So what do we do on our first day off since October?  We ride, of course!  But start the day with a beautiful church service at North Shore Christian Church.

After a healthy dose of spirituality, we got on our bikes and hit some trails (in an undisclosed location for legal reasons).  We packed accordingly, and were able to do a quick photoshoot for our newest candle - OFF ROAD - a fragrance blend of pine, laurel, amber, and tree sap with a pop of tonic that's absolutely spring-in-a-candle and happened to be our best-seller this past weekend at our moto boutique.

Then we took the "twistiest" route to the South Shore Dive in Sayville.  Although we know it rocks for Tuesday night trivia, we couldn't wait to try their brunch and it did NOT disappoint.  We were greeted by one of our favorite bartenders, Peter, then enjoyed some mimosas.  But the highlight was truly their delicious and diverse menu.  The selection was creative and unique without being over-the-top.  Think: a fresh combination of comfort foods. 

​Although it was a bit cool, we decided to take advantage of the sunny clear skies and get on the motorcycles and head east.  We found ourselves cold and hungry out in Greenport.  Luckily, we came upon a place that looked welcoming and vacant – First and South.  Despite this quarantine situation, they still had an inviting front porch with clear instructions for social distancing.  I was so grateful that we were the only people there; and at a distance, the owner was welcoming, turned on the porch heater as she could tell we were chilly, presented us with a hot tea selection, and brought us a large bottle of Pellegrino with cups of fresh cut lemon.  So we comfortably sat on the porch waiting for what turned out to be a delicious meal.  The small mushroom mac and cheese with truffle oil was more than enough for two people to split, and the black bean burger was literally overflowing with the freshest ingredients – avo, onions, lettuce, tomato – and accompanied with a plentiful salad that was more than enough for us.   Because of this stellar service even in such a crazy time, I would highly recommend this place and can’t wait to return again when we can enjoy this place to it’s fullest.   

Can’t lie, the fact that the talented people at the construction company that I work for helped design AND build this establishment, was a HUGE reason for taking a ride to the South Fork just to go to a “bakery”.  Oh, and the beautiful weather DEFINITELY helped (60F in January - I'll take it!).
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Carissa’s Bakery, in East Hampton, has created a huge local buzz since it opened this past summer 2019.  There’s been countless Instagram posts, write-ups in local publications, and various comments about how spectacular this project by Lettieri Construction turned out.  And I must say, I wasn’t disappointed either.

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​Mammy's Kitchen
114 North Third Street
Bardstown, KY 40004

In this quaint, historic village, I saw a sign above a restaurant, "Mammy's Kitchen" and my growling stomach begged me to explore. Upon entering I was greeted by the most courteous southern drawl requesting me to "take a seat wherever ya want". I made myself cozy in the booth and took in the eclectic surroundings. The walls of the restaurant were covered with whimsical Southern chotchkies: think old barn doors, signs with barn animals and cute cliques, and vintage clocks. The red china cabinet was a stand out feature, along with the stuffed animals adorning a high shelf to celebrate the spring. Even the old worn out chairs, and tacky vinyl covered booths seemed to fit right-in. The waitresses topped-off the warm atmosphere with their friendly smiles, wearing shirts with the slogan, "Southern Cookin Makes You Good Lookin". And yes, they all actually looked like they ate this home-cooking, showing off their cute curves with fitted shirts.

While the menu wasn't expansive nor healthy, as are usual requirements in my favorite restaurants, it was definitely reminiscent of a visit to grandma's house: the special being open-face roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and green beans. I had to give-in to my vegan diet and order what was printed on the menu as "The Best Grilled Cheese Ever" which was "Texas Toast" with tomato and pepper jack cheese. I had them hold the bacon. The sandwiches even came with sides I distinctly remember having so often at grandmas house: thin, oily chips with a bright green pickle. And I must say, the meal totally hit the spot and was worth breaking my diet to have the full, vintage experience at Mammy's Kitchen.