Mari Vineyards on beautiful Old Mission Peninsulais dedicated to making exquisite red and white wine from experimental Italian grapes alongside traditionally grown appellation varieties.
Mari Vineyards. Photo courtesy Two Twisted Trees.
Mari Vineyards, known for their estate grown wine and Italian varieties, is now a food destination as well with menu offerings ranging from sizzling small plates to s’more kits, available daily with varying specials.
The small plate menu is designed to sample, share, or have all to yourself. From cool Cucumber Crostini to hot Meatball Skillets, dishes are sure to please everyone with not only savory items, but sweets such as Fire Roasted S’mores and Chocolate Cake made with Mari wine. All of the dishes from the Mari Kitchen are selected to pair perfectly with Mari estate wine, with each dish featuring a wine recommendation hand picked by Mari staff. Current wine selections range from sparkling cider, to Chardonnay, to Italian red blends.
New weekly discounts and events invite a variety of guests to take advantage. Pasta Tuesdays feature unique pasta dishes with wine pairings; Thursday is OMP Local’s Day, offering Old Mission Peninsula residents 25% off small plates with the purchase of a wine flight or glass; Friday Happy Hour from 4-7pm includes half-off small plates and 20% off wine by the glass with live local music from 4-6pm; Saturdays are Educator’s Day, with half off small plates and 20% off wine by the glass and wine flights for teachers of any kind; and Sundays from 11am-3pm the new one-mile Winter Trail at Mari is open—hikers can purchase insulated tumblers full of mulled cherry wine, grilled paninis will be available to order, and hot cocoa is free for kids.
Mari Tasting Room. Photo courtesy of Two Twisted Trees.
Offering new experiences and wine pairing opportunities is important to Mari Vineyards’ Chef, Aric Anagnost. “The enthusiasm from both new guests and returning club members at having increased food options available during their visits has been overwhelmingly positive” he said. Stop in to enjoy fantastic food, delicious wine, live music, and great discounts by the fire this season before these hot items are off the menu. Summer experiences and menus will begin this May.
To find out more about Mari Vineyards’ winter menu, wine, hours of operation, and experiences please visit www.marivineyards.com or call 231.938.6116. 8175 Center Dr. Traverse City, MI 49686.
—Mari Vineyards, an estate grown and produced winery, is located on Old Mission Peninsula just north of Traverse City, Michigan. Growing over 20 different grape varieties, Mari produces both local favorites such as Riesling and unexpected Italian varieties like Nebbiolo. Old Mission Peninsula’s stunning appellation and proximity to Lake Michigan provide not only an ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes, but a breathtaking travel destination as well. Visit Mari for tastings, glasses, small plates, and wine cave tours.
Southwest Germany, also known as the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, is home to thermal springs and spas, places of healing and relaxation, some of which are famous and others you may not recognize. No less than 17 of the total of 34 spas in the “Bäderland” Baden-Württemberg are located in the Black Forest.
Baden-Baden_Friedrichsbad. Copyright RavenChen
In addition to hotels with wellness offerings, there are thermal baths and thermal springs, certified climatic health resorts, 3-day wellness hikes through the region, forest bathing, and natural relaxation in fragrant fir forests. On the German shore of Lake Constance, two spa towns include Radolfzell which is synonymous with nature, and wellbeing and the town of Überlingen which has a long history as a health spa town, where guests have been ‘taking the cure’ for more than 100 years. Charming towns, such as medieval Meersburg and puzzle-rich Ravensburg, add to the spa experiences on Lake Constance with busy old towns with cobble-stone streets lined with shops, unusual museums, wineries and restaurants, castles and terraces.
Lakeside Towns with Healing Qualities
Photographer: Achim Mende Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH
Überlingen has a long history as a health spa town, where guests have been ‘taking the cure’ for more than 100 years. The modern thermal baths are one of three of the Lake Constance region with saunas, pools of varying temperatures and lake access. What makes Überlingen extra special are the garden parks for long walks and dramatic scenes along ivy towers, plunging cliffs and memories of ancient struggles along the defense wall. The waterfront promenade is a sunset destination where the wine flows. Over some 2.5 miles, the Überlingen garden culture path connects the most attractive parks and gardens. Überlingen
The town of Untersee is home to a stretch of largely unspoiled nature with sanctuaries of reedy marsh land, forest, natural lakes, and wildflower meadows. At the heart of this unique landscape lies the official health resort of Radolfzell. It has a charming old town on the lake with great outlet shopping, the longest shoreline, and outstanding transport connections. Radolfzell is synonymous with nature, wellbeing, and a healthy holiday experience. Here you will find the spa hotel of Bora HotSpa Resort among many other tranquil and healing facilities. Bora Hotspot Resort
The mountain village Bader Alm in Oppenau-Ibach near Freudenstadt, is a bit out of this world. A few more or less small rustic wooden huts are grouped around a historic farm. There is no WiFi, the rooms are furnished as they were about 200 years ago – with wooden beds, thick feathers and objects that at best, only the grandparents still know how to use. Outside there is a village square, a pond and a greenhouse. And in the middle of it, the bathing station with several wooden tubs. Here, as 200 years ago, you can bathe in a hot tub alone, in pairs or with up to five people in the open air. The bath tubs are filled with hot water and a secret recipe of herbs, flowers and essential oils. Guests are dressed in medieval linen bathing costumes.
