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Recipe Eats

Lets be honest, as fun as it is to go out and enjoy a nice meal and some fancy drinks with friends, this can get expensive (especially as college students). Many times as students we resort to ordering Jimmy John’s and spending our spare cash when we are tight on time. College is hectic. Between classes, work, family obligations, sleep, exercise, and trying to have a life, grocery shopping and cooking homemade meals is usually put on the backburner. 

Thankfully, grocery shopping and meal prepping can be quick and easy with my guide to recipe eats. Being prepared before a trip to the grocery store will save you time and prevent you from mindlessly buying food that will just go bad later on in the week. Also, never go to the grocery store hungry. You will be tempted to put everything and anything under the sun in that cart of yours. I promise, it is a disaster waiting to happen for your credit card.

Every weekend I do a clean sweep of my refrigerator and freezer. I get rid of things that have accumulated throughout the week (leftover Topper’s) and certain ingredients that I am choosing not to consume (sugar). I take out a pencil and paper and write down my grocery list the old fashioned way, based on the meals I want to make for the week. Having roommates in college means sharing a tiny refrigerator. Cleaning and restocking every weekend ensures you are not wasting space with uneaten food and only buying ingredients that you plan on eating that week. I highly recommend buying meal containers on Amazon that take up the least amount of space to easily store cooked food in the refrigerator. 

Here Are Some Of My Grocery Staples

PRODUCE 

My favorite place to buy produce is Costco. The big packs of fruits and veggies will last you all week so that you will not have to make multiple trips to the store; however, I purchase my bananas and avocados at Kwik Trip since they tend to go bad fast. The awesome thing about this time of year is being able to take advantage of the farmer’s market. You can always find ingredients such as lettuce mix, strawberries and sweet potatoes at the market for cheap! 

Broccoli 

Romaine 

Lemons 

Strawberries 

Bananas 

Blueberries 

Raspberries 

Sweet Potatoes 

Avocados 

Brussel Sprouts

DAIRY 

In my house, dairy is kept to a minimum. If I do purchase dairy I am extremely cautious about sourcing. Dairy has been linked to inflammation and breakouts and overall always upsets my stomach. Instead of cow’s milk, I find dairy products that are made with almond milk; however, this is completely a personal preference. I enjoy going to Whole Foods to purchase my non-dairy products. 

Almond Milk (New Barn)

Cheese (Kite Hill) Yogurt (Kite Hill) 

Ice Cream Probiotics (Good Belly) 

Ghee Butter 

PROTEIN 

Unless going out for a burger and fries with friends, I choose not to consume red meat, so you will never find it in my refrigerator. I do not have anything against red meat, I am just one of those weird texture people. I gravitate toward turkey-based meats. 

Boca Burgers

Lean Ground Turkey 

Tuna 

Eggs 

Turkey Bacon 

GRAINS

If you know one thing about me, it’s probably that I cannot get enough of carbohydrates. I basically grew up on bread and pasta. Unfortunately as my metabolism has slowed down, this habit also did. I still love grains. Everything in moderation! 

Banza Pasta (made with chickpeas) 

Sourdough Bread 

Perfect Bars 

Granola 

Oats

Siete Tortilla Chips 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Hu Chocolate Bars 

Georgia Grinders Almond Butter 

Protein Powder Cacao Powder

After an inside look at my grocery list and refrigerator, we can begin the meal prep. Here are some of my favorite recipe eats for the school year! You can always double the recipes to share with roommates or family. 

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 

These are a perfect dessert for chocoholics and pair well with dairy free ice cream. You can even make ice cream sandwiches! 

Ingredients:

-2/3 cup oats, blended to flour 

-2 tbsp. peanut butter 

-1tbsp. flax seed 

-1 tbsp. maple syrup 

-1 banana, mashed 

-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

-Pinch of sea salt 

-1/4 cup dark chocolate chips 

Recipe: 

1) Blend oats, about 20 seconds 

2) Combine all ingredients 

3) Scoop onto cookie sheet, 1 tbsp. size, make round shape 

4) Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes 

5) Dip into melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt 

SMOKED SALMON TOAST 

Toast is my go-to lunch. It takes the least amount of time for when I am running between classes and homework. It is also the best for using up just about any ingredient in your refrigerator. 

