I never really imagined myself being able to do too much traveling. I was a junior in college when I first flew in an airplane. In 1993, I flew to Namibia, Africa. I remember every moment of my life there. It was the like a dream to be in Africa. I love Namibia and cannot wait to return. Other than Namibia, I finally began visiting New York City as my one summer trip each year while I was teaching. My BF from college, Brian, moved there after college and I went every summer to visit him. It was my favorite city since I was a little girl and it will always be. It connects me to my soulmate, my grandma because I shared her love for theater & film. I was completely full. I had lived and taught in Africa, and I was spending 10 or more days a summer with Brian in NYC! Sure, I dreamed of places like Italy and Hawaii and New Orleans and Seattle, to name a few on my bucket list. I just thought, some day when I hit it big, I'll be able to experience more of the world. Traveling was in my soul because I love meeting new people and experiencing as much as possible, however, I simply did not think about it or dream about doing more of it. Africa and NYC and a family drive to see my brother in Texas when I was in 8th grade was good with me. Not to mention I had been everywhere in Minnesota! Sometimes you are blessed with things that you never even imagined in your wildest dreams. (And I have some pretty wild dreams!)
Welcome to Tableforsue! Thank you for being here. I decided to blog about the incredible food and people and places that I have been blessed enough to visit since I met Lars in 2015. A photo collage' story if you will. Visiting all of these places is a true gift. Lars and I are not perfect, but we have discovered that we are probably at our best when we travel together. I hope these stories remind you of places you have been or give you some new destination ideas. We have certainly loved our food experiences. (Michelin Star Blog to come)
This was the first time I brought Lars to a family dinner back in 2015. The beginning of more adventures than I knew were possible!
New Orleans, LA 2015
The very first time Lars asked me to travel with him was when he had to attend a conference in New Orleans! I couldn't believe it! New Orleans had been a top city on my bucket list. I mean hello!!! Below are the experiences we shared on that first trip back in May of 2015 in fabulous NOLA!
Starting with ACME! I took myself here when Lars was at his conference. I can't remember much after.
YUM!! Unfortunately, Houston's location is 0 stars! But I loved Acme in Nola!
Needs no introduction!
The chicory is amazing!!!too!!! Wow!
Across from our hotel was this little outdoor cafe in the French Quarter with these muffulettas! I had more than one while I was there! I have had them at 3 places in NOLA and I love them all. I just don't eat them outside of NOLA. K, bye.
THAT is a freaking oyster blt at COCHON!!! We have been to both spaces more than once because it is one of New Orlean's best eats PHO SHO!!!
I think this photo is art. New Orleans art. I have a deep empathy and make sure I visit with, smile at, help out people that I see on the streets everywhere I go. Not claiming martyrdom here, just wanting to include I mean no disrespect to the homeless in our country. He was lovely and made me smile and I made him smile and we shared a joint and I blew this up as a gift for my friend's bar.
Hurricane !!!!
Buffalo-style Oysters - I mean.... I am not a fan of cheese with seafood and I love blue cheese! Lars liked them.
We heard from a lot of locals to have the BBQ Shrimp at Mr. B's! Wwwwhat!!! They rocked! And a hot, hot server put a bib on me! Sexy!
Both of our visits to New Orleans we visited the WWII Museum! I would love to go again! I love how you can navigate through it independently and the way it has been set up I am in awe. Lars and I kind of get lost in here in our own worlds feeling still in the silence of our thoughts with and gratitude for American soldiers and their families. I wish I could bring my dad. Maybe one day my brother Joe and I can go together!
I'm afraid we have set ourselves back, General. Freedom, tolerance, and justice are being held hostage by darkness at the moment. I have to believe that we will soon emerge better, stronger, & more united than ever.
Minnesota 2016
Lars and I met in my home state of Minnesota, so I had to include some highlights from our MN. stops. This is Surly Brewing's porketta poutine! It was sublime! I loved the pickled relish too! And their beer rocks! I highly recommend this Brewing Co. Great vibe. Great everything!
I lived in this cute lil 800sq.ft. apartment in Bloomington, MN. It was near a reserve and Lars and I were taking a nice, long walk when we spotted this beauty! The photo just doesn't do him justice. Velvet antlers. He just stood there so regal!
Man, these Minnesota people know how to do sushi! I have eaten sushi at quite a few places in Minneapolis-St. Paul. SUSHI FIX! They really are my fave in MN! Look at that sashimi!! My dad would really love this place!! They're hiring ya'll!
