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.
For over 1,000 years, civilizations have produced quality wine in the Tokaj region of modern-day Hungary. This area’s deep winemaking history and cultural significance in Central Europe have led it to be listed as one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The most revered wine from this area is Tokaji wine, a sweet dessert wine that is even mentioned in the country’s national anthem.
The region is comprised of 5,500 hectares of vineyards stretching across 27 municipalities, with volcanic soil that provides the ideal conditions for grapes to develop noble rot, a fermentation process characteristic of Tokaji wine that contributes to its distinct taste.
Today, these vineyards allow visitors to taste their wine straight from the source while taking in the views of Hungary’s historic rolling hills.
Here are a few of the vineyards that make Hungary’s Tokaj Wine Region special:
Götz Winery: Looking straight out of a movie, this vineyard’s “hobbit-hole” cellars contributed to the area’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Like many in the region, the Götz Winery’s specialty is the area’s distinct Tokaji Aszú grapes, producing the iconic Tokaji wine. The winery is located in the 18th-century village of Hercegkút, providing amenities to tourists who visit the region. The deceivingly spacious cellar can seat up to 200 people, making this a fantastic space for large events.
Disznókő Winery: Originally founded in 1413, Disznókő Winery is one of the Tokaj Wine Region’s most distinguished vineyards. This esteemed winery has gained national and international attention, having been named “Hungarian Winery of the Year” in 2005, cementing its place as a must-visit for enotourists in the region. Disznókő Winery’s 150 hectares of land make for an incredible visitation experience and allow for a large variety of grapes planted, creating special blends that can’t be found in other Tokaj vineyards.
Barta Winery: Home to a stunning 17th-century aristocratic mansion, this historic vineyard continues its timeless organic cultivating methods. As stated, Barta’s philosophy is: “If we cultivate the vineyard in an environmentally friendly way, we should also make our wine the most natural, most traditional way possible.” The mansion has three recently renovated suites for guests to spend the night, a built-in cellar carved into the bedrock, and a rustic tasting room.
Gróf Degenfeld Wine Estate and Castle Hotel: This spectacular vineyard is home to a 19th-century chateau hotel, a luxury restaurant, and all the wine anyone could dream of consuming. The sprawling 35-hectare property produces different kinds of wine, from traditional Tokaji sweet wines to dry wines like Muscat Blanc, all made using the same unique processes for over 500 years.
Exploring Tokaj is not only a journey through one of the world’s most historic wine regions, but also an invitation to experience Hungary’s living cultural heritage firsthand. With its award-winning vineyards, historic estates, and unforgettable flavors, Tokaj offers travelers a truly timeless taste of Central Europe.
Mexico’s Pacific state of Nayarit is one whose culture, traditions, and gastronomy have put it in the tourist spotlight. One of the best ways to discover the magic of Nayarit is to immerse yourself in its small towns and villages, especially the ones that are renowned for their authenticity, heritage, and culture.
In Mexico, towns that live up to these standards earn a government designation of Pueblo Magico, or Magical Town. Nayarit is blessed with nine Pueblos Magicos — Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, San Blas, Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, Puerto Balleto and Mexcaltitan. Each of these stunning, charming towns is totally unique, with something different to offer every style of traveler.
Sayulita is one of the original Pueblos Magicos of Mexico. Bohemian travelers, surfers, artists, and wellness seekers have been flocking to the sun-drenched shores of Sayulita for decades. Since the early days of Sayulita’s tourism scene, the small, once-sleepy backpacking town has blossomed into a boutique haven, complete with designer hotels, open-air restaurants, artist galleries, clothing shops, and much more. It has a thriving beach scene, too, complete with palapa-topped restaurants, toes-in-the-sand bars, and a pervasive laid-back culture.
Sayulita also happens to be one of the wellness capitals of Nayarit, with yoga retreats, day spas, spiritual centers, holistic and New Age shops. And surfers and surfers-in-training will feel right at home in Sayulita, as the beaches have ideal waves year-round. The best season for surfing in Sayulita is December to April and the village is the backdrop for various surf tournaments, like the Children’s and Youth Surf Tournament, the Pacific Music Festival Open Surf Tournament, and the Annual Long Table and Rowing Surf Tournament.
Then there is Jala. Tucked at the base of El Ceboruco Volcano, Jala is a perfect example of a Spanish-influenced town surrounded by nature. Here visitors can wander the cobblestone streets and admire mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries. Just four miles from Jala is the El Salto Waterfall, which springs to life during the rainy season from June to September from a height of nearly 100 feet.
The historic center of Jala is spectacular, particularly the streets of Mexico, Zaragoza, and Hidalgo, all of which have been given historical heritage designations by the government. The stunning Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption wears a face of pink and green stone. Inside, Ionic and Corinthian columns wreath an impressive dome.
