Madrid, Spain

Water Droplets
Chocolate con Churros
Olive Tapas
Salted Fish San Miguel Market
San Miguel Market
Child's Play inside the Westin Palace
Painted Signs Litter the walls of Madrid
Door
The Westin Palace
A breakfast in the Westin Palace, Madrid
Reina Sofia
Spanish Flag
Madrid Skyline from the Reina Sofia
Reina Sofia
Reina Sofia
Mallorquina Bakery
Outside of the San Miguel Market
San Miguel market
Croquetas Chipirones
Atocha Train Station
Parque Retiro
Parque Retiro
Parque Retiro
Parque Retiro
Parque Retiro
Inside the Metro
Outside a Supermarket
Iberican Ham in the San Miguel Market

San Gines Street
Building Interplay.

Food Adventures with Shelley #2: The "Secret Garden" Sonya Gertzel Shapira, Tel Aviv

Brunch is mine and my friend Shelley's favorite meal, and when better than a sun-filled Friday morning to indulge. Because I am a huge dining enthusiast, I keep a list of eateries in my moleskine that I must try. At the top of my list was Sonya Getzel Shapira--a whimsical garden café neatly tucked away in a small side street of King George. Behind rustic wrought-iron gates, a bohemian vibe is set with simple lawn furniture and brightly coloured mosaic-style tables which freckle the outdoor space. Nonconformist Tel Avivians lazed in the sun sipping cappucinos and eating shakshuka while waiters whisked by with crispy cinnamon pastries, and thick-layered sandwiches. An open-faced Croissant served with ham, cheese, and egg was the winner for Shelley, and my traditional Israeli breakfast of an omelette, salad and a crusty loaf of oat bread satisfied my brunch craving.

Scones

I have a weakness for anything sweet; I almost never pass up one of those crusty, buttery, raspberry scones from Starbucks. A recent discovery of a slight intolerance to sugar has turned me to alternative baking--yielding great results. For all of you living in N-Y-C...check out BabyCakes NYC on Manhattan's lower east side. I used a recipe from their cookbook for raspberry scones (adding a personal twist of blueberry), and it is now a staple in my household.