Caracalla Spa in Baden-Baden, c. Jan Buergermeister/Caracalla Baeder-Betriebe GmbH
The best-known spa destination in SouthWest Germany is Baden-Baden, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021 and one of the eleven “Great Spa Towns of Europe.” It offers an unparalleled escape by combining the spa experience with museums, concerts, art exhibits, cultural events and shopping interspersed with visits to the spas and an unhurried pace of life. Until the 20th century, aristocrats and high society traveled to the “summer capital of Europe.”
Baden-Baden_Caracalla-Spa.
The world heritage can be experienced in the spa town, for example, on one of the five “World Heritage Walks,” during a carriage ride along Lichtentaler Allee or during a wellness break in the Friedrichsbad. At the time, the Friedrichsbad was considered the most important thermal spa in Europe. Today, the Caracalla Spa with its Roman mosaics is ultra-modern with a freshly renovated indoor pool and new steam bath.
Palais Vital in Bad Wildbad in the northern Black Forest c. Patrick KunkelPalais-thermal-bath-Bad-Wildbad_1_cTMBW_Dupper
In the densely wooded northern Black Forest, four towns form a “Black Forest spa quartet.” The spas of Bad Wildbad, Bad Teinach-Zavelstein, Bad Liebenzell and the health resort of Bad Herrenalb are so conveniently located that their thermal baths can be easily reached from one location: The “Palais Thermal” in Bad Wildbad brings a piece of the Arabian-Moorish Orient to the Black Forest.
Palais-thermal-bath-Bad-Wildbad_2_cTMBW_Dupper
The “Vital Therme” in Bad Wildbad offers regionally specific wellness facilities. The “Paracelsus Therme” in Bad Liebenzell has a generous sweating area with the “Sauna Pinea” and, thanks to the panorama sauna, wonderful infusions in the style of the region. In keeping with this, the “Siebentäler Therme” in Bad Herrenalb has a rustic herbal steam bath with its “Black Forest Sauna,” which is reminiscent of a rural “Badehäusl”: the floor is covered with fir branches, and fir cones in the “Tschurtschenkorb” on the ceiling exude a piney Black Forest scent.
Charming Towns Add to Spa Experience on Lake Constance
The town of Meersburg on the shores of Lake Constance, c. A.Mende
Charming towns, such as medieval Meersburg or puzzle-rich Ravensburg, also add to the experience of visitors to the spa towns on Lake Constance. Meersburg is a picturesque small town directly at the lake shore. With a historic center, small cafes and amazing views of the lake a visit is truly unique. There are many historic buildings to discover such as the Old Castle, which towers over the lake, and the New Castle, which impresses with its amazing staircase, statues, ornate ceiling paintings and a beautiful terrace overlooking Lake Constance with views of the Alps.
If you play puzzles, you surely recognize the name Ravensburg. This “City of Towers and Gates” is a 30-minute drive from Bodensee and the modern home of Ravensburger publishing company. Trading has always been its tradition. Germany’s first paper was manufactured here in 1336, and centuries ago, clever merchants sold textiles and linen throughout Europe and invested great wealth into beautifying their town. This same medieval district is the region’s favorite shopping destination. You can climb the watch tower for views of rolling farmlands, the lake and the Alps.
The Bodensee Card PLUS makes a visit to the museums or guided city tours very easy and gives guests access to over 160 attractions in the four country region of Lake Constance. After a visit to the German small towns, you can book a boat trip across the lake to visit one of the lakeside towns in Switzerland such as Stein am Rhein or Romanshorn or Austria such as Bregenz or Hard.
800 feet above the Pacific coastline, the million-dollar view from what is now Nepenthe cost Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth $167 and change when they bought an abandoned cabin along Pacific Coast Highway 1 in 1944.
Vintage poster available from Amazon.
The golden couple—he a successful director and she a flame-hair actress—were traveling home to Los Angeles from San Francisco where they’d been selling war bonds along with actor Joseph Cotton. Paid in gas coupons, they decided to use them by traveling the new highway, just seven years old which had taken 18 years to build.
Taking a turn up a dirt road to picnic, they discovered an abandoned log cabin dating back to 1925 with a panoramic view of the craggy shores far below. Told they could buy it that very day, they came up with the cash, and the deal was sealed.
Rita measured the windows for curtains and a new stove, Wells, the director of “Citizen Kane” in which Cotton starred, considered laying a pipe to carry gas to the kitchen. Without even spending the night, they climbed back in the car and headed south. Three years later, after numerous break-ups and reunions, they divorced. They had never made it back.
In 1947, Bill and Lolly Fassett chose the location, paying $22,000 for the property though it would take another two years to actually receive the title from Welles and Hayward. The two moved there with their five children and in 1948 hired Rowan Maiden, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West in Arizona, to design the restaurant.
Maiden created an organic and open space to take in the views of both the Santa Lucia Mountains and the southern coast of Monterey County. According to Nepenthe’s website, legendary Big Sur builders Frank and Walter Trotter erected the structure using native materials such as redwoods hewn from the canyons and adobe bricks, which Lolly made with her own hands.
South of Monterey, the road, is breathtaking and treacherous with hairpin turns and tight corners and nothing between the edge and the rocky shore below, the property lies between Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and Castro Canyon. There are no off-ramps, torrential rains trigger landslides and since 1937, parts of Highway 1 have been closed more than 55 times.