Jala is the jumping off point from which to explore El Ceboruco and dive deep into the adventurous side of Nayarit. The crater of the volcano has a valley veined with trails for cycling and hiking, as well as designated sites for camping.
Tradition and history flow from the streets of Compostela, a city founded in 1530 as the first capital of the Kingdom of New Galicia. This Spanish territory comprised what is now Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Aguascalientes, Sinaloa, Zacatecos, and San Luis Potosi. As such, Compostela was a vitally important hub for trade and commerce.
The architecture in Compostela is a must, from the Temple of Mercy of San Santiago Apostol, to the Regional Museum, which houses archaeological pieces from the region. The old Train Station, built on the trunk line of the Southern Pacific Railroad of Mexico, is also a fascinating piece of history.
One of the most important industries in Compostela is its coffee industry, as it is one of the most important for Mexico in terms of coffee bean production. Visitors can tour the coffee plantations and sample some of the finest high altitude coffee in the world.
Finally,Mexcaltitan, the newest of Nayarit’s Pueblos Magicos, is another beachfront destination with a fascinating history. This mythical destination is an island just off the coast of Riviera Nayarit. The tiny enclave is so small that it can be covered on foot in a day, though you’ll likely be covering the streets of Mexcaltitan by boat.
That’s right — by boat. Because of the low elevation of the island, the streets often flood during the rainy season, turning the island into “The Mexican Venice.” Tourists and residents get around the streets and alleyways with the assistance of boats.
Be sure to visit the Museum “El Origen,” an archaeological museum located in the central square in front of the church of San Pedro y San Pablo. Here, a variety of pieces from Mesoamerican cultures is on display.
Mexcaltitan is also known for its gastronomy, particularly its pre-Hispanic recipes made with shrimp. Visitors can try everything from the shrimp meatballs and shrimp-filled tamales, to the shrimp soaked in lemon sauce, shrimp pate, and shrimp aguachile. Of course, you’ll also find oysters, a variety of tacos, and grilled fish.
Nature is also a prime reason to visit Mexcaltitan, especially its Great Lagoon, which is teeming with birds that soar in and out of its mangrove forests. In fact, you’ll have to take a boat ride through the lagoon in order to reach downtown. It’s one of the more magical experiences to have in Nayarit, and one fewer tourists take the time to visit.
Long a hotspot for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts along the Riviera Nayarit, San Blas is a Pacific Coast jewel. The sleepy seaside community is along the northern coast of the state, featuring four miles of fine sand beaches. San Blas is rich in natural beauty, from its navigable canals and mangrove forests to the small islands offshore that welcome more than 300 migratory bird species every year.
San Blas dates back to the 17th century when it was developed as a shipyard and departure point for the Spanish Crown. It was here that the first maritime customs house on the Pacific was established. Today, visitors can tour the Contaduria stronghold, as well as the ruins of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Temple.
San Blas is also the jumping-off point from which to explore another new Magical Town Puerto Balleto. Puerto Balleto is the gateway to Nayarit’s Islas Marias, a former prison colony turned center for tourism and wildlife viewing. In the early 20th century, Islas Marias were developed as the Islas Marias Federal Penal Colony. The prison remained in use until 2019 when it closed and the land rehabilitated into a place for recreation. The islands include Maria Madre, Maria Magdalena, Maria Cleofas, and San Juanito. Today the group of islands is considered a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to protect the more than 1,500 species of flora and fauna.
To access Islas Marias, visitors take a ferry from San Blas to Puerto Balleto on Isla Maria Madres. Puerto Balleto is where visitors will find accommodations for Islas Marias, as well as the Plaza Juarez, which is the town center home to the Guadalupe Temple and the Muros de Agua Jose Revueltas Auditorium. The auditorium is plastered with murals created by the former prisoners. The island is a haven for outdoor adventure, as well, from hiking and biking to bird watching.
Heading south in Nayarit, Amatlán de Cañas is another Magical Town that is deeply rooted in history. Its name comes from Nahuatl, meaning “place where Amate y Papel trees abound.” Later, the word cañas was added due to the sugar cane industry in the region. Today, visitors to Amatlán de Cañas will find historic cobblestone streets, adobe homes with red-tile roofs, and a community steeped in history, culture, and tradition.
Amatlán de Cañas is known for its Temple of Jesus Nazareno in the Centro Historico, a church built in the 18th century. The Municipal Palace is another important building that visitors will find in the Centro Historico. Amatlán de Cañas is also known for the bubbling natural hot springs in the surrounding mountains. Foodies can sample the rich and flavorful local delicacies, like lamb birria, tamales, and various locally made sweets.
Located up in the mountains at more than 3,000 feet above sea level,Ahuacatlán also takes its name from the Nahuatl words that translate to “the place with avocados.” Today the community is still known for its agricultural industries, including avocado, sugarcane, and maize. It’s also known for its tequila production.
