Local's Look @ Redding, CA | Katie Dobbins

Recently, Mr. H and I took a trip back to Redding, CA - where we lived during our first year of marriage. Its almost been three years since we lived there and there were so many new hot spots. Thus, we enlisted the help of one of Redding's coolest... Katie Dobbins. Not only is this chick beautiful and fun, but she's also one of those dreamers who lives life fully! I can't think of a more perfect person to show us the "bests" of Redding. (Plus, she has mad photography skills, which equals an aesthetically beautiful post.)

{Katie hangin' around town}

{sisters // Allyson & Katie}

MMH: To start, what do you love about Redding?

KD: If I were to say the buzzing epicenter of culture and art, I would be lying. Probably the thing I love the most about Redding, is the fact that all of  my closest friends live within 10 minutes from front door. Or maybe, the fact that our little town is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers, and you can go on a new adventure every day.

MMH: Food+Beverage // Favorite _______?...

Breakfast

My usual go to for any breakfast outing is Déjà Vu cafe. It is tucked away in an old brick building in downtown redding. On most Weekends it is packed with families enjoying a leisurely morning. I am always impressed with their service, and equally impressed with the food! Let's be honest, any excuse to divulge in gluten drowned in syrup is fine by me!

Lunch

Wildas Grill. The steady line out the door is a testament to the quality of their food. Their menu was designed to meet the dietary needs of vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, and even those with gluten intolerances. Get a Buddah bowl, packed with rice, beans, cabbage, and chicken, add a side of sweet potato fries, and call it day! This place does so well, that they are only open from 11am-4pm Monday-Friday. If you remember to catch them while they're open, you've hit the jackpot!

Dinner

I’m pretty much always in the mood for Thai. I’ve been to every Thai restaurant in town (that I know of) and have deemed Champa Garden my favorite. The atmosphere isn’t outrageously trendy, but the food is always top-notch. I go there so often, they know my name, my order (yellow curry with chicken), oh… and my cell phone number.

Coffee shop

This one is a toss up. In the past year, two great coffee shops have popped up in town. Before they opened, you could only get high quality espresso from Starbucks… or Starbucks. Let’s just say, if you wanted to get a nice cappuccino or americano you would have to drive at least an hour and half outside of Redding.

Coffee Shop #1 Coffee Bar- This is the local watering hole for all 20 somethings in the Redding area. You can never go wrong with a latte, so my drink of choice is typically just that; or, in the summer, I’ll branch out for with a cold brew.

Coffee Shop #2 Heritage Rosting Co.- If you are up for a 15 minute drive, Heritage is worth the trip. The raw wood and exposed brick make this the perfect nesting spot for an afternoon.

Health/Wellness

Sky’s Pure Food. (I actually visited this place for the first time with Mr. and Mrs. H). Sky’s is a small business that specializes in clean, raw foods. Their nutrient dense menu does not lack “yumminess”. I can eat a piece of chocolate pie, and feel like I did myself a favor.  

Sweet spot (ice cream, cupcakes, dessert spot, etc)

I would definitely describe myself as an avid dessert lover. If I am in need of a sugar fix, I get a cupcake and gelato from Sweet Spot. The “Diva” cupcake and Cookies and Cream gelato are always a winning combo; however, I went in the other day and tried the “Samoa” gelato, and it looks like Cookies and Cream may need to watch its back. This place is super cute; it has a giant chalkboard for kids (and grown ups) to show off their artistic abilities.

Dive (food truck, spot that tourists wouldn't find, etc.)

A new favorite of mine would have to be El Rinconcito. A little Mexican restaurant located on the way out to Whiskeytown Lake. I get chicken tacos every time, and am never disappointed. They make the tortilla’s in house, and they definitely deliver on flavor!

MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods?

KD: Carousel. A small boutique that sells clothes, jewelry, and other odds and ends. It’s located next to Deja Vu, my favorite breakfast spot, so if you’re brunching on a Saturday, it’s worth walking over to take a peek inside.

MMH: Your favorite area in Redding (neighborhood, part of town, etc) and why?

KD: Whiskeytown Lake. Since “city life” isn’t really Redding’s strong suit, I would have to say my favorite part of town is actually more of a green space, than a hip neighborhood. Whiskeytown is Redding’s saving grace during the summer months. This man made lake is surrounded by mountains, and is even more beautiful at night; the sky is so clear out there, that you can spot several shooting stars on any given night.

