Prague's Cutest Cafes pt. 1

Hey all!! 

Can you believe almost a month has gone by since my arrival in Prague? Things have been nonstop since getting here, and I've made sure to jump right in and explore something I love to do most...relax while drinking a beautifully handcrafted coffee amidst a cafe's eclectic and charming decor. 

While there are many more cafes that I have yet to explore here in Prague, I managed to visit a handful of the ones I love most. I think that these top picks of mine are definitely worth exploring and visiting when and if visiting Prague. I also managed to stop by and of course taste some delicious donuts at one of the cafes as well. 

I started my search early in the morning and headed to an area in central Prague known as JZP, Jirio Z Poděbrad.

1. Spižírna 1902- My first stop started at a cafe which just opened nearly a week ago. I was lucky to stumble upon it & was overwhelmed with the charm and artistic mural paintings along the walls and ceiling. Comfortable chairs to lounge in and windows that span from floor to ceiling, there is no lack of natural sunlight shining through. I have put this not only at the top of my list, because it was my first cafe to visit, but in regards to ambiance, comfortability, taste & decor it the best. The cafe offers beautifully crafted foods and drinks, with the option of non-dairy options, using nut mylk. In the evening, this cafe turns into a Tapas bar and serves food + beers & spirits. Its a must on my list. 

2. Coffee Room - Right down the road from the first cafe, is the Coffee Room. The Coffee Room is much smaller in size and but overflowing with people. There is a reason why this coffee shop is consistently busy. Its incredibly "California-esk" type food will make you swoon. Avocado toast with sesame seeds...do I need to say more? Acai smoothie bowls with beautiful fruit overflowing, grain bowls with roasted sweet potatoes, tomatoes and pomegranate seeds, and these are just a few dishes. The food menu is only a portion of the amazing items to order. There are a variety of drinks, which also include nondairy options, but one thing that stood out the most to me was the homemade lemonade. Freshly squeezed lemons, thyme and kiwis all come together to form a fresh, heavenly and refreshing beverage. Again, this cafe is a must visit for me. Make sure to grab a seat outside, if there's room. 

3. Donut Shop - I know this isn't exactly a full on cafe, but, who cares, they have donuts...and coffee. This adorable and unique shop is also located in the JZP area and funny enough has the same owners as the Coffee Room. I had to put this place on my list of cafes to check out, because every morning donuts are made fresh and they also offer a delicious oat milk latte. Their oat milk latte is creamy, smooth and not overly sweet. Furthermore, its located right beside a wonderful park where you can take your coffee and donut to sit and eat outside. To make this place even "sweeter," they offer "plant based" or vegan donut options for those vegans out there, but you wouldn't ever be able to tell the difference. I'd highly recommend the blueberry and peanut butter donut for your next visit. 

4. Pekárna - I saved one of the best for last. Located right around the corner from my flat in the area of Prague 2 - Vinohrady, I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a lovely area and this cafe only makes it that much better. The highlight of this cafe, is the homemade bread freshly made every Monday, Wednesday & Friday when they are open. Their traditional Czech bread fills the air with an incredible aroma and the lovely table decorations along with the record player quietly playing tunes creates for an atmosphere you won't want to leave. The first time visiting this adorable cafe, I was greeted by a lovely young Czech girl, who spoke such wonderful English & made all of the customers feel welcome. If you're looking for a place to relax, spend some time doing work & enjoying a latte or espresso, this cafe is another one I recommend. 

I have only started to skim the surface of cafes and restaurants here in Prague & I am sure I will have many more recommendations to come. Can't wait to share more about my cafe & restaurant obsessions in the coming months. 

-Ciao xx

Local MN Food & Catering Obsessions

I can't believe my blog launch party already came and went! It was such an incredible evening and it could not have gone any better. With twinkle lights hanging, mason jars with candles glowing and the beautiful food and drink displays from our partnering companies CRAVE Catering, North Mallow & BĒT Vodka, set up, it made for the perfect feel of a whimsical and fun evening. The atmosphere of being outside, with a clear view of the Minneapolis skyline, perfect for taking photos of course, and the sun setting over the cities, made it one of the best nights and made me the happiest girl ever! 

