Stop & Go: Chicago’s Art Institute

Get Lost on a Train Series
A very worthy stop on your Chicago tour–this museum has so many iconic pieces of art, it is truly remarkable. Stop by the Bean next door to check off two of Chicago’s best spots.

DEEP Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s

Get Lost on Amtrak! A profile of the deep dish craze and the two main contenders: Lou Malnati’s & Giordano’s.

The Food Experience at Wente Vineyards

Not only is the wine superb, the food here is a marvel in it’s own right. Much of the produce is grown in Wente gardens, tended by Dianne, the hardworking, organic gardener. Chef Matt Greco works wonders from lunch, brunch or dinner. He uses the local riches of the Livermore Valley to create mouthwatering appetizers, like the Lamb Pastrami, to succulent vegetable side dishes, to wine-fed cattle and housecured salamis. The homemade breads and desserts are top notch and the wine is the icing on the food experience here.

The Wine Experience at Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards is one of the oldest and most famous in the US, so I went to the source, their stunning property in the Livermore Valley of California to find out how they make such good wines. I profile the vineyard and the signature wines of the Wente, from grape to glass style. Don’t miss one of the several Tasting Rooms or the Winemaker’s Studio where you get to play a winemaker and learn about blending wines. Special highlights include interviews with the family owners, Carolyn Wente and winemaker, Karl Wente.

A Perfect Day at Wente Vineyards

One of the most storied vineyards in the US, the Wente Vineyards property in Livermore, California is a delight to visit. From golfing during the day, grabbing lunch at the Grill to tasting in the afternoon or catching one of their legendary concerts in the evening, Wente has everything you are looking for, even if it’s just a good glass of wine or a great view.
Special highlights include interviews with the family owners, Carolyn Wente and winemaker, Karl Wente.

Landscape of Australia’s Northern Territory

Never before have I been as awestruck by the scenery the moment I stepped off the plane. I was literally blinded by the bright sun on the red earth–the landscape was rugged, dry and just incredible. Hiking up the red faced cliffs, hurtling through the thorny brush on quads and ambling past reptiles with Uluru in the distance on camels, the landscape of the Northern Territory left the biggest impact on me.
Must do: Experience the vibrant stars at the Earth Sanctuary’s educational dinner. Wow.

Meeting the Locals in Croatia

Croatia is fertile–it’s countryside is ripe with fruits, vegetables, grapes and olives, it’s forest filled with wild game and truffles and its seas teeming with the freshest fish. The islands boast stone used to build the palaces of the royals. Enjoy the local delights of Croatia with me.

Croatia’s Local, Natural Products

Croatia is fertile–it’s countryside is ripe with fruits, vegetables, grapes and olives, it’s forest filled with wild game and truffles and its seas teeming with the freshest fish. The islands boast stone used to build the palaces of the royals. Enjoy the local delights of Croatia with me.

Exploring Croatia By Bike, Boat & Foot

By bike, by foot, by boat or by car, there’s so much to explore in Croatia. Join me in our Croatia adventure