Travel & Experiences at Boutique Hotels and Restaurants Around the World

Restaurant Future Foods: Cultivated Meat (Trending)

China Chilcano is one of the two restaurants in the nation that has already started this future food trend.

Chilcano in DC is one of the first to offer restaurant future foods such cultivated meats. — Moody good dishes at Chef Jose Andres Chilcano restaurant

Here at The Insider Travel Scoop, you’ll always get the inside scoop on restaurant future foods because I grew into FOOD as a passion, having worked in the restaurant industry before coming of age… from pizza maker in the busiest Domino’s Pizza in the world, to pantry salad and dessert prep at Paolo’s Ristorante that had the first restaurant espresso maker I learned to use, and then as a food delivery driver before styrofoam and plastic bags were common.

These days we’re further along, and we’re looking for more sustainable ways to save our planet. 🌎

In line with that, cultivated meat is one of the newest idea trends that are following the heels of plant-based protein… and cultivated chicken is already on a few restaurant menus!

If you want to be one of the trendsetters, World Chef Jose Andres has added the new plate to his China Chilcano Asian-Peruvian restaurant concept.

Reservation availability for the chicken is limited, and starting on Tuesday’s only.

And if you can’t get a reservation today, you can always stop in for their Pisco Hour (aka Happy Hour!). Or you could schedule a weekend brunch meal with friends and family.

China Chilcano is in my old restaurant stomping ground where I grew into a foodie. 😋 Penn Quarter is where I worked in catering and promoting a neighborhood nearby tapas place, and also where Jose Andres has a few restaurants.

With all his exciting food concepts, it’s no surprise he’s one of the first to lean into NEW restaurant future foods.

A few years later, I remember Chilcano’s opening week when I was stoked to try the new restaurant vibes and Japanese-infused flavors.

Chilcano blends in the sea of restaurants under the Chinatown golden arch. Also known as Chinatown, the restaurant and storefronts have Chinese character translations under their signs preserving the new Gallery Place (named after the metro stop) historical roots.

And in this lunar year district of the city, busy parts of the 7th Street is shut down for a Chinese New Year parade that comes through each year. 🐉

Chilcano is very close walking distance to Capital One Arena, the area’s busiest indoor, covered arena that fits its surroundings.

The Maroon 5 concert at the Capital One Arena (formerly Verzon Center) is one of a handful of concerts I went to that performed in the arena… and the one that prompted my visit to Chilcano their opening week

And you may have a concert or a similar opportunity as the Gallery Place arena is fully entertainment utilized year round …and In my days, I remember 💭 Pink flying all around the indoor stadium… and other lively concerts with avant-garde dressed Lady Gaga, and where Ed Sheeran sang his heart out. And in full use spirit, the arena is transformed during hockey season into a hockey rink where The Capitals play at home.

Getting hungry? Check out my DC weekend brunch and restaurant lists.

2023 Amador County Barbera Wine Festival

Amador County Barbera wine is one of the hidden best wine areas in California. It’s off the beaten path from other big wine valley counties like Napa or Sonoma County. Amador County is east of Sacramento, CA and produces some of the best red wines if I may say so. 😊

The highest mountain vineyard terrains are compared to the Mediterranean foothills exposed to long sunny days suitable for tasty wines. And, Amador County is is also credited with cultivating the first Zinfandels.

Amador County Barbera wines are like a Syrah or Shiraz with fruit-forward jammy berry flavors like raspberries and strawberries. If that’s your jam, then a Barbera can grow on you fast.

And to get some tastes, you may want to visit the Barbera Festival (in its 10th year) with over 40 wineries to try in one fell-swoop. 🍷

Amador County Barbera Wine county grapes

Amador County is in the Sierra Nevadas mountain range. And one boutique quality vineyard in the heart of Plymouth, CA is Coopers Vineyards. The wines you taste in the boutique winery store may not change your life, but they can definitely change your wine life! ❤️

They produce winners at the Orange County Fair wine competitions with an unforgettable Petite Syrah and Primitivo Reservo and unique Sangiovese (it’s not just in Italy anymore!). From Folsom Lake, you can go south on Latrobe Road and turn on Shenandoah Road to find this winery and vineyard.