With three fabulous local Minnesota companies partnering with me to celebrate the launch of my blog, it was bound to be a success. The incredible display of food was provided by one of my favorite local companies in town, Crave Catering. With superbly talented and creative chefs, Crave Catering was able to fit the look at feel of my blog and event spot on with a summery, light and whimsical feeling with the food. Provided, was the beautiful display and take on the classic dish, "Peas and Carrots," which included a pea puree served with colorful heirloom carrots, charcuterie skewers loaded with wild rice sausage, cheese and pickles, potato salad, where the red potatoes were hallowed out and filled with potato salad inside and lastly a take on the classic "Bacon and Eggs," which included maple glazed bacon on a deviled egg. I am sad to say that if you didn't attend earlier on in the night, you may have missed the food, because everyone couldn't stop eating it! Everything was incredible and beautifully prepared. 

After all of that amazing food, BĒT Vodka had the perfect signature cocktails shaken and prepared to try. BET Vodka is another local Minnesota company that I am obsessed with. They produce and process their vodka locally from sugar beets. I am absolutely obsessed with this vodka, it is incredibly smooth, light and is naturally a bit sweet. The signature drink had a bit of everything, it was sweet, sour, light and refreshing, and I couldn't stop myself from having more than one cocktail! BET Vodka made the most adorable shaken martinis made with Vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and cherry bark vanilla bitters. I highly recommend you go out and get a bottle for any event or party you go to next! 

Lastly, when you think of Minnesota summer nights, what do you think of? Because I immediately think of sitting around the bonfire eating everyone's favorite treat...S'mores. Local Minnesota company, North Mallow, has perfected the S'more game and has everyone wanting more. With their handcrafted and creatively homemade flavored marshmallows, you will never want to go back to the way they were made before. Theres a flavor for everyone, from the traditional vanilla bean to caramel, mocha and mint chocolate chip marshmallow flavors, on top of your choice of Hershey's chocolate or ghirardelli chocolate. Your mouth will be in for an explosion of incredible flavors. The best part about North Mallow is that they bring the "bonfire" to you. You are able to roast, over the fire, your own marshmallow on a stick and craft your own s'mores creation on top of a gram cracker. Make sure to check them out as they are the perfect thing for any event or wedding...s'mores dessert bar? Yes, please!

The launch party event had such a fabulous turnout, with over 60 people coming and going. I feel so incredibly lucky to continue writing and blogging about things, people and places that I enjoy and I feel the love from all of you. Thank you to everyone who made it out and to all of my followers! Make sure to follow me on Instagram @oliviasobjectsofobsession and on snapchat (OliviaJoan21).

Here's just a few photos from the night! 

Cheers! xx

Naked Ninas Smoothie & Juice Café

With garden walls, acai bowls and kombucha on tap, Naked Ninas is the trendiest spot in St. Paul and has everything one could want. Opened in January 2016 by June Berkowitz, this progressive and trendy café, organic smoothie and juice bar brings a little piece and feel of the California lifestyle to Minnesota. The owner June, has a passion for all things California and her goal was to bring some of that sunshine here to St. Paul.

Located in the Cathedral Hill area in St. Paul, Naked Ninas introduces powerful, healthy eating all while keeping a good balance in mind.  With more than 10 different kinds of smoothies and juices available to drink, plus homemade acai bowls, raw salads and granola bars, you will be in “superfood” heaven!

The few times I visited Naked Ninas, I was not only greeted with a friendly, smiling face and bubbly personalities from all of the employees, but an adorable well set up sitting area inside and out. The trattoria like seating outside brings me back to my times overseas and with large glass windows lining the front of the store and a cozy seating area inside, to relax, drink and converse with others, Naked Ninas café will keep you coming back with all of your friends.