Lisbon, Portugal 2017
Lars had a conference for this trip as well. I must say, this guy has integrity. He makes it to every meeting, on time, on schedule. I get ME time and LOVE time whenever we go places for his conferences. Talk about the best of both worlds. In New Orleans, I mostly ate and drank when I wasn't with Lars. In Lisbon, I walked and just looked around at all of the beauty.
Culture, art, people, the sea!! I love Portugal!
Art was everywhere! I just love a big mama! They're so gorgeous ryyyyte!! oxox
Mother and Child statue by Fernando Botero in Parque Eduardo VII Lisbon Portugal Europe
I feel so "Mary Poppins with Menstrual Cramps" in beautiful Lisbon.
Ahhhh, it was October, I believe. You could buy roasted chestnuts right on the street. That was such a unique treat! Something I have never seen before. Yummy!
Ooooo, I was going to actually meet some colleagues of Lars for the first time. There were like 6 of us who dined here one evening and it was such a trip to get here. Super narrow, cobblestone streets that winded around and up and I don't know, but Leopold was such a stand out! It was like dining at someone's home. Their kitchen was tiny and homey. It was a course menu. I included some highlights. The food was so fresh, clean and simply prepared.
Sadly, it is now permanently closed.
Freshly baked bread, handmade cheese, sea slaw. Beautiful and whole.
The mystery box at the end...
Divine homemade candies.
To this day, I would put SEA ME on my top 5 most memorable meals. Lars is still talking about the hostess too. You could tell she had like THE position. The power job like in NYC at those like hard to get in joints. Very young, very frickin smart, charismatic, and GORGE! You have to check this place out. Here is their fresh caught daily fish.
We started with some veggie tempura. Cool place huh?
Both of these fish preparations were delicious. On the left, a distinct grill note with fish and salt and this white fish made our eyes widen!! Wow!! Yum!
We were in Lisbon, by the ocean, at Sea Me. So we just kept eating fish! Slowly, with delicious wine pairings and a melting pot of wonderful people enjoying the open space, conversation, drinks and amazing food. (I snap food pics; but otherwise NO PHONE! Not one guest had a phone out unless they were taking photos.)
I don't recall the fish, but the entire meal was 525,600 kisses!
Then came the scallops! Slurp!
And a star, table side delight was this Crudo!!
After the marriage!
San Francisco 2017
My very first visit to California! Lars had a conference here too. I was super excited. My gramma loved travel and she visited San Francisco. I was excited to take in this city while Lars was at his meetings.
After we met in China Town for Dim Sum while he was on a lunch break, I decided to buy some tickets for the trolley and head to the Wharf. I kissed Lars and he took off one way while I took off another. It was only 1pm and our dinner reservations were at 8pm. It was cool outside so I grabbed a cute San Fran jacket in a T-shirt store and began my walk toward the trolley. Whifffff..... I remember smelling weed big time. But not just a waft. It was just weed smell the whole time I was walking through China Town. I sat down and checked my little phone for dispensaries near me and one was within a mile walking distance from where I was. I am such a ding a ling. I had never been to California and I totally spaced that it was a legal state. PIT STOP on the way to the trolley. It was such a cool dispensary! On Mission! They had a back room with water, tv, lovely decor. I grabbed some grass and a bong and enjoyed a little "Me" time with a very diverse group of people. I even got approached by a gorgeous woman who thought I was a local, which made me smile. I don't get hit on very often, but my energy field is very open so I meet people easily. I was pretty flattered to get hit on by her. "Can I take you for coffee?" So nice of her to ask, but I explained I was headed to spend a day in San Fran while my lover was in a conference. We bid farewell and I hopped the trolley down to the Wharf!
So, I am very happily 'sativa'd' here! I stumbled upon the most amazing chocolate ciabatta bread and coffee and headed to this bench! The pigeons came and shared my crumbs and I must have chatted with them for a good hour! I simply couldn't get over how amazing that bread and coffee pairing was! Holy shit! "Isn't that good??" I kept asking them. They totally nodded YES!
I made it back to the hotel with plenty of time to shower and get ready for dinner because Lars loves having dinner at 9pm or even 10pm. Sometimes it serves me well. We headed to Zuni and WOW!!! They are noted for their oven roasted chicken for a reason! Go here for their chicken! And the bread that sops up the juices underneath will blow your mind!
