With summer fast approaching on the horizon, Mexico’s state of Nayarit is inviting travelers to embark on a journey filled with rugged, pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences.
With its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Nayarit is always an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and exploration.
Nayarit boasts a wide range of activities for travelers of all interests, from pristine beaches to cultural immersion, organic coffee, and luxurious hotels and resorts.
Beautiful Beaches: Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach, and with nearly 200 miles of coastline it’s no wonder Riviera Nayarit is one of the most popular coastal destinations in Mexico. The ribbon of golden, sandy beaches that lay beneath the Sierra Madre mountains is peppered with more than two dozen beach towns all along the coast of Riviera Nayarit. The beaches here offer a paradise for sun-seekers and adventurers alike, with groves of swaying palm trees and powerful Pacific waves.
From the lively beach towns of Sayulita and San Pancho to the secluded coves of Punta Mita, and the remote, wildlife-rich estuaries of Rincon de Guayabitos, San Blas, and beyond, Nayarit’s beaches cater to every preference.
Surfers and surf enthusiasts head to the beaches of San Pancho on June 20 for International Surfing Day. Join the excitement of the powerful waves and enjoy the vibrant surf scene on the main beach, Playa San Panch.
Beyond the shores, visitors to the beaches of Nayarit can explore vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving adventures. Diving is best in Nayarit during the summer months when water temperatures and visibility are at their peak.
Outdoor Adventures: For thrill-seekers, Nayarit is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Explore the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre mountains on a zip-lining excursion, hike to hidden waterfalls, surf the secret breaks, or go whale watching along the coast. With its diverse terrain, Nayarit offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Cultural Immersion: Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Nayarit by visiting its charming towns and villages. Explore the colorful markets of Tepic, where you can sample local cuisine and shop for handmade crafts. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience traditional Huichol art and learn about the indigenous culture that has thrived in the region for centuries.
Nayarit has more Magical Towns than any other state in Mexico. Magical Towns are recognized for qualities like their heritage, culture, natural beauty, legends, gastronomy, and more. Nayarit is home to nine Magical Towns, including Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, San Blas, and Puerto Balleto (Islas Marías), Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, and Mexcaltitan. Each one offers a different experience for travelers looking to get in touch with the history and soul of the state.
Luxurious Resorts: Summer is one of the best times to check into the many luxurious resorts along the coast of Nayarit.
Often summer means lower prices or exclusive travel deals when visitors can get the most value out of these five-star escapes. Indulge in the ultimate paradise as you discover serenity amidst lush tropical gardens and azure waters.
Each resort boasts meticulously designed accommodations, from palatial suites and private villas, each offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean or jungle landscapes.
Nayarit’s resorts provide a gateway to thrilling outdoor activities, from championship golf courses to water sports and tours of nearby villages and vibrant markets.
Golf: Summer vacation is the perfect time to brush up on your golf game. Golfers looking to take a swing at the best golf destination in Mexico will feel right at home in Nayarit. With nine world-class golf courses, Nayarit is one of the top destinations for a golf summer break. These courses have been designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Jim Like, Percy Clifford, and Robert Von Hagge & Baril. These top-tier golf courses feature spectacular views over the Bay of Banderas and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the beautiful beaches and mountain rainforests of the Sierra Madres.
Wellness: The beautiful jungle-covered mountains, crashing Pacific coastline, and abundance of wildlife sets the ideal backdrop for a wellness journey. Whether it’s an indulgent treatment at a world-class spa in Punta de Mita, a multi-day yoga retreat in Sayulita, or filling your days with alcohol-free activity and adventure, Nayarit has everything travelers need to embark on a wellness journey.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a popular destination for spring break and summer travel — St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix are among the most popular destinations for travel and sailing in that region.
However, there is an increasingly popular, different option to set sail to, beat the crowds and explore some of earth’s most beautiful beaches: The Spanish Virgin Islands. Primarily consisting of the islands of Culebra and Vieques, part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, The Spanish Virgin Islands are located east of the main island of Puerto Rico and west of St. Thomas, making them accessible hidden gems.
