Welcome to Columbus, Ohio, a city brimming with a culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a local living in one of many apartments in Columbus or searching for homes in the city, embarking on a gastronomic journey through Columbus promises an adventure. From elegant dining to laid-back cafes and everything in between, the city offers an array of restaurants that showcase diverse cuisines and culinary innovations. In this Redfin article, we will delve into the culinary treasures of Columbus by highlighting ten must-visit restaurants, each serving up a distinctive experience that will leave you craving more.
1. The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
Stepping into The Refectory, diners are transported to the heart of France with its exquisite ambiance and sophisticated menu. Nestled in a charming historic setting, this upscale French restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. Led by masterful chefs, The Refectory’s menu showcases classic French dishes made with the finest ingredients, expertly paired with an extensive selection of wines. With its impeccable service and attention to detail, this restaurant is perfect for special occasions or when you simply desire an elegant culinary escape.
2. Lindey’s
Located in the picturesque German Village, Lindey’s has become a landmark for contemporary American cuisine with a touch of European influence. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a romantic dinner, Lindey’s offers an array of dishes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, making each meal a celebration of flavors
3. Northstar Café
For health-conscious food enthusiasts, Northstar Café is a haven of organic and wholesome delights. Committed to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, this restaurant serves a diverse menu, including vegan and gluten-free options, from hearty salads to nourishing grain bowls.
4. G. Michael’s Bistro & Bar
Nestled in a historic building, G. Michael’s Bistro & Bar delights diners with its modern American cuisine infused with Southern charm. The restaurant’s emphasis on using seasonal, locally-sourced produce ensures that every dish bursts with freshness and flavor. Whether you choose a signature seafood dish or opt for a savory meat entrée, G. Michael’s offers a taste of true Ohio hospitality.
5. Momo Ghar
Tucked away in a hidden corner, Momo Ghar introduces diners to the flavors of Nepal and Tibet through its mouth-watering momos (dumplings). A beloved local gem, this unassuming eatery offers a simple yet satisfying menu that showcases the authentic taste of the Himalayas. Momo Ghar’s popularity continues to grow as food enthusiasts seek out its unique and flavorful offerings.
6. The Top Steakhouse
When it comes to classic steak dinners, The Top Steakhouse is an iconic destination that has stood the test of time. The restaurant exudes old-school charm, creating a nostalgic ambiance that perfectly complements its premium cuts of beef and other exceptional entrées.
7. Akai Hana
For sushi aficionados, Akai Hana is a mecca of authentic Japanese cuisine in Columbus. This restaurant takes pride in its expertly crafted sushi, sashimi, and other traditional dishes. With a focus on the freshest seafood and the finest ingredients, Akai Hana’s culinary artistry transports diners to the heart of Japan, making it a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable Japanese dining experience.
8. Brassica
With its build-your-own pita and bowl concept, Brassica puts a unique twist on Mediterranean cuisine. Utilizing locally sourced and high-quality ingredients, this restaurant encourages diners to create personalized Mediterranean delights. From flavorful falafels to tantalizing shawarma, Brassica offers an interactive dining experience that caters to diverse tastes.
9. Harvest Pizzeria
For pizza enthusiasts, Harvest Pizzeria is a haven of artisanal pies cooked to perfection in wood-fired ovens. This beloved pizzeria prides itself on using local and organic ingredients, resulting in mouthwatering flavors.Harvest Pizzeria’s commitment to quality and innovation has made it a go-to spot for pizza lovers across Columbus.
10. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Embracing the city’s German heritage, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is a vibrant eatery that celebrates the flavors of Germany. Known for its hearty sausages and iconic cream puffs, this lively restaurant offers a feast for the senses. With a lively atmosphere and generous portions, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is the perfect spot for a flavorful taste of Bavaria.
In conclusion, the bustling culinary scene in Columbus not only delights the taste buds but also makes the city a good place to live. With its diverse range of restaurants offering innovative gastronomic delights and cherished family-owned establishments serving up authentic comfort food, residents and visitors alike are spoiled for choice.
Nationally known as a hub of scientific progress thanks to its connection to NASA (Houston, we have a problem), Houston is also one of America’s most desirable cities in terms of diversity, entertainment, food and cost of living.
When it comes to hidden gems around the city, there are more than a few that longtime Houston locals want to keep to themselves. We’re here to open up the door to you and highlight some of Bayou City’s best places for food, drinks, entertainment and outdoor excursions.
SOURCE: FACEBOOK.COM/PHATEATERY
Underrated Houston Restaurants
The Houston culinary scene is defined by an entirely unique combination of flavors that reflects the diverse population of the city. These flavors include traditional Texas barbecue, Viet-Cajun seafood, creative breakfast tacos and crispy chicken, just to name a few. Listed below are eight great restaurants that are sure to show off the best of what the Houston culinary scene has to offer.
Phat Eatery
You simply can’t talk about the Houston food scene without mentioning Phat Eatery. Headed up by James Beard-nominated chef/owner, Alex Au-Yeung, this strip mall-based gem is hidden away a little over a half hour outside of Houston in Katy and well worth every minute of the drive it takes to get there. Phat Eatery serves up Malaysian fare with a passion that is seldom seen in any industry. Known for an unbeatable selection of appetizers, a great atmosphere and dim sum that is to die for, Phat Eatery is something you need to experience to understand.
Theodore Rex
Ever wonder what the “T” in “T-Rex” stands for? Well, turns out it’s not tyrannosaurus, it’s actually Theodore. If you ask Theodore Rex chef and owner Justin Yu, that is. This New American restaurant serves up elegant dishes in an elevated space but somehow manages not to feel stuffy at all. Great, vibes, artisanal drinks and food made with care, sound good? The menu may be small but it sure is mighty. Regulars will likely recommend you try everything at least once.
Afrikoko
Afrikoko is undeniably one of, if not the, best West African restaurants in Houston. Opened with the goal of giving the people around Braeburn a place to experience Ghanaian cuisine, Afrikoko serves up authentic stews, fufu, jollof rice and more for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Loro
Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar that serves up smoked meats with an Asian fusion twist. Running the show are two James Beard winners in Chef Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin. Needless to say, when you walk through the doors at Loro, you’re in not just good hands, but quite possibly the best hands. Stop by and chow down on some of Houston’s tastiest brisket, enjoy a slice of classic peach cobbler and let loose with happy hour deals and delicious cocktails including house-made frozen drinks.
Nobie’s
The fine people behind Nobie’s set out to create a restaurant that gave off strong living room vibes. They succeeded. Nobie’s welcoming atmosphere is entirely unique and curated through an obvious attention to detail that’s apparent from the moment you walk in. Spinning vinyl records and churning out great food Wednesday – Sunday, this New American restaurant specializes in artisan pizza, crowd-pleasing small plates and rustic main dishes you aren’t likely to find anywhere else. Be warned, they unapologetically play their records at near-full volume. If you are sensitive to noise, be sure to reserve a table on the patio ahead of time!
Lankford’s Grocery and Market
Lankford’s Grocery and Market is a classic no-frills spot to grab a big breakfast, traditional chicken fried steak or even authentic enchiladas. Established in 1937 and featured on Guy Fierri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where Guy highly recommended the Firehouse Burger, this gem is perfect for a quick bite in a nostalgic setting.
Street to Kitchen
If you’re looking to find authentic Thai flavors in Houston, look no further than Street to Kitchen. Known around the city for its legendary drunken noodles, this casual stop is located next to a gas station and offers limited parking. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand if you don’t want to wait as Street to Kitchen has quickly become the go-to spot for Houstonians looking to scratch that authentic Thai food itch.
Blood Brothers BBQ
Hot links, pork ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage and even fried rice grace the menu at this casual spot for top-notch barbecue with an Asian-Cajun flair. Established in 2013, Blood Bros BBQ is located in the nearby Bellaire area about fifteen minutes south of Houston. Ask around and you’ll hear all about their pork belly burnt ends, jalapeño creamed corn and banh mi offerings.
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Houston hot spots for drinks
From cold beers to craft cocktails in a scenic setting, Houston is full of fun spots to chill out and enjoy a drink with those closest to you. Here are three Houston hotspots that are making waves now.
Rabbit’s Got the Gun
Nestled comfortably in the heart of Houston’s Northside neighborhood, Rabbit’s Got the Gun is a small craft bar known for its mural-adorned walls, meticulously crafted cocktails and on-site taco truck. Opened with the goal of being more of an experience than simply a place to get a drink, Rabbit’s Got the Gun is consistent with the vibe and constant with the quality. Can’t ask for much more out of a neighborhood hangout.
