NYC continues to excite my culinary senses.

Last week I ventured out to Astoria for a Greek meal at Amylos Taverna. Other than a passion for Greek food and knowledge that the best Greek in NYC is found in this particular part of Queens, I knew very little and had low expectations. And, yes, the experience threw me quite a bit, in a good way. Owned and operated by the Arvanitis family (known for their involvement in the film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” – the patriarch, John Arvanitis, also owns Omonia Cafe, which he opened in 1974.

As a result, the atmosphere is very family-friendly and very Mediterranean. The inside of the restaurant really lovely and is open to the outside, adding to its European sense. The Executive Chef, Konstantinos Troumouhis, worked on the Greek Island of Kos and has a good handle on the cuisine.

We (meaning my teenage son, Max) had big appetites, which was a good thing, as we were there to taste the food, after being invited by the owner. We started out with a big assortment of small plates that included Moussaka Croquettes, Veggie Chips, a crispy zucchini and eggplant tower (pictured above), Saganaki, a Greek cheese pastry with tomato jam, which was my favorite starter, Salmon Tartare, and a selection of spreads which included Tzatziki, Spicy Feta, and Melitzanosalata. Needless to say, we had to stop ourselves from over-eating. Everything was so fresh and flavorful. It was hard not to over-indulge.

For dinner, we had Fagri, a Mediterranean fish dish, and Lamp Chops with french fries with olive oil and lemon emulsion, which my son devoured. The menu is full of Greek touches and I loved the taste of the fish. The family’s matriarch Martha Arvanitis also contributes to the creation of the menu, so I want to give a shout out to her, too.

For dessert, we shared (don’t ask me how we had room!) Ekmek, honey syrup, angel hair, shredded wheat pastry, creamy custard, whipped cream, and toasted almonds on top and Yogurt Mastiha Panacotta with strawberry thyme sauce, and yes, wow, the flavors were bursting with sweet, fresh goodness. Everything was that good.

All in all, Amylos was a great dining experience for us both, and my son is already planning our return visit and what he’ll order. If you’re looking to try something new right in the center of Astoria on Broadway, give it a try. Give yourself plenty of time, order a few glasses of wine or cocktails, and let the experience transport you to a Greek island.

Disclosure: My meal at Amylos was complimentary to facilitate this review and others, but all opinions are my own.

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A few weeks ago, my family made the trip to Sunnyside, Queens for a night out on the town. Sunnyside isn’t an entirely new experience for us as we are huge fans of a Thai restaurant located here called Sri Pra Pra. Still, seeing that we live in Westchester, exploring the boroughs is always fun and a real treat. We love to eat and experience new places, particularly family-friendly ones, so when an invite came to experience Senso Unico, an Italian Osteria, I jumped.

Owned by chef/Owner Vincenzo Garofalo and wife Laura, natives of Avellino, Italy, Senso Unico stands on a quiet corner in the heart of Sunnyside. It’s a small, welcoming neighborhood kind of restaurant where locals probably head to every weekend for a dish or two of authentic Italian food. We were there on a Saturday night, and it was pretty crowded. so I’m happy to say that word has gotten out how good the food is (take that as a hint to book a table in advance).

We were very welcome as soon as we walked through the door and felt a real sense of authenticity. We somehow knew we were in for a legit Italian meal. It’s a very low-key space with local art on the wall. We were served by Laura herself, who told us that the restaurant was relatively new, and she and her husband hail from Italy. The chef studied at Michelin-starred Antica Osteria Nonna Rosa and Il Pellicano. After arriving here, he went on to further develop his talents with the Maccione family at Siro Ristorante in The Pierre Hotel and Le Cirque.

We opted to try a few starters and main courses to get a real lay of the land. With my aversion to shellfish (for Kosher reasons) and pork, it ruled out a few things so we tried Carpaccio de Carne, thinly sliced seared rib-eye, arugula, lemon and shaved Parmesan cheese, a special appetizer made of crispy polenta, burrata, and arugula, and fried baby artichoke Cacio e Pepe. It was fairly obvious after our starters that we were in for a unique dining experience.

And dinner only got better as pasta reigns supreme at Senso Unico. We had Fusilli Avellinesi, a dish from the chef’s hometown of Avellino made with the freshest spiral pasta and dressed in a tomato-truffle sauce.  We also tried Rigatoni Napaleonan Bolognese, which is traditional beef ragu, and Fettuccine al Pesto made of basil pesto and tomatoes. Other main dishes include Calamarata Ai Frutti di Mare, a plate of ring pasta, clams, mussels, calamari and shrimp, in a lobster and tomato sauce, Cuoppo, a light and crispy dish with fried fresh calamari, shrimp and vegetables with a fresh snap, served with a spicy aioli, Parmigiana di Melanzane, a traditional eggplant parmigiana with homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. Hungry yet? I am, just thinking about it.