Vieques. J.Kiva Matousek/Wikimedia
Among those hidden gems is a sailing itinerary with Dream Yacht Worldwide (DYW) that leaves from St. Thomas and explores The Spanish Virgin Islands.
This special itinerary offers travelers the opportunity to discover Culebra and Vieques and enjoy these tropical islands featuring long, less-crowded beaches, near-empty anchorages, rare flora and fauna, and world-class snorkeling.
Vieques at Night. Photo: JHill/Wikimedia Commons
An alternative to the traditional U.S. Virgin Islands or British Virgin Islands sailing trip, the Spanish Virgin Islands itinerary also includes stops at must-see destinations including the award-winning Flamenco Beach and Punta Arenas aka “Green Beach” – park of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, offering scenic views of the main island of Puerto Rico and El Yunque, the only rain forest in the US Parks system.
You can view DYW’s Spanish Virgin Islands itinerary here. And with Dream Yacht, no sailing experience is necessary with the option to have a skipper for non-experienced sailors and bareboat for those who prefer to sail themselves. This special Spanish Virgin Island itinerary offers both options, as do most of DYW’s vacations.
Dream Yacht Worldwide (DYW) is a leading sea-vacation company, experts in sailing vacations and for good reason: DYW offers almost double the number of bases worldwide compared to its leading competitors in the space. More bases and more itineraries to explore the most popular sailing destinations as well as the less-traveled, hidden gems.
Launched in 2021, the dinner series has become our centerpiece event as we raise funds for the Greg Hardesty Scholarship Fund at Ivy Tech Community College. The dinner series runs for four Mondays, April 8-29, and each week features three chefs – plus a featured pastry chef – who collaborate on a fabulous four-course menu, complete with wine pairings.
This year our theme is Onward and Upward, and in addition to spotlighting top Indianapolis chefs, we’ll also be featuring chefs from around the state. The dinners include a complimentary cocktail hour with delightful appetizers from each chef as well as a sparkling wine, a signature cocktail and a local beer.
Here’s the 2024 Spring Dinner Series chef lineup, with desserts each week provided by pastry chef and Ivy Tech instructor Hattie Shoemaker:
April 8 — Featuring chef Chris Eley of Smoking Goose, chef Toby Moreno of Highland Golf & Country Club and chef Marcus Daniel of Bridgeport in Fort Wayne.
April 15 — Featuring chef Tracey Couillard of Public Greens, chef Eli Laidlaw of The Alexander and chef Charisa Perkins of Copper House in Evansville.
April 22 — Featuring chef Alan Sternberg of Bluebeard, chef Tyler Shortt of Tinker Street and chef Ming Pu of Brooklyn & the Butcher, The Exchange and Outcast in New Albany.
April 29 — Featuring chef Ryan Nelson of Late Harvest Kitchen, chef Patrick Russ of Newfields and chef Jeff Ford of J. Ford’s Black Angus in Terre Haute.
Tickets are $350 for two; tables seat six and are $1,000. Tickets are available at Eventbrite; to purchase for the whole series, or to arrange for seating with other ticketholders, please email info@culinarycrossroads.org.
About Culinary Crossroads
Culinary Crossroads is an organization that shines a spotlight on the people, products, places and services that define Indiana’s culinary landscape and help make Indiana the place where people want to live, work and play. Our mission is to create content and initiatives that promote education and awareness about our culinary community and to amplify the voices that support this underlying goal.
While you’ve probably heard of “Hoosier Hospitality” – our state’s reputation for friendliness is certainly well deserved – you may not have thought of Indiana as a place with great food, rock star chefs, award-winning specialty products and outstanding culinary destinations. But here at Culinary Crossroads, we help people see Indiana in a way that maybe even longtime residents haven’t seen it before. After all, we’re at the Culinary Crossroads of America. We’ve got something special here in Indiana, and we can’t wait to fill you in.
