Sometimes food and travel movies can help you decide to try a dish, travel to a new place, or just escape the moment. We thought we’d put together a list of some of our favorites. Whether you own them, rent them, or stream them get your bowl of popcorn ready and have some fun. These are just some of our favorites that we can watch these over and over again!
Food In Movies
Today’s Special Circumstances turn a chef’s life upside down and in the process he discovers himself. You can’t help but smile during this little gem. Stars Assif Mandvi, Jess Weixler and Dean Winters.
Big NightWe do love just about anything with Stanley Tucci but this movie, which he also directed, really demonstrates his true love of food.
Julie & Julia Beautifully blends the lives of Julia Child and blogger Julie into an engaging story that highlights the young chef’s determination to conquer French cuisine and Julie’s desire to recreate the experience in her own life.
Chef When a chef quits an unsatisfying job he hits the road with his son in a food truck. You’ll never look at a grilled cheese sandwich the same again after seeing this movie. Stars Jon Favreau, Dustin Hoffman, Sophia Vergara, and Scarlett Johansson.
Spanglish An adorable movie with Adam Sandler as a popular chef married to insecure Téa Leone who hire a woman and her daughter that have come from Mexico to find a better life. The film explores how different cultures manage their families. The kitchen scene will be one you remember for a long time.
Best Travel Movies
Sound of Music Who doesn’t want to run through the mountains and sing “the hills are alive” after seeing this classic musical. I fall in love with Julie Andrews all over again every time I see this movie. There’s even a sing-along version for those of us who know the words to every, single, song.
Out of Africa One could argue that just about any movie with Meryl Streep could be on this list. This epic movie reminds us of the old-time studio films. It’s beautifully shot and tells a long story filled with love, romance, and life. Streep and Robert Redford are perfect together in this film.
The Last Emperor Another gorgeously beautiful film. The life of Pu Yi the last emperor of China enfolds on the screen. If you’ve been to the Forbidden City in Beijing, or dream of visiting this film is for you. Stars John Lone and Peter O’Toole.
Midnight in ParisA Woody Allen film starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. A screenwriter ends up in a time warp that brings him back to the 1920’s every midnight while visiting Paris. If you love this time in history and Paris (like me) you’ll love this movie.
The Tourist Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie star in what the director Florian Henckel von Donnersmark called “a travel romance with thriller elements.” All we know is that this movie is simply beautiful and will transport you to delicious parts of the world.
Films About Travelling That Will Make You Want to Explore the World
WildAfter personal tragedy a woman forges ahead on a 1,100-mile hike alone on the Pacific Crest Trail. The experience terrifies, threatens, challenges, empowers and eventually heals her. Reese Witherspoon stars in this powerful film.
A Good YearA Ridley Scott film starring Russell Crowe about a British businessman that inherits his uncle’s vineyard in Provence. I personally love the soft Tuscan light in this film it’s a wonderful film.
The Bourne Identity This is just one film in the series of high energy action spy films based on the Robert Ludlum books starring Matt Damon. The international spy Jason Bourne who travels all over the globe. It’s the best of the franchise but the others are worth a look as well. I grew up reading Ludum’s books so these films hold a special place in my heart.
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Another beautifully shot film with an exquisite ensemble cast featuring Judy Dench, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy. British retirees head to India in search of an affordable place to live out their years and learn they have more life left in them than they could have imagined.
Mamma Mia, The Movie after visiting Pelion, Greece we had to go back and watch this movie again. The fun music of Abba combined with the Greek scenery is just too much to pass up. You’re gonna wanna watch Mamma Mia, Here We GoAgain simply for the chance to see Cher. They’re both fun movies.
Sheer Entertainment
National Lampoon Vacation The ultimate silly comedy road trip movie starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo. A classic bit of fun.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles John Candy and Steve Martin use every means possible to get to their final destinations. It reminds me of Hemingway’s quote to only travel with those you love.
Catch Me If You Can This fun movie places Leonardo DiCaprio in some unbelievable situations but my favorite is when he’s an airline pilot. Wouldn’t happen today – at least I hope it wouldn’t – but it’s a movie that actually has you rooting for the bad guys.
Up In The Air if you ever wonder what’s like to be a road warrior flying thousands of miles of corporate travel this is a movie for you. Trust me, it’s not glamorous at all. Airports, lounges, collecting miles is not for everyone. George Clooney will show you how to quickly get through security and not look like an amateur.
No Reservations Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart are two chefs competing in the kitchen when life throws in a curveball. A deliciously delightful film
More Favorites
2 Days in Paris We watched this movie en route to Paris one year and laughed the entire time. I’m sure passengers around us wished they had been watching this instead of the airline offered film. A couple tries to rekindle the romance but family and exes abound and so do the laughs.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding we love all things Greek and this movie dives into the lives of a Greek family that has a little too many similarities to our own families. It’s full of laughs, Greek food, and all the wacky relatives named Nickie. Whether your Greek or not it’s a fun love story.
Moonstruck Ok this movie isn’t about travel per se but it does take you on a tour of New York City. The restaurant scenes are priceless. Every time I see Olympia Dukakis make that egg in the hole with peppers I want it. Every. Single. Time! It’s a fun family movie that I can and have watched a hundred times.
The Long, Long Trailer Last but not least, this movie featuring Lucy and Desi Arnaz is laugh out loud funny. These newlyweds hit the road towing a travel trailer and yes, hilarity does ensue. It’s Lucille Ball at her best. This one’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
I had to include the trailer on this one.
There are many, many more to choose from, of course. Let us know what your favorites are so we can add them to our iPad before our next trip!
Most of these movies are available on Amazon Prime, Netflix, or Hulu Plus.
And…if you’re looking for a really tasty movie snack check out this Candy Pop Popcorn from Sam’s Club. It’s the perfect combination of salt and sweet. This variety pack mixing favorite candies M&M, Snickers, and Twix with popcorn is a brilliant idea. It’s only $9.98 at your local Sam’s Club.
Candy Pop Corn Variety Pack Sams Club
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Are you a cheese lover? We absolutely love cheese. There are just so many different varieties, and styles to enjoy. We can get seriously confused standing at a local cheese counter.
One thing that we do know is that high-quality cheese makes for a tastier experience. Top flight cheese makes all the difference whether you’re just snacking, including it on a cheese board or adding cheese to your favorite recipe.
Real Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
One of the cheeses we adore is Parmigiano Reggiano. This cheese is perfect for so many recipes and eating just as it is. You may not know that all Parmigiano Reggiano is not created equal. Certified Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemakers use an exacting science. Just as with wine, Parmigiano Reggiano has a PDO status or Protected Designation of Origin. There are also specific elements required for a true Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. These include the use of raw milk delivered straight to the dairy after milking. Next, they use fermenting agents. Then, the cheese is aged for a minimum of 12 months. Finally, no other additives are included.
Because of the long fermentation process, the cheese is easily digested. It is also lactose-free. Still rich in calcium this hard cheese is one of the healthiest cheese choices you can make.
How do you know you are buying the authentic certified Parmigiano Reggiano cheese? Look for the name carved right into the rind. Small pinholes carefully spell out the name.
If you can’t make out the etching on the cheese, check the label. It will be clearly marked, as you see below. There will be no mistaking the real deal.
Now that you know how to find the best Parmigiano Reggiano, you will be sure to look for it by name. Be sure to include the best cheese in this recipe we want to share with you. Starting with the best ingredients is always a good way to ensure your recipe will be a success. Substituting a lesser quality cheese, like the powdered parmesan you get in supermarkets will simply not work. Use only the certified cheese we recommend Parmigiano Reggiano.
Parmigiano Reggiano Pasta With Asparagus
This Parmigiano Reggiano pasta recipe is so easy to make. It freezes well too, so if you like, you can make plenty of the creamy, cheesy, garlicky pasta (without the veggies) and put into the freezer for a quick meal anytime. Choose your favorite pasta from elbow macaroni to fettuccini to fusilli or penne. We used spaghetti for ours.
Ingredients
1 box of your favorite pasta of choice
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2/3 cup milk
2 large cloves fresh garlic, grated
1 tsp granulated garlic
1-1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano + 1/4 cup for topping
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup chopped fresh asparagus (or veggie of choice)
Freshly ground pepper, if desired
Directions
Boil pasta until “al dente” according to the instructions on the box. Set aside.
Steam the fresh asparagus. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, add milk and granulated garlic. Mix together to dissolve garlic into milk.
In a large saucepan, add butter. Bring the saucepan to low heat until butter melts. Add flour and whisk to form a smooth roux.
Add in heavy cream, Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella cheese, and grated garlic. Bring to medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk the sauce to completely melt the cheese and incorporate it into the sauce until it is thick and smooth. Pour small saucepan milk and garlic into the large saucepan.
Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. After that, stir the pasta to evenly coat with sauce.
Add chopped asparagus to pasta and blend gently.
Top dish with 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano and freshly ground pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
What goes great with Parmigiano Reggiano pasta? Bread of course. Use some of that extra shredded cheese to make some cheesy garlic bread. We had some fresh sourdough we picked up on our recent visit to San Francisco and it was a perfect accompaniment.
We hope you enjoy this tasty and easy recipe. The wonderful thing about this dish is that it’s flexible. You can add your own favorite veggies, meat or seafood and create your new family favorite. Let us know if you try the recipe and how your friends and family think.
For more recipes and information about Parmigiano Reggiano check out their website Parmesan.com.
Thank you Parmesan.com for providing us the samples of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to test for this sponsored post. All opinions we provide are our unique views and reflect our experiences. We pledge to provide our audience with truthful and honest reviews. Powered by BrandBacker.
Updated March 2023 – Because many places have new and changing travel guidelines be sure to double-check with all properties, restaurants, and services to confirm they are open and operating when you begin your travel planning.
My trip to the Center of Portugal was hosted by Turismo de Portugal, but all suggestions and endorsements are solely personal. I only recommend what I personally like and experience.
Many people are talking about visiting Portugal. It seems to have come upon everyone’s radar lately. In fact, it was recently named “Europe’s Leading Destination 2020” at the World Travel Awards in November for the fourth time in a row.
We had been wanting to visit this destination ourselves for the last few years so when I was invited to tour the Center of Portugal I could have flown there myself on sheer will alone.
I expected to see beautiful historic places, eat amazing food and delicious wine. What I didn’t anticipate was falling in love with the country, the people, and the way of life.
While many have visited Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve, the larger more populous cities of Portugal, I explored the center of the country and suggest you do the same. This region is full of historic journeys and landmarks. Touring the countryside you will understand the rich history and spend time with locals eager to share their rich culture and heritage with you.
Here are just three wonderful cities in central Portugal, all with different reasons to visit and explore.