Our selection of dessert was equally decadent. We tried Beer Tiramisu (yes, made with real beer but you hardly taste it in all its deliciousness),  Deconstructed Napoleon, stacked with layers of crispy filo dough, ricotta mousse, Amarena cherries and pistachios, and Torta Della Nonna, a vanilla custard dessert. Our tastebuds and belles were in explosion mode.

Aside from the food, Laura’s personal touch and friendliness made the night and her antidotes about the chef and food, which she clearly knows a lot about. For my family, the restaurant was a big win, with its emphasis on pasta and the yummy dessert. I have a feeling we’ll be back soon.

Check out Senso Unico’s menu here. Here are the deets:

Senso Unico Restaurant
43-04 47th Avenue
Sunnyside, NY 11104 
(347) 662-6101

Hours
Monday – Closed
Tues, Wed, and Thursday 4pm-10pm
Friday 12pm-11pm
Saturday 12pm-11pm
Sunday 12pm-10pm

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary meal to facilitate this review and others, but all opinions are my own.

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When I think of eating out in Astoria, I think mainly of Greek food. My family loves taking trips to Telly Taverna for huge portions of spicy feta, salmon steak and moussaka. It’s one of our favorite places in the city for food, and certainly one of the most accessible. It’s easy to park and makes for a great evening out, strolling the streets and avenues, with every ethnicity represented by its restaurants and shops.

So, when I was invited to dine at a fairly new to the scene (since 2015) Indian restaurant called Kurry Qulture, I jumped at the opportunity. Curious and always up for a culinary adventure, I took my teenage daughter. She’s more picky than most kids, so I figured this would be an excellent chance for her to open up her taste buds and explore her ever changing, growing up, palette.

Dinner at Kurry Qulture

The first thing we noticed about Kurry Qulture was how nice the restaurant is. It’s very elegant but also very faithful to its culture. Its walls feature beautiful art that shows the diverse culture of India, from an ornately dressed Maharajah, vivid street carts of Calcutta and a colorful scene from the merry celebration Holi in Rajasthan. The decor is bright and clean, and the addition of Indian music adds to the experience. There’s also a bright red, lovely patio in the back, perfect for the summer weather.

We were happy to meet Sonny Solomon, the owner, who walked around the restaurant throughout the evening, stopping at every table to make sure his diners were enjoying their meal. It was clear that this dining experience was not your typical one – it’s progressive. The food is unique, more upscale Indian cuisine, representing food from southern coastal India. He told us about his background, having worked up the ranks at NYC restaurants such as Dawat, 1 CPS by David Burke, Artisanal Fromagerie, Mercer Kitchen by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Town by Geoffrey Zakarian. He was also part of the team that opened Tamarind, he worked with Chef Hemant Mathur to help Devi achieve the first Michelin star by an Indian restaurant in the U.S., and also helped Tulsi garner Michelin stars four years in a row. I think you get the drift – Solomon was fully trained and ready to take on Astoria.

Indeed he did. The menu features uniquely delicious dishes that lit our mouths afire. Each dish we tried had an authentic taste and intensely divine aroma, so much so that it stayed with us when we left. Solomon clearly chose his executive chef carefully, Binder Saini, and together they do some divine work with spices. The restaurant also serves some pretty fantastic cocktails, too. I tried the Sin Till Late, a drink made of Blackberries, Mint, St. Germain, and my favorite, drink, Prosecco. There are other champagne infused cocktails, and I want to try all of them. Its selections include sparkling wine and fresh juice, house-made syrup, whiskey, and soda.

Our starters included Samosa Chaat, a mixture of chickpeas, tamarind and mint chutney that melted in our mouths; Chicken Chili Marinade, a mixture of three chili marinade, pineapple chutney; and KQ Cauliflower, hands down our favorite dish, a combination of cauliflower florets, garlic tomato chutney. Other starters include KQ kababs, ground and marinated with coriander and cucumber, topped with a cranberry chutney, and chicken bukhni, marinated in three chili peppers and paired with pineapple chutney. The appetizers are as exciting as they sound in person, having scintillated our palettes. Hungry yet? Let’s keep going, shall we?

