Celebrating a the start to another trip around the sun, brought a warm, easy day in London, strolling around Christmas markets, and just taking in the festive time of year. We landed at Heard Burger in Borough for a quick bite before crossing back across the river. After reading about a reasonably priced burger by…
Delicious Mince Pie Cheesecake Recipe for Christmas
Still planning your Christmas menu, look no further for dessert, because this is the ultimate festive mashup of deliciousness- Mince Pie Cheesecake! The Husband found this recipe and as a lover of both desserts, I was rather intrigued and had to give it a try so smuggling a few mince pies home from London, we…
The Hero- Maide Vale, More Flub than “Top Pub”
The chosen “top pub” for this weekend’s trip as we continue our way through the list was The Hero in Maide Vale. I’m not sure if it’s because there’s not a ton happening in this neighborhood, or if it’s because the pub food is indeed ‘that great,’ but on a late Sunday afternoon, this place…
Mason & Fifth Westbourne Park
Top London pub recon had me scouting a new neighborhood in the proximity of The Hero, more on that later, in Maide Vale. The neighborhood was fairly quiet, meandering along a London canal. The hotel felt like a real diamond in the rough, not too far from Paddington and therefore Heathrow. Better yet, it featured…
Ina’s Sticky Toffee Date Cake with Bourbon Glaze
Sticky Toffee Pudding or the not as fun sounding “date cake,” brough a splash of British to our American Thanksgiving in Switzerland. The feast was a real international event! This cake was easy to throw together, and the taste was delicious even if it looks like something from the swamp. You can add Bourbon to…
Ina’s Herb & Apple Bread Pudding
As delicious as Ina’s Tuscan turkey was, the star of Thanksgiving was her Herb & Apple Bread Pudding. I halved the recipe, but it still made enough to serve about six people, if not more! As we live down the road from Gruyere, it seemed fitting to incorporate it into our Swiss Thanksgiving. This dish…
Ina’s Tuscan Turkey Escalope
While I love any chance to try an Ina recipe, I can’t say I was excited to try Tuscan Turkey. It just looked like turkey and well, I don’t love a roasted turkey. But, for some reason I decided I was going traditional Thanksgiving menu this year. Finding a full turkey in Switzerland is out…
Ina’s Chipotle & Parmesan Popcorn
I love, love, love an apero hour, especially while cooking a delectable meal (in this case Thanksgiving). It’s even better with an interesting nibble and Ina’s Chipotle & Parmesan popcorn fit just the bill, particularly on Thanksgiving when you’re wrapped up with 100 other tasks, as this takes approximately two minutes to whip up (if…
Ina’s Mocha Icebox Cake
Looking for a slightly chocolately dessert, that was easy enough to make in advance so I landed on Ina’s Mocha Icebox Cake. Simple it was, buying the ingredients in Switzerland, not so much. Ina calls for Tate’s Bakeshop cookies, which I’ve never had, so I tried this with both Oreos in one layer and mini…
Easy Barbacoa Quesadillas for Expats in Switzerland
Trying to incorporate Mexican flavors into a Swiss-based diet is virtually impossible (you can’t even find jalapenos here! The Gentleman/Husband and I joke something is Swiss spicy just because it’s red), but after our honeymoon, I was determined to continue to try. Barbacoa was on tap after realizing we’d brought back a pack of seasoning…
Honey Roasted Carrots Over Garlicky Yogurt
In a clean out the fridge meal of last week, I made these gorgeous (and exceptionally simple) roasted multi-colored carrots. A pot of Greek yogurt kicking around inspired a base of garlicky, saucy goodness to offset the sweet honey drizzle. And of course, you can’t forget the crunch! Never forget a crunch! It reminds you…
Easy Tuscan Olive Oil Shortbread with Rosemary
Inspired by many a London menu featuring some version of posh fiore de latte softserve, drizzled in an artisanal olive oil, I decided to try the trend at home this weekend. While I love this savory sweet combo, I decided it could do with a little crunch, so I took a page from Halicopter Away’s…
Easy Snickers Cheesecake Recipe to Impress
In an effort to clean out the pantry’s baking department, I ended up crafting a “Snickers” cheesecake this weekend, even though no Snickers were involved in the making of said cheesecake. The cheesecake itself is lovely plain, nice and light, and the toppings were merely a happen accident of what was on hand. This was…
Ina’s Lemon Pasta with Zucchini & Basil
Thanks to a bumper crop of basil (finally!) this year, I froze the end of it in ice cube molds filled with olive oil. It was my first time trying this trick, and for Ina’s Lemon & Zucchini Pasta, my first time cooking with the little flavor bombs. First up, what an excellent life hack!…
Dining at Al Covo: A Romantic Venice Experience
After finishing our 10K stretch of the Venice marathon, we decided that we more than earned a very lovely lunch. Al Covo, conveniently located between Castello and the Grand Canal, served just that. While the long run had us both wishing for a big plate of cheesy pasta, the Michelin-guide touted Al Covo served up…
Taste of Local Flavors: Dining at Osteria Ai Do Pozzi
While we were enjoying exploring our new neighborhood of Castello, on a leisurely stroll one evening, a waitress popped out of a restaurant and handed us a card for the establishment. Not thinking much of it, it certainly did help us remember the osteria buried among the meandering dark alleyways on the backside of Castello….
