City Recommendations From Our DDS Models!
Our beautiful DDS models come to us from all over the country. We were wondering what some of their favorite spots in their unique cities were! From favorite restaurant, to favorite place to watch dance, here’s what they had to say!
Kimberly Braylock, San Francisco, CA
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city and what’s the best thing on the menu?
I enjoy “DOSA” on Fillmore street (larger of the two restaurants). South Indian cuisine which is far different from widely know North Indian food. Menu: any “Dosa”, the “fall vegetable” is a nice balance though. Great service.
If I am not in the mood for flavorful spices, a few other favorites are: Naked Fish (sushi) or Tacolicous (Mexican) on Chestnut St. ; B-Star (sister restaurant of Burma Superstar down the block) on Clement St.; ROAM Artisan burgers on Fillmore or Union St. (offer gluten-free buns, 100% grass fed beef, and an amazing large Farmer’s Market salad); and lastly Patxi’s Pizza (Marina or Hayes Valley) for their gluten-free pizza!
What’s the city’s best kept secret?
The city’s best kept secret is that there are hiking trails! The very accessible Presidio or Mount Davidson Park give a nice break from “city life” to Mother Nature’s tranquility. A not so kept secret yet one of my favorite places is the Palace of Fine Arts.
Where is the best place to see dance?
Well the Memorial Opera House where San Francisco Ballet performs of course! I do enjoy dance performances at Yerba Buena Center. However I did see an amazing Hip-Hop performance at SF Jazz and also ballet performances at Fort Mason. The city has many hidden gems where that dancers perform. Another great space is Z-Space, whether a small dance company or a collaboration of professional dancers from various companies that have created their own production.
Where is your favorite place to cross train, or take class outside your usual class?
I have taken at Lines Ballet Dance Center. They offer an arrangement of dance classes and host a Gyrotonics Center. Otherwise I just do floor barre on my own (Yumiko’s DVD version) in my living room or any open space, and if space permits I follow up with a short barre.
Margaret Mullin, Seattle, WA
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city and what’s the best thing on the menu?
My favorite restaurant, although it’s very hard to pick just one, is Etta’s. It’s a local treasure created by local chef Tom Douglas who has several delicious restaurants in Seattle. One of my favorite things on the menu is the “Rub with Love” Salmon. I’m a big seafood fan.
What’s the city’s best kept secret?
I think Seattle’s best kept secret is the weather. We experience much more sun than people expect, especially in the summer. The beauty of Seattle in the summer is truly breathtaking. The two best secret places to experience this are 1. Frolik: a great restaurant downtown, with an awesome outdoor space that has a killer view. 2. The Columbia Tower: the same amazing view of the city as the Space Needle, without the high cost or lines. Also, there’s a Starbucks up there so you can grab some coffee and enjoy the view.
Where is the best place to see dance?
I probably sound very biased, but I think the best place to see dance in Seattle is PNB at McCaw Hall. I loved this company long before I joined it and I think we offer a diversity of programming that can please just about everyone. McCaw Hall is a beautiful theater with a very unique design and I think the overall experience of being there is always a great one.
Where is your favorite place to cross train, or take class outside your usual class?
I’ve gotten very into yoga in the last couple of years, so my favorite place to cross train is Haute Yoga on Queen Anne hill. My body type is one that builds muscle quickly, but has a harder time with flexibility. Yoga has really helped me prevent the kinds of injuries that occur from this. It took me a while to find the right place, but Haute Yoga is definitely it for me. Laid back, kind and welcoming to people from all walks of life.
Miko Fogharty, Indianapolis, IN
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city and what’s the best thing on the menu?
My favorite meal is the Kale and Quinoa Salad from Cheesecake Factory.
What’s the city’s best kept secret?
The city’s best kept secret is probably Connor Prairie in Fishers, Indiana.
Where is the best place to see dance?
The best place to see dance is at the Palladium in Carmel, IN.
Where is your favorite place to cross train, or take class outside your usual class?
My favorite place to do Pilates is at Reforming Indy which was right across from my apartment!
Juliet Doherty, Phoenix, AZ
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city and what’s the best thing on the menu?
My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is Cafe Lalibela. It’s authentic Ethiopian cuisine, super comforting and yummy. I order the vegetarian platter – it’s enough food to share with 4 people!
What’s the city’s best kept secret?
There’s a place in Tempe called Hole-in-the-Rock. It’s great little secret the locals know of, located on a beautiful nature trail. You can climb up the back of the mountain and once you reach the top you can climb through the hole and see the most breathtaking view!
Where is the best place to see dance?
Dance is happening all around the city! I’m currently dancing with Master Ballet Academy, we have 4 performances coming up on May 16 and 17!
Where is your favorite place to cross train, or take class outside your usual class?
Most days I’m training at the studio from 9 am to 9 pm. When I cross-train it’s usually happening on the floor of my bedroom! I do Pilates and yoga exercises to warm-up and cool down every day. Arizona also has amazing nature trails that I love to hike!
Rachelle Di Stassio, New York City, NY
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city and what’s the best thing on the menu?
5 Napkin Burger – best thing on the menu is their Vegi Burger with sweet potato fries and S’mores Milk Shake
What’s the city’s best kept secret?
All the great little shops and eateries that are hidden and off the beaten path
Where is the best place to see dance?
The MET & David Koch Theatre @ Lincoln Center
Where is your favorite place to cross train, or take class outside your usual class?
Steps On Broadway
So the next time you find yourself in any one of these fantastic cities, take a cue from these accomplished dancers, and check out something that you might have otherwise missed!
