Additional Posts From This Author
I have always wanted to visit Japan. I’ve heard from friends who’ve gone that it’s unlike any other place with its advanced technology, neon lights of Tokyo, beautiful nature, and serene temples. As a lover of Japanese cuisine, I crave cozy bowls of ramen and creamy sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish). But Japan has adventurous...
Did you ever sneak out as a teenager? I did more than a few times (sorry, Mom!). I still remember that exhilarating feeling of doing something I wasn’t supposed to. Speakeasies bring a bit of that taboo thrill to everyday life. These hidden bars take you to another world with fancy drinks, unique decor, and...
They say the best things in life are worth waiting for, but does that include restaurant reservations? Eateries with famous chefs and three-star Michelin menus share one thing: they’re always fully booked! I enjoy a great dining experience as much as the next person and have been to some unique places, but I’m not sure...
We’ve heard the old saying, “You are what you eat,” a million times, but could food be the secret to living longer? That’s the theory behind Blue Zone diets– different spots around the world, dubbed “Blue Zones,” where residents often live the longest. Researchers have studied how and what people in these areas eat. Longevity...
When I first tried beer, it’s safe to say it wasn’t love at first sip. I nearly spat it out and said, “Why do people like this?!” But as I got older, my palate matured, and I developed a taste for all of the beverage’s hoppy goodness (I’m a sucker for a good IPA). It...
Growing up in the United States, where mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and french fries are the norm, the most unusual thing I’ve ever eaten was a beef tongue taco (and it was pretty tasty). But Southeast Asia is on another level when it comes to food. It’s a paradise for adventurous eaters. From skewers...
Airplane food is notoriously terrible. I remember a red-eye flight I had years ago from Los Angeles to New York. I was crammed in the middle seat, squished between a chatty woman and a guy who seemed to want to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes. The only saving grace, I thought, was the...
There’s a reason I choose to live in San Diego. Where else can you enjoy world-class cuisine with such stunning scenery and a laid-back vibe? This SoCal city was made for foodies and sightseers. San Diego’s waterfront and rooftop restaurants are the ultimate spots to soak up the city’s vibrant energy while indulging in delicious...
Spain is known for its amazing architecture, beaches, and culture, but the delicious food is why people love this Iberian country. Fresh seafood, flavorful paella, and chilled tomato gazpacho soup always wow visitors. I lived in Spain years ago while teaching English abroad. Trying food that was entirely new to me was an unforgettable experience....
Los Angeles is a food paradise with internationally renowned chefs and down-home comfort food all in one city. One night, I can be sipping champagne and enjoying a multi-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred spot like n/naka, and then the next afternoon, I can scarf down the best al pastor tacos from a food truck...
I can polish off a family-sized bag of chips like nobody’s business, but eating 50 hot dogs in 10 minutes is certainly not one of my talents. Like most Americans, I love my food—juicy burgers, crispy fries, and a good steak. But competitive eating is an entirely different level of food love where people chow...
When it comes to food, different countries have varying standards and regulations to ensure public health and safety. Interestingly, many foods that Americans consume daily are banned in other parts of the world due to health concerns. I had heard this before, but I was still surprised when I was in Italy and saw an...
There’s nothing quite like comfort food. As someone from the South, when I dream of comfort foods, my first thoughts are barbecue, mac and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, and apple pie. Depending on your background and heritage, you likely have a different comfort food that comes to mind! Many traditional comfort foods from around the...
The summer heat always makes me crave ice cream. It doesn’t matter the form—a melty soft serve in a cone, a thick milkshake, a layered parfait, or a decadent sundae—ice cream always hits the spot. I tend to stick to the classic flavors, but once, I tried avocado ice cream on a dare, thinking it...
Struggling to move through a sea of people at a loud club just isn’t my scene. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s fun! But there’s something magical about finding a hidden spot with a secret entrance that serves up special drinks in a swanky environment. That’s why I love speakeasies. San Francisco has a special...
Speakeasies are bars with hidden entrances that harken back to Prohibition times when alcohol had to be secretly consumed– and they’re making a huge comeback! I always think speakeasies offer that double dose of intrigue. There’s the thrill of the hunt—finding the hidden entrance makes you feel like you’re part of a secret club. Then...
You can really taste the difference in a craft-brewed beer– ice cold, refreshing bubbles, and dynamic flavors. Mass-produced beers just don’t quite hit the spot in the same way. Portland is one of the first few cities that was an early pioneer in the microbrewing scene, so this Pacific Northwest metropolis is a beer connoisseur’s...
Did you know that San Diego is home to over 150 craft breweries? There weren’t many local beer options when I was younger, but I’ve seen the craft brew scene explode over the last couple of decades. This sunny Southern California town is an original trendsetter for the national microbrew scene. San Diego is a...
You gotta love America, right? We take everything, even food, to the extreme! I remember visiting Universal Studios and wanting to get a bite of the gigantic Simpsons’ Pink Donut–that oversized, mouthwatering treat with perfect pink frosting, rainbow sprinkles, and a dough ring larger than your head. If you think a donut as large as...
Food festivals in the USA scream summer fun with friendly crowds, plates piled high with delicious food, and enough iced tea to keep you cool for hours. It’s pure, unadulterated fun. As a San Diego resident living just over the border from Mexico, the taco festivals here are some of the best in the world. ...
I remember when I was a kid, I heard my mom talking about making sweet potato pie. At first, I thought it sounded really weird for a dessert. I was used to having salt and butter on my sweet potatoes and something savory like roasted chicken, but baking it into a pie sounded strange to...
