Ferragosto Italy Holiday Foods

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Potato gnocchi is Italy’s version of Spain’s patatas bravas tapas.

Ferragosto Italy holiday foods is an opportunity experience.

First off, what happens during Ferragosto? August 15 is the feast of Assumption recognized as a public holiday for Catholics (Italy is predominant in). Italians celebrate the public holiday by closing the doors of their business. And that marks the beginning of the Ferragosto summer holiday (vacation) for the rest of August and sometimes beyond.

You see paper signs on windows like the shop owners wrote the note just before they left. Even though we know they’ve been planning their holiday vacation for months. 😉

And then they head to the local Italian beaches along the Ligurian Sea like Cinque Terre (Five Lands) and Livorno. And some go north to Northern Europe, maybe to Norway and I recommend this spa hotel and Denmark. You can learn about one of the most unusual amusement parks in Copenhagen that Disney caught inspiration from.

They definitely stay away from the super hoppin’ busy places like Rome and Amalfi Coast that could be similar to or where they just left.

And maybe that’s where you head to enjoy. And if so, you can be bummed that the town you’re visiting looks shut down… or you prefer the slower pace… You can still enjoy what’s open and that serves cool pesto that’s made of cooling basil. And you can say Yes! to refreshing lemon dishes. And delight in bright seafood galore. 🍤

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods in cinque terre

And Ferragosto Italy holiday travel could be the opportunity for you!

I mean, it’s perfectly timed during the hottest time of the year and at the tail end of summer… AND before the start of any school year. That’s a golden recipe for expanding your year’s enjoyment…

And think of all the food travel adventures you can have before year’s end. 💭

You’ll be fine if you keep cool and pack an aluminum water bottle in your travel bag as sometimes they’re difficult to find in the city or at the destination. And if you’re heading to Rome (where it’s hot, you can fill up your bottle and drink clean water from public fountains and aqueducts that date back to Ancient Times. That’s an experience in itself! ⛲️).

Then when you have your water-filled, remember to order cold dishes like gazpacho and save your warm soup for another day. ❤️

Order fruit salads… see this rustic cantaloupe bowl 🍈 paired with Italian prosciutto that gives a cool taste explosion in the mouth.

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods

And here’s an opportunity to get in those unusually good black squid ink pasta dishes that are straight from the Ligurian Sea.

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods in liguria

And cannellini dishes with bread make for enriching Ferragosto Italy holiday foods in northern Italy. This dish has hints of summer herb gardens and shrimp from the sea. Even the bread keeps cool with air pockets and holes. 😃

ferragosto italy holiday travel foods

And even during the slower Ferragosto months, there are festivals and events happening in the surrounding Tuscan hills for your Ferragosto adventure… so, what are you waiting for? 😉

Duck, NC – The Best of Outer Banks

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Duck, NC is one of the quieter beach towns in the Outer Banks barrier islands. Northerners know the barrier islands or OBX, which has been made more popular with the Nicholas Sparks romantic books and movies like Nights in Rodanthe (starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere).

And while Duck, NC is more busy than Rodanthe, it’s a quieter Outer Banks town just a ‘lil north. You can still enjoy the same beach coast in a more relaxing setting away from stress or the city. And then watch the peaceful sunset waterfront views. Maybe that’s what the doctor ordered?

Outer Banks starts at the top when you drive into Corolla (pronouned Kha-rawl-ah). And down at the southern tip is the popular Nags Head Beach. From there, you can go down to Frisco past the furthest eastern point Rodanthe, and enjoy the ocean ride or unforgettable car ferry on a day trip out to Cape Hatteras. You may have seen the Cape’s iconic lookout lighthouse that’s with painted black and white diagonal stripes.

And in Hatteras, you’re getting closer to a jumper plane ride to Bermuda that’s probably what the Wright brothers could’ve done with their first motorized plane. A model illustration was featured at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.

Kitty Hawk where the Wright Brothers landed their first motorized plane, is next to Duck, NC

…And in the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk is where the Wright Brothers landed. And if you’re on vacation with kiddos, be sure to check out the Kill Devil Hills natural sand dunes where climbing and riding sand plus kite flying are fun sports for the family.

Sandwiched in the middle is Duck, NC if you want a more zen and spa-like stay, with coastal design ambiance while sipping and enjoying Harney & Sons fine teas. This special resort has its own spa and there are other local spas you can check out.

