Postcard from Little Rock: What to See, Do & Taste in Arkansas' Capital

Sometimes you just want a getaway that involves minimal fuss and major upside.  One which kicks off almost immediately after leaving home (read: a one hour flight) and lands you in the heart of scenic views, natural beauty, cultural excursions and, best of all, some of the most scrumptious cuisine there is to be found.  And when you wrap all of this together, all roads lead to Arkansas.

If you've never had the Natural State on your travel radar, you're probably not alone.  But that changes for good after today, because I'm here to expose this well kept travel secret. Only a week or so back from my recent time there experiencing so much of what this southern gem has to offer, I'm offering up the 'best of' this destination for what to see, do and taste, to make sure your visit is as memorable (and delicious) as mine.  From the heart of the capital in Little Rock, to a journey southward in El Dorado, and culminating in the north's star, Bentonville, there is something for every traveler to relish.

I'm kicking things off with this first Arkansas installment (because there's just too much goodness to fit into one post), and I'm sharing my Little Rock guide for your weekend (or longer) getaway!

Little Rock ~
From national treasures, to a budding entertainment district, and superb dining from fast-casual to fine cuisine, this capital town is not to be missed.

See and Do
If you've ever wanted to visit a National Treasure, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site gives you that opportunity.  Visitors can elect a guided tour which offers a first-hand immersion into the historic civil rights events surrounding this site, namely the brave integration of the school in 1957 by nine black students (known as the Little Rock Nine), following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.  This was, without question, one of the most touching highlights of my time in Arkansas and a definite must-see/do.  Along with the guided tour, the visitor center also offers exhibits and interactive programs--and you can round out your tour with a visit to the bookstore and gift shop for takeaway keepsakes such as books, t-shirts and more. 

A self-proclaimed "bag lady", I indulged my travel and girly-girl inclinations with a morning tour of the Esse Purse Museum and Store. From low to high-end purses and leather goods, to creative exhibits featuring everything from fancy hats to suitcases, with nods to women's history tossed in, it's no wonder that this museum hails as a favorite, as it showcases owner Anita Davis' dream of exploring the concepts of art, history and the feminine.  You won't come across another place like this easily given that it's one of only three purse museums in the world--and the only one in the U.S.

Mild temps and sunshine made for the perfect afternoon outdoors strolling the River Market Entertainment District (RMED), while listening to live music, taking in panoramic views from the Junction Bridge, and joining the local goers in relishing the down-to-earth entertainment and fun to be had along the riverfront. 

*Additional Top Attractions: Explore more of American presidential history at The Clinton Presidential Center and see how efforts to end world hunger and poverty are being championed at Heifer International/Urban Farm.

Taste
Within the very first hours of my arrival, I quickly learned that to eat, or not to eat, is never the question when in Arkansas.  From my first meal to my last, Little Rock brought total satiation to this food-loving girl.

When your meal begins with a deliciously prepared starter of Bone Marrow, Escargot, Grilled Octopus and Foie Gras Croutons, you know you're in for a good night of noshing.  And nosh we did at Table 28, a modern, organic restaurant.  Executive Chef Scott Rains won me over with his southern hospitality, coupled with his exceptional menu.  And I still blame him for the extra scoop of Praline Gelato that I couldn't resist. :)

Bone Marrow, Escargot, Octopus and Foie Gras Croutons

Chilean Sea Bass

Mouth-Watering Short Ribs

One of several decadent desserts

As festivals go, can you imagine one more indulgent than the Arkansas Cornbread Festival?! Me, either.  Tasting my way through the creative and traditional amateur and professional cornbread servings (red velvet cornbread, anyone?) and side-dish renditions such as collard greens and chili, to vote for an ultimate favorite, is my kind of fun. Recognized by Forbes Magazine in September 2019 as one of the top 5 Food Festivals for Food Lovers, this is a must-attend event worth marking your calendar for next year.

