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 in the music industry from its beginning. In 1959, Berry Gordy opened Tamla Records, later on incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in 1960.
Motown and its labels were the most prominent producer and promoter of what became known as the “Motown sound,” soul music with a pop sound that became appealing to many listeners. In 1967, Motown moved to Los Angeles and expanded into film and television production. It was an independent company until MCA Records bought it in 1988. Nowadays, Motown is again independent.
Gordy initially began using the Tamla and Motown imprints to release songs that he wrote and produced. Smokey Robinson was the very first artist he signed, and the two remain best friends to this day. Since then, many beloved popular music artists have been associated with Motown.
“Shop Around,” the Miracles’ first R&B hit, became the first million-selling record the company produced. Many more followed. In the decade from 1961 to 1971, Motown had approximately 11 top 10 hits per year.
Artists on the Motown assorted labels during that period included Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Four Tops, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Marvelettes, the Miracles, the Temptations, Martha and the Vandellas, and many others.
The Four Tops at NJPAC. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
I bring all this history up because I’m happy to report that after all these years, both the Temptations and the Four Tops are still as magical as ever, even to an audience that was of a certain age, including yours truly. They brought us to our feet, dancing to their familiar hits like teenagers!
The Temptations at NJPAC. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Only one original member of the Temptations is still living, and he still performs with them. Otis Williams, 84 years old, founded the group and sings both tenor and baritone vocals. He has performed on every release by the band, including their most recent studio album, Temptations 60, released on January 28, 2022, which also included a collaboration with Smokey Robinson.
We danced to “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “American Pie,” and many others that still enthrall audiences around the world.
The NJPAC crowd enjoys the performance. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
The theater was absolutely packed with an audience that ranged from 17 to 87 and perhaps even a few years more, of every color, shape, and creed.
To many who were teenagers in the late 1950s and early 1960s, these songs became milestones in our life’s journey. They also became the soundtrack of our everyday life. I was living in Greece when this music first came of age, but American and British popular music was what all of my friends listened and danced to. “Chantilly Lace” and girls with ponytails were what I lived for. This performance at NJPAC brought back fond memories.
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 years of experience. A trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, she earned the Distinguished Crew Award for heroism during a fire off Yemen. Yawn is also an ocean advocate and active supporter of children’s education.
Captain Sandy. Photo courtesy of Captain Sandy.
Put Safety First
Safety is always my number one priority. That goes beyond spring boating tips; it applies all of the time. Make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone on board, check your emergency kits, and test your VHF radio.
I also recommend having two sets of lines on board—you never know when you’ll need them.
Make Necessary Equipment Checks
Give your engine a good once-over. Make sure your fuel and water tanks are full, and clean your filters. A little prep goes a long way toward ensuring smooth sailing.
Boats in port. Photo by Pietrofotografie.
Perform Some Spring Cleaning
I always give my boat a deep clean before spring. After months of sitting still, it needs attention. Scrub every nook and cranny to make sure everything’s fresh and ready for the season.
Plan for Weather and Tides
Spring can be unpredictable, so I always check the weather and tides. It’s crucial to know what conditions you’re working with, especially since spring storms can pop up out of nowhere.
How to Make the Most of Spring Boating for New Boaters
If you’re new to boating—first of all, welcome—spring is the perfect time to ease into it. Here are some spring boating tips to help you get started.
Don’t Rush the Process
Preparation is key, so take your time to ensure your boat is ready. Check everything before you hit the water, and don’t rush the process.
Boat, stock photo.
Start with Shorter Trips
If you’re new to boating, start with short, manageable trips. As you get more comfortable, you can venture out on longer journeys.
Ask for Help
There’s no shame in asking for advice. Whether it’s a mentor or a local boating community, boaters are always ready to share. There’s always something new to learn, and the more you know, the more enjoyable your boating experience will be.
Always Check the Weather
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before you cast off the lines. It’s better to be prepared than to get caught off guard.
This information was used with permission from an original article published in Boatmart.com.
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 then.
Instead, the hotel’s various wings were hospitals, evidence of which is still present in the skylight which used to illuminate the operating theatre with its natural light and which today sits above the picturesque stairwell.
The stairwell with skylight. Photo by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey.
One of the wings of the hotel used to be a leprosy hospital, and, of course, there is the natural spring that feeds the hotel spa, securing the Gainsborough the accolade as the only hotel in England to have its own spring.
