Robyn's Culinary Adventures

02/03/2026

Drafts Bar and Grill inside Gold Strike Casino is the kind of place where you can settle in for a bit. TVs everywhere with different games on, that low hum of a sports bar where people are talking, laughing, glasses clinking. The lighting is comfortable, not harsh, and there’s that familiar smell of fried food and bar drinks in the air that immediately lets you relax your shoulders.
My waitress, Cartarsha, was a bright spot from the start. She’s been there 20 years, and you feel that experience right away. She wasn’t rushed, never short, just easygoing and kind. She answered my questions about the casino like she had all the time in the world, and her genuine sweetness made the whole meal feel more personal instead of transactional.
I ordered the Texas cheese fries with cheddar cheese sauce, bacon bits, and sour cream, skipping the jalapeños this time. When they came out, the heat rolled off the plate. You could smell the cheddar before you even took a bite. The fries were crispy on the outside, soft inside, and still hot enough that you had to pause between bites. The cheese sauce was rich and creamy, coating every fry instead of sliding off. It tasted full and buttery, not thin or watered down.
The bacon was what really made it. Big, smoky pieces that actually crunch when you bite into them. You could taste the salt and the smoke, and it gave the fries a real depth instead of just being cheesy. The sour cream melted slightly from the heat and cooled each bite just enough to keep everything balanced.
I caught myself slowing down halfway through, not because I was full, but because I didn’t want to rush it. The fries stayed hot the entire time, which I appreciated. This plate could easily be shared with three people and still feel generous. For the price, it’s absolutely worth it.
The margaritas were the best I’ve had while visiting this casino. Cold, smooth, and well balanced. Not overly sweet, not weak. I wish I had caught the names of the gentlemen at the bar because they were friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was just right without hovering.
Afterward, walking back to Romeo, my RV van camper, I stopped when I noticed a United States flag waving high against the sky. It was quiet for a moment, steady and proud, and it felt grounding. A simple, peaceful ending to a meal that I genuinely enjoyed.

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01/28/2026

Kitchen Laurel
800 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104

If you are heading toward the Memphis airport and want one last comforting bite before takeoff, Kitchen Laurel is a lovely little pause button.

I spotted it on my drive, and the energy alone made me curious. It was clearly busy in that reassuring way where plates are moving, voices hum softly, and you can feel that people come here on purpose. The decor is modern and clean, uncluttered but welcoming, with a giant chalkboard stealing the show. It’s covered in seasonal notes and a charming Take and Bake menu, the kind that makes you wish you had room in your carry on.

My server, Tiffany, was a bright spot in the room. You could tell she was working hard, gliding from table to table with ease, never rushed but always moving. Friendly without being overbearing, attentive without hovering, the kind of service that makes you relax into your seat.

I kept my order simple from the à la carte menu, scrambled eggs and potatoes, and sometimes simply tells you everything you need to know about a kitchen. The eggs arrived fluffy, soft, and creamy, still warm and silky on the fork. Hats off to the cook, because perfectly cooked scrambled eggs are an art and these were spot on.

The potatoes were golden and fragrant, seasoned with a blend of herbs that smelled fresh and savory the moment the plate hit the table. You could taste that the seasoning was made in house, earthy and comforting, with a gentle crisp on the outside and a tender bite inside.

The room carried the soft clink of plates, the low murmur of conversation, and that cozy breakfast aroma that lingers just long enough to make you slow down. It felt like a place that knows exactly what it is and does it well.
Would I go back again? Absolutely ❤️

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As a solo traveler prioritizing my safety, I intentionally avoid posting in real-time. My visits to restaurants and locations may occur days, weeks, or even months before I share any information.

01/26/2026

Chez Croissant Príncipe Real
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara 21, 1200 365 Lisboa, Portugal

Breakfast Saturday, November 1st at 11:14 am

The walk alone earned this croissant.
Twenty minutes uphill, steep enough to make me stop twice, heart beating its way up to a proud 141 bpm. The good news? The weather was absolutely beautiful. Warm but not hot, the kind of gentle Lisbon morning that makes walking feel like a pleasure instead of a chore. By the time I arrived, I had fully convinced myself this would be a no calorie croissant 😂

Chez Croissant sits perfectly in Príncipe Real, and it was buzzing with a steady, confident flow of people. Popular, but not chaotic. Efficient, focused, and clearly doing something right.

