restaurants - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T07:16:06Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/restaurantsDining with a View in Singaporehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/singapore-restaurants-dining-cuisine-culinary-tourism-travel2024-01-06T06:44:24.000Z2024-01-06T06:44:24.000Zsunil choudharyhttps://tripatini.com/members/sunilchoudhary<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12346828465?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">In a city like Singapore, where towering skyscrapers kiss the clouds and shimmering water embraces bustling streets, a meal isn't just about the food; it's about the tapestry of sights that weave alongside each bite. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">So, forget the humdrum of four walls and dive into a <a href="https://starsbiopedia.com/vkimm-net-worth-biography/" target="_blank">dining experience</a> where breathtaking panoramas add the perfect spice to your plate. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">This guide unlocks the best restaurants in Singapore where stunning views and delectable dishes intertwine, creating unforgettable culinary .</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Feasting Your Eyes on Panoramic Cityscapes</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;">LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar: Perched on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, LAVO offers an unparalleled feast for the senses. Feast on hearty Italian fare like the signature truffle and burrata pizza while gazing at the glittering cityscape unfolding beneath you. Reservations are a must!</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">CE LA VI Singapore: For an iconic, sky-high experience, CE LA VI delivers on all fronts. Savor Asian-inspired tapas and creative cocktails as you soak in panoramic views of Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and the city skyline. This rooftop hotspot is ideal for a glamorous night out.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Dining by the Sparkling Waterways</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Altitude</strong>: Nestled amongst the vibrant Clarke Quay, Altitude offers al fresco dining with a riverfront twist. Choose from an international menu featuring seafood specialties and wood-fired pizzas while enjoying the cool breeze and mesmerizing riverboats dancing on the water.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Spago Dining Room:</strong> Located on the roof of Marina Bay Sands, Spago elevates Californian cuisine to new heights with mesmerizing waterfront views. Indulge in fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and innovative tasting menus, all complemented by the shimmering expanse of the bay.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Escape to Green Escapes</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Joie by Dozo:</strong> Tucked away in the lush <a href="https://www.authorbench.com/" target="_blank">rooftop garden</a> of Orchard Central, Joie by Dozo is a haven for plant-based foodies. Savor vibrant vegetarian and vegan dishes amidst the greenery, enjoying the calming melodies of birdsong and the soothing embrace of nature.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Dusk Restaurant & Bar:</strong> Perched atop Faber Peak, Dusk offers a breathtaking escape from the city's hustle. Dine on modern European cuisine under the canopy of trees, with panoramas of Sentosa Island and the lush rainforest sprawling before you. Reservations are key for securing a seat on the outdoor terrace.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Witnessing Iconic Landmarks</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Supertree by IndoChine:</strong> For a culinary journey through vibrant Indochina, Supertree by IndoChine is a must-visit. Nestled amidst the iconic Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, this restaurant offers traditional Southeast Asian dishes with a modern twist, all served with a side of awe-inspiring views.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>1-ATICO:</strong> With multiple dining concepts under one roof, 1-ATICO at Ion Orchard delivers diverse culinary experiences with breathtaking city views. FLNT offers Nikkei cuisine with Peruvian flair, while FIRE tempts with Argentinian-inspired grilled meats, both boasting unparalleled perspectives of the Orchard Road district.</span></p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Note: If you are a muslim and and searching for halal food in Singapore then you should read this guide </span></em><a href="https://halalharamworld.com/affordable-halal-restaurants-in-singapore/"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Cheap Halal Food in Singapore</span></em></a><em><span style="font-weight:400;">. This guide provided by the Nazim Almasi (Islamic Scholar). </span></em></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Tailoring Your View to Your Occasion</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Romantic Night Out:</strong> Impress your date with a table at Stellar at 1-Altitude on the 62nd floor, where panoramic cityscapes and European cuisine set the stage for an unforgettable evening.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Family Gathering:</strong> Gather the clan at Spuds & Aprons on Mount Faber, where spacious interiors, kid-friendly menus, and a playground offer a fun and scenic dining experience for all ages.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Celebration Dinner:</strong> Mark a special occasion with a visit to Vue, a classy rooftop bar and restaurant atop OUE Bayfront. From international seasonal meals to tasting menus, Vue elevates every celebration with stunning views and impeccable service.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Budget-Friendly Eats:</strong> For breathtaking views without breaking the bank, head to Spathe by the Lothian Road. This charming bistro offers affordable brunch and lunch options with picturesque views of the Singapore River.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Note: <a href="https://www.freelistingusa.com/blog/virtual-realities-examining-phantasmal-displays-at-the-future-museum/" target="_blank">Explore the Future of the Museum</a></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://swastikholiday.com/karnataka/" target="_blank">Karnataka Tour Packages</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> <a href="https://frbarcelona.com/3-oeuvres-de-gaudi-a-decouvrir-a-barcelone/" target="_blank">Antoni Gaudí’s architectural</a> masterpieces, including the surreal Sagrada Familia and the whimsical Park Güell, stand as captivating testaments to his genius, blending nature-inspired forms with unparalleled creativity in the heart of Barcelona. Gaudí’s distinctive style, characterized by vibrant mosaics and organic shapes, has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, inviting awe and admiration for its unique and timeless beauty.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Pro Tips for a Perfect View Dining Experience</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Time of Day:</strong> Consider the sun's direction for optimal views. Sunsets over the city are breathtaking, while waterfront restaurants come alive under the city lights.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Dress Code & Reservations:</strong> Some rooftop restaurants have dress codes, so check before you go. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for peak times.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Transportation:</strong> Choose your transportation wisely, considering parking options near specific restaurants.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Embrace the Panorama</span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Dining with a view in Singapore is more than just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and ignites your senses. So, gather your friends, family, or that special someone, and embark on a culinary adventure where every bite is accompanied by awe-inspiring vistas. And don't forget to share your own hidden gems and unforgettable view dining experiences in the comments below!</span></p></div>4 of the Best Restaurants in Cape Town´s Victoria and Albert Waterfronthttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/victoria-and-albert-waterfront-cape-town-restaurants-dining2023-12-13T08:13:21.000Z2023-12-13T08:13:21.000Zrohny joneshttps://tripatini.com/members/rohnyjones<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12323603057,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12323603057,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12323603057?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a></p>
<p>Do you want to know which restaurants are the best at the V&A Waterfront? Among Cape Town's most visited spots, both by residents and visitors, is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The V&A Waterfront is the spot to go if you're in search of tasty restaurants with breathtaking views! <strong><a href="https://www.capetourism.com/best-restaurants-waterfront-cape-town/">Waterfront restaurants</a> </strong>serve a variety of trendy cuisines, including seafood, Italian, Japanese, and South African.</p>
<p>Making a dining reservation at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area can be a daunting task. We have selected the top eateries at the V&A Waterfront, so you can be certain that you will have a delicious meal.</p>
<p><strong>The Waterside </strong></p>
<p>This is the newest restaurant from the illustrious La Colombe company. Situated in the V&A Waterfront's Pierhead structure, The Waterside offers high-quality cuisine with a laid-back, sophisticated appeal.</p>
<p>You can anticipate a tranquil and cozy atmosphere to savor your meals, far from the cacophony of the primary V&A attractions. Indulge in the breathtaking waterfront views from floor-to-ceiling windows and let the food take the stage in the sleek, minimalist decor.</p>
<p>The La Colombe group, headed by Scot Kirton, has a remarkable roster of restruetants, including the flagship La Colombe, the Franshoek outpost La Petit Colombe, Foxcroft, Epice, and Protege.</p>
<p><strong>At Emazulwini Restaurant</strong></p>
<p>At Emazulwini Restaurant on Makers Landing, you can see Chef Mmabatho Molefe reworking traditional street cuisine from South Africa. In all likelihood, the paradisal cuisine of this restaurant is reflected in the name, "Emazulwini," which means "the heavens" in English.</p>
<p>Indulge in a multi-course feast that takes you on a gourmet tour of Zulu cuisine. You can have dishes that highlight dishes like fried sardines, amasi (a fermented milk product), and pearl millet. The meals and plating are on par with Cape Town's finest restaurants, despite the seemingly basic materials.</p>
<p><strong>Willoughby & Co</strong></p>
<p>For the best Japanese fusion cuisine in Cape Town, head to Willoughby & Co. Among the top sushi joints on the V&A Waterfront, this chic spot never fails to attract a crowd. Enjoy a wide variety of Japanese delicacies, including sushi, flash-grilled salmon steak, tempura, hot and sweet soups, Asian salads, and more.</p>
<p><strong>Makers Landing</strong></p>
<p>Be sure to drop by Makers Landing if you're seeking for more relaxed dining options on the Waterfront. When compared to other restaurants along the V&A Waterfront, this one takes a novel approach. South Africa's unique culture is celebrated via food at Makers Landing, a community that launched in December 2020.</p>
<p>Plus, it has a market where you can enjoy some of the country's most delicious. You can have freshly prepared foods, in addition to being a place where aspiring food entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and create. Some traditional South African dishes are included in this, such as gatsbys, shisanyama, and samosas.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>
<p>Spectacular <strong><a href="https://www.capetourism.com/restaurants-in-durbanville/">restaurants in Durbanville</a> </strong>serving up some of the world's most innovative cuisines and most visually arresting interior designs can be found along Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. At the V&A Waterfront, you can find anything from casual eateries to posh restaurants with live entertainment at your table.</p></div>9 Top Restaurants & Chefs on the Caribbean Island of Nevishttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/nevis-st-kitts-restaurants-dining-culinary-tourism-travel2023-09-25T04:10:00.000Z2023-09-25T04:10:00.000ZJulie S. Hatfieldhttps://tripatini.com/members/JulieSHatfield<div><p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-PIN.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-PIN.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-PIN.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Photos: Timothy Leland, except where noted</em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> Visiting tiny <strong><a href="https://nevisisland.com/" target="_blank">Nevis</a></strong> - just 36 square miles - is treat enough, with its ravishing nature, pristine beaches, friendly, laid back locals and charming inns (including <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/nevis-plantation-inns-alexander-hamilton" target="_blank">several in centuries-old former sugar plantations</a>). But it´s also packed with 40 or so of some of the finest restaurants anywhere, with food from local farm-to-table and sea-to-table found on culturally diversified menus on a par to what you might find in some of the world´s culinary capitals. My husband and I would have liked to try them all, but here’s a sample of how wonderfully we ate while visiting this beautiful little gem in the Caribbean.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mount-Nevis-Hotel-Chef-Liam-Haddow-.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mount-Nevis-Hotel-Chef-Liam-Haddow-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mount-Nevis-Hotel-Chef-Liam-Haddow-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><em><strong><br /> </strong></em><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://mountnevishotel.com/" target="_blank">Mount Nevis Hotel </a>- Chef Liam Haddow</strong></span></p>
<p>This charming boutique property on a former 19th-century lime plantation, has a new chef, and he’s a treasure. From <strong>England</strong>’s <strong>Lake District</strong>, Liam Haddow’s lilting English accent adds an extra touch of class to the menus he presents. He trained under the legendary <strong>Len Unwin</strong>, which may account for his special prowess with desserts. (Unwin is known for his gorgeous spun sugar and chocolate creations.) But we’re getting ahead of the meal.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mount-Nevis-Hotel-Red-Snapper.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mount-Nevis-Hotel-Red-Snapper.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mount-Nevis-Hotel-Red-Snapper.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /><br /> </a>For dinner, my husband Tim had red snapper that had just been brought up the hill by a local fisherman; with sweet-potato mash, sautéed vegetable in a creole sauce, and garnished with pea shoots. I enjoyed a tender rack of lamb in a rich sauce made from pigs’ feet reduction and three kinds of red wine. Dessert was a piña colada panna cotta with pineapple, chili and lime salsa. An extra fudge brownie came too, and although not needed, was gobbled down. All this in a restaurant that looks out on the Caribbean Sea and the island of <strong>St. Kitts</strong> in the near distance, with a tropical moon overhead. A dreamy dinner experience. (By the way, have you ever had a warm chocolate croissant made in-house just before breakfast by the head chef?)</p>
<p><em><strong><br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Drift-Restaurant-Chef-Nicole-Merchant-.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Drift-Restaurant-Chef-Nicole-Merchant-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Drift-Restaurant-Chef-Nicole-Merchant-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><br /> </strong></em><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.driftnevis.com/" target="_blank">Drift</a> - Chef Nicole Merchant</strong></span></p>
<p>This outdoor restaurant is so close to the Caribbean Sea it is practically in it. Drift is one of two spectacular restaurants owned by <strong>Mark Fuller</strong>, originally from <strong>British Columbia</strong>. Its young chef Nicole Merchant, as so many on Nevis, made her bones at the <strong><a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/nevis/" target="_blank">Four Seasons</a></strong>, the largest and oldest resort still in operation on the island. It´s like a mother ship, sending out a fleet of young chefs to other restaurants on Nevis after training them in their art. <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Drift-Restaurant-a-light-lunch-overlooking-the-Caribbean-Sea-and-St.-Kitts.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Drift-Restaurant-a-light-lunch-overlooking-the-Caribbean-Sea-and-St.-Kitts.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Drift-Restaurant-a-light-lunch-overlooking-the-Caribbean-Sea-and-St.-Kitts.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><br /> Born on nearby St. Kitts, Merchant features a playful menu emphasizing her local heritage. Fried local shrimp with a mango and aioli sauce; a fresh lobster salad using Nevis lobster rather than an imported <strong>Maine</strong> version (Nevis lobster has no claws but has plenty of tasty meat); delicious smoked wahoo carpaccio; “Chef’s Whim,” Merchant’s healthy creation of fresh vegetables . . . and a digestif “as sweet as a goodnight kiss,” served in a snifter. The dinner menu at Drift is similar to the lunch menu but adds heartier dishes such as <strong>Louisiana</strong> barbecued ribs.</p>
<p> <br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Luna-Restaurant-Chef-Kamal-DCosta.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Luna-Restaurant-Chef-Kamal-DCosta.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Luna-Restaurant-Chef-Kamal-DCosta.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.lunanevis.com/" target="_blank">Luna</a> - Chef Kamal DCosta</strong></span></p>
<p>This indoor restaurant is so named because you can see the moon, stars and anything else in the sky from a table in the center, surrounded by royal palms, under an open ceiling. Its chef Kamal DCosta “knocked on the door one day and asked if he could work here,” explains Mark Fuller, the owner. “I told him I had 12 friends coming in that night. Make a multiple-course dinner for them using only what I have already in the kitchen,” I said. “He created a meal at the end of which all the diners stood up and gave him a standing ovation. I hired him on the spot.” Originally from <strong>Kolkata</strong> (aka <strong>Calcutta</strong>), <strong>India</strong>, he first learned how to cook from his chef grandfather (and worked with him at a <strong>Holiday Inn</strong> in <strong>Mumbai</strong>, aka <strong>Bombay</strong>), and studied cooking in India, then French and Italian methods in <strong>New York</strong>.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Luna-Restaurant-Grilled-hand-dived-local-lobster-a-favorite-entree-at-Luna-Restaurant-by-Vikki-Fuller.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Luna-Restaurant-Grilled-hand-dived-local-lobster-a-favorite-entree-at-Luna-Restaurant-by-Vikki-Fuller.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Luna-Restaurant-Grilled-hand-dived-local-lobster-a-favorite-entree-at-Luna-Restaurant-by-Vikki-Fuller.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Vikki Fuller</em></span></p>
<p><br /> When you ask his philosophy of food, DCosta replies “Keep it simple, don’t add extra spice, and don’t make diners feel stuffed.” He loves the local hand-caught lobster (above, grilled) as well as paté of all kinds, has his own method of making butter (which he insists is healthier than the normal kind) and is a proponent of an Ayurvedic lifestyle. From his menu Tim enjoyed a slow roast pork pate on garlic toast and a vegan ensemble. I chose fire-grilled, cinnamon-flavored local lobster garnished with star anise and accompanied by saffron rice. Luna is decorated with the large realistic paintings of monkeys and other Nevisian fauna done by the owner´s wife, artist <strong>Vikki Fuller</strong>.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Bananas-Restaurant-Chef-Kate-Freeman-.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Bananas-Restaurant-Chef-Kate-Freeman-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Bananas-Restaurant-Chef-Kate-Freeman-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://bananasnevis.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Bananas</span></a> - <span style="font-size:14pt;">Chefs Local women trained by Banana’s dynamo owner Gillian Smith</span></strong></p>
<p>Smith says she named the restaurant to reflect her state of mind — and the electric energy, the pulsating music, the swirl of colors and the overflowing guests that are a part of the restaurant are indeed a bit “bananas.” The restaurant sits at the top of a steep hill on property she purchased after moving to Nevis from <strong>Great Britain</strong>. “Starting a restaurant was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, save for the time I ice-skated topless in <strong>Korea</strong>,” she smiled. Smith turned her restaurant into a nightly carnival that entices people to drive the winding bumpy road up and around to get to it. When they arrive, they climb even higher on foot through a garden lit by flaming torches.</p>
<p><br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Bananas-Restaurant-chili-margarita-and-passion-rum-punch.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Bananas-Restaurant-chili-margarita-and-passion-rum-punch.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Bananas-Restaurant-chili-margarita-and-passion-rum-punch.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><br /> <br /> Wearing different bright colors every night, the waiters serve fun drinks like chili margaritas and passion rum punches (above) and a menu prepared by local women like <strong>Kate Freeman</strong> (above) that includes succulent pork ribs with bourbon BBQ sauce; a “Bananas Buddha bowl” of grains, pulses (edible seeds) and veggies; pan seared mahi mahi with roast red pepper coulis and risotto cake, and the locally beloved “goat water,” a goat stew. Some say dining here is like eating in a tree house. True or not, it’s as if you’re at a party no matter what night you choose. At the end of our dinner, we told our waiter that Smith seemed like a force of nature. She paused, smiling. “A hurricane,” she said.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mango-Restaurant-The-Four-Seasons-Resort-Sous-Chef-Xavier-Phillips-.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mango-Restaurant-The-Four-Seasons-Resort-Sous-Chef-Xavier-Phillips-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mango-Restaurant-The-Four-Seasons-Resort-Sous-Chef-Xavier-Phillips-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/nevis/" target="_blank">Mango (in the Four Seasons)</a> - Sous Chef Xavier Phillips</strong></span></p>
<p>At 27, Xavier Phillips oversees the menu of the most popular of this the most famous resort’s three restaurants. Following a round of golf at Four Season’s 18-hole course (the only one on the island), we had a memorable lunch overlooking <strong>Pinneys Beach</strong>, with a picturesque schooner moored in the distance.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mango-Restaurant-The-Four-Seasons-Resort-beautiful-views.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mango-Restaurant-The-Four-Seasons-Resort-beautiful-views.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Mango-Restaurant-The-Four-Seasons-Resort-beautiful-views.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><br /> <br /> The menu that day included calabaza and quinoa soup using local pumpkin, mango and coconut cream; a piña colada dish with shrimp and pineapple salsa; “Volcano Curry,” a West Indian coconut milk curry with caramelized plantain; and a black-belly lamb ragout with basil, parmesan aioli and “Caribbean fried mush” (frizzled cornmeal). When asked his favorite food to cook, Phillips, wearing his custom-designed purple apron, replied: “Anything that people love; whatever brings a smile. Like a child getting a new toy, I get excited when I discover new foods and ingredients. My mind feels ‘at home’ when it’s in the process of creating in the kitchen.”</p>
<p><br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Restaurant-750-Montpelier-Plantation-Inn-Chef-Halva-Browne-.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Restaurant-750-Montpelier-Plantation-Inn-Chef-Halva-Browne-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Restaurant-750-Montpelier-Plantation-Inn-Chef-Halva-Browne-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://montpeliernevis.com/restaurant-750/" target="_blank">750 at the Montpelier Plantation</a> - Chef Halva Browne</strong></span></p>
<p>Built on and incorporating the ruins of an old sugar estate, this is one of Nevis’ most exclusive properties (<strong>Princess Diana</strong> once brought young <strong>William</strong> and <strong>Harry</strong> here because of its privacy and elegance). Its restaurant 750 — the number of feet it sits above sea level — is considered one of the best on the island, as is its chef, <strong>Halva Browne</strong>, 35. Browne, modestly says his own favorite food is “mac and cheese,” but his menu is sublimely complex and creative. He changes the menu every night so his guests, who sometimes stay for two weeks, “won’t get bored with it,” according to the hotel owner. </p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Restaurant-750-Montpelier-Plantation-Inn-Amuse-Bouche.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Restaurant-750-Montpelier-Plantation-Inn-Amuse-Bouche.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Restaurant-750-Montpelier-Plantation-Inn-Amuse-Bouche.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