Ingredients: 

-Slice of sourdough bread 

-Kite Hill cheese spread 

-Avocado

-Smoked Salmon (Aldi) 

-Egg 

-Everything But The Bagel seasoning (Trader Joes) 

Recipe: 

1) Toast sourdough bread 

2) Cook egg over easy on stovetop with butter 

3) Mash avocado 

4) Combine all ingredients on toast 

BANZA BOWL 

This bowl is a great pasta alternative, with a variety of flavors that cures my Noodles and Company cravings! 

Ingredients: 

-Banza pasta 

-Zucchini 

-Turkey meatballs 

-Kite Hill cheese spread 

-Mushrooms 

-Tahini 

-Tomato basil sauce (Trader Joes) 

Recipe: 

1) Cook pasta 

2) Spiral zucchini 

3) Cook spiraled zucchini in microwave with butter for about 2 minutes 

4) Cook mushrooms on stovetop

5) Microwave turkey meatballs for 2 minutes

6) Once pasta is cooked, combine with desired amount of tomato basil sauce 

7) Combine all ingredients in bowl 

8) Top with cheese spread 

9) Drizzle with tahini 

BUDDAH BOWL WITH JALAPEÑO TAHINI DRESSING 

It is like Chipotle but in your kitchen and much cheaper. 

Ingredients: 

-Avocado

-Olives 

-Turkey burger

-Limes

-Lettuce mix 

-Cilantro 

-Goat cheese 

-Zucchini 

Jalapeño Tahini Dressing:

-1/4 cup Tahini 

-1 seedless jalapeño 

-Lemon 

-Salt 

-Almond milk 

Recipe: 

1) Cook turkey burger on stove top 

2) Spiral zucchini 

3) Cook spiraled zucchini in microwave with butter for about 2 minutes 

4) Combine lettuce mix, cooked zucchini, cilantro 

5) Slice avocado 

6) Place cooked turkey burger, lime, avocado, olives, and goat cheese on top of greens 

7) Drizzle dressing 

SWEET STRAWBERRY TOAST 

This breakfast is perfect for that weekend morning sweet tooth without having to drive to Denny’s. 

Ingredients: 

-Sourdough bread 

-Strawberries 

-Honey 

-Cinnamon 

-Probiotic yogurt (coyo) 

-Almond butter 

Recipe: 

1) Toast bread 

2) Spread almond butter 

3) Add sliced strawberries 

4) Top with honey, cinnamon, and a spoonful of probiotic yogurt 

ACAI BOWL 

A refreshing combination for a hot summer day! 

Ingredients: 

-Frozen strawberries 

-Fresh strawberries

-Frozen bananas 

-Frozen pineapple 

-Sweetener 

-Almond milk 

-Vanilla protein powder 

-Almond butter 

-Honey

-Coconut shreds 

-Granola 

-Chia seeds 

Recipe: 

1) Blend frozen strawberries, bananas, and pineapple in a blender with sweetener, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, and honey 

2) Pour into a bowl 

3) Top with fresh strawberries, honey, coconut shreds, granola, and chia seeds 

SWEET POTATO PANCAKES 

The perfect mixture of savory and sweet for the indecisive. This recipe is even Whole30 approved! 

Ingredients: 

-Sweet potato 

-Banana, mashed 

-2 eggs 

-Butter 

-Probiotic yogurt (coyo) 

-Almond butter 

-Honey 

-Cinnamon 

Recipe: 

1) Cook sweet potato in microwave for 4 minutes 

2) Mash sweet potato with fork 

3) Combine mashed sweet potato, mashed banana, and 2 eggs in a bowl 

4) Cook over a griddle with butter 

5) Top with almond butter, probiotic yogurt, honey, and cinnamon

MAC AND NO CHEESE 

The dairy free alternative for a mac n’ cheese lover. I mean we do live in Wisconsin people.

Ingredients: 

-Banza pasta 

-1 tbsp. nutritional yeast 

-1/3 cup cashews 

-1/3 cup roasted butternut squash 

-Lemon -1/4 cup water 

-Salt 

Recipe: 

1) Cook pasta 

2) Blend all sauce ingredients together slowly, adding in water until desired consistency reached 

3) Pour sauce over pasta and heat 

Finale 

I hope my grocery list and recipes help you break the staying-in stigma. Cooking is a great date idea, especially paired with a glass of wine and a movie! It is also a peaceful study break and a way to get your body up and moving from your couch on a Sunday. These recipes are easy! Trust me, I am not a whiz in the kitchen. I stick to simple recipes made with the least amount of ingredients that taste awesome and make me feel great. 