Cooper Amador County Barbera Wine prodcer in Plymouth, CA

Coopers will be at the the Amador County Barbera Wine Festival where you can sample their Barberas. The festival is in Plymouth, CA next to Coopers at the Terra D’Oro Vineyards (Land of Gold) with 800+ acres. Traces of gold are found in the vineyard land in case you’re wondering…

And in these superior lands, to make your trip planning life easy, you can turn your “gold” trip into a hotel spa trip for maximum joy or a boutique stay in the heart of downtown Plymouth, CA. That’s my two senses (and cents!). 🍇

Royal London Food Carnival

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I can sniff a food festival from around the globe… and a London food carnival is happening at the Hampton Court Palace. The 👑 palace looks like it’s straight out of a storybook in its spire features and symmetrical architecture.

And it reminds me of the brick facade on the iconic Smithsonian Castle near the National Mall Smithsonian Carousel on the other side of the ocean. That was my first merry-go-round riding memory. 🎠

And this Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is happening on the manicured lawns next to the Palace and Magic Garden playground for all ages. And a Kitchen Garden for foodies at the London food carnival.

The Palace has history and inside even has artwork from Rembrandt and Caravaggio. It’s situated near the seasonal Ice Rink and The Great Fountain Garden (with wildflowers, seasonal flowers, and of course my fave, a Rose Garden with pink roses). On the western outskirts of central London, you can visit two-in-one and make a one-stop-shop.

The garden was recently completed with 13 fountains and artistic Baroque design that actually matches the nearby castle. 🏰

You wonder where the moat is. 💭

And if that doesn’t flip your boat, then a Restaurant Show is coming to London in Olympia, closer to Chelsea, that’ll showcase new hospitality trends. It’s where caterers and chefs experience the latest and greatest, and probably you do too…. who doesn’t love to taste good foods!

And don’t be surprised if you see Great British Baking Show (or Great British Bake Off) former contestants like Nadiya Hussain (from Nadiya Bakes) who may shows up at these events. 🎉 And who knows who else?

…That to me would be worth the trip.😊

If you want to stay more city central in Westminster, you can try this mod, delightfully designed Georgian castle-like boutique hotel.

California State Carnival Happening

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california state carnival is in Sacramento and has the traditional merry go round that goes around the country

Who doesn’t love a State Fair? They happen at or near the state’s capital… and today in summer, the California State Carnival is happening in Sacramento.

One of my secondary homes is California as family lives on the West Coast in the Golden State. I still remember my first trip to Northridge (near L.A.) attending a wedding and up the coast to Monterey.

California State Carnival surroundings in Sacramento area that has mountains and vineyards

And then many fun girl trips I had to San Francisco, touring Wine Country, and Sacramento.

I have fond memories with friends as we ate the best fresh seafood pasta dish at Sabella & La Torre along Embarcadero and Pier 45. It’s not a fancy place, but the food was outstanding and it has been running since 1927.

And when you’re done with a meal, you can feel like the nap-time San Francisco sea lions and work off your meal walking to Pier 39. An artsy affordable stay could be close by in Chinatown that’s a short ride to Fisherman’s Wharf that’s a year-round carnival with street performers and the famous Golden Gate Bridge. 🌁

Those food memories are unforgettable and you can make memories today at the California State Carnival. There’s a Food Festival going on that’s good fun food for little ones and young at heart. ❤️

At the fair, whether you like live horses, live concerts, or just being around the carnival atmosphere, it’s going on in August.

And even though it’s hot everywhere… you can do a quick cool in the slip-n-slide and waterlog flume rides.

And then at night see all the twinkling lights… ✨

Oh, and enjoy some lowkey sports… who doesn’t love a round of putt-putt?

At the California State Fairgrounds in Sacramento, there are also upcoming events you may be interested in, like…

…A Foodie Land Event with over 170+ vendors!