About an hour outside of Nayarit’s capital, Tepic,Ixtlán del Río is a gateway to pre-Hispanic Mexico, thanks to its proximity to Los Toriles, an important archaeological site in the region. In fact, Los Toriles is the only pre-Hispanic archaeological zone in the state of Nayarit. It features 93 mounds, as well as a series of gorgeous petroglyphs.
But visitors do not have to leave Ixtlán del Río to absorb its history. The famous La Casa de Cultura Museum has exhibition rooms dedicated to archaeology, paintings, and photography. One of the standout features of Ixtlán del Río is the Cerrito de Cristo Rey, the Hill of Christ the King, a scenic viewpoint with a massive white statue of Christ overlooking the city.
To introduce these new Magical Towns, there is now a Magical Towns corridor in the southern part of Nayarit, creating a route that connects Jala, Ixtlan del Rio, Ahuacatlan, Compostela, and Amatlan de Cañas, showcasing the customs, culture, and cuisine of this fascinating region.
Born and raised in Linstead, St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica, Andrew Morris was the ‘washbelly’ of eight children (a Jamaican term for the youngest child) and heavily involved in church life, believing he was destined to become a priest. It didn’t turn out that way.
Immigrating to the U.S. in 1979, Morris endured the typical culture shock of a young man from a small island landing in New York City. But he settled into the rhythm of the big city, graduating from college and working his way up from proofreader and copy editor to associate editor at a publishing company. From there, he earned an MBA at Columbia University.
“It was a grueling but life-changing experience,” says Morris, who used this blend of creativity and business savvy to start, with his wife Jean, Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace in West Hempstead, New York, from the ground up, after noticing there were no real Caribbean-owned stores where he lived on Long Island. “I thought to myself, ‘Somebody’s got to supply these customers properly.’ Caribbean folks deserve a place where people actually know the products, use the products, and can explain the difference between, say, a scotch bonnet pepper and a habanero.”
Following is a Q&A with Morris, who, 30 years later, is still very hands-on, steering the store’s strategic vision, overseeing operations, and “making sure we never lose that heart and authenticity that’s been part of Sam’s since day one.”
Q.) What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far?
When we made $500 in a single day for the first time, we popped a champagne bottle — and left a dent in the ceiling that’s still there. We needed $800 a day just to break even back then, so $500 felt like a mountain climbed. We celebrated every small win in those early days because we knew how hard it was just to keep the lights on.
Q.) What are the company’s core products and features?
At Sam’s, we’re proud to offer over 1,000 authentic Caribbean products. We’re talking about everything from Haitian Djon Djon Mushrooms, Excelsior Water Crackers, and St. Mary’s Banana Chips as well as the herbs and spices you need for a proper Sunday dinner. We also offer prepared meals of such island favorites as Jamaican beef patties, braised oxtails, curried chicken, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curried goat.
These aren’t just items on a shelf — these are the flavors we grew up with. They’re pieces of home. And now, thanks to the upgrades we’ve made to our website, sams24-7.com, and our door-to-door grocery delivery service to Jamaica, customers across the U.S. and beyond can enjoy them, too.
Q.) What are some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome those challenges?
We’ve had to roll with the punches from the very beginning. Right before we were set to open, someone from the building department came and said, ‘You don’t have a permit.’ I said, ‘Of course we do.’ Turns out, the permit had been rescinded after a last-minute zoning change.. I still remember them telling us it would be $250 per day if we opened anyway.
We fought hard, worked with the mayor, and eventually got through it. But it delayed us by months and almost cost us the business before we even got started.
Today, the battles are different. Competing with big-box retailers and e-commerce giants has been no small task. But we’ve adapted — we modernized our operations, relaunched our website, and even rolled out Predictive AI Delivery (PAID), allowing same-day and scheduled deliveries for customers within 100 miles. As I always say: sometimes coffee, sometimes tea — you take what you get and you keep going.
Q.) How has the company’s technology evolved since launching?
When we first launched a website 20 years ago, it was a miracle we got anything done. I built it myself on a Windows platform. You couldn’t even keep a photo in place! But even back then, the day after we launched, we got two orders.
Now, fast-forward to today — we have a fully upgraded e-commerce platform, real-time order tracking, and same-day delivery systems.
“Technology isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore — it’s essential for how we stay connected to our customers, no matter where they are.”
Q.) Can you share any specific customer success stories?
One that touched me recently was a woman who called and said she and her husband were both homebound in wheelchairs. She used our same-day delivery to order dinner, and she said it made her feel connected again to her Caribbean roots.
Moments like that remind me why we do what we do. It’s not just about food — it’s about bringing a little piece of home to someone who really needs it.
Q.) Can you discuss funding and/or revenue metrics?
