With dozens of innovative eateries and craft breweries, the free-spirited Asheville has long been a national cultural and culinary hub. While I enjoyed many a meal and hoppy libation in many of these outstanding establishments, only at Market Place had I played an active role in procuring round one of my dinner twelve hours earlier. The starter course and I had an emotional connection …

“Ninety percent of everything you see around you is edible,” said the soft-spoken Alan Muskat, CEO and Chief Edutainment Officer of No Taste Like Home, holding up a small flower. A reasonable utterance in perhaps a convenience store, but I, along with six others including Alan, were not amid Slurpees and twirling taquitos. We were standing next to a babbling brook under the canopy of a dense North Carolina forest, a half-hour drive outside of Asheville. “Daffodils, however, are poisonous,” continued Alan. With that, the gentle man bit the colorful bloom off of its stem and began to chew. The contemplative corners of his mouth turned upwards as he studied the headless stalk. “Not these violets, though,” said Alan, swallowing. “They are delicious.”

Eating something unfamiliar that you’ve just yanked from the earth is imposing. It is not like plucking an adorable blueberry from a bush where you have the mental security of recognition, nor is it comparable to noshing on a carrot recently wangled from grandma’s garden. The forest is full of scary things and while the term “star chickweed” doesn’t sound particularly intimidating, when you first bite into it, death seems imminent and tastes like corn silk.

Thanks to Alan, who for twenty years, has been leading foraging excursions and wild food workshops in Asheville’s surrounding wilderness, that fear and discomfort begins to give way to curiosity as the forest floor is transformed from a daunting wilderness into a primal produce section.

Our motto is: there’s no taste like home.

“Our motto is: there’s no taste like home,” said Alan as his assistant handed each participant a small bucket and an old knife tied to a small shovel. Alan echoes my initial discomfort. “People believe mushrooms are deadly, plants are poisonous and people can’t be trusted. The goal at No Taste Like Home is to make the forest feel safer and more like home,” he says before bending over an old log and exposing a mushroom. “Lilac Tooth Polypore!” exclaims Alan. “Not too tasty but certainly not poisonous. The mushroom we are really looking for is the morel.”

At the word morel, the day’s objective became clear. The morel mushroom is the Stanley Cup of foraging: hard to come by, worth a lot of money and finding one makes you a champion. They are seasonal, found near old campfires and around apple, birch and ash trees. Usually buried by leaves, they look like an elongated brain, are about the size of an adult thumb, and taste best when sautéed in butter. An ounce will run you about twenty dollars. While it is fun foraging for things like the bountiful Solomon Seal and the wasabi-like cutleaf toothwart, seeking out the elusive morel turned foraging into sport. I had to find one.

Foraging for morels with No Taste Like Home is a paradox. On one hand, Alan broadens my horizons, giving identity and purpose to the hundreds of plants and fungus that to the untrained eye look like a sprawling inedible tangle of browns and greens. On the other hand, awareness of the morel’s possible proximity creates a singular focus inside me that seems to make all else disappear. No Taste Like Home’ aim is to bring us together and suddenly my fellow fungus foragers are my direct competitors.

I trace my way up and across a narrow stream, trying to create distance between the other foragers and me. I can hear Alan discussing the medicinal properties of Turkey Tail. Turkey Tail is another mushroom that looks similar to the aforementioned lilac-toothed polypore only this one mushroom cures cancer. Not interested.

I have to kick through the leaves gently so as not to decapitate the mushroom from its stem. It is as delicate a process as it is urgent. Looking for a mushroom is actually causing my heart rate to accelerate. I think about what it would be like to be a Smurf. Those guys actually lived in Mushrooms. Would they actually consider eating their home?

“I think I found one!” screamed the youngest of the foragers. She is a girl of maybe twelve and is the closest of the foragers to me. I splash back across the stream as she bends down to extract from the earth whatever it is she thinks she’s found.

“Wait!” I said, as if I get there before she picks it, I can somehow lay a co-claim on whatever it is. She looks at me, puzzled as I catch my breath.

“What is it?” I ask, heaving.

“I think it’s a mushroom.”

Sure enough, like an inch-high alien, peaking from the leafy forest floor, is a morel. This girl doesn’t even know what she’s found! I think to myself. I could just tell her its nothing and she might just walk away. Then I could pick it and it would be all mine. A twelve-year old’s palate lacks the sophistication to appreciate such a delicacy anyway. The morel’s robust flavor would bore her in the same way a symphony might bore a toddler.