Next time you pick up processed foods at a gas station or on campus at school, turn it around and look at the list of ingredients. You will be surprised by how many ingredients you have never heard of and most likely cannot even pronounce. What we are choosing to put in our bodies matters and affects the way we feel, behave, and perform each and every day. Remember, you do not have to be perfect. No one is. Perfection is boring, but be different by caring about yourself. I cannot wait to see you recreate my recipes. 

Please make sure to send me pictures or tag me on social media. 

Instagram: @vitabenedetta 

Facebook: @ViBenedetta 

Twitter: @ViBenedetta Tell me. 

Do you prefer to stay in and cook meals or go out? Comment below.

#mkt400uwl

[vitabenedetta-blog]

Travel Eats

Good news! Traveling has been scientifically proven to increase happiness, decrease depression, and chill you the F out. While it is important to be grounded, traveling is a big part of finding out who you are and what environment fuels your inner fire. Plus, experiencing different cultures is invigorating AF. So for all of you that want to get out and explore the borders of this world, I have put together a travel eats guide to all the fabulous food from your home base and beyond. Enjoy! 

The Guide 

$: least expensive 

$$$: most expensive 

Apothik Food Truck $ 

La Crosse, WI 

Calling all Lax residents! Apothik Food Truck is a must try during the summer and fall seasons. The lovely humans behind the truck value: supporting local businesses and farmers while serving up delicious food! The menu changes each week to reflect seasonality and availability of different ingredients, so if you see something you like on the menu, make sure to get it while you can. You can find them at the Cameron’s Park farmer’s market, affordable and in walking distance for all you fellow college students.☺ 

My go-to: CHEESY MAC! 

5 Cheese Sauce, Diced Tasso Ham, Fresh Herbs, Crispy Crumble, Diced Bacon

  CINCO DE TACO 

Chipotle Chicken, Chopped Kale, Roasted Hot Sauce, Lime Cilantro Crème, Pineapple Pico De Gallo, Melted Pepper Jack, Corn Tortilla 

The Mint $$ 

La Crosse, WI 

Oh you fancy huh? The aesthetics at The Mint are on point. Everything from the furniture, to the glassware, and to the food is practically flawless. Toto, I don’t think we are in La Crosse, WI anymore. This is truly an experience you do not want to miss out on. Teaming with The Root Note, The Mint is a farm to table restaurant serving up all the local goods right to your plate. If you are on a budget, I highly recommend taking advantage of Sunday Craft Cocktail night. The craft cocktails are only $5 and appetizers are on sale. 

My go-to: CHARCUTERIE/CHEESE 

Chef’s Daily Selections, Pickles, Mustard, Bread

A LITTLE ROSY

Letherbee Gin, Grapefruit Crema, Grapefruit, Rosemary Syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters 

NAKED AND FAMOUS  

Vida Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperitivo Select, Lime 

Howie’s On La Crosse $ 

La Crosse, WI 

A La Crosse classic (most likely right outside your door step). Howie’s has great grub, drinks, games, staff, and an awesome patio. If you have not been I am honestly concerned. Oh, and do I even need to mention the bloody mary bar. YUM! Happy Hour is the perfect time to put down your schoolwork and head over for some student deals. I mean we are only students for four years, so we might as well soak up the discounts while we can. You are bound to run into some of your classmates working at Howie’s and most likely some of your professors throwing one back at the bar. There are enough TV’s at Howie’s that you will never miss a second of your favorite games. 

My go-to: THE ALL AMERICAN 

Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Garlic Mayo, Sweet Potato Fries 

STRAWBERRY MARGARITA 

Ecker’s Apple Farm $ 

La Crosse, WI 

Because what is better than a caramel apple tossed in M&M’s? Ecker’s Apple Farm is stunning to say the least. Plan on spending the afternoon. With a beer garden, live music, apple picking, yard games, and plenty of grub you are not going to want to leave. Their mission is to bring you unique, quality craft beers from around the country and serve them up cold while you take in the view of the beautiful farm. I’M DOWN. It is a fall destination in La Crosse. 

My go-to: M&M CARAMEL APPLE 

APPLE PIE AND ICE CREAM 

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar $$ 

Minneapolis, MN

Did someone say waffles? These waffles are like no other. They are seriously FUNKY and out of this world. The interior of Black Coffee and Waffle Bar provides an awesome space for students to chillax and enjoy a drink and a waffle. I mean, what could be finer? Every month they introduce a new specialty waffle. I promise, the drive is worth the overpriced waffle and the Instagram picture that comes with it! 

