Greetings, Quest followers! Apologies for the silence over the past three years. You see, we had this thing called a pandemic and all travel was suspended. It really put a kink in my pursuit of the remaining 25 restaurants on the 2015 World's 50 Best Restaurants list I have yet to visit. The pandemic is over and my international travel is starting back up, so more Quest posts are in your future. For now, I wanted to give you an update from the 2015 #5 and the 2017 #1 World’s 50 Best restaurant, Eleven Madison Park (EMP). I dined here in 2015 shortly after starting The Quest and had a most enjoyable experience. EMP closed when the pandemic hit and reopened in June 2021 with an entirely new concept. I’s now a completely Vegan menu! Being a dedicated carnivore, I was leery about the idea of returning to try the new menu. I mean, I have nothing against vegetables, I just love my animal proteins. At the same time, I was curious to see what EMP could achieve with a fully Vegan menu. If anyone could pull this off, it’s Chef Humm. I was in New York last weekend and decided to give the new EMP menu a try. It was… intriguing! Just as in my 2015 visit, the flavors were still well-pronounced and the produce had that ultra fresh taste. What the new menu lacks in animal protein is made up by exquisite textures: the crunch of the radish tostada, the creaminess of the tofu with tomato and lemon verbena, and the chewiness of the “caramelized” brown rice. All of the dishes were excellent, but the one that most impressed me was the bread with sunflower butter. I didn’t know it was possible to make a butter that creamy without using dairy! Even the cappuccino made with steamed oat milk was deceiving identical to its dairy counterpart. I opted for the cellar wine pairing, and like last time, it was spot on. The EMP team was even kind enough to welcome us into their kitchen for a photo op and treated us to mini sorbet popsicles. And throughout our four hour dinner, the staff was highly attentive and graceful. We very much enjoyed chatting with them. Kudos to Chef Humm and the entire EMP team. You’ve done it again. #worlds50bestrestaurants #elevenmadisonpark
Yay!!! It’s back!
Right up my alley! Everything sounds so delicious! 😋
Broooooo
My kind of place!
As you’ve probably guessed, I haven’t posted in over a year due to my travel being cancelled as a result of COVID. While it will likely be a few more months before I head overseas, I am now fully vaccinated and traveling again within the United States. I’m currently in Tampa, Florida, and need to let you all know about a wonderful dining experience I just had at 10and10 Enoteca. Our host for the evening was the owner, Bora. He has had an impressive career in the industry and has finally graduated to opening his own restaurant, which went live last week. His first large delivery of wine came in today, and when my friends and I told him we’re enophiles, he shifted into sommelier mode with glee. In selecting our bottle, I described to him that I’m a huge fan of Napa cabs and would like something in that range from Italy, France, or Spain. He said, “I’ve got just the right bottle,” and soon reappeared with a Bordeaux. Well, two Bordeaux’s actually (a foreshadowing of things to come). After tasting both, I found the Château des Graviéres to be more to my liking. It was smooth and balanced, with hints of raspberry and cherry. My group paired our Bordeaux with, well... a lot of cheese: a cheese and charcuterie board, manchego with rosemary in olive oil, and Brie baked in a skillet with sautéed mushrooms, Marcona almonds, house made raisins, and thyme. Magically, a few more dishes appeared on our table courtesy of Bora, including an assortment of olives and a gigante bean salad. Each of the dishes was outstanding and made for a perfect dinner of wine and snacks (as my friend Daniel calls it). And then the fun began. Bora decided he wanted to explore his new wine collection with us. First came the Blanc de Franc. Whaaaat? A white Cab Franc??? 🤯 Bora described this wine as “palate confusion.” I would have to agree. Thanks to the rich gold color, your palate anticipates apple, pear, or minerals, but when the wine hits your tongue, it’s lighter red fruits that’s tickling your tastebuds. Next came a 2018 Bourgogne (Burgundy), which had a balance of red fruit and pepper. After that, we shifted to bubbles with champagne, which was light and bright. Reaching our limit, we told Bora we were ready for the check, but being the gracious host, he offered to pour us one final glass, a rosé. Of course we couldn’t turn him down. The rosé paired perfectly with the early summer evening. What we didn’t expect was for the rosé to be accompanied by not one, but two desserts: panna cotta with raspberry coulis and a homemade cheesecake! The check then arrived, along with Bora saying, “Wait, one more!” And out came the Muscat, a light finish to a wonderful evening. The group finally rose from the table and gazed upon the aftermath we left behind, a whole lot of wine glasses. I’ll definitely be visiting my new friend and his delicious establishment on future visits to Tampa, and highly recommend you do the same. Tell him Dr. Russ from The Quest for the 50 Best sent you😏
As my holiday came to a close, I reflected on what makes the W Maldives so magical. Yes, the perfectly turquoise waters and powdered sugar sands are breathtaking. Yes, the cuisine is amazing. Yes, the sea life is spectacular. But there’s something more... friendships. Not to go all psychologist on you, but it the relationships I’ve made that really makes this place special. It’s not only good customer service, and it’s not only hospitality. It’s the genuine warmth the staff bring to your stay, taking the time to engage in meaningful conversation, getting to know you, and you getting to know them. It’s drinks and dinner with Executive Chef Norberto and Marketing Director Jessi. It’s the cooking class with Chef Bakaa. It’s the conversations with General Manager Anuj and Guy Who Can Get You Anything Chunky. And it’s the daily chats with the restaurant, bar, and activities staff members. It’s the friendships I’ve made that will bring me back to the W Maldives. I’m already reviewing my schedule to book my return, will be back within a year😎
I was so impressed with the culture and people when we were in the Maldives this fall as well - such a welcoming community, was so fortunate to get to experience it!
So that special dinner with W Maldives Executive Chef Norberto and Marketing Director Jessi, and expertly prepared by Chef Bakaa, turned into a conversation about Maldivian cuisine, which turned into a conversation about Maldivian cooking, which turned into a suggestion by Chef Norberto that I take a class on Maldivian cooking. How can I turn down an invitation like that! The following afternoon, I arrived at Kada (the outdoor Maldivian restaurant on property) and was greeted by Chef Bakaa, and then the General Manager Anuj, and then the guy who can get you anything Chunky, and then Chef Norberto, and then marketing director Jessi, all curious about how the cooking class was going. Wow, world travels fast on this island! I told Chef Bakaa about my plans to get a culinary degree once I’m done with my forensic psychology career. He then shared a touching story of his childhood interest in his mother’s cooking leading to his pursuit of the culinary arts, his eventual landing at the W Maldives, and ascent to the second in charge under Chef Norberto. It was truly inspiring, and now, the pressure was on! I had to deliver, and being out of cooking practice, I was a culinary train wreck waiting to happen. Thankful, Chefs Norberto and Bakaa provided their support, and I did a pretty decent job preparing my Maldivian lunch! Our menu featured three courses: traditional Maldivian tuna salad, Maldivian reef fish curry, and tuna with chili paste. Chef Bakaa asked how I wanted to prepare the tuna, I suggested seared. He then explained that Maldivian cuisine generally dries or cooks the fish, but agreed with me, seared was a good way to go. And was it ever! The seared chili paste gave a nice spicy crust to the perfect tuna steak. I’ll admit, I was intimidated cooking with Chefs Norberto and Bakaa, but they provided expert guidance on cooking techniques and were patient as I progressed from stumble to walk to run... well, ok, to walk. But I did get nine seconds of culinary fame, being featured on the W Maldives’ Instagram story. And when all was said and done, I had one delicious lunch, one lifelong memory, and one new friend in Chef Bakaa.
I was honored to receive a invite for dinner last night with W Maldives Executive Chef Norberto and Marketing Director Jessi. After enjoying post-sunset drinks at Sip, we retreated to our table at Fish, where Chef Bakaa customized a Maldivian five course tasting menu for us. I entered the dinner thinking, “If your dining with the resort’s executive chef and marketing director, this is going to be a knock-your-sandals-off meal.” Chef Bakaa delivered with flying colors! Our amuse was a single bite of mango and calamamsi lime, it set the Maldivian tone for the dishes to come. The momentum picked up with tuna paired with coconut and banana. Next in line was a delicate soup of fish and coconut milk. The crescendo built with one of my new favorite dishes, octopus! Chef Bakaa prepared his Maldivian version grilled and spicy, served over a bed of coconut rice. And now the moment you’ve been waiting for... BOOM, Maldivian lobster tail with a pandan coconut curry. And for dessert, fried banana served with Maldivian honey. The dinner was fantastic and the company was outstanding. I’m thankful for my new friends and look forward to seeing them again on my next visit!
Now that it’s Day 2 on island and I’m a “regular,” my routine is taking shape. I embraced this evening’s sunset in peaceful solitude at the end of the overwater bungalow pier. I then popped by Sip to enjoy a glass of Tattinger champagne on my favorite hammock. After that, it was off to dinner at Fire, the grill concept restaurant. Fire and Fish alternate nights, so after entering, I was greeted by Chef from last night! Fire features an open kitchen and dining on the sand, with the serenade of lapping waves just on the other side of the tree line. The menu features two cooking options: grill or tandoor. Curious to see how Chef handles beef, I opted for the grilled tenderloin. It arrived a perfectly juicy medium rare, accompanied by a host of sides: truffle mashed potatoes, steamed bok choy, grilled vegetables, and a mixed greens salad. Well done, Chef! (The flavors, not the steak!). Being a chocolate fiend, I couldn’t resist ordering the chocolate mousse. It was rich and creamy, and expertly balanced with Chantilly cream, raspberry gel, and a breton sablé. Thanks for another fantastic dinner, Chef!
Sounds like a perfect evening!
