Sue Reddel

In United States

9 Places To Eat That Will Make You Want to Visit Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City may be one of those undiscovered hidden gems when it comes to the diversity of dining options available. There’s something to suit every taste. And we should know. We tasted some of everything! It’s a tough job scoping out the culinary scene of a unique destination like Oklahoma City, but we are here for you. We tried everything from chef-driven dining to unique local eats, from cocktails with a view to classic cowboy vittles. And here is our list of 9 places that we think will make you want to pack your bags and head on over to Oklahoma City for some fabulous eats in “The Big Friendly.”

I wrote this post after my media trip hosted by See Oklahoma City. All suggestions and endorsements are solely personal. Our policy is to only recommend what we personally like and experience.

Flavors of the Southwest

It’s easy to forget that Oklahoma City is officially part of the Southwest United States. But when it comes to tasty south-of-the-borders flavors, there’s no forgetting Barrio restaurant. Their stylish and modern Mexican-ish menu is well worth seeking out. We started out with fresh delicately salted tortilla chips and green and red salsas. That was a wonderful starting point but we tried to make sure we didn’t over-indulge. We had the opportunity to taste the fabulous seasonal wild mushroom tamales. Earthy and hearty, these yummy little masa mushroom combos were both flavorful and filling. Topped with delicious poblano cream and roasted corn, you’ll enjoy every single bite.

We also loved the sweet potato soffrito and mushroom hopes with kale. These little chubby darlings were so filling they would have worked for a dinner entree. There was literally nothing missing from the plate on this one. And this from a vegetarian entree that would leave you completely satisfied without the meat. Not to worry though. Though we opted for these seasonally-inspired dishes, they have plenty of classics like the popular chicken enchiladas and the huge nachos platter that was another favorite of the happy crowd.

In Love with Ludivine

The dining scene in Oklahoma City also includes its fair share of chef-driven restaurants. We had dinner in one of the very best, Ludivine. Chef Russ Johnson has created a winning combination of low-key ambiance with some of the best fine dining we’ve had anywhere. The menu changes daily to ensure the freshest seasonal ingredients are put to good use. For example, we started with a seared foie gras that literally danced in our mouths. The portion was ample enough to share, but we wouldn’t blame anyone if you kept it to yourself. You are treated to a toasty complement, but they also provide a basket of house-baked bread, biscuits, and muffins to get you started.

While we had an incredibly tasty and authentic cassoulet with duck confit and the Wagyu beef dishes went flying out of the kitchen, we were most pleased by the fish offering. We were informed that Chef Russ is extremely particular about any seafood that comes into the restaurant and it shows. This line caught Ora King Salmon was inspired. So fresh and expertly prepared to bring out all the natural flavors while complemented by just the right fresh vegetables, this was a dish to remember and seek out again…and again. We would never have thought that Oklahoma City was a place to get a great fish dish, but we would have been wrong. At Ludivine, you would not be disappointed.

Boom!

After some serious eats, we thought we’d go for a little levity. And what’s more likely to bring a smile to your face than a gospel musical drag show brunch? Exactly. That’s where The Boom comes in. The show is ridiculous and fun. The cocktails include their famous Bloody Mary bar where you can make your own the way you like as well as Mimosas and Pointsettias (champers and cranberry). And, one dish you’ll likely encounter all over Oklahoma City – chicken fried steak – is worth indulging in there. In fact, we’d venture to say that half the happy crowd had ordered it. The hearty steak portion comes with roasted potatoes, eggs, and gravy so go hungry, laugh yourself silly, and just have a crazy fun time.

Breakfast of Champions

Eating in Oklahoma City is a 24-hour affair. Breakfast food fans rejoice. One of the newer kids on the block is a concept that started out as a food truck and now has a brick-and-mortar shop where hungry folks come and line up around the block. Waffle Champion offers a unique take on the all-in-one breakfast sandwich. They offer Belgian style liege waffles, regular waffles, or waffle fries (potatoes) that you can stuff or smother with a wide variety of satisfying fare. You can choose whether you want to go sweet or savory too. Some of their most popular options include buttermilk fried chicken, cheeseburger Mac and ancho bbq pulled pork. We tried a traditional eggs and bacon breakfast waffle.

But of course, our sweet tooth got the best of us and we do love a good Liege waffle. So, we couldn’t resist getting a sweet one with berries and chocolate ganache. What a way to start the day! But if you’re not a breakfast person, don’t worry. They’re also open for lunch, and we’re sure that everything tastes just as good for lunch.

Top O’ The World Ma!

Although Oklahoma City has plenty of plains, you can certainly find a nice view. And one way we enjoy watching a beautiful sunset is from a rooftop with a tasty cocktail in hand. O Bar offers a lovely penthouse terrace located at the top of the Ambassador Hotel. There’s ample space outside if the weather is pleasant to sit and enjoy a beverage and snack. We had fun unwinding with a local brew and a specialty cocktail while the sun slipped below the horizon. Sometimes the best way to gear up is to chill out. The O Bar is a great place to do just that.

Assemble A Great Time

Folks in Oklahoma City are creative. We found an abundance of creativity all over the city. And one of the most creative concepts we encountered was at The Jones Assembly. In historic Film Row, this venue gives you an opportunity to assemble your own perfect combination of food, drinks, and music. The place has a great wide-open character, with many places you can sit and have a drink and eat. There is fun shareable food options like the pita with multiple dips that you can enjoy with a beverage, as well as a full menu. The place itself changes character when it wants to get its music on, converting from a restaurant to a complete music venue where concerts take place. Check the schedule to see what top acts are performing and join in as you like in this fun, rotating super chill hangout.

Pizza With Character

As representatives of Chicago, we feel compelled to try out local pizza joints whenever we have the chance. And, Oklahoma City seems to have its fair share of popular spots. One we tried offered a tasty pie while characters from many of your favorite cartoons appear on the walls to watch you enjoy your eats. Popular with students and lovers of the hearty portions, Empire Slice House lets you choose from a variety of daily offerings as well as some classics. The pies are big, big, and so are the slices that you can order individually. Their funny slogan is “It’s like Frank Sinatra and David Bowie had a pizza baby.” That gives you just a hint of the fun and funky nature of this spot in the emerging Plaza District. You can make your own pizza combo and the pre-ordained pizzas have fun names like Joezilla and Notorious P.I.G. We opted to try the Fungus Among Us (yes, lots of mushrooms) and the classic Fat Tony with red onion, ricotta, and house Italian sausage. They have plenty of salads, apps, and of course, lots of local brews from which to choose.

Classic Meets Creative

Ask any local about an Oklahoma City classic dining destination and they’re bound to mention Cheever’s Cafe. What once served as a Victorian house and flower market before becoming a restaurant, this cozy venue retains a flower case from its former identity for displaying wines and desserts. The cuisine here ranges from classic to creative. You’ll find something tasty to satisfy you here no matter what your mood. We tried the imaginative roasted chicken and pepper jack strudel. The combination of flavors and textures was so good we could have made a meal of just that.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a little room after all the yummy entrees, you can easily reward your restraint. In addition to some ridiculously huge portions of layer and carrot cakes, Cheever’s has some specialties all their own. We tried the strawberry sweet biscuits. These are deliciously donut-like tasty morsels. Lemon curd, macerated berries, and fresh whipped cream complement them wonderfully. They offer a perfect way to end a delightful meal with a charming ambiance.

Cowboy Chow

A visit to Oklahoma City just wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the famed Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Stockyards City, the heart of Oklahoma City’s Western cowboy scene. The area feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the wild, wild west, complete with parades of longhorn cattle down the street and staged cowboy “shootouts” for entertainment. There are a variety of shops including a sarsaparilla store and one of the largest emporiums of western wear we’ve ever seen.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is the oldest continuing restaurant in Oklahoma City, having opened in 1910 to feed hungry ranchers, cowboys, and others. It still retains its old west character and many of the recipes, including its secret salad dressing, that has made it famous. “Lamb fries” is one of the most popular dishes just about everyone orders. We won’t share the exact details, but if you’re familiar with “Rocky Mountain oysters” you will understand the lamb-based dish offered here.

Of course, the main event at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is, well, the steak. Offered in many shapes and sizes, we tried one of their most popular offerings, the ribeye. Served with a baked potato on the side we’re sure that cowboys, cowgirls, and city slickers like us will all feel happily full when they’ve finished their meal.

BONUS: Best Late Nite Bite

There are just so many good places to eat in Oklahoma City, we couldn’t fit them all in here. There are great options for pie, local breweries, German beer halls, fine dining, breakfast, ethnic eats, even a specialty grilled cheese spot, and much, much more. But, as you know, we love a good cheeseburger and we just couldn’t resist telling you about this fabulous burger served in a speakeasy-like lounge in the basement of Nic’s Place Diner and Lounge. The original Nic’s Grill has fans around the world, including celebrity fans who tout it as their favorite. But the new Nic’s in Midtown area is a worthy addition for a quiet place to go for a late nite bite. The lounge is in the basement of the restaurant above, which is a bit more proper. And it has the same great menu. After a long day of sightseeing, we really enjoyed talking with the amiable barman and finishing off the night with this incredible cheeseburger. We couldn’t resist the huge stack of crispy onion rings on the side either.

There’s much more to explore in Oklahoma City, but we’ll have to leave it there. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve missed out on a delicious destination that will surprise and delight you, Oklahoma City might just be the one!

For more information about Oklahoma City and to plan your own visit check out their website visitokc.com.