But let’s go back to the start. On arrival, I nearly walked into the entrance to the hotel’s Brasserie with its double staircase and a much more imposing and suitable entrance than the actual rather small main door, just around the corner.
Once I found my way, I was immediately presented with some water and when my room wasn’t quite ready yet, an oh-so-English cup of tea was on offer.
The King Suite. Photo by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey.
My room, in fact, turned out to be a suite – a King Suite, no less. That said, while the little living room, guest toilette, and bedroom were lovely, the windows were too high for me to look out of, and even a taller person would have had to tiptoe to get a glimpse of the rather nice view across Bath’s rooftops.
The bedroom of the King Suite. Photo by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey.
I also found the bathroom a little snug with the shower closed off with a somewhat too friendly shower curtain rather than a screen. That said, it’s quite rare to have a rain shower and a separate bathtub, and the Elemis bathroom goodies and comfy robes made up for the clingy shower curtain.
In the afternoon, I did what you should do in a place called Bath Spa: I went to the hotel’s spa. As I slid into the hot thermal pool, I felt like I was going back in time.
The Gainsborough Spa main pool. Photo by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey.
After all, while the Celts had already enjoyed the city’s natural hot springs, it was the Romans who put Bath (or as they called it, Aquae Sulis, the Waters of Sulis, goddess of healing and natural springs) on the map.
The Roman mosaic found at Gainsborough Spa. Photo by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey.
Their leftover Roman Baths remains one of the main attractions of the city today and only steps away from the hotel, but even within the hotel, there are Roman treasures to be found. When the Gainsborough Spa was remodeled, a Roman mosaic was found, with an exact copy lying right on top of the original now. And they also discovered a real treasure: 17,000 Roman coins dating to Mark Anthony, some of which are on display in the lobby.
The ancient Roman coins found at Gainsborough Spa. Photo by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey.
The hotel itself is spread across various buildings in a block with a townhouse nearby. There is even a chapel within the main building, as would have been befitting for a hospital, and it doubles as an events hall today.
With a brasserie, tearoom, cosy bar, and the wonderful spa, there would be hardly any reason to leave the place, but when in Bath, one must explore the Roman, Georgian, Regency history and also follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps.
After a day meandering through Bath, I came back in time for the History and Heritage Afternoon Tea, complete with small sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam. For those of you who have an opinion on the old argument as to whether the cream or the jam should be spread first on a scone, I put the cream first, and it was perfect.
Elemis night time goodies. Photo by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey.
Heading back to my room, the turndown service had left me some little goodies on the duvet’s edge: Elemis lipsalve and pillow spray, promising a restful sleep. It certainly worked.
The Gainsborough delivers when it comes to a historic stay with modern comforts, thoughtful service, and those little touches that so often make or break a hotel experience. As for the spa, it’s worth getting a day pass next time you find yourself in Bath, even if you aren’t staying in the hotel.
The author received a complimentary stay at this property, but as always, we’re committed to providing you with unbiased assessments of our experiences.
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 aware of how it’s affecting us and the cherished women in our lives with colder, warmer, wetter, and dryer periods: in general, more unpleasant weather conditions that effect our aging derma.
Cherry blossom. Photo courtesy of Japan Tourism Office.
So to honor the women we love, especially ourselves, we’re focusing this year on anti-aging products that use all natural, non-toxic ingredients with scientifically proven healing properties to aid in reviving and restoring the skin to its youthful appearance.
After all, none of us is getting any younger, but in today’s world, there’s no reason that we can’t look like we are!
To add to the de rigueur delivery of flowers and candy, here are a few products to consider…
Irene Forte’s Apricot Penta-Acid Polish. Photo courtesy of Irene Forte.
Irene Forte is an absolutely stunning, highly effective line. It’s a complete Italian beauty brand that features luxurious products, along with several bespoke destination spas across Italy. While I have yet to experience one of the luxurious spas, I have had the pleasure of using several of Irene Forte products and can testify to their effectiveness.
Through the scientific formulation of botanicals and plant extracts – many sourced from their own organic farm – they have managed to develop a group of skincare products that deliver what they promise. This is a result-oriented line developed specifically for all skin types. But a word of caution: they are on the pricey side.