I’m a vegetarian, so I was more than pleased to see a nice amount of vegetarian options, such as Sweet & Sour Eggplant, a yummy dish sautéed in a zesty tomato-tamarind sauce. I eat fish, so the Tandoori Salmon was very welcome,  accompanied by lemon rice and green mango chutney. It was also one my teen happened to love. Other vegetarian options include vegetable fritters with tumeric, chickpea lentils, beet carrot kofta, and potato and spinach dishes. My non-vegetarian teen loved the Chicken Korma, grilled chicken with saffron infused sauce. Other options in that vein include Tandoori Prawns with crispy okra and sweet lime pickles, Chicken Kali Mirch, tender chunks of chicken in a fragrant sauce of black pepper and garam masala, Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Rogan Josh, and Goat Aloo Curry, as well as traditional biryanis. We were both wild about the Olive and Garlic Naan,  honoring the Mediterranean culture of Astoria. They also offer spinach and goat cheese.  Our dishes came with Lemon Rice, and we got a serving of Basmati Rice.

I can honestly say that my teenager tried everything (except the eggplant). Her favorite dishes were the cauliflower, salmon and chicken korma. I agreed on the cauliflower and salmon, but I also loved the eggplant dish. When dessert came, as full as we were, we both made room. We both tasted small, lovely portions of shahi tukda, a kind of bread pudding with a thin cracker-like brioche crisp, condensed milk and cinnamon.

Lastly, I want to comment on the kind service. Waiters politely asked if we were done before taking our plates. They explained what our dishes were, and they were most attentive. You definitely want that when dining out with kids.

If you want to introduce your kids to Indian culture or simply celebrate its culinary beauty, definitely plan a trip to Kurry Qulture. I can honestly say that my teenager’s taste buds were introduced to new spices, flavorings and tastes.

Kurry Qulture is located at 3605 30th Ave., Astoria, Queens 11103. 718-674-1212.

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary meal to facilitate this review and others, but all opinions are my own.

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Last night I had the opportunity to experience a meal at Machiavelli, located on the Upper West Side on the corner of 85th Street. This restaurant is the passion product of restauranteur Nathalie de la Fontaine, who spent nearly 20 years as the owner of the West Village’s La Focaccia prior to opening  this establishment, which is about five or six years old. To say that Machiavelli is one of the Upper West Side’s best kept secrets is an understatement. I was moved by the restaurant’s ambiance, its passion for the arts (there are fine paintings on the wall and a live pianist played during our meal) and most importantly, its mouth-watering, authentic Italian food.

But to be frank, the restaurant is as visually appealing as the food, which says a lot. I knew this from the moment I laid my eyes on the exterior, which is charming and well lit. Fontaine worked with artists to design the whole space.  The menu states that the walls are covered in a painted canvas by Pierre Przysiezniak, inspired by the Renaissance painting of the Battle of San Romano by Paolo Uccello and motifs from the Palazzo Davanzati museum in Florence. Woodworkers and a blacksmith created the classically designed furniture, which is quite tasteful and comfortable at the same time. A ceramist made the pottery dishes; a glassblower made each unique glass sconce; and the restaurant’s Renaissance velvet drapes were hand painted. The result? Transporting.

The restaurant also has a music curator named Thomas Osuga who plans nightly music.  Sit outside if you can and take in all the Renaissance style touches in; I assure you selections from the “Great American Songbook” and Italian opera will transport you to a place far, far away.

What Makes Machiavelli Unique

Italian food is so much more than spaghetti and pizza, but let me first say that Machiavelli also offers those dishes. The important thing to note here is that Machiavelli makes their own hand rolled pasta and brick oven pizza.

From our starters to the last savored bite, it was clear that every authentic Italian dish they produce is built upon the most basic yet most fresh and flavorful ingredients. The same way that we lingered over our meal is the same way Chef Gian Pietro and pasta maker Sfoglino clearly work. They’re firm believers in taking their time to make the deliciousness last, because indeed it did. So we, in turn, took our time eating our 3-course meal.

Chef Ferro’s enthusiasm and love for great Italian food is transparent. Before coming to Machiavelli, he spent the past three decades leading noteworthy kitchens throughout Manhattan, including Osteria al Doge and Trattoria Dell’Arte. If that is not an indication of his talent, I’m not sure what is. Those are some of the best Italian restaurants in Manhattan (I know from experience of having had many work lunches from both places in my time).

