WINTER WONDER BONDING 💚
By Ashley Hunt
Recently Sarina took her daughter Sammie on a special trip to Chicago, just in time for the holidays. A city gifted with cold and snow, full advantage was taken of, and the city was dressed up to meet the occasion. Trees and lights adorned every street.
While Sarina is well traveled and even went to Chicago for college, the cold was a shock to Florida-born Sammie. If you plan to take a trip around the holidays, bring a thick parka.
After the challenges of adolescence, it’s a great chance to reconnect with a better understanding of adulthood. Nothing gives a young adult appreciation for their parents like being on their own for the first time. Parents of teenagers: remember these years are short, and better times are just ahead.
Since bonding time with a college-age daughter, Sarina wanted to embrace the opportunity to make it as memorable as possible. With that in mind, the pair spent their vacation in the opulent Drake Hotel.
Sarina chose to take Sammie to one of her favorites . The Drake Hotel has reached history. The Drake Hotel opened its doors on December 31st 1920, welcoming an incredible decade with great enthusiasm. Greats like Bing Crosby and Walt Disney have graced The Drake. While surviving the Great Depression is no easy feat, the Drake was able to keep its doors open and welcomed visitors with open arms, ensuring many people a job and a paycheck throughout the thinnest times. No visit to The Drake is complete without a cup of tea at the resplendent Palm Court.
Nothing says bonding time like a cup of tea with someone dear. After being separated for college, Sammie and Sarina had a lot of news to share. There is no doubt this will be a cherished memory for both in years to come.
A far cry from the strenuous hustle and bustle of today’s on-the-go world. Palm Court is a place to sit and breathe in the fresh tea. Each table is given an individual tea pot, and a three-tiered tray of delicious finger foods. An elegant tearoom fit for a queen, even Princess Diana graced Palm Court with a visit.
The pair braced the cold to walk around the city, surrounded by the last-minute shoppers going into the bright, welcoming shops. The next stop of note from Sarina was Ralph’s Coffee.
Ralph’s Coffee from the Ralph Lauren store boasts great coffee at a reasonable price. While Ralph Lauren has been a long-standing brand, they recently branched out to coffee as well. In November of 2022, the Windy City welcomed their very own Ralph’s Coffee. Though it boasts an upscale feel, visitors have described it as cozy rather than impersonal. With a wide range of teas, coffees, espressos and an assortment of pastries and sandwiches, there’s something for everyone.
After lunch at a sister spot, the pair opted for Tao Asian Bistro.
Originally built in 1892 as a historical museum, Tao was established in 2018. It’s known for its extravagant decor, delicious food and attentive service. Sarina and Sammie truly loved it.
Finally, as part of personal tradition, the mother-daughter duo stopped in the American Girl Doll Store. This flagship store was opened in 1998, after years of being ordered by catalogs. American Girl is a collection of dolls with their own unique stories and styles. When Sammie was a little girl, her dad gave her one of her most precious gifts: an American Girl doll named Samanthathat shared her name and even looked like her.
Sarina and Sammie couldn’t have picked a better bonding trip. The best part of having a Fazan Fave is the favorite people we can bring along.
Sammie and Sarina at Ralph’s Coffee.
Sammie browsing the menu at Palm Court.
Savoring timeless traditions and holiday magic at The Drake Hotel.
From college memories to mother-daughter getaways—Chicago winters are best spent at The Drake.
At the Palm Court, making memories over tea in the heart of the city.
New York Wonderland
By Ashley Hunt
Sarina Fazan had the chance to go to New York at the end of December, a magical time of year for the Big Apple. The judge Michelle Sisco and her daughter Sophia joined Sarina and Sammie as long time family friends. The girls started horse riding together at age 8.
The trip began on December 27, the day after Michelle’s birthday. It was only fitting first night was dedicated to her. Sarina was able to set up a surprise dinner at Quality Bistro, where cozy ambiance and great food come together in the heart of New York. The waiters even brought a surprise dessert for Michelle. This French-inspired steakhouse by Michael Stillman is located in Midtown Manhattan. The Bistro prides itself on "over-the-top" classic dishes, a spacious dining area, and 19th-century European inspired themes to bring a touch of old-world class to New York.
