Lunch with Pappy

Tea at Bergdorf Goodman

Cruise breakfast with my girls

Food - for some people, it is simply a way to sustain life. For others, it is a way to REALLY sustain life. There's even a whole magazine devoted to it (foodandtravel.com)! For me, food is a way to enhance my life, and enhance my travels. I look at food as a way to relate to people, nourish others, and make others more comfortable. As Alfalfa once said to Darla in 'Little Rascals,' "While you feed my soul, I can feed your... face." When my children come home, I always make sure to take them to their favorite restaurant in town or feed them their favorite meal. My husband complains that my sister and I cook way too much for holiday family get-togethers (and it is true, we have WAY too many leftovers); But better too much than too little, right? When I'm not traveling, I'm watching any iteration of 'MasterChef,' 'Top Chef,' 'Chopped,'... I could go on, but I will spare you. Basically, I'm a foodie, and if I could stand the heat, I would work in a professional kitchen. However, I can't stand the heat unless there's a nice breeze and a pool or cocktails involved, so I enjoy cooking in my own kitchen and being spoiled in other people's kitchens!

When preparing to travel, I research food in a destination almost as much as I research the destination itself or where I'm going to stay. Part of this is out of necessity when traveling with my adult child that has Celiac disease - we MUST have gluten free options. On top of that, I want to make sure I try all the spots that locals love. The fine dining spots, the dive bars, the food carts that have the best fried foods, and maybe even the gas station that has the MOST AMAZING hot dogs you've ever had. Food enhances the travel experience. What better way to experience local culture than to go to where the locals go for food? Food is essential to life and community. Anthony Bourdain said "Food is everything we are." This is so true. When I seek out local eats, I'm getting the most authentic travel experience possible and sharing it with my friends, family, and clients.

Food makes memories. My family and I still talk about the meals we have shared during our travels more than the travels themselves sometimes, and it isn't always the 5-star experiences. Sometimes we talk about the amazing fried shrimp we had at Red's Ale House on Shem's Creek in South Carolina. It could be the meal where my husband

ordered the risotto "rice on the side" at Opus Ocean and Grill in Aruba. And, honestly, I'll never forget my late father ordering the "Tour of Duty" instead of the "Tour of Italy" and my teenage embarrassment at the local Olive Garden. Food is more than just sustenance. It is a universal language that is also a reflection of diverse cultures and traditions. Sharing food is more than just a physical act; It is an emotional experience that brings people together.

If you want to travel with a focus on food, get in touch with me today and allow me to use my passion for food and travel to help you build some powerful memories!