With the Charming Taste of Europe, I learned about green kiwis from Kavala, Greece.  The Charming Taste of Europe campaign, co-funded by the European Union aims to raise awareness of select European wines and fresh fruits. This campaign project specifically highlights wine from Italy and France and cherries and green kiwis from Greece. You can read more about my experience with juicy Greek cherries here!

*Thank you to the Charming Taste of Europe for sponsoring this post.

What are green kiwis?

Green kiwis are oval-shaped fruit with a fuzzy brown skin. On the inside, they have green, tangy flesh and small black seeds. The fruit is juicy, tangy and slightly sweet. The tiny seeds inside give you a nice little crunch when you’re eating kiwis. Rich in Vitamin C, kiwis hold more Vitamin C than an orange! It’s different from the related gold kiwi, which has a smooth skin with a golden, yellow hue inside. The golden kiwi tastes sweeter than its green kiwi cousin.

Greece produces a significant amount of kiwis. In fact, they are ranked 5^th in global kiwi production and 3^rd in kiwi export after New Zealand and Italy.

Where is Kavala?

Kavala, sometimes known as the eastern entryway to Macedonia, is a city in Northern Greece. It lies between the rivers Nestos and Strymonas and hugs the northern coast of the Aegean Sea. It’s about a 9 hour drive from Athens or 2 hour drive from Thessaloniki. Upon entering the city, you’ll notice crystal clear blue water and a panoramic view of a colorful, coastal town built upon the hills. It’s reminiscent of other European coastal cities, although this one is much less touristy. Because of the proximity to the ocean, you’ll find lots of fresh seafood in this city!

What makes Kavala great for green kiwis?

The location and the weather make Kavala a great place to grow green kiwis. The Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers along with Kavala’s soil composition allow the kiwis to thrive. In addition, the irrigation networks contribute to the growth of these kiwis and other crops.

Where are the kiwis produced and processed?

The kiwis are cultivated at the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (Kavala COOP). Founded in 1927, it now has 500 members. These members include producers from Kavala, Thassos, and Nestos.  This COOP cultivates various crops, including green kiwis, asparagus, and olives.

I had a chance to visit the processing facility in Haidefto, Kavala. I learned that they have 10 hectares of land dedicated to growing kiwis. Each season, they produce anywhere from 9000 to 12000 tons of kiwis. The usual harvesting season starts October to November, and the COOP then sends the kiwis out from October to March. Sadly, because of the timing of the season, I did not get to see any fresh kiwis. However, I visited the kiwi fields and saw the kiwi trees starting to flower.

There, I learned that male kiwi trees only produce flowers for nectar. Honeybees then pollinate female trees with the male nectar! Thus, only female kiwi trees produce the kiwifruit. However, you need both for kiwis to grow!  

Once workers hand-harvest these kiwis, they send the kiwis to the processing facility for calibration and storage. After the harvest, the Kavala COOP sends the kiwis out to various parts of the world including other European countries, India, Canada, and the United States.

How do you enjoy kiwis?

Like most fruit, green kiwis are delicious cold and on its own! I like to chill it in the fridge, cut it in half and eat it with a spoon. However, for some, it may be a little sour, so they like to pair it with other ingredients. They are great in salads, yogurts, fruit tarts, smoothies, and more. I like it as a topping with Greek yogurt and drizzled with a bit of sweet honey to balance out the tart taste.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy green kiwis? Let me know in the comments or send me a message on my Instagram @chatwithcat!

The post Green Kiwis from Kavala, Greece appeared first on Chat with Cat.

However, thanks to the Charming Taste of Europe, I learned all about Greek cherries. The Charming Taste of Europe campaign aims to raise awareness of select European wines and fresh fruits. This campaign project specifically highlights wine from Italy and France and cherries and kiwis from Greece.

*Thank you to the European Union and the Charming Taste of Europe for sponsoring this post.

What are Greek cherries?

You might be thinking, “What are Greek cherries exactly?” First, if you’ve never had a cherry, it is a small, round stone-fruit that contains a hard pit in the middle. There are many different varieties of cherries, each with a different taste. Most cherries are dark red to bright red, although some varieties are yellow. The tastes range from sweet to tart, with many falling in the middle as both sweet and tart.  

The Greek cherries produced in Greece are known for their deep red color and juicy flesh. The main cherry variety in Greece is the Burlat, but over the recent years, more cherry varieties have been introduced.

Where are the Greek cherries?

The majority of cherries in Greece are produced in Northern Greece, with most of the production in Central Macedonia. Pieria, Pella, and Imathia are some of the main region growing cherries s in Macedonia. Did you know that Greece is ranked 10^th in the world for cherry production?

On this trip, I visited The Agriculture Cooperative (A.C) of Rachi Pierias, “O AGIOS LOUKAS.” Rachi is a village in Pieria, and home to one of the biggest and highest producing cooperatives in Greece. The A.C of Rachi Pierias was founded in 1978, and today it includes 250 members. In addition to Greek cherries, they also cultivate apricots and apples. The cherry orchard alone now spans 200 hectares. That is equivalent to 2 million square meters!  

