The Magic of Wynwood: Artists, Brewmasters, and Chefs Embrace Creativity

Me on Graffiti Staircase Surrounded by Art in Wynwood

Me on Graffiti Staircase Surrounded by Art in Wynwood

Wynwood—a neighborhood in Miami known for its street art—stimulates your senses and taps into your creative energy. It’s an exciting place with larger-than-life murals, bold imagery, and eye-catching designs. Everywhere you look, art surrounds you; it covers the walls, sidewalks, stairs, and railings, and it’s constantly changing and metamorphosing into something new.

One of the beautiful things about street art is its ephemeral nature. It’s made for people to appreciate in the moment, knowing that it will not last, much like a chef prepares a meal; it’s designed to evoke feelings that people will remember long after the mural is gone. This constant regeneration of art and ideas invigorates Wynwood, challenging artists to keep producing and engaging with their art. This atmosphere draws innovators and fosters their creativity. It’s why Wynwood has some of the best art, restaurants, and breweries in Miami—this continual push to take risks and produce something unique and different. read more

Biking Among Alligators in Shark Valley, Everglades National Park

Alligator Swimming in Shark Valley, Everglades National Park

Alligator Swimming in Shark Valley, Everglades National Park

Some of my favorite memories occur in nature and visiting national parks. There’s something calming about the natural world; life seems to slow down and you tend to focus more on the present. You can watch the wildlife and appreciate the beauty of the space around you. Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves our overall health. That’s part of the reason we should protect and treasure our national parks. They benefit us, the world, and the living creatures that inhabit them. read more

Baked Prawns in Tomato Sauce with Feta (Garithes Yiouvetsi)

Baked Prawns in Tomato Sauce with Feta (Garithes Yiouvetsi)

Baked Prawns in Tomato Sauce with Feta (Garithes Yiouvetsi)

Cooking opens the world up to you. It’s magical really, its ability to transport you to faraway lands. More than any other medium—books, films, music—eating ignites the senses and connects you with a place. This is part of the reason I like to cook foods from around the world, to indulge my curiosity, to explore, and to imagine.

In Greece, a mountainous Mediterranean nation comprised of 2000 islands, fresh seafood abounds, grape vineyards and olive groves flourish, lemon trees prosper in gardens, and flocks of sheep and herds of goats graze and forage in the valleys. It’s no surprise that these ingredients—and the products derived from them—factor heavily into Greek cuisine. read more

Summiting Mount Asahidake – What You Need to Know

View of Mount Asahidake from Asahidake Onsen

View of Mount Asahidake from Asahidake Onsen

Summiting Mount Asahidake—the tallest mountain in Hokkaido—requires planning, preparation, and a sense of adventure! While only 7,516 feet, the rough terrain and extreme weather conditions makes the hike challenging. Yet, the beautiful scenery, the experience of climbing the mountain, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when reaching the top, overshadows any discomfort you may feel.

When planning our trip to Daisetsuzan National Park, I couldn’t find many detailed descriptions of the hiking in this area. So I want to share with you what we learned, so you can better prepare for hiking up Mt. Asahidake. read more

Flavorful Journeys Best of 2017 – By Popularity

Before I focus on 2018 and all the new and exciting recipes and travel adventures I want to share with you, I want to showcase the most popular blog posts of 2017 on Flavorful Journeys.

Eating Tonkatsu at Katsukura Shinjuku RestaurantTonkatsu Pork Filet and Prawn at Katsukura Shinjuku

Tonkatsu Pork Filet and Prawn at Katsukura Shinjuku

Tokyo features some of the best food in the world. If you’re looking for a delicious tonkatsu meal, check out Katsukura Shinjuku Restaurant; the fried pork is tender and juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Plus, they serve Japanese whiskey at an unbelievable price!

  • Coffee Jelly: The Perfect After-Dinner DessertCoffee Jelly Mixed with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Whipped Cream

    Coffee Jelly Dessert with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Whipped Cream read more