My go-to: STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE 

Cheesecake, Strawberries, Graham Crackers, Whipped Cream 

Hola Arepa $$ 

Saint Paul, MN 

Started from a food truck now we here. The vibes up in this joint will take you away on a Latin destination vacation. The specialty here: Venezuelan stuffed arepas! Arepas are made from cornmeal dough, formed into patties and cooked on a griddle. Then, they are stuffed with meats, veggies, cheeses, and topped with homemade salsas! Their mission is to make food from scratch with a whole lot of love. I recommend sitting on the patio in the sunshine! 

My go-to: FRIED BRUSSEL SPROUTS 

Tamarind Vinaigrette, Housemade Chorizo Sausage, Pepitas, Caramelized Onion Jam, Manchego, Radish 

CHIPOTLE CHICKEN AREPA 

Tomato, Sweet Corn Salsa, Citrus Onion, Radish, Arugula, Chipotle Aioli, Yuca Fries 

Pig Ate My Pizza $$ 

Robbinsdale, MN 

Besides like the cutest name for a pizza place ever, Pig Ate My Pizza was named one of the best pizza places in the US by Time and Food & Wine magazines! They are serving up rotating craft pizzas and over 16 local tap brews! The atmosphere is unexplainably awesome, so you will have to go check this one out yourself. Checkout their website for a little sneak peak (the marketing is phenomenal). 

My go-to: PIGGY PIE 

Deep Dish Meat Lovers! Brioche Crust, Pork Lovers Sausage, Pepperoni, Bacon Emulsion, Toasted Black Pepper Fennel, Oregano

Velvet Taco $ 

Chicago, IL

Let’s taco bout it people! In the heart of the windy city, Velvet Taco is a counter service setting, whipping up some of the most BOMB margaritas and tacos on this planet. With over twenty varieties of tacos, they will assure that you have never had a taco like this. At Velvet Taco, food is art. Let’s go, the flavors await. 

My go-to: FISH N’ CHIPS 

Curry Mayo, Malted French Fires, House Shred, Beer Battered Atlantic Cod, Pea Tendrils, Flour Tortilla 

BUFFALO CHICKEN 

Crisp Tenders, House Buffalo Sauce, Danish Bleu Cheese, Ranch Crema, Carrots, Micro Celery, Flour Tortilla 

Real Good Juice Co. $$$ 

Chicago, IL 

Itching for something a little healthier to cure your Sunday scaries? You have found the place. Real Good Juice Co. serves up good juices and smoothies that are organic and locally sourced. The juices are cold pressed which means they retain 100% of the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. The company is a huge supporter of Chicago’s Old Town community and contributes a percentage of juice sales to local charities! They don’t stop at serving juice. They also sell bowls, a variety of toasts, salads, and shots. It’s a Win Win. 

My go-to: YUM YUM IN MY TUM TUM 

Banana, Cacao, Almond Butter, Almond Milk, Honey 

Firecakes Donuts $$

Chicago, IL

Hellzzz to the yeah! These donuts are on fire! Firecakes believes that everyone can use a sweet treat to get them through the day. With the craziest flavors, your taste buds will be wanting more. These donuts are fried in a large cast iron pot of oil over an open fire and sprinkled with all the sugar and goods one could ask for. They even have gluten free and vegan donuts! 

My go-to: DONUT ICE CREAM SANDWICH 

Summer House Santa Monica $$$ 

Chicago, IL 

An escape to the warmth and laid-back vibes of the West Coast. The atmosphere is beachy AF. They promise that no matter the season, no matter the weather, you will be transported to the warmth of California at Summer House. I felt like I was Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl, no lie. If you have ever dreamed of your bridal shower, this is that dream. To be honest I barely paid attention to my meal, I was too caught up looking around at all the VIBES. 

My go-to: RICKY BOBBY 

Hank’s Vodka, Fresh Grapefruit Juice, Lime, Strawberry Air

San Giorgio Pizzeria $$ 

Milwaukee, WI 

Neapolitan pizza dough, made fresh in seconds, right before your eyes in a wood-fired oven! I have had a lot of pizza in my life, and this is by far my favorite. That is saying something people, you must go. The chef sits five feet in front of your table while throwing dough and firing up some incredible ZAA. Head Chef Gino Fazzari made this an unforgettable experience (he even bought my boyfriend and I special shots on the house). I would go back a million times. 