If you're planning to splurge on just one meal in Little Rock, then the six-course tasting menu at One Eleven at the Capital has to be it.  Starting with a delectable amuse bouche of Oyster Rockefeller and Blood Sausage, to the first course of Shrimp Ceviche, second course of Mushroom Tortellini, third course of Scallop with Vegetarian Risotto, fourth course of Pork Chop with pork cheek, confit shallot, roasted potato and pork Ju, fifth course of cheese, sixth course of Parisian Chocolate Cake and Tiramisu, and final compliments of Pistachio Macarons and Hazelnut Chocolates, it cemented the meaning of fine dining in the best way possible.  And did I mention that each course had a perfectly matched wine pairing? So you now understand my opening line--and why a trip to Little Rock for this dining experience, alone, would be understandable. :)

Scallop Perfection

Mushroom Tortellini

Cheese Plate

Chocolate Cake Decadence

Special mention goes to Jones Bar-B-Q located in Marianna in the heart of the Delta.  We were treated to a special tasting of this barbecue, that is deemed a state treasure, during our time in Little Rock.  And here are some of the reasons why: Jones' barbecue has been a part of the food culture in Arkansas for more than century. Talk about amazing! And as the only James Beard award-winning restaurant in the state, it is also believed to be the oldest African-American owned restaurant in the South and possibly the nation.  So if you're ever so fortunate to get your lips on this, it's a must-eat. 
*Additional Good Eats: Sunday Brunch at acclaimed Petit & Keet was an indulgent delight and a casual Sunday dinner at The Fold gave me just the fix I needed for my never-ending taco hankering.

Without question, Little Rock deserves a spot on your travel bucketlist for all the reasons mentioned above--and more!  So pack your bags and prepare for...
Happy Eating and Travels! 

P.S. Take in some of the behind-the-scenes fun and shenanigans here!





 

{Taste of Paris}: Warm Goat Cheese Salad

Recently back from my winter getaway, the memories are still quite vibrant.  So much so, it feels like I can reach out and touch them.  And my travels are as much a food diary, as they are cultural and recreational indulgences.

It's no secret that Paris is one of my most favorite places (if not the) in the world.  And spending time there again this month only cemented this sentiment further.  It was the last leg of an amazing mini European tour of sorts, beginning in Rome, followed by Florence, and finally culminating in the City of Lights.  The holiday spirit was still very much alive in each city making for an extra special bonus aura.

My last full day in Paris found me in the well-regarded Saint-Germain-des-Pres of the 6th arrondissement (how Paris classifies its neighborhoods).  Emerging from the Metro, I walked the short block to settle in at the famous Cafe de Flore for some lunch vittles.  Sips of warm cappuccino, friendly banter, a few obligatory photo opps, and a scrumptious warm goat cheese salad later, I was satiated and ready to take on a quick stroll along the cobblestone streets.

The salad was a simple, yet elegant, bite that makes for French food at its best.  Almost immediately upon my return home, I took to my kitchen to recreate it with my own twist.

I was introduced to warm goat cheese salad many years ago by Ina Garten, and it instantly became a favorite of mine. I've even served it at dinner parties to wow friends and guests.  That preparation is slightly different, so perhaps I'll share it in a future post.  Either way, this salad will forever remain a staple in my cooking and entertaining repertoires--and a cherished taste of Paris.

Happy Eating!

Warm Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients:
4 oz. herbed goat cheese
4-6 slices of sourdough bread
Mixed salad greens
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Vinaigrette
Kosher salt
Extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Honey, for drizzling
Fresh thyme, for garnish

Method:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Slice the goat cheese log into individual rounds.  Place the bread on a baking sheet and season lightly with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt. Place a slice of goat cheese on each piece of bread and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is warm, soft and gooey to the touch.

To serve, toss the salad greens with some of the vinaigrette to moisten.  Divide the greens among lunch plates and place the goat cheese toasts on each.  Finish with freshly ground black pepper, a drizzle of honey, and sprig of thyme.  Enjoy!

Adapted from Ina Garten
   

{Spring Popsicles}: Coconut x Lime x Rose x Raspberry

I returned from a quickie getaway to the beach over the weekend that left me relishing Spring--and all its vibes--more than ever.  Back home and searching for kitchen inspiration for the blog, it wasn't long before my musings turned to the yummy, refreshing and whimsical world of popsicles.

