Jetsetting around the world one weekend at a time
And cooking on all the days I'm at home.
If there’s one dish you must try in Rome, it’s this one: coda alla vaccinara. Forget about the cacio e pepe (although that is great too) and the pizza and gelato. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new! This warming fall-off-the-bone oxtail stew is perfect for these winter months and smells wonderful in your kitchen! What are you waiting for? Add this stew to your roster this weekend!
If you’re looking for a special dish for date night or want to impress an upcoming date (like I did, even though I didn’t know it yet), this is the dish for you. One of my favourite dishes when I go out is a red-wine braised beef short rib. So rich and satisfying - definitely restaurant-quality. I mixed things up and used a mixture of leftover red wine and beer with outstanding results. Red wine and beer-braised short ribs? Yes please.
I am a big fan of European citrus cakes. This Spanish Galician tarta de Santiago is no exception. Nutty ground almonds, bits of citrus and a light crumb makes for an easy dessert that seriously takes minimal effort. I had made this with zero expectations and the results were pleasantly surprising - I’m sure you would be too!
Stir fries have always been a lazy and easy meal for me. I used to make them a lot when I first started cooking when I was around 10 years old and haven’t made them much since I moved out of my first serious boyfriend’s house in 2013 - it’s been a while. Since my cooking has improved so much over the years, I believe it’s time for an upgrade for my vegetable stir fry. Easiest recipe ever1
Pasta is always one of my go-to dishes when I’m working during the week. It’s super versatile and you can literally do anything with it. For this, I was inspired by some leftover olives in my fridge that needed to be used up. Briny, salty, nutty and toasty is what makes this pasta. My linguine with olives and bread crumbs is the easiest thing to whip up and a great dish if you don’t want something too heavy.
When a British asks you to bake a Bakewell tart, you just do it…but with my own spin on it, of course! A deliciously gooey tart that can be assembled from start to finish in less than an hour. Even works well baking a couple day ahead for those busy weeks! Subtle sweetness and richness. A must make.
The simplest of pasta dishes. Cacio e pepe is a modest concoction of fat, cheese, and black pepper and not much more than that. Its simplicity is one of the main reasons why I love this dish immensely. Good as a primi or an entree served with your choice of protein, I’m sure cacio e pepe will soon be on your list as favourite pasta dishes.
If there’s one dish you must have at the Time Out Market in Lisbon, it is the squid ink risotto with wakame and seared scallops by Alexandre Silva. The brininess of the squid ink paired with the creaminess of a strong cheese like gorgonzola just go hand-in-hand. Enter the nutty wakame salad and you have yourself a winner. Definite date night quality. Or if you just want to treat yourself. Slosh down with a glass of pinot. Do it!
Ever had Filipino spaghetti? No? Hot dogs in tomato sauce? Not ringing a bell? Well you’re seriously missing out! The perfect marriage of sweet and savoury is exemplified in this classic Filipino dish. The secret ingredient - it’s after the jump!
The sprawling metropolitan capital of Rome. What a sight, what a beauty! A city studded so full of ancient monuments and doused in history. But is it possible to visit this city in a mere matter of days? A spontaneous flight purchase and boom, I did it again - another weekend trip! It’s definitely doable but I would advise you to plan accordingly. Rome in 48 hours, the complete itinerary - after the jump!
Bali... Oh, where to start? Such a hot destination for over the past ten years or so. I always dub Bali the new Thailand. Island life, hot tropical weather, exotic fruits, white people everywhere. No, seriously. My posts are always honest and transparent. Did I enjoy Bali? Yes. Did I love it? No. Scenery was breathtaking but I fear that the island is starting to be overrun by tourists and locals wanting to make an extra buck. Read on to find out my honest opinion on Bali.
Ah, Seattle. Grunge. Pacific Northwest. Nirvana. Pike Place. There are so many reasons why people flock to Seattle. For me, it’s a quick 2.5 hour drive away from Vancouver. Like international travel…on a really small scale. Learn about some of my favourite go-to places in this chilled out city after the jump!
Panama City - what a fantastic weekend trip this was which remains vivid in my memory today. And on such a complete whim as well! Panama City is an excellent choice for those who want a bit of culture but don't want to leave the comfort of a big city. It is the most cosmopolitan city in Central America - read on to find out why!
One of the busiest and bustling cities in the world, Hong Kong is a world-class destination. From its food, its sights, its shopping and its culture, Hong Kong has quickly been catapulted to one of my favourite cosmopolitan cities in the world. Even though I was there for a mere 3-day weekend trip, I was quick to fall in love with it. Read on to find out why!
So difficult to pick what destination would be my first post on this section of SIA Around the World. For me, it wasn't about the destination - it was about the hotel! Read all about my dreamy getaway to Jade Mountain in St. Lucia in the Caribbean!
I have a new blog, hooray! After a long year of thinking about making this blog, I've finally taken the leap and just did it. This blog is centred around my two of my biggest loves: travel + food.
Need something easy to make for dinner? Like shellfish? Look no further than this traditional white wine mussels recipes. Mussels are a super easy appetizer or entree to make - only 6 minutes of active steaming time! You can definitely have dinner on the table within 30 minutes, including chopping and prep time! Serve with bread, with French fries, on its own…just don’t let that delicious sauce go to waste!