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24 December - 8 January '11 : Southern Highlights


RIO DE JANIERO - ILHA GRANDE - IGUAZU FALLS - BUENOS AIRES

Hi Family & Friends

This year we're exploring a bit out of our European comfort zone. We're heading South and beyond the border to Argentina and Brazil to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in true South American style. And.. with the greatest of pleasure, a few good friends alongside. A first for both-- this is going to be a trip to remember. Stay tuned for more!

25 - 26 December : Rio de Janiero

Taking a jeep tour through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado to see-- one of the new 7- Wonders of the World-- Christ the Redeemer. And of course, celebrating with millions-- ringing in the New Year at the All White Copacabana Beach Party!
Accomo: Acapulco Copacabana Hotel

2 - 5 January : Foz Do Iguacu
Crossing the border between Argentina and Brazil en route to undoubtedly the most beautiful of all Falls-- Iguassu Falls. While here, we'll hike the trails and take a boat/ helicopter tour to see the fall from all angles for what we anticipate to be a sight to been seen and an experience like no other.
Accomo: Marcopolo Inn

21 - 23 May : Who DAT?!

Bourbon, Beignets & Beads

Trippin'.
What's that motto again from Max's restaurant.. "If you're on a diet, this is not the place for you."? Well the same rule applies here in New Orleans, or should I say, N'awlins. Here in NOLA, where Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and street musicians paint the town, where "watching your waistline" is just a figure of speech and where glimpses of Hurricane Katrina remain, the good times still roll. It is by far one of the most richest, most vibrant and down right resilient city this country is blessed to have.

A food lovers paradise, this is the city for exuberant indulgence. It's a hodgepodge of thick spices from traditional Creole to spicy Cajun and everything buttery in between. You name it, here in N'awlins we've tried it-- beignets at Cafe du Monde, freshly- shucked oysters at Acme Oyster Bar, turtle soup at Commander's Palace-- and of course.. wash it all down with a couple of HAND GRENADES. All the while, struttin' down Bourbon Street collecting beads along the way. *pucker*

I dare you to have a better time in N'awlins.

On a more serious note. You would never guess but masked by the unwavering and genuine Southern hospitality and the constant "Yes Ma'ams and Sirs", New Orleans is still recovering from the devastation that was Katrina; particularly in the Ninth Ward where much of what is left is.. well not much at all. You, however, can help: If you get a chance to go.. go. Go speak to the locals, taxi cab drivers, street performers, etc. Their stories are of great triumph-- of trials and tribulation-- and through it all, they have a great sense of pride for this great city and the strong will to bring it back to the way it was.

Let me sign
Aside from the French and Spanish inspired architectures, we were equally infatuated by all the eclectic and custom store signage throughout the city.



Sleeping: Le Richeleau Hotel. Casual elegance and just minutes from the famous Bourbon Street but just outside enough to escape the noise makers and night crawlers.
Eating: Jacque- Imo's Cafe, 8324 Oak Street, tel: 504 861 0886. I'm not one for green tomatoes but the fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade sauce made a believer out of me. Adventurous? Try the alligator cheesecake.. you heard right.
Activity: The New Orleans School of Cooking. When I tell you this is the best gumbo I've ever had.. I kid you not. Went back for not just 2nds, but 3rds and finally had to send G to get the 4th because I didn't want to look like a cow. Butter is definitely better! And what a great alternative to the typical city tours.

More Photos.

View full gallery here.

9 - 12 April : The Emerald City

Indulging in Seafood Mecca

Trippin'.
Fresh seafood, great wine and even better coffee. What's not to love about Seattle? It's a medley of all things great in the Pacific Northwest! A city surrounded by mountains and ocean, luscious greens that seem to extend for miles and miles, it is no wonder Seattle is often referred to as the Emerald City.

We had surprisingly unusual weather, sunny skies to be exact, which was a plus when we found out it was pouring back home in San Jose. G went for work and I, of course, went along for the "free" ride. We had a jammed pack weekend as we always do filled with sight seeing, shopping, and what else-- food.

Speaking of food. A friend recommended we do a food tour of Pike Place Market and what a great suggestion that was. We booked a tour with Savor Seattle and had the best time tasting all things great about Pike Place Market-- from Iron Chef winner Tom Douglas' crab cakes, to the world famous fish throwers' smoked salmon! Best of all, as touristy as this place gets, Pike Place Market's captivating personality and character is apparent, alive and well.

Classic, not traditional-- made to perfection
Though not a traditional panzanella, at Dahlia, you simply can't deny its Tuscan Grilled Bread Salad is original and classic. A perfect blend of bitter greens drizzled in a light vinaigrette dressing, mixed with day old grilled Tuscan bread, cherry tomatoes.. and to top off this remarkably- mouthwatering plate-- a slice of prosciutto. It does not get any better than this.
Tom Douglas' Dahlia Lounge, 2001 4th Street, tel: (206) 682-4142

Looking back, some of the best of the best I've had the luxury to taste in the culinary world were right here in Seattle and I'm sure G will agree. Best salad-- check (see above)! Best salmon (or any fish dish for that matter) goes to-- *drum roll please*-- Elliots' Alaskan Troll King Salmon smoked on alder plank. Insanely good! Smoked fish-- simple enough. The entree itself, nothing utterly worldly or remarkably unique at first glance. And yet it was love at first bite. The rest of the meal was a bit of a blur after that. Simple it certainly is not but to put it into words is difficult and down right challenging. It's a -you've- gotta- try- it- to- believe- it to even begin to understand its levels of complexity. And once you do, salmon (or any fish) will never taste the same.

Elliots Oyster House, 1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56, tel: (206) 623-4340

A perfect weekend getaway to indulge in some of this countries finest palette pleasers.. or should I say teasers? Which ever way, we'll cheers to that!

Sleeping: Inn at the Market. Tucked away in an ivy-covered courtyard, this boutique hotel is a tranquil hideaway located practically "in" the vibrancy of Pike Place Market.
Eating: Serious Pies, 316 Virginia St, tel: 206 838 7388, for two-- order 2 or 3 pies. Try the potato! If you're lucky, you might just run into Tom Douglas himself.. we did.
Activity: Don't miss the perfect photo opt at Kerry Park. Tip-- Have your taxi wait while you take a quick photo because there is no other way down the hill and taxi's are few and far in between.

More Photos.

View full gallery here.