MMH: What's your favorite green space in your city (park, outdoor area, etc.)?

KD: I have a few favorite’s for this category. Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.

1. Caldwell Park/ The River Trail- The park sits on the Sacramento River, and there is a shaded trail that runs alongside it.

2. Shasta Dam/Shasta Lake- You drive through the forested mountains to get to the stunning lookout. All around, a definite must see.

3. The Bluffs- Most Redding locals know about this “no trespassing” spot. This cliff overlook, gives you a panoramic view of the Sacramento River. Redding gets an A+ for sunsets, and this is THE place to watch them.

4. Lema Ranch- As an amateur runner, this is my favorite place to run. Trails weave around ponds and trees, featuring break taking mountain views.

MMH: Your perfect Saturday looks like...

KD: I would start my day at Coffee Bar catching up with a friend, then grab a longboard for an afternoon ride on the River Trail, stopping to walk down a rocky path to river. Next stop: dinner. Luckily Redding’s winters are very short, so cooking out with friends can be a regular activity; I would end the day with a trip to Whiskeytown to watch the stars.

MMH: Is there anything/anywhere that you'd tell a friend not to miss while visiting Redding?

KD: Burney Falls. It is a 45 minute drive outside of Redding, but a definite summer favorite. This oasis comes complete with rock waterslide, and plenty of cliffs to jump off of.

Thanks Katie! I love getting to go back "rediscover" a place you've loved and missed. I can't wait for my next trip to Redding... I'll definitely use your Local's Look to lead the way on our adventure there.

-mrs.h 

twisted root burger co. // dallas, tx

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As it warms up outside, there's nothing quite like burgers and beer in the Spring and Summer months. Mr. H and I love a good burger joint and one of our all-time favorites is Twisted Root Burger Co. in Dallas. Their gourmet burgers, spiked milkshakes, and deliciously fried sides (sweet potato chips are our pick) will make any burger lover drool. 

Twisted Root was started by two friends who went to culinary school but never left their passion for the American staple - a great burger. After taking the typical post-cullinary school route, they found their way back to the basics and started Twisted Root. Their creative culinary experience added something to a burger that you can't find at any ol' burger joint. Their burgers quickly gained fame and Twisted Root began to pop up in other locations of the DFW metroplex. 

Although it's now a chain, I discovered Twisted Root when its only location was the flagship store in Deep Ellum. I fell in love with the homemade ketchups, pickle bar, killer toppings, and the awesome quirkiness that comes along with anything in Deep Ellum. The other locations serve the same amazing burgers, but if you're going to Dallas I don't think you can beat the Deep Ellum location. This time of year, I'd give anything to be transported to Dallas on a perfect Spring day and sit on the rooftop patio, enjoying a burger, a beer, and finishing off the afternoon with a milkshake. 

-mrs.h 

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{above images via}

Local's Look @ Dallas | Peyton Riley

Today is a good day! Not only is it Friday (TGIF), but we also have Peyton Riley on the mr.&mrs.h guide today! Peyton is a college friend of mine, a Dallas girl through-and-through, and a never ending source of inspiration and creativity. Her blog, meetpeytonriley.com, focuses on design. If it's beautiful, Peyton's probably talking about it... from flowers to interior design. And, since travel is what we eat and breathe here at mr.&mrs.h, we are always excited when Peyton talks hotels and restaurants like her posts on The Washington School House and BG Restaurant (Sidenote: Kelly Wearstler's BG Restaurant is my favorite restaurant design of all time. If you've never been here or seen images of this heaven on earth, give yourself a treat and head over to Peyton's blog to see it asap!) 

As they say everything is bigger in Texas. Dallas is a big city with a big personality. There are so many different sides of The Big D that it can be hard to get a true taste of the city in a short trip. After living there for four years, I still didn't get to experience everything that it has to offer. But, thankfully I had people like Peyton to make sure I got to soak up as much of Dallas as I could during my time there. If you're heading to Dallas soon, chances are you'll only have a few days at most. Not to worry, with Peyton's guide you can get a full taste of what this awesome city has to offer! 

-mrs.h

MMH: To start, what do you love about Dallas?

