You Need the Yelp App

on February 14, 2011
in All Posts

The thought of getting on this little puddle jumper sent me into a tailspin this afternoon!  I hate flying on little planes.

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Luckily, I was prepared with snacks and a distracting issue of Runner’s World magazine.  🙂

 

In hopes of spending less money on eating out, I packed a bunch of food for the trip, including a few bananas, almond butter, and bread.  Everything survived the journey!

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Despite my trepidations about flying on such a small plane, the flight went smoothly, and I touched down in New Haven without a glitch.  I was surprised to discover that it’s warm out – nearly 50 – but there are HUGE snow banks all over the place from the last big blizzard.  Some are as tall as the cars!

 

Want to know the best app to download for your smart phone?  The Yelp! app.  Whenever I visit a new city for work and am not sure where to eat, I just search Yelp for nearby vegetarian restaurants.  

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Elaine’s Healthy Choice came up on my Yelp map – it was a drive away but the menu seemed intriguing.  Plus, a review said that the macaroni and cheese was amazing, so I hopped in the rental car and headed over.

 

Oh, Elaine’s – you had me at the 100% vegetarian/vegan hand-painted sign on the small shop in the creepy neighborhood.  What else could a girl ask for?

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Takeout:

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The curried vegetables with macaroni and cheese (a huge portion, only ate half), a side salad, and a wheat roll.  All very good!  Another Yelp success.

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I had thought about going down to the gym, but now I have a macaroni and cheese block in my tummy and the soft bed and television seem sooooo inviting.

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Help!  I’ve sunk into a Sleep Number bed, and I cannot get out!

 

PS – My social media buddy (cute story) Peter Hollens has a new video!

{ 91 comments }

 

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write February 14, 2011, 8:20 pm

    Oh Sleep Number… I’m so jealous.

    Wow. That did look sketchy. I’m glad it worked out for you! Is it hard being on these trips with the hubby? I always miss Ryan when I’m away no matter how long or how short the trip.

    Be safe!

    • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write February 14, 2011, 8:20 pm

      withOUT, I mean

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:13 pm

      Yes I cried earlier. Wahhh!

      • Baking 'n' Books February 14, 2011, 10:09 pm

        I was thinking that it’s so cool how independent you are – all the traveling solo and stuff. Do you mind that?

        If anything – I think the Hubs would see that bed, hotel (and Mac ‘n’ Cheese) and be jealous! 😉

        I also like that you said you had a “block of mac and cheese” in your belly – how I feel after every meal! Hence then couch calling…

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) February 14, 2011, 8:21 pm

    Your dinner looks fabulous! And I love that you were able to Yelp for a vegetarian restaurant. That’s one application that I would totally love. 😀

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) February 14, 2011, 8:25 pm

    I love the Yelp app — it comes in handy even in your own city when you want to try somewhere new.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat February 14, 2011, 8:26 pm

    Little planes scare me too! I’m not really scared to fly at all but little planes on the other hand… I don’t like them! Glad you made it safely. Have a good night Caitlin!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith February 14, 2011, 8:27 pm

    I took a little plane like that and literally said hail mary’s the entire flight. And I’m not Catholic.

    Glad you made it here safe and sound! If you want a distraction in the morning before your presentation, let me know!

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans February 14, 2011, 8:29 pm

    I want a Sleep Number bed so badly!!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing February 14, 2011, 8:29 pm

    When I lived in Southern VA, we had to take those planes all the time and I HATED it. So nice to fly in a big huge plane out of a big huge airport! Glad you found a good restaurant though!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) February 14, 2011, 8:35 pm

    I’m not a fan of small planes either and learned 2 years ago that I don’t do well with turbulance… not sure how it’s possible to go 27 years and THEN find out turbulance makes you want to hurl. When B and I flew back from Tahoe, it was a SMALL plane AND we were flying through a huge storm back in Dec. I spent the whole flight breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth with my eyes shut. It was awesome. lol

    I looooove the yelp app for taveling. Such a life saver!!

