Down Under Part 7...Frolicking through Hobbiton

I am not a big Lord of the Rings/Hobbit fan.  And by this I mean I slept through the last Hobbit movie...in the theater.  I mean I love Orlando Bloom and I like the overall message of The Lord of the Rings.  I think it's a great story, if we could just leave out 90% of the fighting that'd be great.  I mean the fighting could still happen, but maybe I don't have to watch it.  That being said, I loved this day.  Anyway Monday morning the 10th of November we got up at Erin's in Buckland Beach and headed for Hobbiton.  Like the actual Hobbiton. That's right, be jealous.

Totally driving on the right
side of the car!!

Our car was me, Caryn, and Bri.  I started out driving and we followed Sarah, Liz, and Kristina.  Once we were out driving for a bit we stopped to take some pictures at some pretty lookouts and then we stopped at a little diner type place in the middle of nowhere to get some food/drinks and such.  

Then we took one of the prettiest drives I think I've ever been on.  It was probably the long way to get to Hobbiton, but it was completely worth it.  It really set the mood for the whole day.  It was green rolling hills, big puffy clouds, and blue skies.  I took this opportunity to bust out the one song from Lord of the Rings I had on my iphone which I think was the main song and I put it on repeat until we got there.  The music with the drive was seriously unbelievable.  

Then we pull up to this sheep farm (cue the sheep jokes, i.e. I am in sheep, do you know sheep PR?, The sheeps they go baa they go baa they go baa baa baa etc.) and it's actually where we buy our tickets for Hobbiton.  So we buy our tickets and look around and take some pictures while we wait for our tour.  Once it's time for our tour we hop on a giant bus with a bunch of other people and head for the hills.  It wasn't a very long drive.  Like 5-10 minutes maybe.  

It was so neat when we got there.  I don't think I can fully explain it right.  You walk down this path and then all of a sudden you're standing at the bottom of a bunch of hills and there are tons and tons of hobbit holes everywhere that are little houses.  There are gardens and trees and all sorts of shenanigans. I probably have a picture with almost every hobbit house.  Bri and I had our picture taking down pat.  We would swap super fast to take pics so we didn't get in people's way too much...yet.  (I'll admit writing this right now almost 6 months later I'm looking at the beautiful pictures we all took and I'm almost crying because I loved it so much and want to be there again).  So we weren't actually allowed in the Hobbit holes because most of them there was nothing behind the doors since this was the outside set.  But there was one we could stand in and peek our heads out of.  Then we get to the main house...Bag End.  The tree above it is fake and apparently every dang leaf was hand painted.  I guess if you make the Lord of the Rings movies you're allowed to ask whatever you want of people who work for you and they do it.  

So me and Bri had previously discussed frolicking through Hobbiton.  We decided it would be best if it was filmed.  Bag End is at the top of a hill so I had Caryn film and play the LOTR song while me and Bri frolicked in Hobbiton down the little hill.  Some people's reactions were priceless.  It was totally worth it!  We took another opportunity to frolic around the May pole from the party field scene area.  That time we accidentally hit the May pole which had bells at the top so we had to run away fast so we didn't get caught.  Again, it was so amazing there.  I can't even describe the feeling I had standing there looking out at everything.

The last part of the Hobbiton tour was that you got to go to the Green Dragon Pub and get a drink.  Of the drinks two were alcoholic and one was not (the ginger beer).  So we all go up to the counter to order and I start to drink mine...twas not ginger beer, but instead was a delightful hard apple cider.  It was yum...but I behaved and gave it back and got my ginger beer.  Then we went over to order some treats from this cute bar tender dude.  He posed for my picture.  So we all sat there in the Green Dragon eating and drinking until someone discovered that even the bathrooms were themed and cool there.  Of course they were.

