Dining Out: Camacho Garage

After the lock-down in March, every blogger event I'd had on my calendar was cancelled, and truthfully, I didn't think there would even be new restaurants and businesses opening this year. But no matter what we face, we forge on; while many businesses in my area were shuttered, new ones still opened. 

When I received the email inviting me to attend a real, in-person, opening of a new restaurant last month, I didn't hesitate to send my R.S.V.P., especially considering the executive chef Arturo Franco-Camacho is behind many of my favorite restaurants (past and present), I knew an evening at Camacho Garage was not to be missed.

 

The space in the Westville neighborhood of New Haven has the industrial feel of a vintage garage, with several all glass garage doors that open to the outdoor seating area, allowing for lots of air flow and indoor seating that is effectively outdoor seating for as long as the weather will hold out. In addition to the huge horseshoe bar inside (patrons are currently separated by plexiglass partitions) there is an additional bar outside. The bar menu features the Geronimo Margarita and the Roomba Mojito, nods to Chef's past restaurants, both of which are delicious. While I never visited Roomba before they closed in 2007, I can say I truly miss Tacuba Taco Bar (which was inspired by Roomba) and Camacho Garage seems to embody the feeling and Mexican street food of Tacuba.

While I only sampled a small portion of the menu, everything was delicious - guacamole and tacos of course, but I truly enjoyed the dishes I'd never experienced before; a ceviche comprised of mushrooms, cactus, and onion; a Molcajete bubbling with molten queso, mushrooms and poblanos; and the most delightfully flavorful dessert of a Maria cookie topped with a caramelized sweet plantain and cajeta.

Even while I was still missing the social aspect of past events, it was still a lovely evening to be out seeing some familiar faces from a six foot distance and sampling amazing food.

 

Take any opportunity to enjoy dinner at the open and airy Camacho Garage while the weather is still favorable, and maybe try to get a patio table close to a heater if you love impractical footwear as much as I do.

                     
The Rundown
Rust Knit Dress H&M similar
Floral Kimono Lucky Brand
Sandals Urban Outfitters similar
Basket Bag TJMaxx similar
Jade Hoop Earrings Vintage similar
Coin Necklace TJMaxx

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry

Gold Croissant Ring Etsy

Twist Ring Vintage via Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Saffr-on the Move" Essie

Persian Rug Duster

I was poking around Lucky Brand earlier this year when I spotted this chiffon duster - it doesn't take much for a blue and white print to win my heart, but I was willing to patiently wait four months until it finally went on sale. I was also taken by a wrap dress in the same print and posted both pieces on my Instagram stories. Even though the dress won in the poll, and was $10 cheaper, I couldn't rationalize keeping both. My heart belonged to the duster.

Naturally this print has sold out now, but Lucky Brand does have a number of other options for that perfect end of summer layering piece.

        
The Rundown 
Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory
Button Fly Denim Shorts Gap

Persian Rug Duster Lucky Brand
 Ankle Strap Sandals Target
Black Straw Bag Zara similar

Joanna Hat Brixton via Nordstrom
 Layered Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

How to Fly with a Huge Straw Hat

I mentioned last week that I packed for my ten day California trip in just a carry on bag. I also felt compelled to bring this huge straw hat. Not a small, sensible, packable straw hat, but this oversized, natural straw, easily crushed and ruined hat.

Thankfully, in the world of travel, at hat does not count towards your luggage. I will admit I had a small fear that at some point a flight attendant might insist I needed to fit the hat under my seat (it did not) or stow it in an overhead bin (which I would not have wanted to do for fear of it getting crushed). It was my finding that a very large hat is completely fine to sit on your lap, or be draped over your feet, even during take offs and landings.

Often when I see bloggers posting travel photos with items like very large hats, or bamboo ark bags, I wonder how they managed with them. The answer is, "Not very easily!" Now that I've flown with my bamboo bag (I put it inside my trusty beach bag and so very carefully tucked it under the seat) and this hat, I have to wonder if it's worth it. I only managed to wear the hat twice during my trip. I had intended it for the beach, but it was so windy I spent half the time fighting to keep it on my head and the other half with it stowed in my beach bag. This is the only set of outfit photos it's in. For all the hassle of bringing it, it was in no way a practical choice. Next time I'll concede to flying with a smaller hat.

        

The Rundown

Blue and White Tunic Dress "Evadne" Joie via ThredUP
Sandals "Glorious" Franco Sarto via DSW similar
Tote Bag Lucky Brand similar
Palma Wide Fedora Lack of Color
 Circle Earrings c/o AUrate New York
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

En Vogue

The physical coupon can sometimes be under valued, as it's sole purpose is to lure you into a store that you may or may not otherwise visit, and tempt you to spend money. Often we forget about them, we throw them in our purses and six months later sift through all the expired ones.

Coupons which promise entirely free things are the best. Any discount 25% and above (depending on the store) can often elicit a visit from me. Typically, stores which somehow have all your personal information, even if you don't remember giving it to them, will send out special offers during your birthday month.

Such was the case with Sunglass Hut. I rarely shop there, and seldom even browse, but they sent me a coupon for $20 off any purchase during my birthday month. I was doing so well at avoiding the temptation, but when I was at the Clinton Crossing Outlets, on the day the coupon was expiring, I could not help but go in.

Then I saw the most perfect pair of sunglasses.

The Rundown
Leopard Dress Calvin Klein via TJMaxx similar
Utility Jacket Old Navy similar
Pumps "Gennie" Coach thrifted similar
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Tassel Necklace Thrifted similar
Green Ring Lucky Brand similar
Crystal Chain Cuff Slate via Rocksbox
Cloudy Agate Bracelet J.Crew
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar
Sunglasses Vogue via Sunglass Hut
Nail Color "Find me an Oasis" Essie

Trying to be cool

I've been on the hunt for a perfect pair of aviator sunglasses for ages, and while I have always wanted the classic shape, I never cared for how they looked on my face.

I decided to take a chance on this squared off pair, the Ray-Ban Caravan, and opted for the smaller lenses, as I believe they are more traditionally a mens frame.

I'm not sure any sunglasses I ever find will rival how much I love my wayfarer frames, but I think I finally found my perfect aviator.

The Rundown

White Sweater Ralph Lauren thrifted similar
Jeans "Lola" Lucky Brand
Utility Jacket Old Navy similar
Pumps "Gennie" Coach thrifted similar
White Mini Satchel Tignanello via TJMaxx similar
Gold Hoop Earrings Amazon
Necklace Gorjana via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Brianna Bracelet Perry Street via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova via Lucky Fabb
Gold Framed Monogram Ring c/o Onecklace
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Caravan" Ray-Ban via Ditto
Nail Color "Back to the Fuchsia" Sally Hansen