😍
One of the challenges to remote island resorts is diversity of cuisine. When you’re isolated on an island, you’re at the mercy of limited options. Thankfully, the W Maldives handles this challenge with flying colors, providing six different venues and menus (as well as in-room and private beach dining). Following my sunset cocktail on the hammock at Sip, I decided to jump next door to the resort’s seafood restaurant, Fish. Situated on a pier, Fish offers the same spectacular evening illuminated sea life viewing as Sip, including the resident black-tip reef sharks. Upon being greeted by the staff, I was introduced to the restaurant’s off-menu items, including today’s catch, an assortment of lobster tail sizes, and something called the “Chef’s Insider Menu.” Hold the phone... back up... Hi, have we met??? That sounds like a Chef’s tasting menu, can you please share more details? You’re kidding, Chef will come out of the kitchen, chat with me, and then customize a tasting menu??? Well that’s a no-brainer... SOLD! So out of the kitchen comes Chef. I gave him my card, explained the Quest, and told him we’re going to have some fun this evening. No dietary restrictions, I’ve even dined on everything from goat brain to Amazonian ants on Quest dinners. He suggests a five course tasting menu, offering a spectrum of flavors across the menu. The first to arrive is a single bite of prawn in a bird’s nest. It’s simple. It’s elegant. It’s delicious. Next up are three “flamed salmon rolls,” seared salmon, served nigiri style, adorned with flowers and gold leaf. How did they know this is one of my go-to sushi favorites! It’s the best dish I’ve had on island yet. Our next selection is two perfectly seared scallops in a delicate consommé, light and refreshing. The intensity picks up with red snapper filet with pea shoots in a butter sauce. And then we reach the zenith, Chilean sea bass expertly paired with a selection of root vegetables. Chef shared how the vegetables and fish are partnered together for several hours to bring together a symphony of flavors. The evening was capped with a dessert of... oysters??? Wait, it’s “oysters,” chocolate oyster shells, filled with “oyster meat” (cream) and “pearls” (I’m not sure what those were), served on a bed of raspberry sorbet. I had to poke at the shells several times to ensure they weren’t real oyster shells, and were in fact edible. Brilliant! Thanks to Chef and the team at Fish, it was a memorable meal!😃
The oyster shells look SO real!
So the W Maldives staff gave me the hot tip that the best views of the sunset are from Sip lounge. With the sun hovering above the Indian Ocean, I made my way along the perfectly white powdered sugar deliciousness sand and paused on the point to drink in the sunset. I then made my way over to Sip to basque in the glow of the recently departed sun while lounging in a hammock, hovering above the reef fish and sharks darting about. Upon asking the bartender for his recommendation, I was presented with a mini shopping cart, filled by a bag cocktail genius. Behold, the Double Trouble: House spiced rum, white rum, mango, passion fruit juice orgeat, fresh lime juice, and cinnamon dust. It was the spot-on tropical concoction to laze away the evening. I’m perfectly relaxed. I don’t want to move. I need more W Maldives in my life.
When your job involves constant travel for meetings, trainings, and conferences, how do you relax? Why with more travel, of course! Back in 2017, my friends came to the W Maldives and they haven’t stopped raving about it since. With five days off between trips to Australia and India, I had to see what the big deal was. The big deal smacked me in the face before I even stepped off the sea plane. On approach to the island, you can see how special the stay is going to be. Once off the plane, you’re greeted by the staff and a glass of sparkling wine, then whisked away in an electric cart for a tour of the resort. It’s gorgeous. And hospitable. And happy. And everything you could ever want it to be. My host dropped me off at my overwater bungalow (yes, the postcard perfect overwater bungalow that paradise dreams are made of) and walked me through the room’s amenities. Once he departed, my first order of business was to... do absolutely nothing. I laid down on the chez lounge on my private porch, gazed out at the perfectly turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and breathed. And relaxed. And started planning my return visit. After only an hour on island, it’s easy to see how addictive the W Maldives is, and how you need more of it in your life.
Today finds me in one of my all time favorite places, California’s Napa Valley. And today’s tasting adventures begin at Groth Vineyards and Winery. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Napa Valley wines, Napa is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignons. The best of the Napa Cabs come from the Oakville region, and Groth is located in the heart of Oakville. But Groth isn’t just about cabs, it’s about relationships. My hosts shared Groth’s story about how the family made its mark managing the Atari account for Ernst & Young (see the photo of an original Atari 2600 in the wine case!) and invested in the winery with no intention to immerse itself in production until Robert Mondavi encouraged them to do so. It was the relationships in the Valley that launched Groth headfirst into the industry, and its their longstanding relationships within their winery that have contributed to their success. The fathers of both of my hosts worked for years at Groth and passed those traditions on. Groth’s pedigree is most impressive. My visit included a tour of the grounds, details on their production, and a fantastic tasting of a variety of their offerings. They have an excellent Sauvignon Blanc that drinks more like a lighter round Napa Chardonnay than a crisp New Zealand Sauv Blanc. But the highlight of the day was the horizontal tasting of their Cabs, which included the 2006 and 2015 Oakville Cabs, and 2011 and 2015 Reserve Cabs. The tasting was held on their beautiful terrace and accompanied by a tray of cheese, crisps, and pecans (which paired excellently with the Cabs). The Groth staff were most excellent hosts, the grounds are gorgeous, and the wines are the essence of the Napa Valley. The Sauv Blanc and 2015 Reserve Cab are coming home with me😊
After a long pause due to work demands, the Quest has resumed! Here’s a hint at what’s upcoming... the view from my hotel’s rooftop bar of sunset at Rio’s Copacabana Beach😎
Going on one of these trips with you one of these days!
So happy to hear you are back in the “quest”!!!
Nice!! Enjoy Rio!! We had a great time...and great food!
Welcome back to The Quest.
The Quest isn’t just about food and travel, it’s about the journey and the connections made along the way. Two years ago, I was in Maui, dining solo at one of my regular haunts. I sat at the bar and ended up striking up a lively conversation with the couple next to me, and two other solo diners on both sides of us. It turned out to be a really fun and memorable night. While I was posting about this Hawaii trip, the couple saw one of the posts, reached out to let me know they’re back in Hawaii right now, and offered to meet up. And here we are, getting reconnected two years later, building friendships, and discussing future visits. Great life experiences come through meals and trips, but they also come through the richness of developing new friendships😊
Well said..and so true! Have an enjoyable rest of your stay on Maui Russ! Until we meet again!
Aw! That's sweet!
Angela and Joe live the Aloha Spirit.
This is why we love European restaurants that seat people right next to strangers. It works!
Nestled away in the forest outside of Volcanoes National Park is Kīlauea Lodge, a charming restaurant and inn. The lodge was formerly a YMCA camp, and it still maintains its yesteryear charm. I dine here every time I visit Volcanoes National Park, it never disappoints. For the starter, a wedge of brie, fried with coconut flakes, and partnered with brandied apples and pineapple salsa. Followed by blackened mahi mahi paired with a lobster tail. Thanks for another memorable meal, Kīlauea Lodge!
After the helicopter tour, I drove to the southeast corner of the island see the recent eruption firsthand. Nothing could prepare you for what was about to come. In the middle of what used to be a road stood a 20 foot/6 meter high wall of lava rock! A nearby road had intermittent lava rock pools blocking the street, leading up to the mammoth wall. Unbelievable. My heart goes out to the communities of Southeast Hawaii who were affected by this eruption.
In May, Madame Pele unleashed her fury on the southeast corner of the island of Hawaii. Entire communities were destroyed, leaving barren lava fields were life once stood. I toured the area with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. They did an excellent job of narrating the journey and providing direct views for these videos. This video depicts the approach to the Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater (Kīlauea’s active flow site since 1983) and the view directly into the crater. The crater is currently empty of lava, due to the recent eruption. In the comments section below are two videos that depict the new lava fields. The bottom video starts with Fissure 8, which opened up in the center of Leilani Estates residential neighborhood. The second up shows the devastation form the full lava flow. It was an incredible and humbling site to see.
For perspective, here’s a map of the recent eruption
Holy cow! That's amazing and looks like that crater goes on forever, depthwise. Did they say how deep and wide it is?
Inside Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park is true gem, Volcano House. It features lodging and a fine dining restaurant, both of which offer stunning views of Kīlauea volcano. If you’re only stopping by for dinner at The Rim, be sure to get a reservation before sunset, or you’ll be staring at your reflection and a lot of pitch black (the second and third photos were taken at breakfast the next morning). And if the volcano is erupting, you’re in the best dining ambiance of your life (the forth photo is courtesy of their Google page, the volcano is currently quiet). The Rim features Hawaiian-Asian fusion themes in their dishes, and it totally works. For the starter, Asian Barbecue Prawns with coconut jasmine rice and baby bok choy. The entree involved Ono (wahoo) wrapped in thinly sliced local pineapple and pan seared, sitting atop a sticky rice cake and kabocha squash with coconut broth. And for dessert, Tahitian vanilla and mango crème brûlée, partnered with a chocolate dipped coconut macaroon. The dinner was as delicious as the view... well, in the daytime, that is. If you can, I recommend staying overnight at the lodge and getting a room with the view of the volcano. Waking up to that view will make for an unforgettable life memory.
You heading to Maui in the next week? If so, let's meet up at Mala where we met 2 years ago!
While the Kona side of Hawaii is famous for its coffee, the Hilo side is famous for its macadamia nuts. The Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm and factory are located on the edge of Hilo, and offer visitors a factory tour, stroll around the grounds, and of course, a gift shop filled with more mac nut flavors that you can shake a koa stick at! I’m talking mac nuts for daaaaaays!!! The tour a is self-guided walk past windows that look down on the factory floor (the factory was closed for the New Years holiday during my visit), but the mac nut tasting and wide selection made the visit worthwhile. Note the mango chipotle and honey sriracha flavors, you can’t buy those back home. They also have an ice cream bar featuring mac nut and Kona Coffee flavors. It’s worth a stop if you’re visiting Hilo-side.
That’s nuts!
A visit to the Big Island of Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without coffee tasting on the Kona Coast. As a result of its volcanic fertile soil, climate, sunlight, and cloud cover, the Kona coast produces world renowned coffee. One of the finest producers on the coast is Kona Joe Coffee. Kona Joe uses a unique patented approach to growing their trees: trellising. Similar to wine production, trellises allow the branches to broaden out, thus bringing more sunlight and airflow to the flower buds and resultant beans. The end result... one freaking ono cup of coffee! Here’s are photos from my plantation tour and tasting. I could’ve sat there sipping coffee and drinking in that view all day!
