In Florence, street vendors sell boxer shorts with an image on the crotch of the genitals of Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture. In Rome, vendors sell shorts with the same image, but enhanced with additional length. For me, these images comically sum up the...
Travel Advice Beware phone scams! It turns out that even on Google, you might do a search and get a bogus phone number for an airline or other business. So to avoid being scammed, go to official websites to get phone numbers! Watch upgrade prices! Word is that...
I’m well-traveled enough to know that a city like Tulsa, Oklahoma is cosmopolitan, but I admit I had no idea how much culture and history is available in this part of the country. An art deco sign in Tulsa. Photo by Melanie Votaw. If you’re like me, you’ll be...
I love good soups, and I often make them in my kitchen. Through the years, I’ve added numerous soups to my repertory, and Tom Kha Gai, a Thai chicken soup, is one of them. One of the recipes I use is from the kitchens of the Spice Market, the Thai restaurant of the...
On my way to Churchill, Canada (see my article on that trip), I stopped over in Winnipeg. I didn't have much time, but I wanted to visit Fort Whyte Alive, a 660-acre reclaimed urban green space in the city with hiking/mountain biking trails, paddle lakes, a visitor...
In the fall of 1967, I wanted to finish writing a novel I had been working on for several years. So I found a two-bedroom apartment to rent for a dollar a day on the Balearic Island of Menorca. Over the years, a number of things have happened to me, but I have always...
Born from the Union Stock Yards where cattle cars rumbled into the city like thunderheads, Chicago’s steakhouse tradition has evolved from feeding industrialists who built this city on beef into something far more sophisticated. Chicago's carnivorous temples have gone...
As I begin to write this, it has only been a couple of days since I returned home from Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, and so far, I'm still high. I don't often write in such superlative terms, but wow, what an experience! First of all, Churchill is like no other place...
This autumn, there will be lots of film and TV stars doing plays and musicals on and off Broadway. Here are the ones you can see if you visit NYC: Tom Hanks. This is probably the biggest star to grace the season, but Hanks won't be on Broadway. He'll be at a...
In 1998, Yè Shanghai opened in Pacific Place, and a new taste was born in Hong Kong. This Elite Concepts restaurant earned acclaim for its distinctive cuisine and stylish ambiance. Elite Concepts is now operating four Yè Shanghai high-end restaurants in Hong Kong,...
Grand Canyon fires. The fires continue to rage in the Grand Canyon and have grown into what's called a "mega-fire" and the largest fire in the U.S. this year. New Amtrak high-speed trains. The NextGen Acela high-speed trains will launch August 28th between Washington,...
The jaguar has long held a mystical and magical presence in American folklore and the spiritual realm, particularly with various cultures and indigenous tribes like the Maya and Aztec. Sightings are rare, but the symbolic power attributed to this elusive creature...
While traveling through the French West Indies, my final night in St. Martin culminated in one of my most memorable dining experiences at Le Pressoir in Grand Case. (See my review of Grand Case Beach Club.) Entering the beautifully restored 1871 Creole house that is...
With throngs turning to their air fryer to knock out easy, healthy, and delicious meals, there are some key mistakes to avoid. Cathy Yoder, the “Queen of Air Fryers” with nearly 730,000 social media followers and 35,000 copies sold of her air fryer cookbook, “Easy Air...
Nestled in the embrace of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sits Snaresbrook Manor, an impeccable luxury vacation home in the Governor’s Harbor of Eleuthera, Bahamas. Perfectly situated on a panoramic pink sand beach and with premium appointments from top to...
U.S. TRAVEL NEWS One-Stop Security. The U.S. is unveiling a new program starting with American Airlines for passengers from London Heathrow to Dallas-Fort Worth, which will allow them to clear customs at the arrival gate and go straight to their connecting flight...
Surrounded by mountains and dotted with patina domes and regal statues, Salzburg is, without question, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A river snakes through the center, a fortress castle watches from above, and horse-drawn carriages trot through the...
Olive oil has been produced and consumed in the Eastern Mediterranean since time immemorial. In the Cairo museum, a collection of papyri dating more than 5,000 years ago from Pharaonic Egypt talks about the olive oil and preserved olives trade between Minoan...
The Italian peninsula sends to the rest of the world far more than just great wines and cheeses, fast cars, sultry actresses, and temperamental tenors. It’s also the source of some of the most complex and sought-after liqueurs. If you are partial to summer spritzes,...