Like this one waterfront restaurant and spa nearby with live music. You can make this an escape romantic weekend where you can breathe a sigh of relief from the reality of everyday life.

When I compare Duck, NC and Outer Banks to Ocean City, MD or Myrtle Beach, SC, I look at them as different vacations with different hotel vibes. Duck, NC being the relaxing beach where maybe you take a zen sabbatical, and the other touristy ones are a fun getaway on another agenda.

Boardwalk Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby Nostalgia

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Delaware has a few Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby carrying (now TY toys) stores.
Downtown Bethany Beach

In my heart is the Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby memory… what am I talkin’ about? Keep reading…

First, I remember the 90s Beanie Baby craze from the traditional boardwalk candy store chain that’s everywhere along the Delmarva coast. Candy Kitchen stores all over Ocean City, MD and up the coast to Rehoboth and Bethany Beaches in Delaware. The first store opened around the tail end of the Great Depression, so it was a place that brought some joy to the times… and today, brings happiness. Who doesn’t love the smell o’ candy?

While Beanie-mania died down before Y2K, the candy craze has not.🍬 Those early years bring back youthful, carefree day memories…

In the 90s, I was a young adult chasing down the Beanie Babies on my weekends, looking for a Candy Kitchen Beanie Baby. There was one baby I had in mind that was either a soft stuffed cute bear, cat, dog, bird, or other wildlife creature that just came out.

Most living young and old had at least one Beanie Baby. But not everyone got them from a candy store like I did. That was my underground store I discovered.

…I remember driving hours with friends and all the way to Ocean City, MD during the heyday. I had the purple royal Beanie with a white rose and the Jerry Garcia swirly rainbow color Peace Bear. If you spout out the names now, I’d still know them… that’s how the kid at heart stays alive. ❤️

The Beanies usually were “special” because of the tag names, fabrics, and some had an emblem stamped on their chest and poems on the tag. And they’re so darn cute. I had a trash bag full of them. And that’s where there are now!

Once decorating a house and box-size computer tops, these stuffed animals were a fad that had a shelf life. And today’s TY versions look more like Furr-bies… and the kiddos love ’em not knowing the history of their plush toy maker.

…Like these unicorn babies (foals) that just woke up and have their tags on backward 😄 but still intact. They’re brother and sister. 🦄 They never met their Pegasus Beanie Baby ancestor.

…But, they are as cute as buttons, like button candy. And remind me of those Candy Kitchen 90s memories that are so ingrained in me because the sweet smell waff of chocolate fudge hit you in the face as soon as you walked in the store. And would do the same today, if you’ve never been to a CK or want to relive sweet memories.

Candy Kitchen is known for saltwater taffy 🍬, but I went for the cola gummies (not the fun gummy burgers and lips 👄)… being friendlier to my teeth and mouth. I appreciated seeing the colorful round-up pop and swirl lollipop candy 🍭 You can say I got two pops in one (candy and a cute Beanie Baby).

And today too if you visit, they still sell a few special TY tag stuffed toys like the Spiderman TY. Or you can have him and other items shipped with your candy, to brighten your day until you can find time to be a kid again. 😊

Need a place to stay? These are Ocean City hotels to check out (and checkin to!).

30 DC Restaurant Week 2023 Insider Picks

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1789 is doing dc restaurant week
Handmade ravioli postage stamp shapes made in a 1789 cooking class 🧑🏻‍🍳

Getting ready for DC Restaurant week? These are my 30 faves for the DC Restaurant Week 2023 summer edition. DC is a transient area as people come and go, and restaurants come and go just as easily. But some (most on this list) have withstood the test of time, and one or two are 2020ish newcomers that are on that trajectory. 🎉

I know these restaurants and areas intimately, living-working in the DC metro area for decades after growing up there and working in hotel & restaurant events management, and enjoying brunch meetups. So yeah, I consider myself a foodie and a distant local no matter where I am in the world. ❤️

… And, If you’re a sushi or pizza lover, you’ll love this list (…plus, you and I will get along very well! 😁)! Raw and baked are high on my list. And for 2023 DC Restaurant Week they’re serving a $25 brunch/lunch and $40/$55 fixed dinner price menu.

Some of these restaurants you will find on my 2019 DC Restaurant Week List which is a good sign. While prices have gone up some 😏 , the Restaurant Week prices are still price fixed so you know what you’re getting yourself into if you’re on a budget (and easy to calculate if you’re with a group. And some of the Restaurant Week picks are on my group brunch picks).