      

Once we were done we got back on the bus and headed out of Hobbiton.  We spent a little time in the gift shop getting a few people gifts and signing the guest book.  Then it was time to roll out.  We drove to Rotorua to our hotel.  We had almost a tiny apartment there.  It had an upstairs and downstairs and a few rooms.  After grabbing some good food at the nearby countdown (grocery store) we headed to the bus stop to be picked up for our Maori Village experience.  On the bus they explained the rules that when we first got there they would do this traditional chant thing and it was disrespectful to laugh.  I always worry when I'm told I can't laugh.  I mean if they wouldn't have brought it up I probably wouldn't have laughed anyway, but since they said I couldn't it made it kinda hard.  Me and Bri were not allowed to look at each other until they were done.  

We go into the village and go to different areas where they show us chants and games and the Hakka .  It was pretty interesting.  They then did a little luau.  But let's be honest.  I was there for the dinner.  It was delicious.  There was so much food and yummy lamb.  I really was surprised that the food was so different from a Hawaiian luau.  Still so good though.  On the bus ride home our crazy bus driver gave each group there a chance to sing a song.  We figured people already hate americans enough that we didn't need to give them an extra reason by singing God Bless America or something like that...so we sang Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree.  Yeah, that happened.  Then this guy decides he's going to sing She'll be coming around the Mountain while driving so so so many times around the round about.  I believe Sarah later told me she heard me say, "This is my own personal hell".  But we made it back to our hotel and we all quickly went to bed.  We had had a long amazing day.  And we had more to do the next day.

Eating in Salt Lake City--Round One

I absolutely love going down to Salt Lake City.  It's about a 3 hour drive and it has amazing shopping, great sites, cool history, but most important, really delicious food.  Every time I go I always have so many food stops that I leave stuffed.  I always say I'm going to try something new, but I keep going back to the same places so I'll highlight my repeats in this post.  My goal is to find new yummy places in SLC soon.  I have a few trips down there planned soon and I'm going to try and get out of my comfort zone...try...ok here's my top eats in SLC:

#5  Star of India

Most people I've talked to like to go to Bombay House when they want Indian Food in SLC.  I won't bash it because it's still good Indian food.  I've also tried Copper Bowl and it was also good food.  My reason for going time and time again to Star of India is because the food is fantastic, but so are my experiences there.  Example 1:  I went there one night with a group of my friends and they had all the lights low and an Indian movie playing with subtitles in english.  While we ate my entire group got into this movie to the point that we were singing the song from the credits the entire rest of our trip...and probably weeks longer once we got home.  Example 2: I went there with a friend one night for dinner and there happened to be a totally behaved loud unruly kid at the table next to us.  Honestly it didn't bother us, but the waitress brought us an appetizer on the house which introduced me to something I never would have ordered, but turned out to be a favorite.  I recommend getting the peshwari naan and the chicken shahi korma with a Mango Lassi to drink.  Seriously I wish I could eat this right now.

Some of the Star of India Decor

#4  Whole Foods

Now this isn't just in SLC obviously, but I keep going back to it.  I usually find myself between breakfast and dinner and don't have time for a lunch/don't want to eat a huge lunch because I ate a big breakfast, too many snacks, and plan big dinners there.  Most people when they go to SLC go to City Creek Mall.  They go because it's fabulous.  It's a huge mall that is open air in the summer and closed in during the winter.  I seriously love the atmosphere there; however, sometimes people forget about the quirky other places to window shop.  One of those places is Trolly Square.  It's not quite downtown and it's really close to Whole Foods.  I love going to Whole Foods and grabbing one of their little pre-made salads or sandwiches, a sparkling blood orange Pellegrino, and of course all the samples they give you (it's tastier than Costco) and wandering around the shops at Trolley Square.  Some of my favorite shops there:  Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, The Spectacle, and Tabula Rasa Social Stationers.  These places are quite a treat and I would highly recommend going a little off the beaten path (yes I know Whole Foods and Potter Barn technically isn't off the beaten path).

