bon voyage

all about travel

We’re heading somewhere amazing. The next best thing to booking a trip to Tuscany, or Bangkok, or Bali, is getting inspired by the sights, smells, and flavors. From the vineyards of Okanagan Valley to the only two wineries in Myanmar, join us as we explore the world and discover wine, food, and incredible stories. 

What I’m Drinking Right Now: Sarah Tracey of The Lush Life 2560 2560 Taylor Tobin

What I’m Drinking Right Now: Sarah Tracey of The Lush Life

A career in wine often happens as the result of a deep and passionate love for the stuff. In some cases, the choice to parlay that love into a professional pursuit comes as a surprise, even to the person making said choice. That was definitely the case for certified sommelier, wine educator, and wine blogger Sarah Tracey of The Lush Life, who tells us that “I entered the wine industry almost by accident– I moved to New York City after graduating from school with a music degree and had a string of waitressing jobs in between music gigs and studio sessions!

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What We’re Drinking Right Now: Shayla Smith & Shaunna Cooper of WineSpencer 400 400 Taylor Tobin

What We’re Drinking Right Now: Shayla Smith & Shaunna Cooper of WineSpencer

Sisters and certified sommeliers Shayla Smith and Shaunna Cooper devote their lives to teaching wine enthusiasts (both newcomers and long-time drinkers) how to find and enjoy bottles that suit their particular tastes. Their company, WineSpencer, conducts virtual wine classes and seminars, with a particular focus on female winemakers, Black winemakers, and underrated wine regions. 

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Food & Wine Pairing Guide: Austin, Texas 1000 1000 Helen Xu

Food & Wine Pairing Guide: Austin, Texas

It can seem almost indulgent to be seeking out food and wine pairings while the U.S. is in the midst of dealing with a pandemic. If anything, pandemics mean drinking wine by the box and boxed wine goes with everything right?

However, for those looking for a bit of indulgence right now – here’s a list of 5 local Austin restaurants offering food and wine pairings during COVID-19:

Splurge on a tasting menu at an acclaimed restaurant.

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Croatia: The Pearl & Pearlettes of the Adriatic 640 480 June Massell

Croatia: The Pearl & Pearlettes of the Adriatic

While most people think summer when they think Croatia, October is a wonderful time to visit. The weather is beautiful (low & mid 70’s during…

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The Historical Delicacies You Can Only Get In Toulouse 400 400 Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

The Historical Delicacies You Can Only Get In Toulouse

Julia Child once said:” In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.” With every region having its own distinctive cuisine, eating in France is just as serious a business. When in
Toulouse, you will have your work cut out, eating not only the local meat-heavy comfort food, but also sampling the sweet delights. Add anything foie gras and duck confit to the below specialties, and you won’t go hungry.

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Inside The Maldives Best, Most Luxurious Wine Libraries 400 400 Katie Lockhart

Inside The Maldives Best, Most Luxurious Wine Libraries

When it comes to vacations, the Maldives is the peak of luxury. At five-star resorts scattered around the atolls, guests can partake in sumptuous seafood buffets paired with natural wines or cuts of A-5 Wagyu served alongside rare vintages. Nearly every resort in this tiny island paradise comes with a dedicated sommelier to cater to your preferences, whether you’re drinking over or under water.

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What To Eat In Hồ Chí Minh City, From Street Food To Fine-Dining 617 617 Katie Lockhart

What To Eat In Hồ Chí Minh City, From Street Food To Fine-Dining

Known for its garden fresh herbs, generous use of fish sauce, umami soups and French influence, there’s a lot to love about Vietnamese cuisine. There’s also an overindulgence of unique and standout dishes to sample, especially in the country’s most populous city. We’ve broken it down to nine must-try Vietnamese meals in Hồ Chí Minh City, or as the locals call it, Saigon.

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Eating & Staying in Bali, the Island of the Gods 800 800 June Massell

Eating & Staying in Bali, the Island of the Gods

For many, Bali is known as paradise because of its white and black sand beaches, spectacular resorts, terraced rice fields, lush greenery and waterfalls, jungle and mountains, colorful ceremonies and ancient temples. But it is also quite the food scene. 

My slice of paradise focused on three areas of the island: Seminyak on the western coast, Sanur on the eastern coast and Ubud in the central foothills.

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Shochu: A Japanese Influence on the Classic Martini 400 400 Clark Moore

Shochu: A Japanese Influence on the Classic Martini

The best art leaves more questions than answers. So here’s a question I grapple with often: How many ingredients can you add to a martini and still call it a martini? This question is relevant in the other direction as well. What are the fewest number of ingredients you can add to a martini and still call it a martini? Here’s a common exchange at the bar:

“I’ll have a vodka martini.”

“Would you like any vermouth or particular garnish?”

“No.”

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