Make sure to come check them out & quick, because I am sure they will soon be overly crowded every day with visitors just as obsessed as myself.  

Modist Brewery

Hi guys!! Happy first week of June!! I am so excited that it is summer and that the weather has been amazing, because summer means patio season!! 

 I had the most incredible day last week, shooting, getting information and scoping out the newest brewery, located in Minneapolis, for the next place that I feel is a MUST for you to check out when you’re visiting the North Loop in Minneapolis. I am pretty much obsessed with it, and since it is literally around the corner from my apartment, I have a feeling I may be frequenting it often this summer.

If you thought the North Loop in Minneapolis couldn’t get any better, with its accessible walking & biking trails, convenient location, located between downtown and the river and the many incredible restaurants and cafes, think again, because, the most incredible, trendy and innovative brewery just opened up just blocks from the light rail & the Twins Stadium. Modist Brewery is located on 3rd Street, right off of Washington Avenue in the North Loop. With its rustic and industrial exterior appearance, and large outdoor patio with hanger garage doors that open to the inside, it is sure to be the place to head to for any activity, especially before and after Twins games.

When entering the brewery, you walk into a large and open space, almost resembling a dining hall with its long “family-style” tables and high-top bar stools lining the bar. In the mood for more of a laid back and relaxing setting? The space also has a seating area filled with beautiful dark brown leather couches and chairs for more of an intimate setting to talk with friends and enjoy the incredible beer you are sipping. In addition to its creative and beautifully designed interior, Modist Brewery is one of a kind, with its unique varieties of brews and the machinery to make them. Specifically, the brewery houses two very unique machines called a hammermill, which can pulverize materials into a flour as well as mash filter, which makes beer out of any starchy material, even quinoa! Quinoa beer….sounds kind of healthy, right!?

Lastly, you must check out Modist Brewery, because the staff are some of the most welcoming and passionate individuals I’ve come across. After leaving their previous careers to pursue their love for entrepreneurship, brewing and beers, it is truly telling that this is what they were meant to do! Their innovative and creative ideas for all varieties of beers will be sure to make any customer happy and wanting more!  

Cheers to an amazing summer and exploring! I can't wait until you check out Modist Brewery & of course, let me know when you do by leaving me a comment or post a picture on Instagram and tag Modist Brewery and myself! 

photography by: @allegraroseb

Bachelor Farmer Cafe

Happy first day of Spring!!

It has been such a lovely weekend here in Minneapolis. There is still a slight chill in the air, but the sun was out and shining finally, so it was a perfect day to get outside and explore my neighborhood in the North Loop of Minneapolis. The North Loop is growing and expanding so rapidly, that there are new restaurants, shops and cafes opening all the time. The other day I came across this adorable, quaint cafe, called the Bachelor Farmer Cafe. This cafe is an addition of the preexisting restaurant called the Bachelor Farmer.

With large windows facing the downtown skyline and an outside patio along side of the building with benches for customers to enjoy the outdoors in an alley way, which is reminiscent of an Italian-style cafe, the Bachelor Farmer Cafe is a perfect place to relax, eat delicious pastries and sandwiches and spend the day catching up with friends. 

When walking in, you're greeted with an ever-changing construction paper board which hangs from the wall displaying the day's specials, the temperature outside and more. You can also grab one of the many newspapers hanging from hooks to read while sipping your coffee. The cafe has a constant flow of customers coming in and out every day and the atmosphere is fun, vibrant, light and airy, making the cafe feel spacious and open. 

As I stopped in yesterday for the second time within a matter of a week, I knew this was a place that I needed to share with you, because I am already OBSESSED. The first time I visited the Bachelor Farmer cafe, I ordered their open-faced beet + goat cheese + walnuts + honey sandwich. It was simple, elegant and nothing short of incredible! It was so amazing, I forced myself to slow down while eating, as to savor the amazing explosion of flavors that I was experiencing! This sandwich is a MUST! With the Beet + honey combination alongside the walnut + goat cheese combination reminded me of a fancier, adult version of the PB&J sandwich. It was perfection. 

