New Brunch Spot: Arlo Grey

austin, drinks, fun

Top Chef Winner, Kristen Kish opens Austin’s newest restaurant, Arlo Grey located in Downtown Austin in The Line Hotel. Initially opened for dinner now has brunch.

Super trendy vibe and chic decor at Arlo Grey. Great place for brunch with the tribe and to get some great instagram pics.

It’s not brunch unless there’s alcohol and Arlo Grey serves a Bloody Mary we haven’t seen anywhere else. You become the bartender as it’s a DIY Bloody Mary. We scratched our heads over this but gave it a thumbs up since it’s tasty and specifically made for instagram.

They serve simple morning breakfast items like eggs and bacon and classic drinks at the bar such as an Old Fashioned. As well as delicious items you don’t see on many menus like their chickpea fries or a burger salad.

Tip: Get a great photo op in the bathroom.

(The Bathroom)

TREND ALERT: Sgroppino is the new Aperol Spritz.

food

We’re calling it now! Sgroppino is the next IT drink for brunching. Bellini’s, Mimosa’s and Frosé all had a good run. Aperol is amazing but it too will have its end. Sgroppino is the next thing and you heard it here first.

We’re so sure of this because we are brunch connoiseurs. We’re as basic as it comes – We watch the bachelor, we keep up with the Kardashians, we love avocado toast, drink Starbucks lattes, wear Uggs, we can’t even, and we brunch like it’s our job.

As professional brunchers aka acceptable day drinking for the fabulous – a chic alcoholic beverage is essential. It started with a Mimosa but has since then expanded. There was the Rosé era turned into Frosé. More recently the Aperol spritz has hit the brunch scene. Aperol came from Italy and they’re bringing Sgroppino too.

So what is Sgroppino? It’s simply lemon sorbet, Prosecco and vodka mixed together until it has a creamy texture.

Any other variation is not a Sgroppino. It’s super smooth and creamy but there is not any dairy in this. It will be whisked together to get the proper texture and should not be blended. A scoop of sorbet or ice cream plopped in Prosecco can not be considered a Sgroppino either. That’s more of an Affogato style.

Be on the lookout for this drink in the states this summer. Cheers!

FREE in Austin

austin, fun

Gourdough’s – Freebies promised at the Gourdough’s Super Bowl watch party on Sunday, February 3 from 4-10pm.
Fareground at One Eleven – FREE party at Fareground on Sunday, February 3 starting at 3pm. Event is free with drink and food specials.
Blenders and Bowls – FREE 8oz. Acai bowl on Tuesday, February 5th from 2-5pm at the Guad location.
Amy’s Ice Cream – FREE ice cream on Tuesday, February 5th from 4-7pm at any Amy’s location.

Freebie Alerts:

Uncle Nicky’s – Grand Opening Monday February 4th. Possibility for FREEBIES.

NYC Valentine’s Day Guide

fun, nyc

Single and celebrating Galentine’s Day? Deeply in love looking for a romantic evening? Or going on a Tinder date? We’ve got you covered! Everyone seems to scramble last minute to figure out plans for February 14th. Don’t break a sweat because we have some suggestions for you.

First off we’d like to address how Austinites seem to love this Hallmark holiday while the East Coast has a very cynical outlook on it. They’re just happy it falls on a Thursday this year so it doesn’t ruin their weekend. So to help out the New Yorkers on this pink and red, heart-shaped holiday, we have the fun, the romantic, and the trendy spots for you.

NYC:

Museum of Sex – Let’s start with the fun/cheesy one. It’s a museum of inappropriateness and lots of giggles. Ummm… and they have a bar. You bet they have a Valentine’s Day special. It’s a bit steep at $105 per ticket and I can’t really justify it so maybe just buy the $20 general admission and go to Eataly after. Also, Shake Shack and Tacombi are nearby.

