The Oldest Recorded Recipe – What Did They Eat 4,000 Years Ago? https://flip.it/Y77d3O
Author: Jane Simon Ammeson
Jane Simon Ammeson is a freelance writer who specializes in travel, food and personalities. She writes frequently for The Times of Northwest Indiana, Mexico Connect, Long Weekends magazine, Edible Michiana, Lakeland Boating, Food Wine Travel magazine , Lee Publications, and the Herald Palladium where she writes a weekly food column. Her TouchScreenTravels include Indiana's Best. She also writes a weekly book review column for The Times of Northwest Indiana as well as food and travel, has authored 16 books including Lincoln Road Trip: The Back-road Guide to America's Favorite President, a winner of the Lowell Thomas Journalism Award in Travel Books, Third Place and also a Finalist for the 2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards in the Travel category. Her latest books are America's Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness and Classic Restaurants of Northwest Indiana.
Her other books include How to Murder Your Wealthy Lovers and Get Away with It, A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana and Murders That Made Headlines: Crimes of Indiana, all historic true crime as well Hauntings of the Underground Railroad: Ghosts of the Midwest, Brown County, Indiana and East Chicago. Jane’s base camp is Stevensville, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan. Follow Jane at facebook.com/janesimonammeson; twitter.com/hpammeson; https://twitter.com/janeammeson1; twitter.com/travelfoodin, instagram.com/janeammeson/ and on her travel and food blog janeammeson.com and book blog: shelflife.blog/
The Best Burgers in Every State
The Best Hole-In-The-Wall Burger Spot In Your State https://flip.it/NXJynu
Puppetry reigns in Disney’s The Lion King
By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez
A majestic production is gracing the stage in Chicago.
“The Lion King” is currently running through Oct. 19 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show is a must-see production and shines on stage with a colorful set, fascinating costumes, creative puppetry elements and a strong cast.
In promotional materials for the show, it’s touted as “the world’s #1 musical” and that’s definitely not hype. “The Lion King” surely draws audience members in with its strong theatrical elements from powerful vocals, colorful sets, a standout soundtrack and more.
“The Lion King” tells the story of the young cub Simba, who after the death of his father Mufasa, must eventually take control of the throne. There are many adventures awaiting Simba as he grows and he must battle his evil uncle Scar on his way to the throne.
This hit production has been touring North America for nearly 25 years and has been capturing theatergoers’ hearts throughout its celebrated run. It originally opened on Broadway on Nov. 13, 1997.
Starring in the current touring production are Peter Hargrave as Scar, David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa,, Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki, Robert Creighton as Timon, Nick LaMedica as Zazu, Danny Grumich as Pumbaa, Gilbert Domally as Simba and Thembelihle Cele as Nala.
Standout out musical numbers include “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”
FYI: “The Lion King” continues to Oct. 19 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets are $45 to $180. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Elizabeth McGovern shines as Ava Gardner in new play
By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez
Legendary Hollywood actress Ava Gardner is the subject of a new play at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building.
“Ava: The Secret Conversations,” starring award-winning actress Elizabeth McGovern, continues to Oct. 12. The show, written by McGovern, whom film and TV fans will know from starring roles in “Downton Abbey,” “Once Upon A Time in America” and “Ordinary People,” sheds a fascinating light on the late film legend.
The play is based on interviews Gardner gave to writer Peter Evans for a book that was to be published about her. Although it was initially banned from publication, the book was printed 25 years later.
In the show, audience members are led on a journey through segments of Gardner’s career and her marriages to Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra and Artie Shaw as well as her relationship with the eccentric Howard Hughes.
McGovern, who hails from Evanston, Illinois, offers a stellar performance as Gardner in this show, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. Starring as writer Evans is Aaron Costa Ganis. Ganis also portrays Rooney, Sinatra and Shaw. It’s fascinating to watch as he shifts from one character to another.
“Ava: The Secret Conversations” is making its Chicago premiere. It originally played at NY City Center. Don’t miss this interesting look at retro Hollywood and one of its most glamorous stars.
FYI: “Ava: The Secret Conversations” continues to Oct. 12 at The Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $170. Call 312-753-3210, ext. 102. Visit AvaGardnerPlay.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Chowhound: 20 Absolute Best Italian Restaurants In Chicago
Exploring Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou for Food, Fun, History & More
The Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism recently announced its new tourism campaign, “Geaux Bold,” encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in a destination that doesn’t hold back and where the authentic spirit of the people who have set this region apart live an unapologetically bold approach to life.