The Cooperative cultivates various types of cherries, including Burlat, Grace Star, Lapins, Sweet Aryanna, and Ferrovia. They market their cherries under the brand name “Cherries from Rachi Olympus.” Their policy? Show full respect to the producer, consumer, and environment.

How are the cherries harvested?

Every year, new Greek cherry trees are planted in the cherry fields. These cherries grow in the spring and generally ripen by late May to early June for harvesting. When the cherries are ripe, farmers and workers will pick each cherry by hand!

We visited one of the family-owned fields and watched the family cheerfully picking cherries under the sun. During the cherry harvesting season, they start their morning around 6 AM and pick cherries all day until the late afternoon. We picked a few alongside them and sampled the Greek cherries. The cherries were plump, juicy, and more sweet than tart.

It was a hot day, and the cherries were such a refreshing treat! As we left to head back to the production center, the sweet family gifted us cherries to take home!

How are the cherries packed?

Back at the warehouse, Caliope, our guide, described the process of preparing the cherries for export. When the cherries arrive onsite, workers first label and then refrigerate them in the hydrocooler to keep the cherries fresh. Then, the cherries are submerged in 2-3° C water to prevent cracks in the cherries. A calibrating machine with cameras then calibrates and separates the cherries by size. Following that, workers inspect each cherry to remove any bad ones. Finally, the cherries are boxed and kept in a cold room per strict guidelines until they’re picked up or shipped.

Unfortunately, this year the Greek cherries ripened (and will ripen) later than usual due to weather conditions, so we did not see the sorting and packaging in action.

Once the cherries are boxed and ready to go, they are sold locally and exported to various countries around Europe and Asia. The A.C of of Rachi Pierias is hoping to also expand to the United States and Canada in the future.

How should you eat Greek cherries?

Cherries can be eaten in a variety of ways! My favorite way to enjoy a sweet, cold cherry straight from the refrigerator. Make sure to rinse the cherry and remove the inedible pit before eating. If stored properly, fresh cherries can last in the fridge for 5-7 days. If left out, the cherries will typically last a couple of days at most.

You can also add cherries as toppings to various things like salads, entrees, and even ice cream sundaes and floats!

Other people cook them into sauces, make them into preserves or bake them into desserts like cherry pie or cherry tarts.

The Greeks eat something called spoon sweets, which are sweet preserves served in a spoon. They usually serve these spoon sweets to guests by the teaspoon with coffee, tea, or water as a sign of hospitality. Most of them are made from fruits, including sweet and sour cherries. It’s a great way to use your Greek cherries!

Did you know that Greece produces so many cherries? And what’s your favorite way to enjoy cherries? Tell me in the comments below or DM me on my Instagram @chatwithcat!

The post Greek Cherries – A Delicious Taste of Pieria appeared first on Chat with Cat.

Prince Waikiki is a modern luxury hotel located in the Waikiki Marina district. From the airport, it only takes about 20 minutes to drive to Prince Waikiki. As one of the first “gateway” properties into the Waikiki area, Prince Waikiki overlooks the Ala Wai harbor, the Ala Moana Beach Park, and the Pacific Ocean. Everyone can soak up the views because Prince Waikiki offers oceanfront views for ALL of its rooms and suites. Unlike other hotels that ask you to shell out a lot more cash to catch a corner glimpse of the ocean, Prince Waikiki ensures all its guests enjoy the lovely sea and harbor! They price all rooms reasonably too, so you won’t break the bank to enjoy a stay here.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was excited to see that Prince Waikiki was literally next to the harbor! The hotel property sits between a private lagoon and the Ala Moana Beach Park. As I walked into the bright and open lobby, I first noticed the giant shiny art installation hanging from the ceiling. Hulali i ka lā, created by local artist Caili Chun, means “glistening in the sun” and reflects light differently throughout the day. The shape resembles the hinana fish, paying tribute to the life and muliwai, or estuary that once flourished at the site. The artist hand-hammered each copper piece and asked a different hotel staff member or guest to sign each piece. I soon learned that Prince Waikiki holds the largest collection of contemporary art from native Hawaiian artists!

Check-in was a breeze. I walked up to a check-in desk in the lobby, and a pleasant gentleman assisted me right away. As I waited for him to assign me my room, he gently placed a cold, scented towel on the counter next to a tray of purple orchid flowers. He invited me to cool off with the towel and take an orchid flower to pin in my hair. Although small, these unique personal touches sure impressed me already.

