Italy: Astonishing Assisi

A city known among many, but many may say it is still unknown. Intrigued?

Assisi. You splendid, special, spectacular thing. I’d heard this name mentioned, passed around and yet, this was my first visit. The wind was fierce, the views crystal clear for kilometers and kilometers and the streets...empty! I loved having these corners of the town to myself, only occasionally passing another person or couple. I did see a group of Chinese tourists all dressed up in uniforms, I’m assuming school uniforms since they all looked so young. Then as I was headed back to my car I saw a group of Italian high school students loading into a bus. This made me think about the “field trips” that I took as a kid from southern Oregon. We had caves in the nearby mountains and I used to think that was the coolest thing! Oh to be a kid again…

The wind seriously chilled me to the bone and I rushed about the town taking photos and quickly putting my hands back in my pockets. I walked from one side of the town to the other. The main roadway was basically straight all of the way, built into the side of the mountain. Many stores and restaurants were closed that were on the edge of town, and it’s smart because it’s their true off season at this time. They must save up their energy for their busy months. No rest for the wicked!

I again failed myself by not hiring a guide, however, I do plan to be back here! I walked by some really beautiful medieval homes turned into shops or cafes. Still proudly representing a crest above their doors. Something I love to see! As I stood there, looking around in disbelief that some of these places are still standing, men dressed as priests walked by me smiling kindly. Lots and lots of them. I wondered what their stories were, if they have been here long or are here with other groups that are on a spiritually focused tour group. Which you can absolutely do here!

As it should be, the grand finale was at the end of the town, perched over the Umbrian countryside, standing tall and fabulous in all of its glory. The Basilica of Saint Francis d’Assisi.

A lady selling scarves saw me standing like an idiot shivering and started laughing. I commented on the weather in Italian, and she replied, “we can’t all be saints!” Referring to the main man/saint of this town!
I laughed and her smiled warmed me, I waved goodbye and walked toward the church. I knew this was well known in the spiritual world, but I didn’t really read too much into it. If I’m excited about something I don’t look at a zillion google photos or blogs, the element of surprise is still there sometimes, which is exciting! No photos are allowed inside, though an Italian woman continued to snap photos in certain corners, trying to avoid the guards and security cameras....lady, stop it. Please don’t be that person. Respect the rules folks.

Without having my lens to look through, at every corner of the church, I decided to take a seat in one of the pews. I looked at the details and the stories that the art displayed. Some still very intact, others showing a bit of wear and tear. It’s then that I spotted these machines at the side of the church in the second level (yes, there are levels to this church, it just keeps on going and going!). For 2 euros you could put on some headphones, look at a screen and touch on different stories of the church that you wanted to learn about. More of a quick overview since they only lasted about 1-2 mins each, but it was something and I was happy to take in some history while I was there.

I had most streets, most piazzas and corners of the basilica to myself. I could see how this town could be in the peak seasons- especially during their festival that lasts two days, October 4th and the 5th. Be ready for the crowds around those days!

I considered hiking up to the fortress that hovers over the town, but I chickened out when I realized what time it was already. I’ve been a bit on a schedule on this trip and ideally parking the rental car before dark. Honestly with these hairpin turns in these little towns, it’s great to park the car and have a glass of wine after driving all over the place every day! I hope you’ll consider Assisi for your next trip to Italy, if not for an overnight stay, you can do just like I did and take a day trip from a nearby town. You won’t regret it!

Rome: Pasta with a side of Colosseo

If the restaurant you have reservations at, just happens to have a phenomenal view, snag the first seating possible. I walked up at 12:30pm on the dot and had the space to myself for at least 5 mins. The only noise was the light piano music playing from the speakers and in the background was the kitchen staff prepping for the day. I sat in silence and in awe, just me and the Colosseo.

The sommelier made a suggestion for my first wine, I say first, because I certainly walked in and had the intention of ordering two different glasses of wine. With my jet lag and it being midday, I requested whites. A taste of Vermentino splashed into my glass and jet lag was a thing of the past, I was in my happy place.

The server approached the table with two different types of breadsticks, each placed on a unique set up and display. Dining in Italy is so different than in the states, no anxious servers, rushing to get your order in. They don’t stand there, asking if you have questions, making suggestions and comments. It’s a calmer experience and you’re kind of left alone until you need something. I love it. I sat there scanning the menu, kind of wishing I was hungry enough for the tasting menu, but I knew I wouldn’t accomplish anything for the rest of the day if I did that to myself!

