Lisdoonvarna was our destination of the day for a VIP tour of The Burren Smokehouse.  Totally organic salmon is smoked here with chips and sawdust gathered from a local furniture mill and it was really enlightening to follow the procedures and story. We enjoyed the tour with a Parisian Chef there to learn more about the process and ingredients said to be the best in Ireland, donning white coats and footwear booties.   Followers know that I love salmon and was lucky enough to enjoy it for breakfast, lunch and dinner while on our recent journey along the Wild Atlantic W ..read more

Dromoland Castle is huge, comfortable and elegant.  We arrived late afternoon just in time for tea.  Strolling the emerald lawns, seeing the falcons, sitting by the fire on a misty day, it could not have been more welcoming.   Sipping on Earl Grey, munching on sandwiches and sweets, I wanted to stay forever.  The service was beyond superlative from the moment of arrival.  Everything was perfect ..read more

 We're off to Ireland with a new focus on travel and culture which is, of course, filled with food experiences.  With three million visitors we're pretty sure you will want to follow the adventures.  It's so great to be back again on this Epic Tour of County Clare on The Wild Atlantic Way.  Our hosts, The Cliffs of Moher Experience, Aer Lingus and Avis Car Rental, have set up some amazing tours, dinners and hotels.  Follow us everywhere for some great fun ..read more

  One of the things I missed most during those darkest Covid days was stopping in at the local cafes and coffee shops and spending an hour or two relaxing, reading and writing.  Now they all seem to be back in full bloom just in time for the open doors and windows of spring. We stopped in at the Tatte Bakery location near Emerson College recently while in town for a movie screening.  This is one of the larger locations with plenty of seating and boy did we feel at home.  There was lots of great coffee and all those delicious pastries.  It's so nice to be back ..read more

  Thursday January 19 is National Popcorn Day and what better way to celebrate with these delicious treats from Prospector Popcorn that also support a great cause?  When you buy these goodies you will also be supporting their employment of people with disabilities.  And they are doing a great job. Sparkle on, people ..read more

  What's better than a cheeseburger loaded with onion fries and the whole city walking by as you sit and dine? Maybe frozen drinks. Just check out the tiktok vid.  Plus, this is the only place in Newport where they have a booth table that sits twelve people.  Munch on fried shrimp or scallops and sip gin and tonics with everyone with in, well, your immediate circle. We also got a sneak peek inside the totally swanky new private club.  Very luxe and comfy.  Another tiktok Contact us for details. Surf Club Newport ..read more

  I went with the classic Club Sandwich, loaded with bacon and thick layers of turkey on a crisp bed of lettuce and toasted bread, smothered in mayo.  Delicious. Because that's what you do when dining at a classic spot:  La Forge Casino at the Tennis Hall Of Fame in Newport. The courts were as green as ever.  We loved the Arthur Ashe tribute poster.  Really, if you ever play you must visit.  I mastered the art of the serve at Boston College.  There is even a video of me out there, somewhere, teaching people how to do it.  So, tennis is a love. The coo ..read more

  Stellar.  Spectacular.  There are not enough words to describe this year's Head Of The Charles Regatta today.  From the stunningly perfect weather, the competitors and their stories, the record crowds after last year's cancellation and all of the events and festivities.  Enjoy all of the photos.  Just a perfect day ..read more

  We stopped by Hub Hall at North Station recently in search of a great roast beef sandwich or some seafood, just to check things out and see what was going on after the long pandemic shutdowns.   It was a pretty active lunch crowd of local workers and tourist types.  Slightly disappointed that the promised Cusser's Roast Beef wasn't in the mix, we settled in for a fish sandwich from the Sullivan's expansion.  Bostonians will know what this means.   Have to say it was good.  The menu is limited (no hot dogs) and the seaside feeling is not the same.&n ..read more

  We have to adapt.  We have to change.  It's the only way to thrive.  So, it's going to take me a bit of time to get used to going to a restaurant or café where everything is digital.   You can only make a reservation online.  Even if it's the hottest spot in town, knowing someone will not get you in.  No one will take your order, or even make eye contact with you.  The menu is a QR code.  Point and shoot at it for what you want and it will be served "within ten to fifteen minutes."  You cannot pay with cash.  Everything is ..read more