Hi.

My family has always teased me because I regularly speak in superlatives.  I have been known to utter (on more than one occasion) things like, “That was THE MOST INCREDIBLE restaurant I have EVER tried!” or “I think that is my FAVORITE movie of ALL TIME!” or another old standby, “This is the MOST BEAUTIFUL place I have EVER BEEN!” which is usually followed by “I want to move here!”  When they give me a hard time, I tell them that I think it’s a pretty great way to live my life.  I like living in the present– and enjoying it to its fullest. 

There is one exception… when I am thinking about my next trip.  I LOVE the planning part, whether it is a quick Texas road trip, a long weekend in New Orleans or a two-week European vacation.  I may go a bit overboard.  I love to research every aspect from the coolest boutique hotels, to the hottest restaurants, to the most unique encounters.  When I travel, my goal is to delve into the local community and hopefully connect with the culture of my destination.

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

Virginia Woolf

In addition to travel, my other passion is food.  I’m not sure which I enjoy more — cooking or going out to eat.  Regardless, the dinner table is sacred to me, and our family tries to sit down together most nights during the week.  When I cook, I regularly attempt new recipes.  My kids will never be able to answer the standard question of “what were your favorite meals growing up?” because I constantly tend to try new things and cuisines.  My friends also know that if there is a new restaurant in town, I will be one of the first to try it.  I subscribe to the philosophy of Virginia Woolf, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

This blog is my attempt to share some of the superlatives in my life — the very best places, food, drinks and experiences, whether in my own backyard or on one of my well-planned trips.