Link Love: Summer Travel

If ever there was a time to pack a suitcase and head out into the world, Summer has to be it.  And for good reason.  The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and if you've been in hibernation, you're likely eager to emerge and explore.  

Whether your penchant is for solo travel, top foodie destinations, luxury getaways, or you're seeking tips for making the most of your journey, I've rounded up my favorite inspirations from around the web to get you on your way.  Now all that's left to do is...just go!

Have Food, Will Travel

I've been known to arrange my travel around a destination's food offerings, so I understand this foodie inclination.  If you can relate, then you'll appreciate--no, welcome--this list of the best American cities for foodies. {Conde Nast Traveler}

Party of One

I've definitely expanded my horizons as a solo traveler over the last several years.  Not that I mind the splendored benefits of companionship (I adore them, actually), but I find equal fulfillment in striking out for solo adventures and the excitement they bring.  Whether you're seasoned at going it alone or looking to take the leap, you'll be well-suited with this list of the world's best destinations for solo travel.  {Huffington Post}

Plane, Train, Automobile

Who said luxury travel was reserved for the jet-set, cruise-set or road-trippin'-set?  Taking to the rails can--and most definitely does--include travel of indulgent proportions.  These luxury vacations by train will help you redefine the art of travel. {Pure Wow}

Before You Go

No matter how often the travel bug strikes, you can never be too prepared.  And that's where savvy travel tips from how to pack to navigating airfare purchases to savings tips to getting the most out of your journey with the proper travel etiquette, will leave you in good stead and ready to focus on what matters most: enjoying the journey. {Travel + Leisure, Creative Native, The New York Times, D.M.R. Fine Foods}

So here's to a Summer filled with adventure, relaxation, new memories and...

Happy Travels! 
P.S. Need more inspiration? Visit our Travel page!

Photo Credit

{Taste Of Atlanta}: Blue Ridge Grill

Blue Ridge Grill

 As much as I love making things happen in my kitchen, I equally relish dining out--especially when it's good.  So when I received an invitation to attend a menu tasting at one of Atlanta's long-standing restaurants, Blue Ridge Grill, I had to accept.   Sister to the fabulous Bones and casually cool OK Cafe restaurants, the Blue Ridge Grill could be considered the hidden gem of the family for many.  After attending last week's tasting, however, it's apparent why it has remained a vibrant part of the Buckhead dining scene for so long.

The evening unfolded within the restaurant's cozy, interior porch and gave way to a decadently, scrumptious seven-course tasting menu featuring the cuisine of the restaurant's acclaimed new executive chef, Joe Brown.  Chef Brown's menu presented seasonal dishes, including Hot Smoked Salmon, Golden Lump Crab Salad, Pecan-Stuffed Chicken and Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop, which highlighted locally sourced ingredients, while also paying homage to long-standing signature dishes such as Corn Souffle (my favorite), Seared Diver Scallops and a Signature Cookies Platter. 

Hot Smoked Salmon

Seared Diver Scallops with Low Country Red Peas and Rice

Pecan-stuffed Springer Mountain Chicken

Assorted Cookies Platter

Beyond the mouth-watering cuisine, the restaurant boasts beautiful interiors that, in addition to the porch and dining room areas, includes a private dining room that is a perfect choice for intimate celebrations or special events.  

The tasting showcased Southern cuisine and hospitality at its finest and cemented why the Blue Ridge Grill continues to represent a delicious taste of Atlanta that's not to be missed!

The Best Guacamole

If you've never tried your hand at homemade guacamole, today's post will give you just what you need to finally check it off your bucket list--and remove any excuses for doing otherwise.  How can I be so sure?  Because beyond the fulfillment of making it (or anything, really) from scratch, is the realization that it's truly quite easy to create amazing "guac". 

The essentials?  Buttery, ripened avocados. Fresh tomatoes. Onion. Garlic. Jalapeno. Cilantro. Salt. Freshly squeezed lime juice. 

  
Got it?  Then you're ready to make the freshest, most delicious, "they keep asking me to bring the 'guac'", guacamole you've ever tasted.  Within minutes of assembling your ingredients, you will have a creamy, decadent bite that's worthy of your favorite tortilla chips, atop chili or soups, slathered on toast, piled on tacos--or whatever your pleasure! 

Happy Eating!

The Best Guacamole

printable recipe

Ingredients:
3 softened, ripened avocados
2 roma tomatoes, diced with seeds removed
1 jalapeno, minced (remove seeds to reduce heat)
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion or medium shallot, finely diced
Juice of 1-2 limes
Kosher salt to taste
Bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped

Method:
Peel avocados, place in a medium bowl and roughly chop or mash.  Add in tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, garlic, lime juice and salt.  Mix to combine and taste for seasoning.  Sprinkle in cilantro and give a final stir to combine.  Enjoy!

 
 
 

LADURÉE 2.0

If you've been with me for a while, then you may recall a post (and related video clip) I shared a few years ago where I spilled the beans on Ladurée's grand entrance to the United States food scene by way of NYC.  Not to toot my own horn (well, maybe slightly), but in that post, I shared how there was "talk" about another location to come--one that would be larger--grander--and include a tea salon and other special touches.  

Almost three years, and an abundance of scrumptious macarons, later, Ladurée 2.0 (as I like to refer to it) is here indeed.  Opening its doors earlier this year in February, the newest NYC outpost resides in the uber chic SoHo district, commanding its base as if it's always been. 

I couldn't wait to finally get in on the excitement served up in this latest NYC haute spot.  Prior to these arrivals, I had only tasted of Ladurée during my visits to Paris (I must get back there soon!)  Now, however, there was only a short flight, rather than an ocean, dividing us.  And the new salon, modeled after the flagship store in Champs-Elysees, was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

 

This time around, I arrived with my lovely pink box (a keepsake from my first visit on Madison Avenue), but never got around to filling it because I dined in and relished all my macarons, accompanied with tea, in the beautiful, sun-lit and infectious salon.  My mom joined me and took a different menu route, noshing on a gorgeous fruit salad.  

All in all, it was a special time of sweet indulgence, centered around one (or two, or three, perhaps four) sweet delicacies.  Ladurée 2.0 is undoubtedly here--to stay.  

Happy Eating!