @ MIDNIGHT
BRUNCH 10AM - 3PM

SUN: 10AM - 12AM KITCHEN CLOSES @ 10PM
BRUNCH 10AM - 3PM

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Independence Beer Garden

While wandering around the Independence National Historical Park last week and seeing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, my husband and I took a late lunch break at the Independence Beer Garden for some food and a drink. It was a perfect crisp fall day to sit outside and take in the history that surrounded us.

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While wandering around the Independence National Historical Park last week and seeing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, my husband and I took a late lunch break at the Independence Beer Garden for some food and a drink. It was a perfect crisp fall day to sit outside and take in the history that surrounded us.

Independence Beer Garden.jpg

I ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos which came with avocado and cabbage in corn tortillas. My drink was called “6th Street Spritz”: vodka, aperol, grapefruit, and orange. It was refreshing and not too sweet. Now that I’m back home in NC, I’m excited to replicate both the tacos and the cocktail!

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Address:

100 S Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday : CLOSED

Friday & Saturday : 11:30am - 2am

Website: http://www.phlbeergarden.com/

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Best Bars and Restaurants in Portland, Maine

We were in Portland for 48 hours, and how I wish I had more time there! Even though we only a couple of days, we made the most of the time we had. Here’s a list of five of our favorite food and drink spots!

My husband and I are on a fifty state tour! We’re completing it in chunks, and this time around we are in New England. Our first stop was Portland, Maine.

We were in Portland for 48 hours, and how I wish I had more time there! Even though we only a couple of days, we made the most of the time we had. Here’s a list of five of our favorite food and drink spots!

1) Portland Lobster Company

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For lunch, we stopped at Portland Lobster Company who’s known for their fresh, delicious seafood. It was cold and rainy, so we kept warm inside and people watched by the window. They also had a heated outdoor patio right next to the water!

I ordered the Lobster Garden Salad and Tyler got the New England Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. Both were incredible! If you’re ever in Portland, be sure to check this place out. The staff was super friendly, and they have everything from fries to a full lobster dinner.

Hours:

Sunday through Thursday - 11AM to 9:30PM
Friday and Saturday - 11AM to 10PM

Website: http://www.portlandlobstercompany.com/


2) Gritty McDuff’s or “Gritty’s”

What I loved about this cozy, charming pub is that they had normal pub grub, but they also had some healthy options to choose from too. I felt like I had been transported to England due to the traditional style of the pub. They have a large upstairs area and a smaller, cozier, downstairs as well. The beer, food, and ambiance were all perfect and it is located on Fore Street in the center of everything.

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I ordered the oysters and Tyler got chicken tenders and fries (pictured above). We both ordered beers but they have a variety of other drinks to choose from!

Address:

396 Fore Street
Portland, Maine 04101

Hours: 11:00am to Close

Website: http://grittys.com/


3) Liquid Riot

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Liquid Riot is known for their house made beers but they also have spirits and gourmet bar food! Tyler and I stuck with beer since we already ate, but we definitely want to go back one day to try their food (it sounded delicious!) We loved the beer and atmosphere and we also enjoyed the fact that they provided a couple of games to play. We chose shuffle board, and I made a huge comeback to beat Tyler!

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Address:

250 Commercial St
Portland ME  04101
207 221 8889


Hours: Sun – Thurs: 12-11pm
Fri & Sat: 12-1am

Website: http://liquidriot.com/


4) Novare Res

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We had friends suggest that we visit Novare Res, a taproom that serves international beer and food. They had a variety of beers and other drinks to choose from plus a large food menu. We had a little trouble finding it at first, because it’s a bit hidden behind the street, but once we found it we were happy to take off our rain jackets and stay there for a while. The vibe was so relaxed and cozy, and the wait staff was very friendly and attentive. We were so busy drinking and chatting with friends that I forgot to a take a picture, so I snapped a quick one right before we left.

