When you're a parent, going out to a fancy dinner sans babies is a luxury. Don't get me wrong, we love taking our girls out to eat all around town - but not having to worry about whether they will eat their meal (or, instead, their crayons) is nice, too. And when you get to do it at Truluck's, it feels extra-luxurious. The ambiance is just right for a nice night out, and every person who spoke with us was delightful (shout-out to August, our fantastic server!). And when we realized that the music being played wasn't canned, but in fact a live singer/pianist, that was the icing on the cake. We started our "Summer of 92" menu experience with a fun FIFA-inspired cocktail featuring Don Julio 1942 anejo (peep that cute dragonfruit soccer ball garnish!), and a king crab that must have been the size of our table once upon a time. Seriously, that could have been the meal. So sweet, so meaty, it didn't even need the sauces - just a hit of lemon juice and we were good to go.  Next, we dug into some jumbo shrimp and stone fruit-burrata salad - y'know, as second starters. Just right for a summertime dinner in DC. And, a side note here - I often find stone fruit to be sadly watery and tasteless at restaurants, but these nectarines tasted juicy and fruity and just like, well, nectarines. Definitely a plus. We polished off a filet with the crab truffle butter on the side - because, well, we just had to, y'know? Along with a perfectly seared tuna with the lobster tempura add-on. Not pictured: ...well, we had some delicious slices of chocolate and carrot cake, but after all the eating we did, we didn't have it for dessert, we had it for breakfast the next morning.  If you're looking for a date-night restaurant with steakhouse vibes but lots of seafood on the menu...this is your spot. And don't miss their pre-fixe summer menu while it's still being offered. 

Westfield Montgomery has been a part of the DMV since 1968 which means it has been around longer than most of us, and has outlasted every retail trend, every economic cycle, and yes, even a pandemic. Originally opened as Montgomery Mall with Hecht's, Garfinckel's, and Sears as anchors, it became Westfield Montgomery in 1993 and has been evolving ever since. Fifty-eight years. That's not a mall. That's a Maryland institution. I know this because I grew up with it. When my kids were little, Westfield Montgomery was our spot. We'd meet friends there, have lunch at Nordstrom, and let the kids run around until everyone was sufficiently tired and the grown-ups could justify a little shopping. That was a long time ago. Now my kids are all grown, and I find myself back at Westfield Montgomery, this time for the food. And the shopping, obviously, because shopping works up an appetite. The two go hand in hand. Here's how I do it. First Stop, Always: Nespresso The moment I walk in, I make a beeline for the Nespresso store. I replenish my pod sleeves, ogle the newest machines, and — pro tip — get a coffee. Did you know you can sip on their latest offering while you browse? You can. It's the best possible way to start before hitting the stores. A little caffeine, a little inspiration, and suddenly that new Vertuo machine looks very reasonable. Let's Shop For Her (Me!) Akira — If you want fashion-forward and fun, Akira is your store. It's the kind of place where you walk in for one thing and leave with a whole look. Bold cuts and pieces that actually make you feel something. Calzedonia — The Italian brand that does legwear and swimwear like nobody else. Their tights alone are worth the trip, and their swimsuit selection is genuinely beautiful. A sleeper hit in the mall that more people need to know about. J.Crew — A classic for a reason. Great basics, excellent denim, and the kind of pieces that earn their place in your closet for years. I always find something here that I didn't know I needed. Tory Burch — For when you want to feel pulled together without trying too hard. The bags and  the accessories are my fave. A total treat. For Him Mango — European style at very accessible prices. Mango does menswear with clean lines and pieces that look considerably more expensive than they are. A solid stop. Psycho Bunny — If the person in your life has a good sense of humor and great taste, this is his store. The polos alone are a conversation starter. UNTUCKit — Built specifically for wearing untucked, which sounds like a small thing until you've tried one. The fit is just right, the shirts are sharp, and they solve a problem that every guy didn't know he had. Excellent gift option, too. For the Home Arhaus — If you're furnishing or refreshing a space, Arhaus is worth a serious look. Beautiful, well-made furniture with real character,  the kind of pieces that anchor a room. I always end up spending more time in here than I plan. LoveSac — Their famous Sactionals are endlessly configurable sectional sofas, and once you sit in one you will understand the hype. Warning: you will not want to get up. Beauty Sephora — The gold standard. Everything you need, every brand you want, and staff who knows what they're talking about.  L'Occitane en Provence — For when you want to feel like you've been to the south of France without leaving Bethesda. The hand creams, the body oils, the skincare, it all smells extraordinary and performs even better. I never leave empty-handed. A Little Wellness While You're There Because shopping is better when you're feeling your best, and Westfield Montgomery has you covered on that front too. Brow Art 23 — Get your brows done right and you'll look more put-together without changing a single thing about your outfit.  