Chicago

Sixth post of the Travel Series.

Chicago Theater

If you regularly read this blog, you'd know that my husband and I live miles and miles apart (sniff!). So, whenever the chance to spend time with him comes up, I'm quick to snap up the opportunity. For example, when I found out he was being sent to Chicago for work back in early January, I booked a flight for myself and looked forward to two weeks in the Windy City.

I know seasoned travelers would be aghast when I say that my fondest memory of President Obama's hometown is a cozy room in a midtown hotel off of North Michigan Avenue (that, and the delicious Chicago-style deep dish pizzas from Lou Malnati's and Pizzeria Uno).

Before and after… Burp!

Because of the weather—windy, chilly, slippery—I found myself within the confines of my husband's air-conditioned room. However, I was surprisingly very productive there: While he went to work during the day for almost two weeks, I'd managed to create the backup of my old blog template and successfully revamp this one. You can imagine the hours of testing, tinkering, tweaking... The result of which is what you see here now.

It was frreezing…

…but the food was good. Here we are having breakfast at the Corner Bakery: Crunchy Honey Banana Oatmeal for moi, and the Chicken Pomodori Panini with Cheddar Broccoli soup combo for the husband.

Suffice it to say, I didn't get to take a lot of pictures, at least compared to Breckenridge, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and all the other places featured here in the Travel Series. But, still, I had a blast in Chicago and would most likely vacation there another time.

The beautiful Holy Name Cathedral.

Chicago has actually been dubbed, "The Architect's Playground," because of its dynamic architecture
ranging from classic and historical buildings to ultra-modern high-rises.

Trump International Hotel & Tower at night.

Walking on East Wacker Drive by the River Hotel.

READ the Travel Series starting with...

1. DENVER
2. SILVERTHORNE & BRECKENRIDGE
3. SAN FRANCISCO
4. SONOMA COUNTY
5. NAPA VALLEY
6. CHICAGO
7. NEW YORK

Napa Valley

Fifth post of the Travel Series.

Scrambled eggs, fingerling potatoes, and salsa served with a fresh white corn tortilla.

In Napa Valley, be prepared to wine and dine to your heart's content. Rolling fields, A-list restaurants, and bottles and bottles of wine greet visitors in this sunny locale north of San Francisco. Most tourists and California residents stop by Sonoma County before heading for the wineries in Napa County. As an East Coast resident, I am pretty much satisfied seeing clear blue skies and staying somewhere warm (although it was a little bit nippy when we were in CA); after all, good food and great restos are abound in New York City. So when my sister-in-law and her husband—both foodies/food enthusiasts—took my husband and myself to Napa, I was pretty much blown away by the amazing and delicious culinary fare.

Tex-mex seems to be a staple in the area, but before you say "greasy," note that chefs and restaurant owners seem to take the cuisine very seriously, as in the case of Catherine Bergen, who, last year, opened C Casa, "an innovative taqueria," in the Oxbow Public Market. We had breakfast there, and, while in the past, I have shied away from any Huevos Rancheros-type meal in the morning (too early for something savory), I tried one of the Egg Plates on the menu (above photo). The serving was small yet tasty and surprisingly substantial. My favorite part was the fresh white corn tortilla that they make right there at the stall. It's nothing like I've ever tasted before. You really can't beat homemade/handmade.

Sweet—my husband and the maple walnut ice cream he's holding :)

Also at the Oxbow market was Three Twins Organic Ice Cream Factory, where, hands down, I've had the best ice cream in my life—not kidding. The closest to the experience would probably if I churned my own ice cream at home.

And, yes, in Napa it's all about the cheese...

And, of course, the wine. Here I am holding a bottle of Vintage Port (which pairs well with chocolate, ahem).

Thinly-cut onion strings.

Last but not the least (and still, barely skimming the restaurant scene in Napa), is Mustard's Grill, supposedly where one could have the best porkchops in town or ever. My husband can probably attest to this, as I am some sort of pesco-vegetarian so I can only infer. But, here's a pic:

Famous Mongolian Pork Chop with sweet and sour red cabbage,
mashed potatoes (which were excellent!), and housemade mustard.

Like I said, in Napa Valley, the wining and dining never stops :) Cheers!

READ the Travel Series starting with...
1. DENVER
2. SILVERTHORNE & BRECKENRIDGE
3. SAN FRANCISCO
4. SONOMA COUNTY
5. NAPA VALLEY
6. CHICAGO
7. NEW YORK

Sonoma County

Fourth post of the Travel Series

Clear, sunny skies...welcome to California!

Through the looking glass...

Now, if you love food as much as I do, you can't go to San Francisco without spending a day (or two) in Sonoma County and Napa Valley.

I'll be talking about Napa in the next post, but for now, let's focus on sunny Sonoma, located just about 45 minutes north of Sanfo. Our first stop en route was CornerStone, "an eclectic collection of shops, wineries, and a gourmet cafe set amidst nine acres of garden installations created by the world's leading landscape architects," according to the website.

I've had plenty of salads before, but the one I had at the CornerStone gourmet cafe was different: fresh, crisp...it must be the whole "California" thing.