After he gave me my room key, I grabbed my luggage and took a quick ride up the elevators. The windows in the elevator that overlook the city pleasantly surprised me. When I entered my room, I noticed a bright, spacious and airy room that matched the ambiance of the lobby. I loved the floor-to-ceiling windows, which revealed the most gorgeous harbor views! The walls were beautifully decorated with hand-painted Nai’o flowers. A lovely scent also filled the room. It smelled like a mix of sweet, floral, and woody accents that reminded me of sandalwood. When I asked the hotel staff about it, they revealed that the fragrance is the Nai’o scent. The Nai’o is a native Hawaiian flower that grew by the estuary that existed there before all the hotel properties. This was one of the ways that Prince Waikiki incorporated its history into the details of its hotel.

While the bedrooms at Prince Waikiki do not have a lanai (private balcony), the top half of the windows slide wide open for the most amazing unobstructed views. I loved sticking my head out to breathe in that fresh air and salty ocean smell. Who needs to stand outside on a balcony when you can literally be lounging in bed next to these windows, feeling a cool ocean breeze and watching a magical sunset or sunrise?   

Speaking of beds, I found the Prince Waikiki bed very comfortable! My king bed was neither too hard nor soft, and I easily fell asleep. I thought the pillows were a bit short in length, but to make up for it, the hotel provided plenty of fluffy pillows. Plus, the rooms come with automated blackout blinds to help you sleep even better! You can choose to drop down sheer blinds, blackout blinds, or no blinds.

Other amenities in the room included a flatscreen television and a mini fridge stocked with complimentary water bottles. There was also a small desk and a comfortable L-shaped sectional sofa. As I mentioned, the room felt quite spacious!

The bathroom was lovely like the bedroom. A simple sink separated the shower and toilet room from the tub. Instead of a regular toilet, Prince Waikiki uses heated bidets! I appreciated that the hotel also provided bathrobes and terry slippers in the room, encouraging me to relax and treat myself to a luxurious bath.   

I almost didn’t want to leave the room! When I finally settled into my room and convinced myself to go explore the property, it was almost dinnertime. Price Waikiki offers one coffee shop and two restaurants on site: Honolulu Coffee, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, and Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo. For my first night, I made plans to check out 100 Sails, a restaurant offering fresh island cuisine and breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. I heard great things about the buffet, so I wanted to check it out for myself!

The restaurant sits on the 3^rd floor and overlooks the marina. I went just before sunset and caught the golden hues dancing over the waters. Besides the sunset, the buffet spread was another beautiful sight to see. Trays of bright red snow crab legs, glistening bone marrow, fresh sashimi and salads covered the tables. A lady stood behind the Japanese Temaki and carving station, ready to assemble spicy tuna hand rolls and slice tender prime rib for each guest. Everything looked so delicious, and I hurriedly filled my plate full of goodies to bring back to my table.

As I feasted, I was so impressed with the quality of the food! For a dinner buffet, 100 Sails Restaurant did not offer a huge selection of food, but the quality was superb. The snow crab legs were plump and juicy, the shrimps were sweet, and the bone marrow was flavorful. Read more of my amazing dinner with photos in my 100 Sails review here. If you go for dinner, which you totally should, I suggest making reservations for early evening so that you can catch the gorgeous sunset over the marina!

With a full belly, I happily returned to my room to rest. A sweet surprise greeted me there! Apparently, Prince Waikiki has a turndown service around 7 or 8 PM each night, and the staff leaves little chocolate treats by each bed.

Throughout the rest of my stay, I had the chance to check out the many other on-site amenities such as the fitness center that is open 24 hours. Although small, it packed in quite a few exercise machines and weights. There are also two pools for guests to use: a turnkey pool and an infinity pool that overlooks the marina. Definitely take advantage of the infinity pool if you visit! For those who upgrade to Club-level rooms, you can find the club lounge next to the pool and cabanas. The upgrade includes complimentary breakfast, afternoon snacks, evening hors d’oeuvres, draft beer and house wine, and private check-in and checkout.

Prince Waikiki also offers family-friendly classes and activities on site like hula lessons and lei-making workshops. Some are complimentary, but others include a small fee.

Of course, there is plenty in the area to explore as well. While the marina, beach park, and private lagoon is nearby, Prince Waikiki is not in the heart of downtown Waikiki. Having stayed in the hustle and bustle of central Waikiki on previous visits, I enjoyed that Prince Waikiki was further and quieter. It made the stay feel more relaxing. However, for those who do want to go to Waikiki, there is a daily shuttle service from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM to various locations, including Ala Moana Center, T Galleria, and Luxury Row. Prince Waikiki sure makes it easy to go shopping!

Overall, I LOVED my stay at Prince Waikiki in Honolulu. The warm service, luxurious rooms, delicious dining options and gorgeous ocean views all make me want to stay again! Its located far enough from the noise and tourists, but close enough to the major attractions. I also enjoyed all the little details Prince Waikiki included in its property to honor its history and culture.

Unfortunately, for now, Prince Waikiki is temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, we all need to play our roles in staying home to help keep our communities safe. When travel resumes and the hotel reopens, I recommend checking out Prince Waikiki for your next Hawaii vacation in Oahu and Waikiki! If you book directly on Prince Waikiki’s site here, your resort charge and parking fee (for one vehicle) will be waived! You’ll also have access to free unlimited wi-fi in your rooms!

