Charger Blogger Explores the Local Restaurant Scene

One of the best parts of studying nutrition is getting to nerd out about food. When I was a kid, making traditional Sicilian dishes was a big thing for my Dad. Every holiday, we’d all hustle to the kitchen to prepare around 300 ravioli. It would take hours; some were to eat, some were to freeze, and some were loving mistakes. Of course, we could’ve bought the ravioli and made it in 20 minutes, but it’s not the same. Store-bought pasta only tastes as good as the machines that made it.

But I digress.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a food nerd or care about love as an ingredient, let me recommend a place that will change your mind on how dining should be:

Originally, this started as a Hibachi run. Stacked with homework, Boyfriend and I were planning on going out for something Asian-themed. I wasn’t particularly feeling anything, but the boyfriend wanted to go out. How could I say no? As we scrolled through what seemed to be endless Google, this little restaurant near the water caught our eye. Seemingly small, simple, and having what appeared to be a well-designed menu, we made a reservation.

Little did we know the surprises we had in store.

As we were led to the patio, we were brought in for a hug by warm lights and a well-set table. While not overly sophisticated– like you’d be afraid of breathing on the napkin or something –Little Lotus makes fine dining a homey, comforting experience. I could go on and say how the prongs of the forks were perfect to every last detail, but that seems a bit overkill.

(I was grinning ear-to-ear in pure amazement at this place, for reference).

Our first face of the night was Manny, the manager of Little Lotus. This is perhaps the warmest soul you’ll ever meet. Filled with a passion for storytelling, Manny can make any guest feel at home, anywhere, and with any dish.

Speaking of that, it was food (and drink) time. While there are many options to explore, these are the ones we chose:

Jun Mai Sake Daiginjo– Pure Dusk & Heaven Sake
Apps – Miso Mushroom Soup
Sashimi – Hokkaido Uni, O-Toro Faty Fatty Tuna (we were also given a special and cannot remember the name for the life of us)
Entrees – Caribbean Asian-Spiced Braised Short Rib, Pan-Seared Smoked Salmon

The sakes were clear, fresh, and bloomed with a slight floral flavor. Absolutely beautiful. (The Heaven Sake was definitely the better of the two!). Miso soup? 10/10. Earthy, grounded, what you’d need after a good cry. Not too strong, not too soft. Liquid perfection. The sashimi melted in our mouths, and the warmth of the entrees made the night all the better.

What a great night.

If you’re ever doubting a restaurant– no matter the size or the cuisine –I encourage you to try it. Sometimes, like this, small places can have big flavors. Good food isn’t just about the food: it’s about sharing smiles with friends, laughing over stupid jokes until your eyes water, and remembering that life can and will be good to you.

It’s just a matter of trust and time.

I hope that this blog has reminded you to stay curious about the world, and that there is plenty of good to be shared in it as well. Sending you all lots of love, and plenty of good vibes for your next meal.

With peace, love, and peanut butter,
Beatrice