Author Archives: liz'nlux

After exploring Bangkok, we flew to Phuket. We spent several days at the Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa, a lovely hotel directly across from the beach. It felt secluded and peaceful, and we spent our time relaxing and exploring Phuket. Phuket felt very different from Bangkok. The pace was slower, with mornings nearContinue reading “Thai Beef and Cucumber Curry”

Our visit to Thailand was a special one. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, and we rang in the New Year there. What a wonderful way to begin a new year together. We arrived in Bangkok, and wow. What an experience. Experiencing Bangkok We took a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River andContinue reading “Thailand: Bangkok, Street Food and Braised Spareribs”

One of my favorite memories from our trip to Porto was searching out A Margarida in Matosinhos, a restaurant one of Paul’s colleagues recommended. It was about a twenty-minute Uber ride from where we were staying, up the coast to Matosinhos. We arrived early, so we spent some time walking along the waterfront before lunch.Continue reading “Codfish Gomes de Sá”

A few years ago Paul and I spent a week in Porto, Portugal. It is one of my favourite cities to visit. I know… I say that a lot. But Porto is different. It has its own personality. The buildings are old and weathered. Paint peels. Stone has been worn smooth by centuries of peopleContinue reading “Portugal: Stone Bass with Clams”

Turkey has stayed with me ever since I first visited years ago with my youngest son on an educational tour. I’ll pick up where I left off in my previous post.  After a few unforgettable days exploring Old Istanbul, we climbed onto our tour bus and headed across western Turkey. We visited the Acropolis ofContinue reading “Turkish Rack of Lamb with Imam Bayıldı”

From Istanbul & Beyond: Exploring the Diverse Cuisines of Turkey by Robyn Eckhardt Years ago, I traveled to Turkey with my youngest son on an educational tour organized by his middle school teacher. There were ten of us altogether; six teenagers and four chaperones; and it remains one of the most memorable trips I’ve everContinue reading “Meatballs with Pumpkin & Spice Butter”

Returning to Luxembourg after my visit to the U.S., I couldn’t stop thinking about a dinner I shared with friends at La Notte in Oak Park, Illinois. It felt almost serendipitous that my last blog post was inspired by memories of Rome, and this one brings together those same memories with my recent visit toContinue reading “Eight Finger Cavatelli, Cacio e Pepe, and the Roads That Lead Us Home”

Inspired by The Roads to Rome by Jarrett Wrisley & Paolo Vitaletti I have a soft spot for Italy. So far I’ve explored Milan, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and Rome, and every visit leaves me wanting to go back. The landscapes of northern and central Italy always remind me a little of the Pacific Northwest,Continue reading “Pappardelle al Ragù d’Anatra”

While visiting Greece, it’s hard not to be drawn to the sea. Whether you’re on the mainland or one of the islands, the coast has a way of inviting you to slow down. Spending a day at the beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the waves, is one of the best ways toContinue reading “Manestra (Orzo), Ouzo, and Memories of the Greek Coast”

As I revisit my memories of Shoreditch and Brick Lane, my mind always goes back to the vibrant, unique, and colorful street art. As someone who loves to walk and look around wherever I go, this neighborhood became one of my favorite parts of London. When I first headed out on my own, I livedContinue reading “Brick Lane: Curry, Street Art, and the Stories Between”