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Culture: Food – Delicious Delis Across the United States
What defines a truly authentic delicatessen? The concept of a delicatessen dates back to Germany in the 1700’s. It was a place were unusual and foreign prepared foods were made and sold. In the late 1800’s, when a large number of immigrants of Jewish dissent (mostly from German regions) came to the US, they brought the tradition of delicatessens with them. Now over 100 years later, delis are a mainstay in most of our cities and towns. Below are a select few of some of the most famous delis in the US. Katz’s Deli – New York City In 1888, two brothers from Iceland immigrated to the US and started…
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On Location: The Dilapidated Grandeur of Old Havana
As our tour bus turned on to the famed Malecón, my extended family of 18 all vied to get a good view. We were eager to see the shiny, vintage American cars, check out the pastel painted colonial buildings and watch the waves crash into the sea side wall. As we continued down the road towards Old Town Havana, and peered down the side streets, I soon realized that there is much more to Havana then those iconic images. The amount of extensive disrepair of so many buildings was astonishing. There was a plethora of crumbling structures barely standing, some with 2×4’s precariously holding up balconies while people milled in and out below. There…
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Culture: Signature Cocktails from Around the US – The Cape Codder
I can’t think of anything more refreshing at the end of a warm day than a sitting outside and sipping a cool Cape Codder. Of course, it would be best drunk sitting on an Adirondack chair facing Cape Cod Bay or looking out on to Nantucket Sound, with a lovely beach house behind me… but if that can’t be done, then in my backyard is fine! Below is the simple recipe for this classic cocktail along with a few alternatives to spice up your cocktail hour. Classic Cape Codder Recipe Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz. vodka and 5 oz. cranberry juice. Add a lime wedge…
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Culture: Food – Fresh Caprese Salad from Italy
A summer breeze coming from the Mediterranean cools us as we sit on the terrace reminiscing about our day boating around Capri. The sun is just beginning to set and the heat of the day is subsiding. It’s time to pour a delicious glass of wine and enjoy a light meal – a Caprese salad reminiscent of the Italian flag! If you can’t get to Capri, bring home these delicious tastes of Italy by making a Caprese Salad at home. This salad one of those easy go-to recipes that make it feel like a Capri summer day all year long! The recipe couldn’t be simpler. Just cut thick slices of fresh, ripe tomatoes and fresh mozarella cheese…
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On Location: Road Trip – Explore West Marin, Northern California
Within minutes of driving over the Golden Gate Bridge and leaving famous San Francisco, you find yourself surrounded by some of the most serene nature in California. Wind your way through picturesque Marin County to an old-growth redwood forest at Muir Woods, then continue down to the classic coastal town of Stinson Beach for a quick cup of coffee to warm up in the fog. Next, head to Point Reyes National Seashore to see incredible ocean views and wild life ranging from tule elk to whales migrating up the coast. After you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to stop in for some fresh farmed oysters from Tomales Bay in…
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Culture: Food – Fresh Farmers Markets of the West Coast
Whenever I travel, I always seek out the local farmers market. It’s the perfect place to not only pick up a snack or bite to eat, but also a great way to enjoy the local culture. It’s amazing how at each locale, you’ll instantly get a sense of not only the types of foods that are grown in this region, but also can see what is trendy in that city – from specialty foods, crafts and more. Here is a few popular Farmers Markets on the West Coast of the United States– each with their own flavor and all worth a visit. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market – San Francisco, California San Francisco’s…
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On Location: Dream Trips – Illustrated Travel Bucket List vol.1
It’s no secret that I have a severe case of wanderlust! Just show me a world map and I can day dream for hours of all the far off locations and once-in-a-lifetime adventures I would love to experience or have tucked away in my travel memories. To further explore these travel dreams, I’ve decided to embark on a daily art project of sketching one of these bucket list locations a day, for the next 100 days. Below are the first 10 of my illustrated travel bucket list – some very well known sites and some very far away… some near by and some at the ends of the earth. Please join me on this illustrative…
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Culture: Fashion – A Day Out in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico. At over 6,000′ in altitude, and surrounded by Bajio mountains, it does not have the typical turquoise blue waters and white sand beach attractions that draw so many visitors to Mexico, yet it is definitely a Mexican city that should not be missed. Hilly cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a dreamy color palette of earth toned rusts, corals, olive greens and golden yellow make this city a visual fiesta for any visitor. It has long been a city that has attracted artists and expats who come visit and end up never leaving. It is said that San Miguel de Allende enjoys a “perpetual Spring” of…
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Culture: Food – Beignets in New Orleans
There’s no doubt– a trip to New Orleans just isn’t complete without at least one fluffy, powdered sugar covered beignet and bitter cup of chicory coffee. This signature treat of New Orleans is served in many restaurants across the city, but the true place to experience this is to take a pilgrimage to the famed Cafe du Monde located at the corner of Jackson Square and just a stones throw from the Mississippi River. Beignets are best served at breakfast time, but also can make a delicious desert. If your a morning person, I suggest waking up relatively early and heading out on a vigorous walk through the French quarter (this is also…
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Culture: Shopping – Harajuku, Shibuya, Takeshita Street & Cat Street in Tokyo
A trip to Tokyo is not complete without a shopping outing in 2 very trendy and youthful neighborhoods, Harajuku and Shibuya. Narrow streets snake behind the big roads and are filled with boutiques and shops brimming with the latest Tokyo fashions. Whether you are a kid or not, one must browse through Kiddyland, a several storied shop filled with iconic cartoon characters and Japanese pop culture. There is nothing subtle about Tokyo fashion! Bright colors with bold graphics were abound. Popular trends from other cultures were also seen– there were lots of clothes with references to Brooklyn, New York, cowboys, and British punk! Once you’ve browsed the main boulevards and small back streets of…