Thank you Prince Waikiki for having me and for the wonderful stay!

Check Prince Waikiki rooms
100 Holomoana St,
Honolulu, HI 96815

The post Prince Waikiki Hotel Review: Oceanfront Luxury in Honolulu appeared first on Chat with Cat.

100 Sails, a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant offering fresh island cuisine through a la carte menus and breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, is located in Oahu’s Prince Waikiki hotel. It overlooks the Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki, Honolulu where hundreds of boats are docked and perhaps, a hundred sails.

Before you knock a hotel restaurant though, let me tell you a little bit about the food. The buffet features Hawaiian fare with plenty of fresh seafood and flavorful dishes and salads. Honolulu’s 100 Sails offers slightly fewer dishes than what you might find at a Las Vegas buffet or a Chinese buffet. Yet what it lacks in number, it makes up for in quality!

I visited for the dinner buffet on a Sunday night, and the menu featured items like baked oysters with garlic crab aioli, salt & pepper Kauai shrimp, steamed clams, snow crab legs, bone marrow, and sherry chicken. A woman stood behind a carving station, ready to serve prime rib and Japanese hand rolls. To balance out the entrees, 100 Sails also provided plenty of fresh salads like broccoli salad, macaroni salad, tofu and lomi lomi. The actual dishes vary depending on the day of the week, so check out their website for sample menus!

Everything I tried was delicious! The kitchen kept sending out new food in small batches to ensure that the buffet entrees stayed hot and fresh. The bone marrow was rich, decadent, and full of flavor. The salt and pepper Kauai shrimp were seasoned perfectly. The sashimi tasted fresh, and I’m happy to report I did not have a tummy-ache after dinner! I also enjoyed the Temaki hand rolls that are made-to-order, especially the spicy tuna and scallops! My favorite, though, were the snow crab legs. These were TRULY amazing and the best I ever had. Usually I don’t care too much for crab legs since it takes so much work to eat a stringy, cold crab leg. However, I lost track of how many I ate at 100 Sails! I just couldn’t stop eating the sweetest and juiciest buffet crab legs I’ve ever had.

For those wanting something a little different, 100 Sails also offers an a la carte menu. These are dishes you can order separately, not included in the buffet meal. I LOVED the few menu items I tried. My heart sang when I tried the uni carbonara. The creamy and subtly sweet uni married well with savory, acidic roe. As soon as I took a bite of the chewy al dente pasta, I was sold! The KFC, or Korean Fried Cauliflower, incorporated the sweet and spicy flavors of Korean cuisine into this fried vegetable dish. Buffet or a la carte, you can’t go wrong with either.

Dessert included several options like fruit tarts, eclairs, flan, and fresh fruit. I wanted to try it all, but I already stuffed myself too much. Of course, we needed to end the night on a sweet note, so we tried the Prince Shave Ice from the a la carte menu. This mountain of pink snow has more than meets the eye. The kitchen staff fills the bowl with fruit fresh fruit, auzki beans (also know as red beans), and ice cream. Then they pile on the ice, flavor it with sweet rose and maple syrups. Lastly, they top it with fruit pearls and condensed milk. While it looks heavy, this dessert actually tastes light and refreshing! I recommend it as a way to wash down your food and cleanse your palate.

If you have not yet tried 100 Sails, consider going for your next big dinner plan when you’re in Honolulu, Hawaii! With all you can eat buffet-style options for those with big appetites or tastefully curated a-la-carte dishes, there is something to satisfy everyone here. Don’t forget to make reservations for a window table so that you’ll have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a gorgeous Hawaiian ocean view. If you go for dinner, be sure to catch the sunset for a lovely golden hue too!

100 Sails
100 Holomoana St
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

The post Best Buffet in Honolulu: 100 Sails Review appeared first on Chat with Cat.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to share my top recommended places to eat in Denver! Pin or bookmark this page, because you’ll want to try out these restaurants at some point!

Best Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants in Denver

Denver Biscuit Co

If you’re anything like me and you LOVE biscuits and gravy, then Denver Biscuit Co is a no-brainer. They offer biscuit sandwiches, biscuit shrimp and grits, biscuit pot pie and even biscuit cinnamon rolls! If the dish can be made from biscuits, you’ll probably find it here. This casual eatery is well-known and perhaps one of the best breakfast restaurants in Denver.

The hearty, comfort Southern food certainly hits the spot, especially in Denver’s chilly mornings. May I suggest bringing your appetite and trying The Franklin – a biscuit sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese – smothered in sausage (or vegetarian) gravy! There are several locations, but I visited the one at Stanley Marketplace, which is a community-focused marketplace with over 50 food and drink stalls, shops, and more!

