Looking for a fun day in downtown Denver? Love Art? Do you enjoy a quieter and slower pace with less crowds? This post is for you!
Denver is my home town. I’m actually one of the rare natives. Summer is when I believe Colorado is at its best and when I like to put my travel on pause and become a tourist or in some cases a tour guide in my own town.
I got the opportunity to do that this month with my friend visiting from Connecticut. Here are my suggestions for a day in Downtown Denver for Art lovers.
Attend an Art Festival
What can you do in a day in Downtown Denver? The Denver Chalk Art Festival is one of my favorite summertime activities.
Artists travel from all around the country to create their masterpieces in chalk on the streets of Denver, Colorado. It happens the first weekend of June every year.
I recommend going on Sunday morning as there will be less crowds and the artists will be further along in their creations. Plus, street parking is free on Sundays!
Summers can get hot in Downtown Denver, so mornings will also be a little cooler. Don’t forget some sunscreen on those shoulders! There isn’t always a lot of shade. A hat or an umbrella also helps.
The Denver Chalk Art Festival is located in The Golden Triangle Creative District on 12th and Bannock. It’s just two blocks South of Civic Center Park and a great jumping off point for other fun places to spend a day in downtown Denver.
The Chalk Art Festival runs the first weekend of June every year and is open from 10am to 8pm both Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite artist while you are there!
Missed it this year? Swap it out for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival just East of Downtown which runs July 5-7, 2024.
Lunch at Pints Pub
Photo by Kate Bocash
Next, take a break for lunch nearby and explore the art of beer making. A day in downtown Denver wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its many breweries like my favorite, Pints Pub.
It really feels like a warm and homey British pub complete with not one, but two British red telephone booths and a British bobby (policeman) to greet you at the door.
They brew traditional cask conditioned or live ales and have the largest selection of single malts outside of Britain! They also have several local hard ciders which are a particular favorite of mine.
Photos by Kate Bocash
Ambiance
The layout is broken up nicely into four rooms which makes the atmosphere feel more intimate and relaxed than a lot of restaurants.
Cozy up in one of their nice booths, pull up to a table for two with their comfy leather chairs or choose a high top table near the bar with a group of friends and a view of their cask cellar through a window in the floor.
Pints Pub also has two nice upstairs rooms to accommodate larger groups. Soak up a taste of Britain without the long plane ride or expensive ticket!
Photo by Kate Bocash
Food
Pints Pub serves traditional British Pub fare and also has a large burger selection. I love that they always bring a caddy of additional toppings for your burger like, thinly sliced red onions, dill and butter pickles, and even jalapeños and banana peppers if you want something a little spicy.
As a vegetarian I always get the Queen’s Own Burger. A Garden Burger, but it’s jazzed up with a tasty bun and served with avocado, lettuce and tomato.
I also suggest adding the British Cheddar or Dill Havarti cheese to your burger. Delish! Save some room for dessert though.
Pint’s Pub has an excellent Chocolate Lover’s Torte from nearby Gateaux’s bakery which has been voted the best bakery in Denver many times by Denver’s 5280 Magazine and has also been featured on The Food Network. It’s served with a drizzle of raspberry couli and is a chocolate lovers delight!
Check out a Museum
After lunch check out one of Denver’s cool art museums. There is the large Denver Art Museum conveniently located down the street from Pint’s Pub.
There are also smaller or more intimate museums you may want to check out like the Kirkland Museum for fine and decorative art or the Clyfford Still Museum for abstract art.
Photo of Kirkland’s Original Studio
On this particular day I chose to visit the Kirkland Museum which I noticed had an exhibit on Art Deco, called Vanity and Vice, as I was roaming the chalk art festival .
I love Art Deco and the decorative arts, so my friend and I popped in to explore after lunch. The Vanity and Vice exhibit runs until January 12, 2025.
This museum has been open since 2003 and moved to the Golden Triangle Creative District in 2016, but I had never visited before.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much this museum had to offer. Not only does it have a vast supply of works by prolific artist Vance Kirkland who called Colorado home, but I also found art objects from Frank Lloyd Wright, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
I was very impressed by the versatility of Kirkland’s work as well, from realism to surrealism to abstract. During my visit to the museum I learned that Kirkland suspended himself from the ceiling in his studio to create his dot paintings. That is dedication to your craft!
Photo of the Ropes Kirkland Use to Suspend Himself
Dinner and Dessert at D Bar
A day in downtown Denver wouldn’t be complete without savoring another artistry. That of the dessert. D Bar is a fun place to linger over a delicious dessert and offers the unique opportunity to actually watch them make them right in front of you. Sit at the bar and watch these skilled pastry artists in action!
Desserts
My favorite dessert at D Bar is the famous Cake and Shake, the Madagascar chocolate frosted, 3 layer cake served with a mini-hand spun milkshake. Get your choice of vanilla, chocolate or raspberry shake. I chose the raspberry and it paired quite nicely.
Want to relive the simplicity of childhood? Try the tasty freshly baked cookies served with a cold refreshing glass of milk. Umm…just like grandma’s house!
D Bar is the brain child of Food Network Celebrity Chef, Keegan Gerhard and his lovely wife and fellow chef, Lisa Bailey. The “D” in D Bar stands for Drinks, Dining and Desserts.
I’ve been coming here since it was a tiny store front on 17th Street and could only seat a few people. I’m so happy that they have expanded and even have a D Bar coming soon to the Denver International Airport. I can’t wait to check that out on an upcoming trip!!
