Blue Rock: A Beautiful Mini-Break in the Blue Ridge Mountains
A butterfly floats out from the greenhouse door as I walk in. Its pale amber and brown wings catch the breeze. Inside, the smell of ripe tomatoes fills the air—intoxicating in the way only farm-fresh vegetables can be. It’s early morning at Sunnyside, a farm in Washington, Virginia, just 90 minutes west of where I live in Washington DC. Earlier, I’d spent time speaking with Sunnyside’s Vegetable Production Co-Manager at the Flint Hill Latin Market. Nik Kohl had Asian pears, tomatillos, purslane, herbs, and other...
Welcome to the Neighborhood, Kappo Makoto
Kappo Makoto opened in DC's Palisades not long ago, filling a sushi-shaped hole in the neighborhood. Recently, I snagged a reservation at one of Kappo Makoto's 21 seats and watched Chef Ogawa create an omakase dining experience not unlike the kind one would have in his home country of Japan. I turn left onto MacArthur Boulevard. The peloton races by, all lycra-clad and perky in their collective excitement. I walk past Black Coffee, its line for morning glory muffins and oat milk lattes rolls out...
12 Hours In Mérida: Everything You Need To Know
Mérida has captured the attention of intrepid travelers seeking a combination of history, art, architecture, music, culinary adventures, shopping, and good old-fashioned fun. Located in the northwest corner of the Yucatán Peninsula, the city of Mérida is quickly climbing the hot list ranks with its boutiques, boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and street-side taco stands. Follow along for my Mérida guide—the ultimate way to spend 12 hours in Mexico’s hottest city. My whirlwind trip to Mérida is hardly enough time to scratch the surface of the...
Is The Ryokan Nobu In Malibu Worth The Trip?
Ryokan Nobu in Malibu was named the #1 Best Resort Hotel in the continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure's World's Best List. Nobu in Malibu is one of the most sought-after dinner reservations on the west coast, located along California's famed Pacific Coast Highway. Is all this Nobu-centric press well-deserved? The Nobu Ryokan, In Malibu. What's a Ryokan? Having spent time in a few ryokans while living in Tokyo, I was a bit skeptical about the highly anticipated Nobu Ryokan opening in Malibu. Owned by...
The Best Of Mérida. Mexico’s Newest Hot Spot.
“Where’s Mérida?” you wonder, and “Why should I go there?” I’m happy you asked. Mérida, Mexico is the capital city of the Yucatán State. Its simple luxuries fly under the radar in terms of typical Mexican tourist destinations—more rustic, less bells, less whistles, and friendlier on the wallet. Long may that last. Recently, I spent three days uncovering the best of Mérida, Mexico, old school style with a pen and paper. Three days exploring boutiques, boutique hotels, hidden watering holes, and airy rooftop bars. Was...
On Being Imperfecto, The DC Restaurant Review
Imperfecto fired up an already hot trending restaurant scene in Washington DC. Today, Chef Enrique Limardo has three fabulous DC restaurants to rule over in his crisp, chef’s whites. What makes Imperfecto so darn near perfect? It’s all in the details. DC is a culinary wasteland. This was my first thought when we moved to DC from Tokyo in 2010. It isn’t because I’d spent nearly four years in the world's foodie capital (with 202 Michelin stars, the most of any city, I dare you...
Blackberry Mountain Is Sensational
Tucked up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Blackberry Mountain sets a high bar by combining unique adventures and holistic wellness activities. And, it takes adventures even further with locally sourced food, and the comforts of home. This post describes how Blackberry Mountain entices each of the senses, in completely unexpected ways. This is Blackberry Mountain Big Double Shelter is a wide, wooden deck at the end of Big Double Trail. The treetops in the distance look freshly painted. Brushstrokes of oily red, orange, and...
The Green O Strikes Gold. Montana’s Newest Luxury Retreat.
The green o is Montana’s answer to the latest travel trend: luxury-minded adventure escapes. A place that strikes the right balance of indulgence and adventure, and includes culinary experiences and tasting menus worth traveling for. Follow me to the green o, and read about the newest adults-only luxury retreat in the Montana wilderness. “Are you sure the Sunset Trail goes through this field?” I ask my husband, warily. “Trust me”, he replies, unhinging the creaky, metal gate, and ignoring the wooden sign marked: “DO NOT...
How I got a reservation at Eleven Madison Park—the best restaurant in the world. (And how you can, too).
A dinner reservation at Eleven Madison Park is coveted. Places like Eleven Madison Park are re-imagining their place in the new culinary landscape. The most inspiring example of this comes from Daniel Humm. Mr. Humm is the chef and owner of three Michelin-starred, Eleven Madison Park. I listened to his podcast with Guy Raz and was humbled. Eleven Madison Park has surprised the restaurant industry by creating completely plant-based menus. I only hope I can get in. My husband, Daniel, doesn’t understand why I would...
Dunton Hot Springs, A Home away from Home
Dunton Hot Springs is a remote getaway filled with wildlife and hiking adventures, farm-to-table meals, and a western vibe that had us dreaming of simpler times. Dunton Hot Springs—a little escape from reality in the cool, breezy San Juan mountains of Colorado. Remote, restorative, and secluded, are buzzwords that have always piqued my curiosity when reading about travel, but never as much as they do at this particular moment in time. I long for fresh air and wide-open spaces. I have a pressing need to...