New Year’s Eve dinner doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive, it just has to be something that brings you happiness to start off the new year. My happy place is Hawaii, and one of my favorite breweries is the Kona Brewing Co. That made this New Years Eve celebration a no brainer: a spectacular Kona sunset, paired with a flight of Kona Brewing’s finest, along with poke and Kalua pork tacos. Hau 'oli Makahiki Hou! May your 2019 be filled with Aloha🤙🏼
A very special thank you to Caymus Vineyards for a wonderful wine tasting, for being gracious hosts, and for a most excellent Special Selection 2014 Cab Sauv. That bottle will be coming home with me😃
So I’m back in the Napa Valley (because I can’t get enough this place!). This weekend’s signature event is the Nickel & Nickel futures barrel tasting. It’s a wine member’s event to taste their 19 single vineyard cabs two years before their release, like a courtesy heads-up to figure out what you want to buy now, before it’s bottled, aged, and released to the public. Our adventure begins with a descent into the N&N caves, where we’re greeted by an endless row of tables, accompanied by barrels, ready to be poured. Each station offered a unique view into N&N’s vision of single vineyard cabs, with every offering exhibiting a unique personality. We made our way through the caves and upstairs, into the barn, where yet more tables await, along with a selection of bites, straight out of a wood-fired over. The entertainment of the afternoon was provided by a Spanish acoustic band, complete with a Flamenco dancer. The N&N futures party was an epic experience, one for the ages. (Get it? Futures? Ages?😂)
If it’s Sunday Funday in Napa Valley, it’s Sunday brunch food and wine pairing. And on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s the Super Bowl of Napa brunches, the four hour Chef’s tour and tasting at Round Pond Estate! Yes, you read that correctly. It’s a four hour culinary adventure of Round Pond’s finest wines, a weekly changing brunch menu prepared exclusively for us, and an estate tour with their Chef through his garden, the olive tree groves, and the wine production facility. Three years ago, I did a tasting on a Sunday morning at Round Pond and saw Chef Jamie’s delicious creations pass by. Experiencing this brunch extravaganza has been a goal since. Our morning began with a greeting of coffee and house-made dried fruit scones on their patio, overlooking the heart of the Napa Valley. From there, Chef Jamie himself lead my mom and I on a tour of the winery grounds, including the tour of his garden and chicken coop, the source of many of our brunch ingredients. We continued with a visit to their olive orchard, one of two in the Valley. Returning to the patio, we were treated with a challenge: create our own signature vinaigrette for our garden lettuce salad, using a blend of their signature olive oils. From there, a parade of culinary exquisiteness marched to our table, like Mickey Mouse commanding the brooms in Fantasia:
-Grilled Brassicas with Crispy Prosciutto, Croutons, Watermelon Radish, Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette and Wild Mustard Flowers
-Rolled Round Pond Chicken Egg Omelet with Spanish Olive Oil and Garden Chervil
-Corned Beef Hash with Meyer Lemon Hollandaise and Crispy Kale
-Grilled NY Striploin with King Trumpet Mushrooms, Brussel Sprouts, Black Garlic Jus and Round Pond Garlic Oil
-Sauvignon Blanc Poached Pear with Whipped Gorgonzola Dolce, Meyer Lemon Syrup, Cinnamon Spiced Almonds, Blood Orange Oil and 12 yr. Balsamico
Each of the dishes crescendoed upon the next. The wine pairings were equally intriguing:
-2016 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon)
-2015 Proprietary Red Blend (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec, 6% Merlot)
-2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot)
-2014 “Gravel Series” Scholars Gate (100% Cabernet Sauvignon)
-Angelica (White Port Style Dessert Wine)
The wines were most impressive, especially the Gravel Series, their exclusive high-end offering. Grown in graveled soil, the grapes are more robust than your average cab, creating a unique, pronounced character. I was so impressed with the Scholars Gate, I asked to taste the full series, and ultimately decided to bring home a bottle of the Scholar’s Gate. I left Round Pond Estates with a prized bottle in hand and a new friend in Chef Jamie. When you visit Napa, definitely make this your Sunday morning stop. It’s not to be missed!
Based on a hot tip from my aunt and cousin, Saturday night’s dinner was an exclusive culinary event: the Farmstead Chef’s Table at Long Meadow Ranch. Chef Aaron Marthaler creates elegant offerings from their garden and ranch, and each course is expertly paired with a Long Meadow Ranch wine. It’s a wine tasting... It’s a chef’s table dinner... What more could you ask for! The evening began with a splash of their rosé and conversation with the two other groups joining us at Chef’s table. Upon being seated at the table, we were greeted with a tasting of the three olive oils produced by Long Meadow Ranch (they are only one of two Napa Valley olive oil producers, and have the oldest olive trees in the Valley). We were then introduced to an exquisite roasted cabbage with mustard pickle sauce, paired with their Sauv Blanc. You know you’re dining with a great chef when they can turn a head of cabbage into an exquisite dish! Next up was the Farm Egg, with gnocchi, broccoli, and corned beef, accompanied by their Chardonnay. Upon first bite, I knew this was a dish I would forever be searching for again, and upon last bite, sadly knew I’d never find it again. That was followed by the Sablefish with braised daikon, and cauliflower that was beyond creamy purée, you would have thought it was mayo! This was partnered with their Pinot Noir. The peak of the dinner was the grass-fed beef with romanesco broccoli in romesco sauce, paired with their Cab. And lastly, the dessert was a most interesting creation... parsnip pudding, with chocolate and banana, served with their merlot. Hats off to Chef Aaron and the team, it was a most wonderful Napa Valley dining experience!
Sounds like a fantastic dinner at Chef's Table at Farmstead. Did you have a favorite food and wine pairing?
But the fun didn’t end there. Far Niente’s sister winery, Nickel & Nickel, threw their Open House party, and the wine was equally flowing. The selection ran the spectrum of their single vineyard offerings, including Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, and several Cabs. There was also a room dedicated to their third winery in the family, pinot noir producer En Route. And there was a guest appearance by the cutest pup ever hanging out like royalty on one of the lounge chairs. Another super fun experience!
To give you a feel for the Far Niente 2015 Cab release party, here’s the action in the Round Room at the height of the party...
Welcome to Far Niente’s 2015 Cab release party! During my last visit to Napa, I joined the Far Niente wine club for three reasons: 1) Their wines are great, 2) I heard they throw epic parties, and 3) My host Jessica became my new favorite person in Napa Valley. So three months later, I’m back for their release party! Since this is the first wine club I’ve joined, it’s also my first release party experience, and it was a good one. As you enter the Far Niente caves, you’re greeted with their 2016 Chardonnay, which is truly, honestly, Heaven on Earth. Heading deeper into the caves, you come across stations serving the belle of the ball, the 2015 cab release (poured by Jessica and winemaker Nicole Marchesi), along with their 2006, 2011, and 2013 cab Cave collection, and a 2016 cab barrel tasting. All along the way are tables with tastes, servers with bites: empanadas, wantons, three types of soup shots, fries, cheese and charcuterie galore, and others I didn’t even get to see. Upon exiting the caves, you’re greeted with a delicious 2011 Dolce and a massive dessert spread. It was a total blast, and the fun’s not over yet...
We're so glad your first-ever wine club party experience was a great one!
Sounds incredible!
Chef Thomas Keller’s ad hoc did it again. Huge thanks to manager Jamie and the team for another wonderful experience. The dinner was outstanding, the hospitality second to none. That was the best hanger steak and potato salad I’ve ever had. And the funfetti milkshake was absolutely fun, with cake spun into the milkshake, topped with a candle for a birthday celebration! My third visit to ad hoc, it never disappoints.
Based on a hot tip from my previous tasting, I headed next to Piazza Del Dotto for their Delicacies by Del Dotto experience. It’s a carefully crafted tour of Del Dotto wines perfectly paired with exquisite small bites. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. And then epic happened. Before departing, I decided to stop by the tasting bar to see if there was anything not served in the Delicacies pairing that I needed to try. Standing behind the bar was none other than the man himself, Dave Del Dotto! If you don’t know Dave’s story, he’s the inventor of the infomercial. He was chatting with a couple who are wine club members. I joined in the conversation, mentioned that I’m a business owner, and asked for the story of how he came up with the idea for the infomercial. The next thing I know, we’re in Dave’s private room, sharing stories, and drinking some of his fine creations. Yes folks, epic happens!
Looks like a great time! And I want a living room full of wine please
Soooo, I owe you guys a story. It will make sense tomorrow, call this foreshadowing. Remember that post last November from the epic brunch at Ad Hoc in Napa? Well, the day only got more epic from there. After brunch, I had a wine tasting appointment at Far Niente. This legendary winery has been on my to do list for a while. Their wines are outstanding and their grounds are gorgeous. It was finally time to check this place off my list. As expected, the tour of the grounds, the wine tasting, and the hospitality were all top notch. Our host Jessica was a real gem. Everything was perfect. In fact, I was so sold on the Far Niente experience, I ended up joining their wine club! More to come on that...
Ok, y’all, I’ve got more to share from the Italy and Napa trips, but for now, let’s go real time... This evening finds me in Chicago. For the past few years, folks have been telling me, “You’ve GOT to visit Girl & the Goat.” Well, I’m happy to say that finally happened tonight, and I wish it had happened sooner. Where has this place been all my life! Chef Stephanie Izard has created a real gem here. The place was packed when I arrived (as expected), but the benefit of solo dining is there’s usually one seat at the bar, and that’s exactly how I slipped in. I chatted with my server about it’s taken years of Chicago visits to finally check this off my list, that I had dined at Alinea for the Quest, and that I was eagerly anticipating this experience. Perusing the menu, I found it challenging to select which combination of small dishes to go for. Some sounded like slam dunks to my palate, others sounded out of my comfort zone (can’t say I’m a fan of goat!). But it’s all good, I just asked the staff for their recs, knowing I was in good hands. The end result: Goat Empanada (miso-blue aioli, grilled mushroom, and apple giardiniera), Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face (sunny side up egg, tamarind, cilantro, red wine-maple, potato stix), and Pan Fried Shishito Peppers (Parmesan, sesame, miso), paired with the Ring of Fire cocktail (Maestro Dobel Tequila, tarragon, pomegranate, jalapeno, lime, ginger). As the dishes arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the Crispy Beef Short Ribs (avocado, ruby red grapefruit, chermoula), courtesy of the kitchen. WOW! Now I know why this dish made a guest appearance. It was a conundrum, all the warmth of short ribs, all the refreshing coolness of citrus. It was winter meets summer. It was culinary genius, an inspiration from Chef’s visit to Belize (I got the back story from the staff). Oh, and the rest of the dishes were equally fantastic. I can say I’m now officially a fan of goat, at least when it’s in empanada form. That was an outstanding rec from the staff I otherwise wouldn’t have gone for. And no, the pig’s face wasn’t the head of a pig like you see at the luaus, it was the tender meat from the pig’s face prepared as a porchetta, topped with the golden deliciousness of a sunny side up egg. I was stuffed, but thanks to the heat of the wintertime shishito peppers (they’re hotter in winter, who knew!), I needed a little something to chill the heat. Caramel corn & malt balls (malt ice cream, popcorn caramel, chocolate magic shell) to the rescue! Why oh why did I wait so long to check this place off my list! That mistake won’t happen again. The next time you’re in Chicago, do yourself a favor and dine here. And now, I’m writing this post from my hotel room, drinking in the view of the Chicago River winding through the Downtown skyscrapers, and fondly recalling memories of yet another fantastic Chicago culinary experience in this magnificent city.