Venchi – Your Willy Wonka Dreams have come true with the largest chocolate waterfall in North America. Newly opened and the hottest spot since the Nutella Cafe, this Italian sweet shop will wow you and give you diabetes all at the same time. Serving gelato, crepes, coffee and of course lots of chocolate.

Winter Village – Want an activity? Head to Bryant Park for some ice skating. If you think ice skating is lame or you just don’t feel like face planting that evening, they have bumper cars for the rink. That’s right – bumper cars! They have tons of shops and food options as well – all instagram worthy. If you’re getting too cold in this polar vortex, go grab a warm seat at the enclosed bar called The Lodge.

LROOM Cafe – Treat yo self with the finest latte – a 24k Gold Latte that is. It’s called the “Bling Bling Honey Latte” and it’s made with edible glitter and kicks golden milk made with turmeric to the curb. What started as a flower shop, has added a cafe with beautiful concoctions almost too pretty to eat (aka perfect for instagram.) They’ve created pastries, waffles and drinks made to resemble floral arrangements. We recommend this place for the single ladies where you can get something better than flowers and jewelry – *edible* flowers and jewelry.

1803NYC – This was added to the list because it’s NYC’s hottest restaurant right now. Newly open with a New Orleans’ vibe and a strong culinary scene that’s creating tons of buzz. Get more than dinner and drinks, stay for the live Jazz which is making a huge comeback these days appealing to younger crowds.

PHD – A pop up roof top bar with an interesting acronym but actually stands for Penthouse at the Dream. We have a soft spot for The Dream. We’ve been going there since we looked old enough to be there. Now the Dream has a great new rooftop which you can never have enough in any city.

Summer Vibes in Winter

austin, drinks, food, fun, nyc

The holiday season is over, the festive lights have come down, no more tinsel and ornaments. Mid January becomes such a depressing time of year when all the decorations are taken down. The next holiday being Valentines day doesn’t seem to help things especially for the singles out there. A vacation is always a solution but we have another idea. Summer bars in the winter! There are plenty of heated patios or enclosed rooftops but we know a place in NYC and Austin that gives you beach vibes even in this cold weather.

New York City

Head over to this post-modern Polynesian inspired tiki restaurant and acclaimed cocktail bar, Mother of Pearl. This chic tiki bar serves wild drinks – a bloody shark cocktail, pineapple cider garnished with tropical flowers, and even a drink that’s on fire! Those are just to name a few. They have the ultimate fried guac and chips platter which you can find on the menu under “Tropical Guacamole.” Mother of Pearl is the best vegan restaurant to take a non vegan. As meat eaters, we didn’t even realize it was a vegan restaurant until we were told. Point proven. This East Village bar takes you miles away from the cold city and transports you to vacation mode.

Tip: Here’s our helpful tip when visiting – If you can’t get a reservation or find a seat at the bar, sit at the communal table. There will always be a seat for walk-ins.

Austin

Our Austin recommendation is Kitty Cohen’s. No, you’re not on the set of Golden Girls or visiting Palm Springs in your DeLorean. We double checked our location and what year it is and this bar is located in East Austin present day. This sun-drenched sip of nostalgia gives 70’s Cali vibes as you sit on the patio bar enjoying the wading pool. They serve spritzers and beachy cocktails with fun names to go with them. This bar is the coolest of cool with pink flamingos, palm tree wall paper and Burt Reynolds. It’s endless summer vibe feels like you’re on vacation no matter the weather.

Tip: Make sure to check upcoming events as they host a pop up kitchen at the bar by the wading pool. Also, visit their website to become a Room 101 club member to get the exclusive (and a keychain).

Where to get a Spritz

austin, drinks, fun, nyc

Here’s where to get your fix of those sparkling red-orange drinks in pretty stemmed glasses.

Aperol is an infusion of bitter and sweet orange flavors with a secret mix of herbs and woody notes.

Austin:

Italic – An Italian restaurant on 6th street where you can enjoy pizza, gelato and happy hour like a true Italian.
Gemelli – A gelato shop that serves up Italian inspired cocktails.
The Line Hotel – A Casual Burger Restaurant in a trendy hotel serving up a unique frozen Aperol with pink lemonade.