NettBar
Large outdoor area? Check. Dog-friendly? Check. Cold beers and fun games? Double check. NettBar is one of those all-day-hangout-type-places. You can get there around lunch, head out at closing and feel like you had a full day when you get home. Located south of Houston’s Greater Heights neighborhood, this locally-adored bar was built around a structure that has existed at their location since the 1950s. This watering hole has been a meeting place for families, young professionals, and people passing through town since they first opened their doors.
Trash Panda Drinking Club
Not to disrespect any of the other businesses appearing on this list, but you just can’t beat a name like Trash Panda Drinking Club. Accompanied by a great name, this little neighborhood dive bar has just the right mix of punk rock attitude and instagramable aesthetics. Stop in, enjoy a craft cocktail and see for yourself.
SOURCE: FACEBOOK.COM/MOBETTERBREWSHTX
Best under-the-radar coffee shops in Houston
With artisan lattes, creative cold brews and great vibes, these four coffee shops and cafes are the most ideal places in Houston to start your day.
Mo’ Better Brews
Mo’ Better Brews is a 100% vegan coffee shop, breakfast spot, restaurant, bar, community hangout and so much more. Truly a one-of-a-kind shop, Mo’ Better Brews sets out to accomplish a lot and does it all extremely well. Ideal for a get-together with old friends, a quiet morning on your own, or a chill night out with that special someone, Mo’ Better Brews is the coffee shop that does it all and looks darn good doing it.
Slowpokes
Beyond having a great name, Slowpokes is a stellar coffee shop. With three locations around the Houston area in the Greenway Upper Kirby area, Spring Ranch and Independence Heights, Slowpokes serves as a morning pick-me-up stop for a substantial percentage of Houston locals. If you’re hungry, Slowpokes also serves up breakfast food, sandwiches, snacks and local goods in addition to happy hour drinks for the 21-and-over crowd.
Day 6 Coffee Co.
Located about a block off Market Square Park, Day 6 Coffee Co. is a brick-walled coffee shop with a great vibe. Natural light, hanging plants, skilled baristas and tasty baked goods are just a few of the attributes that keep locals and passersby alike coming back and making this quintessential coffee shop a staple in their morning routines.
The Nook Cafe and Bar
The Nook Cafe and Bar is an industrial-style space filled with local art. This cozy cafe was established in 2013 by a group of University of Houston alumni. They opened this shop with the simple goal of improving the quality of life for UH students and the residents that live around the campus. Now with ten years of business under their belt, it’s safe to say this hip coffee shop has done just that.
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Houston’s live entertainment options
There’s no shortage of talented performers in Houston. Luckily for you, there’s also no shortage of stage time. Check out these top spots for live entertainment in Houston and catch a show tonight.
Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room
This Louisiana-style restaurant and live performance venue serves up casual plates and inventive cocktails in a cool setting. Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room is a staple in the Rice Military neighborhood. Famous for its steak night and live jazz, Scott Gertner’s is an ode to the past in the best possible way. Catch a live show and experience it for yourself.
The Secret Group
The Secret Group is a small bar with a rooftop patio that hosts a number of different types of live shows like standup comedy, concerts, emo karaoke, 90s nights and more. This off-the-wall watering hole is a great place to make new memories with old friends and is always good for people-watching and low-pressure performances.
Dan Electro’s
Since the late 80s, Dan Electro’s has been the premier spot in Houston’s historic Greater Heights area for live music. Walk through the doors at this storied venue and you’re liable to catch a show of almost any musical genre. The only constant here is quality. Quality on the stage, quality behind the bar and quality people filling the space. Stop in and enjoy the real Houston in all its glory!
Miller Outdoor Theater
Maybe not technically a hidden gem, Miller Outdoor Theater is Houston’s premier amphitheater and, as such, hosts everything from community theater and chorus events to movie nights to touring concert acts. Perfect for a family night, romantic evening or low-key outing with friends, Miller Outdoor Theater is located right next to Rice University and worth checking out if you find yourself in the area on a nice day.
SOURCE: FACEBOOK.COM/BUFFALOBAYOU
Four things to do outside in Houston
You can’t come to Houston and not enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few suggestions to help you reconnect with mother nature during your time in Bayou City.
Buffalo Bayou
The Buffalo Bayou is a slow-moving body of water—technically not a river—that runs through Houston and feeds into Galveston Bay and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. Extensive efforts are underway to clean up the Bayou and a lot of progress has been made thus far. If you’re hoping to spend a day around the water, you’re in luck. Boat tours and ample walking paths near the water allow anyone to soak up the sun, sit on (or by) the water and watch the day go by.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Only operating in seven U.S. cities, Rooftop Cinema Club is the top organization for setting up al fresco movie viewing experiences. The team at Rooftop Cinema Club scouts out locations that provide breathtaking city views and sets up the entire theater experience. They provide seats, personal listening devices and a full food and drink menu. Pair that with a curated selection of iconic movies and you’re in for a beautiful night under the stars.
Memorial Park
First opened in 1924, Memorial Park is closing in on 100 years of providing Houston locals with a green area to escape the urban sprawl and reconnect with the natural world. One of the largest urban parks in the country, Memorial Park is located right across from the Memorial neighborhood and is frequented by neighborhood dog walkers, midday workout warriors, artists looking for inspiration, children playing and more.
Rice University Loop
Unknown even to some Houston locals, the Rice University Loop is a six-mile jogging trail centered around the Rice Campus, south of Downtown Houston. This trail is not just for Rice University students and is open to the public. Perfect for getting those steps in on a Sunday morning or a leisurely stroll after a long day at work, this treelined trail is a tranquil retreat hidden in Houston’s urban jungle.
SOURCE: FACEBOOK.COM/POSTHOUSTON
Bonus gem
Not hidden by any means, but POST Houston is somewhere you need to know about if you don’t already.
POST Houston
Decidedly not a hidden gem, POST Houston is a massive former U.S. Postal Service complex that has been transformed into Houston’s “hub for culture, food and recreation.” The spaces features a large co-working space, multiple restaurants in an elevated food hall-style setting, bars, event venues and a “Texas-sized” rooftop garden. Ask anyone who has been before, it’s easy to spend a whole day in this large complex filled with Houston hotspots.
Houston has it all
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a dedicated foodie, a weekend warrior or anything in between, Houston has what you’re looking for. Check out some of the spots listed above and find your new favorite place.
Earlier this week, I shared some of the highlights from three years of GRS articles about saving money on food. Brett from The Art of Manliness, who knows that I collect old self-help books, sent me an excerpt from Dio Lewis’s 1872 volume, Our Digestion, or, My Jolly Friend’s Secret. Here Lewis describes his “experiment in cheap living”, during which he spends just 54-1/4 cents for a week of food. This makes for some amusing reading. Enjoy!
It is now Saturday afternoon, and I will tell you in confidence, my dear reader, a little of my personal, private experience during the past week.
On Sunday morning last, I thought I would try for a week the experiment of living cheaply.
Sunday breakfast, hulled Southern corn, with a little milk. My breakfast cost three cents. I took exactly the same thing for dinner. Food for the day, six cents. I never take any supper.
Monday breakfast, two cents’ worth of oatmeal, in the form of porridge, with one cent’s worth of milk. For dinner, two cents’ worth of whole wheat, boiled, with one cent’s worth of milk. Food for Monday, six cents.
Tuesday breakfast, two cents’ worth of beans, with half a cent’s worth of vinegar. For dinner, one quart of rich bean porridge, worth one cent, with four slices of coarse bread, worth two cents. Food for Tuesday, five and a half cents.
Wednesday breakfast, hominy made of Southern corn (perhaps the best of all food for laboring men in hot weather), two cents’ worth, with one cent’s worth of syrup. For a dinner a splendid beef stew, the meat of which cost two cents. A little extravagant, you see. But then, you know, “a short life and a merry one.”
Perhaps you don’t believe that the meat was purchased for two cents? But it was, though. The fact is, that from an ox weighing eight hundred pounds nett you can purchase certain parts weighing about one hundred pounds, for three cents per pound. Two-thirds of a pound made more stew than I could eat. There was really enough for two of us. But then, you know how careless and reckless we Americans are in regard to our table expenses, always getting twice as much as we need.