There were a great balance of seafood plates and also options for the meat lover (me). The lamb starter sounded fantastic, but I reminded myself that if this is like any other Relais & Chateaux dining experience, there will be a small taster to start the meal from the chef and lots and lots of bread selections. Spoiler alert, I was correct and so glad I only ordered the pasta.

A small individual loaf of warm, fresh, beautiful bread arrived and the server poured me a small portion of olive oil beside it. Which I could have sipped on if I wasn’t at a Michelin Star restaurant.

The sommelier took note that my wine was coming to an end and asked if he could make a suggestion to go with my pasta. I can’t say I liked one more than the other, but I certainly wish I could order a case of each and send it home.

I was surprised when the server came again, but it wasn’t with my pasta. Another bread!! Believe me, I was not complaining. The bread was this fantastic red color. The server explained that this was another in house made bread, tomato flavored, then they used a dropper bottle to drop a new oil over the top of it. Just a touch of oregano olive oil and you could smell then ingredients in the air. There I was smiling goofily over a sliced of bread again!

Shortly there after, my pasta was placed delicately in front of me. I looked up and saw a smile from the server, who clearly saw the excitement on my face. “Buon appetito” said the server and I was left there again in quiet and with my stunning view. Taking in each bite, savoring it. Wishing I could somehow recreate this at home. Or at least find a way to come back here again when I’m here for another visit in June. Darn, I thought to myself, they probably change the menu for the seasons.

Paccheri mantecati al burro e parmigiano stravecchio con ragù di anatra profumato al cardamomo verde. Paccheri pasta creamed with butter and aged parmesan cheese, with duck ragout flavored with green cardamom.

I took my time finishing my plate. With no intention of ordering a dessert. Honestly it’s my least favorite thing about a meal, I’ve just never been a dessert kinda gal. I opted to take a look at the menu and of course all of the creations offered sounded positively magical. I wish I could just see them! So my mind said, “when in Rome!” There I was ordering “Il nido” and I was so curious to see how this “nest” looked, made into a dessert.

A small table was set beside me. I said to the waiter, “uh oh, what’s this?!” Laughing to myself. She replied, “you’ll see, just a moment!” Also laughing. It was a a delicious ‘pre dessert’, basically a dessert lovers dream come true. There was meringue, smoke, mango sauce and pineapple. It was delicious.

Il nido: crema di ricotta, cachi e polvere di tartufo The nest: ricotta cream, persimmons and truffle powder

Minutes later came my real order and I was ready to roll down the stairs to my bed for a nap! I tucked into the dessert, and it was alllll the right flavors. I just wish I had someone there to finish it for me, because I simply couldn’t do it. Just the right amount of sweetness to the plate, the crunch, the flavors, all worked wonderfully together. Certainly one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.

A meal to remember and a meal to brag about to all of my foodie friends, just in the hopes to inspire them to go on their next visit to Rome. The staff was excellent, each of them were a joy to be around and made the meal more fun- especially since they were entertaining me during my meal for one. Thanks to the chef for his creations that my tastebuds won’t forget for a while!

California: Terrific Time at Terranea

I’m a genius, so I booked our flights to Long Beach instead of LAX…because no one goes to LAX on purpose if they don’t have to. The flight from Portland to Long Beach is only 2 hrs & 20 mins, which is just enough time to get situated in your seat, enjoy an inflight cocktail, read through a travel mag and to realize that you’re about to be on vacation. Plus, the Long Beach airport is pretty fabulous. It reminds me a lot of the Santa Barbara airport, which is my all time favorite! Small, very relaxed, orderly and charming.

With only our carry on bags in tow, we were off the plane and across the street to the rental car place in just minutes. I zoomed out of the parking lot and we started our journey toward the Pacific. From airport to the Terranea Resort, it’s only a 34 min drive- according to google. Though I’d like to kindly remind you that you are still in Los Angeles and traffic was basically invented there, so don’t be in a rush, plan to go with the flow. The drive along the ocean is beautiful, it was tempting to stop off and see the views, but the game plan was to arrive for lunch and cross our fingers for an early check in. Since this is a Virtuoso property, this is something that I can assist you with, but it is subject to availability.