In July 2015, we came to Modena, but couldn’t get off the waitlist for The World's 50 Best Restaurants No. 2 Osteria Francescana. After a second waitlist attempt while touring around Tuscany, and a third waitlist attempt being on 24 hour notice to jump on a plane from Virginia to Italy, it’s finally happening. Quest #5 Revisited at 2015’s No. 2 Massimo Bottura - Osteria Francescana is on!!!
Looking good!!
Love love love!!!
I realize it’s been forever since I posted. Yes, the Quest is still going strong, I’ve just been swamped with work (as y’all have seen, our mass shooting, workplace violence, and terrorism problem has only gotten worse). Even my plan to live post during Quest Spain fell flat. I’ve been on numerous trips and Quest dinners that I need to get posted. But in the mean time, I want to share this story while a I have a moment...
I’m out in the Napa Valley right now. You’ve all probably seen the devastation this community experienced a few weeks ago when wildfires consumed the surrounding area. The community is getting back on its feet now, so I thought I’d visit for the weekend, take a much needed break from work, and help the local economy with what I could contribute. When I was here last February for Quest Napa at The French Laundry (yes, that’s one of the dinners I still need to post), I also had the pleasure of dining at Thomas Keller Restaurant Group’s casual comfort food local diner, Ad Hoc. I loved it, and knew I’d be back every time I visited Napa. So here ya go! I arrived in Napa yesterday, and my very first stop was Addendum (the picnic lunch hangout behind Ad Hoc) to have their epically popular BFC (Buttermilk Fried Chicken). Yes, it’s everything you’ve heard it would be, simply outstanding. I went back to Ad Hoc this morning for brunch, and yes, it was another epic meal. I sat at the bar and had a great time befriending the bartender, David. The rest of the staff was equally friendly and hospitable. The steel cut oatmeal was far from the stuff your mom served out of a cardboard container with a Quaker guy on the label. The chilaques were out of this world. I was even treated to a mini wine tasting when I asked David what recommendations he had, and he asked what I liked, then produced exactly what I described. I wish every Sunday could start off like this. Huge thanks to David, Dining Room Manager Jamie, and the whole staff, who were so friendly and engaging, and offered their recommendations on wineries for tastings and plates to eat. Y’all have just made Napa Valley my second home, and Ad Hoc my local hangout😊
Welcome back, everyone! Today, The Quest is coming to you live from San Sebastián, Spain. Spain is my father's country of ancestry, it's been on my Top Five To Visit list forever. And with seven of the The World's 50 Best Restaurants here, I was looking forward to several visits. This weekend, I'll be checking two off the list, stay tuned for that. But for now, here are a few photos of stunningly beautiful San Sebastián.
Ooooh... I wish I were there. Except for the part with the pear... but I really wish I were in Spain. Have fun!!
Looks like all is going well! It's been a while since we took that picture together with the sword, but great to see you guys still going!
So beautiful
Apologies for the silence, dear followers. I've been on several Quest trips and still need to post them, have just been swamped with work. I'll get you all caught up in The Quest, but for now, we're going real time. Exiting happenings are going on as we speak! Stay tuned...
Here's the DC101 Elliot in the Morning EITMonline (Elliot In The Morning) interview on my Quest to dine at each of the The World's 50 Best Restaurants. A huge THANKS to Elliot and the Class. Without you, there would be no Quest for the 50 Best! soundcloud.com/user-501898727/dc101-elliot-quest-interview-4-7-17
THANK YOU to EITMonline (Elliot In The Morning) DC101 for the opportunity to talk about The Quest! For the full story of how Elliot discussed the The World's 50 Best Restaurants list and inspired me to dine at every one of them: thequestforthe50best.com/prelude-to-the-quest-or-why-in-the-world-am-i-doing-this/
You missed it, Chrissy? Bummer! They scheduled a phone interview during Follow Ups. It would be a dream come true to go into the studio. Maybe that'll happen someday 🙂
Sounds like an unhealthy obsession is brewing, but good on you for expanding your mind. I'll post the interview later today.
Just heard you on DC 101 and got motivated. I've always had the dream to travel the world, will keep following your quest!! Btw I was just in the French Riviera in December, beautiful coast and great food. Cheers
I have gotten obsessed with podcasts the last couple years so I never tune into the morning radio shows anymore. I would have if I had known though!!! 😭
I met you before you were famous.
Heard you on EITMonline (Elliot In The Morning) on iHeartRadio!!! Awesome!!!
Oh man! Did you go into the studio or call in??
Here's the link to the interview: soundcloud.com/user-501898727/dc101-elliot-quest-interview-4-7-17
BREAKING NEWS!!! At 06:55 USA Eastern Time tomorrow morning, I'll be on EITMonline (Elliot In The Morning) to discuss the Quest! Without Elliot, there would be no Quest. I first learned of the The World's 50 Best Restaurants list when he discussed it on air two years ago. Listen live on dc101.com or on the iHeart Radio app!
DC101 - DC's Alternative Rock Radio Station
Don't miss out on the latest from DC101, DC's Alternative Rock Radio StationThanks, Meg! It was just a crazy idea I came up with two years ago. Appreciate your qualifying it as a thing, that makes it official!
Listening to you right now and didn't know this was a thing. Really neat idea, man!
Apologies, dear readers. I've been swamped with work and am behind in posting the rest of the Hong Kong and Napa Quests. But... I'm currently on the James Bond Quest and have one hell of a story to share with you. I'm currently in Menton on the French Riviera, about to head into dinner at Mirazur after a wild day. We spent the day touring around Cannes and Monaco, and went into the world famous Casino Monte Carlo to try our luck. Well, our luck ran out. After a small success with winning, we tried to leave the casino, only to find we were locked down. The Cartier across the street had just experienced an armed robbery with shots fired. Two suspects were taken into custody, one was wounded, and a third suspect escaped. He was believed to have fled to the parking garages. We were locked in for two hours as the manhunt ensued. Here's the article, don't know if the suspect was captured. We're just made it in time to Mirazur, heading into dinner now 🙂
www.francebleu.fr/infos/faits-divers-justice/monaco-braquage-la-bijouterie-cartier-le-quartier-du...
This EP guy we've been talking about might really need to happen!!
BREAKING NEWS: The next trip just took on the title of "Quest James Bond." We'll be starting on the French Riviera with dinner in Menton at the 2015 The World's 50 Best Restaurants No. 11 Mauro Colagreco, Restaurant Mirazur and a night on the town in Monaco. From there, we head to the Swiss Alps for dinner in Fürstenau at 2015 No. 48 Schloss Schauenstein and skiing in St. Moritz. Finally, we'll be wining and dining our way through Tuscany, hoping to get off the waitlist for 2015 No. 2 Massimo Bottura - Osteria Francescana. We're currently waitlisted for 5 dinners and 4 lunches, and this our second attempt to dine at Francescana, so fingers crossed we'll get in this time. Even if we don't, this is going to be one EPIC Quest trip! Bond. James Bond.
ST. MORITZ. that's all.
And here's the video story that accompanies the Mother Jones article on the Newton/Hesston threat assessment training
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqOfhHhm43I#
This isn't about food or travel, but it's important, so I'm sharing it here. It's about preventing violence and saving lives. Last October, I was honored to be part of the healing process for the communities of Newton/Hesston, Kansas by providing them Threat Assessment training on preventing mass shootings and workplace violence. It had been eight months since Cedric Ford committed a workplace mass shooting at the Excel Industries, taking 3 lives, wounding 14 others, and immersing this quiet community into tragedy. This article by Mark Follman of Mother Jones tells the story of the attack, the aftermath, and my training, as the community searches for answers and strives to prevent it from happening again.
www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/03/mass-shooting-hesston-kansas-threat-assessment
A mass shooting shocked this Kansas town. Now it's using a cutting-edge plan to prevent another.
A Kansas community seeks to understand a recent massacre—and use a cutting-edge strategy to stop the next one.Last evening's Hong Kong dinner was a special one. I was an invited guest to an exclusive dining and networking group: The Beefsteak and Burgundy Club. The B&B Club describes themselves as "an environment where members share knowledge and experience great wine, food and fellowship on a regular basis." The Hong Kong chapter is made up of a variety of professionals from all over the world and all types of business, but they all share one thing in common: a passion for good food and good wine. This is my kind of dinner! The wines were selected by one of the group's members, and the dinner was courtesy of the top-notch Hong Kong Club. We were welcomed with a glass of Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut champagne, followed by appetizer paired with the 2011 Dinastia Vivanco Reserva Rioja from Spain. Our first course was a foie gras brûlée with oscietra caviar, scampi, and sour cream, paired with a 2013 Domaine Zind Humbrucht Reiseling Thann from Alsace, France. Next was the Alaskan crab "martini," truffled scrambled eggs and porcini cream, accompanied by a 2015 Domaines Ville and Gry "Ville-Gry" from Bourgogne, France. The main was a grilled veal filet mignon with polenta cake, Madeira jus, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and glazed carrots, partnered with a 2005 Seignuer de Talbot from Saint-Juilen, France. And lastly, a wonderful cheese selection and petit fours, along with a Dow's Fine Tawney port from Portugal. It was a magnificent meal, with fine wines and good camaraderie. Hats off to the B&B Club and Hong Kong Club for a job well done!