Location: Inside Stanley Marketplace, Aurora, Colorado.
2501 Dallas St., Aurora, CO 80010
Denver Biscuit Co

Onefold

Undeniably, the crowded line at the front should tell you not to underestimate Onefold, a cute breakfast and lunch nook. It’s a restaurant that serves up family-inspired recipes made from scratch. Though physically small and cozy, Onefold brings food to the table that speaks volumes in flavor and execution. Perhaps it’s because many of the dishes are cooked in duck fat, which always enhances the taste.

Here, you’ll find eggs cooked all ways, Asian and Mexican influenced flavors, and portions that will keep you stuffed. The open kitchen and bright, minimal farmhouse-styled décor make the restaurant feel a little bigger than it is, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to share a table with strangers due to the constant inflow of customers! My favorite here was the bacon fried rice with 2 duck-fat fried eggs! It’s mixed with chili oil, soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of maple or habanero Tender Belly bacon. The comforting duck congee porridge is also a great choice. Wash it all down with a cup of fresh-squeezed juice!

Location: West City Park
1420 E. 18th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Onefold

Best Restaurants in Denver for a Night Out

Elway’s Downtown

If you’re looking for a delicious steakhouse, Elway’s Downtown is the perfect choice. Co-owned and named after Denver Bronco’s beloved quarterback John Elway, this restaurant combines the quality of a traditional steakhouse with the ambiance and menu options of a contemporary restaurant. Although the quality of the food and service is upscale, the ambiance is more casual and welcoming than you may expect.

Elway’s menu consists of a good variety of hot and cold appetizers, fresh salads, U.S.D.A. prime hand cut steaks with plenty of sauces and sides to add, as well as various classic meat and seafood dishes. For starters, I really enjoyed the South African lobster tails dipped in their house-made biting cocktail sauce! The lamb chop fondue was surprisingly tasty as well. I tend to shy away from lamb sometimes because of its gaminess. However, when you’re in Colorado, you have to try locally sourced Colorado lamb at least once, right? For the main meats, I tried two specials: the bison tomahawk and the Japanese A5 wagyu steak. Both were so satisfyingly delicious! Next time, I’ll want to try the rib eye and short rib!

Location: Downtown Denver, inside the lobby of The Ritz Carlton Denver.
1881 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
Elway’s Downtown

Rioja

Another restaurant to try is the beautiful Rioja which boasts of Mediterranean-inspired but locally and seasonally influenced dishes. Chef Jennifer Jasinski creates elegant dishes out of simple ingredients, bringing out the bright flavors in each dish. As a result, she won a James Beard Award for “Best Chef in the Southwest” in 2013.

Prior to your meal, the staff offers you complimentary bread service, which was one of my favorite parts of dinner. A server brings a platter overflowing with various fresh-made bread like lavender sourdough, goat cheese & rosemary biscuits, focaccia, and kalamata olive bread. Then you get to pick which ones you want to try! For appetizers, the crispy Brussels sprouts salad with roasted kabocha squash, gooseberries, shaved apples, and hazelnuts is a great choice. It’s a refreshing mix of savory and sweet that I would’ve devoured – only if I didn’t have to share. For entrees, we tried the pastas and liked both the Colorado lamb and ricotta gnocchi and the tagliatelle and clams. The pasta tasted al dente, and the dishes were lighter than I expected. If you’re looking for a date night spot, consider Rioja.

Location: Historic Larimer Square, a charming old-town neighborhood worth a leisure stroll.  
1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
Rioja

Root Down

For some of the best restaurants in Denver, talk to the locals and they’ll tell you that Root Down is a neighborhood favorite! This fresh and funky restaurant converted from an old gas station and prides itself on a globally-influenced seasonal cuisine. Rather than tying itself to a specific genre of food, the chefs focus on organic and local ingredients.

Root Down’s offbeat mid-century decor, bright eclectic art and cozy ambiance are perfectly complemented by the bright and intense flavors of each dish. It’s loud, fun, and makes you feel like you’re in an underground house party. To begin with, try the roasted baby beet salad and Colombian arepas. Then move onto the mains, like the rockfish tom kha and Moroccan roasted chicken. A quick glance at these dishes instantly showcase the global influence of the menu. Every single dish I tried was delightful, and each item had its own distinct cultural taste. No wonder it’s a local favorite restaurant in Denver! Also note, the chefs also accommodate all dietary needs.

Location: Highlands, or “LoHi” Denver
1600 W. 33RD Ave, Denver, Co 80211
Root Down

Honorable Best Asian Restaurants in Denver

Viet’s Restaurant

If you happen to crave some authentic Asian food, Viet’s Restaurant is an unassuming Vietnamese restaurant tucked away in the corner of a strip mall. Granted, I haven’t visited many Asian restaurants in the city so I can’t say this is the “best” Asian Restaurant in Denver. However, some locals introduced me to this gem, and it was really delicious! From the outside, it may not look like much, but the food speaks for itself.

