What Is It About Hip Coffee Shops? Lux Central in Phoenix, Arizona

I've just moved Phoenix, and I'm in love with Lux Central--the city's impossibly cool coffee shop. Every city has one. You know it. That hip spot where the hipsters hang, teenagers go to chill after school and the 20-something crowd hits up after work. Maybe you're in one right now. Regardless, each city needs one.

I wish I was drinking this. Right. Now.

It's hard to see this shop that's just off Central, but if you've past the light rail station, you're close. Turn down W Turney Avenue, park and enter through the back. Once you're inside, you'll be greeted by a buzzing crowd in a dark space. I totally dug the work-from-home vibe I got from this place. Walk up the counter on the left, read the chalkboard menu and drool over the pastries behind the glass counter. I had a decadent, moist espresso bundt cake in January that I'm still thinking about. It will cost you at $8 or $9 a slice, but it's worth every penny if you've got the extra cash.

While you wait for your coffee and food, you'll find a seat at a intentionally worn wooden table or impossibly plush chairs. Enjoy the people watching. School kids will be working on their homework. One woman I saw had this impossibly cool black heels with this ruffled, flower center that almost made it look like the shoes were bleeding.

I ordered a hummus and vegetable plate that was fresh, but forgettable. The latte was smooth, even if it was a bit pricey. But what you'll really want to seek out here is the atmosphere. It's the kind of place you imagine the next big thing is being cooked up. Or maybe just that great piece of gossip.

Regardless of why you go to Lux, you'll enjoy the exclusive, but not snobby environment and awesome drinks. Here's to hip coffee shops across the land. 

Great Neighborhood Coffee Shops: M.E. Swing in Alexandria, Virginia

Finding a great coffee shop is like meeting your new best friend. You know in those first few minutes that this is the start of something beautiful, and you're not about to let it go. My latest experience with this? Alexandria, Virginia's M.E. Swing. Located just north of Del Ray's Mount Vernon Avenue on Monroe Avenue, this spot oozes cool.

It's a light-filled space that comes complete with garage door windows, vintage soda boxes and worn furniture. I feel just as much in love with the tiny details as I did the coffee itself. I saw many a freelancer typing away at their computers here. Like many neat places, the little details made all the difference. I loved the wooden doors separating the counter from the rest of the space. That old school scale. The newspaper reams. I only spent a few hours in the shop, but I'm sure there's even more to be discovered. And that's the beauty of spaces like this one. Visitors can always look forward to discovering a new detail, whether it be their second or hundredth. I'll raise a glass (of java, of course) to that.

Oregon's Stoller Winery: The Views Alone Make This Place Worth It

A year ago this week, I landed in Portland, Oregon, and began a fantastic 10-day trip throughout the Pacific Northwest. The highlight of my trip was visiting The Allison Inn & Spa--which is in the heart of Oregon wine country in the Willamette Valley. And one of my most memorable visits out there was to Stoller Family Estate. It's about an hour outside of Portland (the coolest city in the country right now), and the views alone are worth it.

From the 100-percent solar-powered tasting room, you'll see these straight-out-of-a-painting rolling hills. I mean, just look at the photos. 

Check out that tasting room.

Can't you just imagine spending an entire afternoon here?

Sip vino indoors in the sustainable tasting room or grab a glass and take it outside. Either way, you'll enjoy a great view and delicious wines. I took home a crisp Chardonnay and fell in love with a Pinot Reserve during our tasting. I was with two other women, and we all enjoyed our wine in the sunshine by the idyllic tire swing. My one regret from the trip is not buying any Pinot in Oregon. Be sure to stock up before you head home. 

Oregon's Willamette Valley is filled with wineries that compete for your time and attention. But you'll want to put Stoller on your list if you love a killer vista and a great Pinot. Cheers!

Local Treats Worth Seeking Out: Nashville's Goo Goo Clusters

Whenever I'm traveling, I make a point of seeking out local foods and treats whenever possible. After all, I love Reese's, but I can get 'em at any gas station in the country. And if you're in Nashville, you must (like it should be a law) try a Goo Goo Cluster.

The holy grail of Nashville candy: The Goo Goo Cluster.

I had never heard of these before I visited Music City last summer, but they're candies you'll fall in love with. The original of the three varieties is made with "real milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat." In short, it's chewy, texture-rich and all-around delicious. That combination is an undeniable winner. Each and every one I had melted in my mouth, and now I'd count these among my favorite candies. They're tough to find outside of Nashville, but they're always worth the trip.

 This is what heaven looks like in food form.