Best Dishes at Hosteria Castello: An Honest Experience
The neighborhood spot for us happened to be absolutely excellent- Hosteria Castello. Vibes, food, service, were all impeccable though came with a hefty +10% cover charge! Usually this is 3,4,5,6 EUR per, but wow they really rack that up. I’m not sure it would prohibit me from visiting in the future, but it would definitely…
Dining by the Canal: Ristorante Riviera Experience
This is the third review of Ristorante Riviera and it still racks up as one of my top favorite Venetian restaurants. We scored a canal-front table on an unseasonable warm October afternoon and started with a glass of Franciacorta. Why does wine always taste better on the water? The first course is my absolute favorite…
Liassidi Arco: Affordable Comfort in the Heart of Venice
Buried in the heart of the sprawling Castello neighborhood is the group of Liassidi properties. For the Venice Marathon we elected to stay at the four room Liassidi Arco due to it’s proximity to the race’s end. The room looked lovely online, but I wasn’t certain they’d live up to the main hotel. Luckily, they…
Ina’s Berry Crumble
After enjoying a homemade berry crumble in Ireland, I was extra inspired after seeing cranberries in the store this week, I knew this berry crumble recipe of Ina’s just had to be tried. I didn’t follow Ina’s recipe exactly since I needed a smaller serving size and after reading many reviews that they were too…
A Review of The Montenotte Hotel in Cork
The penultimate stop to the tour landed us in the south of Ireland in Cork with a stay at The Montenotte, situated above the river and city center. Upon arriving, we were both pretty enamored with the hotel instantly and saw a lot of potential. The common areas were elegant, yet playful, the cocktail bar,…
Top Tips for Visiting the Cliffs of Moher
The next day we woke up early to tick a bucket list item for me- Cliffs of Moher! We were very lucky with the weather. Despite the grey skies, there was no rain and minimal wind so we were able to keep the visit. Apparently, it gets so blustery that it’s hard to stand up…
A Delightful Sunday Feast at McSwiggan’s Galway
McSwiggan’s Galway came onto my radar as their menu featured bloody mary oyster shots- all of the above not easily available in Switzerland. Turns out, I got far more than I bargained for with a delicious Sunday night feast in the restaurant portion of the bar/resto. Glad to have booked as there were plenty of…
The Galmont Hotel & Spa Galway
Last week was a whistlestop tour of Ireland and tagging along on the Gentleman’s work trip was a great chance to see a bit more of the country. Our first stop was a 2.5 hour trip from Dublin, Galway. After traversing the country, it was a relief to arrive at The Galmont Hotel and Spa,…
Discover St. Michael’s Manor in St. Alban’s: A Hidden Gem in the UK
On our return home, the Gentleman decided to introduce me to a new town and I am so glad he did as St. Alban’s might be one of my favorite UK town’s I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. A stunning cathedral, darling inn, the oldest pub (one of four) in the UK, and a bustling…
Dining Experience at The Pied Bull, a Newton-le-Willows Pub
Not going to lie, had to Google what a Pied bull is (color markings it turns out), but we went to this bustling pub for a bit our only night in Newton-le-Willows. Lured by the prospect of a resonable prix fixe menu after a long travel day, we made a reservation. A normal action for…
Discover Newton-le-Willows & The Kirkfield: Essential Stop for Travelers
Aside from the nauseous part of the winding single lane roads of rural Scotland and England, I can’t imagine a more lovely way to spend an autumn day with the one you love. When a midway point is needed for a rest and some sustinence, please note that Newton-le-Willows is quite an adorable checkpoint for…
An Honest Review of Pizza Punks: Worth the Hype?
