Although each establishment was special, the thread that connected them all was my friend Ina who recommended them.
Cookies By Sarah
My friend Ina is well aware of my love of sweet things. That’s why she purchased a box of treats for me from Cookies by Sarah. The little pink box was filled with M&M, chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, peanut butter, and s’mores cookies.
The cookies were slightly brown around the edges and moist in the center. My favorite was the M&M cookie, which is a seasonal offering. Although the cookies were delicious, I was more impressed with the gesture. Thanks, Ina.
Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons
In addition to cookies, Ina also made reservations for us for afternoon tea. This was great because I the pause that afternoon tea allows. Afternoon tea is a self-care practice; it allows me to be still and practice gratitude. From tea in London to tea at Lady Camelia Tea House in Alexandria, Virginia to tea at the Cambridge Tea House in Columbus, Ohio, traveling and visiting tea houses makes life worth living.
Thanks to Ina, I can add afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Silicon Valley to the list of places where I’ve sipped on English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea. The ambiance, the desserts, the bite-sized treats and the meaningful conversation, made the experience one I’ll always cherish.
Dinner at Rasa
On my first night in Burlingame, a suburb of San Francisco, I asked Ina for recommendations on the best Indian restaurants in the area. She suggested Rasa, a Michelin-starred restaurant. I obliged and off we went. It was a decision we would both celebrate.
From the meal, the décor inside the business, and Rasa’s friendly and accommodating staff, we had an amazing experience. The presentation of the food, which was served on beautiful silver dishes, was jaw-dropping. We felt like queens. We each ordered butter chicken and garlic naan, which was fabulous. I can’t wait for our return visit.
These experiences made my trip special. Although I enjoyed what the restaurants and bakeries had to offer, the thread that connected them all was the selfless gestures of my friend Ina. She worked hard to see and honor my wishes. This is why they say friends are worth their weight in gold.
Jennifer R. Farmer is a public relations executive by day and a bakery lover by evening and weekend. Learn more about the bakeries she’s visited and enjoy her blog.
