Brunch Diaries: Trafford

My sister was in town visiting this weekend, which was the perfect excuse for us to try a new place for brunch on Sunday. Trafford is a bright, cheery spot in the East Bay overlooking the water. I have been for dinner several times before, but this was the first time I tried their brunch. The wide open space paired with the sunshine pouring in (not to mention the mimosas) made for a great afternoon with my sister and M.

Menu displayed on a clipboard.

Ceiling lights + canoe.

Instagramming, of course!

Cup of sugar.

Iced coffee.

Brunch bubbles.

Lobster benedict special.

Traditional benedict.

I'm in love with their reclaimed wood tabletops. 

Wild blueberry hotcake.

Everything was so delicious and since they've just recently started serving brunch, we practically had the upstairs to ourselves! I definitely recommend checking Trafford out and I can't wait to come back and eat outside on the deck when it finally gets warmer. Where's your favorite place to enjoy brunch?

Weekend Snapshots: Cape Cod

Can you believe I've lived in Rhode Island for almost five years and had never been to Cape Cod prior to this past weekend? Me either! It seems so silly since it's literally less than two hours from my doorstep. Fortunately, my friend/coworker Jan invited me to spend the a night at her adorable Cape house and showed me all around Yarmouth and Dennis. It was a whirlwind 24 hours, but we were able to pack so much into a short amount of time that it felt like a three day vacation! The highlights for me were lots of time spent walking on the beach, an early breakfast at the Red Cottage, and a surprise woody wagon show (that made me wish my dad was with me). I can't wait to go back and explore more of the little beach towns on Cape Cod, which seems to be much easier to navigate in the off season.

Friday afternoon walk on Seagull Beach.

New England beaches have so much character.

Admiring lots of old woody wagons in pristine condition.

Deluxe.

I loved the surf board tied to the roof.

Antique Massachusetts license plate + flags.

Sleek hood ornament.

Monogrammed doors, apropos for the Cape.

West Dennis beach after the storm clouds cleared.

There was an abundance of horseshoe crabs washed up on the beach.

Hunting for the perfect seashell.

Late summer beach days are so peaceful.

Footprints in the sand.

Adventures in Northern Michigan-Part One

I spent the early part of August vacationing in northern Michigan with M, my two sisters, and my dad. It was such a relaxing ten days spent reading by the lake, trying local restaurants, cooking leisurely meals at the cottage, and playing board games into the wee hours. My family has vacationed in Michigan since I was a little girl, and there are certain things that I have to cross off the 'to do' list every year, such as eating an ice cream cone from the Cool Spot and watching the sunset at the town's light house. This year we tried a few new activities that will surely be added to the long list of annual traditions. 

Freshly made doughnuts from Crescent Bakery. We always fight over the nutty crescents!

One of my dad's fish sculptures on display at the antique shop.

Scuba diver swimming into a trumpet.

Old encyclopedias for sale at the shop.

Horned fish sculpture suspended from the ceiling.

Vintage tabletop at Trick Dog, a local gallery and coffee shop.

Enjoying a cup of coffee and an oatmeal treat overlooking the harbor.

This definitely summed up our trip!

Overlooking Lake Michigan.

The Garden theater in downtown Frankfort. I saw ET here when I was a kid!

Sparklers on the beach at dusk.

Afternoon treat of coffee/hazelnut and raspberry gelato.

Morning dew collected in a spider web outside of our cottage.

My sisters swinging on the swings and eating ice cream on a cloudy evening.

Around DC: The Eastern Market

It's crazy to admit that I spent most of my life living in the DC area and never once made the trek to Capitol Hill for the Eastern Market, the oldest fresh food public market in the city. Fortunately, I remedied the situation last weekend. My mom, sisters, Max, and I navigated into town, squeezed into a too-small parking space, and spent a couple of hours weaving in and out of the numerous craft, jewelry, and produce stands. It was the perfect way to spend a steamy Sunday and we left with lots of local fruits and vegetables, as well as some pretty baubles and inexpensive friendship bracelets. The peaches, corn, and tomatoes were all in their absolute prime of the season, and complemented various dinners throughout the rest of the week. I definitely recommend visiting the market if you find yourself in the DC area. I can't wait to go back next time I'm home!

Miniature eggplants in pretty shades of purple.

I'd never heard the term 'ecoganic' before.

Heirloom tomatoes that later made juicy BLT sandwiches.

Rows upon rows of colorful friendship bracelets. 

Vendors as far as the eye can see!

Panama hats in a variety of textures and colors.

Softball-sized peaches that Chef Max turned into pie for Sunday night dinner.

Gummy sharks at the candy shop inside the market.

Tiny, piping-hot doughnuts fried to order before being sprinkled with cinnamon + powdered sugar.

Brunch Diaries: Sunnyside

I love, love brunch. It's probably my favorite meal to eat out since there are so many options: early morning or late afternoon; sweet or savory; coffee or cocktails; poached or scrambled. I have some staple spots that I like to frequent in Providence, but Sunnyside is my new favorite destination brunch, located in Warren, Rhode Island. It's a cute little cottage perched right on the water with a bright, sunny dining room and outdoor patio. M and I felt that this was the perfect spot to bring my cousin, Leslie, who has been visiting for the weekend.

Each time I've come for brunch, I've had something different and I've yet to be disappointed. The grilled grapefruit served with local honey is carmel-y and juicy, the complimentary bites of fresh bread are sweet and served with homemade jams. I think my favorite dish so far has been the dutch baby pancake. It's the perfect mix of textures: light and crispy outside with a rich, custard-like center. Throw some fresh fruit and real maple syrup on there and you've won me over. I love the frothy, strong (and not too sweet) Greek frappe to start, but the mimosas and fresh juices are tempting, too. Also, the dum-dum pops that come with the check are a cute touch. I love little surprises like that!

Located right on the water with a lobster boat out front!

Brunch menu.

Leslie contemplating brunch items.

Frothy Greek frappe.

Yacht Club Cola: a Rhode Island staple.

Fresh baked bread with house made rhubarb jam.

Mediterranean breakfast with ripe tomatoes and hearty toast.

Dutch baby pancake with fresh fruit and real maple syrup.

I love how they present the check!

Dum-dums!

The Sunnyside: daytime dining.

Do you have a favorite weekend brunch spot?