Brittany Heathman’s Post

Exploring the hidden gem restaurants in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is like going on a mini-adventure. 🥳 While we love helping clients find their dream homes and investment properties, we also enjoy uncovering the best local spots for a memorable meal. Here are our top 10 hidden gem restaurants you need to try: 1. The Lost Cuban - Authentic Cuban flavors that teleport you straight to Havana. 2. Sykora Bakery - Delightful pastries and a taste of Europe right in the heart of Cedar Rapids. 3. Her Soup Kitchen - Comfort food that feels like a hug from grandma. 4. Rodina - Farm-to-table dining that celebrates local produce. 5. Pullman Bar & Diner - Experience the vintage charm with modern twists on classic dishes. 6. Bluebird Diner - A cozy spot offering hearty breakfasts and unique plates. 7. Mosley’s Barbecue and Provisions - For those who crave BBQ that sticks to your ribs. 8. Cobble Hill - A gourmet experience with a relaxed vibe. 9. Daisy’s Garage & Filling Station - Tapas and local beers, perfect for casual nights out. 10. Thirsty Carp - Hidden by a lake, it's the perfect spot for fresh seafood and sunsets. Finding these gems can make your home feels even more special. What’s your favorite hidden gem in Iowa? #IowaEats #HiddenGems #CedarRapids #IowaCity #LocalFavorites

Weekly Destination Wedding Tip! Embrace local flavors! Incorporate destination-inspired cuisine into your wedding menu. It's a delightful way to immerse guests in the culture of your chosen location. Are you considering a destination wedding? Leave a comment below of your dream destination so we can get started on planning. #RebelEscapes #RebelEscapesWedding #Brides #Grooms #WeddingCouples #Honeymoon #WeddingPlanning #DestinationWeddings #WeddingVacation #NewClients #NewBrides #DestinationWeddingTips

I was in New Orleans yesterday for a quick trip, so I missed posting some #MondaySparks. But here are three ideas for the food industry to jumpstart the week - NOLA edition: 1. I absolutely love market immersions (if you are interested in getting a market immersion for your brand on the scheduler, reach out to Maeve Webster or me), and visiting New Orleans is such a great example of how you can find inspiring innovation and trends within a local regional or cultural context. In just a few days we saw options like orange creamsicle beignets, Hubig's Pie milkshakes, and Southern praline chicory coffee. When was the last time you immersed yourself in a place purely for the creative stimuli? 2. If you're looking for indulgent innovation, is there a better city? A late-night trip to Dat Dog ended with a huge "Black n' Bleu" dog featuring a Polish kielbasa, blackberry sauce, bleu cheese, bacon, and jalapenos on a rich buttery grilled bun. At Brennan's, the server added a healthy glug of sherry to my turtle soup while flambeed bananas foster sent the smell of caramel into the air all around us (always keep aroma in mind). Bayou shrimp benedict at Ruby Slipper featured huge pieces of pork tasso in a rich tomato sauce on top of fried green tomatoes and two fluffy biscuits with poached eggs gushing bright yellow yolks atop. Even the famous collard green melt at Turkey & the Wolf required a bib, dripping with cheese and pickled cherry pepper dressing. If you need some comfort food ideas, get down to New Orleans. 3. Two lessons in hospitality - at one restaurant the week before, I sat at the bar when a customer walked in and ordered a glass of wine. A few moments later all of the servers disappeared into the kitchen. The woman waited for anyone to reappear, tapping her feet - someone finally brought it to her a full 15 minutes later. It turned out that another server had walked out with the only wine key and they had to go purchase a new one. They surely would have headed off her annoyance with a little information - we're having an issue with our wine key, enjoy this glass (from a screw top bottle) on the house while we remedy it, etc. Later, in New Orleans, I ordered an oyster po'boy at St. Roch Market, but a few minutes later the owner came out and said that she knows oysters and, you know what, these oysters just didn't look like the best quality to her. I appreciated that she was honest, ordered a catfish po'boy instead, and she gave me a bowl of white beans and sausage to enjoy while I waited. Customers HATE not having all of the information when things go wrong (think about unexplained airport delays) and start to seethe and invent stories. A little explanation and honesty can go a long way, and a free app or drink on-the-house has almost magical powers when it comes to regaining a customer's good graces. #innovation #creativity #ideas #restaurants #neworleans #cpg #chefs #foodservice #indulgence #hospitality