Lafourche Parish, popularly referred to as “Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou,” is located less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans, but it’s light years away in terms of experiences. Life along Bayou Lafourche is simultaneously laid-back and full of excitement, and the bold personalities who live here are eager to introduce visitors to their unique world. It’s a cultural experience unlike anything else in the United States.
The original bold explorers were the Acadians who settled here about 250 years ago, forging a new life in the face of adversity. Their strength of character, refusal to relinquish their traditions, and ability to both work and celebrate hard are all woven into the region’s DNA.
For those unfamiliar with the term (read: those living outside Louisiana), “geaux” is a playful version of the word “go” … spelled with a French twist. It’s what you’ll hear fans screaming at sporting events throughout Louisiana, including the local university, Nicholls State.
“When deciding on a new marketing campaign, we wanted to focus on the experiences that truly resonated with our visitors and highlighted our Cajun culture,” says Ian Wallis, Sales & Marketing Manager at Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. “When we looked at everything one can do in Lafourche Parish, it was a no-brainer that the focus of the new campaign needed to emphasize the incredible amount of bold things our parish has to offer.”
To “Geaux Bold” means paddling through the untamed waterways of Bayou Lafourche, keeping an eye out for the birds above and the alligators lurking at the water’s edge, or sampling authentic Cajun dishes prepared by chefs whose recipes have been passed down from their maw maws and paw paws. It means heading to a festival, letting the music flow through you and learning how to dance like the Cajuns do, or casting a line into the Gulf and reeling in scale-tipping fish. It means celebrating Mardi Gras with people who were strangers this morning and who now feel like family, or strolling through historic sites to learn about the incredible assortment of people who came together in this unique destination to create a “cultural gumbo.”
The new campaign from Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou encourages travelers to come get a taste of both the literal and figuratively bold flavors of the bayou. All they need to pack is a sense of adventure … and probably their stretchy pants.
The new campaign brings with it updated designs for the tourism office’s visitor guide and newsletter, plus a new look for the coveted Cajun Bayou Food Trail T-shirt, which is awarded to visitors who pick up a Food Trail passport and get it stamped at any five of the 18 participating restaurants or six food-related special events.
For more information about planning a trip to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, start at www.lacajunbayou.com. And while you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the all-new Cajun Bayou Visitor Center, which offers an interactive introduction to Lafourche Parish and which will help you boldly plan your visit.
Photos courtesty of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Facebook Page.
Baja California Sur’s Wellness Festivals: A Stunning Environment for Rejuvenation
This fall,Visit Baja California Sur invites travelers to embrace a season of restoration with two thoughtfully curated wellness festivals set against the region’s striking coastal landscapes. The Todos Santos Wellness Fest returns first, taking placefrom October 31 to November 2, followed by the debut of the Loreto Live Well Experiencefrom November 7 to 9. Both events celebrate the growing global desire for meaningful, tech-free escapes, pairing movement, mindfulness, and connection with the natural beauty and cultural richness of Baja California Sur.
“Baja California Sur offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth that makes it the ideal place for wellness travelers seeking more than just a getaway,”says Jesus Ordoñez, General Director of Visit Baja California Sur.“These festivals, set in two of the region’s most naturally inspiring towns, are designed to help guests reconnect with themselves and the environment in a way that feels authentic and restorative.”
Known for its robust wellness community, the picturesque beach town of Todos Santos—located on the peninsula’s Pacific Coast—provides the perfect backdrop for a transformative weekend of yoga, meditation, and live music during theTodos Santos Wellness Fest. Taking place from October 31 to November 2, the festival coincides with Día de los Muertos, adding an additional layer of reflection and cultural connection to the experience.
Participants can join sessions led by instructors such as CEO of the Mexican Institute of Yoga Ana Paula Domínguez, movement artist Annie Parr, Master of Yoga Beni Falcon,and acclaimed yoga photographer Robert Sturman. Private, ticketed workshops and immersive experiences will take place at Jardín La Barca, while Casa de la Cultura will host select public sessions open to all. Attendees can engage in practices like Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, and sensory exploration, culminating in a closing DJ set that blends movement and sound for a holistic experience.