…Or a Women’s come-together event in soul sisterhood. Neither of these ticketed events will break the bank.

And if you’re getting married, get all the favor ideas, and vendor resources, and try wedding cake morsels at the International Wedding Fair. Having been a wedding and catering event planner in a former life, I still appreciate and enjoy the girly good taste events. And, I’m all for the tastings big and small.

So… this can be a one-stop-shop for you at the California State Carnival.

Maryland Fair Farmers Market

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The Maryland Fair Farmers Market is a summer and fall seasonal one-stop-shop market occurring while the Maryland State Fair is happening over several weekends and over Labor Day at the Timonium Fairgrounds (north of Baltimore, MD). Hint, hint… in case you needed some late summer ideas to fill your calendar. And entertain.

On the fairgrounds, there’s also an opportunity to learn about agriculture and sustainability in the farmers market building that you may not otherwise visit. And it’s a chance to get out of the city and see farm animals.

During the Maryland State Fair, you can also check out and enjoy the carnival festivities. 🎡 It’s a place full of fun ideas and to take kiddos where you can find many free or low-cost activities that don’t break the budget. And FREE entrance for the toddlers.

Ya just never know how those small events are excitingly BIG to little feet, and that they remember when they grow into their bigger shoes. 😊

This carnival also has 60+ rides and games good for all ages. And they’re surprises, so you may just have to get out there to see what they are! If you want to save $5, Chick-Fil-A has a ride coupon offered on the site.

maryland fair farmers market is a fun ticket for everyone

And the Maryland State Fair has all the lights and colors you’d expect at a carnival fair. And of course, cotton candy galore, and you can bet there are good eats like Maryland crabs. 🦀 And I hear there’s some judging going on over mac-n-cheese mini donuts, maple bacon iced tea, and unicorn ice cream… and all the whimsical foods you’d not eat on most days! 🦄

And even after the fair is over, you can still visit the farmers market as a permanent event summer and fall event with the Maryland fair farmers market vendors.

You can find all kinds of seasonal fruits and veggies, egg, poultry, and homemade cheese that’s healthier without hormones and preservatives.

Those are all good fairgoing take-homes that you’ll enjoy!

10 Maryland Restaurant Week Picks

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Maryland Restaurant Week includes crab cakes options and you want to try Tidewater Grille on the Chesapeake Bay

Maryland Restaurant Week is coming. And today is National Maryland Day. While these and other daily calendar celebrations are fun to observe like yesterday’s daily horoscopes use to be, having a foodie food reminder is even better! 🎉

For Maryland Restaurant Week, Tidewater Grille in Havre de Grace is on the menu with Maryland famous crab cakes and bites 🍽️ They are located on the Chesapeake Bay where you can enjoy porch seating. And if that’s not something to be happy about… they play live music on weekend nights 🎶 You don’t have to drive all the way to a piano bar or the beach for free entertainment.

And along the drum of good eats, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club on Kent Island is across the Bay Bridge (towards Ocean City or OC for short) on the Eastern Shore.

This is the inn with a spa you gotta checkout (and you won’t wanna checkout! 🛏️). It’s a special place with tasteful modern accents throughout, and one restaurant private dining space has unique exposed white ducts in the high ceiling peak. I can appreciate having planned thousands of private events.

The inn’s spaces are an architectural design dream. There’s a spa and they offer yoga. It’s a culinary hotel that has fresh herbs growing in the gardens. It’s not just for Oprah and the nouveau riche anymore!

And the Annapolis state capitol in Anne Arundel County is no run down county. And these are a sample of the restaurant run down picks I have for Maryland Restaurant Week (that’s extensive like DC Restaurant Week)…

In Annapolis, Blackwall Hitch is participating (also in Alexandria).

And for Maryland Restaurant Week, you’ll be surprised that there are special with coffee houses, bakeries, and even sports and entertainment places like Sports and Social that’s a chain that on the list for Bethesda, MD.