I've had these darlings on my radar for quite a while, with the boxed popsicle molds sitting at the ready for about a year now, as a testament.  (Baby steps.)  But the moment finally arrived when Spring fever, coupled with my childlike obsession for all things frosty, could no longer be denied.

Enter my homespun (but delightfully scrumptious--and figure friendly) concoction of slightly sweet, tart, floral, and citrus-y popsicles.  The blend of coconut water, freshly squeezed lime juice, rose water, and surprise!, elderflower cordial, with fresh raspberries for their gorgeous aesthetic effect and tart bite, produced my newest favorite snack that's sure to keep me noshing throughout the remaining days of Spring...and beyond.

Happy Eating!

Spring Popsicles: Coconut x Lime x Rose x Raspberry

Ingredients:
2 cups coconut water
Juice of 2 limes
Teaspoon of rose water
2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
Fresh raspberries

Method:
Combine coconut water, lime juice, rose water and elderflower cordial.  Fill popsicle molds halfway with mixure and add fresh raspberries.  Freeze for about 40 minutes.  Remove molds from freezer and fill with remaining mixture and top off with more berries.  Freeze overnight and enjoy! (Cook's Note: Run molds under warm water if difficult to remove.)  
  
 

Travel, Shop, Nosh and Save with Groupon Coupons

Few things excite me more than a great deal, but we all know that scouring for the best deals can be daunting at times, which makes having an 'inside track' to discounts and savings priceless.  And if you've heard of--and used--Groupon, then you know the thrill of landing that favorite item or service--for a steal!

With that mission in mind, today's post is dedicated to sharing some must-have discounts and deals through Groupon Coupons and their network of favorite retailers across almost every category imaginable.  Whether you fancy travel, luxury goods, gourmet treats, entertainment--or more, there's something for you.  Below are a few of my favorites to get you going.

Luxury Shoppping ~
Just in time for your Spring wardrobe needs, splurge and save with renowned retailers, Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Travel ~
The opportunity to save on travel is worth five stars and then some! Plan your next getaway--for less--with deals from American Airlines, CheapOair, Travelocity and Priceline.

Gourmet ~
Enjoy sips and bites from Starbucks without denting your wallet.

Entertainment ~
Get tickets to your favorite movies (while avoiding the lines) with great deals from Fandango.

There is seemingly no limit to all the savings you can enjoy, so if you're looking for something in particular, head over to Groupon Coupons to search--and save!

Happy Savings!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however the opinions are my own.
Photo Credit: Groupon.com

Postcard from Riviera Maya: A Mexican Fiesta + Churros

For me, any vacation that involves sand, ocean and abundant sunshine is like a taste of heaven on earth. And enjoying it amidst a girls' getaway makes it even more special.  That was the scene when I traveled to the Riviera Maya a couple of years ago.  My friend and I had one supreme agenda: R&R.  Hers translated to rest and recreation (horseback riding on the beach, a local tour, roller blading and such); mine stayed true to the more traditional rest and relaxation regimen, heavy with beach, beach and more beach, although I did enjoy a bike ride around the stunning resort grounds, a tour of the main dining kitchen, a casual cooking lesson, a dance lesson here and there, and the nightly (almost karaoke) live band. :)  

And of course, there was the food.  The resort boasted several restaurants specializing in varied cuisines from French to Thai to Italian to American--and their signature Mexican.  As resort food goes, it was pretty good.  

A fun lesson on making guacamole

On our last evening there, however, we were delighted with an authentic Mexican fiesta, replete with gorgeous dancers and Mariachi for entertainment, and a feast to remember.  I enjoyed every minute of the lively celebration and the beautifully displayed foodscape, especially the lavish dessert bar that featured, among other delicacies, churros.  Well, you don't have to guess if I indulged.

While I'm not in Mexico today, this recipe for churros, along with my memories, brings Mexico home to me.  If you love sweet, cinnamon-y, fried pastry dough (who doesn't?!), then you'll want to make these.  And for extra yumminess, pair them with decadent hot chocolate for sipping or melted chocolate for dipping.  So. Good.

Churros!

Happy Eating!

