When a Resort Does the Right Thing

August 17, 2015

I’d call Lyton and Eroline Lamontagne, owners of Fond Doux Plantation and Resort in St Lucia, trendsetters in sustainable tourism, but I’m not really sure that they are. Trendsetters typically set out with a goal in mind of driving others to follow their lead, that “Hey! Look at me!” mentality. Anyone who has met the entrepreneurial couple will tell you that’s not the case. They simply did what they felt was right…

Africa, Travel

Experiencing an African Culinary Adventure with Le Calabash

August 4, 2015

It’s funny how a bowl of fried mopane worms can make a dinner table full of adults giggle like schoolchildren. As the bowl passed around the table at Xwama, a restaurant in Windhoek, Namibia featuring traditional dishes, taunts of “you eat one” were followed by retorts of “no, you eat one.” It seemed like everyone had succumbed to playground antics of daring one another to stick their tongues on a metal flagpole….

Caribbean, Hotel Review, Travel

Hotel Review – Fond Doux Plantation and Resort

July 23, 2015

Our shuttle wound through the switchbacks of St Lucia’s winding roads on the way from the airport to Fond Doux Plantation and Resort. Dennis, our driver, pointed out the many sites along the way, stopping whenever there was a view of the famed Pitons. “Gros Piton” or “Petite Piton” he’d say, making sure we knew the difference between the two. He was proud of his country and eager to not only show…

Cooking, Food, Travel, Travel Tips

How to Choose a Culinary Vacation

July 21, 2015

Culinary tourism has become a growing trend in the travel industry, exploding to the $150 billion dollars annually. Travel companies are happy to accommodate this new hunger with options ranging from weeklong culinary excursions to daylong cooking classes to city food tours. As a seasoned traveler and foodie, I’ve attended tours of all three varieties across four continents. While most experiences have been positive, I’ve also witnessed the bad side of culinary…

Europe, Hotel Review, Travel

Hotel Review – Chateau Valcreuse

July 16, 2015

I swirled the glass, pursed my lips, and took a sip. I allowed the liquid to rest on my tongue before swishing it around. The body was thinner than expected and the palate delivered a slight, but still stronger than normal mineral stone which I found quite satisfying and refreshing. This was truly unlike any water that I have drank before. That’s probably because Caroline and Alexander, the owners at Chateau Valcreuse, fetched…

Cooking, Europe, Food, Travel

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…

Babymoon, Caribbean, Travel

Our Babymoon Getaway to Fond Doux Plantation and Resort in St Lucia

July 9, 2015

The sky was the kind of blue you only find in the Caribbean. The few clouds in the horizon seemed to hurry on by as if knowing they were an intrusion on my perfect day. I sipped my fresh squeezed fruit punch made with estate-grown fruit as a welcome drink to our babymoon getaway at Fond Doux Plantation and Resort in St Lucia. I looked over at my Mr. G. as he…

Hipmunk CityLove, Travel, United States

Explore Washington DC Neighborhoods – Hipmunk City Love

June 29, 2015

When I lived in Washington, DC, I both loved and hated it when friends and family would come to visit. I’d love it because I’m always excited to catch up with loved ones. I’d hate it because all they’d want to see was the typical Washington, DC tourist circuit attractions — the monuments, Smithsonian, White House, capitol buildings, etc. Don’t get me wrong, everyone should visit those spots, especially as I feel that…

Eating, Food, Travel, United States

Best Cuban Food in Miami

June 26, 2015

Maybe that title is a little misleading. Is it really possible to define the best Cuban food in Miami when there are so many delicious options available? Actually, it is. The best Cuban food I ate in Miami was at my friend Eddie’s house for his birthday. His mother made the most flavorful masas de puerco fritas that I’ve ever tasted. The pork chunks weren’t dried out like they tend to be from an…

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…

Travel

When a Resort Does the Right Thing

Experiencing an African Culinary Adventure with Le Calabash

Hotel Review – Fond Doux Plantation and Resort

How to Choose a Culinary Vacation

Hotel Review – Chateau Valcreuse

A French Culinary Vacation with Le Calabash

Our Babymoon Getaway to Fond Doux Plantation and Resort in St Lucia

Explore Washington DC Neighborhoods – Hipmunk City Love

Best Cuban Food in Miami

Visiting Codorniu Winery – The Birthplace of Cava

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