#3  Oasis Cafe

This is my little hippie eatery.  It's not too far from downtown and completely a must-go-to place to eat at some point.  When you first get there you will see they are also connected to a little shop.  Go see it.  It's filled with essential oils, interesting books, and little nick nacks.  Now on to the food...I've only been there for dinner.  Specifically I have gone to Whole Foods to hold myself over to make sure I make it to dinner because they have different menus than lunch.  I'm going to start with dessert because why not...I'm an adult and I can if I want to.  It's a vegan chocolate cake drizzled with raspberry sauce and  little side of vegan ice cream.  Now if the vegan part is sending you packing know that you are not alone.  I was also a little concerned that I would be eating a lump of yuck, but trust me it is pretty dang good.  I would not get something gross more than once and I have gotten the chocolate cake more than once.  As for dinner they have vegan, vegetarian, and carnivore options.  In the summer or warm weather I like to eat out on their patio area and stick more vegetarian.  They have an impressive cheese, crackers, honey, and fruit platter that I like to pair with a hummus, tapenade, and grilled bread platter.  It's delightful.  In warm weather I also have gotten the rosemary lemonade.  Also quite a treat.

Summer Eating at the Oasis Cafe

 In the winter I like something a little warmer and a little more hearty.  I can say the king crab with asparagus risotto is really really good.  The filet medallions are also quite delicious. Overall it's a great find and for sure a repeat on my list.   

#2  Bruges

Bruges Waffles...half eaten

Oh Bruges how I miss you.  I will admit I don't go here every time I go to SLC.  I always want to go, but you really have to be in the mood for a great dessert.  They serve waffles, frites (fries), and sandwiches.  I've only had their waffles.  I'll only be able to comment on their waffles, but their "Machine Gun Sandwich" was featured on Man vs Food so I would guess it has quite a good reputation.  Anyway back to waffles.  The waffle I get is hot, stuffed with chocolate bars, covered in raspberries and creme fresh, and really amazing.  The only reason this is not number one on my list is because it is sweet sweet sweet.  I love sweet, but you really have to be in the mood for it, and it's quite a bit to eat...for me anyway...but try it out, you won't regret it.

#1 Les Madeleine's

Kouing Aman

Last, but not least is the little French pastry cafe.  I love going here.  It's so cute and of course the pastries are amazing.  My favorite is the Kouing Aman which was 2012's pastry of the year.  It's a little sweet, a little buttery, a little crunchy, and a whole lot of yum.  I've also tried some of their other treats and I wasn't let down.  The Kouing Aman is just a favorite.  I can't help but feel I'm in a parisian cafe when I'm eating their pastry and drinking my fruity sparkling french soda.  It's a lovely experience.  One that I experience on almost every trip to SLC.  Don't miss it.

We're goin to Jackson...

Yippy IO Candy...Western Charm

Okay, not that Jackson; in fact, no where near Mississippi.  This is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, home of everything cowboy and western.  I live about an hour and a half away from Jackson and I love day-trips up there.  The town is unique in so many ways.  The town square is its center and a high tourist attraction.  They have 4 elk antler archways into the square and is surrounded by shops and restaurants that are great to visit.  I'm going to highlight a few places that are a must-stop if you are ever in Jackson Hole.