Sounds amazing!!!!
Why is Singapore Changi Airport often rated the No. 1 airport in the world? Because what other airports have such serene settings like this! Ahhhhh, Singapore...☺️
Tonight's food porn is coming at you in video, so that you can hear the sizzling and see the spicy smoke plume that is Curry Culture's outstanding mixed tandoori plate: Chicken, lamb, prawns, and two kinds of fish. Yahtzee!
Singapore's Botanical Gardens are truly a sight to behold. If you're coming here, be sure to put this on your itinerary. If you're. It coming here, you need to come here.
This evening's dinner began with a Yu Sheng to celebrate the Chinese New Year. After the ingredients are added in, the group mixes the salad with GIANT chopsticks, and the person who can get their chopsticks the highest will have the best year of the group😃
This one's more about the view than the food... New England labstah roll and mai tai at CÉ LA VI atop of the Marina Bay Sands hotel
Gorgeous view!!
Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar. Yes, it's a touristy thing to do. And yes, I did it when I was here 8 months ago. But my buddy had never check this box, and I figured I could try something different. And apparently the bar isn't the only thing that's long here!
Here are the ingredients for this visit's Sling...
It was their last day. They're now closed for renovations.
Wow! I don't ever remember a line there?!
In case the video wasn't enough, here are some photos from Singapore's legendary Fullerton Hotel Sunday Champagne Brunch!
Coming to you live from Singapore, the Quest takes on the Fullerton Hotel's Sunday Champagne Brunch! You may have heard about this legendary dining adventure. Yes, it really is all that, featuring endless pours of Veuve Clicquot and pretty much everything you could ever want on a Sunday morning. Just watch this tour and see for yourself!
Holy. Shit. -- a few thoughts ... I wouldn't be able to even make a dent in getting my $$ worth ... my idea of brunch is eggs Benedict and a bloody and I'm in a food coma ... OMG the cheese ... I would like one of every dessert ... and I thought you were gonna mow that little girl down after the Asian food station ... she was like right under your feet. LOL
Russ you called me at CHESSSSSSSSE. I am a huge fan.Food and I are best friends lol at work I have a friend that tells me that I live to eat,not eat to live 😂😋😋😋Buen provecho!!!
LOVE that brunch! We used to go once a month and sit for 3 hours! The problem is that it spoiled me and now I can't find a brunch I like in the area!!
Wow!!! That's an amazing, mouth watering spread! I had to laugh at lobster from Boston-- that must be saying something about NE lobster! When I was in NYC and requested oysters, they were MD blue point oysters (so go from MD to NYC to have MD oysters-- go figure!). Meat! Oh my word-- meat.. yum. 👅 and I hope there's some good wine with that cheese.... Cheers to Singapore!
Why don't you just start filming all these meals and start your own YouTube channel? I see a TV show in your future.
Ummm, we need to eat together someday.
Love Singapore.
Shout out to United for the complementary Global Premier Upgrade from Polaris Business to Polaris First on the Boeing 777 from DC to Tokyo! Love the new Polaris menu and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and the customer service has been excellent. Being a United 1K flier has never been so good. This could become habit forming...😳
And the amenity kit is a padfolio!
Here's the new Polaris menu offerings
The new wine list
The Quest is on a roll! Just booked: we're heading to Switzerland for skiing in St. Moritz and dinner at No 48. on the 2015 World's 50 Best list, Schloss Schauenstein in Furstenau!😃
#pursueyourpassions
I just got back last night. Will get those posts up once I finish up Hong Kong and Napa. I've been swamped with work :/
Did you already go?
HUGE news from the Quest! After two failed attempts to get a reservation at one of the hardest US restaurants to get into, the third time was a charm. I'll be celebrating my birthday in Napa at No. 50 on the 2015 World's 50 Best list, The French Laundry! This is literally a dream come true. As a young and budding foodie, my mother told me about her dining experience there, and it's been a dream to dine there ever since. In true Quest fashion, that dream became a goal, and now, it will become a reality. Embrace the spirit of the Quest, y'all! Pursue your passions. Stop dreaming and start setting goals, and turn them into accomplishments!!!😃
Just inspiring you to fly across the pond to Napa is all, Linda!
Woohoo!! I cannot wait to see your pictures and hear all about the experience!
Reservation set for No. 38 Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Hong Kong, here we come!
As you guys know, The Quest isn't just about food and travel, it's about having great life experiences. So how does one top off New Year's Eve dinner at your favorite restaurant? How about by seeing two legendary musicians in an intimate Maui rooftop venue! Fleetwood's on Front Street hosted a New Years Eve party featuring Mick Fleetwood's Blues Band. And guess who took the stage just before midnight? Steven Tyler! Here's Steven leading the band in Come Together. Great show, and a great way to welcome 2017!
So how does a guy who travels the globe to dine at the World's 50 Best Restaurants ring in the New Year? That's easy. The number two restaurant on Open Table's Top 100 list. The place I celebrated my 40th birthday and New Years Eve the past few years. My favorite restaurant in the world... Mama's Fish House. If you love Hawaii, no restaurant better emulates the spirit of the islands. The decor is filled with beautiful Hawaiian koa wood, and items the owners found on island and turned into art. The staff are warm, friendly, and engaging. To put it simply, the place OOZES Aloha. Mama's is located on the north shore of Maui. It has its own beach, which makes for a quaint location. And with all that going for it, the best thing about Mama's is the quality of their ingredients. They get first pick of the daily island catch. Their menu even lists the names of the boat or captain that line caught the fish that day, and the location where the catch was landed. Most of their vegetables are grown on Maui, and if not, on one of the nearby islands. Their drinks are top notch. Everything at Mama's receives attention to detail. It's Aloha perfection at its best. And it's where I have chosen to celebrated New Years Eve 2017 dinner. This year, I'm joined by my little sister (whom you may recognize from past Quest adventures). I kicked off the evening with a Mama's signature Mai Tai, courtesy of Don, the Mama's bartender I befriended over the last few years. For our starter, crab guacamole made with avocados from the Maui town of Kula, accompanied by the Kula baby romaine salad, with Point Reyes blue cheese, grilled focaccia, and Maui onion ranch dressing. For the entree, I had to go for a fresh island catch: Opakapaka (Hawaiian pink snapper), steamed with Hana ginger and sizzling peanut oil. The flavors are light and delicate, the perfect match for the snapper. My sis got the dish I usually go for, the Ahi and mahimahi, sautéed in panang curry and coconut milk, paired with tropical accompaniments and Mama's mango chutney. The heat and sweet of the Thai curry are an excellent compliment to the Hawaiian flavors. Mama's never disappoints. I've been coming here for almost 20 years and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every meal. If you're on Maui, this is a mandatory dining destination. Until next New Years Eve, if not before...
Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall just north of the monstrous Ka'anapali Beach resort area is one of my favorite Maui breakfast haunts: Java Jazz. It's quirky. It's eclectic. And it's pure Aloha. I've been coming here every time I'm on island since 2003. The food is solid, the portions substantial, and the staff extremely friendly. Keep an eye out for Nader, the jovial guy behind the bar. He'll greet you with a warm handshake and a pat on the back like you're a longtime friend, even if it's your first visit. Java Jazz is that kind of place. Featured here, the "Spanish Omelette (made in USA)": chorizo, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and mixed cheese. It's a great way to kick off an Aloha day.😎
Great! See you at the conference!
Nice to see you again soon at Big Island.
Hi I was that in Lahina yesterday.
Today marks my favorite trip of the year... my annual visit to Hawaii. After 13 hours of flying from DC to Honolulu to Maui, and one hour of traffic from the airport to Lahaina, I was starving by the time I finally pulled into town. With several dinner options flashing through my head, one stuck like spaghetti to a wall: Star Noodle. Star Noodle is money. I don't mean expensive. I mean f'ing ono (that's Hawaiian for "really good"). And it breaks all the rules. Location is everything, right? No. This place is tucked away on a hill above Lahaina, far from the tourists on Front Street. An ocean view is mandatory, right? No. This place has a view of its parking lot and street. Waiting is a waste of vacation time, right? No. The wait regularly exceeds one hour, and it's worth it (though my one hour wait ended up being 15 minutes). So what is it about Star Noodle that draws the masses up the Lahaina hillside? Their secret is simple: outstanding food and the friendliest staff you'll ever meet. See? You can build a restaurant anywhere and jam-pack it with just these two simple elements. It makes you wonder why more restaurants haven't figured this secret out! So this evening's culinary adventure began with me drained from a full day of travel, dreading an hour long wait, digging in, and then being pleasantly surprise when it was only 15 minutes. I ponied up to the bar and greeted my bartender/server Zane with a "Hey, I remember you from last year!" Zane was ready to play, and helped me craft a personal tasting menu for one, filled with the best Star Noodle has to offer. Round One included Tempura Shrimp (colossal shrimp, Faux'nagi sauce, garlic aioli), Steam Pork Bun (duroc pressed pork, hoisin, cucumber), Ahi Avo (lemon pressed olive oil, sambal, usukuchi)
and a Scallop Shot (wafu dashi, Ginger, scallion, lemon EVOO). Where to start! The Ahi was poke perfection, ruby red, lightly seasoned, and full of flavor. The scallop was tender and well complimented by the delicate dashi. The pork bun was a well orchestrated dance between the hearty pork, the sweet hoisin, and the chewy bun. The shrimp was substantial, the tempura light and not greasy. Feeling like I could press on through the menu, I dove head first into Round Two: Miso salmon (charbroiled with su-miso sauce) and Garlic Noodles (fresh & fried garlic, dashi, green onion). They turned out to be excellent partners. The salmon's flavor came through with flying colors, the miso a strong co-star. The garlic was present in the noodles, but not overpowering. It's clear the chef's at Star Noodle are Black Belts, they have the power to annihilate you with flavor, but practice restraint, and yield perfection. Despite being full beyond belief, I was feeling a sweet palate cleanse was in store. Enter the Star Screams: sea salt caramel, haupia (coconut), and chocolate marshmallow ice creams made in-house. They were the perfect cap to an evening of perfection. With this level of culinary excellence and a staff that emanates Aloha, my second visit to Star Noodle has solidified its place in my Maui Must Eats. I'll be back on every future visit to the Island!