However, for that special woman on her special day, it’s an investment in noteworthy results. My latest experience was with Forte Illuminate, Apricot Penta-Acid Polish. It purports to clarify and refine, as well as regenerate and repair the skin, while providing hydration. It’s an easy-to-use mask that comes in a jar, and once massaged into the face and neck and rinsed off, the results are immediately visible.
Hugh & Grace Night Serum. Photo courtesy of Hugh & Grace.
For a more affordable skin care regimen, consider Hugh & Grace, a family-created cosmetic line that was developed in response to an infertility struggle. During their 14-year investigations into infertility causes, Ben and Sara Jensen discovered that hormones can be positively or negatively impacted by ingredients found in everyday products and can lead to significant health issues (in their case, infertility problems).
In order to overcome potential hormone suppression arising from the use of harmful chemicals in the home and the beauty products we regularly use, they partnered with industry experts to create powerfully pure solutions for your skin, health, and home that support hormone health. The story has a happy ending when they named their health-conscious company after their two beautiful children.
I used their Night Serum, which is labeled Hormone-Safe and was thrilled with the results. This is a highly recommended line for its purity and affordability. Read their heartwarming story on their website.
Naturopathica Aloe Vera Gel Mask. Photo courtesy of Naturopathica.
While we’re on the subject of healthy, rejuvenating skin care products, consider Naturopathica, a company I have written about in previous Gift Guides. Their extensive health and beauty line warrants another look.
I love their mission statement: “We believe in a holistic approach to skin health and well-being, understanding that the skin is a reflection of all that is going on inside.” While I have tried several of their products and found them all successful in delivering what they promise, my latest experience was with their Aloe Vera Replenishing Gel Mask.
Nelly DeVuyst BioTense Gommage. Photo courtesy of Nelly DeVuyst.
One of my all-time go-to cosmetic lines is Nelly DeVuyst. This is a complete skin care line for all ages, all skin types, male and female alike. The line is internationally available through more than 4,000 luxury and/or medical spas across 25 countries.
Their beauty products are renowned for their science-based approach to correcting skin problems. I recommend you visit their website and take advantage of their scientific analysis of your individual skin needs to determine which of their products will effectively reverse the conditions that you identify as your concerns.
Their products can be pricey, but there are options to purchase kits at reduced rates, which also make great gifts for that special woman. The last product I tried was the amazing Bio Tense Extract for mature skin and found it luxurious and effective.
Bellemarque Lash Growth Serum. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
While fashion mores have thankfully returned to a more normal look for lips and brows after the excesses of the past, the average woman could still use a bit of a lift, and Bellemarque is a company that specializes in these two areas.
Bellemarque lip plumping oils. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
They feature several different products to enhance eyelashes and brows, along with plumping oil for lips. The lip plumping oils come in different flavors: Raspberry, Coconut, and Strawberry and are available in a handsome gift box of the three together. Be aware that the plumping oil tingles a bit when first applied, so you can be assured it’s working.
Country Life Maxi-Hair Plus. Photo courtesy of Country Life.
Finally, for a few non-cosmetic suggestions but possibly the most important, are products from Country Life that work from the inside to deal with those annoying life-changing body issues that we all have to deal with on our march on the road toward maturity.
Country Life Menopause Rescue. Photo courtesy of Country Life.
Country Life has a whole line of products for the mature woman, but I’m currently working with three at the moment: (1) MAXI-HAIR that improves the strength and structure of tired hair and reduces shedding. (2) MENOPAUSE RESCUE to deal with the annoying and debilitating effects of menopause. The ingredients reduce hot flashes and those horrific night sweats, fatigue, sleeplessness, nervousness, and vaginal dryness.
Country Life Metabolism Reboot. Photo courtesy of Country Life.
And to balance the overall hormonal imbalance is (3) METABOLISM REBOOT to help reduce body fat, abdominal fat, waist size, and cellulite. Visit their website for the entire list of products geared toward women and their special needs.
Here’s to a Happy Mother’s Day and helping the women you love remain healthy and beautiful!
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 experience. A new luxury train adventure in 2026 will take you around the world in 100 days through 14 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. But it’ll cost you! There are only 12 spots for $141,000. It includes luxury hotel accommodations and two luxury cruises.
