After years of long winter months with nonstop rain and a sun which refused to shine, I packed up my car in Seattle and followed the sun to the warmth of San Diego. I was not disappointed; the city was blessed with 12 months of sunshine with an average temperature between 55 to 75 degrees. Plus, it is now a model for urban renewal where having a car isn’t even necessary. Never-the-less, I would think of my family living in my ancestral homeland of Washington State often. While exploring San Diego’s infinite treasures, I lamented that I always seemed just too busy to explore the wonders in my own home state. My brother-in-law suggested that I should check out the Palouse, a sweeping pastoral area in the eastern region of the state. It’s a four-season destination, he added, and in the spring and fall the sun is always out. Then he said something that really stuck with me: ‘It is paradise found.’ Next family vacation I was off and running.

First Stop — Spokane

Nestled on the far eastern border of the state, Spokane was originally the home of The Spokans (“children of the sun”), who were drawn to the hunting grounds and abundance of salmon in the Spokane River. This changed with the arrival of the first European settlers who established a trading post and eventually a railroad industry that built the city.

Spokane — now the second largest city in Washington — was put on the national radar when it hosted the world’s first environmentally themed World’s Fair in Expo ’74. The event transformed the city’s urban core, removing the rail yard along the river, converting it into the 100-acre Riverfront Park, the centerpiece of the fair. Its legacy remains today with many of the attractions still in use.

On what was a perfect Sunday afternoon, I strolled through the park, watching families frolicking on the Looff Carrousel and the Skyride which glides over the Spokane Falls. As I branched out into the city, it was easy to see that Spokane boasts the best of both worlds: a setting in spectacular natural beauty, but with a plethora of urban pleasures of a re-invented downtown, restaurants, book stores and vibrant nightlife thanks to the presence of Whitworth and Gonzaga Universities. I was hungry to see more. So I rented a car for an exploration of the Spokane Region, where I discovered a world of ancient cedar forests, pristine rivers, quaint small towns, deserted ghost towns and scores of golf courses.

Where to Stay in Spokane: The Davenport Hotel

The iconic Davenport Hotel is a grand hotel of the gilded age. It helped transform Spokane’s dying city core into a vibrant destination where people have returned to live. The district is even named the Davenport Arts District. With that said, it is well-worth a self-guided tour, but it can be hard on the pocketbook.

The Montvale Hotel

A pleasant alternative to the Davenport is just down the street: The Montvale Hotel. On a much smaller scale than The Davenport, this property has re-imagined itself as a premier boutique hotel with a modern twist, while still maintaining the ambience of the downtown’s bygone era. If you’re in town just for the day, it too rates a tour.

On to the Palouse — The Seven Wonders of Washington State

In October 1805, Lewis and Clark arrived in the Palouse region. They were stunned by the beauty and magnitude of this sweeping landscape of rolling hills and plateaus. As with other tribes on their historic exploration, they made friends with the nomadic Palus tribe, renowned as expert equestrians. The term Appaloosa is a derivation of the Palouse horse. Traditionally, the Palouse region was defined as the fertile hills and prairies north of the Snake River in southeast Washington and north central Idaho.

Today The Palouse Scenic Byway combines 208 miles of sweeping hills and spectacular vistas, expansive wheat fields of amber autumn gold, lentil farmlands, and small towns with distinctive, rich history and unpretentious charm.

There is no center to the Palouse Scenic Byway; it is a place to simply leisurely drive along the gentle curving highways, sprinkled with antique shops, wineries, easy access venues for hiking and biking, and, above all, photography. If you ever needed to stop the world and simply relax, this is the place for it.

Selected Stops

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is a restored dairy barn surrounded by a fence consisting of more than 1000 wagon wheels. Here you can watch local artisans at work. It’s also a great place to shop for regional gifts. Then head down the road to the historic St. Boniface Catholic Church (circa 1904). The church houses the original stained glass windows.

From Kamiak Butte’s 3,641 feet crest travelers enjoy awesome panoramic views of the Palouse’s rolling hills, and a patchwork of the fields and farmlands below. Its 298 acres is ideal for hiking, picnicking, camping, and sightseeing. For wildlife viewing, the Kamiak Butte area features over 130 species of birds, 170 species of plants, and close to 30 species of mammals. Make sure you hike to the crest for unsurpassed photography opportunities.

Steptoe Butte presents a spectacular 360 degree view of the Palouse. Drive or hike the three miles to the top of the 3,618 feet butte for bird watching, hang-gliding, paragliding, photography, and picnicking.

The Snake River Trail, nestled at Boyer Park & Marina, is a four mile trail that leads to the banks of historic Almota Creek, which was a resting place for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail offers a series of interpretive signs explaining the Columbia and Snake River’s system, dams, river geology, and hydroelectric power.

A hidden oasis rests a short drive off the byway:  the Palouse Falls State Park.  The off-the-beaten-path will lead you to stunning views of waterfalls, cascading 198 feet into a round salt-rock canyon. Just outside the park is a small cluster of historical basalt houses and cabins.

Other highlights include the J.C. Barron Flour Mill, built in 1890; the Tekoa Train Trestle that leads to the John Wayne Trail; the Rosalia Visitor Center, housed in a historic Texaco gas station; the four-acre Steptoe Battlefield State Park in Rosalia, the 1858 site where Lt. Col. E.J. Steptoe led 159 U.S. soldiers in a running fight with a large band of Spokan, Palouse and Coeur D’Alene American Indians. Make sure your day ends or evening begins with a visit to one of the many wineries or pubs in Pullman.

Pullman — My Home Base

With a population of 27,030, the charming town of Pullman is similar to the much larger Spokane with spectacular natural beauty surrounding its core, plus offering urban amenities due to Washington State University towering above it. It’s also located right smack in the middle of The Palouse. There’s a refreshing small town feel, and the locals are welcoming and excited that you are exploring their area. Just across the river is the university town of Moscow, Idaho that also makes an attractive home base.

A number of Pullman restaurants have embraced the slow food movement with the emphasis on seasonal and locally grown food. With bread made from local wheat, produce from nearby farms, Cougar Cheese made at WSU, and fish from the Snake and Columbia Rivers, you are quite literally tasting the landscape.

Recommended Pullman Restaurants

Southfork Public House is the brain child of co-owner Jim Harbour, who is also a professor at WSU. Utilizing regional ingredients, it is known for its wine and beer pairings with seasonal local food items. My favorite dish: MAC & CHEESE — penne noodles tossed in WSU-made Cougar Gold cheese sauce, topped with locally smoked bacon & seasonal scallions. The torpedo-like grissini, made with Palouse wheat, is ideal for dunking.

The Black Cypress is a venue that reflects the qualities of the Palouse region that have kept people living here. A hybrid of Greek and local food items, owner Nick Pitsilionis places an emphasis on an appreciation for honest regional food, company and drink. Many of the produce items come from his own farm. A hybrid of Greek and local food items,  many of the produce items are grown on his own farm. My favorite dish: GOLDEN LENTIL SOUP — Washington is the US’ leading producer of lentils — served with seasonal bruschetta that consists of grilled local Panhandle Bakery bread made with Palouse Sheppard’s Wheat.

Where to Stay in Pullman

A Holiday Inn may not seem regional or unique, but there’s something about Pullman’s Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites that takes service and amenities to the next level. And even better, with many self-guided tours beginning and ending in Pullman, the Palouse is right at your doorstep.

Southwest Airlines offers non-stop flights from Seattle to Spokane.

Pullman Chamber of Commerce

The Palouse Scenic Byway

Visit Spokane

The post Four Days in Eastern Washington State appeared first on Traveling Archive.

