When I first started exploring Puerto Rico, I found what I was seeking: Caribbean beaches, stylish hotel rooms by the sea, a capital city with a pulsating beat and genuinely warm locals. What I never expected to find was a mouth-watering culinary scene. Contemporary Cocina Criolla is a fusion that mirrors Puerto Rico’s diversity and is a powerful lens into its history. Its predominate influences are indigenous Taíno blended with an ample measure … [Read more...]
Ozzywood: Extras at Ayers Rock
John M. Edwards lucks out on a lucrative commercial gig at Australia’s awesome Uluru (Ayers Rock)—but with one problem: he was not actually cast to be in it! Celebration of a nation! Celebration of a nation! Let’s make it great . . . In 88! Come on and give us a hand! --“Australian Bicentennial,” Mojo Advertising Co. I lucked out finally while on a much-needed “smoko” at the Alice Springs Abattoirs, where I worked for … [Read more...]
Long Weekend in Bratislava, Slovakia
I had arranged to meet my brother for a long weekend in Bratislava. He was on his way from Verona Italy where he lives and I was on my way from Kyrgyzstan where I had been trekking the past few weeks. We arrived at our floating Botel on the Danube River within 1 minute of each other. Talk about great timing! Ready to imbibe in some alcohol after a several week dry spell we immediately headed to the Grand Cru tasting bar, and ordered several … [Read more...]
Foodie Paso Robles Comes Into Its Own
Just a few decades ago, sleepy Paso Robles, California, hosted no distilleries or craft breweries and only a few dozen pioneering wineries. Rodeos and pickup trucks were more pervasive than limos chauffeuring wine enthusiasts around this beautiful area in northern San Luis Obispo County. Today, vineyards abound in all directions and the overall “agriculture culture” remains strong in the fabric of this increasingly diverse community. When … [Read more...]
Bhutan: My Trek in Paro Chhu Valley, Jomolhari and my time in Thimphu
April 6th, SFO–Osaka–Bangkok My flight at 1055 was to Osaka (KIX) with another flight continuing on to Bangkok (BKK). My flight is delayed by one hour. I arrive at the airport at 0955 but the check-in agent needs to see an onward ticket from BKK and does not know where Bhutan is - and has not heard about Druk Air either! It takes 30 min, even though there are few people in the check-in queue while he verifies Thailand entry requirements for … [Read more...]
The 2015 Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Wine Celebrates Spain & Top Female Mexican Chefs
The Fourth Annual CRM Wine and Food Festival Takes Place March 12 – 15, 2015 Cancun, Mexico (November 24, 2014) – The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is pleased to announce the fourth annual Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival, taking place March 12 – 15, 2015. The 2015 edition will honor Mexico’s leading female chefs and will be composed of 24 events featuring several stars of the culinary world who will showcase local … [Read more...]
#Stanleyness Collection Review
The Stanley brand was founded in 1913 when namesake, William Stanley Jr. invented the all-steel vacuum bottle - effectively replacing glass as the insulating material of choice at the time to keep drinks hot or cold. Over 100+ years since that original vacuum bottle - the designs and products have expanded and diversified. Today Stanley provides a variety of products including various vacuum bottles for both food and drink, lunch boxes, food … [Read more...]
Outback Beyond: 6 Months in Australia
PART I: QUEENSLAND I landed with a thump on a Quantus long-haul flight, back when smoking was allowed and drinking encouraged, like a character out of a Bruce Chatwin novel. I was ineffably in error while reading my Lonely Planet guidebook on the plane--thinking that “Cairns” was pronounced with an “r” in it, when to local “Aussie” cobbers (not “Ozzies,” a common mistake both of Septic Tank Yanks [Americans] and Bloody Pomes [Britishs]), it … [Read more...]
Mad about Mad Magazine
A serious Interview with Bill Gaines John M. Edwards, as a snot-nosed enfant terrible, tries to get a job at his favorite magazine: MAD. A long time ago, when I was a young canny kid and a memorabilia collector, I was hellbent on getting the entire collection of valuable MAD Magazines back issues sheathed in plastic. (I already owned all the paperback collections which fit neatly into three wine boxes.) Unsurprisingly, I decided on a … [Read more...]
Maybe Montserrat, Maybe Not?
Caribbean Chic and Volcanic VIPS in the Dead Zone "Lifestyles of the rich and famous" spokesman Robin Leach has nothing on budget jetsetter John M. Edwards. A West Indies "Old Hand" -- One who cannot sail, surf or fish - he still says Montserrat can't be beat for ATMO. If you don't mind destruction and destitution in the wake of a deadly volcanic eruption ... Maybe Montserrat? You plan your next Caribbean vacay around a disaster of … [Read more...]
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