Through our web content, social media and initiatives that promote community and collaboration, Culinary Crossroads is helping to grow a more robust statewide culinary culture by showcasing the restaurants, chefs, competitive cooks, farmers, producers and purveyors that define Indiana food.
And for businesses and corporate recruiters, we hope CulinaryCrossroads.org can provide one more way to show what Indiana has to offer!
Visitors to Sweden are invited to enjoy the health and meditative benefits of a new sauna ritual that includes bathing in crystal-clear natural spring water 262 feet (80 meters) below ground.
Created by Scandinavian travel specialists Off the Map Travel, “Savouring Swedish Serenity” incorporates mindfulness, yoga and wellness centered around the new “Lady of the Mine” sauna ritual, a tribute to the history of the mine itself. The combination of Swedish sauna, natural surroundings and culinary connection adds to the achievement of relaxation and peacefulness. A stay in the Scandinavian-designed Hello Sunnanhed barn-lodge with meals by an accomplished Swedish chef completes the experience.
Guests access the unusual underground “Lady of the Mine” sauna experience via a series of spacious tunnels and steps which gradually descend to the sauna below which clings to rock overhanging crystal-clear, emerald water. The experience is designed with a mix of story, song, hot and cold temperature, and tranquility and is guided by Sauna Master Elin Hietanen with a goal of calm and relaxation.
Between sessions in the sauna, guests emerge from the heat into the opening of the cave to cool down in the 40 degree Fahrenheit water, or simply enjoy a moment of silence in the stunning cave. Adding a further Swedish dimension, local drinks and foods are available throughout the sauna experience, with cheese and smoked meat from a nearby farm a significant part of the hearty provisions.
Guests will stay at the luxury Hello Sunnanhed barn set in an area popular with Swedish musicians who come to reconnect with nature for musical inspiration. Located near beautiful Lake Oreiön in Dalarna, Sweden, Sunnanhed is a meticulously renovated barn in Scandinavian style with soaring ceilings and expansive windows framing the natural splendor outside. The boutique barn-lodge serves as the perfect sanctuary for guests seeking solace and self-reflection. Mike Lind, creator of Hello Sunnanhed, explains, “At the heart of our retreat is the belief in the power of disconnecting to truly reconnect.”
The culinary journey continues at the lodge where private chef Görgen does what he does best: connecting his menus to the surrounding nature and celebrating local produce. A believer in storytelling as part of the dining experience, Görgen is a favorite among Swedish royalty and dignitaries and enchants guests with his tales. He is also available to take guests on a hiking and foraging experience to search for wild blueberries and other edible flora which will be incorporated into meals. Guests can prepare the meals alongside the chef if they wish.
“The whole experience is meditative. Cutting out the world around and immersing yourself deep underground and in the lodge allows you to connect with yourself and nature in a way that isn’t possible with the distractions of life,” adds Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel.
The 5-day/4-night program is priced starting at £9999 per person ($12,690 USD at the time of this writing) based on double occupancy. Included are accommodations in the Hello Sunnanhed barn, all meals, private ground transfers, sauna excursions, and activities.
Flights to and from Stockholm are additional. The experience is offered year-round and is appropriate for ages 12 and older.
ABOUT HELLO SONNENHED
Hello Sunnanhed boutique barn, open to the public for the first time, offers a new experience combining accommodations, foraging, yoga and wellness, centered around the property’s crystal-clear natural spring water sauna experience 80 meters below ground.
ABOUT OFF THE MAP TRAVEL
The team at Off the Map Travel works with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of our planet. Specializing in the Nordic region, OTMT creates tailor-made itineraries offering authentic experiences not offered by many larger travel companies. For more information on Off the Map Travel holidays visit www.offthemap.travel; call 1-646-701-0041; email info@offthemap.travel or join in the conversation on Facebook or Instagram.
Full itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in style for a six-course dinner of local and regional foods.
Your exclusive transfer whisks you away from Stockholm to the tranquil countryside of Dalarna. Upon reaching Hello Sunnanhed, your host awaits, ready to welcome you with a unique ritual by the outdoor fire camp. Immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance while savoring homemade Fika and local delicacies.