<p><br /> Browne, whose specialty is plant-based food, is a winner in the prestigious <strong>Nevis Mango Festival</strong>, an annual three-day event featuring dining experiences, cooking demonstrations and master cook-along classes conducted by international and local celebrity chefs. His amuse bouche on the night we were (above) there used, among other ingredients, the “tanya,” a local root vegetable. Be sure to try his tamarind and carrot soup with walnut crumble; his cocoa spiced seafood pasta; and the deconstructed vanilla goat cheesecake with passion fruit curd, beetroot jelly and meringue. Not to be misses, also, is his mango and red wine sorbet.</p>
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<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-The-Rocks-Golden-Rocks-Inn-Head-Chef-James-Eaton-.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-The-Rocks-Golden-Rocks-Inn-Head-Chef-James-Eaton-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-The-Rocks-Golden-Rocks-Inn-Head-Chef-James-Eaton-.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></strong></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.goldenrocknevis.com/" target="_blank">The Rocks at Golden Rock Inn</a> - Chef James Eaton</strong></span></p>
<p>The luxurious Golden Rock Inn, another historic sugar plantation turned into private cottages set amidst 40 acres of stunning tropical gardens, offers a menu that brings travelers from all over the world. Head chef James Eaton, 42, apprenticed under German, French, Japanese and South African chefs. That may account for why his international clientele feel so at home. “You must have passion to be a good chef,” he notes, and his cosmopolitan cuisine reflects it, including a particular specialty of the Rocks, the creation of the resort’s owner, artist Helen Harden: “Helen’s Moroccan Chicken” with green cracked olives, house preserved lemon, and couscous.</p>
<p><br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-The-Rocks-Golden-Rocks-Inn-pancakes-with-berries-and-creme-Chantilly.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-The-Rocks-Golden-Rocks-Inn-pancakes-with-berries-and-creme-Chantilly.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-The-Rocks-Golden-Rocks-Inn-pancakes-with-berries-and-creme-Chantilly.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
<p>This passion extends even to breakfast: Eaton’s eggs Benedict with local homemade brioche, sautéed spinach and Creole hollandaise sauce can come with either local wahoo or Canadian bacon, while his pancakes (above) are flavored with spiced rum berry compote and creme Chantilly. For dinner we both especially enjoyed a perfect pan-seared rack of lamb with rosemary baby potatoes and cauliflower puree. The meals at Golden Rock can be taken outdoors in a stone gazebo next to a koi pool or at a private table in the tropical garden in addition to the main restaurant, an outdoor tented site overlooking the koi pool. The staff will even carry it up a hill for you to have at the swimming pool.</p>
<p> <br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Sunshines-Beach-Bar-and-Grill-Chef-owner-Llewellyn-Sunshine-Caines.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Sunshines-Beach-Bar-and-Grill-Chef-owner-Llewellyn-Sunshine-Caines.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Sunshines-Beach-Bar-and-Grill-Chef-owner-Llewellyn-Sunshine-Caines.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sunshinenevis/" target="_blank">Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill</a> - Chef Llewelyn “Sunshine” Caines</strong></span></p>
<p>Sunshine’s may not be the fanciest beach restaurant on Nevis, but it’s arguably the most popular, primarily because of its charismatic, flamboyant owner, Llewellyn “Sunshine” Caines. Known throughout this small island, the fifty-ish Caines left his native St. Kitts in 1991 and came to Nevis on a friend’s boat, bringing with him $100 and a barbecue grill, which he set up on Pinneys Beach near where the Four Seasons is now. He learned to cook from his grandmother, but otherwise is self-taught.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Sunshines-Beach-Bar-and-Grill-restaurant.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Sunshines-Beach-Bar-and-Grill-restaurant.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Sunshines-Beach-Bar-and-Grill-restaurant.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><br /> <br /> <br /> Either way, the ribs, burgers and Caribbean cuisine he cooked eventually became a huge draw. As did one other thing: his now-famous “Killer Bee” cocktail, the recipe for which is so secret that he says he’d have to kill anyone who found it out. To partake of it — and all the other hearty Caribbean food served here— celebrities such as <strong>Meryl Streep</strong>, <strong>Wayne Gretzky</strong>, <strong>Oprah Winfrey</strong>, and <strong>Al Sharpton</strong> have found their way to this colorful joint, where the good cooking, good music, good service and casual atmosphere make everyone happy.</p>
<p> <br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Passion-Karen-Belle.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Passion-Karen-Belle.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Passion-Karen-Belle.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147377-d10292849-Reviews-Passion_Bar_Grill-Nevis_St_Kitts_and_Nevis.html" target="_blank">Passion Bar & Grill</a> - Chef Karen Belle</strong></span></p>
<p>This is another humble restaurant with great Caribbean food and a one-of-a-kind owner. . . And chef. And greeter. And waitress. And bill tabulator. On the night we were there, 50-year-old <strong>Karen Belle</strong> was all of these —and never lost her infectious smile throughout our stay. Passion Bar & Grill is a transformed mini mart with a corrugated aluminum roof and a series of add-on dining rooms. Belle, the baby of 12 children, was a waitress for 11 years at —where else? — Four Seasons, vowing to “have my own place by the time I turn 40.” And she did. </p>
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<p><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Passion-the-restaurant.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Passion-the-restaurant.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="Julie-Hatfield-Nevis-Food-Passion-the-restaurant.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><br /> <br /> Her restaurant, which she opened in 2012, has a huge banner on the outside wall reading “Faith, Not Fear,” a motto that helps explain how this single woman created one of the island’s favorite local eating places. Don’t expect foie gras or tuna tartare here but her own recipe for passion rum punch makes up for the lack of luxury. When you dine at Passion you will be getting the essence of West Indian cooking, which she learned from her mother and grandmother: Creole fish, honey mustard ribs, baked chicken wings and stewed oxtail will almost certainly be on the menu - and all delicious!</p>
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<p>To learn more about the Island of Nevis, visit their <a href="https://nevisisland.com/" target="_blank">NevisIsland.com</a>. And help plan your trip, use <em><a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011lqDiw/pubref:Nevis%20restaurants/ar:Nevis/%5Bp_id:1011l457516%5D/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expedia.com%2F" target="_blank">this Expedia</a></em> affiliate link which, if used, doesn’t change your pricing or booking experience at all. But it may provide a small commission to support the running of RealFoodTraveler.com.<br /> <br /> Hungry for more? Check these out on our site!<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/sandy-island-anguilla-caribbean-lunch/" target="_blank">Beachside dining in Anguilla</a><br /> <em><a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/rum-appreciation-nevis/" target="_blank">Nevis’ rum scene</a><strong><br /> </strong></em></p>
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<p><em><span style="font-size:8pt;">Disclaimer: Julie and her husband were hosted for portions of their visit to Nevis. But as is our <a href="https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/about-realfoodtraveler-com/real-full-disclosure/" target="_blank">policy</a>, that does not influence their reporting of their experience. </span><br /> <br /> </em></p></div>7 of the Best 'Hidden' Gem Restaurants in Tulum, on Mexico's Riviera Mayahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tulum-riviera-maya-yucatan-mexico-restaurants-dining2023-05-19T06:20:13.000Z2023-05-19T06:20:13.000ZLowest Flight Fareshttps://tripatini.com/members/LowestFlightFares<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11129587261?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">In the beginning of the 1990s, Tulum was a sleepy town located on Mexico's Riviera Maya. It was a day journey from a hotel located in Playa del Carmen or Cancun to visit the ruins and wander around the town. At the end in the second half of 20th century Tulum was on its journey to becoming a major destination. It was first a hot spot for hippies who wanted Yoga and retreats for meditation, later for famous people, and finally for developers. International investors, hoteliers restaurants of Mexico City, and chefs from all across the globe were soon following, creating an expensive, tropical resort with a beach.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">But, eating out in Tulum is usually expensive and if you're planning to spend over $300 on drinks and dinner for two, it's best to ensure your meal is worth the cost. The top restaurants offer the romance, magic, and beauty promises of the beachside resort. They serve food that is influenced by the fauna and flora of the area and cook using techniques that have been that are derived from the Maya and often include records (colorful marinades made of herbs) particularly grilling octopus with the form of a record negro. It is an iconic dish created by the chef José Luis Hinostroza's Arca.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Hence, to enjoy a classic holiday, book your </span><a href="https://www.lowestflightfares.com/cheap-flights/north-america/mexico/tulum"><strong>cheap flights to Tulum</strong></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> soon.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Cetli</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The gastronomy of her native state of Puebla Chef Claudia Perez Rivas prepares moles and other regional dishes using an older style of Mexican gourmet cuisine that is an uncommon treat nowadays. Her seasonally-inspired Pueblan traditional, chiles in nogada is a perfect balance of succulent meat, sweet picadillo, poblano roasted and a silky White Walnut Sauce. Local fish is served similarly however, with a white mole that is thickened by almonds. Perez makes several moles using chicken breasts rolled in a roll and filled with local chaya, too. You can enjoy all this while being in the midst of beautiful Mexican Folk art work that adorns the walls of white adobe, and make sure you pick up mole pastes for taking home with you.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Dona Paty Tacos de Guisado</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Visit Dona Paty when you're on the Tulum taco crawl to sample her tacos deguisados, Mexican stews poured in fresh tortillas. The menus change every day however Dona Paty usually offers around 10 traditional dishes, such as a chicken meatball that is smothered in salsa croquettes of cheese and ham with smoky dark pork ribs cooked in chili morita and chile slices, melting cheese, as well as chillies rellenos. Also, answer"yes" when she inquires you if you would like rice with your taco. It helps preserve all the delicious juices from the tortilla. Dona Paty also serves breakfasts like chilaquiles and huevos mexicanas and fluffy pancakes.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Aca Tacos de Canasta</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">In the midst of the street vendors along Avenida Satelite, you'll find an attractive yellow banner, a tan beach umbrella and a pair of bamboo tiki bar that are used as a taco stands. There's the perfect snack for mid-morning tacos decanasta (steamed tacos) filled with scrambled egg along with chaya flavored like spinach mole, red with the chicken and chicharron prénsado (intense pork seasoned in adobo). When they are cooked and cook, the tortillas soak up the flavor and color of the fillings and emit a sweaty, oily shine. Get five and a freshly squeezed juice to prepare to shop in the center of Tulum.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Tacos y Tortas El Tio</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">There are a lot of vendors offering marqueitas (sweet and savory crepes rolled in crepes) and elotes on Avenida Satelite and Calle Geminis Norte in downtown Tulum that attracts tourists during the night. There aren't many taco stands around, however El Tio has been a long-time favourite for tacos that include al pastor as well as tortas made of vibrant orange, tender marinated pork tossed with chopped onions and pineapple, as well as cilantro and salsa. Take a group of friends and share one of the fried shash options prepared on a flattop and that is served alongside corn tortillas to make tacos at home. Some options include matambre (poc chuc Al pastor, Chorizo bacon, ham and tomato), chile poblano (chile poblano) and alambre (pork chop bacon and onions, chile poblano and cheese) as well as fortachon (pork chop bacon, al pastor, chorizo, and onion).</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Negro Huitlacoxe</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">In a tiny space decorated with a local flavor, dark stained wood furniture and the conical lights of Tulum and chefs Carolina Noya and Alonso Lara are creating amazing dishes using the heirloom corn. The vibrant red, yellow blue and red corn tortillas made of 100 percent nixtamalized, nixtamalized, corn are stuffed with ribs from pork or huitlacoche. They are served on handmade ceramic plates, accompanied by clay bowls that are bursting with vibrant red and green salsa. The large quesadillas are multicolored and include strong Epazote (using an Indigenous recipe of south-central Mexico) and huitlacoche and plump tamales are drenched in a rich tomato or poblano sauce. There's also quesabirria that is served with adobo-dipped corn tortillas, which are blackened on an comal, then served on an unbreakable clay plate.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">Taqueria Honorio</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">This hip street stall was transformed into Tulum's most sought-after taqueria, and was a viral phenomenon during chef Rene Redzepi's stay in Noma Mexico in 2017, when foodies who were visiting in the U.S. It morphed into Taqueria Honorio and was flooded on Instagram with delicious photos of Yucatan-style tortas (suckling pork) and tacos de cochinita, pibil (roasted barbecued pork) and relleno negro in pavo (marinated turkey). These dishes provide a class in the recaudos of Maya cuisine, including the acidic and sour recaudo rojo for the cochinita pibil; the smoky and charred recaudo of negro to make the relleno negro as well as the all-purpose spices mix, known as recaudo blanco, which aromas the slow-roasted the suckling pig. Take a stroll through this hip street food market and savor on the most essential tastes and hues of the Yucatan.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight:400;">La Negra Tomasa</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The place is named for an original song by Cuban composer Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe that was recorded by Mexican rockers Caifanes in 1989. similar to the song, this particular version of Sinaloan cevicheria is more of a cumbia, and a bit rock and roll. In the shade of a salmon-colored umbrella and a roof made of corrugated steel Try the Torresona an impressive Sinaloan seafood tower that consists of cooked and raw shrimp, the octopus cooked, tuna, and mahi-mahi, all stuffed into an ring mold, topped with slices of cucumber, purple onion and layers of avocado, all soaked with lime juice, salsa negra. A assortment of seafood tostadas, spicy aguachiles and Sinaloan seafood tacos, including the gobernador, which is stuffed with melting Gouda with grilled shrimp are served with cold beer and international cocktails, such as Old Fashioneds, Aperol spritzes or espresso martinis.</span></p></div>4 Reasons to Visit Mumbai in Septemberhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/visit-mumbai-india-september2018-09-05T23:56:10.000Z2018-09-05T23:56:10.000ZShruti Sharmahttps://tripatini.com/members/ShrutiSharma<div><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009286491,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009286491,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="550" alt="9009286491?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /></strong> <span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /> The rains have settled, and the weather is just perfect for visitors especially in September. That’s why this is the month so popular for travellers who don’t want to get stuck during the busy wedding-Christmas season of November and December. September serves as the perfect balance point between the busy months surrounding it and is a great month to visit the city of dreams, Mumbai (Bombay).</span><strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Perfect Weather Conditions</strong></span></p><p><span><br /> While Mumbai rains are generally unpredictable, September is the one month where the showers get under control. That moment you wake up after the last showers have taken place, is priceless. The colours of the city come alive and a cup of coffee at a top hotel does the trick. <a href="https://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-mumbai/" target="_blank">five-star hotels in Mumbai like The LaLiT Mumbai</a> are packed during this time of the year. Travellers want to get the best views from their window and enjoy the calming sounds of nature in the chaotic city. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Booming Party Life</strong></span></p><p><span><br /> March to June are often considered the humid months in Mumbai, with July and August being the rainy season months. Mumbai’s appetite for outdoor exploration is at its peak in September. That’s when the city comes alive and parties all night long. The residents visit some of the hottest clubs in the city and have a great time dancing to the latest beats. It’s also the one month where everyone enjoys the perfect weather and has some of the top cuisines in the city.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Driving Down to Lonavla, Amby, Khandala</strong></span></p><p><span><br /> September is also the perfect month to take a drive out of the city. Places like Lonavla and Amby are some of the most beautiful points in Maharashtra, and they’re accessible more easily during this month. The weather is windy, the skies are clear, and the drive is easier to accomplish. Since it’s not raining as it was the month prior, the roads are also clear to drive through for travellers. There are quite a few activities, events, adventure sports, etc. in these hilly destinations for everyone to enjoy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> The Best Seafood in India</strong></span></p><p><br /> It’s the perfect month to try the local catch of the day, as the rainy season leaves the city plenty of seafood gifts. The <a href="https://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-mumbai/eat-and-drink/" target="_blank">top restaurants in Mumbai</a> start serving up some of the most delicious seafood in the country during the month. It’s also the perfect time to try new flavours, bold cuisines and experiment with your food. There are plenty of options this time around, for travellers that visit from across the world.</p><p></p></div>3 Questions for Restaurants When Dining Gluten-Freehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/3-must-ask-questions-for-restaurants-when-dining-gluten-free2018-03-31T16:06:40.000Z2018-03-31T16:06:40.000ZMike Komohttps://tripatini.com/members/MikeKomo<div><p><img src="https://mrestaurants.co.uk/victoria/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/grill1.jpg" alt="grill1.jpg" /></p><p><br /> Eating out with friends and family is an enjoyable experience, and this should be no different for those with gluten-free dietary requirements. Unfortunately, if you have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance, dining out can be a challenge. Although restaurants are becoming more aware of what it means to be gluten-free, there are still occasions when this isn’t the case and you have to take responsibility to make sure your food is safe to eat. Next time you eat out and aren’t sure about a restaurant’s menu or practices, make sure you ask the following:<br /> <span><br /> <strong>Is the food in fact gluten-free and safe for me to eat?</strong></span></p><p><br /> This may seem like an obvious question to ask, but if the menu doesn’t make it clear whether something is gluten-free, it’s important for you to be sure. Some restaurants do not have a gluten-free menu but do have offerings that are naturally gluten-free, such as salads served without croutons or meat and fish dishes served with a gluten-free sauce.</p><p><br /> Choosing something you know to be gluten-free is a way for you to eat out in more restaurants as a coeliac, but you should never assume that something is 100% safe and must ask before ordering.</p><p><br /> Explain to staff that you have coeliac disease or are intolerant to gluten, making them aware of how important it is to prevent your meal from becoming contaminated. Some staff members may be better aware of what this means than others, so check that you are speaking to someone who can go over the ingredients that go into each dish. Often the best way of ensuring you can enjoy a gluten-free meal at a restaurant is to call them prior to your visit and ask any questions you have about specific dishes.</p><p> </p><h2><span style="font-size:10pt;">How do you prepare gluten-free meals?</span></h2><p><br /> Unfortunately, for some restaurants it is very difficult to provide gluten-free meals because they have little space to prepare food, which makes cross-contamination more likely. For a meal to be safe for consumption by someone on a gluten-free diet, it must not have been fried in the same pan or oil as ingredients containing gluten, and must also not have been prepared with utensils or gloves that have been in contact with non-gluten-free foods.</p><p><br /> To make sure you don’t get ill, ask questions to determine how gluten-free food is prepared. Once you are satisfied that steps will be taken to prevent cross-contamination, you won’t have to worry and can enjoy your meal.</p><p> </p><h2><span style="font-size:10pt;">How are gluten-free orders communicated to staff?</span></h2><p><br /> This is another important question for peace of mind, as you want to be sure that once your order has been taken, kitchen and floor staff will be aware of how your meal should be prepared. Some restaurants use specific labels or plate colours for gluten-free food, while others will have a manager prepare meals for customers with special dietary requirements. Make sure you are happy with a restaurant’s practices before eating there and remember that restaurant staff will be happy to answer any questions, so you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about getting the information you need.</p><p><br /> Keep these questions in mind next time you eat out and you’ll be able to dine confidently, safe in the knowledge that you are maintaining your gluten-free diet.</p><p><br /> If you follow a gluten-free diet and want to enjoy a delicious fine dining experience without the stress, visit M RAW Victoria Street. <span><a href="https://mrestaurants.co.uk/victoria/m-raw/">Offering the best 100% gluten free menu in London</a></span>, you can enjoy mouth-watering tartares and tempura as well as ethically sourced sashimi and world-class steaks.</p><p><strong><br /> For more information or to book a table, visit</strong> <span>their website.</span></p><p> </p></div>7 of Fort Lauderdale's Best Restaurantshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/fort-lauderdale-florida-dining-cuisine-restaurants2021-03-23T17:47:06.000Z2021-03-23T17:47:06.000ZBeni Resteahttps://tripatini.com/members/BeniRestea<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009501283,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009501283,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009501283?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>Once notorious as a "where-the-boys-are" (and often somewhat rowdy) spring-break beach destination, <strong>Fort Lauderdale</strong> has in recent years expanded beyond its lovely beaches to become a well rounded destination with something for everyone, from budget to luxury travelers. <span style="font-weight:400;">Its attractions include peaceful natural preserves, exquisite botanical gardens, inviting marinas, historical sites, interesting museums, and dynamic cultural venues.