A French Culinary Vacation with Le Calabash

July 14, 2015

When I arrived in the Loire Valley, I was welcomed with what Chefs Sidney and Allison Bond described as a traditional French market dinner. “It’s nothing fancy. Just stuff we picked up at the farmer’s market today. I hope it’s enough to eat. Are you hungry?” asked Sidney in his distinct South African accent. I was famished. All I had eaten that day was a rather pathetic looking bocadillo jamón on the train…

Europe, Travel, Wine

Visiting Codorniu Winery – The Birthplace of Cava

June 11, 2015

There’s a story in the world of wine that for almost a half century has been lost. This story can been seen and tasted in the barrooms and wine glasses throughout Barcelona and the greater Catalonia province. This story is the story of Cava. Many visitors to Barcelona are taken aback by the quality of Spain’s famous sparkling wine. The message of Champagne has falsely led us to believe that only France…

Europe, Travel

Traveling Beyond Barcelona – Colony Guell and the Gaudi Crypt

June 3, 2015

We as travelers / tourists / insert-your-term-here tend to get stuck in circuits when we travel. We visit a city and use our guidebooks to hit all the tried and true sights. We trap ourselves in this routine city after city. I know. I’m guilty. In Barcelona, it’s La Sagrada Familia and the rest of the Gaudi circuit, Catedral de Barcelona, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, the beaches, and more Gaudi. They’re…

Europe, Hipmunk CityLove, Travel

Exploring London Neighborhoods – Hipmunk City Love

May 22, 2015

Ever since Hugh Grant slipped while illegally climbing into one of Notting Hill’s private gardens in the movie Notting Hill and exclaimed, “Whoopsie Daisy,” I’ve been obsessed with exploring London’s many quirky and colorful neighborhoods. Secretly, I hope to catch a glimpse of Spike walking down the street wearing a scuba mask and an inappropriate T-shirt (preferably not in his whitey tighties). This is the London I want to see – the…

Eating, Europe, Food, Travel

Eating Barcelona

May 21, 2015

I felt like a zombie as I limped into the lobby of the Le Meridien Barcelona. I needed a shower and sleep, and I needed it now. The transatlantic flight had not been good to me and I managed less than an hour of sleep. I approached the receptionist foolishly hopeful that my gold status would work a miracle and my room would be ready at 9am. She rudely explained that I…

Europe, Travel

48 Hours in Munich

May 15, 2015

As an avid traveler, I’m often asked if I can spend this weekend anywhere in the world, where would it be? The answer is easy. I’d love to spend 48 hours in Munich. From the beer gardens to the food to the history to the beer halls (yeah, I said beer twice), Munich has a laid-back atmosphere with just enough culture to appeal to the nerd in me. A little sightseeing mixes nicely…

Europe, Travel

What to See in 48 Hours in Vienna

April 13, 2015

You booked 48 hours in Vienna. Now you need to plan out the rest of your itinerary. There is so much to cover in a city as rich in history as Vienna that the task can be quite daunting. Never fear! I’m here to help. Here’s a list of some of The Wandering Gourmand’s favorite things to do with 48 hours in Vienna. And here’s a list of recommended hotels in Vienna! Get…

Europe, Hipmunk CityLove

Hipmunk City Love – Best Canal Hotels in Amsterdam

April 4, 2015

You’re in Amsterdam, and you’re not that into pot or prostitutes (I bet the city wishes it could shed that image). Instead, you’re there to see the “sights”. All kidding aside, there are plenty of things to see and do in Amsterdam, from admiring 17th century architecture to dining on modern cuisine, to ambling along the maze of canals and soaking up the cities vibrancy. Why not stay in a hotel along…

A Guide to Craft Beer in Vienna, Austria

April 3, 2015

I had reached my breaking point when I was in Vienna, Austria. I mean, I liked the local wine, but I had enough. I needed to find beer in Vienna. I missed the breweries, beer halls, and beer gardens that I so much enjoyed in Munich and Salzburg. Surely a city as large as Vienna had a beer scene buried somewhere among its wine taverns, quaint cafés, and imperialist architecture. And no I…

Europe, Hipmunk CityLove, Travel

Hipmunk City Love: Choosing a Hotel in Venice, Italy

March 26, 2015

From history to romance to art, Venice has a ton to offer which is why it’s a must stop on your Europe itinerary. Hotels and business owners have caught on to Venice’s rising popularity and have likewise adjusted their prices. Choosing the proper hotel can be crucial to your budget and overall enjoyment of Venice. Whether you’re looking for convenience to tourist attractions or the train station, or a quiet hotel in…

Europe

A French Culinary Vacation with Le Calabash

Visiting Codorniu Winery – The Birthplace of Cava

Traveling Beyond Barcelona – Colony Guell and the Gaudi Crypt

Exploring London Neighborhoods – Hipmunk City Love

Eating Barcelona

48 Hours in Munich

What to See in 48 Hours in Vienna

Hipmunk City Love – Best Canal Hotels in Amsterdam

A Guide to Craft Beer in Vienna, Austria

Hipmunk City Love: Choosing a Hotel in Venice, Italy

Meet Bryan

Join the Conversation!

As Seen In

Food Blogger Pro

Instagram

Partner

Resources

Newsletter

Proud Member Of