Travels Dilemmas After Brussels

Having scheduled a trip for April in Paris I am disappointed to see the US travel warning to avoid Europe travels for now. Yes, I had already decided that it probably did not make sense to travel to France right now. But isn't it a shame? I find myself looking back and wishing I had done MORE travel earlier in my life. And even now. More travel. Looking back to my trip to the Middle East years ago...even then people warned that it was dangerous...yet I went...and although there were men with guns on rooftops and long delays at borders, it was a safe and truly wonderful trip. So how do we decide how safe we must be? How do we protect ourselves and yet not miss out on life's adventures? It is a question that raises its head more and more often. Before we decided on April in Paris it was going to be an eco resort in Nicaragua. And then there was that mosquito.... and being in the wilderness... So we measure the risks. And the rewards. And this morning I am pondering that this is what we do throughout our lives. We measure the risks and rewards of our lives and make decisions. Some risk is always with us. Some rewards are never possible. So we weigh the odds and move forward. I am saddened by a world with risks that seem to be increasing every day. It is not easy to recognize the red coats that would charge at us these days. Be vigilant. But don't waste the opportunities.

A New Look at Cafe Spiaggia

Heading to Chicago? I have long been a fan of Spiaggia’s smaller, more casual, and less expensive sister Café Spiaggia. Located at 1 Magnificent Mile on the second floor of an office building and overlooking Michigan Ave and the lake, it has always had a cozy atmosphere and outstanding service with memorable Italian food. They closed for a bit this winter to refresh and update the space and the menu. When I visited last week, at first I was a bit taken aback. Gone were the murals and the warm Italian look. What had happened? Well, what had happened was a fresh look that is more uptown, and a fresh menu that kept some favorites but brought on wonderful new takes in all sections. The new look is marble top tables and a clean light airy space. The Café is divided into three sections so there is always a feeling of intimacy in your section, and all three have tables overlooking the avenue. It is bright and light and cheerful. Much more modern in concept. And the food. Well, fortunately they kept my favorite the gnocchi with wild boar ragu remains. This is a deep richly sauced pasta that warms the heart. New for me at lunch was “Emilia Romagna on a Plate… described as gnocco fritto, prosciutto di Parma, fonduta, balsamico” These gnocco are a whole new item with a puffed light texture topped with wonderful prosciutto and just the right touch of saucing… For my salad “Crispy Cauliflower”…plenty to share with the table and perfectly textured with just a hint of paprika and garlic sauce…yum. And then there are the breads. In an era when warm fresh bread is no longer the norm, the bread and its accompanying olive oil are perfect. There are small warm squares of focaccia bread and then there is the exquisitely thin and crisp parmesan toast/bread. Not even sure how to define it. I always wish for more. By the way, the parmesan is only available at lunch! Wines here are always especially chosen and served at perfect temperature. Waiters know the menu and the wines and ensure perfect pairings. My only disappointment? I was entirely to full to consider dessert…but I understand the apricot panna cotta is to die for. Even better. If you are a user of Open Table, you will often find 1000 point option here. What could be better…fabulous food, gracious service, and points toward the next meal here! By the way, Spiaggia/Café Spiaggia also has excellent space for private functions where you can mix and match from the menus of both restaurants. The space is one floor above the restaurants and enjoys the same wonderful views. Buon Appetito!

Back on the Road

Greetings from a chilly Pensacola, Florida, where the sunshine is giving us a glorious day. After a long hiatus in writing this blog, I have decided to move forward in writing about my travels, and all that goes with that. So much has changed in the world of social media...and travel, for that matter, since I started the blog, that it is really starting from scratch. What can you expect from me? I travel for both business and pleasure. So you will find me in cities and in the countryside. In the U.S. and abroad. You will find me scouting out the latest and best restaurants as well as reviewing best and worst examples of service. You will find me by plane and by car...in my neighborhood and far beyond. Although I contribute to both Trip Advisor and Open Table, along with occasional sites, I am finding these less valuable as time goes by. The reviews less reliable. When a chain restaurant becomes the top restaurant in a major city, it is time for new resources to guide us. Welcome to my world of travel. I hope you will find the insights valuable... and may be even be inspired to add or change the travels you are planning.