#easily my least favorite mediterranean dessert

[benicebefunny]

This is still a Taste of Athens hate blog.

[demigoddessqueens]

Arcana MC: Persephone

Credit goes to the lovely @nezb1tty for such a pretty drawing of my MC. Looking pretty and fierce 🔥

Meaning of the name - “Bringer of Destruction”, “Pure”

Family - Adriane (mother), Zafer (father), Callista, Phillipa, and Massimo (younger twin sisters brother), Safiya and Franciscus (maternal grandparents), Valentina and Vincenzo (paternal grandparents)

Nicknames - Sunshine (her family), Angel (Julian), Love (Asra), Sweet (Lucio), Sunflower (Muriel), Minx/Goddess (Valerius), Perse (Portia, Nadia, the Courtiers minus Valerius)

Favorite dish/cuisine - dolmathes, quiches, and tons of desserts (major sweet tooth) 

Favorite drink - equivalent of a margarita or pina colada in the Arcana universe. Also loves red wine

Favorite flower - Ocean Lavendar

Birthday - mid July

Age - 25

Gender - Female

Zodiac - Cancer Sun, Leo Moon, Gemini Venus, Taurus Rising

Personality - ESFP (”The Entertainer”) 

Patron Arcana - Queen of Cups

Upright: She is nurturing, caring, compassionate, and sensitive. She is the embodiment of the “nurturing mother” energy. 

Reversed: She will draw inwards and focus on her own emotional well-being before helping others. She will be set firm in her boundaries and not take on the emotional baggage of others. 

Appearance:

- She is about 5′7″ - 5′8″, with dark hair that has natural highlights when displayed under light. She has brown eyes with flecks of hazel that appear lighter in brightly lit areas. Her hair has to be brushed constantly wet as it can be naturally wavy. 

- Smells like lavendar, since she has the plants all around the shop, and has soft skin from using shea butter to moisturize. 

- She has a scar on her knee from an accident when she was two years old. She is also naturally athletic and flexible due to fencing, horseback riding, dancing, and hiking. Has some miraculous upper body strength as well. 

- Pink, plump lips; slim black eyebrows, and some angular features that are emphasized when she is mad or when she is happy or sad. 

- She has slender hands and fingers, which she sometimes likes to accessorize. 

Languages spoken - the common Vesuvian dialect, Latin, Italian, and Old World Greek dialect (think Sophocles’ Greek)

Hobbies - 

- Aside from her athleticism, she has been known to sing around the shop. Those who wandered by her shop would hear her and make requests. Occasionally, she has sung for the theater group that Julian is a part of, which is how he met her. 

- She is an avid reader, and always has the shelves in her shop stacked. 

- Given that she also has a sweet tooth, she’ll always be trying new recipes for desserts she’s curious about 

Powers and abilities - Elemental magic of Water 💦 and Earth 🌎 , Telekinesis, and Healing

- The magic in her family is matrilineal, as her mother had some abilities with fire. Her grandmother had used air to their advantage as well.  

- Her family are merchants, so she traveled a lot during childhood. In doing so, she was able to encounter others who had similar abilities to hers. Her family encouraged her talents, finding some of the best teachers and healers to help her sharpen her skills. She has used her Earth and Water abilities to grow herbs for concocting remedies. 

- Her telekinetic abilities are more in tuned with her emotions. For example, she was agitated and afraid in a scuffle with a stranger, as was looking for a weapon to defend herself. In her state of mind, she managed to trap him in the Earth by throwing a piece of metal at him with her mind. Another time, she saved her younger brother from drowning by drawing water away from him and forming a dry path for his escape. 

Given that she had been trained since childhood, the Devil sees Persephone as a powerful weapon for his potential use. 

Love Interests - I am thinking of possibly pairing her with either Asra, Julian, Lucio, Muriel, or Valerius. 

She’s best buds with Portia and Nadia, and some of the Courtiers, but is wary of Valdemar. 

Backstory

She was born near the Aegean Sea, along the chain of islands. Her family is a mix of the Mediterranean region. Given that her family traveled frequently as merchants, Persephone always saw the world as her oyster and wanted to seek more in life. On her 18th birthday, she was gifted the shop from a distant aunt that she saw very little of. Her family encouraged her to see more of the world, but not without writing often. 

When she came to Vesuvia, Asra quickly noticed her given her compassionate nature. She saw some orphans ransacking a fruit cart, and decided to pay for the stolen food to placate the angry owner. Given his abandonment as a child, Asra saw her as a type of kind soul. 

She met Julian when she decided to start singing for the community theater. He liked her singing voice and her friendly nature, since it always got them encores for performances. It was through Julian, Persephone met Portia and Portia would invite her to the palace at times. Nadia saw Persephone as a kind soul to lend a listening ear to every now and then. 

Of course Lucio and the Courtiers saw her as someone naive, but was taken aback given easily she never fell for their facades and such. Unfortunately, such a kind soul lost her life to the plague at the age of 24. She was coming back from the market, excited to try a new recipe, until she collapsed at the front of her door. The only think Asra found was her glove left behind, but by the time he figured things out, it was too late. 

When she was resurrected, she just remembered that she was coming back from the market and her family. The faces of Vesuvia had become a blur to her. She felt more anxious than normal because some recognized her, but she couldn’t do the same, and she didn’t know if she was being stalked or why something felt as if it was missing. For an extrovert like herself, she felt closed off and cut off inside her heart. 

The other picture down below is another style of her by the sweet @artbyfarouche-eclaire​ 

This would be the type of dress she would wear to the Vesuvia Ball scene. It may also be the same one for Asra, Julian, Muriel, and Valerius (or at least some variation of it). 

[marilynlamantia]

Top 5 Way How to Lose Weight Fast

The best thanks to reduce and keep it off is to make a low-calorie eating plan that you simply can stick with for an extended time. Additionally, exercise a day to burn extra calories and keep your heart healthy. If you only want to drop a couple of pounds fast, there are many techniques and tips you'll adopt to assist you reach your short-term goals, too.

Method 1.. Trying Specialized Diet Plans1.Do the Mediterranean diet if you wish fish and veggies. an idea just like the Mediterranean diet could also be ready to assist you sustain weight loss. it's supported the normal ingredients and cooking sorts of people living near the Mediterranean . Research has shown that folks adhering to the present diet have reduced risk of heart condition - plus it helps you shed pounds and appearance lean and trim. If you would like to undertake the Mediterranean diet, avoid bread, dairy and processed foods. Instead, build your meals round the following foods:[1]FishOlive oilVegetablesFruitBeans and other legumesSpicesNutsRed wine

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2.Try the paleo diet to assist you avoid processed foods. Back when cavemen still ruled the world , they did not have time to bake cupcakes or fry potato chips. The paleo diet (short for paleolithic) seeks to recreate an equivalent diet that our early ancestors ate, claiming that our systems aren't built for contemporary ingredients and cooking styles. You eat meat, vegetables, fruit, and other foods that might are available some time past , and avoid anything paleo people wouldn't have had

3.Do the Whole30 diet to focus on whole foods. The idea behind this diet is to eliminate all processed foods from your diet for 30 days to cleanse your system of artificial ingredients and other processed items that are hard on your digestive system. After 30 days, you may also notice a reduced waistline and higher energy levels.[3] Avoid grains, dairy, sugars, legumes, alcohol, and all processed foods. Eat meat, vegetables, and some fruits. Additionally, drink plenty of water.

4.Do the raw food diet if you enjoy raw veggies and fruits. If you dislike meat and are tired of cooking, this one's for you. The raw food diet consists entirely of foods that have not been cooked. You lose weight by consuming loads of fresh vegetables and fruits. Coconut milk, nuts, seeds and other uncooked foods are also allowed on the raw food diet.[4] You can find recipes for creating flavorful raw food dishes by searching online. Dietitians warn that a long-term raw food diet may leave you without essential nutrients.

Method 2...Adopting Healthy Eating Habits

1.Select smart substitutes for your favorite high calorie foods. Most foods have healthier counterparts that will allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without unnecessary fat, sugar, and calories. Exchanging high-calorie processed foods and drinks for healthier alternatives can help you lose weight faster. Consider eating vegetarian a few days each week. By replacing meat with nutritious foods like beans, tofu, or lentils, you can cut significant amounts of your daily calorie intake while adding many nutrients to your diet. Eat delicious fruit for dessert rather than a processed cookie or cake. Swap potato chips and candy bars for snacks that are nutrient-rich and low in calories and fat. Try combining string cheese with a handful of grapes, spreading peanut butter on a few crackers, or dipping sliced red pepper into a few tablespoons of hummus. Try substituting vinegar and lemon juice for your regular salad dressing. Cook with a tablespoon of olive oil instead of butter. It has the same number of calories, but it is a healthier type of fat.

2.Avoid going down grocery aisles that tempt you with high calorie foods. It’s best to stay along the perimeter of the grocery store, which is where the fresh foods are typically located. However, when you need to go down the aisles to get something, try to stay away from areas where foods you crave are stocked, such as the candy or soda aisle. If you don’t see them, you’re less likely to be tempted. You don’t want to ban foods you love, but keeping them in your home makes it likely you’ll indulge. Don’t stock “junk” food in your home. Instead, make it a rare treat.