Don’t Forget Dinner
I’m all about the desserts, but this place doesn’t just have great desserts they have excellent food and drinks as well!
Try the heavenly pizza salad sandwich with a glass of Spanish Los Dos wine. It may sound strange, but it is the perfect combination of smooth and creamy goat cheese, crunchy pine nuts on a thin crust pizza with the heavenly liquid gold that is basil pesto. So amazing!
Prefer some good old comfort food? Try the Bacon Mac and Cheese with a 4 cheese sauce, applewood smoked bacon and a crispy, crunchy Cheez-it and panko crust that ends with a sigh of satisfaction.
I hope you enjoyed my recommended day in Downtown Denver for Art Lovers. If you enjoyed this post check out these posts next: Best Restaurant in Long Island, NY, Things to do in Salt Lake City, and Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City with Something for Everyone. Get there using my hack for finding cheap flights and don’t forget to travel light. Please subscribe and be the first to find out about other hidden gems!
The Am Ex Gold Card is my latest credit card and the best card for foodies and luxury seekers! Not to mention those that love to travel like me.
I feel so fancy when I lay down my new, metal, rose gold, Am Ex Card at restaurants! Plus, a pink credit card? Who else has one of those?! (Not into pink? Stick to classic gold.)
Though this card has a little higher fee than my other cards, I will share the perks that make back the annual fee and then some.
1. Rewards Points
The main reason I got this card is because the Am Ex Gold offers 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide. This also includes take out and delivery in the US.
I definitely consider myself a foodie, so I spend a lot on restaurants every month. Connecting with friends and family over a wonderful meal is one of the greatest joys in life! Don’t you think?
I also earn 4 points per dollar at U.S grocery stores (up to a limit of $25,000.) Note that this does not include retail stores like Walmart and Target. I use this card at those stores to maximize my points.
The Am Ex Gold also gives 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Am Ex Travel. Compare the cost of flights though.
I usually book directly with the airlines to double dip on points. That way I earn Am Ex Gold points as well as airline miles.
I only earn 1 point per dollar for all other expenses, so I use my this card for all my other purchases.
2. Monthly Statement Credits
Am Ex Gold also gives a $10 credit each month for dining at certain restaurants. One of which is The Cheesecake Factory, which is a favorite of mine.
I can also get the credit at Grubhub, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and certain Shake Shake locations.
You do have to register for the statement credits once you receive the card. It is not automatic, but only takes a couple minutes.
Ever take Uber or use Uber Eats? This card also gives $10 a month in Uber Cash when you add your Am Ex Gold Card to your account.
To avoid delivery fees I just order my favorite takeout through the Uber Eats App and then select it for pickup instead of delivery. It’s a great way to use the credit without spending extra!
Be aware that both of these credits do not accumulate, so if you don’t use it that month the credits are gone.
3. Am Ex Gold Offers
Another great way to save money or earn more points is to check for Am Ex Gold Offers. They have great discounts on travel, dining, shopping, entertainment and more.
I scored a $100 credit on a recent trip to Santa Fe after spending $250 on my Marriott Hotel for the weekend.
I always check my Am Ex Gold Offers when I need to book a hotel because it offers the most savings. They have good offers on cruises as well.
I’ve also gotten discounts for charging everyday things like my cell phone bill, car insurance or streaming service.
The offers do have to be manually added to your card, but it only takes a few minutes. I get an email when new offers are available and I usually add them to my card while I’m hanging out at home watching TV.
4. The Am Ex Gold’s Hotel Collection
Dreaming of even more luxury? The Am Ex Gold offers a $100 experience credit when staying two nights or more at a Hotel Collection hotel when booked through Am Ex Travel.
I checked out one of The Hotel Collections beautiful and historic hotels above, The Hacienda del Sol on my recent trip to Tucson, Arizona.
They have several inner courtyards filled with fruit trees like this one above that are the perfect place to relax and read, have a chat or enjoy a glass of wine while you listen to the bubbling fountain. So peaceful!
Use the credit for dining, spa treatments or other experiences. Plus get a free room upgrade!
5. Other Perks
There are no foreign transaction fees when using the Am Ex Gold, which is very important to me.
Plus when I travel more than 100 miles from home I can use Am Ex Gold’s Global Assist Hotline for any medical and legal referrals should I experience any trouble while traveling. I can also get help with emergency wire transfers should I need it.
There is also baggage insurance and car rental loss and damage insurance when I book using my card. While I don’t usually check a bag I do rent cars and this saves a ton on skipping the insurance and also offers me peace of mind should something happen.
The Am Ex Gold also offers premium experiences and preferred access to premium seats for select cultural and sporting events too. Get first access to culinary events, concerts and new musicals. Fancy attending New York Fashion Week? The US Open for Tennis? VIP Access to the Grand Prix in Monaco? You can!
6. Am Ex Gold Bonus
Last, but very much not least, the Am Ex Gold is currently offering 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
I automate most of my bills to my credit cards, so it was very easy to make this requirement. It took me about 3 months.
That’s a pretty quick way to 66,000 points. That’s almost enough for a round trip business class flight from the East Coast to Spain. Iberia Airlines has them off peak for 37,000 points one way. They are one of Am Ex Gold’s many airline transfer parters.
I used my bonus miles to book a business class flight home from Paris this Fall on Air France’s website. I used left over miles from another card for my business class flight to Paris. Air France and KLM are Am Ex Gold transfer parters too. They often have business class flight sales for only 50,000 points each way.