Montgomery County is an affluent county with Bethesda’s Seasons 52 and its Columbia location. If you’re into modern diners, Columbia’s Silver Diner is also participating.

And if you’re Italian seeking, Baltimore’s Amicci’s of Little Italy eatery and La Tavola off the famous Albermarle Street n Baltimore’s Little Italy 🇮🇹 serving authentic dishes with oozing burrata, generous parmagiano-reggiano, and gluten-free pasta options.

Further north in Frederick (if you’re heading to western PA), you can stop in at Outback (the steakhouse that is) for their Bloomin’ Onion, sirloin or chicken with sides, and cheesecake for dessert.

And 32Palm in Hilton Ocean Suites where you can get the best of both restaurant and hotel hospitality worlds. It’s down by the iconic Ocean City Jolly Roger Amusement Park where all the hoopla is at night! 🚥

So now you have the low-down and have plenty of Maryland Restaurant Week places to consider.

maryland restaurant week has Maryland crab soup on menus

2023 Fairfax City Restaurant Week 💕

Fairfax is for lovers ❤️

2023 Fairfax City Restaurant Week is coming! Fairfax, VA is part of Northern Virginia and Virginia is for lovers. And you may know Fairfax, VA as a suburb in the powerful DC metro area. Or you may have heard of Fairfax City, VA because of the sad Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. 😭

And no matter how you’ve heard…

It’s where George Mason University is located and that I know all so well in its richly growing ivy and goldenrod yellow colors… Go Patriots!

Still, Fairfax is in the heart of bustling Fairfax County… and yet it’s a bit country (compared to DC).

And every year there are fun events like an annual Fairfax Fair with all the fun bells and whistles that you would think would be at a country fair like fried and cheesy foods everything.

And out in Fairfax country (haha), for 2023 Fairfax City Restaurant Week, PJ Skidoos is a fun happy hour American bar that has lasted years and before I was a college student. Many restaurants in the area have not. So that’s sayin’ something special about the meeting place establishment.

Their Restaurant Week menu is $25 for a 3-course lunch and $40 for a 4-course dinner.

And Red, Hot, And Blue is a chain but also a phenomenon because it’s the only place that’s stayed after many restaurant changes on that iconic corner on 123 (Chain Bridge Road). It’s as shocking as the red-painted walls. and the barbecue fits in the country. 😃

And The Wine House is the more upscale dining you’d find in a ‘burb type of place.

And for Italian fare, Belissimo Restaurant could be good to try.

And if you want the foodie DC restaurant experience, then you can check out my list of restaurants that I’m over the moon for.

Touring Napa, CA Wine Valleys

As I’m drafting this, today is National Pinot Noir Day. And one place in the US that is known for pinot noir grapes is Napa, CA wine valleys in California’s Napa and Sonoma counties.

If you have an artist’s eye, these wineries are like none other as there are modern art features and statue inspos throughout the wineries. All you have to do is look!

And there are distinct architectural designs to make the buildings stand out with exaggerated arches and spires. And soft, romantic touches.

There are many fabulous wine trails, but the Napa Wine Trail is world-famous. The best visits are still the larger producers, such as Robert Mondavi and Sutter Home. It’s not hype.

Quieter areas like Napa are not touristy, so you wanna visit the more happenin’ places so you don’t fall into a-nappa.

There are less people around, so you’re not dealing with crowds.

Beringer is another one that has the Harry Potter Alnwick Castle look.

Beringer Winery in the Napa, CA wine valleys

And then when inside, you’ll see they will have the tasting rooms that you’re accustomed to in your local wineries. It often feels like you’re in a cozy cave like I’m used to in Virginia wineries. And inside there are plenty of one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home and make great holiday gifts.

I still have an artsy painted glass coaster from Robert Mondavi that I’ve kept for a quarter of a century. So visiting the unique Napa Valley, CA wineries is definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime!

