My husband and I escaped for a little couple's getaway to Southern California and on our drive up the coast we stopped at the little town of Solvang in the heart of Santa Barbara's beautiful wine country in the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang, Danish for "sunny fields", is a … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Westin Portland, Oregon
My mom and I recently took a trip down to Portland, Oregon for a girls' weekend getaway. Choosing a hotel was an easy decision. After the great experience my husband and I had at the Westin Bellevue, I was eager to try the Westin Portland. We couldn't have picked a better … Continue reading →
Four Fun Family Attractions in Santa Barbara, California
My husband and I took a couple's trip to Los Angeles last Summer and drove up to Santa Barbara for a day while we were there. Known as the American Riviera, we instantly fell in love with it. And as wonderful as it is for a romantic getaway, Santa Barbara isn't only a place … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: Casa Guadalajara, San Diego, California
Our family had the pleasure of eating at Casa Guadalajara while on vacation in San Diego. It was a fun and delicious experience! Colorful, vibrant, lively, flavorful - four words that describe both the restaurant and its food. Come take a virtual tour of the restaurant … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Vacations: Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Our family recently took a vacation to Los Angeles and stayed a the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. Because of its great location, Sheraton Gateway served as a perfect home base for our family to access many of the LA attractions we came to see. The hotel is conveniently located … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island, San Diego, California
Here's some sunshine and palm trees for you to enjoy during this chilly season. Our dining experience at Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island in San Diego, California. You've got to see the setting and views! … Continue reading →
Authentic Bethmännchen (German Marzipan Cookies)
An authentic German Bethmaennchen recipe! Firm on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with marzipan, these traditional German Christmas cookies are absolutely delicious! One of the most famous and beloved of all German Christmas cookies, Bethmännchen have … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Hotel Palomar, Westwood, California
This is the second Kimpton hotel we've stayed at and we're noticing a definite pattern: Swanky luxury hotels in great locations with top notch service, exquisitely comfortable rooms and beds, and each with their own unique personalities. Come take a virtual tour of Hotel … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Vacations: Omni San Diego Hotel, California
Our family went on vacation to San Diego a few weeks ago and stayed at the Omni San Diego Hotel. Normally a hotel is just the place you stay while you're having fun elsewhere, but in this case, Omni San Diego was very much a highlight of our family vacation. We were so … Continue reading →
Autumn in Tacoma
No recipe today. Just a leisurely drive through Tacoma's Old Town and Stadium Districts. With some exceptionally gorgeous historic homes and other stately buildings, it's one of my favorite areas of the South Puget Sound. Here are a few pictures I took while on a drive … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: Paparazzi Ristorante, Los Angeles, California
If you like Italian cuisine and either live in Los Angeles or plan on taking a trip there, then this is a restaurant you must get to know. Currently ranked #10 best Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, Paparazzi Ristorante is a gem. Each dish uses the finest … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Vacations: San Diego, California (Part I)
We just got back a couple of weeks ago from our family vacation to southern California. With a rambunctious 2 and 4 year old we were a little stressed at the thought of how it would all play out. But I'm happy to report we all made it back in one piece having … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: BLVD 16, Westwood, California
Located in Kimpton's Hotel Palomar in the swanky Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles is BLVD 16, the hotel's highly acclaimed restaurant and lounge. Not only frequented by hotel guests, BLVD 16 is a popular hangout for the locals and it's easy to see why: It provides some … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Inn At The Market, Seattle, Washington
It's ranked #56 out of 100 best hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure 2014 and #3 best small city hotel in the USA. It won TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for Top 25 Hotels in the USA, has consistently made Condé Nast's Gold List and is in the Condé Nast Platinum … Continue reading →
Seattle’s Pike Place Market: A Virtual Tour and History
We live less than an hour from Seattle and it's always been one of our favorite date night destinations. My husband and I recently took a couples overnight trip and stayed at Seattle's highly acclaimed Inn At the Market which is literally right next to Pike Place Market, … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Alexis Hotel, Seattle
All pictures taken by The Daring Gourmet. (Exceptions: The two bedroom photos courtesy Alexis Hotel) Location! Location! Location! We've all seen those words slapped onto real estate flyers but they're especially applicable here. Smack dab in the heart of Seattle, … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Westin Bellevue Hotel + A Day of Bellevue Food Fun
Above image courtesy of Westin Bellevue (also the swimming pool and spa pic). All other images were taken by and are copyright of The Daring Gourmet. My husband and I recently took another trip to beautiful Bellevue, Washington. This time we decided to take our 2 year … Continue reading →
The Daring Gourmet Dines Out: The Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood’s Oldest Restaurant
My husband and I recently went on a couple's getaway to Los Angeles. I had scoped out a few restaurants in advance and the one that stood out to me most was the historic Musso & Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. It first opened it's doors in 1919 and has … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: The Grand Hotel in Salem, Oregon
We recently took a family trip to Oregon to visit the Enchanted Forest theme park (click to read about our visit). We stayed overnight at the beautiful 4-star Grand Hotel in Salem. Let us take you on a virtual tour of our experience. … Continue reading →
Enchanted Forest, Salem Oregon (Back To Childhood)
We recently packed up our car, buckled in our kids, picked up my parents, and hit the road for a family trip to Salem, Oregon. Specifically to visit Enchanted Forest, a theme park that I hadn't been to since I was 2 years old. Just months after that visit my parents, … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Hotel Murano Tacoma, WA
Above image courtesy of Hotel Murano. All other images, unless otherwise noted, copyright The Daring Gourmet. Enjoy this virtual tour of the beautiful Hotel Murano. A stunning hotel of glass in the heart of Tacoma. … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Hyatt Regency Bellevue, WA
Our experience at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, Washington. … Continue reading →
BEST Marzipan and Almond Paste Recipe
Growing up in Germany, home to the world's most famous marzipan, I was practically raised on this stuff. Well, not really, but I wouldn't have protested had my parents tried :) If you're looking for an authentic marzipan recipe that's easy to make, is much cheaper than … Continue reading →
Daring Gourmet Getaways: Columbia Gorge Hotel & Simon’s Cliff House, Oregon
My husband and I try to get away every quarter or so for some quality couple's time. With a 2 and 4 year-old at home, finding alone time is challenging. I know many of you can relate. But we try to make it a priority - not only for our sake, but for the sake of our kids. … Continue reading →
Southern-style Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Bacon
Green beans, depending on how they're prepared, can be either just "tolerable" or they can be something that are actually enjoyable to eat. This recipe makes eating green beans a pleasure. You won't find yourself gulping them down just so you can clear your plate and pat … Continue reading →
Fresh Roasted Tomato & Herb Bread
Fresh tomatoes. Roasted until sweet. Fresh garden herbs. Combined and kneaded into yeast dough. Fresh from the oven. Fragrant and flavorful. Soft, tender, and delicately chewy. Perfectly sliceable for your deli-quality sandwiches. Better make two loaves while … Continue reading →
German Picnic Salad
Thank you to Honest Cooking and Castello for sponsoring this post! Though I do try to exercise self-control, I'm a bit of a cheese addict. Growing up in Europe with regular access to the world's best cheeses rendered me into something of a cheese snob. I can't help it. … Continue reading →
Caramel Banana Upside Down Bread
I couldn't take it anymore. After two carb-free days to lose the 2 pounds I had gained after an indulgent week, I had to have CARBS. A few days ago I was back down to my desired weight and I approached the day with a smile on my face. An almost intoxicated giddiness set … Continue reading →