A Satisfying Menu: Italia Express Review

A Satisfying Menu: Italia Express Review

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Italia Express has a satisfying menu for the locals, visitors, and dinner before drinks crowd.  The corner location with large windows, indoor dining tables, and patio seating is ideal for grabbing a bite on your own, bringing the family, or meeting up for lunch with friends.  The menu has something for meat lovers, vegetarians, and New York style pizza fans.

House-made: catch the pizza making show near the large pizza ovens (photo above) 

Italia Express has become part of my ritual when visiting the Dallas, Texas area.  I have had the pleasure of dining at Italia Express several times for lunch and dinner.  The restaurant is where to dine while in town.  Perfect for enjoying a delicious meal with family or dining with friends before a night out in the city.

Italia Express is located in Dallas, Texas within the Cedar Springs and Oak Lawn neighborhood.  Turtle Creek. Highland Park, and Downtown Dallas are close in proximity.  The metropolitan area consists of high-rise condominiums, townhomes, apartments, and older family homes.  Dallas and the State of Texas has a lot to offer with culture, sports, business, recreation, and more.  The climate is continental, distinguished by a great differences in high and low temperatures.  

The spring and fall are some of the best times to visit the city.  Order a dish from Italia Express and enjoy the meal on their patio during these seasons.  According to the National Weather Service, “[t]he average length of the warm season (freeze-free period) in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is about 249 days. The average last occurrence of 32°F or below is mid March and the average first occurrence of 32°F or below is in late November.”

Pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, green pepper, black olive pizza 

Pepperoni and mushroom pizza

The following items on the menu stand out after a few times dining at Italia Express.

Greek salad (add chicken): Onions, Tomatoes, Black Olives, Feta Cheese, Banana Peppers

Veggie Pizza: Black Olives, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Green Pepper

Bruschetta [broo-sketta]: Italian bread with olive oil and garlic 

Spinach calzone: Italian oven-baked folded pizza that originated in Naples

Greek salad

Spaghetti 

Tiramisu 

LavAzza coffee

Tips

Italia Express is a crowd pleaser and food is prepared with care; therefore, do not always expect “express” wait times.

Ask the cashier or owner for suggestions on menu items to order.  I have always found the owner and staff to be friendly and helpful.

Order a large slice of pizza with fresh toppings to go.

Add a protein, such as chicken, to one of the salads for a hearty meal.  

Location: 4000 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, Texas.

The address is within walking distance and a short drive to shopping, hotels, bars, museums, parks, tourist attractions, and much more.  Easily accessible by taxi or car service.  

There are numerous dining options across the country.  From New York to Chelsea, Dallas to San Francisco, Orange County to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills to San Diego.  Each community with a multitude of restaurants for good eats.  Here is where expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Dine at Italia Express and enjoy.

 

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Credits: http://www.italiaexpresscs.com, https://www.weather.gov/fwd/dnarrative

A Sleek Restaurant with Neighborhood-Hangout Appeal: insideOut Review

A Sleek Restaurant with Neighborhood-Hangout Appeal: insideOut Review

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

insideOUT has many possibilities for the locals, visitors, and after work socializers.  The sleek ambiance includes large windows, expansive indoor-outdoor bar, the Eitol [EYE TOLL] Towers, waterfall, and terraced outdoor areas for gathering with small or large groups or more intimate one-on-one conversations.  The California-mediterranean menu is freshly updated with seasonal ingredients and dishes created by chef-owner Maryjo "MJ" Testa.

Beets and Burrata: seasonal roast beets, creamy burrata, toasted hazelnuts, red wine reductions, and basil extraction (photo above) 

A friend first introduced the restaurant to me and I have had the pleasure of dining at insideOUT a few times.  As well as going for happy hour and late night.  The restaurant and social space is where to be on a Friday or Saturday night.  Perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner drink with friends and music by the waterfall and patio heaters.  

insideOUT is located in San Diego, California.  The climate is some of the best in the world.  Mostly beautiful days throughout the year.  Perfect temperatures.  According to the National Weather Service, “[t]he average daily maximum temperature is 70.8 and the average daily low is 58.1.  Average daily maximum temperatures peak in late August and early September at 78, dropping to 65 in late December and early January.”  A great destination for a sexy and chic restaurant. 