Pin It For Your Own Food Travel Trip to Oklahoma City

In Americas

How To Spend A Really Awesome Weekend in Grand Rapids Michigan

By Sue Reddel

Michigan. The mitten state. When you think about Michigan you might not think of culinary diversity but you would be wrong. Many towns in Michigan actually feature some of the best food in the Midwest. Located just about a three-hour drive from Chicago, Grand Rapids is one of those places we wanted to explore.

We’d like to thank Experience Grand Rapids for hosting our visit to Grand Rapids. We also received the Mazda CX3 to test drive on our road trip from DriveShop. As always, all opinions are our own and reflect our experience.

We had heard that Grand Rapids was known as “Beer City USA” for all the local craft breweries in the area but after just a little research we learned that it has so much more to offer.

Let’s Hit The Road

We jumped in our shiny new Mazda CX3 from Drive Shop and shouted “Road Trip!” One of the great things about living in Chicago is that there are so many wonderful road trip destinations within just a few hours.

The CX3 is a compact crossover vehicle that is perfect for a road trip. It’s really sporty and has all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a new car. We really appreciated the Mazda Radar Cruise Control that practically drives the car for you. The Active Driving Display keeps you keenly aware of the speed limits and your speed. Safety is an important part of your drive and you can be sure that this vehicle has you covered.

Let’s Eat!

The three hours sped by while we listened to tunes from the 60s and 70s, as well as the weather and the news. We love listening to all kinds of entertainment on our trips and the Bose audio system in the Mazda CX3 sounds great. With SiriusXM satellite radio you can find something for everyone!

Our first stop in Grand Rapids was for lunch. We were craving a burger and we’d heard that The Cottage Bar & Restaurant had a special burger aptly named the “Cottage Burger.”

This 1/3 pound beef patty is served on a dark rye bun, topped with green olives (unusual but really good), Swiss and American cheese, lettuce, tomato, BACON!, and their special hickory mayonnaise. Let’s just say we were off to a delicious start.

Let’s Relax

Now to check into our home base for the weekend. Our host hotel was the Amway Grand Plaza part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. From the moment you walk into the gorgeous and expansive lobby, you know you’re in for an extra special stay. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids the Amway Grand Plaza is truly grand and perfect for weekenders to make the most of their stay.

This historic hotel erected in 1913 is a member of Historic Hotels of America®. The weekend we were visiting happened to be the final weekend for the amazing annual ArtPrize event in Grand Rapids.

Art Prize Grand Rapids River Installation

ArtPrize is a unique event that lasts 19 days every fall. It’s free and open to the public. The unique art competition accepts applications from anyone who wants to submit their work. There are prizes awarded by public vote and also by a jury of art experts. The art is placed extensively throughout the city in galleries, restaurants, bars, museums, public parks, bridges, vacant storefronts, and office spaces. The idea is to encourage visitors, art lovers, students, families, and just about everyone there to explore the limitless possibilities that art and artists represent.

Throughout our weekend we saw many groups of people from all over strolling the city and enjoying the art. It’s a great way to see the city, experience culture, meet new people, and share ideas with others.

If you’re an art lover, plan your visit to Grand Rapids around this wonderful event that attracts some 500,000 visitors.

Amway Grand Plaza Curio Collection by Hilton Grand Rapids

The Amway Grand Plaza had many works from ArtPrize displayed throughout the hotel. In fact, the Public Vote Grand Prize Winner of $200,000 “A. Lincoln” by artist Richard Schlatter, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln created completely out of pennies was on display in the lobby.

Art Prize Winner Grand Rapids Abraham Lincoln — ArtPrize Winner Abraham Lincoln Portrait by artist Richard Schlatter.

Beer Me!

We mentioned earlier that Grand Rapids calls itself Beer City, USA. USA Today readers voted and named Grand Rapids Best Beer Town and Best Beer Scene. So you know it’s legit. They have a Beer City Ale Trail that covers more than 60, yes that’s 6-0 breweries!

There’s even a Beer City Brewsader Passport. If you collect 8 stamps from these breweries you get your very own exclusive Brewsader t-shirt! Check out the details at ExperienceGR.com/Brewsader. There are beer tours that cart you around from brewery to brewery so you can enjoy yourself without having to worry about driving or anything else.

Although we didn’t get to all 60 breweries we did try quite a few local brews, some in incredibly unique and memorable places. For instance, have you ever thought of a funeral home as a great place to get a beer? Well, if it’s, Brewery Vivant then it certainly is that place. They serve Belgian-style beer in what is now a fun and hip setting. This place was packed on Friday night so come prepared to sip a beer, chit chat and wait.

Cherry Street

The Brewery Vivant menu is a mix of French-inspired food and bar grub. Don’t miss the Crock O’ Pickles. These house-pickled veggies make a wonderful snack with beer along with some tasty soft pretzel loaves. They also have a popular burger, steak frites, and even boar bourguignon.

Brewery Vivant Grand Rapids Food Travelist — Brewery Vivant Crock O’ Pickles and Beer Cheese with warm Bakery Pretzels.

While you’re there take some time to explore the neighborhood. Cherry Street has lots of cute shops, bars, and restaurants to check out. Right across the street from Brewery Vivant is Green Well. It’s a great place to grab another local beer (they have quite a list) and something tasty to eat.

The menu has everything from appetizers to full-plate dinners. Honestly, the menu was so terrific we had a difficult time selecting what to eat. It’s an international feast of choices. Brazilian, Indian, Cuban, German, Mediterranean, lots of veggie dishes and classic burgers, salads, and soups. We had excellent mussels. The tomato, garlic, and spinach made this taste almost like a Caprese salad. We also and tasty chicken and waffles.

Michigan Beer Mussels with tomatoes caramelized onions roasted garlic and spinach Green Well Grand Rapids

Sweet Endings

After all that if you’re hankering for something a little sweet walk back across the street to Le Bon Macaron. They have an interesting selection of flavors like Marie Antoinette cake batter, cassis, yuzu, and champagne plus all the traditional flavors you would expect. A full coffee bar, tea selection, and hand-crafted French and Italian sodas will quench your thirst.

More Beer

Another popular spot to try some local brews is Founders Brewery. They have a huge facility, restaurant, and bar. If you visit when the weather is nicer you’ll get to take advantage of their outdoor patio. It’s lots of fun, very crowded on a warm night and a great place to hang out, try some beer and grab some food.

We had a couple of sandwiches which were good but what had us oooing and ahhing was the cheesy garlic bread. Don’t miss it!

Grand Rapids Downtown Market

One of the do-not-miss spots in Grand Rapids for us food lovers is the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. It’s filled with lots of shops and restaurants for all your interests. Be sure to plan enough time to stop in each stall and check out all the local goods.

Some of the vendors in the Downtown Market are Fish Lads fresh and prepared seafood, Rocket Pies Bakery, Blue Spoon Pasta Studio, Carvers Grand Rapids Finest Meats, Madcap Coffee, Sweetie-licious Bake Shoppe, Pho616, Sushi Market much, much more.

What makes the market even more special is that they offer cooking classes, seasonal markets, and even have an Incubator kitchen for culinary entrepreneurs. It’s a full working area with all the bells and whistles from a catering area to a production area and packaging area.

We’d also suggest you stop and ogle the bakery items at Field and Fire Bakery. They have fresh baguettes, croissants, cookies, and more. Their chocolate financier is by far one of the best I’ve ever had.

Eating in the Downtown Market

If you’re looking to relax after exploring the market there are several sit-down restaurants to enjoy. We tried Social Kitchen and Bar for breakfast and loved their “design your own” skillet for $12. You choose from a laundry list of sautéed veggies, sauces, meats, cheeses and how you’d like your eggs prepared. Don’t miss the Social bacon, which is a super-thick cut pork belly with a yummy bourbon vanilla glaze that arrives sizzling at your table.

Breakfast at Social Kitchen and Bar Grand Rapids

Another spot in the Downtown Market we just adored was Aperitivo. It’s not only a full-service charcuterie and cheese counter but it also has some of the most knowledgeable cheesemongers in the business.

We had a chance to chat with co-owner Kate Leeder, a former Chicagoan and Sous Chef at noted restaurant NAHA and cheese buyer at Whole Foods. Kate brings her cheese expertise to Apertivo.

You can pick up cheese, meat, and wine to create your own boards at home or kick back, relax, and let them do the work for you. We had a lovely afternoon sampling some wonderful French cheeses recommended by Kate that we wouldn’t normally have access to.

If you just want to sit and have a sip or two you can also bring in food from one of the other food specialty spots in the market. They’re happy to serve you either way.

Apertivo Charcuterie Boards Grand Rapids — Apertivo Charcuterie & Cheese Boards Grand Rapids

If you need a break from all the fun-seeking, stop back at the Amway Grand Plaza and relax. The indoor swimming pool, fitness room, tennis courts and spa are at your disposal. After the rest get back out there! There’s a lot more to explore in Grand Rapids.

Indoor pool and spa at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Plaza

Heritage Hill

We took a short spin over to the historical Heritage Hill neighborhood. If you’re architecture buff you will fall in love with this part of town that has everything from Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, and even a Prarie Style house from one of our hometown favorites Frank Lloyd Wright.

After putting in some serious steps exploring you’ll want to discover a few places to rest a spell, have a coffee, tea, or cocktail and think about what to eat next!

Neighborhood Eats

There’s one corner of Grand Rapids that’s perfectly built for us Food Travelists. In just one block you can experience the Nantucket Bakery, Martha’s Vineyard wine and gourmet store and Martha’s Pizza. Word of warning when you walk into Nantucket the intoxicating aromas will have you jonesing for everything you see.