Óbidos
As you approach the walled city of Óbidos you will begin to smell the fragrant flowers in bloom and see the castle looming from the distance. Bougainvilleas spilling over the walls welcome you to this magical little town.
Óbidos is a UNESCO City of Literature. If you long for the days of roaming and flipping through books in libraries and bookstores you will discover in heaven in this town. Books are an important part of the culture here. No matter where you visit you will see small libraries in stores and markets throughout the town.
Obidos Portugal Food Travelist
A fine example of this literary spirit is The Literary Man Hotel. They house over 40,000 books in their bookshop, library, and throughout the property. Many have been donated by local villagers. You are utterly surrounded by books every which way you turn. I was surprised to find that many of the books were in English so it was easy to grab a book, a comfy chair or couch, and relax and read. There are plenty of open spaces throughout the property with little nooks that make reading easy and inviting.
The Literary Man Hotel
If you’re looking for a libation they have a bar in the open shared space room and a fabulous gin bar in the basement, which is also loaded with books.
The Literary Man Hotel
The rooms are spacious and mine had French doors that opened to a beautiful patio for more lounging and relaxing. My room had a desk and, of course, a library of books within reach of every sitting space making it impossible to not pick up at least one or two.
View from a room at The Literary Man Hotel Obidos Portugal
Don’t Miss The Ginja
While roaming around Óbidos be sure to sample the locally made Ginja liqueur. Made with locally-grown cherries, this sweet cherry cordial is a wonderful treat often served in tiny chocolate cups that you eat after enjoying the drink. Be sure to save room in your suitcase for taking some home.
Ginja Cherry Brandy Obidos Portugal
There are many places to sample this native drink but if you want a special treat, stop in the cozy Bar Ibn Errik Rex on Rua Direita 100 in Óbidos where you can sip a ginja, explore the interesting items on the walls, and admire their extensive collections of Portuguese pottery and liqueur bottles.
Bar Ibn Errick Rex Obidos Portugal
The Surrounding Area
Óbidos makes a wonderful central location to stay and also visit areas nearby like the fishing village of Peniche and the beautiful beaches of Lagoa de Óbidos. It’s a very popular day trip destination from Lisbon since it’s less than an hour drive. You will truly experience what it’s like to live in a small Portuguese town walking along the cobblestoned streets and among the locals.
Alvados
If you’re looking for peace and quiet and communing with nature Alvados is a spot for you. Located on the edge of the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros this is a nature lover’s paradise.
Birdwatching, hiking, and wildflower excursions abound in this untouched and beautiful landscape.
Serres de Aire e Candeeiros National Park Alvados Portugal
A truly unique accommodation in Alvados is the Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel. Located outside the National Park of Aire and the Candeeiros Mountains, this remarkable hotel could not have a more perfect setting.
Each of the 12 rooms is themed by different emotions. My room was Adventure/Discovery. The “Out of Africa” movie theme was also displayed through all the decorations. Pith helmets and safari elements along with a large soaking tub with a full view of the park provided a wonderful place to rest and dream. When you arrive you are presented with a stunning case that includes your room key, a DVD of your room’s theme movie, and all the information you need to make your stay perfect for you.
This room is a “family” style room, which includes bunk beds and extra room to accommodate up to four people very comfortably.
Bedroom in the Adventure Discovery Room at Emotional Hotel Portugal
Other room types include such themes as meditation, passion, nostalgia, fun, fantasy or glamor. Each portrays the emotion depicted through unique decor and The hotel also offers a host of activities to choose from. Hiking with picnics, yoga classes, biking, horseback riding, pottery and cooking classes. One of my favorite memories of the trip was waking up early and opening my window to hear the birds chirping and starting their day as I also began mine.
View from Cooking & Nature Emotional Hotel Portugal
So Much More to See
Nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites include Batalha Monastery, Alcobaca Monastery and one of Portugal’s largest monuments the Convent of Christ in Tomar where you can walk through the building, once the home of the Knights Templar. No matter your spiritual beliefs the history and stories told through these locations will have you reading every plaque and pamphlet as you follow along with their journeys.
Convent of Christ, Tomar Portugal
Fátima
You may know Fátima as the world-famous Catholic mecca in Portugal. You would be correct in your thinking. What you might not know is that Fátima also draws people of all faiths to this iconic place. Christians, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and agnostics come to experience the tranquility and inner peace one can find in Fátima.
Fátima’s importance derives from the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary. The story goes that the three shepherd children witnessed several apparitions from May to October 1917. Over 60,000 other people also saw the last apparition. The brilliant vision was declared a miracle also known as “the day the sun danced.”
When you visit be sure to arrive in time to see the torchlight processions to the small chapel where the Virgin Mary appeared to the three children.
Fatima Portugal
The perfect place to stay is nearby Luz Houses. There are few places in the world that you walk into and immediately feel at home. Maybe it was the welcome “tea” with fresh biscotti. Perhaps it was the lure of the comfortable couches with creatively arranged pillows in the lounge area. Or, maybe it was the calming colors. My guess was all those things working together to create a perfect environment.
Welcome Tea at Luz Houses
My room featured a comfortable bed on a platform in the middle of the room. A personalized note welcomed me to peace and tranquility. Ahhhhh. Surrounded by lace, I had everything I needed within my reach. Little words of inspiration peeked out from various spots around the room. Suggestions included that I “find a place and get lost,” and sharing a comfort in knowing that “inside the nest, birds feel serenity.” This Cancer Crab felt right at home.
Room at the Luz Houses Alvados Portugal
The Old And The New in The Center of Portugal
Although you’ll find many historical and traditional ways throughout central Portugal you’ll also find modern amenities and customs as well. At the Luz Houses, they have a “selfie” corner. It makes it easy for anyone to snap a quick photo memory. They also include a paper cut-out heart at check out. You can write a quick note and post in the lobby. You can share your thoughts about your stay to leave behind for all to see.
Thanks Luz Houses
Center Yourself in the Center of Portugal
When you travel to Portugal be sure to take some time to visit other towns. Many are just outside the main tourist spots. Heading to the Center of Portugal will be one sure way to get off the beaten path. You will discover more about Portugal but perhaps even more about yourself.
To learn more about more places to visit and stay in the Center of Portugal visit CenterofPortugal.com.
We recently spent the night in La Jolla, California. We’d like to thank the Grande Colonial Hotel and the San Diego Tourism Authority for their help planning our trip. We were not paid for our reviews. All opinions reflect our own opinions and experiences.
On a recent visit to Los Angeles we decided to take a quick break from busy L.A. for a drive with Diana’s Mom to La Jolla. We thought a little sea and sun would be perfect for three midwest girls.
Grande Colonial Hotel-La Jolla
Hitting the road early on a sunny day ensured that the two and a half-hour ride was smooth and uneventful. We arrived in La Jolla and drove up Prospect Street to our destination, the Grande Colonial Hotel. When you first arrive at the Grande Colonial you are instantly transported back in time. Elegant tall palm trees at the entrance invite you into the beautifully decorated lobby.
Grande Colonial Main Lobby. Photo courtesy of Grande Colonial.
The AAA Four Diamond-rated Grande Colonial property may be over a hundred years old but the meticulous renovation immediately makes you feel welcomed and spoiled.
Grande Colonial Room #235 Photo Courtesy of Grande Colonial.
Just steps from the ocean the hotel offers rooms with your choice of city or ocean views. The Grande Colonial is the only original hotel left in La Jolla. It maintains its history while providing all modern amenities and comforts for its holiday adventures and business road warriors. The NINE-TEN restaurant and bar in the lobby is a perfect spot to enjoy a drink or meal.
So Much to See & Do in La Jolla!
The hotel is conveniently located on the main strip of Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla. A short walk in any direction will have you exploring high-end La Jolla shopping, galleries, jewelry stores, and restaurants. Convenient and comfortable, the hotel a perfect hub for your visit to La Jolla. We started our trip by strolling down Prospect Street to find a place for lunch. We had two challenges on our walk. First, way too many fun shops to stop in and explore. Once on our way again we encountered challenge number two. So many choices for lunch!
Dr. Suess Museum in La Jolla
Before making our decision we stopped in at the delightful Art of Dr Seuss. This combination, museum gallery and storehouses many works from Theodore Geisel. Every year the family estate releases more works so you’re bound to see something you have never seen before. While there, we were treated to a sneak peek at the latest release and enjoyed hearing more about the history of the artist and his art from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. We just love Dr. Seuss and really enjoyed touring the museum.
Fun La Jolla Fact: Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) lived atop Mont Soledad in La Jolla where he created many of his wonderful books and characters.
Let’s Eat!
Finally, inspired by the waves and sunshine, we found ourselves delighted by the idea of Hawaiian tastes at Duke’sLa Jolla for lunch. Remembering fond visits to Duke’s on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, we were excited to eat here. Although it was very busy and bustling we were seated pretty quickly. Our server was super friendly, helped us with the menu and got our drinks out very fast.
Fish tacos at Duke’s in La Jolla
We shared an order of fresh fish tacos, a sampler platter that included Duke’s tasty ribs with mango bbq sauce, grilled Huli chicken, steamed jasmine rice, macaroni salad and slaw, and the Poke tacos featuring raw ahi, shoyu, Maui onions, avocado, and wasabi crème Fraiche. Everything was delicious and perfectly portioned for lunchtime.
Sampler Platter at Duke’s in La JollaDuke’s Poke Tacos La JollaLa Jolla Cove
Time For A Rest
After a quick nap back at the Grande Colonial, we were up and out to watch the sunset on La Jolla Cove. We had fun watching the sea lions relax on the rocks as we silly tourists tried to get the perfect photo. After many attempts, we decided to just relax and enjoy nature’s beautiful end of day display.
Seals taking a sunny nap in La Jolla.
Plan to spend some time strolling around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Underwater Park. If you adore nature and animals like we do you’ll be treated to teeming marine life, sea lions, seals and many types of birds.
La Jolla Sunset -Courtesy SanDiego.org
Even a short walk on the beach lets you explore the amazing tide pools. You can also head to the Seven Sea Caves, which are only accessible by kayak or snorkeling to continue your exploration.
Children’s Pool seals -Courtesy SanDiego.org
A walk along the pathway at the Children’s Pool, originally intended as a swimming area for kids, provides a close-up look at seals playing and enjoying the beautiful and protected cove.
Birch Aquarium Courtesy Birch Aquarium
If you want to experience even more be sure to visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Over 60 tanks of beautiful marine life that include coral reefs, sharks, jellyfish, and outdoor tide pools. An interactive museum with research discoveries on climate, earth and ocean science make this a learning experience you won’t forget.