• Yippy IO Candy:  Yes!! This is a fantastic candy store.  You can get fudge, delectable chocolates, and lots and lots of sugary treats.  YUM.  Some of my favorites are the gummy cola bottles, wax lips (just because you haven't seen these in years), cry baby gum, and chocolate covered cinnamon bears.  Grab a bag and you pay by the weight.  It's not too bad on price either.  My bag usually costs around $5...not too bad for a trip down memory lane and a sugar rush.
• The Lotus Cafe:  I know Rachel Ray did an episode of her show at The Bunnery, but this place is fantastic.  It's got healthy and non-healthy options to satisfy lots of different cravings.  Don't feel like you need to jump out of your comfort zone here, stick with what you know and what you know is going to be the 2 by 2 by 2 breakfast...you get two eggs how you like them, two toast slices with a yummy side of raspberry jam, two bacon slices (or sausage patties...get the bacon people), and the breakfast potatoes which make this meal not easily forgotten (I tried to recreate this breakfast at home at least 4 times with no success...good, but not the same).  The potatoes are grilled with rosemary and a few fennel seeds...they are divine...don't miss this a couple blocks west of the town square off the beaten path.
• The Art Shops around the NW corner of the town square:  They have really nice paintings and photos of beautiful spots around the area.
• The Movie Theater:  As far as I know there is only one.  If you can see an off-beat movie one night there it really is a treat.  The theater is older and I was fortunate enough to go one night and see Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist with a couple really great friends.  We were almost alone in the theater and it just felt like real small-town charm.
• Sweetwater Restaurant:  You must go for lunch though if you are there during warmer weather.  This is a 100 or so year old cabin turned local jewel of the restaurant category.  Yes, Rachel Ray also went here, but don't get what she got, get what I say...introducing the Elk Melt!!  When in Jackson, eat like it...get some game meat burger.  The first time I went here it was early fall and my friends and I sat on the deck and I felt I should get something light and healthy...gee I felt dumb when I saw the elk melt.  The next time, and every time after that, I have only gotten the elk melt.  Its a big hunk of ground elk burger with grilled onions and mushrooms on thick buttery toasted bread.  You get a side and I suggest one of their soups.  Usually in the summer they have chilled soups, I know that might be weird to some, but it's usually a fruit and it's so good...the peach vanilla soup was top-notch.  One time my friend and I went there and multiple people stopped our eating to ask what amazingness we got for lunch (they only serve this dish at lunch). Some were fortunate enough that they were just coming in and hadn't ordered yet, others were not so lucky and had to spend their meal with the feeling I have coined as lunch envy...it's not fun.  I had it the first time I went and others have it when they see the elk melt I'm downing. Try it, it's amazing and so Jackson Hole.

Elk Melt in the Fall

Elk Melt in the Summer with the Vanilla Peach Chilled Soup

All of my knowledge of Jackson will have to be just about the town for now, I know it's a world-class ski destination, but I don't ski...yes I do live in the wrong area.  Maybe this winter I'll have to change that.  We shall see how it goes, but know that Jackson Hole holds many rare qualities and is a puddle-jump away from Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone.

Vegas Buffets...worth it?

Gambling, lights, parties, and letting it all go.  Vegas will stir a bright slideshow of images for anyone who has been there, wants to go there, or has seen The Hangover.  What you might not know is that Vegas is a great place for people who love food and can be done informally and on a budget for those who are already forking out the cash in other (ahem) more important areas.

Buffets in Vegas can be a great experience for those wanting an easy option to please many different tastes.  Almost every type of food will be represented and featured depending on the hotel the buffet is located.

Here are some that I have tried and a few comments about them:

-Bellagio:  My first impression from the name alone told me I needed to dress up big time for this one...not the case.  Once inside it is very casual and the seating is similar to any other buffet situation you could think of...booths, tables, and booth/tables (the kind where you fight for the booth seat).  Dinner was about $30 and they had so many options.  My favorites here were the sushi selection, the meat selection, and the fresh tossed caesar salad.  All in all it was pretty good, a bit pricy, but a fun experience.

-Imperial Palace:  Pros of this one...no line at all and quiet if you are looking for a place away from the crowds.  The food is not anything impressive, but more comfort foods...think of a clean Denny's in a buffet style.  One benefit of the low traffic at this buffet was that the food was practically untouched and I had full reign of the crab...so instead of the unwanted small pieces, I got the best pick of the bunch.  Not anything to brag about on Facebook or worth taking tons of pictures, but you could do a lot worse.