After doing some recent pizza topping recon for a home project, I came across the UK’s top pizza lists (who knew that was a thing!) and was introduced to Pizza Punks in Glasgow as a top spot. Coinciding with an overnight in the city, they were launching a new menu and offering pizzas as buy…
Hilton London Review: An Acceptable Trainline Hotel
Perfectly situated between Euston and St. Pancras, made the Hilton just the man for the job of homebase for London, but a jump off point for trains. There’s not too much to say other than the hotel was just fine. Not great, not awful, just the soul-less lodging you might expect from a north London…
Bancone: A Solo Diners’ Paradise in London
On a recent solo jaunt, I tailored my lady’s day out around a stop for Bancone. On my list for years, Bancone appears to be professional pasta connoisseurs but within a reasonable budget – something we all need these days! Solo diners are popped at one of the many bars and I was glad to…
Easy Steps to Delicious Homemade Pizza Dough
After a recent solo long haul flight, I told the Gentleman that I was after something cozy and carby. Lucky for me, us really, he landed on this insanely perfect light and chewy pizza dough. You can make it in one day, but it vastly improves if you have time to let it rest for…
Welcome to A Taste for Travel!
After a <gulp> decade or so of Macarons and Mayhem, it’s time for a refresh! Welcome to the renewed focus of the site, a never ending quest for fabulous travel and delicious food. Meet, A Taste for Travel. Expect the same hotel and restaurant reviews, whether gushing, annoyed, sarcastic, or witty; they’re honest. The recipes…
Ultimate Red Pepper Pasta Sauce Recipe
While I was away on a trip without the Gentleman, he attempted to follow my recipe for a banging Romanesco sauce that he regularly commandeers as his regular, favorite pasta sauce. I’m told that while my sauce delivers, my recipe did not. I remade it my memory, and include the proper measurements here for the…
Top Dining Spots in Ibiza: Ohana’s Decadent Dishes
Our final night in Ibiza was cause for celebration for many reasons, this spectacular sunset was one of them! After traipsing around this beachfront every evening, we landed on a reservation at Ohana for the special occasion. Be sure to book, as the place was packed and with great reason! To start, we had the…
Tuna Tacos and Scenic Views: Experience The Seahorse Club
Well situated on the Playa d’en Bossa is The Seahorse Club, perched just high enough above the beach for perfect views and removed from the folk hawking goods in the sand. Peaceful comes to mind. With it’s well styled space and bright colors, it reminds me of a quirky Kimpton property. Really, you can’t beat…
Hotel Garbi Review: Perfect Ibiza Retreat for Adults
After the busiest summer on record…or nearly… we capped it off with a couple days of proper chill time in Ibiza. Staying in a new area to us, Playa d’en Bossa, the Hotel Garbi was centrally walkable to clubs, restaurants, and even old town which we did one ambitious day. (Nothing like arriving to a…
Delicious Pistachio Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
For the first year ever, I have an abundance of basil! The livelihood of this plant has been elusive for years, dying on different balconies all over the world, but thanks to the Gentleman and his green thumb, we have basil…lots of it! And as it’s the self-proclaimed year of the pistachio, we have pistachio…
Quick and Easy Pasta Alla Norcina
While this recipe is ripe for winter, it benefited from the brightness of the abundance of tomatoes from our garden in the height of summer. The ultimate comfort meal, and you know it is a good one when the photo is awful (we couldn’t’ wait to eat)- I couldn’t wait to post the recipe for…
The Anassa Hotel Cyprus
On a recent family visit to Cyprus, we enjoyed a lovely, albeit extremely hot, evening at the gorgeous Anassa hotel in Neo Chorio. We arrived early for sundowner cocktails and were lucky to snag the corner table for my favorite occasion of the day. After perusing an extensive menu of mocktails and cocktails, the gentleman…