I must not forget to say that these coarse, cheap portions of the animal are the best for a stew. The very genius of waste seems to have taken possession of me on that fatal day. I poured into my stew all at once, slap-dab, a quarter of a cent’s worth of Leicestershire sauce, and as if to show that it never rains but it pours, I closed that gluttonous scene by devouring a cent’s worth of hominy pudding. Food for Wednesday, eight and a quarter cents.
The gross excess of Wednesday led to a very moderate Thursday breakfast, which consisted of oatmeal porridge and milk, costing about two and a half cents. For dinner, cracked wheat and baked beans, two cents’ worth of each, milk, one cent’s worth. Food for Thursday cost seven and a half cents.
Friday breakfast, Southern hulled corn and milk, costing three cents. For dinner, another of those gormandic surfeits which so disgraced the history of Wednesday. Expenses for the day, eight and a quarter cents.
This morning when I went to the table I said to myself, “What’s the use of this economy?” and I made up my mind that for this day, at least, I would sink all moral restraints, and give up the reins to appetite. I have no apology or defence for what followed.
Saturday breakfast, I began with one cent’s worth of oatmeal porridge, with a teaspoonful of sugar worth a quarter of a cent. Then followed a cent’s worth of cracked wheat, with half a cent’s worth of milk. Then the breakfast closed with two cents’ worth of milk and one cent’s worth of rye and Indian bread. For dinner I ate half a small lobster, which cost three cents, with one cent’s worth of coarse bread and one cent’s worth of hominy salad, and closed with two cents’ worth of cracked wheat and milk. Cost of the day’s food, twelve and three-quarter cents.
In all of these statements only the cost of material is given.
Cost for the week, fifty-four and a quarter cents.
Of course I don’t pretend that everybody can live in this luxurious way. It isn’t everybody that can afford it. I could have lived just as well, so far as health and strength are concerned, on half the money. Besides, on three days I ate too much altogether, and suffered from thirst and dullness. But then I may plead that I work very hard, and really need a good deal more food than idlers. Not only have I written forty odd pages of this book during the week, but I have done a large amount of hard muscular labor.
By the way, I weighed myself at the beginning of the week, and found it was just two hundred and twelve pounds. Since dinner today I weighed again and found that I balanced two hundred and twelve and a half pounds, although it has been a week of warm weather, and I have had unusual demands for exertion of various kinds.
But let me feed a family of ten instead of one person, and I will give them the highest health and strength upon a diet which will cost here in Boston not more than two dollars for the ten persons for a week. Let me transfer my experiment to the Far West, where wheat, corn, oats and beef are so cheap, and the cost of feeding my family of ten would be so ridiculous that I dare not mention it lest you laugh at me.
And so far from my family group being one of ghosts or skeletons, I will engage that they shall be plumper and stronger, healthier and happier, with clearer skins, brighter eyes, sweeter breaths, whiter teeth, and, in addition, that they shall live longer than your Delmonico diners, each of whom spends enough at a single dinner to feed my family of ten for a week. And last, but not least, they shall enjoy their meals vastly more than your Delmonico diners.
When chef Maxime Bouttier was considering a location for his first Paris restaurant, which opened in April, the Canal Saint-Martin offered an enticing mix of relatively affordable rents and excellent travel connections.
“It is much less expensive than the 6th or the 8th arrondissement, where many of my diners will travel from,” he says. “But, at the same time, you feel right in the middle of things.”
What drew Bouttier has proved popular for those seeking a good-value home in a central location, where commercial rents are mirrored by lower home prices. Waterside properties abutting the 4.6km canal, which runs through the 10th and 11th arrondissements and gives the area its name, still cost significantly less than those nearby on the Seine.
Average list prices in the 10th and 11th arrondissements are €9,806 and €10,128 per sq m respectively, according to French property website Meilleurs Agents. To the south, abutting the river in the 4th, the average is €13,813; cross the Seine into the 6th and this increases to €15,540.
Cheaper prices and a central location have made the area popular with younger buyers, including those purchasing for the first time or with smaller budgets, for years. But, with mortgages typically making up a larger share of their total home price, this group has been hard hit by France’s rising mortgage rates.
In February 2022, when Giorgia Rowe, 27, started searching the area for a home to buy, her mortgage broker said she would be able to get a mortgage with an interest rate of 1.2 per cent.
By June, she had found a one-bedroom apartment in the Canal Saint-Martin for €350,000. But, before she could agree the purchase and secure the mortgage, she needed to sell her studio flat. With mortgage rates increasing, it was a race against time: by August, when she was ready to buy, her rate was 2 per cent.
“Another month of mortgage rises and I wouldn’t have been able to afford the home,” she says.
For many, mortgage rate rises have meant they can no longer afford a purchase. Since the European Central Bank started raising interest rates in July 2022, home sales have fallen up to 35 per cent, according to Yves Romestan, chief executive of YRSA Progedim, an estate agency that covers Paris. Nationwide, the average rate for a 20-year fixed mortgage is now 4.02 per cent, according to Crédit Agricole, the French bank.
“The current situation excludes many first-time buyers from the market and many smaller, cheaper properties can now only be targeted by investors,” says Thomas Lefebvre, head of research at Meilleurs Agents in Paris.
Its growing popularity among younger residents has given the Canal Saint-Martin area a distinctive bustle, and the area is dense with a range of spots to eat, drink and shop.
It’s a walkable neighbourhood and there’s no need necessarily to go beyond it for what you need, you kind of have it all here
A 10-minute walk from Rue de la Folie Méricourt, where Géosmine, Bouttier’s restaurant, is located, independent shops, bars, restaurants and delicatessens cluster along a section of the popular Rue de Lancry, between the pedestrian canal bridge of Pont Tournant de la Grange-aux-Belles and the Metro station on Place Jacques Bonsergent.
These include bistro and natural wine specialist Le Verre Volé (The Stolen Glass), Viande & Chef, a butcher that opened in 2015, and specialist chocolatier Denver Williams, whose website claims the business is “as Parisian as the Canal Saint-Martin” and exhorts visitors to watch staff shape their wares in the chocolate workshop.
Around the corner is the celebrated covered food market on Rue du Château d’Eau, established in the 19th century. For Bouttier, who frequently makes the 15-minute walk from the restaurant to source produce, it was a draw and adds to the area’s self-contained feel. “It’s a walkable neighbourhood and there’s no need necessarily to go beyond it for what you need, you kind of have it all here,” he says.
Soon after Julie Ciraolo, 33, bought a ground-floor flat nearby in 2018, for €490,000, her section of the canal was pedestrianised and she noticed foot traffic in the neighbourhood — and the number of new local businesses — increase. These days, she says, she has lost count of the number of new bars and restaurants that have opened locally.
Aside from the prices and the waterside location, another draw for her was the fact she was within walking distance of two green spaces. To the north is the nearly 25ha Parc des Buttes-Chaumont with its distinctive Temple de la Sybille, a Roman-style monument based on the ancient Vesta temple in Tivoli. The smaller Jardin Villemin to her south includes sports facilities, a bandstand and a playground. “In Paris, being this close to two green spaces is a real luxury,” she says.
Ciraolo enjoys the noise of conversation from the bar opposite her and she dismisses local grumbling that the neighbourhood has become too fashionable among the bobo class, a popular French term for affluent professionals with pretensions to bohemian values but who lead bourgeois lives.
“They shouldn’t forget the 10th is an active, thriving district. Some people tend to think they are in 16th and expect tranquillity: let them move,” she says, referring to the upmarket westerly district accommodating many of the city’s embassies and museums.
Rowe, who has visited the area since she moved to Paris from London in 2017, has noticed the change, too. “Today, sometimes as soon as I leave my building I’m hit by the crowds.”
But despite the tourists — and the white-knuckle ride of securing her mortgage — there is nowhere she would rather move, she says.
Originally from the UK, she travels back to London seven or eight times a year via the Eurostar, which departs from Gare du Nord, a 15-minute walk from her home. With the area’s good connections — Gare du Nord, Gare de L’Est and République lie on several Metro lines — it also appeals to her friends.
When we speak in May, she has recently hosted a midweek evening picnic for eight, gathering on the grass next to the canal in front of her new apartment. The group has assembled from across the city — some arriving by bike or moped, others via Metro — for an archetypal French spread: two bottles of rosé and some Kronenbourg 1664, filling baguettes with cheese and saucisson purchased from a local shop.
“It sounds like a cliché but it’s a cliché for a reason, this is one of the best picnic spots in Paris,” she says.
At a glance
In June, the average list price for an apartment in Paris was €10,081 per sq m (Meilleurs Agents).
