Food & Drink

Buono Bistro Italian Eatery: Great Food and Better Service

Buono Bistro Chicken Picatta
Chicken Piccata – so tender,  knife not needed.

 

~Before I begin today’s post – I would like to express my deepest sadness for those touched by the tragic events in Orlando, FL. As the mother of two daughters, I can only pray for a more peaceful and compassionate world for their future.~

 

What makes a good restaurant? Sure, the food; but more than that, for me, is the service. By this I don’t just mean the server got my order right and in a timely manner, but the kind of service that makes you feel genuinely welcome.

Date Night at Buono Bistro

I get this feeling every time I go to one of my new favorite spots in North Andover – Buono Bistro. This Italian eatery has impressed me on several occasions and, typically, I’m not one to dine out on Italian. I guess my Italian heritage has me spoiled by my own family’s Italian food. However, the fine Italian cuisine and atmosphere at Buono Bistro has me coming back for more.

 

Buono Bistro Veal Parmesan
Tony’s all-time favorite: Veal Parmesan

 

The Vibe

My first time in, the place was buzzing. A full house, live piano music and an elegant crystal chandelier all caught my attention at Buono Bistro. As did the owner and executive chef, Faisal Bazarto, whom I noticed walking about the restaurant engaging guests in conversation. Dressed in kitchen attire, it was clear that Bazarto was working both the back and front of the house. I love the idea of a hands-on owner who is so clearly invested a complete dining experience.

The Chef

When Chef Bazarto approached Tony and me, we were just about done and ready for the bill.  He asked how we’d enjoyed our meal and offered us dessert. We were so full, we declined, but somehow the personable chef saw through our facade and hand delivered us a small cannoli sampling, on the house, anyway.

 

Buono Bistro Cannoli
The filling of this cannoli is to die for.

 

The Review

I couldn’t get over how charming Chef Bazarto was, and how wonderful it was for him to take the time to speak with us and ensure that we left with the sweetest impression. There was a real sense that everyone from the hostess to the waitress to the owner was authentically happy to serve us. The exceptional treatment made all the difference.

We’ve been back several times since and just this past Saturday we enjoyed yet another delightful meal. This time, Danielle served us and she was perfectly attentive, helpful and efficient. She made eye contact, was smiling and was just the right amount of chatty – Lovely on all counts!

It’s not often I enjoy a restaurant enough to want to return on a regular basis, but I’m happy to say I’ve found such a place in Buono Bistro.

No matter where you live, finding that special spot to return to again and again is like discovering a gold mine.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?

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Fashion, Health & Beauty

Eye Makeup Application Without The Mess

applying eye liner
Hands on Face – No-No!

 

A Makeup Tip I’ll Never Forget

It’s still beauty week here at 3 Olives and a Twist, and today it’s all about the eyes. Years ago I read a makeup application tip in a magazine that stuck with me. It’s simple really – always apply your eye makeup first!

When I made this suggestion to my teenage daughters, they asked, “Why?” I was happy to share my little bit of beauty knowledge with them. Yes, the teenage years may have some challenges, but enjoying these fun, girly moments isn’t one of them. Finally, all of those years playing with my Big Barbie Head paid off and now I can play beautician with my real life dolls.

To answer their question as to why; I explained that taking care of your eye makeup application first, prevents smudging or smearing of any face makeup already applied. What they, and many others, don’t realize is how much we use our face to brace our hand when applying eye makeup. Whether you use foundation, concealer or blush, leaning your hand on it after it’s on will alter its flawless appearance.

Later, I told some friends how much I love this new “beauty” phase with my daughters and mentioned the tip. Several had not heard it and agreed that it made a lot of sense. And so now I share it with you.

If you wear makeup, consider doing your eye makeup application first – your flawless face will thank you.

Fake Eyelashes

One more thing, speaking of eyes – have you ever tried false eyelashes? I’ve always wanted to. I love the look of a thick, lush lash, but the one time I tried cheapies, I had glue and lashes all over the place.  I couldn’t get the darned things on and ended up tearing them before ever making use of them.

I gave up after that. Until recently when I was out with a friend (Hi Steph!) and I couldn’t take my eyes off of hers. Her lashes were gorgeous and I found myself staring, trying to figure out if they were real or not (a great sign of really good lashes). Finally, I had to ask because otherwise she might have thought I was insane. She was wearing Esqido Lashes – a popular choice in the celebrity circuit. Their claim is: The world’s most comfortable, natural looking false eyelashes. Sounded perfect to me and I rushed home to order a pair. The website has a fun little quiz to help you choose your best lash. There are many options of different lengths, volume and looks. All with fun names like “Little Black Lash,” “Unforgettable” and “BFF.”

 

BFF Lashes by Esqido
BFF Lashes by Esqido

 

I opted for “BFF” and while I haven’t had an occasion to actually wear them, I’m excited to give them a shot. If they are as easy to apply as the site says, I’ll be wearing mine over and over. Each pair is reusable up to 25 times. I’ll report back as soon as I’m feeling fancy enough to break them in.

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Fashion, Health & Beauty

Where’d You Get That Tan? Self Tanners That Work

Jergens Natural Glow and Tan Towel Self Tanners
Jergens Natural Glow and Tan Towel

 

Welcome to Beauty Week!