Going to Cancun? I’m hearing from other passengers that it’s sometimes taking 90 minutes to get your baggage in baggage claim, so prepare accordingly.
Crater Lake access news. If you want to visit Oregon’s Crater Lake, do it soon. The only legal way to access the lake – the Cleetwood Cove Trail – will close in 2026 for construction with an estimated reopening not until 2029.
Passport stamps. (Stock photo.)
The world’s most powerful passport. According to the Nomad Passport Index 2025, Ireland now has the most powerful passport in the world. it was chosen based on: “ease of travel, tax policies, global perception, ability to obtain dual citizenship and personal freedoms.” (Incidentally, the U.S. is #45 on the list.)
Iceland volcanic eruption. The Blue Lagoon spa and nearby town were temporarily evacuated at the beginning of the month due to a volcanic eruption.
Chattanooga, Tennessee news. The city has been named the first National Park City in the U.S. and one of only three in the world. Pretty impressive!
Universal’s Epic Universe. Universal is opening a new theme park on May 22nd at the Universal Orlando Resort. It will include Celestial Park with a dual-track coaster, a Constellation Carousel that spins 360 degrees six feet in the air, a dark ride called The Frankenstein Experiment, Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, and Super Nintendo World, among other attractions. Tickets start at $134-$139.
Yosemite National Park. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Yosemite is back. After the layoffs in the National Park System, Yosemite National Park has reinstated its timed entry reservation system for the summer (as of April 17). The entry windows will be a couple of hours shorter than before, which means people should reserve as far in advance as possible. Camping reservations are already on sale.
Montana suing Yellowstone National Park. The governor of Montana has filed a lawsuit against Yellowstone because of the National Park Service’s new bison management plan. According to Defenders of Wildlife, Montana is “using outdated science to argue for cutting the bison herd nearly in half, shipping thousands of bison to slaughter and setting back efforts to transfer bison to Native American Tribes.”
Brazil visa requirements. Last year, Brazil delayed its requirement for U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens to have a visa to enter, but it’s now required. It costs $80.90 to get a visa that allows you to stay 90 days, so make sure you do it ahead of time if you’re planning to visit Brazil.
Roman Colosseum ticketing agencies in trouble. About six tour operators in Rome have been fined a total of 20 million Euros by the Italian government for hoarding tickets so that visitors couldn’t gain entry to the Colosseum at basic prices.
The Colosseum in Rome. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
JetBlue and Icelandair partnership. JetBlue TrueBlue members can now use points to book flights with Icelandair.
What do airlines owe youfor delays and cancellations? At least for the moment, you can visit FlightRights.gov and scroll down to Flight Delays & Cancellations to find out what an airline might owe you. Use it while it’s still there, as the current administration might eventually remove it.
Fiji Airlines joins OneWorld Alliance, and American Airlines AAdvantage is its chosen loyalty program. This means you can earn AAdvantage miles when on a Fiji Airlines flight, and some people with status on American can get priority boarding and lounge access with Fiji.
Virgin Atlantic lounge at LAX. The new luxe Clubhouse Lounge is in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. It has red carpet entry and a cinema. I really want to see this!
Paris reduces air pollution. For the past 20 years, Paris has added more green spaces and bike lanes while also getting rid of 50,000 parking spaces. The result is a significant reduction in air pollution within the city. Well done!
New flight between Madrid and Orlando. Starting October 26, 2025, Iberia Airlines will have a non-stop flight from Madrid (MAD) to Orlando (MCO) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
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 pesto sauce, a container of Tikka Masala spice mix, black mole paste for a Mexican dish, and the makings of Thai green curry with coconut milk, herbs and lemongrass, curry paste, and curry powder.
Thai green curry ingredients in my kit. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Obsession Symphony is made from a rare grape that’s a cross between Grenache Gris and Muscat of Alexandria. It was developed in 1948 by UC Davis professor, Dr. Harold Olmo.
The Black Mole paste in my kit. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
If you thumb your nose at wines that are fruity and slightly sweet, you might not like this bottle. But if you’re like me, and you enjoy a little sweetness with fruit flavors in the heat of summer, this is an excellent choice. The fruit flavors are immediate with peach and pineapple most dominant, but there’s also tropical passionfruit and lychee, as well as honeydew, gardenia, honeysuckle, star jasmine, and ginger.