The little girl bends over to pick the mushroom.

I consider stopping her but Alan’s words from earlier and the overall mission of Wild Foods Adventures begin to swirl in my head. “People believe mushrooms are deadly, plants are poisonous and people can’t be trusted. The goal, at No Taste Like Home is to make the forest feel safer and more like home.”

“It’s a morel,” I say to her. “You found it.”

She calls to her mother and then Alan and his band of happy foragers make their way up the hill. I look at my feet defeated, and there, like a beacon is a second morel. “Another one!” I say, and pick it up just before the crowd gathers.

“Look what we found, mom!” she beams.

Look what ‘we’ found, I think to myself. I suppose it takes a team to win the Stanley Cup.

An hour later, with our two morels in tow, we are back where we started. Alan thanks us all for coming but before we go, notes that we are standing under an apple tree among a thick grove of birch trees. Not too far away is a fire pit. It begins to click into place. We look down. All over the ground is a Smurf Village of beautiful, brainy, delicious morels; more than enough to take that night, to Chef Dissen at The Market Place where incorporating foraged food is one of their specialties. We’d hit the jackpot.

As I watch my fellow foragers go nuts picking morel after morel, I couldn’t help but take in the vast, beautiful, complex forest that surrounded me. Out there was Turkey Tail, Solomon Seal, Fiddler’s Fern, Cutleaf Toothwart and hundreds and hundreds of mushrooms that could do anything from make your mouth water to curing your cancer. The forest was good and it felt like home. A truly delicious, beautiful home.

The post There’s No Taste Like Home: Foraging Wild Edibles in North Carolina appeared first on Vagabondish.

We know these five tasting rooms could make even the worst boxed wine taste out of this world. Luckily, when you visit, you’ll definitely be drinking the good stuff!

#1: R. Lopez de Heredia (Spain)

A visit to R. Lopez de Heredia is like taking a step back in time. The original bodega was designed and built in 1877 and the family has been building and expanding ever since. The sprawling 53,000+ square meter property is impressive in its own right, but the new visitor’s pavilion is the must-see spot. Designed by Zaha Hadid, the moveable tasting space is a metallic, wine carafe-shaped building that is the most architecturally unique room on the list. If the vineyard is a step back in time, the tasting room is a step into the future. And the future looks delicious!

#2: HALL Rutherford (Napa Valley, USA)

HALL Rutherford’s subterranean tasting room can only be described one way: over the top. Visitors can indulge in a 90-minute tasting tour that provides an intimate look at the wine-making process. It is a chance to taste the vineyard’s limited-production wines.

And what better way to enjoy exclusive wines than in an opulent tasting room. The space was carefully designed with limestone, reclaimed brick, a long, family-style dining table, and more than 35 pieces of contemporary art. But it is the room’s chandelier that makes HALL Rutherford worth seeing. This jaw-dropping piece was created to represent grapevine roots and is covered with 1500 Swarovski crystals. Like we said: Over. The. Top!

#3: By the Wine (Jose Maria de Fonseca, Portugal)

My family originates from Portugal, so I’ve always known the country’s wine is delicious and has more to offer than your standard Port. This small country is starting to spread its wine wings to the rest of the world and as a result, wine tourism is becoming big business. Wineries with public tasting rooms are popping up all over the country but our favorite has to be Jose Maria de Fonseca’s newest tasting room By the Wine.

Situated in the fashionable neighborhood of Chiado in Lisbon, de Fonseca has created a trendy space for wine tourists to sip their vino and dine on Portuguese style tapas. The long room provides family-style seating, perfect for socializing with fellow wine enthusiasts. But the real show-stopper is the barrel vaulted ceiling tiled with countless green wine bottles. You won’t be able to stop looking up in between sips!

#4: Chateau Haut-Brion (France)

Few places in the world are as synonymous with wine than France. So it’s only natural that some of the most stunning wineries in the world are located in Bordeaux. But if you venture just outside of the city, into the suburb of Pessac, you’ll come across one vineyard that will take your breath away. Chateau Haut-Brion has everything: gorgeous scenery, a history that dates back to the 1500s, and a grand tasting room that will make you feel like French royalty. Sipping French wine, in a grand ballroom, in a French chateau? It’s ok to pinch yourself. Yes, this is real life.