I love this picture of our first visit to San Francisco!
(Highly recommend!)
You'll eat every bit of those greens too!!
The IMPOSSIBLE TO GET INTO !! and oh so classically delicious!!!
The House Of Prime Rib!
Come to Mama!!! And a bit of FRESH horseradish!
Ahhhh, one Thanksgiving in Santa Fe 2017, I believe. It was such a romantic get away in a very charming little artsy town that I would never want to visit outside of winter because they have a lot of snakes. Frankie Bergstein has verified this!
HOUSTON 20217
Here's us at Hotel ZaZa!! in Houston, TX. This was also in 2017 when he brought me here to house hunt. He would be leaving MN to return to Houston and our relationship would be tested with long distance love until 2021.
Lars and I both love Central Market. It is one of my top 5 favorite things about Houston. The amazing food!
Living near the Gulf makes sourcing seafood without breaking the bank. So fresh and amazing!
Lars regularly picks up oysters when there are great deals and he shucks em' himself with a handy helping tool and makes the best mignonette!! Mmmm
Austin, Texas 2018
While visiting Houston, we took a rode trip to Austin in 2018! Right around Halloween! What a fun town! I like it more than Houston. :(
My first cowboy hat - Austin, Tx. 2018
I remember this making me laugh-cheer thinking about my X who I was not missing, that is for shizzle.
We had some great beer and bar eats in Austin! We made our way to some food trucks, of course, too. I don't think I took as many photos back then. We must've been having too much fun to worry about where our phones were.
Our lovely hotel in Austin, TX 2018
Sonoma & Napa Valley 2017 - 23
And then began what I had no idea was going to be the beginning of many, many visits to WINE COUNTRY!!
My first visit to Sonoma County we stayed at MacArthur's Place! We would stay here quite often upon visits. It is just wonderful, cozy, and the staff is A+++!! This is their main house and the rooms are all like little cabins.
Every season is beautiful in this part of California! I have loved the cold, the rain, the sun....
A late December visit one year... Hall is one of our favorites because of their cab!
Sometimes we will have a food and wine pairing. This heirloom tomato and bean soup was something I will always remember. Everything in here was made from ingredients that I just saw throughout our tour of the vineyard. I love the tremendous attention to sustainability that many wine makers set as the utmost importance.
I'll always remember our visit to Thomas Keller's bakery in Napa Valley! Nutter butters!! I about passed out and said YES PLEASE!! It was so frickin delicious! Lars had a croissant - please.
Bouchon Bakery is a must!!
Lars and I are fans of Keller! His more approachable to the public, AdHoc in Napa Valley is a favorite of ours for sure! He's known for his fried chicken and the rest of the menu rotates! It's the only place I eat fried chicken. It is close your eyes good!
Okay, so the chicken goes without saying. It is out of this world. But then look at his two sides? They're my favorite beans and coleslaw that I have ever had in my life! That is saying a lot and it is almost sort of traitorous because I have had some of the best beans and coleslaw and fried chicken in the world!! Keller just happens to be my #1 favorite with these 3 beloved, simple dishes. Go to Ad Hoc! Seriously!
Okay, this was at Cafe La Haye in Sonoma! The first time I have ever had a flourless chocolate cake! Lars' favorite! It changed my life. Once a year, I have a slice of heaven!
Then, in 2019, Lars got a free rental car upgrade, so I decided to rock more of a "Sheikh" look. ha, kidding - it was windy as hell.
That time during the pandemic, but kind of after, you know....
The Californians went crazy joy for my mask. I got stopped often from young, old, white, black - "..love your mask!!" Wasn't til I flew into Minneapolis, MN when some giant 30 something woman walked past me and said with spit foaming from her mouth; "....your mask sucks!!!!" I said, "...and also with you."
The food and wine pairing here was done so well considering we were not fully off of safety parameters.
Lars and I almost always stop at Gloria on our way out for champagne and snacks. Oh my gosh, their caviar with homemade olive oil chips are like my guilty pleasure!! Their property is stunning and relaxed - such a nice tradition before we had back into San Fran for our red eye.
My favorite! My last meal appetizer request.
We're still in Wine Country because Lars and I visit often. I finally grew a brain and figured out that he is a member at some of the vineyards. He is a wine enthusiast so he has lots of wine in his house. I wasn't living with him at the time. I guess I wasn't paying attention. Since he is a member, they offer various perks like come and stay 3 nights for the price of 1 or whatever. So this is another vineyard we have visited more than once. It has a tremendously moving art exhibit on property. Their wine is superb.