PR: It's not because of the beautiful skyline, that includes Reunion Tower. It's not because of the professional sports teams, although they provide great entertainment. It's not because of the restaurants, although there are many outstanding ones and are packed every night. It's not because of the truly authentic Mexican restaurants, which I frequent often. I LOVE Dallas, because of the friendly people and neighborhood charm. More often than not if you live in Dallas, you will hear your fair share of "sirs" and "ma'ams," and in a culture where manners are becoming extinct, this is very refreshing. I love Dallas' Southern hospitality!

MMH: Food+Beverage: Favorite _______?

PR:
➺ Breakfast 

Bistro 31. Amazing omelets, honey roasted granola, and ham and gruyere galette.  Bistro 31’s breakfast breads are pretty tasty too!

Kozy Kitchen. Meats are grass-fed, seafood is wild, breads are homemade, and many items are gluten-free. My favorite breakfast menu items include the BET Sandwich (Bacon, Egg, Tomato), fluffy omelets, and ginger buttermilk pancakes.

➺ Brunch

Parigi. Savory baby buttermilk biscuits covered in Italian sausage gravy or a sandwich of bacon, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and eggs in a flaky, buttery croissant.

{Rise No. 1 // image via}

➺ Lunch 
Rise No 1. Charming soufflé bistro. Must try the Marshmallow Soup and the signature Rise No. 1 salad.

T Room at Forty Five Ten. Adorable restaurant behind a super chic home and fashionista boutique in the Knox-Henderson area. Come dressed and ready to see and be seen, as well as eat light salads and perfectly portioned panini's.

➺ Dinner 
Neighborhood Services. There is a reason why this has been voted #1 in Dallas the past 2 years in D Magazine. The place is always packed. Fortunately they now take reservations.

➺ Coffee shop

Drip Coffee. The beans are roasted on-site in small batches, which makes for the freshest coffee in the city. Best vanilla latte’s I’ve ever tasted too.

{The GEM // image via}

➺ Health/Wellness 

Juice -The GEM. My favorite flavor GEM juice is Shine and Sparkle made with apple, celery, spinach, parsley, and jalapeno. The jalapeno gives it a Texas-sized kick!

Food – Company Café. Company Cafe has spearheaded Dallas' gluten-free revolution. Their focus emphasizes fresh, locally procured and organically grown ingredients with portion control.

➺ Bakery

Celebrity Café & Bakery. Has 2 locations in Dallas, one at Highland Park Village and the other at Preston Royal Shopping Center. This is also one of my favorite lunch spots.  Love their sandwich trio, chicken apple walnut panini, soups, and of course their famous iced sugar cookies.

Mercat Bistro. Amazing French pastries. My favorite is the delicious chocolate croissant.

{Empire Baking Co // image via}

Empire Baking Company. Known for their artisan bread and boxed lunches. Everything is very fresh! Love the tuna salad, chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches.

➺ Sweet spot 

I have the biggest sweet tooth ever. You must try JK Gourmet’s microchip chocolate chip cookies. AMAZING!!

JD’s Chippery. Another spot with 5 star cookies. I’m quite a cookie connoisseur and have to say that their semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies are to die for. Be sure to bring cash (no cc’s).

➺ Neighborhood spot

Rex’s Seafood Market. Offer’s the freshest seafood in Dallas.

Sammy’s Bar-B-Q. By far the best BBQ in Dallas. Only open for lunch.

{Highland Park Pharmacy // image via}

➺ Dive 

Highland Park Pharmacy. Old-time soda fountain shop is the perfect spot to have lunch. If you're craving a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, homemade chicken salad, or a limeade, chocolate milkshake, or root beer float, this is the place. Grab a bar stool!

Louie's Pizza. Known for their pizza, but you end up going back for the entire menu.

Wild About Harry’s. Craving a hot dog, Frito pie, or frozen custard, Wild About Harry’s is your spot!

{Peyton's perfect Saturday... shopping at Highland Park Village}

MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods? 

PR: Cabana. Merry Vose owns this Bohemian beach bungalow inspired by the Harbor Island cottages she adores. Nearly everything — cocktail dresses, comfy blouses, skinny pants — is irresistible.

Blue Print Store. You will find a wonderful array of antiques, modern light fixtures, art, and accessories.