And of course, home to the one-of-a-kind Napa Valley wine train for a cork-and-fork foodie experience. 🍽️

On my first visit, I bought a bottle of Robert Mondavi wine sherry for cooking that was so amazing to pair with mushrooms… and enhanced the nose and tasting sensory kitchen cooking experience.

You can also explore Antinori Napa Valley in California with dominant Cabernet Franc grapes. The family winery is world-famous as a large Italian wine producer (12 million bottles in the Tuscan Hills), who’s known for Tignanello.

I visited the Italy-located vineyards in one of my 4 visits to the wine capital, Florence, Italy. I remember tasting Peppoli that’s a blend of Chianti and Sangiovese grapes. That’s perfect under the Tuscan sun that’s flowing with Sangiovese grosso grapes to make Brunello, and near Chianti. Something to dream about 💭

And when in the Napa, CA wine valleys that could be closer to you, you can drive up the trail to Calistoga… you may have heard of or been to the Hot Springs? And that’s a great place to stay for great value hotels to enjoy your day and night experience. It would be great for a birthday celebration 🎂 or girl’s weekend!

There, you can travel west to Sonoma and find a few gems like Korbel (champagne maker) champagne room in Guerneville near Santa Rosa that also has cute hotels and vintage motels (that are not your roadside roof).

Exotic Morocco Cities

If you’re looking for an adventure travel experience, exotic Morocco cities has the mystique and city vibes. Growing up, I went to Disney World’s Epcot Center on a family vacation, and I remember visiting the Morocco expo country.

The lively colors and bright fabrics were so different, and especially from a kid’s perspective. Those forming memories helped shape me to want to see more of the world.

And when you grow up, you can go where you are able and to the real deal places, like Marrakech, Morocco, that’s famous for the markets. If you’re looking for a modern lantern or design decor or an extra spice to make everything nice in your home… you’ll find it’s there in the shopping mecca.

exotic Morocco markets like Marrakesh about 2 hours from Casablanca

And when you visit Casablanca about two hours drive to the north (closer to Spain), you’ll be on a city on a beach (kinda like how Miami is) but is very different than beaches around the Western world. And Rabat, the capital has a formal feel. Fez is another one of the exotic Morocco cities that many Moroccans are from.

You’re not likely to see beachgoers laying out freely on towels and bathing suits. You won’t see the beach umbrella scene or lifeguards on these beaches as there are unspoken cultural rules.

You will see the beautiful beach outline of sand on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean that’s all azure water as far as the eye can see. The beachside of exotic Morocco is, about 3,000 miles from the U.S. and Outer Banks (or the distance from Virginia to California).

…Never thought of it that way, huh?

And while North African exotic Morocco cities is an ocean apart from North America, it’s part of the same world we live in. And if you want to try authentic Moroccan foods, try different spices from souks, and see a wider array of grains that never make your local stores in the indoor grocery stores and outdoor markets.

Everything will likely be in Arabic, so do a little homework before your travel visit. If you want to spa like Moroccans do, they visit hammams or the local spas weekly. They prioritize valuing cleanliness and that includes the body and eating practices. And you can do this much cheaper than in the Western world.

And if you know French, you have an advantage as many Moroccans speak the language. And if you travel south toward Agadir, you’ll find a world of surfers and cultural nomads that speak many languages including some English. You’ll find the beach hotels in Taghazhout (that just adds to Morocco exotic vibes🇲🇦).

Agadir is the southern exotic Morocco side

Agadir in southern Morocco along the Atlantic Ocean

7 Virginia and Charlottesville Wineries You Have to Visit

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Bluemont is one of my favorite Virginia and Charlottesville wineries — A Bluemont Vineyards pairing event

If you’re visiting Virginia, you may want to add Virginia and Charlottesville wineries to your list.

These days Leesburg, Middleburg, and Purcellville are part of Northern Virginia, but growing up they were part of the country. …not anymore! Loudoun County has grown into its own as a major hub close to Dulles Airport that is very close to home (and you can read about my Dulles humble beginnings).

Northern Virginia west is not just where you get your apple pies for Thanksgiving or where you visit one of several known local spas like Lansdowne.