Stops Along the Nelson 151: Blue Mountain Brewery

March is almost over and April is just days away, and I'm craving sunshine. Seriously. I'm tired of winter and ready for it to get warm and stay that way. Goodbye clouds and hello sunny skies. And when the weather's nice, I'd rather be outside sipping an ice cold beer. And I can't think of a better place to fulfill my warm-weather dreams than at Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, Virginia. 

Check out that view. Makes you wish you were sitting there right now, doesn't it?

Located on the Nelson 151--a highway dotted with craft breweries and wineries nestled in the mountains--Blue Mountain Brewery serves up suds, killer pizzas and stunning views. When it comes to drinks, try a flight. I'm a pale ale kind of gal, but feel free to try some of the brewery's hop-filled offerings to round out your palette. The sour beer is also very good. Expect a lightly "spiced" beer that goes down surprisingly smooth. And you must, must, must try one of the pizzas here. I was on a press trip here, and all of the journalists on the trip devoured the flatbread topped with bratwurst with apples and onions. I loved the vinegrette-based dressing and enjoyed this savory dish after downing a few drinks. I don't have a great photo since we all ate is so quickly. Oops.

Looks pretty gorgeous, huh?

All photos by Sarah Hauser, Virginia Tourism Corporation

Dream Destination: The Turquoise Beach Bar at The Landings St. Lucia

Day dreaming is a huge part of travel. How else would you know where to go next? I'm always thinking about where my next adventure might be and all the delicious food and drinks I'll consume when I finally arrive. My latest fantasy? The recently opened Turquoise Beach Bar at The Landings St. Lucia.

This view makes me long for warmer weather. How about you?

Just to give you some background, The Landings is a beachfront AAA Four Diamond property that comes complete with a 7,000 square-foot spa, 85 suites and its own private yacht marina. But let's get to what's really important: The Turquoise Beach Bar. Every traveler knows that the only thing better than a beach view is a great cocktail. And this bar combines both into one great package.

Colorful, mixed cocktails are the perfect companion to a killer beach view.

Guests can order wine, beer or liquor. But since this is an alfresco, ocean-side bar, nothing goes better with a great view than a fantastic mixed drink. One true highlight here is the "Sweet Euphoria.” Each glass of this special drink is a unique blend of vodka, mixes and garnishes. Every bartender here has his or her own recipe. The staff doesn't share their creations, so you're guaranteed to get a delicious, surprising beverage. 

Although I've never been there, perhaps a trip to St. Lucia is in my future. And with any luck, I'll be sitting at The Turquoise Beach Bar at The Landings St. Lucia with a sweet cocktail in one hand. I don't know about you, but I'll drink to that. Cheers!

All photos by Mikkel Paige

Why You Should Give Richmond's Blue Bee Cider A Try

Delicious cider!

Craft beverages are on the rise. And even though craft beer gets a ton of press, craft cider is probably my favorite drink. There's a Cidercraft Magazine. From 2007 to 2013, craft cider sales reached $600 million, according to Brewbound.com. Virginia has a Cider Week. But putting all those (impressive) numbers aside, cider is delicious. 

Forget all the cider you had as a kid. Today's offerings are sweet, but not cloying and have just a slight edge from the alcohol. Sure, I wouldn't drink it every day. But cider's a fun treat that's worth your time. And my favorite cider maker? Richmond's Blue Bee Cider.

 Blue Bee offers small and large sizes--perfect for a dinner party or just a quiet night in.

The tasting room is tucked away behind these warehouses in Virginia's capital city, and this is a true gem. Sit outside when the weather's nice or enjoy the warm atmosphere of the tasting room. The walls are a light blue complete with light-colored wood and soft lighting. I'd suggest picking up a bottle or purchasing a tasting next time you're in Richmond. My personal favorite? Aragon 1904. This is a Prosecco-like beverage that's light, fizzy, sweet and just a tiny bit sour. I also love how the company sells smaller bottle of its offerings. Here's to hoping cider is here to stay. Cheers!

Check out that gorgeous tasting room. All photos by Sarah Hauser, Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Why San Diego's Extraordinary Desserts is Worth a Visit

San Diego is one of my favorite cities. It's almost always sunny. La Jolla is breathtakingly beautiful. And the food scene is outstanding. As much as I love fish tacos--the city's signature cuisine--I also enjoy a nice slice of cake. And my favorites are from Extraordinary Desserts. 

This quaint downtown spot serves a great menu featuring small bites like sandwiches and pastas, but the real highlight is what's behind the glass case at the very front. These cakes are beautiful. I almost feel like I'm in a flower shop looking at the gorgeous displays every time I walk in. And the presentation really stands out. Each slice is standing in a small pool of melted chocolate (yes!) and garnished with rose petals. That's right, rose petals. My mind was beyond blown when I saw this. 