Trains connect Gare du Nord with the business district of La Défense in 15 minutes.
Trains from London to Paris take less than 2 hours 30 minutes; flights from New York take less than eight hours.
What you can buy . . .
Apartment, 10th arrondissement, €730,000
A two-bedroom, 73 sq m apartment on the third floor of a 1914 building with a lift, to the west of Canal Saint-Martin. A short walk to Louis Blanc Metro station, the apartment has parquet flooring and a communal cellar. For sale with Engel & Völkers.
Apartment, 10th arrondissement, €910,000
A one-bedroom apartment overlooking the canal. The flat is on the second floor of a condominium with a caretaker and a lift, and comes with a parking space. It is a five-minute walk from Gare de l’Est. For sale with Barnes International Realty.
Apartment, 10th arrondissement, €1.74mn
A three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment on the cobbled Passage du Désir, a short walk to the west of the canal. The third-floor flat measures 145 sq m and features an open-plan kitchen and living area. Bedrooms overlook an internal courtyard. With Engel & Völkers.
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Don’t it always seem to go That you don’t know what you got till it’s gone? They paved paradise, put up a parking lot …
—Joni Mitchell
It seemed like old times at my favorite Hollywood restaurant the other night. The rains had stopped and everyone was coming out for their favorite California comfort food. A fire was crackling in the fireplace and dessert soufflés were puffing up in the ovens. The party room upstairs was packed with 35 colleagues at a celebratory business dinner and downstairs every table was filled. But something strange was happening.
When diners finished their meals, they took out their phones and began photographing the place. Pictures on the walls had price tags on them. So did lamps and antique tables. Every now and then people hugged each other and wiped away tears. I was one of them.
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This was the last week of life for Off Vine restaurant, a treasured refuge from the hurly burly of Sunset Boulevard, housed in a bungalow with a 115-year history, a repository of countless, colorful movieland stories.
For me, this was personal. Off Vine had become my own Cheers. Like the theme of the TV show, it was the place “Where everybody knows your name / And they’re always glad you came.”
With my friends and neighbors I found camaraderie and a warm welcome at Off Vine for over 30 years. Like so many other Angelenos, we built memories here and shared delicious meals.
“You’re crying for a restaurant?” she said.
“No,” I said. “I’m crying for all we are losing.”
We also formed a society here called the Oy Luck Club, a tongue-in-cheek title that conveyed this was a place to have a good time. We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries. Some of us brought our children as babies and they grew up with this special group of “aunts” and “uncles.” They are now adults and still came back to Off Vine as if it were a second home, a family home. It was the glue that bound us together for the rest of our lives.
How can I tell you why Off Vine matters? If you have been there for a festive brunch on the graceful patio with its bowers of bougainvillea, you may understand. If you took family there for birthday dinners or, like one of my friends, you hosted foreign dignitaries for lunch to show them another side of Hollywood, you will understand.
Recently a friend told me, “You will have to find a new place to go instead of Off Vine.”
I caught my breath, whispered, “I can’t” and began to cry.
“You’re crying for a restaurant?” she said.
“No,” I said. “I’m crying for all we are losing.”
The owners did not plan this. They hoped to stay for a long time. But this is a story of the cost of insensitive development, the devaluation of our city’s history and a place that deserves to be preserved. Otherwise, a treasured piece of Hollywood history will soon be unremembered by anyone.
Hollywood legends
My own story is linked indelibly to the history of Hollywood.
Long ago and far away in a land called New Jersey, I spent many snowy days of childhood dreaming of a magical place called Hollywood where it was always warm and movie stars were everywhere. My dreams were enhanced by movie magazines, which showed a never-ending stream of glamorous actors dining and dancing at night clubs like Ciro’s, Cafe Trocadero, Mocambo and the Earl Carroll Theatre.
Food and drink played a role in the glamour life. Stars had private booths at the likes of Chasen’s and the Brown Derby, where an artist drew caricatures of the famous that hung on the walls. Even a soda fountain, Schwab’s, was famous because legend had it that Lana Turner had been discovered there sitting on a stool sipping a milkshake.
Years later, I would move to Hollywood, but those places were mostly gone, torn down in the march toward modernization. The celebrated history of the movie capital would become confined to the footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now TCL Chinese Theatre), stars on the sidewalk and books about its fabled past. As a journalist with the Associated Press, I had the chance to interview stars at the Brown Derby with its big brown hat on the rooftop looming over Hollywood. But soon that too was gone, as was C.C. Brown’s, the birthplace of the hot fudge sundae.
So often I’d strike out when I went in search of a Hollywood landmark such as the Garden of Allah residential hotel, where stars such as Errol Flynn and famous writers including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker lived and partied in their heyday. I found it had been demolished and replaced by a bank (which was itself torn down a couple of years back for a never-built Frank Gehry project).
But all was not lost. One day in 1989 I was driving around Hollywood with my best friend and fellow reporter, Theo Wilson, when she and I discovered a remaining piece of the wonderland I‘d been searching for. It was a small, hidden oasis of a restaurant called Off Vine. Tucked away on a street just south of Sunset Boulevard and east of Vine Street, it was a delightful bungalow with a traditional porch and an outdoor patio. When we stepped inside, the warming fireplace, coffered ceilings and vintage pictures of old-time stars and movie premieres made us feel we had come home. We learned the place had a colorful Hollywood history and just recently had opened as an eating place.
We sat down for a meal of California cuisine coupled with old-fashioned comfort food that pleased our taste buds. We knew this place was a keeper.
Over the years it became our go-to destination for brunches, dinners, birthdays and pretheater meals. We brought neighbors from our Hollywood Heights enclave and founded the Oy Luck Club, a name that reflected the lighthearted intent of the members who were part of a unique community that was not the glitzy movie capital but was Hollywood, a small town with homes and shops, block parties and interesting people.
At one time there were so many of us that we brought our own huge, round tabletop that unfolded to accommodate up to 16 people, our own version of the Algonquin Round Table.
Amid this idyllic camaraderie, we never imagined that one day we would lose our treasured piece of history and community. Sadly, that time appears to be now unless some rescuer turns up at the last minute to save it.
The parcel of land on which the restaurant sits has been sold to an investor who plans to tear it down and put up a row of apartments on the whole block. Off Vine sits on what will become an underground parking garage. (Cue the Joni Mitchell song.)
For the record:
12:29 p.m. March 29, 2023The final Oy Luck Club gathering at Off Vine was on a recent Saturday, not a Sunday as originally stated.
A couple of Saturdays ago the surviving members of Oy Luck Club gathered at Off Vine to celebrate two birthdays and reminisce about our beloved clubhouse.
One of those being feted was Diva Ward, 31, who had first come to an Oy Luck at Off Vine as an infant in the arms of her mother, Carol, who flew in from Wisconsin for the event. Also celebrating was architect Michael Mekeel, a founding member of Oy Luck. The oldest member present was famed actor Alan Oppenheimer, 92.
We ordered favorites from the brunch menu: a huge Belgian waffle with berries and bacon, eggs Benedict with exquisite hollandaise sauce, omelets, a breakfast quesadilla and salads. The grand finale was, as always, the signature Off Vine soufflé available in chocolate, raspberry or Grand Marnier. It had to be ordered half an hour ahead but was worth the wait. Nowhere else have I ever tasted such a rich, puffy soufflé.
Movie-worthy history
We shared memories with co-owner Richard Falzone who has saved Off Vine repeatedly. Everyone listened as I recounted the colorful story of the little house, which itself could be the inspiration for a movie.
The classic Craftsman bungalow was built in 1908 on a dirt road surrounded by fruit trees and orange groves off a newly formed country path called Vine Street.
With the burgeoning film industry in its infancy, houses began popping up to accommodate the actors, crews and producers who came west to get in on the new art form.
The house at 6263 Leland Way off Vine Street eventually was purchased by theater and nightclub impresario Earl Carroll for the actress and showgirl Beryl Wallace.
Carroll discovered Wallace in New York and put her onstage in his famous and somewhat scandalous “Vanities,” which featured elaborate productions with beautiful, scantily clad showgirls. She was his star. The two fell in love and for the next two decades she would be his girlfriend and constant companion. When he left Broadway under a cloud due to increasingly risqué shows, he decided to go West to seek a new venue for his extravagant dreams. He brought Wallace with him to Hollywood, where she had small roles in 23 films and performed at the Earl Carroll Theatre, a supper club and entertainment venue on Sunset Boulevard. The building’s exterior bore a 24-foot neon likeness of Wallace with the slogan, “Through these portals pass the most beautiful girls in the world.”