From tunnels under the falls, to zip lines into the gorge, and from a soaking boat ride to the base of the falls, to a challenging hike along the shore of the grade 6 rapids, Niagara Park’s attractions are amazing. There are tranquil gardens to stroll, a butterfly house to get lost in, and historic sites to visit between the adrenalin rushes these outdoor adventures kept causing. We had no idea that there was so much to do in this elongated park.

For all you hikers out there, Niagara Park has 9 miles of walks and trails along the Niagara River which are accessed through six different nature areas. Some are handicap accessible while others are quite rugged. Some have stairs and elevators from the escarpment down to the water’s edge, while others are a hike, so no matter your level of ability you can visually experience the class 6 rapids below the falls. Good thing, because there’s no way you’re going in them. They’re far too dangerous!

If you want to be on the water, just upstream from the rapids is the modern Hornblower Niagara Cruise. As many as 700 passengers every 15 minutes depart from the festive restaurant and park landing for the cruise to Horseshoe Falls. The Hornblower fleet alternates with the American side’s venerable Maid of the Mist, but only one boat at a time is in the powerful, raging waters of Canada’s Horseshoe Falls. Dressed in iconic free ponchos, red for Hornblower and blue for Maid of the Mist, passengers brace themselves as the decks are awash with some of the 600,000 gallons of water that pommels over the falls each second. Each Second!

You can only get closer to the falls by taking the Journey Behind the Falls, descending by elevator and stairs to the 126 year old tunnels behind (and under) the falls. There, in damp and thunderous tunnels, you can feel the vibrations of the crashing falls and the roar of the cascading river feeding them, before walking out to the edge for a full behind-the-falls soaking. There is also a tunnel to the side where you can walk out and look down at the boats entering the falls below. It is amazing to go from one attraction to another and see just how close the boat gets to the falls from a different, dryer, vantage.

When you are ready for some more tranquil entertainment, The Botanical Gardens offer a large diversity of plants and environments with tree-studded lawns, bogs and ponds planted both naturally and formally, all surrounded by dramatic plantings and landscapes of trees, shrubs and flowers. I found myself walking down a long allée of tall hemlock trees leading into a fabulous rose garden.

There is also a walled herb garden, wildflower butterfly fields and a pyramidal glass conservatory filled with exotic butterflies. Inside I walked through rocky paths around large waterfalls and under towering jungle trees, and everywhere I looked were thousands of colorful butterflies in all shapes, hues and sizes. That was an amazing experience!

Continuing the horticulture theme, the road back to the falls passed the Floral Clock, an odd attraction of a large mechanical clockface tilted upward and planted in a different elaborate design for each season. It was a colorful mosaic of standard annuals that only briefly caught my attention.

Then we went on past the falls for a truly unique horticultural experience at the Floral Showhouse. At first I thought it would be a redundant rehashing of the extensive plantings of the Botanical Garden, only on a much smaller scale. And then they blew my socks off with their most impressive collection of Amorphophallus Titanum, a.k.a. Titan Arum.

I’d read about a National Geographic expedition into the jungles of Sumatra in search of these extremely rare plants. It ended at the site of the rotting remains of its giant flower, still a rare sighting of a floral oddity fast disappearing in its native setting.

When we first walked into the Floral Showhouse’s magnificent greenhouse I thought the toilets had backed up. Then the stench got worse and I thought someone had died. I was almost right. What the guide proudly showed us was the huge flower of the Titan Arum, commonly known as the corpse plant.

Since 1878, when the western world first discovered this unusual plant, fewer than 200 documented bloomings have been recorded outside its dwindling jungle habitat. Only 40 blooming-size plants are known to exist outside of Sumatra. What I’d stumbled upon was the largest collection of those plants in the world – and one was in bloom! Now you know what I meant by a “truly unique horticultural experience.”

The flower only lasts 24 hours. In that time the 8 ft tall flower opens, attracts the insects needed to fertilize itself and then collapses into a stinking, rotting mass. Sometime after that a large, tree-shaped leaf grows up into a 20 ft. canopy of green and lasts for months, or longer, feeding the corm-like roots below. Then that collapses and eventually the cycle begins again. It is an amazing sight to behold.

The Floral Showhouse has more than 60 plants now, some just seedlings, but enough blooming ones that it experiences 2 or 3 similar shows a season. Plan your trip in advance and try to be there when the Titum Arum blooms. It is an unforgettable event!

I know I casually mentioned that we passed the falls to do this and were near the falls to do that, but I don’t mean to diminish the falls themselves. Six million cubic feet of water pour over the falls every minute. They are captivating, mesmerizing, and steal your eyes away from everything else in a demand for your undivided attention. We took turns dragging each other away from the hypnotizing gigantic deluge of water to take in all the other attractions Niagara Park offers.

The brand new ziplines down to the old power generating plant below the falls fly over the Hornblower’s landing, while the 100 year old Whirlpool Aero Car crossed the giant whirlpool a mile below the falls on cables strung over to the American side. Thrilling and sedate, respectively, both offered another view of the raging river below.

There were wineries for tastings, early Canadian military and literary sites for fascinating educational tours, and great restaurants to frequent. We drove 35 miles in three days, had artisanal brews, local cheeses and excellent farm-to-table fare, to complete the shortest road trip ever.

Hotels

For a base camp there are lavish Casino Hotels, chain lodgings and the particularly elegant Double Tree Fallsview Resort and Spa by Hilton.

Restaurants

The particularly honky-tonk downtown sported a great brew pub with the perfect third story aerie for views of the seemingly nightly firework displays. More elegant dining was had at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant and Elements on the Falls, both with spectacular (and dry) views of the falls, and there are fast food and casual dining chains dotting the landscape.

Adventure Passes are available for discount admittance to a variety of attractions. Ranging in price from $54.95 to $84.95, each include a two-day “hop on and hop off” WEGO bus transfer if you want to pass on the road trip aspects and avoid the parking hassles everywhere. Visit http://www.niagaraparks.com

The post The Shortest Road Trip appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The 340-square-foot Deluxe King Suite features a plush king-size bed, hardwood flooring, granite bathrooms, flat-screen television, fully stocked mini-bar, and a coffee maker. The room also comes with a comfy sleeper sofa, office desk with free hi-speed WiFi and beautiful, music-inspired artwork that is a nod to the hotel’s location across the street from Costa Mesa’s Theater and Arts District.

The highlight of the suite is a giant sliding glass door and balcony, overlooking the hotel pool and a large community park and lake full of tall trees and walking paths and flocks of ducks, geese and other local birds. The vantage point also offers incredible views of planes heading to and from John Wayne Airport about 4 miles away.

When not relaxing in the room, the family and I lounged poolside or explored the eclectic Theater District. The pool is situated on the ground floor beside the lake. It is a shady haven beneath tall trees, with umbrellas, chairs, a Jacuzzi and crystal clear water. It is a peaceful and playful spot where one can relax poolside while watching ducks and geese play in the lake.

Beyond the hotel, we found exciting and delectable food choices within walking distance or a very short car ride. One of my favorite spots was Habana, a Cuban-inspired restaurant with a large outdoor patio and fire pits. Named one of the best outdoor dining spots in the U.S by Open Table and most romantic restaurants in the U.S. on Yelp, Habana serves up tasty Cuban dishes such as Ropa Vieja with shredded beef, sofrito black beans, white rice and sweet plantains; and El Churrasco grilled skirt steak.

For our lunch we devoured Salmon a la Parrilla, a memorable piece of succulent salmon in a spicy tomato cream sauce, with sofrito black beans, buttered white rice, and sweet plantains; and a half roasted chicken with garlic mojo, pickled white onions, sofrito black beans, buttered white rice and sweet plantains.