A Description of My Extraordinary Culinary Experience at Machiavelli

We started with an order of Schiacciata al Rosmarino, an oven-roasted flatbread drizzled with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh rosemary, as well as a glass of Prosecco. It’s a gorgeous combination. Then I moved on to try an antipasti: the Sformato di spinaci, a delicious dish with fresh ricotta and spinach flan topped with – get this! – white truffle scented fonduta cheese sauce. My dinner companion tried the caesar salad, which she swears by as one of the best she’s ever had. Other antipasti dishes include fried calamari, polenta, sautéed shrimp, and Caprese Classica, a combination of mozzarella and basil.

Then I moved onto my main course: Casunzei Ampezzani, made from red beet and ricotta mezzaluna coated in a light butter and poppy seed sauce, a specialty of the Dolomite region. Needless to say, it was delectable. My companion had Spaghetti Alla Chitarra Al Frutti Di Mare, a collection of seafood on pasta, which she devoured and declared as one of the best. Our palettes simply lit up with the savory tastes of Italian cooking. Other entrees include Taglierini Vegeteriani, Lasagna Verde Alla Bolognese, Pappardelle Alle Erbe Con Funghi, Gnocchi Tricolore e Pomodori Gialli and pizza made the traditional way with olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. I think I will return with my kids to try some of the pizzas, especially this one: Quattro Formaggi, since my kids are cheeseaholics.

Speaking of kids, brunch is served on the weekends throughout most of the day and the menu looks amazing. I can envision spending a day with the kids at The Museum of Natural History or Central Park and then heading to Machiavelli for a lunch or dinner,

Oh, and I can’t forget dessert, or as they call it on the menu, “Dolci”. We tried the Budino di Pane con Gelato, bread pudding with bananas, chocolate, caramel and walnuts served with vanilla gelato. It was beyond delicious and so creative. Other items include Tiramisu and Pyramide di Cioccolato – need I say more?! I think not.

Needless to say, we both left the restaurant very happy, and very full. Our hearts and bellies were blessed with the divine culinary sensations of Machiavelli, and we felt very fortunate. After I take the kids to try their pizza, I’ll report back.

Meanwhile, if you live or visit the Upper West Side, definitely make an effort to visit Machiavelli.

Location: 519 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

Phone Number: (212) 724-2658

Web site: http://machiavellinyc.com

Reservations are recommended.

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary meal at Machiavelli to facilitate this review and others, but all opinions are my own.

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This past weekend I spent a few busy days in Raleigh, North Carolina. Having grown up in Georgia, I’m not a stranger to the Southern state, but I’d yet to really explore it as a parent and I was very impressed with what I found. Firstly, Raleigh is a very short flight from New York City. It took less than 90 minutes in the air. One minute, I was in a windy, rainy, cold NYC, the next in a green, flowery Southern city. The airport is relatively small and easy to get through, and it offers over 400 flights daily so you can get to Raleigh from virtually anywhere in the U.S. From its selection of things to do to a burgeoning foodie scene to a vibrant culture to the people who live there, I found myself intrigued by the city of Raleigh and simply wanted more by the time we had to leave a few short days later. It’s a quiet city, but if you look carefully, it’s buzzing, particularly when it comes to kids. In addition, it’s also considerably cheaper than most destinations. Many museums are free (state funded you have to love that!), eating out won’t break the bank and hotel stays are affordable, making Raleigh a very desirable place for families.

I took my son along for this adventure in Raleigh, the historic capital of North Carolina. Neither of us knew what to expect but if you asked him how it went after the fact, he’d probably use the word  “epic”.

Here’s a a glimpse of what we did, what we saw, where we stayed and ate – through both sets of eyes, mine and his.

Where We Stayed in Raleigh

Sheraton Raleigh is a cozy hotel centrally located downtown. The hotel has 355 rooms, but it was full the weekend of our visit due to a wedding, a conference for heads of choirs and more. Nonetheless, it never seemed over-crowded and all our needs were met if we need something sent to the room. The service is attentive and pleasant and the hotel is clean. Our room, which had a king-sized bed, was spacious and comfortable. Our room’s decor was modern with a warm color palette, an LCD TV, accessible Wifi and a sofa to sit on during the day. There were a few complimentary bottles of water and the best part for both of us, lush bedding we could sink into at the end of a busy day.

Source: Sheraton Raleigh.

The hotel offers several onsite dining options. We had dinner at Jimmy V’s Osteria, an Italian-American Raleigh Restaurant that features traditional comfort foods made with locally grown ingredients. My son tried the wood-fired pizza, and I opted for soup and salad as our meal was quite late on our first night. It was fast and reasonable cuisine. The hotel also has a cafe on the main floor, as well as room service. In addition, the hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center. Best of all, it’s in walking distance to a lot of the city’s attractions.