The club, which was colossal in size and from 1997 to 2017 housed Nickelodeon’s TV production studios, is set for renovation and has been declared a historic monument. Built by Carroll in 1938, it housed a 1,000-seat showroom where productions featured 60 showgirls performing on a double revolving stage. Members of Hollywood royalty were among those who paid $1,000 each for VIP lifetime memberships.
Wallace was its premier star, and Carroll felt she needed a residence that would also serve as a retreat between shows. He purchased the charming bungalow on Leland Way that became Wallace’s home. Later her mother lived with her there while the town of Hollywood grew around them. The Pantages Theatre is a few blocks away and the Cinerama Dome is around the corner. Schwab’s was up the street at Hollywood and Vine.
But not all Hollywood stories have happy endings. Tragedy struck in 1948 when Wallace and Carroll, en route to New York to discuss an even bigger project, died together in a plane crash in Pennsylvania. A year later, her mother, suffering from depression over the loss of her daughter, committed suicide.
The little bungalow was home to Beryl’s sister for a time and then was rented to several short-term tenants, including a music production company and a shoe repair shop.
In 1989 it emerged from hiding and became the unexpected restaurant known as Off Vine, which offered an escape from the chaos and glitz that is current-day Hollywood. One historian of the area said of the spot: “It has survived through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, Hollywood’s Silent and Golden eras, numerous earthquakes, ambitious landowners and, in 2007, a disastrous fire.” But even the electrical fire that gutted the upper story and forced closure of the restaurant for two years while repairs were done could not kill Off Vine. Its savior since 1997 has been Falzone, a former Broadway theater performer who came West in search of his movieland dreams.
He found an unexpected career change when he took a temporary job as a server at Off Vine. He loved the place, worked his way up to general manager and became a part owner with two partners. Eight months later the fire sparked in antiquated wiring panels devastated the house.
But Falzone persisted. He set up an office on the front porch to handle calls from loyal customers and to deal with the city and insurance companies. Two years later, the Craftsman bungalow, looking the same as ever, reopened. It took $750,000 to save it.
The owners were required to bring the house up to code and added a sprinkler system, larger restrooms, a wheelchair ramp and a new state-of-the-art kitchen. The upper floor, used for parties, was restored with its 13-foot coffered ceiling.
“Our journey has been long and tumultuous, full of struggles and setbacks,” Falzone said at the reopening ceremony. “It also has come to exemplify the strength of a community that has continually offered guidance, encouragement and support to a small business that found itself struggling to reopen its doors during one of the worst economic crises our country has ever seen.”
Then L.A. City Council president and future mayor Eric Garcetti said, “This Hollywood gem adds to the continued revitalization of our community.” Loyal customers, including the Oy Luck Club gang, returned in droves. The rebirth of the Pantages Theatre as a venue for Broadway road shows brought audience members there for pretheater meals.
Things were going so well that Falzone decided it might be time to apply for designation as a Hollywood historic landmark. He was supported by Hollywood Heritage, a preservation group whose co-founder, architect Fran Offenhauser, has spearheaded campaigns to save historic buildings from the wrecking ball.
But the arbiters of such decisions looked at its history and ruled that because of the fire, which resulted in a few visible exterior changes, Off Vine did not qualify.
Then the pandemic hit and Falzone had to close. But again the little restaurant that could, with the help of government COVID subsidies, survived. Off Vine reopened as soon as it was safe and struggled to get enough servers. Some loyal employees returned. Amid all of that, Falzone was blindsided by the sale and was given notice that when the lease expires this April he would be required to vacate the property.
It turns out that Earl Carroll, in a seeming premonition and an act of love for his inamorata, added a codicil to his will stating that if he and Wallace should die together the property would go to her heirs. It was still owned by Wallace’s descendants 75 years later when they yielded to a multimillion-dollar offer from Invesco, a development firm that was interested not in the lovely little house but the land on which it stands.
Notice also was given to other nearby restaurants. A Chipotle has already relocated.
“This has been my life for 26 years. It’s been my heart, my soul, my baby and my family. It’s been my everything,” Falzone told me. “It’s not just a restaurant. People are coming into a family home and they are our family. It’s a home where there’s love, good food and good cheer.”
Offenhauser, who also is a founding member of the Oy Luck Club and a powerful advocate for Hollywood preservation, sees this as another nail in the coffin of Hollywood’s history.
“There is a real Hollywood and it’s getting smothered,” she told me as we commiserated about the impending loss. “It is not a sign of progress to destroy things that are meaningful. It’s important to integrate them with whatever is new that is compatible and complementary.
“It’s not rocket science to be able to save Off Vine,” she said. “If you recognize something is important you can build around it. It’s possible to build new and not destroy the old. In the alternative, the building could be moved to another lot. It’s not that complicated.”
We reflected on how many of us who are transplants to Hollywood made it our real hometown.
“For whatever reason when we came to Hollywood we bonded with it deeply,” Offenhauser said. “This bungalow reflects that. It means something much bigger than our individual personal memories. It manifests what neighbors mean; what Beryl’s life meant; how Richard knit people together with his unique grasp of food in a home; what a livable humanistic neighborhood in Hollywood — with neighbors walking by that porch — did mean and should mean.”
When I asked Falzone the other day what happened to the pictures and memorabilia of the beautiful Beryl Wallace that adorned the walls of Off Vine as long as I had been going there, he said the family came and collected everything. Sadly, there remains no evidence that the glamorous star ever lived there.
Deutsch, longtime special correspondent for the Associated Press, is known for covering the trials of O.J. Simpson, Angela Davis, Phil Spector, Patty Hearst, Charles Manson, Robert Blake, Lyle and Erik Menendez, Michael Jackson and many more. She has been a resident of Hollywood for more than 50 years, first in the Hollywood Heights and currently the Hollywood Dell.
Last month a food fight erupted when Anthony Bourdain, chef, author, and host of the Travel Channel’s “No Reservations”, was asked by TV Guide to give his opinion of a handful of celebrity chefs and cooks. Of cooking show host Paula Deen, he criticized how unhealthy her food is, saying, “If I were on at seven at night and loved by millions of people at every age, I would think twice before telling an already obese nation that it’s okay to eat food that is killing us.”
Deen responded, saying, “…not everybody can afford to pay $58 for prime rib or $650 for a bottle of wine…I cook for regular families who worry about feeding their kids and paying the bills…It wasn’t that long ago that I was struggling to feed my family, too.”
Food for the Working Class
You can click the links to read their accusations about “unholy connections with evil corporations,” food that sucks, and lack of charity, but what interested me was what was being said about the was healthy, she countered that it was for the working class. Bourdain, for his part, was accused of “culinary elitism” in the New York Times. Columnist Frank Bruni writes:
“[Deen is a champion] of downscale cooking that’s usually more affordable and easier to master” and that his own personal preferences, “…don’t entitle me, Bourdain or anyone else who trots the globe and visits ambitious restaurants — the most casual of which can cost $50 a person and entail hour-long waits — to look down on food lovers without the resources, opportunity or inclination for that.”
TV Guide knew what they’d get when they asked him to weigh in on celebrity cooks from The Food Network — that’s no surprise. What is surprising to me is the accusation of elitism and the notion that poor people can’t afford to cook healthier food.
Full disclosure: I’m a fan of Tony Bourdain. I’ve never seen Paula Deen’s show, though I’ve read some (but haven’t cooked any) of her recipes.
Of the former, I have to wonder if Deen or Bruni have ever seen Bourdain’s show. He rarely goes to fancy restaurants in “No Reservations”, preferring the following kinds of eateries:
Street vendors
Markets
Pubs
Diners
Cafes
Meals cooked by his local guide’s grandma (As an independent traveler without a personal guide, those family meals make me green with envy.)
Of the latter, I wondered if it’s really a matter of affording the ingredients. To be clear, I’m not arguing that poor people can afford organic food from Whole Foods or spend hours in the kitchen making a gourmet meal. But if you’re planning to cook one of Deen’s recipes, you have to purchase ingredients. Preparing them in an unhealthy way (fried, tons of sugar, unnecessary gobs of butter) doesn’t save money over grilling, broiling, or steaming.
Bruni also argued that “when Deen fries a chicken, many of us balk. When the Manhattan chefs David Chang or Andrew Carmellini do, we grovel for reservations and swoon over the homey exhilaration of it all.” But Bourdain’s point was that millions tune into Deen and buy her books, while most people have never heard of David Chang. She has a massive audience, and if her audience is the working poor, as she implies, who are more likely to be obese, his statement seems all the more valid.
