Posted on by Narmda Kumar Patel

Athens, Greece in 5 days

So we just got back from Greece, we had been there before about 10 years ago to celebrate my Husband’s 30th birthday so he had wanted to recreate this trip to ring in 40!

Our original plan was only to be in Athens for about 2 days, once when we landed from Chicago and the other time on our way back home. We had planned 2 days in Mykynos and 3 days in Paros but Mother Nature had other plans. After our 2nd day in Mykynos there was extreme flooding in Paros due to the rain/hail storms that took place overnight. We had to pivot our plans and cancel our ferry, hotels and transport in Paros and booked a flight back to Athens so that way we could stay safe on the mainland.

We were all surprised to see how much we enjoyed Athens and all it had to offer! My brother in law is amazing at finding all the top cocktail rooftop bars. His recommendations did not disappoint, we had a great time at all of these listed below:

The attic, Ermou 18, Barrus, Clumsies, Barreldier, Professore, The bar behind the bar, Rude lord and King George Hotel

We had so much fun doing all the touristy things, like visiting the acropolis, watching the change of guards in front of the parliament, visiting the National Garden (old royal garden) and seeing all the Koi fish, turtles, ducks and goats. We had a chance to visit one of the oldest chocolate shops in Athens,- Aristokratikon! They have been making chocolate since 1928 and it’s 6 generations in and they still make it the original way, it was not only delicious but so affordable.

We stayed at the Gatsby hotel and it had such a fun vibe, we had drinks and lattes at the bar prior to going out each night and the location was walkable to all the places.

We had such a fun brunch at Ergon House, The most amazing gyros at Tylixto, and delicious dinner at Ami’s and Ovio! Such a fun trip, interesting pivot but we made the best of it. Great way to ring in early 40 for my Husband!

Until next time Greece, we love you, your people and your food!

Posted on by Narmda Kumar Patel

Rome, Italy in 4 days

My husband and I work to travel. We absolutely love going to various cities around the world to take it all in. We generally only do 1 city on each of the trips we take to absorb all it has to offer and really immerse ourselves in the culture. This trip overlapped with Spring Break for our kids so it was great since they were able to be at their grandparents house without having to worry about missing school! We did so much in our 4 days, we ate pizza and pasta to our hearts desire, drank all the amazing wine, shopped, saw an Opera and did a cooking class.

Where to Stay:

We are obsessed with the Hoxton hotels! We have one in Chicago and we have done a staycation there twice and it did not disappoint. It is located in the best part of the City and the ambiance is just beyond. When we went to Paris 2 years ago, since they have a location there we stayed at that one and we had a very similar experience. So this trip, as soon as I found out that Rome had a Hoxton we decided to book it and the stay was amazing. The hotel has an adorable cafe with the best cappuccinos you can find. In addition they have 2 bars on site with crafted cocktails and a restaurant that serves the best food! The location itself was a bit far from the touristy spots but that was a good thing for us as this was our second time to Rome so we didn’t need to be near them. Also, ubers are plentiful and it was so easy to get picked up.

Where to Eat/Drink

We had the best time exploring the city by walking and for our first night I had made reservations for the Court Bar which had a view that overlooked the colosseum. When I originally found and made reservations after seeing this on Pinterest I thought this spot might have been overhyped but it did not disappoint. The cocktails, the service and the aperitifs were on point and we had the best time!

The other reservation we made was for the Michelin star restaurant called Bistrot 64 Roma and it was definitely a show to remember. All the food as expected was thought out and delicious. We came here because we saw it on the Netflix series, Somebody feed Phil and he stated it had the best Cacio de Pepe. I will say, he was correct. It was the perfect blend of cheese and pepper and not over-powering at all. We had such a great meal, quite the splurge, but when in Rome.

Then we did an amazing Cooking class, for our anniversary our friends gifted us an experience so we used it towards this. We learned how to make Fettuccini, gnocchi and tiramisu! After we were done cooking it, we got to eat it with the other people part of the class and drink wine and enjoy it! It was so fun and amazing to see how truly easy it to make your own pasta and well worth it because the taste was just beyond!

Of course we ate a bunch of Gelato, I had one that was shaped like the Colloseum and it did not dissapoint. Wherever we go, we like to find a food hall similar to Time out Market because you are able to try many things or just sit and drink coffee or wine. My husband searched and found one called the Mercato Centrale, it had literally the BEST truffle pasta I have ever had in my life. It was so good that I had it twice.

For our last meal, we ate at this amazing Asian place called Zuma, its a chain in Europe and the food, ambiance and service was perfect to end this beautiful trip!

Highly recommend booking your next trip to Rome and stay at the Hoxton hotel!