This slice of cake was actually more gorgeous than it appears in this photo.

Once you dig into one of these great pieces, your life will probably never be the same. Get ready for a moist and rich creation that's sure to leave you satisfied. Creations like the decadent Triple Chocolate Mousse--dark, milk, and white chocolate mousses are layered in between slices of chocolate cake and topped with chocolate-covered honey comb for an extra crunch--will make you swoon. It's virtually impossible to order a bad dessert. When it comes to great cakes, Extraordinary Desserts makes the best ones around. And that's a fact.

The Best Thing I Ate in 2014: Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Since 2014 has just a few hours left, I've decided to eek out a few end of the year posts. I thought about doing a food list, but since the Internet is filled with lists galore, I decided one post devoted to my favorite dish should suffice. My best, by far, of 2014 was Hattie B's Hot Chicken. Hot chicken is exclusive to Nashville, and once you've tasted it, you'll wish it would come to your town. 

Behold: The magic that is Hattie B's hot chicken. 

Hot chicken is fried chicken that's spiced just right. The hottest at Hattie B's is called "Shut the Cluck Up." (wink. wink.) I ordered mild, but I wish I'd gotten it hotter. But then again, I like my pho so spicy that it makes me cry when I'l almost finished, so to each his own. But one thing's for sure: you must try this. Eating hot chicken in Nashville should be a commandment. Right up there with "thou shall not steal." 

Hattie B's chicken is hot, juicy and tender. From the moment you sink your teeth into that bird, you won't want to stop. The skin gives just the right amount of crisp and crunch that gives way to that succulent meat. And this is coming from someone who didn't eat meat for a decade. But the chicken's just the start. You'll want sides too. The fries were just crispy enough without feeling soggy or greasy. But the real winner here was the mac n cheese. This creamy concoction was probably the best variation of the dish I've ever had. Writing this post has even got me salivating just a tiny bit. 

And my final confession? I ate Hattie B's right before I left Nashville and pulled off at the very first road stop to finish it. I just had to have it. 

Georgetown Cupcake is Magic

I love food. I always have. It's one of my true passions and in very ironic fashion, after I lost my job in 2011, I started interning with an editor who was running an Atlanta-based food magazine. That kick started my food writing career, and here I am. 

Since then, my love for food has really blossomed. I've been to food festivals in the Virgin Islands and have sat at chef's tables at some dynamite restaurants. But with all that traveling and eating all over the country, I've often found that some of my favorite treats are closet to home. And when it comes to local foods, Georgetown Cupcake is hard to top. This spot has come a long way from a tiny outpost in one of D.C.'s best neighborhoods. Yes, I have stood in that notoriously long line in the cold (thank you very much) to get one and think of it as a D.C.-area dweller's rite of passage. 

Dreamy cupcakes in a bright, pink box. Don't you love that tiny, bright heart on the red velvet cupcake?

Some say these are overrated, and although I have had a dry one, I think the frosting here can't be beat. It's sweet, but not overly sugar. And the Peanut Butter Fudge is out-of-this- world good. You can't go wrong with smooth, creamy peanut butter frosting and that rich chocolate cupcake base that's filled with (yes!) fudge. This treat impresses with each and every bite. 

Behold a birthday cake cupcake on the left and heaven-in-a-cupcake Peanut Butter Fudge on the right. 

So, next time you're near a Georgetown Cupcake, go in. If you get there early enough, you can even nab a free one. Every day, the company announces on its Twitter and Facebook pages the complimentary, "not-on-the-menu" offering. Check those pages before you head out and the clerks will hand one out for free if you ask for it by name. It really is that simple (and delicious). Here's to cupcakes! 

Introduction and Some Chocolate

This blog is dedicated to the "sweet" life. I'll be writing about places, things and food that I love. Things that I adore. Things that are beautiful. Things that inspire. The title refers to two things I love: chocolate and my long-haired Chihuahuas, Autumn and Rocket. :-)


I'd like to dedicate my very first post to chocolate. From Green & Black to Hershey's, there are so many brands that I really like. But right now, I've got Fran's Chocolates on my mind. I visited Seattle (the home of this boutique brand) this past May and promptly fell in love. The company's signature salted caramels are too die for. The dark chocolate gives way to gooey, luscious caramel with a perfect salty finish. These special morsels are the kind of treats you'll still be tasting long after you've swallowed them. Sounds heavenly, huh? 

Delicious photo courtesy of Fran's Chocolates.