Tragic Loss of Trader Joe's Brandy Beans, the Ultimate Conversation Starter

PHOTO CREDIT: @CANDYHUNTING ON INSTAGRAM

       My name is Simona and I am passionate about one and only one thing during the holiday season. Liquor filled chocolates. Now, I understand that I can go and search high and low for these delectable treats. A quick online search renders buying options from $6 to $60 for these morsels at European import shops. However, the best part of the Trader Joe's Brandy Beans? These suckers were $2.99.

Top 5 Picks for Rochester Fringe Festival 2019 + Cirque Review

       I was almost not going to do a blog preview for this year's Rochester, NY Fringe Festival but, let's be honest, it is still my FAVORITE Rochester festival. And, of course, I am volunteering for it again this year. How could I not? For those who are new to the magnificence that is the Fringe: it an arts festival that combines music, art, theater, dance, and/or any combination of those to create something new and different. A true feast for your senses. I guarantee that you will go to the festival and leave having seen something you've never seen before in your life. I also was able to catch the first Cirque du Fringe show, which premiered this past Tuesday night with a new lineup of cirque and comedic acts called "Cirque du Fringe: D'Illusion", curated by Fringe veteran artists Matt & Heidi Morgan, who are also performers in the show.

Guest Post: Album Review of The National's "I Am Easy to Find" 2019

PHOTO CREDIT
GUEST POST WRITTEN BY MATTHEW DEAN STEWART
       There are too many overly written reviews that are weighed down with SAT hot words, euphoric realizations, and sophisticated ways of metaphorically throwing artists’ masterpieces into a burning fire - this review will not be like that. Here’s some light backstory on The National before we get into it. They are an American Rock/Indie Rock band formed in 1999. The band is led by a grumbly, heart-in-hand vocalist Matt Berninger and backed up by several other wonderful musicians. This album, I Am Easy to Find, is their newest work since Sleep Well Beast dropped in 2017.

       Let’s get into it!

Wednesday Sushi at The Hideaway in Rochester, NY

       I am officially returning from my short blogging creative break brimming with new places to talk about. Most recently, I've visited The Hideaway in Rochester NY's Park Ave area to check out their new sushi special on Wednesdays. You know I couldn't resist a good exclusive sushi session. I get so excited when restaurants have weekday specials; it just makes the work week a tad more fun instead of always waiting on the weekend for something new to try. The Hideaway, formerly the old Hogan’s Hideaway, hosts a special in-house chef made sushi night with an array of traditional and original sushi rolls, sashimi, poke bowls, and sake available every Wednesday night. When my friend and I learned about this, we made plans to check it out on the spot.

A Tropical Vacation at Peppa Pot in Downtown Rochester, NY

       It's finally spring - which doesn't mean much in Rochester, NY where it could snow well into April and sometimes May, as well. Colleges are back from their spring breaks and many people are planning their summer vacation ideas. Every single year I see dozens of people run away to the Caribbean, especially if they want that island getaway feel. I'm here to tell you that, if you aren't planning a Caribbean vacation this spring, you do not have to fear. The Peppa Pot Restaurant in the city of Rochester, NY is the perfect escape if you want to try some exotic food and feel drifted away to Margaritaville.

Top 3 Things You MUST Try in Rochester, NY - Old Pueblo Grill, Cafe Sasso, and BXCR

       Hello 2019! The new year is already here and I wanted to take the time to discuss three quick and delicious places to stop in Rochester, NY. I also want to make some suggestions of what I think are the tastiest items on each menu that you should try. Some of these establishments have been Rochester staples for quite some time, but many of you may not know the absolute best specials and deals you can snag at each one. Whether you are looking for a date spot to take the person you kissed at midnight, or a meeting spot to make new plans for the new year, these three locations would be the perfect fit. All three have menus with something for everyone, as well as some hidden gems you won't find elsewhere.