Take the afternoon to unwind from your journey and explore the picturesque surroundings of the barn.
Overlooking a lake from a hill in Dalarna
As an introduction to the local culture, Chef Gördi will curate a special local product dinner for you, presenting a six-course tasting menu featuring ingredients sourced exclusively from Dalarna. Embark on a culinary journey through the region’s flavors, accompanied by storytelling about the origin of each ingredient—all sourced within the country.
Day 2:
Enjoy the simplicity of nature.
Your day will commence with a home-cooked breakfast featuring freshly baked bread and locally sourced produce.
Enjoy a tranquil nature walk in the forest, led by your personal nature guide. The hike will lead you through the woods to a serene lake, where a simple yet delightful lunch will be prepared for you. Along the way, you can engage in blueberry picking (season permitting) and enjoy stories from your guide about the local area and its diverse flora and fauna.
Indulge in an afternoon Swedish Fika provided by your host and prepare something delicious with help of the Chef with berries picked earlier in the day.
End the evening with a sunset stroll on the jetty on the lake.
Day 3:
Enchantments of Culture
Choose from three morning activities. Start the day with a sunrise yoga session by the lake, guided by your private instructor, followed by a beachside breakfast or a tranquil SUP board ride to a secluded island, with breakfast awaiting your return on the beach.
If you prefer a cultural experience enjoy a private breakfast and a guided tour at the residence of artist Carl Larsson in Sundborn. This stands as a symbol of Swedish interior design and familial heritage.
Additionally, you will be serenaded by the beautiful sound of kulning performed by a professional singer. This ancient herding call is a traditional Scandinavian musical form often used to call livestock down from high mountain pastures.
Day 4:
Lakeside serenity
Following breakfast, prepare for a serene lakeside experience. Embark on a meditative canoe paddle to the opposite shore, where a secluded lakeside sauna awaits. A lunch picnic on the jetty overlooking the water sets the stage, followed by a wood-burning sauna session with local herbs and a few refreshing swims to open up your mind and senses.
When you feel rejuvenated, your private driver will return you to the barn for afternoon tea and a private yoga session with optional guided meditation.
The evening is a special event with dinner at Solgårdskrogen restaurant in their enchanting gardens. Meals at Solgårdskrogen are prepared from scratch in a rural environment, using ingredients sourced from their vegetable garden, the nearby forest and local producers.
The menu is influenced by the changing seasons, and during the warmer months, the focus shifts to the wood-fired grill.
Day 5:
A unique underground sauna experience – The “Lady of the Mine” sauna ritual
After breakfast, your driver will take you to your next destination or the airport. However, your Hello Sunnanhed experience doesn’t conclude just yet. Before you depart, you’ll have a final stop at the adventure mine for your second and most memorable sauna experience.
Delve into the world’s most unique sauna experience with the transcendent “Lady of the Mine” sauna ritual, a tribute to the Lady’s historical watchfulness over the mine and the miners, ensuring safety and productivity. Embrace the essence of the Lady and the mine on a guided sauna adventure led by Sauna by Elin, where mystery and knowledge intertwine, transporting you beyond the constraints of time and space. Situated 80 meters below the ground, you will experience an unusual sauna ritual like no other. Alternate with dips in the crystal-clear, underground lake. Lunch will be served after your sauna session, preparing you for your onward journey.
Görgen Private Chef Bio
Raised amidst the rugged and picturesque mountain landscape of Jämtland in Sweden, my childhood summers were imbued with a profound connection to nature and a reverence for simplicity. It was within this breathtaking yet challenging environment that my culinary journey began, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the art of gastronomy and the importance of working with locally sourced ingredients.
Having explored the depths of my homeland, I have since settled in Dalarna, where I have further honed my craft by forging relationships with esteemed local producers. Here, in Dalarna, there is a unique sense of pride and sophistication in utilising the region’s bounty without unnecessary embellishments.