That Paris flight home was a $4,200 flight if I had booked with cash! I only paid $384 for the taxes. It would have been less, but I’m flying back through London Heathrow which notoriously charges higher taxes and fees. Avoid flying through there if you are not traveling to England. It’s a crazy busy airport too. One of the busiest in the world.
It met my schedule requirements best though, so I was happy to pay a little more. It was still less than the cost of an economy ticket. I’d much rather fly in style! Wouldn’t you?
Is the Am Ex Gold Card fee worth it?
The annual fee for the Am Ex Gold card is $250. I think it is well worth it since I take advantage of the monthly dining and Uber credits each month, which add up to $240 per year. The additional offers that Am Ex Gold offers like the $100 I got off my Santa Fe Hotel put it over the top for me.
What I also love about this card is the flexibility in the amount of transfer parters it has. It has 13 air and 3 hotel transfer partners. Plus I’m never sure where my next adventure will be, so I have the flexibility to travel to many different places on a variety of airlines.
This is invaluable to me now that I found a consistent way to use miles to book business class flights from the US to Europe. No more being cramped in economy for me! I hope you give Am Ex Gold a try.
Ready to sign up?
Here is my personal referral link. If you apply using my link and get approved by 5/22/24 there is an extra bonus gift for you!
You will receive an additional 20% back in statement credits on restaurant purchases worldwide during the first 3 months of Card Membership! (After meeting your bonus spend. $50 maximum credit).
Please note I will also receive 10,000 points for my referral at no cost to you. A win, win I think. 😉
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Are you searching for the best restaurants in Long Island, New York? Are you bored with eating at chain restaurants when you travel? Do you enjoy venturing out, eating local foods and taking advantage of experiences you can’t have at home? Do you want incredible food without spending a lot of money? I’ve got some hidden gems for you to try!
I’ve been traveling to Long Island almost annually since I was a born. I will leave out exactly how many years that’s been. 😂 I’ve tried so many different places over the years and here are my top picks for off the beaten path places on Long Island.
Best Restaurants in Long Island, New York for Breakfast
One of the best restaurants in Long Island, New York for breakfast is Calvert Manor Bagels in Seaford, NY. No visit to New York would be complete without some amazing bagels. These bagels are the best because they have a thin, hard and crunchy outer layer and are soft and chewy on the inside.
Some places make bagels that are just too chewy and tough to eat. Not this place! I’ve been going to this place for years and it never disappoints.
Another reason this is my favorite breakfast spot is they are the only place I’ve found anywhere that sells rye bagels. I just love rye bread and rye bagels are even better!
You can get bagels with butter, plain cream cheese, 18 different kinds of specialty cream cheese or made into a delectable sandwich.
I always choose the vegetable cream cheese to go with my rye bagel. However, low fat vegetable is also available if you are trying to save a few calories and tastes almost as good.
They put the cream cheese on with a cake icing spatula and spread it on thick. No disappointing thin layers of cream cheese you can barely taste on these bagels.
My family all have their favorites. My mom’s is the Asiago bagel with vegetable cream cheese. She tried the Egg Asiago below this time and said it was tasty.
My uncle’s is either the sesame bagel with strawberry cream cheese or his new favorite the “Healthy man” sandwich with 3 egg whites, turkey and Alpine lace swiss on your choice of bagel. Divine even if you are not trying to eat healthy!
Calvert Manor Bagels also has an amazing raspberry coffee cake. They have chocolate and apple, but the raspberry is the best in my opinion. That’s really saying something because chocolate is always my first choice!
Buy a whole cake to share with your traveling companions for breakfast. This way you can skip the sad hotel buffet breakfast and have breakfast in your PJs. Calvert Manor Bagels also sells it by the slice. The slices are big! Share with a friend. 😉
There is a whole wall of cold drink options as well as coffee and tea at the counter. When in New York I go for the Snapple which started in New York (many more varieties then I can find at home in Denver) or a hot cup of coffee.
Calvert Manor Bagels also offers a variety of other grab and go items. I like to grab a snack for later while I’m there. Try the New York brand, Hal’s kettle potato chips or choose a healthier salad or yogurt parfait.
Grab what you want, order your bagels and pay at the counter. Here’s a tip from your best friend. Pay with cash. Most small places on Long Island charge a fee for using a credit card, about 3-4%.
This place moves quick, so be ready! Sunday mornings have a line out the door, but it moves fast. Sit inside, outside or take your bagels to go for an impromptu picnic.
Skip the bakery goods, besides the coffee cake. I’ve got the best bakery on Long Island coming up!
Best Restaurants in Long Island, New York for Lunch
Next let’s move on to lunch. One of the best restaurants in Long Island, New York for lunch is the Hidden Oak Cafe at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. This is truly a unique and classy experience if you want to live for a day like Long Island’s former gold coast elite. Fan of the HBO Show, The Gilded Age? The Bayard Cutting Arboretum was one of their filming locations!
Dine inside the manor house or on a nice day sit on the covered veranda at the back of the house, overlooking the great lawn and the Connetquot River. I always choose the veranda if the weather is decent. Absolutely blissful!
I’ve been coming to Bayard Cutting Arboretum since I was a kid to stroll the beautiful grounds. Recently they have refurbished the manor house and now offer tours on select days. Call and make reservations in advance.
As I got older my family and I would stop for a spot of tea and a sweet treat at the Hidden Oak Cafe. Peruse the bakery counter as you walk in.