Habana is located in an eclectic enclave called The LAB. The name stands for “Little American Business” and is a celebration of small and unique businesses and restaurants. Besides Habana Restaurant, The LAB features old, silver Airstream trailers selling clothes and jewelry, an organic coffee shop, a few small hidden bars, and more.

After lunch we headed back to Avenue of the Arts Hotel to relax by the pool and walk around the lake to watch geese, ducks, fish and turtles frolic in the water. We then explored the 238-room, AAA Four-Diamond hotel. Located in the heart of Costa Mesa’s Theater and Arts District, Avenue of the Arts is an eclectic art-filled property with boutique charm and a flair for luxury. The modern rooms and suites are stylish, with plush furnishings and beds, and a resort-style feel.

Next to the hotel is the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a world-class performing arts campus and Orange County’s largest non-profit arts organization. An architectural gem, the center boasts six performance venues — the main two being Segerstrom Hall and Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The place is also home to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School. The campus is getting a new addition later this year when the new 53,000-square-foot, Orange County Museum of Art opens.

Across the street from Segerstrom Center for the Arts is South Coast Plaza, a renowned international destination for shopping and dining that is home to more than 250 prominent boutiques and acclaimed restaurants.

After touring the area we had drinks and appetizers at the hotel’s signature dining spot, Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar. The restaurant offers an artisanal culinary experience to match the creative arts district. The contemporary California cuisine is served under the direction of expert Chef Hector Zamora in a sophisticated dining space surrounded by tranquil lake views.

Our next stop was an outdoor dance class at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Every Tuesday night a professional dancer leads participants in different types of dance, from Broadway shows to Salsa.

From here we headed to Spain, via Costa Mesa. In other words we had an exciting and delicious Authentic Spanish dinner at Vaca. Located next to Segerstrom Center, Vaca is operated by Chef Amar Santana (runner up on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13). Vaca is known for specialty imported meats and cheeses, and assorted tapas from the diverse regions of Spain. At Vaca dishes are tapas and family style and are “meant to share over great conversation, atmosphere and with an amazing crafted drink or aromatic wine in hand.”

Our meal was highlighted by various tapa plates such as Pulpo A La Gallega, warm spanish octopus, fingerling potatoes, pimentón, spanish olive oil; Gambas Al Ajillo, sautéed shrimp , olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, grilled bread; Albacore Tataki, albacore tataki, strawberry, yuzu-ginger-soy, toasted sesame seeds, crispy quinoa, cilantro; and Piquillos Rellenos, beer battered, cheese stuffed piquillo peppers, pickled grapes, peanut romesco. For dessert we had decadent and delicious fresh-made churros with chocolate dipping sauce.

Other tasty food places to try in Costa Mesa include Outpost Kitchen, a gourmet coffee and organic food eatery; Marugame Udon, homemade noodles; Pie Society, a local speakeasy / pizzeria with hand-crafted cocktails and pitfire pizza; and Sidecar Doughnuts, which was recognized by Food & Wine as California’s Best Doughnut.

More info on Avenue of the Arts Hotel

More info on Costa Mesa

The post Cuisine, Comfort and Culture in Costa Mesa appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I began a recent getaway to the waterfront village at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor, where the family and I checked into a beautiful king suite, overlooking the water and hundreds of beautiful boats.

The large room was highlighted by a huge, king bed, comfy sleeper sofa, big screen TV, cozy lounge chair and an office desk with high-speed Internet. The suite also came with a small refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee maker and a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower. One of the best features of the room was the private patio, overlooking the harbor. From here we could sit and watch gorgeous yachts and fishing boats bob in the water about 50 feet away from us.

When not lounging in the room we were enjoying Harbor Village, where restaurants, shops and water activities abound. To get to the village, we walked about 5 minutes along the sidewalk lining the harbor. This lovely stroll passes hundreds of old fishing boats, yachts and sailboats docked in slips or heading out to sea. The walk also passes Ventura Harbor Boatyard, which uses massive cranes to pick up boats of all sizes out of the water. This fascinating sight gives visitors a cool behind-the-scenes look at the process of repairing and cleaning boats.

At the village we found lots of delicious food options, from seafood and Italian to Greek, Cuban, Sushi, American and more. We were craving fish and chips for lunch and ended up at Brophy Bros., a local favorite specializing in fresh seafood. This was a fortuitous find because the food was wonderful. The fish was light and crunchy and the poke was deliciously marinated in a soy dressing and served on a bed of cabbage, mixed greens, daikon sprouts, snow peas, crispy wontons.

After lunch we walked to Ventura Boat Rentals and rented a pedal boat shaped like a big white swan. We then pedaled our way around the harbor, cruising near million-dollar yachts and old sea ships; waving at large, curious sea birds; and looking for fish in the water. The swan boats can hold up to 4 – 5 passengers, dependent on weight limitations and they also come with lights for a fun or romantic night cruise. Our hour-long voyage was not only exciting, but was also a great workout on the legs!

Our next stop was Coastal Cone ice cream parlor, where we split a giant hot fudge sundae and walked across the street to the sandy beach to eat it. After devouring the scrumptious dessert, we played on the sand dunes and explored the tide pools near the long, rocky jetty. We then strolled along the uncrowded shoreline, before heading to the hotel.

For dinner we were back at Brophy Bros. for more fish and chips and a memorable bowl of Cioppino stew with shrimp, which fish, clams, and a rich broth, all topped with parmesan. After our meal we sat on our patio at the Holiday Inn and watched the sun slowly fall into the Pacific Ocean behind the bobbing sailboats.

In the morning, we enjoyed a full, complimentary hotel breakfast, which included burritos, oatmeal, bagels, coffee, juice and yogurt. With our bellies full we strolled to Channel Islands National Park Visitor’s Center, where we learned about the fascinating Channel Islands National Park. Known as “The American Galapagos,” the park encompasses five remarkable and remote islands off the Ventura coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. The Channel Islands and encircling waters are home to over 2,000 plants and animals, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world including the Island Fox.

Established as a National Park in 1980, each of the islands is a fascinating world unto itself. World class diving, hiking, kayaking, sea cave exploration, photography, snorkeling, camping, wildlife and wildflower viewing, the Channel Islands offers uninterrupted time with family and friends while relaxing to the soothing sounds of the natural world. To get to the islands, most people use Island Packers, the official company taking visitors to the islands.

We concluded our visit with a handcrafted chocolate bar from Top This Chocolate, a customized shop using only luscious premium chocolate made with 100% cocoa butter. Here I watched a skilled chocolatier make me a divine and decadent milk chocolate bar with walnuts. She began by pouring the chocolate out of a big machine into a mold and then used a top secret technique to transform it into a firm, incredible bar rivaling anything I’ve had a See’s Candy.

More information on visiting Ventura Harbor Village

More information on staying at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor

The post A Spring Adventure to Ventura Harbor Village appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Since US travelers have ample domestic beaches to bake upon in summer, Mallorca has other charms to explore in the off-seasons. Spring and fall are glorious, with mild, sunny days (although some rain may fall). Consider a few of the reasons to sample Mallorca after the sunburnt hordes disperse:

Outstanding Island Hotels

You may not intend to spend a lot of time in your room, yet across the island, Mallorca boasts several hotels that are worthy destinations themselves.

• If you start or end your vacation in Palma, consider Summum Prime Boutique Hotel, a new property that is walking distance to the capital city’s attractions and contains an exceptional lobby restaurant. Bonus: In-room amenity is a jaunty Panama hat to shield you from the sun.
• Feast on the treasures of the sea at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa. Perched on a cliff above impossibly blue waters, this ultra-luxury hotel holds an annual olive oil tasting and picks the best one to be served in its restaurants until the new crop reveals itself. Feast al fresco on grilled octopus, traditional red prawns with garlic, fried calamari plucked from the sea, and leave room for a dessert sampler.
• Opened spring 2019, Hotel Finca Serena embodies modern luxury. Occupying a privileged spot in the highlands, it overlooks hundreds of acres of green that you can view with a cool drink on the terrace or nearby in a hot-air balloon. The service and quality of the restaurant yield a dining experience on par with a Relais & Chateaux inn.
• Another haute hideaway for privacy seekers, Belmond La Residencia Hotel has a tiered layout topped by a colorful penthouse suite designed by British fashion designer Matthew Williamson.