I ordered a Nutella croissant, and yes, believe it or not, this was my very first time ever having Nutella. A milestone moment. It was handed to me on an amber glass plate, glowing softly in the light, simple and pretty without trying too hard.

As I sat there, taking in my surroundings, Amy Winehouse drifted through the speakers. Her voice wrapped around the room, smooth and soulful, and instantly slowed me down. I found myself chewing more deliberately, savoring instead of rushing, fully present in the moment.

The croissant itself had a pillowy, cloud-like bite with a delicate crunch on the outside. Buttery through and through, rich without being heavy, with the Nutella tucked inside like a sweet little secret. Warm, comforting, indulgent, and absolutely worth the climb.

The waitstaff were very focused and business minded. Not overly personable, but attentive and efficient, which fit the pace of the place.

One small detail I loved, tax is included in all the prices. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing the number you actually pay.

With thirteen minutes to walk to my next destination, I finished the last bite, wiped the crumbs from my fingers, and stepped back out into the soft Lisbon air, fueled, content, and smiling.

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As a solo traveler prioritizing my safety, I intentionally avoid posting in real-time. My visits to restaurants and locations may occur days, weeks, or even months before I share any information.

01/22/2026

Mex Factory at LX Factory
Tv. da Ribeira Nova 36, 1200-377 Lisboa, Portugal

I stopped into Mex Factory at LX Factory with one clear mission in mind. A lime margarita. Mission accomplished. And then some.
I ordered a lime margarita for €8.50 and guacamole with chips for €7. Within minutes I was greeted by what felt like the entire cast and crew. No joke, about seven different servers checked in on me. One brought the drink, another delivered the guacamole, and a third popped by to see if I was ready for an entrée. It was like hospitality speed dating and honestly kind of impressive.
The moment the guacamole hit the table I could smell the fresh cilantro and onion. Bright, green, and lively. The guacamole itself was very fresh and flavorful, though it could use just a touch more salt. It is a bit on the watery side, but the flavor absolutely delivers, especially if you love cilantro as much as I do.
The tortilla chips deserve their own moment. Light, tender, crisp, and dangerously addictive. The kind of chips you keep reaching for without realizing the basket is suddenly empty.
Now let us talk about the margarita. Strong. Fresh. Refreshing. I loved the lime salt on the rim, though there is a subtle spicy something happening there that caught me by surprise. I am still deciding how I feel about it, but the cocktail itself is excellent and definitely not shy on the tequila.
The decor is adorable and full of personality. Old tequila bottles are repurposed as water bottles on the tables, which is both clever and charming. And then there is a full on boxing ring in the middle of the restaurant. Yes, a boxing ring. Nothing like sipping a margarita while wondering if a match might break out between tacos.
Overall, the vibe is fun, the margarita is strong, the chips are addictive, and the guacamole is fresh and fragrant. Bonus points for fresh cilantro in Portugal because that always makes my heart happy.
What is LX Factory?
LX Factory is a creative industrial complex located in the Alcântara neighborhood of Lisbon, tucked beneath the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge.
Originally established in 1846, the site once housed the textile company Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense along with other industrial operations, covering roughly 23,000 square meters of factory space.
In 2008, the area was transformed into what it is today, a lively creative hub filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, studios, and social spaces.
The name LX is a nod to Lisbon’s old abbreviation and highlights the city’s creative identity.
In short, it went from abandoned factory buildings to a city within a city dedicated to food, art, design, and community.

