BITCHES TAKE BRITAIN!

February 11, 2020 by Andrea Pett-Joseph

my tri[ photod

One of the main inspirations for this blog came after spending time in London a few years back with a girlfriend (Dani!) and experiencing the fun of a culinary vacation at The Raymond Blanc Cookery School in Oxfordshire.

Situated within the stunning grounds at the historic Belmond Le Manoir , the 9-5 intensive class was led by a Michelin star chef and was both instructional and hands on…and staying overnight was the real icing on the cake! (yes, we baked a cake)

We also got a tour of the beautiful gardens where much of ingredients for the restaurant are grown

The other highlight of the trip was staying overnight at The Members only Soho Farmhouse-truly magical.

*Tip-Non members can stay mid week if rooms are available. Well worth planning your schedule around this!

**BATHE IN THE LUXURY THAT IS THE SOHO FARMHOUSE**

San Juan Islands/Orcas Island

July 12, 2019 by Andrea Pett-Joseph

After spending the night in Seattle and walking around the funky streets in Ballard, which is bursting with cool shops and amazing places to eat/drink! we were off to our adventure on Orcas Island. A ferry ride to San Juans (Friday Harbor) was our first stop, followed by a shorter inter-island Ferry over to Orcas, where we made our way to the sprawling rosarioresort. With its rich history and waterfront views, it was easy to settle in and explore the area.

After a long day of traveling, baked goods were required! Brown Bear Baking’s mouthwatering assortment of sticky buns, Beechers grilled cheese sandwiches and scones were a great place start!

Our 3 hr whale watching trip the next day with Deer Harbor Charters proved to be a great way to get a real lay of the sea -with bald eagles soaring above, our search for resident Orcas began -but alas, the ongoing decline in fresh salmon and other environmental issues, kept them away, and the food chain is taking a hard hit. We did see Minke whales thrashing and eating, with seabirds dancing above them on the water and harbor seals popped up and made an appearance. Part of the joy of traveling to remote places is to appreciate and see the beauty of nature. If we want to continue to enjoy places like Orcas Island and the creatures that inhabit the waters there, we need to change our ways and protect the fragile planet. No matter where we go on the globe, Let’s not be shitty humans. Pass it along.

Places to Visit:

Orca song Farm, a fun way to spend the afternoon exploring their lush flower and vegetable gardens and endless lavender fields.

MORAN STATE PARK- WANDER THE TRAILS IN THE WOODS, SEARCH FOR WATERFALLS, OR HANG AT CASCADE LAKE

Lime Kiln Park- on San Juan Island, great place to watch whales when they come by

Pacific Northwest Foodie alert!

If you can get a reservation at Hogstone, grab it! We sat outside under the lights with the firepit crackling behind us and enjoyed the most delicious local, seasonal, and creative woodfired foods by James Beard nominated chef, Jay Blackinton.

SEATTLE:

RioneXIII (or any Ethan Stowell restaurant!)

The Crumpet Shop and Beechers’ handmade cheese are two places in Pike Place Market that are worth the long lines.

Wilderness...Luxury Style

June 26, 2019 by Andrea Pett-Joseph

A recent trip to the Vancouver coast, off the coast of Tofino be exact, left me breathless and yearning to go back. The journey began with a flight into Vancouver, a ferry ride to Vancouver Island, followed by a long, but scenic drive to Tofino, which is a laid back and super cool coastal town known for great surf and storm chasing. After checking into the Long Beach Lodge Resort overnight (and it stays light very late on the beach!) and eating a yummy breakfast at Wolf In The Fog the next day, the real adventure began.

Just when you think you’ve reached the end of the ocean, you come upon an inlet and there lies the entrance to one of the most magical, serene and luxurious resorts I’ve ever experienced. From the minute you step off the private boat (or seaplane for those who prefer) and enter, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort you are awestruck by the scenery and remote wilderness that will be your base for the next few days, and transported to a place like no other. Surrounded by mountains on all sides and breathtaking views of the ocean, your “glamp-site”awaits your arrival, led by Clydesdale horses- drawn wagon.

But don’t let the the word “tents” fool you - these are no ordinary rustic digs; plush beds, cozy blankets, rugs, and your own en-suite bathroom, are just a few of the luxury touches. Not to mention the gourmet food, massage tent, and daily excursions of kayaking, hiking, whale watching, bear watching, horseback riding and more!

I’ve found my Happy Place.

All geared up to head out on the Zodiac, finding whales and bears fishing on the shore. — **All geared up to head out on the Zodiac, finding whales and bears fishing on the shore**.

View from balcony Hotel Portorocca in Cinque Terre

Cooking in Italy

June 13, 2019 by Andrea Pett-Joseph

Much of the inspiration for this blog stems from a girl’s cooking trip to Italy, as we explored the beautiful towns of Tuscany and Cinque Terre (TIP: to avoid the growing crowds, visit nearby Portovenere - with its Church of St. Peter ruins beautifully perched high above the cliffs, gorgeous ocean views, cafes and shops all along the water, it makes for an incredible alternative to the bustling Cinque terre)

But the real treat was finding our way up and down windy roads in Tuscany to come upon castellodivicarello.com, tucked away behind a hidden gate (and I say hidden because WE missed it and inadvertently drove onto the nearby field—where were you Simone when we needed you!) Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the family who owns the property, their dog and the most beautiful scenic surroundings …And then there’s the kitchen.

We couldn’t believe it, after months of planning and emailing with them, we were here to cook authentic Italian dishes, in an authentic Italian kitchen, side by side with our chef (who spoke no English) and gracious staff, and take in all that this destination had to offer by way of breathtaking views, a warm dining room to enjoy our home cooked meal, and lots of laughter…and wine! As we sat by the fire, not wanting to leave,(and if you want to stay, you can! In one of their 8 gorgeous suites, which we had to see for ourselves.) We were giddy by the experience and can’t wait to return!

As we jaunted around Tuscany, we visited the Abbey San Galgeno and its honey farm, and had a mouthwatering dinner at borgosantopietro.com while relaxing among the beautiful hanging plants and warm fire in the dining room, (if you get a chance to stay here, you must! It’s absolute 5 star luxury. They also offer Farmer’s Market Dinners weekly with fresh local ingredients and offer an incredible cooking class which I took a few years back.)

Each night, after thoroughly gorging on our incredible meals, we made our way back to our villa and the luxurious www.casalidicasole.com in nearby Sienna.

No trip to Florence is complete without a visit (or 2 or 3!) to Venchi for chocolates and Gelato and a meal at Osteria Il Cinghiale Bianco (ask to dine in the old section)