• Still need to commune with a sandy shore? At Iberostar Grand Portals Nous, the beach is small but adjacent to a sheltered cove for easy swimming. Lounge chairs and palapas are provided.
• Som Dona is a new, reasonably priced hotel on the Manacor coast, and it is limited exclusively to female guests.

On the Water

Although it may be too cold to swim off-season, there are still ample opportunities to sail. Port Calanova not only has a sailing school, rental boats and sports equipment, it also features a restaurant and 21 guest rooms that overlook the water.

From there, one popular destination is upscale Port Adriano, which has restaurants and a small shopping mall beside the marina designed by Phillippe Starck.

Scrumptious Seafood

Although Spain is paradise for pork lovers, Mallorca also delights those who love freshly caught seafood. Red prawns are a specialty as are squid and octopus. Tapas tempt taste buds with creative combinations of ingredients and flavors.

Many restaurants specialize in the dish most associated with Spain, paella. One place to dine on it with a view is Ca’n Josep overlooking the port of Pollença. The owner also makes his own vermouth and limoncello, so ask for a sample.

Get even closer to the earth’s bounty by visiting producers such as Aubocassa, where olive oil is extruded rather than pressed, and the Son Sureda Ric vineyard, which holds wine tours and tastings on Sundays.

Island Treasures

Pollença’s Teixits Vicens is a family-run textile factory that weaves and dyes 70% cotton and 30% linen into ikat cloth and then fashions it into distinctive garments, accessories, and home goods for sale in its airy, light-filled store.

For many shoppers, the name Mallorca is synonymous with pearls. Man-made yet lustrous and desirable, Majorica pearls have been crafted on the island for more than a century. They’re created by coating a glass ball with layers of lacquer and are available in a variety of sizes, settings, and colors, from bright white to fashionable gray to dramatic black.

Art & Artists

Mallorca’s mountains, sea, and sunsets offer inspiration to the painter and photographer. Three major ones settled here: Original hippie nomads Yannick Vu and Ben Jakober (pictured) established their eponymous Foundation in Sa Bassa Blanca Museum at the end of a long and winding lane in Alcudia surrounded by well cultivated nature. Having lived and worked together for decades, they co-sign the works created.

May, when the Rose Garden is in bloom, is an ideal time to visit. The couple’s oversized animal representations punctuate the Sculpture Park. Other works are displayed in the Moorish-style structure the couple built in the 1970s. And their intriguing collection of paintings of royal children by Old World Masters is exhibited in an underground gallery.

Joan Miró’s architect-designed workshop in Palma, the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, reveals an environment custom-tailored to the artist’s creative needs and aesthetic. The Surrealist’s tools, inspirations, works in progress, and completed paintings are on display.

Sporting Life

Rafael Nadal, at age 33, is one of the tennis world’s winningest champions. The Spanish player still has many years ahead to add to his copious collection of silver trophies housed at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor.

Visitors enter his Museum Experience through a tunnel that flashes a light-and-sound show. Arriving in the basement space, they’re welcomed by a Nadal talking hologram that invites them to participate in the room’s competitive digital games. There’s also an array of sports gear, loving cups, and tributes to other outstanding athletes. We admired the display of ungently used tennis racquets by other greats; strings on one of Ivan Lendl’s look as if they had been clawed by a wild animal, revealing that player’s force and fury.

The adjacent sports complex, where kids and adults come to play and improve their game, contains 26 tennis courts with different surfaces, a fitness center, spa, café, and overnight accommodations.

Across the island, cycle tourism is popular, and we spotted groups of spandexed men and women of all ages channeling their inner Tour de France competitor.

Those who prefer a leisurely sport can choose from 22 golf courses on the island. Alcanada, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., is the most picturesque one, overlooking the Mediterranean. Non-players can take in the view from its restaurant terrace and relax with a drink and a snack. Do choose your table carefully though; cigar smokers are out in force.

Inland or by the sea, Mallorca exposes visitors to a sunny side of Spain. So once you’ve marveled at the treasures of world-class Barcelona and Madrid, treat yourself to time on this charmed island.

The post Mallorca Beyond the Beach appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The attractive Catalan language drifts through Barcelona, an ancient port city built atop Roman ruins with bits and pieces of 4^th century architecture proudly standing tall amidst the mad crush of 21^st century tourism. With its countless tree-lined streets and glorious architecture, Barcelona appears to have been blessed by a goddess from the World of Art who draped her large silk scarf over the city to ensure an artistic bent.

Always an impressive dining city, it boasts an assemblage of 23 Michelin starred restaurants and myriad artistic chefs whose soaring vitality and dedication to a creative culinary experience create traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine with flair.

Executive Chef Jorg Lehmann, working on SeaDream II, a sea-worthy yacht which often calls on Barcelona said, “I admire Catalan cuisine, the city and the chefs. Tapas and small bites have been copied world-wide, Spanish soups are wonderful, as is wine pairing with the cuisine, but I know if service is not up to par it doesn’t matter what the chef is doing in the kitchen.” Frequent dining visits for this feature were unannounced and regardless of award-winning cuisine, we agree with Chef Lehmann that service is a high priority.

Sensi Bistro, tucked away in the Gothic Quarter on Carrer Regomir, a small passageway off Placa De Sant Jaume, is a joyous dining experience where willing Catalans wait patiently outside on Regomir for one of 32 seats in the narrow room with scarcely enough space for the smiling staff to pass between.

Creativity rules here and the menu features Sous Chef, Lionel Goitia, 31, cooking elevated classic tuna tartar tapas, the tastiest seafood paella in Barcelona, and small cubes of roasted potatoes splashed with a spicy Peruvian sauce and a touch of light garlic. Reservations advised.

Orio, located in the Gothic Quarter on lively Carrer Ferran, presents a taste of Basque cuisine with large Basque-style tables and an extended tapas bar showcasing seafood and vegetable pintxos (toothpick tapas) that add to the animated ambience. The tab is cleverly compiled by the number of accumulated toothpicks. If time is short, Orio is nicely located, and an intriguing choice for lunch.

re******@sa*****.com

MariscCO is ensconced in an 1879 building in historic Placa Reial where, in the same year, the great Antoni Gaudi designed the attractive Placa lampposts, now a favorite pigeon post. Near Las Ramblas, MariscCO is encircled by some 15 competing dining choices all with alfresco tables. Greeted by a colorful seafood display, the open kitchen restaurant is decorated with historic black and white photos, including a large print of Dali riding a baby rhinoceros who looks deep in his cups. Chef Victor Izquierdo brings to the table a creamy seafood soup, grilled lobster, king prawns, a goat cheese salad, a platter of grilled farm-fresh vegetables, and a selection of Spanish wines. It is ideal for an early dinner while indulging in the art of people-watching.

7 Portes, one of Pablo Picasso’s favorite Barcelona restaurants, has a designated Picasso table positioned directly by the entrance below an invaluable, signed and framed work of art by Picasso himself. The oldest restaurant in Barcelona, 7 Portes was established in 1836, and has remained open to this day. Spiffy, formally attired servers speak knowledgeably about authentic Catalan cuisine, cold garlic soup, and traditional paellas thoughtfully prepared with fresh fish and seafood and house-made stock.