The Tikka Masala spice mix in my kit. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Don’t get me wrong – this isn’t a dessert wine, even though the grape is part Muscat. The sweetness isn’t overpowering, and it’s also acidic. On a hot day, it will be extremely refreshing. Besides the pairings suggested by the winemaker, I think this wine would be amazing at a barbecue, with fish, or with pungent cheeses.
I thoroughly enjoyed my bottle, particularly with the Black Mole and the Thai Green Curry. I haven’t yet tried it with pesto or Tikka Masala, but I’m looking forward to those pairings as well.
Obsession Symphony wine. Photo courtesy of Ironstone Vineyards.
The Kautz Family who bottles Obsession Wines has the most significant plantings of symphony grapes in the Lodi appellation and Sierra foothills of Northern California. Symphony is kept in stainless steel until it’s bottled.
My Thai green curry from my kit. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
Obsession Symphony can be purchased directly from the Obsession website, which links to Kautz’s Ironstone Vineyards, where they sell their other wines. It’s currently on sale for just $14 per bottle. I expect I’ll be ordering some more soon for the summer months.
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 decomposition: regularly check the fridge temperature to ensure it’s ideal.
Store raw meat and fish on the bottom shelves, cooked foods on the top, and fruits and vegetables in the designated crisper drawers to keep them fresher for longer.
Keep produce like asparagus, oranges, lemons, cherries, strawberries, and lettuce inside the fridge to maximize freshness and moisture.
Keep produce like onions, shallots, avocados, mangoes, kiwis, bananas, tomatoes and apples outside of the fridge to avoid premature ripening.
Fresh vegetables. Photo by Shutterbug75.
Avoid storing fruits and vegetables alongside foods with strong odors, to prevent flavor contamination.
Store fruits and vegetables separately in the fridge to keep ethylene-producing fruits away from non-producers, to prevent premature ripening.
Use protective sheets or mats in the drawers to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold.
Avoid overcrowding the fridge. Too many items can block the cold air circulation, which speeds up spoilage. Leave enough space for air to flow freely and preserve freshness.
Use Shelfy to eliminate bacteria, odors, and pollutants in the fridge that can cause food to spoil faster. Shelfy can make fruits and vegetables stay fresh for up to 12 days longer.
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 Portugal. At the Southern part of the country, Malay and Burmese culinary influences are also found.
Thailand has a sizable Buddhist community that has also impacted the cuisine. These influences have been incorporated into Thai gastronomy to create uniquely tasty dishes.
I get all worked up when I see western tourists eating western food in an eastern country like Thailand and not willing to taste the exceptionally good Thai dishes I enjoy. I just can’t help it. This cuisine is known for its remarkable balance of flavors – sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. The food of Thailand is both considerably regional and considerably seasonal.
During a visit to Bangkok and Phuket a few years ago, I was very impressed by the high gastronomic level of not only the hotels where we stayed, but everyday restaurants and even roadside food stands. And talking about interesting Thai cuisine, Thailand’s floating markets are an essential part of Thai life that offer a very tasty insight to the local cooking expertise … where you get to buy lunch from a boat while floating on a canal or a river.
Khlong Lat Mayom is the floating market I was first exposed to in Bangkok. Tourists are a distinct minority there. It’s a medium-sized market located very close to the city. The market is famous for its cooked food. What makes it stand out is a variety of dishes such as som tam, pork satay, and barbecued pork ribs, plus charcoal-grilled cuttlefish and grilled or fried shrimp.
Delicious Thai food. Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Most of the larger cities have Chinatowns and dim-sum, the lovely bite-sized steamed buns and dumplings (baozi) served for tea lunch. Even in the countryside, there were roadside stands offering dim sum to hungry travelers for little money. After we departed Bangkok, our lunch-time mantra became “dim-sum in 30 minutes!”
What a display! Photo by Manos Angelakis.
Traditional Thai cooking is perfumed and dominated by lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and juice, spring onions (scallions), garlic, bird’s eye chili, fish sauce, tamarind sauce, coriander, cardamom, and galangal – a member of the ginger family. The average proteins are chicken, fish, seafood, duck, pork (in the non-Muslim areas), eggs, and small amounts of lamb. Noodles and tofu are also present in many Chinese-inspired dishes. Beef is used minimally.
