They say the secret to getting to know a culture is born through a passion for its food. Spain is no exception. Paella, the country’s most well-known and celebrated dish, is a reflection of the richness and diversity of the country that created it. The bright, inviting colors and layers of intense flavor the dish…
There’s no better way to get ready for the holiday season than by indulging in some self-care and rejuvenation. And there’s no more perfect way to do that, in my opinion, than by treating yourself to some spa time. I purposely made an appointment for December 1, to begin the holiday month with pampering. It…
By Kimberley Lovato Long ago, in another era and career that involved cubicles and quarterly reports, a colleague sat his khaki-clad butt on my linoleum desk and asked me the question that would ultimately lead me straight out the front door. “What would you do, professionally, if you could do anything?” The answer came immediately. “I’d…
JANE WITHOUT TARZAN: A beautiful young British girl dreams of living in the jungle with animals. Being the 1940s, this surely wasn’t going to happen. And yet, 26 year old Jane Goodall, lacking any scientific background, and the handicap of being a woman, meets the famed anthropologist Louis Leakey, who sends her to Tanzania on…
The Charter Oak restaurant is a mandatory stop in the heart of the Napa Valley wine region. Previously the site of Tra Vigne, Christopher Kostow and Nathaniel Dorn have kept all the architectural eye candy. It’s the best in casual/fine dining, minus pretentious attitude. The large open heath centers the room. Start your evening at…
Iceland continues to break tourism records. Given the recent stopover promotions offered by carriers like WOW Airlines and the increase in cruises, Reykjavík, the hub for most of the activity, has seen the greatest impact. During summer months, expect hotels at full capacity, tours sold out and crowds. So, careful planning for your Reykjavík stopover,…
This past weekend Focus Features released the biographical drama Victoria and Abdul in a few major cities – and I for one adored it, for semi-selfish reasons. Judi Dench is fascinating, quite royal, and even somewhat repulsive as Queen Victoria. Having just seen her vibrant and interesting interview on Charlie Rose a few nights before…