Monday Mashup: It's Christmastime In The City

Saturday night our family went downtown for dinner and to walk among the lights of Christmas. Of course this meant lots of photos. 

Read on for more photos, fashion and a restaurant review. (photo laden)

Before walking through the lights we went to dinner at Sine Irish Pub. Often, people think Irish food and think "bland" and "unappetizing." Sine breaks this stereotype completely. 
Sine is located in Historic Shockoe Slip. The decor in Sine is very authentic. In fact, portions of the restaurant were constructed in Ireland and brought across the Atlantic to Richmond, VA.

The beer selection is outstanding. Chris got Smithwicks Ale and I ordered with a Pinot Grigio. The food was absolutely fantastic. I ordered an appetizer as a meal: the Crab & Shrimp dip with Chippers.

 I remembered to take a photo before I ate it all. The chippers were seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning. They were perfectly crisp yet not hard. The dip had real crab and shrimp in it and tasted spectacular. 

Chris and Jonathan both got Reuben Sandwiches. 

Chris chose chippers as his side but Jonathan went with Pasta Salad. 

Morgan decided on a Wedge Salad with Grilled Chicken. 

She was half way finished eating the salad by the time I took the photo but she enjoyed it quite much.
We really enjoyed our time at Sine and the food is reasonably priced. Service was top notch and our waitress was very attentive. If you're in the Richmond area, take time to dine at Sine. It is worth the trip.

Afterwards we walked down to the Omni Hotel and the James Center to see the decorations, lights and the model trains. 

For our evening out, I wore a black Michael Kors sweater with white down the sleeves, a black and white tweed skirt from Express and red thigh high boots by Diba. It was a chill evening so an ample excuse for a a red and black wool hat I purchased while attending the Celtic Festival a couple years ago. 

 Here is a closeup of the back: red wool hat with black band and rosette.

I love this hat. Honestly, I should wear it more. 
Our first stop was the Omni Hotel. 

The inside is beautifully decorated. Lighted "snowflakes" hang from the glass ceiling and the trees are strung with white lights as well. 

I compelled my kids and Chris to pose for me.

 Morgan and Jonathan in front of the Penguins. 

 Chris in front of a red and silver tree storefront display.

Then I had to pose too. the shops inside were decorated for Christmas too. All things merry and bright on display. 

 Shop windows decorated prettily.

I love this black and white apron. 

We exited out to walk to the James Center. In between the Omni and the James Center there is always a display of white lighted deer and Christmas trees. Hung in the trees are more white lighted snowflakes. I was just thankful there wasn't actual snow! 

We took pictures here too.

Chris lighted by trees and deer

 No flash used kept me darkened while the deer shone.

Inside the James Center we stopped for a photo in front of the tree and then moved on to the model trains. 

The display is quite large and I couldn't fit it all in one photo. 

The attention to detail is quite impressive. 

Family reflected in mirrored wall.

 Photos on the way back to get the car.

 Maritime Statue outside the James Center.

Calling the valet to bring out the car so it would be ready for us. We valet parked at the Tobacco Company Restaurant.

 The small bell tower plays Christmas music.

 A brass quartet played Christmas tunes. It was almost impossible to get a clear photo due to foot traffic.

 The downtown Trolley.

 Brick sidewalks can be treacherous in high heels but I managed. Here we were walking down Cary St for more photos. 

Horsedrawn carriage for viewing the city sites. We admired it only and did not ride.

 The valet staff was quite overwhelmed Saturday night so while we waited Chris and I walked down the alley to take a photo. 

A candid taken by Morgan.

Outfit details:
Sweater: Michael Kors
Skirt: Express
Boots: Diba
Handbag: Mariposa
Scarf: Cashmere from Charming Charlie
Hat: purchased at Celtic Festival
Gloves: black suede with shearling cuff

We had a great time downtown. Dinner was excellent and the lights were beautiful.

Sunday I did some more Christmas shopping and some baking in the late afternoon. 

How was your weekend?

Coming up this week:

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake > the recipe and photos.