Kontrast had all that Michelin polish – servers swooping in en masse to serve a whole group at once, for instance, along with copious amounts of stupendously delicious foods. Yet, with its industrial chic confines, Kontrast has a definitive warmth.
Read moreThat Paul Bocuse Restaurant: Splendid, yet a Tad Too Snooty
I won’t argue with the rating a this Michelin three-star self-described “temple to haute cuisine, yet I found the service a tad too snooty, and not quite as polished as I’ve seen elsewhere. Here are my niggles.
Read moreFive Gifts for a Practical Woman
Plenty of women like frivolities as gifts, but often the holidays call for practicality -- items that we'll actually use yet wouldn't buy for ourselves. Here are five gift ideas that will bring wrapping-paper joy to the no-nonsense recipient on your list.
Read moreTrying Blowguns with a Tribal Warrior
I was beyond lucky to have as a leader Juan (not his original name), an Adventures by Disney guide who grew up within the jungle, in the Shuar tribe (I believe). Among his people's practices is shooting prey for dinner with a blowgun.
Read moreEating Peking Duck in Peking
From market stalls to chichi dining rooms, Beijing restaurants are all about Peking duck. Here's are two delicious examples of the specialty -- one at a high-end restaurant, the other as street food.
Read moreFunny Signs in China
They're not designed to be funny, these signs. But, throughout the Chinese cities I visited, signs of all types were either poorly translated or just not something Americans would post. "Chinglish."
Read moreA Random Food Market in Chengdu, China
Cover your eyes, food-curious readers. We discovered a locals-oriented food market in Chengdu, China. Some of our discoveries are not pretty.
Read moreThe Street Foods of Chengdu, China
Often alluring, otherwise offputting, the street foods of Chengdu, China, are a colorful assortment of snacks.
Read moreI Can't Wait to Tell You about China
I have no Google, YouTube or Facebook and I'm working from a tablet, but I just had to give you a taste of Beijing.
Read moreOutside the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
I'll just say that 3,000 plays, concerts, comic acts and more are offered all over the city during August. We saw a wrenching drama, an inspiring Capella group, and good and awful comedy.
Read moreChip, Chip, Hooray!
In terms of variety, Scotland's "crisp" manufacturers are pretty fearless. Here's an assortment of what I eyed last week.
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