In addition to how incredible the food is at the cafe, the coffees are just as amazing. Not only because of the taste, but how beautifully they are presented as well. The Bachelor Farmer Cafe ensures that you're not just experiences good food and coffee, but also an incredible experience as well. After my name was called from behind the barista bar, I looked down and my latte had the most intricate and complex design created on top of the foam. It was beautiful and I was OBSESSED with it. The quality of the latte was amazing and it wasn't overly sweet. 

I definitely recommend checking out the Bachelor Farmer Cafe if you're ever in the North Loop of Minneapolis. If you want to check out the website, you can find more information on their site, here. Its definitely a place that I am OBSESSED with and I hope you will love it as much as I do. I hope this recommendation was helpful. Enjoy! 

Midwest Cuisine: Spoon & Stable

So these past couple weeks have been a whirlwind for me! I have been so busy working on new content to write for my blog, spending time with family and it was my birthday! I love birthdays, so I made sure to celebrate in the right way, by checking out one of the most popular and up and coming restaurants in Minneapolis. Last week, my boyfriend and I made reservations at Spoon & Stable in the North Loop. I was so excited to go here, as I had been wanting to go for a while. Spoon & Stable was started by Gavin Kaysen, a James-Bared award-winning chef, who was born and raised in Minnesota. He wanted to showcase the midwest culture in the food, specifically with the stable Pot Roast dish on the menu.  Recently, this staple dish was featured in the New York Times, showcasing how incredible the restaurant and the food has become. You can check out the article, here.

So, after many weeks of anticipation, we sat down at a table located right in front of the open kitchen. I was able to sit and watch the chefs cook, prepare and create all of the many meals flowing out to all of the tables. The restaurant has a rustic, but elegant feeling. With the exposed wood and brick walls, the transparent wine cellar and open concept kitchen, customers feel very involved throughout the whole dining experience. Furthermore, as many of the dishes are shareable, I made sure to try almost everything! The food was exquisite, perfectly timed throughout our meal and the unusual combination of seasonings and sauces meshed perfectly together.

I know, these pictures must be making your mouth water by now, because mine is! These dishes were not only some of the most incredible combination of flavors I had ever tasted, but they were also so beautifully presented and creative. Each dish had a reason for why it was paired the way it was and a masterful idea behind its creation.

Spoon & Stable is not only one of the most up and coming restaurants in the Twin Cities, but it is also located in one of the best areas as well. Located only walking distance away from my neighborhood, I know that I will be visiting Spoon & Stable a lot more, if not for the food, then just for the incredibly creative and delicious cocktails. I can say, that I am completely OBSESSED with Spoon & Stable and highly recommend it to everyone, especially those foodies out.

Oh and since it was my birthday and to top off the night, I was presented with a enormous raspberry cotton candy birthday treat! It was such a lovely and unique touch and a fun surprise! I felt like a kid at the Minnesota State fair again! What a great way to bring the feeling of the midwest culture back into the theme at Spoon & Stable! Check out the website here and see the ever-changing menu for the week and more about the restaurant itself!

I hope you all have enjoyed this post and found it helpful! If you have any questions, please reach out! Enjoy!

Vino, Pasta, Pizza...Eataly

Happy April!! Can you believe its already April, because I can't!! The month of March completely flew by. The snow has all melted here in Minneapolis, the trails are slowly starting to fill with runners and bikers, but the best part is, that farmers markets are right around the corner! Speaking of markets, I just spent Easter weekend in Chicago visiting one of my best girlfriends and we went to one of the BEST food markets/restaurants! Obviously since I love all food, eating and exploring, I knew I was going to have a great time. Chicago is such a 'foodie' town and is a perfect place to try out new things and discover new places! 