Congrats to United on starting the roll out of their new Polaris BusinessFirst program. The Saks Fifth Avenue bedding is a nice touch. Looking forward riding the newly designed seats and relaxing in the new Polaris airport lounges in 2017!
For those of you who thought I was kidding about going back to Taqueria Poblano for a second dinner this week... I wasn't kidding. It helped that my roommate from UCLA was in town for the holidays, so I could show him my So Cal hang. His first impression of the place: "Cool place, right out of Huntington Beach." Exactly. He gets is. As does every other Southern Californian that walks into the place. It's our home away from home. And remember those lobster tacos and killer margaritas I mentioned in my last post? Yeah, that happened. Feliz Navidad, y'all!
Thanks, Mama Lilly! Feliz Navidad to you and your family as well😊
Feliz Navidad Russ!🎄😊
I thought I had posted this video, but my friend informed me it wasn't on here. This might be one of the several trips I need to catch y'all up on. So... this was an epic moment from a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia this past summer. I was out there training their police. On the last night of the trip, they held a supra (feast) for us. As the band played and the wine flowed, I started talking about the good old days of drumming. Their Chief of Police went up to the band and asked if his American guest could play a drum solo. So here I am, smashed on Georgian wine, out of shape from not drumming in forever, doing my best to hold it together and play a halfway decent solo in front of the Georgian Chief of Police and his staff. It was one of the most intimidating moments of my life, but I pulled it off. Not my best solo by any means, but I didn't fall flat on my face. Incidentally, this night inspired me to your Drum Workshop (posted those pics in October) and buy a new drum set. My set is finally done being built, I'll have it next month. WOOOHOOO!!!
And here's my new drum set! Can't wait to jam on this purpleheart wood beauty and get good at drumming again. The next time the Chief of a National Police Agency asks me to play a solo, I'll be ready!
You did post this. Just maybe not for Quest followers.
I don't normally post about my daily eating routine, but there's nothing routine about this dish. One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area is Alexandria's quaint and cozy Taqueria Poblano. Not because of a 12 course tasting menu or wine pairings (it has neither), but because it's the best Mexican food in the area, and because it's the only restaurant in the area that is exclusively Baja Mexican. In other words, when I'm feeling homesick for Southern California (which is pretty much weekly, twice a week when the DC winter weather dips below freezing), I come here. Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, lobster tacos, shredded beef tacos... it's all a So Cal native stuck in DC could ask for. Oh, and their margaritas are brilliant, best in the area hands down. So of course, with a low of -3.3 C (26 F) tonight, dinner at Poblano was a no brainer. What I didn't expect (and the reason for this post, I swear I'm getting to it) was one of tonight's specials. Normally, if lobster tacos are on the specials menu, I get them. And when they're not, I ask for them. And if that doesn't work, or if I'm really craving a taste from home (see: homesick!), it's the Russ Combo: fish taco, shrimp taco, and crispy beef taco. But tonight, I was feeling... different. I needed to change things up. I needed warm and hearty for a cold winter's night. And there it was on tonight's specials board: Costilla de Res. Adobo seasoned beef short rib braised in dark beer, served with cebollitas asadas, avocado, pico de gallo, and Mexican rice (though I swapped the rice for Mexi slaw, cutting down on the carbs, ya know?). So what's the big deal? Well, whenever you order short rib, you get a delicious little square of beef. Not tonight. When the dish arrived, it looked like something straight out of The Flintstones! I mean, look at the size of that rib! And as I dug into it, the meat perfectly fell off the bone, as it should. The beef was perfectly tender and seasoned, and the cebollitas offered a little sharpness, only to be mellowed out by the avocado. It was the answer to a frigid Monday night far from warm and sunny Southern California. And it was served with all the warmth the Poblano family offers with each visit. This will tide me over for now... until the homesickness and cravings return next week.
Thanks, Sheri. Glad you liked the write-up. Poblano is actually the reason I moved to this area, not kidding. This is my comfort food, and they've been family for 11 years. And they've been great about taking care of me during the tough times (see above comment about comfort food). The day I had to put down my 16 year old pup, they all came by my table, gave their condolences, chatted for a while, and served up a couple of much-needed margaritas. They're awesome folks, I'm honored to call them friends. And I'm more than happy to give Taqueria Poblano exposure to the staffs of the The World's 50 Best Restaurants who follow me on here. PS- that Korean stew sounds amazing!
Sorry, Jules. Hope this post inspires you to make a return visit!
Torture! I miss Poblano! I can taste it from here!
As a resident of the Washington, DC area, I'm a huge fan of our celebrity chef, José Andrés. Chef Andrés has expanded from the DC area, and his restaurants can be found across the country, from Miami to Los Angeles, and of course, Las Vegas. In fact, my favorite restaurant of his collection - China Poblano - is unfortunately located in Las Vegas, so I'm only able to dine there once a year. The other Las Vegas restaurant of his that has been on my "To Dine" list is Bazaar Meat, his take on the traditional steak house. I finally want this weekend. There's nothing traditional about it. If you like, you can do the usual a la carte menu of starters, entrees, sides, and desserts. Instead, I talked my friends into an evening of culinary adventure: The Classic tasting menu! This made out Bazaar Meat experience a hybrid: familiar steak house offerings (beautiful cuts of exquisite meats and a variety of steak house sides) meets fine dining tasting menu of small bite flavor explosions. The concept works. It works very, very, very well. My friends were wow'd by the small bites, something I'm used to from the World's 50 Best dining experiences. And I was wow'd by the quality of the meat served, the care with which the small bites were thoughtfully created and prepared, and the knowledge and friendliness of the staff. Our server provided detailed backstories on how the dishes were created, and where and how the meats were selected (translating to why they were so damn good). I dove into their wine list to find a bold red to pair with dinner, and suddenly found myself out of my league with Spanish reds. Enter Chloe, the sommelier for not only Bazaar Meat, but the entire SLS hotel. I enjoyed having a small wine tasting experience before dinner, trying two of the Spanish reds and a Napa red blend (C.V.N.E. Viña Real crianza, Tinto Pesquera crianza, and Leviathan blend; I went with the Leviathan, as it had the right full-bodied-yet-balanced-smoothness my palate was seeking that night). Settling into our evening, out comes the biggest chicharone you've ever seen, accompanied by a dip of Greek yogurt and za'atar spices. I mean, this thing about the length of my arm! Thankfully, the staff broke it up into manageable bites for us. Next, a surprise course not on our menu, but courtesy of the staff, as it's a signature dish they wanted us to experience. Little puffs of pink happiness reminiscent of childhood Ringling Brothers Circus memories... Cotton Candy? Well, yes, but all grown up. Surrounded by all that pink spun sugar happiness was a savory adult bite of deliciousness... Foie Gras! Enter the Ferran Adrià olives two ways: Traditional and Modern. One, a whole olive stuffed with pequillo pepper and anchovy. The other a molecular gastronomy liquid olive bite. Next up, the Bagels and Lox Cone, a delicate cone filled with dill cream cheese and topped with salmon roe, so flavorful, it would make any fan of Zabar's in New York City proud. Now arrives a glass shoe (but not an evening ball dress heel a la Cinderella, an athletic shoe!) filled with Croquetas de Pollo (chicken-béchamel fritters). They may look like TGI Friday's mozzarella sticks. The taste is anything but, chicken bathing in creamy béchamel. With the courses building in momentum, in comes the signature Classic Tartare: beef sirloin, savora mustard, egg yolk, hp sauce, and anchovy, accompanied by Parker House rolls, with which to make a tartare slider. This is a special dish: each of the cows are hand picked by the team and let to roam free, grazing on the open pasture during their last year of life. The staff call them happy cows, and the happiness clearly comes through in the flavor of this dish, one of the most delicious beef tartares I've ever had. We move from heavy to light with Lucía's salad. It's Chef Andrés spin on Caesar salad: endive leaves cupping chopped endive, Parmesan, anchovy, and air crouton. The story behind this dish: Chef's daughter asked him to make her a Caesar salad, but he didn't have romaine in the house, so he substituted endive, and now it's on the menu. And it works! The slight bitterness of the endive adds the right blend to the traditional flavors of anchovy and Parmesan. And now, Ladies and Gentlemen... the crescendo... the moment you've all been waiting for... the chateaubriand, served with Perigord sauce and pomme soufflé! This. Was. Amaaaaaazing. One of the best chateaubriands I have ever had. Beyond melt in your mouth good. This was one of those moments where I realized, "Damn. I'll be dreaming of this dish for years to come. And I'm not going to find it this good anywhere else. I won't be able to get this dish out of my head until my next Vegas trip, when I can return to Bazaar Meat!" Yes, it was that good. Just look at the perfect coloring in the photos. You can literally *see* how it would melt in your mouth! It's sidekicks we're no joke either. The traditional mashed potato side was a recipe courtesy of Chef Andrés good friend, Chef Joel Robuchon: Robuchon Potatoes. The menu description is, "Butter, butter, more butter, some potatoes." And they're not kidding. It's a ratio of half potatoes to half French Butter! Yes, that may sound like a cardiac arrest waiting to happen, but it's ooooh sooooo goooood. In order to cut the richness, there's also grilled asparagus with Romesco sauce, for which I was most thankful. And just when you thought you couldn't eat another bite, out comes an assortment of heavenly dessert delicacies, all made in house. You want to taste every one of them, but your stomach won't let you, and neither will your four dining partners for the evening. We left Bazaar Meat with full stomachs, glowing faces, and a story of Las Vegas culinary adventure to share with other. And oh yes, I will be dreaming of that Chateaubriand, and will return to Bazaar Meat the next time I'm in Las Vegas. Thank you, Chef Andrés, for another stellar addition to your family if restaurant's. Bravo!
Whenever I'm in Las Vegas, I visit the seasonal display at the Bellagio. It's always epic. And in this case, it's Christmas epic!
This week finds me in Las Vegas. And for a foodie, no trip to Vegas would be complete without a visit to the World's Largest Chocolate Fountain! Yes, that's 100% real chocolate churning, 8 m tall, circulating 2 tons of chocolate at 120 quarts per minute. You know you want to stick your mouth right under that chocolate stream!
Oh my goodness gracious....