Martha’s Pizza next to Martha’s Vineyard had some really original pizzas with unique ingredients. We had our eye on the Fairhaven, a veggie pie with fresh mushrooms, onions, red peppers, Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. They’re all ready to go by whole pie or by the slice.

Nantucket Pizza Grand Rapids — Martha’s Pizza Grand Rapids

Martha’s Vineyard is a full wine store with a ton of local brews too, but it seems more like a friendly corner store. This is a great place to pick up everything you need for a picnic. The pre-made sandwiches looked delicious!

Wait There’s More

Grand Rapids may be known as Beer City, USA, but that certainly doesn’t mean that the food scene is secondary. In fact, every neighborhood has its special places beckoning you to taste and experience. You can easily explore it all by following the self-guided Grand Rapids Food Trail, a handy guide to many delicious spots in Grand Rapids. You can use the guide to find markets, cooking classes, breakfast, burgers, donuts, and even haute-cuisine.

If you’re looking for more suggestions, here are a few more recommendations that we found enjoyable too.

Schnitz Deli

Schnitz “World Famous Delicatessen.” We stopped by when they were just getting ready for the day so unfortunately we didn’t get to sample their traditional and unique deli sandwiches. But we’ve heard great things and they supplied the bread for our delicious French Toast at Real Food Cafe on the other side of town. Once we heard that we had to stop by just to check it out. It looks fantastic so we’ll be back!

Real Food Cafe

Our photo does not begin to do justice to this little gem in Grand Rapids. You guessed it, they serve really good food. Simple and fresh breakfast is a treat at this great spot. There are a zillion omelet and egg choices along with a whole host of expected and unexpected breakfast choices. A plus for me, a crazy tea drinker, they serve Harney and Sons tea!

Logan’s Alley

A terrific spot if you’re looking for a place to relax and try a few local beers. They have over 200 craft bottle beers and some yummy eats. Be sure to try their famous smothered tots with Colby jack cheese, BACON!, sour cream, and green onion. It’s a local favorite for Sunday brunch and a late-night snack.

Happy Cat Cafe

If you are animal lovers like we are, be sure to stop in the Happy Cat Cafe. You can book half or a full hour and spend some time mingling with feline friends. You get your choice of beverage and for a few cents extra you can buy some treats or catnip to share. Happy Cat has an adoption program that offers an opportunity for those seeking a kitty to come and get to meet some furry friends and make a match that could lead to a forever home for a homeless feline and a new friend for life for you. But you don’t need to be looking for a fur baby to visit. In fact, many local students want to chillax a bit take a study break by enjoying the company of some fabulous pussycats and having a coffee with their furry companions for a bit.

Visit Grand Rapids

Although we gave you plenty of ideas for what to eat, see and do in Grand Rapids be sure not to miss the many other attractions, museums, and cultural events available in the city. GR has a symphony, opera, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and many other important museums.

We sure found a lot to keep our taste buds interested in while visiting Grand Rapids. We only wish was that we had more time and more room in our bellies for all the many options that surrounded us at every turn! We’ll definitely need to make another trip to continue our eating explorations.

To plan your own trip to Grand Rapids be sure to visit ExperienceGR.com for more information.

Pin to your board for planning your next Midwest culinary destination

In Food

When You Want Pizza Absolutely Fast At Home

By Sue Reddel

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like pizza. I fondly remember pizza night at our house when I was growing up. My Mom would buy “pizza set-ups” that included a pre-made pizza dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and sausage. S & T Provision was the spot on the southwest side of Chicago where we bought them and is still open. They sell these infamous pizza set-ups, Italian beef, meatballs, and more. Nothing fancy just good food.

Pizza At Home

Many of us have tried to make pizza at home with limited success. Our home ovens don’t seem to get hot enough to get a good crispy thin crust without burning it. I even know a friend (an engineer) who tried to customize his home oven with bricks to retain the heat. It didn’t work and he needed to buy a new oven after that experiment.

We’ve tried pizza stones and pizza ovens you put in your gas grill. None of them were perfect. We have finally found a solution: the Pizzeria Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven.

This little oven is perfect for creating an instant pizza party. It’s easily portable and lightweight. All you do is hook it up to a propane tank, heat it up for 10 minutes and start cooking your pizzas.

The Heat is On!

This little pizza oven is really amazing. It heats up to 700 degrees in about 5 minutes. No need for big prep or planning. All you need is pizza dough, pizza toppings, and a hungry crowd.

Once you hook up the Pizzeria Pronto to your propane gas tank you turn it on, let it preheat, and start cooking. The good news is that it takes about 5 minutes to cook a pizza. The oven stays nice and hot so there’s no need to wait. You can start cooking another one right away. The temperature indicator on the front of the oven lets you know how hot the oven is at all times.

PRO TIP: Have your ingredients ready to go. Once you start making your pizzas in the oven they cook fast. Don’t let your guests wait too long!

They also have a specialized pizza peel to make putting the pizza in the oven and taking it out much easier. Be sure to put some flour or cornmeal on the peel so the pizza slides off nice and easy onto the hot stones inside the oven.

Let’s Make Some Pizza

We started with an easy cheese pizza and it was delicious. I’m not gonna lie. Getting the hang of moving the pizza around in the relatively small oven takes some practice. Because the oven is so hot it’s easy to get some burnt edges if you’re not careful (or too busy sipping your cocktail). Some people like it that way, though so ask your guests!

Veggie pizza anyone? The really fun part is that if you put out all your ingredients and spices your friends can customize their own pizzas. Everyone is a pizza chef with this fun little oven.

Once you’ve had pizza you make yourself you won’t be ordering delivery pizza or buying frozen pizza again. It’s so fast, fresh, and delicious. You can make your own pizza dough so special dietary requests like whole grain or gluten-free are a snap.

Many local supermarkets also sell pre-made pizza dough so if you’re in a hurry those work just fine too. You’ll typically be able to get several pizzas out of the pre-made store dough.

Sweet Endings

After you’ve enjoyed your homemade pizza with your friends splurge with some Italian desserts. It’s a perfect pairing! We were fortunate to have our Italian neighbors over for our first pizza party and they brought these wonderful Italian bakery goodies! So when friends ask what they can bring suggest dessert. That way you don’t have to worry about it.

The good news about this pizza oven is that it’s so lightweight and portable it can be used for tailgate parties, camping, or any other on-the-go party. It easily connects with a 1 lb. propane tank as well as a full-size tank.

If you want to learn more about the Pizzeria Pronto Outdoor Pizza oven check out their website pizzacraft.com. Don’t forget that these easy-to-use pizza ovens also make great gifts. Add one to your birthday or holiday list today.

Watch this short video below to see it in action.

Pin To Your Pizza Loving Boards

Thank you Pizzeria Pronto for sending us a sample pizza oven. We were not financially compensated for this review. All opinions we provide are our unique views and reflect our experiences. We pledge to provide our audience with truthful and honest reviews.

In North America

Luxury Train Ride To St. Louis Union Station Hotel

By Sue Reddel

Thank you the Explore St. Louis and St. Louis Union Station Hotel for hosting my recent visit. All opinions we provide are our unique views and reflect our experiences. We pledge to provide our audience with truthful and honest reviews.

Meet me in St. Louis. It may be a familiar refrain for those of us who have seen the movie (who can forget the Trolley Song, or Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas?). St. Louis is a short trip from Chicago and I’ve made the drive on several road trips. But I have to admit that although it’s fun to stop in Springfield for the original corn dog at the Cozy Dog Drive In driving through Illinois can be quite a slog. Flatlands full of cornfield after cornfield. Trucks whirring along. Best to have a really good audiobook or playlist as your companion on this part of Route 66.

The original corn dog at Cozy Dog Drive In Springfield IL

Another way to travel to St. Louis in comfort is aboard the Silver Chalet Pullman car. Although the six-hour ride is considerably longer than a direct flight the experience will be one that you won’t soon forget. It’s like going back in time. Relaxing, sipping tea or coffee, watching the small towns with their train stations and steeples go by. There’s something very civilized and reminiscent about it.

Dreary Turns To Cheery

A rain had come through just as I left the house for the train station. In fact, the neighbor’s large tree fell onto our roof and fence as I walked out the door. Thankfully, no one was hurt although our fence was completely down and our gutter was dented. Fortunately, the fence took the most direct hit saving the roof and house. Needless to say, I was not having a good start to my day. When we pulled out of Union Station in Chicago in the three-car Silver Chalet Pullman train the clouds seemed to part to say relax, this trip is just what you need. Off we go heading to St. Louis and the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.

The hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton so you know that your experience at this grand hotel is going to be something a bit special.

Let The Eating Begin

As I sipped my tea in the club car I was told to go check out the train’s breakfast buffet. Have you ever known me to not go and at least look at the food that was offered? Of course not. I was delightfully surprised to see fresh croissants, bagels, sweet rolls, fruit, yogurt and more on full display in the dining car.

Breakfast buffet on the Union Station Hotel Train

The star of the train’s breakfast buffet was the candied bacon. How could anyone say no to just one, maybe two little pieces? We were off to a great start. All the food onboard the train was prepared by the Union Station Hotel chefs. It was then fitting that our final destination was the St. Louis Union Station Hotel itself.

As we watched the miles go by our small group chit-chatted and enjoyed the view. The club car was comfortable and provided a fun glass dome view.