1789 – They are owned by the same Clyde’s Restaurant Group who own Clyde’s, Old Ebbitt Grill, and The Tombs. From time to time they have cooking classes and they are the creme de la creme of restaurants.

2941 – out in a tranquil setting in Fairview Park outside of the bustling Tysons Corner area, this is a fine-dining restaurant for a special occasion. …Maybe consider Restaurant Week to test out?

Al Dente – was founded and once owned by Chef Roberto Donna. This casual restaurant is in the ritzy Palisades area (where the Clintons once had a home) is not far from Georgetown.

Al Dente is participating in dc restaurant week 2023
I’m a diner as much as someone who knows what it’s like inside restaurants 😋

Bastille – near Old Town Alexandria, this Parker-Gray neighborhood restaurant is one you’ll enjoy if you want to get off the busy and touristy King Street, but still have the high-end historic town vibes.

Birch & Barley – owned by the Neighborhood Restaurant Group who also own Rustico, Evening Star, Vermillion, and Bluejacket on this list to name a few. You can’t go far and not run into one of their restaurants.

Black Salt – serves find-dining seafood in the Palisades (…scallops and black squid ink come to mind 💭… maybe that’s all you needed to hear).

Bluejacket – this is comfort food near Nats Stadium in Navy Yards. Working in the biz, we took a tour of the metal beer barrel production.

Bluejacket beer barrels

Cafe Milano – this was the see-and-be-seen restaurant in Georgetown before others flocked to the Italian foodie scene. My fave is Fiola, but they are not on the 2023 Restaurant Week menu 🫤 But there are many other Penn Quarter restaurant choices on this list 🍽️

dc restaurant week fiola memories
Fiola in Penn Quarter

Chart House – on the Alexandria waterfront, and is a local treasure. You can’t miss the restaurant that looks like a beach restaurant.

China Chilcano – read about this restaurant as Jose Andres’ latest restaurant adventure (future foods) at ThinkFood Group.

Earls – sushi alert! Let the food board speak for itself… 🍱

DC restaurant week 2023
Earls across the new Tysons Corner greens area that sometimes has live concerts

Evening Star Cafe – in DelRay (in between Alexandria and Arlington) off the main street. DelRay is a 50s neighborhood with old-fashioned porches, and is dotted and lined with restaurants along Mount Vernon Ave. (DelRay’s King Street). And a few are on this DC Restaurant Week list.

Farmers Fishers Bakers (Georgetown) – this is a popular farm table restaurant that’s one of the newer additions to the Georgetown waterfront (The Washington Harbour). They’re owned by the Founding Farmers Group.

Founding Farmers – are restaurants that bring in seasonal menus in a modern setting. Like Neighborhood Restaurant Group, ThinkFood Group, and Clyde’s Restaurant Group, the Founding Farmers Group’s restaurant concepts are all over the DC metro area serving sensible modern American eats. In other words, you don’t have to travel far to find another one under their umbrella.

Hen Quarter – southern fare comfort food with an upstairs and downstairs in Old Town Alexandria. Maybe a great brunch meeting place? You can’t miss the red corner as a great directional detail that makes it easy to point out.

Kaz Sushi Bistro – creative sushi and Bento boxes and has been around before Y2K. You can find the more traditional rolls and some artistry touches.

creative sushi on a plate

Matchbox – upscale pizza chain you can find in DC, MD, and VA including Penn Quarter, Rockville, and Mosaic District (the new shopping center in Merrifield near Fairfax). This is a good meeting place as you can’t go wrong.

Officina – in the newest hangout area of the DC Waterfront with amazing water views. It’s the coolest restaurant, good for a date. 😘 More on this waterfront Wharf District below.

Oceanaire – …Baked Alaska lit at the table comes to mind, but that’s my sweet tooth talking. This is one of the older, established seafood restaurants around. You can find this in DC near 14th Street (another revival area) and Baltimore in the new Harbor East section (by The Four Seasons and Under Armour if you need a compass 🧭). Baltimore is growing beyond the Inner Harbor.

Oyamel – Jose Andres’ colorful restaurant that serves tasty bits (tapas-style_ and dishes, and a great mole (mo-lay) if you’re into that! Nothing is served brown on the plate, it’s always brightened with natural food colors like pickled purple onions and yellow edible flowers that match the restaurant vibes.

Passion Fish – sushi, oh my! One of my fave as a modern concept in the 90s built Reston Town Center.