Up at 0400. Bleary eyed. Staring blankly at a computer screen. Clicking the refresh button every five seconds. For one hour and six minutes now and counting. Such is the challenge of landing a reservation for one of the twelve coveted tables inside the current No. 1 restaurant in the world, Osteria Francescana.
I ended up going back to sleep after two hours of not getting through. I woke up two hours later and every day was sold out. Literally, I clicked on every day in March and April, nothing. I'm on the waitlist again.
Jealous that I got waitlisted again?😂😒
Rachel, joking aside, they actually do know me. I replied to the reservationist on my equal thread from last July (the last time I was in Modena and didn't make it off the wait list). They said all reservations are now handled through the website. I also contacted their manager/sommelier through my Quest Facebook post from last July that he shared on his page. He didn't reply. I wouldn't anticipate they would accommodate me, but it was worth a shot.
Oh Poo!
Don't. Give. Up. Don't they know who you are? You can do it!!
Good luck!
Oh man, super jealous!
As you guys know, the Quest isn't just about food and travel. It's about having great life experiences. And for a dedicated fan of a sports team, there's no greater experience than taking in a game from behind your team's bench! I was lucky enough to land a ticket behind the Washington Capitals' bench this evening, and it was the best fan experience I've ever had. Watching my team come out of the tunnel to take the ice... seeing them skate by and high five each other after a goal... observing the coaches doing their work... seeing Alex Ovechkin (one of the best players in the league) only arm's length away... just an incredible experience. If you ever have the opportunity to land seats behind your team, even for just one game, DO IT. It's an incredible fan experience and a lifetime memory😊
The American holiday of Thanksgiving is more than just gluttony (although that's part of it). It's about relationship and reflection. This may come off to the non-American readers on here as a "so what?" The "so what" is that it's one of the few days Americans do what the rest of the world does daily, understand food as relationship. It's not universal across all American cultures, but many Americans see food as fuel, a means of sustenance, and occasional entertainment. In my travels across the world, I've see a different philosophical approach to food: food as relationship. It's on Thanksgiving that Americans embrace this philosophy, traveling to be with family and friends, enjoying the company and the feast, and taking time for reflection. We stop our crazy busy lives for one day (or a four day weekend) to think about what we're thankful for in our lives, and to enjoy time with loved ones over a fantastic meal. Today, I gave thanks for the memory of my dog, who passed a few months ago, after giving 16 great years of companionship. I gave thanks for my family and friends who have been there for me in recent difficult times. And I was thankful for my brother who lives close by and has excellent chef skills. He prepared a fantastic feast of all the traditional Thanksgiving dishes. No matter where in the world you are right now, take a moment to celebrate with us. Think about what you have to give thanks for, and enjoy a fantastic meal with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!
It looks amazing
OVECHKIN WITH THE HAT TRICK!!!!!!!!!!
My husbands and my 10th wedding anniversary. We were at that game. I own the jersey Ovechkin wore that game for the hat trick. 🙂
The Thanksgiving holiday greeting from your Washington Capitals. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!
The Thanksgiving holiday in America is actually two holidays. The night before Thanksgiving is known as the "biggest party night of the year." And for a Washington Capitals fan, there's no bigger party tonight in DC than the Caps versus the St. Louis Blues! And since The Quest is about having great life experiences, there's no better experience for a hockey fan than sitting on the glass and watching your favorite team. It was a night full of excitement, including a Hat Trick by Ovechkin, a near heart attack comeback by the Blues, a guy with a blue Mohawk, and good BBQ and Brews. What a way to ring in the holiday season!
For those of you who are heading into winter and already looking for a beach escape, courtesy of our friends at the Four Seasons resorts...
www.fourseasons.com/magazine/discover/best-beaches-in-the-world
Bora Bora to Bali: Best Beach Vacations Around the World
From the teal waters of Bora Bora to the culture-rich coast of Vietnam, these 12 beaches are perfect for your next getaway.For those of you who are more into hotel experiences than dining experiences, or if you're just looking for another list of things to check off, this one's for you!
www3.forbes.com/lifestyle/tablet-reveals-the-25-coolest-hotels-in-the-world/
Tablet Reveals the 25 Coolest Hotels in the World
Tablet was founded by Laurent Vernhes and Michael Davis in 2000 as a cure for boring travel and an antidote to the Internet’s most common affliction: an overdose of options. I have been among their loyal users for years, and love that they do the hard work of selecting only the world’s most extraordAnd the bartender at The Sushi Bar just whipped up a Bad Hombre! Thanks, Mother Jones!
motherjones.com/politics/2016/11/Trump-Clinton-2016-election-night-drinking-cocktails-hombre
No matter who you're pulling for in tonight's election, this is turning out to be a stressful night. You're probably going to need a drink. Our friends from Mother Jones to the rescue! Introducing the Bad Hombre and the Nasty Woman...
motherjones.com/politics/2016/11/Trump-Clinton-2016-election-night-drinking-cocktails-hombre
Bad Hombre: 1 dash chili bitters 2 dashes chocolate bitters 1/4 ounce creme de cacao (Tempus Fugit brand) 3/4 ounce Cocchi di Torino vermouth 2 ounces Ilegal Reposado Stir well over ice, pour into a cocktail glass, garnish with a small chili de arbol balanced on the rim and a sprinkling of fresh cinnamon.
Nasty Woman: 3 Thai basil leaves 1/2 ounce simple syrup 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 2 ounces Square One basil vodka Shake, double strain into a glass, and top with about 1.5 ounces Fever-Tree Bitter Lemon soda. Garnish with a spring of Thai basil.
Love it!! BUT - what's in them?? They both look pretty good!! HA HA
The next night, I returned to The Mallard Lounge, eager to try more of Kellie's masterful concoctions, this time, with friends in tow. The Liquid Chef was on her A game. When challenged with a "help me choose between the rum drink or the tequila drink," she offered, "Can I just make you something?" Boom. The Sour Blackberry Bramble, with vodka, blackberry rosemary syrup, Chambord, lemon, and egg whites. When second round orders came up, I didn't even try to pick something. I just said to Kellie, "I'm your guinea pig." Boom. Out comes the spur of the moment creation, the Vanilla Maple Bourbon Lemonade: Vanilla vodka, maple syrup bourbon pony shot, orange squeeze, ginger beer splash, and a dash of cinnamon. Are you kidding me? Kellie is a true master of her art. If you're ever in Whistler, do yourself a favor and pay her a visit at the Mallard Lounge. You won't regret it. And tell her Dr. Russ from The Quest says hi!
Ya sister killing it
WARNING: This is another post that oozes with affection for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler team. They're nothing short of amazing.
After checking in and enjoying one of the iced local brews the Front Desk sent to my room, I ventured down to the hotel's bar, The Mallard Lounge, for a quick bite. Well, that was my intention when I arrived. The evening turned out to be much more enjoyable than that, thanks to Kellie, one of the Mallard's resident mixologist. What started as a simple friendly chat and dinner recommendation turned into a bonding session over food, drink, travel, life, and The Quest. My plan for a quick dim sum and IPA grew into something much more serious when Kellie asked what types of cocktails I like, and said she would whip up one of her signature drinks. But before ice hit the glass, she read my mind and surprised me with a complimentary palate cleanse of the Mallard's homemade chocolates, before I could even ask about them (my menu was open to the dessert page and "how does the chocolate selection work" was on the tip of my tongue when the heavenly assortment arrived). After resetting my palate, Kellie produced her signature margarita-on-steroids, The Inferno. This isn't your father's margarita, nor your mother's, nor your grandparents' for that matter. This is Hornitos tequila infused with vanilla bean and Thai chili, mixed with Grand Marnier, lime, agave nectar, and cilantro, and served with a dried cilantro and Himalayan salt rim. It wasn't a drink. It was a meal. And Kellie is a Liquid Chef. She's got mad skills and is nothing short of a remarkable human being (never mind that she's also a pro snowboarder and plays guitar). Our evening wasn't just excellent Fairmont Chateau Whistler customer service, it was a friendship forming. I'll be back for ski season, and maybe I'll get a snowboarding lesson from my new friend 🙂
PS: After I thanked Kellie and her manager Sam for a wonderful evening and headed up to my room, what should I find awaiting my arrival, but a handwritten card from Kellie and Sam, along with a selection of all of the Mallard's chocolates. They're seriously the best!
WARNING: This post contains all three elements of The Quest: Food, Travel, and a Psychological Lesson Learned. If you don't want to be inspired by a sappy story, don't read on...
This week finds me in the Canadian ski resort of Whistler, just north of Vancouver. No, no, I'm not here for a ski vacation, the slopes are still dirt. I'm here for a conference. Upon checking in at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, I took some time to chat with the Front Desk staff. I told them about my great experiences with past conferences at the Fairmont Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs, but that the hospitality and customer service we experience here at the conference two years ago was the best yet. The staff really appreciated the feedback and kind words. We had an enjoyable chat. I went up to my room, flipped on the Sunday Night Football game, and unpacked. Suddenly, there was a knock on my door. Opening it, I was greeted by a smiling Fairmont staff member holding an iced bucket of local brews, a bowl of mixed nuts, and a card, and said, "Compliments of the Front Desk." The staff appreciated our chat and the feedback from my last stay, and sent up the nuts and beer as a very kind thank you. I cracked open the IPA and threw back some nuts, they paired perfectly with the football game. Lesson learned: people appreciate when you take the time to connect with them, and share your thoughts and feedback. We're so busy running around in life, putting out fires, we don't take time to do this anymore. The next time you have the opportunity to slow down and have a chat with someone, do it. Connect with them. You'll feel all the more enriched in life. Thank you, Fairmont Chateau Whistler staff!❤️
It's fun to travel around the world and take beautiful photos, but you can get some good ones right in your own backyard. From today in Bethesda, Maryland...
Our final stop on the Orlando food, fright, and fun weekend, not one, but BOTH Universal parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure! We start at the Studios side, where the Halloween Haunt decor is a lot less scary in the daytime. After a return visit to Harry Potter's Diagon Alley and another spin on my favorite ride, Escape From Gringott's, we hopped over to Islands of Adventure for a visit to Harry Potter's Hogsmeade. In store for us: a visit to Hogwarts, a Harry Potter dinner, and of course, butterbeer!