<br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">After you’ve spent the day gallivanting around the city, there’s a good chance that you've worked up a healthy appetite. That brings us to the <strong>Fort Lauderdale dining</strong> scene. These recent years have also seen a notable widening of the menu when it comes to <strong>Fort Lauderdale restaurants</strong>, which now beyond the fried foods and burgers of yore also includes many upscale and international options. To help you get started, here are my own seven top picks - so let’s dig in! </span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502254,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502254,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009502254?profile=original" /></a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span></p><h2><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://casablancacafeonline.com/" target="_blank">Casablanca Café</a></strong></span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> This romantic cafe is not just a great place to eat; it’s also an important piece of Ft. Lauderdale history, located in a 1927 residence designed by celebrated architect Francis L. Abreu. Whether outside on the terrace overlooking the beach or in its cozy upstairs, Casablanca Café offers plenty of ambiance. Plenty of good eating, too, with specialties such as walnut chicken, braised Moroccan lamb shank, and blackened Florida grouper. And p</span><span style="font-weight:400;">atrons have few bad things to say, giving it a Google reviews rating of 4.5 stars out of five with nearly 2,500 reviews.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502069,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502069,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009502069?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.kaluzrestaurant.com/kaluz-fort-lauderdale/" target="_blank">Kaluz Restaurant</a></strong></span></h2><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">With its prime location on the eastern coast of Florida, one of Lauderdale’s best features is its beachfront but also its network of waterways, and Kaluz takes full advantage of the latter,</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">with a breezy, delightful patio on the <strong>Intravoastal Waterway</strong>.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Diners love the restaurant’s delicious take on new American cuisine that includes everything from artfully prepared gourmet salads (try the Key lime crab) to slow roasted prime rib and Chilean sea bass. It also garners very favorable patron ratings, with an average score of 4.6 stars out of 5, with over 3,000 reviews.</span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502687,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502687,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009502687?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/fl/fort-lauderdale/ft-lauderdale/8019" target="_blank">The Capital Grille</a></strong></span></h2><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">There are few things that can top a juicy medium-rare steak with a baked sweet potato and a side of steamed broccoli - a classic. And the place to enjoy it in Lauderdale is this local branch of the reknowned steakhouse chain, based in the upscale mall known as <strong>The Galleria</strong>, just in from the beach. Ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon - it's all here, along with various other meats and seafood, tasty appetizers, luscious desserts, and even several vegan and vegetarian options. This menu, plus the classy, refined ambiance and excellent service yield Google reviews with an</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">impressive score of 4.7 stars out of 5, with over 1,000 reviews. <br /></span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009502500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009502500?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.lonarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Lona Cocina Tequileria</a></strong></span></h2><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Located like Casablanca Café right on the <strong>Atlantic Boulevard</strong> beachfront, this sleek reimagining of the Mexican dining experience offers a comprehensive menu of tostadas, quesadillas, tacos, fajitas, and dishes such as salmon with rich, complex mole sauce. Plus of course, true to its name, a tempting bar with more than 150 high-qaulity tequilas, along with creative margaritas and other mixed drinks.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Lona Cocina has an excellent average Google reviews score of 4.6 stars out of 5, with over 1,500 reviews. Patrons simply love the chic, upbeat atmosphere; the exceptionally attentive, courteous service; and the artfully mixed cocktails. <br /></span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009503689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009503689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009503689?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.wildsealasolas.com/" target="_blank">Wild Sea Las Olas</a></strong></span></h2><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of maritime flair, then you’re sure to love this one. A 15-minute drive away from the beach on elegant Las Olas Boulevar, sophisticated, refined Wild Sea offers some of the best seafood you’ll find in the entire area. Whether you’re in the mood for a salmon filet or a healthy serving of buttered mussels, you’ll find it here! </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">This is amply reflected in the restaurant’s Google reviews score, which stands at a very respectable 4.4 stars out of 5, with over 350 reviews. This is due in large part to the restaurant’s impressive selection of artisan wines, cheeses and fine scotch, in addition to its many other excellent qualities. </span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009503892,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009503892,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009503892?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://premierehotel.com/esp/cafe.html" target="_blank">Premiere Cafe & Bar</a></strong></span></h2><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">This kitschy little cafe is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat and enjoy some scenic ocean views as you enjoy the cozy atmosphere and delightful decor and lighting. There’s no place that quite manages to capture the same charming blend of minimalistic design and delicious Argentinian dishes like the Premiere cafe! With everything from grilled salmon to brochettes and wraps, you’re sure to find something to your liking.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Patrons of this cafe love to talk about their experiences, and these experiences have been overwhelmingly positive in nature! The cafe has an average Google reviews score of 4.8 stars out of 5, with over 300 reviews, a score that can be largely attributed to its delicious cuisine and delightful atmosphere. </span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009504855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009504855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009504855?profile=original" /></a></span></p><h2><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The Foxy Brown</strong></span></h2><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Sometimes a day calls for simple food that forgoes the pretentious nature of more upscale establishments that confuse excess with excellence; on such a day, the Foxy Brown is the place to be! This all-American bistro serves up all-American classics every day of the week, with everything from hamburgers to waffles and more! </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">But don’t take our word for it; this restaurant has an average Google reviews score of 4.5 stars out of 5, with nearly 1,400 reviews! Patrons of the Foxy Brown love the exceptional cooking, the courteous service, and the chique, modern atmosphere. There are few places like it if you’re in the mood for something simple and delicious! </span></p><h2><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></h2><p><span style="font-weight:400;">We hope this list helped you find your next dining destination! With this much variety and selection, it’s safe to say that finding an appetizing place to eat won’t be a problem if you’re visiting Ft. Lauderdale. The only problem you might encounter is difficulty choosing a place to eat, considering all the excellent places there are to choose from! </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Once you experience a few of the delightful things that this city has to offer, you might find yourself reluctant to go home; if that’s the case, you’ll want to get in touch with the local</span> <a href="https://www.realestateagent.com/real-estate-directory/fort-lauderdale_fl.html"><span style="font-weight:400;">real estate agents in Fort Lauderdale FL</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">! These experienced real estate professionals will give you an insider’s perspective on the market, and share some of the available listings in their city. Before you know it, you might just be calling Fort Lauderdale home!</span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>The Advantages of Offline Restaurant-Billing Softwarehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-advantages-of-offline-restaurant-billing-software2021-06-20T08:22:22.000Z2021-06-20T08:22:22.000Zparth solankihttps://tripatini.com/members/parthsolanki<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009494484,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009494484,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009494484?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/empresaria-trabajando-en-computadora-gm1166079337-321082443" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>AndreyPopov</em></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> Billing software should allow both onetime billing and recurring billing. Since you cannot predict your customers' financial situations, and they are willing to buy your offline billing software, it would be easier to work with them instead of against. Basically, if a customer is unable to pay everything at once, (one time billing) allows an option for this customer to pay over a certain period of time (recurring billing).</p><p><br /> This option will build trust between you and your customer. Online billing system is by far a more efficient way of paying for/doing business. Instead of suffering the hassle of missing checks and receipts; orders placed offline are directly sent to the seller. No complications should arise, the purchase is made, and the buyer can happily go about their day. Plus it makes your business look more professional.</p><p><br /> Any user associated with an offline billing account can control what the public is able to see and not see. If there are necessary privacy settings available, the user can set it accordingly. If any other issues take place, the user can contact the admin to solve the issue.</p><p><br /> When a client wants to purchase an item and pay for it offline, the user can view this information and if the client requests an email about the purchase, the user can send it directly. In this manner, a relationship is formed between the user and his/her clientele. This relationship is very important to build a trustworthy relationship based on excellent business skills.</p><p><br /> With the offline billing software at hand, you do not have to waste your time asking your client to pay you the appropriate amount at the right time. It’s a hassle to constantly breathe down customers' necks, asking them when you will receive their necessary payments. Online billing diminishes this hassle because clients have already decided how they want to pay, and the payment process has begun. No more issues.</p><p><br /> <a href="https://restobillo.co.in" target="_blank">Offline billing software for restaurants</a> gives your clients more than one option to decide how/when/with what gateway they want to purchase your product. This creates a more efficient, user friendly relationship which can overall boost your business as well as your clientele’s. Online billing software keeps electronic records for your clients. It takes their information and stores it so you can have access to in the future. This easy manner of record keeping is very organized for all parties involved. It is important to record any/all purchases made. What better way to keep track of everything than offline? The time of the Post-It note is at an end.</p><p></p></div>7 of the Best Restaurants in Tulum, Mexicohttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/restaurants-dining-tulum-quintana-roo-yucatan-mexico2019-08-19T18:06:30.000Z2019-08-19T18:06:30.000ZCalida Jenkinshttps://tripatini.com/members/CalidaJenkins<div><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009379882,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009379882,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009379882?profile=original" /></a><br /> Great meals accompany great moments - they are usually inseparable. And the resort town of Tulum, on the Riviera Maya of Mexico's Caribbean coast, offers not just gorgeous beaches and the only seaside Mayan ruins in existence (above), but also myriad wonderful dining opportunities for all tastes and wallets. Here's a septet of its top venues:</p><p></p><p><strong><a href="http://locotulum.com/" target="_blank">Loco Tulum</a></strong></p><p><br /> Here the Israeli owner/chef Idan Lifshitz is <em>loco</em>, yes, but about ensuring you have a memorable experience, enjoying a mix of Italian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines made with fresh local ingredients in a stylish, casual setting.</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009380276,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009380276,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009380276?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://cenzontletulum.com/" target="_blank">Cenzontle</a></strong></p><p><br /> With a small but expertly curated menu based on seasonal local produce, this candlelit, open-air "secret garden" in Tulum's hotel zone specializes in artistic presentations of Mexican dishes with global tweaks and vice versa.</p><p><strong><br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lacoqueta.mexicanfood/" target="_blank">La Coqueta</a><br /></strong></p><p><br /> Right near the center of downtown Tulum, La Coqueta is a colorful, unpretentious, and affordable place to enjoy traditional Mexican fare.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009381054,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009381054,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009381054?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong>Único</strong></p><p><br /> Also located downtown, "Unique" does indeed stand out as one of the best restaurants in Tulum because of the quality and creativity of its international dishes as well as sterling service.</p><p></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.hartwoodtulum.com/" target="_blank">Hartwood</a></strong></p><p><br /> Ex New Yorkers Eric Werner and Mya Henry pride themselves on their sustainable, organic menu, which changes daily depending on what's locally available. It's also one of the few places in Tulum to use solar panels, and composts all its waste, as well.</p><p><strong><br /> <a href="https://arcatulum.com/" target="_blank">Arca</a><br /></strong></p><p><br /> Next door to Hartwood and with an elegant outdoor dining area with a whiff of copal traditional Mayan incense (and good at keeping mosquitos at bay), this restaurant serves elegant takes on Mexican cuisine, cooked in a wood-burning oven and served in small plates.</p><div id="mntl-sc-block_2-0-11" class="comp text-passage mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"></div><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009381077,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009381077,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009381077?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.ziggybeachtulum.com/ziggys-restaurant/" target="_blank">Ziggy's</a></strong></p><p><br /> Part of a beach club right on the sand, Ziggy's serves up cool cocktails and chef Miguel Hidalgo's creative Mexican fare accompanied by live music daily. Plus there are cool theme nights every day of the week.</p><p></p></div>7 of Budapest's Best Restaurants Nowhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/budapest-hungaryrestaurants-2016-08-01T20:44:40.000Z2016-08-01T20:44:40.000ZIberostar Hotels & Resortshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberostarHotelsResorts<div><p><a href="http://passportto.iberostar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MED_Do%CC%81nde-comer-en-Budapest.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://passportto.iberostar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/MED_Do%CC%81nde-comer-en-Budapest.jpg" class="align-center" alt="MED_Do%CC%81nde-comer-en-Budapest.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#444444;font-family:'Noto Serif', serif;font-size:14px;line-height:26px;"><br /> Food in Hungary's capital stands out for its flavors and aromas, with lavish use of spices (most famously but not only paprika) and generous servings. Prices are more economical than in many other European capitals. Some of the current top tables in town: </span></p><p style="font:14px/26px 'Noto Serif', serif;margin:0px 0px 1.14em;color:#444444;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;"><br /> Menza</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br /> One of Budapest's more fashionable venues of the moment, with modern décor,.plenty of young people, a menu combining classic Hungarian dishes and creative nouvel creations, and attractive prices. <em>Liszt Ferenc tér 2.</em></p><p style="font:14px/26px 'Noto Serif', serif;margin:0px 0px 1.14em;color:#444444;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">Cyrano</b><br /> Recommended by the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">Michelin</b> guide<span class="Apple-converted-space">,</span> one of the best restaurants in the city center also offers a mix of typical Hungarian classics and more avant-garde dishes, amid very nice décor with a modern, eclectic feel. <em>Kristof 7.</em></p><p style="font:14px/26px 'Noto Serif', serif;margin:0px 0px 1.14em;color:#444444;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">Budavari<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b><br /> Delicious homestyle cooking in hearty servings; you must try the goose foie with apple and the potato croquettes (typical in Budapest). <span><em>Forutna Ut.</em></span></p><p style="font:14px/26px 'Noto Serif', serif;margin:0px 0px 1.14em;color:#444444;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">Fatâl</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br /> Near Budapest’s famous Central Market, you'll want to go to this spot hungry, as it's well known for great food at great prices in great big - even huge - servings. <em>Váci 67.</em></p><p style="font:14px/26px 'Noto Serif', serif;margin:0px 0px 1.14em;color:#444444;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">Spoon Cafe & Lounge</b>On the bank of the Pest River and with a view of the castle in Buda, this boat is one of Budapest’s luxury restaurants, with prices typically coming out to at least 5,000 florins per head without wine. Reserve ahead for a table with a good view. <em>Vigadó Tér.</em></p><p style="font:14px/26px 'Noto Serif', serif;margin:0px 0px 1.14em;color:#444444;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">Beyond these, it's also worth noting that <b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">bakeries</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> and pastry shops </span>are a staple in Budapest, on nearly every street, full of delicious typical Hungarian sweets. The best one and also the oldest is <b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">Gerbaud Bakery and Café</b>, founded in 1858, which has special historic charm and brews marvelous coffee along with its famously decadent pastries. </p><p style="font:14px/26px 'Noto Serif', serif;margin:0px 0px 1.14em;color:#444444;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">TIP:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in many restaurants in Budapest you can only pay<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">cash and in florins</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(though things are changing), so make sure you have enough local currency on you!</p><blockquote style="font:1.1em/1.6 'Playfair Display', serif;margin:0px 1em 25px;padding:2em 0px 0px;border:;text-align:center;color:#101010;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;overflow:hidden;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><p style="margin:0px;"> </p><p style="margin:0px;"><i>“<b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;">IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>has a 5-star hotel in Budapest: the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i><a style="color:#a57a50;text-decoration:none;background-color:transparent;" href="http://www.iberostar.com/hoteles/budapest#sthash.FDQ7WGyq.dpuf"><b style="font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;"><i>IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Budapest</i></b></a><i>. It is located in a privileged area, surrounded by important buildings, embassies and shopping areas. It was built in 2011 and the rooms provide a perfect sense of luxury.”</i></p></blockquote><p><br /> <br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-1"><em>from our blog <a href="http://passportto.iberostar.com" target="_blank">Passport To...<br /> <br /></a></em></span></p><p></p></div>5 Tips to Help You Choose Where to Buy a Vacation Home in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/5-tips-to-help-you-choose-where-to-buy-a-vacation-home-in-costa2016-02-24T18:06:59.000Z2016-02-24T18:06:59.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037466,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037466,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009037466?profile=original" /></a>You have decided to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-real-estate/is-it-a-good-time-to-buy-real-estate-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">move to Costa Rica</a>, or at least <b>buy a vacation home</b> in one of the world’s most popular places for living abroad.</p><p>How do you choose where is the best place to buy a home in Costa Rica?</p><p><b>The five most important things to consider</b> are: lifestyle, climate and geography, infrastructure, community, and pricing. Your best strategy is to rent a place for a few months to see how you like living in that area.</p><p>1. Think about <b>what kind of lifestyle are you looking for</b>? What are your hobbies? Do you want a quiet rural or beach life, or do you need the hustle and bustle of a big town or city? </p><p>2. Costa Rica has many diverse regions and microclimates, but for the most part you can boil down <b><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/163-does-atenas-costa-rica-have-the-best-climate" target="_blank">Costa Rica climate</a> and geography</b> to:</p><ul><li>Beaches – North, Central and South Pacific Coast, and the Caribbean</li><li>Mountains</li><li>Lake Arenal and Volcano Arenal</li><li>Steamy lowland jungle in the southern Pacific region – basically from Dominical south</li><li>The Central Valley highlands</li></ul><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037691,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037691,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9009037691?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Expect heat at the beach</b>, no matter which coast. Costa Rica is between 9 and 11 degrees north of the equator, and the beaches are HOT! On average, temperatures are about 90+ F with humidity. Air-conditioning is available, but can easily run $400 or more per month. Costa Rica’s beaches, however, really are spectacular, as are the sunsets.</p><p><b>To get cooler, you have to go up in elevation</b>. In the <b>mountains</b>, you can find daytime temperatures in the low 70's, with nights around 40-60 F. However, there are often more clouds and rain in the mountains. The <b>Central Valley</b> is the most moderate, with daytime temperatures varying from 60 to 80 F, and 50 to 65 at night, depending on the time of year. This is why the capital city of San Jose and most of the population of Costa Rica are located here.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038061,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038061,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009038061?profile=original" /></a>3. <b>Infrastructure</b> is crucial in Costa Rica: <b>quality medical and health care facilities</b>, international airports, good roads, services, and entertainment like restaurants, theaters, cultural performances and shopping. If these are high on your list of priorities, then you want to be in the Central Valley. </p><p>4. There are many large <b>foreign resident communities</b> around Costa Rica – in the North Pacific, Central Pacific, Caribbean, and especially in the Central Valley. <b>Quality education</b> and many private, bilingual schools are easily found in the Central Valley.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038475,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038475,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009038475?profile=original" /></a>5. If you want to live at the beach, expect to pay higher prices for a home. The Central Valley has a wide range of affordable real estate. <b>In <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a></b>, a 2,100-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath, furnished home on a half-acre lot with a pool and views, and even a car included, is listed at <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/prices-300k-400k/item/192-well-maintained-pool-home-with-wonderful-views-atenas-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">$350,000</a>.</p><p><b>Atenas</b> is not only a top place for international living, but also a fun vacation destination for its <b>ideal location in the western Central Valley</b>, halfway between San José and Pacific Coast beaches. Atenas is close to the San Jose/Juan Santamaría International Airport, top public and private health care facilities, and has easy access to major highways.