Viet’s offers practically every single Vietnamese dish you can think of eating! The menu is quite extensive. In fact, there are pages and pages of specials, spring rolls, noodles, rice plates, and more. Because we wanted to try a little bit of everything, we ordered family style to share. My favorites were the fresh papaya salad with shrimp and steamed pork, the Ca Kho To (sweet & spicy catfish in a clay pot) and Viet’s House 50/50, which came with deep fried softshell crab, grilled pork and shrimp, shrimp paste, shrimp tempura, egg rolls. Once the dish arrived, we rolled these into our own messy spring rolls, a fun hands-on experience for everyone! For delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, add this one to your list.

Location: Southwest Denver
333 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
Viet’s Restaurant

Without a doubt, Denver has many great food options, and these are just a few! Have you been to any of them? Or if you’ve been, what do you think are some of the best restaurants in Denver?

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Upon walking up to the entrance, the doormen quickly smiled, nodded at me and ushered me into the hotel. In the lobby, a big beautiful blue staircase leading up to their ballrooms and meeting rooms caught my eye. To the left was The Ritz Carlton Denver’s signature dining option – Elway’s Steakhouse. To the right was the front desk for check-in and guest services. The champagne-silver and deep blue colors throughout the hotel were a nice touch and a mix of contemporary and luxury feels, and I learned that The Ritz Carlton Denver recently renovated in 2017.

After checking in with the front desk, I was accompanied to my room on the 14^th floor, which offered a lovely city view of downtown! The room itself certainly felt spacious. The bathroom had both a marble tub and a separate walk-in shower with an overhead rain shower. Next to the shower was another small room for the toilet. Random fun fact – their mirrors are actually steam-free! I never knew such mirrors existed, but as I love to take HOT showers that steam up the ENTIRE room, I felt like this was a pleasant surprise!

In the short hallway leading from the bathroom to the bed, I found some terry robes hanging in the closet and a small stand with a Nespresso machine, an honor bar, and a mini-fridge. Throughout the room, there were complimentary Ritz-Carlton-labeled water bottles. The decently sized flat-screen TV had several streaming services available, though you have to log in with your own account. Not a problem, as I quickly caught up on some Netflix original shows (anyone else watching the crazy “You” right now?!) while lounging on their comfy bed with 400-thread-count linens.  I called the front desk once to ask for something, and they answered the phone right away. I love how quick they are to try to help their guests! Even when I was in the lobby waiting for my elevator, one of the staff from concierge services offered to put together an itinerary for me if I didn’t have plans already. If only I knew sooner – I would’ve left the planning to them!

The Ritz-Carlton Denver is more of a business hotel, so it doesn’t offer all the amenities that one of their Residencies or resort properties do. However, if you’re looking to relax beyond the comforts of your fluffy bed and spacious room, there is a full-service spa with a steam room and a salon. Time to pamper ourselves, ladies! Or if you’re anything like me and need to work out regularly, you’ll find a nice gym with treadmills, bikes, weights, and several workout machines. They have a separate gym too that you can pay to use, which I believe has more equipment and also overlooks the streets of downtown! In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Denver offers a terrific dining option! Elway’s Downtown, a steakhouse named after Denver’s former quarterback John Elway is located right in the lobby, and their food is delicious! Think perfectly cooked steaks, lobster tails, and lamb fondue. (Review to come soon!). 

Unfortunately, most hotels charge a parking fee now due to all the rising costs. If you’re planning on driving your own car instead of taking an Uber/Lyft, note that the parking at The Ritz-Carlton Denver costs $50 for overnight valet parking or $30 daytime parking. There are also several garage structures nearby and street parking if you’re planning to stay for just a few hours.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed my stay here! The Ritz Carlton Denver felt like an excellent place to stay given its central location, spacious rooms, attentive service, and delicious steakhouse!

The post The Ritz-Carlton Denver is worth a stay – Hotel Review appeared first on Chat with Cat.

What are the Ice Castles?

The first Ice Castles were created in 2011, born from a father’s labor of love to bring happiness, magic, and joy to his children. What started out as a backyard ice cave has since grown tremendously in size and expanded to six locations – Colorado, Alberta, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Utah. *Update* – For the 2022 winter season, there will only be 5 locations – Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Utah, and New York.

Its mission? To bring joy and winter memories to everyone around! It’s no longer just for kids – couples, families, and even friends travel from all over to see these incredible sites. In fact, this winter phenomenon was one of my main reasons for wanting to travel to Denver, Colorado. Although the Ice Castles aren’t exactly in Denver, the attraction is close enough to plan for an afternoon of fun. It’s a perfect place to go after lunch in Denver. As soon as ticket reservations opened online for this winter season, I booked some for me and my friends.

Arriving at the Winter Attraction

When the day finally arrived, my friends and I took a trip out to Dillon, which is about 1.5 hours or ~70 miles west of Denver. As we drove toward Dillion, we started seeing more snow and ice along the way! When we pulled up to the castle grounds, I eagerly scoped out the site, only to see that my view of the Ice Castles was blocked by a chain-link fence covered with tarp. I could still see the top of the ice structures peeking up over the fence though, and I could hardly wait to run inside.

