I realized this weekend that it’s been almost five weeks (maybe more) since I’ve cooked something proper. I’ve decided to remedy that by making this maple walnut ice cream.

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Boston, new love of my life. Just kidding, as if London would ever lose that distinction.  While our affair only lasted a mere five days, I fell a little bit in love nonetheless. It had the vibe that was a little bit London, and a little bit Philly, and that I guess means it has a unique personality all its own.  I’m sure some would disagree with my assessment because after all, I was only there for a short time, but I could see very much how I’d fit right in there like a glove. I was even asked for directions, something that, as a tourist, always flatters me.

Before heading out, like any self-respective food blogger, I collected from multiple sources recommendations, and I’m proud to say that I hit at least one thing on everyone’s list. Since these are trusted sources, I will share all their suggestions, and maybe if you head to Boston, you will pick up where I left off.  Despite not hitting everything, the fit of my jeans suggests I was a success nonetheless.

Mom came along for the ride, so we’ll also be sharing some fun see the world things, too. Having more days to play than I, she did a little better.  So here’s what to do, what to eat.

Talk a walk down the Freedom Trail. It’s a short one, but it’s astounding how much history is packed into a mere 2.5 miles.  Though you’ll be easily spotted as a tourist following the brick red line through the city, it’s full of historical fun facts and good food. It does, for instance, traipse through the North End (aka Little Italy) all the way to Bunker Hill, and on that path you’ll find some most excellent food.

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We live in distracted times, and end up with distracted minds.  We check our phones, our computers constantly. Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. How many followers do I have? How many likes?

It’s become so much the new normal that it takes such a conscious effort- a test of wills- to disconnect. To not sign on, to not scroll down.  This past weekend I spent some time on a beach chair, staring endless blue; blue from the pool that bled into the bay which bled into the sky- for as long as I could see save for the smallest cotton ball cloud in the sky, and I couldn’t help but feel restless to go inside.

For what? To troll mindlessly on the internet?  I was mad at myself for being so, and knowing that I probably wouldn’t find myself in a similar state until December, I made myself sit my ass on that beach chair because dammit, I was going to enjoy every minute of the fresh air and sunshine and autumn warmth before it disappeared from my life, not to be seen again for months and months.

But why is it so darn hard?  Seems counter-intuitive and its seems that those quick weekend getaways to unplug and recharge are more necessary than ever to shut. it. down.

#PoolsideThoughts

That’s neither here nor there.  

Moving on…before I landed in Cambridge for my girls’ weekend, I spent a few days in D.C.  I find myself in the Capital at least once a year, twice the past few, but rarely stay to pay any mind to the city itself.  It ends up being more of a stopover onto someplace more exciting or relaxing, and because Lettuce and Yam have lived there for at least 10 years, I often forget that D.C. in and of itself is a place to go and be, much in the same way that I take Chicago for granted as I push my way past the throngs of tourists that crowd Michigan Avenue during the summer months.  On this trip, I found myself with more time to dawdle than usual, and as I walked the Mall under the cloudless blue sky, surrounded by the monuments and museums, places of law and justice, I remembered that D.C. really is a pretty cool place to be.

A bit ago, Marie Claire published a quick guide of sorts to a perfect day according to Serena Williams.  Biscuit followed suit with a quick and dirty of Calgary, and after this trip, I borrowed the idea and sought the counsel of my girls to do the same for D.C.  However, a snapshot of D.C. in total, being quite large, seemed overwhelming, so my two favorite Washingtonians provided a snapshot of their D.C.

Both reside in the little area known as the 14th Street Historic District/the U Street Corridor.  Lined with the most adorable row houses, cute shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect strip of D.C. to explore once you’ve completed the sightseeing checklist, and you can’t fathom another minute in a museum.   (more…)