Just over 30 miles or 44 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea, there’s usually a wait for those wanting to eat at Nepenthe and Café Kevah (the name of founder Bill Fassett’s mother, a one-time suffragette, numerologist, and astrologer to the stars) below. Still owned by the Fassett family, the vibe is totally Big Sur—blooming plants, colorful umbrellas and pillows, friendly waitstaff, open-air dining, a phoenix carved out of driftwood, a Bohemian-chic look, and a sense that the 60s never died. The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe which opened in 1964 is the place to buy artwork, fabrics, furniture, Nepenthe Aromatherapy by Moss Botanicals, foodstuff, and jewelry such as the Simply Cool series— sterling silver and high karat gold mixed sprinkled with diamonds and vivid gemstones, created by jeweler Goph Albitz. But these aren’t trinkets. One personal favorite, a bracelet goes for $4500. And no, I didn’t buy it.
It’s also a place for celebrities to stop by. Liz Taylor and Richard Burton dined here when filming “The Sand Piper” nearby. Kim Novak, Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, Salvador Dali, Anais Nin, Ernest Hemingway, and Hunter S. Thompson have stopped by. Much more recently, visitors included Kim Kardashian, Anne Hathaway, Henry Cavill, and Natalie Portman.
View from Nepenthe. Photo courtesy of Nepenthe.
As for the name, Nepenthe (ni-pen-thee) is a Greek word referring to a potion that takes away grief, translating to “isle of no care” or “a place to find surcease from sorrow.” In his poem, “The Raven,” Edgar Allen Poe “The Raven,” writes “Respite—respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore; Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!”
The beauty here is such that it does indeed provide solace and forgetfulness of sorrow. And the food, including their sublime Ambrosia Burger, helps as well.
The following recipes are courtesy of Nepenthe:
Ambrosia Burger
“Nothing takes the place of eating an Ambrosia Burger, seated inside the restaurant or on the veranda perched high above the ocean,” the owners of Nepenthe write in the introduction to this recipe. “But sometimes, you can’t visit us, and you are longing for a taste of Big Sur at home. The preparation of our Ambrosia burger is very simple, but it is deceptive. The quality of the ingredients and the temperature of your grill are most important.”
THE PATTY
For 4 of these delicious Ambrosia burgers, you’ll need:
1 ½ lbs. of fresh ground beef selection of the finest, coarse ground, low fat beef is extremely important. Ours is ground fresh each morning before we receive it. Many butchers have tried to recreate “Nepenthe Grind,” but we only get ours through Carmel Meats and Specialty Foods in Marina, CA. There is none better.
Form the meat into a six-ounce ball and roll in your hand to form together. Lay the ball on a clean flat surface and press flat. The edges of the patty should be cracked and broken, not perfectly smooth. This really enhances flavor.
The patty must be cooked on a hot open brazier, either over medium hot coals or open gas flame. Turn the burger only once, immediately when you see blood rise to the top. When you see clear juice rise on the cooked side, you’ve got a perfect medium rare.
Wait as long as possible to add cheese, as this slows down cooking time.
AMBROSIA SAUCE
1 cup Mayonnaise
¼ cup Tomato Sauce
¼ cup Mild Chile Salsa
Mix the ingredients fresh for your Ambrosia Sauce. It is very simple, but what a great flavor it adds to your burger.
THE BUN
4 each fresh steak rolls
2 tbsp butter
Butter the buns before you toast them. When you turn your burgers, toast the buns on a pre-heated flat grill, or, over the open flame next to your burgers.
THE PROCEDURE
Upon request, have fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, onion and thin slice cheddar cheese nearby on a plate. The first bite of the burger should almost burn your palate. We believe you can never serve an Ambrosia Burger too fast. Serve with tossed green salad and French fries.
Triple Berry Pie
This is one of the best desserts we’ve ever served. Only slightly sweet, the tart fruit and delicious crumb topping are excellent when heated, then served with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream.
The recipe for the filling will yield one 10″ pie
THE FILLING
3 ½ cups frozen raspberries
3 ½ cups frozen blackberries (boysenberries)
3 ½ cups strawberries
3 TBSP corn starch
2 oz. Grand Marnier
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
Defrost frozen berries in a colander to drain excess juice. Mix all ingredients together and let sit for five minutes.
CRUST PREPARATION – (FOR ONE 10″ CRUST)
3/4 cup + 1TBSP ap flour
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 pinch salt
7 TBSP cold unsalted butter (or 3 1/2 oz)
1-3 tsp heavy cream
With first four ingredients in food processor, pulse until garbanzo sized chunks are formed. Bring dough together with cream. Chill up to ½ hour, roll out and fit into pie pan, flute edges.
NUT CRUMB TOPPING FOR ONE PIE
¾ cup walnuts
¾ cup ap flour
¾ cup rolled oats
¾ cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
Pulse all ingredients in food processor until garbanzo sized chunks are formed.
TO PREPARE
Mix filling ingredients together, let sit five minutes, fill in prepared crust, top with nut crumb topping, covering all berries. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until golden brown and bubbles rage!
Cariño, located at 4662 N. Broadway, is an immersive culinary journey offering a Latin-inspired tasting menu and taco Omakase by Chef Norman Fenton. Each dish has been meticulously crafted to highlight the rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients found across Latin America. (Neighborhood: Uptown)
Farm Bar Ravenswood, Farmheads Hospitality’s newest concept in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood, opened in the former Land & Lake restaurant space at 1970 W Montrose Avenue in November. Farm Bar brings approachable Midwestern fare straight from the farm, with an extensive menu of fresh salads and handhelds, craft cocktails, and a carefully crafted wine list.
