I hop, you hop, we hop at iHop! -American dining

So we all know about IHOP (the International House Of Pancake) right? Well, I am one of the many big fans of their cuisine. Been to a couple in Boston, MA and one in Portland, OR (twice at least) and have never been disappointed. No need for me to give you addresses because you can find it easily. The one I go to in Portland is on 82nd in SE but I don't remember the area we were when I went there in Boston.
IHOP.... I'm lovin' it!!!

PS: When you get breakfast menus you get free hot chocolate/coffee/tea and for $6-$7 max, that's a pretty sweet deal.

Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY

This is one of the best beaches I have been to in the United States, Coney Island. I don't think it is necessary to give contact information but I might just end up doing it in the end. It is easy to go there and it is a wonderful place to have fun, especially during the summer.
To go there, you need to get on the yellow or orange line of the subway in New york City (NYC). One of the stops (if not the terminus) is Coney Island. It is quite a long ride but it is shorter than to go by car if you do not live in Brooklyn.
Opposite the sea at CI, you have a lot going on: there's a little hut where people freestyle and karaoke, there are a BIGILION food and drink stands and there's an amusement park, yes, a HUGE attraction park.
All in all, it's a fare/festival/carnival atmosphere all summer long. You can also camp, picnic, partey or play sports or games. Don't forget sailing, swimming, water-skiing, etc...
Maybe the website can better speak for itself: www.coneyisland.com.

SUSHI, SUSHI, SUSHI!

This is one of my favorite Sushi place in Portland, OR. It's called Saburo's and here are the contact info:


Saburo's Sushi House
1667 SE Bybee Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 236-4237
www.saburos.com


What makes this place so great? Well, I have heard from people who consider themselves sushi connaisseur about this place and some of them say it's not the best sushi in town but for the price it is pretty good. And while, I am NOT a sushi expert (only a great sushi lover), I can assure you that they are wrong. According to the huge lines you always, I mean ALWAYS, find in front of this restaurant, I believe I can recommend this place to anyone, gourmet or not. I have been to this place 70% of the times I have been out to eat sushi and I would go back anytime. Another VERY important details is that their prices are off-the-hook affordable while their servings are very generous. While their sushi are a little bit too big compared to normal sushi size, they are nonetheless tasty and filling. Seriously, check it out!

Aquarium with iMax...

That is in Boston, MA and the place is called The New England Aquarium. The imax theater inside is the Simons iMax theater. Below are the contact info:

New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 973-5206
www.neaq.org

The aquarium is gorgeous but heartbreaking at the same time. I used to be a huge fan of aquariums and zoos because I absolutely enjoyed discovering and seeing new species of animals. Now, because I like animals that much, I find it really sad that animals are caged like for our entertainment and education. It just breaks my heart... Maybe it's hypocrite of me because I eat meat but I don't know what is worse, a animal in my plate or an imprisoned, slave animal...
On the bright side, there's an imax right around the corner (probably belongs to the aquarium management anyway) and I went to see "Deep Sea 3D" in 3D, a documentary about the realm of the sea. It was an amazing adventure, it felt like we were diving in the sea with the explorers, swimming among shrimps and different other sea animals.

Kinsale Irish Pub & Restaurant in Boston, MA

The first Irish Pub-Restaurant I went to and that was in the beautiful city of Boston (downtown in Beacon Hill) is Kinsale. Below are the contact info:

Kinsale Irish Pub & Restaurant
2 Center Plz
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-5577
www.classicirish.com

My friend got a shepherd pie, I don't remember what my other friend had but I got one of the best mixed salad I've ever had (and I usually prefer ceasar salads here in the US.) This is a no-missed spot in downtown Boston. We passed by it so many times but thought we couldn't handle it (because of our ages and potentially high prices). Well the prices was maybe a little much for broke college students like us but it was quite worthy going there considering no veggie was left on my plate and my friend's plate was spotless...

Dance, Dance, Rev.

This is a club called The Fez in Portland, OR. Here are the info:

Fez Ballroom
318 SW 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 221 7262

Price: $5-10

On Fridays, The Fez is the place to go. I went there on their Bangra night, it was awesome. I didn't know much about Indian pop music but I danced my butt of all night (and God knows I usually prefer hip hop/electro/pop clun nights). If you are a soul inspired by diverse type of music like me, or if you just love up beat and funky music, hit the Fez on Bangra night. Otherwise, hit TF anyway because they have all sorts of themes for ya...

The Best French Bakery in Portland, OR

It's called 'St Honoré'. It's in the Pearl District in North West.
Below is their contact info:

St Honoré Bakery
2335 NW Thurman St
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 445-4342
www.sainthonorebakery.com

Whether you miss pain au chocolat, chausson aux pommes, quiche Lorraine, croque-monsieur, chouquettes and many other French pastries and meals, or whether you are dying to see what the excitement about French food is all about, you'll be served at St. Honoré. There are other French bakeries in PDX but SH is by far the best... in my opinion.

My favorite place in Portland, OR...

Pambiche!!! This is a Cuban restaurant on Glisan in North East.
Here is their contact info:

Pambiche
2811 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 233-0511
www.pambiche.com

Their menu is displayed on website. All I can say is the food is tasty to the max. I didn't get the chance to try the Arroz con Pollo (I have to have it!) but the Pescado en Salsa Verde is definitely one of the stars of the menu and with a Champola shake, you are completely immersed in the Caribbean culture. This is a 'must check out'!