My husband and sister-in-law both ordered sandwiches that came with green olives.
Neither wanted them so they went to yours truly.

A few minutes' drive from CornerStone, is Sonoma Plaza—a small town square of sorts, where one could find several quaint shops, restaurants—including this smoky outdoor grill (you won't believe how good it smells when you walk past it!)—historic sites, and more.

And, of course, plenty of wine, cheese, and chocolate. Many of which, you could sample for free. Yum!

There is no shame in good chocolate.

READ the Travel Series starting with...
1. DENVER
2. SILVERTHORNE & BRECKENRIDGE
3. SAN FRANCISCO
4. SONOMA COUNTY
5. NAPA VALLEY
6. CHICAGO
7. NEW YORK

San Francisco

Third post of the Travel Series

Got bread?

Before the recent holiday season, would you believe I had never set foot in the city of San Francisco other than its airport?

So, when my sister-in-law invited us over to spend New Year's with them, I was actually excited: The prospect of visiting the Golden State—plus a side trip to Sonoma County and Napa Valley, which I shall talk about in the next post of the Travel Series—definitely caught my fancy. That, and of course, hopping on a plane with Alvs and spending more time together.

I'll let the pictures do the talking/blogging :)

Canon PowerShot S95

OH, and I almost forgot to mention, you may have noticed my extra-vibrant and inspired photos in recent posts. That's because, over the holidays, my husband gifted me with the Canon PowerShot S95 I listed in my All I Want for Christmas post! I'm still keeping my old and trusty Cybershot for posterity (I doubt if I'll ever get rid of it; it's one sturdy gadget). So, I hope you're enjoying the new pics as much as I have taking them!

There were plenty of things to get excited about in SFO...

1) New Year's Eve with the husband.

2) Japantown with all its quaint trinkets and delicious food.

3) Cute and entertaining things from a store in Sausalito.

4) Sourdough bread, clam chowder, and shrimp sandwiches from Boudin.

5) Seeing One Big Table for the first time in a small bookstore
in the bay area!

READ the Travel Series starting with...

1. DENVER
2. SILVERTHORNE & BRECKENRIDGE
3. SAN FRANCISCO
4. SONOMA COUNTY
5. NAPA VALLEY
6. CHICAGO
7. NEW YORK

Silverthorne & Breckenridge

Second post of the Travel Series

One question I get asked repeatedly whenever the subject of my having family in Colorado is, "Do you ski?" And, for many years, I've had the same answer: "No."

Over the holidays, however, my husband and I hit the slopes in Breckenridge and finally got to try snowboarding. It's still not skiing, but it's close—the rougher counterpart, if you will. I'm too embarrassed to show you a clip of my less-than-stellar attempt at getting up on the board (I didn't even get past balancing to merit an attempt at moving forward). Our teacher said that it takes at least three days to get the hang of it, and then it simply "clicks." I will probably need two weeks—or even more—by the looks of it.

Breckenridge is about two hours west of Denver and is one of four destination ski resorts in the area (the three others being Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Copper Mountain). Close by are the towns of Silverthorne, Frisco, and Dillon—all of the above comprising Summit County, Colorado. In the summer, the area is a popular destination for fishing, biking, and hiking. One can also ride the ski lifts/gondolas for the scenic views.

Snow country.

Silverthorne seems to be a favorite among vacationers because lodging (and equipment rental for seasoned skiers) is reasonable, and it's only a 20-minute drive to the ski areas. For non-skiers/snowboarders, it's one fun place to shop: The Outlets at Silverthorne offer over a hundred brand names spanning three "villages"... It's a different kind of workout, alright, and you'll definitely work up a sweat (unless it's 8 degrees out).

Rex, a gorgeous Newfoundlander we met at the hotel.

Sun and snow—lovely combo.

Warming up by an open 'fireplace.'

A crowd gathers.

On the practice slope.

View from the lift.

The husband had fun.

The smile betrays the ache in my behind ;)

Calling it a day.

READ the Travel Series starting with...

1. DENVER

2. SILVERTHORNE & BRECKENRIDGE

3. SAN FRANCISCO

4. SONOMA COUNTY

5. NAPA VALLEY

6. CHICAGO

7. NEW YORK

Denver

The Qwest Tower outside the Pepsi Center.

First post of the Travel Series

Colorado wasn't Mom's first home in the US. She actually lived in Washington DC for a long time before stumbling upon the Mile High City and discovering she was happiest there. Denver is a bustling locale 5,280 feet above sea level, hence, the nickname. I've been coming to the city for regular holidays—and have taken up residence there a few times—for almost a decade now. While the thin air can take getting used to for some, I find the city quite exhilarating...and actually relaxing. In the past, I'd considered finding work there, and had even gone on some interviews. But, upon further consideration, I figured I would be better off treating Colorado as my vacation and writing haven while keeping the rest of the work in New York. So far the plan has worked out pretty well.

Here are select snaps from our recent holiday trip.

The Pepsi Center in downtown Denver.

Inside the ticketing office 

One of the many places to eat at around town.