3.Stop drinking sugary drinks to save calories. Sugar-sweetened drinks can quickly add extra calories to your diet, so it’s best to cut them out. Eliminate sugary soda, sweetened tea and coffee, and juice from your diet. Instead, sip on water, tea, black coffee or seltzer.[7] Drinking water or unsweet tea instead of soda, coffee, alcohol, juice, or milk may help you cut hundreds of calories per day.

4.Eat more of foods that fill you up. Some foods help you feel full faster and may help you stay fuller longer. Many of these foods contain protein, fat, or fiber. However, foods that help keep your blood sugar stable are also great options, as this helps you keep your appetite in check. Here are some great foods to incorporate if you want to feel fuller longer Non-starchy vegetables Fish Meat Nuts and seeds Beans and legumes Grapefruit Oatmeal Apples Eggs Ginger Leafy greens

5.Calculate how many calories you can eat while still losing weight. Start by finding your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is how many calories you need to stay alive. Then, use an online calculator to estimate how many calories you burn through activity. Finally, subtract 500 calories for every pound you want to lose that week.[9] To calculate your BMR, first get your weight in kilograms by multiplying your weight in pounds by .45. Next, get your height in centimeters by multiplying your total inches in height by 2.54. Then, use this formula to find your BMR: (10 x weight in kg) + (6.25 x height in cm) - (5 x age) - 161. To estimate the calories you burn through exercise, try this calculator: For an easy way to estimate the number of calories you can eat, use an online calculator like this one: Calorie counting apps, like My Fitness Pal, usually do this calculation for you. Never eat fewer than 1200 calories a day, unless your doctor is supervising you. Eating fewer than 1200 calories a day is dangerous for your health.

6.Keep a food diary. Write down every meal, snack, and drink you consume. Track the quantity of food you’re eating, as well as the estimated calories of each item. Writing down what you eat helps you stay mindful about how much you’re eating and helps you stick to your goal. You can keep a paper diary or track your food digitally. Apps are a great way to easily track what you eat. For instance, you might try MyFitnessPal, which allows you to track your meals and has an easy to use food database with the nutrition information already entered. Don’t forget to include things like coffee mix-ins, condiments, salad dressing, and other items you add to foods or drinks.7.Plan your meals around lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables. Fill your plate with 1/2 non-starchy veggies, 1/4 lean proteins, and 1/4 whole grains or starchy veggies. Additionally, incorporate healthy fats, like olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish. For snacks, eat fruits, nuts, seeds, and cut up veggies. If you’re having trouble, meet with a dietitian to get help figuring out your ideal calorie goals, dietary needs, and potential area for improvement. They'll create a plan for you that fits your preferences.8.Eat smaller portions to help you cut back on calories. You don’t need to give up your favorite foods to lose weight. Similarly, choosing healthier dishes doesn’t mean you can eat as much as you want. Instead, portion out your meals using measuring cups or special spoons that measure out servings. Alternatively, make things easy by eating off smaller plates or bowls, which trick your eye into thinking your servings are bigger.[13] To make it easier to track portions, prepare your snacks ahead of time. For instance, you might weigh out 1 serving of almonds, then put it in a baggie or container for later. Stronger flavors can help you control portion size. For example, dark chocolate or a dark beer are satisfying in small amounts and can be difficult to consume quickly.9.Identify your food triggers and plan accordingly. Everyone has food triggers, so don’t feel bad about craving certain foods. Cut back on these foods by figuring out the things that trigger your cravings, like a certain activity, a time of day, or feeling certain emotions. Then, plan for better ways to handle those triggers, and don’t keep these foods around your home or workplace. This can help you avoid giving into temptation. For instance, you might crave popcorn at the movies, or may want candy in the afternoon at work. To deal with the temptation, you could replace the snack you crave with something that’s a better fit for your diet. For instance, you might bring a bag of plain popcorn to the movies, which is a healthy alternative. Similarly, you could eat a single square of dark chocolate each afternoon instead of your typical candy selection. Remember, you don’t need to stop eating your favorite foods. However, it’s best to plan for how you’ll incorporate them into your calories.10.Eat regular meals or snacks every 2-4 hours. Skipping meals isn’t the answer to losing weight, and it may even derail your efforts. Food gives you energy, so going too long without eating can leave you feeling tired, which decreases your activity level. Additionally, it triggers your body to crave high-calorie, high-sugar snacks for a quick energy boost. Instead of starving yourself, plan frequent, healthy meals. Regular meals and snacks also keep your blood sugar stable, which helps control your hunger levels. Method 3...Exercising Daily Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Getting regular exercise helps you burn more calories, keep your heart healthy, and maintain your metabolism. Aim to do cardio activity most days, and do strength training 2-3 days a week. Choose an activity that you enjoy so that you’re more likely to stick with it. For example, you might walk, run, do aerobics, do an elliptical workout, cycle, or swim. At a minimum, you need 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to maintain your good health. When you first start exercising, it’s normal for your body to retain water as it

works to repair the muscle tissue you’re breaking down during your workout. This might make the scale tick up a few pounds, but this weight will fall off again once you get used to regular exercise.

Choose exercises and workouts that match up with your fitness level. If you’re new to exercise, you likely won’t be able to push yourself too hard or workout for long periods of time. However, it’s not necessary to overwork yourself to see results. Choose exercises that you can do well, then build from there.[16] Always talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Remember, games like volleyball, tennis, and frisbee can help you burn calories while having a blast, so it’s possible to exercise while having a good time. Before you begin exercising, use a measuring tape to measure your waist, hips, and bust. If you are gaining weight but these measurements are going down, it means that you are gaining muscle and losing fat.

Take up cardio training. While a combination of cardio and resistance training are important for overall body health, cardiovascular training is what will help you shed those pounds quickly. Weight and resistance training may not lead to immediate weight loss but can trigger your metabolism to use energy more efficiently Cardio exercise includes anything that gets your heart pumping. For best results, include both moderate and high intensity aerobic exercise.

Keep your exercise regimen interesting. Variety is the key to both promoting a healthier you and keeping you motivated. When you do the same exercise day in and day out, you put yourself at a higher risk of injuring yourself. You are also more likely to become bored, thus making it harder to find the motivation to keep exercising. While at the gym, switch between machines, join a fitness class, and add some resistance training into your schedule.

Do strength training 2-3 times a week. Resistance training and weight training help you stay lean by building muscle and raising your metabolism, even when you’re not working out. Incorporate these exercises 2-3 times a week, with at least 1 rest day between your workouts. It’s okay to do cardio on your strength training rest days, as long as you don’t push yourself too hard. Choose a light to moderate activity level. Muscle cells are more metabolically active than fat cells. This means that they burn more calories than fat cells, even while you are resting and sleeping.

Choose workouts that require your entire body to exert an effort. This way, you work every muscle group and burn calories with more muscles at one time, like multitasking with your exercise. For instance, combine a form of resistance training with your arms, like raising dumbbells overhead, while you jog or cycle with your legs.

Get more activity throughout your day. Increase the amount of walking you do by choosing a far away parking place or taking the stairs instead of an elevator. Make as many trips upstairs as possible or walk the dog three times a day. Additionally, dust, sweep, and mop with vigor. The more you move, the more calories you burn. You might even start a hobby that involves moving around a bit, like gardening, carpentry, working on cars, or painting large canvases. This will help you burn more calories even when you’re not exercising.

Get enough rest. Being properly rested will help you maintain sufficient energy throughout the day, making you less likely to overeat and less prone to injury during physical activity. Sleep deficiency has actually been linked to an inability to lose fat, so getting enough sleep can really help you on your path to losing weight Create a sleep routine to help you fall asleep faster. Relax for an hour or 2 before bed, and avoid screens during this time. Additionally, turn down your thermostat, make your room dark, and put on comfy PJs.

Method 4..Trying Weight Loss Treatments Go to a sauna to sweat off water weight. Saunas may result in a loss of a pint of sweat in just a quarter of an hour. To prevent dehydration, limit your sauna time to 15 or 20 minutes per day. A sauna won’t help you lose weight permanently, but it can help you look slimmer for a special event. Make sure you increase your water consumption after you use a sauna to rehydrate your body. Pregnant women, young children, and people with blood pressure or heart problems should not use saunas.

Use a body wrap to temporarily look slimmer. Body wraps claim to help you slim down by smoothing and tightening your skin to make your waist, thighs, and arms appear thinner. While these results are temporary, they might help you look slimmer for a special event. Here are some wraps you might try

Mineral body wraps: These wraps use a mineral-based cleanser that is supposed to reduce cellulite, and tone and firm your skin almost instantly.

Lipase body wraps: First, an enzyme wrap is applied to help smooth fat tissue near the surface of the skin. Then, a second mineral wrap is applied to help tighten and smooth your skin.

European body wrap: These wraps target trouble spots and are typically offered at spas. They are supposed to firm and tone your skin, while reducing the appearance of cellulite or stretch marks. Hot body wrap: Heat-based body wraps are also typically offered at spas. They’re designed to stimulate smooth, toned skin.

Attend a weight loss camp. Sometimes sticking with an exercise routine and diet plan is too challenging. Old habits and daily routines will steer you back to your old foods and activities at every turn. To combat this, many people enroll in residential weight loss programs that remove them from their daily lives. Sometimes called fitness retreats, these programs come in dozens of different styles, and are available for youth, adults and seniors. Before you attend a weight loss camp, make sure it’s equipped to safely handle your age and health specific needs.

