Born of a desire to share the flavors of southern Italy and lesser-known Italian wines, A16 is a compelling pairing of innovative farm-to-table dishes featuring the savory dishes of Naples and its environs with unique terroir-driven wine producers. … More The Best Meal I Ever Ate: Italian at A16
And yet, two of my all-time favorite dining experiences fall into the Italian category. Whether the opportunity and availability dictated this, or the pure comfort that arises from a bite of fresh bread immersed in olive oil washed down with a mellow white aged in ancient stone barrels, were the cause of this, I know not. But when I think about the best meals I’ve ever eaten, my mind goes to two places simultaneously- Il Pirata (the Pirate) in Vernazza, Italy and A16, in San Francisco, California. … More The Best Meal I Ever Ate: Italy
And if you are ever in another country with a unique beauty treatment available, maybe give it a shot? … More International Spas of Mystery
When I look back, I think about the people I met, the landscapes I saw, the falling down stone barns and the ancient bridges, the Pilgrim’s Mass in Roncesvalles, where the priest made us all feel welcome, even if we were not Catholic. The ancient chapel, where we hummed Amazing Grace together, and everyone knew the tune, whether they were from America or Australia, South Korea or South Africa, and at that moment, I felt connected to the world and to something so much greater than myself. I remember that sacred moment and tears fill my eyes-what a wonder it was to be a part of something ethereal and magical, deeply sweet and profoundly simple. … More Camino Santiago: Part 2
But as I settled into my bunk room with a few of my fellow pilgrims, I began to relax. Yes, I was woefully out of shape, but I could send my pack ahead the next day (only 16 km that day, and only 2/3 of them uphill…). We were all in this together and while some of the fierce competition for bunks and spots at the albergues felt unnecessary and outside the spirit of the Buen Camino, the evenings sharing hopes and dreams were magical. … More Camino Santiago: Part 1
I would describe gezelligheid as the feeling of being under a cozy blanket in soft lighting, reading a good book or having a deep chat with a beloved one. These moments seem to be occur far more frequently when the weather is garbage, and thus when I moved back to Los Angeles, with its constant sunshine and superficial niceties, my soul craved gezelligheid. I longed for twinkle lights and candles, for it to be cold enough to warrant a cozy sweater, warm socks, and a soft blanket. … More dreaming of gezelligheid
travel nostalgic 