My go-to: MARIA CARMELLA 

San Marzano Tomato, Fresh Fior Di Latte Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Fresh Basil, Arugula, Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Logan House Coffee Co. $ 

Denver, CO 

The vibes are too real people. This place is like an indoor farmer’s market. Make sure you give yourself enough time to really explore. The staff members are super DOPE and are jazzed about talking coffee with customers. 

My go-to: NUTELLA LATTE WITH ALMOND MILK 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory $ 

Vail, CO 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! You will never want to get ice cream elsewhere after trying Rocky Mountain. This is mainly because of the cones. Have you ever seen something so beautiful? In the heart of Vail Village you will feel like the cutest snow bunny with one of these cones in hand and the mountains right above your head. If you are a chocoholic you NEED to check this out. 

Blue Moose Pizza $$ 

Vail, CO 

Want to eat pizza while looking out at the Vail Village Slopes? Yeah, me too. This was some of the most exotic pizza I have ever had. Flavor overload in the best way possible. If you go during off-season you won’t even have to wait for a table. 

My go-to: AUTUMN PIZZA 

Sautéed Mushrooms, Truffle Oil, Parsley, Parmesan, Garlic, Olive Oil, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese 

Finale

Now that your taste buds are basically exploding, it is time to get out and explore. Gas up your vehicle, book that plane ticket and Airbnb and be on your way. The flavors await! If you try any of my suggestions make sure to tag #vitabenedetta and let me know about the fabulous foods. 

Until next time. What are some of your favorite travel eats? Comment below.

#mkt400uwl

[vitabenedetta-blog]

Vita Benedetta’s Guide to Madison

MadTown. A city characterized by badger red, brats, burgers, and beer (at least that is what I used to think). Moving away from college made me realize just how much I love this city and inspired me to explore. Through downtown areas, Willy Street, and adjacent small towns I discovered an entirely new meaning to Madison. This is my guide to Madison to show you all of the grub goodness and hideaways in unfamiliar places. 

The Guide 

$: least expensive

$$$: most expensive 

Grub Goodness 

The reality today is that social settings revolve around food. Want to grab a coffee? Want to meet for drinks after work? This is practically inevitable. It is important not to settle for boring, overly pasteurized crap that will make you feel like a** in the morning. I mean really, who wants to feel gassy, post cheeseburger when on a first date? Not I. There are so many places in Madison deciding to serve up food that will make you feel bomb. This does not mean you will be eating lettuce and drinking water for a meal. Trust me. Oh and the aesthetics are totally worth the visit. 

Gotham Bagels $

Bae-goals let me tell you. Gotham bagels is located directly off the square downtown Madison and is serving up some banging bagels. The line is always out the door on weekends. You can put about anything in the galaxy on your bagel and customize it just how you like it. The atmosphere is very downtown Boston like. The owner adds a little spunk to the joint since he graduated with his PhD and decided he would rather just run a bagel joint. RAD. 

My go-to: YELLOW C.A.B. 

Cheddar, Bacon, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo Add Egg & Vegetable Cream Cheese On Egg Bagel 

Bowl of Heaven $$$ 

Bowl of Heaven is about as close to California as Madison can get. This quaint bar creates the most awe-worthy bowls and smoothies. The bowls are a bit pricy, but worth a try. It’s the only place in Madison where I have found a yummy açaí bowl. All of the ingredients are real and will make you feel good about your choice. 

My go-to: PEANUT BUTTER BOWL 

Organic Açaí, Bananas, Strawberries, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Almond Milk Topped with Organic Hemp Flax Seeds, Granola, Fresh Banana, and Honey 

Novanta Pizza $ 

Because you cannot forget about the ZAA. This stone fired pizza is something to brag about, with all ingredients sourced from Italy. You can build your own pizza, grab a wine and sit outside on the patio (during Madison’s 3 months of warmth). You will never see much of a wait at Novanta, which makes it great for grab and go because Novanta means 90 in Italian. All of their pizzas are ready in 90 seconds. The pizzas are personally sized so you won’t feel sluggish from overeating. 

