Midnight Snack in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan   MAPPING THE DAY   Twenty high school-age church youth group members greeted us at the gate in the Tokyo Airport. My high school friend Mark and I had been awarded scholarships to travel through Japan for a month.  Our first hosts in Japan could not have been more gracious and welcoming.  …

Southern Italy RoadTrip to Sorrento

Sorrento, Italy MAPPING THE DAY Continuing on our RoadTrip from Pompeii, we traveled south along the rugged coastline of Southern Italy.  We were absorbed by the breathtaking views of the cliffs sharply dropping to the Mediterranean Sea, Mt. Vesuvius behind us and hillside enclaves of Italian life.  The short drive on the narrow, winding road…

In the Shadow of Mt. Vesuvius

Pompeii, Italy   MAPPING THE DAY   Our RoadTrip began in Naples, Italy.  We were headed for Pompeii, just a 20-minute drive away.  We learned the ominous story about the volcanic eruption that swallowed Pompeii in sixth grade history class.  Now we were to stand in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius and see the path…

Italy in Our Kitchen

MAPPING THE DAY Traveling through Italy, we have tasted and appreciated the flavors of well-crafted pasta dishes. Typically the pasta is not drenched in heavy sauce. It is a marriage of sauce and pasta tossed to one perfect union.     LOCAL STORY We have owned our Imperia Pasta Machine for years. Neither of us…

RoadTrip Travel Experiences Adopted At Home

New Years at Home Our RoadTrip travels in 2012 have taken us to amazing places where we have enjoyed welcoming people and memorable cuisine. Along the way, we strive to appreciate and adopt traditions of others. A cookbook from Sedona, green chilis from New Mexico, a Belgian beer glass, a reclaimed European baguette board from…

‘Tis the Season for Tamales: An Individually Wrapped Gift of Goodness

Los Angeles, California Tamales are a seasonal offering at many restaurants, specialty stores and Mexican food stands at Christmas in Southern California.  In addition, ingredients for making them from scratch are readily available in grocery stores.  Whether bought pre-made or made at home, tamales are a perfect package of flavor for a casual holiday meal.  …

Memphis Sparked Memories: News, Music, Food

Memphis, Tennessee Both K.O. and I were children in the 1960’s.  Television became more and more prevalent in American homes then.  It gave us an expanded view of the World.  In the 60’s, the Civil Rights Movement was often in the news and Elvis Presley starred with Frank Sinatra in a TV special. Food and…

Shopping for Ingredients Spurs Recipe Creativity

Laguna Hills, California It may sound crazy to some, but K.O. and I love grocery stores, Farmers Markets and specialty food stores.  Yes, we can lose ourselves in any given market.  At home or on a RoadTrip, perusing local flavors makes for a great day.   Mapping the Day The other day, we set out…

RoadTrip on Stone Island in Search of Fresh Grilled Fish

Stone Island, Mazatlan, Mexico Up until the end of 2010, Mazatlan was the third largest cruise port in Mexico, next to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.  The cruise lines have shied away from the port since then due to local crime.  We visited there in December 2010 and ventured on our own RoadTrip to…