AND, it’s also in the heart of Virginia’s wine country. The winery trail is one attraction that gets locals and travelers to visit.

And these are my 7 insider picks of Virginia and Charlottesville wineries you want to check out especially if you only can choose a few:

But first a few good recommendations and tips. In most cases, bring a picnic. Yes, bring your own food!… brie and French bread and assorted cheeses and grapes to go with more crushed grapes (wine).

Do the tastings. They are probably the most fun as you try with your friends and see their preferences. And rank the ones they like in a wine game board. Plus, you get a free logo wine glass to commemorate your visit.

Outside dogs are acceptable, and babies inside too. But, you won’t see many as most find a sitter. Other than that, go on a nice weather day to enjoy the scenic views. And if it’s not so nice out, there are several below that are better indoor anyway because of the large barn structure, and I point those out below. 👇

Barrel Oak – see the picturesque rolling wine hills.

rolling hills of virginia and charlottesville wineries

Bluemont – up the hill (951 feet up from sea level) and a hike off the beaten path in Bluemont, VA, but totally worth the map scavenger hunt drive! 🗺️

They have quaint amazing girly events like the Girl Scout Cookie 🍪 wine pairing and other thoughtful pairings throughout the year, like chocolate & wine… or tapas wine pairings where you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day or take a trip to Spain to enjoy. You can even do grape stomping for a photo opp! But please no sipping wine from those crushed grapes 😃

Breaux – be in awe of expansive scenic views that do take your breath away. Surrounded by 3 acres of grapes, you want to enjoy a spot outdoors, so bring a blanket or event chairs. This one can get crowded in Purcellville which many Northern Virginians have moved out to, but worth it if you like being around the social hoopla.

Chrysalis – when in Middleburg, visit this cute town that you can miss if you blink and has now all grown up. Chrysalis Vineyards is known for Sarah’s Patio Red edition sold in most large grocery store wine selections, plus their 100% Norton grape wines served in Chrysalis’ AG District Tasting Room and backyard patio pergola. The drive is relaxing and takes you away from the hustle and bustle of NoVa.

Sunset Hills – is a Purcellville red barn winery experience great for an indoor or rainy day event. My club member friends say this one is the “most consistent” wineries with 13 grape varieties on 75 acres… and I love all on this list for different reasons, so I’ll go along with that.

Stone Tower – get there early so you can have a table indoors, and another great one for gray days. It’s located in Leesburg so you’re in the heart of Virginia wine country. They have events like a Lobster Boil. 🦞 They even serve pizza on the menu. Who says wine and pizza don’t pair? Red or white… your choice.

And for the super best-tasting wines in Virginia… go out further west toward Charlottesville (known for the University of Virginia and where Thomas Jefferson has roots).

These are my two faves 💕:

Barboursville – fall is a beautiful time of year to go out toward Barboursville. Just when the air is starting to cool and getting crisp, every nice weather, work free-day is a good opportunity to check this winery out.

Barboursville ranks high in Virginia wines (and I would agree!). It’s attached to its Italian restaurant and an inn that you can learn about its history.

virginia and charlottesville wineries like Barboursville with the ruins — Barboursville ruins designed by Thomas Jefferson

And drumroll… I’ve saved the best for last. It’s a hidden gem and Dave Matthews (yes! from the band) winery named Blenheim. It’s a boutique vineyard. Especially if you like fruit-forward and quality wines, this is the cozy white barn you want to visit. And you can easily miss it…

Except you’re across the street from the Trump Winery estate (that I’ve never been into), but you know where you’re located when you see this place that stands out and then you can check out the smaller, boutique venues.

And as you take more country drives with country signs, you’re surrounded by remote boutique Charlottesville wineries you can stop in.

And as you get closer to C’ville, you have Virginia mountain views. ⛰️ It’s “purple mountains majesty” and a beautiful drive as you get closer to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello land. And then you’ve completed your tour of Virginia and Charlottesville wineries.