Gourmet Dining in La Jolla
Sun’s down and it’s time to head over to George’s at the Cove one of the best restaurants in La Jolla for dinner. Little did we know that we were headed for a very memorable meal in La Jolla.
Cocktails at George’s at the Cove
George’s at the Cove has two levels for dining a more casual rooftop that offers a terrific view of La Jolla Cove and a lower level that features California Modern by award-winning Chef Trey Foshee, and as we discovered, an eclectic menu sure to please every food traveler.
You’ll want to order one of their unique hand-crafted cocktails as you ponder exactly how you’re going to choose what to order from this tasty menu.
Stinging Nettle Spaghetti at George’s at the Cove Dinner
After a wonderful dinner and peaceful night’s sleep at the Grande Colonial Hotel, we were ready to take on the day.
As luck would have it, we woke up to a perfect day. The sun was shining bright, it was 75 warm degrees, and it was Diana’s birthday! Mother Nature ordered up a beautiful sparkly California day for my little California girl.
We packed up, checked out and made one last stop at the beach to see the ocean. Dogs, birds, sea lions were all out as if to wish Diana, a passionate animal and nature lover, a very happy birthday.
La Jolla coastline-Photo credit Robert Arends SanDiego.orgLa Jolla Cove
After doing some exploring we were just a wee peckish and in need of brunch. We headed over to Shorehouse Kitchen.
Diana and Mom at Shorehouse Kitchen with the Birthday Scone!
Time To Eat Again
After mentioning to our server that it was Diana’s birthday she brought a birthday scone for us to share and enjoy. We really loved the ambiance of this laid back California style eatery.
Breakfast at Shorehouse Kitchen in La Jolla
Their menu includes breakfast and lunch items with some of the freshest ingredients around. Fresh squeezed orange juice from California Valencia oranges is must!
California Sandwich at Shorehouse Kitchen La Jolla
We couldn’t decide between breakfast and lunch so we had a little bit of both. The Cucumber and Avocado Veggie Sandwich (a real California style sandwich) with alfalfa sprouts, tomato, toasted sunflower seeds, white cheddar, lettuce, cream cheese & whole grain mustard on fresh whole wheat bread and the Roasted Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Benedict with turkey sausage, quinoa, organic baby spinach, Béarnaisesauce topped with parmesan were both terrific choices.
Dog-friendly the Shorehouse also offers a full Doggie Menu.
More To See
Along the route to the Shorehouse Kitchen, you’ll drive on Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. You can stop and watch the hang gliders and paragliders soaring along the coastline at Torry Pines Glidersport. If you’re adventurous you might want to even try it yourself!
Torrey Pines hang gliders -Courtesy SanDiego.org
Heading Back for More Things to Do in La Jolla
With full stomachs and the sun shining we needed to head back to La-La Land. We had a delicious and wonderful time in La Jolla. Our only regret is that we couldn’t spend more time there. We wanted more time to enjoy the heated swimming pool at the Grande Colonial Hotel and to enjoy a round of golf or just relax watching the crashing waves at La Jolla Cove. We’ll definitely need to return and continue our exploration of this lovely, peaceful town on the ocean.
If you’re visiting the area, La Jolla is about a two and a half-hour drive from Los Angeles and a twenty-minute trip from San Diego.
For more information about things to do in La Jolla check out sandiego.org. To plan a trip to La Jolla or anywhere else your heart desires check out the Low-price guaranteed on Viator.
My name is Sue and I’m a tea lover. In my head, I can hear a schoolyard friend saying if you love tea so much why don’t you marry it. Well, I might not go that far. But I would say that tea has been with me for so many of life’s ups and downs. I can’t imagine my life without it.
When I was a little girl I grew up having tea with my mom and my grandmother. I’ll admit that “tea” to them was the Lipton yellow bag black tea. My mom reused the same darn Lipton bag for her tea all day long (she liked weak tea and was frugal).
We would have tea after dinner, in the afternoon with some cookies, and certainly if anyone was under the weather. I quickly associated tea as a comforting, soothing drink. I still do.
Back then I had no idea how many kinds of tea there were in the world. I sipped my Lipton all the way through college where I discovered the energizing benefits of all that caffeine.
Making Tea
When my world got a little wider I started to see other tea bags that weren’t yellow. What was all this? Herbal tea, black tea, green tea, white tea – it just went on and on. I quickly became a bit obsessed with tea. Different teas for every occasion.
After a stint at a way too stressful advertising job, I forced myself to end my consumption of caffeine. This was tough but I quickly learned the joys of chamomile and lemon teas, my new favorites. They were tasty and calming, too.
Grown-Up Tea
When I started another job they had a magical “beverage station.” It housed two giant coffee dispensers, a soda pop dispense, and, of course, a hot water dispenser. They had a rack of teas from Bigelow. “I Love Lemon” entered into my selections. This would quickly become my “work tea.” Whenever I had a big project or important meeting I would dutifully head to the beverage station and get my fresh cup of tea before I could begin. To this day, that tea immediately puts me in serious work mode when I have a cup.
I Love Lemon Bigelow Tea
Working on my own now I have my own beverage station, or what most call, a kitchen. My Hamilton Beach electric kettle with a fancy temperature setting for different types of tea is filled all day long. On average, I drink about six cups of tea a day. I have a wide assortment of teapots, teacups, tea strainers, and tea accessories.
And teas? Well, that gets a little complicated. I have one cabinet, a basket for everyday teas, and two rather large boxes of teas I’ve collected while traveling. Guests asking what kind of tea do you have are met with a list too long to remember. To make things even trickier people bring me tea and send me tea. As my niece might say, I’m rich in tea.
Dedicated Tea Drinker
My love of tea has not diminished over the years. If anything we’ve developed an even deeper obsessive relationship. And fortunately, I can sip just about any kind of tea I want now.
As you might expect, now that I’m traveling all over the world one of the things I love to do is look for new and interesting teas. Tea shops, tea houses, tea manufacturers, and tea growers all have a special place on my itinerary. I thought it was about time to share with you just a few of the teas around the world that have made me smile and appreciate the world just a little bit more.
Tea in Beijing, China
One of our first trips to Asia was to Beijing, China. We were lucky enough to stay at a friend’s place for a week that was nestled among the hutongs. These long narrow alleyways are filled with activities, shops, and homes. We found many tea shops in the neighborhood. Our biggest find was the Famous Tea of China Shop in the “NLGX” Nanluaguxiang shopping district. We stumbled in one afternoon and were greeted with smiles but not one person could speak English. Little did we know that tea lovers can communicate in so many other ways. We tried many teas and went home with a giant sack of blooming teas, fermented Pu-erh tea, oolong, and various others. We loved the Chinese lady who waited on us and thoroughly entertained us as well.
In fact, we went back a couple of years later and took Diana’s Mom with us. Another tea lover, she nearly bought out the shop! I hope we get to return again someday.
Tea Shop in Beijing
English Tea
We had the pleasure of spending some time in Northern England a few years ago. The Lake District is a beautiful place to enjoy nature, do some hiking (or walking as they call it) and, of course, sip some tea.
Here I discovered Yorkshire Gold tea. This Taylor’s of Harrogate brand is made with a very high-quality blend of the best black tea from Asam, Rwanda, and Kenya. It’s a lovely golden color and has its own unique and wonderful flavor. It’s in England that I learned to add just a splash of milk in my tea.
Yorkshire Tea
When we arrived at the historic Talbot Hotel in Malton we were welcomed with tea by the fire to enjoy with the owners in the lounge room. It was wonderful. I’ve yet to have a better shortbread than the one they served that day. I’m a fan of precious small English teapots too.
Tea and Biscuits Talbot Hotel Malton
Welcome Tea at Luz Houses in Fatima, Portugal
Sometimes when you enter a room you immediately feel at home. This was the feeling that I had when I entered the common room for our welcome tea at Luz Houses in Portugal. They had the tea service ready for us as we arrived. Jasmine tea with freshly baked biscotti awaited us. The cutest things were the heart-shaped natural sugar cubes. Is it any wonder that I’m eagerly awaiting my next trip to Portugal?
Welcome Tea At Luz House Portugal
Tumblewood Teas in Montana
When a woman calls you and says she heard you would be in town and would you like to try her teas, you just say yes, please! This is exactly how I first became acquainted with Riza Gilpin and Laurie Rennie, the owners of Tumblewood Teas. Little did I know that these gals were producing some unique and interesting tea blends in the tiny town of Big Timber, Montana (population 1,641).
We had a two-hour tea tasting with them late one night which was wonderful.
We love Yellowstone Country and I have to say I didn’t imagine I would find tea folks there. But I did. These are people who take tea very seriously. One of my favorites is their herbal “Bright Montana Morning.” Peppermint leaf, lemon grass, spearmint leaf, papaya leaf, lemon verbena, lemon balm, and lemon juice. The perfect way to start your day. And don’t miss their “I’m Your Huckleberry” black tea with a fresh local huckleberry flavor.
Tumblewood Teas in Big Timber
Tea by the Ocean in St. Croix
I absolutely love traveling to new places and discovering they have some of my favorite teas. This happened at the beautiful Buccaneer Resort in St. Croix. When I asked for tea at breakfast I was pleased to be presented with a box full of Harney & Sons tea. How did they know it was another favorite of mine? Clearly this had been arranged specifically for me.
On top of that, they had the Paris blend. Apparently, I’m not the only one who drinks tea in Paris. Mike Harney modeled this fruit-forward black tea from his visits to the city of light. It’s rich with vanilla and caramel flavors and has just a touch of lemony Bergamot.
Staring out at the blue Caribbean waters and sipping this tea was a perfect way to start my morning.
Harney & Sons Tea at the Buccaneer in St. Croix
Bush Tea in St. Croix
Tea doesn’t get much more organic than hand-picked herbs and spices like the ones you can select at the Farmers Market in St. Croix. Every Saturday morning the local vendors are out early to display their goods. You can get bunches of ‘bush tea’ for just a few dollars.
Bush tea is a staple throughout the Caribbean Islands. Locals make it from herbs available on the islands. Pickers make their own personal blends that may include mango, apple, fennel, soursop, mint, lemongrass, sage and marjoram. There are as many blends as there are pickers. Many say their “formulas” have health benefits. I’m not sure about that but having a warm cup of the island flavors is a wonderful way to begin the day.
Bush Tea St. Croix
Healthy Teas at the Fairmont
One of the things I haven’t mentioned is the health benefit of tea. Recently the Daily Mail listed the many reasons that sipping a cuppa tea will make you feel better, from increasing metabolism to fighting diabetes depending on the type of tea. I read that 3 to 5 cups of green tea can help you burn an extra 70 calories a day or seven pounds a year. I’m in!
The Fairmont in Washington, D.C. had a marvelous selection of their own special blends of tea as well as a Wellness Herbal Tea collection. Whether you’re looking to be rejuvenated or for a cup of tranquility they have the right formula for you.