With only our carry on bags in tow, we were off the plane and across the street to the rental car place in just minutes. I zoomed out of the parking lot and we started our journey toward the Pacific. From airport to the Terranea Resort, it’s only a 34 min drive- according to google. Though I’d like to kindly remind you that you are still in Los Angeles and traffic was basically invented there, so don’t be in a rush, plan to go with the flow. The drive along the ocean is beautiful, it was tempting to stop off and see the views, but the game plan was to arrive for lunch and cross our fingers for an early check in. Since this is a Virtuoso property, this is something that I can assist you with, but it is subject to availability.

Our slick, red, rental car curved down the driveway of the resort, leading us to the entrance where the valet stood patiently waiting for us. We’re greeted with warm smiles and someone walks us to the front desk, showing us where to check in. Our room weren’t quite ready, but just as I had planned (many moons ago when I booked us the early flight), we left our bags at the front and made our way down to the Catalina Kitchen for lunch.

We opted for a table outside, because when you’re an Oregonian, you don’t waste any drop of sunshine that is available to you. Our server suggested that we start with the burrata, there was no hesitation there and we didn’t even peak to see what other starters they had on the menu. Stefano ordered their signature Kobe Beef Burger, which came with jalapeño candied bacon. Want to know why I remember that so specifically? Because he finished it before I could have a bite. I ordered the flat bread, because…carbs…and vacation and I was so excited to try a chipotle chicken flat bread and not have to share it with anyone.

As we were finishing our lunch, I received a text from the resort that our room was ready for us. We grabbed our luggage, room keys and made our way down the long halls of the resort, in search for our Ocean View Room. I see a LOT of hotels throughout the year and there is something to be said about the feeling of walking into a perfectly made up and wonderfully decorated hotel room. A sense of calm washed over me as I looked from the bed, to the bathroom with separate bathtub set up and then finally turning around saving the best for last- the view from our balcony! I immediately opened up the door that faced the beautiful Pacific and stared out at the waves crashing against the rocks. The curtains in the room were flopping in the ocean breeze behind me, pelicans flew in front of the resort and I stood there, wondering if we could add another night before meeting up with family in Santa Barbara. Sorry mom…

I do what I always do when I have any downtime in my hotel room and changed into the hotel robe. I sat on the chase lounge in the corner and worked for a quick hour, before I had a scheduled site inspection with the resort manager, Ron. This is something that I do and enjoy at every property that I stay at. I walk through to see the different restaurants, the fitness center, the spa, different room categories, visit the concierge desk to hear what they can set up for clients, a quick walk through of the hotel gift shop and all the while Ron tells me the story of the property. Every hotel has a story and Terranea has a fascinating one indeed.

Terranea has only graced these lands for 10 short years, but before this sophisticated property was created, this was the site where you could find Marineland of the Pacific. Which was a seaside animal theme park and it even opened one year before Disneyland! Though for movie fanatics, they will better recognize this area as the backdrop for feature film productions. Such as: Pirates of the Caribbean, This is 40, The Aviator, Charlie’s Angles and more.

This is a fabulous property for families. I can’t wait to show it off to clients that are looking for a resort to escape to that is here in the states. This checks off all of the boxes! Several dining options to chose from, from lounging pool side and ordering something to your own cabana to fine dining at their restaurant Mar’sel. They even have a market place and their own coffee shop. Be sure to check out the desserts, which are all made from their on property pastry chef.

The grounds are stunning as well. You’ll smile when you lay eyes on the hummingbirds that zoom past you on the restaurant patios. The tall palms and beautiful trees that provide shade on the walkways and the bright, blooming bougainvillea that is seen throughout the resort brings a lovely touch of color throughout the place.

Then they also have a wonderful spa (with 27 treatment rooms!), a golf course that weaves through the property and along the coast. A great kids club for children ages 4-12, the concierge can help you and your family book a fun fishing excursion or even a cooking class there on property. I could easily stay for 4 nights and have a busy schedule to try and see and do it all, though I would be tempted to just enjoy the pool time, a day in the spa, a leisurely nature walk that they offer with a guide on the weekends.

Let’s plan more domestic, long weekend getaways for you in 2020.

Reach out to me with your available travel dates and let’s get you to Terranea!