I’ve had the honor of overseeing prestigious events such as the Vasaloppet (worlds biggest skiing event) and crafting exquisite dinners for distinguished guests, including royalty, and the residence of the Governor in Dalarna. Yet, I find equal joy in transforming family celebrations or private small dining experiences into unforgettable experiences.
Today, as a culinary creator and gastronomic connoisseur, I specialise in bespoke catering and event planning, catering to the most discerning palates. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for culinary innovation, I strive to curate unforgettable dining experiences tailored to each client’s desires. Whether orchestrating an intimate soirée or a lavish affair, my mission is to elevate every occasion with a touch of sophistication and culinary mastery.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Savor the South Shore Restaurant Weeks offers residents and visitors 3-course meals or other special offers at discounted prices. The 14-day culinary promotion began February 26 and will end March 10. More than 30 local restaurants in seventeen different communities will be participating.
Restaurants include:
Aftermath Cidery & Winery, Valparaiso Asparagus Restaurant, Merrillville Bedarra Bar, Crown Point The Brewery Lodge & Supper Club, Michigan City Byway Brewing, Hammond Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Gary DOC’s Smokehouse and Craft Bar, Dyer Four Corners Winery, Valparaiso Freddy’s Steakhouse, Hammond Fuzzyline Brewery, Highland Gamba Ristorante, Merrillville Goblin and the Grocer, Beverly Shores Grindhouse Café, Griffith Jack Binion’s Steak, Hammond Jax’s Crown Town Grill, Crown Point Lighthouse Restaurant, Cedar Lake Midwest Eats, East Chicago Miller Pizza Company, Gary Northwoods Falls, St. John Off Square Brewing, Crown Point Parlor Doughnuts, Munster & Valparaiso River Rock Restaurant at White Hawk Country Club, Crown Point Rosebud Steakhouse, Munster Running Vines Winery, Chesterton T-Bones Pier 11, La Porte Teibel’s Restaurant, Schererville Tiny’s Coffee Bar, Gary Union Hall – Journeyman Distillery, Valparaiso William B’s Steakhouse at Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa, Michigan City Zorn Brew Works Co., Michigan City
Specially priced menus are listed online at http://www.savorthesouthshore.com. Customers do not need a coupon or discount code, they only need to ask to order from the Savor menu. Savor Restaurant Weeks and participating restaurants will also be promoted through Facebook at www.facebook.com/SavorSouthShore and through a VIP Text List by texting “Savor” to 219- 799-7770 (standard text rates apply).
An all-new promotion this year, the South Shore Passport App will be available to download beginning on February 26! This app will replace the current South Shore Brewery Trail App and in addition to breweries will also include other passports including one for Restaurant Weeks. It will be available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
App users will be able to check-in to as many participating Savor restaurants as they can between February 26 – March 10. Each check-in earns an entry towards an exclusive gift card package valued at $250! One winner will be chosen at random the week of March 11. The more you dine out during “Savor the South Shore” …the greater the chance of winning!
Savor the South Shore was created by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority to promote area restaurants, attract new customers and highlight specialty menu items and pairings. Learn more at www.savorthesouthshore.com.
Local First Arizona is proud to announce the winners of the 15th annual Devour Culinary Classic.
The event showcasing Arizona’s top chefs was hosted Feb. 24-25 at Desert Botanical Garden in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance.
A panel of top food critics and journalists from around the country tasted dishes served by over 50 participating restaurants and purveyors, scoring on taste, presentation, degree of difficulty and creativity.
Dishes that qualified for awards were then designated Best in Show, Double Gold Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Bronze Medal and Heritage Food Medal.
The second year of the Heritage Food Medal honors the best dish with ingredients that are indigenous, heirloom, low-water, desert-adapted or locally sourced (within a 100-mile radius of the restaurant) and thus more sustainable for Arizona. Climate-smart foods are essential for farmers, chefs and diners to support and expand for the future of our state.
In addition, Devour volunteers helped attendees divert a record 3 tons of waste from the landfill to recycling or composting, a 70% diversion rate.