Inspire Nail Bar — A proper pedicure mid-mall-trip is one of life's underrated pleasures. Relax Station — A chair massage between Nordstrom and wherever you're headed next? Your back will thank you and you'll shop better for it. Now Let's Eat Here's where Westfield Montgomery has genuinely leveled up. The dining at this mall is not what it used to be, and I mean that in the best possible way. This is destination dining now. Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings Michelin-recommended and worth every bit of that recognition. Nan Xiang brings Shanghainese dim sum to the Westfield dining terrace with the kind of skill and care you'd expect from a New York City original. The soup dumplings are the move. So delicate, perfectly pleated, bursting with broth.  Maman Joon Persian fast-casual done right. Beautiful presentation platters of kabobs, ghormeh sabzi, creamy hummus and fresh salads. The shirazi salad with cucumber, tomato, onion and mint is a fave.  This is the kind of cooking that makes you want to slow down and actually pay attention to what you're eating. Note! The portions are abundant.  Shiki Fusion Japanese precision meets Thai passion, and the result is something delcious. Shiki Fusion serves up delish dishes like the spiced curry puffs, The menu works beautifully any time of day. But if you can catch happy hour, do it (so many six dollar - $6!) options). The other oysters and drink specials alone make it worth planning your visit around. Gold Bunny Donuts (Closing July 9th) You are going to want a donut. Don't fight it. Gold Bunny does donuts with toppings and flavor combinations that photograph as well as they taste. Their savory-ish donuts like the everything dagel and black sesame cream are a must get and there’s a reason that the fruity milk cream is on everyone’s gram. Get one. Get two. You're shopping, you've earned it. Tea Mansion A treasure trove of teas from around the world, and wandering through the inventory is genuinely delightful. Whether you're a serious tea drinker or just curious, you'll find something you've never tried before.  Nordstrom We've been coming here since the kids were small, and Nordstrom's iced tea is one of my favorites. And We're Just Scratching the Surface The food court has more going on than you might expect, with global options ranging from ramen to bagels (keep an eye out for Esvins Bagels & Café and Kami Ramen Bar, both newer additions worth knowing about). And before you leave, stop into Läderach Chocolatier Suisse — a Swiss chocolate shop that takes its craft extremely seriously. Pick up a box. You're welcome. Westfield Montgomery is at 7101 Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda. Visit westfield.com/montgomery for hours, a full directory, and current offers. See you there. I'll be the one at Nespresso.

If you are looking for a reason to trade city noise for mountain air, let me point you toward Crimson Lane Vineyards in Delaplane, Virginia. This place feels almost cinematic from the moment you arrive. Founded by husband-and-wife team Tom and Deanna Herrity, Crimson Lane was more than a decade in the making. Tom spent years searching for the right property before finding this dramatic mountainside site overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Deanna, an interior designer, helped shape the stunning tasting room and hospitality experience, while winemaker Dominick Fioresi, whose background includes working alongside Virginia wine legend Jim Law at Linden Vineyards, brings serious credibility and intention to the wines themselves. Recently, during a rainy weekend, we traded city drizzle for a misty drive into Virginia wine country, and it could not have been a more perfect reset. The winding ride out to Delaplane feels transportive. We even made a quick stop at Red Truck Bakery for some necessary road-trip provisions before continuing on our way. We arrived to a warm welcome and glasses of bubbles before settling into seats directly in front of the tasting room's massive windows. Beyond them, fog draped itself across the mountains, creating a view so beautiful it almost looked staged. While we sipped and chatted, we learned more about the vineyard, the property, and the winemaking philosophy. Crimson Lane feels very much a part of Virginia wine country's exciting evolution, a place where thoughtful hospitality and a strong sense of place are just as important as what's in the glass. We opted for the tasting a mix of whites & reds and soon, the generous charcuterie and cheese board arrived, and we happily worked our way through the lineup. The Sauvignon Blanc was bright and refreshing. The Albariño practically begged for a seafood tower. And then there was the Parral, which quickly became the crowd favorite at our table. What I appreciated most was the balance. These wines felt approachable without sacrificing character. Of course, some of my favorite travel memories are never really about the wine alone. They're about the company you keep while enjoying it. Sitting with friends, watching the rain move across the mountains, grazing from the charcuterie board, debating favorite pours, and having absolutely nowhere else to be for a few hours. That's the kind of luxury I appreciate more and more these days. Eventually, the rain let up just enough for us to wander the property. We strolled among the vines, snapped photos and took in the rolling landscape. Good wine is easy enough to find. Beautiful scenery isn't particularly rare. But when you combine both with genuine hospitality and a setting that encourages you to slow down that's when a place becomes worth remembering. Crimson Lane is that kind of place. Looking for an excuse to spend an afternoon with people you enjoy, Crimson Lane Vineyards is absolutely worth the drive.