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01/20/2026

Wine Tasting in Portugal
A quaint shop located at
Tv. do Fala-Só 15C 15C Tv. do Fala-Só, Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

There were seats for twenty, but only eight of us gathered around 3 quaint tables, which made the afternoon feel intimate and unhurried. Deep forest green subway tiles wrapped around the room like a quiet embrace, glossy and moody, the kind of decor that whispers you are in good hands here. Every detail felt wine savvy, thoughtful, and effortlessly cool.
Portugal boasts ten wine regions, and our guide through them was Caio, a sommelier with the calm confidence of someone who truly loves what he pours. A special shout out to Caio for turning a tasting into an experience. He did not just explain the wine, he told its story.
A generous food board landed in the center of our tables, layered with all kinds of yumminess. Island cheese with a soft salty bite, local garlic perfumed with oregano and parsley, creamy goat cheese, sticky sweet dates, crisp crackers, savory sausage, and a lineup of hard cheeses that begged for a second taste.

Wine 1, Vinho Verde Region White
A very young wine, fresh and lively, with that unmistakable green not quite ripe character. This comes from picking the grapes early, capturing that bright snap. 12% abv. I was not sure if it was lightly sparkling, but it danced on the tongue just enough to make me wonder. It paired beautifully with the sausage, cutting through the richness and leaving everything refreshed.

Wine 2, Lisboa Region White
Light, breezy, and rare. This producer is the only one making wine from this grape, producing just six thousand bottles a year. It tasted like sunshine in a glass, the kind of wine you sip slowly on a warm afternoon. Absolute perfection with the sweet dates.

Wine 3, Dao Region Rose
Surrounded by mountains, this region produces only four percent of Portugal's rose wines. 13 abv with delicate floral notes. The Portuguese describe it as an American porch sitting wine, which made us all laugh because it fit perfectly. Easy, friendly, and dangerously drinkable.

The shop itself had a large garage door rolled open to the street, letting in a soft drizzle of rain. It tapped gently outside while we stayed dry and cozy inside this quaint little space. Truly the perfect time to be indoors with a glass in hand.

Wine 4, Setubal Region Red
A deep ruby hue that immediately caught the eye. On the nose, berries and classic Cabernet notes. The taste was light and traditional, a Cabernet that knew exactly what it was. 14% abv, made from a blend of four grapes. Reserva here means twelve months in barrel and twelve months in bottle. It sang alongside the island cheese and local sausage but did not love the sweet date, and honestly, neither did I.

Wine 5 Portugal 265
Portugal has 265 grape varieties, and this wine celebrates that legacy. From The Vine Original in the Lisboa region. Deep berry tones on the nose and a fuller presence on the palate. I could not stop thinking about how perfect this would be with the agnolotti pasta I had earlier, stuffed with beef. It also paired beautifully with the island cheese and sausage.

Outside, the rain returned briefly, adding to the mood. That soft earthy smell drifted in, layering itself over the wine aromas in the room.
Wine 6 Alentejo Region Red
Light on the nose and surprisingly delicate for our final red. It was gentle, smooth, and paired so well with the herbed goat cheese that I wished I had saved more for this moment.

Wine 7 Port Dessert Wine
The finale. Fig on the nose and rich toffee on the palate. Warm, indulgent, and the perfect ending note.

Our tasting group was a mix of me, two women from England, and five men from Austria. For them, Portugal was just a two hour flight and a casual weekend escape. After the tasting, one of the gentlemen bought a bottle for the group, and we lingered longer, sharing stories and learning about each other.
There was something deeply comforting about sitting with strangers, listening to the gentle rain, breathing in that fresh rain soaked air mixed with wine and cheese. By the time we stepped outside, the rain had stopped, as if on cue.

Thank you, Caio, for the perfect afternoon.

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01/18/2026

Blue Star Donuts
672 S Gaines St #2, Portland, OR 97239

Blue Star Donuts first opened in 2012 and later expanded to this South Waterfront location around 2020. I took a seat at the bar facing the large windows that look out onto the street. There are about ten seats along the bar and a handful of cozy tables tucked in behind it. The space feels relaxed and inviting, perfect for lingering over a donut and a coffee.

Miles was my donut master for the day, friendly and easygoing, clearly proud of what comes out of that kitchen.