Silver Chalet Dome. Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Union Station Hotel

Our club car also had a platform in the back allowing us to take photos and feel like we were on one of those whistle-stop political tours of years gone by.

Silver Chalet Exterior photo courtesy of St. Louis Union Station Hotel.

Sit Back & Relax

As the miles flew by, it was soon time for lunch. We were treated to delicious sandwiches, salads, and housemade potato chips. Beautiful fresh flowers also brightened the mood. Yellow roses always make me feel like smiling.

Of course, lunch would not be complete with dessert. We had so many choices: macarons, pastries, truffles. Right about now a nap would have been perfect.

St. Louis Beer Tour

Now for some serious education. We were lucky to have on board “Beer Tony” Tony Caradonna, one of our hosts that works for the famed Cardinal’s Ballpark Village in St. Louis. Tony’s job was to give us the 411 on the St. Louis craft beer scene. We sampled four local brews along with some house-made cheesy pretzels. About this point I’m thinking, “Do we ever have to get off this train? There’s a whole car with private sleeping areas, right?”

Beer Tasting on Train from Chicago to STL

Soon we were nearer to St. Louis and saw the Arch getting closer and closer. We were getting excited to arrive at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel and start our adventures.

You’ve Arrived

This historic former train station and hotel are listed among the Historic Hotels of America. You will think you’ve been transported to another time and place when you see the carefully crafted architecture of the hotel. You can almost hear the people bustling to and from to catch their trains.

The Union Station Hotel is also home to the former St. Louis Union Station renowned as a hub for the busy Midwest. Today the hotel that hosted everyday travelers and luminaries alike still shines with its historical features but adds the comfort and modern-day amenities the weary road warrior has come to expect.

The grand Union Station Hotel. Photo courtesy of St. Louis Union Station Hotel.

Walking into the Grand Hall at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel is a jaw-dropping experience. Recently restored in 2014 its detailed frescoes and gold leaf detail will draw you into its beauty. Take the time to really appreciate the many mosaics and decorative glass windows.

The Grand Hall at the Union Station Hotel St. Louis

The best way to take it all in is by having a comfy seat and ordering a cocktail at the bar. Once settled in you can take time to enjoy every detail around you.

Moscow Mule in the Grand Hall at the Union Station Hotel

Watch The Show

Order a few appetizers and sit back and wait for the light show to begin.

shrimp cocktail at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis — Shrimp cocktail at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis

Light show? Yes. Prepare to hear the oohs and ahhs that happen every hour the 3D mapping immersive light show is projected on the 65-foot high ceiling across the entire Grand Hall. There’s literally no bad seat to watch this show and accompanying music.

Light show at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis

Check out the short video below for the full Grand Hall Light experience.

Spacious & Comfortable Rooms

With all the excitement of the day, it was time to check out our rooms at the Union Station Hotel. One word – luxurious, describes the wonderfully appointed Executive rooms that are beautifully decorated with warm welcoming colors, crown moldings, and historic railroad photos make the perfect finishing touches. The large bathroom had a stand-alone shower and fine Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries to complete this place I would call home for a few nights. The bed was plush and comfy with lots of pillows to relax and watch the large 42-inch TV. There’s a separate seating area with two chairs, a table, a desk with an ergonomic chair and all the hook-ups you need to get work done comfortably.

Interior Hotel Room at Union Station Hotel St. Louis

My welcome basket was full of St. Louis favorites. I have to say everything was delicious but that chocolate-dipped “Dad’s Original Scotch Oatmeal Cookie” was my absolute favorite!!

Start The Day The Way You Like

After a good night’s sleep it was up and at ’em for breakfast. If you stay in an Executive room you’ll have access to the 3rd floor Concierge Lounge. Here you can enjoy a hot breakfast buffet in the morning and hot appetizers in the evening.

I treated myself to a flaky croissant and fresh fruit one morning. I love the way they carry the train transportation theme throughout the hotel.

If you’re looking for something just a bit different. Head down to the Station Grille. The curved comfortable booths will take you back in time to when the restaurant was named Fred Harvey’s. Mr. Harvey changed the way passengers dined by letting them wire ahead their order and when they arrived they sat down and enjoyed a hot meal. They could then easily get back on their train and continue on to their final destination with a full belly. The “Fred Harvey Girls,” as the female servers were called back then, were legendary for their great customer service and Midwestern charm.

Station Grille in the Union Station Hotel St. Louis

Whether you’re looking for a healthy way to start your day or something more decadent they have a full breakfast menu as well as lunch and dinner too.

Smoothies at the Union Station Hotel St. Louis

Eggs Benedict at the Union Station Hotel restaurant

Something For Everyone

The hotel also features the Grand Hall Market which features a 20s-themed Starbucks, gift shop, and snack stand. Be sure to check out the model train set. It will bring back lots of memories of those train sets we used to set up as kids.

The hotel has a complete fitness room and outdoor swimming pool to keep you fit and relaxed during your travels.

Outdoor pool at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis — The outdoor pool at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis. Photo courtesy of St. Louis Union Station Hotel.

Plan Your Stay

The St. Louis Union Station Hotel is a must-see and must-stay destination while in St. Louis. To arrange a stay check out their website at curiocollection3.hilton.com.

To learn more about booking a Pullman Train ride into the St. Louis Union Station visit landmarkeventstl.com.

Pin It For Your Next Food Travel Adventure

In Caribbean

Trinidad – Des Colores

By Sue Reddel

We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Lee Kirk as a guest writer again this week. Jennifer visited Cuba in November of 2016, spending two incredible weeks in the country visiting over half a dozen cities, towns, and sights. From celebrating Thanksgiving in Havana to being there when Fidel Castro passed away, Jennifer has many awesome experiences to share.

This is another post where she’ll be sharing tips on Cuban travel for Americans wanting to visit the Pearl of the Antilles. You can find her on Twitter at @The_Jenius. Jenny recently embarked on her latest adventure 30 Stars in 30 Days where you can follow her as she visits 3 countries in 30 days gathering 30 Michelin Stars.

My second stop in Cuba, and my second favorite city in Cuba, was Trinidad. Located in the Sancti Spiritus province, Trinidad is one of the oldest towns in Cuba and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

But before I arrived in Trinidad, Guide Extraordinaire Fernando made sure we had a wonderful road trip highlighting the lovely rural side of the island. Our first stop was a tiny town with a roadside Juguera (juice stand). It was a hot day and the refreshing sugar cane and lemon juice was not only refreshing but also incredibly delicious. We also stopped to pick some fruit that was begging to be picked.

An Island Full of Beauty

As the day got hotter, Fernando promised us a hidden oasis that was sure to make our day. He did not disappoint! Tucked a mile off the main road to Trinidad is El Nicho Waterfalls.

Further up the falls trails was indeed an oasis! There we found a stunning pool of crystal clear water that called to us. And trust me, we had no problem diving into the icy water!

On the way back down the mountain, Fernando had to live out some of his fond childhood memories and dove off the waterfalls into the water. I had a minor heart attack watching him, but he knew what he was doing 😉

Discovering The Food

All that swimming made us work up an appetite, so we hit a small roadside restaurant with no name (Seriously, I asked. Only those in the know can find it) for the most amazing fried fish I’ve ever had. I’ll say this a few times throughout this series – Cuba does not have terrible food. You just need to know where to go.

After an incredible detour of water and food, we were back on the road to Trinidad. If you think traffic jams are only for big cities, think again. Check out this traffic snarl we hit coming down the mountain:

Sweet Rewards

Right on the outskirts of Trinidad, we hit an amazing fruit stand where Fernando loaded us up with fruits I had never heard of, let alone seen or tasted. I also snagged a bottle of honey (located in water bottles on the right-hand side of the photo) that tastes like no other honey I have ever tried before. It’s incredibly sweet with a very distinct taste. It might be the best souvenir I brought back to the US.

Fresh Fruits in Trinidad — Fresh Fruit Stand

At sunset, we finally arrived at Trinidad, the stunning colorful city located on cobblestone streets.

Artists At Work

We booked our stay with Jacqueline and Carlos, the sweetest people I met during my entire stay in Cuba. Our casa particular was a gem – located on top of Pottery Santander, run by patriarch Chi Chi, a world-renowned potter. His work can be found all over the world but is only available at the pottery store in Trinidad. Since we stayed with the family, we were treated as family and had unrestricted access to the pottery shop (crazy, but true!). This was an incredible experience and anyone visiting Trinidad would be crazy not to stay here if visiting Trinidad. Chi Chi, still spry despite being in his 80s, was always working late and happily let us watch him create magic.

Renee, a shop and kiln worker, was also incredibly happy to answer questions and let us watch him fire the pottery. I felt like a little kid, watching in awe every spare moment I had. I brought back a few stunning pieces which I had Chi Chi sign (also, a steal – I bought a vase, two cups, and a candle holder for under $20). Spending time with the Santander family, both in the pottery shop and over home-cooked meals after a long day of sightseeing, was a highlight of my trip. I really look forward to visiting them again. Jacqueline and Carlos, when you read this know I am sending you love from San Francisco!

Behind The Scenes

By now our guide Fernando had turned into a bonafide friend and the next day as we explored Trinidad he let us in on some even bigger secrets Cuba had to offer.

Our first stop was a cigar factory not open to the public. Despite this, we still got access and a peek into the creation of one of the most sought-after items in the world – Cohiba and Montecristo (Winston Churchill’s favorite) cigars.