Overseen by Executive Chef Jaime Perez Sicilia, the menu of grilled beach prawns from Palamos and a wine list with more than 100 selections is something that Hemingway would have perused during his Barcelona visits.  Tourists should wear their finest travel clothes for dinner in this elegant restaurant since the Catalans certainly know how to dress for an evening out.

Black Remedy is a lively welcoming breakfast room and a great way to begin a Barcelona day. Close by if one is booked in a hotel in or near the Gothic quarter, Black Remedy is just steps from Placa De Saint Jaume, on Carrer Ciutat, which is right in the heart of the city, and on the same passageway as Sensi Bistro though the name changes. Catalans dine here en masse, making room for a scattering of visitors. House-made blueberry and mango muffins, avocado toast with feta cheese, and eggs Benedict are created by a formidable cook in an open kitchen with flair. Great for lunch, too, with fresh salads, stir-fried zucchini, specialty coffees, and wine.

Sola, a hidden Barcelona gem that is well known by Catalans who live or work in and near the Gothic Quarter, is found near Sensi Bistro on the identical Regomir passageway. Sola, the current matriarch and namesake of this small, family-owned bakery that has operated in the same location for 100 years, is eager to share an old black and white photo of herself, standing in the bakery as a young girl watching her grandfather and uncle prepare the specialties of the day. The bouquet of freshly baked begets, sweet rolls, cookies, bread, cupcakes and croissants, fills the air and warms the heart. With a smattering of Spanish, ask Sola and she will show off the old baking ovens and tools used by her family throughout the ages.

Chefs Not to be Missed

Executive Chef, Andrea Tumbarello, was born and raised in Sicily, married a striking Spaniard from Madrid, and with immense care and preparation opened Don Giovani on the ground floor of the NH Collection Constanca Hotel in the center of the financial district on Carrer de Constance in 2014. Tumbarello, leaning on his Italian heritage, has developed a following of Catalan diners who allege his masterly Italian cuisine is the charm of Barcelona. Tumbarello works with premium quality truffles and is noted for his linguini al tartufo, burrata pugliese, and spaghetti alla carbonara l’originale, and a menu that evokes memories of Venice, Rome, and Sicily. www.nh-hotels.com

Executive Chef, Marc Gascons, a Michelin Star honoree, and his team create fresh, long-established, and contemporary Catalan dishes at Informal, an admired restaurant in the 28-room Serras Hotel in the Gothic Quarter overlooking Port Vell. Cooking with seasonal and local produce, and merging the finest of Catalan haute gastronomie with refined service and elegantly balanced plates, Gascons has made his mark at Informal which was recognized by CNN in 2016 as “One of the World’s Best New Restaurants.” www.hotel/theserrasbarcelona.com

Catalonia Recommendations

More than twenty additional dining choices were avidly recommended. Here are five of the most repeated suggestions: Viana, Tickets, Vivant, Bambarol, and Somorrostro. For those who take pleasure in inspired cuisine, Barcelona is a winner.

The post Lift a Fork in Barcelona appeared first on Traveling Archive.

While everyone seemed to be relocating north to Seattle, I bolted from my home town for the bright lights of Los Angeles. But I would return to my ancestral home often. While visiting, I would frequently kick myself for never exploring the amazing attractions outside of Greater Seattle. Sure, I knew Western Washington’s Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the islands of Puget Sound, the rain forests and the rugged Washington coast, but I never really gave the rich agricultural eastern part of Washington State a chance, which is known more for sun than rain. This spring I decided to do something about it.

In October 1805, Lewis and Clark arrived in the Palouse region. They were stunned by the beauty and magnitude of this sweeping landscape of rolling hills and plateaus. As with other tribes on their historic exploration, they made friends with the nomadic Palus Tribe, renowned as expert equestrians. The term Appaloosa is a derivation of the Palouse horse. Traditionally, The Palouse region was defined as the fertile hills and prairies north of the Snake River in southeast Washington and north central Idaho.

Today The Palouse Scenic Byway combines 208 miles of sweeping hills and spectacular vistas, expansive wheat and lentil farmlands, and small towns with distinctive, rich history and charm.

There is no center to The Palouse Scenic Byway; it is a place to simply leisurely drive along the gentle curving highways, sprinkled with antique shops, wineries, easy access venues for hiking and biking, and, above all, photography. If you ever needed to stop the world and simply relax, this is the place for it.

Pullman – My Home Base

With a population of 27,030, the charming town of Pullman offers spectacular natural beauty surrounding its core, plus offering urban amenities due to Washington State University towering above it. It’s also located right smack in the middle of the Palouse. There’s a refreshing small town feel, and the locals are welcoming and excited that you are exploring their area. A number of Pullman restaurants have embraced the slow food movement with the emphasis on seasonal and locally grown food. With bread made with local wheat, produce from nearby farms, cheese made at the WSU and fish from the Snake and Columbia Rivers, you are quite literally tasting the landscape.

Recommended Pullman Restaurants

South Fork Public House is the brain child of co-owner of Jim Harbour, who is also a professor at WSU. Utilizing regional ingredients, they are known for their wine and beer pairings with seasonal local food items. My favorite dish: MAC & CHEESE – penne noodles tossed in WSU-made Cougar Gold cheese sauce, topped with locally smoked bacon & seasonal scallions. The torpedo-like grissini, made with Palouse wheat, is ideal for dunking.

The Black Cypress is a venue that reflects the qualities of the Palouse region that keep people living here. A hybrid of Greek and local food items, owner Nick Pitsilionis places an emphasis on an appreciation for honest food, company, and drink. Many of the produce items come from his own farm.My favorite dish: TIE: Golden Lentil Soup – Washington is the US’s leading producer of lentils – served with seasonal bruschetta that consists of grilled local Panhandle Bakery bread made with Palouse Sheppard’s Wheat. And in-house smoked back bacon from a hog raised on the WSU campus, along with local apples and Guinness mustard served on the side. Guinness hops are imported from Washington State.

Where to Stay in Pullman

A Holiday Inn may not seem regional or unique, but there’s something about Pullman’s Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites that takes service and amenities to the next level. And even better, the Palouse is right at your doorstep.

The post Paradise in the Palouse appeared first on Traveling Archive.

“Where are all the people?” I asked. It was a midweek workday in downtown Houston, and there was barely a soul on the streets. “They’re 20 feet below,” laughed my guide. “During the summer, it’s so damned hot that it’s dangerous to be outside. So we live underground in seven miles or so of 95 air conditioned blocks connected by tunnels.” I recalled reading that Houston can hit blistering 100 degree temperatures with up to 99% humidity.  Their underground world reminded me of a similar one used in Montreal during their brutal winters, which I learned Houston’s was modeled after.

From the top of the double-decker tour bus we passed blocks of commanding, almost futuristic-looking office towers that dwarfed the remaining older buildings in the modest downtown. The office towers were impressive, many with innovative sculptures out front. Nevertheless, I was a bit underwhelmed, still trying to get a handle on this city. After all, Houston was the city of the future, generated by the energy industry, as well as a prominent center for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Truth be told, with its wide expanses of unremarkable landscape stretching out to seemingly endless bulldozed flatlands, it was hard to believe that Space City, H-Town, Bayou City was now the 4^th largest city in the U.S. We passed a few ‘pocket parks’ where the city fathers had relocated historic homes in an attempt to add a little historical significance to the modern downtown.