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038694,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038694,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="9009038694?profile=original" /></a>For more information about Atenas, check out the <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/articles/193-all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-atenas-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Guide to Living in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> and the list of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/guide-restaurants-atenas-costa-rica/" target="_blank">restaurants in Atenas</a> from Atenas real estate agency <b><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/about-us" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a>.</b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>99 Sea Level at Delaware's Bethany Beach Ocean Suites: Fresh, Creative Franco-Asian-Inspired Cuisinehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/99-sea-level-bethany-beach-ocean-suites-delaware2015-11-27T00:00:00.000Z2015-11-27T00:00:00.000ZTravel Daddyhttps://tripatini.com/members/TravelDaddy<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032294,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032294,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="9009032294?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>After arriving at the superb Bethany Beach Ocean Suites by Marriott in Bethany Beach, DE (read about our excellent adventure <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-new-bethany-beach-ocean-suites-by-marriott-stunning" target="_blank">here</a>), the fam (two teen pups + my wife Sue) and I thought that it would be wise to dine in the hotel on our first night rather than venture out to explore the town’s eateries. Not that there weren’t lots of great choices in the area, but after driving for almost four hours from northern New Jersey and then unwinding for the rest of the day in our awesome rooms, we preferred to take the most convenient (and least mileage) route to the dinner table.</p><p><br /> The hotel’s restaurant, 99 Sea Level, is located on the lobby level. According to <a href="http://99sealevel.com/" target="_blank">its website</a>, the restaurant features “choice meats, local seafood, and creative vegetarian selections.” Its chef “sources local fisheries, farms, and gardens for the highest quality ingredients” to create its dining and bar menus.</p><p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032084,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032084,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009032084?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032476,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032476,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009032476?profile=original" /></a></p><p><br /> While the site’s description sounded appealing, the thumbs up user reviews across the web sealed the deal: </p><ul><li>TripAdvisor - <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33997-d8463948-Reviews-99_Sea_Level-Bethany_Beach_Delaware.html">4 stars out of 5</a></li><li>Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/99sealevel/">4.5/5</a></li><li>WeddingWire - <a href="http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/99-sea-level-at-bethany-beach-ocean-suites-bethany-beach/28c70d4fb11492b9.html">4.4/5</a></li><li>Google - <a href="https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=99+sea+level+bethany+beach+reviews&lrd=0x89b8cde3fee257e7:0x5120dfc528f98cb7,1">5/5</a></li><li><a href="http://rehobothfoodie.com/reviews/sneak-peek/99-sea-level-open/">Rehoboth Foodie</a> - “beautiful venue on the boardwalk facing the Atlantic, along with what so far is a great menu and bar”</li><li><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/oc-blog/bal-bs-bs-tr-eats-new-99-sea-level-salad-20150728-photo.html">The Baltimore Sun</a> - “upscale experience not to be missed” with “creative, lively coastal cuisine featuring lots of fish, seafood and farm-sourced ingredients”</li></ul><p> </p><p>Some background details about 99 Sea Level (99SL):</p><p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032884,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032884,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="527" alt="9009032884?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><ul><li>The restaurant’s menu offerings are designed by Chef Danio Somoza, who has been cooking for 14 years. Somoza received his training at two of the area’s premier eateries, Bethany Blues in Bethany Beach and Fins Fish House and Raw Bar in Rehoboth.</li><li>Somoza’s dishes reflect his French and Asian-inspired cooking philosophy.</li><li>Chef Somoza aims to create fresh, flavorful food that’s also visually appealing.</li><li>Along with being a master chef, Somoza is also a trained ice sculptor, and his works are on display each night at 99SL.</li><li>The restaurant has an extensive wine and craft cocktail menu with selections for both casual as well as sophisticated tastes.</li><li>It’s the newest oceanfront restaurant on the DE coast and the only oceanfront restaurant in Bethany Beach.</li></ul><p> </p><p>As for our marvelous meal, here’s the lowdown on the many delectable and eye-pleasing components that comprised the experience:</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032898,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032898,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009032898?profile=original" /></a></b><strong>FRESH BREADSTICKS</strong> <br /> <br />Gorgeous, right? They tasted even better.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033461,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033461,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009033461?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>CHARCUTERIE-CHEESE ASSORTMENT <br /> <br /></b> 99SL’s description: “Selection of cheese from local dairies with coppa duck prosciutto, salmon pâté, rosette de lyon, roasted beet jelly, jalapeño tomato tapenade, fig truffle honey”<br /><br />Our reaction: A fresh, diverse, and beautifully arranged assortment of savory flavors, rich colors, and pleasing textures (our fave: the irresistible fig truffle honey). A fantastic drum roll to the main meal.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009032695?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>WINTER SQUASH-ROASTED BEETS SALAD <br /> <br /></b> 99SL’s description: “Baby kale, spinach leaves, walnuts, feta cheese, pomegranate vinaigrette”<br /><br />Our reaction: Sue is a HEE-YOOJ fan of both kale and beets, so she found this super fresh melange to be a pleasant and <em>mucho delicioso</em> surprise.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033861,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033861,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009033861?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>WHISKEY KOBE BURGER <br /> <br /></b> 99SL’s description: “Caramelized onions, jalapeño pepper, sunny-side-up egg, broiche bun, honey truffle sweet potato frittes”<br /><br />Our reaction: Lots of pop from the onions and pepper, and hearty boom from the egg, smoky burger, and airy bun. The sticky sweet frites were indulgent and highly addictive. </p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009034469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009034469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009034469?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>ATLANTIC BLACK GROUPER</b><br /> <br />99SL’s description: “Wilted cauliflower, baby turnips, lentil quinoa, sake miso-carrot-ginger sauce”<br /><br />Our reaction: An ingenious, multi-hued (blue, white, orange), and exquisite melding of meaty (the grouper), hearty and tangy (the sauce), crunchy (the vegetables), and smooth (the lentils).</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009034658,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009034658,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009034658?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><br /> <b>TOMAHAWK RIB-EYE</b><br /><br />99SL’s description: “Crispy leek, roasted shallot <em>au jus</em>”<br /><br />Our reaction: Massive, meaty (yet tender), and perfectly seasoned with no need for additional salt, pepper, or anything. The crunchy onion straws (aka crispy leeks) on the top were an imaginative and fun extra.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009034494,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009034494,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009034494?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>BLUE CRAB CAKE</b> (left)<br /> <br />Our reaction: Sue is a crab cake fan, and she thought that 99SL’s version of the dish was the best that she’s ever had. “A nice kick of spice and lots of crab!” she exclaimed, in between joyful mouthfuls.</p><p><br /> <b>ROASTED GARLIC PARMIGIANO BRUSSELS SPROUTS</b> (right)<br /><br />Our reaction: Mild and satisfying, fresh and crunchy, cooked just right.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009035660,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009035660,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009035660?profile=original" /></a></p><p>We also sampled some of 99SL’s beverage delights, including... </p><p><b>99 MERMAID WATER</b> (left)<br /> <br />99SL’s description: “Parrot Bay coconut rum, Captain Morgan rum, orange simple syrup, pineapple juice, blue curacao drizzle, toasted coconut rim”<br /><br />My/Sue’s reaction: Light, smooth, fruity (without being overly sweet), and pleasantly drinkable. The oceanic hue meshed perfectly with 99SL’s interiors and locale.<br /><br /><b>CIDER MARGARITA</b> (right)<br /><br />99SL’s description: “Mezcal tequila, Cointreau, cider, sprinkle cinnamon”<br /><br />My/Sue’s reaction: Awesome for autumn and a clever combo of flavorful ingredients. Goes down super smooth and packs a velvety punch.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009035683,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009035683,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009035683?profile=original" /></a></p><p>My daughter had her eye on 99SL’s fresh squeeze mixed berry juice, featuring house-made fruit syrup, fresh fruit, and a splash of soda. It had just the right amount of berryness and she loved its frosty presentation. <br /> <br />With the appetizers, mains, sides, and drinks all in the super slammin’ category, our expectations for dessert were quite high. However, 99SL doesn’t offer a formal dessert menu: Chef Dannio creates new items each night in order to keep things exciting and fresh - and to keep his satisfied diners coming back.<br /><br />Among the various desserts that were available on the night that we dined were...</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009035882,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009035882,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009035882?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><b>CHOCOLATE MASCARPONE CAKE<br /> <br /></b> Pure, over-the-top sin: sinfully dense, sinfully indulgent, sinfully rich. If there’s such a thing as chocolate overshare, this cake is guilty, guilty, guilty - and we loved every crumb, glob, and drop of it.</p><p><b><br /> <br /></b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009036458,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009036458,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009036458?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHEESECAKE<br /> <br /></b> Made from fresh squash that was grown in the garden of one of the kitchen staff members, this stunning masterpiece offered a gentle hint of sweetness along with a long finish of flavor that delightfully remained on the palate. We all agreed that this was one of the most sensational desserts we had ever eaten.</p><p><br /> </p><p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009036895,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009036895,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="542" alt="9009036895?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p><u>Tasty Takeaways<br /></u> </p><ul><li><a href="http://99sealevel.com" target="_blank">99 Sea Level</a>’s teal and aqua accented interiors, combined with lighting that’s bright/natural during the day and soft/relaxing when the sun goes down, provide its guests with a lush, calming vibe that meshes seamlessly with its oceanfront location.</li></ul><ul><li>While its menu items are imaginative, scrumptious, and upscale, 99SL offers a beach casual experience that’s fun, relaxed, and unpretentious.</li></ul><ul><li>99SL’s portions are perfect for sharing.</li></ul><ul><li>Gorgeous ocean views can be enjoyed through the restaurant’s huge windows as well as on its outdoor porch, which get you even closer to the surf and sand.</li></ul><ul><li>The attentive service provided by the energetic and unflappable wait staff was excellent.</li></ul><p></p></div>New York Magazine's New York Taste! Join us for an evening of all you can eat, drink & savor from over 40 of NY’s most celebrated restaurants & mixology bars on October 22, 2018!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/new-york-magazine-s-new-york-tasteq-join-us-for-an-evening-of-all2018-09-23T18:00:00.000Z2018-09-23T18:00:00.000ZDebbie Rodriguezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DebbieRodriguez<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009310458,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009310458,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009310458?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Monday October 22, 2018 / Manhattan</strong></p><p><strong><em>New York</em> Magazine's <em>New York </em>Taste returns with the city’s BEST menu! Join us for an evening of all you can eat, drink, and savor from more than 40 of New York’s most celebrated restaurants and mixology bars.</strong></p><p><strong>For more information and the full line-up of chefs and restaurants, visit taste.nymag.com.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS</strong></p><p><strong>Ticket price: $125 + tax. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Includes:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Unlimited tastings from 40+ restaurants, chefs and mixologists </strong></li><li><strong>Open Bar</strong></li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>VIP TICKETS</strong></p><p><strong>Ticket Price: $225 + tax. 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Includes:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Preview hour (6-7pm), one hour prior to General Admission doors opening (7-9pm)</strong></li><li><strong>Unlimited tastings from 40+ restaurants, chefs, and mixologists, plus exclusive tastings in the VIP lounge</strong></li><li><strong>Access to the VIP Lounge <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-york-taste-2018-tickets-48335881924">including</a>a private open bar and seating</strong></li><li><strong>Exclusive <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-york-taste-2018-tickets-48335881924">gift</a>bag (valued at $200+)</strong></li><li><strong>A complimentary three-month trial membership to New York by <em>New York</em>, <em>New York</em>'s members-only special event program*. *offer valid for new memberships only; current NYxNY members not eligible for 3-month membership offer. Offer valid for ticket purchaser only.</strong></li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>For details & tickets: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-york-taste-2018-tickets-48335881924">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-york-taste-2018-tickets-48335881924</a></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009310458,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></p></div>Santa Teresa, Costa Rica gets cleaner air with recycled plastic roadshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-costa-rica-gets-clean-air-with-recycled-plastic2015-12-14T18:41:21.000Z2015-12-14T18:41:21.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014270,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014270?profile=original" /></a>Come January 2016, schoolchildren in the <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/general/map.php" target="_blank">southern Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica</a> will hopefully <b>breathe easy with cleaner air</b>.</p><p>Roads in front of seven elementary schools in the region, that are now unpaved dustbowls, will be the <b>first in Costa Rica to be made of recyclable plastic</b>, thanks to the <b><a href="http://www.pavetheroad.net" target="_blank">Pave the Road</a> initiative</b>.</p><p>The southern Nicoya Peninsula is one of those <b>iconic Costa Rica tourism spots</b>, where you can find <b>paradise beaches, world-class surf breaks</b>, forested coastline, and charming towns like <b><a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/teresa/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa</a>, <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/malpais/" target="_blank">Malpaís</a>, and Montezuma</b>. Once a surfers’ and backpackers’ secret hideaway, the popular beaches now are filled with eco-lodges, beach bungalows, <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">upscale luxury hotels</a>, yoga retreats</b>, and multi-national restaurants.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014478,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014478?profile=original" /></a>The <b>one main road for the region</b> is mostly paved from the Nicoya Gulf port of Paquera to the town of Cóbano, but <b>roads in the beach communities</b> and side roads are chiefly <b>unpaved dirt</b>. <b>Traffic on the roads kicks up unbearable dust clouds</b> in the dry season, coating vehicles, houses, businesses, schools and people with fine white dust; and creates a <b>muddy pot-holed mess in the rainy season</b>. The area’s <b>5,000 residents suffer from </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2dTVmVXU_g" target="_blank">respiratory and health problems</a> such as asthma, allergies, eye irritations and skin infections. Bacterial road dust enters the open-air schools and harms the health of the schoolchildren.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="567" alt="9009015273?profile=original" /></a>A group of private businesses and the National Laboratory of Testing Materials and Structural Modes (<a href="http://www.lanamme.ucr.ac.cr/" target="_blank">LANAMME</a>) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR), that deals with road and building construction, plan to <b>pave 1.4 kilometers of streets in front of the region’s seven elementary schools with a mixture using recycled plastic</b>. The material comes from <b>three tons of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/ocean-pollution-kept-at-bay-on-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">recycled plastic collected by area residents and businesses</a>.</b> The plastic will be crushed and added to the asphalt for paving. The shredded plastic represents 3% of the mixture and can <b>extend the life of the road about 15 years</b>, according to LANAMME. The system currently is <b>used on roads in Holland, Belgium and India</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015669,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015669,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009015669?profile=original" /></a>The <b>Pave the Road initiative</b> was started by Canadian mom, <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/l/the-road-builder-of-montezuma" target="_blank">Kelly Mason</a>, and her children who relocated to Montezuma, Costa Rica a few years ago to pursue a more balanced life in nature. Over the past four years, the initiative has grown into a community of parents, sponsors, and private donors that are helping to reach the goal of <b>paved roads in all of the area communities so that residents can breathe clean air</b>. </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009015695?profile=original" /></a>Students of the school in Santa Teresa will be first</b> to receive the new pavement; 200 meters will be covered in January 2016. Schools in Cabuya, Malpaís, San Isidro, Hermosa, and two in the community of Las Delicias will follow soon thereafter. The entire project will <b>help approximately 1,500 schoolchildren</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009016501?profile=original" /></a>Fixing the road in front of the seven schools will <b>cost $750.000</b>, according to the Pave the Road organization. The initiative led to the creation of the <strong><a href="http://www.greenpavementcompany.com/" target="_blank">Green Pavement Company</a></strong> to provide environmentally safe and certified plastic formulas for each unique road type. The Green Pavement Company employs hundreds of waste pickers to <b>clean out landfills filled with plastic waste</b> which would <b>otherwise release tons of carbon dioxide pollution</b> daily into the atmosphere. The long-term goal is the <b>complete eradication of plastic waste</b> from garbage dumps, rivers, waterways and oceans in Costa Rica.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/new-website-shows-must-visit-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Where to stay on vacation in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986655?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>, a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>,</b> is an unforgettable place to stay. Very private <b>guest bungalows, suites and rooms</b> are scattered along the beachfront and in beautiful gardens shaded by huge, old trees. You can enjoy <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">b<strong>eachfront yoga classes</strong></a>, <b>a</b> <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/spa.html" target="_blank">spa</a></strong>, and delicious meals and <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog/47-blissful-living-retreat-superfoods-smoothies-at-hotel-tropico-latino.html" target="_blank">superfoods smoothies</a> at the one of the best <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica-restaurant.html" target="_blank">beachside restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>.</b></p><p><b>Hotel Tropico Latino is a business sponsor of the Pave the Road initiative.</b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Where to have your best gourmet meal in the cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/where-to-have-your-best-gourmet-meal-in-the-cloud-forest-in2015-10-27T23:34:59.000Z2015-10-27T23:34:59.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009004684,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009004684,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009004684?profile=original" /></a>One of the great aspects about visiting the famous <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/cant-visit-costa-rica-without-seeing-monteverde-cloud-forest/" target="_blank">cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica</a>, is all of the <b>fantastic restaurants in the area</b>. Whether it is because so many international residents from all over the world live here, or that <b>Monteverde is a popular tourism destination in Costa Rica</b>, the result is the same – excellent gourmet cuisine at dozens of restaurants in the high mountain jungle.</p><p>Two of the <a href="http://www.elestablo.com/restaurants" target="_blank">best restaurants in Monteverde</a> are located at the <b>luxury <a href="http://www.elestablo.com/" target="_blank">Hotel El Establo</a></b>. Located very near the world-famous <a href="http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/monteverde.htm" target="_blank">Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve</a>, El Establo Mountain Hotel features the casual dining restaurant <b>Las Riendas</b> and the elegant gourmet restaurant <b>Laggus</b>.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="http://www.elestablo.com/restaurants/laggus" target="_blank">Laggus Restaurant</a> at Hotel El Establo in Monteverde</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009004896,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009004896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009004896?profile=original" /></a>An elegant and inviting restaurant, Laggus is an excellent option for <b>fine dining in Monteverde</b>. The formal restaurant features an <b>international gourmet menu</b>, and is <b>open only for lunch and dinner</b>.</p><p>Laggus is located in the center of Hotel El Establo’s property in a modern, two-story building with balconies on both floors. The spacious restaurant offers seating for 80 persons and a <b>top-notch wine selection</b>. From inside the dining room or out on the open decks, you can appreciate <b>spectacular views</b> of the hotel grounds, a small lake just below, the Nicoya Gulf in the distance, and on clear evenings, you are treated to <b>stunning sunsets</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005279,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005279,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009005279?profile=original" /></a>On the second floor there is a <b>lounge bar</b> area where you can relax before or after dinner, with flat-screen televisions playing music videos, or you can enjoy a game of billiards. In the high season they offer live music. There is a <b>Happy Hour every day from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.</b>, when you can enjoy two-for-one selections of drinks before you dine.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006054,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006054,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009006054?profile=original" /></a>Meals by the very talented and creative</b> <b>Costa Rican chef Oscar Vargas</b> and his team are fabulous, and well worth the trip to Monteverde alone. A recent dinner selection included an Oriental salad with shrimp and vegetables as a starter, beef with caramelized strawberries and pesto potatoes for the main course, and passion fruit cheesecake for dessert.</p><p>Restaurant hours: Monday to Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are required.