Stylish and a bright candy apple spot in the city.  The dining space is modern and earthy, with metal fixtures, and tables constructed of wood and concrete by artisan Sven Hasselberg.  Concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling glass windows give diners a view onto the avenue and passerby a view inside.  The restaurant then flows into the terraced courtyard, complete with waterfall, bridge, shops, and apartments above.  The spaces are married by the impressive  Brazilian stone top bar.

This urban oasis of a restaurant is located within the memorable Eitol Towers and is part of a group of restaurants in San Diego.  The striking red buildings stir up attention on the avenue, “Eitol is ‘lot13’  backwards...the property sits on Parcel 13, there are 13 towers in the design, the 1642 University address adds up to 13”.  The property was designed as a living space, with apartments, commercial space, a few shops, and dining and outside lounge in the courtyard.  

Mike Burnett, Architect and Developer for FoundationForForm, was the project designer.  Eitol has outdoor spaces, niches, walkways for socializing in the courtyard surrounded by the red buildings, and the pulse of the property is provided by the restaurant insideOut.  The large windows in the restaurant, indoor-outdoor bar, and must-see restroom all add up to a restaurant the city needed.

Matt Ramon, Director of the MO’s Universe Group, developed the concept and name of the restaurant and lounge, drawing inspiration from the design of the Eitol building.  insideOUT is just that, a space where you walk in to be outside.  “insideOUT, or iO as we have already nicknamed it, is a casual, elegant restaurant that features an atrium surrounded by 13 live/work towers juxtaposed to contrast with San Diego’s gorgeous blue skies, floor to ceiling glass front windows on the inside dining room and bar, a heated water feature, a switchback walkway with seating nooks to relax, see and be seen with a few more surprises along the way,” Ramon explained.

Fideo Rosa: Spanish paella

Grilled Spanish Octopus

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tagine

The following items on the menu stand out after a few times dining at insideOUT.

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tagine: grilled aubergine, aromatic couscous, slow roasted tomatoes accompanied by garlic hummus, raita, habañero sauce, and fig chutney

Fideo Rosa: Spanish style paella vermicelli, seared shrimp, Spanish chorizo and chicken, simmered in a sofrito (aromatic blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices) sauce, finished with housemade lemon aioli (Mediterranean sauce made of garlic and olive oil)

Cauliflower purée

Explore the craft cocktails on the menu, such as the St. Gin French 75 made with St. George Botanivore (botanical gin), St. Germain (elderflower liqueur), lavender, and house bubbles.

St. Gin French 75

Tropical Cocktail

Tips

insideOUT is a crowd pleaser; therefore, make reservations for dining. 

Location: 1642 University Ave, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92103.

The address is within walking distance and a short drive to other bars, shopping, hotels, beach, museums, parks, tourist attractions, and much more.  Easily accessible by taxi or car service.  

There are numerous dining options across the country.  From New York to Chelsea, Dallas to San Francisco, Orange County to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills to San Diego.  Each community with a multitude of restaurants for good eats.  Here is where expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Dine at insideOut and enjoy.

 

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Credits: eitoltowers.com, https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17nz14-79TuoZyrnvd8CsuCvPvIEtbv0b, http://www.urbanmos.com/insideout-fifth-mos-universe-location/, ftp://ftp.library.noaa.gov/noaa_documents.lib/NWS/NWS_WR/TM_NWS_WR_270.pdf, facebook.com/insideoutsd  

Delicious Food That Brings in the Locals: Bistro Café Review

Delicious Food That Brings in the Locals: Bistro Café Review

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Locals recommend.  

Several terrific options for breakfast and brunch.  

Bistro Café offers many favorite ingredients, grand pancakes, fresh fruit, granola, quesadillas, and more.  The restaurant has a bounty of in-house made breads, made-to-order waffles, and broad selection of coffee and espresso.  The open kitchen at the front of the bistro adds to the fun and gives a pre-show of what is on the menu.