Consider liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical option for fast, targeted weight loss, generally only recommended for people with 1-2 specific areas of highly fatty tissue but an otherwise relatively healthy body weight. Because it is a surgical procedure, it carries significant health risks and should only be performed by a licensed professional.

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[thefearlessgastronomist]

Cookbooks I’m Excited to Dive into in 2019

Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat & Cravings: Hungry for More

BY CHRISSY TEIGEN

I used to be indifferent to Chrissy Teigen. She was that lady married to John Legend and a television personality (what exactly does she do on Lip Sync Battle anways?)... but that that was about it. I didn’t even know or remember her as a model.

Then her cookbooks came out. I don’t know what it is about her recipes, but I think everyone was just as surprised as me at the success of Chrissy’s cookbooks. And naturally, their popularity piqued my interest. While many ingredients and meal ideas are day-to-day staples (like pork chops or mac+cheese), the spicy twists and Thai turns on various foods truly are recipes for food you want to eat. Paging through both books, I’m fairly certain I said “Yum” or “I want to try that” for just about every recipe. Not to mention, her humor makes her so incredibly personable.

Pull Up a Chair: Recipes from My Family to Yours

BY TIFFANI THIESSEN 

I’ve mentioned Tiffani before, but let me do it again.

The first recipe of hers that I tried in my own kitchen was the Blackberry Jam portrayed on her show, and it became an instant hit (I even gave small jars away as parting gifts for a family get together; it is amazing on vanilla ice cream). As simple as making jam may be, I knew then that I wanted to try more of her recipes. I immediately ordered her cookbook when it was released. 

Some of her recipes I might consider slightly posh, but trust me when I say they still easily doable and sound absolutely delicious. Just remind me to try her Grilled Artichokes again, now that I actually know how to properly eat them. *facepalm* Also, her hostess flair comes through in the last section of the book called “Picture Perfect Parties” – which has menu, decor ideas, and other such notes for hosting various types of get-togethers (i.e. tailgates, brunches, family campouts, etc.)

The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart

BY ALEX GUARNASCHELLI

Over the years watching Food Network and Cooking Channel, I’ve really become a fan of Alex Guarnaschelli. She’s a fellow Italian (Italians have an unspoken bond lol), the first female to win Iron Chef and the second overall female Iron Chef (after Cat Cora), but really... the lady just knows her stuff. When I heard that she was releasing a cookbook, I was super excited to get my hands on it. Yes, me being excited about books of any form is a recurring theme for me.

One thing I look forward to in Alex’s cookbook – as well as with Giada’s down below – is experiencing how a fellow Italian does Italian food (although that is merely a portion of The Home Chef). We all have our own interpretations of Italian dishes based on our individual backgrounds. But I suppose that could be true of many cultures and many dishes. 

Also mildly prevalent in Alex’s cookbook is the sort of... “upscale” demeanor that I might associate with professionally educated chefs. It’s not many cookbooks you find recipes for bouillabaisse, unless they trained went to culinary school or studied in France  – or in Alex’s case, the two combined (she attended La Varenne Cooking School in Burgundy, France). 

Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering

BY JOANNA GAINES

I always try to resist the charm of Chip and Joanna Gaines... but guys, it’s really hard. And, not gonna lie, a lot of the merchandise from their line at Target is SO PRETTY and on my wishlist 😍 Damn you, Gaines’s. 

While I am not entirely into the modern farmhouse aesthetic showcased on Fixer Upper or loosely included in their Target line, I am really feeling the down-to-earth homey recipes that Joanna shares in Magnolia Table. Many have that “fresh from the farm” Southern feel (based on her childhood in Kansas), where a handful of others include her Korean and Lebanese heritage. 

Eat What You Watch: A Cookbook for Movie Lovers

BY ANDREW REA

I discovered this book at work and I absolutely LOVE the concept! In fact, I’ve been plotting a project for myself with a similar concept (more on this later). 

Eat What You Watch encompasses 40 recipes to help recreate the amazing food moments in film – butterbeer from Harry Potter, the apple strudel from Inglorious Basterds, the titular ratatouille from Ratatouille. Essentially, this cookbook is the PERFECT way to combine my two favorite things. And I’ll get to watch some new movies in the process 😋

Giada’s Italy: My Recipes for La Dolce Vita 

BY GIADA DE LAURENTIIS

I have an... interesting connection to Giada de Laurentiis. 

Noooo, no it’s not just because of our shared Italian heritage (she was born in Rome!), but rather a foodie experience I had a few years ago. 

In late 2016, I traveled to Las Vegas with my aunt for her birthday. As a special birthday meal, we dined at Giada’s namesake restaurant on Vegas Strip. Sparing you the details, I think this was actually the first fancy-ish and refined dining experience I’ve ever really had. I spared no expense and splurged as much as I could, from appetizer to dessert. I really don’t know how to explain it properly but Giada just holds a special place in my and my aunt’s hearts thanks to this experience we shared. Later on, I even planned and together we cooked an entire meal inspired by our experience, utilizing Giada’s own recipes from her website Giadzy. 

Unlike her other books, however, I felt that this one was more authentic. There are the people that want “everyday” and “weeknight” recipes for oversimplified meals, but Giada’s Italy to me just felt more... real. More Giada than her other titles. And, as I mentioned along with Alex Guarnaschelli’s book, I look forward to tasting Giada’s interpretation of Italian food, especially knowing that Giada’s recipes incorporate a Californian flare, spawning by her childhood in Los Angeles. 

Bread Illustrated  BY AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN

This cookbook is part of my ever-evolving desire to cook more items from scratch. As an Italian (I know I know, I’ve already mentioned this too much in this post), there are two things we (or at least I) really love as eaters: pasta and bread. It seems only natural for me to be excited to utilize this book. And, of course, it makes the house smell amazing! There’s nothing like the aroma of baked goods. I am always so fascinated by how varying measurements of flour, yeast, and wet ingredients can create beautifully diverse loaves of bread.

Mediterranean Cookbook

EDITED BY MARIE-PIERRE MOINE

A final repetition of this concept – Mediterranean Cookbook is another way I want to discover Italian food interpretation. However, this title is also much, much more than that. The Greek, Spanish, Andalusian, etc. foods within Mediterranean Cookbook allow me to uncover the flavors of the entire region, flavors that go well beyond Italy. I just might have to get over my distaste for olives to tackle this one.

Equally as entertaining will be trying to understand and use the titles of dishes – most, if not all of them, are not in English. But, if anything, I consider it a way to immerse myself into the culture of each dish.

Regions include (listed in the index): Middle East, North Africa, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Sicily, Greece, and Turkey.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: The Book of Greens: A Cook's Compendium by Jenn Louis with Kathleen Squires In a strange turn of events, I've taken an interest in *gasp* salads and vegetables and healthier foods 😝 And while I also purchased The Vegetable Butcher by Cara Mangini a couple years ago, I knew it couldn't hurt to get my hands on a book just about greens; how to select, break down, cook them AND what flavors pair well with them. Let's be real, I just love any book that is essentially an encyclopedia for chefs. Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook by Sara Quessenberry & Kate Merker Now that I have two Instant Pots in my possession (a 3-quart and an 8-quart), it is now a matter of actually using them. My first meal from the Pot was butternut squash soup, and I have since experimented with hard boiled eggs, a pot roast, and chicken breast (both from frozen!) that all turned out wonderfully... but I would definitely love to add more to my Instant Pot reportoire. I may still enjoy cooking the old fashioned way, but you can't deny how well the Instant Pot works. The Kinfolk Table: Recipes for Small Gatherings by Nathan Williams I got this book as an absolute steal at a garage sale; I think I literally only paid 10 cents. I may not read Kinfolk Magazine, but I was immediately drawn to the beautiful composition and cultural aspects of it. Not only does the cookbook encompass recipes from around the world, but also the stories that inspired them from the people who shared them. Although The Kinfolk Table is divided into Brooklyn, Copenhagen, The English Countryside, Portland (Oregon), and "The Wandering Table," the book's contributors span the entire globe.

[bites-kms]

Chicago, that toddlin' town

I guess very deep inside I love it: I always end up visiting freezing places in December for a quick holiday before the actual big holidays. First it was Russia, then Finland, London and now Chicago. I must definitely have a fetich with the cold, because it’s really unbearable with -18C, and yet, here I am. 

Chicago is cold, yes. But it’s wonderful as well. I can’t wait to come back during summer time. If I find it gorgeous already, I can’t imagine then. Winter isn’t that bad either: all the beautiful places you want to go, see and know are actually empty, picture-perfect awaiting for you and your enjoyment. Some rooftops get cold very easily but, there are other closed ones, surrounded by glass, already ready to fight the winter back, gifting you a beautiful sight of Chicago lights within the comfort of AC. 

You breath and eat its culture. People are polite. The American flavor is present in every corner. It’s hard to describe a particular neighborhood or place; instead, you just have to wing it to discover it. If, as per my point of view, New York City is the heart of the US (at least on the East Coast), where the culture beat and rhythm is determined, Chicago must definitely be its lungs: the air is fresher, the city is cleaner, more tidy yet exciting, smaller but rich, more elegant and better taken care of, making sure the blood stream fluids hassle-free in this living being that is America. I mean, it’s called the Windy City for a reason!

A mix of Sydney, San Francisco, Singapore and Sweden (all of them with S - such a weird coincidence) with a dash of Toronto and Austin, this is a perfect merge of everything. What Yangon is to SEA, I believe Chicago is to North America’s East Coast.  