Donum Estate
Gorgeous entrance!
I don't think we have ever missed having lunch at El Molino in Sonoma! It is beyond delicious and a Sonoma favorite for a very good reason!
Their special is usually a tuna tostada and they go fast!! I love them more than I love cheese!!
These are the best fucking nachos!! They warrant a strong adjective! Nachos verde with radish!
I believe this was at Hamel. Lars will know. It was so beautiful in their cave.
Oh gosh, MacArthur's Place had this amazing wagyu breakfast burger! Whew!
I love this one of us at Hamel. We are big lovers of Hamel Vineyards! Wisconsin folks!
Beautiful Hamel
Rhode Island 2019
We got to visit Rhode Island together when Lars turned 60 because his oldest got married! I am so happy I caught this beautiful candid shot! What an enchanted place this was. I hope to visit again.
His girls surprised us in our hotel room that weekend with birthday favors. oxox
They're pretty spectacular young women!! Sarah, Lexie, Liz
Belize 2021
I could not believe it when Lars said we were going to Belize!! Oh my gosh it had been on my fantasy bucket list. Like the one you never think will happen. Well, COVID blocked our first venture, but we had two years to use our package. It is such an easy jaunt from Houston!
It was a dream! I loved the locals, the peace, the quiet, nature... Everything!! We just kayaked around where we stayed right with manatee's all around! It was amazing!
I met this sweetheart and she kindly invited me into her neighborhood to get my braids done. We had a ball! Sadly, I spotted a dog with a bad leg and he was kind of an outcast from the other strays. Ugh, I bought him some food and water and I really wanted to take him home, but he wouldn't come to me. I don't think I was meant to wear braids. lol
My hottie in his linens at our beautiful stay in Placencia!
I was jonesin for a grilled cheese and soup at this point. I think I was filled up on seafood and fruit.
So serene - I could watch the birds all day and I did.
Flying back to mainland....
I will sneak in this treasure that deserves its own blog!!!! Lars and I have hit quite a few of the greatest spots here in Houston, Texas! This was the first and only time I have ever had Beef Wellington and it was pretty much the best thing I ever ate. I think it was made with foi gras which was why it was $78!! Holy shit this was magnificent!
B&B!!! I would love to come again!
This was the best thing I ever ate. Sheesh!
Seattle, 2022
Not many people know this, but Seattle was where I wanted to move after college to look for a teaching job. Had I not met Elrico and moved to Namibia, I was planning on seeking employment here because I am a water person and I was fascinated with the Pacific NW. Never been! Not until now - 2022, that is! I was so excited when Lars planned our visit to Seattle! This was not for a conference. He wanted to take me here because he knew how much I talked about it and how much I love Grey's Anatomy! He wanted to try a visit to my kind of town and take a break from wine country. I loved every minute of our time in Seattle! It was everything I thought it would be!
Rain all day! I am totally down!
Ahhh, my honey got me a titanium rain jacket! I love it so much!
We went on a romantic evening boat trip - this darlin couple got engaged right in front of us.
It was so special to witness! One of a few different times where I thought the evening would go a little differently. I actually thought Lars might have this plan up his sleeve for some reason. So when it happened with this couple sitting near us, I was like, "...how weird is that??" Sure, I was a little bummed too. But way more happy for them than bummed for me. I teared up because it truly was the sweetest proposal!
We definitely need to go here and eat again! The food is so wonderful! Lobster roll and chowder! Right on the water, of course! But it's sad at how hugely expensive everything is. GEEZ!!!
My eyes will always gravitate toward "cheese curds." But we were too full to get some.
This cutey enjoyed it though!
They reminded me of Orange is the New Black so I bought some in honor of "Red." Meh
Lars and I are always drawn in by great markets! Seattle has some of the best!
A lot of these in the apartment windows! :)
Seattle means having seafood! Oh my gosh, I almost always order linguini with white clam sauce and this one was superb!
Cheers to the Pacific Northwest!
Las Vegas, Nevada 2022
My kind of town! Not so much Lars' favorite place. Conference time was the only reason for this jaunt!
I love you mortadella!!
24 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico 2022
Brief, but just incredibly perfecto! The people, the food, the weather...
Hopping this little plane to St. Kitts & Nevis for another conference.
My mouth dropped open!!