My go-to: PESTO 

Mozzarella, Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Pecorino Romano 

Marigold Kitchen $$ 

What is better than a boozy brunch after a walk around the farmers market? Be prepared for about an hour wait. Mimosas, pancakes, breakfast sammies, oh my! Marigold Kitchen won “Best Breakfast” in Madison and your taste buds will tell you why. Even better, the customer service is phenomenal. I could not pick a favorite, so here are my best picks. 

CITRUS RICOTTA BUCKWHEAT PANCAKES 

Orange Almond Butter, Fresh Strawberries, Whipped Butter

MARIGOLD BREAKFAST SANDWICH 

Fried Egg, Cheddar Spiked Boursin, Bacon, Tomato, Green Onion, Toasted Ciabatta 

Miko Poke $ 

This spot is goals-AF. For someone who loves sushi as much as me, this place is a win. With the perfect location on Monroe Street you will leave wanting to come back. I am salivating just thinking about it. Poke is comprised of raw fish (tuna, salmon, scallops) on top of baby greens, topped with veggies, and all the good sauces! These bowls are truly Instagram worthy. 

My go-to: HAWAII STYLE 

Smashed Avocado, Cucumbers, Edamame, Poke Sauce, Spicy Aioli, Scallions, White Black Sesame Seeds

Bloom Bake Shop $$ 

You are what you eat, so be sweet. This cute little bakeshop is tucked away on Monroe Street. The focus is all about good food. All grub is made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. The price tag reflects this, but you are doing something good by sending dollars back into the community. Grab a coffee, some brunch, and hella baked goods and be sweet. 

My go-to: WISCONSIN SANDWICH

Classic Bacon, Egg, Cheese, Stoneground Mustard, Flakey Buttermilk Biscuit 

SWEET POTATO DONUT 

CINNAMON ROLL 

VANILLA CHAI TEA LATTE 

Ancora Coffee Roasters $$$

If you are looking for some coffee to keep you awake on these food adventures, look no further. Ancora has bomb lattes and even better outdoor seating. Their mission is to serve the best beans in the world. So you can drink that amazing cup knowing you can be proud of everything that went into it. 

My go-to: ICED HONEY ALMOND ZOMBIE 

White Espresso, Almond, Honey, Almond Milk

 Gloria’s Mexican $ 

Wasted away again in Margaritaville (literally). You cannot go wrong with any of Gloria’s margs! The restaurant is hella authentic; the only thing missing is sand underneath your toes. During happy hour, margs are only $2! DANGER. Just make sure you have an Uber ride home. My absolute favorite is their house margarita. ¡Olé! 

Saints Juice Co. $$$ 

Pressed juice in Madison is hard to come by. Actually, it was impossible before Saints Juice Co. opened this year. In my favorite neighborhood of Williamson Street, you can now grab a fresh pressed juice or mylk to go! The owners are always behind the counter and are extremely passionate about what they do. Feel free to ask questions about ingredients and the process, or just pick the prettiest color drink and go at it. 

My go-to: PROPHE-SEE 

Carrot, Apple, Lemon, Ginger

Tastes like a Capri Sun

Also tastes like you will never get sick again 

Bassett Street Brunch Club $$ 

Avocado toast will always text you back. Bassett Street Brunch Club is a Madison Favorite. Make sure to make a reservation!! They are known for their wild donut flavors and their famous boozy brunch. Because brunch without booze is just a sad, late breakfast. Go check them out on Instagram to see what all the hype is about.

My go-to: TOASTEST WITH THE MOSTEST 

Thick Cut 8 Grain Toast, Avocado Mash, Corn, Black Bean Salsa, Queso Fresco, Pickled Red Onion, and Cilantro 

Café Hollander $$ 

Because who doesn’t want to feel like they are drinking a bloody marry on the rooftop of a Chicago bar. VIBES. This is the #1 restaurant atmosphere in Madison, hands down. You will never want to leave and your phone battery will die from all the pictures taken. The bloody mary and mimosa selection is remarkable. It is a perfect stop for a late brunch after walking through the Hilldale farmers market. Don’t leave without ordering frites with your choice of dipping sides—basil aioli, siracha mayonnaise, Korean BBQ!! 

My go-to: AMERICANA 

Two Eggs, Hollander Potatoes, Multigrain Toast, Breakfast Sausage Links 

BERRY BLAST MIMOSA 

New Amsterdam Berry Vodka, Champagne, Pineapple Juice 

Everly $$ 

Brussel sprouts are misunderstood—probably because people do not know how to cook them properly. Everly takes brussels to a whole new meaning. MUST TRY. This natural lit space is easily the cutest craft cocktail bar in Madison. You will feel 10x richer, classier, and straight out of New York. You might even catch your pinky in the air while sipping on a fantabulous spritzer. 