The Hidden Oak Cafe also has a high tea, which they call the Victorian Tea, and requires 24 hours advance notice, but you can get a 2 cup pot of tea with no reservations like I did above.
There are a wide variety of teas to choose from. However, I usually go with the peach apricot and order a scone with Devonshire cream to go with my tea. The English Breakfast is also a good choice if you need a caffeine boost.
This restaurant is also a great place for soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche. Usually the food at attractions is mediocre at best, but The Hidden Oak Cafe uses high quality ingredients and makes delicious food.
I highly recommend the vegetable soup or the grilled cheese. I asked to have my grilled cheese with Swiss and it was gooey, crunchy and delicious!
After lunch, stroll the peaceful trail along the river and watch the swans, geese and ducks go by or sit in an adirondack chair and listen to the wind and the birds.
Admire the stunning homes on the other side of the river and watch the boats and kayakers float by. Very relaxing!
Bayard Cutting Arboretum is also home to a family of Ospreys which have a nest way atop one of the red brick chimneys above the veranda. Watch them swish and swoop into the river to catch fish. A birdwatchers delight!
Lastly after lunch head to one of my favorite beaches nearby, Fire Island National Seashore and the adjacent Robert Moses State Park. It makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Climb the lighthouse at Fire Island if you aren’t afraid of heights.
Best Restaurants for Dinner
My recommendation for the best restaurant in Long Island, New York for dinner is Frantoni’s Pizzeria in East Meadow, NY. You will find the best pizza outside of Italy in this spot!
Get a whole fresh grandma’s pizza. Trust me, you won’t regret it. I had never had grandma’s pizza before my uncle discovered this place and introduced me to it. Not in New York City or even in Italy itself. (If you are ordering pizza it’s always best to get a fresh pizza pie or look for a pizza pie that’s fresh out of the oven. Otherwise they can be burnt and dry when they are reheated.)
It’s a thin Sicilian (square) pizza. Most Sicilian pizzas are thick. It has a buttery crust and an amazing chunky tomato sauce that sits in delicious dollops on top of the pizza instead of underneath the cheese.
My uncle once described that you could just picture the old grandma in the back stirring the cauldron of amazing sauce with an oar.
The cheese is of high quality and is baked to the point of absolute perfection where the cheese turns from hot and gooey to bubbly and golden brown with just the right amount of chewiness. Then it’s topped with shreds of fresh basil. It’s almost orgasmic! Even the cold leftovers are delicious.
Be patient and let it cool a little. Remember this is sea level and things have to boil at a higher temperature than at a higher altitude like my home back in Denver. I always get too excited, don’t wait and burn my mouth the first day. Never fun.
Frantoni’s is also the classiest pizza joint I have ever been in. It’s light and bright with modern light fixtures, sparkly white quartz table tops and subtle damask wallpaper.
The walls are lined with dark wood, lighted mirrors and old-timey sepia prints of Italy. One even has the gentleman with a thought bubble dreaming that he wished he was at Frantoni’s…wait isn’t he already there? 😂
There is a large area in the front with booths, tables and chairs where you order your pizza and pay at the counter or a lovely back restaurant area where you can order a sit down meal and be served.
They also have a full bar which you can order from whether you dine in the casual front or more formal back. I get my pizza with a nice chianti or cabernet, but they also have beer, and a variety of fountain and bottled drinks.
I can tell this is a local place. You see everything from kids sports teams coming in for a celebratory pizza or the girls catching up after work with a glass of wine and a slice in the front, to the old white haired married couple sitting side by side in the back booth for their weekly date night in the restaurant.
If you opt for a sit down dinner in the back try a big salad or the baked ziti. It comes with the most amazing crescent rolls served with soft creamy butter. Heavenly!
Best Restaurant in Long Island, New York for Dessert
While technically not a restaurant, Dortoni’s Bakery is my favorite place for dessert on Long Island and possibly the world.
I have never seen so many intricately made cookies, pastries and cakes all in one place. They must have a small army of people working all night to prepare these decadent desserts.
While Dortoni’s has several locations I visit the one in Levittown, NY in the town of Hempstead. Fun fact about Levittown. It was the first American suburb and was built for veterans returning home from World War II.
This bakery which started in 1976 has been in business longer than I’ve been alive and it shows. They make every bakery item under the sun. Everything from fresh breads, cookies, pastries and even wedding cakes. If I lived in New York I would be here every week and probably weigh 300 pounds.
Are you overwhelmed with sugary deliciousness? Don’t fret. Below are some of my favorites to start with.
One of my all time favorites is the magnificent Almond Horn cookie. It has a soft and chewy inside of almond cakey marzipan with a crunchy outside of slivered almonds and is dipped in chocolate. Scrumptious!
I also love this cookie because it travels so well. I always try to take a box home when I return to Denver. If fits perfectly in my carry on bag and they are great to take along on picnics since they don’t melt too much.
The Cannoli of course! I like the chocolate dipped shell with either the traditional or the chocolate filling. The ricotta is smooth and creamy with little bursts of mini chocolate chips.
If you are looking for something extra decadent try this chocolate mousse pastry. It has layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mouse and a chocolate ganache frosting. I’m thinking I may have a chocolate addiction. Is there a rehab for that?
I hope you’ve enjoyed my post about the best restaurants in Long Island, New York. If you liked this post and want other recommendations of places to go and food to try check out this post.
