Where I am headed…. + Google Map Frustrations

View Hamburg 2013 in a larger map

Google Maps- why do you frustrate me so? I have a love hate relationship with this program.  I am en route to Hamburg for a few days where I will be doing some work for Issue 05 of Countlan magazine and taking a good look at this cool city just to the south of Copenhagen that has been on my list of places to visit for quite some time.

I made this Google Map of Hamburg with a list of places that I would like to visit and I can’t stand how it looks. I wish I had an option to customize icons beyond what is offered in the Google Map program (every time you see a swimmer does not mean there is a swimming pool).  Likewise, when you go to print the map, half the addresses don’t show up on the left side panel- you only get names of places.  This means, I have to get back online to search the address to plug into a new map.  So annoying! Any solutions out there that you would like to suggest?

You can follow along on Instagram or Everplaces if you’re interested in what some of these places look like.

I will share some photos next week.

Delica: A Spot For Lunch

Lunch- the eternal question.  Where should I go for lunch?

I am in Toronto for 10 days visiting friends and family.  I tried to keep the appointments to a minimum and maximize the hangout time, but it is impossible to travel home without a few.  Last week, I managed to squeeze in a visit to Delica Kitchen at Yonge and St. Claire after a doctor’s appointment.

Devin Connell, the owner of Delica and the author of the Two Dishes cookbook, puts on a perfect lunch fare at her cafe.

While Delica is not a new cafe in the city, it is a great one to jot down if you find yourself in the area and are looking for a cute, soup/sandwich/coffee/baked goods type of place.

The decor is simple, yet classic and very welcoming.  The cafe’s all white walls are adorned with wood-framed sayings written in a nice black stencil.s and chalk boards scribbled with the cafe’s daily menu and beverages.   The long wood counter takes up the entire length of the space and showcases Delica’s yummy sandwiches, soups, baked goods and bags of popcorn.

I opted for the smoked salmon sandwich with lemon, capers, pickled red onion and herb goat cheese  on an Ace’s Bakery roll while I sat at a wall-anchored table made out of a white serving tray.

Another interesting little fact about Delica: The Ace’s connection is a bit more familiar than other establishments.  Devin is the daughter of the husband and wife team who created Ace Bakery.  Lucky to have a solid baking supplier on your team- that’s for sure.

Delica 1440 Yonge Street, Toronto

Valentine’s Day: Eat

I am usually in the mood for baking around Valentine’s Day.  Today, I don’t have the urge.  Last year I baked a chocolate beet cake with beet icing around Valentine’s Day which was fun.  The cake was way too large for two people, so we each had a slice and froze the rest.

Seeing how I will not be baking today, I thought I would post some baking inspiration for Valentine’s Day.

Later on, I think I might walk myself over to Agnes Cupcakes or Serenity Cupcakes and see what they have going on for Valentine’s Day.  Both of their cupcakes are always great.

I must say- I thought the figs and cheese picture at the bottom of this post were pretty neat!

Valentine’s Day: Pink

Copenhagen is not as Valentine’sy as some other cities I have visited.  I saw some of the chocolate stores and flower shops getting in on the action but I guess the holiday is not as commercially celebrated here as it is in North America.

As part of my day of pinning photos from Pinterest for Valentine’s Day- here is something pink and a bit non-traditional pour vous.

Valentine’s Day: Hearts

Good morning! Happy Valentine’s Day.

Today I decided to pin and share a bunch of Valentine’s Day themed posts on Lamb411.  You know, to get into the “holiday spirit.”

So to kick it all off, I am sharing a selection of lovely pictures of hearts.  I hope you have a sweet day.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

I wish you all the best in 2013 and I hope it is full of great design, great food and great travel.

Photo Sources:  Pinterest 1, 2, 3, 4

Thank you again for supporting and reading Lamb411.  I look forward to sharing more great design inspired travel finds with you again this year.