Tucked just steps from Times Square and the bright lights of Broadway, Gallaghers Steakhouse stands as more than just a restaurant - it’s a living piece of Manhattan history. Having originally opened in 1927 as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, the iconic 52nd Street spot...
The day began as many perfect days do - with the scent of sea salt in the air and the soft sound of waves lapping the shore. A refreshing sea breeze, just enough to ripple the surface of the water and stir the anchored catamarans offshore, wafted gently through the...
Switzerland is one of the most diverse countries in the world with regions that borrow their languages and culture from Italy, Germany, and France. The southwestern region of Switzerland is the French-speaking area of the country, and it offers stunning vineyards,...
Fires in Grand Canyon. There are two wildfires that have caused some of Grand Canyon National Park to close temporarily. Sadly, the one at the North Rim has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Hiker dies in Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, a 67-year-old man from Texas...
Here are our favorite Groupon deals in Paris and London that will save you money while still allowing you a luxury experience! (Full disclosure: these are affiliate links.) London The Dilly, London. Photo courtesy of Groupon. The Dilly in London - $354.20: Near...
Sleep may be one of the most important things we need in life, but it’s often in short supply. Good quality sleep is considered a factor in longevity. And when you’re putting in long days traveling, a good night’s sleep is a must. But how to get it? Hyatt Hotels...
Centuries-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss line the winding road to Brookgreen Gardens. The foliage announces that we are in South Carolina’s Low Country. Live oaks and their wispy shawls of moss command the scene throughout Brookgreen’s nearly 1,000 acres. The...
Nestled adjacent to the Atlantic shoreline, the 4-star Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach offers more than just oceanfront accommodations. It delivers a full-spectrum retreat that merges wellness, coastal sophistication, and Caribbean-American flavor....
Champagne has long been the essential toast of holidays and other special occasions, but the landscape of sparkling wine is evolving. Today’s breed of bubbles offers an exciting range of choices from nearly every corner of the wine-producing world. Regions across the...
A quick jaunt to the most romantic city in the world is great at any time of year, but summer offers a special charm for visitors to Paris. A junior suite at the Hotel Edouard 7. Photo courtesy of Hotel Edouard 7. Where to Stay - Edouard 7 This gorgeous luxury hotel...
It’s summer in the suburbs, and we enjoyed an outstanding dinner in a garden setting, fragrant with meats grilling on the large open-air grill! The Spring House in Tenafly is a Northern New Jersey restaurant located in a majestic old house with a large back and side...
United flight emergency landing. On June 21st, a United flight from San Francisco to Rome issued a distress signal after 8 hours in the air when it suddenly descended by more than 20,000 feet. The flight managed to divert to Iceland and land with no injuries among the...
Have you ever watched the July 4th fireworks from the deck of your boat? What could be better, right? A clear view of the over-the-water fireworks show. A sky filled with colors. Before you watch the display, you might fire up the grill for hamburgers and hot dogs....
This fourth largest populous city in Australia is also the world’s most remote mini-metropolis. Friendly and easy to navigate, street art and sculptures greet you at every corner, while public transportation makes it easy for visitors to explore. Quality museums...
Hot dogs, the “dachshund sausages,” as they were initially called because they were thin and long like the eponymous breed of dog, were first sold with sauerkraut in the 1860s from street pushcarts in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhoods around St. Mark’s Place. At...
Many of us have had Moosewood cookbooks on our shelves for years. Well, I finally got a chance to sample the famous restaurant itself in Ithaca, New York recently. Established in 1973 as "worker collective," the restaurant self-published its first cookbook in 1974....
I see great looking food as an art form. However, I also agree that there is just too much pomp and circumstance and stress around some of the tonier restaurants in New York City. Dining last month at a trendy, high-priced, full-of-itself restaurant in...
Yes, if you're on an expensive trip, you should always purchase travel insurance. But I've just learned that there's a new membership called Delay Defense that offers more than just monetary compensation. Now, I haven't tried this yet, so I can't personally attest to...
Did you know the country of Georgia has been making wine for 8,000 years? I didn't until recently. At a site that's still being excavated, clay pots from that period were found with remnants of winemaking. Georgia borders Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Most...
Air India plane crash. The big news this week is the horrible crash in Ahmedabad, India of a flight destined for London. All passengers and crew were killed except for one man, who was thrown from the plane and survived with slight injuries. I can't imagine the kind...