A recent birthday dinner at the newly opened Ox & Olive and if you must know, Chef Ryan Ratino and his team have created something very special in the heart of Georgetown. The evening begins with the Beef Sommelier guiding guests through the various cuts, aging programs, ranches, and flavor profiles. For someone like me, who is insatiably curious, this is exactly the kind of conversation I am here for and it immediately sets the tone for the experience. The old Reverie space has been transformed from austere minimalism into something far more opulent and luxe. I am just a tiny bit obsessed with the water “glasses” and yes, later in the meal, you get to choose your own knife. Then there is the menu itself. A little theatrical and incredibly indulgent. The mini brisket hot dogs absolutely deserved the hype. Juicy, savory, tucked into pillowy milk bread and yes, we added caviar because have we met?! Watching Chef Ryan and his team work the line is part of the experience. The kitchen moves with quiet intensity. I will never not order a wedge salad, especially one topped with fried quail eggs. And then came the Tennessee Angus. The Beef Sommelier encouraged us in that direction and we are very glad he did. Beautifully marbled, rich without feeling heavy, exactly the kind of steak that reminds you why steakhouses became institutions in the first place. Also, while technically only available at the bar, the smashburger absolutely needed to happen. I honestly could not tell you every component on it because I was too busy enjoying it, but I can tell you I ordered fresh horseradish on the side and would happily do it again tomorrow. And finally, the carrot cake everyone has been talking about. Hive Hospitality somehow brings a sense of joyful whimsy to even the most serious dishes. Between the dry aging room, the thoughtful service, and the warm birthday cookie arriving straight from the oven, Ox & Olive feels less like a traditional steakhouse and more like a modern expression of celebration dining. Absolutely worth experiencing.

We started at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria New York, settling into Peacock Alley where it’s still very much a see and be seen situation. Yes, I ordered the $35 martini. Yes, it was followed by wagyu pigs in a blanket. Dinner that night was at Le Veau d'Or—the historic Upper East Side French bistro brought back to life by Lee Hansonand Riad Nasr. We were greeted like old friends by Erica Cantley and tucked into a back booth with a perfect view of the room. Ryan guided us through it all, pommes soufflées, caviar rouge à la crème, and a chicken with morels that did not hold back on the butter. Day two started with a cortado from For Five Coffee Roasters, we went because someone said the prices were “unhinged.” They are. The coffee is excellent. Lucky us, we got tickets to the Tony nominated The Death of a Salesman with Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf, intense, and incredibly well done. Dinner that night was at Shukette. Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja delivers bold, vibrant flavors, the hummus alone is worth the reservation. (Also: soft serve. Obviously.) We ended the night with cocktails at Martiny's. Monday brought us to The Chef's Assembly, thoughtful conversations and a lot of familiar faces. The panel The Cookbook Journey, moderated by Joshua David Stein, featured Hawa Hassan, Santiago Lastra, Ella Quittner, Hillary Sterling, and Nok Suntaranon, a smart, engaging look at the stories behind the books. Also caught Tom Sietsema leading a panel on restaurants as the “third space,” with Talia Berman, Jacob Cross, Johno Morisano, and Jill Tyler. We slipped out for a walk through Little Island before heading to the Culinary Institute of America event, where Amber Pfau was celebrated on her appointment to the board. The evening was hosted by Spike Mendelsohn, with Kwame Onwuachi among those honored. And then a quiet morning walk through Central Park before heading home. A lot in a few days. Exactly how I like it.

