February, At Last!

Was January not the longest month in history?! I've never so happy to welcome February. It shouldn't have been bad. We traveled each and every weekend; making every attempt to dodge the cold. Unfortunately, it follows us everywhere we go.

Laughlin seemed like a good way to kick off the 2020 travels. We had a nice time, but brrr! I don't think we've ever felt it so cold. Thankfully, the machines were warmer. I was able to break even after a long run playing video poker.





The following weekend we tried our luck in San Diego. It was sunny, but cool. We ran across the border chasing the sun, but winter was there too. At least, tacos make everything better. We also snuck in one last visit to Con Pane Bakery. When, we were noshing on the best damn sandwiches (Italian on Rosemary and PB&J) and cinnamon bun known to man we had no idea it would be the last. They closed permanently two days later. The news was devastating! I'm so glad we got one last taste.



The third weekend of January, we were back in Mexico. This time we drove down to San Felipe, we met Frank's family in El Centro. They flew in from Chicago, and would stay at his uncle's house in El Dorado Ranch. We rented an Airbnb nearby. We stopped for lunch in Mexicali on the way. We've been told the Chinese food is amazing. Who would have thought that, but it's true. It was fantastic. I love the twist and fusions too like limes on the table; avocado or chorizo in the fried rice. The flavors were spot on, but somehow, brighter, with farm fresh produce. It was a delight, and a must stop on all future trips.



We had nice visit with his mom, Dennis, aunt and uncle. We grabbed bites at all our favorites, we discovered, Restaurant Toro; a new (to us) diner with killer breakfast and revisited the Valle de Gigantes. It's too beautiful not to repeat and it was neat to show Dennis. Living in KY, he's not seen anything quite like it.





The next weekend we traveled to Austin. Frontier was offering dirt cheap fares we could not refuse. When the drinks on board cost more than the flight itself how can one refuse? Plus, BBQ. I mean there is no arm twisting here. Better yet, I snagged my favorite hotel - the Fairmont - on Hotwire. Sometimes the stars just align. We were also able to meet up friends from Chicago and grab a bite with Frank's coworker born and raised in Austin. We gorged ourselves silly on brisket, links and ribs. Smoked turkey and Frito Pie can be included in the lot. No matter how often we visit I am still stunned by the sheer number of BBQ joints and shocked by how many are outstanding. We are always on a quest to try them all.

 

This time a dent was made by trying Terry Black's and La Valentina. We revisited old favorites like Rudy's, Cooper's and Stile Switch. And to further prove that kismet exists and we are meant to be happy, our favorite whiskey bar in Los Angeles is now open is Austin too. But wait for it... Seven Grand is connected to a Mezcaleria... by a cigar friendly patio. It could not have been more perfect. Although, we did kick a dead rat on the way back so do not be mislead I am not able paint a complete picture of perfection. Curious, though, is that bad luck or good luck since it's the year of the rat? I guess we'll see how the year pans out. For now, I'll default to my belief that there is an ebb and flow to all things. The universe, included. To further prove the notion, winter followed us to Texas too. Pity was taken on us on our last day. The sun shined and offered hope that warmer days are ahead. I soaked up every last drop!





 

January concluded with a trip to the south. We thought we'd be welcomed with sunshine and warmer temperatures than home but the joke was on us. A cold front met us in New Orleans and hung around for the entire Superbowl weekend in both MS and AL. I mean we experienced cooler than normal temps in three states; only to return home to a cold blast. It dropped 30 degrees in 24 hours. Dust off the hot hands. Winter isn't over yet.

Fairhope, Alabama

 

Mobile, Alabama

 

New Orleans, Louisana

 

 


 




Biloxi, Mississippi



 



 

 

2019: The Year To Thrive

For several years, now, I've chosen a word to guide me through the unwritten chapters of the new year.

Thrive was the theme for 2019. That's just what we did. It was a year of great successes, wonderful memories; and, of course, we traveled a bunch. Most of my yearly recaps also include best bites, but we did not try too many new places. We mostly frequented old haunts, but we had to say goodbye, to yet, another favorite; R.I.P. Cleo (SLS). Though, honorable mentions go to newcomers, Kame and Best Friend. However, the best meal of the year is awarded to Sparrow + Wolf. We dined with a group and ordered nearly the entire menu to split among us. No one left hungry or disappointed. It was outstanding. The bread alone is glorious!













Our travels took us to California multiple times (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sonoma). No year is complete without a trip to Tijuana, I mean... Tacos are life. We also gallivanted around our old stomping grounds in the Riviera Maya by playing tour guide to our friends and Frank's family. We also explored new cities like Mérida and Valladolid. We returned to London and Frankfurt, and we wandered Stockholm and Amsterdam. And I roamed Paris. We were warmly welcomed in Fort McMurray. Traversed cities that feel like going home because we have visited so often, such as Austin, Boston, Denver and Phoenix. Then, there is Chicago, our first home. Plus, I can't forget the trip with my family to Netarts on the Oregon Coast. For anyone keeping tally, my travels spanned eight countries, seven states and countless cities. Frank exceeded those numbers crisscrossing the Midwest and east coast. Needless to say we logged many miles. It's a big world, I'm determined to see it. We've only begun to scratch the surface.

Which leads to my word for 2020... Explore. It's time to turn dreams into plans.

How about you, do you choose a word to set the tone for the year to come?

Kame Omakase

With only two seatings a night, accommodating only eight guests for an intimate affair. We were extremely fortunate to secure seats with no prior notice. Our party of four were immensely grateful for the experience. The Omakase menu packs a punch at $195 per person, but it was worth every penny. We gorged on decadent delights, the freshest fish and simply stellar A-5 Wagu.

Over the course of two hours, you'll be whisked away on a tremendous journey from coast to coast and around the globe. The menu varies day to day, but more than 20 dishes are showcased. It is truly a treat. Especially since the new location is minutes from the strip or a $10 Lyft, it's easy find for locals and visitors.

From my first bite of foie gras of the sea, to the aromatic broth with rare mushrooms and omelet, delicate lobster sashimi, buttery briny uni, the sesame chocolate cake and everything in between is carefully crafted for pure enjoyment. I typically dislike traditional staples like soy sauce and ginger, but even those were unlike anything I've tried before.



























And for the real stunner, I mean. Oh my my!





And last, but not least.



Gluttony at its finest. Truly.