Olga's Cup & Saucer

Tucked away on Point Street is a little place called Olga's Cup and Saucer. Resembling a secret garden right in the middle of Providence with flowers and trees growing and outdoor tables strewn about, this artisan bakery/ brunch spot is nothing short of amazing. Inside, you see the bakery station chock full of a variety of different breads and pastry's. When you step to your left you see the hosts stand, and a dining area for brunch and lunch. Brunch is served from 9 am until 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays and serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 am until 3 pm. The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7 am until 4 pm if you are in the mood for a sweet treat. 

Their brunch menu includes items such as sourdough waffles, huevos rancheros, polenta and eggs, and omelets with a variety of ingredients to choose from such as portabella mushrooms or proscuitto. 

Two poached eggs on grilled scallion cheddar scones, served with applewood
smoked bacon, home fries which includes both roasted potatoes and sweet
potatoes, and a roasted tomato. 

I feel like I have become somewhat of a breakfast connoisseur. What was once my least favorite meal of the day is slowly becoming my absolute favorite. There is nothing like starting off your day with good company, a nice cup of coffee, and some amazing food. 

Julians

I can not believe it has taken me this long to write about the greatest breakfast establishment I have ever come across in my entire life. Located right at the beginning of Broadway sits the mother of all restaurants. If someone was to create a restaurant just for me, this would be it. Rock n roll pumping through the speakers, a friendly staff, laid back vibe, and a ridiculous menu are all the things that make Julians what it is. And with omelets called "The Sith Lord" and "Jedi Mind Trick" how can you go wrong. The inventiveness of the chefs is evident in their specials menu, which changes daily. Everything is made fresh including their house made ice cream. Paintings line the walls, all of which you can purchase.

They don't only do breakfast however. Their lunch and dinner menu, which includes items such as monkfish po' boy's with smoked onion rings are on point. The beer selection is also amazing including a ton of locally brewed ipa's. And do not forget about their desert menu. The items change, so be sure to try them before their gone. 

Desperado Eggs Benedict with avocado and salsa with a chicken,
basil, ricotta, and squash hash

The special; Korean Short Rib Eggs Benedict with a scallion hollandaise
sauce with a mushroom and boursin hash

Desperado Eggs Benedict with bacon and a mushroom and
boursin hash

Peanut Butter Creme Brule with chocolate smoked bacon and
house made marshmallows 

Julians Food Truck 

Pulled Pork with a apple slaw and chipotle aioli from the
food truck 

So I am going to tell you the same thing that I tell guests at the hotel when they come up to me asking for an amazing place to get some breakfast, lunch, or dinner that is out of the ordinary and has genuinely amazing food.. Hit up Julians, you will not be disappointed. 

Better Then Ever

Hey blogging people! I started this blog Simply Casey in the spring of 2011. I had just turned twenty years old, had moved to Orlando Florida about to begin my internship at Walt Disney World Resort. I was young, in love, and carefree. Fast forward two years later. I am now twenty two years old, finished with college classes, working at an amazing hotel. Two years ago when I pictured my life, I saw something completely different. I had no idea what direction I wanted my career or my life to go in. A lot has happened in the last two years. There has been heartbreak, confusion, and sadness. But there have also been moments of pure happiness and clarity. Now when I look at my life I see the great friendships I have made, and the successes I have achieved. Of course this has not happened without some bumps in the road, but even the people who treat you badly are there for a reason. Everything that happens is a lesson, and while it may hurt for a while it won't last forever. 

So here I am, twenty two and finally finding my place in life. Surrounding myself with great people, and opening myself up to new opportunities and experiences. Because after all, that is what life is all about. 

Sit Back, And Relax

Hey everyone, are you still out there? I know i have not posted to my blog in what feels like a lifetime, but I needed time to sort some stuff out because as i am sure everyone is already aware, life is crazy sometimes. It throws you curveballs, and sometimes it takes you a while to get back on your feet. Change is inevitable and it is how you deal with that change that dictates your attitude on life. Sometimes you want to cry, sometimes you want to scream, and sometimes you just have to breath. Just breath and realize that everything is going to be okay.

Now don't think I am crazy here, but one thing that has really helped me to relax is meditation.
Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind and/or induces a mode of consciousness.

There are a million guided meditation videos on youtube and in the comments everyone would rave how it helped them feel more centered, helped with anxiety issues, and made for a better nights sleep. So i figured what do i have to lose? Right before bed i turned off my electronics, turned off the lights and got in a comfortable spot. I closed my eyes and listened to the soothing sounds of waves crashing from my speakers as a voice told me to let go and relax. When the twenty minute video was over I closed my computer and immediately fell asleep. When i woke up i felt a sense of calm, and i knew that  there really was something to this meditation thing. I have continued with this for a couple nights now and it really does help you to let go of any worries you have and just relax. And what is better then that honestly?

I totally recommend meditation for anyone who is having trouble relaxing or sleeping. It may seem silly as first, but from my experience it really does work.

I've got a bunch more posts coming your way soon guys, until then sit back and take a minute to relax :)

Abyssinia

I am always game to try new types of foods, so when we were told that we would be going to an ethiopian restaurant with my Food and Culture class I was excited. But I was also a little weary. I had never had ethiopian food before and i assumed that it would be a little like Indian cuisine, something I am not a fan of (i really do not like curry).
But this normal trip to a restaurant became so much more. The owner Ben opened Abyssinia a few years ago and hired ethiopian refugees to come and work. A man named Osmorom (which means reconciliation in ethiopian) began talking about his life. He was in the navy for many many years, and eventually became a captain. When war in ethiopia broke out they placed him in the army as a foot soldier. After two years he decided to escape to a refugee camp. At the camps there is not much food, water, and no work to be done. For seven years he stayed in this camp until he was finally able to make the journey to America. When he got here he worked a few different jobs, until he found Abyssinia. A place that he now calls his home.

When we got there they first served us a sweet popcorn, something that the refugees call "American flower". They also served us fried injera chips with a garlic yogurt sauce.

They had also set up a buffet for us filled with many of the different dishes on their menu including soups, vegetarian dishes, and beef and chicken. Osmorom laid the injera on our plate and we added the different dishes on top.

I got some chicken, beef, collard greens, beets, green beans, and potatoes. The sauces the chicken and beef were in were very mild, and they were extremely tender. I could not believe how delicious it was.
We were shown how to pick up the foods with the injera, and told that you may only eat with your right hand, because the left is seen as dirty. We also tried some Tej, a home-made honey wine.
After lunch they set up a traditional tea ceremony for us.

The woman burned incense and performed the tea ceremony for us. We were told that in a traditional tea ceremony you drink three cups, the third one being the blessing. 

The coffee was very different from the coffee that we are used to. It was sweet even without sugar and had some fruity notes to it. 

After we ate the owner began telling us how he wants the refugees to become more involved with the restaurant. He said that having volunteers come in and teach the refugees how to greet customers and use cash registers would be a great help in integrating them more into the restaurant. The Ethiopian people are very shy at first and want to stay in the back of the house, but with our help we could show them how to be more comfortable with the guests. This is something that I would love to get involved in. 

Abyssinia was an amazing experience. The people were very friendly, and the food was delicious. I enjoyed my time there and I will definitely be returning soon.