If you haven’t been to National Landing lately, here’s the thing, you don’t know it anymore. What used to feel like a commuter corridor between Crystal City and Pentagon City has been completely reimagined into National Landing. This walkable neighborhood has been reimagined for how we actually want to work, live & play. And at the center of it all? Crystal Drive. This is not a “pop in, pop out” situation. This is a wander, sip, snack, repeat kind of place. The kind of neighborhood where you come for one thing and somehow end up staying for three hours. Where to Eat & Drink Let’s start here, because this is what’s really driving the energy on Crystal Drive right now. You can build a full crawl here without repeating yourself, moving from cocktails to full meals, all within a few blocks. Start at Bar Chinois. Cocktails and dumplings are the move. Soup dumplings, chili oil wontons, bao, all coming out hot. Drinks lean citrusy with a little heat and the room keeps the energy up. Right nearby, Bar Colline shifts the tone. French bistro classics like steak frites, onion soup, and a proper burger. This is where you slow down, order a glass or a bottle, and stay a while. Then there’s NiHao from the Peter Chang family. This is your anchor stop. The menu is built for sharing; the famous scallion pancakes, the crispy, wood-fired Peking duck, do not skip the dry-fired eggplant or the tofu skin salad. The table fills up fast and you figure it out as you go. Layer in spots like Queen Mother’s Kitchen for spicy fried chicken, Surreal for creative takes on familiar dishes, Good Stuff Eatery for a big ol’burger, and Tacombi when tacos and aguas frescas are the move. Toastique covers your smoothies, juices, and lighter daytime options. And then there's the Water Bar at the Water Park. Raw bar, seafood, cocktails, and a view over the park. This is where you land when you’re done moving and ready to stay awhile — see more below. Coffee & Pastry Break One thing National Landing gets very right? Daytime. You don’t have to commit to a full meal here. There are enough strong coffee and pastry stops to build into your day and keep moving. Start at Daydrift Coffee. It’s part café, part bookstore, part hangout. The coffee program is thoughtful, with drinks like pandan matcha and pistachio honey lattes. But the move is the egg sandwich, custard-y eggs, melted cheese, all on a roll that holds up. Easy to settle in here longer than planned. And Colada Shop is where you lean into Cuban flavors. Start with a cortado or café con leche, grab a guava cheese pastry, and don’t skip the Cubano (roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mustard, pressed until crisp). If you’re still around later, the patio and rum cocktails are always a good idea. Then there’s Tatte Bakery & Cafe. A chain, yes, but always consistent. Go for the pastries like the pistachio croissants, the kouign-amann, anything buttery, really.  The shakshuka holds its own and the sandwiches are served on house-baked bread. WHERE TO SHOP (AND YES, THIS IS PART OF THE PLAN) This is where Crystal Drive quietly wins, it’s curated and it fits into the flow of the day. Oh, Flight Wine Shop. Owned by Swati Bose and Kabir Amir (of the former Flight Wine Bar), this is a bottle shop built around discovery. The selection leans small-production and minimal-intervention, and the staff will actually guide you to something you didn’t know you wanted. You can build your entire night for later. Cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish, pantry snacks, it’s all there. Walk out with a bottle and everything you need for a night of sips and noshes. Plant people, this is your spot. PLNTR, from husband-and-wife duo James Beach and Caitlin Tuttle, goes way beyond your typical plant shop. Yes, you can shop for everything from tiny greens to big statement plants, but you can also get your hands dirty with terrarium builds, repotting classes, and seasonal workshops. It’s equal parts shop and experience, and it’s hard to leave. And don’t skip Daydrift (mentioned above) for their  curated selection of literary fiction and bestsellers. So much browsing to do. If you need a bit of a glow-up, there’s the Drybar National Landing for a quick blowout, and sit for a quick mani/pedi at Nailsaloon  WHERE TO WALK (OR BIKE IT OFF) Crystal Drive is built for wandering, and so is the Mount Vernon Trail which runs about 18 miles along the Potomac River, stretching from George Washington’s Mount Vernon up to Theodore Roosevelt Island. From National Landing, it’s so easy: Head north → views of DC and bridges Head south → Alexandria and quieter stretches It’s flat, paved, and built for walking, running, or biking. Easy to make this a natural extension of the day. The Water Park,  The Anchor This is the anchor at National Landing. The Water Park is an open-air park built around a central water feature, with a stage and plenty of green space and seating. It works as an outdoor food hall with the the ability to sit and sty or grab and go. but feels more like a place to settle in. The kiosk lineup is amazing. Grab a burrito from Monstera, a drink from Spot of Tea, or mix and match across Call Your Mother, Falafel Inc., PhoWheels, Queen Mother’s, DC Dosa, Dolci Gelati, and more. And then there’s the upstairs move, The Water Bar. Water Bar sits right on top of the park’s water wall, looking out over the fountain and everything happening below. It’s a full service restaurant and bar with a focus on seafood and a solid raw bar. Think oysters, lobster rolls, crab cakes, lobster mac and cheese, cocktails all with a view, and this is where you land and after a few rounds you are probably staying.  IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PROGRAMMING  At the Water Park at National Landing, the programming is what turns it from a place you pass through into somewhere you actually want to plan around. Pink Beats is currently wrapping up on Thursdays. It featured  Outdoor DJ sets and a built-in happy hour crowd.   Live Music + Seasonal Activations: As the weather warms up, you’ll see more casual programming from live music, small pop-ups, and community events that keep the space active. Daytime Use (Don’t Overlook It): During the day, it’s a completely different vibe, coffee in hand, people working, meeting, passing through. It works just as well at 11am as it does at 7pm. If you time it right, you’re walking into something already happening.   National Landing, so easy to Work. Live. & Play.

