Blueberry Buttermilk Scones

Our friends, Alanna and Bob, and proprietors of The Inn at Whiskey Bella Ranch shared this signature recipe with Culinary Latitudes Travel.  These scones taste traditional in every sense.  The Inn at Whiskey Bella Ranch is sharing this tasty recipe for their signature scones.  The chef is a personal friend of mine and said this recipe is the requested the most by their guests.  Enjoy! ** Note (from Alanna) - here in Colorado, the dough is very dry, so I add just a bit more buttermilk, and I dump the dough on parchment paper in order to press it into the correct shape.  Then I can use the parchment to help me roll the dough into a nice rectangle before cutting and freezing.  The parchment paper has saved my life with this recipe.

Blueberry Scones

This is a signature dish at Whiskey Bella Ranch in northern Colorado.  Guests ask for the recipe over and over again.  Enjoy!

• 3 and 1/4 Cups Flour plus 2 Tablespoons
• 1/2 Cup + 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 Cup brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 Cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 Cup cold buttermilk
• Zest of one lemmon
• 1 1/2 C Blueberries (I freeze them overnight before I use them)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a very large bowl combine the first five ingredients.  Throw in the butter and work it with your fingertips until the dough is pea and lima bean sizes.  Add the buttermilk and lemon zest and toss to combine.

   Immediately dump everything onto a clean surface with more than enough room to work the dough.  (Alanna with Whiskey Bella Ranch uses parchment paper.  It helps with shaping and cutting the scones.). Using only the heel of your palm quickly flatten the dough.  Gather the dough back into a mound two or three times and repeat.  The dough should begin holding together.  Avoid overworking the dough.  You should still see some pea size pieces of butter through it.

   Pat the dough down to about 3/4 inch, and make a 9 x 12 rectangle.  Sprinkle the frozen blueberries on top evenly and begin to roll the dough like a jelly roll with the blueberries inside.  Shape into a 12 inch long cylinder.  Lightly flatten the top and cut out 9 or 10 triangles.  Transfer to an un-greased sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours prior to baking.  Or freeze up to one month tightly wrapped.

   Remove scones from freezer and place on two un-greased baking sheets with plenty of room to breath.  Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle liberally with granulated sugar.  Bake from frozen until cooked, nicely brown, and easily lifted off pan.  About 25 minutes.

These are best when eaten the day they are made.

BEST CRUISES FOR BEER LOVERS

Article Credit:  Avoya Travel If you’re a fan of craft breweries and unique beer, why not plan your vacation around it? There are so many cities that are amazing vacation spots and happen to offer some of the best beer in the world. From a California beach town to charming European cities, these destinations offer the best breweries, taprooms, and beer experiences. Beer lovers, consider this your new travel bucket list. Cheers!

Munich, Germany

Beer is an important part of German culture, and offers some of the best beer in the world. Munich, known as the World Capital of Beer, features hundreds of beer gardens, beer halls, and breweries serving up famous German style beers. Hofbräuhaus is the world’s most famous beer hall and has played a key role in Munich’s history, and there are many other exciting beer halls such as Weisses Bräuhaus—another essential Munich beer institution serving up brews since the 19th century. While in Munich, you’ll sip on beers such as Weizenbier, Hefeweizen, Pilsener, and Kölsch, among others. Get ready to say, “Prost!”

San Diego, CA

Home to over 130 breweries with new breweries popping up every weekend, sunny San Diego is a beer lover’s dream vacation destination. Not only will you be able to have a relaxing beach vacation, you’ll get to sample some of the best craft brews out there. It is the birthplace of some famous beers, such as Karl Strauss and Stone Brewing. No matter where you are in San Diego, there’s a craft beer nearby! A few of the must-try breweries include Ballast Point, Green Flash, Pizza Port, and Alesmith. You can’t go wrong with sunshine, the beach, and delicious beers.

Dublin, Ireland

Although Dublin is the home of Guinness, it is also in the midst of a burgeoning craft beer scene. No matter what your beer of choice is, while in Dublin, stopping for a Guinness is a must. Located in St James’s Gate Brewery, you’ll find the Guinness Storehouse, where you’ll learn all about the history of Ireland’s iconic beer and learn the art of pouring the perfect Guinness. Aside from Guinness, there are plenty of craft breweries and brewpubs in Dublin offering all different types of craft beers that you can only find in Ireland.

Brussels, Belgium

Belgium is known forproducing some of the world’s best beer and has much to offer for beer enthusiasts. Belgium has the largest diversity of original beer styles in the world, with breweries offering unique, creative beers that you can’t find anywhere else. The aromas and flavors of Belgian beer range from light and bitter to dark and sweet. You’ll find some common elements to many Belgian beers, but they all have something different and unique about the way they are made. Some Belgian beers to try while you’re in Brussels include Holy Ales such as Abbey and Trappist Ales, Belgian Ales such as White and Saison Ales, and Sour Ales. Brussels is an exciting city that has tons of incredible bars, restaurants, shopping, and historical sightseeing to enjoy when you’re not trying new delicious Belgian beers.

Portland, Maine

This small coastal town is a hidden gem that offers the most craft breweries per capita than any city in the U.S. It’s also home to beautiful beaches, tons of hiking, world-class restaurants, and more. Portland is a haven for craft beer lovers because not only are there an impressive amount of breweries to choose from, they all produce incredible, high quality craft beers. Some of the most popular breweries in Portland are Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, Allagash Brewing, and Foundation Brewing. You’ll find brown ales, hoppy IPAs, stouts, and German-style lagers, all made right in Portland. There’s a brewery for every type of beer-lover in this small town!

From historical lagers to trendy IPAs, any beer lover will fall in love with these destinations. These cities have tons of amazing breweries, but they also offer incredible restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and historical charm. Taste your way through these destinations for the vacation of a lifetime.

Book a cruise to these beer-centric destinations today!

• Find the best deals on Europe cruises - CALL 772-888-1563!
• Find the best deals on U.S. cruises - CLL 772-888-1563!

Cultural and Culinary Theme Cruises for 2018-19

Article by:  Jason Leppert; Travel Pulse; 2018

“America’s Test Kitchen” on Holland America Line

Holland America Line is already heavily featuring its new partnership with “America’s Test Kitchen” aboard its ships and the fleet is set to bring more culinary talent to 2018. A trio of special themed sailings will feature cooking shows and interactive workshops, as well as the opportunity to meet cast members from the television show.

Meet-and-greets will occur at a book signing and reception, while additional events will include a question-and-answer session, presentation on recipe development and kitchen knowledge trivia.

The first theme cruise is scheduled for May 6, 2018, aboard Westerdam’s seven-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary. Showcased on that departure will be Jack Bishop and Bryan Roof. Bishop is the CEO of “America’s Test Kitchen” as well as tasting lab expert and cookbook author. Roof is the executive food editor for “Cook’s Country” magazine and a televised test cook.

The second sailing will depart on July 7, 2018, aboard Zuiderdam’s 14-day Northern Isles circuit. Showcased on the ship will be Bridget Lancaster and Lisa McManus. Lancaster is the executive editor for new media, television, and radio at “America’s Test Kitchen” as well as the television host. McManus is an equipment-testing and ingredient-tasting executive editor at “Cook’s Illustrated” and “Cook’s Country” magazines as well as on-screen gadget expert.

The third voyage will leave on September 22, 2018, aboard Veendam’s seven-day Canada & New England Discovery route. Julia Collin Davison and Rebecca (Becky) Hays will be highlighted. Davison is executive editor for the book division of “America’s Test Kitchen” and television host. Hays is the deputy editor of “Cook’s Illustrated” and “Cook’s Country” magazines plus televised test cook.

Benovia Winery on AmaWaterways

Wine connoisseurs will want to take note that Benovia Winery Proprietors Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane and Wine Educator Peg Melnik will be hosting an AmaWaterways river cruise. From June 29 to July 6, 2018, AmaViola’s seven-night Melodies of the Danube Wine Cruise will set sail from Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany.

The 84-stateroom vessel will float down the Danube while guests enjoy Wachau Valley wines as well as Benovia tastings onboard. Other wine experiences will include a "Welcome Aboard" reception, three seminars, social tasting on the Sun Deck and a Wine Dinner hosted by Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane.

The voyage can be reserved by emailing info@culinarylatitudes.com or calling (772) 888-1563.

The Miami Dolphins on MSC Cruises

On March 17, 2018, MSC Cruises will host the Dolphins Fan Cruise aboard its brand new MSC Seaside. Both Miami Dolphins players and cheerleaders will be on the ship for guests to interact with as part of the three-year partnership between the cruise line and NFL football team.

Onboard for autographs will be Kim Bokamper, Terry Kirby, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Joe Rose and Patrick Surtain. Guests can pose and cheer with cheerleaders for photo-ops, while former players will be on hand for Q&A sessions. Cheer squad and mascot T.D. will also present special performances.

The themed fan cruise will be available annually over the three-year span of the collaboration. Also, on April 28, 2018, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will have their annual calendar shoot on the MSC Seaside at its port for guests to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the process and enjoy other hosted programming.

READ MORE: A Full Menu of 2018 Theme Cruises

The Quintessential Collection on Ponant

Starting in May 2019, Ponant will offer its Quintessential Collection of themed cruises. “Designed to inspire travelers in destinations,” sailings will showcase onboard speakers and performances as well as shore excursions focused on regional cultures and themes.

—Green and Gentle Lands: Exploring Gardens and Historic Sites, May 14-22, 2019: Retired Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden and internationally recognized horticulturist, Holly Shimizu, will host conversations on the ship. Guests will explore Kew Gardens, Chelsea Physic Garden, and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh for a lunch.

—Sicilian Food and Wine Experience, June 28-July 6, 2019: Travel and food writer for The New York Times and the Financial Times, Mary Taylor Simeti, will lecture onboard. Passengers will discover Palmero and Greek temples, as well as enjoy Wine Spectator-selected wines and pairings with help from regional wine ambassador and educator, Marco Scapagnini.

—Treasures of the Mediterranean World: A Family Learning Adventure, July 15-22, 2019: Professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati and Greek archaeology/mythology expert, Kathleen M. Lynch, and host of “Myths & Legends” podcast, Jason Weiser, will chat about local history, literature and culture. The Young Explorers children’s program will encompass photo workshops and a mock Olympics competition.

—History, Art, and Architecture along the North Sea, August 23-September 1, 2019: General Director of the Municipal Museum of Bruges, Till-Holger Borchert, will accompany the trip as guests check out the likes of the Louisiana Museum and Groninger Museum.

—A Musical Odyssey in the Mediterranean, September 18-27, 2019: Former principal flutist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Michael Parloff, will lead several private recitals featuring flutist Jasmine Choi, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, and pianist and composer, Michael Brown. Guests will also see Delphi and the Ancient Theater in Taormina.

