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August 24, 2011 | Posted in Blog, Life, Travel

Check Out Fire Island, Another Fun Summer Spot in New York

When you ask people where can you find beautiful beaches in New York, they’ll usually say the Hamptons. I know just another spot that is as nice as Hamptons but much more affordable and laid-back – it’s the Ocean Beach at Fire Island. It’s a popular beach destination that I just newly discovered. This barrier island just five miles south of Long Island, New York and is accessible by ferry only. As a result of that, there are no cars on the island – just bike or wagon rides for the kids.

We visited Ocean Beach, which is the most family friendly community on Fire Island and great spot for beach trip. We took a 40 minutes ferry ride from Bay Shore to Fire Island. As we approach the harbor at Ocean Beach we saw hundreds of wagons are stored next to the dock. As people debark, many went straight for their wagons to carry their goods to their house or the beach. When we get off, we went for the gorgeous sandy beaches right away. The island is only a half-mile deep so along the walkways we saw many cute cottage home and cute signs outside the home. I think that’s what makes this island so unique and charming.

If you visit:
Ocean Beach is about 90 minute drive from Queens to Bay Shore, Long Island. You’ll take a 40 minute ferry ride from the dock. Be sure to check Fire Island Ferries’ schedule prior to visit at fireislandferries.com.

ocean beach fire island in new york Boarding platform at Bay Shore Long Island

ocean beach fire island in new york We were so excited to go to the beach

ocean beach fire island in new york Arriving at the The Village of Ocean Beach harbor

ocean beach fire island in new york Hundreds of private wagons by the dock.

ocean beach fire island in new york Police Station

ocean beach fire island in new york Food there are so delicious

ocean beach fire island in new york Many ice cream shops on the island

ocean beach fire island in new york Walking to the beach

ocean beach fire island in new york Cute decorations outside the cottage house

ocean beach fire island in new york More decorations outside the cottage house

ocean beach fire island in new york Did someone left their stinky shoes out here?

ocean beach fire island in new york Instead of parked car, it’s parked wagon outside every house

ocean beach fire island in new york I love this sign

ocean beach fire island in new york White Sandy Beach

ocean beach fire island in new york Time to get sun tan

ocean beach fire island in new york Central Walk, main street on Ocean Beach

ocean beach fire island in new york Kids selling Lemonade

ocean beach fire island in new york Even puppy get their own parking spot, how cute is that?

ocean beach fire island in new york Kids selling painted shell to make few extra bucks. He was a good sellsman

ocean beach fire island in new york Ice cream mixed with our love.

ocean beach fire island in new york Many places to dine on this island

ocean beach fire island in new york Time to leave – Adios

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August 7, 2011 | Posted in Blog, Food, Life, Travel

Romantic Dinner at One if by Land, Two if by Sea

Last Sunday night I celebrated my 11th year anniversary with my fiance at One If by Land, Two If By Sea. This restaurant has been labeled “the most romantic restaurant in the city.” The atmosphere is incredible – just walking in we were very impressed by the ambiance and decor. It’s set in an eighteenth-century carriage house, formerly the site of Aaron Burr’s home (3rd Vice-President of the United States ). I’m so glad I picked this place for his surprise dinner because he was very intrigued by the character and history of the place.

A taper candle and a white rose were placed on top of each table with a pianist playing classy music in the background. As soon as we were seated, the waiter lit up the candle and handed the menu to us. Since it’s our anniversary we splurged and ordered from the chef’s tasting menu, which is a six course meal for $125 with a $55 wine pairing.

The meal began with a complimentary lobster salad. This was surprisingly tasty and my fiance loved it. Our first course was the Petite Salad and Scallop Sashimi. It was light and delicious. I found the presentation of the Scallop Sashimi to be very beautiful. Our second course was the Duck & Pork Country Pate and Tuna Tiradito. The Tuna Tiradito was his favorite course of the night. The tuna was prepared very well and fresh. The dessert was definitely the most romantic part of the meal. We ordered the Strawberry Basil Ice Cream Sandwiches. It came on a plate which had “Happy 11th Anniversary” written in chocolate and had little birthday candles in pink and blue colors. The dessert was light and not overly sweet with a creamy interior to be indulged.

Overall the food was well-executed and delicious. I’m so happy to see the big smile on his face and he’s been none-stop raving about this place to his co-workers the next day. I recommend my readers to consider this place when planning any special occasion or to try really great cuisines.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea
17 Barrow Street
New York, NY 10014
http://www.oneifbyland.com

Jamaica Right: Colonial High Tea – chamomile grappa, sparkling cava rosé, watermelon juice served over crushed ice. Left: Rosemary Cucumber Martini – rosemary infused vodka, cucumber juice, St. Germain Elderflower, pasteurized egg whites.

Jamaica A taper candle and a white rose were placed on top of each table

Jamaica Scallop Sashimi

Jamaica Petite Salad of Summer Vegetables

Jamaica Tuna Tiradito (

Jamaica Duck & Pork Country Pate

Jamaica Pan Seared Scallops

Jamaica Marinated Octopus

Jamaica Poached Day Boat Cod

Jamaica Maine Lobster Confit

Jamaica Strawberry Basil Ice Cream Sandwiches sweet corn biscuit, basil ice cream, macerated strawberries

Jamaica Us at the restaurant

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July 29, 2011 | Posted in Blog, Life, Photography, Travel

Travel Photography – Best of Jamaica

Jamaica rules! There are countless reasons to visit this beautiful island Jamaica. You can eat, dive, relax, explore and watch the most amazing sunsets. During the week we were there we visit Negril, The South Coast and Montego Bay and we can’t wait to go back again. To wrap up my Jamaica trip I round up some of my favorite travel photos when I was in town that you haven’t seen in my previous posts. Enjoy!

Jamaica

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July 22, 2011 | Posted in Blog, Life, Travel

Cliff Jumping at Rick’s Cafe Negril

Rick’s cafe is one of the most popular attraction in Negril. It’s located on the Westend of Jamaica away from the 7 mile beach. It has crystal clear water and a great sunset view. It’s also known for cliff diving in the daytime and live reggae after sunset.

My fiance has never jumped off a cliff before decided to give it a try. He got me worried because the signs stating that all divers do so at their own risk. However, he was a good diver and he enjoy swimming in the blue clear water. I would say Rick’s cafe is definitely a place for great parties and kids love to watch the high divers jumping off the cliff.

Cliff jumping at Rick's cafe Negril

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July 19, 2011 | Posted in Blog, Life, Travel

Negril’s Famous 7 Mile Beach

One reason why I visited Negril is because I love their beach. I love the feel of the white sand tickling my toes and the wave of sounds flooding inside my head. As I stare out into the beautiful 7 mile beach, I think to myself my life is like the ocean filled with excitement and beauty.

My favorite part of the trip was the walk on the beach with my fiancé. We walked miles without realizing how far we have walked as the waves washed up on to the shore. For a short time neither one of us spoke. Finally, I spoke up: ” I think this is the most romantic walk we ever done”. He smiled back said we should do this more often then. We both laughed even harder because we don’t usually say stuff like that.

Then we walked back to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville where we were sitting on the beach chairs and listening to some Bob Marley music and enjoying our afternoon.

Seven Mile beach is exactly how I imagined the beaches of Jamaica would be. It’s such a beautiful spot for lovers and families, who appreciate the soft white sand and crystal water.