View of a volcano right outside of our cozy beach loft.
"Discover Scuba" was such an awesome way to feel it out without all of the prep. We had an amazing time! (more details already in the "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" blog)
I have been poking at Lars about the two of us doing an 8 person stay bed and breakfast here at St. Kitts. They have incredible seafood, but preparing it seems to be a challenge. By the end of the week I was resorting to veggie sandwiches and fries. They don't have time to worry about great food, I guess. They're too busy taking in the beautiful outdoors.
I loved every, single moment on this Island. I really never wanted to leave. I was ready to stay after buzzing back to Houston to get George & Joey. The people here make it feel like heaven. They have so much peace and respect for their resources.
Please, let's stay!!
It was the most beautiful last evening right here enjoying drinks and lobster.
The evening of the "faux engagement..."
New York, New York 2023
Lars is not a fan of New York City so I especially appreciated this weekend that he set aside for pleasure only, no business. It is my favorite city in the world, but I have never experienced it for only a few days. My many visits to visit my friend Brian were always weeks or even months at a time. I have never really done "touristy" things in NYC. I was excited to share this "New New York" visit with Lars. I did all of the itinerary, which is unheard of. We definitely have some tweaks for the next time, but boy did we pack a lot in with a short window.
Broadway!! Hello!! I can't explain how it makes me feel into my soul just being right here!
These were the two shows we saw during our weekend. We both agreed that Pictures from Home was stellar!! I kind of wish we woulda gone to Sweeney Todd for the musical. Oh well. I have never had a single negative critique on any broadway show I have seen, but Hamilton was not my favorite. 2023
Sunday Matinee at Studio 54!! It was a blast!!!
This was Saturday before Hamilton. An ol' classic! Lars' kind of backdrop!
The earliest dinner of our lives because we had to make it to the show by 8pm.
This was such a great choice for dinner, however, I would definitely have made it earlier because we had to kind of rush and that sucked big time.
Perfection!
Creamed spinach - I love it, but it despises me! So eating this before a 2 hour musical would have been an error. It was amazing!!
Classic chopped salad with that signature extra virgin olive oil Italian flare... gosh that was great!
I decided to have classic, fried shrimp and my mouth is watering just remembering this dish!
5 kisses https://gallaghersnysteakhouse.com/
April of this year - I'd say, "Fat and Happy" would be a good caption here. Although we both do prefer, "Lean & Happy", we do both well.
Central Park
We got to hook up with BRIAN!!! These two are disturbingly on the same wave length.
A part of our schedule I nailed was Jacob's Pickles! I think I saw it on an episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Definitely make reservations and go here if you're in NYC!! Holy shit!
The 3 of us for a leisure Saturday brunch/lunch! It was amazing! 5 kisses!!!!
A pickle-margarita! Good call, Bri!!
You can get a flight of pickles made various ways and/or pickled vegetables and it's amazing!! We also got an order of fried green tomatoes!! They were like seriously the best I've ever had. Sorry Houston.
I rarely order mac and cheese because it is so decadent and after, I just need a nap. But I had to get it! It was so worth it! I brought some to our room and had more at midnight! Rock on!
Lars had this amazing southern chicken sandwich on one of their homemade biscuits! Dang!!
I ❤️ NY
We went to Suprema Provisions for Sunday brunch! It was quaint and comfortable and the service was delightful. Delicious bloody's! 5 kisses!
The perfect burger with charred brussel sprouts! mmmmmmm!!!!
Long ago I had an amazing meal in Brian's neighborhood of Long Island City Queens. M. Wells is really quite special. I couldn't wait for Brian and I to bring Lars here.
Drinks here are always made with the freshest ingredients!
Cow foot soup and steak tartare. They were both unctuous and we all shared so we could try more dishes.
Back to Houston!! Thank you New York!!!
Since I moved to Houston in October of 2021, my life has certainly changed. I can't believe two years have gone by! I am excited for summer to end as the fall brings busy cooking and performing gigs. "Table for Sue" might just be the new "party food" favorite!
In the meantime, Lars has conferences coming up in D.C., Oahu, Hawaii, Naples, Italy and you know there are some wine country stops in the mix. We're going to Big Sur in November and Santa Fe for New Years Eve! I am blessed beyond measure and I am CRYSTAL on that. I am trying to be patient, though, as I figure out what my next job will be.
May the people of Hawaii feel our love and prayers in our actions. Mahalo.
To be continued....
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