Fairmont Wellness Tea Collection
Matcha Tea
A few years ago the matcha craze swept over the tea world. I was skeptical (of course) but from my first sip, I knew I’d be drinking a lot of this wonderful tea. Served hot, cold, and as an ingredient in many recipes, this fine powdered intense and earthy green tea is considered a superfood. It’s high in antioxidants, helps with your immune system, burns calories, and improves cholesterol.
I like that it has the boost of caffeine but rather than a jolt it offers sustained alertness over time. It doesn’t make me jittery and there is no crash either, just a good overall feeling. It’s a wonderful tea and also great for recipes and baking too.
There are a few brands of matcha that I have in my tea arsenal. I met the guys from Tenzo tea at a trade show a few years back and couldn’t get over how smooth it was. They are unique in a few ways. First, they only sell matcha. Pretty neat, huh? So you know they take it seriously. And they offer a subscription service for their tea. Their tea is hand-picked and organically grown. They were tired of the crash that some other less healthy drinks had and when they discovered matcha tea they went all in.
Tenzo Tea
They also keep sustainability in mind. The Tenzo Starter Kit comes with a tin, scoop, bamboo whisk, and stand. Put the matcha tea that comes in a vacuum-sealed bag in the tin and you’re all set. It reduces packaging and plastic. Go green! If you join their subscription program you’ll enjoy nice savings too.
Tenzo Matcha Tea
Matcha’s earthy taste may not be for everyone. A delicious way to mellow and enjoy it is iced with just a pinch of natural sugar or simple syrup and lemon.
Iced Matcha Tea
Meditteranean Tea
One of our favorite trips was our visit to Turkey. While in Istanbul we, like every other visitor, took our shot at the Grand Bazaar. We were on the hunt for a Turkish tea set. Diana was anxious to try her negotiation skills in the famous market known for haggling.
Of course, the process began with a glass of strong Turkish tea brought to us by one of the young boys who run in and out all day with pots of tea and hot water. We spent more time than either of us expected and left with the knowledge that our tea set would arrive safe and sound at our home shortly after we returned.
Our new friend gave us a good deal and more importantly the chance to learn more about his life and family and how much he enjoyed meeting people from all over the world.
Turkish Tea Set from Grand Bazaar Istanbul
We haven’t been to Lebanon (yet) but we had this lovely Lebanese Chai Tea at Suraya in Philadelphia. It was perfectly sweet and delicious. If you’re in Philly don’t miss this spectacular Lebanese restaurant. Be sure to make a reservation because they get really busy, especially on the weekends when their brunches are legendary.
Lebanese Chai Tea Suraya Philadelphia
Nana Mint Tea
Ever hear of Nana Mint? It’s a special mint grown in the Southern Mediterranean region. Known to most of the world as spearmint this herb is believed to help focus the mind. It’s also said to help relieve congestion and colds. Our friends at Wissotzky NANA MINT™ have taken that unique flavor and combined it with 100% natural tea and hand-selected herbs and spices. The tea is GMO-free, certified Kosher, and simply delicious. Try their black tea, green tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, and chamomile all flavored with the slightly sweet and refreshing Nana mint. This lovely mint-flavored tea has quickly become one of my favorites.
Nana Mint Tea
Ye Olde King’s Head, Santa Monica, California
The best teas in the world would have to include the ones we share with friends and family. Tea is a big deal in our family. We plan teas at home and teas at places that make a fuss out of it.
One of these places is Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica, California. We head to the west coast every December to celebrate the holidays. We were so happy to discover Ye Olde King’s Head. Not only did they put on one heck of an afternoon tea (we ended up taking food home!) but we also had a lovely glass of champagne to start the holiday celebration.
They have a very well-stocked gift shop next store where we found lots of last minute gifts. Many British items like Walkers cookies, Cadbury candies, gift baskets, and, of course, plenty of tea.
Tea In Santa Monica
Tea in the Midwest
I do travel around the world and love trying new best tea in the world. Sometimes, though, being home and enjoying a local spot you love is also a wonderful thing. The ritual of tea making and afternoon teas are something that I really enjoy. Taking the time to let the tea brew and munch on some savory and sweet bites with a friend is a splendid way to catch up, relax, and unwind.
Tea at the Drake Hotel in Chicago
There are a lot of fancy and beautiful afternoon tea places in Chicago like The Drake Hotel, The Peninsula Chicago, The Langham, and the Palmer House, among others. When we lived on the west side of Chicago I enjoyed a place a bit closer to home. Serenitea Tea Cafe in Oak Park, Illinois, is a locally run shop with a good selection of tea and tea snacks. They don’t mind if you linger a bit too long with a friend and have just one more cup of tea.
Tea in Milwaukee
Our friends in Milwaukee make us proud as they are home to Rishi Tea, Collectivo, and Urbal Teas. Don’t think of the midwest as tea drinkers or tea manufacturers? Think again. Rishi searches high and low for the best teas around the world.
Rishi Tea
I was already a big fan of Milwaukee when I learned that they have a rather strong tea culture. One of the largest tea makers in MKE is Rishi Tea. We were lucky enough to tour their offices and plant on one of our visits. Their search for the finest ingredients around the world for their organic teas makes them a friend of mine.
Collectivo may be known for their coffee but they take their tea selection seriously too. And Urbal Tea Urbal Tea is a local brand that has created functional herbal teas that taste great and provide health benefits as well. Liquid for life, as they call it. I certainly agree.
Urbal Tea
Best Tea Brands
As you can see I’ve drunk more than my fair share of tea in my search for the best tea in the world. I’d also like to share some of the teas that are my go-to teas.
As I mentioned I really enjoy Yorkshire Gold which I think is one of the best black tea flavors and is just perfect for a morning get you going tea. I’m also a fan of Harney & Sons English Breakfast too. If you like organic tea brands Twinings and Rishi each make an excellent English Breakfast.
Rishi English Breakfast Tea
So Many Ways to Buy
The good news is that you don’t have to travel around the world to discover teas you’ll love. You can buy teas online is just a few clicks. Adagio Teas has a wonderful selection of loose leaf teas for hot and iced tea lovers. They offer seasonal teas as well as specialty teas for holidays. Adagio also has great tea accessories. Their ingenuiTEA teapot is something I use frequently. It’s super easy to use, just put the tea in, let it steep and place the unit on your cup and the tea just pours through. Voila! It’s dishwasher safe too.
If you like the subscription model check out Sips By Tea. You fill out a free tea profile, join the club, and your personalized tea boxes are shipped to your home each month. You’ll be delighted when your tea treats arrive with new flavors to try. You then rate your teas and keep your tea preferences fresh ensuring you get the best teas to match your tastes.
Sips By Tea
Best Tea In The World
These are just a few of the best teas in the world that I’ve enjoyed while traveling and at home. I hope you’ll share some of your favorite teas with me in the comments below. I’m off to put the kettle on and enjoy a cuppa with a few friends.
We won’t ever be able to get to every restaurant, bakery, wine cave, food tour, or all the rest of the culinary experiences that thrive in the city of light. But we’re sure gonna try. On our visits, we had a delicious time in Paris, France, and wanted to share all the top food experiences in Paris we think are worth a visit on your next visit. Let us help you decide just where to eat in Paris and what to eat in Paris.
10 Best Food Experiences in Paris
1. La Bourse et La Vie Bistro
One of our favorite foods to eat in Paris is steak frites and you can get this famous dish at almost any corner bistro. But if you’re looking for a superior, classic, and some of the best steak frites in Paris go to La Bourse et La Vie, the latest restaurant of Chef Daniel Rose. Everything about our meal was perfect. From the crispiest, tastiest frites to the huge yet airy cheese gougéres starter. You won’t want to eat it all for fear of ruining your dinner but will finish every bite. You must. It’s that good.
2. Pierre Sang Bistro
A Top Chef semifinalist Pierre Sang Boyer cooks up some delicious French-Korean fusion food in Paris. We were treated to a very special lunch, enhanced with periodic visits from the chef, and enjoyed every bite. The fun of the meal was that we were not told of the ingredients, but had to guess what they were and get the 411 after each dish. The salmon with mashed cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, sea asparagus, tobiko (flying fish roe), and pickled onions were my favorite. The Waygu Beef with mushroom gravy was very good as well, with its secret ingredient of Jerusalem artichoke chips almost stumped us — almost!
Waygu Beef at Pierre Sang in Paris
3. Le Monte Carlo Brasserie
When we landed in Paris after a quick check-in at the sumptuous Hotel Napoleon we just had to have something to eat. A quick walk on the busy side streets and we found ourselves at Le Monte Carlo Brasserie. I love simple food to help recover from jet lag so the Poulet frites lunch special for me and the cassoulet of the day for Diana was just what the travel doctor ordered. Located a few blocks off the Champs Elysées this brasserie is a little gem.
If you get there at lunchtime you might have to wait a few minutes. The locals jammed this place during their work breaks for ample portions of homemade dishes and desserts. They’re open from 7 am to 10 pm. Sometimes the best food in Paris is simple and delicious.
Monte Carlo Brasserie CassouletLe Monte Carlo Brasserie Poulet Frites
4. L’Etoile Brasserie 1903
Americans sometimes have the impression that the French people are unwelcoming and the food is too rich. We’ve found time and time again that these misconceptions are simply not true. We met up with our friend Janice from France Travel Tips at L’Etoile 1903 a corner bistro nearby and had a fun dinner with the playful waiter, who insisted on being in our photo! He was adorable and made sure we enjoyed the local humor. The L’Etoile 1903 menu is deep and the wine list long. This spot is very affordable and just steps away from several Metro stops. Open from 7 am to 2 am, it would also make a great spot for a late-night get-together.
Diana Sue and Jan in Paris
5. Eat With
One of the best things about traveling is getting the chance to meet locals. Eat With makes it easy to eat at the home of a local and gather with other people who love to learn more about the local culture through food. We had the chance to dine in the beautiful home of Diane, herself a world traveler, who was a perfect host. Her Parisian home was so special and unique, multilevel with a rooftop garden and terrace, and incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Couer. After a champagne aperitif on the rooftop, we experienced a delicious multi-course meal lovingly prepared by Diane.
The night was full of great stories and fun. She even raised bees on her rooftop and took us through a honey tasting after dinner.
EatWith.com hosts meals at local homes in more than 60 countries. It’s a perfect way to have wonderful food experiences in Paris and enjoy an authentic local, home-cooked meal. Check out their website for more information on eatwith.com.
