NoVa Supper Club: Hanks Pasta Bar

Last week I had an opportunity to meet for dinner with some of my fellow Yelpers. I was ecstatic that Alexandria my hood was chosen and I wouldn't have to battle traffic to make it out. Also, I'd been dying to try Hank's Pasta Bar ever since it opened and this was the perfect excuse to dine out.

I love the Industrial feel

Cute Decor for the win

I arrived a few minutes late but I was still able to find free, yes free street parking. I will say if you decide to visit after reading this post go a few minutes early to find free parking, lol. The restaurant is on the corner lot and a bit small. However, upon entering, you can tell that it's filled with so much personality. This Italian restaurant bypasses the traditional uppity vibe and has a trendy down to earth vibe.

Luckily the good peeps from Yelp as well as fellow Yelpers already had a table reserved. We had an awesome waiter that was very familiar with the menu and offered several recommendations when asked. The complimentary seasoned oyster crackers were sooo good; kinda reminded me of the Goldfish they give at their "sister restaurant" Hank's Oyster Bar. We started off with a few appetizers which consisted of Grilled Baby Octopus, Burrata, and Mussels.  This was my first time having grilled baby octopus and although it was seasoned well I wasn't a fan of the texture. But I'm really happy that I tried it.

For my entree, I thought I'd get the Carbonara that I saw in the pics I'd stalked earlier, however it was no longer on the menu. I asked the waiter for his opinion and I went with the Beef Bolognese Lasagna which was such a great choice. There was also a lot of it on the plate. I made sure to eat only half so I could have leftovers for work smart girl as well as make room for dessert. For the dessert I went with the Key Lime Pie because I'd had it at their other restaurant and it tasted just as I remembered. If I wan't trying to get fine for the Summer I definitely would have got another slice!!!

If you're in Alexandria, definitely give Hank's Oyster Bar a try and let me know what you think.

NoVA Supper Club: Hot Spot

I try to think back to my life pre-Virginia to see if I was much of a foodie then than I am now. I honestly think that answer is no. You see, exposure is everything and I don’t think I was exposed much to anything outside of my normal southern delicacies (pig feet, chitterlings, neck bones). Now that was good eating and still to this day I indulge in my southern delicacies. However, Virginia and the DMV has opened my palate to sooo many different foods (and cultures).

One of the best ways to learn of new food adventures is to join a meetup or a groupme in your area. But the absolute BEST way, is to start an account on Yelp. If you know me personally then you already know my love for Yelp is infinite. Nonetheless, I try to go to every event that my schedule allows and since I’m a Yelp Elite, their events are really the cream of the crop.

Always make time for a margarita!!!

Last night I was able to attend NoVA Supper Club and enjoy a nice dinner at Hot Spot, Fairfax with my fellow Yelpers. Hot Spot specializes in the hot pot which is described as an "Asian-style fondue" but in soup form if that makes sense. Now I’m not a fan of fondue per se, but this dining experience was nothing short of amazing. What made it sweeter is the all you can eat price of $22.99.  Although it was my first time, the order sheet was pretty self-explanatory and there several Yelpers around that were more than willing to offer suggestions. I ordered the basic broth, with noodles, veggies, and several types of meat/seafood. Just see for yourself:

I am such a saucer!!!

#SauceHeaven

#TooMuchSauce

Make sure you're hungry when you visit

Get in my belly!!!

Can you believe I cooked ALL of this!!!

Quite a deal

I can actually see myself visiting Hot Spot again and again because it was just that great. Aside from the price and the amount of food you get, the atmosphere was fantastic. The music that they played definitely went along with the have it your way vibe. Have you tried any new and interesting restaurants? If so, let me know in the comment section, us foodies have to stick together!!!

Goodbye Summer 16...

Although I've been waiting for Fall ever since the start of September, I can't help but pay homage to Summer 16. I'll be the first to admit that my Summer 16 didn't go exactly as planned, however, I did have my share of fun. Take a look below: 

The drink of the Summer was Rosé and I was happy to order one everywhere I went!!!