My first choice was the Blueberry Bourbon Basil donut at $4.85. Blue Star calls these adult donuts, and this one truly lives up to that name. The flavors are muted in an intentional, sophisticated way. The blueberry brings a bright pop that is both tart and sweet, the bourbon adds a soft smokiness, and the basil whispers in at the very end, subtle but present. The brioche donut itself is springy, tender, and airy, with a soft chew that melts away as you eat it. I found myself wondering if anyone noticed me quietly licking the last traces of icing from the paper that once hugged my donut.

Naturally, one donut was not enough.

Next up was the Raspberry Rosemary old fashioned cake donut at $5.35. The moment I picked up the bag, I could feel the weight of it, dense and promising. When I bit in, the aroma of raspberry hit instantly. The glaze bursts with vibrant raspberry flavor, bold and juicy, almost as if it were made from a full pound of fresh berries. Best of all, it is seedless, which I absolutely love. The sweetness reminds me of a refined version of a raspberry candy, but unmistakably grown up.

The donut has a delicate crunch on the outside with a soft, moist crumb inside. The glaze is perfectly balanced, never overwhelming. I even tasted the donut from the underside where there was no glaze, and it stood beautifully on its own. The cake itself does not taste strongly of vanilla, more of a gentle yellow cake flavor, which allows the raspberry icing to truly shine and show its complexity.

I honestly cannot pick a favorite between the two donuts. I tried that morning, which means I will clearly need to come back again! Make sure you sign up for their rewards program because free designer coffee and donuts are not something you want to miss.

Second Visit

On my second visit, I brought my daughter along. We ordered three donuts, cut them in half, and shared.

The old fashioned Chocolate Bergamot $5.35 was the first we tried. Bergamot is the signature citrus flavor found in Earl Grey tea. This donut has a cocoa based cake that gives it a rich, heavy feel with a very dense crumb. The chocolate flavor is light and restrained, allowing the bergamot to quietly weave through without overpowering the donut.

I also revisited the Raspberry Rosemary old-fashioned $5.35, which I wanted my daughter to experience for herself. It was just as vibrant and balanced as yesterday.

The third donut, Gingerbread Old-fashioned $5.35, featured gingerbread spices, yuzu, and ginger liqueur paired with their signature buttermilk old-fashioned cake. With the first bite, warm notes of nutmeg and cinnamon filled my senses. The ginger liqueur is present but gentle, while the yuzu adds a bright citrus lift that I really enjoyed. The donut is lightly seasoned, perhaps more restrained than I expected. I found myself wishing for a stronger traditional gingerbread flavor inside the cake. Still, the texture was lovely, very light with an exceptionally moist crumb.

Blue Star continues to impress me with their thoughtful flavor combinations and refined approach to donuts. Each visit feels like a small indulgent adventure, and I already know I will be back for more.

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01/18/2026

Tre Bambu - Marquês de Pombal
R. Camilo Castelo Branco 20, 1050-089 Lisboa, Portugal