Want to find the best flights to New York? Read this post. A free hotel to go with it? Check out this credit card.
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Are you visiting Salt Lake City on business, for skiing, visiting family or just passing through on the way to one of Utah’s stunning National Parks? If so, you may be looking for the best restaurants in Salt Lake City with something for everyone. Well, I’ve got a story to tell you…
So a vegetarian and a gluten free person walk into a bar in Salt Lake City…just kidding. Well…not really. I do happen to be vegetarian and my good friend whom I was visiting does have gluten sensitivity. Plus, we both do enjoy a nice adult beverage from time to time. Okay, okay, me more than her probably. LOL
Wondering what the best restaurants are in Salt Lake City that have something for everyone?
Are there even bars in Salt Lake City? What if I’m traveling with someone who is vegetarian or gluten free? What are some great restaurants that are fun and can make everyone happy?
I’ve got you covered! I got the inside scoop from a local and I’ll tell you my top 5 best restaurants to try in Salt Lake City that are sure to have something for everyone. I think you carnivores will be quite happy too!
#1 – Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City for Breakfast
1624 1100 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84105
First stop breakfast! Finn’s Cafe is a beautiful family owned and operated cafe located in the hip area of Sugarhouse in Salt Lake City. It was started in 1952 by Norwegian immigrants who came to Utah for the wonderful skiing.
They serve Scandinavian inspired food with an American flair. This is not your typical 50’s cafe or diner. It feels classier and more refined than that. From the moment you enter you will see what I mean.
This small cafe is lined with large oval windows, has light colored wood ceilings, tables and floors with some retro glass blocks added in for additional light. It’s so bright and cheerfull. There’s even a little gnome (troll?) to welcome you when you come in!
They also have a great patio surrounded by a lush flowering hedge. No staring at a busy street or parking lot on this patio.
Order some hot LavAzza coffee served in Finn’s signature mug.
Next, they have a wide menu with your favorite breakfast and lunch staples . If your a more adventurous eater try some Scandinavian specialties like poached red trout with Finn’s tartar sauce, wienerschnitzel and eggs or Jule Kake French toast.
I ordered the waffles which were are a little thinner, crispier and sweeter than Belgian waffles. It comes with lingonberry jam and sour cream.
I skipped the sour cream and opted for the artfully sculpted butter shaped into what looked like raspberries to me, but you make your guess. 😄 Lingonberries maybe??
The classic omelette with hash browns was my gluten free friend’s choice. A tasty and relaxing way to spend the morning!
#2 – Sunday Brunch at Ruth’s Diner
4160 Emigration Canyon Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
Next stop, Sunday brunch! Ruth’s Diner is an amazing brunch spot in Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. Although they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner too.
This delightful spot has a fabulous back patio where you can gaze up at the surrounding canyon, sip some delicious mimosas and enjoy live music. This place was one of the highlights of my trip!
Ruth’s Diner has been open since 1930 and at this location since 1949 when Ruth moved a trolly car up to Emigration Canyon and started serving beer and burgers to under age frat boys.
The salty, cigarette loving, gun toting, chihuahua owning Ruth started out as a feisty cabaret singer who turned to flipping burgers and eventually opening her own diner. The rest is history!
Sit in the back garden under the lovely old tree, sip a delicious mimosa and get treated with Ruth’s legendary, complimentary biscuits and homemade raspberry jam as you move to the beat of the live band. Heaven on a plate!
Sorry, my gluten free friends, you will miss the delicious biscuits, but your friends will be happy to take yours. LOL
Along with my mimosa, I had a tasty cinnamon role French toast with orange cream cheese florets. If you are gluten free try one of Ruth’s delicious cheesy omelets, Benedicts or hashes. Breakfast is served most of the day from 8am to 4pm.
# 3 – Lunch at the Blue Iguana
165 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Then lunch! If you are looking for a hip spot in downtown Salt Lake City, hit up the Blue Iguana for lunch or dinner. It’s located in the heart of downtown near Temple Square.
They have a great lower courtyard patio with umbrellas and string lights where you can sit and relax, nibble some tasty chips and salsa and sip any number of delicious margaritas (I chose the peach) or step inside the colorful and art filled inside dining room.
This place is very refreshing and I’m not just talking about the margaritas. 😂 They have a great selection of vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu.
I’m so used to going places where they only have one or two options for me, so this place was great.
Next, I was excited to have a veggie chimichanga, which is rarely a choice for me since they are mainly made only with either chicken or beef.
My friend had the rice and avocado enchiladas which was not only vegetarian (I might be rubbing off on her 😂), but also gluten free. Healthy and delicious!
There are also many options to satisfy my carnivores out there from carne asada to carnitas or even burgers and steak fries if you are not in the mood for Mexican food.
# 4 – Dinner at The Bayou
645 S State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Lastly, if you’re looking for a fun night out on the town for dinner and some great cold beer, head over to The Bayou!
It’s also located in downtown Salt Lake City. They have a little parking lot at the business next store that you can use for free in the evenings if you have trouble finding parking.
I’ve been coming to this place for over a decade and it is my favorite place to have a burger (veggie for me) and a beer or a local cider (Made in Utah, Hive cider is my fave!).
It’s a hip and funky Cajun place with brick walls, exposed pipes, dim lighting, neon signs and Mardi Gras beads strung up on the ceiling.
They have a huge beer menu along with wine, cocktails and fun mocktails if you happen to be the designated driver. See my friend’s delicious mocktail below.