I don’t know how it’s possible that I’m half Greek and half Italian, yet I come out of winter with the pastiest, whitest legs I’ve ever seen. When shorts season rolls in, I just can’t bear to go out in public with the blinding bareness of my untanned gams. But the days of lying out to get some color are gone. So, what’s a girl to do?

Tan Towel Self Tanner

Several years ago I was turned on to Tan Towel towelettes. While limited in my experience with self tanner, I have found them to be the perfect solution. These easy to apply wipes provide quick color and because they come in wipe form, streaking is not a problem and clean-up is a breeze. I find my Tan Towels at a little beauty shop in town, but they can also be purchased online. According to the website’s store locator, Kohl’s now carries them too, along with various other salons and beauty supply stores. I’d suggest calling ahead as they are known to sell out.

My one complaint about Tan Towel is that I find they have a slightly unpleasant odor. Some people say they don’t notice it so it may be that I’m sensitive. Since I only use them on my legs, and just until I get enough natural color, I stand by them as a great go-to.

Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner

I also want to give a shout out to the first self tanner I ever tried, Jergens Natural Glow. I just reintroduced this to my repertoire since I was not in a rush and could wait the three days to see some results. The last time I had used this might have been when the product was first introduced. But since I’m a notorious last-minute Lucy, I’m usually in need of immediate results. I always find myself reaching for fast-acting products.

This time, however, I had time on my hands. When I saw it on the shelf, I noticed the +Firming option. Um, yes please! It claims to reduce the appearance of cellulite in as little as seven days. Tan and tight? How could I refuse? I gave this a try; twice a day and on day three I’m happy to report that Jergens Natural Glow had successfully reduced the glaring glow of my white legs.

The jury is still out on the firming claim, but maybe I’ll give that one a little more time.

Have a great summer and if basking in the sun isn’t your thing, but you need a touch of color – a good self tanner might be worth a try.

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Life & Family

Great Advice From My Horoscope App

The Daily Horoscope App
The Daily Horoscope App – available at the App Store on smartphones

 

Lately I’ve been caught up worrying that my blog posts are not getting a lot of “Likes” (on Facebook) or comments. I know you are reading because so many of you have the nicest things to say when I see you in person. Thank you for that!

I find myself asking; what are my posts are missing? What could I be doing or writing that would be more engaging?

When I wrote exclusively for the magazine, feedback wasn’t really expected and that made things easy. Now, in this sea of social media, I see all kinds of posts getting hundreds of “Likes” and comments. I wonder how I can reach readers here in the same way.

Advice from Daily Horoscope

Before this concern became all-consuming, I was reminded that this blog is only three months old and things take time. But I am so impatient! Thank you to my family and friends who talk me off the ledge. I also read somewhere that “Likes” and comments shouldn’t really matter as long as you are putting out quality content. OK, but still I obsessed.

Until this past Tuesday when I opened up my handy horoscope app and read this:

 

Leo

 

OMG – was the universe speaking directly to me? I was actually stunned when I read it and, as I often do with my horoscope, I took it to heart.

I discovered The Daily Horoscope app in the App Store a couple of years ago and have found it to be consistently positive and spot on 90 percent of the time.

Daily Horoscope App Icon
DH Icon

 

I turned Julia onto it and now she follows it too. Whenever she needs a little reassurance or encouragement, this app seems to have just the right message for her. It’s crazy really and, like mine, her horoscope is often eerily in tune with some specific things going on in her life. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve said to each other, “Did you see my horoscope today? It’s weird, just plain weird.”

So today I will listen to my horoscope and if the “Likes” and comments don’t come flooding in, I’m OK with it. But hey, don’t let that stop you. If you are so inclined- I’d love to hear from you.

Have you tried the Daily Horoscope App? Do you find it eerily accurate or missing the mark?

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Life & Family

The Memorial Day Flag Garden – An Impactful Tribute

Memorial Day Flag Garden in Boston

 

I don’t always remember to remember on Memorial Day. Sometimes beaches and barbeques take center stage and the point of this unofficial start of summer, day off, escapes me.

This year, however, I did something that made an impression and secured, in my mind and heart, what this day is all about. I love getting into Boston, so when this volunteer activity came up to participate in the Memorial Day Flag Garden, I was thrilled to participate.

Remembering Those We’ve Lost through the Memorial Day Flag Garden

I joined my sister, along with hundreds of other volunteers, in planting over 37,000 flags at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Boston Common. This annual tradition is organized by The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund for which my cousin’s wife, Diane Nealon, is the Executive Director. I’m so grateful to Diane for sharing this opportunity with us.

Days later, I returned to see the completed flag garden with my entire family. Realizing that each flag in the mass display represented the life of a fallen Massachusetts service member since the Revolutionary War was sobering. I kept thinking – this is Massachusetts alone.

 

Over 37,000 flags planted at the Memorial Day Flag Garden in Boston
Impressive

 

This breathtaking tribute is on display until 6pm this evening at which time the flags will be retired. If you are in the Boston area on Memorial Day and have the chance to stop by the Memorial Day Flag Garden, I think you’ll find the sea of flags as impactful as I did.

Interested in volunteering in Boston?

Check out these opportunities at Volunteer Match.

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