Devour Culinary Classic 2024 Award Winners:
Best in Show
Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT chefs)
Juan Almanza, Kelzi Bartholomaei, Mat Cable, Michael Elefante, Obadiah “Obie” Hindman, Sarah Lamberth, Roderick Ledesmo and Devon Sanner
Judges called these dishes “mouthwatering,” “killer” and “luscious”
South Carolina-based writer, culinary instructor and ICS World Chili Cookoff judge
Stephanie Burnette is a food and travel writer in the Carolinas and covers the southeast. She writes for Eater, Thrillist, Town, atHome, SC Department of Agriculture, as well as for multiple visitors guides each year. Her background includes culinary instruction at The John C. Campbell Folk School and 400+ recipes for Gannett. She is the author of the upcoming 100 Things to Do in Greenville Before You Die, by Reedy Press. She’s judged the ICS World Chili Cookoff and the Great American Burger Contest but says her two teenagers are the best critics she knows.
Freelance food and beverage writer, restaurant critic, and editor. She most recently worked as the food editor of Portland Monthly magazine, where she reviewed restaurants, reported on restaurant openings and closings, and highlighted up-and-coming pop-ups and food carts. Previously, she was the food critic at the East Bay Express in Oakland. Favorite bites and sips include handmade noodles, tacos, Dungeness crab, and Willamette Valley wine.
New York City–based chef, writer and three-time James Beard Foundation Award finalist.
Much of her pastry work explores the relationship between baking and social justice, including ongoing collaborations with seminal New York City institutions like Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, God’s Love We Deliver, the Brigid Alliance, and Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, for whom she produced a massive city-wide bake sale, raising more than $150,000 between 2017 and 2019.
Currently, Pickowicz runs the pastry pop-up called Never Ending Taste, which has been held at NYC’s Superiority Burger, Brooklyn’s the Four Horsemen, the American-Vietnamese bakery Ba. n B., the Taiwanese tearoom T. Company, Los Angeles’s Kismet, and the legendary Chino Farm in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Pickowicz’s recipes and writing have been published in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Food & Wine, New York magazine, Cherry Bombe, and many other publications. Follow her on Instagram at @natashapickowicz.
José R. Ralat is Texas Monthly’s taco editor, for which he writes about Mexican food and food culture. He is also the author of “American Tacos: A History & Guide.” Ralat has written for Eater, Imbibe, D Magazine, Vice, Gravy, and other national and regional online and print media outlets. He is a two-time James Beard Foundation media award winner. Ice cream might just be his one true love.
Howard Seftel
Howard Seftel was a Valley restaurant critic from 1992 to 2015, the first eight years at Phoenix New Times, then 15 years at the Arizona Republic. During that time, he dined out — anonymously — more than 5000 times, and served as a James Beard Award judge.
A native New Yorker, he worked abroad for five years, in West Africa and the Middle East, and later taught American history at the University of California, Berkeley and Antioch University.
These days, when he is not eating out, he’s likely to be at a baseball game, playing the piano, reading history or hitting the road to visit far-away children and grandchildren.
Thank you to sponsors TCI Wealth Management, Maverick Beverage Company, Lyft, City of Tempe, Integro Bank and Wyndham Hotel for their support.
About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. Local First’s areas of focus include developing entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, racial equity, environmental action and food access. Local First is the largest local business coalition in the U.S. and advocates for independently owned businesses of all sizes by assisting local owners to compete and collaborate to strengthen Arizona’s economy and build state pride. Visit localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 Arizona-owned businesses.
About Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon for 85 years in the Valley, the Garden is a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer, offering worldly plants, vibrant trails, world-class exhibitions, festive events, fascinating classes and so much more. Visit dbg.org for more information.
About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, and advancement of the Arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place, and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences. SAACA (formerly the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) was created to develop cultivated programming that spotlights local creatives and celebrates unique culture, while providing direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work. To date, SAACA has created over 500,000 arts-driven experiences, from innovative community festivals and cultural celebrations to creative sector development, and accessible arts enrichment programs. Visit saaca.org for more.