— World War II History – From Hong Kong to Japan’s Inland Sea, September 27-October 10, 2019: Expert World War II historian and son of John Bradley—who hoisted the flag on Iwo Jima—James Bradley, will be onboard. Travelers will follow the path of American General Douglas MacArthur and visit Okinawa’s beaches, Mount Fuji and the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.

—World Affairs Cruise – Origins of Greek Civilizations, October 9-18. 2019: CNN host and “Washington Post” columnist, Fareed Zakaria, retired US Air Force general and former Director of the CIA, Michael V. Hayden, and internationally best-selling author and columnist for “Harper’s,” Daniel Mendelsohn, will be on hand while guests traverse Athens and Crete.

READ MORE: New Music Theme Cruises Set to Rock 2018

Seabourn Conversations on Seabourn

Luxury line Seabourn is preparing a series of fresh Seabourn Conversations to host on its upcoming new Seabourn Ovation beginning in May 2018. Included among the special speakers and departures are the following highlights:

—Sir Tim Rice, May 5 - 16: The English author and lyricist has won three each of the Oscars, Golden Globes and Tonys in addition to multiple Grammys. Following his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, he has brought his talents to Seabourn with the wonderful fleet-wide production show, “An Evening with Tim Rice.”

—Dr. Andrew Weil, May 5 - 16: Another contributor to Seabourn’s software is the world-renowned leader and pioneering doctor in the field of integrative medicine who established his "Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil" program onboard all the line’s ships. His holistic treatments can be found at The Onboard Spa by Steiner.

—Michael Teitelbaum, May 26 - June 9; November 14 - December 4: The demographer and historian at Harvard Law School has written more than 10 books as well as pieces for “Foreign Affairs,” “Science,” “The New York Times” and “The Atlantic.”

—Armando Manni, August 4 - 18: The "M" in K+M Extravirgin Chocolate who partnered with Seabourn-favorite Thomas Keller as the “K.” The gourmet and entrepreneur is known for MANNI Oil.

—Grant Harrold October 1-13: Harrold is a broadcaster, commentator, public speaker and butler trainer recognized as "The Royal Butler.”

—Warren Fahey, November 14 - December 4: Fahey is a cultural historian plus author, broadcaster and performer focused on "curious" folklore.

—Dean McFlicker December 4 - 22: McFlicker is an award-winning producer and director having worked on campaigns for “The Voice,” “This Is Us,” “Law and Order,” “America's Got Talent” and mor

The Most Romantic Restaurants in Every State

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to decide where you’ll make a reservation for the most romantic evening of the year. With this list, you won’t have to think too long—we’ve rounded up the most romantic restaurants in every state.

JILLIAN KRAMER

1 of 50 Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

  Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina, Orange Beach, Alabama

Picture it: It’s sunset. You’re staring down at multi-million dollar boats docked at a golden-cast harbor as you sip sparkling wine and feed one another locally-sourced scallops, prepared by a James Beard Award-semifinalist. That is the romantic scene you can set with your significant other at Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina.

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2 of 50 Robert DeBerry

The Grape Tap, Mat-Su Valley, Alaska

Don’t judge this book—err, restaurant—by its cover. In the basement of this 1930s pioneer home-turned-restaurant is a dimly-lit wine cellar complete with stone walls. Here, you can indulge in a wine flight as you get to know your love a little bit better.

3 of 50 David B. Moore

Lon’s Restaurant at the Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, Arizona

Lon’s Restaurant offers not one but many romantic settings for an intimate dinner experience: an outdoor dining space surrounded by low adobe walls and nearby mountains, an indoor dining room illuminated by candlelight, and a wine cellar that offers seating for 12 people, perfect for your next double—or sextuple—date night.

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4 of 50 Grant Boutiette

Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse, Little Rock, Arkansas

Old world elegance awaits you and your date at Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse, where wood paneling and stone details deck the walls and staff are decked out in tuxedo shirts and bow-ties. But the real wow factor isn’t in the décor—it’s actually behind closed doors, where patrons can rent lockers in the restaurant’s wine cellar. Rent one, and a staff member will serve your private bottle during your next date night.

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5 of 50 Kodiak Greenwood

Sierra Mar, Big Sur, California

Perched atop the cliffs of Big Sur—soaring some 1,200 feet high and with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean—is Sierra Mar, a restaurant set inside the Post Ranch Inn. On a clear, warm night, patrons can dine on the restaurant’s patio under the stars.

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6 of 50 Courtesy of Beatrice & Woodsley

Beatrice & Woodsley, Denver, Colorado

When you want nothing more than to cozy up in a cabin with your loved one, head to Beatrice & Woodsley, a restaurant that was designed to bring Colorado’s stunning outdoor scenery inside to a rustic, cabin-like setting, complete with lantern lighting.

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7 of 50 Courtesy of Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, New Haven, Connecticut

Set on New Haven’s historic waterfront, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar beckons lovers to warm themselves by fires—inside and outside. And its nautical décor and floor-to-ceiling waterfront views will transport couples on a mini-vacation, if only for dinner.

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8 of 50 Courtesy of Krazy Kat's Restaurant

Krazy Kat's Restaurant, Wilmington, Delaware

Enjoy eating in what was once an old blacksmith’s shop—with hooks still on Krazy Kat’s Restaurant’s walls—then stroll through the restaurant’s grounds and gardens.

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9 of 50 Courtesy of Latitudes at Sunset Key

Latitudes, Sunset Key, Key West, Florida

Latitudes offers the ultimate experience in romantic privacy: you must take a boat to reach this secluded space. Once here, you can dine outdoors, with the ocean’s breeze gently blowing through your hair and a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in your sights.

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10 of 50 James Camp Photography

Canoe, Atlanta, Georgia

Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe brings guests right up to the water, on a patio offering views of both nature and manicured gardens, where couples can stroll after dinner to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Atlanta.

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11 of 50 Courtesy of Merriman’s Restaurant

Merriman’s Restaurant, Kapalua, Hawaii

Poised on the edge of the ocean, Merriman’s Restaurant offers more than just views: Couples can snuggle up to one another on intimate couches—or embrace by outdoor fire pits as the sound of crashing waves serve as background music—while they eat.

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12 of 50 Doug Marshall

Forty-One South, Sagle, Idaho

Forty-One South sits on the waterfront of Lake Pend Oreille, a beautiful sight from inside the restaurant’s nearly floor-to-ceiling windows. While you may spot snow outside, you can keep yourself and your date warm by a wood-burning fireplace.

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13 of 50 Galdones Photography

Ella Elli, Chicago, Illinois

Step into Ella Elli, and you almost step back in time to the 1920’s, where loveseats designed for two and alcove booths—private booths—reign supreme. A meant-to-be shared menu adds to the romantic ambiance inside.

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14 of 50 Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Indianapolis

The Eagle’s Nest at Hyatt Regency, Indianapolis, Indiana

Take a spin—quite literally—with your love at the Eagle’s Nest, a rooftop restaurant that revolves 360 degrees, offering unparalleled views of the city skyline all around. It’s as romantic as the classic Ferris Wheel—only with wine and linen tablecloths.

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15 of 50 Ashleigh Rader

Salt of the Hearth, Des Moines, Iowa

The centerpiece to Salt of the Hearth—if the name didn’t already tip you off, that is—is a roaring fireplace smack in the center of the restaurant. Velvet floor-to-ceiling curtains add elegance and, of course, a bit of privacy lovebirds will likely appreciate.

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16 of 50 Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Siena Tuscan Steakhouse, Wichita, Kansas

Hotel restaurants have an allure all their own. Throw in the floor-to-ceiling wine display featured at this mainstay on the second floor of the Ambassador Hotel, and you're sure to have a good night.

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17 of 50 Courtesy of The Brown Hotel

The English Grill, Louisville, Kentucky

People may have dubbed The English Grill the most popular restaurant in Kentucky, but with its oak wood panels and equestrian artwork—plus a list of more than 400 wines to choose from—we hereby name it the most romantic restaurant in the state.

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18 of 50 Courtesy of Cafe Amelie

Café Amelie, New Orleans, Louisiana

The expansive French doors on this old New Orleans mansion sweep open into the most charming courtyard, bedecked with gas-light lanterns, a three-tiered fountain, and tables tucked right into the foliage. But Café Amelie’s menu was also made with romance in mind; its oysters—a known aphrodisiac—are delicious any time of year.

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19 of 50 Courtesy of MC Perkins Cove

M.C. Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine

If the epic views of Oarweed Cove from M.C. Perkins Cove’s floor-to-ceiling windows don’t put you in a romantic mood, then surely its extensive raw bar options will.

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20 of 50 Shannon Patrick

The Bluebird Cocktail Room, Baltimore, Maryland

With the Bluebird Cocktail Room, romance starts with the restaurant’s name—it’s named after a poem—continues to the bar, where hand-cut ice allows pairs to linger over drinks, and continues into the dining room, where crystal chandeliers, a fireplace, and made-for-canoodling golden seats beg couples to get a wee bit closer.

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21 of 50 Eric Levin

Yvonne’s, Boston, Massachusetts

Make a reservation for Yvonne’s library room, and you’ll soon be cozying up to your loved one by the Locke-Ober’s original fireplace, which dates back to 1832. You can order drinks and small plates meant to be shared, then pull a book from the library’s shelves—one of which houses a first edition Peter Pan—and read to one another.

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22 of 50 Aly Sasson

Prime + Proper, Detroit, Michigan

Prime & Proper’s 10,000-square-foot space mixes textiles—patina brass, cowhide and leather, intricate tilework, tufted velvet, white marble, and aged woods—that scream intimate spacedespite its behemoth presence and fine view of Capitol Park.

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23 of 50 Travis Anderson

Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Walk into Spoon and Stable and you may feel as if you stepped into a chef’s house—albeit a very design-savvy chef’s house. Banquettes are made even more homey with the presence of throw pillows, while Oriental rugs warm up cool-toned wood floors.

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24 of 50 Chris Vignes City of Gulfport

The Chimneys, Gulfport, Mississippi

You could get lost in your lover’s eyes—or you could get lost in the view from The Chimneys, which, set on the Gulf of Mexico, offers both views of the sea and of the ancient, moss-covered live oak trees that survived the worst of Hurricane Katrina.

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25 of 50 Courtesy of Touch Restaurant

Touch Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Springfield, Missouri

When you want to dress to impress—in a setting that can be described as more city-chic than intimate and candlelit—look no further than Touch Restaurant & Oyster Bar, where you’ll find two floors of stylish décor and conversation-starting artwork.

