Settling Into The New Year

Published on January 29, 2026 at 8:31 PM

This year, I've been trying to go out more. I'm making plans with friends where we're not just sitting at home. I'm booking concerts and going to dinners here and there.

Ēma

The two Ema's went to the Ēma restaurant. It was mediterranean style and VERY yummy. We each got a little drink and shared some corn hummus. I would have been totally okay if that's all that I ate from there. My main course was lamb and rice which was still good, but I think the appetizers here are on a different level.

Tiki Terrace

Me and Elyza went to Tiki Terrace to celebrate her birthday! It was a 3 course meal with dinner AND a show. We got to eat authentic Hawaiian food and watch a beautiful luau show at the same time. I didn't really have high expectations for the food here since tickets were only $50. Surprisingly, the food was amazing. We both got the chocolate lava cake for dessert and I wish I could eat that for every meal.

Clandestino

After dinner with Ema, we went to a speakeasy because neither of us had been. We found one walking distance from our restaurant with good reviews. It was definitely pretty, I loved the lighting, and it was the first time I actually enjoyed a martini. BUT, it was a small space and there was a giant speaker in every corner of the room blasting music. It sounded like you were in a club and I couldn't really hear Ema most of the time. Don't get me wrong, the music was actually good. They had this afro house music playing and I felt like I was on vacation. I honestly wanted to dance because of how loud it was, but everyone else was just chilling. I wouldn't go again. I think I want to try a jazz bar next.

These are just extra pictures I wanted to include. Couple pics of me enjoying some wine and a snack plate on a day off. We have a picture of me with a winter jacket and a scarf in my church because it was freezing during a service. And the last picture is a little baby made out of a sterile glove at work.