Bistro Café is located in Carolina, Puerto Rico.  This restaurant is popular with locals and visitors staying in the beach area.  Isla Verde Beach is a long and expansive beach with fine, golden sand, and beautiful blue water.  The front desk clerks at TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde suggested to eat at the bistro.  

Isla Verde Beach

TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde

Puerto Rico is the smallest island of the Greater Antilles and territory of the United States; the name is Spanish for "rich port”.  The fortress of El Morro that once held off Sir Francis Drake now greets visitors.  The colorful streets have Latin flavor and tropical heart.  The menu at Bistro Café reflects this Spanish history as well as contemporary and creative items.

There are several dishes that stand out from observing the open kitchen and having dined at the restaurant. 

Toast and egg white scramble with turkey, spinach, pepper, and Swiss cheese 

Avocados stuffed with steak.  Take note, a large variety of avocado is used in this dish.

Romeo and Julieta: French toast stuffed with cream cheese and bacon

Pancakes topped with ice cream cones

Mocha Coffee 

Tips

Order bottled water.

Portion sizes are large, thus making it highly possible to share dishes.

Bistro Café is a crowd pleaser; therefore, be prepared for a wait.  

Location: 29 Jupiter Street, San Juan, Carolina 00913, Puerto Rico.  This address is within walking distance to shopping, hotels, apartments, the beach, and much more.  Easily accessible by taxi or car service.  

Limited valet parking is available. 

There are numerous dining options across the country.  From New York to Chelsea, Dallas to San Francisco, Orange County to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills to Palm Springs.  Each community with a multitude of restaurants for good eats.  Here is where expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Dine at Bistro Café and enjoy.

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Credit: facebook.com/Bistro-Café-Isla-Verde

Fashion Portfolio: Refresh Your Wardrobe with Central American Style by Jesse Bluma

Fashion Portfolio: Refresh Your Wardrobe with Central American Style

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

In life we may not become famous, infamous, or blockbusters. We do; however, have the power to become something more than those labels.  It is our savvy and confidence that allows us to rise above and experience living life with good taste.  Our travels, life experiences, and dreams are snapshots on the runway of our lives.  There is no better place than the now to make the best strides down that runway.   This is your epic, your life, so choose the label you wear wisely.

Knowing what to wear and how to wear it is a powerful skill.  Some readers are at an advanced level and have a personal style.  Some will go on to experiment with clothes, trends, and brands.  While others may be too intrepid to wear anything besides t-shirts and shorts.  Once you conquer the clothing world and develop a lifelong interest in dressing right, you will feel more inspired to shop and enjoy your home, social, and business life.

Join the fans of Amazon Prime. As an Amazon Prime member, you receive many shipping, shopping, streaming, reading, and other benefits. Prime Video stacks up in the universe of streaming.

Not sure?  No need to be scared of labels, black-ties, white-ties, button-downs, or bespoke clothing.  Here is where expert knowledge and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as their go-to source.  Let an enjoyable experience with these fashion recipes be your start.  If you are more advanced and comfortable with fashion items, share your ideas, purchases, and suggestions.

What we wear is powerful and attitude matters.  Remind yourself again:  You deserve to live well and be well.  Creating a closet of items right for you, along with excellent fitness, health, and life habits, is all an expression of how you respect yourself.  Knowing what to wear and executing fashion looks can be a challenge.  The guidelines, inspirations, and ideas in this article will spark your interest and get you wearing more than the same three items over-and-over.  As the notable custom tailor Alan Flusser observed, “A necktie’s motif, or pattern, expresses the poetry, the sense of whimsy, the psychology of the individual wearer.” 

   

Models.  The images we see in ads, movies, and media can influence our goals and perceptions.  Keep in mind the people in those professions spend a lot of time and have a lot of time to look their best.  Or computer graphics best.  Rather than focusing on images in media, focus on what is the right fit, look, and use of clothes for you.  As I learned from fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, fashion is about what is trending in stores and style is more about your own personality.  Take a moment to reflect upon good fashion sense, your life, needs, and goals.  That will be the center of what gets you fashion fit.  Structure your closet and drawers with options for your various activities, career, the climate you live in, and seasons. 