What We Did in Raleigh

A room full of dinosaur bones at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

From our hotel, we could walk to several museums including NC Museum of Natural Sciences and NC Museum of History. Both are a great way to spend an afternoon and are free with a requested donation. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. Through exhibits, programs, and field experiences, they provide visitors with opportunities to get up close and personal with science and nature. We viewed the bones of a Right Whale and dinosaurs, came face to face with a Cretaceous carnivores, studied artifacts from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, and learned about astronomy. My son really seemed to absorb what he learned. While there, we had a great lunch at the Daily Planet, located right inside. They offer good breakfast and lunch options including salads, fish tacos, wraps, pimento grilled cheeses, quesadillas and more.

Over at the NC Museum of History, we explored more than 14,000 years of N.C. history, from the state’s earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. It features artifacts, multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits that tell stories about the state’s military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more.

Being brave.

Raleigh offers a great deal more activities for families. High on my son’s list was a trip of favorites was our visit to Rush Hour GoKarting, which was just a 20-minute Uber from downtown. It’s an indoor karting track that spans 1/3 mile with hairpin curves, high-speed straights, and winding turns. Needless to say, he was in his element. Also high on his list of favorite activities was our zip-lining excursion at Go Ape Tree Zip Line & Treetop Adventure, a 2-3 hour exhilarating outdoor activity through the forest canopy with suspended obstacles, Tarzan swings, and zip-lining. Even I found it thrilling, and it was a great activity we could do together.

Riding in a boat on Jordan Lake.

Pop-up art at NC Museum of Art.

Where We Ate in Raleigh

The scrumptious peanut butter cake at The Pit.

Southern biscuits at Big Ed’s.

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Junior’s

We met in Times Square at Junior’s at 1515 Broadway. Allyson provided menus, which outlined our 4 stops for the day (our tour was abbreviated, usually there are 6). We started with a slice of NY’s most famous cheesecake – yes, without crust. And it’s secret ingredient? Sour cream. My first indulgence.

Little Pie Company

Schmackary’s

Next stop was Schmackary’s at 362 West 45th Street. The owner, Zachary Schmahl, began on Broadway, of course! Allyson picked up a Kitchen Sink Bar, made of “everything but” including brown sugar, coconut, chocolate chips and more. It was scrumptious, to say the least.

Amy’s Bread

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Day #1

Tourist season is heating up in Hershey, so it was impossible to get a room at The Hotel Hershey, the most elegant and inspired hotel in town, located on a hill that overlooks everything Milton Hershey created. Inspired by his global travels, he built the hotel in 1933, and it’s exquisite…. even just for a visit. It’s very Mediterranean, apparently having been inspired by an actual hotel he visited with a U-shaped base with a tower at either end, creating a 170-room hotel, with a Spanish patio, tiled floors, grand fountain, and a dining room without corners.

We headed for lunch at Trevi 5, a modern Italian restaurant on the hotel’s premises that was named after the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome. It was a great place to start the weekend with exquisite food and sweeping views of Hershey Park and the Gardens from our vantage point. The menu offers healthy options, in addition to thin-crusted pizza and pasta dishes including Baked Lasagna, Capellini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp and Penne Bolognese. I had the Compressed Watermelon & Feta Salad, which was delicious. The kids sampled options from their extensive children’s menu, and it made for a great start to our Hershey adventure.

Trevi 5, THE HOTEL HERSHEY, Located at The Hotel Hershey – 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 534-8800

Our first stop was non-chocolaty, much to my kids’ disappointment, but it turned into time very well spent. We ventured to Antique Automobile Club of America, an affiliate of the Smithsonian, where vintage cars, buses and motorcycles are on display. We toured the museum slowly, viewing station wagons, including Carol Brady’s Plymouth Satellite wagon from The Brady Bunch, the world’s largest and best-known collection of Tucker 48 automobiles, engines, mechanicals and automobilia, a restored 1941 diner, Henry Ford’s early cars from Model A to Model T, the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur factory Limousine once owned by Whitney Houston and many other vehicles. There’s an interactive area for children. In the activity room, they can do a crayon rubbing of an antique license plate and engage in a variety of hands-on projects and activities.

