A Side of Sweet

Beautiful Food, Travel & Design

Wine Tasting in Livermore, California

When you’re visiting California wine country, skip Napa and go wine tasting in Livermore Valley. First on your list should be Wente Vineyards. Here’s why…
Wine Tasting Livermore - Wente Vineyards Tasting Room & Restaurant

Last weekend I finally had a few days off from the hospital, so Pat and I did the short drive from San Francisco to the Livermore Valley wine region.  Our only agenda was a relaxing day at Wente Vineyards. Wente is honestly one of the prettiest wineries we’ve ever visited. The white buildings remind me of our trip to South Africa. The temperate fall weather and palm trees really made it feel like we were on vacation…. Read More »

Things to Do in Dallas, Texas – Dining & Activity Guide

Going to Dallas? Here’s where to eat and drink, where to find the best murals and other things to do in Dallas, Texas on your trip! P.S. – many are FREE!Things to Do in Dallas Texas - Travel Guide, Where to Eat

This was my first visit to Dallas. Brandon and I spent a long weekend there checking out the chic new Canopy Hotel in Uptown as part of a content creation project with Hilton.

We fell in love with this vibrant and colorful city and the friendly people who live there. It definitely exceeded my expectations – especially their food scene, which is the perfect mix of Tex-Mex classics and new, more contemporary, dining options. It also checked all my boxes in terms of Instagram opportunities (mural game is STRONG) and free or cheap things to do.

Read on for what to do in Dallas…… Read More »

Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown Hotel Review

Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown is the hottest hotel in Dallas! We loved everything from cool decor to the comfy beds to the amazing breakfast buffet.Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown Review - Best Trendy Boutique Hotel Texas

I had the pleasure of jetting away to Dallas, Texas last weekend to check out the new Canopy by Hilton in Uptown Dallas. Canopy is a new line of hotels by Hilton. Dallas is one of the first properties that they’ve opened.

In the words of one of the Canopy staff, “This isn’t your father’s Hilton.”

Read on for a room tour and review of Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown…… Read More »

The Saratoga – Where to Eat in San Francisco

Wondering where to eat in San Francisco? Check out The Saratoga restaurant in the Tenderloin neighborhood for upscale American classics + amazing cocktails!

Pat and I had a much-needed date night at The Saratoga restaurant in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco last week and I just had to share it here on A Side of Sweet. We loved everything from the ambiance to the food to the cocktails. This place is definitely going on my must-eat list for San Francisco. Here’s a peek at our meal…
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What to Do in Glacier National Park Montana

Guide to Glacier National Park in Western Montana. Read on for best hikes, what to do and where to stay in this FREE travel guide!What to Do Glacier National Park Montana Travel Guide + Best Hikes

Glacier National Park is a wildly beautiful place. It’s one of the few publicly accessible places left in the contiguous United States that truly feels remote.

Sadly, shortly after our visit, Glacier National Park was in the news due to devastating forest fires. According to recent reports the fire is still less than 12% contained, but many Eastern parts of the park remain open. Some of our favorite experiences were in Many Glacier and the eastern parts of the park so I highly recommend exploring this area.

My thoughts are with Glacier and the brave firefighters. This guide is my love letter to Glacier.

Read on for my Glacier National Park guide!

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Homemade Nachos Recipe with Brussels Sprouts & Beet Crema

This incredible homemade nachos recipe is topped with brussels sprouts, roasted corn queso and beet crema. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!Homemade Nachos Recipe Brussels Sprouts & Beet Crema - Diego Pops

Eating the rainbow never tasted so good!

Did anyone else grow up hearing the phrase “eating the rainbow” in the context of making healthy choices? The idea was that fruits and vegetables with bright colors are often healthier. Although this doesn’t always apply (rainbow sugar cookies I’m looking at you) it is a decent and fun rule to live by.

Read on for the brussels sprouts nachos recipe…… Read More »