6. Alain Ducasse Cooking School
What a treat! To be able to take a class at Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse’s L’école de Cuisine. When we first heard we would be attending a class I thought I’d be taking pictures and eating (that is what I do best). When I was told to don an apron and get some knives I knew this would be a different kind of food experience for me. From filleting fish to trimming artichokes we did it all. And then got to taste the fruit of our efforts, which turned out to be very good.
The school is warm and makes you feel at home. Our chef-teacher was patient (especially with me – I ask a million questions!) and thorough but fun with his lessons. They have several classes from which to choose. Find out more on their website alain-ducasse.com.
L’école de Cuisine Alain Ducasse Cooking SchoolFilleting fish at Alain Ducasse Cooking School in Paris.
7. Rungis International Market
This stop is for the hardcore foodie. Do you want to know where all the food in Paris comes from? Most of it comes from the Rungis International Market located just outside of Paris. And did you know it’s the largest fresh produce market in the world? You can’t even imagine just how big the Rungis International Market is. The complex covers 573 acres and 13,000 people work there every day. Companies deliver over 1.5 tons of foodstuffs and 50 million flowers and plants annually. The wholesale markets represent 2,260 permanent operators, 4,300 producers, 4.5 million tons of diverse food products, with 50,000 vehicles per day. A huge number of markets are set up in 5 “Worlds” including fish, meats, fruit & vegetables, dairy products, and flowers. It’s literally like a city of markets.
Over 24,000 professionals enter every single day from producers to buyers. More than 18,000 visitors (like us!) a year come making Rungis Market one of the most visited trade sites in France. Tours are available for those willing to make the trek. They start early at 5 am and you’ll see each market and experience a Rungis-style breakfast at the end of the tour. This is a wonderful tour for chefs and foodies to learn more about food sourcing in the area. Check out their website rungismarket.com for more information on scheduling a tour for one of the really unique food experiences in Paris.
Rungis Market produce
8. La Grande Cascade
Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris is always a treat and dining at the storied La Grand Cascade is just that. What’s truly unique about this restaurant is that it wasn’t always a restaurant. It was originally the lodge in Bois de Boulogne where Napoleon III would come to rest after hunting trips. The beautiful interior and exterior of the building have been maintained and are exquisite. I only wish we could have experienced the outdoor terrace, which looks like it would be a bit of an escape from the hustle and bustle on the busy streets of Paris. I can only imagine a gourmet meal here served to perfection on a glorious spring or summer day with a glass (or two) of champagne.
Delightful turbot dish at La Grande CascadeLa Grande Cascade Dining Room
9. Publicis Drugstore
Don’t let the name fool you. maybe a place to find all your pharmaceutical needs (including a late-night pharmacy) but it’s so much more. Located at the bottom of the Publicis building on the end of the Champ Elysées this very trendy store has it all. A large bookstore, wine store, cigar room, and enough fashion brands to make your head spin. Need a Pierre Hermé macaron? They’ve got those too. Open from 8 am to 2 am every day of the year it may be a perfect shop for all those hard-charging advertising executives right upstairs.
We love the pre-made sandwiches, the large assortment of cheeses and wines, and the freshly baked bakery shop inside. There’s more food than you can imagine – foie gras, caviar, sushi, salads, every snack imaginable. It’s perfect for creating your own picnic. There’s also Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon located in the basement, which chef Eric Ripert called “the best restaurant in the world.” But you can decide for yourself. Full disclosure: I spent many years working at Starcom, which is owned by Publicis Groupe, so it still holds a special place in my heart.
Pierre Hermé Publicis ParisPublicis Drugstore
10. Walking Food Tour
One of the things that makes a trip to Paris fun is walking everywhere. You will likely find a culinary surprise around every corner when you’re off exploring. We spent several hours in “The Belly of Paris” with our friends at Meeting The French in the Les Halles-Montorgueil area. On their Gourmet Food Tour, you’ll go from Stohrer, the oldest pastry shop in Paris, to specialty shops featuring cheese, chocolate and so much more. Of course, the tour includes tastings of pastries, bread, cheese, charcuterie, and wine.
This is just the tip of the culinary scene in Paris and the best food experiences in Paris. We encourage you to try these gastronomic finds but also to discover and find your own special hidden gems. Paris is a foodie’s wonderland so start the day early and be sure to wear your smart comfortable shoes so you don’t miss a thing.
A huge thank you to our friends at Atout France, who hosted our trip to Paris, and to all the companies, restaurants, and hotels we visited. We were not financially compensated and all opinions are our own. You can learn even more about Paris and France by checking out their website france.fr.
THE QUICK BITE: These 10 Best Food Experiences in Paris will have you wandering the streets of Paris and discovering why foodies return again and again.
When traveling we all have the choice to stay at many different types of accommodations. Large hotels, small boutique hotels, bed and breakfast, Airbnbs… The choices can be mind-numbing.
When we’re visiting larger cities we may opt for hotels we know well as consistently delivering great comfort and customer service. One of those hotels is the Fairmont. We recently had the chance to visit our nation’s capital and stay at the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown.
We’ve had the good fortune to stay at Fairmont hotels around the world and have never been disappointed.
Fairmont Washington, D.C.
We Love The Gold Lounge
When we arrived at the Fairmont we learned that it was in the lovely West End part of town, right next to historic Georgetown. We were whisked to the 8th-floor Gold Lounge level for easy, hassle-free check-in. In addition, we were offered refreshments while we relaxed and waited for the paperwork to be finished.
Fairmont Gold Lounge Washington DC
Our room was ready upon our arrival. We discovered it was part of a major $27 million renovation. The stylish new rooms are wonderfully appointed. Instead of a typical desk area, there is now a comfortable couch, round table, and separate rolling chair to make it easy to relax or work in your room.
Fairmont DC Gold Level Room
While staying at the Fairmont we often choose to stay on the Fairmont Gold level. Along with the convenient private reception area and personalized attention, you also have access to the fantastic Fairmont Gold Lounge, a benefit we truly enjoy. The lounge is a perfect spot to relax, read newspapers from around the world, and plan your day. The helpful and friendly Gold Lounge team is available to assist with reservations, useful information about Washington D.C., and local recommendations.
Let’s Eat
Food is a central part of the Fairmont Gold Lounge. An enormous complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning (weekdays 6:30 am-10:00 am and weekends 7:00 am-11:00 am). Abundant warm and cold dishes have enough variety to please every traveler.
Breakfast fruit at the Fairmont Washington, D.C.
Fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals, and smoothies are some of the healthiest choices.
Pastries at the Fairmont Washington, D.C.
If you like a good morning pastry or toast they’ve got a wonderful selection. We loved their English tasty muffins, thick and fluffy just like Wolferman’s!
Breakfast at the Fairmont Washington, D.C.
If you’d like a hot breakfast to fill your belly for a long day of touring the capital you will find more than enough choices to make you happy. Meats, eggs, potatoes, oatmeal, and more will keep you going for hours and hours.
Eggs Benedict with Corned Beef Fairmont Washington DC
Places To Go, Things To Do and See
After a good breakfast, you can head out to see the iconic memorials, monuments, and museums. Washington, D.C. is full of history, breathtaking art, and architecture. You won’t want to miss a thing. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and your patience. Washington is an attraction for people all over the world. Plan out your day and leave enough time for lines and congestion.
Don’t miss the moving Ai Weiwei Trace exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum.
Franklin Roosevelt Memorial Washington DC
Pro Tip: Visit the popular Washington monuments in the evening. There will be fewer people and, although they are never empty, you’ll get some dramatic photos as well. We especially liked visiting the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King memorials at night.
Martin Luther King Monument Washington DC
Come Back and Relax
When you’ve had your fill of the city sights return to the Fairmont Gold Lounge for complimentary cocktail canapés from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm daily. There is also a full honor bar with beer and wine choices as well as various spirits to create the cocktails of your choice.
Honor Bar at the Fairmont Washington DC
Whatever your beverage of choice is they have options to make everyone happy. You can also choose from complimentary bottled water, sodas, coffee, and hot or iced teas.
Chicken Dumplings Fairmont Washington DC
The complimentary “snacks” during cocktail hour are quite hearty and could be a meal unto themselves. Hot and cold choices are available. You could easily fill up on these tasty bites and forget to leave room for dinner! Go easy and enjoy a few tastes. You’ll want to have room to sample the great offerings of local dining establishments.
Shrimp and Rice at the Fairmont Gold Lounge
When we say hearty food we’re not kidding. Whether you’re eating paleo or carb loading they’ve got a dish for you.
The smoked trout salad was one of my favorites.
Smoked Trout Salad Fairmont Washington DC
Coffee, Tea and Much, Much More
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water are also available throughout the day. Being a tea lover I was especially tickled by Fairmont’s large selection of teas. They had some reliable favorites like Green Tea, Chamomile, English Breakfast, and others. But what really excited me were the “Wellness Teas” that included energy, tranquility, digestive and high antioxidants.
If you’re looking to de-stress further check out their huge indoor heated swimming pool and large fitness facility. They also offer classes and a full array of fitness equipment to keep you in shape during your visit.
Fairmont DC Pool
Another spot to enjoy alone or with others is the outdoor terrace. The bubbling fountain creates the perfect environment for a quick meeting, a time to decompress, a relaxing meal or a cocktail with a friend.
Fairmont Terrace Washington DC
Speaking of cocktails, you must try the signature Beetini at the Fairmont. Created with the honey that’s produced right on the hotel’s rooftop it’s a refreshing drink with just a little sting!
Beetini at the Fairmont Washington DC
One place to enjoy that cocktail is the lobby bar is airy and bright with lots of interesting sculptures and comfortable seating.
Fairmont Washington DC Bar Lobby
So Long, Farewell!
As we made our way back to the Fairmont Gold Lounge to check out, our sad faces were met with smiles and promises of seeing us again. One of the great things about the Fairmont is that often employees move from property to property so it’s not unlikely to see a familiar face when you’re visiting. Our new friend Suki, the Gold Lounge Manager, sent us off with a bag of cookies for our road trip home. Talk about feeling special!
Road Trip Snack from the Fairmont Gold Lounge
With all there is to do and see in Washington, D.C. it was wonderful to have the Fairmont as our command post. The familiar luxury accommodations, wonderful Gold Lounge services, and food, and all-around splendid customer service and personal attention make this a great choice for your stay in the capital city.
Fairmont Washington, D. C. Georgetown
2401 M Street, NW
Washington, DC USA 20037
1-202-429-2400
Visit www.fairmont.com/washington for rates and availability.
My trip was hosted by the United States Virgin Islands Tourism. All suggestions and endorsements are solely personal. Our policy is only to share and recommend honest and fair reviews of what we personally like and have experienced.