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26 of 50 Nicole Wickens of Green Door Photography

Plonk Wine Bar, Missoula, Montana

Where there is romance, there is (very often) wine. And that’s just one reason Plonk Wine Bar—which boasts dozens of wines by the glass and more than 400 wines by the bottle—makes our most-romantic restaurant list. The other? It has a rooftop bar where romance can blossom over one of those bottles and under the twinkle lights.

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27 of 50 Courtesy of Lied Lodge & Conference Center

Timber Dining Room at Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, Nebraska

At Timber Dining Lodge, the farm comes to your table—and into your sights. Seated beneath a soaring timber-wood ceiling, you and your date will have views of Arbor Day Farm, which has rolling green fields that seem plucked from a Jane Austin novel.

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28 of 50 Courtesy of MGM Resorts International

Joël Robuchon, Las Vegas, Nevada

When you want a space that exudes decadence, look no further than Joël Robuchon, which boasts walls draped in velvet and an 18-course menu that will wow any date.

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29 of 50 Courtesy of Ristorante Massimo

Ristorante Massimo, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Three of your senses will go into romantic overload at Ristorante Massimo, where exposed brick walls, oil paintings, and candlelight greets your eyes; Frank Sinatra croons in your ears; and prime, Grade-A steaks and fine wines tickle your tongues.

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30 of 50 Courtesy of Cafe Matisse

Café Matisse, Rutherford, New Jersey

Inside, you’ll find traditional romance—think: crisp white linens and candlelight—and something more exotic—a room with an eclectic Moroccan theme, including brass lanterns, gold-hued walls, and wood-carved paintings. But if you don’t get the feels inside Café Matisse, you will feel your romance bloom in its outdoor garden.

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31 of 50 Four Seasons Rancho Encantado

Tera, Santa Fe, New Mexico

If the glorious sunsets and sweeping mountain views at Tera don’t scream romantic to you, chances are nothing will. (Its garden-to-table dishes will also catch your eye.)

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32 of 50 Courtesy of One if by Land, Two if by Sea

One if By Land, Two if By Sea, New York, New York

Harley Viera-Newton, model, It-girl, and DJ, chose One if By Land, Two if By Sea as the site for her wedding. If that doesn’t convince you of this restaurant’s romantic virtues, then perhaps its history will tug at your heart: the 1767 carriage house it occupies was the home of Aaron Burr, and was named after a Paul Revere poem.

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33 of 50 Courtesy of Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley

Canyon Kitchen, Cashiers, North Carolina

Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains—and framed by verdant forests and meadows encircled by thousand-foot cliffs—is Canyon Kitchen. Take in the views, with a cocktail in hand, on the restaurant’s front porch before your meal, or step into the backyard—a manicured garden—for a nightcap under the starry night sky.

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34 of 50 Phoebee Stensland / Trojan Promotions

Sky’s, Grand Forks, North Dakota

With large windows overlooking downtown Grand Forks, Sky’s offers the best view in town. It’s also got a lounge made for lovebirds: it’s got private sectionals where you can cozy up with a handcrafted cocktail and get to know one another better.

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35 of 50 Courtesy of Gervasi Vineyard

Gervasi Vineyard, Canton, Ohio

Take a stroll through the vines at Gervasi Vineyard before sitting together near the restaurant’s fireplace or outside, with views of weeping willows and a large pond.

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36 of 50 Courtesy of Vast

Vast, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Soaring some 762 feet over downtown Oklahoma City, Vast is, well, vast: inside the restaurant are a vast bar space, a vast Edison-bulb chandelier, and, of course, vast floor-to-ceiling windows for that vast view—a vast, epic setting for an epic romance.

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37 of 50 Gregor Halenda

Stephanie Inn Dining Room, Cannon Beach, Oregon

Quick, what’s more romantic: a lighthouse, a beach, or an island? If you can’t choose, that’s actually A-OK. At Stephanie Inn Dining Room, you won’t have to pick between the sights. The restaurant offers views of the Pacific Ocean, Tillamook Lighthouse, and Haystack Rock, a large sea stack (think of it as a mini island) in Cannon Beach.

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38 of 50 Courtney Apple Photography / STARR Restaurant Photography

Talula’s Garden, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Talula’s Garden is the indoor-outdoor restaurant of your dreams. With reclaimed-wood tables and green couches inside and the smell of fresh herbs on the outdoor patio, it’s almost like you took your date home—if you had a service staff at home.

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39 of 50 Courtesy of The Chanler at Cliff Walk

Spiced Pear at the Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island

The Chanler at Cliff Walk has been named the most romantic hotel in the U.S., so it only makes sense that its signature restaurant, Spiced Pear, would ooze romance as well. Ask for a table with ocean views—and an accompanying ocean breeze—as you indulge in a menu that features iconic items such as butter-poached Maine lobster.

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40 of 50 Jonathan Boncek

82 Queen, Charleston, South Carolina

​The walk to 82 Queen—along a narrow, gas-lamp-lit alley—is romantic enough, but at the end of that walk couples will find even more romance: a garden courtyard, the perfect place to dine under the stars or sit and slowly sip a glass (or bottle) of wine.

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41 of 50 © Vanguard Hospitality

Minerva’s Restaurant, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Minerva’s Restaurant is the perfect nightcap to an evening out—its location near the Washington Pavilion, local movie theater, and sports center make it so. But even if you begin your night here, you’ll have a very romantic evening: on the weekends, there is live music on the weekends to serenade you and your date in the dim light.

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42 of 50 Courtesy of Rumours East

Rumours East, Nashville, Tennessee

Pop a bottle of champagne—or sip on a hand-crafted cocktail—under the pergola at Rumours East, which also boasts the best, most romantic patio in East Nashville.

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43 of 50 Steven Visneau

The French Room, Dallas, Texas

The French Room, as its name suggests, is the epitome of fine French architecture: it has soaring arched ceilings with gilded Venetian plaster and crystal chandeliers. In other words, you can bring your date to France, without having to buy a plane ticket.

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44 of 50 Courtesy of Temple Square Hospitality

The Roof, Salt Lake City, Utah

According to inside sources, The Roof is a popular destination for Mormon lovebirds to pop the question, and that may have a little something to do with the restaurant’s stunning sky-high view of Temple Square. Upping the romance factor is a Plexiglas piano—one of only 75 such pianos in the world—playing softly in the background.

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45 of 50 Mackenzie Doyle

Hen of the Wood, Waterbury, Vermont

Hen of the Wood offers the coziest of settings: stone walls, wooden rafters, and comfortable leather seating combine to create the most warm, inviting dating space.

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46 of 50 Courtesy of The Jefferson Hotel

Lemaire Restaurant, Richmond, Virginia

Set inside the Jefferson Hotel, which was built in 1895, Lemaire Restaurant today looks unchanged from the day its door first opened—eight separate dining spaces are each adorned with different details: cream-colored marble walls, wood-burning fireplaces, and crystal chandeliers, each evoking a romantic and luxurious ambiance.

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47 of 50 Courtesy of The Pink Door

The Pink Door, Seattle, Washington

The most romantic evening of your teens—a night at the local fair, of course—is reimagined at The Pink Door, where you will find trapeze, cabaret, music, and even tarot-card reading—in addition to amazing food—within view of iconic Elliot Bay.

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48 of 50 Courtesy of Laury's Restaurant

Laury’s Restaurant, Charleston, West Virginia

American cuisine with French flare and an extensive wine list set the date-night tone at Laury’s Restaurant, which offers views of Charleston and the Kanawha River.

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49 of 50 TJ Turner Pictures

Lovechild, La Crosse, Wisconsin

A romantic environment can be created with the right light, and that’s exactly what Lovechild does with individual, low-lit lamps beside every bar stool and banquette that cast just the right glow on the space’s exposed brick walls and metallic finishes.

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50 of 50 Read McKendree

Glorietta Trattoria, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Glorietta Trattoria brings a bit of Brooklyn-chic to Jackson Hole—it was, after all, designed by a Brooklyn firm—which makes a meal here almost like a mini vacation out of the country and into the city. And we all know vacations are super romantic.

The Culinary Heart of Hanukkah

Article:  Peggy Wolff, Chicago TribunePublished 12:01 a.m. ET Dec. 14, 2017

At the culinary heart of Hanukkah (which began at sundown Tuesday) are foods fried in oil to commemorate the triumph of the Maccabees, who won back their sacred temple, and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

But there’s another Hanukkah story, not as well-known, that shifts the culinary narrative to a brave woman and her killer cheese. This story from the Book of Judith explains why dairy makes it onto the holiday table.

According to “The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible,” the Assyrian leader Nebuchadnezzar sent one of his generals, Holofernes, to destroy the Jews of Bethulia, a town that commanded access to the road to Jerusalem. The plan was to seize the spring at the foot of the mountain, so the Jews would be deprived of their water supply.

When the cisterns in the town were empty, the people began to lose heart. It seemed better to live as slaves than to die in vain. One woman in town, a beautiful widow named Judith, had another plan.

She left Bethulia, dressed in festival garments to entice any man she might meet, and equipped with wine and food. The Assyrian guards — entranced by Judith’s looks — opened the gates of the city and escorted her up the hill to the enemy camp.

Pleased by her appearance, her beauty and her wit, Holofernes invited Judith to a banquet in his tent. When his officers left him alone with her, the general was so charmed by her that he ate the salty cheese cakes she had prepared, then quenched his thirst with her wine. More cheese cakes, much more wine. Until he fell drunkenly asleep.

And then, Judith pulled out his sword, and cut off his head.

She left the camp without arousing suspicion, her maid carrying the head in a bag. When the threatening army saw their general’s head, they panicked and fled.

Because Judith saved the Jews from a death order, many Jews honor her by eating cheese and dairy dishes: rugelach, blintzes, cheesecake, cheese latkes, even sour cream on potato latkes.

“We used to have a cake that was made out of cheese, like a fried-cheese-type thing,” says chef Laura Frankel, culinary director for Kosher Media International. Until the fried cheese tradition made it to northern and eastern Europe where they fried things in schmaltz (animal fat).

“Obviously, with kosher rules,” Frankel explained, “you can’t fry anything with cheese in schmaltz.” Mixing dairy and meat is banned in Jewish dietary laws. “So they changed the cheese out for potatoes. It was something people ate a lot of, they were filling, they were plentiful.”

This brings us to a shocking revelation. Though the original latkes were cheese latkes, the Ashkenazic Jews (who brought the latke to America) subbed potatoes.

And thus was born the latke that we all love today.

Judith’s Cheese Pastries

Adapted from “A Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking” by Marcy Goldman, these pastries symbolize the cheese cakes that Judith served to Holofernes. Farmer cheese is a form of cottage cheese with most of the liquid pressed out, giving it a solid, crumbly texture. For best results, refrigerate the dough 8 hours or overnight.