Sam’s was originally funded through a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, which helped us secure our first retail space. Our early online business once brought in around $400,000 annually at its peak. Today, I can share that we are targeting a return to — and beyond — those earlier numbers through strategic online growth.
Q:) What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing?
Our core audience consists of the 4.4 million Caribbean-Americans who are living in the United States, and anyone who loves Caribbean food and culture. But honestly, our reach is global. With improved shipping and technology, we now serve customers not just across the U.S., but in places as far as Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean itself.
Q.) What differentiates the company from its competition?
Simple: authenticity and expertise. We’re Caribbean-owned. We grew up with these products. When you shop at Sam’s, you’re not just buying groceries — you’re getting a piece of our story, our culture, our love.
Other big-box stores can sell you coconut water. We can tell you which coconut water tastes like the ones you drank as a kid.
Q.) What are some of the company’s future goals?
Our dream is for Sam’s to become the go-to Caribbean grocery destination, both online and on the ground.
When people think of Caribbean groceries, we want Sam’s to be the first name that comes to mind — whether they’re in New York, California, or wherever. We’re also working to grow our Predictive AI Delivery service and expand same-day options even further.
Q.) Any other topics you would like to discuss?
I just want to say a big thank you to our hardworking employees who make all of this possible. Thanks also to our faithful customers. Some have been with us for decades. Sam’s isn’t just a store — it’s a meeting place, a memory, a home away from home. And we intend to keep it that way.
As we continue to grow and innovate, our heart remains the same: honoring our Caribbean roots and serving our community with love, integrity, and passion.
I joke that I never woke up thinking I’d run a Caribbean store — but here we are, over 30 years later.
Photos courtesy of Sam’s Caribbean Kitchen and Wikimedia Commons. The video is courtesy of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.
Ready for a new take on lunch? Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood at Somerset Viceroy Chicago or opt for the sophisticated artistry of modern Japanese cuisine in the West Loop at Nobu Chicago. Our suggestion? Try both.
The Somerset Burger. Photo credit Viceroy Chicago.
Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Viceroy Chicago’s signature restaurant, Somerset, embodies the motto of “Bright Flavors & Gold Coast Glamour.” The menu blends old-world Mediterranean traditions with a fresh, modern edge, creating a perfect atmosphere for a business lunch or a social outing.
Beet Salad. Photo credit Viceroy Chicago.
Guests can experience the “dance of zesty harissa, smoky zaatar, and the earthy warmth of pistachio and dukkah” through a variety of shareable plates and composed dishes. Those looking for a more substantial lunch can opt for the acclaimed Somerset Burger, layered with chermoula aioli and caramelized onion, or the Crispy Pork Milanese topped with fresh arugula and parmesan. Other midday favorites include Crispy Brussels Sprouts with pumpkin seed pesto or a bubbling Lobster Mac crowned with chili crumb.
Photo credit Viceroy Chicago.
With its elegant, light-filled dining room and spacious patio overlooking State Street, Somerset offers a stylish yet relaxed setting that works as both a place for a power lunch or an afternoon escape. Paired with curated wines and inventive cocktails, Somerset transforms every midday meal into a vibrant celebration of flavor, culture, and connection. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.
Nobu Chicago Bar Lounge. Photo credit Nobu Chicago.
For a truly elevated midday experience, Nobu Chicago offers a Prix Fixe Lunch Menu available weekdays from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. For a set price of $40, guests can embark on a three-course culinary journey, selecting from signature Nobu favorites like Yellowtail Jalapeño or Tuna Sashimi Salad for the cold course, followed by a hot dish such as Rock Shrimp Tempura Creamy Spicy or Wagyu Sliders. Complete the experience with a decadent dessert like the Whisky Cappuccino.
Rock Shrimp Tempura at Nobu Chicago. Photo credit Nobu Chicago.
Beyond the prix fixe, the full lunch menu presents a wide range of options for every palate. Guests can indulge in renowned dishes like the Black Cod with Miso or explore the extensive sushi and sashimi selection, including specialties like Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna.
Nobu Chicago Sushi Bar. Photo credit Nobu Chicago.
For a comprehensive tasting, the Signature Bento offers a curated selection of some of Nobu’s most celebrated dishes. In addition to its acclaimed dining, Nobu Chicago’s appeal was highlighted by Travel + Leisure readers, who named it one of the “10 Favorite Hotels in Chicago of 2025” for its prime location for dining and shopping in the Fulton Market District.
Food must run in the family as her sister, Gesine Bullock-Prado who lives in Vermont in a tavern built in 1793, has written several cookbooks including one of my favs, My Vermont Table: Recipes for All (Six) Seasons and a new one coming out this October titled My Harvest Kitchen featuring over 200 recipes.
Fun facts about the Bullock sisters…their mother Helga Meyer was an opera singer and their maternal grandfather a rocket scientist.