When you are a Midwesterner you may dream of visiting the Caribbean Islands as the weather starts to turn a bit cooler. When I woke up this morning to Wisconsin temperatures in the mid-30s my mind couldn’t help but wander to St. Croix, USVI. I fondly remember my visit there not just because of the warm climate, lapping waves, and relaxed culture. I remember it most for the people.
St. Croix’s people are hard-working, resilient island people yet they know how to relax, go with the flow. They welcome those who visit to do the same.
If you live in the United States, St. Croix is just a short plane ride away to paradise. Whether you’re seeking a visit loaded with water sports, golfing, horseback riding or you just want to lounge on the beach sucking up fruity cocktails and finding gourmet dinners fit for a king, St. Croix has you covered.
There’s so much to explore in fact that they even publish 100 things to do in St. Croix for those of us who love a list and love to check things off that list just as much. My list will be much shorter. I’d like to introduce you to my 7 Spectacular Things You Need to Do in St. Croix. These are all not to miss items and when you visit be sure not to hurry through any of them. Linger, taste, savor the Crucian history and culture and let St. Croix welcome you.
Things To Do in St. Croix
Go To The Beach
If you’re going to the Caribbean the beach has to be one of the first things on your agenda. We have friends who, as soon as they land, run to the beach. That can’t wait to feel the sand in between their toes and the sun’s warmth on their face.
Beautiful beaches at the Buccaneer Resort in St. Croix
When you go to St. Croix you will be able to find beaches with many things to do like the beach at the Buccaneer Resort where you can take part in just about any beach activity that suits your mood. Or head to Shoys beach on the East End of St. Croix, where many locals go to relax. You won’t find lifeguards or beach toys but you will have to weave your way through seagrape teas and other brush to get to the much more secluded and quiet beach. It’s great for a swim or a peaceful long walk.
Visit The Rain Forest
It might come as a surprise that there is a “rainforest” on the island of St. Croix. It’s a lovely drive into this area of lush region full of mahogany trees, ferns, fruits and more. It’s a wonderful area for hikers, birders, and lovers of nature. Be sure to stop along the way at the Mahogany Road Chocolate shop with its small-batch “bean to bar” handcrafted chocolates or Nidulari Bakery right down the road in a black and red cart. The hours vary so be sure to check before heading out.
Although I didn’t experience them myself, I’ve heard there are also some beer drinking (non-alcoholic) pigs that entertain the customers at the Mt. Pellier Domino Club on Mahogany Road. Many travelers and locals stop in for a beer or a shot of their housemade infused-rum the Mama-Wanna and grab a beer for the pigs. The pigs acquired the taste of beer and now jump up and get really excited for their brews. I’m sure it’s a sight to see.
Walk And Explore The Shops
St. Croix may be the home of Cruzan and Captain Morgan Rum but don’t leave the island with just their tasty rum. Take your time and stroll through the many shops and galleries you’ll find. There’s no better way to support the island economy and help speed recovery from the hurricanes than spending your hard-earned dollars.
One unique souvenir is the St. Croix Hook Bracelet. While the folklore around these thin bracelets with hooks for clasps varies from island to island you will certainly be able to tell your own unique story. Using the folklore about luck and love based on whether the hook points toward or away from your heart)you can share your favorite version of its meaning to all your friends when you get home.
Downtown-St.-Croix
There are also many galleries and specialty shops to browse and wander through. Be sure to stop in the Mitchell Larson Studios in Christiansted. The gallery is full of interesting glass art pieces, from plates and glasses to holiday ornaments. If you see something you like but want something just a bit different they also customize their work as well.
Jan-R.-Mitchell-Studios-St.-Croix
Snorkeling on Buck Island
Enjoying the beauty and wonder of nature is certainly one of the reasons we like to explore the world. A special place to enjoy nature in St. Croix is nearby Buck Island. There you can snorkel along the Buck Island Reef National Monument.
We spent the morning with Big Beard’s Adventure Tours. They started the tour by picking us up on the dock at our hotel the Buccaneer Resort. We then took a short cruise to Buck Island. Before heading to the reef we were able to stop at the island and get a quick course in snorkeling. I had snorkeled before but it had been many years. I have to admit I was a little nervous.
Much to my surprise and delight, our guide gently told us how to don our gear, and then we got into the water where she showed us what to do and what to expect.
This may seem simple or basic to those who have snorkeled a ton but unfortunately, I had a bad experience years ago and, although I’ve snorkeled since then, I still get apprehensive every time I try again. Human nature I guess.
We walked into the water and as our teacher came around I began to feel very comfortable in the water and with my gear. I snorkeled off the beach started to see some fish and sea life and could feel myself smiling under the water wishing Diana was with me. I know she would have just loved this experience.
Let Go And Enjoy
After a few minutes, the teacher came over and said I don’t know what you were worried about you’re a pro! That comment sent my snorkeling confidence through the roof. What a great instructor.
We then got back in the boat and headed to the reef on the other side of the island. On the way, we were warned to stay with the group once out of the boat and not to touch anything. The reef is a living breathing creature. Touching it can not only hurt you by cutting you, scraping your skin or even causing an allergic reaction but it also destroys the reef.
As we got into the water I was super excited to see all the sea life. If you’ve never snorkeled or scuba-dived, seeing these creatures up close is a privilege and truly awe-inspiring. Our guides led us through the path on the reef slowly, pointing out lots of fish and plant life along the way.
On the way back to the hotel we sipped on rum drinks celebrating our wonderful and memorable excursion.
From morning to night, you can find fresh pastries, and fresh local seafood, with choices from fine dining restaurants to roadside shacks. I would urge you to take your time, order a second drink, stop often, and meet the people preparing these local foods. Each one has a wonderfully unique story to tell. You’ll find the people so warm and embracing. It’s almost guaranteed that when you leave you will have the names of at least half a dozen locals who are now your “cousins.” They will welcome you and welcome you back time and time again.
Learn More About the Island
You can find a deep dive into the history and culture of St. Croix with Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT). They offer tours on historical architecture, arts and crafts, and nature and agriculture.
A walking tour through the charming town of Christiansted leads you through Fort Frederik, Victorian townhouses, and historic churches. There’s also an Alexander Hamilton Historical Walking Tour that follows his childhood footsteps in St. Croix.
St. Croix Historical Center
If you love gardens be sure to visit the St. George Village Botanical Garden. Although it did have quite a bit of damage after the hurricanes it still houses so many beautiful plant species native to St. Croix. The garden works to teach visitors about conservation and preservation of the impressive collection of over 1500 native and exotic species they have assembled on their grounds.
St.-George-Conservatory-St.-Croix
Go To A Gas Station Party
A what? This by far is the most unique and fun things to do in St. Croix. When the sun goes down and you’re driving around, you’ll notice people congregating at gas stations. Some have full bars set up, some don’t. Some have food, some don’t. What they all have is an impromptu “popup” place for people to meet and have a good time. There will be music, maybe dancing and again you will find yourself meeting a local or two. The best way to find one of these local gatherings is to keep your eyes open when you’re driving around. Stop in and be sure to designate a driver.
Gas-Station-Party-in-St.-Croix
Things To Do In St. Croix
As you see one thing can lead to so many other things to do in St. Croix. This island is sure to welcome you no matter what you’re looking for in an island escape. Go to relax, go to play, go to eat and drink. The most important thing of all is to go.
It’s that time again to think about finding something new and different gift ideas for travelers in our lives. We’ve found a few unique holiday gift ideas that are sure to please everyone on your list. From special food items and gadgets that will make their travels just a bit easier.
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Do you ever suffer from the pressure building up in your ear canal during takeoff or landing on a plane? It’s not only annoying, but it can also be downright painful. These earplugs help relieve the air pressure discomfort and also help reduce loud noises too. Soft, pliable and comfortable, throw these little guys in your bag next time you fly.
Retail Price $5.99- $6.99
Everybody knows that planes, trains, and buses are loaded with germs. What can you do? Bring your antibacterial wipes and swap down your entire area? That is one way. That still won’t clean the air around you. Another way is to carry your own personal air purifier, the Air Tamer. Just put this lightweight and silent device around your neck turn it on and you’ll be breathing cleaner and healthier air instantly.
According to the manufacturer, it creates a “3-foot sphere of cleaner, healthier air around your head”. Their electrostatic purification can help reduce viruses, pollen, smoke, molds and dust mites in your area. It’s rechargeable and has a long 40+ hour run time on just one single charge. Comes with a USB charging cable and a handy travel case too.
Retail Price $149.99
There are so many different bags to carry on a plane. Many of us like to travel with a backpack. Finding one that is big enough, but not too bulky or heavy can be challenging. The Cross-Trek2 travel backpack has now traveled with us to Greece and to San Francisco and it certainly fit the bill.
This rugged bag is perfect for any type of travel whether you’re just taking it with on a plane, a train or ready to hit the hiking trails. Its water-repellent fabric and zippers work very well. My last backpack failed when the passenger in front of me dropped an entire glass of water and it went all over my backpack underneath. Fortunately, I got my electronics out in time but it didn’t dry out even after a 10-hour flight.
This bag is LOADED with features you will actually use. The Add-A-Bag pass-through makes it easy to attach it to your wheeled carry-on bag. Lots of pockets and organizers, a lined laptop compartment that fits most 17″ laptops. Padded shoulder straps and padded hip belt, and ergonomic foam back panel with lumbar support. Mine was loaded up with all my electronics (do the cords ever end?), my water bottle, book, notebook, necessities bag and lunch and I carried it easily with my sometimes fussy back.
Can’t say enough about all the features and convenience of this bag and it fits easily under the seat of an economy section seat. Another bonus, it has a handle on the side so you can carry it like a briefcase too. Bags like this are perfect gift ideas for travelers.
Retail price from $99.99
Granite Gear Cross-Trek2 Back Pack
Travel Together
Haven’t seen a friend or family member in a while? How about planning a trip together? It could be a week-long dream trip or just a quick weekend getaway. Either way, you’ll both get to see each other and enjoy a visit to somewhere you both can enjoy.
If you know someone who loves fresh herbs and mushrooms this is a really fun gift for them. Grow your own organic herbs and mushrooms right on your kitchen counter. You don’t need a ton of room or any gardening skills whatsoever. Just open up the box add a little water and wait. You’ll have results in just weeks. This is a super fun thing to watch grow for kids and adults who have a childlike spirit.
Retail prices from $19.99
Looking for a different alternative to cow’s milk? Give Milkadamia a try. Yes, it really is nut milk made from macadamia nuts. Free of dairy, soy, GMOs and gluten, this tasty alternative is safe for folks with all kinds of sensitivities as well as those who enjoy the very subtle taste of macadamias. And, honestly, who doesn’t love those? There are plenty of options for both nondairy milk substitutes as well as creamers.