The Wardrobe Essentials.  It is key to make clothing selections with a long-term frame of mind.  Quality construction and timeless pieces are sharp and financially smart choices.  Know your measurements and proportions.  Take a look in the mirror to see what cuts, colors, shapes, and lengths are best for you.  There is a learning curve for going from being dressed by mom to dressing yourself, for your current physique, current life, and adventures.  Calvin Klein, business mogul and designer, once explained to me at a fashion show that what people wear should be modern, clean, and make them look their best.  Personal responsibility is at the heart of dressing well.  Study magazines, people in the streets, in school, models, and actors in your age range.  Also, seek out knowledgeable salespeople in stores and vintage shops.

Fashion Portfolio:  Refresh Your Wardrobe with Central American Style

Imagine on a clear day seeing the summit of a volcano, the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, jungle, and Maya monuments.  That is the adventurous and mind transforming land of the amazing isthmus between North and South America.  The people, cultures, beaches, cuisine, and outdoor activities in this land of turquoise water, dense forests, farms, and bustling towns is inspirational.  

Central American clothing embodies modern tribalism.  White cotton pants and shirts and straw cowboy hats are the traditional garb.  Contemporary fashion for men is on par with other great city centers around the globe.  From ticos, natives, in Costa Rica to pelaos, dudes, in Panama, Central American fashion is colorful, versatile, and full of variety.  Wardrobe in this part of the Americas includes formal wear, long sleeved collar tops, jeans, blazers, t-shirts, tennis shoes, work boots, hats, and more.  Mainly in earth tones and pops of color.  

Clothing and fashion communicates a message about ourselves, status, and attitude about events, social situations, school, work, and more.  Traditional clothing across Central America utilizes a rainbow of colors, geometric designs, and trims.  These elements were and are still used to demonstrate social rank, status, religion, and community.  Over time traditional clothing in this region, as in other parts of the world, has given way to innovations and desire among people to emulate trends.  The climate, biomes, career and more influence the well dressed man in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Create the Look for Yourself

Shirts 

Left:  BOSS Green C-Bustal Shirt in Navy XL

Center Left:  BOSS Reid F Shirt in Navy 2XL

Center Right:  Faherty Men's Signature Washed Twill Shirt Navy Windowpane ( Red Windowpane, L)

Right:  Theory Men's Stripe Flat Knit Pol, White, X-Small

Hoodies

Left:  NOVICA Grey Men's Fleece Hooded Pullover, 'Mountain Adventure

Right:  Alternative Men's Marathon Pullover Hoodie, Eco True Pacific Blue, XL

Shorts

Left:  Original Penguin Men's P55 8 inch Basic Short with Stretch Slim, Kelp, 32

Middle:  Original Penguin Men's 9' Stretch Twill Short Slim, True Blue, 32

Right:  Original Penguin Men's 8" Stretch Scout Short, Vintage Indigo, XX-Large

Swim

Left:  Original Penguin Men's Ombre Stripe Fixed Waist Swim Trunk, Dark Sapphire, 34

Middle:  Faherty Beacon Trunk - Men's Daydream Isle, M

Right:  Original Penguin Men's Stripe Print Volley Swim Trunk, Dark Sapphire, 32

Accessories 

Left:  Mexico - 8" Bracelet by Swannys 

Right:  NOVICA Jade .925 Sterling Silver Artisan Crafted Modern Ring, 'Royal Maya'

Above:  NOVICA Beige 100% Cotton Passport Wallet, 'Chestnut Kaleidoscope'

Left:  NOVICA Brown Leather Portfolio, 'Traveler in Espresso'  

Right:  NOVICA Black Leather Portfolio, 'Traveler in Black'

Previous article:  How to Liberate Your Wardrobe with California Style

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Credit:   alanflusser. com, Amazon. com, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs:  Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. "Surf Bathing, Long Beach, Calif.  The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1898 - 1931. http:// digitalcollections .nypl. org/items/510d47d9-a588-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99