In Case You Missed It – May 2017

Well, May flew by in a flash! Is there really any month that I don’t say that though? Here are a few highlights that you might have missed…

Beyond the Plate

I had the privilege of attending a screening of Smugmug’s newest documentary, Beyond the Plate. This incredible short film features San Francisco-based food photographer Eric Wolfinger. Eric’s work is incredible – you may have seen his work in cookbooks for heavy hitters like Tartine, Benu and Manresa. The smugmug film documents his journey photographing the new Dandelion Chocolate cookbook. It was so interesting to watch Eric’s process as he photographs food and see how he connects with the story behind the food. The film is only 20 minutes long and you can watch it for free on T (above).

 

A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without marveling at its glaciers! As I stood on top Langjökull (jökull is glacier in Icelandic), barely able to open my eyes due to 60 mph gusts, I took a moment to think about the impact of my own carbon footprint. At current rates, this glacier I’m standing on will be completely melted away within 80 years. ????? @arcteryx #celebratewild ?: @thepatfiles #asideoficeland #iceland #visiticeland

A post shared by Kelly – A Side of Sweet (@asideofsweet) on May 15, 2017 at 7:40pm PDT

A Trip to Iceland!

Holy crap Pat and I went to Iceland! What an amazing, magical place. I’m seriously still pinching myself at all the epic landscapes, amazing meals, and deep connection with nature that we felt when we were there. We took almost two thousand photos in eight days and I can’t wait to share the highlights with all of you! If you need me I’ll be over here editing photos for the next five years….

 

Despite the weather being gloomy (or pouring with gale force winds that my poor umbrella just couldn’t stand up to ??) most of the time, I’m calling my 48 hour New York adventure an overwhelming success. ? . I got to hang out with my college besties, make an internet friend a real life friend (@brittanny ?), hear stories from the trailblazers in this crazy field (for the record, I still hate the word ‘influencer’), hang out with an inspiring group of women, eat some ? food, and practice wearing only black and neutrals. ?: @brittanny #iloveny #horsesofinstagram #toryburch

A post shared by Kelly – A Side of Sweet (@asideofsweet) on Apr 26, 2017 at 7:18pm PDT

48 Hours in NYC

I spent 48 hours in New York catching up with some friends from college and attending a blogging conference! I always love going to conferences to connect with other bloggers. It’s always great to hear what other people are doing and pick up tips and tricks to see how I can do my job better! I’ve made a lot of ‘internet friends’ via blogging and when we have the chance to meet up in person it’s always amazing!

 

This past week has been a complete whirlwind! ? Crossing the country and back again in a span of four days made me appreciate the Instagrammers I follow that travel full time. There’s really nothing glamorous about a six hour flight in economy class. I already shared my NYC highlights, and the 48 hours I spent in LA were just as amazing! ??? . . If you follow me on stories, you know that I was in LA to learn more about @BoschHomeUS. They brought together an amazing group of food bloggers, many of whom I’ve followed for years and even made some of their recipes. To be surrounded by these amazing people watching Chef @CurtisStone prepare a private dinner for us using Bosch’s smart appliances was pretty surreal. #pinchme ?? . . Now it’s back to reality and I’m working six night shifts in the pediatric ICU this week and we’re off to Iceland on FRIDAY. ??????? No rest for the weary! #boschcookswithcurtis #hollywood #spiritualgangster

A post shared by Kelly – A Side of Sweet (@asideofsweet) on Apr 30, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

48 Hours in Los Angeles

I flew directly from New York to spend 48 hours in Los Angeles with Bosch. My favorite appliance brand is celebrating a new partnership with celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Curtis cooked a private dinner in a Hollywood mansion for myself and about a dozen other bloggers. (Seriously when I write sentences like that I feel like I need to pinch myself). It was great to learn about Bosch’s seriously smart appliances and start to plan for my dream kitchen when we finally own a home!

Bosch makes an espresso machine that can be controlled with a smart phone app. Just push a button and your machine will make you a fresh cup of coffee that will be waiting for you when you roll out of bed! It was also great to nerd out about the design features of Bosch appliances, like their new “My Way” dishwasher rack and a Speed Oven that combines a microwave, broiler, oven and convection oven all in one.

Here are a few more photos from the event:

Seriously though, Curtis Stone!

 

Where do I even start with @contradasf? ?????This totally under-the-radar gem is CRUSHING the Marina brunch scene. They have it all – amazing food, a dog-friendly outdoor patio, great bloody Mary’s and the prices won’t break your piggy bank. We loved: ??Brioche French Toast ??Foccaccia Breakfast Sandwich ??Wild Mushroom Pizza #brunch #sfeats #? #frenchtoast

A post shared by Kelly – A Side of Sweet (@asideofsweet) on May 4, 2017 at 7:06pm PDT

Brunch at Contrada SF

With our trip to Iceland, we haven’t spent as much time exploring the SF restaurant scene. We did grab brunch at Contrada in the Marina neighborhood. What a treat! Their food is amazing, it wasn’t crowded and prices were some of the best that we’ve found in the city. It’s definitely worth a visit.

More photos from Contrada:

Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me.