Working With What You’ve Got
While everyone was weighing in on the Tony vs. Paula debate, Bourdain was on vacation with his family. Later he addressed the topic in a any of the world’s mother cuisines — French, Italian, or Chinese — originated with poor, hard-pressed, hard-working farmers and laborers with no time, little money, and no refrigeration.
…French cooking, we tend to forget now, was rarely (for the majority of Frenchmen) about the best or the priciest or even the freshest ingredients. It was about taking what little you had or could afford and Friese took KFC’s challenge. He went to a local supermarket and bought hormone-free chicken and the ingredients for biscuits, mashed potatoes, and gravy. His results:
The KFC meal was $10.58, which included Iowa state taxes.
He made the same meal at home for $7.94.
When he used more organic ingredients, the home-cooked meal cost $10.62.
Friese notes that while it may take more time than a fast food drive-through, J.D.’s review of Mark Bittman’s “101 minimalist meals” article.)
I want to reiterate that I’m not talking about people so poor that they can’t afford a $7.94 meal. I’m more curious about why cooking at home is given the rep of being more expensive (clearly it’s not) and why cooking healthier food is considered out-of-reach for the working poor. Obviously KFC has a good reason to mislead American families, but how can those in the culinary world argue that people without means are “consigned to overloads of animal fat” (as opposed to those who simply choose to eat it), as Bruni wrote?
What do you think? Is it a matter of time, convenience, know-how, or availability of good ingredients? I’d especially love to hear from those of you who manage to eat well on a strict budget.
“How can I travel on a budget?” is one of the top questions we receive at TPG.
There’s no question that travel is expensive right now as millions satisfy the itch to travel more. Demand has been through the roof. Inflation and correspondingly high hotel, rental car and airline ticket costs have many would-be travelers throwing up their hands in frustration.
However, there are still many ways to save. In addition to using reserves of points and miles to book hotels and airfare, TPGers have many budget travel tips to help stretch your dollars when traveling.
Here are 22 ways to travel on a budget.
Use membership codes to save on car rentals
If you’re a member of AAA or AARP, have a Costco membership, are a veteran or work for a large company with a car rental discount code, pull all of these levers. You might be eligible for discount codes you didn’t even know about. A few examples from AARP include 30% off a car rental at Budget or Avis.
Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car
Look beyond traditional car rental companies and locations
Most people search for rentals at the airport with standard companies like Hertz and Avis. If you don’t find good results, consider off-airport locations or try alternatives like Kyte, Turo and Silvercar.
Related: Delta and Turo launch partnership, allowing travelers to earn 2,000 SkyMiles on 1st rental
Check credit card merchant offers
Before booking your trip, review your credit cards’ special merchant offers. Multiple issuers offer this option (although American Express is a leader in the category).
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Every program works similarly: Log in to your card account online or through your banking app, review the offers available to you, add the ones you want and make a qualifying purchase using the card for which the offer is registered.
There are no promo codes to enter at online checkout or coupons to print to take to the register. There are likely offers you can activate that will provide discounts on dining, gas and entertainment.
Related: How credit card merchant offers can save you hundreds of dollars every year
Take advantage of free days at national parks
Every year the U.S. National Park Service sets aside several days when entry is completely free; options include Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, the first day of National Park Week in April, National Public Lands Day in September and Veterans Day in November.
Visiting a national park on one of the NPS’ free-entry days can save you up to $35 per vehicle at some of the most popular national parks, such as Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon.
Stay outside the national parks
You might dream of a night in a rustic cabin inside a national park, but getting that reservation could be challenging or costly — especially if you can’t pay for it with points.
However, just beyond the park, there’s probably a hotel you can book with points. For example, you could stay at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone with IHG One Rewards points; the SpringHill Suites just outside of Zion National Park is a great property if you have Marriott Bonvoy points to spend.
Related: The best campgrounds, hotels and lodges near Yellowstone National Park
Download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app
If you’re a T-Mobile user, you’re in luck: This app is a major perk that will put money in your pocket just for checking your phone on Tuesdays.
To participate, download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app, check the app on Tuesday and claim your discount code. We’ve seen weekly discounts on everything from rental cars to gas, hotels and theme park tickets.
Get discounted gas at Shell through the Fuel Rewards app
At TPG, we love to stack savings. The Shell Fuel Rewards app is a good one to pile on the discounts.
You can link it to other loyalty programs — including American Airlines AAdvantage, Giant Food, Stop & Shop, Advance Auto and more — to receive extra discounts. Also, if you purchase through Fuel Rewards, link to partner retailers such as Petco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Office Depot/OfficeMax and many others to save even more.
Don’t forget to use a credit card that gives bonus points or discounts at gas stations for even more savings. TPG likes the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees), which awards 3 ThankYou points per dollar at gas stations, and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which also gives 3% back at U.S. gas stations.
Related: These are the best credit cards for gas purchases
Save on theater tickets in New York and London
Check TodayTix for cheap Broadway and West End tickets if traveling to New York City or London.
The TodayTix app has discounted tickets to various shows available. Prices vary, but most of the top shows currently playing are available on the site and the app.
While not all shows are hugely discounted, TodayTix often runs no-fee promotions. Keep in mind that for some shows, you won’t be able to choose your precise ticket location. Instead, you will pick a section you’d like to sit in.
Related: On with the show! How to get a great deal on Broadway tickets
Save on entrance fees with Bank of America
Bank of America cardholders can enjoy free general admission to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of U.S. cities on the first weekend of every month just by showing their cards. It’s through the Museums on Us program that’s been going on for 25 years. It’s open to Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit card holders.
Related: 5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card
Use your library card for museum entry
Another way to get free museum admission is with a library “lending ticket” — a program where libraries will lend museum passes for a set amount of time.
Also, check if your local museum’s membership comes with ROAM (a reciprocity program across North America). It’s an easy way to get maximum value from a regional (and usually less expensive) membership.
Take a free walking tour
Sign up for a free walking tour on your first day in a new city. It’s an inexpensive way to learn about the city and orient yourself.
Look online for options before traveling and sign up in advance if necessary. Then, all you need to do is show up with comfortable shoes and enjoy your free tour.
Although tipping is suggested, you’ll spend much less, even after generously tipping your guide, than you would with a standard tour option. You will likely also meet other like-minded travelers, which can be welcome if you’re traveling alone or looking to make new friends.
If you’re interested in seeing what’s available on your next trip, Google the city you’ll visit and the phrase “free walking tour” to see what comes up.
Dine on the cheap with Seated
Here’s a fun one: The Seated app allows you to dine out and get paid for it.
The app rewards diners who sign up and eat at designated restaurants with cash they can redeem through gift cards. All you have to do is let the app know you’ll be dining at a location before you take a seat. You can also get gift cards for Uber, Amazon and Starbucks.
Fly on weekdays
Flexibility on which days you fly is one of the keys to getting the best airfare prices. Leisure travelers most commonly book weekend flights, while many business travelers fly on Monday. So, the midweek days — Tuesday and Wednesday — have lower demand and are often the best days to travel for lower prices.
Related: When is the best time to book airfare?
Book vacation packages
Airlines that bundle airfare and hotels as vacation packages can offer better deals thanks to their vast buying power and inventory. These bundles can offer savings of up to 40% off. Savings on business-class plane tickets and high-end hotels can offer some of the best deals.
Also, purchasing directly from the airline gives you a one-stop shopping experience. You can even add a car and activities to your trip at the same time. Plus, you’ll often be able to take advantage of special sales and bonus points and miles offers.
Related: Everything you need to know about saving money with vacation packages
Use a price monitoring tool
Airline fare monitoring sites such as Hopper and Google Flights ensure you get notifications when your trip’s best and lowest prices become available. Set up as many combinations as you’re considering, including different departure and return dates, so that you can get alerts for all possible fare reductions.
Be flexible on destination
If you’re not locked into a fall or winter vacation location (like you would be for a destination wedding or family reunion that you can’t change), try an alternative to find better prices. For example, consider subbing Quebec City in for Paris if you want Old World charm. For scuba diving enthusiasts, skip the expensive long-haul flight to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef and instead head to the second-largest barrier reef in the world in easy-to-access Belize.