I spent a good bit of time in the gym working on my fitness!!!

I got this floating and enjoyed the pool. Next year I will definitely invest in swim lessons!!!

I had a nostalgic moment with the first friends I met in Va. and enjoyed the skate rink.

I experienced my first water taxi from Alexandria to the National Harbor and I enjoyed the ride and wished it lasted longer. 

It's My Birthday!!!

What a blessing to be able to celebrate another year. I honestly think this has been one of my favorite birthday celebrations thus far. I enjoyed my pre-birthday weekend in Ga hanging out with family and friends and I couldn't have asked for a better celebration. Although I was super last minute with planning (which is so not me) things came together perfectly.

I started the weekend by getting a Vtox with two of my friends. If you're unsure of what a Vtox is, remember Google is your friend lol. I kid, I kid, I plan on doing a full review of my Vtox experience soon!

Can you believe that I was able to hang out with my little sister. I even stayed with her and enjoyed a fabulous downtown Atlanta view.

Don't you just love when an outfit comes together? My birthday outfit consisted of 2 new pieces and 2 old pieces that I purchased a while back. I knew I had to grab the colorful kimono when I saw it hanging on the rack. And because my foot is sooo small, I purchased the gold chunky heel sandals last year (off season) during a work trip in Utah.

Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate with me, I had a blast!!!

Funk Festival DC

Aside from fall, my next favorite season is festival season. I'm sure you're thinking 'I never learned that festival season is actually a season.' Well in my book, it's definitely a season. Why not? Festival season is the time of year when the weather magically happens to corporate so that we can hear good music, eat good food, and have a really good time. Although I've been living in the DMV for a few years now, this is my first time hearing of the Funk Festival. Thanks to the Metro Express paper I was able to get the run down. Believe it or not, this was the third annual funk parade which included a street fair and a musical festival. It was pretty cool that several restaurants opened their establishment up for us to hear local bands without an entry fee. My favorite band of the day was Drew Kid and the Elevators. They are definitely worth looking up. It was also good to see DC residents and metropolitan neighbors coming together in the name of funk.

I've learned over the years that festival dress code is synonymous with being comfortable. I went for a 90s inspired look on accident which turned out great. I even got a few compliments!!! Since the weather was  a bit chilly I knew my faux leather jacket had to accompany me. I picked up a cute striped t-shirt dress from TJ Maxx and paired it with my red chucks. I also let my thin biking shorts peep from underneath my dress providing that 90s essence which is quickly making a comeback. Only thing missing was the infamous choker lol. Thanks to my blogger boo Jia for giving me the FaceTime thumbs up!!!

This will not be the last festival I attend as there are several on my radar. Check out a few of my highlights below and don't forget to leave your favorite festival in the comment section; I just might pop up!

Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself...

My name is HOV, H to the O V, actually I couldn't resist!!! I actually speak in music lyrics/movie lines all day every day. Many of you all remember me from my blog handbagshairandheels, well I'm back and I'm better. I took way too much time away from blogging and trust me I missed it. Do you know how many times I've said that I'm a blogger and haven't had any content to back up that statement? Too. Many. Times. 

Blogging has always and will always be my personal outlet. Though the 'blogging game ' has changed throughout the years, I truly believe that there is room for everyone. At the end of the day, I am my only competition and my goal is to be a better Kristin than the day before... why not?   This blog is a true definition of who I am, a natural-haired foodie, stylishly living.

Although I haven't been blogging I've clearly been taking advantage of attending blogger events. Take a look below:

Here with a Sarah, Dani, Valerie, Vivi, and Jia

Jia and Vivi

I managed to look cute although this was THE hottest day in 2015

Here with Vivi at the #BrownGirlsLoveBrunch event

April Bubbles and Bloggers with Brea, Dani, and Valerie. Thanks for the pic Dani!