Ris – if you’re near Dupont Circle, Ris is owned by the local chef who made a Washingtonian magazine debut back when 1789 was getting its name.

Rustico – rustic pizza wood-fired and a great neighborhood place for beer lovers! And Neighborhood Restaurant Group fans.

Sequoia – Georgetown waterfront is a longstanding restaurant on The Washington Harbour that’s as popular today as in the 80s and 90s.

Tony & Joe’s – has outdoor seating with branded patio umbrellas that have been there forever… a great stop for visitors to get a feel of The Washington Harbour

The Melting Pot – what about fondue when you want a fun day!? This is an area chain restaurant that can be hours of entertainment, whether you choose cheese or chocolate… and fondue cook your own meat at the table (tip: bring a cook or someone who’s good at keepin’ minutes ⏲️).

The Wine Kitchen – in Leesburg (Northern Virginia), it’s a quaint Italian restaurant that’ll make you forget you’re in a major metro city.

Unconventional Diner – near the DC Convention Center, and is probably one of the newest comers… and comes with unconventional presentation stacks where southern eat meets modern diner… would love to know whatcha think!

Vermillion – King Street Old Town Alexandria – is a fan favorite and has been closed for a few years, and is now back open!

Zatinya – Penn Quarter Greek-Mediterranean known for serving lamb dishes and mezza. It’s one of Chef Jose Andres’ near the Portrait Gallery (one of the free Smithsonian museums to checkout!).

And if you’re needing a place to stay, an area that has transformed from a smelly fish market where the boats docked and you could see the moving waters below, is now the swanky Wharf District that has become high-end boutique restaurants, shops, and hotels. There’s even a Milk store, in case you’re into cereal desserts like I am. I like the birthday truffles 🎉 and yuzu parfaits.

A new boutique hotel has joined this newest revival district. And if you’re coming for a convention and want to make this bleisure (business and travel), then these are convenient convention-friendly hotels you can consider.

Today’s Wharf District waterfront fish market all lit up

Cool Pool Hotels With Cooling Vibes

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One of the coolest things about cool pool hotels is that the pools run cool year-round (getting the theme…cool?). I found hotel stays in Miami and Myrtle Beach that have cool beachfront pools… so don’t even think about going elsewhere! 😉

…A pristine pool that you can jump into (not limited to and sandwiched in between Memorial and Labor Day) brings a serene cool vibe to your wellness. Maybe it’s an infinity pool or a design pool with curvy shapes, outlines, and colors.

Below are some fave cool pool hotels you can check out with these features.

The Raleigh Hotel in Miami, Florida

I discovered this hotel in the early 2000s when black and white stripes were popular… and they’re back again! You may have seen them in the resurgence of Barbie hoopla. It conveys j’aim tout!

The Savoy Hotel and Beach Club in South Beach is oceanfront and has cool shape pools that blend into the blue ocean waters behind… The location of this SoBe hotel is ideal on the 400 block of Ocean Drive. This made my visit stress-free, fun, and relaxed. 🏝️

Anderson Ocean Club and Spa in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the quintessential hotel pool with indoor and several outdoor pools against the beach backdrop. There’s putt-putt too. ⛳️ You may never to leave the hotel club and spa!

…And if you’re with the kiddos 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, they’ll love the lazy river pool at The Breakers… and you will too! One of my fond memories is The Hard Rock Park that’s gone, but Myrtle Beach is one big amusement park. You can find all kinds of fun for all ages… and Margaritaville-ish places especially around Barefoot Landing where there’s no shortage of restaurants to choose from.

And all kinds of knick-knacks and retro vibe stores. I think I met the tallest man on stilts in one of the restaurants. Happy times ✌️in South Carolina, and they have perks as they just had their tax-free weekend if you plan ahead! Charleston, Kiawah Island, and Hilton Head are other great SC travel destinations.

Lobster Season Maine Roll, Please!

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lobster season means lobster roll and Maine lobster is year-round

If you’re a lobster lover like I am, I need to add nothing to get you to drool 😋over these lob-stahs in prime lobster season! 🦞🦞🦞 I haven’t met a bad one YET.

And Maine lobsters are available year-round. And you can find all kinds of rolls: Maine, Connecticut, and sushi rolls… and continuing on a roll… dishes like paella and lobster macaroni.

Lobster paella anyone?

It’s a good thing I’m not fasting today because lobster talk is making me hungry for lean protein packed with Omega-3s. And sardines, well… just doesn’t compare.