Downtown Chicago, The Loop & River North, the main stuff. 

Michigan St. is one of the city’s main arteries, it’s fully decorated, with its fancy boutiques, stores and hotels, charming the riverwalk and its surroundings. The sharp cold, the one that makes you feel like you are about to lose your fingers in any sudden bump or gentle touch, paints the city with a crisp white - still figuring out whether it actually came from my frozen watery eyes or the snow itself. Regardless, it’s indeed a charming Winter Wonderland.   

Arriving from O’hare to any part of town is quite easy thanks to the CTA. I went off on Washington stop and walked a few blocks reaching my friend Gabe’s house by New East Park. A compulsory stop at Millennium Park, with a visit to the wrongly named “bean” (it’s actually named Cloud), the Art Institute of Chicago - awarded the best Museum in the World by Trip Advisor until 2018 for four years in a row - is a must. But what is even more important is to try Chicago’s pizza emblem: the stuffed pizza pie at Giordano’s. It has multiple locations, -the original one being at River North- and its menu is full of the good stuff. We went to the one by the Bean instead, and be prepared: it’s a lot of food and it will take at least 45 mins to reach your table. So don’t get fooled, try to hold on and avoid ordering appetizers, don’t be like us, if not you’ll get super full before the main food star. It’s rich and full-filling, the doe is fantastic, it honors the actual “pie” name it stands for, the sauce is delicious and the stuffing reminded me of the pizza rellena my Nona used to make, although with a complete different taste (ours was way better, coz it had bacon, anchovies and eggs). 

After an evident food comma, be prepared to check out a wonderful sunset at London House, a hotel & rooftop bar strategically located on the intersection of Michigan St. and the Riverwalk, where you can be mesmerized by Chicago’s skyline. If you are visiting in winter, remember to drop by early (sunset in December happens approximately around 4:30pm), and if you are checking it out during summer nights, be ready for some music and fun until late. 

A great winter alternative is The Signature Room & Lounge - a closed yet wonderful restaurant, located on the 95th and 96th floor of one of Chicago’s tallest building. A reminiscence of  the Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo and a flashback to Charlotte’s wondering sights at the massive windows in Lost in Translation happens when you first face those monumental glasses, while being charmed by Chicago’s lights and movement. From 5 to 7 there’s a very convenient happy hour, so be mindful to check it out: Prosecco for me, Old Fashion for Gabe. Another incredible talk for our memories. 

Right next to it, you can find The Drake Hotel, now owned by Hilton, also known as the place where Al Capone lived here in Chicago. 

When it comes to dinner, man, you’re in a pickle! Chicago is known for its food scene and for a reason. It’s foodie’s heaven. Thankfully, talking with locals, residents and cross-checking with blogs and seasonal magazines, I can undoubtedly say that The Purple Pig is the place to go. Mediterranean cuisine with a twist, with a wonderful collection of wines and charcuterie. We shared three delicious dishes: whipped feta with honey and sweet heirloom tomatoes, butternut squash with peanut butter and adobo, to finally wrap it up with an exquisite Spanish grilled octopus with potatoes and pesto greens, which made us end up with no extra room for dessert - my friend Belu would be so disappointed on me. 

Right across the street, you can take some pictures at the Intercontinental Hotel, which hosts Michael Jordan Steakhouse (not a biggie, but it’s kind of funny that this legend, Mike 23, has a restaurant on his own). Wrap up your night with some blues. Walk down the area to find your favorite bar, hopefully one with no or little cover fee. We went to Blue Chicago ($10 bucks), grab a IPA Goose Island beer (the local brew) and enjoy some tunes. It was really amazing - I could listen to this music all day long. 

Up North: Old Town, Wicker Park & Longan Park, the cool stuff. 

Head up to Old Town, near Lincoln Park. Take the brown line (if you manage to activate your CTA card, it’s not an easy task if you don’t have a US phone number) and travel 4 long stops. This neighborhood holds St Michael’s Church, one of only seven buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Start your tour over there, and check out the beautiful architecture that surrounds it. It’s an extremely weird merge of modern and old buildings and styles, with some very well preserved gems. Same happens downtown. I guess that after the fire, the city really focused on keeping its charm as untouched as possible. And damn they are doing a great of a job at it! 

Up there, one of the main roads - which is also a National highway - is North Wells Street (IL-64 Route, oh well hello New York’s BQE deja vu!) and check out Second City, an iconic Comedy Club and Theater in the US - thanks Juan for the tip!-. It started as a small cabaret theater nearly 60 years ago and has since become the world’s premier name in improv-based sketch comedy and education. Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Bill Murray and Mike Myers are just some of the name-dropping figures that appear as their alumni. 

Right in front of it, there’s Foxtrot Cafe, a wonderful and warm place where to have breakfast. It’s iconic spicy chicken biscuit is a must, and you can pair it with the coffee of your choice. Almond cap for me. After some needed calories to fight the -8C temperature, I headed east to Wicker Park. 

What a wonderful place. It’s dodgy, ruined down and hipster-looking. It is truly fantastic. The best of British’s Shoreditch with the untapped, gritted vibe of Brooklyn’s Bushwick or Flatbush, with the crazy look of Seattle’s Pike/Pine-Capitol’s Hill. This is where High Fidelity (2000s, John Cusack in a record store movie) was shot. Gentrification is the hype word you’ll hear, but still, Wicker Park remains a vibrant hub of culture and commerce in Chicago, riddled with boutiques, restaurants, cocktail bars, concerts venues and condos. It’s main area is located around the six corners of Milwaukee, North and Damen Avenues.

Starting from Milwaukee Ave. South, make a compulsory stop by Myopic Books, a nerdy paradise for all second-hand book fans. Continue your literally hunt down by Milwaukee Av and rejoice at Volume’s Book, get the warm hot cocoa you were craving for while writing your travel blog post about Chicago or read a new book instead. For a more funky venue, walk down a few more steps to find The Wormhole, Chicago’s most visited coffee shop. 

The Wormhole is a place very hard to define, so I will just say that is an '80s-themed rustic coffee shop, complete with a DeLorean, pouring locally roasted coffee. It’s a fun place with great music and even better wifi. It’s easily and strategically located before arriving to some of greatest stores by Milwaukee Ave. Make some time to check out all the fantastic the second hand, vintage and thrift shops like Kokoroko, Free People, & or if you prefer, stop by Reckless Records for some great music discounts.

Make yourself some time to check it by night as well, you can have fun at Emporium, the great arcade place or even have a drink or two at Davenport’s, the great piano bar and cabaret. 

The best place - and most iconic one - to have a cozy, all-time-classic lunch is Dove’s Lunchonette, inspired in old ‘60s and ‘70s Chicago’s soul and blues. It’s really fantastic. Becky (almost certain that was her name) is the great waitress that will recommend you all the goodness available in the menu and refill your coffee or tea, always with her laugh and great vibe. Make sure to appreciate the tunes and the environment, it’s a great memory from this city. A delicious poblano pepper filled with chicken and cheese, deep fried in delicious crumbles, topping a side of mexican rice with house, home-made spicy sauce. Yummy. 

Continue your exploration heading towards Logan Place, where more cool stores like tattoo parlors and skate stores are located. Don’t miss out on the street art scene and the 606, the Chicago’s Highline. Make a stop at the “Greetings from Chicago” mural and don’t hesitate to refuel at Colectivo Coffee, a great place where co-working and coffee brewery merges. 

Going West: Fulton Market, Greek Town and West Loop

This is THE place to eat. All of Chicago’s top restaurants are here, even the ones that have their venues by the riverwalk, they know they need to be here as well. We tried out luck at Au Cheval, named the best burger in America for a while, but it comes with a cost: an hour and a half waiting queue. Instead of getting our burger treat, with it’s typical knife on top, resembling some kind of conquest your stomach is about to achieve and colonize, we decided to give Green Street Smoked Meats a chance. This is one of Gabe’s favorite spots in Fulton Market, and it’s a nice and fancier Texas Smokehouse. Communal, big tables, great music and vibe, where to find delicious BBQ, even better brisket which we tried to tuned down with healthier sides such as yummy broccoli salad as well as the traditional pickle cabbage one, are there to ignite your night. 

The Green Door Tavern is an awesome tip my parents gave me. Apparently, it was vox populi back in the ‘20s that the establishments that had a green door, hosted a speakeasy inside and did not respect the prohibition rules of no-alcohol. So, let’s party like it’s 1921 and enjoy a drink or two in here! Once you enter, it just look like a regular, sports and antique bar, where memorabilia and Irish Pub look-and-feel rules the place. Yet, do not despair: head to the back, go down the stairs and before reaching the bathroom, try to listen to the music. A wall, a tricky one, hidden behind a books and ornaments shelf, you shall find Heaven’s door. A funky, old school, hour-o-clock-show bar, where to enjoy strong cocktails, and around the clock shows. Music, magic or, it’s signature event: burlesque. After choosing your drink from a very unique tarot-card-like menu, indulge yourself in the ‘20s era with the surprise show and the old-school videos played on the stage curtains. It’s a fantastic experience!

Visit the Hoxton hotel (always beautiful, never disappointing according to my experiences in Brooklyn, Paris and now Chicago) and head up to it’s rooftop restaurant Cabra - a Peruvian fusion delight. Great for brunch or lunch, we indulged on it’s sample menu and enjoyed some fresh guac and chips, a pulled pork belly sandwich, a tuna tiradito, goat empanadas and some delicious mango and chocolate dessert. It was a perfect Thursday food-comma. 