Jasmine rice is served with most of the dishes, relying on the flavors of the dishes themselves. Many of these are curries, and there are 6 curry paste varieties: red, yellow, green, sour, massamun, and phanang.
Coconut milk and coconut cream are used in large quantities, as the soups and curries that encompass many of the classic dishes have coconut milk as a main ingredient. Occasionally, tamarind juice is substituted. Nuts like peanuts or cashews are sometimes included in the dishes.
For a foodie, a visit to Thailand is a must. Avoid April to mid-May, however, when heat and humidity are at the highest. They say that Bangkok has only three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest.
While the Songkran (New Year’s) celebrations that usually happen in April can offer a very interesting experience, the best time to visit is November until early March, when the heat abides and the humidity drops.
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.
According to Geonode, some companies focus on one good effort while ignoring all the areas in which they’re having a negative impact on the environment.
In the U.S., guidelines vary depending on the state. The FTC currently has a Green Guide, and the SEC has proposed disclosure requirements. But with our current administration, it’s hard to say what will happen. In Europe, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires that large companies disclose their environmental data. You can check to see if there are regulations in the country you plan to visit.
A squirrel monkey in the Brazilian Amazon. The lodge where I stayed, which is no longer in existence, included questionable practices of feeding the monkeys that lived in the surrounding forest. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
How to Spot Greenwashing
Violations: Check to make sure the travel company you want to use hasn’t had environmental violations. If it has had several, its green messaging is probably false or at least exaggerated.
Certifications: Sometimes, companies claim to have certifications that don’t really mean anything. Look up any claims to make sure they’re legit. Trusted certifications include LEED, Energy Star, and GOTS.
Energy sources and waste practices: Check to see what properties are using for energy. They might call themselves “sustainable” but still use diesel generators. Are they pumping wastewater into local waterways and contaminating them? Ask if they actually avoid washing towels and linens every day or just give you the option and wash everything daily anyway.
Composting and recycling: Try to find out if businesses actually recycle and compost.
Animals: I’ll admit that I have fallen prey to poor animal practices while traveling. The riding of elephants in places like Thailand, for example, isn’t good for them. Watch out for chained or caged animals. Swimming with dolphins is also now considered unsafe for them.
Cultural experiences: I have been duped by these kinds of scams while traveling, too. I once visited a place in South Africa that had relocated many Bushpeople who had been kicked out of the Kalahari Desert. Their kids were being schooled there, which was good, but they were dressed like westerners, while the adults were put in traditional dress and gave us a performance without making it clear that’s what it was. it didn’t feel authentic, and the place felt quite exploitative.
So read reviews carefully, and ask questions about cultural experiences. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with a traditional dance program that’s more indicative of the past than the present, but are the locals being exploited? It may not be easy to find out, but do your best.
Carbon neutrality: This is another claim that many companies make that may or may not be true. There’s no global agreement as to what “carbon neutrality” actually means, so it’s easy for marketers to use it in a misleading way.
Greenwashing image created in Canva by Melanie Votaw.
To try to avoid dealing with greenwashing, research companies carefully, and verify their claims by reading reviews and asking them direct questions. For example, Sustainabletravel.org says, “One of the most common indicators of greenwashing is the use of misleading or suggestive visuals. This can include green color palettes or images of trees or natural environments without context or evidence to support their claims.”
To combat that, you might look for photos taken by guests rather than the property’s marketing team. Do they look the same, or do the marketing images look so much better that they give you pause?
According to Sustainabietravel.org, “True eco-hotels integrate comprehensive practices throughout their operations to minimize environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources, sustainably sourcing building materials, incorporating energy-efficient design principles and technologies, reducing and properly disposing of waste, installing water conservation systems, and preserving surrounding habitats.”
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 the Jersey Shore Restaurant Group. The restaurant opened about a month ago in Robbinsville, New Jersey, and she recommended we check it out.
I’m always excited when I hear about a new eatery, as I love good food and especially fish and seafood. I also want my readers to know when I find an exceptional kitchen.
The Harpoon Willy’s logo. Photos by Barbara and Manos Angelakis.
Harpoon Willy’s is a good sized restaurant with a number of airy and bright dining areas in a new building in the center of a recently developed downtown area of Robbinsville. The decor is warm, dark wood floors, tables and chairs, and ceiling beams making the double height main dining room interesting.
