Celebrate Valentine's Day at The Sugar Factory Times Square

This was my first time having dinner at Sugar Factory Times Square and it did not disappoint! Located at 694 8th Avenue, Sugar Factory just launched their Valentine's Day menu, filled with creative signature cocktails and seasonal delights. Whether you are planning a Galentine's Day get together or a dinner date, you'll enjoy the Valentine's decor and ambiance for a fun night out. 

Since I love bubbly drinks, Love Bubbles was the perfect cocktail for me - a mix of Tasha Rose and coconut rum, with vibrant notes of fresh strawberries and pina colada, topped with a pink cotton candy cloud. In addition to cocktails, Sugar Factory has decadent shakes and hot chocolate to share. 

The menu has a great combination of sweet and savory dishes, and the generous portions make them easily shareable. The presentation of the food is so cute, instagrammable and on point for Valentine's Day, with food appearing in pink or red. I loved the Romantic Waffle, with red velvet Belgian Waffle baked with white chocolate chips, topped with strawberry ice cream, with pieces of red velvet cake, drizzled with cream cheese glazed.

If you love sweet dishes, then I'd recommend the Hot Honey and Pepperoni Flatbread with mozzarella and fresh basil. If you have a craving for fried food, then I recommend getting the Be Mine Valentine's Sampler, with cajun dusted tenders, mozarella sticks, sweetheart mac pops, and onion rings. The mozarella sticks and the onion rings were my favorite from the sampler platter.  

I'm a dessert lover, so I couldn't leave without getting the Heart Tower of Sweets, including dark chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, brownie bites, chocolate covered pretzel sticks and chocolate candies. 

If you've never eaten at Sugar Factory, this is the best time to go and experience this special menu, available through Valentine's Day.

 - Kim Weling

Fogo de Chão Now Open at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ

Have you ever dined at Fogo de Chão (pronounced fo-go dée shown)? Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian steakhouse where gauchos (trained chefs in the art of churrasco) provide an amazing dining experience, carving up signature cuts of fire roasted meat. 

I was so excited Fogo de Chão opened up a new restaurant location at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ. This is the second Fogo location in NJ. The first NJ location opened up earlier this year at Garden State Plaza in Paramus. 

Be sure to arrive hungry and pace yourself! I started off with the chilled lobster and shrimp seafood appetizer, and then made my way to the Market Table, which has an extensive selection of salads, vegetables and charcuterie. There are also tasty side dishes such as Feijoada - black bean stew with sausage served over rice, and Warm Pão de Queijo - cheese bread. 

Fogo de Chão also has great cocktails! My favorite is the Strawberry Hibiscus Caipirinha, which is one of the $10 all day happy hour South American Cocktails.

Then it was time to flip over my two-sided card to green to enjoy unlimited meat. When I needed a break, I just flipped my card over to red. I was so excited to try everything, including picanha (signature sirloin), ribeye, fraldinha (bottom sirloin), cordeiro (lamb) and more! 

You do not want to miss the dessert so make sure you save some room for it! It's hard to choose just one but they are also great for sharing and you can always have it boxed up to take with you. I recommend the Chocolate Brigadeiro or Tres Leches Cake. If you love cheesecake, try the Açai Cheesecake!

Fogo de Chão is a great place to go for holidays, special occasions or celebrations, for a date night or for a gathering with family and friends. I took my brother with me to celebrate his birthday and we both really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Thank you Fogo de Chão for having us for this VIP experience. I grew up in this area so I'm happy this opened up here! The gauchos and staff were very hospitable and attentive! They were also happy to answer any questions. I can't wait to go back! 

Check out my highlight reel of my dining experience.

- Kim Weling

Favorite Places to Eat in Denver

So far I've only explored Denver a few times, but I've already got some favorite hotspots for eating and going out. Can't wait to add more to my list!

Tupelo Honey Cafe

1650 Wewatta St, Denver, Colorado

This is the first brunch spot in Denver Dan and I stumbled upon, right when we got to Union Station and it immediately became one of our favorites. Coming from NJ, I rarely get to enjoy hearty, southern meals. I went for the Famous Fried Green Tomatoes, which I had eaten for the first time ever and I was blown away. They were made with panko-crusted fried green tomatoes, basil, roasted red pepper sauce, over heirloom grits and goat cheese. There are so many other dishes I am tempted to try on my next visit such as their fried chicken, greens and bowls, or shrimp & grits.

Denver Milk Market

1800 Wazee St, Suite 100, Denver Colorado

Now if you are undecided on where you want to eat, you are bound to find something you like at Denver Milk Market, from ice cream and cupcakes to tacos and burgers. The alley is a great spot for cocktails and food outdoors. Since there are so many options, I recommend you show up hungry and eat your way through here!

Corridor 44

1433 Larimer St, Denver, Colorado

I love bubbly so I was ecstatic to find a champagne bar right in Larimer Square. We didn't have a reservation, but my boyfriend Dan and I were lucky enough to walk in, and have a table within the next hour. I expected the champagne cocktails to be NYC pricing, at least at $20-$25 and was shocked when I found out drinks were $10 each! Some of the drinks include a Strawberry Sunrise (strawberry purée, sugar, orange juice and champagne, and the Kir Royale (Crème de cassis, lemon twist, and currants). They also have amazing desserts such as the espresso crème brûlée. Next time I'm there I definitely need to make it for happy hour, when drinks are only $6 each from 3-6pm Monday - Friday. The atmosphere is dim and romantic, making it the perfect date night spot. 

- Kim Weling

Celebrate 4th of July with Smirnoff Red, White & Berry

How quickly time flies by! I can't believe it's already July 4th! Smirnoff Red White & Berry is the perfect way to celebrate 4th of July festivities! 

Right before Memorial Day I went on a boat cruise hosted by Smirnoff and "The Bachelor" star Nick Viall to kickoff the summer and celebrate the patriotic flavors of summertime variants - Cherry, Blue Raspberry & Citrus. I wanted to share these Smirnoff specialty cocktails featuring Red, White & Berry.

'Merica Mule

2 oz Smirnoff Red, White & Berry, 3 oz Ginger Beer, 0.5 oz Lemon Juice, Garnish with a Lemon

Sippin' On Summer

Smirnoff Red, White & Berry, Lemonade, Basil Syrup

Berry American

Smirnoff Red, White & Berry, Club Soda, Garnished with Berries

- Kim Weling