Cheese Pastries

Adapted from “A Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking” by Marcy Goldman, these pastries symbolize the cheese cakes that Judith served to Holofernes. Farmer cheese is a form of cottage cheese with most of the liquid pressed out, giving it a solid, crumbly texture. For best results, refrigerate the dough 8 hours or overnight.

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 sticks (one cup) unsalter butter (cut into 16 pieces)
• 1 cup farmers cheese
• 2 tsp finely minced lemon zest
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

• 1/2 lb cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1 tsp finely minced lemon zest
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Topping

• 4 Tbsp melted butter
• powdered sugar

1. For the dough: Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl; cut in the butter until the mixture resembles small crumbs. Blend in the farmer cheese to make a soft dough; then the lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. (For a food processor, pulse the dry ingredients together until combined. Add the butter; pulse until mixture resembles small crumbs. Add remaining ingredients; pulse until dough comes together. Knead on a lightly floured board to form a smooth ball.) Wrap the dough in plastic, and refrigerate overnight.

   For the filling: Cream the cream cheese, farmer cheese and sugar together in a bowl until blended. Stir in remaining ingredients to make a thick filling. Refrigerate until ready to use.

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

   On a lightly floured surface, divide the chilled dough in half and roll each half into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle. Lightly brush each rectangle with 1 tablespoon melted butter.

   Spread half of the cheese filling on each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch plain border all around. Fold in the 2 shorter ends on each rectangle. Beginning with the longer side, roll each piece into a log, but stop halfway. Cut off the remaining half of each piece and repeat, making another log. Each portion of dough will make 2 narrow logs.

   Brush the tops of the 4 logs with the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Chill, 10 to 15 minutes.

   Remove logs from the fridge; cut them into 2-inch pastries. Place the pastries on the baking sheets. Bake until tops are golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Makes 24 to 30 pieces.

Culinary Latitudes Loves Pets!

'Tis the season for merriment, which usually includes tasty meals and a cocktail or two.  Remember Fido and Kitty when traveling to friends or family with your pets; and when guests travel to your home and meet your four legged companions for the first time.  According to a survey by the Humane Society of the United States, nearly 164 million people in the United States own pets. This means that approximately 62 percent of all households are home to at least one pet.  Since this is over half of us here in the U.S., we are sharing a few tips to keep in mind for your furry family member this time of year (and all year).

DO give your pets -

• Plain green beans cooked or raw. No butter.
• Plain potatoes, white or sweet potatoes
• Plain white meat turkey in small amounts, NO gravy
• Unsweetened canned pumpkin (my golden loves this)

DO NOT give your pets-

• Animal bones
• Garlic
• Raisins or grapes
• Avocado
• Onions
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts or walnuts
• Fatty foods
• Bones
• Skin
• Sugar & artificial sweeteners -
• No Christmas cookies or fruitcake
• Alcohol (okay, who really does this?)

Remember ... 

FLOWERS/PLANTS- Some can be fatal, others can cause serious illness or internal injury. (poinsettias, lilies, holly, mistletoe, roses etc…) Cover the water pan under the Christmas tree and secure it to avoid it getting knocked over.

CHOCOLATE- Chocolate and cocoa are highly toxic to cats and dogs.

CANDY- Some candy or other sweets are made with Xylitol. This is toxic to pets and cause hypoglycemia.

DECORATIONS- Ornaments, tape, ribbon, bows, wrapping paper, tinsel, garland, can all pose a threat as choking hazards. Dispose of them promptly before your pet gets a hold of them.

ELECTRICAL CORDS OR LIGHTS- If chewed these can cause burns in or around a pets mouth, difficulty breathing seizures or cardiac arrest.

COCKTAILS- ALCOHOL-Even a small amount can cause illness, or even coma or death to your pet. Keep out of reach and wipe up any spills immediately.

CANDLELIGHT- Curious kitties and waging tails can cause injury to your pet and a fire safety hazard to your home and everything in it. Never leave an open flame unattended. Keep pets away from those menorahs!

Thank you to Riverside Animal Hospital in Coral Springs, Florida for this great information!

Take Your Tastebuds on a Nordic Trip

"These short ribs are inspired by one of chef Michael Björklund’s recipes from the cookbook Mat så in i Norden (Food from the Nordic Lands). While Michael suggests braising lamb shanks in mead or wheat beer, I prefer using more manageable short ribs, since American lamb shanks tend to be enormous. I add honey to recall the flavor of mead. The ribs cook up meltingly tender, with the perfect degree of sweetness. Serve them with potatoes or steamed barley." Credit to James Beard Foundation and Reprinted with permission from Fire + Ice: Classic Nordic Cooking, by Darra Goldstein, copyright © 2015, published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Photographs copyright © 2015 by Stefan Wettainen

Honey & Beer-Braised Short Ribs

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 lbs bone-in short ribs (cut into 3" pieces)
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 large head of garlic
• 3 yellow onions (coarsely chopped)
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 2 large sprigs parsley
• 2 tbsp minced parsley
• 1 12 oz bottle wheat ale
• 1/2 cup honey

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Heat the oil in a 6-quart braising pan with a lid over medium heat. Rub the short ribs all over with salt and pepper. Place them in the pan and sear until brown, about 2 minutes on each side. With tongs, transfer the short ribs to a plate and pour off all of the fat from the pan.

   Remove the outer papery skin from the head of garlic and cut about 1⁄2 inch off the top to reveal the cloves.

   Return the short ribs to the pan and nestle the head of garlic, cut side up, among them. Strew the onions and carrots among the meat, and stick the thyme and parsley sprigs into any nooks.

   Whisk together the beer and honey in a bowl and pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables (it won’t cover them). Cover the pan tightly with the lid and bake for 2 hours.

   Raise the oven temperature to 400°F and continue to bake the meat until it is very tender and the liquid has turned slightly syrupy, about 45 minutes more. Blot or skim off as much fat as you can.

   I like to serve the ribs home-style, right from the pan, but you can also transfer the meat and vegetables to a deep serving bowl. Garnish with the minced parsley and serve hot.

   NOTE: Since short ribs are fatty, I like to make this dish the day before and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day you can easily lift off all of the fat that has risen to the surface. Reheat the stew gently at 300°F for an hour or so.

Perfect Dinner Party "Ingredients"

Have you ever wanted to know how to throw the perfect dinner party for your friends?  You know, a gathering of 6-12 of your favorite people to enjoy an evening of good conversation and merriment?  Some people find this to be a daunting task.  Even the best home entertainers, at times, find planning a social engagement with appetizers, drinks, dinner and dessert seems to hit a level of stress they don't usually encounter on a daily basis.  ~ Culinary Latitudes, llc Article by:  Laura Rysman of the New York Times

Food, drink, friends, good conversation — a dinner party is, in the end, a simple and enduring combination of ingredients, made unique by what hosts and guests infuse the evening with. To help you achieve a more flawless and fun-filled gathering, here are a set of guidelines with everything you need to know about throwing your best dinner party.

First, Make a Timeline

Advance planning will ultimately make a dinner party that much easier to pull off. Making accurate lists and giving yourself plenty of time for each task will minimize chaos and help you tackle the inevitable glitches that arise.

The British party planner Fiona Leahy says that as a professional, outsourcing is key for her own busy life, but even if you can’t hire a catering staff for your private affair, think about what you don’t have to do yourself — like picking up a dessert, having wine, flowers or other supplies delivered, or hiring a cleaning service for before or after the party. Keeping it simple for yourself is crucial. “I’m not above just serving a sourdough truffle pizza with great wine,” Leahy says. “It’s the company that counts … and, of course, the tablescape.” Here, her timeline tips for your party:

Two weeks before

• Create your guest list, making sure you have enough dishes to serve everyone. (Here are some good, simple suggestions for dinnerware sets.)
• Send out your invitations.
• Think about the atmosphere and aesthetic you’d like for the evening. Figure out what you’ll need for décor and make a list.

One week before

• Pin down confirmations from guests and be sure to check on their dietary restrictions.
• Plan your menu, keeping in mind what ingredients are in season and what can be prepared a day before the party.
• Think about how you’ll want your dishes to look when served, and be sure to include any special tools, plates or garnishes you’ll need to create.
• Pick up candles and any other décor (except flowers) you’ll want for the evening.

Two days before

• Pick up all the ingredients for the dinner.
• Purchase wine and any other beverages you’ll be serving, and make sure you have a good corkscrew.
• Fill up your ice trays and pick up extra ice from the store if you’ll be making cocktails.
• Make a playlist (or several).

The day before

• Prepare as much of the food as possible, including dessert.
• Clean up your home, especially areas where guests will be (the dining room, living room and bathroom) and be sure the trash and the dishwasher are empty for the next day.
• Pick up flowers or other natural touches and put them in vases.

The day of

• Take it from pro chefs and prepare a mise en place, setting out all of the ingredients, sauces and garnishes you’ll need to finish your dishes around a counter area with a cutting board and good knives. Line up small bowls and fill them with everything you’ll need.
• Prepare any last dishes.
• Set up the table and any décor. All linens, table settings, glasses, place cards and candles should be laid out at this point.

Two hours before

• Arrange all the food you cooked previously on the counter and pull out any potsyou’ll need to prepare them.
• Set up a drink and snack station for guests’ arrival with wine or an aperitif and something small to nibble on.
• Put pitchers or bottles of water on the table.
• Get dressed for the evening.
• Light candles and put on your first playlist.
• Have a glass of wine or take a moment for yourself so you’re relaxed when your guests arrive.

FICO Eataly World Opens Outside Bologna

Balogna market // Photo by RossHelen/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

“From Field to Fork: The world’s largest agri-food park.” Food-obsessed travelers can now find nirvana in a theme park unlike any other. FICO Eataly World was inaugurated by Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni on November 15 just outside Bologna. It’s 100,000 square meters of food and fun, designed to showcase the “wonders of Italian biodiversity.” The site is a former wholesale market, converted into a sprawling fantasyland of eateries (45), kitchen showrooms for chef demonstrations, a cinema, play areas, boutiques, gardens, orchards, classrooms and educational pavilions.

The Eataly concept—a food hall with gourmet delights from all over Italy—has made a splash in locations around the world: from Trieste to New York to São Paulo to Seoul. A public-private partnership, FICO Eataly World hopes to capitalize on that success. As reported by The Guardian, “The project took four years to complete, at a cost of €120 million, works with over 150 Italian companies, from relatively small to very large, and has created over 3,000 jobs. If all goes to plan, FICO predicts it will attract six million visitors a year, a substantial boost in tourism for the whole area.” (However the article’s headline posits “But is Eataly World a betrayal of Italian gastronomy?”)

Highlights include outlets of three Michelin-starred restaurants, Terra del Tartufo (Truffle Land) where truffles are grown (and hunted by dogs), and—as shared by Conde Nast Traveler—“500 adult-sized tricycles with shopping baskets, designed by Italian bike makers Bianchi.” Admission is free.

