Greetings!

I'm writing this from Chicago, where I'm attending the National Restaurant Association show for the first time since 2019. There's been a lot of "for the first time since..." of late, and I'm loving every instance! As we continue to make our way through COVID and the world tries to resume some sense of normalcy, there will inevitably be some starts and stops; fortunately so far, the starts have far outweighed the stops.

This month, we invite you to travel abroad while staying local, revert back to a time when COVID didn't exist (yes, please!), and take the time to make every celebration count. As for me, post-Memorial Day, I'm looking forward to hopefully many more "first time since" moments and continuing to reconnect with friends old and new. And if I happen to have an Aperol Spritz in hand, even better!
puro gusto
We don’t know about you, but with warmer temps finally here, we’re dreaming of summer on the Amalfi coast, with a hard stop every afternoon to enjoy a traditional Italian Aperitivo.
 
Can’t make it to Italy? Fear not, you can still live like an Italian (while simultaneously drowning your sorrows about being stuck stateside) with the newly launched Bottomless Aperitivo Happy Hour at Puro Gusto, the all-day Italian café in Washington, D.C. Yup, you read those three magical words right: Bottomless. Happy. Hour.
 
Every Monday – Wednesday, Puro Gusto invites guests to embrace the Italian way of life. Choose from draft beer or cocktails including Aperol Spritz, Seasonal Strawberry Spritz, and the Classic Negroni, along with a traditional Italian snack of olives, chips, and taralli, all for only $17.95 (waaaaay cheaper than a plane ticket to Italia, especially with fuel prices these days!).

While we might not be taking in views of the Mediterranean this summer, a visit to Puro Gusto is the next best thing – and we hope to see you there. Saluti!

castle hill inn
When we think of historic summers past, we picture lawn parties overlooking the ocean, while ladies and gentlemen gathered in their finest attire to eat, drink, and be merry.
 
While those days may be gone (and thank goodness…we can’t imagine having to wear one of those corsets!), you can still experience life like a member of Mrs. Astor’s inside crew at Newport’s iconic Castle Hill Inn with their newly launched “Gilded Age Experience.”
 
No ball gowns, tuxedos, or needlepoint required, guests who book the experience will enjoy a two-night stay at Castle Hill Inn – originally built as one of Newport’s “summer cottages” in 1874. The stay includes a Tasting Menu Experience for two in The Dining Room, two tickets to one of the Newport Preservation Society mansions that directly inspired the décor of the Russell's NYC palace in the HBO hit show, as well as a daily gourmet breakfast, a guest-only afternoon tea, and a welcome amenity upon arrival. With season two currently filming around town, you may even spot a cast member or two!
 
So live it up like a Robber Baron this summer (if that’s not a thing, we’re making it one!) at Castle Hill Inn. Julian Fellowes would surely approve!

wentworth by the sea country club
It’s May which means #weddingszn is about to bloom. Whether you’re a helpful fiancée, enthusiastic MOB, in-the-know event planner, or the bride herself, we’ve got the ultimate New England seaside location for your consideration. Nestled along the Atlantic coastline in Rye, New Hampshire Wentworth by the Sea Country Club offers the best of both worlds – private seaside weddings only five minutes from the vibrant attractions and historical charm of Portsmouth, one of the Seacoast’s most sought-after destinations.
 
The members-only 18-hole golf club hosts a limited number of non-member weddings
each year, providing an exclusive location for making it Instagram official. Featuring romantic outdoor or indoor ceremonies and timeless tented receptions, you and your guests will break it down on the dance floor as you nibble on exceptional culinary offerings and imbibe signature cocktails, all set against sparkling panoramic ocean views and cotton candy skies. Downtown Portsmouth features accommodations for every budget alongside dozens of charming restaurants and local attractions to round out the weekend with rehearsal dinners, after-hours, and morning-after brunches. And the best part? Wentworth by the Sea Country Club is located within driving distance of NYC, Boston, and Portland, making it an easy trek for the whole squad.
 
So, grab your soon-to-be spouse, pack the clubs, and invite (up to 250 of) your loved ones for a Seacoast celebration like no other!