Sometimes you just need to get out of town for a minute, and an overnight in Charm City can absolutely hit the spot. Baltimore has long been known for its world-famous, filler-free crab cakes and that iconic Orange Crush, but the food scene here goes way beyond the classics. The neighborhoods each bring their own personality, from the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to the creative energy in Remington and the cultural hub of Mount Vernon. Toss in pit beef, Berger cookies, historic markets, and a thriving restaurant scene, and Baltimore is always a good idea. On this quick trip, we packed a lot into about twenty hours. First stop after driving in was Pink Flamingo. I’ve been hearing so much about this tropical rum bar in Remington from Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy, the team behind Dutch Courage. The cocktail list is serious, but the vibe is all fun. I ordered the Fire Blend with tequila, blood orange, Calabrian chili honey, lime, and a spiced rim. If you know me, you know cocktails can sometimes be a little too sweet for my taste, but this one had just the right balance of heat, citrus, and spice. What surprised me most were the snacks. The Spam chips with onion dip? Ridiculously good and exactly the kind of bar bite you want with a great drink. From there we checked into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, which I hadn’t visited in a while. It’s still a fantastic place to stay. Centrally located, recently refreshed, and perfect for a quick Baltimore basecamp. Before dinner we popped into La Jetée, Spike Gjerde’s new brasserie, and grabbed seats at the bar for a glass of wine. Sometimes the best travel tip is chatting with the bartender, and this one happily pointed us toward the must-order dishes at our dinner spot. Dinner that night was at Marta in Butchers Hill, Chef Matthew Oetting’s intimate Italian restaurant. We leaned into some of the standout dishes starting with the butter board, which is exactly as indulgent as it sounds. The steak tartare, punctuated with beets and finished with pistachio and the Caesar salad arrived topped with delicate curls of Parmesan. Lastly, we shared the tagliatelle tartufo with housemade pasta, truffle cream, preserved truffles, and Parmesan zabaglione. Perfect evening for a cozy dinner.  But a nightcap was calling. So we headed to Southpaw, a neighborhood favorite just off the beaten path in Fells Point owned by veteran bartender Doug Atwell. It was a cold, rainy night and the hot toddy I was served was exactly what I needed. Warmed me up  and the kind of bar where you immediately feel like a regular. Back to the Monaco for a good night’s sleep. The next morning we had plans for a walk, but the weather had other ideas. That did not stop the pastry tour. First stop was Cafe Dear Leon in Canton. This family-run bakery by Cheolsoo Lee, Sungae Lee, and Min Kim has a devoted following and once you see the pastry case you understand why. We ordered … a lot. One of the best ways to judge a bakery is by its ham and cheese croissant and this one absolutely delivered. But the real star was the crab dip stuffed bagel. Think soft inside, crispy outside, and filled with creamy crab dip with a little Old Bay kick. There’s a reason it’s gone viral. The bakery posts its daily bake schedule online, so if you want their black sesame cream pastry or that crab bagel, you have to check ahead. Snooze and you definitely lose. And of course I wasn’t stopping at just one bakery. Next up was Sacré Sucré in Fells Point. Founded by Manuel Sanchez and Dane Thibodeaux, this charming Parisian-style pâtisserie specializes in beautifully laminated pastries. Naturally we left with boxes to bring home. The oat scone was lovely, the lemon brioche filled with yuzu curd was bright and citrusy, and my favorite was the crookie, part croissant, part chocolate chip cookie, and exactly as good as it sounds. So if you’ve got less than twenty-four hours and need a quick escape, Baltimore has you covered. Come with me next time. I’ll show you where to go.