#5: Hewitson (South Australia)

While not technically a room, the deck at Hewitson in the world-famous Barossa Valley still offers a unique experience. Where else in the world can you sip wine while watching kangaroos hop through the vineyard? (Hint: almost any vineyard in Australia actually).

South Australia is covered with vineyards, many of which allow kangaroos to hop freely around the property. So what makes Hewitson stand out (besides their exceptional wine)? Their patio is steps from the vineyard, perfect for watching roos go about their day.

The post 5 of the World’s Sexiest Wine Tasting Rooms appeared first on Vagabondish.

Just west of Denver in the small town of Golden sits the Coors Brewing Company. This sprawling complex is officially the world’s largest single brewery, producing upwards of 22 million barrels each year. Tours are available, but you may want to pack a lunch because it is a massive property. This model of the modern macrobrewing process focuses on efficiency, profitability, and uniformity above all. It’s this bland, assembly-line mentality that sparked an almost riotous backlash from beer lovers craving something more.

Wynkoop Brewing Company © Peter Batty

In 1988, a group of beer-loving entrepreneurs tapped Denver to launch the city’s first microbrewery and the state’s first brewpub, and Wynkoop Brewing Company was born. Among its pioneering investors was John Hickenlooper—a man who would go on to become state governor. Fast forward just a few short decades, and Colorado is now home to more than 200 microbreweries. The Mile-High City is at the center of this growth, approaching almost 100 breweries in the Denver Metro area alone. The city’s beer business is not just booming; it’s exploding.

Sometime in the early 2000s, the race between craft brewers began heating up. It became a battle (albeit a friendly one) to outdo one another with the most extreme beer offerings possible. Simply upping the alcohol by volume (ABV) was sufficient at first, with many beers climbing from the standard 5 to 6% to an almost unheard-of 10 to 12%. Denver’s Renegade Brewing, for example, offers Elevation Triple IPA at a “powerful” 11% ABV. Today, Colorado’s Avery Brewing Company offers the aptly named The Beast which tops out at a terrifying 17% ABV. And they’re not alone.

Avery The Beast Grand Cru Ale © Bernt Rostad

Unfortunately, they brewed themselves into a corner. As ABVs reached almost unpalatable levels, breweries turned instead to extreme flavors and unorthodox preparations. Among the “most Colorado” of the state’s extreme beers must be Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout—a beer brewed with, among other things, 25 pounds of roasted Rocky Mountain Oysters. To be clear: that’s beer with bull testicles. On the tamer side are beer cocktails, beer floats, and even beer shakes. Although not typically on the menu, the latter can be found at just about any ice cream joint that serves beer. But you have to ask nicely.

With the third highest number of microbreweries in the country, it’s easy to assume that Colorado has achieved full saturation. Yet it launched a staggering 56 new breweries in 2013 alone. The state in general, and Denver in particular, played a critical role in pushing America’s craft beer scene forward. And decades after Wynkoop, the industry shows no signs of stopping.

The post Hopping Around Denver: A Brief History of Colorado Beer appeared first on Vagabondish.

While we Americans are a bit myopic about what constitutes “real travel”, there’s so much to see right here in our own backyards. Which is why I was so pleasantly surprised with Raleigh. I honestly didn’t know to expect. But after receiving an invitation to check out the city’s World of Bluegrass Festival, I figured it was the perfect opportunity. Beer, BBQ, and bluegrass … one out of the three will get me out of bed on any given day. All three at once? I’m in!

Here are seven great reasons (and there are a whole lot more) that I found to visit Raleigh …

#1: Enjoying the Insanely Awesome Craft Beer Scene

There are 120 breweries throughout North Carolina and that number isn’t just growing, it’s exploding. Raleigh is among the top five fastest growing cities in the country for craft beer. Downtown Raleigh in particular is doing more than its fair share and the result is a truly awesome craft beer scene.

Tasting Room at Crank Arm Brewing

John Frank, craft beer columnist for the city’s daily The News & Observer, reveals that it’s “now possible to hit four breweries, three bottle shops and five great craft beer bars in a walking loop from downtown.” He details the route for beer tourists to follow in this piece for All About Beer.