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

The moment I walked into The Bambu, I knew I was in for something good. The aroma alone was welcoming and comforting, that warm savory scent that immediately tells your stomach to wake up and behave. The restaurant was not packed, but it had a steady rhythm of guests coming and going, which always feels like a quiet vote of confidence. Calm, relaxed, and just busy enough to feel alive.
I started with a crisp glass of white wine at €4.50 and settled in as the evening unfolded beautifully.
First to arrive was the Sup Tom Nam, a shrimp and mushroom soup priced at €5.50. When it was placed in front of me, the presentation was simple yet elegant, steam rising gently as if it knew it deserved a moment of appreciation. One sip and I smiled. It reminded me of an upscale egg drop soup, with silky ribbons of egg floating through the broth. The shrimp were very prominent, plump and tender, though the base leaned more toward a chicken stock rather than shrimp stock. Light, comforting, and quietly refined.
Next came the Nem Chay, vegetarian spring rolls for €7.50, accompanied by a glossy sweet chili sauce. These arrived looking so good I almost forgot patience was a virtue. Almost. Fresh from the oil and piping hot, I had to wait a few minutes before biting in. Once I did, the flavors were layered and generous. Garlic, shiitake mushrooms, wood mushrooms, lentils, carrots, and glass noodles all came together in a way that made me pause between bites. There may have been a touch of MSG and a spice combination I still cannot quite identify, but whatever magic they are using works. Unbelievably good.
Then came the showstopper, Tom Tam Bot Chien Gion, deep fried prawn tempura with garlic. When the plate hit the table, the presentation was spectacular. Whole shrimp and all. I must have made a face, because Bibek, my waiter, smiled and said, “Oh, that’s how we make them here. Some people eat the whole shrimp.” I politely declined that adventure, cut off the tail, and proceeded happily. The prawn was incredibly tender and bursting with flavor. I could not tell if the garlic was in the marinade or the batter, but either way it delivered. It actually reminded me of a fried soft shell crab, crispy outside, delicate inside, and deeply satisfying.
Bibek deserves a special mention. He was kind, attentive, and clearly proud of the food. He brought over a house made sweet chili sauce mixed with lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, and other ingredients. He explained they make it especially for people like me who do not love too much heat. He told me it is their most loved sauce in house, and after one dip, I completely understood why.
Now, a small moment of culinary curiosity. I noticed lentils in the vegetarian spring rolls and found myself thinking, lentils are not traditionally Vietnamese. Vietnam uses legumes like mung beans, soybeans, red beans, and peanuts, but lentils tend to belong more to Indian or Middle Eastern cuisines. Then it clicked. My waiter is Indian. Coincidence? Fusion inspiration? Either way, it worked beautifully, and I enjoyed the unexpected twist.
Just when I thought the experience could not get any better, Bibek returned with a complimentary chilled glass of A Ginjinha, the national drink of Portugal. A sweet, thoughtful ending to a meal that already felt generous and memorable.
From the aromas when you walk in, to the spectacular presentation, warm service, and flavors that keep you thinking long after the plate is empty, The Bambu delivers an experience that feels both comforting and special. I came hungry, left happy, and may still be thinking about those shrimp.
Highly recommended.

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01/17/2026

January 13th through January 15th
Menu Review from the Galley

January 13
The highlight of the day was smooth sailing. Chicken Bacon Ranch quesadillas. One of those galley wins where leftovers pull their weight. I used the fried chicken from Sunday, added a handful of herbs and seasonings, and before the boat even finished a watch change the galley smelled like toasted tortillas, smoky bacon, and that familiar ranch tang everyone loves. Crispy on the outside, warm and melty in the middle. Sometimes the simplest meals keep the crew happiest.

Dessert of the day was Banana Pudding and let me tell you this one has earned a permanent place in the rotation. Ever since I made it two weeks ago the question has echoed through the boat like a radio call. When are we having banana pudding again. Creamy, cool, soft layers with that sweet banana smell drifting down the passageway. I made sure it came back on schedule and the smiles said it all.

January 14
Three things stood out today and all three deserve a little love.
First up were the honey ginger carrots at lunch. Nothing fancy, just good technique. Tossed them in the oven at 425 degrees and let them do their thing while I handled the rest of the galley. The honey caramelized just enough, the ginger warmed things up, and the carrots came out tender with a slight bite. Sweet, earthy, and glossy. Sometimes you do not need to babysit a pan to get great results.
Second was the homestyle mac and cheese. I baked it off but swapped out regular cheddar for leftover queso from Taco Tuesday. That queso brought layers of flavor with peppers, spices, and a little kick that took the mac straight into next level territory. Creamy, rich, and just crusty enough on top. There were absolutely no leftovers and I am not even a little surprised. 😂
Third were the Mississippi TKs requested by our chief engineer Keith who also shared the recipe. These cookies are pure buttery sugary comfort. Soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and the kind of sweetness that sneaks up on you. I will admit something shocking. They were even better the next day. I never thought I would say that about a cookie but this one lingered in the best way. As you can see from the containers, very few survived long enough to be officially stored. I had to supplement with the next dessert just to keep things balanced. Galley problems. 😂
January 15
This morning the oven delivered one of the best cinnamon roll batches I have ever pulled out. The galley smelled like warm cinnamon, sugar, and comfort before sunrise. Ooey gooey, soft, and indulgent. No yeast, no waiting, no rising. Just fast, easy, and downright delicious which is exactly how I like my mornings on a working boat. If you are looking for that recipe or want a day video on it, just say the word. And let me ask you this. How do you eat your cinnamon roll. I unroll mine one sweet layer at a time.
Lunch brought unexpected praise for frozen green beans which honestly made me smile. I gave them a quick boil to lock in that bright green color, then tossed them with bacon and thin sliced onion. The beans still had a little snap, the onions softened just enough, and the bacon added that smoky saltiness that makes everything better. Simple, balanced, and a perfect lunch vegetable.
Dinner was full on comfort mode. Chicken and pastry hit the spot on a chilly evening under the tent. The chicken was fork tender, the pastry soft and silky, practically melting as it slid between the pieces of chicken. An old fashioned roll soaked up every last bit of that savory goodness. Add meatloaf to the plate and you have the kind of meal that makes a long day feel worth it.
Dessert of the day was another crew request. Chocolate chip cookies before they got off the boat. Warm, soft, and smelling like home. I do not think those cookies even made it to early afternoon. 😂
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01/15/2026