Under the helm of Executive Chef David Wakefield, chef at Farm Bar Lakeview and Ravenswood concepts, the Ravenswood location will include the same approachable Midwestern bites while introducing new and innovative twists. (Neighborhood: Ravenswood)
Feverdream, the second concept from Chicago’s Milkhorse Hospitality (after Common Decency, opening next door this Winter 2024),will be made up of a team of industry veterans including Mark Steuer, Felipe Hernandez, Kelsey Kasper, and Jason Turley. Taking over the “Thank You” space that provided the food for Logan Square’s iconic Lost Lake (3154 W Diversey Ave), like the team’s first concept (Common Decency), Feverdream is built on the foundation of ensuring hospitality employees have a sustainable work/life balance with health insurance, access to an employee loyalty program, and other benefits. In line with Milkhorse Hospitality and Common Decency’s mission, Feverdream will incorporate dietary accessibility within its menus and ensure that everyone can have a great meal and killer cocktail in an intimate, cool, vibey setting and space. Expect familiar concepts, but turned on their heads.(Neighborhood: Logan Square)
After announcing early plans for a flagship restaurant in Chicago in early 2023, Hawksmoor, one of London’s best-loved restaurants that’s currently ranked #2 Best Steakhouse in the World, is slated to open its location at 500 N. LaSalle Street (The LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse, a designated Chicago landmark) in spring 2024.
The award-winning restaurant serves steaks from ethically reared cattle and sustainably sourced seafood alongside a progressive cocktail program. (Neighborhood: The Loop)
Tre Dita, set to open this winter, is a collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and award-winning Los Angeles Chef Evan Funke (Felix, Mother Wolf). The Tuscan steakhouse is the second of the two-restaurant project from Lettuce Entertain You in the St. Regis Chicago, following the opening of the lauded all-day Japanese restaurant Miru in May 2023. The space located at 401 E. Wacker Drive, which will feature a temperature-controlled pasta lab and a open-hearth wood-fired grill, is being designed by David Collins Studio.(Neighborhood: The Loop)
Sushi-san is slated to open a new location in Lincoln Park in early 2024, joining the River North and Willis Tower locations. Located on Halsted just north of Armitage, the new location will serve Sushi-san’s beloved sushi, maki, nigiri/sashimi, and other signature dishes, along with a few exclusive new items.(Neighborhood: Lincoln Park)
Maxwells Trading is the brainchild of Underscore Hospitality partners Josh Tilden and Erling Wu-Bower. Josh and Erling opened Maxwells to have their ideal place to unwind, eat, drink, and listen to music with their family and friends.
The 1516 W. Carroll Avenue location offers an eclectic menu with soul-satisfying food, crisp cocktails, and engaging wines. (Neighborhood: West Loop)
Signature, the upscale sports bar and restaurant bar co-owned by Chicago chef and restaurateur Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y, Valhalla, Apolonia) and his business partner, former Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije (2003-2012; 2014), opened this January not far from Soldier’s Field (1312 S. Wabash Avenue). It will replace Great Lakes-themed restaurant Harbor and the owners hope to draw sports fans and players with their sophisticated take on sports bar favorites. (Neighborhood: South Loop)
The Dearborn, Chicago’s iconic Loop destination spot known for its world-class culinary program and exceptional hospitality, will open its second location at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 in 2024. (Neighborhood: The Loop)
Chicago is about to experience a sensational burst of razzle-dazzle as Broadway Diner, a thrilling Broadway-themed pop-up, arrives at The Tin Lizzie at 2483 North Clark Street on Sunday, February 18 and 25. Residents and visitors can immerse themselves in an extraordinary dining experience combining captivating performances, delectable diner classics, and an unforgettable atmosphere. (Neighborhood: Lincoln Park)
Trendsetter and Rock & Roll Hall of Farmer Sammy Hagar, who turned the Cabo Wabo-beach vibe into an iconic lifestyle brandis transforming the Palms Casino Resort’s pool into a Red Rocker-inspiredisland getaway debuting Friday, May 17.
This summer, Sammy Hagar and Palms Casino Resort will introduce Sammy’s Island,a tropical pool getaway inspired by the music and Baja beach vibe of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, lifestyle trendsetter and spirits trailblazer. Featuring a vibrant blend of delicious food, refreshing cocktails made with Hagar’s signature spirits, and live music performances to make poolside days and nights come alive, Sammy’s Island will officially debut on Friday, May 17.
“Sammy’s Island is something I’ve dreamed about for years and the pool at Palms is the perfect location for it,” said Hagar, who has been instrumental in the design and overall setting of the Cabo-inspired oasis. “In addition to their Pearl Theater being one of my favorite places to play, the Palms has a gorgeous pool deck with multiple pools and a stage for live music, which is undergoing a total transformation into Sammy’s Island. I couldn’t be more grateful to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the entire team at the Palms for making this dream a reality.”