Before leaving Fulton Market, walk around and visit the brand new Time’s Out Market. Contrary to the Hoxton experience, Time’s Out is a great content platform with great venues around the world. Although, no market is as nice and as delicious as the Lisbon one. It was the first Time’s Out market they launched, and although I’ve visited some others like New York’s or Chicago’s, they do not manage to create the same vibe and atmosphere you can find in Lisbon. Chicago’s one is nice and you can find top names such as The Purple Pig and so on, but maybe you wanna give some of the surrounding restaurants a try before choosing Time’s Out Market. 

Wrap it up by Navy Pier & a bis on the Riverwalk 

While my stayed in the Windy City was coming to an end, I went to the Navy Pier for sunset to be wonder by the Michigan Lake and its view. We also walked down again the main road and visited The Protein Bar, a healthy venue were wraps and juices are top notch and you with your purchase you contribute to a local start-up. You can also check out a top view of the Bean and the Millennial park at Cindy’s, the rooftop of Chicago’s Athletic Association. Visit the Public Library and imagine yourself studying at the same booths or with the same texts Obama once did. Have a coffee by the Theater District at Goddess and the Baker. 

Head to Nonnina for some yummy Italian and even better service. We had some wine, pasta and salmon to celebrate my last night in the city. Call it a day by visiting another Varela’s Family recommendation and favorite: The Redhead Piano Bar. This energetic, fun and light-hearted venue is a fantastic spot where to drink your sorrows away, sing your heart out and laugh as hard as you can. The talented crew at the piano and mic will sing your requests for tips and will cheer and entertain your night with fine tunes, Chicago’s stories and public interaction that will certainly lift any night and place a unique bow on your unique Chicago Farewell. 

4 days in Chicago is not enough, specially if the cold forces you to be inside. I guess the same applies in summer: it wont be enough either due to the outdoor activities the city will offer.  Next time I will drive a little bit uptown heading to Superdawn, the traditional and well known Chicago sausage drive thru. I would also love to visit Manny’s Place, a traditional deli that’s been around for quite a while now, as well as to Kingston Mines, the traditional blues bar near Lincoln Park and Zoo -which we did actually go but too early for a show- as well as another fun and very hard to find ( I need to research a little bit more) tiki-bar speakeasy called three dots and a dash. Chicago, you’ve been awesome - I’ll be back!

[emilysn2019-blog]

I love road trips, and my favorite in the entire United States is the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between Southern and Northern California. This guide will help you plan the perfect ocean-side vacation along PCH, with a multi-day itinerary, tips for where to stay, what to do, dining, and more!

Formally known as California State Route 1, this is California’s major north–south state highway that hugs 659 miles of the state’s Pacific coastline. In various places, California State Route 1 (SR 1) is designated as Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Cabrillo Highway, Shoreline Highway, Coast Highway, or California Highway 1.

While all of these names can be used interchangeably, most people know it as simply PCH or Highway 1. Pacific Coast Highway starts in Southern California at I-5 near Dana Point in Orange County and terminates in Northern California at U.S. Route 101 in Mendocino County.

I’ve done stretches of this dozens of times, including one-way trips from Los Angeles to San Francisco, before flying back to Orange County. Other times, we’ve driven sections of Pacific Coast Highway north, and then looped in to Central California for the return trip south. From a sightseeing perspective, I would not necessarily recommend this (long sections of the drive are quite dull), but it’s a good meandering option if you want to hit several National Parks in (meandering) succession.

Since posting a trip report about my family’s experience doing this a few years ago, I’ve received questions about the ‘great American road trip’ driving Pacific Coast Highway. My goal was to cover entirety of PCH and create an ‘Ultimate Guide to Pacific Coast Highway’ that offers a 7-day itinerary from San Diego to Redwood National Park. However, our plans to visit Redwood National Park has been dashed a couple of times, so I’m going to start with this, and build out the itinerary later.

My first recommendation would be to allot at least 3 days to the road trip portion of the trip, picking a town or two to slow down and spend another night. You’ll notice our itinerary below is 4 days, but you’ll also see that it jumps from Los Angeles to Malibu. (Not exactly a colossal leap, but still.)

We are partial to Laguna Beach as a quiet beachside town for decompressing, and Los Angeles is our favorite city in the United States. In Big Sur, you’ll likewise find a number of beautiful areas that are stunning and secluded, including camp grounds. Just a short drive north of there, the affluent Monterey Peninsula offers a wealth of options for all budgets.

Santa Cruz isn’t high on our list of places to visit, but it likewise has some draws. In the Bay Area, San Francisco is another obvious choice for a world-class destination with no shortage of things to do. You could easily draw this trip out to 2 weeks, but we think around 7 days is ideal, with more (overnight) time spent in the aforementioned places.

My second recommendation would be to do this Pacific Coast Highway road trip pretty much any time that isn’t between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is California’s peak tourist and vacation season, and many of these beach cities are especially popular during the summer.

Add to this the fact that segments of California Highway 1 alternate between being a two-lane road and an urban freeway, and there’s the potential for slow-moving traffic. In fact, if you consult Google Maps, it will frequently advise you to avoid Pacific Coast Highway and instead use US 101 or I-5.

We lived about 5 minutes from Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach for a few years, and this fact was borne out with regularity. This is arguably one of the worst stretches of PCH for summer traffic. Not only is it a two-lane road, but it’s one dotted with pedestrian crossings, and is a popular segment for leisurely drives.

However, there is a noticeable drop-off in traffic after Labor Day, which makes for a markedly better experience. Also noteworthy is that hotel rates are considerably cheaper in the shoulder and off-season, which is basically September through May, save for the weeks around major holidays and spring break.

You’re probably not going to swim in the Pacific Ocean anyway, so our strong recommendation would be to do this California Highway 1 road trip in the off-season when the weather is cooler and traffic is lighter. It’s an infinitely more pleasant experience. With that said, on to the itinerary…

Day 1: Dana Point/Laguna Beach to Los Angeles

Our recommendation would be to start with an overnight in Laguna Beach, which is the next city north of Dana Point, where Pacific Coast Highway begins. We’re biased to Laguna, but think it’s truly one of the most beautiful and pleasant places in Southern California. See our Laguna Beach, California Vacation Planning Guide for everything (probably more) that you’d ever want to know about Laguna.

The following day, either get up early to beat the rush hour commute heading north on Pacific Coast Highway through Newport and Huntington Beach, or have a leisurely breakfast (there’s no shortage of oceanside options) and get started after the traffic subsides. We’d recommend the former approach, as there’s a lot to see in Santa Monica and Los Angeles.

While much of it’s outside the scope of a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, we’d highly recommend following the second day of our 2-Day Los Angeles Itinerary. Essential (and easier) diversions from Highway 1 are the Getty Villa and Getty Museum, both of which we highly recommend.

If time allows, cherry-pick a few stops from our 1-Day ‘Best Of’ Los Angeles Itinerary to see more of the City of Angels’ highlights. For those who are ambitious and willing to drive a bit more inland, Griffith Observatory is our top recommendation for Los Angeles things to do.

End the day by heading to Malibu for sunset. For the most photogenic beach, we strongly recommend El Matador Beach, which is “Malibu’s Megastar.”

If you have time before sunset, do dinner at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market. Hotel options in Malibu are limited, so you’ll either want to continue north to the Oxnard area or inland to Calabasas.

Day 2: Malibu to Morro Bay

This day could arguably be broken up into two days if you want to take a slower pace–or if you want to visit the Channel Islands. The first stretch would be Malibu to Santa Barbara, with Santa Barbara to Morro Bay (or Monterey) the following day.

Regardless, you’ll want to spend a good amount of time exploring Santa Barbara. The city bills itself as the American Riviera, which is a sufficient and apt way of describing Santa Barbara’s historic architecture, Mediterranean climate, mountain-meets-ocean setting, and overall vibe.

While you won’t find many must-do points of interest in Santa Barbara, it’s a wonderful city to explore. We enjoy wandering the Presidio, waterfront, and downtown without any real agenda. If you’re looking for something specific, a great option for continuing your ‘explorations’ is Old Mission Santa Barbara.

For lunch, you can’t beat Lilly’s Taqueria. This spot serves authentic Mexican soft tacos with some interesting menu items, including beef tongue, lip, cheek, and eye–all of which are delicious. Follow that with dessert at McConnell’s, which is my absolute favorite ice cream.

If you decide to stay overnight in Santa Barbara, consider making the short drive inland to Solvang, California. This Danish village is a tad touristy and kitschy, but it’s also charming and lovely. La Purisima Mission State Historic Park is another nearby stop that’s worthwhile. 

Once you get north of Santa Barbara, you’re in for a long scenic drive devoid of major cities or even beach towns. We typically do this in a straight-shot, without stopping for sightseeing.

Day 3: Morro Bay to Big Sur

The stretch of California’s Central Coast around San Luis Obispo is its own thing, with a slower-paced way of life and less development than its neighbors to the north or south. There’s some natural beauty along this stretch of Pacific Coast Highway, but most of the towns are charitably described as “sleepy.”