David and I needed a little overnight escape, so we pointed the car south and decided to explore a bit of Virginia. The plan was simple. Head to Charlottesville, make a few delicious stops along the way, and then continue on to Richmond before circling back home. In about twenty four hours we packed in a lot of eating, drinking, and wandering. Our first stop was Barboursville Vineyards. It had been a minute since my last visit and I’m happy to report the vineyard absolutely still delivers. Established in 1976 by Italy’s Zonin family, the historic estate sits near the ruins designed by Thomas Jefferson for Governor James Barbour. Italian winemaker Luca Paschina, who has led the winery since 1990, helped pioneer Vitis vinifera in the region and the wines here remain some of Virginia’s most celebrated. It was a beautiful day to sit outside overlooking the vines and work our way through a tasting. I started with the Blanc de Noir 2015, followed by the Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2024 and the Allegrante Rosé 2024. When it came time for reds I leaned into the Barbera Reserve 2023, the Nebbiolo Reserve 2022, and of course the flagship Octagon 2021. A generous board of charcuterie and cheeses made the perfect companion to both the wines and the view. Before leaving we walked over to the Barboursville ruins, the historic Jefferson designed mansion that burned in 1884. The stone remains are preserved and you can wander around the site which feels both peaceful and fascinating. It’s one of those small Virginia moments that reminds you how much history is tucked into the landscape. From there we continued our drive to The Doyle Hotel in downtown Charlottesville. The building used to be a Cork Hotel so it maintains a bit of quirky charm, but the refreshed interiors are warm and welcoming. One of the first things that caught my eye was the large art installation in the lobby by Erin McIntosh. The quilted leaf installation titled Invasive Queer Kudzu features stitched quotes and sayings and was created as a collaborative project for Southern queers and their allies. It’s a striking piece and worth taking a moment to really look at. We dropped our bags and headed out to stretch our legs on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country. The entire stretch is lined with shops, restaurants, and music spilling out onto the street. It was a gorgeous afternoon and the whole area felt lively. The Shenandoah National Park Trust Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival was in town, so people were everywhere. Of course we popped into Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar because you know me and tea. The bohemian space has more than forty varieties of loose leaf tea and a wonderfully eclectic vibe. I ordered a Silver Peony, perfectly steeped and refreshing, before we headed back to the hotel to change for the evening. Next stop was the Speakeasy + Whiskey Bar at The Doyle, where we had heard about bartender Joel Cuellar. The space is large but still intimate and the whole concept revolves around Joel creating cocktails based on what you like. There isn’t really a menu. You simply tell him what you’re in the mood for and he goes to work. It’s the kind of place where regulars clearly come back again and again. Dinner that night was at Smyrna in Charlottesville where Chef Tarik Sengul is cooking refined Aegean and Turkish cuisine with the benefit of classical French training. On a Saturday night the room was buzzing. We started with the homemade farmer’s bread and a trio of meze that included charred eggplant, hummus, and a yogurt goat cheese dip. That charred eggplant ended up slathered all over the bread and it was exactly the start we needed. I was craving something green so the market greens salad arrived piled high with Manakintowne herbs and brightened with white anchovies in lemon vinaigrette. The Raki Balik featured thick slabs of meaty hamachi with Meyer lemon and we also shared the chicken ballotine, who doesn’t love a stuffed deboned half chicken with lemon confit?  Juicy and satisfying. Back at the hotel I did what I often do when traveling and asked for a tea kettle. After a full evening of eating there is something lovely about ending the night with a quiet cup of tea before bed. The next morning we went walking! First stop was Shenandoah Joe’s for coffee. Everyone told us it was the best coffee in Charlottesville and they may be right. Established in 1993, the small batch roaster hand roasts more than twenty five varieties of Arabica beans. I ordered a cortado which is just enough milk to soften the coffee but still let the flavor shine. Coffee in hand we joined the line at Cou Cou Rachou, the French bakery from pastry chef Rachel De Jong, formerly of The Inn at Little Washington. Waiting in line turned into a pleasant chat with locals who happily told us their favorite pastries. When we finally reached the counter we ordered the Hamembert sandwich on spelt and wheat sourdough baguette filled with ham, Camembert cheese, and grainy mustard. I added a side of cornichons for seventy five cents because why not. Into the pastry box went a savory cheese twist, a potato and cheese tart, a chocolate crinkle cookie, and a beignet filled with pastry cream that immediately delivered a sugar rush. We walked over to Dairy Market, Charlottesville’s lively food hall with local vendors, bowling at Sun Pins, and plenty of room to wander. I also found a clothing shop called Quattro Tizi where I wanted nearly everything on the racks. Given the amount of pastry I had just eaten, trying on clothes felt like a risky move, so we kept walking. Soon enough it was time to head to Richmond. We didn’t have long there but I was thrilled to meet up with one of my college roommates who lives in town. Our first stop was Sub Rosa Bakery, the beloved wood fired bakery founded by siblings Evrim and Evin Dogu. The bakery mills its own organic grains in house and focuses on naturally leavened breads and pastries made with local ingredients. What’s one more ham and cheese croissant at this point. And the Shortbread cookies dotted with pistachios were too tempting to leave behind. Our final stop was The Roosevelt, where Executive Chef Leah Branch leads the kitchen with inventive Southern cooking influenced by Appalachian traditions and African American culinary history. We grabbed seats at the bar, always one of my favorite places in any restaurant. We started with a thick slab of cornbread with whipped maple butter and followed it with the Munster en croute, a brick of Munster cheese wrapped in delicate filo dough and baked until crisp outside and melting inside. It was perfect slathered onto those fluffy biscuits. The barbecue spiced chicken wings with Alabama white sauce came out hot and crisp with juicy meat that snapped right off the bone. There were plenty of things on the menu I wanted to try, but after nearly a full day of eating we had to pace ourselves. We heard a lot about the burger with rooster sauce and bacon jam so of course we ordered it andt our bartender suggested Mike’s Yock, a ramen style bowl with noodles, pork belly, hot pickles in a  pork and chicken broth. He was right. It was fantastic. The cheese grits, made with grits from Sub Rosa across the street, were creamy and so cheesy.. For dessert we shared the Cheerwine cake, a classic yellow cake topped with frosting made from the cherry flavored North Carolina soda. So if you’re thinking about a quick Virginia road trip and have about twenty four hours, Charlottesville and Richmond can deliver a lot of delicious moments. Next time in Charlottesville I have my eye on Black Cow Chophouse, Feast, and Gearharts for chocolate. And in Richmond I’m hoping to visit Lafayette Tavern,, Slack Tide Fish Co., and Mama J’s Kitchen. Come with me next time. We’ll eat our way through it.