Exploring The Town

The colorful streets of Trinidad are charming, like no other place on the island of Cuba. You can find beautiful handmade linens (which I later bought from Jacqueline’s mother) in local shops, and enjoy the quaint town square while soaking up over 500 years of history.

While in the city’s center, be sure to stop by The Municipal History Museum. It hosts a great overview of the Cuban Revolution from a Cuban perspective (shocking!). Despite some of the anti-American capitalism sentiments that can be found inside (such as the fuselage from the botched Bay of Pigs invasion, the second photo below), it’s a very welcoming attraction. Everyone, there is very open and would love to have a friendly two-way conversation about the complicated (read: ugly) history between the two governments.

While Cubans have been given many reasons to dislike Americans (three attempts to buy their island, decades of anti-US propaganda, a crushing embargo, and over 600 assassination attempts on their leader Fidel Castro) they do not. As I mentioned in my first post, Cubans love Americans. They find us friendly and are excited to meet us. Do not let history keep you from visiting. I highly encourage you to take the opportunity to learn from our complicated history, especially so we don’t repeat it.

More Tasting

Breaking down barriers can work up a thirst, so it was time to go kick back at the famous Canchanchara! While live music played, we enjoyed the grandfather of the mojito and the daiquiri – a canchanchara! This refreshing cocktail has lemon juice, Bacardi, and honey. Can you guess who made the cups the drink is served in? If you guess our friend Chi Chi, you would be right!

When in Cuba

And it wouldn’t be a trip to Cuba without finally trying my first cigar. (Disclaimer: I do not smoke and do not encourage smoking. But I do believe in the saying “When in Rome”).

By now we had worked up an appetite (another disclaimer: I can always eat), so Fernando took us for a late lunch at La Ceiba, a lovely restaurant under the canopy of a large, ancient tree. There I enjoyed a fresh, delicious lobster tail bigger than my hand.

Before leaving Trinidad, a stop by Playa Ancon is also a must. Yes, simply lounging on the beach is illegal still under the relaxed travel restrictions on Americans. But stopping by, seeing the gorgeous site, and supporting the local economy by buying a coconut spiked with rum is not 😉

To read more of Jenny’s stories on Cuba be sure to read:

Guide to Cuba: Cienfuegos, the Pearl of the South

In Things We Love

Drawing Experiences From Travel with U Brands

By Sue Reddel

U Brands sent me their pencil and pen products to review. I was not financially compensated. All opinions are my own and reflect my unique experience.

Not many people know it but I was actually an art major in college. As a child, I loved doing little drawings or cartoons and later learned to paint in several different mediums – watercolor, acrylics, and oils. My Mom, ever the supportive one, would sign me up for any class for anything I showed an interest in. My youth was full of tennis lessons, drawing lessons, painting lessons, swimming lessons, and more.

Don’t get me wrong my childhood did not have me going from one activity to the other like kids these days (that phrase alone makes me feel so old). But rather, my Mom saw it as a way for me to learn what I might enjoy doing as I got older.

I couldn’t have had more disparate interests than art and sports. As I entered the time of life when decisions have to be made I chose to study art at a larger university because I could continue playing sports at the same time.

Little did I know that making that choice would have such a huge impact on my life. Entering Northern Illinois University as a Visual Communications major meant I could study not only art but design and advertising as well. Advertising had always intrigued me from the time I watched Bewitched and saw Darren Stevens (more the first one than the second ‘replacement’ Darren). I thought that would be something I’d like to do.

At the same time, I played on the women’s basketball team, which allowed me to keep playing the sport I loved the most. I saw it as a win-win situation, especially when I was able to secure a tuition scholarship in my second year after making the team as a walk-on my first year. This, of course, made my parents happy too.

Fast forward, thirty-some years ahead, and time for drawing and painting disappeared from my busy day-to-day life. Working in advertising and later taking on the hat of an entrepreneur left little or no leisure time despite the fact that I traveled the world.

On The Road Again

I recently decided to change that. I’m now carrying with me my pens, pencils, and tools that I need to capture my experiences while I’m traveling. Recently we had the chance to visit a friend who relocated to the east coast. We were passing through her hometown on the way to a conference. We couldn’t wait to catch up. When we arrived she and her 8-year-old son Aljur were there to greet us.

Frankly, in the beginning, he really wasn’t that thrilled we were there. They had just returned from a trip to a relative’s wedding. They were both probably tired but timing being what it was they were stuck with us.

As the day went on he opened up and started to have a bit more fun. A boat ride, an ice cream cone, and a hamburger for dinner were pretty fun after all. By the time we got back to the house after dinner, he was ready to call it a day.

I whipped out my new bag of U Brands shiny colored pencils and told him that I was going to draw for a bit. I asked if he would like to join me. He didn’t seem that enthused at first. There were YouTube videos to watch, after all. So I just took out my bag of pencils and some paper and started drawing a crab, since we were in Maryland and had just feasted on blue crabs.

Me and Aljur drawing and having fun. — Aljur and I drawing and having fun.

Rainbow Animals

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him watching me and wanting to join in. I asked him again if he wanted to draw and he ran right over. We sat at the kitchen island that evening, drawing, talking, and giggling. We laughed at the funny names on my U Brands colored pencils and decided that I probably had way too many color choices in my bag of 48 pencils.

He decided that he was going to make his animal with rainbows on it. Like one of the stuffed animals he had. I said I loved that idea and was going to make my crab a rainbow crab. He agreed that would be fun. Why not draw a rainbow cardinal?

After about thirty minutes or so he was getting a bit tired so we wrapped our drawings, signed them, and called it a night.

While I had so much fun drawing and talking to Aljur that night what he didn’t realize is that evening inspired me to start a rainbow animal series. When we got home a few days later, I drew and painted another rainbow crab and turned it into a greeting card that I can use for thank you cards and whatnot. I sent one to him as a thank you.

My plan is to continue the series. Since we just got back from Providence, Rhode Island you can expect to see a rainbow lobster very soon.

Tools of the Trade

I also have to thank U Brands for sending me a ton of samples to try. Without your help, I don’t think I would have been able to start my drawing mojo again. They have a complete line of pencils (which have fun creative names like just peachy, hot tamale, and dill with it) and pens from which to choose. There are even fancy gel pens in glitter, pastels, neon, and classic colors. They also have a full line of stationery, office, and home goods.

U Brand Gel Pens

What I love most about U Brands is that with every purchase a portion of the proceeds goes to the Kids in Need Foundation. The foundation provides free school supplies nationwide to students in need of them the most. I’m also a teacher and this makes me very happy.

Take time to have fun!

Stay tuned for more rainbow animal drawings. If you’d like to learn more about U Brands and see all they have to offer, check out their website at ubrands.com.

Pin This Post

In Americas

Taste of the Old West in Cody Wyoming

By Sue Reddel

I recently had the privilege of being the guest of the Park County Travel Council in Cody, Wyoming. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions expressed are my own and reflect my experiences.

The Old West. Many of us who live in large cities, like us in Chicago, wonder what it would be like to experience the west and its unique cultural experiences. If you’re interested in doing some exploring in the west you must check out Cody, Wyoming.

Many people plan a visit to Yellowstone National Park not realizing that there are 5 distinct entrances to the over two million acre park. It takes a lot of research to be sure that you see what you want to see and don’t waste time driving in circles. The entrances are many miles and hours apart and the park is in three different states, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

One of the best places to start your Yellowstone National Park journey is in the northwest city of Cody.

Many people who are touring the western United States by car and who have visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota also make the trip to Yellowstone National Park. Cody is easily accessible on this route and makes for an entertaining and tasty stop. Located just one hour from Yellowstone it’s a perfect place to visit along the way.

The City That Buffalo Bill Built

When you arrive in Cody the width of their streets will immediately strike you. Although it’s a relatively small town most of the main streets are very wide. Why? The streets were originally built to accommodate horses and carriages and the wide streets allowed these “vehicles” to turn around easily.

Named after the infamous Colonel William Federick “Buffalo Bill”, the city of Cody was largely created by Buffalo Bill. He saw Cody as a natural stop for travelers on their way to Yellowstone National Park. To learn more about this legend and his important influence on the Western world you need to visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody. Here you’ll learn about the vision Buffalo Bill had not only for Cody but for the world to experience the West and visit beautiful Yellowstone National Park.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming

The center is five separate museums under one roof. I spent the majority of an afternoon there and didn’t even begin to scratch the surface. You could easily spend two full days exploring the museums and taking in all the activities they have to offer. The Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Whitney Gallery of Western Art, Cody Firearms Museum, and the Draper Museum of Natural History all are worth a visit.

As an art lover, I adored the Whitney Gallery which includes magnificent renderings both traditional and modern from Yellowstone National Park. There are also interactive stations to draw your own postcards and many videos to keep even the most distracted kids busy and interested.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West Whitney Western Art Museum

Spend some time getting to know more about Buffalo Bill. You might be surprised, as I was, that he was an unlikely feminist who supported the rights of women. He also had much respect for Native Americans and employed many in his famous Wild West Show and paid them well.

Another project he spearheaded was the development and finance of the irrigation and reclamation project in Cody by constructing the Shoshone Dam which at the time was the tallest dam in the world. It was later renamed Buffalo Bill Dam by an act of Congress.

While you’re at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West be sure to check the schedule for activities. While we were visiting the annual Pow Wow was taking place. Native Americans from the area came together to celebrate their culture and history.

Pow Wow at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Dancing, drum groups, and authentic Indian arts & crafts were all available for purchase. Fresh Indian fry bread had a busy line the entire time we were visiting.