You can get these locally live in your coastal city and fresh from Maine. Once upon a time I worked in a beach town that gave one lobster per buffet ticket… And if you’re close, you could take a drive to where the lobster action is and…

Maine Lobster Fest is happening (…different than the local restaurant!) in Rockland, Maine. If you keep going north, you can stay at an amazing Bar Harbor spa resort that has an oceanfront and go boating or whale watching as one adventure. 🐳

And then come back to enjoy the lobster boat and have others watch your eyes pop out and your smile grow bigger in lobster season 😃

lobster season means lobster at every enjoyable meal

London Sky in Fall

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The London sky in fall is good for travel. We landed in London.  I remember Harrod’s, the famous department store.  I also remember seeing the changing of the guards.  Thirty plus years later, London is so much bigger now.  I think it’s getting close to 10 million people there.  I’ve never seen so many people in my life in one day. 

To get from Heathrow Airport to your staying destination, I recommend a London cab. The cab drivers are “licensed”, take a lot of pride in ownership with their vehicle they purchase, and know all the major sites in London. They have to pass the test.

Why visit London in the fall?

The weather is formidable.  It’s cooler than most south European cities.  It’s also a great place for ragweed pollen sufferers around the world who can get some relief.

New Modern London Hotel

park plaza waterloo london hotel

The Park Plaza Waterloo in London is a convenient hotel next to the London Underground subway system (the Tube).  The hotel also has an Illy coffee café on property (and has tea bags in the room 🫖).  It also is super modern looking in the room.  When I stayed there, there were a lot of light features in the room to create mood of choice in your room.  The hotel has a real modern vibe. 

london sky in fall in mood rooms like this
Mood light control in the room

Every time I hear Waterloo, it makes me think of the snazzy

Abba song “Waterloo.” 

My, my
At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender
Oh yeah
And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way
The history book on the shelf
Is always repeating itself

Waterloo, I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore
Waterloo, couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo, knowing my fate is to be with you
Wa-Wa-Wa-Wa-Waterloo, finally facing my Waterloo

The area is very close to the famous London Eye (large ferris wheel), that was referred to in the James Bond (Daniel Craig as 007) movie “Skyfall”… the London sky in fall.

And just a hop, skip and a jump from Covent Garden, a beautiful restaurant and shop area where they have free live performances in the square.  Also a great place to go during Christmas season, even though it can be a “mad house” with all the visitors when it’ll feel like one of the most crowded places on this earth.

Covent Garden

Picadilly Circus (like NY’s Times Square) is London’s most famous square and another popular area in London’s West End and Westminster area along the River Thames. You can check out all the hotels in London City Centre where so much is happening!

And the Great British Baking Show is back in fall to enjoy all of London!

Best Maryland Crabs

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How do you like these bite-size Maryland crabs?

Maryland crabs are famous. They’re tossed with Old Bay and you can find them all the over the Mid-Atlantic states in seafood restaurants. It’s easy to find them along the Atlantic Ocean Coast, and these are from Havre de Grace, Maryland. 🦀 They are the real mouth-watering deal!

And if you want to check out the landmark lighthouse waterfront festival in the heart of town, they showcase famous local seafood and blue crabs. It’s a small town so you can’t get lost.

You can also find an abundance of Maryland crabs around the Memorial Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shores. Take a drive over the Bay Bridge and you’ll find Kent Island, the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay.

And you can find these blue crabs served up in Annapolis, the capital of Maryland (along the Chesapeake Bay). Annapolis is a great vacation getaway with room water views and modern leather features and farm door design character.

Annapolis restaurants love to serve the Maryland king crabs straight up raw for your entertainment… in meaty male crabcakes… or sometimes paired with Alaskan King Crab claws… proving crabs on both sides of the coast can get along. 😉

You can also find Maryland crabs in best DC restaurants along marina towns like this one in Old Town Alexandria along the Potomac River.

It’s in the water (the foodie water that is… where they import in tasty oysters from around the world!). Are you a fan? I like them straight up, with lemon, horseradish, or red sauce.

And year-round, you can find a seafood lovers smorgasboard variety of orange-color seafood: lobster, crabs, and shrimp. 🍤

Seafood Maryland Crab Salad

While Maryland crabs are close to home 🧡, on the east coast you don’t have to go far to find them. You can find all kinds of crabs and seafood at your local seafood market or many grocery stores. One of my memories is the Waterfront fish market in DC that’s now an adult hangout spot!