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="http://www.elestablo.com/restaurants/las-riendas" target="_blank">Las Riendas Restaurant</a> at Hotel El Establo in Monteverde</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006071,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006071,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009006071?profile=original" /></a>With a nod to the <a href="http://www.elestablo.com/mont-history/hotel-history" target="_blank">hotel’s history as a stable</a>, <b>Las Riendas Restaurant</b> – the name means “the reins” in Spanish – is easy to find right <b>by the hotel’s entrance</b> on the main road leading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The expansive two-room dining space seats 140 persons, and <b>can be used for <a href="http://www.elestablo.com/events" target="_blank">events</a>and wedding receptions</b>. A small, cozy “sports bar” is off to one side.</p><p>Las Riendas offers a varied <b>gourmet a la carte menu</b> in addition to <b>breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets</b>. The breakfast buffet – <b>included in guests’ rates</b> – is ample, made to fill you up for hiking in the cloud forest all day! The delicious, all-you-can-eat spread includes a variety of tropical fruits, granola, cereals, yogurt, gallo pinto (Costa Rican rice and beans), eggs, sausages, breads, jams, muffins, juices, tea and coffee.</p><p>Restaurant hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008999670,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008999670,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008999670?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/" target="_blank">Monteverde, Costa Rica</a></p><p><b>Monteverde is located in Costa Rica’s Central Highlands</b>, approximately three hours from San Jose, the Arenal Volcano, and Pacific Coast beaches of Guanacaste. Monteverde’s cloud forest is renowned as <b>one of the</b> <a href="http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/facts.htm" target="_blank">most extensive cloud forests in Central America</a>.</p><p><b>Monteverde’s climate is called “eternal spring”</b> due to its elevation range from 4,662 feet (1,440m) to 5,900 feet (1,800m) that keeps it cool and misty, with pockets of warm sunshine, rainbows and forever green.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008999468,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008999468,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008999468?profile=original" /></a><b>Where to stay in Monteverde, Costa Rica</b></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.elestablo.com/" target="_blank">El Establo Mountain Hotel</a></strong> <strong>is</strong> one of the <b>most luxurious hotels</b> in the region. More than 150 <b>comfortable and well-appointed</b> <strong><a href="http://www.elestablo.com/rooms-rates/deluxe" target="_blank">rooms</a></strong> feature either a private balcony or patio with <b>magnificent views</b> over the Monteverde forest and across to the Nicoya Gulf. On the property you can take advantage of <b>hiking and mountain biking trails</b>, the <b><a href="http://www.elestablo.com/canopy-information/canopy-tour" target="_blank">Tree Top canopy zip line tour</a>,</b> the <a href="http://www.elestablo.com/canopy-information/night-walk" target="_blank">Night Walk tour</a>, a <a href="http://www.elestablo.com/spa-information" target="_blank">Spa</a>, and two heated indoor pools in addition to other activities.</p><p>El Establo Hotel is part of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/el-establo-mountain-hotel.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Hotels</a> collection in Costa Rica.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>14th Ann Waxman Cancer Research Foundation's "A Hamptons Happening" Benefit on Jly 14, 2018! Featuring over 30 of the Top Chefs & Restaurants in NYC/The Hamptons.https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/14th-ann-waxman-cancer-research-foundation-s-a-hamptons-happening2018-07-07T02:30:00.000Z2018-07-07T02:30:00.000ZDebbie Rodriguezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DebbieRodriguez<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296638888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="480" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296638888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9296638888?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Saturday, July 14, 2018 / The Hamptons, New York</strong></p><p><strong>The 14th Annual Waxman Foundation's "A Hamptons Happening". Hosted by Maria and Kenneth Fishel and Family. The Hamptons Happening will feature over 30 of the top chefs and restaurants in New York City & The Hamptons. The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation led by noted oncologist and cancer researcher Samuel Waxman, MD. has made great headway in his mission to find a cure.</strong></p><p> </p><p>Event Founding Chairperson: Marion N. Waxman. Business Honoree: Joe Farrell. Chef Honoree: Chef Matt Lambert. Fashion Honoree: Ramy Brook Sharp.</p><p> </p><p>The 14th Annual "The Hamptons Happening" to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will honor Chef Matt Lambert, Executive Chef and co-owner of Michelin Star restaurant The Musket Room, and Ramy Brook Sharp, Founder & Creative Director of Ramy Brook, among others to be announced.</p><p> </p><p>VIP 6pm. Gen Adm: 6:30-10 pm. 900 Lumber Lane, Bridgehampton. Individual tickets are $425. Millennial Ticket (30 & under) $200. Tables start at $10,000. Please call 212-867-4502 or email rkramer@waxmancancer.org or go online to buy tickets! <a href="http://www.waxmancancer.org/Events/Hamptons-Happening">http://www.waxmancancer.org/Events/Hamptons-Happening</a></p><p> </p><p>Thanks to our generous Transportation Sponsor, all Hamptons Happening ticet holders can recieve $10 off their next ticket purchase on the Hamton Luxury Liner! Check out their schedule here and book your next trip out east.</p><p> </p><p>For additional informaiton about Corporate Event Sponsorships, to make an In-Kind Donation, or to showcase your business at The Hamptons Happening please contact Rachel Kramer at (646) 398-5274 or <a href="mailto:rkramer@waxmancancer.org">rkramer@waxmancancer.org</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296638888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></p></div>3 Exciting Adventure Opportunities Near Bangalore, Indiahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/bangalore-india-adventure-travel2019-10-06T12:02:19.000Z2019-10-06T12:02:19.000ZShruti Sharmahttps://tripatini.com/members/ShrutiSharma<div><p><span><br /> <em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009274092,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009274092,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009274092?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/philiplarson/3804034553" target="_blank">Philip Larson</a></span></em><br /></span></p><p><span><br /> <br /> The booming capital of south India's <strong>Karnataka</strong> state (aka <strong>Benguluru</strong>) is known as the country's "Silicon Valley," but the city and its surrounding area also offer numerous opportunities for ecotourism and adventure in the great outdoors, from hiking and climbing to kayaking and 4x4. Here are three of my own favourites:<br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Mini-Jet Flying<br /></strong></span></p><p><span><br /> Just a 15-t0-20-minute drive north of central Bangalore in the large suburb <strong>Yelhanka</strong>, you receive a brief orientation, then go for a soar over the region with a pilot in a mini-jet, reaching heights of 40,000 feet. Spectacular and thrilling!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Parasailing<br /> <br /></strong></span></p><p><span>Also about 15 minutes north, the regional airport in the suburb of <strong>Jakkur</strong> is the base for a parasailing adventure, which will whoosh you 200 to 300 feet up for nearly a kilometre, towed by a jeep on the ground. An instructor will provide your training, then up you go!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Whitewater Rafting<br /></strong></span></p><p><span><br /> The Kaveri River (also spelled Cauvery) running through the state has India's best whitewater, ranging from starter rapids to uber-challenging. the two destinations closest to Bangalore are <strong>Bheemeshwari</strong> (eight kilometres of moderate class-three rapids located some two hours away) and <strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/coorg-kodagu-karnataka-india" target="_blank">Coorg</a></strong> (class two to four, which also leave rafters at the entrance to the wonderful Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary). <br /></span></p><p></p><p>And for a wonderful luxury hotel experience in Bangalore, check out <a href="https://www.thelalit.com/" target="_blank">The Lalit</a>!</p><p></p></div>The Broadmoor, a Culinary Playground in the Colorado Rockieshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-broadmoor-a-culinary-playground-in-the-colorado-rockies2017-12-20T12:03:08.000Z2017-12-20T12:03:08.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorEveningExterior-1024x683.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorEveningExterior-1024x683.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="BroadmoorEveningExterior-1024x683.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Just 15 minutes from Colorado Springs Airport, one of the most convenient gateways to the Rocky Mountains was founded back in 1918 when real estate and gold mining baron <a href="https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/spencer-penrose">Spencer Penrose</a> opened <a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/">The Broadmoor</a> hotel to much fanfare. The location accommodated Penrose's dual goals of offering an otherworldly oasis in the Wild West and providing a launching point for more rugged leisure pursuits like speeding up hairpin turns on a dirt track to Pike's Peak in his Pierce Arrow <em>Yellow Devil</em> race car.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorHistoricExterior-1024x841.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorHistoricExterior-1024x841.jpeg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="BroadmoorHistoricExterior-1024x841.jpeg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Penrose tapped his vast fortune, much of it made in nearby Cripple Creek, to build The Broadmoor from the ground up. No expense was spared, with the main building designed by architectural firm Warren and Wetmore (designers of New York City's Grand Central Station), while the grounds were laid out by none other than Frederick Law Olmsted. Processed gold ore tailings were added to exterior cement inlays reflecting the sun's golden hue. Man made Cheyenne Lake, an enduring feature on the property to this day, was used for swimming, fishing, ice skating, and even water skiing but is now a serene focal point ringed by a walking path tying together the main buildings on the Broadmoor's 5,000-acre campus.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorCampusAerial-1024x808.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorCampusAerial-1024x808.jpeg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="BroadmoorCampusAerial-1024x808.jpeg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">With <a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/dining/">10 onsite restaurants</a>, staying at The Broadmoor means you can dine at a different place each evening for over a week without leaving the property. Recently promoted Executive Chef David Patterson keeps nearly 20 kitchens powered by chef led teams totaling more than 200 staff running smoothly in the pursuit of unrestrained creativity and quality.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorChefDavidPatterson-683x1024.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorChefDavidPatterson-683x1024.jpeg?width=683" class="align-center" width="683" alt="BroadmoorChefDavidPatterson-683x1024.jpeg?width=683" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Only the resort's sixth executive chef since 1918 - and likely the youngest at age 40 - Patterson draws from a stunningly broad range of prior experiences including stints at upscale Philadelphia-fish and-seafood eatery Striped Bass, Cincinnati's fabled Maisonette, and a <a href="http://www.passportresorts.com/passport-resorts-previous-hotels-resorts.php">Passport Resorts</a> property in Hawaii where he hosted "A Taste of Maui" at James Beard House in 2006. Then it was onward with <a href="http://www.alain-ducasse.com/en">Alain Ducasse</a> for 6 years climbing through the ranks to executive sous chef at Alain Ducasse's flagship Adour in New York City before joining The Broadmoor in 2012.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorKitchenScene.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorKitchenScene.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorKitchenScene.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Patterson is quick to point out that The Broadmoor actively counters the ever present temptations befalling so many other hotels to improve efficiencies and take shortcuts. All dishes are scratch made from each restaurant's menu, right down to banquet services, cocktail parties, and the smallest buffet. “While other hotels surreptitiously arrange Sysco deliveries, we raise Wagyu beef on our own ranch, build salads entirely harvested from our greenhouse gardens, mill our own flour, and harvest honey from our own hives."</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorGarden.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorGarden.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorGarden.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">For all you chocoholics out there, take note that Executive Pastry Chef Adam Thomas and his team make all confections and chocolate-based desserts from scratch and will soon be getting a brand new kitchen. They are also currently working with <em>Valrhona</em> on developing their very own signature couverture, the base ingredient from which all on site chocolates will be made.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorChocolateMaking.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorChocolateMaking.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorChocolateMaking.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><h3><span class="font-size-5"><b>Can't-Miss Broadmoor Dining:</b></span></h3><h4><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/broadmoor-adventures/seven-falls/restaurant-1858/">Restaurant 1858</a></span></h4><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Broadmoor1858Exterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Broadmoor1858Exterior.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="Broadmoor1858Exterior.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Situated on the banks of Seven Falls just several minutes off property, Restaurant 1858 takes its name and inspiration from the Gold Rush along with its attendant <i>Pikes Peak or Bust</i> motto serving authentic Colorado cuisine in a rustic setting of hand-hewn stone, reclaimed wood with custom mining lantern light fixtures, and an outdoor patio overlooking the water.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Broadmoor1858Collage-1024x339.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Broadmoor1858Collage-1024x339.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="Broadmoor1858Collage-1024x339.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Game dishes like <i>Wild Boar Green Chili</i> and <i>Colorado Rocky Mountain Trout</i> cooked & served in a cast iron skillet reflect the prospectors' culinary influences just as much as surrounding terrain.</span></p><h4><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/dining/natural-epicurean/">Natural Epicurean</a></span></h4><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorNaturalEpicureanDish-1024x683.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorNaturalEpicureanDish-1024x683.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="BroadmoorNaturalEpicureanDish-1024x683.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Healthy organic dishes showcase fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients from their own garden and partnerships with numerous Colorado growers and ranchers. Colorful fresh salads, pressed-to-order juices, and an array of light bites are accompanied with a bountiful selection of biodynamic wines, spirits, and locally crafted beers.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorNaturalEpicureanInterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorNaturalEpicureanInterior.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorNaturalEpicureanInterior.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">The restaurant’s interior further advances their commitment to sustainability with a living wall of salad greens & herbs, tables made from re-purposed wood, and glassware from recycled wine bottles. Place mats are from recycled butcher paper, and even the china is recycled stoneware. Several days each month, a pop-up Asian-inspired eatery takes over the space offering authentic steamed buns, handmade ramen, and kimchi.</span></p><h4><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/dining/golden-bee/">Golden Bee</a></span></h4><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorGoldenBeaExterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorGoldenBeaExterior.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorGoldenBeaExterior.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">This authentic 19th century British Pub was actually transported to The Broadmoor panel by panel directly from the UK. While <em>Fish & Chips</em> as well as mainstay <em>Shepherd's</em> and <em>Chicken Pot Pie</em> remain their signature dishes, a new menu embraces down home favorites like <em>Nashville Hot Chicken Wings</em>, <em>Colorado Cheese Board</em>, and <em>Beer Steamed Mussels</em>.</span></p><h4><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/dining/la-taverne/">La Taverne</a></span></h4><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorLaTaverneRawBar.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorLaTaverneRawBar.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorLaTaverneRawBar.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">A broad selection of fresh sustainably sourced shellfish along with hand-cut prime 30-day aged <a href="https://www.creekstonefarms.com/">Creekstone Farms</a> steaks from cattle fed a 100% vegetarian hormone & antibiotic free diet as well as chops and prime rib take center stage here.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorLaTaverneGardenRoom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorLaTaverneGardenRoom.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorLaTaverneGardenRoom.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">The Front Room features live music on the weekends while the airy Le Jardin room brings in the outdoors allowing guests to dine among lush plantings and a stunning 16-foot chandelier. Bred for high quality and intense marbling, their Wagyu beef is exclusively raised at nearby <a href="http://www.eagles-nest-ranch.com/">Eagles Nest Ranch</a>. Cuts vary each day from the herd's 98% full blooded heritage breeding program.</span></p><h4><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/dining/summit/">Summit</a></span></h4><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorSummitInteriorWineTower.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorSummitInteriorWineTower.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorSummitInteriorWineTower.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Named one of America's 10 Best Hotel Restaurants by Frommer's, recently honored in the Robb Report as <em>Best of the Best</em>, and awarded Esquire's <em>Best New Restaurants</em> & <em>Best New Restaurant Design</em>, Summit's most recognizable feature, a prominently displayed glass enclosed wine turret storing over 500 bottles overlooks a sleek ultramodern dining room built with metal, wood, & leather designed by Adam D. Tihany and inspired by the grandeur of Pikes Peak.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BoradmoorSummitInteriorDiningRoom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BoradmoorSummitInteriorDiningRoom.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BoradmoorSummitInteriorDiningRoom.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Chef de Cuisine Luis Young, building on prior expertise at Napa's French Laundry, is the creative force behind contemporary bistro dishes rooted in tradition like <i>Gnocchi Parisienne</i>, <i>Iberico de Bellota,</i> and <i>Herb Roasted Chicken</i>.</span></p><h4><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/dining/ristorante-del-lago/">Ristorante del Lago</a></span></h4><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorDelLagoInterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorDelLagoInterior.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorDelLagoInterior.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">With an interior of exposed wood beams, terra cotta tile, custom walnut millwork, and leather banquettes centered around an indoor/outdoor fireplace overlooking Cheyenne Lake, Ristorante del Lago mirrors key characteristics of the luxurious villas situated on the shores of Northern Italy's Lake Como. Authentic regional Italian dishes including <i>Octopus Alla Lucia</i> and <i>Bistecca Con Salsa Delle Herbe</i> perfectly match the ambiance.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorDelLagoDish.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorDelLagoDish.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorDelLagoDish.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Cooked at 700 degrees in ovens fired with seasoned cherry, apple, and maple hardwoods, Ristorante del Lago's fragrant wood fired Neopolitan style pizzas are made with D.O.P. Certified San Marzano tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil sourced from Castello di Ama. Pasta is made fresh daily, cooked meats are cut to order off the rotisserie, and cured meats are sliced on the restaurant's very own hand operated prosciutto di parma slicer.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorAgingRoom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorAgingRoom.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorAgingRoom.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Floor to ceiling shelves in their aging room are stocked with salumi and formaggio sourced directly from Italian family run producers like Pio Tosini who have been making Prosciutto di Parma in Langhirano since 1905 and Parmigiano Reggiano Valserena from the Serra family farm in Emilia Romagna. House made tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato are logical conclusions to your visit here.</span></p><h4><span class="font-size-4"><a href="https://www.broadmoor.com/dining/penrose-room/">Penrose Room</a></span></h4><p><br /> <a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorPenroseRoom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/BroadmoorPenroseRoom.jpg?width=1000" class="align-center" width="1000" alt="BroadmoorPenroseRoom.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Occupying the top floor of Broadmoor South, Penrose Room is the pinnacle of dining at The Broadmoor as well as all of Colorado with a dining area and lounge that fittingly overlooks mountains on all sides with a wooden dance floor at the center featuring live entertainment with longtime vocalist <a href="https://broadmoormusic.com/who-are-we">Lila Mori</a> most weekday evenings.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/penrosedishescollage-e1511983385159-1024x294.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/penrosedishescollage-e1511983385159-1024x294.jpg?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="penrosedishescollage-e1511983385159-1024x294.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Colorado’s only Forbes 5-Star, AAA 5-Diamond restaurant offers artfully prepared dishes like Select <em>Osetra Caviar Tartlette,</em> <em>Charred Yellowtail Tartare</em>, and <em>Juniper Crusted Saddle of Venison</em> served with aplomb by impeccably dressed and coordinated wait staff who bring out the main course in unison atop covered silver plates while expert sommeliers navigate you through an extensive wine list. Also a recent alumnus of The French Laundry, Chef de Cuisine Maxwell Robbins deftly oversees the entire impeccably executed experience.</span></p><p></p><blockquote><span class="font-size-3"><em>Photos courtesy of The Broadmoor & Steve Mirsky. Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored visit.</em></span></blockquote></div>SUMMERFEST in The Hamptons, NY. Food & Wine Festival featuring dishes from a host of celebrated restaurants & chefs across the East End on August 31, 2017!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/summerfest-in-the-hamptons-ny-food-amp-wine-festival-featuring2017-08-16T06:50:04.000Z2017-08-16T06:50:04.000ZDebbie Rodriguezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DebbieRodriguez<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009184089,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="460" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009184089,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009184089?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Thursday, August 31, 2017: SUMMERFEST in The Hamptons, NY</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#800080;">SummerFest will be held on the grounds of this beloved landmark. Food and Wine Festival featuring a wide selection of dishes from a host of celebrated restaurants & chefs across the East End and provide great entertainment from Southampton Arts Center's programming partners. 6-10 PM. Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.</span> <a href="http://www.southamptonartscenter.org/">http://www.southamptonartscenter.org</a>.