Ramen Joe, Picoas Lisboa
R. Andrade Corvo 1A, 1050 085 Lisboa, Portugal

Some days just unfold beautifully, one soft moment at a time.

I had just floated out of a massage with Maria, the kind that melts you clear down to your bones. She even included a facial massage that nearly put me to sleep right there on the table. When I stepped back out into the day, my body felt loose, my mind was quiet, and Lisbon was glowing. The weather was absolutely perfect, one of those gentle sunny afternoons where the air feels kind and unhurried.

On my walk back toward the hotel I spotted an Aldi, popped in, grabbed a kombucha, and sipped it slowly as I wandered. It was already noon and I knew Mondays here can be tricky, with many places closed, so I followed my appetite and a little bit of luck and found myself at Ramen Joe.

The sidewalk café instantly pulled me in. Tables tucked along the street, the quiet hum of conversation, people strolling past with no real destination. I sat outside and just watched the world go by, soaking it all up. From the open kitchen drifted this intoxicating scent of simmering broth, garlic, and something deeply comforting. It wrapped around me like a promise.

Inside, the restaurant was inviting and traditionally decorated, simple and authentic. The hostess/ waitress Bonita was not particularly warm, but honestly, the atmosphere and the smells had already won me over.

I ordered Joe's Tonkotsu Ramen. Pork and chicken vegetable mixed broth with homemade noodles, pork meat, mushrooms, green onions, nori, and soja. €11.99 with tap water, which somehow felt perfectly European and exactly right.

When the bowl arrived, I leaned in, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. One inhale and I swear I could see Japan off in the distance. That familiar comfort. That quiet reverence for the bowl.
The broth leaned more chicken than pork, but it was rich and satisfying with a bold garlic note that chased across my taste buds in the best way. The noodles were thicker and more substantial, which I absolutely loved. Several of the ramen shops I visited in Japan served noodles just like these, not the thin wavy kind, but hearty and comforting.
And the pork. Oh, the pork. The chef had clearly touched it to a hot griddle before it ever met the broth, just enough to caramelize the fat on the outside. That quick sear added depth, texture, and a richness that elevated the entire bowl. I loved that detail. It showed care. Intention.
Honestly, it was one of the best bowls of ramen I have had since leaving Japan.
One thing I have noticed here in Portugal is that even after your dishes are cleared and you tell them everything was wonderful, you have to physically say you are ready to leave before they bring the ticket. I think people really linger here. They sit, they watch, they enjoy. And after that bowl of ramen, I understood exactly why.
After paying, I went inside and spoke with the chef, a Japanese gentleman. I told him how much I appreciated that the pork had been seared before it went into the ramen. He smiled, bowed, smiled again, bowed again. I smiled back and said thank you. It was a quiet, lovely exchange that felt just right.
A beautiful afternoon, a deeply satisfying bowl, and the simple joy of sitting outside with good food and a moving world around me.

Some days really do get it right.

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