After waiting in a short check-in line and signing a mandatory waiver, I walked into the ice castles! It’s a self-guided experience, so there is no one inside to tell you where to go or what to do. Now before you start picturing the castle in Frozen or any other Disney fairy-tale, I must warn you that these ice castles are not nearly as big or grand. However, the site is still very impressive! The whole frozen structure was built entirely by hand, with professional ice artists carefully placing each icicle by hand.

My Frozen Experience

It certainly felt magical at the Ice Castles. As I walked through the snow and brushed my hand along the walls of ice, listening to whimsical tunes that at times took a dramatic turn, I felt the childlike joy and wonder well up in me. I plopped myself on an icy throne and gazed at the rainbow colors dancing on the frozen walls as the sun began to set. My friends and I crawled through tunnels and felt the thrill as we slid down slippery ice slides, not once, twice, but three times.

I probably would have stayed longer to enjoy the nighttime fire show, but the cold was starting to set in my bones. Unlike Disney’s Frozen Queen Elsa, the cold unfortunately DOES bother me, so I eventually had to call it a night. I was not the least bit upset though, as I felt my time there was already more than memorable!

General Info about the Ice Castles

The Ice Castles typically run from late December or early January until March. The season really depends on the weather and varies by location, so make sure to look on their website for the specific city you want to visit. At the time of my visit, general admission tickets sold for $16.99 Monday – Thursday, and $20.99 Friday-Sunday and holidays. Child admission tickets (ages 4-11) sell for $11.99 Monday – Friday and $15.99. However, prices vary by location. There are also standby tickets, but I would NOT recommend buying standby tickets, for reasons stated in my tips below. On average, the attraction takes about an hour to see, give or take, depending on how many lines you want to wait in and how many photos you take.

Tips for your first visit to the Ice Castles

If you’re thinking about going, here are 6 practical tips for visitors checking out the Ice Castles for the first time:

1. Make your reservations early and online. You’ll have to pick the date and time you’ll be arriving, which are available in 30 minute increment slots. For example, you can choose to arrive on a Friday between 3-3:30 PM, but you can stay inside the Ice Castles for however long you want! Weekends and sunset hours are the most popular times, so those tickets will sell out early. If tickets sell out, there will be no standby tickets available. Not only are standby tickets MORE pricey, they’re also NOT guaranteed. Your best bet is to reserve in advance!
2. Plan to arrive just before sunset, so that you can see the ice castles during the day and at night. At night, the castles are lit up with colorful LED lights, and it is so pretty!
3. Wear snow boots or waterproof boots. Trust me, you don’t want to go in sneakers as you’ll be walking through a foot of snow at times. Also wear shoes with good grip, as some walkways are icy and slippery.
4. Bring gloves and hand-warmers. It gets so cold! I stuffed some hand warmers in my gloves, and they saved my fingers from falling off from the cold. No joke.
5. Wear snow or waterproof pants. As I mentioned, there are multiple ice slides! You get to sit on a mat on the longest slide, but for the smaller slides (hence, shorter lines), you sit directly on ice. Having thick waterproof pants will help you keep warm, stay dry, and give you an extra cushion!
6. Use the restroom before you go. There are portable toilets just outside the entrance of the Ice Castles, but none inside. Once you enter the Ice Castles grounds, you probably won’t want to make your way out and back in again, as the exit and entrance are one-way and on opposite sides.

These Ice Castles are the perfect excuse to travel in the winter! Would you consider going to the Ice Castles phenomenon? If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below!

For more info, you can check out the Ice Castles official website here.

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So what makes it interesting? Kitchen United Mix is more of a hub serving meals from multiple restaurant concepts. It’s a central kitchen cooking up orders for customers. It’s focused on to-go orders for pick-up and delivery. Everything is packed to order and ready to go. However, there are a few tables and chairs for those who choose to eat there, but it’s not ideal for dining with a big group.

There’s no server here to take your order. Instead, you order directly at the kiosk. You can choose from AmazeBowls, Canter’s Deli, Mama Musubi, The Halal Guys, Grilled Cheese Heaven, Samlor Thai Street Food, FreiBurger, Equelecua Cuban Vegan Cafe, or Tokyo Riso. For the indecisive and the taste-testers, try them all if you want! Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can place your order in advance online and choose what time you’ll pick up your food. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for anyone looking for convenience. Note: Only debit and credit cards accepted – no cash! They also have one hour of free parking with validation in the structure off 40 S. Oakland, a block west of the building. Y’all know that free parking anywhere in Los Angeles is a GIFT, so definitely take advantage of it!

I have tried several of the vendors – while they were all delicious, some of my favorites included the fresh, fruity smoothie bowls from AmazeBowls and the delicious corned beef reuben from Canter’s deli. That juicy, fatty corned beef cooked so tenderly, paired perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut. It’s a bit messy and greasy, but delicious if you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier!