Related: 5 key tools and tips for cheap airfare
Hold your deal
If you see a great deal but are not yet ready to book, hold it. For example, Hopper’s Price Freeze allows you to lock in the price of a flight for up to seven days to take more time to finalize plans before you book. Some airlines will also let you hold flights for a small fee. (Remember that all U.S. airlines, by law, allow you to hold and cancel a flight booking within 24 hours without penalty as long as you book more than seven days in advance.)
Re-price your flights and hotels
As long as you’ve booked a hotel, car or flight that can be canceled without penalty, you should make it part of your weekly routine to check for price drops. If you find a lower price, rebook. You can use these same rebooking strategies with points to make dynamic pricing work in your favor for hotel stays so you can save on award nights.
Related: How I saved 33,500 points on upcoming hotel stays
Consider alternative airports
With prices high, now is the time to be flexible and check all nearby airports. For example, Houston and Chicago have two airports, while the New York City area has three, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. In Southern Florida, you could easily fly to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. It works internationally too: Try Gatwick Airport (LGW) instead of Heathrow Airport (LHR) when flying to London.
It may even make sense to get to one city by flying to another city and then taking a short train ride for the rest of the journey. For instance, you could fly into Philadelphia and catch a train to New York. Strategies like this can help you get to your destination on a flight with better pricing or award availability.
Use positioning flights
Positioning flights are unrealistic for every situation or trip, but they can often offer better award availability or pricing than those from your home airport. Can you reach your destination for a lot less by starting in Seattle or Chicago? Would adding another flight to a different airport save you money or miles? Just ensure you leave enough time between flights to avoid unnecessary travel headaches.
Related: Use positioning flights to get amazing deals
Use points and miles when appropriate
Since you are reading TPG, you may also want to earn points or miles through your everyday spending that you can use to pay for part of your trip. Some credit cards — like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card — can help you earn airline miles or hotel points that you can redeem directly with the airline or hotel. Cards such as the American Express® Gold Card earn transferable points you can redeem for travel or transfer to various travel partners.
If you have a stash of points and cash fares are high, it makes a lot of sense to use those points instead. For example, I recently priced a trip to San Francisco and found a flight over the Fourth of July weekend; it should normally cost about $400, but for this particular weekend, it was going to cost me at least $621. I used 46,000 Delta SkyMiles instead. While it wasn’t the best redemption in the world, it was better than shelling out all that cash. Most of those SkyMiles came from credit card spending on my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
Related: Why I’m keeping my Delta Reserve card even when I’m flying less
There are many strategies for getting the most out of your credit card. You’ll generally get the most value when redeeming for premium-cabin flights or luxury hotel stays. However, you may prefer to book economy award flights or lower-category hotel stays using your points to stretch your points further.
Join AARP
You can join AARP for discounts even if you are not retired. The advocacy group for older adults offers all kinds of cool discounts, including $60 to $200 off British Airways flights and 10% off Hilton hotels.
Related: How to use AARP discounts on travel
Bottom line
Spending a small amount of time researching the best ways to travel on a budget could easily make a dream trip, like a Paris vacation, more attainable.
It’s possible to take an excellent vacation on a budget. You just need to put in the time to plan your trip, budget your expenses, download a virtual wallet of money-saving apps and consider using points and miles to decrease your out-of-pocket costs.
Some of our top budget travel tips include shopping around, signing up for deal alerts through websites like TPG and using points and miles. Opening a credit card or two for the sign-up bonus once or twice every few years could make your trips even cheaper. Don’t forget to sign up for our daily newsletter, where we teach you how to travel better for less. At TPG, we make traveling on a budget easy.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Ordering from the menu while dining out may not get you the best deal–or even the tastiest meal.
It’s not unusual for restaurants to have hidden menus (some of which, like In-N-Out Burger’s, are not really that secret) and special deals only accessible to those diners who are in the know.
You might even get early access to a popular item—last fall, Starbucks customers who told their barista “PSL 10” could get a pumpkin spice latte a week before the drink’s official addition to menus.
Ferreting out secrets is pretty easy.
Look for the code words on brands’ web sites, Facebook pages and Twitter feeds, and on message boards catering to foodies and deal hunters like Chowhound.com and HacktheMenu.com.
And when in doubt, ask your server if there’s anything they recommend that isn’t necessarily on the menu.
Don’t forget to pay attention to your local restaurants, too—they also have secrets.
At FIGat7th in Los Angeles, there’s “3 Little Piggies,” what a spokeswoman describes as “Kurobuta pork belly, slow-braised carnitas, and prime applewood smoked bacon with chili aioli, jalapeno relish, avocado puree, provolone, pickled red onions and shredded romaine, on panini grilled ciabatta.”
Time Out New York has tracked secret menu items at local outposts such as Momofuku Milk Bar (a milkshake with mint, cookies and espresso).
In-N-Out
The secret is definitely out when a brand posts its secret menu to its own web site. But that’s just the burgers.
Frugal Foodie is partial to the Neapolitan shake (a mix of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate) and well-done fries (extra crispy).
Starbucks
There’s an entire site—StarbucksSecretMenu.net—devoted to off-the-menu Starbucks drinks.
For example, a Chocolate Covered Raspberry Frappuccino, which adds raspberry syrup, mocha drizzle and java chips to a vanilla bean Frappuccino.
Jamba Juice
Some of the most notable secret combos taste like candy.
Among those Ranker.com lists include Pink Starburst (lemonade, soymilk, raspberry sherbet, frozen yogurt, sorbet and strawberries) and Sourpatch Kid (lemonade, blueberries, lime sherbet, pineapple sherbet, raspberry sherbet and orange sherbet).
Sonic
This chain already brags that its drinks menu allows for a whopping 1,063,953 combos, and menu listings do include a number of the ones you’re less likely to pair (like Purple Sprite, which mixes in cranberry juice, Powerade and a few other ingredients).
A secret food to try: the Frito Pie, which is Fritos topped with chili and nacho cheese.
Panera Bread
Another chain where the secret items are more advertised, Panera has sent out press releases about new additions.
One to try: the Power Chicken Hummus Bowl, a salad with chicken, hummus and a variety of veggies.
McDonalds
SecretMenuholic.com has a good rundown of the stealthy menu items, which include a McFlurry with an apple pie mix-in, and the Mc10:35, a breakfast-lunch crossover of a McMuffin and a McDouble.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
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Welcome to the charming city of Lexington, Kentucky, where bluegrass landscapes, rich history, and equestrian traditions create an enchanting tapestry. Nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Lexington is a city that beautifully blends small-town warmth with urban sophistication. In this Redfin article, we invite you to test your knowledge and explore 9 fun facts about Lexington. Whether you own a house in Lexington, are considering renting an apartment in the city, or are simply curious about its unique character, you’re in for a treat. So, saddle up and join us on a journey through Lexington to discover the hidden treasures that make this city truly special.
1. Lexington, KY, is the Horse Capital of the World
When it comes to equestrian culture and thoroughbred racing, Lexington takes the cake. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, this charming city in the heart of Kentucky boasts a rich equine heritage that stretches back centuries. Lexington’s rolling bluegrass pastures and fertile soil provide the ideal conditions for breeding and training world-class horses. The city is home to renowned horse farms, including the historic Calumet Farm, where legendary racehorses like Citation and Secretariat were bred. Visitors to Lexington can experience the thrill of horse racing at the famous Keeneland Race Course or explore the Kentucky Horse Park, a sprawling showcase of the state’s equine legacy.
2. Lexington played a significant role in the creation of bourbon
If you’re a fan of the classic American spirit, Lexington’s Distillery District is a must-visit destination. This vibrant neighborhood was once home to multiple bourbon distilleries that played a pivotal role in shaping Kentucky’s bourbon industry. Today, the Distillery District has been revitalized into a hub of art, culture, and, of course, bourbon. As you wander through the district’s charming streets, you’ll find craft breweries, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and even a bourbon distillery. Sample some of Kentucky’s finest bourbons, attend a whiskey tasting, or simply soak up the historic atmosphere that pays homage to the city’s spirited past.
3. Lexington is home to the University of Kentucky, a basketball powerhouse.
When it comes to college basketball, few teams capture the hearts of fans like the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Lexington takes immense pride in its beloved Wildcats, who have a storied history of success on the court. The university’s basketball program boasts multiple national championships and a legion of dedicated fans. On game days, the city comes alive as Wildcats supporters clad in blue and white fill the streets, ready to cheer their team to victory. The passion for basketball runs deep in Lexington, and attending a game at the legendary Rupp Arena is an experience that immerses you in the electric energy of the sport.