A stop on McKee Street Bridge over Buffalo Bayou, a 52-mile slow-moving waterway, and the site of Houston’s founding in 1836, proved to be a welcomed highpoint. Nestled on the edge of Sesquicentennial Park, the 10.4-acre park commemorates Houston’s 150th birthday, while also serving as a recreational destination for the Houstonians of today. Rising dramatically above Buffalo Bayou is the stunning “Seven Wonders,” a laser cut stainless steel sculpture by Mel Chin. Consisting of seven dramatic 70-foot towers, each column illustrates 150 children’s drawings, etched in stainless steel plate. With “Heroic Themes” as a mandate, every one of the Houston children had to be born in the year of the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the city. Buffalo Bayou waterway was the epicenter of 2017’s Hurricane Harvey, the costliest tropical cyclone, along with Hurricane Katrina, on record. The rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding in downtown Houston, inflicting $125 billion in damage. But the city quickly rebounded as “The Big Heart,” with its citizens remaining strong and neighbors helping neighbors.

As the tour continued, an oak tree situated behind a gate caught my attention. The guide informed me that it was the Old Hanging Oak, a 400-year-old tree, the oldest in Houston. The official word was that it had been used to hang over eleven criminals between 1836 and 1845. Unofficially, I learned it was the source of an untold number of lynchings, generally of African-Americans. Perhaps only the tree could tell the real story of all the atrocities in which it has played a part. It’s not unusual to bury unsavory parts of history. There was barely a mention of the now defunct Enron, whose branding was once proudly displayed throughout the city. The Old Hanging Oak made me think how much Houston had progressed, and I was interested in learning more about this city of yesterday, today and the future.

Back Story – It’s Complicated

In 1519 when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in what is now downtown Houston, the area was the wet and marshy homeland of the Akokisas Nation. Their nation perished as the result of European diseases, or merged with other tribes. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, Mexican Texas became part of the new nation. To encourage settlement, Mexican authorities allowed organized immigration from the United States, and soon over 30,000 Anglos lived in Texas, compared to 7,800 Mexicans. This resulted in a rebellion of the U.S. colonists and Tejanos (Texas Mexicans) in the Texas Revolution. The Mexican government believed the United States had instigated the Texas insurrection with the goal of annexation. Mexico, of course, was proven right. The Texan forces fought and won their independence in 1836, with General Sam Houston becoming the first president of the Republic of Texas. It soon became the 28th U.S. state.  German immigrants started arriving in Texas and Houston after the German States Revolutions of 1848 (think German smokehaus for BBQ) for the rewards of dirt cheap land. A railroad was established, and Texas joined the Confederacy in the Civil War, only to return to the Union upon its victory. The humiliation of defeat and fear of violence by African-Americans led to an outbreak of horrific lynch-mob violence. Like the rest of the South,  Houston later adhered to the horrific rules of Jim Crow, which made life for black Houstonians even worse.   By 1913, twelve oil companies had located themselves in Houston which began the civic theme of energy. The port of Galveston was established, giving Houston an important world-wide trading component. The racial atrocities ended when Houstonians embraced President LBJ’s Civil Rights Act of 1964. Since then, Houston has had two African-American mayors, and has one of the nation’s grandest Martin Luther King parades.

Despite the independent nature of its populace, Houston is a regimented city with people driving to the Uptown District’s Galleria to dine and shop at its 339 stores, or to the 1,700 acre NASA’s Johnson Space Center to learn about human space exploration and scientific knowledge. I opted for the Museum District with its 19 museums, galleries and cultural centers. An exhibition entitled, Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art was just kicking off at the Museum of Fine Arts. I had recently streamed At Eternity’s Gate, a film bio of van Gogh’s life, directed by painter Julian Schnabel, and was keen to see the exhibition.

While chatting in line I noticed Houstonians tend to be easy going, extremely friendly and often a tad overweight. A local, clearly on the heavy side, told me that when you move to Houston you automatically put on fifty pounds. I could already see why, for the city is a gastronomic heaven with a wide assortment of Mexican, Tex-Mex and Cajun restaurants, due to its proximity to the Louisiana Bayou, and a seemingly endless array of unique ethnic restaurants. Statistics show that locals eat out more times a week than in any other city in America. Adding to this, Houston also takes the prize as the most ethnically diverse city in U.S.; fewer than half of its residents are of European descent, more than one-third are Hispanic, and about one-fourth are African-American. A close Houston friend, originally from Nigeria, told me that every Nigerian food item that his family desires can be found right here in Houston.

New food encounters included Hass avocadoes stuffed with shrimp and Mexican Oaxaca cheese, then battered and deep fried, and Houston-style BBQ (yes, it’s different from other Texas regions), typically cooked over hickory wood (though post oak and pecan are often used) and marinated in a sweet, tomato-based sauce. The obsession with food is so great, that countless people informed me that it was crawfish season; so a revisit to a crawfish boil was definitely in order. Did I say it was easy to gain 50 pounds?

It’s interesting to note that Texas has existed under six different flags: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States of America and the United States of America (1846–1861; 1865–present). With so many different governments ruling them, I can see why it makes sense that there is a certain sense of personal freedom and mistrust of government. The physical boundaries of Texas itself have been the one constant factor in their history, with citizens generally considering themselves Texans first, U.S. citizens second. The Texas flag has the distinction of being the only state flag that is displayed at the same height of the U.S. flag. Texans have even been known to pack a bag of Texas dirt, used for the births of out-of-state children, so that the first soil the newborn steps on is Texan soil.

But why do Houstonians continue to live in this unique city generation after generation, and why are they so fiercely proud to be a Texan? I approached a number of friendly locals who were, well, proud to respond to my question. I got everything from “We’re proud ‘cause everything is bigger and better in Texas,” to “Texans never forget, or let anyone else forget, that we were once a separate country.” A young engineer replied, “Texas feels like a very unique place in the United States, and it has a very unique culture. It’s not quite part of the South, the Midwest, or the Southwest. It has a different history, different food, a different ethnic background.” And finally, “The Battle of the Alamo is a sacred event in our history and from that stems our pride.”

In 1985, the “Don’t Mess With Texas” campaign was launched, discouraging littering on Texas roadways. Today, it has morphed into a slogan that is used to promote Texas pride.

But, perhaps cowboy poet Don Cadden sums it up the best:

“Texans have an inherent sense of state pride.  We are proud of our state and no other state can compare and they certainly do not understand. It is something that is bred into us.  Why are Texans so prideful of their state?  There are many reasons why Texas is so splendid. Texas has a lot to offer.  There are the piney woods of east Texas, the flats of the panhandle, the west Texas skies, the canyons in Big Bend, the lush Hill Country and let’s not forget; Texas has a coast. You can travel anywhere in Texas and feel like you are in another state. Texas was once its own country. From March 2, 1836 to February 1846, Texas was the Republic of Texas. Texas has a lot of history, a lot. One reason Texans are so proud is because our roots run deep. Many families have been here for hundreds of years and this pride has been passed on from generation to generation. Some people will never understand Texas pride but that’s okay.”

This video may help you understand (video courtesy of Jay B Sauceda):

Click here for more information about Houston 

The post Hanging in Houston: Five Days in America’s City of the Future appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Love is in the air! In need of a few ideas for Valentine’s Day this year? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of seven Vancouver Valentine’s Day date night ideas for you and your special someone.

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar’s Four-Course Valentine’s Menu

Lot185 Café + Wine Bar is pleased to offer a delicious four-course dinner menu for Valentine’s Day. Coffee shop by day and wine bar by night, you can find this unique dining experience inside the Vancouver Convention Centre West. The restaurant has beautiful views of Vancouver’s waterfront and Northshore Mountains, the perfect location for you and your Valentine. The dinner is priced at $65 per guest (additional beverages, tax, and gratuity not included), and features delicious menu items such as Pan Seared Quebec Veal Tenderloin, Michel Cluizel Chocolate Mousse, and a complimentary glass of bubbly.