Forty Five Ten. Offers unique designer fashions, accessories and decorative items for the home. Love their coffee table books and Jan Barboglio pieces made of forged iron, wood or glass and is naturally aged yielding a rustic, yet sophisticated look.

Avant Garden. Floral design shop with elegant florals, gifts, books, jewelry, and art located in Highland Park Village.

{Bishop Arts District}

MMH: Your favorite area in Dallas (neighborhood, part of town, etc) and why? 

PR: Bishop Arts District. It’s a charming neighborhood with adorable one of a kind shops and restaurants. The area has so much character. Be sure to drive up Kessler Park to view the array of historic and modern homes. The street offers larger lot sizes and the neighborhood also has more hills than your typical flat Dallas areas.

MMH: Your "must see or do" while in The Big D...

PR: In the Fall, you must visit the State Fair of Texas, which is held in the same place it has been for more than 100 years, the historic Fair Park. It opens at the end of September and will run til the end of October. The State Fair of Texas is also home to the tallest cowboy in the state, Big Tex. There really is something for everyone at the fair. The fair showcases unique foods (lots of fried treats), exciting carnival rides and games, livestock and car shows, concerts, football games, shopping and so much more.

MMH: Are there any cool markets?

PR: St. Michael’s Farmers Market (opens again in April)

{Peyton enjoying the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park}

MMH: What's your favorite greenspace in your city?

PR: Klyde Warren Park. Dallas’ “Central Park.” It is an urban green space built over the recessed freeway between two major streets in downtown Dallas. Klyde Warren Park is always a highly active space home to Dallas’ premier food trucks. The park mostly hosts outdoor concerts and films, but this winter they constructed an outdoor ice skating rink. Very fun!

Your perfect Saturday in Dallas would look like...

PR: Morning Pilates or Spin Class at Beyond Studios. Upbeat music, encouraging and very knowledgeable instructors, and by far my favorite workout in Dallas.

Golf. Dallas has some amazing courses both public and private. My favorite public courses are The Tribute, Doral Tesora, Bridlewood Golf Club, and Castle Hills.

Top Golf has also become increasingly popular and is very beginner friendly. A great place to come with a big group.

{S&D Oyster Co // image via}

Lunch at S&D Oyster Company. New Orleans themed atmosphere with checkered tablecloths, old wooden chairs and servers wearing barbershop quartet-inspiring garb. They have a new outdoor courtyard.

Shopping in Highland Park Village. Highland Park Village is actually America’s first shopping center. Fabulous collection of premier shops and also restaurants. Great people watching too.

Drinks and listening to live music (Jazz, Soul, R&B) at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

MMH: Is there a touristy spot that's actually worth the visit?

PR: George W. Bush Presidential Library

➺ I love this museum. You can walk around the "Oval Office" and even sit behind the President’s desk and have your picture made. The 9/11 exhibit is especially moving. Loved the video with his daughters... reminded me that he truly was just a regular US citizen!

{Nasher Sculpture Center // image via}

Nasher Sculpture Center

➺ The museum was a long-held dream of the late Raymond and Patsy Nasher, who together formed a comprehensive collection of masterpieces by Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Hepworth, Kelly, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, and Serra, among others, which continues to grow and evolve.

➺ Must attend ‘til Midnight at the Nasher, which is every third Friday of the month. The Nasher hosts special live outdoor concerts featuring the best in regional music talent and film screenings in the garden.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

➺ You could spend all day in the garden and still not see everything - it is massive! I love the way that each garden has a theme. Great spot for a picnic.

AT&T Performing Arts Center

➺ An architectural gem is one of three Texas landmarks touted among the best architecture in the world. Each year, the Center hosts a variety of Broadway shows, opera, dance and music performances.

mountain standard | vail, co

Happy Tuesday! Hope you're staying warm and safe from the crazy snowpocalypse that's sweeping the nation. I know I am. I'm so happy Mr. H and I aren't on the road right now. Instead, I'm curled up at my house, drinking so much coffee I'm shaking, and eating this heavenly divineness. 

While we're on the topic of food and cold weather, there's nothing quite like comfort food to warm the body up when it's chilly outside. One of my favorite spots for delicious food that warms up the body and the soul is Mountain Standard in Vail. 

