When you hear the words Daytona Beach, I’d bet money NASCAR, Spring Break and sandy stretches of the Atlantic Ocean come to mind. While these are some of its prized attributes, this down-to-earth Florida beach town is making unexpected waves in the culinary arena. It has blossomed into an emerging destination for travelers looking to combine a seaside holiday with delicious dining. Daytona Beach enjoys a throwback quality rich in … [Read more...]
The Knife Dallas
Texas has its stereotypes: everything is bigger, everyone wears cowboy hats, you gotta get a steak. The last time I went through Texas, I stopped at Amarillo tourist trap The Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for serving up a 72-oz. steak free to anyone who can take down the whole thing in an hour. When once again in Texas—Dallas over the weekend for a quick work trip—I went for something a bit more sophisticated. You'll find The Knife, helmed by … [Read more...]
Los Braceros: The Root of the Gourmet Kitchen
The octopus arrived at our table on a plate illustrated with the two hands of the many workers who helped produce this gorgeous dish. At Bracero Cocina de Raiz in San Diego, Baja cuisine advocate Chef Javier Plascencia invites guests to witness and celebrate the efforts of all the workers—including produce pickers, grapevine pruners, and fishermen—who help them produce such incredibly creative and flavorful dishes in a Mexican style completely … [Read more...]
Mazatlán Food Culture: Beyond Shrimp & Pacifico Beer
The beach resort town of Mazatlán has long been known as the home of the Pacifico brewery and the first Señor Frog's. Restaurants like the Shrimp Bucket and Señor Frog's have been legendary spots for tourists to visit while in town, but there is much more you should know about the food scene if you are planning a visit. I recently visited Mazatlán and attended their first Culinary Roots Festival; Raíces Culinarias Mazatlán 2015. The festival … [Read more...]
Relax in Conejo Valley: Food, Wine, Microbrews & the Outdoors
Conejo Valley is located about 45 minutes north of Los Angeles; due to its proximity, this region makes for an ideal weekend getaway from Los Angeles. You are not dealing with a confusing artery of multiple freeways - there is one main freeway that goes through the valley, the 101 and to a lesser extent, the 23. Conejo Valley encompasses four communities, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park spread out along this part of … [Read more...]
Three Fabulous Colonial Cities in Mexico
Mexico is a huge country, that well deserves a visit. I have been there 3 times and for as much as I try to explore a bit more every time, I am never quite done with it. It is one among the few countries I keep going back to, like Peru or Cuba, because it just has everything I can possibly look for when I travel. Amazing archeological sites, lush nature, beautiful beaches, deserts, interesting indigenous communities, delicious food and gorgeous … [Read more...]
Artistry and Foodie Craft in Paso Robles
From a tastefully arranged table featuring delicious, beautiful food to an Art Deco-infused wine tasting at the top of Paso Robles, foodie visitors and locals to this exciting wine country can find rich aesthetic experiences in the midst of their gastronomic discoveries. The wine’s the thing, of course, but there’s so much more to experience in Paso beyond just wine tasting. Blending together foodie art with a tour of this northern San Luis … [Read more...]
5 Reasons why Santiago is the Most Underrated South American City For Tourism
When people think of Chile, what comes to mind are usually the breathtaking views of Atacama, treacherous hikes through Patagonia, and the stunning beaches along the coast. I'm not saying these three extremes are anything short of amazing, or else I'd be lying. However, Santiago, a metropolitan city of more than 6 million people that sits in the center of these marvels, is an amazing city itself and here are five reasons why. My name is Nick, … [Read more...]
A Nicaraguan Pirate Story
Chapter I: The Introduction He filled the doorway and peered down at me with eyes the color of the deep blue sea. “You must be Louise” he said, “Come in”. The familiarity startled me a little. It had been one of those weeks where the city water was on for just a few hours a day. Bathing was barely an option. Doing laundry was not. Nothing was clean. Black board shorts and a matching tank top would have to do. The two bus, one van, and one … [Read more...]
Cap Juluca, Anguilla
Sitting on the most comfortable lounger ever, watching fat white clouds scuttling by in the seriously blue sky above Cap Juluca on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, I’m wondering why I’d ever want to get up. I suspect the rich and famous who visit here, like Liam Neeson, Denzel Washington, Jennifer Aniston and other cinematic superstars, don’t want to get up much either. This is one great beach, St. Maarten and St. Bart’s on … [Read more...]
