I'm always looking for new happy hour spots to try after work and this Proper 21 was a win.  It's literally walking distance from my job.  My coworkers and I decided to try it out yesterday.  The decor is beautiful and eye catching with textured wall paper and lots of small lights.  The menu is extensive with an Asian-American flare.  They also had a nice cocktail selection.  I love crushes! My friend had the Paloma and I had the Somewhere on a Peach. I also had the strawberry basil lemonade sangria.  For dinner I had the spiced salmon burger and fries.  My friends ordered wings and the lettuce wraps.  We all enjoyed the food.  Definitely adding this to my list of happy hour spots! 

​Location: 2033 K St NW, WDC

My neighbors planned a group trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica.  They worked with a travel agency called Get Up and Go that made accommodations for the group at Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton.  I don't usually do all inclusive resorts because I like to enjoy the local culture so I typically opt for an Airb&b but Jamaica is not one of those destinations...no offense. Ok, so here's the breakdown.

Jamaica requires a travel authorization document as well as a negative Covid test.  I would recommend checking www.visitjamaica.com before you travel to understand all of their requirements.  Leaving the US, the airline checked for these documents several times so make sure you have them! 

The check-in process at the resort was a headache!  The lines were long and they were extremely slow.  They offered welcome drinks I guess to distract people from the wait time.  We stayed in an ocean-view double queen suite.  The room was decent.  It was clean (which is most important to me) and had an amazing view of the ocean.  My only complaint was that the beds were hard.  The resort offered an app that allowed you to look up information, restaurant menus, maps, etc which was really helpful.  The resort is more villa style so you had to walk to the main buildings for the pool, shops and restaurants.  They offered shuttle service as well.  The resort grounds were well kept and clean.  They were constantly wiping down counter tops and offering hand sanitizer.  Mask were required in common areas.  The infinity pool was beautiful and probably my favorite feature however, it closed at 6pm.  They also had a smaller adults only pool that stayed open until 10pm. I was not a fan of the buffets which were open for breakfast.  For lunch, the only options were the Jerk Huts which only served jerk chicken and rice and peas.  I actually enjoyed it, so I wasn't upset but I could imagine how after a few days, you would want something else for lunch.  The restaurants were open for dinner.  The restaurants were nicely decorated with modern furniture. They offered about 15 different restaurants, however a few of them were still closed due to Covid.  The food was decent but service was really slow.

The resort offered a 2 for 1 special on massages so my bff and I enjoyed a spa day.  The spa was calm and relaxing.  The masseuse wore gloves to decrease infection risk.  Their spa facilities were outside which was a little different but I actually like it.  They had a lazy river pool, hot tub, cold immersion pool, sauna and steam room.  The spa also had a juice bar and light snacks.

The resort provided Covid testing for free.  A negative Covid test is required to fly back to the US.  Their system was smooth and seamless.  They provided print out results within 30 mins and also emailed the results. 

I really just wanted to relax this trip so I only did one excursion.  We chartered a Catamaran in Negril that took us out on the water and stopped at Rick's Cafe.  Our tour guide smuggled some chicken and beef patties on the boat for us.  Probably the best patty I've ever had!  I just feel like Rick's Cafe is one of the things you have to do when you go to Jamaica.  It was a cool vibe.  It was fun to watch people jump off the cliffs.  The jerk chicken and rice and peas were really good.

All in all, Jamaica was a good trip. 

Yesterday, I hit Tiki TNT for brunch. My friend and I were talking about checking out spots at the Wharf and this was the only spot that had last minute reservations available. The menu had good options so we decided to go with it. Tiki TNT is a cute tiki themed restaurant overlooking the Wharf. The island themed drinks were really good. Drinks range from $10-12. They also offer bottomless mimosas. The food menu is based on small, medium or full size plates. We ordered the breakfast flat bread, tiki tots and the rum bun. It was more than enough for us to share. The flatbread and tots were really good. I think I was expecting more from the rum bun. Service was great. Our server was quick and efficient. All in all, a great experience.

​The Black Hair Experience, an interactive popup that celebrates black hair and culture is now open at the National Harbor. As you make your way through the spaces, they are sure to bring about nostalgic vibes. Tix are $32-52 and on sale now. Visit www.blackhairexperience.com for tix/info.

I came across the Loft at Lena’s on IG and the photos/videos do it no justice. Lena’s is a beautifully decorated restaurant on the top floor of Lena’s Woodfire Grill in Alexandria, VA. Whoever decorated this space did an awesome job. They have specialty cocktails that go with the floral spring theme. The food was good too! I got the seafood arrabiata. My friends got the scallop risotto and the salmon. They both enjoyed their food as well. If the floral decor is too much for you, they also have a beautifully decorated tent behind the restaurant called Lena’s Oasis. The waiter said they will be changing the theme soon so check it out before they do! I would definitely go again!