TERRA

One of my favorite things about summer is vacationing. Whether it be a quick weekend getaway or a few weeks abroad, it's always nice to have a change in scenery. This past weekend was my mother's birthday (August 2nd) and since I've been in Washington D.C. all summer, I flew back to Michigan for a quick getaway. Despite popular belief, Michigan has more to offer than just farm land and tundra-like weather. The summer is actually one of the best times to visit Michigan if you're looking for somewhere new to explore. My mother and I chose to go to Grand Rapids because it has a city atmosphere, yet is a close car ride to Lake Michigan. 

Our first morning there we went to brunch at a restaurant called Terra, which was recommended to us by multiple people and certainly did not disappoint. Terra serves authentic, artisanal fare, so their menu changes frequently based on availability. The menu has standard brunch bites and cocktails. Additionally, Terra is an extremely sensitive menu for those who have any allergies or dietary restrictions. The menu notes items that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and even dairy free. 

My mom and I chose to split the breakfast pizza, which our waitress said is hands down the most popular item on their brunch menu. Terra's noteworthy woodfire pizzas are glazed with Terra's homemade red sauce and topped with mozzarella. The breakfast pizza has smoked, crispy bacon, potatoes and a sunny side up egg (my mom and I got two, so we could each have our own :)). To top it off, the pizza is drizzled with brown butter hollandaise, and my mom added jalapeños on her side and I added chorizo for a little extra spice. This pizza was served on a traditional wooden platter and had gooey mozzarella cheese melting off of it. Between the smokey meats and sweet brown butter hollandaise sauce, this pizza is the ultimate savory success. 

Terra was so good that my mom and I went back the next morning to split a pastry. When we got there on Sunday morning our waitress sold us on the caramel apple sticky bun, that had just come out of the oven (who could pass up a fresh pastry?). This sweet treat was the perfect balance with sticky brown sugar caramel and warm cinnamon dough that melted in your mouth. 

Terra is certainly not your average café  breakfast, but is definitely worth trying for its unique farm-to-table experience. Plus who doesn't love fresh pizza for breakfast? 


~ XOXO Katherine


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TRYST

Located in the heart of Adams Morgan, in downtown Washington D.C., lies a one-of-a-kind café called Tryst that boasts the tagline “no corporate coffee, no matching silverware”. As a first time customer, I was in awe how the unique individuals that filled the room shaped and inspired the shop. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and go as they please; take your coffee and pastry to-go or stay for an hour…or ten (yes they really do have regulars that come to work there all day.)

For the customers that choose to stay and enjoy the relaxing ambiance, they may sit anywhere they like and a waitress will serve them. The seating options range from high-tops next to the floor length window to antique, recycled couches and chairs. Since no couches or chairs were open, I sat at a wooden booth and table set along the far wall.

The menu contains classic brunch essentials, lunch bites, dessert and even specialty hand crafted cocktails. Starting at 10AM Tryst is a fully functioning bar, which means if you really are compelled to order a beer or cocktail with your breakfast, you may do so (no judgement).

To drink I ordered an iced Mexican coffee, per recommendation from my waitress. For those who aren’t familiar, Mexican coffee is coffee that is brewed with chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla (aka deliciousness). The other "summer treat" drink that was featured on the menu was a Thai iced tea, which sounded equally as appetizing.

During the summer I’m rarely in the mood for a heavy breakfast, so I opted for a fruit and granola parfait. Some other notable eats from the menu were: jalepeno corn bread waffle, strawberry and brie crostini, classic cheese board, and standard sandwiches and salads. Tryst has been one of my favorite places that I’ve visited in D.C., so far. Grab brunch before work or a few drinks after a long day of touring the monuments, regardless Tryst is a must see with its comforting atmosphere and delicious eats.

~ XOXO Katherine