Surprisingly, the turkey pesto sandwich from Grilled Cheese Heaven is a favorite item among the staff working at Kitchen United Mix. I can see why! The toasted bread with melted cheese, bright pesto flavors, creamy avocado, and stacks of turkey breast looks slightly on the healthier side is packed with flavor!

There are so many more vendors there though that are worth checking out when you get a chance. I’ll have to go back to try out some of the other food the next time I’m in the area and need a quick bite to go!

Have you been to any other food hubs? What would you order from here?

Check out my @chatwithcat for a giveaway to eat some of this food for free!

 📍  Kitchen United Mix
55 S Madison Ave, Pasadena, CA

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If you live in Los Angeles, you’re probably wondering – are there even farms or apple orchards out here? Yes! They aren’t exactly in the city, but if you drive a little ways out, you’ll find plenty. Oak Glen in Yucaipa, California, is one town filled to the brim with farms and activities for couples and the whole family. It’s the apple capitol of California, just shy of 100 miles east of Los Angeles, nestled near the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s also over 100 years old, rustic but lively, and very welcoming to all the people who come through the farms. It’ll feel as if you left California completely, without all the travel time.

To celebrate fall this year, I went to Oak Glen to apple-pick, press cider, and munch on apple cider donuts! The apple picking season is generally between September and November, but of course, each year will vary due to weather and how many people visit.

WillowBrook Apple Farm

The two main farms that most people are familiar with are Riley’s Farm and Willowbrook Apple Farm, likely because they are the first farms you’ll encounter when you drive into Oak Glen. If you plan to go to one of these, look to park on the side of the road. The further in you get, the more crowded it gets, so if you find a parking spot, take it and walk a little! I also suggest showing up when the doors open so that you can get your choice of apples and parking. *Note that Riley’s Farm is not open on Sundays.

This year, I went to Willowbrook Apple Farm. This orchard was planted in 1910, but it officially opened its doors to the public as an Apple Farm in 2004. It now belongs to the Driscoll family, who you may bump into walking around the farm still. This farm only has one type of apple: the winesap apple. It has a wrinkly top (explained to us as stretch marks for the apple), but it is crisp and sweet with a tangy finish. For you bakers, it holds its crisp well!

Once you’re in on the farm, you’re free to pick from whatever tree you want! They give you fruit pickers too to reach the apples way up on top. At Willowbrook, you pay by the bag: currently $9 for a small bag and $15 for the larger bag. Apple-picking is actually pretty hard when you’re late to the game and all the apples left are at the top of the tree. You have to wiggle your clunky picker through the branches and somehow find a way to grab and twist off the apples. It was a workout for me!

Besides apples, the farm currently has raspberries to pick as well. There is a also a mini pumpkin patch, cute animals like Star and Comet, their mini-donkey and mini-horse, barbecue food truck on site, a small shop of their homemade jams and sauces, and a cider press. That’s right, you can make your own cider!

We decided to fork over the $12 and make our own cider for fun. The farm provided the apples, and we picked a basket full of apples and used their press machines to make our own sweet ciders!

For the record, if you’re like me and wondering what the difference between apple cider and apple juice is – let me share what I learned! Apple cider is made by pressing fresh apples, while apple juice is cider that has been filtered and pasteurized so that you can keep it on the shelf for months. The more you know.

Snow-Line Orchard & Winery

After finishing at Willowbrook, we decided to drive more inland to stop at Snow-Line Orchard and Winery for their famous mini apple cider donuts! Snow Line Orchards has a more park-like feel to it – with grass and lots of tall trees and cute picnic tables to gather around for snacks. They also have thousands of apples all over the floor, which is exactly what I think of when I think of an apple orchard.

If you walk past the picnic tables, you’ll find a pretty big country store filled with apples, trinkets, food, a wine tasting room, and their delicious donuts! The line for the donuts and beverages can be pretty long, but it moves rather quickly. The cider donuts are made with Snow Line Orchard’s own apple cider and served hot and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. I was craving a apple cider slush, so we ordered one to go along with the donuts. They also have coffee, which I imagine would complement the donuts pretty well too. The slush was SO refreshing and sweet – perfect for a hot day of picking we just had. And the cider donuts? Pure bliss! Crispy on the outside, fluffy and warm on the inside.

I also wanted to visit Los Rios Rancho and Oak Tree Village. Los Rios Rancho is actually Southern California’s largest historic apple ranch! And Oak Tree Village is 14 acres of activities and family fun including train rides, pony rides, their famous mile high apple pies, pig races, and endless shops and crafts. Unfortunately, we only had enough time to drive by it, and it looked like it was bustling. I’ll definitely have to make a stop next time.

Have you been to Oak Glen or anywhere similar? What’d you think? I always love discovering places like these, and I’d love to hear of any places you know!

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