For reservations call, 604-647-7416

Valentine’s Day After Hours at the Vancouver Aquarium

Pucker up for an intimate affair at Vancouver Aquarium’s After Hours this Valentine’s Day.
Vancouver Aquarium® scientists agree that blushing can be considered camouflage when discussing topics such as coral sex. Indulge in an alluring and amusing exploration of the sex lives of aquatic animals during the Valentine’s Day-themed After Hours on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise® initiative. With a drink in one hand, your partner or pal in the other, get set for a scintillating night. In addition to exploring the Aquarium’s galleries at night, you can also enjoy special programs covering a range of hot topics.

Leave the kids at home; this racy event is suited for an adult audience. Cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase throughout the Aquarium.

Where: Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)
When: Thursday, Feb. 14 from 6 to 11 p.m.

Purchase your tickets early to have Valentine’s Day plans sealed with a fish and to avoid disappointment (the event often sells out). Tickets are only available online at vanaqua.org/after-hours and are $27 for members and $35 for non-members.

Feather the Love Nest with Juke Fried Chicken

Juke Fried Chicken is giving lovers of its signature southern-inspired fare a delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day once again with the return of its popular ‘Let’s Cluck’ fried chicken bouquet on Thursday, February 14.

Available in limited quantities for both pickup and delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during Valentine’s Day only at both the original Juke (182 Keefer Street) and Little Juke (1074 Davie Street) locations, the Let’s Cluck bouquet swaps flowers for eight mouth-watering pieces of Juke’s trademark gluten-free, crispy fried chicken in decorative wrapping.

Inspired by Ariana Grande’s kiss-off tune, Bar Manager Olivia Povarchook will unveil a special V-Day cocktail, ‘Thank U, Next’. This saucy drink will be available at the Chinatown location from Monday, February 11 to Saturday, February 17.

Orders can be made online at jukefriedchicken.com or via email at

in**@ju**************.com











starting Tuesday, January 29.

Reminisce the Journey of Your Relationship with the Help of Pinnacle Hotels

Feeling nostalgic? Reminisce with your sweetie at one of three Pinnacle Hotel restaurants this Valentine’s Day. Accompanied by live music and beautiful waterfront views, each property is serving up a special menu on Thursday, February 14th to celebrate the occasion.

See the menus here:

P2B bistro & bar
Pier7 restaurant + bar 
The Lobby food + drink

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar’s Very Special Valentine’s Day Dinner

This intimate one-night-only service features a special multi-course menu featuring the restaurant’s award-winning West Coast-inspired cuisine for $120 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Fire up your palate (and love life) with optional wine pairings selected by Restaurant/Wine Director JP Potters available for an extra $85 per person. Items from the Valentine’s Day menu will also be available à la carte on request.

When: Thursday, February 14 beginning at 5 p.m.

Check out the menu

Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited for both Boulevard locations: call 604-642-2900 or book online

Fall in Love at Burdock & Co

The Main Street eatery invites lovers young and old – as well as family and friends – to cozy up over a multi-course farm-to-table Valentine’s Day feast. The Valentine’s Day menu has been perfected by the “Local Champion” in the 2018 B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame, Chef Andrea Carlson. The menu features farm-fresh vegetables, ethically-raised meats and sustainable seafood sourced from nearby producers. Tickets to this special dinner cost $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity). There is limited availability, so guests are encouraged to book early!

Tickets can be purchased online through Resy.com

When: Thursday, February 14
Time: 5:30/6 p.m. & 8/8:30 p.m.

Make Valentine’s Day Memorable with a Romantic Dinner at Dockside Restaurant

Granville Island makes a perfect escape from the every day, and Dockside Restaurant’s creative West Coast cuisine, refined waterfront surroundings, and memorable views create an ideal destination for romance on Valentine’s Day.

This year, Valentine’s Day at Dockside will include a three-course table d’hôte dinner, live music by Melanie Dekker, bubbles, and roses, for a very special romantic experience. Executive Chef Mark Crofton and Dockside’s culinary team have created a delicious menu that’s filled with inspired preparations and indulgent flavours. Dishes like Oysters Two Ways, Cornish Game Hen Ballotine, Pork Tenderloin Wellington, and Surf & Turf are rich, inviting, and indulgent. Vegetarian options are available, and every meal finishes with sumptuous house-made desserts for sharing.

Valentine’s Day dinner at Dockside costs $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and reservations are highly recommended. For full menu details and reservations, visit www.docksidevancouver.com or call 604-685-7070

Live the Dream on a Romantic Adventure in Africa with African Travel, Inc.

There’s nothing more magnificent than celebrating a special romantic occasion in Africa. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary, you’ll experience the romantic trip of your dreams with African Travel, Inc. by touching an ancient culture, discovering the magic of the wild and relaxing in spectacular luxury.

Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a life milestone with a romantic picnic on the banks of the Zambezi River, sleeping under the stars on the enchanting Kenyan landscapes or listening to the echoes of lion roaring at an oasis camp ground in Botswana?

“Love is a celebration and Africa offers a plethora of romantic experiences that will surely create unforgettable memories,” says Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. “Couples who travel with us can relax because every part of their trip is planned, so they can enjoy quality time as they begin a new chapter together.”

African Travel, Inc. specializes in celebratory and romantic travel to all parts of Africa. With this, we create a travel gift registry with all the details of your plans and itinerary. The site can be shared with friends and integrated into their social media platforms. Contributors can simply call or email African Travel, Inc. with their gifts, which can also be posted on the site in weekly updates.

According to a recent article from Vox, gift registries are evolving into something that is more personal and representative of the couple, such as honeymoon or family vacation funds.

Allow your friends and family to give you the gift of love with your registry, so they can travel with you and book the finest hotel accommodations, fine-dining experiences and exceptional safaris. If you have already set-up another registry, you can add the link to your safari vacation itinerary and encourage your friends and family to contribute to help make your travel dreams come true.

Our handcrafted, personalized itineraries will give you the memories of a lifetime, such as a 12-day trip to South Africa where you can discover the magnificent wildlife, scenic ocean views, decadent wines and authentic South African food. Whether you are looking for a safari excursion with a large group, an intimate couples’ massage, or a luxury dinner overlooking the ocean, our travel experts can help you craft your memorable journey.

Your sample celebration journey could include a four-night stay at the 5-star, award-winning hotel, Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, with luxurious spas, sight-seeing of mountain tops, exclusive wine tours and views of the pristine beaches of Camps Bay. On the following four days you can stay at the Simbambili Game Lodge in the renowned Kruger National Park and go on drives with expert rangers to see astounding wildlife, such as the Big Five, and possibly a leopard from the Sabi Sands, which has the highest concentration of leopard in the world.

You can spend your last four days in paradise while exploring the Bazaruto Archipelago, with the options of reef snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. You’ll be lodging at the blissful Azura Benguerra Island, a protected marine conservation area with pristine beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, where you can soak up blissful vacation memories while lying in the sun on pearl white sand.

No matter how intimate or large your group is, we will work with you on land and air arrangements to ensure that every detail of your trip is taken care of, so your time can be spent enjoying your celebration. We are dedicated to giving you an incredible adventure with the ultimate African experience.

Lovebirds Fly to NYC and Los Angeles for Valentine’s Day

Americans Traveling Internationally Choose Mexico and Canada for Romantic Getaways

New York City and Cancun reign supreme as the most popular domestic and international romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day travel in 2019, with NYC claiming the top spot for the third year running and Cancun for the fifth year in a row.

Los Angeles (#2) jumped from fifth place last year, while newcomers to the top 10 domestic list include Miami (#5) and Phoenix (#9). Las Vegas (#10) fell from second place in 2018, while Seattle (#3), San Francisco (#4), Chicago (#6), Atlanta (#7) and Boston (#8) round out this year’s list.