Churros

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
Pinch of salt
1 egg
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Method:

Combine sugar and ground nutmeg. Spread on plate.

Combine flour, water, butter, orange peel and salt in medium saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until dough forms ball and leaves film on bottom of pan, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer to processor. Blend in egg.

Heat oil in deep skillet to 350°F. Spoon batter into pastry bag fitted with 1/4-inch star tip. Working in batches, pipe batter onto oil in about 4-inch-long ribbons. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Turn churros in sugar mixture and serve.

Recipe Courtesy of Epicurious.com

  




 

5 Essential Tips For The Best Road Trip

Growing up, road tripping was the de facto way of travel for my family. From summer vacations to the beach, to family reunions, and everything in between, if we went—it was a road trip. (In fact, I didn’t board my first flight until I was in college.)

Times have surely changed—for my family and likely most travelers—with the road trip being eclipsed by air travel as the more common way of travel. 

And then came a global pandemic that changed everything. 

Now, as many are preparing to travel this Summer and beyond, the road trip is taking center stage once again as a popular way to go and explore against the ongoing pandemic backdrop. 

If done right, road trips are travel goals for taking in more than a singular destination, going at your pace, soaking in scenic routes and attractions, and bonding with travel companions on another level. 

Here are my 5 tips for making your journey one to remember—for all the right reasons:

1. Know Thyself.

Your travel personality (get there already, stop & smell the roses along the way, or a mix of both) will be key for embarking on a road trip that feels like a joy vs. a cruel sentence. Knowing how you typically like to go and flow (with some flexibility built in for surprising yourself) will put you in a positive space for embracing the journey ahead.

2. What happens in the car—matters. 

One of my most memorable road trips growing up was one where we sang all of Whitney Houston’s new (at the time) album. I knew every song by heart by the time we were done. Talk about fun! So prepare your playlists (music, podcasts, audio books & such) to keep the good vibes in gear. 

3. Food, food and more food. Keep the “hangries” at bay with a good stash of stacks. A mix of healthy snacks (fresh fruits, nuts, popcorn, flavored waters) and indulgences (chips, jerky, cheese and crackers, sweet treats, etc.) can go a long way in between stops and fuller meals. And if you have kids, it's a non-negotiable for keeping everyone sane and satiated. :)

4. Prepare for a safe journey. 

Be sure to check your car, stash a first aid kit, extra gallons of water, chargers and more, before hitting the road. 

5. Add travel resources to your arsenal. 

Roadtrippers, AAA, and other road trip apps, are essentials for seamlessly planning the perfect getaway. 

I wish you a safe, healthy Summer and lots of...

Happy Traveling!

Photo Credit: Bon Traveler

Lemon-Spice Ice Cream Sandwiches

It's been quiet on the blog for a little while now, so I couldn't wait to get back to it after returning from my recent vacation in Cancun.  It was everything a beach getaway should be: relaxing, indulgent, restorative, and all around good for the spirit, soul and body. 

Back home now, I've been more eager than usual to share some Summer-worthy goodness with you. I mean, when you're flooded with inspiration from every side, it's all but self-torture to keep calm and do nothing. :)  So, to my kitchen I went--and I'm so thrilled to be back and sharing this fancy little ice cream sandwich recipe that I happened upon.

Like the best ice cream sandwiches, it starts with homemade cookies.  But not just any cookies.  These cookies are brightly accented with lemon, and coupled with kicks of cinnamon and ginger, for the perfect citrus-spice mix.  The ease of bringing them together and assembling is the cream on top (or shall I say in the middle)--and they deserve a whirl in your ice cream repertoire during Summer--and beyond.

Happy Eating!

Lemon-Spice Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons juice
2 large eggs
2 pints ice cream, softened

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter a 10-x-15 in. rimmed baking sheet and line with parchment; butter parchment.  In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger and salt.  In another bowl, whisk together butter, molasses, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and eggs.  Whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.  Spread batter evenly in prepared sheet.  

Bake until cake is dry to the touch and edges begin to pull away from sheet, 12 to 14 minutes.  Let cool 5 minutes.  Loosen edges with a knife; flip out of sheet.  Remove parchment; flip top-side up onto a wire rack.  Let cool completely.