Ask us about our Culinary Adventure in Tuscany ... coming soon! ~ Culinary Latitudes

10 Spectacular Cookery Breaks

by Xanthe Clay from The Telegraph, November 20, 2017

Here are 10 of the best adventures for foodies who can stand the heat and the kitchen.

Ask us about our "Taste of Tuscany" culinary adventure happening in April, 2018! ~ Culinary Latitudes

1. Icons of southern French cooking

Scenic Culinaire will feature tailored cooking classes (local recipes) for up to 10 passengers on board Scenic Diamond, Emerald and Sapphire ships on its Bordeaux, Rhone and Saone river cruises in France. Other gourmet activities include shopping in the market with a chef, truffle hunting, chocolate tasting, and an opportunity to cook at the exclusive culinary school of legendary chef Paul Bocuse, as well as eat in the restaurant.

Scenic Culinaire’s South of France Tour departs in October 2018 and costs £3,845 per person for 13 days, including all accommodation, meals and travel (0808 252 5486; scenic.co.uk).

10 amazing food and wine holidays in France for 2017

2. An authentic taste of Pakistan

If you want to know about the rich Pakistani culinary tradition, there is no better guide than Sumayya Usmani, author of Summers Under the Tamarind Tree. Imbibe her knowledge and wisdom on this holiday with Wild Frontiers Travel, packed with food highlights including a trip to the Hunza Valley (home to the best dried apricots in the world), farm visits, a cookery demonstration and a chance to wander through the bazaars. There’s a night in a converted palace, too – and plenty of good eating, of course.

A 14-day Pakistan: Baltistan Food Tour with Sumayya Usmani costs £3,275 per person, including all accommodation and meals but not flights. Departs September 10 2018 (020 3797 8181; wildfrontierstravel.com).

3. Produce and pasta in Sicily

What’s not to love about an island where eating ice cream for breakfast is considered entirely acceptable? Sicily was once the bread basket of the Roman Empire, and it is still the home of some of the most remarkable produce in Italy. This trip with Peter Sommer Travels takes in a grove of centuries-old olive trees as well as the chance to see ricotta being made and almonds pressed for their milk, plus a hands-on pasta and bread making class.

An eight day Gastronomic Tour Of Sicily costs £3,525 including accommodation, some meals but not flights. Departs September 22 2018 (01600 888 220; petersommer.com).

4. Sugar and spice in southern India

If the children have ever wondered where spices come from, or how tea gets from bush to bag, this is the chance to show them. On this 12-day tour you’ll visit a tea plantation and factory, watch coconut sap (the ingredient of coconut sugar) being tapped, learn about spice plants such as cardamom, and have a cookery class and dinner with a local family. Beach time and a houseboat cruise are included too.

The 12-day Southern Spice – Family Holiday in Kerala by KE Adventure Travel costs from £1,045 per person, including accommodation, all meals but not flights. Seven departures from January to December 2018 (01768 773966; keadventure.com). 

5. Parmesan, pasta and prosciutto in Bologna

See in the New Year in Bologna, aka “La Grassa” – Italy’s greediest city. Accompanied by an Italian food specialist, this seasonal holiday with Andante Travels includes truffle-hunting, pasta making and a trip to a Parmesan cheese maker, as well as a traditional ice-cream maker. In between meals, there’s an ancient history slant, including several museum, church and castle visits, with
 an archaeologist on hand.

A six or seven-night Bologna Festive Food trip costs from £2,595 including accommodation, flights and all meals with wine. Departs December 28 2017 for the seven-night trip, and December 28 2018 for the six-night option (01722 713800; andantetravels.co.uk).

6. The culinary wonders of Peru

Peruvian food is a hot trend, and no wonder – theirs is the most sophisticated cuisine in South America. This Intrepid Travel trip takes in the varied climates and topography of this diverse country, with a coastal ceviche-making demonstration and an Andean cookery class as well as a visit to a cacao plantation to learn about chocolate. There’s a non food-focused Amazonian jungle trip, too – and don’t worry, you’ll get to go to Machu Picchu as well.

A 14-day Peruvian Real Food Adventure costs from £2,455 including accommodation, travel, some meals but not international flights (0808 274 5111; intrepidtravel.com).

7. Crete food culture

Crete is Greece’s gastronomic hot spot, famous on the mainland for dishes such as dakos, a crunchy bread and tomato salad, and gamopilafo, a rice pilaf served at weddings. This tour takes in in the seasonal, local food culture from ancient andto modern, with visits to home cooks, wine producers, bakers and olive farmers, street markets and kafenio (traditional cafées), as well as a demonstration of kalitsounia (cheese pie) making.

A nine-day Gastronomic Crete tour costs from £3,2490 including flights, accommodation and some meals. Departs September 30 2018 (020 8742 3355; martinrandall.co.uk).

25 things to eat before you die – the ultimate foodie bucket list

8. Sri Lankan soul food

Sri Lankan cooking is a fabulous melting pot of Indian and south-east Asian influences – and this family trip with Explore includes home food as well as more upscale dishes, starting with a visit to eat lunch with a village family, followed by a cookery demonstration. There’s also a stroll around a food market during the three-day river cruise, followed by an on-boardon board fish cookery lesson. Want more? An excursion to a tea plantation and factory, and a cookery class in an eco-mud hut hotel are scheduled too.

A 14-day Sri Lankan Adventure Tour costs from £2,565 including flights, accommodation and some meals. Departures March to December 2018 (01252 883 621; explore.co.uk). 

23 reasons to visit Sri Lanka

9. Tapas tour and tasting in Spain

Visit the ancient city of Cádiz, one of Rick Stein’s favourite food destinations, as well as the medieval whitewashed town of Vejler de la Frontera with cookery teacher and sherry expert Annie B. Annie will teach guests how to cook some iconic local dishes in her kitchen, and there will be sherry tastings, tapas tours, market visits and the opportunity to cook with chef Pancho Jiminez Yanes, who appeared with Stein on the BBC’s Long Weekends series.

The seven-night Ultimate Gourmet Tour of Cadiz costs from €1,7950 (£1,605) per person, including accommodation, five lunches, five dinners, visits and transfers, but not flights. Departs March 15 2018 and September 9 2018 (0034 620 560 649; anniebspain.com).

10 amazing food and wine holidays in Spain

10. The flavours of Thailand

The food of Thailand is far more diverse than the menu at your local takeaway would suggest – and this trip with Responsible Travel takes you from Chiang Mai in the north to Krabi in the south, via Bangkok, to get the full gamut of flavours. There are four cookery lessons along the way, including one over an open fire, and market visits too, so you’ll come back knowing your kapi from your kaffefir lime.

15 Recipes for the Ultimate Thanksgiving "Redux"

Struggling with whether to go classic or contemporary with this year's Thanksgiving menu? Our strategy: stick to all-American tradition with the turkey centerpiece (we recommend James Beard's go-to version) and get playful with the sides—which are, after all, really the best part about Thanksgiving dinner. Below, we've got 16 recipes that will breathe new life into your holiday spread. Mix and match, or make 'em all; you won't be sorry to have these standout dishes as leftovers.

Appetizers

Photo: Ed Anderson Here's your chance to whet everyone's appetites and give guests a taste of what's to come. While an elegant cheese and crudité plate is always a good fallback, these little numbers will really show what you're made of.

Black Butter–Balsamic Figs with Fonduta (pictured above) At once rustic and elegant, these black mission figs from Beard Award–winning chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of San Francisco's State Bird Provisions are seared tatin-style, flesh-side-down in a pan swirled with blackened butter, and then studded with thyme, sweet baslamic vinegar, and a creamy fonduta drizzle.

Smoked Deviled Eggs A cocktail party mainstay, deviled eggs are a great vehicle for experimenting with flavors and textures. We love this elevated take on the classic canapé, adding smoke, acid, and a bit of porky indulgence for the perfect bite.

Root Vegetable Peel Chips All those peels from the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes you painstakingly prepped for dinner? Reserve them for this crunchy, salty, and no-waste snack from Blue Hill's Beard Award–winning chef Dan Barber.

Vegetable Sides

Photo and Styling: Yewande Komolafe There's no need for soggy Brussels sprouts or limp green bean casseroles: add some lightness to the table with one of these bright and healthy dishes.

Cauliflower with Sumac and Green Grape–Apple Vinaigrette (pictured above) This cruciferous veg variation from Untitled at the Whitney's Suzanne Cupps is seared on the plancha, dusted with sumac, topped with herbs and walnuts, and served with a bright green-grape and apple vinaigrette.

Spaghetti Squash Cacio e Pepe A riff on the classic Roman pasta, this simple recipe from chef Fortunato Nicotra at Lidia Bastianich's flagship restaurant Felidia pairs spicy cracked black pepper with a showering of salty Pecorino cheese.

Kale Salad with Pecorino and Hazelnuts Effortlessly elegant is the name of the game here. You can substitute Parmesan, aged Gruyère, or Grana Padano for the Pecorino, and almonds or any other nut you have on hand for the hazelnuts.

Butternut Squash with Sunflower Seed Granola and Stracciatella Roasted butternut squash, savory sunflower–pumpkin granola, and creamy stracciatella cheese—what's not to love?

Grain/Bread Sides

Photo: Mette Nielsen It's hard to improve upon comfort classics like mashed potatoes or sausage stuffing, but we promise, carb-lovers will go nuts for these autumn-centric bites.

Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms, Chestnuts, and Cranberries (pictured above) You can't beat wild rice for flavor and texture, and the addition of meaty mushrooms, tart cranberries, and earthy chestnuts make this a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Parsnip, Pear, and Rosemary Muffins The sweetness in these light, moist muffins from Beard Award winner and JBF Chefs Boot Camp alum Steven Satterfield comes naturally from the pear and parsnip, with just a little boost from sugar. Bonus: the fragrant aroma of fresh rosemary will fill your kitchen as they bake.

Miles Standish Stuffing This dish is a staple in Beard Award winner and television personality Alex Guarnaschelli's holiday arsenal. “My father calls this the Miles Standish stuffing,” she told us, “because it contains pepperoni and mozzarella, two ingredients he jokingly insists they were eating on the Mayflower.” We're sold.

Pumpkin–Cranberry Brioche Serve this cranberry-studded pumpkin brioche instead of your standard basket o' rolls and you'll win Thanksgiving.

Desserts

Photo: James Ransom These creative twists on old favorites will breathe new life into your holiday spread just when you need it most—before the post-turkey coma sets in.

Applesauce Cake with Caramel Icing (pictured above) According to Food52 co-founder Merrill Stubbs, “Whether or not they admit it, all cooks have one recipe they’re most proud of.” And this one is hers. While it’s a simple cake, the luxe caramel glaze makes it holiday-worthy.