My go-to: ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS

Gribiche/Shallots/Lemon 

HOUSE BURGER 

Sharp Cheddar, Pickles, Red Onions, Butter Lettuce, Garlic Aioli 

Canteen $$ 

Destination→Mexico. A vibrant, fast paced Mexican kitchen & bar, serving up some famous margaritas that will make you want to shake your booty. I can only vouch for the margs since I have not stayed to try the grub. It is in a great location off the square to grab a few after class or work. 

Pho Nam Noodle House $ 

Serving up authentic Vietnamese that will make your taste buds go crazy! It does not look like much from the outside of the building, but the food is something to talk about. The prices are unbeatable. 

My go-to: EGG NOODLE AND WONTON SOUP WITH BBQ PORK 

Finale 

I hope my guide to Madison provides you with some inspiration to get out and explore the city. The summer is the best time to do so since just about everything is in walking or biking distance. Madison has Red Bikes placed around the city that you can rent for $6 dollars/day. Get out of your comfort zone and do something extraordinary. Try something new. Eat some grub that won’t make your body want to cry the next day. I promise, you won’t regret it.

If you make it out to any of these places make sure to tag #vitabenedetta and let me know how your experience went! Hopefully your experiences will be filled with good grub, aesthetic vibes, and hella Instagram photos. 

Until next time, Madison. Where are some of your favorite spots in Madison? Comment below.

#mkt400uwl

[vitabenedetta-blog]

Vita Benedetta

Hey everyone! My name is Kassidy Steyer (everyone knows me by Kas) and I have a passion for capturing the perfect picture of epic eats. You can catch me running between spin class, grabbing a matcha latte, shopping at Whole Foods, or strolling through the farmers market with my mom.

I am studying marketing and communications at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in May 2019. College has taught me the importance of balance, positive thoughts, self-care, exercise, and fueling my body. My goal is to be transparent by showing both sides of wellness. While I love me some avocado toast and going for a hike, letting loose on thirsty Thursday and devouring burgers and fries (every once in a while) with friends is part of that balance. 

I want to show you all the grub goodness that can be found in unfamiliar places from Madison, WI and beyond. Thank you so much for visiting Vita Benedetta. I look forward to sharing with you! 

You are probably wondering, “What does Vita Benedetta mean?” From Italian, translated to English, Vita Benedetta stands for blessed life. I come from an awesomely large Italian family—my mom has seven brothers and they all grew up in a two-bedroom house downtown Madison, WI. Growing up with 8 dads has been pretty rad to say the least, and for that I am blessed. As you will see, and I will reiterate, this theme is present throughout all aspects of my life. 

Inspiration 

My inspiration for this blog primarily came from my experiences in college. College, the best four years of your life: supposedly. For me college has been a challenge. A challenge to find balance. Balance between social norm expectations and what I wanted for myself. Balance between mindless fun and exhaustion. Balance between fitting in and standing out. Finding myself was a challenge. 

La Crosse—a city with more taverns per capita than any other U.S city of its size. A city where if a friend states he/she is going to the library, you can assume that person is referring to the bar. Many weekends went like this. I would watch the lights flicker off as a sign of bar close, take the “drunk bus” home at 2:30 a.m., and crawl into bed after eating a triple order of Topperstix. Mornings I would wake to the scent of a Howie’s deep fried burger and fries creeping through my window, faced with a full night of hung-over studying, notorious as the Sunday Scaries. Purely exhausted. 

Undeniably my self-esteem began to dwindle. College presented me with millions of others girls: prettier than me, taller than me, with a whiter smile than me, and much less flab where a girl doesn’t want flab. These girls portrayed their lives as if they were out of a Legally Blonde movie, attending frat parties on the weekends, and posing in pictures eating Big Macs, yet still somehow maintaining flawless figures. 

Deciding to focus on my education and health, I stood out. Contrary to what many people believe this came with consequences. In our binge drinking obsessed culture, deciding not to engage alienated me. I lost the majority of my friends, only later to notice that these relationships were solely characterized by weekends and drinking, and had no substance or depth. The hard part: finding new friends as a junior in college. Friend groups were already tightly formed. Without parties or bars to make friends, this left class, the library, and the gym, all places where college students want to get in and get out as fast as they can.   