I’ve only been to Jamaica once before, and that was a classic resort stay in Montego Bay, so this trip marked my first time in Negril, and specifically the West End. A quick heads-up: if you arrive on a Friday, island traffic is very real. It takes time to get where you’re going, but trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it. Arrived! Night One: We stayed on the rocky cliffs at a new residential property called West Signature, located in the West End of Negril. It’s not a hotel, it is a thoughtfully designed residential community that blends island living with sweeping views of Jamaica’s coastline. Our apartment was beautifully appointed: lots of space, a fully stocked kitchen, a large king-size bed, a pull-down dining table, and the cherry on top, a gorgeous patio with water views for days. And right on the property? Syd’s on the Rocks, which quickly became our anchor. Once we arrived and unpacked (yes, I unpack everything before vacation officially begins), we headed upstairs to Syd’s on the Rocks. We were greeted by Paul with a very boozy rum punch and front-row seats to watch the sun dip below the horizon. (Swing seat for me). We snacked on cod-fritters and fried plantains, before being seated for a welcome meal crafted by Chef Kimsan Austin. As we settled in for dinner, we had the chance to spend time with Sydney Watson, the owner of Syd’s on the Rocks. Jamaican born and raised, Sydney is remarkably young and already leaving an outsized mark. She is one of the few Jamaican women to own resort-style properties on the island, and her story, rooted in vision and pride of place is as compelling as the setting she has created. Day Two:  Day two started early with a trip to Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach. Breakfast was at Miss Lily’s at Skylark. Traditional Jamaican breakfasts for my table included a bowl of sweet porridge, dense banana bread toasted and slathered with butter and The Jamaican Special (I mean, obviously)—> steamed callaloo, sweet plantain, ackee & codfish. And I had my first-ever Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee experience. Renowned for its mild flavor profile with almost no bitterness, it’s subtly sweet with hints of chocolate. It absolutely does not disappoint. Fueled up, we ditched the coverups and spent a couple of hours soaking up the sun Negril’s famous white sand beach. Later that day, we stopped at Three Dives for a traditional Jamaican lunch of jerk chicken and goat stew. I mean that is the kind of meal that tells you exactly where you are. Not one to sit around, we then went on to Rick’s Café. It’s an iconic spot that everyone talks about. It’s a total scene, booming music, boozy cocktails, and people jumping off those very high cliffs. We watched the sunset there amid all the action. Next stop: Ivan’s for a quieter, more reserved cocktail and cliffside scene. Then it was back to Syd’s on the Rocks for another on of Chef San’s dinner that blends Puerto Rican and Jamaican flavors, and this time we leaned all the way in: Whole fried snapper, the sweet plantains and the twice-fried green plantains and the rice and peas (always). But the standout? The Puerto Rican lasagna, a braised and pulled jerk short rib layered with cheese and plantains. Save room.   Final Day: Wah! On our last day, we headed back to Miss Lily’s for more sun and those gorgeous turquoise waters. We walked along Seven Mile Beach, greeted by good music and those unmistakable Negril vibes. That night, we returned to Syd’s one last time, snacking on those addictive plantain chips with a glass of rosé while watching the sunset yet again. Dinner followed at Rockhouse Hotel, right next door to Syd’s. We simply walked over and settled into one of their cliffside coves. Dinner included Caribbean lobster and (yes) more delicious rice and peas, with the ocean crashing underneath us.   Back Home (and Dreaming of Negril) Now, back home, staring out at dreary weather, all I really want is to be looking out from West Signature, boozy rum punch in hand, watching the sun set over the cliffs at Syd’s on the Rocks.