And don’t miss Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Review while visiting the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It’s a fun family music show that’s been entertaining visitors and locals for over 13 seasons. The music ranges from cowboy, bluegrass, gospel, and crowd-pleasing patriotic-themed numbers. Simple good old fashioned entertainment accompanies a buffet dinner meal featuring prime tenderloin, organic BBQ chicken, and all the fixings. For the best value purchase a combo ticket which includes admission to the Center of the West.

Dinner at Dan Miller's Cowboy Music Review in Cody Wyoming — Dinner at Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Review in Cody Wyoming

Western Main Street

Once you’ve soaked in the history of Buffalo Bill, you’ll need to spend time on the main street. One way to get a great overview of Cody is to take one of the Cody Trolley Tours. Here your humorous tour guide will provide more insider details on Cody. Once you’ve got the lay of the land you can begin your walk around town.

One of the must-visit spots in Cody is the Irma Hotel built by Buffalo Bill to honor his daughter, Irma. This historic hotel built in 1902 has housed some famous Western personalities like Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, and Frederic Remington.

On the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service, the Irma Hotel received recognition for its cultural contribution to America. One of the unique things about the Irma is the cherrywood bar, which was a gift from Queen Victoria. Legend has it (there are a million legends you’ll hear about the prolific Buffalo Bill) that the Queen was quite taken with Bill after she saw his Wild West show in London and sent along this gift.

Bar from Queen Elizabeth at the Irma Bar Cody

Another historic spot in town is the Chamberlin Inn where other luminaries stayed like one of my favorites Ernest Hemingway. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel in downtown Cody. The relaxing courtyard is a perfect spot for relaxing, have a drink or coffee and listening to live music on the weekends.

Irma Hotel Cody Ernest Hemingway Signature — Chamberlin Inn Ernest Hemingway Signature on the guest register.

Tasty Food In A Western Town

With all the walking around town and learning about the West, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Don’t worry Cody has you covered. You won’t even need to leave the Irma Hotel to get one of the biggest buffets in town. It wouldn’t be polite to visit and not try their world-famous prime rib. The West has some of the best beef in the U.S. so be sure to try it and help yourself to the generous salad bar while you’re at it.

Prime rib at the Irma Hotel — Steaming Prime Rib at the Irma Hotel

You can also sidle up to the bar and try a Buffalo Bill beer. A light and refreshing pilsner that really hits the spot.

Cody Irma Bar and Restaurant Buffalo Bill Beer

One of my favorite eating spots in Cody was The Local. As you might suspect they feature local food purveyors. They source their food from purveyors that use sustainable agricultural practices and humanely raise animals. This Ishawooa Mesa beef burger with white cheddar cheese, butter lettuce, pickled shallot and aioli on the homemade brioche roll is absolutely unforgettable. And you know I’m a burger lover so that’s saying something. Just looking at it again makes me want it right now. Locals pack this place so be sure you get there early to get a seat.

The Local in Cody, Wyoming Food Travelist

If you’re looking for more southwestern food Zapata’s will be to your taste. Open for lunch and dinner they have many traditional Mexican dishes to choose from.

Another spot for more tasty meat choices is the Rib and Chop House. Whether you try their Angus Beef New York Strip, hand-cut rib eye, or the giant Tomahawk Steak you can’t go wrong. I opted for the more lady-like famous filet and it was delicious. You don’t like meat? No worries, they have plenty of chicken, fish, and veggie options too. They also have a gluten-free menu as well.

The Famous Filet at the Rib and Chop House Cody Wyoming

Leave a little room for dessert they have several options that you won’t want to say no to.

Pecan Meltaway at the Rib and Chop House Cody WY

History We Can’t Forget

There are many parts of American history we’d like to forget. We think it’s important not to forget these events in order to ensure they don’t ever happen again. A powerful example of this is the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center located just 14 miles outside of Cody, Wyoming.

A collection of photographs, videos, interactive exhibits, and meticulously curated artifacts brings every visitor into the day-to-day lives of Japanese Americans who were relocated and confined here during World War II.

Heart Mountain Interpretive Center Cody Wyoming Monument

The center provides an experience that is chilling yet insightful and respectful of Japanese culture. Most noteworthy, it explores the indignities, civil rights issues, and hatred that is a grim reminder that our current society must never forget and never repeat.

Heart Mountain Interpretive Center Cody Montana

The Wild, Wild West

For a real feel of what an old Western town might have looked like a visit to the Old Trail Town in Cody will be like stepping into the way back machine. The collection of over 26 authentic structures dating from 1879 to 1901, assembled there along with furnishings, photographs, and memorabilia. All were moved from parts of Wyoming and Montana by historian and archaeologist, Bob Edgar.

Some of the highlights include the original cabins used by the outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and a famous Wyoming saloon that was patronized by the famous “Hole-in-the-Wall Gang”.

Old Trail Town in Cody Food Travelist — Old Trail Town in Cody

Guns are an important part of Western culture. While I’m not a gun owner or supporter but I have to say that I had a new understanding of guns, their owners, and their place in American culture after spending some time at the Cody Firearms Experience.

More than just a shooting range, they offer instruction in firearm education and provide education on gun history. They have guns that were used in the old west and you can learn to shoot them with one-on-one instructors. They also display a large array of guns and explain the historical part they played in building the Old West. You can view a wildlife display of Wyoming creatures and try your hand at an animated laser rifle and pistol arcade.

In the West, people used guns for protection and for survival because hunting was the main source of food and sustenance. That’s something most of us city slickers can’t really comprehend until we hear the stories.

I had never shot a gun in my life and to say I was a little apprehensive is an understatement. Wanting to learn I took a deep breath and listened closely to my NRA Range Certified Safety Officer instructor and general manager Paul Brock.

They fully enclose the range area and keep the sound to a minimum with headphones and double-walled concrete so the folks in the main room can safely watch behind ballistic glass. Additionally, you can choose guns from the old west or more modern-day semi-automatic pistols or rifles. And, there’s even a Gatling gun that fires off 20 rounds before you know it.

I tried a single-action Colt revolver and a Winchester shotgun both from the mid-1800s. Although the target was only 25 yards away, it may as well have been 100 yards. I couldn’t get my aim on the pistol quite figured out although I did at least hit the paper a couple of times. The shotgun was a different story. Right out of the box I was hitting near the bulls-eye. It was much easier to control and adjust my aim.

So what did I learn? Guns are loud and very powerful. I understand the appeal. I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn about them the how they fit into the Western lifestyle. However, I don’t intend to ever own one myself or shoot another one for that matter.

Learning gun safety at the Cody Firearms Experience — Learning gun safety on a 1866 Winchester at the Cody Firearms Experience

You Gotta Go To The Rodeo

Another unexpectedly fun experience was the Cody Stampede Rodeo. I’d never been to a rodeo before, so I had no idea what to expect. It starts like every other sporting event in America. Singing the national anthem. One thing you can’t escape in the West is the sense of civic pride.

I laughed, sang along with the silly ’70s and ’80s songs, and oohed and ahhed at the Cowboys trying to rope the cows, ride the bucks and do horse tricks. Kids try to catch tossed t-shirts and will run around the ring after the baby calves to win prizes at this family-friendly experience.

Our entire section in the stands was rooting for a little girl we never even met. It was adorable. The kids, the parents, everybody had a great time, myself included. They run the rodeo every night from June 1st through August 31st. Be sure to get there early to get a good seat in the Buzzard Roost (the seats near the bulls) to see all the action.

Easy Travels To The West

You can easily fly to Cody on one of United’s convenient flights if you’re not doing a summer road trip. Folks from Denver, Chicago, Portland, Columbus, and Syracuse can take advantage of United’s direct flights from mid-June through mid-October.

If you’re looking for clean, modern accommodations with a full breakfast buffet check out the Holiday Inn-At Buffalo Bill Village. Don’t let the name fool you. The kids will enjoy the pool and the grownups will love the newly renovated and super comfortable rooms. Located on the main drag you can walk everywhere from this hotel.

As a result, if you’re looking for a real western style experience loaded with history, adventure and good eating head to Cody, Wyoming. For all the 4-1-1 check out yellowstonecountry.org for trip planning and more!

Pin This Post For Your Food Travel Planning

In North America

Mazatlan Food Lovers Paradise

By Sue Reddel

If you’re looking for new places to explore through food travel Mazatlan should be on the top of your list. Located on the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlan is ideally located for North Americans looking for a warm sunny friendly destination. What most people won’t know about Mazatlan is that is not only a thriving seaport but also rich in agriculture. More than 30% of all the food consumed in Mexican is sourced from Mazatlan.

What does this mean to folks traveling to Mazatlan? The city is rich in fresh fish and produce for local chefs and restaurants. While you’re lounging on the beach enjoying those fresh oysters or frozen strawberry margarita you know your ingredients are fresh and local.

Mazatlan Seafood

Saying seafood is plentiful here is an understatement. Every thing is available. The shrimp in Mazatlan is plentiful and come in all sizes. Octopus and oysters are also available just about everywhere you go.

If you want to get really, really fresh oysters take a stroll down to the oceanside Malecon that goes on for miles and you’ll find locals that will dive for oysters that you can eat right there on the beach.

Fresh Oysters on the Mazatlan Malecon Culinary Roots — Fresh Oysters on the Mazatlan Malecon

While you’re there you can browse the little souvenir shops along the way or check out the brave cliff divers as they time their dives to the ever- changing tides.