Address: 4 Canal Plaza, Suite 1, Portland, ME 04101

Hours:

Monday – Thursday 4-1
Friday 3-1
Saturday & Sunday 12-1

Website: http://novareresbiercafe.com


5) Blyth & Burrows

If you’re looking for a cocktail and appetizer or night cap and snack, Blyth & Burrows is the spot. They have a plethora of signature cocktails and a delicious choice of upscale small plates.

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They are located in the middle of a ton of cute shops. Tyler and I browsed around the shops and then stopped here for a drink before dinner.

Address: 26 Exchange Street
Portland, Maine 04101

Hours:

M – F: 4 PM – 1 AM
Sat: 4 PM – 1 AM
Sun: 4 PM - 1 AM

Website: https://www.blythandburrows.com/


We were able to squeeze in lots of food, drinks, and shopping in the short time we were in this charming city. We brought the rain with us but despite the dreary weather, we still had the best time. This is an extremely short list of places, and we know there are many more to explore when we come back again to visit. Because it poured down rain, we weren’t able to get our run in at the Eastern Promenade, and there were a few more restaurants and bars on our list that we simply didn’t have time for. Have you been to Portland? What are your favorite spots?

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Crawford's Bar & Grill

Last night, we landed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and we found this beautiful restaurant called “Crawford’s” that had food Tyler would like, like flatbreads (i.e., pizza) and healthy options like salads, chicken, and fish.

My husband and I are still on the road, and I’m proud to say I have not eaten any fast food! Several years ago, I’d be downing a McDonald’s burger and fries, but now I am committed to finding real food so I can feel my best for this trip. Seeing as I can’t cook food at home (I’ll leave that to Sarah this week 👩🏻‍🍳), I’ll be sharing my travel-food choices with you all ✈️

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Last night, we landed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and we found this beautiful restaurant called “Crawford’s” that had food Tyler would like, like flatbreads (i.e., pizza) and healthy options like salads, chicken, and fish.

I ordered the salmon with broccoli and wild rice, and Tyler made fun of my “oh-my-gosh-this-food-is-so-good” face which he says actually looks extremely angry. Anyway, it was so damn delicious. I took what little leftovers I had back to the hotel so I could have it for lunch today before we continue on our journey north.

And yes, of course I snagged a couple bites of Tyler’s pizza :) I’d be crazy not to! 🤪

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Crawford's website: http://crawfordssf.com/

Hours: 

Monday-Thursday

4:00 PM to midnight

Fri & Sat: 

3:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Sunday

3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Address: 

Crawford's Bar & Grill

214 S. Phillips Ave.

Sioux Falls, SD, 57104

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Filling Station Coffee

Today we’re in Kansas City, Missouri, and breakfast was at this cute café, @fillingstationcoffee right next to where we’re working. When I found them online and saw they served brunch all day, I knew this way my kind of place.

My husband and I are on the road again! We are doing a lot of traveling this year for work which is awesome, but it does make eating well a bit more challenging. I make sure to research before we leave to find restaurants that have plenty of healthy options. That and packing my own snacks for the plane and hotel rooms keep me on track… at least more on track anyway. Part of traveling means adapting and making the most out of where I am at the moment. Luckily I don’t have any food allergies, so I can be a bit flexible.


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Today we’re in Kansas City, Missouri, and breakfast was at this cute café, Filling Station Coffee right next to where we’re working. When I found them online and saw they served brunch all day, I knew this way my kind of place. Plus they have a little bit of everything… quinoa bowls, quiche, salads, sandwiches, and juice.

I opted for the “Everyday Bowl” which was kefir, cooked quinoa, banana, blueberries, toasted sesame seeds, spiced honey, and peanut butter and paired it with their cold brew coffee. It was so good! If you’re ever in the area, check this place out. Orrrr you can always just recreate this tasty “Everyday Bowl” at home, and adapt it to make it your own!


Website

http://www.fillingstationcoffee.com

Hours

MONDAY-FRIDAY   6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, SUNDAY   7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

KITCHEN CLOSES AT 3:00 PM  

Address (Midtown Location)

2980 McGee Trafficway

Kansas City, MO

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