Macau, the gambling capital of the world since 2006, dwarfs Las Vegas thanks to millions of mainland Chinese gamblers. Each year, millions of visitors, rich and poor, make the pilgrimage from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. The wealthy elite are helicoptered in while factory workers arrive on cramped coaches. The last few times I was […]
Travel
Brooklyn Brewery and Highlights from #OmnivoreParis
There is a lot to be said about spontaneity when traveling. My travel strategy has taken almost a 360-degree turn from planning every minute detail to virtually “winging it” until I arrive at my destination. A decade ago, I would never have dreamed of taking this free-spirited, come-what-may approach. But I can honestly say that […]
Szechuan (or Sichuan) Cooking Class in Shanghai
On my last trip to Shanghai, I decided to take a Chinese cooking class. It was January and I was looking for stimulating activities to do inside, so I took some time to research what was available and find a class that was taught in English. Cooking classes and food tours are are always on […]
The Incomparable House of Roosevelt in Shanghai
Imagine the exhilaration of sharing wine with Anthony Bourdain, and Yao Ming, and Rupert Hoogewer amidst the glittering opulence of The Bund in Shanghai. The magnificent Oriental Pearl rising regally above the Huangpu, River, colors pulsating like the heartbeat of a benevolent alien being. This was my fourth trip to Shanghai and third visit to The […]
Night Market Tour in Shanghai
You’ll chow on Bbq, crawfish, lamb kebabs, wok-fried rice noodles, fruit pudding, Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles and much more from countless hawker stalls, if you have a second stomach. I experienced all this and more on a frigid January evening in Shanghai with the guidance of a knowledgeable, hungry expat who moonlights as a tour guide […]
Top 5 for Creative Foodies in Paris
There is no shortage of online and old-school print resources and guides to turn to when you’re planning your eating agenda for an upcoming trip to Paris. So why do we need another? My answer to that question is always, “Why not?” I’m about to add to the scores of information on the City of […]
Central Coast Fall Harvest Wine Tour
Wine lovers with all levels of expertise have generally gone on wine tasting excursions where you hop from vineyard to vineyard tasting the most recently released wines. Some plan each day’s wine adventure with precision while others take a more spontaneous approach and let the day take them wherever the path leads. Both have their […]
What’s New At the OC Fair
WINNER, WINNER! The Concessionaires Cup winner this year is the Chile Relleno Pretzel Burger from Grantsburger! And, as a serial chile relleno eater, I knew as soon as I heard the name that I would like it. And once I sunk my teeth into Grantburgers’ towering sandwich with a spicy chorizo patty, jalapeno jam, avocado, […]
Shanghai Dumpling Tour with UnTour Shanghai
When in Shanghai you absolutely must have dim sum and try all the different kinds of dumplings if you want to truly experience the local cuisine. Unless you don’t like dumplings, but who doesn’t like dumplings – I would be suspicious of someone who doesn’t like dumplings. Or, maybe you have to adhere to a […]
Gulf Coast Cuisine – A Seafood Lover’s Dream
Jambalaya, gumbo, étoufée, boudin, andouille sausage, po’boys, all are words that immediately trigger a mouthwatering Pavlovian response as visions of redolent, spicy Cajun and Creole dishes brimming with seafood dance in my head. On a recent culinary tour of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, we were reacquainted with the deep history of their Creole culinary heritage which […]