Travel for work has its highs and lows. Having airfare and hotel covered when you visit new places- definite high. Fighting jet lag and sitting through long meetings in conference rooms when you’d rather be lounging at the beach, getting spa treatments or on a food tour- definite low.  Speaking of food (as I love to do), finding hidden gems and perfect bites has been a bonus on many work trips. .  I’ve decided to call this random collection of restaurants I’ve built over the past few years the Perfect Bite Scavenger Hunt. If you find yourself in any of these places, I’d definitely recommend checking them out.  A word of warning: you may be haunted by and crave these bites long after you’ve returned home. Go anyway and savor the perfect bites you find in unexpected places.    Bon Appétit!

Coronado, California 

Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Crab and Lobster Cobb Salad

I’ve been to Brigantine twice, once on a girls trip to San Diego and again when I was there for work.  I love their cobb salad with shrimp added, it’s the truth.

Los Angeles, California

Fabiolus Cucina, pizza and wine on the outdoor patio is a great way to enjoy an evening in LA.  

Salt Lake City, Utah

Bruges Waffles & Frites, You need the Ricky burger with frites and house-made garlic aioli in your life.  The apple pie waffle is a piece of heaven.  I was only in Salt Lake for two days, I went to Bruges twice… please, no judgement.

Austin, Texas

1886 Cafe and Bakery at The Driskill Hotel.  Enjoy dining in their ornate tea room.  If you have a sweet tooth, check out the bakery while you’re there.

Kansas City, Kansas

Joe’s Kansas City BBQ.  I was in Kansas City for a work training and our instructor persuaded our bus driver to take us to Joe’s.  It was some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had and yes, it was at the gas station.  I stay fancy.

Canton, Michigan

Levant Kitchen, Chicken Shawarma. 

Remember when I said you might be haunted after you discover some of these perfect bites?  This one haunts my life.  I would go to Canton again just to go back to this hidden treasure in the most random strip mall.  Everything about it was perfect, from the chicken shawarma to the hand cut fries and amazing sauces.  I would put the whipped garlic on everything if I could get my hands on it again.  If you’re ever in Detroit, it’s worth the 20 minute drive to go to Levant Kitchen.  Bring me back a plate.

Detroit, Michigan

Wright & Company, my friend Lauren suggested this one, since she’s from Michigan.  It was my favorite spot from my trip to Detroit.  Stop by for happy hour and try the Fresh Potato Chips.  

Washington, D.C.

Stan’s, Have some chicken wings and a strong drink at what looks and feels like the Black Cheers.  Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name… and the chicken wings are bomb.

 So this list will continue to grow, I’m sure.  As I continue to travel for work, I’ll keep my eyes open and taste buds ready to find the next perfect bite.  In the meantime, check out these perfect bites across the US when you’re in town for work or fun.  You won’t regret it!

Winter Break

For those of us who are out of school and don’t really get a winter break anymore (deep sigh), we have to create our own holiday break.  As 2018 comes to a close, I’m going to take the next couple of weeks to celebrate the holidays and finally get through some of my TravelCon lessons from my trip to Austin in September.  

Where did the time go??

I’m excited about the first year of Brown Lady Travels.   I’ve learned a lot about blogging, (much of it through trial and error) and still have a long way to go.   I managed to stick to my weekly posts every Monday this year, even on weeks (like this one) where things have been a bit hectic.  I’ve written posts in cars, on planes, poolside in Costa Rica- wherever I happen to be on any given Sunday… or Monday if I’m cutting it close.   Thanks for spending a few minutes with me each week this year; I look forward to what 2019 will bring for Brown Lady Travels.  I hope you all have a blessed and beautiful holiday season.  I’ll see you in the New Year!