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:14 pm

      Ahhhhh sounds like my first flight of the day!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) February 14, 2011, 8:36 pm

    What is that movie you’re watching? I know I’ve seen it!

  • Lauren February 14, 2011, 8:37 pm

    What did we ever do before the internet? Or smart phones?

    • christine February 14, 2011, 8:51 pm

      I was trying to describe life pre- smart phones to my students the other day and it was hilarious. We had these big books with phone numbers, and if we wanted to go somewhere we had to actually write down the directions before leaving home. Thank goodness for progress!

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:14 pm

      Hahah ohmigod, remember maps? How quaint.

      • christine February 15, 2011, 12:50 am

        And don’t forget the phones attached to the wall. Archaic.

    • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment February 15, 2011, 10:08 am

      The worst were library card catalogs and encyclopedias — “oh, this one doesn’t have enough on what I’m looking for… I’ll have to go to a different library, lug out another massive tome, and hope it has something different.”

      • christine February 15, 2011, 11:04 am

        Hahahah! Yup, researching was such a hassle! Occasionally I get nostalgic for the 80s and 90s, but I am extremely thankful for all of these technological amenities that allow me to use my time more efficiently.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine February 14, 2011, 8:38 pm

    I used to fly from Pittsburgh to NYC fairly often, and those teeny planes always scare the bejeezus out of me- so bumpy! I have a Zagat membership, and I always stalk it when I’m visiting new places. I wish Blackberry had apps!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) February 14, 2011, 8:42 pm

    i think it’s a requirement for vegan/veggie restaurants to follow this “100% vegetarian/vegan hand-painted sign on the small shop in the creepy neighborhood. “–YES!

    hy is that? But its so true! Handpainted signs usually equal wonderful food though 🙂

  • Kate February 14, 2011, 8:42 pm

    Is that Just Friends?? I could recognize that christmas vest anywhere, awesome movie!

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:15 pm

      I think it is!

  • Kelly February 14, 2011, 8:45 pm

    I have a Blackberry and besides twitter, the only app I use is YELP- I love it. I use it even in my own city sometimes!

  • Andnowlights (Kristen) February 14, 2011, 8:46 pm

    Hi! New reader who actually lives in New Haven. Just for a heads up, Dixwell isn’t really a neighborhood you want to be in at night. At all! Kitchen Zinc on Chapel is an absolutely fantastic restaurant and in a better part of town. Good luck with your talk tomorrow! Wish I could make it.

    • Kelley February 14, 2011, 8:54 pm

      I was thinking the same thing – New Haven is a great city, but there are a lot of dangerous neighborhoods and that is one of them!

      • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:15 pm

        Yea – I figured that out the hard way. It was by Yale! How bad can it be???

        • Melissa February 14, 2011, 9:44 pm

          Agreed, I live near New Haven too. Unfortunately New Haven is small, and there are a bunch of places that aren’t too safe to be alone in at night :(. If you are staying downtown in New Haven, there are more (unfortunately more expensive), but safer options near the Omni and such!

        • Kelley February 15, 2011, 5:07 am

          Towards that restaurant it’s bad, but if you go the opposite way it’s very nice! If you need a place to go to get some work done go to Willoughby’s for coffee or Claire’s Cornercopia for lunch (the food isn’t all great but it’s cute!)

        • Kelley February 15, 2011, 5:34 am

          Oh! And Edge of the Woods – it’s an entirely vegetarian grocery store with a salad/hot bar

  • Ashley February 14, 2011, 8:47 pm

    Why do all the sketch places have the good food? I don’t have my itouch anymore so sadly I can’t get the yelp app but I’m glad it worked out for you! Have a good night in your comfy bed.