If you want to see a city quickly—really see it—come walk and eat (and drink) with me. Nashville is one of those cities everyone thinks they know. You know: bachelorette parties on Broadway, honky-tonks blasting music from morning to night. And sure, that has its place. But Nashville is so much more now, rich with history, and increasingly exciting on the food and cocktail front. Nicknamed the “Athens of the South” (yes, that Parthenon—don’t judge my wobbly cartwheel), Nashville really does blend its deep musical roots with its famous, classic Southern hospitality. I was only in town for 48 hours, but boy did I get a taste. I landed in Nashville for a very specific reason: to see Holly Graham of World’s 50 Best Tokyo Confidential at a pop-up at Silo in the Canopy by Hilton Nashville in The Gulch (perfectly located). The lobby was transformed into a disco-ball–decked, Tokyo vibe. Award-winning bartender Holly Graham brought her Tokyo Confidential knowledge and techniques. The standout for me? A Kara-gerita—a blend of tequila, mezcal, jalapeño, shio koji, and washed in chicken fat (yes, chicken fat). Dinner that first night was at Etch Nashville with Chef Deb Paquette, a true national icon and one of the first women in Tennessee certified as an executive chef. And of course, it was my first night, you know I was going to Broadway. I am not a total snob! You have to. Everyone has their honky-tonk of choice. We went to Friends in Low Places, started upstairs in the private club, and the beat of Frankie Rae & the Canyon Band brought us down to the main floor for a night of great music.   Day 1: Put on Your Walking Shoes! 8 miles | 24,000+ steps After a fitful night of sleep (those Canopy beds are so comfortable!) out on the town we went. Breakfast was a choose-your-own-adventure situation: Five Daughters Bakery (those donuts) and a stop at the Goo Goo Shop to make my own Goo Goo Cluster. If you know, you know. We walked down to Vanderbilt University and wandered our way around the gorgeous campus. I toured the historic Hermitage Hotel, because if you’re going to understand Nashville, you need a visit to this classic. Late lunch and much-needed hydration came courtesy of SS Gai Street Thai—grilled peanuts, pounded charred eggplant, and that Southern fried chicken. Also, fresh coconut water straight from the coconut. Exactly what my body needed. Back to the hotel for a quick costume change, then we kicked off the evening with a stop at Bad Idea, and let’s be honest, starting with a Bad Idea is always a good idea. Gorgeous cocktails, smart wine list. I was thrilled to finally sit up at the bar at Peninsula. The Iberian-leaning menu is thoughtful and playful, and that Spanish tortilla? So creamy, sitting under a brûléed top. Chef Jake Howell’s James Beard award so well-deserved. Day 2: Not as Much Walking, but a Whole Lot of Eating - 20,000+ steps We woke up bright and early and walked our way over to Baby Chan for a variety of their baked goods. Obsessed with the curry egg tart with Japanese curry chili crisp and the chocolate cookie with seaweed and sesame. Knowing we had a 2 p.m. lunch, we rushed back to the Canopy for a quick wardrobe change and headed to the 12 South neighborhood. It’s one of Nashville’s most charming areas, dotted with boutiques, murals, coffee shops, and great restaurants... like... Locust by Chef Trevor Moran, where we had lunch and truly one of the best meals I had in 2025. The intimate dining room is situated around the open kitchen. It’s almost dinner (lunch) and a show as you marvel at the chef and team deftly taking care of each table with incredibly smart dishes. Bubbles (a Crémant) started our meal, followed by house-canned sardines, caviar with anchovies, and a playful beef tartare where you made your own hand roll. All dishes were precise but not precious. Dessert sealed it: it looked like a soufflé, but milk + egg + ice— the perfect finish. Later that evening, we started with a pre-dinner cocktail at Four Walls, followed by bubbles at Geist (holiday market vibes were everywhere). You can’t go to Nashville and not stop at Henrietta Red, which we did for another snack before being spoiled rotten by Chef Matt Atkinson & the team at the gorgeous The Patterson House. Before jetting out of town, we snagged a cappuccino from Frothy Monkey and made our way to the airport. Nashville isn’t one thing anymore—and that’s what makes it exciting. In 48 hours, I walked more than 44,000 steps, ate incredibly well, had a drink or two, and barely scratched the surface. If you want to see a city fast? Walk. Eat. Drink. Repeat. — With me.