Antique Automobile Club of America, 161 Museum Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 566-7100

It was a beautiful sunny day so I was excited about our next stop, Indian Echo Caverns, where we would explore 440 million year-old caverns always at 52 degrees. We walked through underground labyrinth of tunnels, lakes, and rock formations that consisted of stalagmites, columns and flowstone, and crystal clear lakes. It was an afternoon full of geological marvel, and I was happy to take my kids to yet another non-chocolaty activity before the onslaught began.

Indian Echo Caverns, 368 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036-8815, (717) 566-8131  

We went for dinner at The Mill Restaurant, which was an absolute delight for all of us. Located in a two-story mill that dates back to 1858, off of Old West Chocolate Avenue in Hershey, the renovated space features exposed timber beams and vintage lights, and the menu is all about seasonal, farm-to-table meals.  The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal foods including seafood such as Atlantic Grilled Salmon, Seared Sea Scallops, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna and Maryland Broiled Crab cakes. Their smoked food techniques are unparalleled and we were all gawking at the food’s flavors and aromas.

The Mill Restaurant, 810 Old West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 256-9965

For our first dose of chocolate, we headed to Hershey’s Chocolate World. We first got set up with tour times, important to do as they fill up and sell out. Getting there late at night was a good choice as they empty out and close at 11pm. First we took the free “Great American Chocolate Tour Ride,” an indoor ride that explains how chocolate bars are made. Then we went into the tasting lab and learned how to be palateers, sampling chocolate by using all of our senses. Next up was the “Create Your Own Candy Bar” experience, where we donned aprons to customize our own chocolate bars, choosing its base flavor (milk, dark, or white) and fillings, and watch them being made in an automated assembly line. We even customized our own wrappers, which my kids loved. Lastly, we went to the 4D film, which continues the chocolate theme. From Chocolate World you can pick up the Hershey Trolley Works to tour the town and learn the inspiring story of the place made famous by Milton S. Hershey and his chocolate.

Hershey’s Chocolate World, 251 Park Blvd, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 534-4900

The night ended with a real bang – two very happy, tired children. We chose to lay our heads at Comfort Inn at the Park, just off Rte. 422 and only a few miles from Hershey Park.  Rooms are casual but clean and cozy, with free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms with showers, as well as flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Some rooms have minifridges and microwaves. Suites add a separate sitting area and pullout sofas. Breakfast is complimentary. There’s an indoor heated pool with a hot tub, and free outdoor parking.

Comfort Inn at the Park, 1200 Mae St, Hummelstown, PA 17036, (717) 566-2050

Day #2

My kids jumped out of bed to make sure we got to Hersheypark right at 10am. After all, it was our raison d’etre for being in Hershey in the first place and they were rearing to go. We drove to the park, paying $15 for the day to park our car and then hit the rides, which was easy to do. For one thing, the park is smaller than Disney and very manageable. The kids were eager to ride Laff Trakk, “the first indoor, spinning, glow-coaster in the United States”, so we headed directly to the back of the park and made our way forward as the day progressed. There are roller coasters for all levels (they loved the Sidewinder, Lightening Racer and Comet), water rides, an old-fashioned carousel and Ferris wheel and dozens of other rides. We saw Hershey characters strolling through the park all day, and when we were hungry we headed to the Gourmet Grille sandwiches and tacos. Other restaurants include Moe’s Southwest Grill for burritos and southwestern food, and The Outpost, for gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian meals. They even have Kosher Mart in Rhineland serving Glatt Kosher Meat and Pareve prepared under rabbinic supervision.

After we had our fill of rides and Dippin Dots and Rita’s ice, we headed to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre right next to Hersheypark and included in the price of admission, featuring North American wildlife, including alligators, owls, and snapping turtles. After an hour or two there, it was time to call it an end of day.

Hersheypark, 100 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, (800) 437-7439

Day #3

On our last day, we opted to explore The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue.  There we learned how Milton Hershey went from bankruptcy to brilliance, transforming chocolate from a luxury to an everyday treat in their extensive Museum Experience that features 10,000 square feet of exhibits. Even my kids were engrossed in his rags to riches story. We also learned about his charity work. Since his death in 1945 at age 88, Milton Hershey’s legacy has thrived with a constantly changing world. Today, Milton Hershey School, the institution he and his wife founded, nurtures more than 2,000 financially needy boys and girls in grades K-12. The school and the Hershey philanthropy are perpetuated through the holdings of the Milton Hershey School Trust, which in turn derives much of its support from the profits of The Hershey Company and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.

Then we experienced a hands-on “Chocolate Lab” class and sample warm drinking chocolate at the “Countries of Origin Chocolate Tasting.” In the 45-minute Lab, we learned how to make s’mores the Hershey way and in the tasting; we sampled chocolate flavors from around the world.

The Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033-1502, (717) 534-3439     

For lunch, we went across the street to Fenicci’s Italian Restaurant of Hershey for an Italian feast. Owner Phil Guarno remains committed to using quality ingredients, many from his own garden located behind the restaurant; and he still offers some of the most treasured original recipes along with new, creative additions to please any palette. We reveled in full plates of ravioli and authentic pizza. I especially loved the theater posters on the wall; it made me feel very much at home.

Fenicci’s Italian Restaurant of Hershey, 102 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 533-7159

Last but not least, we headed to Hershey Gardens, right down the road from the Hotel Hershey. Originally founded by Milton S. Hershey as a formal 3-½ acre rose garden, Hershey Gardens fills 23 acres. Filled with magnificent themed gardens, colorful seasonal displays, more than 5,000 rose bushes, a children’s garden, and a seasonal Butterfly House – this botanical gem is a garden for all seasons. After a busy few days, it was kind of perfect to end with a relaxing stroll through well-kept gardens and to see how Milton Hershey spread his wealth and passions through nature.

Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033-9507, (717) 534-3492

The result? A fullfilling weekend for all of us and memories to last a lifetime. What more can a mom ask for?

Disclosure: I partnered with Visit Hershey & Harrisburg on the logistics of this trip, but all opinions are my own.

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Pasta is one of  my kids’ favorite foods, but I generally try to limit their intake due to its high calorie and high carb content. However, since it’s usually on the top of their list, I’m always looking for ways to accommodate their request and I recently found one.

It’s called Pazzi Pasta, a Southern Italian restaurant in Carroll Gardens, one of my favorite parts of Brooklyn. “Pazzi” literally means “crazy” and I’m not kidding when I call their food crazy delicious! It’s rare to find a restaurant that is so intent on using organic, locally grown, heathy ingredients made with ancient grains while keeping the taste so original and flavorful. Even my kids were impressed, and that is no easy task.

Pazzi is family-owned and offers patrons a sense of friendliness inspired by the Campanile family’s Italian heritage.  The restuarant is set up to offer families a sense that they are truly involved in the preparation of their meal. The pasta is made in-house and my kids were able to sneak a peek at the pasta being prepared and choose what their pasta, sauce, topping, a choice they loved taking ownership of.

We sampled a wide selection of pastas. I was so pleased to know that each of the noodle options contains up to 80% ancient grains for an abundance of phytonutrients and minerals, and the sauces—made from scratch daily from family recipes—include a multitude of heart-healthy vegetables. We also nibbled on nero de seppia with salmon gargonzola (cuttlefish ink), gluten-free pasta with puttanesca sauce & mushrooms, semolina spaghetti with bolognese sauce and grabbfed meatballs, mushroom squash ravioli with funghi boscaoiola sauce and farro ancient grain pasta with sauteed vegies and ricotta salata. Are you hungry yet? Each plate brought new, exciting flavors and aromas and my kids sampled everything before zeroing in on their favorite dishes. It was like taking a culinary adventure through Southern Italy, without ever leaving NYC.

As a vegetarian, there were plenty of options for me including veg-balls (zucchini, eggplant, ricotta, egg white, wheat breadcrumbs), pan-fried eggplant and zucchini and mixed forest mushrooms. And for my picky eaters (who became less picky with each new dish), there were options galore. We were all so satisfied and didn’t think it could get any bettter when it did: Dessert came!

Dan, one of the owners and members of the Campanile family, brought out a selection of desserts to try including dark chocolate almond caprese cake, sicilian almond cookies and chocolate lava-ioli cookies, all of which melted and tingled in our mouths.

The Campanile family are special, as exemplified by Dan’s earnest passion for the food he made for us. Inspired by the family’s Italian heritage and in particular by family matriarch, a gourmet chef in Italy, coupled with Dan’s ingenuity in conceiving the concept, Pazzi Pasta gives guests an interactive, healthy, family-friendly experience, all served at a New York pace. And we can’t wait to return.

In addition, Pazzi offers pasta classes ($55 per person). They’re offering a Gnocchi Class, Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 10 a.m. and a Ravioli Class, Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. Each class includes hands on pasta making, wine, lunch, and a take home of fresh gnocchi or ravioli and are available for purchase here:http://makepasta.splashthat.com.

The restaurant also hosts kids birthday parties and provides activities like “who can make the longest pasta dough” and more. Call 347.916.1076 for more info.