The address was a bit of a problem, however, because the address on GPS differed from the address in the restaurant’s advertising. But we figured there wouldn’t be two different restaurants with the same name in the same town, and we were right. It turned out to be easy to find. It also had ample parking behind the building.
We decided on three appetizers, two main courses, and a desert to be split between us, along with a double espresso to finish the meal for me. Our drinks were a Lemon Drop with Vodka cocktail for Barbara and a glass of Guinness for me. We were told that all mixers are created in-house. No out-of-a-bottle mixers for this restaurant’s bar! They pride themselves on their artisanal approach to food and drink.
Our three appetizers at Harpoon Willy’s. Photos by Barbara and Manos Angelakis.
Our appetizers were:
Firecracker Shrimp – crisp shrimp with mid-spicy firecracker sauce, lime and micro cilantro sprouts. The medium-sized shrimp were attractively presented and really good, while hot. Please note that they have a bit of a kick.
Fried Calamari – battered calamari rings and mussels and battered pickled chili pepper slices with marinara sauce and a lemon quarter on the side. The house-made marinara was the highlight of the dish.
Truffled Tater Tots – with bacon gruyère dipping sauce. This was what Barbara considered a “winner dish” – a very unusual take on “taters” with tons of flavor! The dipping sauce was also a standout!
We found that all of the tasty sauces were made in-house. Kudos to the saucier!
Fish & chips at Harpoon Willy’s. Photos by Barbara and Manos Angelakis.
Our mains were:
Fish and Chips for me – with battered Atlantic cod, French fries, cole slaw, and tartar sauce. I have been very fond of fish & chips since my days in the UK, when I would order the best ones at a hole-in-the-wall Indian eatery at London’s East End. The British fish & chips version usually uses plaice as the fish, but cod or haddock are also used in some places.
I was happy to discover that Harpoon Willy’s has malt vinegar, which is an essential condiment for British-style fish & chips. I had to ask for it, but they had it.
Grilled shrimp and Asian noodles with a sweet & sour vinaigrette. Photos by Barbara and Manos Angelakis.
Ginger and Thyme Grilled Shrimp Salad for Barbara – Actually, the dish was grilled shrimp, Asian noodles, and a sweet & sour vinaigrette. It was a cold dish with an unusual combination of aromatics – cilantro, ginger, scallions, thyme, black sesame, and lime juice, along with the shrimp and noodles. it blended many elements in a harmonious and tasty creation. It was absolutely delicious!
The portions were all good sized – large enough to take home leftovers. We enjoyed everything we tried, so we think this restaurant is well worth a visit! Quality as well as quantity makes for an ideal meal.
By the way, our server, Lauren, was also very good. She was attentive without becoming intrusive and knew the menu and the dishes. In fact, all the servers, as well as manager Jeffrey Falivene, were friendly and accommodating, making our dining out experience like a visit with friends.
And now, for the piece de résistance – our Death by Chocolate dessert!
Death by Chocolate cake at Harpoon Willy’s. Photos by Barbara and Manos Angelakis.
Barbara and I normally share a desert, especially one as rich as Death by Chocolate. So when one serving of 5-inch-high layer cake with each layer separated by chocolate mousse, topped with a rich chocolate glaze over which was what looked like a mass of whipped cream, was placed before us, we both gasped. One bite, and we looked at each other surprised that this confection was rich and flavorful but not cloyingly sweet, as every other Death by Chocolate dessert we’ve ever tasted has been.
Spoonful after spoonful, we worked our way though the cake and asked to meet the pastry chef who had produced this marvel of deliciousness.
Aaliya Aniff came to our table – a young woman who spent years honing her craft first in her home country of Sri Lanka before moving on to Dubai for more training. Aaliya waited 16 years before her immigration papers arrived to finally allow her to join family in New Jersey, where she is now the in-house pâtissier extraordinaire at Harpoon Willy’s.
Aaliya explained that she didn’t feel the over-sugaring of pastries added anything except pounds, so she strives to make her desserts tasty and beautiful to enhance the meal without overwhelming the previous courses.
I, for one, welcome her and her incredible talent here, knowing she will have a great career in front of her. We also found out that they create special seasonal meals celebrating assorted holidays and festivities like Marti Grass. Next time I hear about one of these, I’ll go back to Harpoon Willy’s to try their offerings.