  • Lizzy February 14, 2011, 8:47 pm

    your totally watching “just friends” with ryan reynolds right? hahaha

  • Maryann February 14, 2011, 8:48 pm

    I once had to go on a small plane like that and was nervous the whole flight! Good thing it was only half an hour 🙂 Dinner and the comfy bed look great. Have a great night!

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl February 14, 2011, 8:48 pm

    The last puddle jumper I was on was SO LOUD that I had to sit with my fingers in my ears the entire flight. Not even kidding.

    I always treat myself with an issue of Runner’s World right before flights!

  • Parita@myinnershakti February 14, 2011, 8:53 pm

    Yelp is one of the best sites ever! I trust the reviews on their the most out of any other site. It’s never steered me into a bad restaurant. 🙂 Goodnight and sleep tight!

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles February 14, 2011, 8:53 pm

    My husband and I are addicted to the Yelp app – it’s so convenient and helpful. Have a great night!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss February 14, 2011, 8:55 pm

    I love Yelp!! We’ve used it ever since getting Droids a year or so ago. Sooo much better than Yellow Pages. 🙂

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews February 14, 2011, 8:56 pm

    Have a great time! I will need to try that app.

  • Samantha February 14, 2011, 8:57 pm

    As a fellow pilot of said “small planes” let me assure you that you are in safe hands and needn’t worry. I’ve been flying (and received my pilot’s license)since shortly after my 18th birthday and there is no freedom like it in the world. I think having the understanding of how airplanes work and exactly why they stay up in the air is huge in relaxing a nervous passenger. One important thing to keep in mind is that at NO time will the airplane simply fall out of the sky like a rock and go careening down to earth. On the contrary, in the somewhat rare (but it does happen) case of engine failure your airplane simply turns into a glider and there is more time than you could ever imagine to assess the situation and find a safe place to land. Pilots are trained religiously on emergency procedures before even receiving their basic license. If you’re afraid of heights on the other hand… I don’t know if I can help you there 🙂

    • Caitlin February 14, 2011, 9:16 pm

      This comment made me feel so much better about life, thanks!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 14, 2011, 9:00 pm

    I LOVE Yelp! It seriously helped me and my dad find some of the BEST places to eat in Chicago when we went this summer! 🙂

    Have a great evening!

  • Camille February 14, 2011, 9:07 pm

    Eek, I hate tiny planes! Not only are they scary, but they are freaking loud!

  • Maddie (Healthy Maddie) February 14, 2011, 9:12 pm

    That is a small plane! Glad you made it in safely 🙂

  • maria @ Chasing the Now February 14, 2011, 9:14 pm

    Thanks for posting the video. I think I like it better than the original version!

    P.S. I hate small planes too… eek!

  • Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) February 14, 2011, 9:18 pm

    I have the Yelp App! It is great!! Macaroni and cheese is one of my favorite foods ever!

  • Brynne February 14, 2011, 9:20 pm

    I spy Just Friends in the background 🙂

  • Mary @ stylefyles February 14, 2011, 9:24 pm

    Yes! I love the Yelp app. My boyfriend uses something called “Around Me” which seems to work pretty well too. But I’ve been a yelper for some time now, so for me, yelp is def. the way to go!

    Enjoy CT! (my home state, although you’re nowhere near my hometown)

  • Claire February 14, 2011, 9:30 pm

    I am scared to death of flying! Especially in a little plane. It’s never stopped me from going anywhere but I think it’s getting worse as I get older. Yikes!

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 14, 2011, 9:40 pm

    Little planes like that make me nervous too!!!

    We have a Sleep Number bed and we LOVE IT — enjoy your night!

  • kate February 14, 2011, 9:44 pm

    That is such a great version of Firework!