Elysium Hotel- Paphos
We recently enjoyed a few nights at the absolutely gorgeous Elysium Hotel in Paphos. Everything about the hotel was just top- from the luxurious rooms (and their glorious aircon), to the overly welcoming staff, to the perfect sunset terrace, to the sprawling breakfast buffet. Really, this hotel exceeded our expectations and we were only sorry…
Review of The Fox & Pheasant Gastropub in Chelsea
Number 98 on the world’s best gastropub’s list is The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea. Staying not so far away, we landed a Thursday night reservation and were greeted with a walk through a charming neighborhood to said neighborhood enjoying drinks in the street on a lovely summer night. Based on this, we thought the…
Avoid This Hotel: Mornington Kensington
This hotel, part of the Best Western group, brings thoughts of an essential rebrand, “Worst Western.” I hate to complain, particulars for a very short last minute city break where cheap and cheerful was the theme, but honestly this hotel was horrendous. I called to inquire prior to booking about a safe and was assured…
Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Salad
In prime grill season, I’m largely in charge of sides and have been enjoying test driving a plethora of new flavors. This zucchini salad delivered a summery burst of flavor and color. Mediterranean Zucchini Salad
Mustard Tomato Tart
This mustard tomato tart is a balance of tangy, sweet, salty, and a little bit cheesy. It was the perfect snack to bring along to the weekend’s barbecue and well received my friends. So easy, and not too heavy, I’ll definitely be turning to it again. Mustard Tomato Tart
Exploring the Fun of the Guinness Brewery Tour
I’ll drink a beer approximately once a year, and let me tell you that beer is never a Guinness (luckily they do a lager too). The Gentleman on the other hand…loves those dark, creamy pints. Of course, I joined him on the Guinness tour, but I didn’t have high expectations. I’m happy to report that…
Beckett Locke: A Disappointing Hotel Experience in Dublin
After spending many a decent work trip (with a little fun attached) at the Eden Locke in Edinburgh, we opted to try Beckett Locke in Dublin. The main reason was price. The second reason was that it had a washing machine and would be helpful in the middle of a long trip for The Gentleman….
Delicious Pub Lunch at The Black Horse Clifton
Just a quick bit of British food porn to fuel today! After a local recommendation from The Gentleman’s father as a great pub of his younger years in the area, we stopped by the Black Horse in Clifton for a bite of pre-wedding lunch. Having missed dinner the night before, we arrived hungry, ready to…
Updated Travel Guides for Your Next Adventure
Between a medical leave from work, wedding planning, and now this unplanned sabbatical, I’ve had a lot of time to move around. My travel guides will show the way! A friend recently told me she didn’t realize that my guides stayed updated- they do! I’ve updated them all with the latest and greatest as well…
Charming Overnight Stay at Hotel du Vin York
We recently found the Hotel du Vin in York on the way to a family wedding and it made an absolutely adorable pit stop for the night. Come to find out, it’s a small chain that I will certainly be seeking for travels to come. Highlights include a gorgeous room, champagne happy hour, delicious breakfast,…
Why Artigiano Pizza is a Must-Visit in Basel
On our only night in Basel, we found ourselves in the middle of a very cold, windy rainstorm, naturally without an umbrella, a common theme in our outings. Debating on staying put or going out, we opted for an early dinner at Artigiano Pizza in Basel. I’m so glad we did because it was absolutely…
Staying at Hotel Schwizerhof: A Delightful Basel Experience
On a quick overnight in Basel ahead of an early morning flight, we stayed at the Schwizerhof just outside of the main train station. For a three star hotel, I was rather impressed with the spacious room that featured it’s own elevator arrival- a real first! It also held many electric ceiling windows, and a…