Transfer cake to a work surface; cut in half crosswise.  Place one half top-side down on a  piece of plastic wrap.  Beat ice cream until malleable, then spread over cake in a 1-inch-thick layer (go all the way to the edges).  Top with second half of cake, top-side up.  Wrap in plastic and freeze at least 8 hours and up to 1 week.  Use a serrated knife to trim edges and cut into 1 1/4-by-3-inch pieces.  Serve immediately, or wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 1 week.  Enjoy! 

Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart Living 
  

Welcome to a Very Good New Year

Happy New Year! I wrapped the year with a Caribbean getaway and I'm finally (slowly) emerging from my vacay state of mind and settling into a whole. new. year.  2019!  It's always amazing to take that in considering that it feels as if 2018 just began yesterday in some ways.

And what a year it was.  I experienced what was (for me) a supreme year of continued increase, growth, opportunity--and, yes, a couple of tough patches.  Still, the overarching theme, without question, was definitely God's favor and blessing--even in the uncomfortable places that required me to stretch, let go in some areas, and forge ahead with renewed strength. As my tradition has become, I'll be sharing a fuller recap of the highlights that made last year so special for me and D.M.R. Fine Foods, so stay tuned for an upcoming dedicated post!

In reflecting on the year gone by, I came across a post I shared here, in which I reasserted my faith and decision to have a very good year last year (and every year, to be honest)--before much time had elapsed and before much of the 'very goodness' had actually unfolded.  Because my mission with this brand is to share the good life in its many facets--and in the ways most meaningful to me--I wanted to share this with you to prime you for a very good year of your own this year.

I look forward to continuing to share my journey and passions with you as the year gets underway and, as always, thank you for support!

Here's to the happiest of New Years!

xo, Dawn

Link Love: Fall Comfort {Recipes, Getaways, Decor + More}

Photo Credit: Gourmet.com

I happen to love the time of year that is Fall.  With the crisp, cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, heartier cuisine, high-intensity sports action (aka football), and more, what's not to love?!  And with all the reflections of the Fall season in the air--and on the web--currently, I want to share a few of my favorite Fall comforts.

From scrumptious recipes, to travel getaways, to seasonal decor, and delicious reads, Fall is to be celebrated and relished! 

So here's to the season...and to Happy Eating!

Warm and cozy has never tasted better than Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine (Epicurious.com)

Want a great weekend (or longer) getaway that will surround you with the beauty of Fall, opulence and more?  Then consider a trip to America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate. (Biltmore.com)

Bring elements of Fall into your living space with beautiful centerpieces and entertaining essentials (potterybarn.com)

Curl up with a good (cook)book or two and turn up the heat in your kitchen! (foodrepublic.com)

Link Love: Weekending

Photo Credit: Bon Appetit

It's the weekend!  There are few phrases that get as much acclaim and evoke more genuine excitement than this one does.  And beyond the obvious reasons of more time for ourselves, our families--our worlds (and things we love)--it's also the perfect excuse opportunity for food, fun and a bit 'o entertaining.  

This weekend will be an especially prime opportunity for said pleasures as we prepare to bid farewell to the Summer Olympics for another four years.  I'm sharing a few links from around the web to make your weekend something special whether you opt to go it alone or enjoy with others.

So here's to the weekend...and, as always, to Happy Eating!

Have fun with dessert and throw a BYOP (Bring Your Own Pie) Social! (bonappetit.com) 

Wind down (or up!) with some great tunes.  Create your own mix or sample Tory Burch's Summer Getaway Playlist for variety. (ToryBurch.com)

Sleep in--and afterwards enjoy a decadent brunch. (MarthaStewart.com)

Make a date for afternoon tea at a local hotel or tea parlor!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2021 Highlights

 

I gave myself the grace to remain in a Happy New Year state of mind for the entire month of January.  And so, here I am on the final day (my how time flies!!), sharing my perennial recap of the year gone by.  So before January is a distant memory, let me get on with the D.M.R. Fine Foods highlights of 2021, despite it being another challenging and fulfilling year-in-one.  