The sun-filled oasis will feature an abundance of stylish cabanas and daybeds, four ultra-exclusive Red Rocker-themed cabanas, a stunning pool island designed for lounging in the sun, and a poolside restaurant. Each bar will offer a unique spirits experience, including a Tiki Bar serving tropical cocktails featuring Hagar’s premium Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, a partnership with rock icon Rick Springfield, andSammy’s Beach Bar Cocktails canned cocktails. In addition, guests can enjoy the tequila-forward Tequileria offering flights of additive-free Santo Tequila and Santo Mezquila, a unique tequila/mezcal blend by Santo Spirits, Hagar’s top-shelf tequila brand in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
Sunsoaked guests can indulge in poolside beverage service offering a wide selection of drinks, canned cocktails, beers such as Red Rocker Lager, and an assortment of specialty cocktails featuring Hagar’s top-shelf spirits such as the signature Maui-jito, crafted with Sammy’s Beach Bar Platinum rum, fresh lime juice, pineapple syrup, fresh mint leaves and topped with club soda and dehydrated pineapple; strawberry daiquiris made with Sammy’s Beach Bar Platinum rum and the Palm’s signature frozen strawberry mix; and refreshing frozen Cabo-rita featuring Santo Blanco tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime sour.
Jackfruit Salad @Patrick Gray
Sammy’s Island offers poolside bites delivered throughout the day with a wide selection of dining options including breakfast favorites such as the Baja Breakfast Burrito made with carne asada, scrambled eggs, fries, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo and avocado in a flour tortilla and Egg Sandwich made with applewood bacon, cheddar cheese, over medium eggs and maple aioli, served on a brioche bun and with a Tajin fruit cup.
The menu will also feature shareable dishes such as Chicken Tinga Nachos featuring shredded chicken tinga, black beans, shredded cheese mix, jalapeño, cotija cheese, pico de gallo and house-made salsa; Chicken Wings, made with a chef’s dry rub and served with veggies and ranch or blue cheese and tossed in choice of buffalo, Vegas hot, or sweet chili sauce; and quesadillas featuring cheese mix, pico de gallo, lime crema, guacamole and salsa verde on a flour tortilla, or add a choice of protein such as carne, pork, chicken or Impossible Beef.
Red Rocker Mahi Tacos at Sammy’s Island @Patrick Gray
A variety of tacos, burgers and salads, bowls and wraps are also available such as the Veracruz Chopped Salad with lettuce blend, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, roasted corn, cheddar cheese, jicama, tortilla strips and creamy cilantro dressing; a vegan Thai Salad with shredded cabbage, romaine, bell peppers, carrots, red onion, mint, cilantro, peanuts, spicy peanut and coconut dressing with the option to add chicken or seared tuna; or a Poke Bowl with tuna, surimi, seasoned rice, nori, edamame, cucumber, O’s hot sauce, pickled onion and crispy shallots.
Rooted in the immortal spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, Sammy’s Island will host live poolside events throughout the summer featuring a variety of musical acts from headline performances to some of Vegas’ favorite local entertainers. On Saturday through Monday, the pool will feature top DJs spinning sets of music to keep the Sammy’s Island vibes going strong.
Seasonal Fruit Tower at Sammy’s Island. @Patrick Gray.
Since opening his flagship Cabo Wabo Cantina in 1990, Hagar has turned a lifelong passion for great food, music and spirits into a thriving and iconic lifestyle brand encompassing restaurants Cabo Wabo Beach Club in Huntington Beach, Cabo Wabo Cantina in Las Vegas and Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grills in Cleveland, Maui, Honolulu and Las Vegas airports, as well as a successful spirits portfolio featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktails, Santo Spirits and Red Rocker Brewing Co.
Sammy’s Island at Palms Pool, located at Palms Casino Resort at 4321 W. Flamingo Rd., will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information will soon be available at https://www.palms.com/experiences/sammys-island.
The opening of Sammy’s Island is another highlight in the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s year which also includes him being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, April 30, and the highly-anticipated launch of his THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS” 2024 tour. Hagar will be joined by rock heavyweights and longtime bandmates Michael Anthony (bass, backing vocals), Jason Bonham (drums) and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani. Collectively, they have played together in nearly every phase of Hagar’s career including Van Halen, Chickenfoot and The Circle so fans can expect a setlist that includes rock anthems such as “Finish What Ya Started,” “5150,” “Your Love is Driving Me Crazy,” “Best of Both Worlds,” “Poundcake,” “Sexy Little Thing,” “One Way To Rock,” “Right Now,” “Good Enough,” “Eagles Fly” and more.
Cabo-rita Cocktail with Santo Blanco Tequila at Sammy’s Island
⦁ 1 ounce Cabo Wabo tequila (blanco is my preference, but reposado works great, too) ⦁ 1⁄2 ounce Damiana liqueur (sub more orange liqueur if you can’t find this, but it won’t quite be the same) ⦁ 1⁄2 ounce orange liqueur (e.g. triple sec, Cointreau, etc) ⦁ 1⁄2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice ⦁ splash blue Curaçao ⦁ ice ⦁ lime peel (garnish)
Method 1. Pour tequila, Damiana, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker and fill with plenty of ice.
2. Shake until ice cold. (If using a stainless cocktail shaker, you should start to see frost on the exterior. Yeah, that cold.) 3. Pour into a chilled, salt rimmed Martini or Margarita glass. Those handblown ones from Mexico are perfect. 4. Drop lime peel into glass. 5. Pour a splash of blue Curaçao onto the drink (I suggest 1/2 – 1 teaspoon) and serve.
A ZESTY RIFF ON THEALL-TIME CLASSIC
The quintessential tequila concoction gets a snap of ginger for just the right balance of sassy and sweet. Meet your new go-to cocktail.