Coffee–Cardamom Cookies If spice cookies are good alongside coffee (and they are) then wouldn’t they be even better with coffee in them? That was the question Beard Award–winning author and pastry chef Dorie Greenspan asked herself—and these treats are the affirmative answer.

Buttermilk–Brown Sugar Pie In her Beard Award–winning cookbook, Ronni Lundy presents the easy-to-make pie as an ode to her Appalachian upbringing, but adds her own twist by substituting buttermilk for the traditional cream, yielding a tangy, decadent result.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Vanilla–Cream Cheese Filling Flavored with pumpkin, molasses, and autumn spices, these whoopie pies from Brooklyn's One Girl Bakery would be a delightful addition to any festive occasion.

To learn more about Windstar's James Beard Culinary Cruises leave us your information and we will contact you right away!  (Leave us the best time to call you.)

Article credit to: Elena North-Kelly, managing editor at the James Beard Foundation.

Best Foodie Cities in America

This article is shared from Travel Pulse, FEATURES & ADVICE  ROBIN AMSTER  OCTOBER 11, 2017 PHOTO: Steamed crabs at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. (photo via Flickr/R.A. Kilmer)

Americans hungry for information on where to travel for great eats can check out WalletHub’s list of the nation’s top foodie cities.

Personal finance website WalletHub compared 182 U.S. cities—including the 150 most populated—on a range of key food-friendly indicators, including the cost of groceries, the affordability and accessibility of high-quality restaurants and the number of food festivals per capita.

The report comes a few days before World Food Day on Oct. 16, the date of the 1945 founding of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

The top ten cities out of twenty on the list of 2017’s Best Foodie Cities in America are:

—San Francisco

—Portland, OR

—New York City

—Los Angeles

—Miami

—Orlando

—Austin, TX

—Las Vegas

—San Diego

—Seattle

WalletHub’s list includes cities that cater to foodies who prefer to cook at home, explore the local gastronomy or both. It noted that the foodie culture isn’t limited to restaurant-goers.

The foodie lifestyle can also be very expensive, however, considering that restaurant prices have risen. In fact, Americans spent more money at food establishments than at grocery stores for the first time in 2015.

Yet eating at home can also be pricey depending on the local cost of living and the quality of homemade meals, according to WalletHub.

READ MORE: Underrated Foodie Cities in America

The same report also found that:

—New York has the most restaurants of the cities on its list, nearly 38 times more than Pearl City, Hawaii, which has the fewest.

—New York also has the most gourmet specialty food stores, 56 times more than West Valley, Utah with the fewest.

—San Francisco has the most cooking schools, close to 38 times more than Omaha, Nebraska, which has the fewest.

—Santa Rosa, California has the highest ratio of full-service restaurants to fast-food eateries, three times higher than Jackson, Mississippi, the city with the lowest ratio.

BVI Captain Fiona Provides Meals for Stranded Islanders

By now everyone knows there was an angry storm that ravaged the Caribbean islands before moving up the state of Florida and the Keys this past week.  Captain Fiona O'Connor, resident of the British Virgin Islands and a good friend of Culinary Latitudes, was lucky enough to make it through Irma's fury and devastation, along with several of her friends. We interviewed Ms. O'Connor the end of August and learned so many amazing things about her and her life journey, and we are very eager to share her story.  Although, currently nothing compares to the support and love she is showing the stranded islanders with her new kitchen and love of cooking!

Fiona's plans were to open a new business, Captain's Kitchen (more about this in the interview below), in October/November of this year.  This new business will provide fresh local food as well as ready made meals to the sea travelers taking advantage of the crystal blue waters around the area.

After hurricane Irma's winds annihilated many of the homes in the BVI, Fiona has changed her focus to helping the land dwellers.  "Remarkably my kitchen is standing strong" she said; and now the Captain's Kitchen team is working to feed people in need.  She recently shared "One week on (after Irma hit) and slowly we are finding supplies easier, the military and British police are here in force and moral is high. I am staying in Tortola to help and continue with making Captain's Kitchen happen. I will just have to revert my business from the boating community to the (land) community. First things first, help the local community. ..."

Please read on to learn more about Captain Fiona and why she truly is an angel of the sea!

Fiona, would you please tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up settling in the British Virgin Islands:

I was born in the outback of the western parts of Australia to an Irish father and Italian (Australian born) mother, yet grew up on the coast in the east.  I had a very enjoyable upbringing with camping trips, fishing, holidays around Australia.  We had many animals, from Horses, dogs, cats, cows, guinea pigs, birds, fish, reptiles and more.   I am the middle child with an older and younger brother, who I love spending time with when I go home.

I miss Australia, yet have always loved travelling and I have many friends who I keep in contact with back home. I visit Australia pretty much every year but with my new business I won’t make it back this year.

I embarked on my first journey overseas when I was 18 and I bought a one-way ticket to London. 1.5 years later I returned home with a whole new outlook and vision for my future. I had worked various jobs overseas as I moved through different countries and cultures.  From a marine park to hospitality positions and an apprentice jockey at a famous stable.  I returned home and moved to Byron Bay and started working in the charter industry at a busy Byron Bay dive shop called Sundive.

My first business was taking photos of beginners who learned to surf through the local surfing school.  Even my dog was into the surfing scene.  Gidjit became famous, and remained famous for years, as the mascot of the local surf shop named ‘Black Dog Surfing’.  With this business, I was sponsored by the government as the NEIS ... which is the National Entrepreneur Incentive Scheme.

My love of the sea brought me to the British Virgin Islands and, as of this year, I’ve lived here for nearly 10 years and I have the support of an amazing group of friends.  After all these years at sea I have decided to make a move from sea to land.

Tell us about your experience in becoming a captain: 

I landed in the Boating industry in the small, yet very touristic, Aussie town on the east coast called Byron Bay.  This was now 23 years ago.  I started off as a deck hand, completed my dive masters in 1996, and went on to become a dive instructor and then a professional captain.  Back then (in 1994) I was part of a very small percentage of women within this field.

Most of the courses I completed and the positions I have held have been mainly dominated by men. From diving, boating, first aid to heavy rigid truck, fork lift, and a tour guide in Kakadoo National Park.

After many years in this industry as mate, guide, chef, and instructor, and thousands of miles of experience, I chose to start looking for the position as Captain.  I love boats and knew if someone would give me the opportunity to do so, then I could prove my experience, dedication and care for their vessel and crew. I was given this opportunity in 2007 and been in my element since. I have learned a lot over the years as a captain and I constantly encourage young, ambitious women to do the same … if that is where their passion lies.

One example of supporting women in business was the reality show called ‘The Sea Angels’.  This TV show was written by me during a crossing from Aruba to Colombia about just this.  Women helping people in need.  This venture received much positive support and funding was obtained within months of sharing the idea with others.   Now, over 50,000 nautical miles later, many ocean crossings, 48 countries visited, 8 years of living on boats, many new friends, sailing stories and fond memories, my full time at the helm is slowing down.  Time to move back to this thing called ‘Land’.

What was your most memorable/thrilling adventure at sea?

I would have to say the ‘Nature Experiences’ I have had over the years.  My love for animals, the ocean and adventure is what has driven me to choose a life away from family, friends and somewhat traditional responsibilities.  I would say a story I do tell, which gives me a chill of excitement, would be when I was sailing into the Galapagos islands on a delivery to Australia from Road Town, BVI.  My brother, Glen, was onboard and this was not only his first ever sailing experience yet also his first long sail --the Pacific Ocean!  We could see the Galapagos Islands in the distance and dropped the sails as there was a huge amount of leatherback turtles on the surface, as well as seals, sailfish and sharks. We didn’t want to hit anything. I was at the helm and heard a huge blow from the spout of an orca whale right next to the boat! The orca was riding our wake and crossing under the boat and jumping in the wake!  I could hardly yell out to the rest of the crew, I was lost for words!  It looked so surreal.  As far as nature goes, the Galapagos Islands is the most amazing group of islands I have visited to date.  The following day was spent scuba diving with hundreds of hammerheads, seals, and a thousand other marine life.  Albatross, aquatic iguanas and land tortoises were also seen while there.

And then there is the time of 25’ Seas, 60 knot winds, and an angry ocean where a crew member screamed frantically for her life in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean…yet that’s another story.

After all your years at sea, how did you come up with the idea of Captain’s Kitchen?

After years of working in the charter industry on captain only charters, crewed charters and deliveries, I realized what was lacking… time away from the galley and enjoying the surroundings.  I came up with the idea of Captain’s Kitchen, to be launched here in the BVI, which will focus on the boating industry, villas, and also the local community. I saw a service that could save people time in the galley (often mums and the ladies) preparing meals for family and friends and allow them more time enjoying the beauty of the islands, sea and their vacation.  With an online ordering system we would provide boat provisions, and even prepared meals, using local fresh ingredients where possible.  This would make holidays for families and friends have a better flow.  A local celebrity entrepreneur, Richard Branson, launched a scholarship program for eligible local startup businesses in 2017. My concept was accepted and I am now part of the Branson team.  The Captain’s Kitchen will be launched October/November 2017.

Share a little about starting a business in the British Virgin Islands: 

Starting a business anywhere is difficult, this is number 3 for me.  It has been a challenge here in the BVI with the different laws and regulations. Some more difficult than back home in Australia and some so much more lenient.  The island style life can be somewhat relaxed yet also the process of getting a trade license (necessary for everyone not born here in the BVI) and getting work permits for staff, bank loans and recognition is a difficult journey for an outsider.  Everyone wanting to start a business must have a ‘belonger’ who is someone who has been living in the territory over 20 years and passes the eligible ‘belonger’ status.  This would be a person born in the BVI who will hold 51% of the business.  Even though the British Virgin Islands is an overseas territory of Britian, this does not allow any leniencies to those who carry a British passport.  I have an Irish passport (my dad is from Dublin), Australian Passport, US visa and a BVI residency.  I do like the rules here as it keeps the island quaint and unique.

Any other hobbies you'd like to share?  

I have many interests.  Growing up riding horses and competing is a fond memory I miss, yet I feel my ride is now at the helm of the various catamarans I captain. I also enjoy so much being in the galley and now the in the kitchen. My fantastic mum has always made beautiful meals from fresh home grown produce and family recipes passed down from her Italian father, who was a top chef from Milano.  I believe my Italian heritage has a lot to do with my love of cooking with fresh ingredients.   Another interest I have is underwater photography.  I worked on Australia’s #1 Island Resort, Hayman Island, as their underwater videographer for 2 years. My current favorite new toy is a drone. To be able to see and photography of all these islands from above, without travelling in a helicopter, is mind blowing!

Finally, do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share with us?