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Mountain Standard takes comfort food and adds enough of a twist to make it hip, while keeping it "standard" enough to stay true to the classic tastes that you crave. The restaurant's atmosphere mimics the menu... hip balanced with a causal mountain vibe. It's the perfect place to thaw out after a long day on the slopes. Don't miss our recommendations below (they are seriously musts!)...  

Mountain Standard // mr.&mrs.h's favorites:
➺ Oyster Shooter

➺ Carmelized Onion Soup
➺ King Salmon with coal roasted squash, brussels sprouts, Korean chili paste, black sesame, apple dressing
  
-mrs.h

Birthday Dinner :: Oxheart | Houston

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Mr. H: Mrs. H and I were in Houston with some friends for my birthday, and they suggested that we go to Oxheart for dinner.

To give a bit of context - I wish I was one of those people who didn't care about their birthday. I actually try to convince people around me that I don't care, but as my loving wife can tell you, I secretly care. I secretly want it to be the best day of the year. I secretly want great food, good company, and yes, lots of attention. So although our friends didn't know it, there was a lot at stake.

{We love that Oxheart takes "local" a step further by using locally made knives, ceramics, and aprons.}

I don't know if Mrs. H slipped them some reconnaissance on the side, but they sure did know how to do it right for the big 28. I love everything about Oxheart - the drive to a strange part of town, the cool corner building, every single item on the tasting menu, and last but not least, our waiters suggestion for where to get the best Chinese in China Town (more on that in a future post). 

{Mrs. H: I love the random vignette with chinese cats, canned goods, and favorite cookbooks. The industrial-chic interiors mixed with strange odds and ins totally appeals to my weird side.}

Mrs. H: And, now it's my turn to interrupt... you know there are those rare times on the blog when we both have to get our two cents in. Usually that happens because we love a restaurant or hotel experience so much we both want to talk about it, which is exactly what's happening now. So, here's Oxheart from my perspective... Oxheart has one of the most creative menus I've ever experienced. They take unlikely local ingredients - like muscadines - and turn them into  some of the most interesting dishes I've tasted (the muscadine dish mimicked the flavor of gummy bears. Strange, I know. It was one of the craziest textures and tastes I've tried and I loved every bite of it.) . My personal favorite was the pancake with beef fat. Ladies, I know what you're thinking... sounds gross, but it was heaven in your mouth. 

{above images via}

Oxheart's originality didn't stop with the dishes, the drink pairings included a Texas beer and an orange wine among others. Every course brought a new experience for the senses. It's not easy to find a restaurant that offers tastes you've never experienced, but Oxheart does just that. Our meal at Oxheart was undoubtedly one of the coolest "tasting adventures" I've ever had and I can't imagine a more perfect way to celebrate Mr. H than taking a "tasting adventure" with people we love!

{if you aren't heading to Houston anytime soon, but would love to try the tastes of Oxheart, check out Bon Appetit's "How - To Host Your Own Pop Up Restaurant with This Tasty (and Affordable) Tasting Menu"  featuring Chef Justin Yu from Oxheart.}
-mr.&mrs.h

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar | Charleston, SC

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On a recent trip to Charleston, Mr. H and I had the good pleasure of dining at Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar. We were shouting "amens" to their menu when we left. It was delicious! And, as you know, I'm a sucker for anything with history. They've done an excellent job preserving the original 1800's architecture while adding contemporary elements with an ode to Charleston (i.e. the fabulous oyster chandeliers). 

The name of the restaurant has historic significance as well. According to the restaurant's story, Amen Street began as Wragg’s Alley, a small passage through Samuel Wragg’s property, running from East Bay to Motte Street (now part of State Street). By 1788, Wragg’s Alley had been extended westward to Church Street and renamed Amen Street. According to tradition this name was given because “amens” could often be heard from two nearby churches – St. Philip’s and the Methodist Meeting House. In 1839, Amen Street was absorbed into the widened and extended throughway, Cumberland Street. Unfortunately from that time until now the colorful name had disappeared. In several areas of the restaurant are displayed authentic maps and documents from various years depicting “Amen Street” rediscovered by Charleston Historian, Robert Stockton. How perfectly Southern is that history? I love it!

Amen Street // mr.&mrs.h's favorites:

➺ Baked Local Oysters

➺ Tuna Tacos

➺ Seared Scallops

-mrs.h