Anguilla
An island is just an island is just an island. Until it isn't.
And this isn't just any island. Anguilla is a special place. One of those rare spots to visit that leaves you planning your return trip before you've even left. And once you go, you too will understand. This is not just any old island surrounded by many islands that seem similar. It is a special place that will take your breath away.
First things first, Anguilla is a British territory where everyone speaks great English
Los Olivos, CA
People have a tendency to picture a small town in similar ways. Where everyone knows each other, the diner is the center of gossip, and not much happens on a daily basis. Well, Los Olivos is in some ways like this. If said small, bucolic town was surrounded by some of the most fertile vineyards in all of California. It is quaint. The locals all do know each other. They do meet up, but at the R-Country Market, and actually a lot happens on a daily basis. It is the perfect get away, if you
Mammoth Food and Wine 2014
Hey all!! Just so as you know, this year the Mammoth Food and Wine Fest is bigger and better than ever! Hopefully I will get to see many of you up there this year. If you've never been, Mammoth Lakes, CA is amazingly beautiful in the summer. (some say even nicer than the winter, but that is up for discussion). If you have never been, this is a perfect opportunity for a visit. There are many dining and housing options, and even the local brewery, Mammoth Brewing Company. AND the road
Santorini and Wine
Santorini, Greece
Traveling to a foreign land, especially an island is always an exciting proposition. But your mind usually pictures the tropical islands of the Caribbean or the South Pacific. But an island like Santorini is a whole other ball of wax. Hot, dry and absolutely stunning. A postcard view nearly everywhere you look. It is the perfect storm of history, leisure, food and wine. There is literally something for everyone. Especially when it comes to Food and Wine! And
Trois Mec
Hidden in a strip mall, underneath the prior occupant's pizza sign is some of the most cutting edge, flavor packed, creative dishes happening in Los Angeles at this moment. The creative trio behind it are some of the most well-known chefs in the city. Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo. I'm not going to get into their history's, but these guys know a thing or two about cooking great food. And both my times here I left very, very pleased.
It is a tiny place inside, intimate, open
O Banh Mi
This is my new favorite sandwich in all of the Los Angeles area. They have only a few, and they are Vietnamese style, and are amazing.
Now I have never been to Vietnam. I'm not even sure what all is totally authentic Vietnamese food. There are a few places in our neighborhood that I think have "gringo" Vietnamese. I would love to one day travel there, and experience it all for myself. I have seen my fair share of TV shows on the area. So I know that they are not afraid of bold flavors,
Mammoth Food & Wine Fest 2013
This year was the third annual Mammoth Lakes Food and Wine Fest. It's a charity for Education and Arts in the Eastern Sierra. And it is a lot of fun at 9000 feet above sea level. If you've never been up to Mammoth Lakes, the summer is just as fun as winter. You can actually climb all the hills and mountains that are normally covered in snow. There is even some snow left if you want to hike up and see some in July. I've actually skied on the 4th of July a few times there.
Ahhh,
Mexican Food. 90026
Ya, this is something that has been a craw under my skin for many, many years. I moved to the 90026, Silver Lake neighborhood in 1994. I had been living in Pittsburgh. Now if you know much about Pennsylvania, it is not a hotbed for any type of food from South of the Border. So, I thought to myself, that I am in store for some AWESOME food. This area HAS to have amazing and authentic fare. I'm speaking of the sit-down restaurant with a full bar. There are actually amazing taco stands and trucks
French Laundry
Yes, yes, yes. OH YES. I finally had an opportunity to dine at the mecca of West Coast Dining, Thomas Keller's ode to amazing, The French Laundry. It has been many, many years of longing to finally get onto the hollowed grounds. I have been by it. I have seen the gardens. I have had friends who have dined. I have eaten at Ad Hoc, right down the street. But, never ever, been inside the lovely world of Mr. Keller's old Laundry.
There is almost something magical about putting
iNG Restaurant: Chicago, Illinois
A week ago, I had the opportunity to not only go to, but to be "Chef for a day" at iNG restaurant in Chicago. If you do not know it, it is the sister restaurant to Moto, Chef, Owner, and Michelin star winner Homaro Cantu's two amazing molecular gastronomy establishment's in the Fulton River District.
Chef Cantu started doing experiments with the miracle berry at Moto and because of the response opened up iNG so he could continue his "flavor-tripping" experience in a new place. iNG stands for
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