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Lisa E Freedman, My Journal Through Life, is the Home Base & Blog for LF Media Ink, a Boutique PR/Marketing Company specialized in the Arts, Entertainment & Travel Industries. Enjoy!

Wink Wink at The Modern: Where Sarasota Gets Its Groove On

The downtown hotel restaurant that's become a neighborhood favorite — for good reason. There's a moment, somewhere between your first cocktail and your second order of sharables, when Wink Wink Food & Drink stops feeling like a hotel restaurant and starts feeling like exactly where you want to be. That's the trick — and the charm — of this downtown Sarasota gem tucked inside The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel on Boulevard...

A Taste of Puglia in Paradise: Discovering Vino Vino in Sarasota

Tucked away in a modest strip center on Siesta Drive in Sarasota, Florida, lies a culinary treasure that transports diners straight to the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot. Vino Vino is not just another Italian restaurant—it’s an authentic celebration of Pugliese cuisine, brought to life by passionate owners who’ve made it their mission to share the flavors of their homeland with the Gulf Coast. The Story Behind the SauceVino Vino...

The Granary: Lakewood Ranch’s Beloved Breakfast and Lunch Destination

Situated in the heart of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, The Granary has been serving breakfast and lunch daily since August 2015 , quickly becoming a cherished neighborhood staple for locals and visitors alike. What started as a Scottish couple’s American dream has blossomed into one of the area’s most popular daytime dining destinations. A Story Rooted in Family and CommunityThe Granary is owned by Karen and Malcolm Ronney, who came to Lakewood...

A Taste of the Alps: Our Evening at Restaurant Mont Blanc in Amsterdam

Stepping off Govert Flinckstraat in Amsterdam’s vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, we experienced something unexpected: the sensation of being transported directly into a cozy Alpine chalet. This wasn’t a trick of the imagination—it was Restaurant Mont Blanc, a Michelin-starred gem that brings the French region of Savoie to the heart of the Netherlands. An Immersive Alpine Experience. The evening came to us in the form of a gift card from my...

The Pancake Bakery: A Complete Guide to This Historic Dutch Pancake House

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam’s picturesque Jordaan district, The Pancake Bakery (De Pannenkoekenbakkerij) has been serving authentic Dutch pancakes since 1973. Located in a charming 17th-century canal house warehouse at Prinsengracht 191, this beloved restaurant offers visitors an authentic taste of traditional Dutch cuisine in a cozy, historic setting. What Makes The Pancake Bakery SpecialThe Pancake Bakery stands out among...

Ron Gastrobar Amsterdam: Where Fine Dining Meets Casual Cool

When celebrity chef Ron Blaauw decided to trade in his two Michelin stars for a revolutionary new concept over a decade ago, the Dutch dining scene was turned on its head. The result? Ron Gastrobar, a restaurant that has held a Michelin star since 2014 while maintaining an atmosphere that’s more neighborhood hangout than stuffy fine dining establishment. A New Kind of Michelin ExperienceLocated on Sophialaan in Amsterdam South, just a...

Pompa: A Hidden Gem in Amsterdam’s Evolving Food Scene

Tucked away in Amsterdam’s vibrant culinary landscape, Pompa Restaurant offers diners an experience that balances refinement with approachability. While Amsterdam has long been known for its cozy brown cafés and Indonesian rijsttafel, establishments like Pompa represent the city’s evolution into a more diverse and sophisticated dining destination. The restaurant’s approach centers on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful preparation, a...

Rijks Restaurant: A Culinary Masterpiece

Situated within the walls of Amsterdam’s iconic Rijksmuseum, Rijks Restaurant offers an experience that transcends ordinary museum dining. This is not a place for hurried sandwiches between gallery visits, but rather a destination worthy of its own pilgrimage, where Dutch culinary excellence meets the grandeur of one of Europe’s finest art institutions. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, while the...

A Hidden Gem on Amsterdam’s Canals: Discovering Cafe Georges

Tucked away on the picturesque Leidsegracht, Café George has established itself as one of Amsterdam’s most beloved dining destinations . This isn’t just another canal-side café—it’s a carefully curated experience that bridges continents, combining French brasserie elegance with New York bistro cool in the heart of the Dutch capital. It was highly recommended by our Hotel Concierge for our first night's dinner in Amsterdam. An easy...

The Conservatorium: A Study in Exemplary Customer Service

It isn’t just the spectacular location, stunning architectural and interior design, Michelin-starred restaurant, sumptuous spa, or endearing amenities that make the Conservatorium more appealing than so many other 5-star luxury hotels in its class. What my partner and I haven’t been able to stop talking about since our stay is the exceptional level of service we received as guests—before, during and even after our visit. We have both...
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