At the moment, Food tourism is booming in the Middle East, attracting visitors eager to explore the region's rich culinary heritage. From traditional markets to modern dining experiences, there's something for everyone. Imagine wandering through the streets with the aroma of freshly ground spices, or dining at contemporary restaurants that offer a modern twist on age-old recipes. The Middle East offers a unique blend of flavours and culinary traditions that captivate food enthusiasts from around the world. What are the must-visit culinary destinations in your country? Or even your favourite dish from your country. Share your favourite spots where visitors can taste the essence of your local cuisine. Whether it's a hidden gem in an old city, a renowned food market, or a high end restaurant, let's highlight the places that make your country a food lover's paradise. #FoodTourism #MiddleEasternCuisine #TravelAndFood #CulinaryHeritage #GastronomicAdventure #TasteTheWorld

Imagine creating new traditions in a space that’s uniquely yours. Picture yourself whipping up gourmet meals in your dream kitchen, laughter filling the dining room, and enjoying relaxing walks with your pet. Your new home is ready to be the setting for endless cherished moments. Let’s find the perfect place for you to start this exciting chapter! What are some home traditions you have or maybe you want to start?

Nostalgic trends aren’t reserved for fashion and interiors, this also happens with food as the restaurant industry is cyclical.  There’s been a revived interest in hearty, traditional comfort dishes for diners after the hype of molecular gastronomy cools and people are seeking familiarity in a world that is seemingly becoming more unfamiliar. Restaurants are reaching into the archives and dusting off old recipes to add a touch of comfort to their menus again. Nostalgic additions we’ve seen are pea and ham soup from the Devonshire Soho, Maitake Cornish pasty from Roe Restaurant, and daily pies from Quo Vadis Soho. Dovetale London added a Knickerbocker Glory station to their repertoire (which cost a whopping £50k), and you can get ice cream sandwiches from Manteca. Some places have taken full inspiration from chefs’ childhoods, like the Southern Chinese restaurant Hainan House and the traditionally French Josephine Bouchon.  Whether it’s reinventing hearty classics that remind us of home or revisiting traditional family recipes, we’d be the last to say no to food that’s just simply delicious. #foodtrends

Exploring the local culinary scene is not just a journey for the taste buds; it's a cultural immersion that brings you closer to the heart of a place. As you savor the flavors unique to each region, you're not just eating and drinking; you're indulging in the stories, traditions, and passions of the people who craft these delectable creations. From street food stalls to quaint cafes and bustling markets, each bite and sip becomes a portal into the community's history and identity. There's a certain authenticity that comes with dining locally – an authenticity that transcends the mere act of consuming food. It's about embracing the soul of a destination through its gastronomic treasures. So, venture beyond the familiar and let your palate be your guide. Taste the spices that dance on your tongue, savor the textures that tell tales of culinary expertise, and let each sip be a toast to the local spirits that have stood the test of time. In every meal, you're not just nourishing your body; you're nourishing your travel experience with the richness that can only be found in the authenticity of local flavors. Eat and drink local, and let the cultural symphony on your plate be the soundtrack to your journey. #eatlocalsupportlocal #indianculture