</strong></p><p></p><p>Annual Culinary Arts Festival Honoring SIMONE LEVINSON, 2017 Champion of the Arts Award. With a Special Tribute to MARK EPLEY. Event Chairs: Anke Beck-Friedrich & Jurgen Friedrich • Tiffany & Claus Moller • Connie Tarrant.</p><p><span style="color:#ff00ff;">Featuring Signature Dishes from the most celebrated Chefs & Restaurants on the East End including:</span></p><p><span style="color:#ff00ff;">Boa Thai Asian Fusion • Catena’s Market • Clamman Seafood Market • EMP Summer House • Golden Pear Café • Juice Press • Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet • Kozu • Le Charlot • Little Red • Oreya • Paul’s Italian Restaurant • Red Bar • Saaz • Sant Ambroeus • Seasons of Southampton • Topping Rose House • Tutto Il Giorno • Union Cantina {* list in formation}.</span></p><p><span style="color:#ff00ff;">Host Committee: Henry Buhl • Bob Colacello • Lisa Dennison • Diana and Joe DiMenna • Lise and Michael Evans • Lauren and Martin Geller • April Gornik and Eric Fischl • Marjorie and Josh Harris • Erica and Michael Karsch • Christine and Richard Mack • Mary Kathryn and Alexander Navab • Susan and David Rockefeller • Fiona and Eric Rudin • Teri and Barry Volpert • Edwina von Gal.</span></p><p></p><p>Proceeds from the event will allow the center to expand their efforts to provide film, music, dance, theater, children's events, lectures and literary series, further enhancing the vibrancy of The Hamptons' community through the arts. Southampton Arts Center provides a dynamic venue to present the highest quality programming to our entire community through partnerships with a diverse slate of world-class artists, performers, educators and cultural institutions. Southampton Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.</p><p></p><p><span style="color:#800080;">RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! For additional information please contact Molly Bishop, Advancement Coordinator: mbishop@southamptoncenter.org | 631-283-0967 Ext.13</span></p></div>New York City's Café des Artistes Digs Deep Into Italy's Culinary Heritagehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cafe-des-artistes-new-york-city-italian-cuisine2017-05-26T14:27:57.000Z2017-05-26T14:27:57.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleoparddiningroom.jpe" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleoparddiningroom-1024x698.jpe?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="theleoparddiningroom-1024x698.jpe?width=1024" /></a></p><p><span class="font-size-3"><br /> Part of the landmark <strong>Café des Artistes</strong> restaurants on <strong>New York City'</strong>s Upper West Side (just across the street from Central Park on West 67th Street), <strong><a href="http://www.theleopardnyc.com/">The Leopard at des Artistes</a></strong> features museum-quality Howard Chandler Christy wall murals from the early 1930s showcasing nude nymphs modeled on his mistress Elise Ford.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleopardmural.jpe" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleopardmural-1024x715.jpe?width=1024" class="align-center" width="1024" alt="theleopardmural-1024x715.jpe?width=1024" /></a></p><p><span class="font-size-3"><br /> Owned and operated by husband-and-wife-team <strong>Gianfranco Sorrentino</strong> and <strong>Paula Bolla-Sorrentino</strong>, along with Executive Chef <strong>Vito Gnazzo</strong>, The Leopard at des Artistes curates a menu inspired by mid-1800s <strong>Kingdom of Two Sicilies</strong> as well as the culinary traditions of <strong>Campania</strong>, <strong>Basilicata</strong>, <strong>Calabria</strong>, <strong>Apulia</strong>, and <strong>Sardinia</strong>. All dishes have a baseline of fresh ingredients built with deft preparation steeped in near instinctual kitchen prowess.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleopardchef.jpe" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleopardchef-739x1024.jpe?width=739" class="align-center" width="739" alt="theleopardchef-739x1024.jpe?width=739" /></a></p><p><span class="font-size-3"><br /> Born and raised on the Amalfi Coast in Salerno, Chef Vito launched his culinary career in Milan at three-Michelin-star Antica Osteria del Ponte. After immigrating to the United States in 1981, he worked as head chef at Il Rex in California before moving to New York in 1993, joining restaurant trio Il Gattopardo, Mozzarella & Vino, and finally The Leopard at des Artistes as culinary artist in-residence.</span></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Chef Gnazzo strikes a balance between his longstanding culinary expertise and letting dishes speak for themselves with simple ingredients like homemade pasta, seasonal vegetables, farmhouse cheeses, and fresh seafood.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleoparddishescollage-e1491962739187.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/theleoparddishescollage-e1491962739187.jpg?width=1171" class="align-center" width="1171" alt="theleoparddishescollage-e1491962739187.jpg?width=1171" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Signature plates include pan-seared duck breast porchetta with fennel pollen, cipollini with aged balsamic vinegar, pickled raisins and vegetable caponata; halibut in brodetto with baby artichoke and fingerling potatoes; and maltagliati pasta with wild game and porcini mushroom ragú. The dessert menu boasts specials like traditional zabaione with fresh mixed berries and Nutella chocolate mousse served with hazelnut crunch and banana gelato.</span></p><p><span class="font-size-3"><br /> At first glance, The Leopard at des Artistes menu may appear fragmented between regions, but a closer examination of Italy's culinary history reveals a series of interdependent local cuisines rather than what are often considered authentic regional dishes. This happened because most Italians before World War I rarely left their villages (with the exception of nobility and clergy) resulting in town-by-town variations in preparation and recipes.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cinqueterre.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cinqueterre.jpg?width=960" class="align-center" width="960" alt="cinqueterre.jpg?width=960" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Italy's geographic location in the middle of the Mediterranean also infused dishes with a mélange of foreign influences - like French cookery in Liguria, Piemonte, and the Valle D’Aosta, Austro-Hungarian in the Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Risottos and arrosto cuts of meat notably reflect Spain's occupation of Milan for 150 years up until the War of the Spanish Succession. The British introduced classic bistecca alla Fiorentina and zuppa inglese, English steak, and English trifle to Tuscany, while Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition used what they could to create dishes like caponata and fennel gratin that are still popular to this day.<br /> <br /></span></p><blockquote><span class="font-size-1"><em>Photos: Leopard des Artistes & Steve Mirsky. Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored visit.</em></span></blockquote></div>A Slice of "L'Italia," San Diego-Stylehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-slice-of-l-italia-san-diego-style2014-09-27T13:37:17.000Z2014-09-27T13:37:17.000ZHilarie Larsonhttps://tripatini.com/members/HilarieLarson<div><div class="paragraph"><a href="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/2996640.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/2996640.jpg" class="align-left" alt="2996640.jpg" /></a>The recipe seems simple: take 2 award-winning chefs and one acclaimed restaurateur. Blend with high-quality sustainable ingredients, sprinkle liberally with lots of creativity and serve with class. <br /> <br /> The result: <strong><a href="http://pizzeriamozza.com/SanDiego/home.cfm" target="_blank">Pizzeria Mozza</a></strong>!<br /> <br /> A southern California favorite since they opened the original Los Angeles restaurant in 2006, it seemed only fitting than when owners Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich were seeking a location for their new San Diego incarnation, they selected a slice of local social history – the “Headquarters” at Pacific Coast Highway and Harbor Blvd.<br /> <br /> From 1939 to 1987, this was the original home of the San Diego Police Department. And a stylish complex it was, with a typically SoCal mix of architectural styles, ranging from Spanish Colonial and Pueblo to classical. The buildings have been beautifully restored, befitting their stature on the National Register of Historic Places, with fountains and shaded courtyards mingled with commercial spaces. <br /> <br /> Pizzeria Mozza, with its respect for history and tradition - enhanced by a modern twist- is a perfect fit for the location.<br /> <br /> There are four Pizzeria Mozza locations: Los Angeles, Newport Beach, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and now San Diego. Each restaurant shares the same philosophy summed up in this quote from Nancy Silverton : “ Simple, all natural ingredients lead to artful nutrition”.<br /> <br /> This location is green certified and procures its products from green oriented suppliers. Even the sparkling water is produced ‘in house’. </div><p></p><div class="paragraph">There’s a spacious outdoor patio (great for people watching on Sunday’s during the Certified Farmer’s Market!) and an inviting interior dining area.<br /> <br /> Several months ago I was invited to a press lunch for the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association. We had a chance to not only sample some of the classic dishes from Pizzeria Mozza but also to meet many of the people who make it all happen </div><hr /><div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap"><table class="wsite-multicol-table"><tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"><tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"><td class="wsite-multicol-col"><div class="paragraph">If you love a cocktail before your meal, then this is the spot for you! The mixologists are constantly coming up with new and creative beverages. Writers are terrific guinea pigs, so we were all game to try a new, not on the menu creation – “The Orchard Blossom” - gin, peach liqueur, St. Germaine elderflower liqueur, lime juice and house created apple cinnamon bitters. Absolutely divine.</div></td><td class="wsite-multicol-col"><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none"><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/4606532.jpg?1403739365" alt="Picture" /></a><div>Signature Cocktails a specialty</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><p><span><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/7574393.jpg?250" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span class="wsite-caption">Our host, sommelier LaMont Schroeder</span></span></p><div class="paragraph"><br /> <br /> The menu also features a host of local San Diego draft and bottled beers and a creative wine list focusing on, not surprisingly, Italian <em>vino</em>. Many are from smaller, organic wineries you won’t see on your average wine list. All have been chosen with the menu in mind and we can thank sommelier LaMont Schroeder for that! </div><hr /><p><span><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/1658240.jpg?1403740466" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span class="wsite-caption">Authentic bruschetta</span></span></p><div class="paragraph"><br /> Each incarnation of Pizzeria Mozza shows a bit of its own personality, especially San Diego. With ever changing menu items to suit the season and the chef’s creative streak you could come back time and again and always find something new.<br /> <br /> There are, however, some classic staples and we were thrilled to sample them all.<br /> <br /> We began with a selection of bruschetta - white beans <em>alla toscana</em> with saba and chicken livers, capers, parsley and pancetta. The bread was perfect – toasty but not so crisp as to shatter into a hundred pieces when you bit into it. The texture of the white beans was amazing and the savory liver was brightened by a hint of lemon and fresh parsley.</div><hr /><p><span><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/7390045.jpg" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span class="wsite-caption">Chef John Stenbakken</span></span></p><div class="paragraph"><br /> Chef John Stenbakken explained that the bruschetta is a menu tradition, but the toppings are rotated on a regular basis. Everything is made in house – an important element in maintaining consistent quality. <br /> <br /> John has been with the company for may years and plans on adding more pasta dishes and grilled items to the menu.</div><hr /><div class="paragraph">Our next course was a huge plate of gorgeous <em>pane bianco</em>, dripping with high end olive oil and garlic – the perfect compliment to probably the most beautifully presented <em>mozza caprese</em> I have ever seen. <br /> <br /> The small ‘on-the-vine’ tomatoes were roasted for about 2 – 21/2 hours to concentrate their sweet flavors and worked really well with the ultra creamy burrata and fresh pesto.</div><div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap"><table class="wsite-multicol-table"><tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"><tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"><td class="wsite-multicol-col"><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin"><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/4896105.jpg?1403740599" alt="Picture" /></a><div><em>Mozza caprese</em></div></div></td><td class="wsite-multicol-col"><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-medium"><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/7835450.jpg" alt="Picture" /></a><div>Nancy Silverton's <em>pane bianco</em></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div class="paragraph"><br /> To cleanse our palates, a colorful <em>insalata rossa</em> was served. Crisp radicchio dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, delightfully ‘chewy’ Wisconsin applewood bacon, freshly shredded Peccarino romano and softly cooked egg. I could have made a meal of this with some of that wonderful pane bianco!</div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-medium"><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/1534028.jpg?1403740661" alt="Picture" /></a><div>Colorful <em>insalata rossa</em><br /></div></div></div><p><span><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/2150125.jpg?1403740691" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span class="wsite-caption">You have to try the pizza!</span></span></p><div class="paragraph"><br /> But of course we couldn’t stop without trying some pizza! The ‘signature’ pizza, unique to San Diego, is the kale pizza. Beautifully balanced toppings of fresh baby kale, savory red onion, ricotta cheese, mozzarella and spicy coppa adorned the light, crispy, crust. Delicious.</div><hr /><p><span><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/9147607.jpg" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span class="wsite-caption">Pastry chef Juli Sinning</span></span></p><div class="paragraph"><br /> We were introduced to pastry chef Juli Sinning, keeper of the secret dough recipe. Julie started with Pizzeria Mozza four years ago in its Singapore location and was brought out to San Diego to open the new restaurant.<br /> <br /> Although she could not be bribed to divulge all the secrets of this fantastic pizza crust, she did explain that they make all the dough by hand, twice a day – once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The dough will sit overnight which aids in developing the texture and flavors.</div><hr /><div class="paragraph"><br />Wood fired ovens at incredibly high temperatures bake the pizzas in a matter of moments and give them that distinctive deep color.</div><div class="paragraph"><br />Julie is also in charge of the terrific dessert selection. She makes all the gelato from scratch using a special machine imported from Italy, and they even squeeze their own fresh fruit juices to go into the house prepared sorbets.<br /> <br /> We were lucky enough to sample some of these cool, creamy confections: a hazelnut gelato and the pineapple/coconut sorbet. Refreshing, vibrant and true flavors shone through.<br /> <br /> These contrasted with the other signature dessert – the butterscotch <em>budino</em> – a decadently creamy pudding topped with burnt sugar, softly whipped cream, and Maldon sea salt. Sinful. The accompanying pine nut and rosemary biscuit was a savory addition to the sweet and salt of the pudding. Wow.</div><div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap"><table class="wsite-multicol-table"><tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"><tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"><td class="wsite-multicol-col"><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-thin"><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/8685945.jpg?1403740715" alt="Picture" /></a><div>Sinful Butterscotch Budino</div></div></td><td class="wsite-multicol-col"><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-medium"><a title="Links active once published"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/uploads/7/7/2/1/7721795/2540305.jpg" alt="Picture" /></a><div>Homemade gelato</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div class="paragraph"><br />Whether you visit Pizzeria Mozza for a quick ‘slice’ and a beer or spend several hours sipping your wine and savoring multiple courses, you are sure to leave this terrific location knowing you celebrated “La Dolce Vita”.<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><em><a href="http://www.pizzeriamozza.com/SanDiego/home.cfm" target="_blank">Pizzeria Mozza</a> is located in the <a href="http://theheadquarters.com/shop-dine" target="_blank">Headquarters at Seaport District</a>, 789 West Harbor Blvd, San Diego 92101 (609) 376-4353 .</em><br /><br /> <em>Parking: There are two lots at Seaport Village, across the street, Valet Parking at the Headquarters and metered parking on surrounding streets.</em></div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"></div></div>Top Chefs Helm Dinner in the Sky at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallartahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/top-chefs-helm-dinner-in-the-sky-at-casa-velas-in-puerto-vallarta2017-03-05T04:41:06.000Z2017-03-05T04:41:06.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyLaunch.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="706" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyLaunch.jpg?width=706" alt="DinnerintheSkyLaunch.jpg?width=706" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3"><span style="color:#333333;">It all started in Belgium</span> when culinary communications agency Hakuna Matata partnered with The Fun Group, an amusement park ride installer, to <span style="color:#333333;">offer the first <a href="http://dinnerinthesky.com/">Dinner in the Sky</a> in 2006. Right now you can</span> experience <span style="color:#333333;">elevated dining in sunny Puerto Vallarta on the lush grounds of <a href="http://www.hotelcasavelas.com/">Casa Velas Resort</a>. You get a highly choreographed culinary extravaganza incorporating a music soundtrack and various announcements over an on board sound system as you're lifted 150 wow-inducing feet into the air with 22 fellow diners.</span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyTable.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1000" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyTable.jpg?width=1000" alt="DinnerintheSkyTable.jpg?width=1000" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#333333;">Similar in many ways to a luxe amusement park ride, your <a href="http://dinnerintheskypv.com/en/">Dinner in the Sky experience</a> begins with a complimentary cocktail hour where drinks like the Sky High mixed with Skyy vodka, lemon soda, grapefruit juice, and Blue Curacao are planted in your hand. You'll also be signing a waiver holding staff harmless should anything go wrong. But don't worry, this is a mere formality thanks to their stringent safety guidelines exceeding the highest European standards.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyEntrance.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="756" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyEntrance.jpg?width=756" alt="DinnerintheSkyEntrance.jpg?width=756" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#333333;">Next you'll walk down a grand walkway lit on either side with tiki torches to the launch platform. Getting strapped in takes a while and when it's finally time to make your gradual yet steady ascent by crane, it's entirely possible that if you're buried in your smart phone, you won't notice your departure from earth since there's absolutely no swaying or bounce as you're rising upward.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/dinnerinthesky-e1487861874666.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="905" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/dinnerinthesky-e1487861874666.jpg?width=905" alt="dinnerinthesky-e1487861874666.jpg?width=905" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color:#333333;"><span class="font-size-3">Strapped into a sports car-like bucket seat, chairs are anchored to the table and swivel to the left and right but only until each arm hits the table's edge. You are quite confined by the body harness and chair design which sometimes makes it difficult to eat without lifting the plate to your mouth. But your chair does have a thrilling feature that's perhaps best enjoyed after downing some tequila shots liberally served along with the wine pairings between courses. Pull back a lever to recline, stretch back, and star gaze if it's night time or catch some rather harrowing vertical or upside down views during daylight.</span></span></p><p></p><p><span style="color:#333333;"><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyFoodDrink-e1487819738385.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="766" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DinnerintheSkyFoodDrink-e1487819738385.jpg?width=766" alt="DinnerintheSkyFoodDrink-e1487819738385.jpg?width=766" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3">Your one-hour experience includes a three-course gourmet dinner featuring a rotating lineup of dishes like lobster lasagna and beef fillet served atop polenta and truffles prepared by top chefs, including Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza, disciples of Spanish superstar Juan Arzak, Xavi Pérez Stone, former “Best Chef in Mexico” and winner of the “Iron Chef 2014”, and Mexican TV personality Chef Yolanda Yanar. Everything is prepared in advance, but the elevated dining space is equipped with a six-tray oven and two electric stove tops for final prepping. Spectacular views of surrounding Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains in the distance compliment the gustatory extravaganza.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/casavelasexterior-1024x692.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="735" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/casavelasexterior-1024x692.jpg?width=735" alt="casavelasexterior-1024x692.jpg?width=735" /></a></p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.hotelcasavelas.com/">Casa Velas Resort</a> is just one of many locations around the globe offering Dinner in the Sky. Since 2006, installations have criss-crossed the skies of 45 countries from Europe to Australia, Japan, India, Dubaï, South-Africa, Brazil, United States, Mexico, Canada, and China. Although Dinner in the Sky will only be available at Casa Velas until February 28th, future dates are already scheduled for 2018-19 so <a href="http://dinnerintheskypv.com/en/">stay tuned for your next opportunity</a>!</span></p><p></p><blockquote><span class="font-size-1"><em>Photos: Casa Velas & Steve Mirsky. Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored visit.</em></span></blockquote></div>6 Havana Restaurants Worth Tryinghttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/havana-cubarestaurants-dining2017-04-12T12:11:14.000Z2017-04-12T12:11:14.000ZIberostar Hotels & Resortshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberostarHotelsResorts<div><p><a href="http://passportto.iberostar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/CAR_Gui%CC%81a-de-buenos-restaurantes-de-La-Habana.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://passportto.iberostar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/CAR_Gui%CC%81a-de-buenos-restaurantes-de-La-Habana.jpg" class="align-center" alt="CAR_Gui%CC%81a-de-buenos-restaurantes-de-La-Habana.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /> If you are lucky enough to visit the striking Cuban capital Havana, we’d like to recommend a few nice places where you can have lunch or dinner:</p><p><strong>Paladar El Rincón de Elegguá</strong></p><p><br /> Here you will find many chicken, pork or fish-based dishes. It is a very well located restaurant, which might make the dishes more expensive than at other places but the difference is worth it. The decoration at El Rincón de Eleggua is simple and the service is very good. It is located at Aguacate 257 between Obispo and Obrapia, and opens from 12 noon to 12 midnight. You won’t be disappointed!</p><p><span><br /> <strong>Restaurant Prado No. 12<br /> <br /></strong></span></p><p>The name of this restaurant is also its address, an easy way not to forget where it is located, at the intersection between Paseo del Prado and the Malecón. One of the main dishes is grilled meat. The shrimp servings are large and very tasty. The owner and the staff are pleasant and the service is very good. During the afternoons they offer Tai chi classes sponsored by the Chinese embassy.</p><p><strong>Restaurant El Patio</strong></p><p><br /> An excellent restaurant located at Plaza de la Catedral, in the heart of the Historic Center of Old Havana. It is surprising because of the large door and the balconies on the upper floor, as well as the stained glass windows. There is good, personal and high quality service. If you prefer something lighter, there is also a snack bar.