1 1/2 oz Santo Tequila Reposado
1 oz lime juice
1 oz ginger syrup
For the ginger syrup:
2/3 cup freshly peeled and sliced ginger
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup water
To make the margarita: Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake well and pour all contents into a glass.
To make the ginger syrup: Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, on medium-low heat until simmering. Allow to cook for an additional 25 minutes on low heat. Strain the ginger out of the syrup and chill in a heat-proof container until cold.
NOTES The syrup recipe will produce enough to make several margaritas. Only fresh ginger will work for this recipe. We do not recommend dried, frozen, or preserved ginger.
About Sammy Hagar:
For more than four decades, Sammy Hagar has been recognized as one of the best and most accomplished lead singers and songwriters in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the seminal hard rock band Montrose, to his multi-platinum solo career, to his ride as the frontman of Van Halen, Chickenfoot and his latest best-selling supergroup, The Circle, Hagar has amassed 25 Platinum albums on sales surpassing 50 million worldwide. Along his journey, he has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written with songs like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Right Now,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love,” and earned the highest respect of the music industry with a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Since opening his flagship Cabo Wabo Cantina in 1990, he’s turned a lifelong passion for great food, music and spirits into a thriving and iconic lifestyle brand encompassing restaurants and spirits. He launched Cabo Wabo Tequila in 1996 and catapulted it into the #2 ultra-premium tequila brand in the United States, cementing his position as a spirits industry trailblazer. He sold Cabo Wabo Tequila in 2010 for what was then a record-setting nine-figure deal. He now owns an award-winning portfolio of top-shelf spirits and beer that embody that same spirit of Baja beach life and rock ‘n’ roll.
Sammy @Aaron Hagar
They include Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, a partnership with rock icon Rick Springfield, Santo Spirits, a partnership with tastemaker Guy Fieri, Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktails. and Red Rocker Brewing Co. Made in Puerto Rico, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum was founded in 2012 and comes in three varieties: the newly enhanced Platinum Rum and Kola Spiced Rum as well as Red Head Rum. Santo Spirits was founded in 2017 and now offers Santo Tequila Añejo, Santo Tequila Blanco, Santo Tequila Reposado and Santo Tequila Blanco 110, as well as the innovative Mezquila – the world’s first tequila/mezcal blend. Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum steeps island flavor into Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktails’ top-shelf sparkling rum cocktails, founded in 2021. The canned cocktails come in four playful twists on classic flavors: Tangerine Dream, Pineapple Splash, Island Pop and Cherry Kola Chill. A nod to Hagar’s Cabo roots, Red Rocker Brewing Co.’s inaugural release, Red Rocker Lager is a Mexican-style lager that is light, crisp and refreshing, with just a touch of sweetness.
Sammy is #1 NYT bestselling author, a dedicated philanthropist, donating millions back to local communities through his private non-profit Hagar Family Foundation, and the first Honorary Ambassador to Los Cabos, an honor he was bestowed in 2022 in recognition of his longtime investment in the people and economy of Mexico. Visit RedRocker.com for more information.
About Palms Casino Resort:
Palms Casino Resort is making history as the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe. Palms Casino Resort features two distinct towers with 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues, and immersive lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-square-foot reimagined casino. Offering free valet and self-parking, the resort also includes over 190,000 square feet of meeting, convention, and event space; the Pearl, a 2,500-seat theater; an expansive pool, The Spa & Salon at Palms; a wedding chapel; the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums.
Palms is located just west of the center of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road. Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more information visit http://www.palms.com/ or the Palms Press Room. Follow Palms on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Known for its legendary breaks, unparalleled beauty and the second longest wave in the world, San Juanico in Baja California Sur (BCS) has emerged as the must-hit spot for ardent surf fanatics seeking an unsurpassed wave experience. Nestled along the eastern side of BCS in the Comundú region, the picturesque and untouched area, also known to Americans as ‘Scorpion Bay,’ showcases epic swells that cater to surfers of all skill levels – from barrel-filled points to mellow rollers.
Courtesy Baja Sur.
It’s no surprise that despite San Juanico’s small size, it has long been a bucket-list item for west-coast surfers. San Juanico’s world-class waves offer some of the longest rides on the planet, lasting up to two minutes long. On big days, when all of the break points in the bay connect, these waves provide seemingly endless, smooth rides that are the stuff of surfers’ dreams. With the town well off the beaten path, surfers in San Juanico will find serenity within the secluded waters.
Photo courtesy of Kirt Edblom/Wikimedia Commons.
As for the journey to San Juanico, travelers begin by flying into Loreto (LTO) from the United States with airlines such as Alaska Airlines and American Airlines – with Alaska offering direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX), and American offering direct flights from Phoenix (PHX) along with seasonal direct flights from Dallas (DFW). Surfers in Southern California can also cross the border via the Cross Border Express (CBX) and fly into Loreto directly via Volaris. Once in Loreto, travelers will need to rent a car and embark on the three-and-a-half-hour journey to San Juanico. Along this drive, travelers can navigate the scenic route, augmented by stunning vistas of the La Giganta mountain range and tranquil beaches like Juncalito.
Photo courtesy of Casitas San Juanico.
Accommodations in San Juanico are equally captivating – with rustic yet comfortable retreats providing a peaceful oasis amidst the desert-meets-sea landscape of BCS, like Casitas San Juanico or, for travelers craving adventure, they can pitch a tent with the San Juanico’s robust camping community.
