With the term “culinary destination” so overused, it’s refreshing to visit a town that is a bona fide foodie hotspot. As America’s oldest city, I was not surprised to discover that St. Augustine is loaded with perfectly preserved forts, historic sites and European flair. St. Augustine is in Florida, so the glorious beaches and pristine waterways that surround the city were appreciated, but expected. What grabbed my attention are the big things … [Read more...]
Honeymoon in Vienna
Sigmund Freud, apfelstrudel and Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss clinched my decision to honeymoon in Vienna. When you think about it, psychology, food and art are not the worst foundation for a good marriage. Oh, and Before Sunrise, the movie where Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke spend a day in this romantic Austrian city falling in love. Famous for being the center of the Habsburg dynasty in the 15th century, Vienna used its newfound power for good, at … [Read more...]
Touring Australia’s Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley, when compared to the age of the European wine regions is rather young. However if you look deeper you realize there is a lot of "history" here. These are some of the oldest soils on the planet - the mountain ranges have been so well weathered they are now just gentle rolling hills. The Barossa is one of Australia's earliest wine regions - having been founded not by the British but by German settlers in the early 1840's. … [Read more...]
Napa River Inn Getaway
As San Francisco Bay Area locals living just south of the city, we have many opportunities for great day trips and getaways. One of the well-known areas within our reach for short visits is the Napa Valley wine region. Recently, we took a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train and had a tour of Long Meadow Ranch during a two night stay at the Napa River Inn. I'd previously heard very positive reviews of the hotel and can now understand why it gets … [Read more...]
The Unexpected Charms of Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf was the last stop on my recent trip to Germany. After the non-stop excitement of Berlin and the Grande Dame beauty of Dresden, my expectations were low. Dusseldorf was a city I associated with trade fairs and big business, neither of which hold my interest. Instead, what I got was a city bursting at the seams with a vigorous art scene, robust cultural life and plenty of culinary mojo. It’s a convenient city to visit, thanks to … [Read more...]
Can food broker peace? Mamnoon Restaurant, Seattle
Celebrating Syria: “We couldn’t go back, so we started mamnoon instead.” -Richard Bangs “For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business.” -T.S. Elliot There are so many delicious facets to this story. I first met Wassef Haroun in Zambia, at the Kafue River Camp, owned by a mutual friend who had invited us for a week-long private safari. Towards the end of the week Wassef excused himself from the Rhodesian teak table … [Read more...]
A Foodie Walking Tour: Oakland
I've never been on a foodie walking tour so when I found out about Localite Tours in Oakland, I jumped at the chance to be a part of their tour on a gorgeous Sunday in November. The tour was starting at 2pm so I decided to start my day off with brunch near the Mariott where I was staying for the weekend, as part of my press visit to Oakland. My husband was the one who actually suggested we try nearby Cock-a-Doodle cafe on Washington st. in … [Read more...]
German Christmas Specialties
Many would agree that winter’s most glorious aspects are of the culinary variety. Celebratory food and drink that promise the return of light in the depth of chilly darkness differ in every culture, but epicurean indulgence is a common thread. In Germany, Christmas traditions border on magical. Snow blankets much of the landscape, lights sparkle amidst the frost and festive markets sell handmade crafts and ornaments. On a recent trip to … [Read more...]
A Busy Day in LA
Got up early to go shopping at the relatively new Farmer's Market in front of the Autry Center - it is one of the smaller Farmer's markets in town but this time of year there is always good fresh fruit - especially grapes. Oh and the Homeboy Bakery is always there with their fresh bread (reformed gang members). Heading across the street - I spent 90 minutes at the LA Zoo - arriving right as they opened and raced to the back of the park to beat … [Read more...]
Dispatch: Austin Cafe Limits – Cooling out at Quacks
An American Poet, Instead of Texas T, Fuels up on Texas C (Oily high octane Joe), and in Austin's most famous Coffee Stop... In Austin, Texas, while vaguely visiting UT (The University of Texas) in The Lone Star State’s lively livable capital, I decided to pursue the art of doing absolutely nothing at all. My college chum from years back at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, Jen Harmon, an art photographer and Aikido expert, … [Read more...]
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