I must say, I do enjoy making pasta and reproducing my mama’s recipes.  Making pasta, and cooking in general for me is very therapeutic, relaxing and fulfilling.  My pasta is generally a whole day affair shared with friends, a bottle or two of red and a slow cooked sauce even my Nonno would be proud of.   I’ll give you a little hint…make your pasta traditional style making sure you use organic eggs, organic flour, fine kosher salt and a little water if necessary.

Sauce Recipe by Fiona of Captain’s Kitchen

Captain Fiona's Pasta Sauce

This tasty sauce is best with fresh pasta and good friends!

• quality red beef, finely diced (not ground beef!)
• salt and pepper
• red wine
• 1 heaping Tbsp tomato paste
• onion, sauteed
• garlic, sauteed
• allspice
• Italian herb blend
• fresh parsley

1. Brown the beef in small portions in a hot pan.  Add beef, salt and pepper, and enough water to a sauce pan to cover the beef.  Simmer the beef for about an hour.  Make sure the liquid does not dry out, keep the beef moist and saucy.

   While this is simmering saute your onion and garlic in a quality oil until soft and set aside.

   Open the next bottle of red – I love the Apothic Dark – a beautifully blended wine with dark fruits such as blueberries and blackberries with opulent notes of coffee and yes…dark chocolate. Yummo. Fantastic for drinking and make sure you save some for the sauce!
   

   Once your sauce is thick and meaty add your extras. Tomato paste (I use a nice rich organic paste with no preservatives for a rich healthy flavor). About a table spoon and a bit...sautéed onion and garlic. Allspice, a rich blend of Italian herbs and salt and pepper. Simmer again for another couple of hours. Add the wine. Chopped fresh parsley. Simmer again for another hour.

    By now your pasta should be dried, cut and ready for action. Remember pasta can be frozen and takes a while to make. When we have the pasta days, I always have people begging to take some home so making more rather than less is advisable for these such moments.
   

   The sauce is ready when you can smell the flavor and scent of the spice (at least 4 hours) and richness of the tomato blended with the aromas of a patiently cooked meal. By this time everyone is hungry and ready for the longest pasta sauce construction they have ever tasted!

   Quick version can be done in the pressure cooker yet does not have the same social effect. Buon Appetito!

10 Different Ways to Enjoy Key Lime in Key West

They say key lime pie originated in Key West some time toward the end of the 1800s. As the story goes, Florida's first millionaire, William Curry, was a prominent Key West resident and Bahamian-born immigrant. There is a story that is told on Key West that his cook, named "Aunt Sally" created the very first key lime pie. We thought you might enjoy some other was to eat this tiny (1 - 2 inches in diameter) green fruit. Story and photos found on USA Today 10 Best; date April 6, 2017

Although Key lime pie has spread in popularity throughout Florida – where the Key lime tree takes root – and beyond, Key Westers take proud ownership of its invention back in the pioneer days. Unlike the green Persian lime, the ping-pong-sized Key lime packs a more powerful pucker and has a lighter color.

Some of Key West’s best edible uses of its namesake lime think outside of the pie. And because eating in Key West so often means – or least involves – drinking, you'll also find some potent Key lime libations that take advantage of the fruit’s explosive flavor.

Key lime stuffed French toast at Azur Restaurant

Key lime pie at breakfast? Sure, as long as you sandwich it between slabs of Texas toast in vanilla custard. Add berry compote, and you have a truly legit excuse to indulge first thing in the morning.

Crackling calamari salad with Key lime vinaigrette at Thirsty Mermaid

Key lime vinaigrette sparks Thirsty Mermaid's calamari salad

This sophisticated, off-the-grid little restaurant puts the Key lime to savory use in an olive oil, chili and miso dressing that pairs charmingly with the frisee's bitter bite and crispy-fried rings of lightly breaded calamari. Key lime peanuts at Kermit’s

Salty-sour treats at Kermit's

Keeping in a savory vein, wake up your taste buds with these simple little gems. It seems salty-sour is as happy a combo as salty-sweet at Kermit’s Key Lime Key West Shoppe. Kermit Carpenter makes and sells 125 different edible Key lime products from hot sauce to truffles, so don’t be surprised to see his name leap forth again. Apparently, for this Kermit, it really is easy being green(ish).

Lobster Benedict with Key lime hollandaise at Blue Heaven

Key lime hollandaise perfects Blue Heaven's lobster Benedict

Need we say more? This triumph of local seafood and citrus is almost single-handedly responsible for the restaurant’s popularity. Well, that and its Key lime pie topped with a good four inches of meringue – not an easy feat in the tropical humidity.

Grouper sandwich with Key lime sauce at B.O.’s Fish Wagon

True Key West funk at B.O.'s Fish Wagon

Colorful and Sanfordesque, B.O’s claims a long tradition of famous grilled or fried grouper sandwiches topped with its tangy tartar-like sauce. Key lime ice cream at Flamingo Crossing

This popular Duval Street ice cream shop makes the inevitable Key lime ice cream. When it comes to sweets, Key lime adds a nice tang that balances. Key lime fudge at Kermit’s

Of course, Kermit sells some of the town’s best Key lime pie, including frozen wedges on a stick dipped in chocolate. The Key lime fudge, however, concentrates the flavor of an entire pie into just a few potent, creamy bites and is easier to transport home than a whole pie.

Chef's Real Key Lime rum at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

Key lime rum chef-made with the real deal

Key limes are no stranger to beverages – from Key limeade at various venues throughout Old Town to the latest Key Lime WitNess sour beer at Waterfront Brewery. The bite you get from a shot of the rum at this distillery, however, is unique: sharply alcoholic and subtly citrus with a touch of sweetness.

Craftsmanship in Every Sip at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

Key Lime Martini at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar

Liquid Key lime pie at The Perry Hotel Key West

Like Key lime pie in a glass, martinis featuring Key limes are easy to find in Key West, but you’ll be hard-pressed to sip one with a better view than at Matt's Stock Island at the new Perry Hotel Key West. It overlooks a harbor filled with yachts, charter boats, shrimp trawlers and the other gritty commercial fishing boats Stock Island is known for.

Fresh squeezed lime and pineapple juices, plus cream of coconut give the martini its stand-out character. And stand-out characters are what make Key West. Key Lime Krack shooter at Better Than Sex

Of all the sinful indulgences in this suggestive, bordello-like setting, the potent Key lime experience topped with “whip” and “krack” (salty sweet graham crumbs) leaves you most breathless. (photo above is stock photo)

BEST WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS in South Florida

South Florida is not lacking for beautiful views, even at their many seaside restaurants. We prefer to dine near the water, especially in the evenings because it's cooler at that time and there is always a nice breeze coming off the water. Besides the visual aesthetics, the food at these restaurants listed below make a visit to each of them worthwhile. We need to say, while these are delicious choices ... there are many others we still need to try. Culinary Latitudes is sharing this review of "Best Waterfront Restaurant" written by Gold Coast's Fort Lauderdale Daily because we have used the list ourselves and can confirm their excellenct choices. The Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean provide the perfect backdrop at these fine establishments. From Fort Lauderdale to Boynton Beach, here is a list to get you started on your culinary tour of seaside dining. We will be updating this article and would love hear your thoughts. Do you have a favorite? Photo credit to Fort Lauderdale Daily.

15TH STREET FISHERIES

The View: The Lauderdale Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway

With an outdoor patio and panoramic views of the Intracoastal, 15th Street Fisheries is the ideal spot to impress out-of-town guests. Grab a seat on the patio or reserve a window-front table in the boathouse to watch the endless stream of boats cruise by. After the meal, peer over the dock to catch sight of schools of tarpon and the occasional manatee. Try the pan-roasted black grouper, the citrus grilled salmon or the miso glazed roasted Chilean sea bass.

$$ / 1900 SE 15th St., Fort Lauderdale

HUDSON AT WATERWAY EAST The View: The Intracoastal Waterway

This new restaurant along the Intracoastal in Delray Beach boasts a little bit of everything – stunning waterfront views on the pier, cozy booths and tables inside the restaurant that are elevated to offer views of the water, plus a U-shaped bar that serves craft cocktails. The beautifully plated dishes are a creative fusion of meats, hand-crafted pastas and fresh, daily fish. Favorites include the lobster potato skins, the pretzel encrusted crab cake and the brisket short rib burger.

$$ / 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Ste. 22, Delray Beach

50 OCEAN The View: Delray Beach and the Atlantic Ocean

From the second floor, diners can look out of floor-to-ceiling windows as they dine for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Check out the saltwater fish tank as you enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at the quartz bar. Try the baked grouper topped with blue crab, the mussels, the double stuffed lobster roll or the scallops with pork belly and applejack barbecue sauce.

$$$ / 50 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach

BEAUTY & THE FEAST The View: Fort Lauderdale Beach

A new addition to The Atlantic Hotel & Spa on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Beauty & the Feast offers an unbeatable atmosphere with ocean views, outside seating and a lounge, plus crave-worthy food. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or try the weekend brunch for specialty omelets and Benedicts. Don’t leave without trying the coconut sorbet and carrot cake. Linger to watch the sunset from the hotel’s fifth floor ocean terrace.

$$ / 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

GRILLE 66 & BAR The View: The Intracoastal Waterway

Expect excellence at the Hyatt’s steakhouse waterfront restaurant. Four-star chef Michael Siegel serves inspired seafood dishes, as well as prime 28-day aged beef. The location makes for a great place to spot cruising mega yachts. Try the steaks, the Niman Ranch Pork Chops or the award-winning macadamia nut crusted Chilean sea bass. Stop by the bar from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the daily happy hour that features half-priced potato skins, crabcakes, sirloin sliders and more.

$$$ / Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale

THE PIRATE REPUBLIC SEAFOOD & GRILL The View: The New River

The aptly titled restaurant embraces pirate lore with authentic relics, banners and even a pirate ship for decoration. But don’t let the décor intimidate you – this restaurant knows good food. The Pirate shines with its fresh creative seafood dishes, such as the fire coral shrimp and the fish ceviche, plus its seafood specialties like the Asopado De Marisco – a bowl of seafood with tomato, green and red bell peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, wine, brandy and spices tossed with rice. Also try the fish and shrimp vatapa with acaca – a traditional Brazilian dish that takes two days to prepare!

$$ / 400 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale

BLUE MOON FISH CO. The View: The Intracoastal Waterway

Just north of Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find the picturesque Blue Moon Fish Co. in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Boaters can dock their vessel in front of the restaurant and enjoy lunch or, if it’s later in the afternoon, order something off of Blue Moon’s “middle menu.” The restaurant proudly serves local “day-boat” fish, and offers dishes with a Florida-Louisiana-Cajun flair. Try the Big Easy Seafood Gumbo or the crispy calamari and shrimp for an appetizer, and order the pan-roasted yellowtail snapper for dinner.