Be careful if you drink in Salt Lake City. The legal limit for alcohol is lower than in other states.
Take the Trax downtown or Uber it instead and leave the car at your hotel. Your best friend wants you to stay safe and jail free!
I had a delicious veggie burger with cajun spices and pepper jack cheese.
Burgers are served with sweet and savory mix of regular and sweet potato fries that are so hot, crispy and yummy.
I couldn’t finish them all and took them back to the hotel, only to eat them for a late night snack later while watching TV.
My friend’s favorite is the red beans and rice which is gluten free.
You can also try crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta or even the alligator if you want to live on the edge. 😏
# 5 – Bonus Restaurant in Park City!
322 Main Street Park City UT 84060
Bonus restaurant! If you happen to venture out of Salt Lake and head to Park City, Red Banjo Pizza is a great affordable option for lunch or dinner.
This family joint has been in business for 60 years and serves up made from scratch pies which include regular, gluten free or cauliflower crust.
The pizza is great and served with a twist. Literally! The pizza is served with a slice of lemon. Never seen that before!
I had the classic margarita pizza and it was divine! I just love fresh mozzarella and basil. What a wonderful combination!
My friend opted for a gluten free, pick your own topping pie. Delish!
Besides pizza, Red Banjo also has pasta, sandwiches and salads plus a full bar. I like my pizza with a little vino!
I knew Red Banjo Pizza would be good because it was packed with locals and tourists alike! The local junior sports team was celebrating the end of their season and the 20 somethings girls next to me were advising their guy friend on his latest Tinder choices. Women can be brutal! Yikes!
It’s a small place stuffed with olympic skiing memorabilia and of course, red banjos on the walls. 😄 Plus, in nice weather there is a small rooftop terrace, although they weren’t seating up there when I went.
I hope you enjoyed my food tour of Salt Lake City! Stay tuned for my next post on fun things to do in and around Salt Lake City.
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For more restaurant recommendations, check out my post on the best restaurants in Long Island, NY. Planning your Winter Cruise? Find out which cruise line has the best food.
If you’d like to plan a trip to Salt Lake City check out some of my planning posts for flights, packing and paying for your trip with miles. Never stop exploring!
I’m classy, but I also like to be silly at times. This trip I took along my little friend T-Rex to help me with some photography and drink sampling. He had great fun on HAL’s Niew Statendam and I got a few laughs along the way too!
Non-alcoholic drinks
Make sure you stay hydrated on your cruise. You’re best friend wants you to feel your best. It easy to get dehydrated exploring those tropical destinations in the hot sun.
Whenever I was out and about on the ship I stopped by the Lido Market to grab some water or lemonade. They also offer complimentary ice tea, a wide selection of hot teas and coffee.
There is also water available in your state room for purchase or you can let the ice in your ice bucket melt overnight and voila! nice cold water ready for you in the morning.
Several places on the ship you can also purchase your favorite latte, cappuccino or americano.
Happy Hour
HAL offers an afternoon happy hour at the Billboard Onboard bar with 25% off drinks, between 3-4pm.
This is also the 150th anniversary of Holland America Lines, so on my cruise they were trying out an insanely great deal on cocktails with what I presume were 150 year old prices. Drinks were between $0.25 and $0.75. Yes, you read that right! Hard to pass up happy hour at those prices, not that it’s that hard anyway. LOL This was not something advertised anywhere. I found out about it accidently as I overheard a conversation at another table.
Just remember to tip the waitstaff a little extra. The automatic 18% service charge won’t add up to much on a 75 cent drink. We’re classy remember!
The cruise staff works incredibly long hours, for months on end and depend a lot on gratuities as cruise wages are low, so let’s remember the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure you have a great vacation.
Cocktail Class
HAL offers a chance to shake up your own cocktails in the Billboard Onboard bar. Although due to the pandemic waitstaff on my cruise pre-made the cocktails for you, but I still enjoyed trying out different flavored mojitos and margaritas.
The bartender explains how to make these clever concoctions and even provides you with the recipes to take home and try your hand at them later. A fun way to spend an afternoon! T-rex seemed to approve. 🙂
Wine Tasting
A great way to be classy on a budget is to sign up for the Great Wines of the World wine tasting and try some upscale wines and hors d’oeuvres. The wine tasting is $40, but you can sample some $90 wines and Veuve Clicquot Champagne as well as indulge in shrimp, duck, unique cheeses and even a chocolate truffle. Tres fancy!
Don’t worry the sommelier will walk you through which hors d’oeuvres are enhanced by which wines. I found out about this lovely experience from my waiter at the pool bar on the first day of my cruise. He signed my friend and I up and then later we received a formal invitation delivered to our room. So classy!
This event was held in Club Orange, HAL’s private dining area for premium luxury passengers. Normally to enjoy Club Orange you would need to pay an additional $25 per person per day on cruises up to 13 days. I got to try it out, no extra charge!
Sail Away Cocktails
A great way to stay within your budget is to take advantage of HAL’s complimentary Sail Away Cocktails. I suggest being ready poolside just before you leave your last port, so you can snag one.
I opted for a fruity Bahama Mama. There were also huge glasses of beer, sangria and other cocktails. I suggest grabbing your drink and immediately heading for the elevators as it can get a bit chaotic. People go crazy for anything that’s free! Especially drinks!