If you love markets don’t miss the Mercado Municipal officially known as the Pino Suarez Municipal Market. Located in central downtown this market reminded me of the many markets I have visited in Europe and Asia. First off, it’s huge with over 100 vendors. There’s every kind of food – fresh fish, seafood, meats, spices, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, juices, and many food counters with freshly made food creations.

Markets and Shopping

Local Market in Mazatlan — Local Market Treats in Mazatlan

The market also has plenty of souvenir hawkers from whom you can buy clothing and handmade crafts. It can get pretty busy so be prepared for crowds and get there early if you’re shopping for food. The good stuff goes fast!

If you’re looking for a place to stay that also has delicious food check out El Cid Resorts. With several properties on the beachfront, you’ll find one just right for you. They have all-inclusive packages with many options to eat at the many property restaurants. From Mexican to Italian it will be difficult to eat your way through it all.

Quenching Your Thirst

While visiting Mazatlan you’re sure to work up a thirst whether you’re just sitting by a pool or taking advantage of the many activities. Although you may have had Pacifico beer before you might not know that Pacifico originated and is brewed in Mazatlan. Oddly enough, German immigrants were among the first to settle in this area and helped develop Mazatlan into the commercial seaport it is today. It makes perfect sense that they would also open a brewery. Cerveza Pacifico is a pilsner-style beer that’s super refreshing and light. If you look closely at the label you’ll see Mazatlan’s port lighthouse hill inside the lifesaver icon.

Another interesting local beverage is Onilikan Mango Liqueur. You can visit their shop to learn how 10 semi-retired Canadians who loved the area decided to open a distillery not only to create products from locally grown ingredients but to also help contribute to the community. Using mangoes and blue agave they create liqueurs and spirits. Stop in and taste test their mango liqueur, mango gin, Mexican Triple Sec, and Agave Aguardiente Spirits.

Onilikan Mango Liquer Mazatlan — Onilikan Mango Liqueur Mazatlan

Lots of Great Food Choices

If you’re looking for authentic casual Mexican food check out Los Pancho’s Restaurant with several locations around Mazatlan you’re bound to find one when you visit. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner this spot has a wide menu with choices to make everyone happy. Their breakfasts are plentiful and there are many fresh-squeezed fruit juice options. It’s up to you if you want to add a shot of tequila and make it an eye-opening morning. I had the chilaquiles with the traditional dried spiced meat machaca.

Chilaquiles at Los Panchos Mazatlan — Chilaquiles at Los Panchos

One of my favorite spots in Mazatlan was Hector’s Bistro. I love everything French so when I learned about a bistro in Mexico I had to see it for myself. This place really feels like a French bistro. When you can order a French 75 and pâté you know I’m at home. One of my dining companions ordered some gorgeous lamb chops, and the fish of the day also was marvelous. This little gem was an unexpected discovery in a wonderful way. Stop in for lunch or dinner.

Upscale Dining Too

Another spot I really enjoyed was Life en Español. This spot operates as a nightclub and restaurant. If you get there when it first opens it’s quiet and conversation-friendly. The place gets really rocking late at night with music and dancing. Let’s talk about the food. They are serving some really interesting interpretations of traditional dishes.

Beet Carpazzio Life en Espanol Mazatlan — Beet Carpaccio Life en Espanol Mazatlan

The octopus tacos were by far one of my favorites. I found it easy to inhale these three little lightly breaded and deep-fried tacos in no time. They are also well-known for their pork shank and shrimp but be sure to save room for the freshly made churros. Served with a choice of dipping sauces this sweet treat alone is worth coming back to enjoy again.

The other Chef Maganda restaurant we visited was Casa 46. This upscale spot is located on the Plaza Machado. Here you’ll be treated to top-notch service and a relaxing gorgeous meal in beautifully designed rooms. Attention is paid to every detail.

Well-composed and plated local food is elevated to make even the most discerning gourmet happy at Casa 46. Chef Maganda creates, as he says, “a mixture of tradition and evolution of traditional flavors. All the ingredients for each dish are a clear example of their interdependence, where each one on its own may be simple, but when we put them all together, they truly make a difference.”

Casa 46 Mazatlan Food Travelist — Casa 46 Mazatlan

The next time you’re looking for a new spot to visit in Mexico put Mazatlan on top of your Food Travelist list. You’ll be sure to find many delicious ways to explore this diverse culinary destination.

For more information on Mazatlan visit GoMazatlan.com.

If you liked this post please Pin It! Thanks.

In Entertaining Ideas

World Tea Party with Adagio Tea

By Sue Reddel

I am a tea lover and brands frequently reach out and send me samples for review. Adagio Tea sent me a gift certificate to choose teas from their website. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review. All opinions shared are uniquely my own and reflect my personal experience.

Tea is an essential part of my life. I’ve been a tea drinker ever since I can remember. My Mom started giving me tea when I was under the weather and it quickly became a comfort drink for me. Although our home tea collection included only Lipton Tea that classic yellow and red bag was what I grew to love.

The first time I ordered tea and a server brought me a tea box from which to choose I thought I died and went to tea heaven. What were all these choices? So began my journey of discovery into the world of tea.

Tea Time at Goldmoor Inn Galena Food Travelist — Tea Time

When Adagio Tea reached out and asked me to choose some teas from their collection I was beyond excited. I had tried several of their teas before and loved their easy-to-use IngenuiTea tea maker so I knew I was in for some fun.

Where to Start?

When preparing to choose my teas I thought it best to sit down with a proper cup of tea and my laptop to get started. First off, the Adagio Tea site is full of so much useful tea information. Before I could think about what to order I took a stroll around the site. You’ll see right away how they display the teas. You can actually see what your tea will look like, the rating of the tea, and how much it will cost you per cup. I loved this!

They also provide a detailed description of the locations from which each tea is sourced. These teas come from all over the world. Just reading the descriptions takes you away to new lands and new flavors.

Toward the bottom of the site, you can also check out the “teamap” for tea shops near you. There’s a “TeaChef” section that offers recipes featuring tea. You’ll find great tea stories at “teamuse.” Most useful “teacritic” ranks teas by the site users giving you a great idea about what to expect from the teas you’re ordering.

Summer Means Iced Tea

Since it’s summer, they are featuring their cold-brewed iced teas prominently. So this was a great place to start.

I adore iced tea all year round so I was anxious to see the choices. There are 36 to be exact. Black, chai, oolong, white, and herbal. This was going to be fun. I have to skip ahead and tell you that I couldn’t believe how far my $50.00 went. You’ll see.

Their iced tea pouches sounded very interesting to me to further pique my interest they had a short video that sealed the deal. You can watch it below.

Being a black tea fan I had to try the English Breakfast Iced Tea. I’m also a green tea lover so I added the Citron Green Iced Tea. The Wild Strawberry sounded like a perfect iced tea to pair with my freshly homemade rhubarb syrup. Rounding out the iced tea selection was the Orchard Iced Tea sample pack I chose. For only $9.00 this sample pack includes two pouches of three flavors – peach oolong, blood orange, and mango. Each pouch makes 40 oz. of delicious iced tea. That’s a deal!

The Magic of Matcha Tea

Another one of my absolute favorite teas is matcha. This hip and trendy tea have been around for quite a while but most recently became the tea of the day. Matcha is a powdered green tea that can be dissolved in water and served hot or turned into iced tea (my favorite). It can even be used in cooking. Perhaps you’ve seen matcha lattes, smoothies, cakes, cookies, or even ice cream. Loaded with antioxidants matcha tea provides an even and more sustained lift from its caffeine, not the immediate rush you might feel from coffee. Matcha tea itself has a very interesting story, which I will save for more detail in another post.

I’m a bit picky about purchasing my matcha. I opted to try the sample matcha at $12.00, which makes 10 cups. There are many different grades of matcha. This one is a high grade from Uji, Kyoto Japan, and is a first-harvest, spring tea.

Back To The Basics

For my last choice, I went with their English Breakfast. This is my everyday go-to tea. I had to try Adagio’s. For $4.00 I received a pouch of loose tea, enough to brew about 10 cups of tea.

With my order complete all I had to do was sit back and wait for my new Adagio tea selections to arrive.

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait too long for my tea order. In just a couple of days my order arrived. I was like a kid on Christmas Day opening my package and going from one pack to the next squealing with glee.

Along with my order, I received welcome cards, which explained how I could earn points for future tea orders. They also included a card that told me where the closest store was to me and a bonus prize of a free chai tea sample. Score!

Now for the important part. Where to start? With the iced tea, of course! I cold-brewed the English Breakfast, which was amazingly simple. Just add the pouch to a pitcher of cold water place in the fridge, wait a few hours, and voilà! I added a little simple syrup for sweetening, took a sip, and…DELICIOUS!

I’ve been working my way through the teas now and each one of them has been a hit. I’m especially pleased with the cold-brewed iced tea bags. As you see below the teas are full and rich. You can actually see the bits of fruits and herbs in the Wild Strawberry Iced Tea.

Adagio Iced Tea Pouch — Adagio Wild Strawberry Iced Tea Pouch

The matcha tea was also a big surprise. I loved the smooth crisp taste. It made a perfect iced matcha that I enjoyed in the yard one morning.

Adagio Iced Matcha Tea — Iced Matcha Tea

Tea Time!

My tea collection has some new favorites thanks to Adagio Tea. Since my order arrived, I’ve received a few emails from Adagio with special discounts and offers. I even got the one below for a free sample of tea they are guessing I would like because of my previous tea choices. I love that!

I can’t wait for our next neighborhood monthly Ladies’ Afternoon Tea. We’re going to be featuring iced teas and I think the ladies will enjoy some freshly brewed Adagio Tea.