$$$ / 4405 W. Tradewinds Ave., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

BANANA BOAT The View: The Intracoastal Waterway

This restaurant started out in Fort Lauderdale in 1971 and moved its way north to Boynton Beach in 1978. Since then, it’s become an “anchor” restaurant in the Boynton Beach community, providing unbeatable views of the Intracoastal Waterway from the covered patio deck. The restaurant is known for its authentic Florida food and charm with dishes like conch fritters, Grouper Key Largo and baked tilapia with crabmeat stuffing.

$$ / 739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach

SEA LEVEL RESTAURANT – OCEAN BAR The View: Fort Lauderdale Beach

3030 Ocean comes to mind when you think of dining at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. But don’t overlook its sister restaurant, Sea Level, located directly on the beach. The restaurant, which includes a covered patio and a beachside bar, offers a relaxed atmosphere for lounging after a day in the surf and sand. For a light snack or lunch, try the peel and eat edamame, the hummus and pita dip or the jumbo lump crab and arugula salad. The dinner menu offers an array of burgers, grilled steaks and seafood. To end the night right, try the Harbor Beach Tipsy Turtle cocktail – $1 of every sale is donated to the sea turtle conservation fund.

$$ / 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale

STEAK 954 The View: Fort Lauderdale Beach

Steak 954 continuously finds its way onto our “best of” lists, and we couldn’t ignore it for this waterfront restaurant feature either. The high-end steakhouse offers not only exceptional food, but also an exceptional view. And if the ocean doesn’t mesmerize, the 15-foot long reef aquarium that’s home to jellyfish surely will. Try the raw bar for fresh oysters, shrimp, crab and ceviche. For dinner, try a dry-aged steak with a side of stuffed hash browns. The restaurant also offers breakfast, lunch and, of course, brunch.

$$$$ / W Hotel, 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale /

CASABLANCA CAFE The View: Fort Lauderdale Beach

This historic-home-turned-restaurant makes for a romantic dinner on the beach with live entertainment every night. You may have to wait a few minutes to be seated, but it’s worth it. Ask for a table on the wraparound porch, or opt for the upstairs dining room with a balcony patio that overlooks A1A and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Try the deep sea linguine or the blue crab crusted mahi mahi. Plus, the sandwiches all come with homemade Parmesan waffle fries. Delicious.

$$$ / 3049 Alhambra St., Fort Lauderdale

WATERSTONE BAR & GRILL The View: Lake Boca, Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean

We recently featured Waterstone’s sister restaurant, Boca Landing, in our dining section. But Waterstone serves as the more casual, laid-back counterpart. The seafood restaurant at the new Waterstone Resort & Marina, formerly the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, offers three water views of Lake Boca, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a specialty cocktail while indulging in the raw bar. Or make it an evening out with fresh seafood entrées and chef specialties like the Asian ahi tuna salad as you watch the sunset.

$$ / 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton

LUCCA The View: The Intracoastal Waterway

With grand ceilings and tall, arched windows showcasing the blue waters of the Intracoastal, Lucca makes for an extravagant dining experience. You’d expect no less at the Boca Raton Resort. The restaurant features an open-arched kitchen, serving Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine – think citrus marinated olives, eggplant rollatini, lamb sugo and veal osso buco Milanese. The restaurant also boasts an award-winning wine list, and two rooms for private dining.

$$$$ / Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 E. E. Camino Real, Boca Raton

MARTI’S NEW RIVER BISTRO The View: The New River

Planning to catch a play at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts? Now you can enjoy a waterfront meal prior to the show at Marti’s New River Bistro. The new restaurant, located at the Center’s Huizenga Pavilion, offers indoor and outdoor seating with a prix fixe dinner menu starting 2.5 hours before shows. For $36 per person, diners can enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert. We suggest the Greek salad and the lobster and shrimp mac and cheese, plus the Key lime pie. Not ready to end the night after the show? On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the restaurant stays open after performances for drinks, dessert and coffee.

$$$ / 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale

CAFFE LUNA ROSA The View: The Atlantic Ocean

Many waterfront restaurants serve your typical tropical cocktails and fried food. Not Caffe Luna Rosa. The Delray Beach restaurant offers authentic Italian dining with a stunning oceanfront view. The perfect date night? We’d say so. The chefs roast their own coffee beans, bake their own breads and prepare fresh pasta in-house daily. Try the scallopini di vitello alla marsala or the Florida yellowtail snapper Francese.

$$ / 34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach

COCONUTS The View: Canal on the Intracoastal

We love the Foxy Brown and the Red Cow, but Coconuts might be our favorite restaurant from the Be Nice Restaurants group. The Fort Lauderdale staple is situated just steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach and offers comfort dishes like coconut shrimp, a to-die-for lobster roll and a blackened or grilled mahi sandwich. A must-try dish is the “Comfort Bowl” with lobster – a creamy mix of pasta shells, sriracha cheese sauce and lobster. Yum.

$$ / 429 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

SOUTHPORT RAW BAR The View: Canal on the Intracoastal

This dockside restaurant is tucked into a side street off of 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but walk to the back patio and it’s full of life. The restaurant – a favorite with locals – backs up to a canal that opens into the Intracoastal. It’s a great spot for an afternoon beer (or two) while snacking on fish tacos, oysters and fresh steamed mussels.

$$ / 1536 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale

SweetWater Has it All!

On a Monday night you would think most restaurants would be a little slower and it would be easy to get a table. Not at SweetWater Kitchen in Boynton Beach, Florida. Even the hostess and our waitress were shocked at the foot traffic on this normally quiet evening. We had heard that this town was starting to step up the quality of dining establishments and our experience at SweetWater would prove this to be right!

We had a short wait and got the last high top available. The wait staff were friendly and seemed to handle the rush like the pros they are. We could see the chefs in the back working hard and even smiling while they whipped up their creations. We quickly learned that SW was known for their drinks .... of course we had to try a couple. We had a berry bramble and whiskey ultimate, that used rhubarb bitters, and thought if our meals was as good as the drinks we were in for a treat.

We ordered the tataki, which is fish seared about 15 seconds on each side. Their tataki was a choice of yellow snapper, salmon, or tuna you order by the piece. They serve it beautifully with a volcanic lava rock on fire and you cook your seafood to your liking. And the sauces ..... wow! We also asked about the blue crab sushi and the waitress said that was her all time favorite. We have to agree with her .... it's now ours. The chefs know what they are doing! SweetWater just started serving sushi and I'm sure it will stay on the menu for a very long time, at least we hope so. Definitely worth a try if you are in the neighborhood.

Berry Bramble

Here is our recipe for a Berry Bramble that will quench your thirst!

• 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. blackberry liquor ((optional))
• 1 oz simple syrup or agave
• 1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• ginger brew

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries with gin, blackberry liquor ( optional) lemon juice, simple syrup or agave, until broken up and they release their juice.

   Double strain, using a fine mesh strainer, to remove seeds.

   Fill 3-4 rocks glasses with ice. Divide blackberry -gin mix among the glasses, and top with soda or ginger brew. Garnish with a blackberry and lemon zest.

   

Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in South Florida: Yelp's Top 10

What is Farm-to-Table?  Besides your chef doing a lot of homework, it means they know the farm or ranch your product came from. If they know they’re raising their crops or livestock without added hormones or pesticides, and if they are cutting out the middleman by bypassing commercial vendors, then you’re eating farm-to-table! Check out these top 10 restaurants for you to enjoy an excellent Farm to Table experience.  The only negative thing we have to say is ...why aren't there more of these dining establishments?  This list is in no particular order and was found on Yelp.com.

Farmer's Table - $$ American (new), Salad, Seafood

1901 N Military Trl,

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Phone (561) 417-5836

Coolinary Cafe - $$  American (New)

4650 Donald Ross Rd.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Phone (51) 249-6760

The Cooper - $$ American (traditional), Bars

4610 PGA Blvd,

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Phone (561) 622-0032

Farmhouse Kitchen - $$ Bars, Breakfast, Lunch

204 E Atlantic Ave,

Delray Beach, FL 33444

Phone (561) 266-3642

District Table & Bar - $$$ - American (new)

900 SE Indian St,

Stuart, FL 34994

Phone (772) 324-8357

Farmhouse Kitchen-Boca Raton - $$ - American (new & traditional), Vegetarian

399 SE Mizner Blvd,

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Phone (561) 826-2625

Market 17 - $$$ - American (new), Seafood

1850 SE 17th St,

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Phone (954) 835-5507

Max's Harvest - $$ - American (new), Breakfast & Brunch, Diner

169 NE 2nd Ave,

Delray Beach, FL 33444

Phone (561) 381-9970

Angles - $$$ - American (new), Cocktail Bar

Located in Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Phone (561) 540-4924

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar - $$ - Wine Bar, American (new), Breakfast & Brunch -

1841 S Federal Hwy,

Delray Beach, FL 33483

Phone (561) 266-3239

Farm-to-Table With a Jamaican Twist

When you think of Jamaican food the first dish that comes to mind is Jerk Chicken.  This is certainly the most popular dish on the island; although, this is considered their "fast food".  There are so many more flavors to experience besides the traditional jerk seasoning.  One of them being a brown sauce that is common in many of the Jamaican dishes; which is a superb blend of coconut milk, lime, thyme among other ingredients. This farm-to-table experience at the restaurant Jamerican Cuisine, in Boynton Beach, Florida, is unique because the owners, Chris and Jasmine, have married both the Jamaican and American cooking styles in a way that is new to the dining industry.  The experience here leaves you feeling like you just visited a five star restaurant in Jamaica.  Everything from the presentation to the aroma of the spices makes a visit here a treat for your taste buds!

The choices are plentiful, like fried bammie, house-made plantain chips, ackee & salt fish, and Oxtail ... the ultimate Jamaican comfort food.  We experienced two of the more traditional items on the menu.  The yellow snapper, also know as Jamaican's "Sunday Supper", and of course ... the jerk chicken with rice and peas (aka rice and beans).  The snapper came as a whole fish grilled with spices and herbs in a "brown stew run down" and topped with the freshest carrots, red peppers and green beans, along with coconut jasmine rice on the side.  

As of the writing of this article, Jamerican Cuisine has been in business for 8 months.  They are already talking about expanding.  For now, we are going to enjoy as many visits to this establishment as we can before the line out the door is a mile long.

If you decide to give it try you may want consider the Dragon Stout, carrot juice, or Blue Mountain coffee.  All three are delicious.  When you arrive, Chris and Jasmine can be seen working hard to make your visit a memorable one.  When you see them say "hail up" (a Jamaican hello) from us!

For a yummy authentic Jamaican rice and peas recipe, share by Jamerican Cuisine Restaurant,  click here!