Raku—the one Restaurant you must go to in Las Vegas

Raku’s Crispy Fried Shrimp Appetizer

Raku’s Crispy Fried Shrimp Appetizer

Dining at Raku—a Japanese restaurant specializing in charcoal grilled foods, house-made tofu, and other Japanese fare—is a sensual food experience you don’t want to miss! Each bite ignites your taste buds and leaves you in culinary bliss. When the food arrives, life slows down, conversation stops, your attention shifts to the food; you savor and enjoy the delicacies served, then eagerly wait for the next course. It’s almost meditative—your mind focusing on the simple task of eating and enjoying the food set before you. Raku means comfort in Japanese and I can’t think of a more fitting name for a restaurant. read more

An Insider’s Guide to Eating Like a Local in Mie Prefecture, Japan

Yasushi and Kinuko in Front of the Meoto Iwa Shrine in Mie Prefecture, Japan

Yasushi and Kinuko in Front of the Meoto Iwa Shrine in Mie Prefecture, Japan

After our adventures in Tokyo and Daisetsuzan, we traveled to Mei Prefecture, where we stayed with family friends Yasushi and Kinuko. These gracious and hospitable local hosts planned an itinerary filled with cultural and historical sites, museums, and their favorite restaurants. Each day, they introduced us to different types of Japanese cuisine and what Yasushi described as food “challenges,” which we eagerly took on! read more

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

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

  • Visit Tsukiji Market and Eat Fresh Sushi at Iwasa Sushi

    Omakase Set at Iwasa SushiOmakase Set at Iwasa Sushi

    If you’re a foodie traveling in Tokyo, you must visit Tsukiji Market—the world’s largest seafood market. It’s a mad rush of activity, especially in the early morning when most of the commercial purchasing takes place. Forklifts and small trucks whiz back and forth, workers stack enormous piles of empty Styrofoam containers for recycling, and every type of seafood imaginable is on display. The sheer volume of seafood sold daily is astounding—over 5 million pounds! read more