To check out all the teas that Adagio Tea has to offer explore their site at www.adagio.com. With any order over $49, you will receive free shipping.

Are you a tea drinker? Share your favorites with me below in the comments.

Pin It!

Disclosure: We review products and in some case receive a small compensation through affiliate payments when you use the links on our site from the companies whose products we review. We tested and reviewed the products listed here and our reviews reflect our own experiences. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are expressly ours.

In North America

More Than One Way To Watch A Baseball Game in Busch Stadium

By Sue Reddel

I was hosted by the Explore St. Louis on a recent trip to St. Louis. We were not financially compensated for this review. As always, the opinions shared are our own and reflect our experiences.

Baseball isn’t just a great American pastime. It’s also an outing that most of us have enjoyed at some time in our lives. Whether going to a game with your Dad, watching games on TV or, as in my case, listening to the White Sox on a transistor radio with my Grandmother. Everyone in the U.S. seems to have a baseball story.

When I visited St. Louis I had the chance to take an insider’s tour of the St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium. Now, before you start asking which Chicago team I support and what about the rivalry between the Cubs and the Cards, let’s call a truce. At least stay calm for a minute or two and enjoy my view of one of the best ballparks in North America.

Busch Stadium

St. Louis Cardinals Stadium Front — St. Louis Cardinals Stadium

Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Busch Stadium was opened in 2006. The Cardinals also managed to win the World Series that very same year, the first team to win in an inaugural season of a brand new ballpark in almost 100 years.

The tour took us throughout the park, inside and out.

St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium on the field

We even went into the Cardinal’s dugout and got a view right from the field. If you’re interested, anyone can purchase tickets to take the full tour and experience it for themselves. You can buy tickets on the Cardinals website.

There’s also quite a bit of nostalgia around the stadium too. You will find old game posters and all the Cardinal logos throughout the history of the club. Since I’m a bird fan and especially a friend to my little red birds I loved seeing them everywhere.

See The Game For Many Different Angles

One of the most fun things I learned while visiting Busch Stadium was how many different ways and places in and out of the stadium you could watch the game. Like many other major league baseball teams, the Cardinals’ ticket prices are set through a dynamic pricing system. This provides fans with many price options. The prices are adjusted based on who is playing, weather, ticket demand, and team performance.

Cardinals Nations Rooftop Seating Cardinal Busch Stadium St. Louis

If you’re looking for a more intimate baseball experience you may want to check out the Cardinal Nation rooftop seating. Modeled after the rooftop seats outside of Wrigley Field in Chicago, these seats provide a view into the park and flexible seating. Drink and food packages are also available.

Left Field Porch St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium

Inside the park, there are also many seating options. One of the places you can get a higher-level look from is the Left Field Porch.

Eats in Busch Stadium

Of course, we had to check out the food at Busch Stadium. While you will most certainly can expect the traditional hot dogs and Cracker Jacks, you might be surprised to find much, much more. For example, the hot dog offered is the all-beef Famous Nathan’s dog originally from Coney Island!

Nathan's Famous at St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium — Nathan’s Famous at St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium

From Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, bratwurst wrapped in pretzel dough, corn dogs, hamburgers, Asian stir-fry, nachos, ice cream, and more, they really have it all.

Ball park snacks at Cardinals Busch Stadium

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream at Cardinals Busch Stadium — Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream at Cardinals Busch Stadium

Dinger’s donuts served in a St. Louis Cardinals helmet is one of the more unique and tasty treats you’ll find at Busch Stadium.

Dinger's Donuts Busch Stadium — Dinger’s Donuts Busch Stadium. Photo credit St. Louis Cardinals.

One of the many interesting food facts about Busch Stadium is that attendees can bring in their own food and beverages. There are many places in the Stadium to enjoy your own food. This certainly would reduce the cost of attending a game and make it much more affordable for families wishing to go to a game. There are limitations on cooler types and sizes but most food is allowed in. Alcoholic beverages and plastic containers larger than 2 liters are not allowed. No outside food is allowed in any of the suites of Cardinals Club and some other areas, so be sure to check before you head to the ballpark.

Watching The Game Outside the Park

Right next door to Busch Stadium in Ballpark Village. This unique location is a sports lover’s dream. From the Fox Sports Midwest Live central hall that houses jumbo screens for watching the game to the Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum also located in the complex, this is certainly a lively gathering spot for every sports fan.

Giant platters of nachos served family-style are certainly one of the favorites at Ballpark Village.

FOX Sports Midwest Live Restaurant in Ballpark Village

While visiting St. Louis you must try one of their local specialties – fried ravioli. Lightly breaded ravioli filled with meats, cheeses, and spices then dipped in marinara sauce pair well with an ice-cold beer.

Fried Ravioli at FOX Sports Midwest Restaurant in Ballpark Village

If you’re looking for more of a meal the delicious classic burger was enough for even the heartiest appetite. Two large patties with all the fixings were easily one of the biggest burgers I’ve experienced.

Classic Burger at the FOX Sports Midwest Restaurant Ballpark Village

If you’re looking for a sky view of the game head over to the rooftop of the Hilton across the street from Busch Stadium. Here you get a bird’s eye view as well as access to a full bar, fancy snacks, salads, shared and small plates, and pizzas from The Three Sixty rooftop bar.

I was happy to see they carried my favorite vodka – Tito’s at the Hilton’s rooftop bar.

Cheers from the Hilton Rooftop St. Louis Downtown

The Hilton at the Ballpark Downtown St. Louis also offers many different packages that include customized Cardinals rooms, tickets to the game, and a view of the park from your room. You can find all the details on their website at www.hilton.com.

Cardinal Nation

If you’re a baseball fan to any degree the St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium and its Ballpark Village are well worth a visit. If you simply can’t decide what vantage point to watch the game from do what we did and try a few options. I even spied some Cubs fans during my visit, who had the courage to wear Cubs shirts. I met and talked to a lot of friendly people in and outside the park. They all had one thing in common – baseball. If you’re looking for a terrific sports experience with many seat, food, and drink choices, Busch Stadium is for you.

For information check out their website www.mlb.com/cardinals.

Pin It!

Sue & Diana

Welcome to Food Travelist! We are Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. We travel the world to find unique spots away from the crowds. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tasty street food on a stick. We hope to bring the world just a bit closer together as we share a meal and learn about different cultures through food and drink.

Learn More
Categories
- Blog (29)
- Food (167)
  - Entertaining Ideas (12)
    - Holidays (8)
    - Parties (3)
  - Food Stories (63)
  - Recipes (94)
    - Appetizers (12)
    - Breakfast (10)
    - Desserts (16)
    - Drinks (7)
    - Main Dishes (34)
    - Mediterranean (8)
    - Side Dishes (24)
    - Vegetarian (12)
- Portugal (33)
  - Learn About Portugal (22)
  - Living In Portugal (22)
  - Moving To Portugal (15)
- Travel (225)
  - Americas (87)
    - Central America (1)
    - North America (84)
      - Canada (4)
      - Mexico (3)
      - United States (71)
    - South America (1)
  - Asia (9)
  - Caribbean (7)
  - Europe (81)
    - Austria (1)
    - Belgium (2)
    - England (6)
    - France (14)
    - Germany (7)
    - Greece (7)
    - Italy (2)
    - Portugal (28)
    - Spain (2)
    - The Netherlands (4)
  - Middle East (1)
  - Travel Tips (50)
- We Recommend (26)
  - Better Living (14)
  - Doing Good, Giving Back (2)
  - Things We Love (13)

Sue Reddel

Flavors of the Southwest

In Love with Ludivine

Boom!

Breakfast of Champions

Top O’ The World Ma!

Assemble A Great Time

Pizza With Character

Classic Meets Creative

Cowboy Chow

BONUS: Best Late Nite Bite

Let’s Hit The Road

Let’s Eat!

Let’s Relax

Beer Me!

Cherry Street

Sweet Endings

More Beer

Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Eating in the Downtown Market

Heritage Hill

Neighborhood Eats

Wait There’s More

Visit Grand Rapids

Pizza At Home

The Heat is On!

Let’s Make Some Pizza

Sweet Endings

Thank you the Explore St. Louis and St. Louis Union Station Hotel for hosting my recent visit. All opinions we provide are our unique views and reflect our experiences. We pledge to provide our audience with truthful and honest reviews.

Dreary Turns To Cheery

Let The Eating Begin

Sit Back & Relax

St. Louis Beer Tour

You’ve Arrived

Watch The Show

Spacious & Comfortable Rooms

Start The Day The Way You Like

Something For Everyone

Plan Your Stay

An Island Full of Beauty

Discovering The Food

Sweet Rewards

Artists At Work

Behind The Scenes

Exploring The Town

More Tasting

When in Cuba

On The Road Again

Rainbow Animals

Tools of the Trade

The City That Buffalo Bill Built

Western Main Street

Tasty Food In A Western Town

History We Can’t Forget

The Wild, Wild West

You Gotta Go To The Rodeo

Easy Travels To The West

Mazatlan Seafood

Markets and Shopping

Quenching Your Thirst

Lots of Great Food Choices

Upscale Dining Too

Where to Start?

Summer Means Iced Tea

The Magic of Matcha Tea

Back To The Basics

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Tea Time!

Busch Stadium

See The Game For Many Different Angles

Eats in Busch Stadium

Watching The Game Outside the Park

Cardinal Nation

Signup for our newsletter

Thank you for sign up!