-Harrah's:  This one is a couple notches up the scale from Imperial Palace, but has a lot more cultural food choices.  The highlights here were the Gelato ice cream choices, the hot steamed crab legs rather than the chilled you get at most buffets, the fried shrimp (I never saw fried shrimp at any other buffet), and trying crawfish for the first time.  Not a long line here, but not empty by any means.  The only downer here was when I grabbed the last piece of cookies and cream cheese cake and set it at my table to go grab a few other good looking items, one of the waitresses took my untouched cheesecake...kinda ruined the mood there for a bit.  Advice for visiting this buffet:  enjoy, but leave someone at the table to guard any prized possessions...like the last piece of cookies and cream cheesecake.

-Caesar's Palace:  This one is brand new.  I can only say I went to the old one for breakfast once.  It had the usual breakfast fare and had quite a long wait.  I did enjoy the belgium waffles and orange juice...lots of breakfast options for everyone, but nothing out of the norm or extra special.  I'm looking forward to trying the remodel they've been working on.

-Planet Hollywood:  This is a fun one.  It still has the look of a buffet, but lots of familiar and unfamiliar options.  The line for this one is a bit daunting, but once you are there the choices go on and on and can fill almost any craving.  Japanese, Chinese, American, Mexican, and Greek are a few of the fun stations to visit--don't miss the baklava in the greek area.  The desert area is full and they have someone making crepes that you can add your own toppings to.  Overall its a great option and I have gone more than once...in one trip.

-Flamingo:  I only had lunch here one time.  It isn't anything great, but the seating is near their (real) flamingo area and has a cool and tropical feel to it.  If you are tired of the heat mid-day and want a more subdued less crowded lunch then this is an okay place.  The food is pretty similar to Imperial Palace in the comfort food area, but can work for most people who don't want to go overboard during lunch.

-Paris:  Is it too cliche to save the best for last?  I think not.  I have had both breakfast and dinner here and both are pretty amazing and a great experience from the norm.  This one is completely French themed and the inside will make you feel like you are in another place.  They have different stations based on the different areas in France.  The meat is good, the veggie dishes are good, but by far the standout is the crepe station.  It's not just for deserts, but can also be a main dish.  My recommendation though is to have it as a desert...with nutella...and then covered in chocolate sauce.  There is chocolate sauce at other buffets, but they can not compare.  The rest taste like Hershey's syrup and this tastes...amazing.  There are long lines at certain times of the day, but it's definitely worth it at least once...or twice.  

I will admit I have not tried any buffets off the strip, I'm sure there are a few gems out there, but I stay close to all the excitement on the strip while in Vegas.  The best deal by far though is through a few of the hotels who are a part of the same base company.  For just around $50 a person you have 24 hour access to Flamingo, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Rio, Imperial Palace, Bally's, and Harrah's (Caesars Palace used to be included before the remodel.  I'm not sure if this will be part of the deal when they are done).  Sounds expensive when you first hear it, but consider in 24 hours--if done right--you can have breakfast, lunch, and two dinners covered and realize that dinner at buffets are the most expensive.  If you ate at buffets for all those meals separately you could pay up to $90.  This little beauty is called Buffet of Buffets.  

My advice would be to start out the first buffet you go to in this deal to be late one night...like around 8-8:30pm.  You have 24 hours from when you pay so standing in line the first night is a freebee, but the rest of the lines will be part of your 24 hours.  You need to have made it to the cashier 24 hours from when you paid the first night.  By starting late the first night you get dinner, then breakfast the next morning, lunch, and dinner again..I would recommend around 6pm to make sure you make it in the 24 hours.

While buffets aren't exactly off the beaten path or trying anything exotic, it's a great way to get full non-fast food meals that don't require reservations or deciding on something that everyone will eat.  Just beware...this pass should only be done once per trip...you will get tired of it quickly and food starts to look less appealing after the 24 hours...which can also be a bonus on your wallet!!  Bon Appetit!!