Photo courtesy of El Burro Primavera
Guests can immerse themselves in a laid-back atmosphere and enjoy warm welcomes at local eateries like El Burro Primavera – known for their micheladas and fresh ceviche tacos. Part of San Juanico’s charm is that the town still doesn’t have an electric grid, and while this is due to change in the future, for now, it provides an even more serene local experience for surfers seeking a remote escape. Visitors should be aware that there is no easily accessible bank, so bring plenty of pesos prior to arrival.
As the town of San Juanico continues to capture the hearts of travelers, surfers have been clamoring to experience its uniquely unspoiled beauty amidst the prospect of progress. The timeless allure of the area’s epic waves remains, inviting surfers to embark on this bucket-list journey.
About Baja California Sur
Photo @Ian Ord
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. More information on Baja California Sur and the state’s northern regions is available at Visit Baja Sur.
“most importantly, Twitty reminds us that you don’t have to be Black or Jewish to love koshersoul.”
Both a cookbook and a memoir, Koshersoul(Amistad) explores the food traditions of both Black and Jewish cultures and how for Black Jewish people, the two combine, becoming a distinctive foodway of its own.
“When I first started talking about developing this book, a fellow African American food writer asked what it was about, saying ‘So you’re not writing about Black [food]; you’re writing about Jewish [food)],” writes Michael W. Twitty, a culinary historian, living history interpreter, and Judiacs teacher in the introduction to his book. “My response was reflective: no this is a book about a part of Black food that’s also Jewish food; This is a book about Jewish food that’s also Black food because it’s a book about Black people who are Jewish and Jewish people who are Black.”
Twitty, creator of Afroculinaria, the first blog devoted to African American history, foodways, and their legacy, won both the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book of the Year Award and Best Writing Award for The Cooking Gene. His writing is thoughtful, deep, and involved, taking a deep dive into his personal history and combining it with his conversations with other Black Jews. He seeks to put this in a historical and cultural perspective, showing us how food and identity converge.
“Black and Jews in their Venn diagram have seen considerable turmoil and pain,” he writes “and this too is a fundamental ingredient.”
But no matter what is going on in the world or what has happened in the past, we all have an urge and need to eat, writes Twitty, plus an enjoyment of what we consume. This is reflected not only in his writing but also in the recipes he shares at the back of the book.
Twitty describes this section as a koshersoul community cookbook of sorts. He encourages readers when in the kitchen to feel free to adapt them to meet their own dietary practices and preferences.
The recipes presented here are categorized under holidays and religious observations: Juneteenth, Pesach/Passover, Rosh Hashanah-Yom Kippur-Sukkot, and Shabbat, among others.
The names of some of the recipes represent the different lands and regions where people came from such as Ghanian Pepper Sauce, Senegalese-Inspired Chicken Soup, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Spaghetti, West Africa Wet Seasoning, and Gullah-Geechee-Inspired Stew.
Others like Yam Latkes, Kosher Spring Rolls, Collard Green Kreplach Filling, Black Eyed-Peas with Tomatoes, Sephardic Style, and Matzoh Meal Fried Chicken define the merging of two different cultures that meld into a distinct foodway.
But most importantly, Twitty reminds us that you don’t have to be Black or Jewish to love koshersoul.
Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
Serves 4 to 6
Black-eyed peas are a strong link between the two Diaspora cuisines, probably meeting in the Nile River Valley and the Fertile Crescent. Originally from ancient West Africa, black-eyed peas are a significant part of the cuisine of the Levant to this day, moving with African people throughout the region. Hummus, emblematic and beloved by many cultures in the Levant—is a dish that relies on the staple legume of the Arab farmer and ancient biblical standby, the chickpea. Here the black-eyed pea, loaded with mystical symbolism and its own honored place in West and Central Africa, replaces the chickpea. — Michael Twitty
1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1⁄3 cup tahini
1⁄2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon brown or turbinado sugar
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 teaspoons minced parsley, for garnish
Throw everything but the parsley into a food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and add more spice, hot sauce, or whatever you think it needs. To serve, sprinkle parsley and drizzle olive oil on the top.
In 2024, Southwest Germany celebrates its water-rich areasas perfect vacation getaways.
Elixir of life, force of nature and finite resource: water is a precious commodity that we pay special attention to in Southwest Germany. On your journey through the water worlds in Southwest Germany, you may encounter traditional crafts and maintained customs, learn about sustainable initiatives and natural areas worth protecting, cycle to refreshing places of enjoyment and meet personalities who have dedicated their lives to water.
Tens of millions of years ago, ice and water formed the natural landscapes in Southwest Germany. The results today are lovely valleys in which babbling streams, deep gorges with thundering waterfalls, extensive caves and underwater canals through which water flows into the springs and rivers. The often protected, unspoiled landscapes can be explored on adventurous hikes or bike tours or even rafts.
Water has always exerted a magical impact on people and provides material for legends, myths and rituals. Cleaning, decorating and blessing wells and springs is still widespread today in many communities in Baden-Württemberg. But there are many other customs, traditions and festivals in Southwest Germany related to water.
Following are just a few of the water-related and fun places you can experience in Southwest Germany and where the most surprising water stories have their sources.