Here’s the low down on the restaurant:

PAZZI PASTA
227 Smith Street
(between Butler & Douglass)
Brooklyn, NY 11231

HOURS
Tues-Sun 12am-10pm

DIRECTIONS
F, G to Warren Street

CONTACT INFO
pazzipasta@gmail.com. 347-916-1076

Disclosure: My family received a complimentary meal to facilitate this review and others but all opinions are my own.

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My son and I recently spent some time in the Catskills. We basically jumped in our car and headed to the mountains for some R&R and a bit of bonding. He loves to ski, so knowing that was part of our plan was a big motivator for him. The Catskills is an interesting getaway choice because it offers so much to do for both children and adults, and we were both up to the challenge of checking it out. Equipped with a full tank of gas, we set out from Westchester for two days of adventure with a group of writers and their children.

Where We Stayed

Our destination was Delhi, New York, what happens to be a very interesting town in the Western Catskills. We were headed to the Fisk House, a historic stagecoach inn that has been restored to its original condition and is now a five-room bed & breakfast. The two of us slept in the house’s best room, or at least my son thought so. Our room had its own bathroom, a queen-sized bed, a TV, AC, Wi-Fi, comfy linens and antique furnishings. We also had access to the rest of the house, which includes a cozy living room, dining room, sitting area in the foyer and full kitchen. The owner keeps fruit in the fridge, and access to coffee and tea all day. It was the perfect to end up after a long day out – simple, but perfect for our rustic adventures.

Where We Ate

Maggie’s Krooked Café in Tannersville

We stopped at Maggie’s Krooked Cafe, a cafe in Tannersville, an adorable village where each building is painted a different color, for a home made meal and fruit smoothies. I liked that the menu offered a nice selection of vegetarian options for me and plenty of carnivorous options for my son, who had the steak and eggs.

Table on Ten in Bloomville

I absolutely loved Table on Ten, about a 20-minute drive from the Fisk House. From the outside, there is not much to expect, as it appears to be an old house off a dirt road. But I was intrigued as soon as I walked in and saw modern decor and the menu, full of interesting pizzas and salads with fresh ingredients from local farms, home made sodas and dessert pies topped with ricotta and honey. I would go back to Table on Ten in a heartbeat and I look forward to the next time I can.

Andes Hotel in Andes

The Andes Hotel was a bit closer to the Fisk and a good choice for an evening meal. My son had fish & chips and I had salmon. After a day of skiing, we were both glad to sit back and relax. The hotel is casual and the kind of place where you’ll see anyone you’ve met in the Catskills that day. The owner of the Fisk House and her staff member who served us breakfast was dining there that night, too.

What We Did

Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury

My son’s a skier, so Plattekill was a must on our itinerary. I don’t usually ski with my son alone, but thankfully there was another child on our press trip on his level. I’ve been to a lot of ski resorts all over the country, and I have to say that I was impressed with Plattekill. It’s a family-run resort so you get a bit more attention than at other resorts. It’s also less crowded, so the lines to the lifts are shorter and it’s easier to get a seat in the dining room at lunchtime. The show was fresh, and the trails varied by level and terrain. My son also went skiing for the first time, which he loved. You may have a few weeks left in our long winter season, so if you can head to the Catskills, check out Plattekill – or put it on the docket for next year.

Catskill Mountain Foundation in Hunter

On the way from Tannersville to Delhi, we stopped for an education tour of the Catskill Mountain Foundation in Hunter, whose mission is to provide educational opportunities in the arts for youth and lifelong learners. We learned about a historical piano collection from a jazz pianist tour guide. The collection includes instruments from the 1700’s, including one used by Liberace himself and a replica to a piano owned by Abraham Lincoln. Then we went into an art gallery filled with work by local artists. It was a nice, cultural experience and broke up the long drive to our destination.

Shaver Hill Farm in Harpersfield

My son loves pancakes, so our big breakfast in honor or Maple Weekend at Shaver Hill Farm in Harpersfield was very much anticipated. The farm dates back to 1912, when it started as a small dairy farm with a maple syrup operation on the side. Today it’s a full-blown maple syrup operation. On our guided tour, we learned that maple syrup isn’t something you can easily make at home. It takes 35 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup in massive machines and is a 12-hour process. We watched first hand how the owners tap the trees for sap, went on a horse-drawn tour of the sugar bush and sampled maple cream, donuts sugar and syrup. It was such a sweet way to end the trip.

Disclosure: We were hosted by I Love New York and our accommodations, attractions and meals were complimentary. As always, opinions are my own.

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