This is truly a spectacular dish when done right, and it can be prepared in just a few minutes. I always purchase bottarga – pressed and preserved fish roe – in a wax-covered piece and grate it myself. Botarga has a unique flavor that is a little similar to anchovies...
I have long been a fan of Viking River Cruises and totally enjoy the smaller ships, along with the opportunity to converse with other passengers and crew. With a focus that highlights culture, it has always been the perfect blend for me. So when I had the opportunity...
The best hotel I ever stayed in! Through my 60 years of worldwide peregrinations, from the days of living in a rundown room at the Parisian “Beat Hotel” of Mme. Rachou, to my days as marketing consultant to the Leading Hotels of the World when I...
I recently spent a couple of days in Atlanta, enjoying unseasonably cool weather for late May. I arrived in the late afternoon and checked into the 4-star Starling Atlanta Midtown Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. There were a couple of issues with my...
I had the best sangria, Jamón Iberico, and other tapas while sitting at the outdoors tables of Cervecería Alemana on Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid. I’d just arrived to Madrid from a long, tiring train ride from Bilbao after attending the Gastronomika Conference in San...
I have been flying for both business and pleasure for many years now. The following is my assessment of recent domestic and international flights, as well as the state of flying in general. First: the food. Meals are still included on long haul flights, and the least...
Bruges, Belgium news: Tourists are stealing up to 70 cobblestones from Bruges' old town every month, so the mayor is asking people to stop and be more respectful. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of reading about bad tourist...
Deciding where to go next? Check out these five curated deals currently on Groupon using our affiliate links. Experience 5-star Luxury at Ocean Eden Bay Hotel in Coral Spring, Montego Bay, Jamaica! All-Inclusive Stay with Dining and Entertainment! Get this Groupon...
I have been around the world and visited over 132 countries and six continents, thanks in large part to my military service. Countries I visited include several times to Italy, especially Rome, Naples, and Sicily. But never once had I been to Venice. So I was elated...
Groupon has a lot of wine deals going on right now that could help you stock up for summer and beyond. Click on the headline of the deal you're interested in and use our affiliate links to save money. Up to 79% Off One or Two 18 Packs of Top Wines for Spring Bundle...
I recently spent a week in St. Petersburg and found a lot of fun things to do beyond the usual "hanging out at the beach" fare. First of all, did you know the city has numerous great museums? I didn't know until I started planning my visit. During my stay, I checked...
To honor land artist Jim Denevan, a very special dinner open to the public celebrating the agricultural program, Outstanding in the Field, will take place in a “roving restaurant” in or very near the area where the meal's ingredients were harvested in locations that...
Newark Airport. The big news this month is all about Newark Liberty International Airport, which has been deemed unsafe for flights because of the lack of air traffic controllers. This has caused numerous delays, and United Airlines has cut 35 daily flights from...
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has the beautiful beaches, splendid sunrises, and dawn-catch seafood with one delightful difference: the Spring Break crowd doesn’t party here. This is just how the locals and discerning visitors like it. Think fine wines, not beer...
Mama Mia 44SW has been a go-to Italian restaurant for me in Manhattan's theater district for decades. I often recommend it to friends because not only does the restaurant allow larger parties than many NYC establishments, but the prices are more reasonable than many...
This past weekend, while paying a much-anticipated visit to a cousin whose daughter happens to have the exact same birthday as me (minus 40 years), we got to talking about the issue closest to our hearts - food, of course. She then happily shared her recipe for a...
We rounded up our group of tasters, known as “the gang of the usual suspects,” to try a number of wines. Some bottles were new to us; others were from beloved vineyards. They came from all over Europe, and the pricing ranged from under $20 to just under $500 per...
A few months ago, we wrote about That Supper Club, a prix fixe set menu at a quirky restaurant with very good food in Park Ridge, New Jersey, a town near us. They change dishes on a seasonal basis, depending on what’s fresh and good on the market. They let us know...
The remnants of winter still commanded the high peaks of Norway's Jotunheimen National Park, as though unwilling to be dislodged from the high ground. As days slowly grew longer, the surrounding land began to stir. Jagged, snow-capped mountains stretched before my...
While I haven't seen every show currently on Broadway, I've seen most of them. In this article, I'll give you my honest opinion about the ones I've seen, but I'll only include the news shows. I won't discuss long-running shows like Hamilton or The Lion King. Here's my...
Even standing in the pouring rain (im)patiently waiting for the massive wooden doors to open could not diminish my anticipation of walking through those doors into the newly redesigned Frick Museum, housed in the magnificent Beaux-Arts mansion on Manhattan’s upper...
