Writing at times feels forced. As someone who initially wanted this blog to be at least a monthly update, I have realized that may no longer be realistic, but that does not mean I still cannot chronicle my adventures.
It was a busy summer with travel every week. Not only did I go across the United States, I even made it over the ocean to Europe.
JULY
July was domestic and it seemed that the summer would be west coast focused. With trips to Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Anaheim, it was all looking to be a one time zone exploration.
It was a hot month though, Las Vegas was experiencing temperatures over 100 degrees each day that I was there. I was forever grateful to be in an air-conditioned room for all hours of meetings and team bonding. It was part of starting this new adventure in my career and getting to know others in the same boat as me.
After Las Vegas, it was two weeks in a row of going to San Francisco. The highlight of the two weeks, amazing cocktails. I would have to say if you are looking for a good hotel bar with amazing cocktails that tell a story, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is the place to be. The menu includes line drawings of various San Francisco communities and each drawing is accompanied by a craft cocktail.
While the entire menu was very interesting, I definitely had my favorites. A symbol of hospitality is the pineapple and if you want to be “welcome(d) home” you must try Welcome Home. Served in a golden pineapple, enjoy some reposado with fresh pineapple juice, chile liqueur, and grilled pineapple. You will be refreshed and ready to call Nob Hill your home.
Now if you want some table-side glam, you need to have the Golden Gate Karl. Karl the Fog is part of the identity of San Francisco. How can you honor the various aspects of San Francisco on a menu without ensuring that Karl is part of it too? This vodka based cocktail arrives to your table in a gorgeous red beverage in a coupe glass. Though the best part happens table side with “Karl” making an appearance. Make sure you have your phone out and set to video, you might need a few takes in case Karl is feeling shy. A foggy bubble is gently dropped onto your cocktail before bursting and dispersing a fog over your glass.
Finally, my third favorite-The Imperial Martini, made with Tanqueray Gin and shaken in the green hand crank shaker located on the bar counter top. Now since the martini does change often, you may not get the same drink twice. When I went, the martini had an orange flavor focus and it was perfect. The martini was light, floral, hints of citrus, and balanced.
Anaheim was the next July stop and of course, that meant it was a Disney stop, though not the park. Instead it was to Disney’s The Grand Californian, where it is all about having a Grand Day. Favorite part of this trip was looking at all the cast member name badges and seeing the various characters listed below. I soon found out it was that specific cast member’s favorite Disney character. I even found someone who had Tinker Bell noted as their favorite, and ended up discussing why the two of us love her. If you want to know the answer, it means you need to strike up a conversation with either of us, after all part of magic is storytelling.
AUGUST
Second major month of summer brought me close to the nation’s capital, Tysons, Virginia. Who knew a town existed with plenty of hotels, some office towers, and a couple of malls. The highlight of this trip though was grabbing drinks and dinner with friends. If my travels bring me close to someone I know the better because that means I will try my best to find a way for us to grab a coffee or a meal. I look forward to going back to do it again.
After Virginia, I travelled to Nashville which was very exciting for me. My best friend lives in Nashville and this was the chance for me to spend some time with her before and after my work commitments. We also took a drive out into the countryside to see the homes and enjoy moments of old Americana. Though I believe the highlight of our drive was the giant bird that flew in front of us with a wingspan larger than the windshield.
Nashville was also my first time enjoying a meal by award winning chef Michael Mina. Originally I was a little hesitant about this as what would a vegetarian find at a steak house other than hopefully a salad and maybe some sides. Low and behold not only did they have a special rice noodle dish with vegetables and green curry, they made their traditional duck fat fries in vegetable oil for me to enjoy. Dessert was also a delight of beignets and creme brûlée. I would leave the beignet making to New Orleans, but the creme brûlée was delightful as it was an “Old Fashioned” creme brûlée.
After Nashville was back to sin city, Las Vegas. While the hotel stay was beautiful, it was really about the food, especially the meal I enjoyed at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Located within the MGM Grand, this primarily counter seating restaurant has a delicious menu and gorgeous plating. The flavors of each dish were amazing and surprisingly I really enjoyed the eggplant. Oh, order the truffle pasta for you will not be disappointed with the amount of shaved truffles.
Now I finally make it to my overseas trip, France, specifically the Cognac region with a mini moment in Paris. First, I flew into Paris before taking the train to the countryside. Once I reached stop, it was another 30 minute car drive before arriving at a beautiful chateau surrounded by grapevines.
In the middle of all the tranquility, you cannot truly enjoy France without enjoying some amazing food. From fresh salads topped with garlic bread croutons, martinis, cognac, and desserts, everything was fresh, filling, and flavorful. Of course no trip to France is complete without a Michellin Star dinner. Wow, so many courses of food and now I understand why the portions are very small. You may choose a three course meal, but in reality it ends of being closer to eight with the additional elements.
Leaving the French countryside led to a night out in Paris, which means dress up. Elegantly dressed, I stopped by a few iconic hotels to see the majestic beauty in person, grab a pre-dinner glass of bubbles and then headed to a high floor restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy one last meal.
Final stop of the summer, New Orleans! The last time I had been to this city it was during the pandemic. This time the city was livelier. People all around enjoying the southern hospitality and creole and cajun food. It was wonderful learning from the employees the history of the building and how it has been a part of the history of the city. Additionally, it was here the concierge shared with me that one of the oldest family owned restaurants in the country, Antoine’s, the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller. While not the dish for me, my colleagues and I still went to dinner here. They ordered the Oysters Rockefeller and received a certificate sharing which order number they are. It was a fun memory to make.
Now New Orleans is the spot to enjoy beignets and everyone has heard of Cafe Du Monde. If you go late in the evening to the location at the French Quarter, there is no line! Plus, if you take a seat at a table, they will come to you to provide service. Do not forget to order coffee as all that powder sugar covered dough will need something to balance it out.
Being a road warrior who spends each week somewhere away from home, it takes time to adjust. With those adjustments, it is about finding places that bring you some joy. This can be a spot to grab a drink, a bite, or even see some friends and colleagues.