You can go for the unsweetened variety or those with just a hint of sweetness from real can sugar. Grown on family-owned Jindilli farms near the eastern coast of Australia, these passionate folks promote free-range trees supporting life not trees on life support. You can find Milkadamia at online stores like Amazon, Thrive Market and Jet, as well as many retail grocers.
Retail prices around $5.49
What if you had a bubble attack and could drink a tasty sparkly drink that didn’t add calories – and in fact could help reduce the sugar spike from that giant burger & fries or donut binge. Well, believe it or not, the science behind Good Idea sparkling drinks says that you can!
Created by a Swedish food scientist, Good Idea incorporates the intriguing fruit flavors like orange/mango, lemon/lime and dragonfruit along with a blend of 5 amino acids and chromium to reduce the blood sugar spike after a meal by an average of 25%. It’s not quite negative calories, but it’s certainly a start! And, beyond all the health benefits, they taste great. Check out the Good Idea website to learn more.
Cauliflower rice is one of our favorite “healthy” food products. We’ve gone through the trouble of making ourselves to use in our amazing crispy cauliflower crust pizza. So we were happy when we started to see pre-riced cauliflower popping up in stores. But you still have to keep it in the fridge or the freezer, which can be a bit of a pain. That’s why when we discovered Fullgreen Cauli Rice and Veggie Rice we got even more excited.
The products are super simple – cauliflower, broccoli and sweet potatoes that are washed, riced and steamed in a pouch. They’re non-GMO and ready to go. We love that they have sweet potato rice as well as cauliflower rice flavored with herbs or combined with broccoli. When you want a veggie side or want to skip doing the work yourself, these additive-free options are a perfect choice.
Available at Amazon and retailers like HEB and Wegmans.
Retail Prices from $6.97
So, we admit to falling in love with “Bulletproof” coffee. It’s a great way to start the day, especially if you’re focused on a Paleo-style diet. But it takes a bit of work to combine butter and coconut oil in the right combination. So when we heard about Coffee++, which combines grass-fed organic cultured ghee and the MCT oil that comes from coconut oil, you could practically hear us smile. Now we can jumpstart our morning by easing into it without the wait for ingredients to melt.
Available on Amazon, at the Pure Indian Foods website and various retail stores.
Retail prices from $15.95
If you have a tea lover on your list you can surprise them with the unique Tea Drops. Made with real loose leaf tea the “tea drop” melts away in hot water. No tea bags, no waste, no muss, and no fuss. They have many unique flavors to choose from like blueberry acai white tea, chocolate earl grey and citrus ginger or simply get a variety pack if you can’t decide.
Retail prices start at $10.00.
Cheese!!! You know just about everybody loves it. If you haven’t tried Cabot Cheese, what are you waiting for? The holidays are a perfect time to create cheese boards or bring along a special cheese gift as a lovely housewarming gift. What makes Cabot Cheese really special is that they are a coop of 1,000 farms in Vermont and New York who work together to produce some of the best cheese in the world. Some of our favorites are the Seriously Sharp aged Cheddar cheese and the Lamberton Vermont white cheddar. Shh, don’t tell our Wisconsin friends! We say the more merrier there’s also room for more cheese.
We love to cook with international flavors and ingredients, but sometimes the tastes of travel are hard to come by at home. That’s why we were pleased to find that RiceSelect® has a great variety of products that are true to their global routes. Especially hard to find is authentic Israeli-style couscous. This is not the small grain-type couscous, but nice big balls of couscous that stand up well to mixing in all kinds of delicious ingredients from veggies and dried fruits to meats and nuts.
Not only does RiceSelect® have the traditional pearl couscous, but it is organic as well. And, if you’re looking for a great twist on tradition, they also have Whole Wheat and Tri-color Pearl Couscous, getting its colors from the addition of spinach and tomato. We enjoy making a meal of it with veggies, beans and dried fruit, but you can check out some of their other ideas for recipes too. You can purchase from Amazon and many other retail outlets.
We met the folks at Firehook at the Sweets and Snacks show earlier this year. Of all the cookies and crackers we tried (and believe me, we tried a lot), their products really stood out. These are tasty cookies and crackers that actually tasted like homemade. Really. Try one of my many favorites like their brownie bark, ginger chocolate chip cookies, or dark chocolate biscotti. And don’t forget the Mediterranean baked crackers. We like the hummus crunch and the sweet potato and chive the best, but it’s really hard to pick a favorite on these.
Whether or not you’ve been to Portugal this intimate story about the culinary centerpiece of the Porto Bolhão Market will captivate from the very beginning. The authors clearly share our love affair with Portugal and lovingly tell the tales of the vendors of the market and the foods of Portugal they prepare and serve. Gorgeous photos accompany the stories and you’ll find yourself looking at every detail. We highly recommend this book for lovers of Portugal and any food or history lover on your list.
Retail price from $19.99
You’ve seen the show and heard all about Tiny Houses. If you live in a small space (like us) you have to learn how to prepare great meals with less cooking equipment and less space. 175 recipes are designed specifically to be made in a smaller-sized home. All of these recipes can be prepared with no oven, microwave, toaster oven, freezer, or full-sized refrigerator. In fact, most only need two pots to prepare. They’ve got you covered for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! Lots of full-color appetizing photos to really pique your interest.
Retail priced from $12.99
Did you know that lowering your consumption of animal products by just 10 percent can provide significant health benefits? Neither did we until we found this book. It makes sense that adding more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes would not only help with weight loss but also be more heart-healthy. Loaded with lots of tasty recipes like spinach and artichoke dip, spiced pumpkin soup and even Chocolate Cream Pie.
Wine buying can be so complicated. In this book, Catherine Fallis breaks it done to 10 essential grapes to know. Perfect for someone who wants an easy way to learn what to look for at a tasting to how to pick an inexpensive bottle of wine that will impress even the most hard-core wine lover.
Retail price from $16.99
If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays or just the end of another successful day Mionetto has the perfect sparkling wine for you. We’ve been toasting with their prosecco for years. Mionetto has been in business for over a century delivering quality wines to eager consumers.
Retail price from $10.99.
The holidays are a great time to create drink concoctions at home. With a Drinkmate on your counter, you’ll never run out of sparkling water and you can make any type of soda you desire with just a few ingredients. This handle gadget also carbonates ANY drink. Sparkling juices, wine and cocktails are just a minute away with the Drinkmate. Check out their website for all kinds of great drink recipes.
Drinkmate Tom Collins. Photo courtesy of Drinkmate.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Travelers
Thanks for checking out our food and travel gift guide. We know that folks like us who love food and travel will appreciate any of these items. Really the most important thing is spending time and making memories with your family and friends during the holidays. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
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Many people in the Midwest and around the country visit the Twin Cities, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. The area is known for its Midwestern charm and Minnesota nice. Also, it’s loaded with lots of attractions, things to do and many tasty places to eat. What most folks don’t know is that the Roseville food scene is one that should not be missed. Roseville is located right between those two lovely cities. It’s a bit smaller but its proximity to these two towns is just one reason that makes it the ideal place to stay while visiting the area.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Park
Comfort, Convenience, and Smart
We were lucky enough to be hosted by the Courtyard Minneapolis St. Paul/Roseville on our recent stay. A revitalized property so nice you can almost smell the newness as soon as you walk in. They have a large open lobby and meeting place with a bar for evening cocktails and a bistro for grab and go breakfast and lunch goodies.
They have a large screen TV in the public area, which was perfect for enjoying a quick local beer and the NCAA March Madness while we were visiting.
Our spacious room included an in-room whirlpool tub, desk, and ergonomic chair as well as a comfortable king-size bed. We also had free high-speed Internet, HBO, mini-refrigerator, coffee/tea maker and extra comfy chair with ottoman.
Room at the Courtyard Minni St Paul RosevilleIn-room whirlpool at the Courtyard
The large gym, indoor pool, and hot tub make sure you won’t miss a workout while you’re traveling. An outdoor lounge area is perfect for relaxing outside or just taking a quick break.
Gym at the Courtyard Roseville MinnesotaSwimming Pool and whirlpool at the Courtyard in Roseville MinnesotaCourtyard Roseville Outdoor Terrace. Photo from Courtyard Minneapolis St. Paul/Roseville
The Courtyard is located conveniently to the expressway for easy off and on to Minneapolis or St. Paul. There are also nearby stores like Aldi (one of our faves) and Walmart both just down the street.
Don’t Miss The Roseville Food
Before you head off to the Twin Cities be sure you add the Roseville food scene to your list too. This is not just a place to lay your head down at night and relax. Roseville has lots of food you’re not going to want to miss.
Heading out for a full day you’re going to want to start with a good breakfast. Roseville has you covered. Here is just some of the best food in Roseville you need to check out.
Stop by The Grateful Table for some of the best pastries we’ve ever had (and remember we’ve been to a few places). I’m honestly still dreaming about the almond chocolate croissant we tried there.
The mother-daughter team of Mary Robideaux and Christine Robideaux are putting out some amazing food at this small space in Roseville. I spent a few minutes talking to them and really appreciate the importance they put on quality ingredients and hiring the right people.
They also have lots of other pastries, quiches, egg dishes, sandwiches, and, of course, freshly brewed coffee. For tea lovers like me, you’ll be pleased with their selection of Rishi Teas from the fellow Midwestern Milwaukee company.
Almond Chocolate Croissant at The Grateful Table in Roseville, MN
Best Breakfast in Roseville
If you want something a little more substantial try Key’s Cafe and Bakery. If you visit on the weekend prepare for a little bit of a wait but know that it’s worth it. Start with their “famous” homemade caramel or cinnamon sticky buns. We had to try the caramel bun and it truly lives up to its name. I also had the “Two Guys” Breakfast which was a hearty 7 oz. Certified Angus beef filet with sauteed mushrooms and onions with two eggs, hash browns, and toast. Let’s just say I was set for the day! Diana had the eggs benedict on and giant waffle. Be sure to come to Key’s Cafe hungry and be prepared to leave full. This was definitely one of our best breakfasts in Roseville.
Keys Cafe Famous Homemade Caramel Sticky Buns
Eating local seafood is one of the things I love best about traveling. Walleye is a Midwest classic and I always look for on a menu. We were lucky to find the Green Mill Restaurant & Bar a local spot that features many local favorites. I had my walleye broiled and it was excellent. Get there early because they have happy hour specials on drinks and food.
Walleye dinner at the Green Mill Restaurant in Roseville
Another hot dish you’re going to want to try in Roseville is, well, Hot Dish. This iconic Minnesota specialty is a casserole topped with crunchy tater tots. Often a stable on many home cook’s tables as well as a popular guest at many potlucks. Hotdish has more recipes than you can imagine. Typically loaded with ground beef, cheese, and mixed vegetables but every chef has their own unique concoction.