I also like the Fish Market on King Street where you can buy prepared seafood that you can take on a waterfront picnic to the Oronoco Bay Park steps away.

This is a Dunedin, Florida seafood market that serves steamers and Floridian stone crabs with no MD crabs in sight.

Bologna Best Rooftop Views

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Bologna best rooftop views
Bologna’s best rooftop views with the leaning tower city center

Bologna is a university town and has the best rooftop views. I recommend taking a terracotta rooftop view and slowly enjoying a memorable cup of cappuccino and Italian cookies (biscotti). ☕️

Bologna canals

Don’t miss the beautiful architecture in the heart of the city where a little walking brings a lot of beautiful sightseeing surprises. You also see the one-of-a-kind canals where you think you’re somewhere as magical as Venice (minus the Carnevale masks). 🎭

In the heart of the city in Bologna, are the Twin Towers (the other leaning towers in Italy on a lean). You can sit on the steps in the square nearby, and take in the view. And when you’re ready to keep going, you want to take a look at the architectural features that the city has to offer.

One feature is the best rooftop views (more on this below) and the famous arches that you can find at different street angles. If you’re a photographer, this is a paradise.

The modern charm everywhere matches the city. You can get great shots against doors and corners. And you don’t want to miss why this city is a UNESCO world heritage site… Bologna is dotted with ornate porticoes that you have to see in person like in this colonnade.

roof views and best rooftop views

After you’ve had your fill and maybe a nice meal or two, a 10-minute walk away is Hotel Metropolitan that could be your choice of stay. Take the elevator to the rooftop. That’s where there’s a quiet and good size shaded terrace you can enjoy. Most likely you and your companions will be the only ones soaking in the city center view.

There are nice hotels by the train station in case that’s your mode of transportation, but it’s a hike to the city center, so I recommend staying close to city center. And especially if you’re only in Bologna for a day or two to soak in the town (that is probably enough).

And you can pack in your Italian foodie experiences 🍝. Bologna is in Emilia-Romagna (one of the 20 Italy regions and is north of Florence). Classic to the region, you want to try the tortellini that’s on every menu, or you can choose local farro like I did for one meal. The tortellini in Bologna is as common as fountains in Rome, and is also Pope recognized 😉

Washington Dulles Airport Hilton (My Hotel Story Start)

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Dulles Airport – designed by Architect Eero Saarinen (designed like an Eero-plane) ✈️

This is a great time to tell you about a Washington Dulles Airport Hilton hotel I worked in that started as a Renaissance (and is now the Washington Dulles Hilton hotel).

Airport shuttle close to the airport, the hotel has great character with a circular building and lobby design. It has and had a restaurant and a lounge next to the Lobby where guests checked-in. More on DC metro local restaurant options below.

Airport hotels are very different than other and city-center hotels. Airport guests are often trying to catch a flight or have “flying somewhere” else on the mind. And some of those guests are distressed passengers where the airlines put the guests in a hotel. …You probably know what I’m talkin’ about in your travels!

Back in my college days, I remember serving fast-paced breakfasts to these guests. And then at night, the same hotel restaurant transformed into a fine-dining restaurant Olives with daily special dishes and flamed creme brulee dessert on the menu.

The music and light mood changed to dim and slow, and the dark wood tables turned into white tablecloth tables often with orchid flowers, and usually multiple courses served with wine. The built-in crescent round banquettes stood out as the romantic seats in the house for the occasional local couples coming out that way (along with the hotel guests who were often dining by themselves).

And, Olives had the best Easter brunches (…and FYI, Hilton’s had been known for weekend brunches).

And then on the other side of the lobby was the cozy retro Zodiac Club night lounge with bright 70s silver rainbow shape patterned wallpaper that glimmered in the dark moody lighting. There was a disco ball at one point. 🪩

It was cool back then and would be even cooler now (since wallpaper and retro is in!). The clubby space only had about 30 dark metal chairs. I knew that space intimately. And even though guests were flying off to their next destination, it was fun to serve the visitors who enjoyed the lounge-y experience.

That cushy hospitality setting set me on my hotel journey into catering management. I got the 360- experience at that eye-opening hotel 👀, that’s now a Washington Dulles Airport Hilton. You can check in digitally if you’re a Hilton Honors reward guest. And today’s mega outdoor Reston Town Center is an Uber ride away. Now that you’re keyed in on the history, you may want to stay. 😉 It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from DC metro area restaurants.

Reston Town Center