The big Orlando food, fright, and fun weekend ended with a double header: Disney AND Universal! First up, Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's Disney magic meets African Safari, with an excellent roller coaster to boot!
Question: How do you complete the Quest in a single day?
Answer: The Epcot Food & Wine Festival!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Epcot, it's Disney's version of the World's Fair. Epcot is famous for its unofficial events: Eating (or eating dessert) around the world, and drinking (adult beverages) around the world. That's Epcot on an average day's visit. But during the fall, Epcot puts on their annual Food & Wine Festival, which means EVEN MORE eating and drinking your way around the world (as if that's even possible!). If you're a foodie or a global traveler, this is a must do event. After a full day of hopping from stand to stand, we were barely able to place a dent in the list. It would take a week to sample everything! Check out the photos for the wide variety of tastings we enjoyed. And get yourself to Epcot before November 14 before this event is gone for the year.
This weekend finds me in Orlando, checking off a couple more life goal boxes. First off, Universal Halloween Horror Nights! As y'all know, Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I love me a good Halloween haunt. Universal is known as one of the best in the business. They bring horror movies and tv shows to life. Want to walk through the houses from Halloween, the Exorcist, or the Texas Chainsaw Massacre? How about American Horror Story or the Walking Dead? They're all here, in gruesome detail. And if the haunts become too intense, there's always butter beer in Harry Potter's Diagon Alley or Duff beer in the Simpson's Springfield to break the tension. It's a seriously good time👻
During the Last week's Maine trip, another dream became an accomplished goal: I finally visited Acadia National Park! After hearing many wonderful things about the Maine coastline and seeing some amazing photos of the place, it was placed high on my priority list. But every last trip to Maine became a quick in-out visit, with no chance to enjoy the Maine coastline. That finally changed. And there was no better time to do it than October, when the fall colors began to set in. Acadia and the Maine Coastline are absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend visiting here.
Glad I could inspire you yet again, Linda!
So glad you finally got a chance to explore such a beautiful place! Another place to add to my list!
As y'all know, the Quest isn't just about food and travel, it's about pursuing your passions and having great life experience. Last night was one of them for me. At the University of Nebraska, it's all about football. At the University of North Carolina, it's basketball. And at the University of Maine, it's hockey. The Maine Blackbears are the proud owners of two National Championships and eleven Frozen Four appearances. Attending a UMaine hockey game is a bucket list item for any fan of hockey and college sports (both of which I am). I'm in Maine this week giving a training and was invited by the University's staff to attend the UMaine game against RPI. That invitation went to a whole other level when I was humbled and honored to find I would be watching the game with the UMaine Athletics Director in his personal suite! It was a fantastic evening, the stuff life memories are made of. And the team capped off this magical evening with a 5-1 victory. Go Black Bears!!!
As you guys know, the Quest is more than food and travel. It's about motivating people to pursue their passions, and turn their dreams into goals. This past week, I did just that. I was home in Southern California for my annual Dream Weekend trip (actually, Goal Weekend, since my goal is to eventually move home). During this trip, I had the unique opportunity to live a drummer's dream come true: visit Drum Workshop (DW) Headquarters, take a VIP tour of the factory, and design my own custom DW drumset! Look at these pics and you'll see why DW has the best drums around. Every detail of their handcrafted drums is meticulously scrutinized, from the wood used, to the sanding and shaping of the shells, to the machining of the hardware, and finally, the finishes and hand painted artwork. Their creations are nothing short of amazing. I had the esteemed honor of receiving a personal VIP tour of the factory by DW's co-founder, mad scientist, and Wizard of Wood, Senior Executive Vice President John Good. John is the Einstein of drum making. He knows more about wood than any human should. He has a keen ear for tones. His perfectionism is evident in every DW Collector's Series set, from the warmth of the sound, to the perfectly matched tones, to the beauty of the natural wood finishes. As you look through the photos of the factory tour, keep an eye on the striking purple wood. That's Purpleheart, a hardwood from Central/South America. It first caught my eye when John showed me a raw drum shell, then caught my heart when he told me the story of how much his granddaughters cherished the small samples of purple happiness he gave them. And when I saw the brand new Purpleheart set in John's gallery, my choice was a no brainer. The short video clip is me playing the Purpleheart set (Sidenote: Given the talents of Neil Peart, Mick Fleetwood, Terry Bozzio, and the countless other Drum Gods that have graced John's gallery, this was by far the most intimidating place I've ever sat down on a drum set. The end result a pathetic one minute "screw around" jam, but that's all it took to know the Purpleheart won my heart.). The other fascinating aspect of DW is its people and their passion for their craft, some of whom have been working there for over 20 years! The pride in their work is evident in these photos, and in their final products. One session on a DW Collector's Series drum set and you'll wonder why you played anything else! On a personal note, this was a big day for me. I'm talking dream come true big. I've been a percussionist since age 11, playing in school orchestras, symphonic bands, jazz bands, marching bands, and my own rock bands. In 1996, I left my drums in California when I moved to Nebraska for graduate school. When I returned to retrieve my drums, they were water damaged, and I had to give the set away. For musicians, playing is a form of creative expression and emotional release. Not having drums for the past 20 years was a blow to my heart and mind. It left a void that could not be filled, no matter how much I banged on my steering wheel or air drummed at a concert. Playing on this exquisite, rare, hand crafted Purpleheart beauty, was a moment of emotional fulfillment 20 years in the making. And to top it all off, DW offered me that set I'm playing in the video, no need to wait months for a new set to be made! This dream just became a reality. Another Quest has been fulfilled. If there's something in your past that was part of your identity, but you don't do it anymore (and you miss it tremendously), do yourself a favor and revisit your lost passion. Relive the glory days and feel complete again. And if it involves playing music, join me for a jam session.
When your conference throws a private party at Universal Studios Orlando for the evening. Free adult drinks everywhere. Free food everywhere. No lines for the rides. It's pretty much the best thing ever.
Yep, Patty. The whole park to ourselves. No lines. Open bars everywhere (look at the pics). Free food everywhere (even the Harry Potter restaurant was serving free fish and chips). It was seriously the best thing ever for an amusement park connoisseur.
Wait! What!!??? So no lines!!?????? OMG you're seriously killing me here. 😩
So I'm at Disneyworld today (for business, I swear) and had big plans to post a Quest for the Epcot Best epic dining around the world adventure. Notsomuch. Instead, I spent from 1200 to 1930 jumping from Disney Hollywood Studios to Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom, and finally to Epcot. With only 90 minutes until close, and a bazillion global food choices, I had to cram what I could. The end result: lamb, chicken, & falafel sliders from Morocco, a Prosecco and peach Bellini from Italy, and a toasted Porter, meatballs with lingonberries, troll horn, and Viking chocolate mousse from Norway. I tagged on a few pics from the day at the end of this food photos. If you guys haven't been to Epcot, it's totally worth it. The only better around the world dining experience (short of the Quest, of course), was last year's eating/drinking extravaganza at EXPO Milan. The Food and Wine Festival starts 14 Sep and ends 14 Nov. Get here if you can!
Julie, the goal was all 4 Disney parks in 9 hours. We accomplished the goal, but only had 90 minutes to eat/drink. Buuuuuut, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts on Wednesday. And Universal Halloween Horror Nights starts on Friday. So I think I'm coming back next month!
EPCOT has always been my favorite.
Who are you? You went to Animal Kingdom instead of doing the Around the World Quest?? I hope you have another day to complete the Epcot Quest!
EITMonline (Elliot In The Morning), also, the biometric security system (didn't splurge for the Magic Band)
EITMonline (Elliot In The Morning), no line for Dole Whip floats at Disneyworld today!
Do they have the bird show too?
EITMonline (Elliot In The Morning), the Dole Whip line at Disneyland Friday afternoon. It's totally worth it! If you know the trick of going to the line inside the Tiki Room waiting area😃
Disneyland!
Where are you now?
Sincere apologies, dear readers. I had surge of work back in January that has been continuous since then (the mass shooting and workplace violence situation in America has only gotten worse). I left y'all hanging with my most epic day ever in Cape Town. I will finish out that trip soon, and get you caught up on Quest Australia, Quest Paris, and just completed last weekend, Quest Sweden! Stay tuned...
Congratulations to Chef Massimo Batturo and the team at Osteria Francescana on being named No. 1 of the The World's 50 Best Restaurants for 2016. We were unable to make it off of Francescana's waitlist last July, but had a wonderful meal next door at manager/sommelier Giuseppe Palmieri's Generi Alimentari "Da Panino". The Quest will return to Modena in November/December, and we are very excited to dine with Chef Massimo and team, though it will no doubt be even more challenging to get in now!
theworlds50best.com/
I'm committed to the 2015 list, but if I can dine at a post-2015 list restaurant during the course of my travels, I'm in 🙂
I did, but not enough to pull favors. Sorry, bud. See if you can get the res, and if not, ask to be placed on the waitlist.
Not only did Alinea move up 11 spots to No. 15, it was just awarded the 2016 James Beard Award for Most Outstanding Restaurant. I dined there last August. You'll see things there you didn't know we're possible (hint: an edible helium balloon dessert!). Make your reservation early.
I see one in Chicago... Maybe I should put that on my to-do at the end of the year when I go to Chicago.
We're headed to NYC for Labor Day, did you make any friends at Eleven Madison Park?
Are there any new restaurants to try, or are you just sticking to the 2015 list?
Thanks, Linda! I’m glad someone out there “gets” this and is excited to see the Quest unfold. And I’m sure both sides of my Facebook friends (those that are fans of the food porn and those that hate my blowing up their feeds with food) are thankful for this new outlet. I’m really looking forward to including your tour through Japan in this journey!
Thanks, Nicole! Keep reading, there’s plenty more on the way (48 to be exact, and then some!).
Hi James! I think the Quest for that perfect burger is sitting right under our noses. We’ve had Good Stuff Eatery, and Teddy’s Bigger Burger, and I’ll take you guys to Ray’s Hell Burger the next time you’re in DC, but I gotta tell ya, nothing tops In-N-Out, especially when you only get to eat it twice a year!
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The Quest for the 50 Best – The Goal: To Travel the Globe, dine at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, have life changing experiences, and encourage others to stop dreaming and start setting goals