</p><p><strong>Restaurant La Mina<br /> <br /></strong></p><p>It is very well located, at the corner of the Plaza de Armas, and visitors are offered quite a few Cuban dishes, such as tamales and black beans with white rice. Try out the homemade desserts and the delicious Cuban coffee. The address is Obispo 11 at the corner of Plaza de Armas.</p><p><strong>La Bodeguita del Medio</strong></p><p><br /> La Bodeguita del Medio is a classic restaurant in Havana. Here you can enjoy a unique place filled with memories of Ernest Hemingway. The decoration seems taken from a legend, with chairs bearing the names of well-known characters who were regulars in the day. The walls are covered with autographs and written messages. The food is simple yet tasty. It is located at Empedrado between San Ignacio and Mercaderes, in Old Havana.</p><p><span><br /> <strong>La Bodega de los Vinos</strong></span></p><p><br /> La Bodega is located in the fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, within the well-known Morro Cabaña Park. This is a traditional establishment with a welcoming atmosphere. The prices are reasonable, with a large variety of tapas (appetizers) and full dishes. The wooden tables and benches are special and very pretty. There are often flamenco music performances here.</p><p> </p><blockquote><p><i>“The</i><i> </i><a href="http://www.iberostar.com/hoteles/la-habana#sthash.kfv68FSq.dpuf"><span><i>Hotel IBEROSTAR Parque Central</i></span></a><i> is a 5-star hotel located in the Havana city center. This luxury hotel provides a spectacular view of <span>Havana</span> that can be enjoyed from the rooms or the spa, among other places. The Hotel IBEROSTAR Parque Central <span>is considered the finest hotel in Havana</span>.”</i></p><p></p><p></p></blockquote></div>Fun, Delicious Waterfront Dining at the Jackspot on Virginia's Chincoteague Islandhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/waterfront-dining-at-the-jackspot-on-chincoteague-island-fun2016-08-31T20:26:54.000Z2016-08-31T20:26:54.000ZTravel Daddyhttps://tripatini.com/members/TravelDaddy<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091071,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091071,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="399" alt="9009091071?profile=original" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /> <span>After arriving in the late afternoon and settling in at the</span><span> </span><a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/fairfield-inn-suites-chincoteague-island-virginia" target="_blank">Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott on Chincoteague Island</a><span> </span><span>for a weeklong August getaway, we were ready for an early dinner. Our plan was to kick back at a nearby eatery that was a favorite of the locals, and had a loose vibe. Fortunately, we didn’t need to travel far; a ten -second walk from our rooms was the front door of Chincoteague’s first and only waterfront hotel restaurant - The Jackspot.</span><br /> <br /> Located right on property, </span><a href="http://www.thejackspot.com/" target="_blank">The Jackspot</a> <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">opened in 2014 and has become a popular destination for hotel guests, island residents, local fishermen, and corporate/celebration/wedding event clients. Their solid online ratings validate the restaurant’s popularity:</span></p><p></p><ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">TripAdvisor -</span> <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g57602-d7020815-Reviews-The_Jackspot-Chincoteague_Island_Virginia.html" target="_blank">4 out of 5 stars</a></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Facebook -</span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thejackspotva/" target="_blank">3.5</a></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thejackspotva/" style="text-decoration:none;"></a><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Foursquare -</span> <a href="https://foursquare.com/v/the-jackspot/53206bc5498e6416b2b4e64b" target="_blank">6.7/10</a></p></li></ul><p></p><div style="width:480px;text-align:center;"><object width="480" height="360" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data="http://pic2.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://pic2.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" ></param><param name="flashvars" value="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed280.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk177%2Ftraveldaddyblog%2FJackspot%2Ffeed.rss" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="480" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://pic2.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed280.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fkk177%2Ftraveldaddyblog%2FJackspot%2Ffeed.rss" allowscriptaccess="never" allownetworking="internal"></embed> </object> <a target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" alt="btn_geturs.gif" /></a><a href="http://s280.photobucket.com/user/traveldaddyblog/library/Jackspot" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" alt="traveldaddyblog's Jackspot album on Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="width:480px;text-align:center;"></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" id="docs-internal-guid-69eb5d0c-8be5-7933-529b-9ee0989e3148"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Outside, ThetJackspot offers a delightful tiki-bar motif, complete with surfboard tables near a thatched roof bar, games of cornhole, circular picnic tables that surround large colored umbrellas, tall palm trees, sand beneath your feet, tropical music in your ears, and the stunning Chincoteague Bay on the periphery.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Indoors was an instant winner for us thanks to its pumping a/c system (it was a REALLY hot day when we pulled in) and wide distance between the tables (we needed lots of room to slouch and stretch out). Our senses shared a collective “aahhh…” thanks to the sunset washing over the dining room through the restaurant’s big windows and the attractive recycled wood pallets and flooring, which provided a rustic design that felt connected to the island. The Jackspot’s lively yet not-too-overpowering din was a soundtrack of happy customers, oyster shells cracking at the raw bar, and sports action from the big screen TVs.</span></p><p></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2KEauHb9JQ8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" id="docs-internal-guid-69eb5d0c-8be3-6107-68fd-0590e668ed45"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">As for</span> <a href="http://www.thejackspot.com/full-menu.html" target="_blank">its menu</a> <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">(which features local, farm-to-table ingredients in its dishes), the Jackspot delivered smiles and very satisfied taste buds at our table:</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091099,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091099,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="514" alt="9009091099?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /><strong>OYSTERS</strong><br /><br />Big, right off the boat, and impeccable. These magnificent mollusks (along with ThetJackspot’s clams) are harvested by local fisherman and delivered to the restaurant several times per week.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091280,original{{/staticFileLink}}" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:14.6667px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.38;text-align:center;background-color:transparent;"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091280,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009091280?profile=original" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /><strong>CALAMARI</strong><br /><br />The fact that they were fresh and delectable wasn’t a surprise. What was surprising - and clever - was the inclusion of fried banana peppers among the squid circles and tentacles. This innovative combo delivered creative textures, nice heat, and eye-pleasing color.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:14.6667px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.38;text-align:center;background-color:transparent;"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009091891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009091891?profile=original" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /><strong>WINGS</strong><br /><br />Meaty, tangy, and delightfully messy. We agreed that they were some of the best wings we’ve ever had.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009092467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:14.6667px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.38;text-align:center;background-color:transparent;"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009092467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009092467?profile=original" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /><strong>RUSTIC FLATBREAD</strong><br /><br />A happenin’ spin on bar pizza, featuring pita thin crust topped with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan. The six slices flew off of the plate really fast, and for good reason: they were</span> <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">très</span> <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">tas-tay.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009092853,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009092853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009092853?profile=original" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /><strong>MAHI TACOS</strong><br /><br />Served with pico de gallo, cabbage, cilantro cream, and lime, these Chino-Mex soft shell tacos were a filling, healthy, and zesty menu choice that was perfect for summer and right in line with the Jackspot’s hang loose waterfront theme.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009092095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:14.6667px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.38;text-align:center;background-color:transparent;"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009092095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009092095?profile=original" /></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /><strong>FRIED OYSTER BURGER</strong><br /><br />Culinary mashups don’t get more awesome than this: a handful of local oysters, breaded and fried to perfection, sitting on top of a thick Angus-beef cheeseburger. And yes, it’s as fantastic and fun as you’re imagining. Also rockin’: the fresh cut fries and crunchy cole slaw.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009093286,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009093286,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009093286?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><br /><strong>JACKSPOT CHANNEL MARKER</strong><br /><br />The recipe: “coconut rum, mango rum, pineapple rum, banana rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice”. The taste: light, refreshing, smooth - and very,</span> <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;">very</span> <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">dangerous...</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Extra stuff about the Jackspot that sets it apart from other eateries on Chincoteague Island include:</span></p><p></p><ul style="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.656;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Its handmade desserts are locally sourced with fresh Eastern-shore fruits and berries, and are prepared daily by their pastry chef.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">Its second floor</span> <a href="http://www.thejackspot.com/the-narrows-ballroom.html" target="_blank">Narrows Ballroom</a> <span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">provides glorious 180-degree views of Chincoteague Bay, and can accommodate 120 people for events/weddings (with customizable menus) and 130 people for business meetings/retreats (with full multimedia capabilities).</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">It offers its own exclusive ice cream flavor that was created by Island Creamery - which specializes in homemade, small batch ice creams made from locally sourced ingredients.</span></p></li></ul><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">The Jackspot was the ideal dinner spot - and twilight chillout location - for us hungry and kinda tired travelers. Its quick and attentive service, top notch menu offerings (which offered more options than we had the time and stomach room to explore), and lively energy would also be excellent to experience for lunch, “</span><a href="http://www.thejackspot.com/specials1.html" target="_blank">Happier Hour</a><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;">”, or weekend brunch.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:14.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296616453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296616453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296616453?profile=original" /></a></span></p></div>Dublin’s Top 10 Spots for Dinnerhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/dublin-s-top-10-spots-for-dinner2016-06-19T03:00:00.000Z2016-06-19T03:00:00.000ZLily Bernshttps://tripatini.com/members/LilyBerns<div><p align="justify"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038091,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038091,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009038091?profile=original" /></a><br /> <br /> As the capital of <strong>Ireland</strong>, amazing <strong>Dublin</strong> has won the hearts of many visitors, impressing with its mysterious castles and palaces, stunning nature, and beautiful landscapes. <br /> <br /> But while sightseeing is great, many also need to focus on the practical, such as affordable eats. Dublin isn't quite on the list of the world’s most expensive cities, but it's not exactly cheap these days, either. So in order to make your weekend pleasant and stay within budget limits, we’ve selected 10 establishments where you can eat heartily and affordably. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6021/5903803859_1461a82af5_z.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6021/5903803859_1461a82af5_z.jpg" class="align-center" alt="5903803859_1461a82af5_z.jpg" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><strong>Port House Pintxo<br /> <br /></strong> This is a cosy place in the heart of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin" target="_blank">Dublin</a>, which offers excellent Spanish food. In its menu you will find such dishes as <em>patatas bravas</em> (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), fried salmon, and Spanish sausages. Service is perfect, and the wine list long. A great option for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart, or with your friends/family. Open Friday-Saturday 12.30pm-12.30 am, Sunday-Thursday 12.30-11:30 pm. </p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><strong>Arlington<br /> <br /></strong> Perfect for those who want or need to keep their dinner outlays modest. Arlington offers different "meal sets", and in addition you can even enjoy there a cultural program presented with an incredible Irish dancing and Celtic music. Open daily noon to 21.30.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><strong>O’Neills<br /> <br /></strong> A very attractive establishment, this is a pub and restaurant offers quick, attentive service, Irish music, and a hearty Irish menu strong on meat and seafood. <i>Open </i>Monday-Thursday 8 am-11;30 p,. Friday-Saturday 8 am-12:30 am, Sunday 8 am-11 pm. .</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="center"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/551/18551165180_c41f69f2ee_z.jpg" alt="Cheap_and_Tasty_Dublin’s_TOP_10_Spots_for_Dinner_3" /></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><br /> <strong>Brazen Head</strong><br /> <br /> This is an iconic establishment dating back to 1198. It feels like a museum, adorned iwth old mugs, watches, and other historic paraphernalia. Yet its prices are still among Dublin's lowest, and its food among the tastiest. Open Sunday 12.30-11.30 pm, Monday-Thursday 10.30-11.30 pm, Friday-Saturday 10.30 am-12.30 am.<br /> <br /> <strong>Fitzgerald’s Bar</strong> <br /> <br /> A perfect choice if you like to have dinner later than usual; unlike other bars whose kitchens closes at 9 pm, Fitzgerald’s accepts orders until 10, and even later. It’s not particularly cosy, but the food is always tasty, fresh, and affordable. Open daily 10 am-11 pm.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"><strong>The Long Stone<br /> <br /></strong> Quite popular with a relaxed atmosphere, it can be an excellent destination for everything from romantic dates to noisy get-togethers with friends. The cuisine is Irish and the drinks menu is vast. Open Sunday-Thursday noon-midnight, Friday-Saturday noon-1 am.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6062/6101543178_52e21e4960_z.jpg" alt="Cheap_and_Tasty_Dublin’s_TOP_10_Spots_for_Dinner_4" class="align-center" /></p><p><strong><br /> Porterhouse<br /> <br /></strong> Porterhouse is a network of pubs, which serves not only good beer, but also an excellent food. Beer is brewed at the local breweries, so it’s always fresh. In addition, you can taste there huge portions of meat, and enjoy live music. Open Monday-Thursday 11.30 am-1 am, Friday-Saturday 11 am-2.30 am, Sunday 11 am-midnight.</p><p></p><p align="center"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7170/6756742319_793ccd81b7_z.jpg" alt="Cheap_and_Tasty_Dublin’s_TOP_10_Spots_for_Dinner_5" /></p><p></p><p><strong><br /></strong> Chez Max<br /> <br /> Located away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin city center, this restaurant serves French cuisine and features a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. As in France, your dinner will be not complete without a glass of wine. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-midnight, Saturday-Sunday 11 am-midnight.<strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Kinara Kitchen<br /> <br /></strong> Indian and Pakistani cuisine, with a great selection of cocktails. Especially suitable for vegetarians and fans of healthy food. Daily noon-11 pm.</p><p></p><p><strong>Green Nineteen<br /> <br /></strong> A small cafe with big ambitions and a friendly atmosphere. Delicious food and wonderful cocktails at the most reasonable prices in all Dublin. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-11 pm, Saturday-Sunday noon-11 pm.<br /> <br /> There are plenty more budget-friendly eateries in Dublin, but these are perhaps tops when it comes to suiting fans of good food and relaxed atmosphere. Want to visit any of them during your next trip to Dublin? No problem! You can easily get to any restaurant by using a <a href="https://rental24h.com/ireland/dublin-airport">rental car</a> with GPS Navigational Device.</p><p></p><p><span class="font-size-1"><em><br /> images: Shutterstock, <a href="https://flic.kr/p/9ZGxcH">https://flic.kr/p/9ZGxcH</a>; <a href="https://flic.kr/p/ugiz6w">https://flic.kr/p/ugiz6w</a>; <a href="https://flic.kr/p/aib1dj">https://flic.kr/p/aib1dj</a>; <a href="https://flic.kr/p/bi556e">https://flic.kr/p/bi556e</a></em></span></p><p></p></div>Get a taste of Costa Rica with these super healthy smoothies!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/get-a-taste-of-costa-rica-with-these-super-healthy-smoothies2015-11-24T23:26:05.000Z2015-11-24T23:26:05.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009020500?profile=original" /></a>Healthy fruit and vegetable <b>smoothies are awesome liquid fuel for your body</b>. Smoothies provide <b>important vitamins and minerals</b> from nutritious ingredients like fresh fruit, raw vegetables, Maca Root, chia seeds, protein powder, spirulina and coconut oil.</p><p>Start your morning, or have an afternoon snack, with one of these <b>quick, delicious and healthy blended smoothie drink recipes</b> from <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></strong> in <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></strong>. Try these out at home and dream you are on a tropical beach in Costa Rica.</p><p><b>Super healthy smoothies from <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Villas</a>:</b></p><p><b>Shiva’s Nectar:</b> Tamarind, lime & ginger in water. This is the hotel’s “welcome drink” brought to guests when they arrive. The delicious drink is incredibly refreshing in hot weather.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020883,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020883,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="250" alt="9009020883?profile=original" /></a>Prana Bliss:</b> Pineapple, cilantro & ginger in water.</p><p><b>Kali Blast:</b> Carrots, beets & green apple in water (can also add ginger). This smoothie is good for circulation and blood oxygen.</p><p><b>Sunshine Blend:</b> Turmeric, pineapple, orange juice & ginger. This is an anti-inflammatory, high in vitamin C, and cleanses the intestines.</p><p><b>Creamy Tropical Power:</b> Pineapple, coconut milk or soy or almond milk, passion fruit, banana & Maca Root powder. This one’s big in vitamin C, potassium, amino acids and protein.</p><p><b>Vitality Boost:</b> Green apple, cucumber, parsley, garlic, ginger & greens. It cleanses the blood, strengthens the immune system and detoxifies.</p><p><b>Green is Gold:</b> Celery, cucumber, pineapple, kale, cilantro, lime & chia seeds. This is an anti-oxidant, high in vitamins B & C and iron, and cleanses the intestines.</p><p><b>Chocolate Ganesha:</b> Cacao (bitter dark chocolate can be used), tofu, espresso, banana & soy milk. Guests at Pranamar love this one for dessert!</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="378" alt="9296607695?profile=original" /></a>Create your own combination</b> from Pranamar’s 100% natural smoothie ingredients: Ginger, mint, tamarindo, pineapple, orange juice, lime, banana, passion fruit, green apple, avocado, cacao, tofu, soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, coconut water, celery, cucumber, carrots, beets, kale, garlic, turmeric, cilantro, parsley, and supplements like Maca Root, chia seeds, linseed (ground flax seed), spirulina, coconut oil and protein powder.</p><p>Guests at the <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> always comment about how much they <b>love their smoothies</b>. “<b>I miss the smoothies</b> ... so many choices, ALL delicious and fresh,” wrote a recent guest on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009021475,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009021475,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="613" alt="9009021475?profile=original" /></a>Pranamar Villas’ <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Buddha Eyes Restaurant</a></strong> has <b>13 smoothies</b> on the menu. Additionally, every morning the bartenders create a <b>smoothie special of the day</b>. And if that’s still not enough choice, <b>you can request your own personal smoothie combination</b> from their list of fresh ingredients. Buddha Eyes Restaurant is <b>open to the public</b> <b>for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week</b>. For reservations, call (506) 2640-0852.</p><p><b>Even better, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmGuY4tDcIY" target="_blank">be a guest at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</a></b> and enjoy the restaurant every day of your vacation. The gorgeous, Bali-style boutique hotel is <b>right on the beach at Playa Hermosa</b> of Santa Teresa on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Santa Teresa Beach was chosen one of the <b><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-12-22/top-15-places-to-go-in-2015-cuba-south-africa-bahamas/2" target="_blank">Top 15 Places to Go in 2015</a> by</b> <b>Condé Nast Traveler</b>, and holds the status of being one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-beach-communities-win-ecological-blue-flag/" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022087,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022087,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9009022087?profile=original" /></a>Pranamar Villas specializes in <b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga vacations</a>,</b> was named a <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and holds TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.</p><p>Plan your escape today!</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>When your travels end with building your dream home in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/when-your-travels-end-with-building-your-dream-home-in-costa-rica2016-01-24T19:32:54.000Z2016-01-24T19:32:54.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015078,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015078,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009015078?profile=original" /></a>You’ve traveled to Costa Rica, fallen in love with the country, and bought a beautiful property to call home. Maybe you’re planning to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/retired-living-good-life-atenas-costa-rica/" target="_blank">retire in Costa Rica</a> or simply have a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/travel-trends-vacation-rentals-new-way-stay/" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation home</a>. It's time to create your <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-real-estate/is-it-a-good-time-to-buy-real-estate-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">dream home in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008999884,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008999884,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008999884?profile=original" /></a>The beginning stage of construction is the time for planning</b> ahead for all of the features you would like in your new home – music system, alarm system, air-conditioning, appliances, aesthetic details, etc.