Experience the Renaissance of Greek Cuisine Right in Hershey, PA! 🍴✨ Discover the charm of traditional Greek flavors fused with a contemporary twist at Simply Greek! Nestled in the heart of Hershey, this gem is a vibrant celebration of authentic Greek dishes, paying homage to a rich culinary history while embracing modern dining trends. 🇬🇷 Greek gastronomy is not just about enjoying a meal; it's about stories, culture, and an immersive experience. At Simply Greek, they promise to take you on a cultural journey through each dish, carefully crafted to transport your senses straight to the Mediterranean. In today's fast-paced world, it's rare to find a place that values both tradition and innovation the way Simply Greek does. Their culinary philosophy is simple yet profound - serve genuine Greek cuisine that resonates with the authenticity of a mother's kitchen, yet sings in harmony with the modern palate. Beyond the delectable food, it's Simply Greek's spirit of community and adaptability that truly sets them apart. Their robust social media presence and community engagement keep the essence of Greek hospitality alive, even through challenging times like the pandemic. They've skilfully navigated these waters, ensuring that patrons can still enjoy their favorite Greek meals, be it through inventive takeout or a mindful dining experience. 🍽️👌 Eager for a dining experience that's not just a meal but a cherished memory? Then Simply Greek is your destination - where each visit promises to be a heartwarming odyssey rich with flavors and stories. Remember, it's not just about the roots of the cuisine but how it weaves into the tapestry of our lives today. So, embark on your own culinary odyssey - join the family table at Simply Greek, where every bite is an adventure, and every flavor, a chapter of an epic tale. 🚢🌊 For reservations, simply dial (717) 298-6668 - your table at Simply Greek is waiting! #GreekCuisine #SimplyGreek #AuthenticDining #HersheyPA #CulinaryAdventure #ModernDining #Foodies #ExperienceGreece #CommunitySpirit #TraditionMeetsTrend https://ayr.app/l/QvKk

Have you ever had a meal that left a lasting impression on you? If you're a fan of seafood, then Portugal is definitely a must-visit destination for you. With its rich seafaring history, Portugal offers some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes in the world. Imagine dining at a seaside restaurant in Portugal, enjoying a classic dish like Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (fresh clams in white sauce) from Lisbon. Or savoring pejxe grelhado, grilled fish, with its regional variations that add even more depth to the experience. And let's not forget about the perfect complement to your meal – a crisp glass of Portuguese white wine like Loureiro or Antao Vaz. It's the little details like these that make dining experiences in Portugal truly special. So, tell us – where in the world was your most memorable meal and why? Was it the setting, the company, or the delicious flavors that made it stand out? We can't wait to hear your stories! #visitportugal #accessibleportugal #TravelAble #traveltips #travelagent #travelplanner #welltraveled #travelbug #traveljunkies #wanderlust #exploremore #familyadventures #familytravel #autismtravel #accessibletravel #romanticdestinations #solotravel #luxurytravel #travelgram #instatravel #igtravel #beautifuldestinations #wheelchairtravel #inclusivetravel #wheretonext #adventureparenting #showthemtheworld

🍽️ Foodie Friday Feature: The Culinary Jewel of Santa Monica 🌟 Embark on a gastronomic journey at Ivy at the Shore1, where Californian cuisine meets the charm of a flower-adorned sanctuary. Indulge in the creamy delight of their lobster ravioli, or savor the unique flavors of lobster enchiladas as you’re serenaded by the attentive wait staff. Or, elevate your dining experience at The Lobster2, perched atop a bluff with breathtaking views of the Pacific. Fresh, perfectly seasoned seafood awaits, with a backdrop of the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Ferris wheel. For those with a penchant for the exquisite, BOA Steakhouse3 offers a symphony of flavors with steaks that melt in your mouth and service that makes every guest feel like a star. And for the seafood aficionados, Water Grill4 presents an oceanic feast for the senses, boasting a robust menu of the freshest catches and a view that’s simply unmatched. Join us this Friday and discover why Santa Monica is the crown jewel of culinary excellence. 🌊✨ #FoodieFriday #SantaMonicaEats #CulinaryAdventure #OceanViewDining #instatrip #uniqueexperiences #uniqueexperience #smallscale #hotelindustry #communityengagement #newchallenge #operationalexcellence #strategicvision #linkedin #exploreopportunities #amnow #benow #premiumservice #operationsmanager #hospitalitymanagemen #guestsatisfaction #hospitality #leadership #communities #general #freshestcatches