$$ Elephant and the Dove marks the spot of our first time feeling a spark. Early on in our friendship, we went here to enjoy a casual dinner as friends, but it took an unexpected turn to an evening of shy smiles, untamable butterflies, and holding hands the whole car ride home. This restaurant is special to us and every so often we take a visit to make new memories and enjoy their guac and chips (our guilty pleasure) and new conversations over dinner. Perfect for a romantic date or casual night out with friends! We highly recommend the churros!
$ With a charming ambiance, Gangnam Style Korean Kitchen brings a warmth away from Syracuse's winter weather. We recommend the corn tea and curry pajeon. Our visit here was after Jake met Sydney's family for the first time!
$ One of the first places we ate together as friends! We've gone several times since and it is one of our favorite places to dine together. Jake's Favorites: Seaweed salad, Vietnamese Curry Chicken, Vegetable Egg Rolls Sydney's Favorites: Hot Vietnamese Milk Tea, Vegan Curry w vermicelli noodles, Vegetable Pad Thai, and Spicy Vegan Pho
$$ This Italian restaurant is special to us because not only is the food delicious, but Sydney made reservations here for Jake on his 29th birthday!
$$ A staple stop for Italian cuisine in Syracuse. With the saffron-flavor risotto easily considered to be a main dish on its own, Francesca's is worthy of the reservation. Per our experience, this restaurant provides the perfect atmosphere to communicate differences and work through any disagreements in your relationship! Sydney and Jake took the time to grow in love with one another on a dinner date here during a time when tensions grew as they learned to navigate the racial and cultural distinctions present in society within their relationship.
$ Affordably priced and flavors you'll rave about! Their menu features unique and controversial dessert items such as a hommus shake and baklava cheesecake....need we say more?
$$ Hot oil and stretch bread you can't have enough of! Pastabilities was called on to cater our lovely engagement party at Letchworth State Park. A must if from out of town, and you'll see why!
$ If you're looking for authentic Thai cuisine and quick service, look no further. Enjoy piping hot plates full of fresh, unforgettable flavors. We love their green curry and their coconut shrimp appetizer.
$$ (Pronto Joeys open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm) Not to be confused with Joey Prontos! The main restaurant is down the stairs once you enter into the establishment. Get here early if you don't make a reservation and dress to impress -- you will not be disappointed with the cuisine. Stay for tea and dessert! A perfect date night to rekindle a relationship.
$ Enjoy delicious milk teas and sweet treats in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. This cafe has loads of board games-- if you want to get scraped in Mancala call Sydney! Our favorites: Honeydew Milkiato w Crystal Boba, Tarot Milkiato w Tapioca, Thai Tea with Boba (we substitute milk for oat milk and do 25% or 50% sweetness level).
$$$$ The first and only plant-based restaurant to boast 3 Michelin Stars in the world. We celebrated Sydney's 25th birthday here. With a bible study during the drive into the city and a post-dinner tummy ache, this experience was truly unforgettable.
Saturday morning means a trip to the Market. Whether you're there for the pickles or the peppers, the bagels or the bread, the hommus or the hospitality from the vendors, the relaxing walk around the Market is anticipated quality time with one another for Jake and Sydney. Bring cash!
Thornden Park has become an unanticipated landmark in our relationship. Strolls through the Rose Garden. Picnics at the Water Tower. Parked car conversations. First Kiss. Proposal Permission. Thornden is an intimate place for S+J.
Located in Destiny USA Shopping Mall. If you're looking for a fun time, there's lots to do. Arcade, bowling, axe throwing, laser tag, VR experience, y más.
One of the first places we visited as friends. Jake's first time picking up and driving Sydney (we got there safely Ms. Jones!). Our first stroll around the lake with meaningful and unique conversation led to future weekend morning jogs on the dirt paths.
While in town we recommend making plans for a visit! If you have the opportunity to do so, schedule a class on glass blowing -- you'll be able to make your own flower, ornament, or trinket to bring home! The gift shop is stellar and the glass artwork is stunning. A place for a surprise date and a wonderful adventure!
3AM surprise road trip to the 'Grand Canyon of the East' for a *cancelled* Hot Air Balloon Ride on September 4th, 2023. A PERFECT day where Jake proposed to Sydney surrounded by God's creative hand in nature. Later in the afternoon, Sydney and Jake celebrated with family and friends at the North Highbanks Pavillion -- Pastabilities and Sweet Praxis provided the nourishment when it came to food, family and friends provided the spiritual nourishment. *Please note that the bling bling still shines just as it had on this day and just as His face continues to shine upon us each and every day* A heartfelt thank you to our loved ones <3