Making its debut as Loreto’s first wellness festival of its kind, the Loreto Live Well Experience runs from November 7 to 9. Nestled where desert meets sea, this historic Pueblo Magico, renowned for its charm, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, invites guests to rejuvenate with family-friendly yoga, mindful fitness, longevity-focused Qigong, breathwork, and meditation.
Led by esteemed instructors including Mexican actor Luis de la Rosa, musician Lady Gang, senior yoga trainer Jimena Patiño, healing artist Matt Pesendian, yoga teacher Ana Ponzo, and photographer Citlali Chalvignac, the festival offers a diverse range of practices designed to awaken and nourish body, mind, and spirit amid the breathtaking beauty that earned Loreto its Pueblo Mágico designation.
While many of the workshops and sessions will be ticketed and held at Hotel Oasis, a serene retreat blending modern comfort with traditional Baja style, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the UNESCO World Heritage Loreto Marine Park, there will also be select public events on Saturday, November 8 hosted in the town’s central plaza, welcoming the broader community to join in the celebration of wellness.
Loreto is accessible via the Loreto International Airport (LTO), which offers direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and Dallas (DFW), making it an easy destination for wellness travelers. Alternatively, both Loreto and Todos Santos can be reached through Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), with Todos Santos located about a 1.5-hour drive north of the airport and Loreto approximately 3.5 hours to the northeast. For those looking to explore both festivals, Todos Santos and Loreto are roughly a three-hour drive apart, offering a scenic route through Baja California Sur’s diverse landscapes.
Early Bird tickets for the Todos Santos Wellness Fest are now available and start at $2,590 MXN (roughly $140 USD) providing access to all classes and events while the Loreto Live Well Experience offers early bird tickets beginning at $1,680 MXN (roughly $90 USD). For more information and ticket purchases, travelers can visit the official festival websites: https://tswellnessfest.mx/en/ and
https://loretolivewell.com.
About Baja California Sur
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, the state of Baja California Sur
encompasses the southern half of the Baja Peninsula. The climate is perfect for fishing, boating, surfing, and diving, making the destination an adventurer and thrill-seeker’s dream. The state features breathtaking scenery from the windswept ocean beaches on the west to the tranquil, turquoise waters on the east. In between are canyons, desertscapes and lush oasis ripe for exploration.
Known for its extraordinary marine life, whale watching is one of the area’s most well-known tourist attractions along with sportfishing, kayaking and bird watching. For more information on Baja California Sur: Visit Baja Sur.
NYTimes: Grand Rapids: Quality of Life and Affordable, Too
Grand Rapids: Quality of Life and Affordable, Too https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/01/realestate/grand-rapids-quality-of-life-and-affordable-too.html?smid=nytcore-android-share
Joffrey Ballet delivers passionate, exceptional ‘Carmen’
By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez
The Joffrey Ballet recently opened its 70th season with the U.S. and Joffrey premiere of the outstanding ballet “Carmen.”
“Carmen,” starring choreography by Liam Scarlett, continues to Sept. 28 at The Lyric Opera House in Chicago. Scarlett is also the choreographer of the acclaimed ballet “Frankenstein.”
The story of “Carmen” revolves around a seductive gypsy named Carmen, who causes mayhem in the life of soldier Don Jose, leading to a complicated love triangle, destructive relationships and tragedy.
With the Joffrey Ballet at the helm of this story, this theatrical production soars with skillful and dynamic dance moves. The musical score by Georges Bizet shines as well.
“Carmen” originally had its debut in 2015 by the Norwegian National Ballet.
Starring as Carmen in the Joffrey’s opening night production was Victoria Jaiani, who offered a passionate, sultry and engaging performance. Dancers Alberto Velazquez as Don Jose and Dylan Gutierrez, as the bullfighter Escamillo, proved powerful in their roles as they executed energetic leaps, turns and other dynamic dance moves.
Kudos to the entire troupe for its terrific performance throughout the full-length ballet. The Joffrey Ballet never fails to draw audiences in with their adept performances.
FYI: “Carmen,” by The Joffrey Ballet, continues to Sept. 28 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit joffrey.org.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
Top photo: Victoria Jaiani stars in The Joffrey Ballet’s “Carmen.” Photo by Cheryl Mann.