The world's busiest airport? According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, it's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which also won that "honor" last year. More potential tourist taxes. This time, it's Norway. A bill is being considered...
I don’t know where I have been the past 25 years, but I'm beyond grateful that I attended the Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre company's 25th anniversary celebration and performance of the World Premiere of Awaken at “New York Live Arts.” This 2-½ hour tour de force left...
I was lured to Sea Life Park by the idea of a Sea Lion Encounter … up close and personal with these adorable playful animals - a fellow-finned cousin of the seal. At the time, I was in Honolulu in search of a beach break. Even the glorious Pacific Ocean beaches can,...
To celebrate National Go Birding Day (Apr. 26), Lawn Love ranked 2025's Best States for Birdwatching.They compared all 50 U.S. states across 5 feather-focused categories. They examined the number of Audubon centers and sanctuaries, bird species, endemic bird species,...
During the years when we lived in New York City, The Joyce Theater was an ongoing entertainment source for outstanding innovative dance performances. Alvin Ailey was introduced to us there, as well as Elliot Feld and his never to be forgotten “Scara Brae” (recounting...
The Temptations’ and the Four Tops’ 40th anniversary tour performance was a blast from the past ... and a really great time was had by all! Thank you, New Jersey Performance Art Center (NJPAC), for bringing those still incredible artists to Newark. Motown was a force...
If you own a boat, it's time to prep it for spring. Captain Sandra Yawn, star of Bravo’s "Below Deck Mediterranean," offers her checklist below to make sure you're all ready for the warmer weather. Captain Sandy is a world-renowned mega-yacht captain with more than 30...
I was in town for a look at the city’s celebrations surrounding Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary and staying at the Gainsborough Bath Spa in England. While the hotel’s buildings would have been around when Austen wrote her groundbreaking novels, they were not a hotel...
May is the month when flowering trees are in bloom, the air is permeated with fragrance, and the sounds of coughing and sneezing can be heard throughout the land. This Mother’s Day, we are more than ever before suffering from the effects of climate change and are...
New route for the Orient Express. Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient Express has added a new route originating in Paris and traveling through the French countryside and then through Tuscany. Sounds divine. If you do this, please let me know! Another luxury train...
Obsession Wines of Northern California kindly sent me a sample bottle of their white Symphony 2023 wine, along with a kit to make their suggested foods to pair with it. Obsession Symphony wine. Photo courtesy of Ironstone Vineyards. The kit included a jar of garlicky...
Shelfy CEO and Co-founder, Paolo Ganis, has provided us with these simple tips to optimize food storage in your fridge. Learn how to keep your produce fresh and nutritious for longer as follows: Set the temperature between 39°F and 43°F to slow down ripening and...
Centuries ago, people emigrated from southern Chinese provinces, mostly Szechwan, into modern-day Thailand, bringing along their culinary traditions. Since that time, many other influences have affected Thai food, including dishes and methods of cooking from India and...
Greenwashing is rampant in the travel industry. It's when a hotel, resort, or outfitter gives a false impression that they're making an effort to be more ecological than they actually are. The terms "eco-friendly" and "green," for example, mean nothing specific....
Barbara and I decided to visit relatives we had not seen for a number of years. They live in a community near Trenton which is almost a 2-hour drive from us. A friend who lives halfway between us and our relatives told us about a new restaurant - Harpoon Willy’s of...
As my small fishing skiff skimmed over the vast expanse of Lake Azul in the tiny city of São Simão on the Goiás and Minas Gerais border in Brazil, I was unaware that beneath these impressive waters lie the ruins of an old settlement once inhabited by diamond miners...
Countries issue unprecedented travel advisories about visiting the U.S. In light of what's happening in the U.S. right now, such as refusing to allow people into the country who believe they have taken care of the appropriate paperwork, several countries are advising...
Who knew? Dolly Parton is not only a beautiful woman and a legendary country singer and songwriter, actress, and philanthropist - she is also an international wine company! Her company announced that her Parton Family Cellars is expanding by adding a 2023 California...
When I recently returned to Oslo, I was greeted by the familiar cultural and historic sights, from the prominent royal palace to the modern and distinct Scandinavian architectural facades that are reflections of Nordic-inspired tradition and lifestyle....