I embraced every wave of energy, inspiration, occasion and celebration to make the most of my passions and share them with you.  I’m always grateful for each and every person who shares this journey with me and appreciate every opportunity to make it worth your while.

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite highlights of 2021:

Food

2021 brought more home cooking, as I relished long-time favorites and new recipes, alike. From Creole Jambalaya, to Peach Shortcakes, Peach Crisp, Skillet Cornbread, Stuffing Biscuits, and more, it was nothing short of happy eating on full display. 

Travel

I eased back onto the travel scene with a mix of staycation/short road trips, to quickie flights to Ft. Lauderdale and NYC, a Caribbean getaway to Aruba, and a final jaunt to Las Vegas, replete with the Christmas aura I love to experience during holiday season travels. You can check out my quick and fun travel recap here.

Lifestyle

One of the biggest highlights of the year was being selected as a 2021 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker! Can you say awe-mazing?!  It truly was and no less exciting being honored a second time around, following my 2018 BHG Stylemaker selection.  An exceptionally curated two-day event, marked by the best brands and authorities across the lifestyle spectrum, the BHG Stylemaker team and my fellow Stylemakers made for another unforgettable hallmark in my journey to date and a welcomed nod that my contributions matter.

Collaborations

Finally, I enjoyed the privilege of once again collaborating with fellow culinary creators as we hosted the Juneteenth Virtual Cookout, replete with a bevy of recipes, stories and celebration around the theme of freedom and what it means to Black Americans.  I additionally enjoyed the honor of sharing more about what Juneteenth means to me on the Stasherbag instagram platform for the (now federal) holiday commemoration. Other collaborations with high fashion brand Marcell Von Berlin and America's Test Kitchen were also a delight.

All in all, I remain grateful for the blessings God continued to bestow on me, even as we continue to navigate the “new normal” in food, hospitality—and life, as a whole.  As a final reminder, the archives are always available for you to dig in and devour D.M.R. Fine Foods through the years. :)

Thank you again for being here and here’s to a blessed, healthy, and prosperous 2022!

xx,

Dawn

{Eat.Drink.Shop.}: London's Borough Market

I was truly blessed to begin the new year indulging in one of my favorite passions: travel.  Returning to two of my best-loved destinations, Paris (my absolute favorite!) and London, for a winter vacation getaway was nothing short of thrilling, invigorating, and pure, unadulterated joy.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may recall me sharing a few photo highlights from my journey.  And because there's never enough time to share everything when you're in the moment, I will continue to share my most special moments and memories in the days ahead.  

To kick things off, today's post is dedicated to London's superbly fabulous Borough Market.  To say it's my kind of place is an understatement of grand proportions.  As soon as I arrived, I smiled broadly and deeply and took in as much of this treasure as I could before heading off to my appointment across town for Afternoon Tea (but we'll save that for another post.)  

My first encounter at the market was a full-on cooking demonstration with a menu of roast duck with baked heritage carrots and whole roast celeriac--not too shabby.  Had it not been for the lunch of gourmet fish and chips I had just consumed before arriving, I would have been all over that duck. :)  Thankfully, I was able to snag a copy of the recipes for my own keeping and relishing, and I have every intention of recreating those delicacies in my kitchen.

The market combined the best of outdoor gourmet food purveyors (think endless varieties of freshly baked breads, cheeses, chocolate truffles, ciders--I warmed myself with a scrumptious apple cider--fresh fruits, and so much more) with quaint eateries serving up the best in seafood, coffee, chocolate, and so on, to a specialty kitchen shop, bakery school, fresh flower market and more!  There was literally something for everyone and every taste.  And bringing it all together were the fabulous views of astounding architecture, both old and modern, that surrounded me, to inspire even heightened wanderlust.  

I could truly envision myself spending untold hours taking in this foodie mecca if London were my home--or at least if I had more time to spare while visiting.  But, alas, that's what repeat visits are for, no?  

A perfect view of the London Shard: purported as the tallest building in Western Europe

I don't imagine any future jaunts to London will be complete without a visit to Borough Market.  Without a doubt, it represented the epitome of...

Happy Eating & Happy Travels!