April in particular is Raleigh’s official craft beer month. It’s the ideal time to sample drafts from 16 craft breweries and explore Greater Raleigh’s Beer Trail. There’s also a variety of beer-centric events including Brewgaloo, a celebration that brings together area craft breweries, food trucks and local bands.

To prove its worthiness as a true craft beer destination, the city will also launch the Raleigh Beer Garden in 2015. It will officially be home to the largest selection of operational beer taps under one roof in the world, topping out at a whopping 365!

#2: Exploring the City on a Bikes + Brews Tour

If you’re partial to a lazy beer drinker’s (i.e. guided) tour of the city, talk to the folks at Oak City Cycling. They might offer an off-the-books biking tour of the city’s best breweries — a tour that combines the city’s two favorite pastimes into one.

Outside Trophy Brewing in downtown Raleigh © Trophy Brewing

I took a two-hour tour that included stops at three of Raleigh’s most iconic breweries. My group hit up Trophy Brewing & Pizza Co., “a 3-barrel nanobrewery” that offers an eclectic mix of beer, with the Milky Way (a salted caramel sweet stout) being the standout favorite.

Crank Arm Brewery in Raleigh © Mike Richard

We also checked out Crank Arm Brewing. This former rickshaw company turned brewery is perhaps the city’s most well-known. The brewpub’s interior and their beers pay homage to all things cycling with names like Unicycle Single Hop Pale Ale, White Wall Wit, and Rickshaw Rye IPA. Inside, it’s a modern, hip vibe that feels more like a bike repair shop that also happens to have great taps.

Insurance issues aside, I’m amazed that more cities aren’t offering beers-plus-bikes tours! (I mean, what could go wrong with a bunch of buzzed tourists cruising a busy downtown on bicycles?)

Of course, what’s great beer without …

#3: Eating Your Way Through the City’s Surprising World Class Food Scene

Don’t let the city’s diminutive size fool you. Raleigh’s food scene is legitimate and hardcore, able to hold its own against many other more metropolitan destinations. A few mainstay examples among many, many others …

Bida Manda Laotian Restaurant, Raleigh

Bida Manda was my hands-down favorite restaurant for dinner in the city. It’s one of the only true Laotian restaurants in the country (in Raleigh of all places?), owned and operated by siblings Vansana and Vanvisa Nolintha as a “thoughtful gathering place”. Indeed the vibe is hip, modern zen and both the bar and restaurant are completely packed from open to close. It’s virtually impossible to get a table without reservations.

For more than five decades, Angus Barn (it’s actually located in a barn) has been a Raleigh institution. It’s known as “Beefeater’s Haven” with good reason — they serve an average of 22,000 steaks per month. It’s the kind of place where the almost absurd Bedrock Tomahawk Chop — a 42-ounce bone-in ribeye, aged and charred with a kosher salt encrusted finish — makes sense. “Sized for two or a challenge for one, if you dare! Yabba Dabba Doo!” Indeed.

Irregardless Cafe in Raleigh © Chris Seward (NewsObserver.com)

Other eateries of note include Fiction Kitchen (“farm-to-fork” and 100% vegetarian), Heron’s (a Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond signature restaurant), and Irregardless Cafe. The latter has been a staple of the city for forty years and a driving force behind the evolution of Raleigh’s gourmet food scene:

It opened as the city’s first vegetarian eatery, introduced the community to the concept of sustainable culinary practices, banned smoking 25 years before the state’s official mandate, and was instrumental in cultivating one of the area’s first community gardens.

And there are plenty of awesome annual foodie events to boot, including:

• Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo: more than 50 food trucks from across North Carolina packed within a half-mile radius and staging a pretty extreme food frenzy. Offerings include Pineapple Fried Rice,Crawfish Étouffée, and Caramel Apple Cider Cupcakes. Check the schedule for dates and times. Free admission.
• Krispy Kreme Challenge: (Of course there’s a Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh because … The South) This ultimate test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude involves slamming 2400 calories (12 doughnuts) over a five mile, one-hour run!

#4: … and Its (Not-at-all-surprising) Amazing BBQ Scene

Raleigh’s BBQ scene alone is worth mentioning as its own point. If you love BBQ (are there really people in the world who don’t? If so, I’m not sure they can be trusted …), North Carolina and Raleigh in particular are home to some of the country’s best. I won’t say “the best” because true BBQ afficianados can be a contentious and ornery lot when the conversation turns to which region of the country actually serves The Best.