After dinner, the four of them discovered a magical wonderland inside Lillie’s VictorianEstablishment, where Sammie and Sofia reunited with a group of high school friends. With Sammie now at Florida State University and Sofia at the University of Georgia in Athens, it was the perfect opportunity for them to catch up. Beautifully decorated, Lillie’s Victorian felt like something straight out of a fairy tale.
Named for the British socialite Lillie Langtry, Lillie's Victorian stands out for its authentic 19th-century Irish antique decor, and dramatic flair. While the owners tend meticulously up keep throughout the year, Christmas is when it truly shines.
Despite the cold weather, the four went shopping among bright lights and long lines. Fortunately, the good holiday spirit was still in the air, and the crowd had an infectious positive energy. The highlights are Princess Polly. A trendy Gen-Z clothing store, Edikteda Gen-Z clothing with pop culture influences, and Zara, famous for "Fast Fashion" at reasonable prices. Brandy Melville is usually a can't miss, but the lines were too long, and the cold was no doubt bothering Sammie and Sophia.
After so much running around, the four women returned to their hotel, The Sheraton in New York Times Square. Of course, Times Square so close to New year’s was very crowded, but that's part of the experience of New York. Built in 1964 in preparation for the New York World's Fair. Morris Lapidus, a famous architect, designed the hotel to offer more scenic views to the guests. Over the years, The Sheraton has hosted notable events, such as the Tony Awards, the NFL Draft, and the New York Democratic Convention.
The next day was the last day for Michelle and Sophia, and Sarina wanted to make the most of it. Bergdorf Goodman of New York City has a great lunch spot, Goodman's Bar, which was surprising to find in a men's store, but still a delight. Bergdorf Goodman was founded by Herman Bergdorf in 1899, and the second story holds the bar that won 2020 Retail Renovation of the Year competition. The establishment aims to be a sophisticated lounge, upscale, but welcoming.
From there, they made their way along the famous 5th avenue, still lit up with Glitz and glam of Christmas, for a little window shopping. For anyone visiting 5th avenue (Or just want to snag the look) go Boho with Free People or visit Urban Outfitters sibling store Anthropologie and of course, the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue. The famous luxury department stories has been going strong since 1924.
Sammie is a huge fan of Sushi, and the four were able to make a trip to Nobu. Classy and upscale, Nobu feels welcoming and warm. Famed actor Robert De Niro came up with an idea for Japanese-Peruvian fusion and convinced successful restaurateur Drew Nieporent to join him. The menu comes from Celebrity Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa (better known as Nobu) and in 1994, Nobu was created.
Dinner was a wonderful upscale Italian place; Bond 45 Sarina was particularly fond of. A popular Italian restaurant in New York City's Theater District, Bond is best known for its theatrical decor, founded in 2005, by restaurateur Shelly Fireman, the name pays tribute to the historic Bond Clothing store (Which was formerly adjacent) and the early 20th-century Hammerstein Theater.
Finally, they topped the night off with a Broadway Show of The Great Gatsby. Of course, being Broadway, it's a high-quality stage show, full of glamorous costumes and great songs. Fun fact: Broadway started its run in 1732. The first musical wasn't until The Black Crook, debuting in 1866.
The third day was a special day for Sarina and Sammie. A bonding mother and daughter time both of them will always cherish. Sammie proved her prowess as a social media connoisseur, finding some great recommendations from social media. Going on a tip from a friend, Sammie found the Liberty Bagels for a Macha tea. The line was long, but worth it. Liberty Bagels prides their use of traditional recipes for kettle-boiled, hand-rolled bagels. In 1995, Alex Vulcus and Victor created a business that combined authentic recipes with modern ideas (Such as rainbow bagels) to make a unique experience.
Sammie has many treasured memories of going to New York with her father. It's a truly magical city where every trip is a different experience. While Sarina is grateful for the time she spends in New York, it's not the places we go, but the people we go with.
If you can't afford New York, you can go with those you love down to the local areas and still make special memories.
COPYRIGHT 2022 SARINA FAZAN NETWOR