High Tea
A lovely surprise offering was HAL’s High Tea on our first at sea day. I love a good high tea. It all started with my first trip to England where I tasted scones and clotted cream for the first time on the gorgeous grounds of Blenheim Palace. Nothing makes you feel classier than taking afternoon tea.
HAL offered what tasted to me like a scrumptious orange pekoe tea and brought around a three tiered tray of tea sandwiches, small pastries and scones. Hal also offered an afternoon tea on the other at sea days.
I hope you enjoyed T-Rex’s tour of the drinks available on HAL’s Niew Statemdam! Safe travels wherever you are going next!
I wanted to share some advice and stories from my latest trip, which was to the Southern Caribbean, a few weeks ago. I’ve been on many cruises, mostly with Norwegian Cruise Line and once with Royal Caribbean. This was my first voyage with the Holland America Line and I travelled on the Nieuw Statendam.
I started off with the intention of sharing my thoughts about Holland America Lines or HAL as veteran Holland America Line cruisers call it, but found I had too much to say, so I will be breaking things down by different aspects of my HAL experience over the coming weeks. Today I wanted to share my thoughts on what I was most excited about besides the ports, which was the food!
Overall the food was excellent on HAL’s Nieuw Statendam. Probably the best I’ve had on a cruise ship. I was pleasantly surprised. As a vegetarian sometimes my choices are limited. I appreciated that they offered meat alternative products like Morningstar Farms Veggie links on their breakfast menu in the dining room as well as Beyond burgers at their poolside burger joint, cleverly named, Dive-In. It’s nice to get some extra protein, so I don’t get hangry and annoy my travel companions. LOL
There were vegetarian options at all their different dining venues. Although I did not try their seafood or steakhouse specialty restaurants, I have no doubt they would have accommodated me without a problem.
One evening my friend got on a roll at the casino and missed the window for dinner. Later we happened to be near an elevator, near the main dining room when the Executive Chef came out and asked how our dinner had been. My friend relayed that she had missed dinner and he offered to go whip something up for her. He had his staff make her a delicious plate of fresh gnocchi because I had raved about having it earlier. Now that’s service and class!
Breakfast – Formal Dining
I started off each morning at sea in the dining room for breakfast. There usually isn’t time on port days since most excursions leave around 8 or 9 in the morning. I love the white table cloths, fancy chandeliers and artwork they have in the main dining room. It’s a much more classy, relaxed and quiet environment then the buffet, the Lido Market which don’t get me wrong has it’s appeal too. I recommend getting there just after 8am to avoid the rush that seems to come later. We never had to wait for a table, but when we came out there was usually a line of 7-10 people.
The coffee was smooth and delicious. They also had a wider range of juice options than I have seen on other cruises. I chose pineapple each morning to compliment my Caribbean vacation. The Texas French Toast was my favorite entrée, however they had a wide range of breakfast foods to satisfy all types of preferences. No doubt trying to cater to travelers around the world. There were traditional English, American, European and Asian breakfasts. This is the first time I’ve encountered Asian options on a breakfast menu, so I thought that was really unique. The service could be a little slow, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but hard to say since this was my first cruise with HAL. However, if you let them know you had early morning plans the staff did there best to speed things up a bit.
Breakfast – Casual Dining
HAL’s buffet is called the Lido market. If you need a quicker meal this is the place to go. They usually have all the same options available as in the main dining room, so if you have a jam packed schedule don’t worry you won’t miss your chance to have your favorite meal.
I usually opted for a made to order omelet on port days with a mini chocolate croissant on the side. Every meal should end with dessert! You don’t know me yet, but you will quickly discover I have a big sweet tooth!
They had a wide array of options from baked goods, fruits, cereals, eggs and don’t worry you carnivores there were many options for you as well. 🙂
Something different I noticed with HAL is that The Lido had staff to serve you at the different food stations. There isn’t as much of the serve yourself as I have seen on other cruise lines at the buffet. I asked around to others I know who have traveled the line and this seemed different from their experience. No doubt this is a safety measure due to the pandemic as well. While it was different from what I expected I appreciated that it felt like a more classy experience then you usually find at a buffet. I also appreciated HAL’S commitment to health and safety and that there seemed to be a lot less food waste. I didn’t see people with plates piled sky high and then half eaten food being thrown away like at other buffets on other cruise lines. My waistline definitely appreciated the normal size portions! Of course you can always go back for seconds or thirds. No one will tell 😉
Don’t waste your time with the bagels at the New York Deli & Pizza for breakfast. As a frequent traveler to NY I was really excited about this dining option when I was preparing for my cruise, but they are definitely not NY bagels and most of the options in bagels and shmear were not even available, even on day one of my voyage. Head to the dining room or the Lido Market instead.
Lunch -Formal Dining
Again, I opted for lunch in the dining room for a more refined experience. The dining room is open for lunch on at sea days only, so I recommend adding this to your schedule on those days, so you don’t miss out. It’s lovely to watch the wake of the ship out the window while you are enjoying your lunch. See if you can snag a table near the back of the dining room, so you can see it.
The service at lunch seemed a bit quicker. There are two servers assigned per table. One for food and one for drinks I suppose. I highly recommend having a nice glass of wine with your lunch. You are on vacation after all! My favorite was the Chateau Smith Cabernet from Washington. Remember I’m classy, but on a budget! LOL Unless your a big drinker I don’t recommend getting the drinks package. If you have 2-3 drinks per day it’s cheaper to just buy them by the glass.