  • Liza February 14, 2011, 9:45 pm

    I’m so sad you are in New Haven and I didn’t know it! I live here and could have given you great food recs. New Haven as the best pizza in the U.S. and I’m from NY so I know what I’m talking about. If you have time for another meal before heading back, drive over to Modern Pizza on State Street (my fave; get the small margherita pizza) or Frank and Pepe’s on Wooster. A few lunch places in New Haven, all walking distance from Yale, that I know you would like are Atticus (great panini/soup combos, delicious bread), Booktrader’s (a crunchy coffeeshop/sandwich place), and Claire’s (vegetarian). I would have loved to come to your presentation tomorrow but unfortunately, I have class. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions that I can help with during your visit!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 14, 2011, 9:50 pm

    That dinner looks amazing – I never seem to find good quaint places when I’m traveling!

  • Marisa E February 14, 2011, 9:56 pm

    Haha- Just Friends….I looooove that movie!! Yes, the YELP app is the bomb!

  • kirsten February 14, 2011, 10:07 pm

    Oooh welcome to my state!! Good luck with your talk tomorrow! Which school are you speaking at?

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:30 am

      SCSU!

  • Drake February 14, 2011, 10:33 pm

    Go to Claire’s Cornercopia if you’re anywhere close to Chapel Street – you will NOT be disappointed – best vegetarian food in Connecticut hands down, they win awards every year!

    I feel your pain about Dixwell creepiness – there’s a great all you can eat sushi place called Sushi Palace down there, but I make sure my car is locked…oh New Haven!

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:30 am

      I thought Yale area would be so posh! It’s surprising.

  • Heather February 14, 2011, 11:11 pm

    I love the song “firework”, it makes me soooo happy everytime I listen to it! Thanks for sharing!

  • Kiran February 14, 2011, 11:13 pm

    That video music is awesome!! Simply talented fellow 🙂

  • annette February 14, 2011, 11:47 pm

    SLeep Number bedS are THE best ever 🙂 Lucky you-sweet dreams, lady! P.s. nice score on the takeout- that app rocks!!

  • Ellie @ The Mommyist February 14, 2011, 11:49 pm

    Cable, take out and a hotel bed sounds pretty great right now.

  • Allison @ OneWhiteTulip February 15, 2011, 12:02 am

    Ick, i flew a small plane at Christmas. 18 people. I felt like I was on a creaky bus. and the turbulence was less than fabulous. I was sooo relieved when we touched down.

    Have a good trip!

  • Lindsey February 15, 2011, 12:04 am

    You should stop by Claire’s Corner Copia (1000 Chapel Street) at some point while you’re in New Haven. I stopped in while on a road trip and absolutely feel in love with the place. The food is delicious!

    http://www.clairescornercopia.com/

  • Kate February 15, 2011, 12:15 am

    Welcome to Connecticut! I may actually be down in New Haven for awhile tomorrow afternoon… Like some people said in previous comments, I definitely recommend heading to Pepe’s for pizza while you’re here. You can’t come to New Haven and not have New Haven style pizza!

  • Amber K February 15, 2011, 12:21 am

    That does look like kinda of a scary small plane, but it sounds like you were in good hands. I still don’t have a smart phone, but one day I, too, will able to find things! 😉

  • SaraRM February 15, 2011, 12:22 am

    I have flown on more smaller planes than larger if I had to count (thank you west texas) so from experience I can honestly say it looks a lot worse than it actually is.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 15, 2011, 12:25 am

    I love Yelp! It has helped me on many an occasion 🙂

  • lauren February 15, 2011, 1:08 am

    I love coming across Runner’s World in Dr’s offices 🙂 I’m a casual runner so I don’t think I need a subscription or anything. Any general health magazine recommendations? I’ve been getting Shape but sometimes I think their nutritional advice isn’t the best/most up-to-date.

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:29 am

      Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of most magazines because I feel like the tips are gimmicky and redundant. But I really like Oprah!

  • Jessica February 15, 2011, 1:38 am

    Peter is great, and I’m glad you share his stuff with us. Happy Valentine’s Day!

  • Kara February 15, 2011, 6:58 am

    I like his version of Firework better than Katy Perry!