We’d recommend stopping in either Pismo Beach or Morro Bay. In both, you can find a range of hotel options, including chic boutique offerings and very basic motels that are perfectly safe. Both are nice options, but we prefer Morro Bay; in particular, somewhere within walking distance of the embarcadero. (See our Tips for Visiting Morro Bay State Park for hotel and dining recommendations.)

The main purpose of stopping in this area is being near Hearst Castle, which is the iconic and must-do stop in the Central California Coast region. We absolutely love Hearst Castle and highly recommend it. If the evening or twilight tours are offered when you visit, do one of those on your arrival night. Otherwise, try for the very first Grand Rooms tour the following morning.

Driving north on Highway 1, Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon is another worthwhile stop. In fact, this entire area is known for seals, sea lions, and otters, so don’t be surprised if you see other aquatic life while stopping in Pismo Beach, Cambria, or San Simeon.

Following that, it’s on to Big Sur. In terms of the drive, this is the highlight of our Pacific Coast Highway road trip. My favorite stop in Big Sur is Pfeiffer Beach, which we love year-round for its purple sand, but especially during the annual Keyhole Arch “Light Show.”

Much of Big Sur is protected as Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Parks, making for a sparsely-populated drive that is beyond stunning. Bordered on the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains, this stretch has winding turns, seaside cliffs, and stunning views of the Pacific coast.

Iconic must-see landmarks include Bixby Creek Bridge, a feat of engineering that rises 270 feet above the canyon floor. McWay Falls offers equally impressive natural beauty, as this 80 foot waterfall cascades down granite cliffs into a tucked-away ocean cove.

Some of California’s best camping is in Big Sur’s state parks, and that’s where we’d recommend staying during this stretch of the trip. Even if you aren’t up for tent (or car!) camping, most of these also offer rustic cabins (or, in some cases, chic) that are a great change of pace option. Failing that, there are plenty of hotels north on Highway 1 in Monterey.

Day 4: Big Sur to San Francisco

This day will start by going through Carmel-by-the-Sea, after which Highway 1 cuts inland to bypass the Monterey Peninsula. Instead of following PCH, we’d recommend continuing along the iconic (and paid) 17-Mile Drive, which is famous for its views, and offers popular stops at Pescadero Point, the Lone Cypress, Crocker Grove, Bird Rock, Fanshell Beach, and Del Monte Forest before arriving at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Even though you presumably just spent most of the previous day in Big Sur, we’d recommend lingering in this area. Spend a couple of hours doing 17-Mile Drive, and spend a few more at Monterey Bay Aquarium followed by a stroll around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. This area is really nice, especially as compared to the stretch following it.

Once you leave Monterey and head towards Santa Cruz, it’s not nearly as nice. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of Santa Cruz, though. With that said, I really like Natural Bridges State Beach, which features an iconic sea arch natural bridge and is also famed for monarch butterfly migrations (we’ve never seen that). For something more secluded, I also absolutely love Shark Fin Cove (or Shark Tooth Beach), which is named for its massive rock formation resembling a shark fin.

The next worthwhile stop on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is Pigeon Point Lighthouse. After that, it’s on to either (or both) Martins Beach and Half Moon Bay. The former is a stunning beach that’s infamous for the lawsuit brought by surfers to ensure public access. The latter is another affluent beach town, which features a Ritz Carlton perched atop stunning bluffs.

If you’re a high roller, staying at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a great option. If not, continue north on Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco. As with Los Angeles, we’d recommend spending more time here (it’s also outside the scope of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip guide, but we have some San Francisco posts here). This is where our journey ends!

If you’re planning a trip, check out our California category of posts. If you enjoyed this post, help spread the word by sharing it via social media. Thanks for reading!

Your Thoughts

Have you done a California Highway 1 road trip? If so, what did you think of experience? Any additional tips or places to stop you’d add that we didn’t cover? Would you do it again, revisiting favorites along the way, or do you think a PCH road trip is a ‘one and done’? Was it worth your time, patience in traffic, and money? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

The post Pacific Coast Highway Guide: California Road Trip Tips appeared first on Travel Caffeine.

[yunafied-blog1]

ABOUT THE MUN

tagged by: @sukkubxs & @bxstiarius

tagging: whoever hasn’t done this yet! say i tagged you--

REAL NAME: Catherine NICKNAMES: Cat, Gisette, Giskat SEXUALITY: Gray-gay, ace PRONOUNS:  she/her, they/them ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON?: Yup! Me sleeping in past 6-7 is impossible most days WHEN SWIMMING, DO YOU PREFER TO DO IT IN THE OCEAN, OR IN A LAKE?:  None of the above because i hate swimming. Actual cat folks ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEET IN REAL LIFE?: @sukkubxs, @moonjeweled, @abyssn, @abominamenti, @mammaterasu, @acxlyte aaaand several others I’m mutuals with on other accounts.  ANYONE YOU HAVE MET IN REAL LIFE?:  I met one of my rp partners a year ago tbh WHEN DID YOU FIRST JOIN?:  Back when I was still in junior high, I believe. Actual fetus. YOUR CURRENT ACCOUNT?: This, Clear, and Sauron and a high amount scattered around on which my activity varies. ANY PEEVES?: Being pressured to be social, I guess. I’m like, a raging loner. UNPOPULAR OPINION:  Fandom will not be a good place to be in until the necessity for non-con/rape or underage-related tags on sites like Ao3 go obsolete due to people wising up and not writing that shit outside of mentions. DO YOU EASILY GET JEALOUS?: Not anymore. Though, sometimes I can when friends don’t talk or interact with me as often as I’d like. It’s esp bad when their SO’s keep us apart like...friends can exist in your little world too js DO YOU EASILY GET ANGRY?:  It really depends but stuff like racism, the Alt-right and their idiocy, and bigotry as a whole will light be up hecka quick. ARE YOU EASY TO CHEER UP?:  I think so, yeah. I’ve got an undiagnosed Thing that makes it hard for me to be landlocked by an emotional paradigm for very long. ARE YOU GOOD AT HIDING YOUR EMOTIONS?:  Yeah, high key. WHAT’S THE VERY BEST WAY TO CHEER YOU UP?: Memes and epic monster fights. ARE YOU CURRENTLY IN A RELATIONSHIP?: I literally cannot function in a relationship. Not in a romantic/sexual one, at least. Friends with benefits is prolly the closest I’d come, but even then attraction never lasts long in me and never has. I’d prolly be extremely flighty if I did date like...a new person every other week flighty lmao DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE A CRUSH ON SOMEONE: Nah. Squishes? Okay those I have in spades. B] IF YES, MIGHT THAT SOMEONE BE READING THIS?: Lol yes they sure are. DO YOU KISS ON THE FIRST DATE?: I mean if this were a FwB deal then it wouldn’t matter lmao DO YOU PREFER GOING OUT, OR STAYING HOME, WHEN IT COMES TO DATES?: Going out--if I’m chilling with someone I don’t want to stay in for shit. FAVORITE DRINK: Grape juice, French apricot apry, red & white wines, dessert wines, mango smoothies FAVORITE FOOD: Thai, Mediterranean, and Cajun. Spicy food that can make you cry otherwise wtf is the point.

Repost, Do Not Reblog !!

[foodtrails25-blog]

Learn how to make Baklava rolls your favorite Middle Eastern Mediterranean dessert with Phyllo sheets|Easy recipe for Baklava rolls

Baklava, crunchy dessert with addictive flavors and beautiful layered texture. It is a traditional treat made with phyllo sheets, layered with butter. The sweet factor of baklava comes from the flavored sugar and honey syrup.

It is an ultimate crowd pleaser and easy to make for big gatherings. Be it Diwali, Holi or Thanksgiving, this dessert get’s a thumbs up from all age groups.

Trust me it is highly addictive and we love this flaky dessert!!

History of Baklava

The origin of Baklava is undocumented and hence controversial. Some believe that it originated in Greece in third century BC, but

Baklava is popular in Mediterranean countries, Middle East and now it is widely accepted in America and many Asian countries.In USA, one can see  stores loaded with the packs and packs of scrumptious crunchy pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with sugar or honey syrup.

Baklava in ancient times was made only on special occasions and it was called as rich man’s dessert. But now with changing times it has gained popularity and one even order online also packs of Baklava.

In the countries where it is popular , Baklava is prepared in many variations with different filings and cut into different shapes. Traditionally, people prepare homemade pastry sheets with different fillings like walnuts, pistachio, almonds and hazelnuts. Phyllo sheets are easily available in many countries now so people can make it at home too. Phyllo in Greek means ‘leaf’, these sheets are as thin as leaf and this thinness give Baklava it;s characteristic crunch (Please Note..Above information from various online resources).

I tried my hands on making Baklava for the first while doing my Patisserie course. I never tried making it at home as making Phyllo dough is quite time consuming. Also immediately after doing my course we shifted to US. Here in US, fortunately we get Phyllo dough sheets and made it 1-2 times on special occasions like potlucks.

Recently I made these for Diwali. But could not take pics as, I took it for potluck. But this week when Archana from my face Foodie Bloghop group suggested the Mediterranean Theme, I decided to make Baklava as I still had a pack in my freezer.

Archana blogs at The Mad Scientist Kitchen and you must go and checkout her blog for lots of healthy and nutritious dishes , baking stuff that you will love, which easy and quick to prepare too.

I made Baklava Rolls as I had decided to do the post on Diwali but could not do it. then a few of the Mediterranean recipes are on the blog..

Do check these dishes from the Mediterranean cuisine..

Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup, Chickpea and Couscous Soup, Rosemary Foccacia with Cherries, Refreshing Greek Salad, Vegetable Pizza, Falafel with Mint yogurt dip, Hummus, Tzatziki,

A little about Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean Cuisine is the food culture of countries on shores of the Mediterranean Sea which connect many cultures together. The countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea  are Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco; Malta and Cyprus are island countries in the sea.

Among the vegetarian ingredients Wheat, Olives, cheese, Yogurt, Nuts like Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds are used widely in these countries. Lentils and legumes  like chickpeas, whole/split Red Lentil, Black Eyed Peas and lentils are commonly used in salads, stews and soups and falafels.

Herbs and spices like rosemary, Oregano, thyme  along with garlic are widely used for flavor.

Among the desserts there is Gelato, Tiramisu,Olive oil cakes in various flavors like orange.

How to make Baklava Rolls

For me Baklava Rolls are much more easier to assemble and then cut, store and serve, instead of the layered shapes.

If you think it is quite a task to make it at home, trust me.. once you do it,, you will never go back again to the store-bought packs.Only condition is that you should have ready-made Phyllo sheets and it is ready within a few hours. You can make it 2-3 days ahead of your parties and get-togethers, at-least 5-6 hrs before serving.

While using Phyllo sheets we have to carefully handle the sheets so that it doesn’t tear or dry out. Some points that can help..

Keep the frozen Phyllo sheets in refrigerator to thaw 7-8 hrs before using.

Try not to freeze again the thawed sheets.

Carefully take out each sheet while working. Do not pat the sheets with force, gently place once sheet above the other.

carefully apply butter with a brush on the sheets, take care these don’t tear apart.

Keep the rest of the sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel so that the sheets don’t dry.

Another recipe where you can use Phyllo sheets for savory snack .. Spanakopita

There are three main steps while making Baklava

Prepare nuts..

You can choose nuts of your choice for filling Baklava.. Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds, Cashew nuts or Hazelnuts. Coarsely grind nuts in food processor or use a knife or rolling pin.

Mix coarse nut powder with sugar. I avoided that as for us sugar syrup gives enough sweetness. Store bought baklava are too sweet for us. So, when I make at home I skip sugar in filling or add very little.

You can spread any chocolate spread like hazelnut(nutella) for a different taste, Kids love this way.

Next part is layering the phyllo sheets. Melt butter and spread on each sheet. Lightly coat butter on sheets do not over use it.

Make Sugar Honey Syrup

Mix sugar, honey/maple syrup in water and boil for few minutes. Let it cool and then drizzle on baked and warm Baklava rolls.

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Prepare Baklava Rolls

I used a single pack with around 30 sheets.

For each Baklava Roll we need to layer 3 phyllo sheets . for that, take one sheet first, lightly brush butter on it.

Next carefully keep the other 2 sheets likewise and brush butter on it. On the top sheet spread butter very lightly, spread nuts  and sugar lightly all over and roll like the roualde.

If the roll is bigger than the baking pan, then you can cut the sides to adjust it in pan. Before placing the roll, brush butter in pan.

Repeat the steps for rest of the sheets and arrange rolls in baking tray.

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Coarsely ground nuts

Bake Baklava rolls

Pre-heat oven to 350ºF or 180°C and bake for 40-45 minutes, till pastry turns light brown in color and looks crisp.

Once done, take out and place on counter for 5 minutes. Cut the rolls to desired size.Then drizzle the syrup over the rolls.

Drizzle more nuts and serve with tea or coffee or as dessert.

Baklava Rolls

Crispy, Flaky Baklava Rolls recipe with Phyllo sheets with walnut and pistachios and drizzled with honey syrup.

1 Pack Phyllo Sheets

½ Cup Pistachios

½ Cup Walnuts

½ Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)

½ Cup Castor Sugar

For Honey/Maple Syrup

¾ Cup Water

⅓ Cup Honey/Maple Syrup

⅓ Cup Sugar

2 tbsp Lemon Juice

Make Sugar Syrup

In a pan boil water, sugar and honey.

Add lemon juice.

Boil for 10 minutes till it starts to become thick.

Take off the flame and keep aside to cool.

Making Baklava

Keep the frozen sheets in refrigerator to thaw.

Once ready to make, keep all the ingredients ready,

Coarsely ground pistachios and walnuts.

Take out in bowl and mix together with sugar. You can also add cinnamon powder/orange blossom water or rose water.

Melt butter.

On a clean baking mat or counter-top, tale one sheet carefully and brush butter on it,

Take another sheet and repeat the above step and then with the 3rd sheet.

Sprinkle nut and sugar mix on it.

Start to roll it like a roulade or jelly roll.

Prepare a baking tray, lightly butter it, Arrange pastry roll on it.

Repeat the above steps and make other rolls and arrange in the tray.

In case the rolls don't fit in the tray, you can cut the ends with sharp knife.

Lightly butter rolls and keep the pan covered till you start baking.

Pre heat oven to 350°F or 180°C.

Bake the phyllo rolls for 40-45 minutes or till the top is rolls appear flaky and light brown in color.

Once done take out of the oven, keep on the counter for about 5 minutes.

Cut rolls in half or in desired size.

Pour syrup on the rolls. Pastry should be quite warm when pouring the syrup as it rolls will soak syrup nicely.

Prefer to keep these overnight so that the syrup is soaked nicely in baklava rolls and serve it the next day.

If you easily get Phyllo sheets at the store in your area do try this crispy and flaky dessert. You can make it in bulk and serve at your gatherings..One of the best and easy to make festive treats at home!!

Hope you  and your loved ones will like this simple and easy to make Baklava Rolls. Do give me your feedback whenever you make these.

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Thanks for stopping by and keep coming back!!

    Baklava Rolls Learn how to make Baklava rolls your favorite Middle Eastern Mediterranean dessert with Phyllo sheets|Easy recipe for Baklava rolls…

[kylina-jordan]

Easter is a holiday spent in the comfort of your home with friends and family. A big component of this holiday is the Easter brunch or Easter dinner. I remember as a kid the excitement of finding Easter eggs followed by a delicious lunch with some of my favorite foods. This Easter I hope to recreate my childhood Easter dinner but with vegan options instead. If you are planning on making your own Easter dinner, then keep reading to see how easy it can be to pull off a vegan Easter dinner.

When I think of Easter, I think of the traditional Easter ham. I don’t know how I would make a a vegan ham from scratch, but luckily, I won’t have to. Tofurky makes a delicious Vegetarian Ham Style Roast. It comes with a delicious beer glaze that adds a nice sweetness on top. The great thing about this ham is how super easy it is, you just pop it in the oven and about 15 minutes before it’s done cooking you add the glaze on top. And for about $10, it’s a great buy that can easily 4-5 people. If ham isn’t your thing, then I recommend trying Tofurky’s Holiday Roast, which is another great option to affordably feed about 4-6 people.

A great side dish to go with the vegan ham or vegan roast is gravy. Finding vegan gravy can be difficult, but I found a couple of options that can make your ham or mashed potatoes even more delectable. The easiest one to find in a grocery store near will be Campbell’s Mushroom Gravy. If you prefer organic, then I recommend Simply Organic Vegetarian Brown Gravy, or Imagine’s Vegetarian Wild Mushroom Gravy or, Pacific’s Vegan Mushroom Gravy.

And one of my favorite childhood foods that was always made with our Easter dinner are Pillsbury’s Crescent Rolls. Believe it or not, these crescent rolls are accidently vegan with no dairy, butter, or milk in them, yet they are still amazingly delicious. So, make sure to get your hands on these delicious dinner rolls for your table this Easter.

Now that you have your main staples for dinner, here are a few of my favorite side dishes that are easy to pick up from the store and add to your dinner. I absolutely love the Zucchini fries from Trader Joe’s. You can either serve them as an appetizer or they make a great side dish to your meal.

Another one of my favorite side dishes that you can find at Trader Joe’s or at your local grocery store is Tabbouleh Salad. This Mediterranean dish is a vegetarian salad made of tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, bulgur, and onion, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. This is simple enough to make at home, but I often find it in the deli sections in most grocery stores. So, it can be one less thing you have to make on Easter day.

If you want to whip up a side dish, then I recommend trying this vegan potato salad.

Ingredients

5 to 6 red, white or Russet potatoes

1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (I like the Trader Joe’s brand best)

3 tbsp. vinegar

1 medium redonion, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Top and mix in 2 teaspoons of paprika for a smoky taste addition

Add 1/2 cup of yellow mustard to add some extra tang to the dish

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes.

Drain the water from the pot and cool the potatoes completely, about 15 minutes.

Peel the potatoes completely and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside (Alternatively, you can leave the peels on some potatoes for more texture)

Gently toss together all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, add the potatoes gradually and cover with the ingredients until evenly distributed.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill for at least one hour before serving, if you have enough time. The flavors would be best after an overnight refrigeration.

And to make your easy vegan Easter dinner complete, don’t forget about dessert! When I was a kid, it was my favorite thing to frost the sugar cookies at Easter. My mom would bake sugar cookies in the shapes of Easter eggs and us kids would get to decorate them with icing and sprinkles. For this easy Easter dessert, I recommend using Annie’s Sugar Cookie Box Mix. The mix calls for milk and eggs, but you can simply replace these. For milk, you can use soy, almond, or coconut milk. And for every egg you need you can replace it with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. This dessert will be fun for both adults and kids alike.