Neon Sign at Clyde Cooper's BBQ, Raleigh © Paul Joseph

That said, you’ll find plenty of good ‘Q in Raleigh. Check out The Pit which promises “everything but the squeal” — the entire pig is smoked and shredded, then flavored with a special blend of vinegar and spices. It’s all served atop white linens in a restored 1930s meat-packing warehouse.

The list goes on … and on. Honestly, it’s very, very difficult to find bad BBQ in Raleigh. Check out VisitRaleigh.com for a comprehensive list of the city’s myriad BBQ joints.

#5: The Home of Bluegrass

Wise bar-goers never attempt to debate sports, religion, or politics. In the South, you may not wanna mention BBQ or bluegrass either. Unless you’re itching to start a brawl. North Carolinians are fierce about protecting their namesake bluegrass. They invented it and they claim it for their own. End of story. Thank you and g’night.

That’s their side of things. I don’t have a dog in the fight, so I won’t attempt to debate the issue. Either way, Raleigh has a seriously kickass bluegrass scene. While just about every gin joint with a stage in the city hosts great live music, the annual World of Bluegrass is the country’s premier bluegrass event.

Sir Walter Raleigh statue in downtown Raleigh © Mike Richard

Every year in late September, hundreds of thousands of fans descend on downtown Raleigh to celebrate all things bluegrass. The week features four separate events and hundreds of offerings for every bluegrass professional and music fan.

It all culminates with Wide Open Bluegrass: “the best in traditional and acoustic music community on three stages. In addition to stellar ticketed main stages, the festival now includes a FREE street festival.” The 2014 show festival featured Wide Open Jam with Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, Edgar Meyer, and Stuart Duncan. (Adult admission starts at $40 USD for a single day ticket)

Crowds at Wide Open Bluegrass 2014, Raleigh © Mike Richard

Throughout my 48-hour stay, musicians filled the streets and even hotel lobbies with impromptu bluegrass jam sessions. It’s a rowdy, but controlled atmosphere. There’s plenty of boozin’ and hootin’ & hollerin’, but it’s still a good vibe for children and travelers with families.

But Raleigh isn’t just beer, BBQ, and bluegrass …

#6: Geek Out at Raleigh’s Free Downtown Museums

Amen to any city that offers *all* of its museums to visitors for free. The complex that’s home to both the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Nature Research Center is like Xanadu for geeks and science lovers (myself included).

The former focuses on the south in general and North Carolina in particular with exhibits that explain coastal erosion, local plants, insects, and wildlife. The life-like exhibits blend live animals with man-made dioramas. Main exhibits are separated into distinct ecosystems including “Underground”, “Rainforest”, “Savanna”, etc., while other special exhibits include the “The World’s Largest Dinosaurs” (which I sadly missed by a week … [sad trombone]).

The MoNS connects via a footbridge to the Nature Research Center — a massive, 80,000-square-foot, high tech educational center that offers visitors a unique, in-depth look via floor-to-ceiling glass walls inside working laboratories of the area’s top scientists. The scientists working here bring visitors in for scheduled talks and educational projects throughout the day. Visitors can explore remarkably well done exhibits on everything from animal health and microbiology, to astronomy and paleontology. It’s fantastic for grown-up children (again: me), but great for actual kids as well. Allow at least 2-3 hours to tour the entire complex, although you could easily take your time and spend the better part of a day. Tip: hop aboard the free R-LINE “Downtown Circulator” (PDF map) to get there — it’s also worth it just for a free tour of the city to get your bearings.

Nature Research Center in Raleigh © Clancy & Theys

There’s also the North Carolina Museum of Art and North Carolina Museum of History, and City of Raleigh Museum. While not a museum, the James B. Hunt Jr. Library is also well worth a look for geeks. It features one of the world’s most advanced, automated, robotic library systems called bookBot, that stores up to 2 million volumes in 1/9th of the space needed by traditional shelves. Again: all free.

#7: Tour Raleigh’s Rich History

North Carolina State Capitol Building, Raleigh © Mike Richard

Raleigh is among the South’s most historic cities and no tour of America’s 19th century history is complete without a tour of its downtown and surrounding suburbs. The city offers a wide variety of walking and hop-on bus tours, many with specific themes around the Civil War, Victorian homes, colleges and churches, love stories and scandals, and more.