4. Lexington’s vibrant culinary scene will tantalize your taste buds
Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure in Lexington, where an exciting array of culinary delights awaits. The city’s burgeoning food scene features a mix of Southern comfort classics, farm-to-table fare, and innovative culinary creations. From down-home barbecue joints and cozy diners to upscale restaurants helmed by acclaimed chefs, Lexington offers a diverse range of dining experiences to suit every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor some authentic Kentucky cuisine, such as a plate of hot and crispy fried chicken served with a side of creamy grits.
5. Lexington is known as the “Athens of the West”
With its prestigious educational institutions, Lexington has earned the nickname “Athens of the West.” The city is home to the University of Kentucky, which has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and is recognized as a leading research institution. Additionally, Lexington boasts other esteemed colleges and universities, including Transylvania University, which is one of the oldest universities in the United States. The city’s commitment to education and intellectual growth has shaped its vibrant intellectual and cultural atmosphere, making it a hub for learning and innovation.
6. Lexington has a thriving craft beer scene
If you’re a beer lover, you’re in for a treat in Lexington. The city’s craft beer scene has been flourishing in recent years, with a variety of local breweries and brewpubs offering an impressive selection of unique and flavorful beers. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing sours, there’s something to satisfy every beer lover’s palate.
7. Lexington is home to the iconic Mary Todd Lincoln House
History buffs will be intrigued to know that Lexington is the birthplace of Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. The Mary Todd Lincoln House, located in downtown Lexington, is a beautifully restored historic home that provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of this influential First Lady. Step back in time as you tour the rooms filled with period furnishings and learn about the intriguing stories and significant events associated with Mary Todd Lincoln and her family.
8. Lexington’s Arboretum is a stunning oasis of natural beauty
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find serenity in the natural beauty of the Arboretum, located on the grounds of the University of Kentucky. Spanning over 100 acres, this botanical garden offers a tranquil retreat where visitors can wander through stunning displays of flowers, trees, and landscaped gardens. The Arboretum features themed gardens, including a fragrance garden, a vegetable garden, and a children’s garden, making it a delightful place for nature lovers of all ages to explore and appreciate.
9. Lexington hosts the renowned Festival of the Bluegrass
Every summer, bluegrass music enthusiasts flock to Lexington to attend the Festival of the Bluegrass, one of the oldest and most prestigious bluegrass music festivals in the country. Held at the Kentucky Horse Park, this multi-day event features performances by some of the biggest names in bluegrass music, as well as up-and-coming artists. The festival creates a vibrant atmosphere of toe-tapping tunes, jam sessions, and a celebration of this distinctly American musical genre.
Lexington, Kentucky, reveals itself as a city of endless wonders and captivating treasures. From its esteemed title as the Horse Capital of the World to being the birthplace of bourbon, each fun fact we’ve explored unveils a unique facet of this remarkable city.
When it comes to college towns in New Jersey, the Garden State boasts a bountiful harvest.
From the ivy-covered halls of Princeton University to the bustling city streets of Newark, each of the college towns featured below provides a unique blend of culture, history and educational excellence. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best college towns in New Jersey and the attributes that set them apart from the rest. Pick your favorite spot and find your new apartment community in a New Jersey college town.
You can’t have a conversation about college towns in New Jersey without talking about Princeton. This picturesque town, home to the prestigious Princeton University, is the epitome of collegiate charm. Nestled in the heart of New Jersey, this historic town is steeped in tradition and teeming with intellectual energy.
From the moment you set foot in Princeton, you’ll be surrounded by a palpable sense of history and knowledge. The storied campus of Princeton University, with its Gothic architecture and sprawling greens, is a sight to behold in and of itself. However, the town has much more to offer than just its prestigious school. Princeton’s bustling downtown is lined with quaint shops, cozy cafes and a variety of eateries, perfect for students and longtime locals alike.
For those interested in the arts, Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center and the Princeton University Art Museum are must-visits. Overall, Princeton is a charming and inspiring college town that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for higher education and American history.
Home to Rutgers University, Piscataway is another one of the many vibrant college towns in New Jersey. This town is brimming with energy and enthusiasm, thanks to its diverse population and the university’s dedication to research and innovation.
Located near the Raritan River, Piscataway offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Students can unwind by taking a walk along the scenic riverfront, or visit one of the town’s many parks for a day of picnicking and relaxation. The Rutgers Gardens, a sprawling 180-acre botanical garden, is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of campus life and soak up some natural beauty.
Foodies will appreciate the diverse dining options in Piscataway, ranging from mouthwatering international cuisine to comfort food at local diners. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with the Zimmerli Art Museum and the Rutgers Geology Museum offering unique and engaging exhibits. Overall, Piscataway provides a dynamic and enriching environment for students and visitors alike.
Newark is home to several colleges and universities, including Rutgers University-Newark, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Seton Hall University. With such an eclectic mix of educational institutions, it’s no surprise that this bustling metropolis is a hub of intellectual activity.
In Newark, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene, anchored by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Museum of Art. The city also boasts an impressive selection of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries, where you can savor the flavors of cuisines from around the world. Don’t forget to stop by the historic Ironbound District, known for its rich Portuguese and Brazilian heritage, and sample some of the delicious fare at the area’s many restaurants and cafes.
Newark is not just a center for the arts and gastronomy; it’s also a great place for sports enthusiasts. The Prudential Center, home to the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and various concerts and events, is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. For those who prefer the outdoors, the beautiful Branch Brook Park offers a stunning display of cherry blossoms in the spring, as well as plenty of space for jogging, biking and so much more.
Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, Camden is home to Rutgers University-Camden and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Despite its reputation as a city facing various challenges, Camden is a college town on the rise with a rich history and a promising future.
One of the city’s most significant attractions is the Adventure Aquarium, where visitors can get up close and personal with aquatic life. The nearby Camden Waterfront, with its stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline, offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. Another notable destination is the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, a fascinating exhibit that pays homage to the state’s proud naval history.
Camden is also home to a burgeoning arts scene, as shown by the city’s many colorful murals and the thriving Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts. With its combination of history, culture and scenic beauty, Camden is an underrated and unconventional college town in New Jersey.
Madison is a picturesque town that houses Drew University and the College of Saint Elizabeth. This charming, tree-lined town is known for its historic architecture, quaint downtown and strong sense of community.
Downtown Madison is filled with unique shops, cafes and restaurants, providing a welcoming atmosphere for students and locals alike. The town’s commitment to the arts is evident in the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, located on the Drew University campus, which offers engaging productions for theater lovers of all ages.
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the nearby Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge or the close proximity to picnicking in one of the town’s many parks. With its rich history, vibrant arts scene and beautiful surroundings, Madison is a hidden gem among college towns in New Jersey.
Located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Hoboken is home to Stevens Institute of Technology, a prestigious engineering school. This lively city offers a unique blend of urban excitement and small-town charm, making it one of the most distinctive college towns in New Jersey.
Hoboken’s waterfront boasts stunning views of the New York City skyline, as well as numerous parks that pepper the waterfront area. The city’s vibrant downtown is packed with trendy boutiques, delectable restaurants and lively bars, making it a popular destination for students and young professionals.
As the birthplace of Frank Sinatra, Hoboken has a strong musical heritage that is still evident today. The city hosts various live music events throughout the year, and local bars and clubs often feature up-and-coming musicians. With its close proximity to New York City and its own unique charm, Hoboken is an undeniably exciting and dynamic college town.
Nestled at the foot of the Watchung Mountains, Montclair is home to Montclair State University, one of New Jersey’s largest public universities. This picturesque town is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options and beautiful natural surroundings.
Art lovers will appreciate the Montclair Art Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of American and Native American art. The town is also home to numerous art galleries and performance spaces, including the Wellmont Theater and the Studio Playhouse, which host a variety of concerts, plays and other live events.
Montclair’s downtown is filled with eclectic shops, cafes and restaurants, offering a taste of cuisines from around the globe. For the outdoorsy types, the town’s many parks and nature reserves provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking and taking in the stunning vistas in peace.
There’s a new apartment in a New Jersey college town just for you
From the charming streets of Princeton to the lively waterfront of Hoboken, the best college towns in New Jersey perfectly cater to students, residents and visitors alike. Each of the towns mentioned above boasts its own unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty, making them perfect destinations for those seeking both intellectual stimulation and a taste of the quintessential college-town atmosphere.
Whether you’re a prospective student, a curious visitor or a lifelong resident, we encourage you to explore these enchanting college towns in New Jersey and discover the boundless opportunities for growth, inspiration and fun that they each have to offer.