If you are attending an Easter dinner this year, make sure to stay tuned for my next article where I’ll share some easy vegan side dishes you can bring to dinner.

This Easter, you won’t have to fret or worry about compiling a vegan meal. Instead, you will see that there are many options available to you to make this Easter dinner your easiest one yet.

Here is a cute little Easter bunny just for you for reading until the very end 🙂

How to make an easy vegan Easter dinner with recipes and suggestions for readily-available food options Easter is a holiday spent in the comfort of your home with friends and family. A big component of this holiday is the Easter brunch or Easter dinner.

[mei-mei-me]

Guide to the Amalfi Coast

WHERE TO STAY

Where you stay on the coast really depends on what kind of trip you're looking for. The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is during the summer months between April and September, but it is also the most crowded time to visit. However, if you go too early or too late in the season, many restaurants and lodging options may be closed. If you want a romantic and relaxing trip, I would stay on the Amalfi Coast for a few days to enjoy the nice weather and breathtaking views. It's pretty easy to access the island of Capri and the ruins of Pompeii from this town. If you're pressed for time and do not have the luxury of a longer vacation at the moment, a night or two in Positano will suffice to see the sights and take a day trip to Capri. Obviously, the beauty of this area makes it extremely difficult to leave, but I was able to do Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast all in the span of a week. The Amalfi Coast is composed of Sorrento, Sant'Agata, Nerano, Positano, Praiano, Conca dei Marini, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Maiori, Minori, Cetara, Erchie, Vietri Sul Mare, and Salerno.

POSITANO

While all of these places have their charms, Positano is the best known for the pastel-colored houses that spill down its cliffs into the sea. It has some of the most beautiful views and a centralized nightlife around seaside bars, restaurants, and clubs. Because of this, it's also one of the few towns on the coast that are known for its upscale shopping. However, hotels in Positano are the priciest option.

Il San Pietro Di Positano

Hotel San Pietro is one of the most breathtaking hotels you'll encounter in your lifetime. Each room comes with its own private terrace and jacuzzi connected by stairways that hang cliffside. There is also a private beach, bar, and tennis court on site for your convenience. 

SORRENTO

Sorrento is the official starting point of the Amalfi Coast and the easiest town to reach. If you want to take day trips to Naples and Pompeii, stay here because being further along the coast can make it difficult to travel back and forth (the roads are extremely narrow and can be jammed with traffic during the busy season).

Villa Parisi

If you're doing Airbnb, this is a great option for a group of friends. Villa Parisi is on a hill overlooking the Sorrento bay with century-old trees surrounded by olive and lemon groves. There are three wide rooms on the first floor with windows that open to magnificent views of the ocean each morning. 

Amalfi

Amalfi is also a great option if you want to see the luxury and beauty of Positano without the price. It's easy to travel to other towns along the coast and to take a day trip to Capri from here. 

Villa Lara

This hotel was built in the late 1800s and is surrounded by the Duomo and the sea. They have the most breathtaking views of the sea, through an elevator built entirely into the rock. You can also climb up the panoramic flight of stairs to one of the most beautiful terraces in Amalfi. 

Salerno

Salerno is at the other end of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento and a huge transportation hub. If you're traveling from Rome by train, it's easy to navigate to Salerno and start from there. It has a charming, gritty vibrant Centro Storico (historic center) and has a beautiful tree-lined seafront promenade. 

However, regardless of which option you choose on the coast, you're able to experience the gorgeous sunsets that bless the Amalfi Coast each night.

Terrazza Paradiso B&B

This Airbnb is in a villa with a terracotta terrace and gardens that offer a stunning view of the Gulf of Salerno. Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, it's a great place to enjoy wine while relaxing with your friends or family.

WHAT TO EAT

L'Olivo - Capri

L'Olivo has received two very well deserved Michelin stars. The restaurant has a spacious dining area lit by warm colors overlooking the Bay of Naples. Its gourmet cuisine is the result of different combinations of flavors where the chef's attention to detail is extremely evident with every bite. 

Le Sponda - Amalfi

This restaurant sits among the rocks of the Amalfi Coast with a dining room that has over 400 candles, walls covered in climbing roses, and a huge window opening on the horizon. The menu is extremely diverse, boasting great options that can accommodate even the most finicky of eaters.

La Tagliata - Montepertuso

At La Tagliata, there is no menu. You have to trust in the chef and let me tell you, I have not ever been disappointed by Dora's pasta. The food is a mix of homemade ricotta, gnocchi, grilled meat, and roasted vegetables followed by a mouth-watering array of desserts. 

Maria Grazia - Nerano

This little ramshackle beach-side restaurant is one of the best lunches you'll have in your life. The village of Nerano is only a short drive away from Sorrento and the home of the amazing Maria Grazia courgette pasta. You may find similar dishes along the coast, but they were the first to create and perfect this lunch special. Come here hungry before you begin your day of exploring. 

Da Adolfo - Positano

This place serves the best local fish in the most stunning location right on the beach. It's incredibly low-key and extremely popular. To reach it, you have to take a little boat from the port of Positano. They pick people up from the port in a boat with the flag of a red fish. Make sure to book at least two weeks in advance; trust me, it's completely worth it. 

Da Emilia - Sorrento

Da Emilia has been open for over 50 years and remains a great option for fresh fish at a low-cost. The family-run business serves locally caught seafood prepared with a simple dash of olive oil and lemon. The blue-and-white checked tablecloths on wooden tables overlook the fishing boats in the port, making it a relaxing place to unwind before your afternoon nap. 

WHERE TO PARTY

Africana - Praiano

Located inside of a natural cave almost a sea level, Africana is the Amalfi Coast's most famous night club. The magical atmosphere is a great place to go if you're looking for somewhere to unwind and dance after the sun goes down. 

Anema e Core - Capri

This place was my favorite bar to dance in while traveling in Capri. It's a piano bar where the band plays classic Neapolitan songs with full audience participation. It's full of Italians, foreigners, and celebrities alike because it's got such a lively atmosphere every night.

Music on the Rocks - Positano

Positano has the most atmosphere after the sun goes down. It's great for people watching and is a fun club to meet young travelers from around the world. 

Piazza Bellini - Naples

If you're looking for Neapolitan youth culture by night, you need to head to Piazza Bellini. Bars line the square and you'll find young tastemakers spilling out and filling up the sidewalk. It's a great communal atmosphere, where everyone comes together and mingles, meaning you'll find it almost impossible not to make new friends. 

WHAT TO SEE

CAPRI

Capri is a beautiful day trip to take from any of the towns along the coast. Anacapri is home to one of the most amazing lido (public swimming pool) and has a chairlift to Monte Solaro, which provides you with breathtaking views of the island. You must also stop by La Fontelina, one of the most famous lidos in the world, which perches on a picturesque promenade along via Tragara. The Blue Grotto was one of my favorite sights from Capri. I recommend swimming in during the late afternoon when the tourist boats have left. The cave is such an amazing shade of blue and truly lives up to its name. 

Naples

Naples has so many wonderful restaurants and breathtaking views of Mt. Vesuvius. They invented pizza and you'll find the best Margherita pizza with mozzerella in your life. You must stop by L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, which you might recognize from its feature in "Eat, Pray, Love." It's the best pizza you'll ever have, and only for 6 euros. If you have time, I would stop by MADRE, the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina. With three floors of installations, you'll find site-specific artwork from Daniel Buren, Jeff Koons, and Anish Kapoor amongst many others. 

Pompeii

The archaeological site of Pompeii is worth a visit. It's basically your AP US History class in real life, and both a terrifying and impressive reminder that humans have always been at the mercy of Mother Nature. Pompeii is easily accessible by train and doable as a day trip from Naples or the Amalfi Coast.

WHERE TO SHOP

Antichi sapori d'amalfi

If you're looking for limoncello, this is the place to go. They're the original family that started the Amalfi Coast liqueur business, dating back to 1989. Still a family-run bsuiness today, their lemoncello is produced with the "sfusato amalfitano" lemo grown in their gardens in the same handcrafted production process passed down from generation to generation. 

Ceramica Artistica Solimene - Vietri sul Mare

Vietri has the best ceramic workshops that dates back to Roman times. The extrodinary faux-naif crockery is sold at resonable prices and a great present to bring home. There are hubs of local artists in town that craft traditional citrus-inspired ceramics.

Piazza Tasso - Sorrento 

The streets surronding Piazza Tasso in sorrento has lively after-dusk shoopping if you're looking for designer Italian clothign or jewelry. 

RULES FOR SUCCESS

PICKPOCKETS

Be extremely wary of pickpockets; I cannot stress this enough. Upon arriving in Naples with my camera around my neck, I was warned by an elderly man on the street to keep my hands around it at all times. Thieves will zoom by the intersection while you're waiting to cross the street and steal your camera off your neck. Keep your wallet and passport safe. 

WIFI

The wifi service along the Amalfi Coast isn't as great as other parts of Italy. We were able to make to send text messages and update social media, but a lot of lodging options have not updated their coverage to accomodate business travel. I would make sure to ask your hotel or Airbnb prior to booking if this is a concern to you. However, you should take this opportunity to unplug and enjoy your time! The Amalfi Coast offers the most idyllic beauty and Italian luxury that you can find. With unparalleled views of the sea and surrounding towns, you have plenty of time to explore and relax with friends and family and catch up on work emails upon your return.