Robin Laub, a Life Stylist

In the Sticks

In the boonies…the country…the burbs…the city. Wherever you may live, home is where the heart is. A cliché, I know, but it’s true.

I was just back in New England (my birthplace) and although I consider the Bay Area my current home, New England will always be my first home.

We were driving to Enfield, CT to my sister's for the holidays. We exited the freeway and took the back roads to her house and that's when the term "in the sticks" popped into my head. We drove past leafless, tall, skinny trees that literally looked like sticks sticking out of the ground. My kids had never heard of that phrase. Another New England moment!

Before and after my family gathering, we visited Boston as we normally do and dined at two restaurants worth noting. The first one was French (of course!) called DeuxAve. Ambiance to perfection. Check. Parisian waiter. Check. Magnifique food. Check. The duck fries are a must-have! But frankly, all of our main entrées were to die for such as the NY strip of beef, the bolognaise pasta (Italian, I know!) and for me the duck pâté with toasted baguette slices. And yes, we ate this rich, gargantuan meal the day before Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble, quack, quack.

The second restaurant I'd like to recommend was on the Boston Haubuh (harbor for non-New Englanders!). But before I divulge the name I suggest that you enjoy Celebrate Boston, which is the horse and carriage ride around the city. It was a cold 27 degrees as we embarked on this ride but fluffy blankets were awaiting us to be wrapped up inside them. You have the option of taking a 15, 30, 45 or 60-minute carriage ride, but given the elements we opted for the 15 minute ride which was pleasant enough. As our noses were pretty much frozen at the end of our journey, we ventured over to City Landing restaurant. The comfort food was hearty and warm for our tummies. Great location!

As much as we loved being in the sticks for a few days I've come to realize that the city is my type of home!

Enjoy your holidays and if you need any help planning a trip to Boston or anywhere in New England all you have to do is just ask!