</p><p><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/helpful-tropical-climate-tips-building-home-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Home construction in Costa Rica</a> is mostly solid concrete walls and floors. So, all of your <strong>electrical and plumbing planning</strong> has to be done in the <strong>beginning stages of construction</strong> when the conduits are being prepared. Even if you’re not sure you are going to want a certain feature, plan for it in the beginning so you’re prepared when you decide later that you do. Breaking concrete walls to install wiring or piping is not only labor intensive, it can be terribly expensive.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015879,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009015879?profile=original" /></a>In addition, <strong>if you’re moving from the United States, there are many features that you may be used to having in a home that are either not done in Costa Rica or not easy to find</strong>. You need to know this ahead of time so you can understand your home construction, and also in case you need to bring that hard-to-find element with you from the States.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016099,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="150" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016099,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009016099?profile=original" /></a>1. For instance, if you’re from the USA, you are probably used to having a <b>garbage disposal</b> in your kitchen. However, until just recently, you couldn’t buy a garbage disposal in Costa Rica; they are now sold at EPA hardware stores. To be safe, if you want one in your new home, <b>bring what you need from the U.S.</b> But remember to <b>let your builder know</b> at the initial stage of your house construction so that the proper electrical wiring and plumbing are planned for and installed.</p><p>2. If you want a <b>high-tech or surround sound music system</b> in your house, or a <b>security alarm system</b>, make sure your builder knows at the outset to <b>plan for the wiring in the wall conduits</b>. Or, you will end up with wiring on the outside of your walls.</p><p>3. <a href="https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/GFCI" target="_blank">Ground fault circuit interrupters</a> (<b>GFCI</b>), or Residual Current Devices (RCD) – a common element in U.S. homes – are not found in Costa Rica. You will need to bring these with you from the U.S. if you want them in your home. A GFCI device is an electrical outlet that shuts off the electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person, or there is a short circuit with an appliance.</p><p>4. <b>Water softeners</b> are not common practice either in Costa Rica. You will need to plan ahead for this because the systems are hard to get in Costa Rica.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016673,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009016673?profile=original" /></a>5. It is <b>not common to have</b> <b>central heating or central air-conditioning systems</b> in homes in Costa Rica. Central heating – it’s the tropics; and if you live in a cold mountain area, plan for a wood-burning fireplace. Central air-conditioning is a specialty item that would have to be ordered by a specialty company. Wall unit air conditioners are the norm.</p><p>6. If you live in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, you <b>don’t want air-tight seals</b> on your doors and windows because it will interrupt the flow of breezes during the day and hot air going out at night when it cools down. You definitely <b>don’t want to trap heat or cold</b> in your house, <b>or trap humidity</b>. This is specific to Costa Rica’s Central Valley and mountain regions where people don’t often use air-conditioning since temperatures are cooler; as compared to the beach areas which need air-tight homes for efficient air-conditioning use.</p><p>7. Like the idea of a <b>decorative gas fireplace</b> in your Costa Rica mountain home? Think ahead and either specialty order it in Costa Rica or bring it from the States. They are hard to find here.</p><p>8. When choosing <b>lighting for your home</b>, choose lamps and lights that use common size light bulbs. Otherwise you’ll be searching for forever for that specialty light bulb to fit that funky imported lamp you bought.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952687,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008952687?profile=original" />HOMES IN ATENAS, COSTA RICA</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPnmOFV_ls" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a> is not only known as a <b>best place for international retirement</b>, but also a <b>fun vacation destination</b> for its ideal location halfway between the capital city of San José and Pacific Coast beaches. Contact <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/about-us" target="_blank">Atenas Costa Rica realtors</a> Dennis Easters and Gerardo Porras Gonzalez at <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a> for your Atenas Costa Rica real estate needs.</p><p>For more information about Atenas, check out the <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/articles/193-all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-atenas-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Guide to Living in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> and the recent list of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/guide-restaurants-atenas-costa-rica/" target="_blank">restaurants in Atenas</a>.</p><p></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p> </p></div>Le Cordon Bleu and the Venetian-Palazzo Catapult Las Vegas to New Culinary Heightshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/le-cordon-bleu-and-the-venetian-palazzo-catapult-vegas-to-new2013-08-14T22:48:24.000Z2013-08-14T22:48:24.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lecordonbleu1-1024x678.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lecordonbleu1-1024x678.jpg?width=407" width="407" alt="lecordonbleu1-1024x678.jpg?width=407" /></a></p><p>It's official: gastronomy is overtaking gambling as Vegas' highest grossing attraction. Most of us want a sure bet these days and our palates rather than the comp card increasingly drive the buying decisions. Thanks to celebrity chefdom and farm-to-table ethos, our awareness of fresh ingredients and demand for exquisite dishes prepared by culinary artists has risen meteorically.</p><p><a href="http://www.venetian.com/">Venetian-Palazzo</a>, a raging culinary flashpoint on the Vegas strip boasts the highest number of James Beard chefs together under one roof including Thomas Keller, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, and Daniel Boulud. My 2 night-in-a-row favorite was the <a href="http://publichouselv.com/">Venetian's Public House</a>, home to Nevada's first certified beer <a href="http://www.craftbeer.com/craft-beer-muses/beer-experts-and-cicerone">cicerone</a>. Their vast selection generously taps all the regional breweries like Tenaya Creek and New Belgium along with a menu that takes you on a flavor excursion further into the wild west with dishes like <em>Rabbit Loin in Porchetta</em> and <em>Grilled Quail</em>.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/carnevalesoup1.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/carnevalesoup1.jpg?width=311" width="311" alt="carnevalesoup1.jpg?width=311" /></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/carnevalecharacter.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/carnevalecharacter.jpg?width=375" width="375" alt="carnevalecharacter.jpg?width=375" /></a></p><p>Then there are the remaining 36 on-site eateries....30 of which serve up shockingly authentic dishes like killer individual size brick oven pizzas and signature filet Mignon meatballs at <strong><a href="http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Restaurants/Casual-Dining/Trattoria-Reggiano/">Trattoria Reggiano</a></strong> while <a href="http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Restaurants/Casual-Dining/Taqueria-Canonita/"><strong>Taqueria Canonita</strong></a>, overlooking the Grand Canal with its steady stream of serenaded gondola riders, serves up Old Mexico favorites like Pozole Verde, a soup made with hominy and diced pork seared with green chile, tomatillos & mexican oregano sprinkled with shredded cabbage and red radish.</p><p>Now celebrating its 2nd Annual <a href="http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Entertainment/Special-Events/Carnevale/">Carnevale</a>, the Venetian-Palazzo is currently immersed in a summer- long cavalcade of more than 300 events like ornately masqueraded mimes and caricatures roving the halls daily, themed artisan cocktails featured at many bars, and <strong><em>Veni, Vidi, Vino</em></strong>, a self-guided wine walk exploring a wide selection of Italian wines at 9 on-site restaurants & bars.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/carnevalepiscopassion.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/carnevalepiscopassion.jpg?width=375" width="375" alt="carnevalepiscopassion.jpg?width=375" /></a> Pisco Passion: A Carnevale Specialty Drink[/caption]</p><p>If hands-on is more your style, Le Cordon Bleu Vegas has partnered with the Venetian-Palazzo for the remainder of Carnevale to offer <a href="http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Entertainment/Special-Events/Le-Cordon-Bleu/">Bleu Ribbon Kitchen Workshops</a>. Joining in one of these sessions means you don a chef’s jacket, sharpen your knives, and step into one of the Venetian-Palazzo’s professional kitchens for a day or two of intensive instruction with a Le Cordon Bleu chef. Classes range from <em>Sushi Making</em> to <em>Steak House at Home</em>. Not only will your salivary glands get a workout, you'll bone up on the cooking skills needed to recreate these fine dishes at home.</p><p>To say that Laura Lyons, Le Cordon Bleu's Director of Education, is excited about this kickoff to Le Cordon's Bleu's nationwide Bleu Ribbon Kitchen Programs would be a major understatement. “The Venetian-Palazzo are the pinnacle of culinary aspirations on the Vegas strip. From Wolfgang Puck’s CUT to Mario Batali’s Carnevino and Thomas Keller’s Bouchon, we look forward to adding our Le Cordon Bleu name to this suite of culinary temples.”</p><p><a href="http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Entertainment/Special-Events/Le-Cordon-Bleu/">Sign up now!</a> The first cooking class, <em>Taste of Northern Italy</em>, begins August 17th.</p><blockquote><em>Photos courtesy of Le Cordon Bleu & Steve Mirsky. Coverage made possible by participating in a partially sponsored visit.</em></blockquote></div>Redondo Beach’s Rock and Brews Does Not Miss a Beathttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/redondo-beach-s-rock-and-brews-does-not2013-07-24T18:17:32.000Z2013-07-24T18:17:32.000ZNicholas Kontishttps://tripatini.com/members/NicholasKontis<div><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010200.jpg"><img width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22575" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010200.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>Cold Beers are flowing at Rock & Brews</p><p></p><p>What do you get when you take a legendary rock star, a successful restaurateur, and a rock promoter and put them together? You get a micro-pub restaurant like no other.</p><p></p><p>If you’re like me and grew up as a teenager in the 70s, you most likely attended a Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or Stones show back in the day. If you find yourself in the confines of Los Angeles and make your way to its south beaches, you can relive your “rock n roll fantasy” and dine on barbeque chicken pizzas and scrumptious comfort food, all while listening to the likes of Stairway to Heaven, Bohemian Rhapsody or Freebird. It’s a love affair that is dear to my heart… classic rock, micro brews and food to excite any palate.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010205.jpg"><img width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22577" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010205.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>De-Lish – Try the Bill Graham Barbeque Chicken Pizza or make it a combo</p><p></p><p>It’s the concept of legendary rocker and promoter, Gene Simmons, leader of the 70s and 80s icons, Kiss. Simmons, along with restaurateur Michael Zislis and fellow rock promoter Dave Furano, decided that the craft brew bar & restaurant scene was missing a big name to brand the whole micro brew-gastro pub concept.</p><p></p><p>Although Simmons does not even drink, he, along with Zislis and Furano, saw the opportunity to lend his star appeal to the concept of tasty pub grub and craft micro brews, in a setting that manages to be large and open, yet cozy at the same time. Thus the entrepreneur in Simmons was sold on the concept. The craft brew scene has been lagging in the marketing department when along came Simmons and Rock & Brews.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010210.jpg"><img width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22578" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010210.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>Two of my favorite music groups of all time – Have I died and gone to Rock n Roll Heaven?</p><p></p><p>“We created Rock & Brew to captivate the excitement of a live rock concert. We want it to be the ultimate concert themed family restaurant,” says Furano.</p><p></p><p>Perhaps of greater importance is that Rock & Brew is getting the word out and spreading the gospel that locally produced brews are more than just some passing fad. The locale features more than 52 taps and over 100 artisan crafted beers from all over the world.</p><p></p><p>The décor of rock memorabilia definitely creates an excitement. On the televisions and projection screens, you can relive the history of rock n roll as live concerts and videos are played throughout the restaurant. I could have spent the entire day watching rock concerts from my youth such as Deep Purple in Tokyo or ACDC live in Munich. The concept is unique and, with Simmons’ persona, it should be a hit.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P10102021.jpg"><img width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22582" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P10102021.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>The booths have your choice of self pour microbrews. With beer at your table, you’ll never go thirsty</p><p></p><p>An idea that I had never seen before never been seen before was actual beer taps at your table. You can pour your own brew while you socialize with friends, and wait for your meal.</p><p></p><p>Like any top notch restaurant, the establishment is only as good as the food and the staff. In true rock n roll fashion, the gastro-pub menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, some with rock themed names. How about a ”Freebird Chicken Sandwich” or a “Yellow Submarine.” Appetizers include three different types of wings, Chipotle Cheese Fries.Try the hand crafted burgers, or the fresh Vip Salads. Mouth watering, thin crust pizzas, that would make a Napolitano happy. Comfort food gone mad? Check out the Tri Tip Tacos. Other old standbys include: Memphis Style Ribs, Chicago Dog, or the “Mosh Pit Mac n Cheese.”</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010201.jpg"><img width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22585" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010201.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>The ”Which One’s Pink Ahi Salad is to die for – served by friendly servers</p><p></p><p>Perhaps listening to rock n roll nonstop puts a skip into your work day. Whatever the case, the staff is “on it” as they say. They’re courteous and attentive to your every response. One can learn much about the pulse of a restaurant simply by sitting at the bar and observing. Things happen fast at Rock & Brews, including the arrival of drinks and your meal.</p><p></p><p>The staff threats you like family, making Rock & Brews a place to bring the kids or ever your dog. Complete with a play area just for kids, and an outdoor patio, where you can bring your pooch.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Clash.jpg"><img width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22591" alt="Clash" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Clash.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>What’s in your bathroom?</p><p></p><p>Coming to your town soon?</p><p></p><p>Rock & Brew are preparing expansions to new locations with similar design, but catering to the local environ. LAX Airport and Maui are already in the works, and look for Rock & Brew on your next visit to Los Cabos, Las Vegas, Sonoma, Kansas City, Denver and Texas.</p><p></p><p>Just the blaring live rock concerts on the big screens are worth a visit alone. Wondering if future plans are in place to include actual live rock music? Rock & Brew sets new standards and has created a craft beer lover’s dream.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010203.jpg"><img width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22584" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1010203.jpg" /></a></p><p></p><p>Find your true “Nirvana” or Pink Floyd at Rock & Brew.</p><p></p><p>Rock & Brews</p><p></p><p>6300 Pacific Coast Highway</p><p></p><p>Redondo Beach, Ca. 90277</p><p></p><p>310-251-8810</p><p></p><p>About the Author: Nick Kontis – Travel Expert and Founder of World Travel List</p><p></p><p>Born on the one of the most beautiful Islands in the world, Santorini, Greece and raised in America’s culture capital of San Francisco. Nick Kontis started out as a world traveler at an early age traveling back and forth between California and Greece every summer. But it was a backpacking trip around the world at age 24 that proved to be a life changing experience. After traveling by car, train, plane, bike and, boat around the world, it would be this trip of a lifetime that would lead to a life as a travel entrepreneur and world traveler. Nick has been on both radio and television. Featured on Arthur Frommer’s television show, and referred by Lonely Planet writers as a leader in discount airfares. Frequently mentioned as the “father of around the world airfares.” Arthur Frommer once said, “If Jules Verne were alive today he would use Nick to go around the world in 80 days.” Nick and his various travel companies and agents have sent over 10,000 people around the world. Now, Nick promotes travel through his World Travel List and ‘Trip Rambler’ by World Travel List. Having traveled to over 80 countries Nick hopes to inspire others to travel the world. Follow Nick’s “passion for travel” on the World Travel List.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://trip.worldtravellist.com/">http://trip.worldtravellist.com</a></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/worldtravelist">http://www.facebook.com/worldtravelist</a></p><p></p></div>Farm-to-table cooking at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/farm-to-table-cooking-at-hotel-hacienda-guachipelin-in-costa-rica2015-10-22T19:22:29.000Z2015-10-22T19:22:29.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997056,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997056,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="510" alt="9008997056?profile=original" /></a>Wouldn’t it be nice to dine in a restaurant that only served <b>freshly-made meals made with locally-sourced ingredients</b>, vegetables picked that same day, sauces that didn’t come from a jar or can, bread hot out of the oven, juices that only a moment ago were whole fruit, and desserts loving crafted by an on-site pastry chef?</p><p> </p><p>In fact, you can. This is what is cooking at <b><a href="http://www.guachipelin.com/en/" target="_blank">Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin</a> in <a href="http://www.guachipelin.com/en/location/map.html" target="_blank">Guanacaste, Costa Rica</a></b>. The renowned <a href="http://www.guachipelin.com/en/hotel/adventure-park.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-adventure hotel</a> at the base of the <b><a href="http://www.guachipelin.com/en/location/national-park.html" target="_blank">Rincon de la Vieja Volcano</a></b> recently renovated its restaurant and kitchen to be bigger, better and fresher!</p><p> </p><p>Known in the USA as <b>“Farm-to-table” style</b>, this is the real deal at Hacienda Guachipelin, <b>using ingredients found in Costa Rica and always freshly made</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008997453?profile=original" /></a>How fresh is fresh? A large portion of Hacienda Guachipelin’s fruit, vegetables, spices, eggs, milk and cheese are <b>harvested daily from the working horse and cattle ranch’s 3,400-acre farm.</b></p><p>Eggs come from <b>300 free-range chickens</b> in a huge henhouse. Milk arrives in the kitchen at 6:30 every morning, hot and steaming from <b>just-milked cows</b> at the cow barn. Kitchen staff makes its own farmer’s cheese, served at breakfast. The restaurant also keeps almond milk and soy milk for persons with lactose allergies.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997284,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997284,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008997284?profile=original" /></a>In a large area of fields and livestock enclosures, long rows of <b>tomatoes, bell peppers and celery grow organically</b> in the sunshine. Lettuce, basil, cilantro, jalapeno chilies and cucumbers fill an <b>organic hydroponic greenhouse</b> near the kitchen and restaurant. Out in the <b>aromatic spice garden</b> in front of the greenhouse you can find dill, parsley, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, turmeric, ginger, and two kinds of oregano.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997900,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997900,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008997900?profile=original" /></a>Natural juices and marmalade jams</b> are made fresh at the hotel from oranges, lemons, guanabana fruit, cas, guayaba, passion fruit, watermelon, papaya and pineapple that is either grown on the property or bought from small regional farmers. There are no processed sauces from jars or cans, no MSG, nor any boxed juices or pre-prepared foods.</p><p><b>Breads and desserts are made on site</b> by Hacienda Guachipelin’s pastry chef, and all baked in wood-burning ovens (the wood comes from the farm). The restaurant even has many <b>gluten-free bread options</b> for people with gluten allergies, including gluten-free pizzas. At breakfast, <b>corn tortillas are handmade</b> in the traditional Costa Rican style.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998856,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998856,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008998856?profile=original" /></a>Hacienda Guachipelin has its <b>own bees and is producing honey</b>. Drinking water at the hotel is <b>natural spring water</b> produced on the property. Coffee served in the restaurant comes from a small farm in Naranjo, Costa Rica that is owned by a friend of Hacienda Guachipelin owner, Jose Tomas Batalla. Tilapia fish comes from a local farm in the nearby town of Canas.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296606698,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296606698,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296606698?profile=original" /></a>“We don’t cut corners. We make as much as we can homemade,” commented hotel owner, Jose Tomas Batalla. “We want to run our hotel with mindfulness.”</p><p>Hacienda Guachipelin focuses especially on using typical Costa Rican fruits, vegetables, breads and meals. “We want to give people an authentic experience of being in Guanacaste and Costa Rica,” said Batalla. “We are <b>rescuing the culinary traditions of Costa Rica and Guanacaste</b>.”</p><p>The <a href="http://www.guachipelin.com/en/hotel/bar-restaurant.html" target="_blank">Hacienda Guachipelin restaurant</a> has been expanded to <b>seat 250 persons</b>, with a dedicated area for groups, hotel guests and day tour visitors. When the hotel is busy, meals are served buffet style; however, there is always an a la carte menu available.</p><p><a href="http://www.guachipelin.com/en/hotel/facilities.html" target="_blank"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008999279,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008999279?profile=original" />Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin</a></p><p>You can dine at the <b>best restaurant in Rincon de la Vieja</b> when you visit <b>award-winning eco-hotel</b> <b>Hacienda Guachipelin</b>. Recipient of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g321538-d301252-Reviews-Hacienda_Guachipelin-Rincon_de_La_Vieja_Province_of_Guanacaste.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2015</a>, Hacienda Guachipelin offers some of the <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/adventure-tours-in-guanacaste-costa-rica/" target="_blank">best adventure tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica</a> and <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/costa-rica-nature-tours-rincon-de-la-vieja-volcano/" target="_blank">nature tours at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano</a></b>.</p><p><b>Hacienda Guachipelin’s Adventure Center</b> is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Not only hotel guests get to enjoy <b>Hacienda Guachipelin’s popular <a href="http://www.guachipelin.com/en/tours/adventure-tours/canyon-canopy-tour.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica adventure tours</a></b>; many day visitors staying in other Guanacaste locations come too.</p><p><b><i><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008946487,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008946487,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008946487?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>