New York City:

Bagatelle – Known for its boozy brunch and daytime club atmosphere with a European vibe serving an original spritz.
Dante – Italian cuisine, world class cocktails and an award winning bar that has Aperol on tap.
Maritime – Voted as one of the ten most beautiful bars, Maritime hosts La Sirena, the creator of the frozen Aperol Spritz.

Aperol Spritz in NYC and Austin

austin, drinks, nyc

Aperol Spritz was the drink of the summer, tailor made for the social media generation. Originated in Venice in the 1950s with its popularity revived today due to Campari’s aggressive marketing campaign. This drink is more than just the next rosé as Americans conform to the European lifestyle of sipping and relaxing while they drink. There has also been a noticeable shift amongst US palates towards more bitter flavors. This cocktail is here to stay.

Aperol took off in trend-setting cities like New York. They took this already trendy cocktail and reworked it as a frozen version mnemonic of the frosé. The demand heightened for the classic Aperol Spritz so much that bars put Aperol on tap.

Aperol Spritz has made its way to Austin which is no surprise as this growing city is at the forefront in the cocktail scene. Not only is the spritz popular at bars but they have given this drink a southern touch. If you look closely on cocktail menus you will find different variations of this bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb-floral aperitif.

NYC: You can find Aperol Spritz on tap at Dante or The Maritime Hotel. The Maritime also serves frozen Aperol Spritz (credited to creating this frozen drink). If you not only want an Aperol Spritz but also the European vibe to come with it, Bagatelle is your spot. Tip: Aperol has become so popular that if you do not see it on the menu, just ask for it as any bar or restaurant will serve it.

Austin: Find an authentic Aperol Spritz at Italian restaurant Italic on Sixth St. or at Gelateria Gemelli where the founder was inspired by his sojourn in Italy. Get a frozen Aperol pink lemonade at The Line Hotel at Dean’s One Trick Pony.

Instagram Worthy Bars for the Holidays

austin, drinks, fun, nyc

’tis the season for festive instagram posts. Here are our top spots for great pics and a good time.

1.) ROLF’S German Restaurant in NYC

When you step inside this restaurant and bar, you feel like you’re inside a xmas tree. It’s covered in xmas ornaments from floor to ceiling making a great photo op for the gram. With specialty cocktails for the holiday, it’s a perfect place to meet up with friends to celebrate.

2.) The Who-tel at the W in Austin

What’s better than feeling like you’re in a Christmas tree? How about being inside a Dr. Seuss book. In Downtown Austin at The W Hotel it’s decorated like a modern Whoville with a bar. The themed cocktails are more than just for the instagram – They are delicious!

3.) Miracle on 5th Street in Austin

Nothing says Christmas more than the leg lamp in the window and that’s how you’ll be greeted at this bar on 5th street in Downtown Austin. Themed drinks with snowballs in them and even the option to do a shot ski. As much as the front of the bar looks, don’t forget to check out the rest of the place and even the ski lodge upstairs.

4.) The Lodge – Bollinger Bar at The Winter Village in Bryant Park

NYC is at its best during the Christmas season with all the lights and when Bryant Park transforms into a winter village. After some ice skating enjoy hot chocolate, treats or head over to the bar at The Lodge. Grab a great pic in front of the Christmas tree or the iconic Bryant Park fountain as it famously ices over in the winter.

Welcome!

Uncategorized

Welcome to The Pineapple Life Blog!

The Pineapple Life Blog is an inspirational editorial platform bringing you the best insider tips, plans, and freebies. Consumed by wanderlust and suffering from FOMO, we share with you the best ideas for your next adventure. Whether it be a local night out or traveling across the world, we know the hot spots, hidden gems, good grub, most instagrammable spots and where the free samples are.

Located in Austin, TX and New York City.

We bring you the most trendy spots in these great cities.