Another big difference I noticed with HAL is that they had many options with some spice to them. Normally cruise food is a bit bland for me as I’m sure they are preparing food to suite the widest range of palates, but HAL offered options with good flavors and a bit of a kick if you enjoy that. I had the curried cauliflower appetizer and it was a surprisingly tasty way to get in some veggies. You have to eat some on vacation. Your best friend doesn’t want you to have uncomfortable tummy issues on your trip. Enough said!
I also loved the tomato bisque and the quinoa salad. The salad is more of side salad portion, even though I believe it shows as on the entrée part of the menu. My waiter pointed this out to me in advance when I ordered, which I appreciated. My favorite entrée on the lunch menu was the vegetarian pasta dish. The lunch menu is a set menu, so you have the same options each day. Remember the dining room lunch is only available on at sea days, so you won’t get bored with menu. You can reorder your favorites or try different things each day. Each lunch also ends in dessert. I opted for a chocolate tart or the ice cream sundae.
Dinner – Casual Dining
I didn’t find any of the vegetarian options on the rotating dinner menu particularly appealing, so I opted for the more casual dining options for dinner most days. However, you could easily swap my suggestions and head to the dining room for dinner and the casual options for lunch, or skip the casual options all together and dine with class for every meal in the dining room. Keep in mind that some dishes are only served at certain times of day in the dining room.
I loved that HAL’s Navigator App allowed you to view all the rotating dining option menus each day including the Lido Market buffet, so you could plan your schedule with the tastiest options.
My favorite meal in HAL’s Lido Market was a gnocchi dish with mushrooms. I rushed from a late afternoon nap that went a bit too late to the Lido Market just before the dinner window ended, just to enjoy it and I’m so glad I did! It was so delicious! This was the dish I referred to and raved about to the Executive Chef at the beginning of my post.
I ate several times at the New York Deli & Pizza. I loved that they prepared individual pizzas for each guest, so they were fresh and tasty. I’ve been disappointed by most pizza on other cruise lines as it sits out at the buffet and just tastes old and not particularly great.
I’m a frequent visitor to New York and have travelled to Italy several times, so I will admit I’m a bit of a pizza snob. LOL These pizzas are decent. I would say they remind me more of the woodfired pizza’s I’ve had in Italy, although the toppings may be a bit more NY.
The staff will take your order and provide you with a buzzer which will vibrate and flash when you’re order is ready. You will have to provide your room number when ordering, but this dining option is complimentary.
I also tried the Dive-In for several early dinners because they close around 5pm I believe. As I mentioned earlier they have vegetarian options such as Beyond Burgers and a brown rice and veggie burger. They can be ordered with a variety of toppings which I thought was fun. The Dive-In also serves Nathan’s hot dogs. Although I did not try them, I was also surprised that Dive-In offered veggie hot dogs. Ah, too much food, too little time! The Dive-In also has great fries. They are crispy and crunchy on the outside and soft and steamy on the inside. No soggy fries here!
Desserts – Formal Dining
The desserts on HAL is what I was most disappointed with. They look beautiful and delicious, but most are sadly disappointing. That being said I did have a delicious chocolate tart in the main dining room and a tasty ice cream sundae.
HAL also has something called a Chocolate Surprise which is one evening towards the end of the cruise where you gather in a specific area and an endless array of wait staff comes out with trays of different desserts, all chocolate as the name implies.
They had chocolate macaroons, cupcakes, cocoa dusted almonds and my friends favorite which were the chocolate covered cheerios. If you love chocolate don’t miss this event!
Desserts – Casual Dining
My favorite dessert on HAL’s Nieuw Statendam was the Gelato. There is a gelato shop near the pool that offers a wide selection of gelato flavors such as biscotti, chocolate, cherry, dulche de leche and others. You can also get them with several different toppings, in a cup or waffle cone and they also make milkshakes.
The chocolate and the biscotti were my favorite afternoon treat. There is an extra charge of $2 plus 18% service fee, but I felt it was a well worth it.
I was also extremely excited that one day in the Lido Market they offered Dole Whip! If you are a Disney fan you will will recognize this sweet treat. It’s basically pineapple flavored soft serve ice cream. Delicious and refreshing! I’m not sure how often Dole Whip is served. My friend and I noticed another passenger with it one afternoon and quickly asked where they got it. We tried again the next day, but sadly only vanilla and chocolate soft serve were the options. Keep your eye out for it!
Snacks
You will never go hungry on a cruise ship. That’s why so many people gain 10 pounds in a week. At any given time there is always a wide variety of food options. HAL offers in between meal and late night menus in case you miss one of the breakfast, lunch or dinner windows. They also offer 24 hour room services with many delicious options. I also thought it was fun they had soft pretzels and popcorn by the pool for movie nights.
HAL also has a Dutch café with coffee and pastries. The coffee is extra, but they have several food options that are complimentary.
Specialty Restaurants
I had read another blog before I traveled on Nieuw Statendam that said the specialty restaurants weren’t worth the extra charge. I was willing to try them out, but in reviewing the menus I didn’t find any vegetarian dishes I was especially crazy about trying. I found so many wonderful food options that were complimentary I didn’t feel the need to pay extra for specialty dining.
If you are craving a nice juicy steak, fresh seafood, Asian cuisine or have a special celebration I have no doubt the specialty restaurants would be just, if not more delicious than the complimentary options.
I hope you enjoyed my review of the food on HAL’s Nieuw Statendam. If you take any of my recommendations let me know. I’d love to hear from you! Happy cruising!