So, immediately after de-boarding the plane and dropping our stuff off at the apartment, the girls and I went straight to Eataly to grab a glass of vino and bite to eat. Only located in Chicago and New York, Eataly is a combination of an Italian trattoria, wine bar and food market where you can pick up all of your staple cooking ingredients! Although the overall space of Eataly is expands over a two levels, each area is broken up into stations, such as pizza, pasta, seafood, etc., so the customer can choose the area in which they would like to eat. Additionally, there are endless amounts of sections to walk through, such as fresh produce, a cheese section, seafood, wine, dried/cured meats, copious choices of breads, as well as a plethora of olive oils and balsamic vinegars to choose from. Its an amazingly overwhelming experience and I could honestly spend all day, everyday wandering around inside there. 

After stopping at just about every area, the girls and I decided to get a class of wine. I loved the wine area, because there was a beautiful presentation of wines to choose from and the barrels of wine were displayed for the consumers to look at as well. It was a perfect place to sit, while we waited for our table to eat.

After waiting, and do except a bit of a wait, because that is how amazing this place is. Visitors come to Eataly from all over because there is of course, only two of them in the country and the food is spectacular. Finally, we were finally seated...in the pizza section. Of course, we had to try out one, or two, of Eataly's famous thin crust brick oven pizzas! The girls and I shared two pizzas and of course, because I am obsessed with anything truffle oil, I had to order the black truffle and mushroom pizza! You guys, I can honestly say, I am OBSESSED with this pizza and it is probably one of the best pizzas I've ever tried. If that isn't enough to get to come to Eataly when you're in Chicago or New York, then I don't know what is! 

Overall, I have to say I am really OBSESSED with this place. I have now visited Eataly at least three times and it has never disappointed. I only wish that they would open one here in Minneapolis, so I could do all of my grocery shopping in addition to eating all of the amazing food. The ambiance and flavors really brought me back to when I spent time traveling throughout Italy. Go check it out & if you do, let me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do & I hope you enjoyed this post as well! When you're in Chicago or New York next, you'll now have a spot on your list to check out! 

Whole30 Challenge

Ok, so my most recent OBSESSION is, the Whole30 Challenge!

At first, I was really unsure about doing this. How could I give up drinking, sweets AND going out to eat for 30 days!? Oh and not to mention, all grains, dairy and snacking throughout the day! So, you're now thinking, I'm pretty much going to be eating nothing/like a rabbit, right? Well, yes AND no. But let's get to that later. So, the day arrived and I started on my Whole3o challenge journey.

Before this, I made sure to clear out the fridge, cupboards, created a meal plan and meal prepped for the week ahead. This was crucial for me to successfully follow the Whole3o challenge rules! At first, it was quite easy, eating leans meats, veggies, fruits, etc. It was great, until I realized how challenging it was to "not snack." I didn't know how I was going to make it! SO, the first couple days went by and I consciously challenged myself to make filling meals, so I wouldn't snack. Since the average person is so used to snacking throughout the day, this was quite a challenge, but it allowed my body to really rely on the nutrients I was eating during meal time and adjust to not relying on a boost of sugar or energy in between meals. As the days went on, I learned how to plan ahead better, prep more efficiently and slowly my food cravings and hunger in between meals started to disappear. The book provided me with fantastic recipes that I enjoyed eating more and more at every meal. Furthermore, not only did my love for cooking grow, but I started sleeping better at night, my energy levels went up and I wasn't getting tired during the middle of the day anymore and my nails and hair started to become stronger!! Score!! I was really starting to love this challenge and was feeling great. The last couple of weeks went by and I was nearing Day 30. At this point, I was not only feeling amazing physically, but I was feeling amazing mentally and emotionally as I was so proud of my dedication to finish 30 days, my willpower to not go out to eat or drink and to prove to myself that I could change the way I thought about and relied on food.

For anyone curious and wondering about this program or interested in taking the challenge, I can easily say, that I am OBSESSED with it and it will definitely be worth your while! Challenge yourself and try out this program! Click here to see what it is all about as well as the program rules!