    I have a sleep number bed and sometimes I have to turn it back to 100 to force myself to get up 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 15, 2011, 7:26 am

    Yay for hobo snacks! That’s what my husband calls it when I pack bread for a trip. I am glad you found some distractions. We took a flight on water plane once and it scared me to death. I was the smallest one on the plane and had to ride in the very back with luggage. Not fun.

    I hope you slept well in that bed! Have a great Tuesday!

  • Maddie (Healthy Maddie) February 15, 2011, 8:19 am

    I love reading Runner’s World. So many great tips. Have a good trip!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin February 15, 2011, 8:50 am

    That app sounds so handy! I hate it when I’m in a new city and have no idea where to eat. If only I had a smartphone… 😛

  • LindseyAnn February 15, 2011, 8:57 am

    Yelp? Hm. I’ll have to tell my fiance. Do you know if they have an app for the iPad, too?
    My first flight was on one of those little puddle jumpers. I was petrified, and it was apparently hilarious because the group I was with laughed at me the entire time.

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:28 am

      I’m sure they had an iPad app but I haven’t tried it out!

  • Emily February 15, 2011, 9:12 am

    I hate little planes, too! I had to take one from San Fran to my Fresno last spring and I thought I was going to die/I was so motion sick. Not fun! Glad you made it safely 🙂

  • Karen February 15, 2011, 9:12 am

    As an avid Yelp reviewer I encourage people who use the site/app to add their own reviews! In doing so you’re helping others just as much as the existing reviews have helped you!

  • Whitney February 15, 2011, 9:13 am

    Oh the joy of small planes. I’ve been on a 6-8 passenger puddle jumper when heading to the Bahamas in July with no AC!! I was terrified and absolutely drenched with sweat by the time we landed. haha I do not do well with flying in general and am surprised I survived that one.

    Love Runner’s World!! 🙂

  • Christina February 15, 2011, 9:41 am

    Welcome to snowy CT! Much of the snow has already melted, you wouldn’t imagine what it looked like a month ago!

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:27 am

      I cant even imagine!

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment February 15, 2011, 10:12 am

    The snowbanks from this winter are legendary already! You must be glad you packed for the cold today, though — I can’t believe we hit 50 yesterday, only to go back to 20 today, with the chance of hitting 60 on Friday (actually, that’s the Boston forecast, not sure about New Haven)!

  • Kacy February 15, 2011, 10:14 am

    Ohhh I love when hotels have sleep numbers. So comfy.

    Little planes freak me out too! Glad you had a safe flight.

  • Katie @ peacebeme February 15, 2011, 10:38 am

    Oh man…I don’t even have a smart phone!

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 11:27 am

      It will change your life!

  • Amara February 15, 2011, 1:11 pm

    Oh my gosh! That guy’s voice is AMAZING!! I’ve had quite a bit of vocal training (although I’m not that good:) ) so I’ve got some good ideas of what to look for and he is going to go places. Thanks for backlinking to that fun story too. Is the ambiance app the same as “sleep and relax”? I love that one –and I thought it was you that recommended it??

    • Caitlin February 15, 2011, 2:09 pm

      I think they are different, but I’m going to check out the sleep and relax because Ambiance keeps crashing on me!

  • Stephanie February 15, 2011, 2:48 pm

    This video is creative!

  • Allison @ Happy Tales February 15, 2011, 3:05 pm

    That plane would’ve made me so nervous… too. Eek!

  • Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) February 15, 2011, 4:25 pm

    I’m thinking we have the same makeup bag! If that is what the red bag is, and if it’s Clinique 🙂
    Ugh. I know what you mean about small planes! When I flew to Maine, I had to ride on a small plane that seated about 40 people. It was so nerve-wrecking! I could feel every bump and dip!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good February 16, 2011, 10:39 am

    I installed it a few weeks ago, at your recommendation, and it has already come in handy a couple times. Thanks! 🙂

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