Hot Dish – A Minnesota Food Icon
We tried a hot dish at Grumpy’s in Roseville. This is one filling, tasty, cheesy, crunchy dish. Grumpy’s is a family-friendly sports bar with lots of screens, drinks, and local beers. Don’t miss the beer-battered walleye fingers and Mac’s Big Pizza with its six all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and sesame seeds on a pizza crust. This is one Roseville food dish you definitely won’t want to miss.
Hotdish at Grumpy’s
Eating Our Way Through St. Paul, Minnesota
As mentioned, Roseville’s location makes it easy to visit both St. Paul and Minneapolis. Enjoy all the Roseville food options and then you can explore a bit further afield too. Here are just some of the things you’ll want to check out in St. Paul.
If you’re looking for fun, cocktails, and some tasty food head to Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul. Sure it’s an odd name but who cares? This spot has a kitschy cocktail lounge surrounded by a wild miniature golf course and vintage arcade games.
They have super unique cocktails like these two below served in planters. The drink on the left is That Carrot Drink with aquavit sherry, pineapple, carrot, bitters, and edible dirt. The greens you see sticking out are attached to the world’s smallest real carrot. The one on the right is the Greenway Garden Punch, which has gin, fruit juices, and herbs and spices. It’s usually served in a watering can but I guess they were out watering when we visited!
There are many more fun drinks, boozy slushies, malts, and floats. The food includes bar food classics like nachos, wings, but with a special Can Can twist. Like the Bahn Mi Nachos, Pavarotti sandwich and, of course, cotton candy and popcorn.
Can Can Wonderland St. Paul Minnesota
The bar is a perfect place to hang out and have a drink and a nosh while the kids play mini-golf and enjoy the games. I have to admit that I was happy to find one of my childhood favorites the World Series baseball game. This old-school game lets you pitch and bat. I will confess to dropping more than just a few quarters into a machine just like this back in the day. It was still just as fun as ever.
Can Can Wonderland Vintage Games
A French Touch
We checked out W.A. Frost & Company in St. Paul which was a real treat. We thoroughly enjoyed our very civilized lunch there one afternoon. From the moment we sat down and heard Vivaldi’s Four Seasons we knew we were in the right place. We started with a glass of bubbly and split the artichoke grilled cheese sandwich. Lovely artichokes with cheddar, parmesan, tomato, and arugula on Vienna white bread with a fresh green salad. Although the restaurant was a bit empty when we arrived at 11:30 am be sure to make a reservation because it filled up quickly.
It’s a perfect location on Cathedral Hill so you can take a quick walk over to the beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral before dining to work up an appetite. Then head over to W.A. Frost and Company located in the Dacotah Building built in 1889. On the National Register of Historic Places the building originally had fine apartments and a full-service pharmacy. The well-heeled local socialites visited for W.A. Frost for “drugs, chemicals, and medicines, medicinal wines and liquors and fancy toilet articles of great variety.” How fancy!
Through the years the building and the neighborhood have seen ups and downs but clearly, W.A. Frost would approve of the award-winning restaurant with fine dining and a large outdoor patio area that we can only assume is bustling during the warmer weather.
One more note. I noticed that a lot of diners ordered the grilled Black Angus hamburger. I’m not going to say I had food envy. Let’s just say it looked delicious and I need to go back and try it.
W.A. Frost Restaurant St. Paul MN
Many Cultures Coming Together
The HmongTown Marketplace in St. Paul is a must-visit for all Food Travelists. Minnesota has one of the largest Hmong population in the U.S. The Hmong people became refugees when wars ravaged their homeland in Laos. The Hmong Marketplace has over 200 vendors that have fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, spices, clothes, household goods and more.
Hmongtown Market in St. Paul MN Roseville
There are also many food vendors making Hmong food specialties. Take some time and explore the kiosks and then enjoy the food too. We would suggest walking all the building first and then making your selections. You will not believe how much there is to choose from. Everything from egg rolls to soup, smoothies, bubble tea, fresh salads and more.
Fried Chicken Feet at the Hmongtown Market
And There’s More
When you’re out in the neighborhoods looking for a special dinner spot try Tongue In Cheek. They only use “animal products that are raised or caught in a humane and sustainable manner.”
They also take great pride in all their dishes. We had a good sampling of the menu and enjoyed it all. The steamed pork buns with sweet pickles and stone fruit were delicious.
It’s a terrific spot for sharing. They have “teasers” which are small bites. Also, small and large plates that make it easy to share and try many different dishes.
Steamed Pork Buns Tongue in Cheek St. Paul Minnesota
So Much More To Do Than Eat in the Roseville Area
Let’s take a break from eating for just a few minutes and talk about some of the things you can see in Minneapolis. Of course, most people are going to put the Mall of America first on their list of things to do. We’re not big shoppers BUT, as we learned, there is a lot to do there besides shopping.
Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
If you like rides the Nickelodeon will spin you every which way you like. When you first enter the large indoor amusement park you are immediately hit with sensory overload. You may even start running around from ride to ride trying to decide which one to try first.
There’s also a Lego Store with a huge Lego display. You’ll find characters like the Transformer, white tigers, helicopters and more. We kinda liked the explorers and globe scene below.
Lego Store display in the Mall of America
Under the Sea…
You know we’re nature lovers so we had to take a spin through Sea Life in the Mall of America. We had a really interesting chat with one of the guest experience hosts about the stingrays in the Ray Lagoon. These folks are everywhere among the exhibits and happy to answer any questions you may have.
They have many different Sea Life experiences like snorkeling in the Rainbow Reef exhibit, feeding the stingrays, there’s even an opportunity to sleep overnight underneath the sharks in the 300 foot Ocean Tunnel. Sounds like fun!
Sea Life in Mall of America
Of course, the Mall of America is a shoppers paradise. There are over 500 stores with just about everything for everybody. We loved the fun Minnesota shops with novelty gifts and souvenirs. Our favorite was the Animal Lovers Store. Not only do they have wonderful accessories for your dogs and cats they also have animal-related home goods and clothing.
Mall of America The Animal Lovers Store
Mall of America Food
Food is also abundant in the MOA too. There are several food courts with cuisines from every continent. With over 50 restaurants to choose from you’ll find many of your favorites as well as some new ones to try.
Culinary Scene at the Mall of America
Another fun outdoor activity is the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. We arrived just in time to see the spring flowers in full display. Walkthrough all the gardens we really enjoyed the bonsai collection. This place is a photographer’s heaven. Stroll through the Sunken Garden, Tropical Encounters, Fern Room, Orchid House and more. Admission is free but you can make a voluntary donation of $3 for adults and $2 for children to help run Como Park.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
But There’s More To Eat in Minneapolis
You gotta try the local favorites where ever you go, right? Then don’t miss the Minneapolis Jucy Lucy. Go where the locals go, Matt’s Bar. Yes, you’ll stand in line outside. Yes, you’ll wonder why. Then you’ll get inside the door, smell the grilling onions and burgers and know your wait will be worth it. As they say, it’s often imitated but never duplicated. Be sure you check the spelling because we heard if you spell it right you got the wrong one.
Two patties with cheese stuffed in between with grilled onions and pickles. It’s definitely not fancy. But it’s good. Sit at the bar if you can. Here you’ll get to jaw with the staff and see the tiniest grill top in the corner where all the magic happens.
Everyone who’s anyone has been here. From President Obama to Andrew Zimmern. So if you go to the Twin Cities and don’t try a Jucy Lucy you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.
Jucy Lucy at Matt’s Minneapolis MN
Scandinavian Food in Minnesota
We know that Minnesota is known for its Scandinavian heritage so we had to visit the Nordic House for a genuine Nordic Waffle. A visit to the Nordic House gives you a wonderful overview of the Minnesota Nordic culture. They have a museum with changing exhibits, classes, and a Nordic gift shop.
We checked out the KaffeBar where you can sample Nordic waffles and other Nordic pastries as well as coffee and tea. The waffle was served with jam and could be topped with sugar and cinnamon. It’s up to you. We certainly came away with a better understanding of Nordic culture.
Nordic Waffle at the Nordic House
Ice Cream in Minneapolis
No destination visit is complete without a taste of the local ice cream. Since we were on a rather short visit and wanted to get to as many tastes as possible we decided to try the Grande Old Creamery for a single cone to split.
Little did we know that a “single” cone is more like a triple scoop cone. Since I was raised by a Grandmother who taught me “waste not, want not” we finished the whole thing.
For an extra treat be sure to try one of their homemade, hand-rolled malted waffle cones. They make over 200 flavors of their super-premium ice cream so you’re bound to find one right for you. When you come to experience Roseville food you get the extra bonus of St. Paul and Minneapolis food too.
Grand Old Creamery Ice Cream Minneapolis MN
If you’re looking for diner food that really takes it to the next level try Hi-Lo Diner in Minneapolis. We did Sunday Brunch and the hardest thing is picking an item off the menu. Everything looks good and it is. The line on Sunday moves fast and they’ll give you a cup of coffee while you’re waiting. Use this time wisely to pick your brunch items.
We tried the Gary Cooper, one of their signature dishes. Boneless Buttermilk fried chicken with maple-bourbon syrup and gravy on top of their own fried pastry dough. To say this is decadently delicious is a huge understatement.
New to the menu is the flavorful Mediterranean Grain Bowl with romesco sauce, poached egg, avocado, fried chickpeas and feta cheese. I loved this dish!
Of course, the Hi-Lo has a full adult Brunch Beverage menu from the Hi-Lo Bloody served with a cute pony-sized Miller High Life to Mimosas, local beers and wine.
Hi-Lo Diner Minneapolis MN
Brews in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities’ local brew scene is also hopping. We tried quite a few in many of the restaurants we visited. Our travels included a swing by the Dual Citizen Brewery Company for a local flight. What makes this brew taproom, particularly fun is that you place your order at the counter take it with you to a table or counter and enjoy it. There are no servers, no food, just beer, talking, and good times.
If you do get hungry there’s usually a food truck parked out front or you can order food from The Naughty Greek (yes, that’s the right name) next door right from your phone. They’ll bring it over and find you. Easy peasy.
Dual Citizen Brewing Company
Have We Convinced You Yet?
If you’re considering a visit to the Twin Cities area your plans should include staying and trying all the tasty Roseville food. We’re sure you’ll agree that it’s convenient to both Minneapolis and St. Paul and has a lot going on all by itself.
For more information on where to stay, and what to do check out VisitRoseville.com for all the details.
I wrote this post after our media trip that was hosted by Visit Roseville and the Courtyard Minneapolis St. Paul/Roseville. All suggestions and endorsements are solely personal. Our policy is only to share and recommend what we personally like and experience.
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