Americans leaving the country to celebrate are overwhelmingly headed to visit our neighbors to the north and south – with four Mexico and two Canada destinations dominating the list: Cancun (#1), San Jose Del Cabo (#3), Mexico City (#7) and Puerto Vallarta (#8) in Mexico; and Vancouver (#5) and Toronto (#6), Canada. The remaining top 10 international destinations are warm weather locales: San Juan, Puerto Rico (#2); Nassau, Bahamas (#4); Oranjestad, Aruba (#9) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (#10).

Allianz Global Assistance, a leading travel insurance and assistance company, reviewed Americans’ travel plans* for roundtrip flights for two to domestic and international destinations the weekends immediately before and after Valentine’s Day, departing and returning from February 7 – 11 and February 14 – 18, 2019.

“Couples are predominantly heading to warm destinations for this year’s holiday. On a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend, flight delays or cancellations, lost baggage and illness are the last things you want to worry about,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications and marketing at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “But unexpected travel hiccups can happen anytime and anywhere, whether you’re celebrating in a metropolitan city or on a tropical beach. Luckily, the right travel protection policy can provide peace-of-mind and make travel disruptions easier to handle if they do occur.”

The post Valentine’s in Vancouver, Romantic Adventure in Africa, Flight Etiquette Rules and Valentine Destinations appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The city lies on the lower slopes of the Pichincha Volcano in a narrow Andean valley at an implausible 9,350-feet above sea level, where dynamic and imaginative Quiteno chefs have noticeably advanced the city’s dining prospects. The youthful and flourishing chefs, influenced by ancient preparations and produce grown by local farmers in rich volcanic soil, have also augmented their culinary skills in Europe and elsewhere. Now they are busy creating inspired offerings spawned from the interplay of Incan, Spanish, traditional Ecuadorian, and South American mores. With new restaurants on the rise, Quito’s gastronomic prospects are worthy of exploration.

Epicureans can take pleasure in a traditional Ecuadorian lunch by partaking of one of the legendary variations of Ecuadorian soups. The much-loved potato soup, a Quito specialty often accompanied by fresh avocado slices, cheese, and a sizzling hot sauce, is found on menus throughout the city. Encebollado, regarded as a national dish, is a succulent fish soup prepared, in one rendition, with slabs of fresh tuna, cassava root or yucca, sliced tomatoes, a sprinkling of cilantro, and a variety of spices, with pickled onions. Quito chefs put a spin on their individual sopa or soup adaptations choosing from an array of Andean potatoes, squash, quinoa, and various combinations of fresh seafood, spices, herbs, and exotic fruit.

Gourmands hot on the Quito food trail will encounter Cevichochos, a vegetarian ceviche; Seco de Chive, a tasty goat stew; and Empanadas, a half-moon turnover overflowing with everything from mashed green plantains, cheese, and shrimp, to green peas, raisins, and rice. Classic Ecuadorian cooking is abundant at Mercado Central and the older Mercado San Francisco dating to 1893, located in the indigenous San Roque neighborhood where small stoves are steaming with deep-fried green plantains.

Restaurants included below all stress quality and freshness, and source their produce from local organic farmers. Thankfully, smoking is taboo in Quito restaurants, but bottled water is recommended.

Zasu in the north of Quito, noted by CNN in 2015 as one of the world’s top 15 restaurants, currently remains among Quito’s elite. Quitenos admire the imaginative menu of Executive Chef, Wilson Alpala, 28, who has created a notable table with his Roasted Tomato Soup, Asparagus Risotto, and a Cazuela shaped with prawns, plantain, and peanut ‘salprieta’ assembled in a rich sauce. The elegant and modern two-level room has a 10-page wine list showcasing 1,300 vintages in a large, glassed sphere artistically spiraling upward.

Chefs at Plaza Grande Hotel, in an historic, restored Spanish colonial mansion on the edge of Independence Square in the heart of Old Town, offer cooking classes on a lower floor. Assistant Chef, Christian Pillajo, age 25, meticulously demonstrates the classic Ecuadorian ceviche topped with toasted corn, and dessert is a taste of strawberry ice cream made in a large copper pan on a thick bed of ice. Pillajo said, “Cooking is the basis of life for me. I experiment at home with different flavors, spices and herbs, and I also love chocolate because we have the best chocolate in the world.”

Restaurante Santa Rosa Historica: Three spirited brothers in an historic 1845 building, working with hops, malts, and Andean grains have fashioned, American Style craft beers and ales on tap which flourish nicely with 28-year old Chef Sebastian Moscoso’s inspired menu of salmon, marinated with honey and ginger sauce, grilled in a banana leaf, and served with yucca croquettes and vegetables, or a well-chosen deep fried Ecuadorian shrimp dish together with a spicy house sauce and French fries.

La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa: The two-hour drive from Quito to the town of Cotacachi and the La Mirage Garden Hotel, a former hacienda, converted to an award-winning restaurant and 23-suite hotel, is an admirable culinary journey. Attracting celebrities world-wide with a lavish and stylish hacienda-style dining ambience, the overwhelming essence of the property is one of elegance and romance.

Chef Flores, clocking in at La Mirage for some 25-year, s delivers straight forward cooking with a traditional, indigenous potato soup with fresh farm cheese. Other specialties are also from the Andean Highlands such as morsels of seasoned pork, potato dumplings filled with farm cheese, and an avocado Empanada with toasted corn.

Neuma: Chef Alejandro Chamorro who worked at NOMA, a two-Michelin-Star restaurant in Copenhagen, and at the famed Astrid and Gaston Restaurant in Lima, has journeyed back to the roots of Inca and Andean cooking. Chamorro’s farm to table insights and distinct cooking style can pull diners from their comfort zone with new tastes. With soft background jazz heard on the sound system, and Chamorro toiling in the open kitchen, his small bites unfold temptingly: first, a portion of watermelon with a mint leaf; then, a cube of tender pork with Andean root and sauces; next, a soup prepared in the traditional style of the region layered with milk foam and a cheese truffle served in a capachino cup. A petite portion of lamb with fermented corn, with touches of cauliflower, light cream and kale tucked into in a small square cube, enhance the ongoing wonder of Chamorro’s cooking skills.

Quitu: Chef Sebastian Perez and his vigilant staff have designed Quitu around traditional 100 % organic Ecuadorian ingredients with three prix fixe tasting selections in a colorful room with a welcoming wood burning stove tucked between tables. Starters are a selection of freshly baked bread made in house with six flavored butters and herbs. A sea bass marinated in banana passion fruit together with roasted corn, peppered and smoked, is prepared to be shared family style, while course-after-course are served on small heavy stones and crude wood platters of various shapes. The array of new tastes derives from ancient cooking practices using Maiz Morado, a dark Kulli corn originating in the Andes Highlands, and Mashua, a South American edible plant. Quitu does not offer sodas. Filtered water and a small wine list are available.

Pizzamama in La Ronda, Quito’s striking block-long, pedestrian-only enclave of craftsmen, artists and boutiques, is a small multi-hued, café, bakery and pizza room on Morales Street. The name is a clever reference to the indigenous Quichua Pachamama Motherland. With 10 tables, and a non-pretentious, relaxing ambience, Pizzamama offers Ecuadorian beer on tap, wine, and a delightful hot bun with figs.

At Saguamby, it seems as if you are sitting on the crown of Quito. Nestled atop Hotel Castillo Vista del Angel with an unparalleled 360-degree view of the city, the restaurant is home to Chef, Mijael Proano, 25, who cooks with long-established Ecuadorian products. Proano’s fresh sea bass with garlic, herbs and spices is admired by both Quitenos and visitors alike.

WHEN YOU GO

Visit Quito

Bi-lingual Tour Guide, Marcelo Guerra, born and raised in Quito, is a great asset for those with time restraints.

The post Lift A Fork In Quito, Ecuador appeared first on Traveling Archive.