From the rolling vineyards of Provence to the luxury Champagne houses of France, celebrities are turning their star power into wine brands. But do these bottles offer more than just a famous name on the label? Wines and celebrities are an iconic match. Both evoke a...
What is a good wine? This question may seem simple, yet it's surprisingly difficult to answer. For many, a good wine is simply one they enjoy drinking. There's some truth to this - after all, wine appreciation is often subjective. However, like any other product,...
We have noticed significant travel restrictions, driven by the need to balance economic benefits with the safeguarding of local communities and environments. These adjustments mark a departure from older travel models, ushering in an era where responsible tourism is...
True crime is all the craze these days, but it might surprise you to learn that dark tourism in general is trending, with people indulging in travel to cemeteries (necro tourism), jails (prison travel), and paranormal travel (ghost tours, etc.). To cater to this...
The EU postpones the ETIAS. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System to be required for travel in Schengen countries in Europe has been postponed until the last quarter of 2026. So if you're going to Europe this year (and most of next year), you no...
Tokaj is the name of an ancient winegrowing region that is currently divided between Hungary and Slovakia. The current Tokaj area used to be part of the greater Tokaj-Hegyalja region within the Kingdom of Hungary but was divided between Hungary and Czechoslovakia at...
In the sea of hospitality options lining the Fort Lauderdale strip, Pelican Grand Beach Resort—part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts portfolio—stands out as a boutique oceanfront hotel blending classic Florida charm with a touch of coastal sophistication....
Experiencing anxiety or fear of flying, known as aviophobia, is a common challenge for many adults, especially following recent air travel accidents that can heighten concerns about flight safety. It's important to recognize that while these...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, widely regarded as the epitome of luxury ocean travel, recently celebrated the grand reveal of its latest jewel: Seven Seas Grandeur, "A Heritage of Perfection." Described by Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings...
Perfectly Aged or Time to Pitch It? Master Sommelier shares insights about storage, aging, and spoilage There’s nothing quite as disappointing as opening a bottle of wine, only to be met with an off-putting smell or a strange sour or sharp vinegar taste. Whether...
Few things are worth rising at 4:00 a.m. to see. Perhaps a full lunar eclipse or Halley’s Comet, but a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia also definitely qualifies! Cappadocia is a region at the center of Asia Minor known as Turkish...
As a food and wine writer, I get to try numerous wines and spirits each month from different parts of the world. Their prices might range from $5 per bottle retail to $600 and more. A number of years back, while attending a Burgundy wine auction, I even got to taste...
Delta plane upside down. You've probably heard by now that earlier this month, a Delta flight turned over right after landing in Toronto, possibly due to strong winds. This left passengers hanging in their seats "like bats." Luckily, no one was injured, and Delta has...
Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada (just over the border from New York State) is a perfect place for a quiet vacation, especially if you love theater and wine. Famous for the annual Shaw Festival in summer, you can catch a musical or a classic play by George...
There's a new restaurant in Grand Central Station called Grand Brasserie. It's located in the Vanderbilt Hall just inside the entrance at 89 East 42nd Street at Park Avenue in Manhattan. Grand Central Terminal in midtown Manhattan at Christmas time. Photo by Melanie...
There are buildings that stand and watch as the environment surrounding them changes … and changes again. Many of their neighbor buildings come and go, and their neighborhoods fall, become insignificant, and rise again. Such is the case with the Brown Hotel in...
Vegetarians and vegans don’t have to miss out on wine pairings. The kind of wine we serve also matters when meat isn’t on the menu, according to VinoVoss Wine Expert Sylvia Ba. From the earthy undertones of roasted vegetables to the vibrant zest of fresh herbs, each...
Near Miami’s luxe hotels is a place that drew me in with all my senses. I was in Miami, but was I really? This was Little Havana - authentic and easy. Miami has more than a million people of Latin origin who live and work there. It’s an American city with a...
If you’re wondering why the price of potato chips, an American snacking staple, has been rising so rapidly, there are two reasons. General inflation is one; according to the the Federal Reserve, the US dollar has lost 87% of its purchasing power since 1971. But...
Auguste Escoffier, a chef of acknowledged genius, published his Le Guide Culinaire in France toward the end of his career. To the end of his days, he mastered no more than a few words of English because, as he would jokingly explained, if he spoke the language, he...
Cheese plates and cheeseboards are a fantastic way to elevate the end of a meal or titillate the palate at a friendly gathering. With so many cheeses available in the market from all over the world, you can go overboard and create a spread that overflows with a...