A big anniversary will be celebrated on Lake Constance in 2024: 1,300 years ago, the wandering bishop Pirmin founded a monastery on the island of Reichenau, which became an important source of inspiration for art, culture and politics in the early Middle Ages. “We form a bond” is the motto of the anniversary year with a series of festivities, exhibitions, spiritual offerings and civic projects. The highlight is the large state exhibition “World Heritage of the Middle Ages: 1300 years of the monastery island of Reichenau”. It will take place from April 20th to October 20th, 2024 in the Archaeological State Museum in Konstanz and on the Reichenau itself.
Outstanding works of art such as the magnificent and rarely shown manuscripts of Reichenau illumination illustrate the Abbey’s glorious history. At the “original location” on the island, a new, modern leadership system will connect the three medieval church buildings with the completely renovated cathedral treasury and the new monastery gardens. Reichenau
The wild water of the Ravenna Gorge roars down and has been digging a narrow valley for thousands of years. It can be explored via wooden walkways and rock galleries on the “Heimatpfad Hochschwarzwald,” or “Native Path of the Black Forest Highlands.” With small cascades of water, the large Ravenna Falls and the impressive Ravenna Viaduct make the tour an experience. The nearby “sister gorges” of Wutach and Gauchachschlucht are among the oldest nature reserves in Baden-Württemberg. hochschwarzwald.de
Black Forest Rafting: Rafting is a centuries-old tradition and has been part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” since December 2022. Up until the 19th century, thousands of fir trees were transported over streams and rivers from the Black Forest and they reached Holland via the Rhine. In the Kinzig and Nagold valleys, the tradition is maintained and can be experienced in museums, on themed hiking trails, and at festivals.
The international rafting festival at the Monhardter “Wasserstube,” or river, in Altensteig provides an insight into historic forestry jobs and crafts, including the turning of the logs. Members of the Oberes Nagoldtal rafters’ guild demonstrate their skills as they travel through the watery “streets” of the Wasserstube. schwarzwald-kinzigtal.info; Altensteig.de
Nightlife in Baden-Baden’s World Heritage Caracalla Spa Baden-Baden is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Great Spa Towns of Europe” and is famous for its thermal springs. Several thousand gallons of thermal water have been gushing out of the springs every day for over 2,000 years. The Romans knew about the healing power of the thermal springs and built the first thermal baths. In the historic Friedrichsbad, you can immerse yourself in the past: the extensive bath was opened in 1877 based on the model of the Roman thermal baths, the ruins of which lie directly below. The modern counterpart is the Caracalla thermal baths with its extensive bathing and sauna area. Every first Friday of the month, the spa invites visitors to celebrate and relax in the evening with special performances, unique sauna infusions, live music by the water pool and spectacular dance shows. baden-baden.com; carasana.com
On a Coffee Trip in Stuttgart: Passengers and connoisseurs can have a really good time on the MS Wilhelma: With coffee and cake or lentils with spaetzle and a glass of wine, the view from the sun deck of the vineyards, meadows and forests on the bank combines a feast for the eyes and the palate to create the ultimate culinary experience.
The ship is part of the Neckar-Käpt’n fleet, which is based in Bad Cannstatt, and which is a part of the city of Stuttgart. In addition to special tours with readings or wine tastings, the boat completes scheduled trips. One special route is the “Schillerfahrt” from Stuttgart to Marbach, where Schiller was born. neckar-kaeptn.de
Water and Drinks: Gin Tasting with Punting Ride in Tübingen: A river, a punt, four gins, a few tonics and a fine brandy sommelier: these are the basic ingredients for an unforgettable pleasure trip off the beaten track. The special event starts on the garden terrace of the Hotel Domizil in Tübingen. Here, with a view of the Neckar, various variations of regional gin are tasted under the expert guidance of fine brandy sommelier Angela V. Weis. Before going out on the water, everyone can prepare a gin and tonic with botanicals to their liking and receive a Poké Bowl to Go. Then, the leisurely twilight tour begins in a punt around the Neckar Island. tuebingen-info.de
Baden State Brewery Rothaus: Culinary delights can be experienced all year round in Germany’s highest brewery: Located at 3,280 feet above sea-level between fir and pine trees, the Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus (Baden State Brewery Rothaus) offers its guests pure refreshment. Seven of their own springs supply them with pure, clear brewing water. On the “Zäpfle Weg (Zaepfle Path),” you can find out everything you need to know about the brewery at nine stations. The path leads past the popular “Zäpflebrunnen (Zaepfle Fountain)” to the spring area and ends at the “Quellgeist,” the wooden patron saint of the springs. rothaus.de
Street Streams – the Freiburger Bächle: They are centuries old and crystal clear, are considered to be unique and offer space for games. We’re talking about the Freiburger Bächle, a wide network of man-made, paved streams from the River Dreisam that have run through Freiburg since the 12th century. In the Middle Ages, the paved channels were used to supply industrial and fire-fighting water.
Today, they are the venue for the unique Bächle boat race and a glimmer of hope for long-term singles: As the saying goes, anyone who accidentally steps into one of the Bächle must marry a Freiburger. The “Bächle cleaners” ensure that your feet stay clean and the streams always flow. visit.freiburg.de/attractions/freiburger-baechle
In Baden-Württemberg, or Southwest Germany, it is never far to the next water experience.
Whether it’s a river cave expedition in the Swabian Alb, canyoning in the Black Forest or SUP yoga on Lake Constance: Southwest Germany has it all. You can find refreshment as well as extra kick to your holiday in Southwest Germany.
Post by Victoria Larson and Natalie Dietl, Southwest Germany Tourism.