Thanks to social media, I found a community where I belonged, where I could engage and contribute. Wonderful humans such as @shutthekaleup and @thetruespoon have shown me what it feels like to: get a good night sleep, eat whole real food (none of that toxic processed ish), and spend time with people who support me. These women portray real lives of self-care, exercise, health, balance, and emphasize fueling your body. I follow their lives for inspiration on: recipes, skin care, athleisure companies, and mainly inspiration to lead my own life—disinterested in comparing myself to others. I finally found the importance behind talking about wellness, and I gained hella confidence along the way. 

Present Over Perfect 

As I began my wellness journey I stumbled across the issue of perfectionism. Did I use the correct Valencia filter for that picture? Did the editor app take away the coffee stains on my teeth? Should I spend a couple more days trying to come up with a more creative Instagram caption? To be completely honest, sometimes I would take so long to capture the most epically epic picture of my food that my meal would be cold to a crisp by the time I ate it (whoops). Yeah I know what you are thinking, this girl is crazy! It was hard to put down my phone. 

It is OKAY not take yourself so seriously. Live in the moment. Put down your phone and go for a hike. Have a meaningful conversation with someone you love. Your phone will still be there. Three things have significantly helped me become more present and aware in my life. 

Morning and Bedtime Social Media Detox 

How many of you are guilty of the a.m. mindless social media scroll? What about scrolling until your eyes can barely take it anymore before hitting the hay? This was my worst habit. When the first and last things you are seeing everyday are other people and perfection, it is hard not to compare and get caught up in everything other than yourself. Instead, try getting up and doing something else for the first part of your day. Go for a walk, read a book, make a smoothie, DO YOU. At bedtime think about your day and what went well. Positive thoughts go a long way to becoming more present. 

Setting Intentions 

How many of you say you are going to do something and days later completely forget about it? Like on January 1st when you got a gym membership and never went back. You are not alone. Writing down intentions is important! This way you can hold yourself accountable. Intentions can be what you read in the morning or at night instead of scrolling on social media. You are able to go back to see whether or not you are achieving them and what you would like to change/adjust. I will leave my intentions below to get you all thinking.

♥ Take each day one at a time 

♥ Spend fifteen minutes a day without Internet connection 

♥ Do your best everyday. Kick a** & do not give up 

♥ Eat mindfully. Nourish your body 

♥ Reflect on the three best parts of each day 

♥ Give back 

♥ Spend more time with family members 

♥ Love fearlessly 

Self-Care 

Because we all need a little me time to be selfish. Taking time for you can seem like a guilty pleasure, but it shouldn’t. As a college student juggling classwork, student organizations, two jobs, and a long-distance relationship, while still squeezing in time to work out, sleep, eat healthy, and umm have a life is tiring to say the least. It is important to honor your body. Know when enough is enough. Know when to call it for the night, even if it means saying no to margs with your girlfriends. For me, this means choosing to walk to the farmers market on a Saturday morning instead of going out to darty. It means being in bed by 10 p.m. on weeknights to make it to my early a.m. spin class. Balance looks different to everyone; however, when the going gets tough (and it will) here are a couple of things that make me feel superbly selfish: 

☆ Cocokind Chlorophyll Face Mask 

☆ Honest Hazel Collagen Eye Gels 

☆ Reishi Mushroom Elixir (supports sleep and stress) 

☆ Watching re-runs of “The Hills” 

☆ Turning on an oil diffusor with essential oils 

☆ Putting in a coconut oil bun 

☆ Going to a spin class (get in the zone to Kayne West/Odesza) 

☆ Yoga to get your zen on 

☆ Going on a hike alone or with a friend 

Finale 

You will look silly, it will take time, but you will feel better. Finding balance throughout all aspects of my life has been my challenge. I am starting to realize that every day is a new opportunity to better myself. I cannot stress enough how much better I feel now that I have started to take care of myself. I sleep better, I have more energy, and I am more positive. Positive thoughts are powerful. Your mind is powerful. Begin. Start. Take on one small change at a time. I look forward to interacting with each and every one of you who decide to embrace wellness! 

Thank you for visiting and you will be hearing from me soon ♥ Make sure to follow my other social media handles: 

Instagram: @vitabenedetta 

Facebook: @ViBenedetta 

Twitter: @ViBenedetta

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