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Beginning in the Summer of 2020, I couldn’t scroll through Instagram without seeing images of the Maine coast paired perfectly manicured hands holding lobster rolls. It became a pandemic pilgrimage of sorts — and I was jealous. I, too, wanted to make the trek. But I couldn’t rationalize a solo venture, and nor would I have enjoyed it. Part of the joy of travel is … Continue reading Portland, Maine
Snag a seat at the bar, order one dozen oysters during happy hour, and select one of the highly curated cocktails, perhaps the Fog Upon the Light of Day – a twist on a vodka martini with smoked salt and manzanilla sherry. Or maybe you’re in the mood for Quicksilver Dreams featuring three different uses of pineapple (rum, gum, and shrub). Or maybe you’d just … Continue reading Grand Army
When in Paris, right? Taking advice from a blogger I adore, I ventured down the cobblestone streets of Marais and as the city twinkled as a light drizzle fell, I kept thinking of Owen Wilson’s line from Midnight in Paris: Can you picture how drop dead gorgeous this city is in the rain? As I skipped my way through the quiet streets with my polka dot … Continue reading Little Red Door
Have you ever had one of those nights where everything starts out wrong and ends up so right? That was a recent Monday night for me. A date cancelled on me last minute (strep throat) and I found myself done with the gym at 6 pm, dressed up nicer than usual with no where to go. Instead of wasting my outfit and falling into a Netflix … Continue reading Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
This view can’t be real, can it? A sprawling green lawn, rows of vines, blue water glistening in the sunlight, a single island sitting right in the middle, mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. It feels like something so beautiful can’t truly exist. But it does. And it’s a vineyard. Where complimentary tastings take place in the lovely Rippon Hall. Inside the … Continue reading Rippon Vineyard
The first meal of a trip needs to set the tone. It’s a necessary jumping off point, and a task I did not take lightly. And while technically a quiche shared four ways and a long espresso at the BACH in the Auckland Airport was the first meal – we can just let that slide out of desperation after a 20+ hours of travel. I … Continue reading Kika
You’ve just survived a 20+ hour flight and the most frustrating car rental company in history, what are you going to do next? I’m going to DisneyWorld!
Just kidding, you’re in New Zealand. You’re going to a winery.
But as one individual on TripAdvisor aptly described, Gibbston Valley, which is located somewhere along the stretch between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka is the DisneyLand of the area, complete with a tasting within a cave filled with lit up barrels and Instagram-able moments.
Fargo, North Dakota. It’s a city I never expected to visit, but found myself venturing to the Great Heartland for work. Taking the advice of co-workers who have explored the Downtown Fargo culinary scene in the past, I set out to conquer the local food scene during my 36 hours in the state. Mezzaluna Arriving late on a Thursday night, few restaurants were still attracting … Continue reading Fargo, ND – Food Feature
Dear Madison Friends, Remember Magic Coffee? When it reappeared at Graze and was the ultimate game changer bringing nutmeg and cinnamon and caffeine back into your life? Well, somehow an incredible bartender named Jason in Fargo, ND discovered how to recreate my favorite coffee treat with alcohol. So enjoy! And get simultaneously tispy and hyper from your favorite Madison beverage. Alcoholic Magic Coffee 1 1/2 … Continue reading Alcoholic Magic Coffee
BarBacon. Booze and Bacon. Grilled Cheese with Bacon. Caesar Salad with Bacon. Bahn Mi with Bacon. Lobster Roll with Bacon. You name it; it’s got Bacon. This is not a place for the vegans or the Kosher. This is a place for those who love to indulge (or are incredibly stoned). It’s a gluttonous paradise, with every dish more rich and crunchy then the last. This is the kind of place you want … Continue reading BarBacon
The Political Foodie 