Triangle Glides Segway Tour of Raleigh © Mike Richard

I jumped aboard a Segway Tour with Triangle Glides (complete with sexy helmet and an intro on how not to fall of a Segway). Their two-hour Capital City East Tour is a grand tour of Raleigh’s most historic sites, including Historic Oakwood, a quaint, downtown neighborhood filled with beautifully restored 19th-century homes in a variety of architectural styles. We also checked out historic Oakwood Cemetery, including a stroll in the Confederate Cemetery. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past!

Sunset in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina © Mike Richard

In the end, I fell in love with Raleigh (I seem to fall in love with every destination I visit …). It pleasantly surprised me in every respect. My trip there was a great reminder that we have seriously awesome cities in the U.S. that the glossiest travel magazines rarely cover. And that’s a shame because it truly is one of the coolest little cities in the south!

The post Beer, BBQ, & Bluegrass: (At Least) 7 Great Reasons to Visit Raleigh, North Carolina appeared first on Vagabondish.

Sunrise in Downtown Denver, Colorado © Robert Kash

Take an Educational Tour

Denver is home to countless tour opportunities. The downtown Denver Mint offers free tours to teach visitors how they turn plain metal blanks into more than 50 million coins every day. Science and history geeks will appreciate a visit to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Colorado State Capitol building, Littleton Historical Museum, or Dinosaur Ridge, featuring Cretaceous-era dinosaur footprints and Jurassic dinosaur bones. Nearby Colorado Springs is also home to Garden of the Gods—one of Colorado’s most well known natural attractions with massive sandstone monuments that rise more than 500 feet.

Crash an Outdoor Festival

Coloradans love getting outside and that means there’s no shortage of outdoor, year-round festivals throughout the state. Among many other events, summertime brings the Downtown Denver Arts Festival in May, Denver Pridefest in June, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival in July, A Taste of Colorado in August, and First Friday Art Walks and farmer’s markets throughout the season. Every August, the nearby town of Golden, Colorado is also home to the Golden Fine Arts Festival with more than 140 local and national artisans. The best part is that these events are absolutely free.

Enjoy a Free Concert

Likewise, there are many free outdoor concerts throughout the year. On May 24 each year, the Denver Day of Rock features the city’s largest free concert with more than 25 bands lining the city’s 16th Street Mall. In June and July, City Park Bandstand and Pavilion features open air jazz every Sunday for the City Park Jazz event. Every July 3, Denver features their annual Civic Center Park’s Independence Eve celebration with The Colorado Symphony, a unique lightshow, and of course a fireworks finale.

Explore a Local Brewery

Tour of New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado © Betsy Weber

Colorado is recognized as one of the most pivotal destinations in America’s craft brew renaissance. The Denver area in particular is home to some of the state’s most influential breweries, including Great Divide Brewery and Wynkoop Brewing. Beer-loving travelers can enjoy the free tours offered in nearby Boulder, including Avery Brewing, Boulder Beer, and Upslope Brewing Co. A bit further outside the city, Fort Collins is home to Odell Brewing Co and the widely popular New Belgium Brewing Co. For a marked contrast, visit the massive Coors Brewery—the world’s largest, located in nearby Golden, Colorado.

Denver may well offer the perfect blend of one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences, cheap hotels, and free opportunities for budget travelers. With some of Colorado’s best arts, cultural, historic, educational, and active experiences, the city should no doubt be on every traveler’s bucket list!

The post Exploring the Countless Free Summertime Things to Do in Denver appeared first on Vagabondish.

Komodo Food Truck in Los Angeles © Ricardo Diaz

Los Angeles is largely credited with mainstreaming the concept of the modern food truck scene years ago. Diners wanted delicious, perfectly prepared, niche eats without all the pomp and circumstance that typically surround such foods. From humble hot dogs and fish tacos to upscale Maine lobster and sushi offerings, more than 200 food trucks now roam L.A.’s streets every day. This rapid proliferation proved one important thing: now, more than ever, foodies demand more from their chefs, restaurants, and dining experiences overall.

In recent years, this guerilla dining has continued to evolve with the idea of the pop-up restaurant. Often open for a very brief time, or just a single event, they most closely resemble “flash mob restaurants.” Would-be diners gather on social media and semi-private e-mail lists to discover where these not-so-random events will literally pop up next.

Their popularity has pushed celebrities, athletes, brand names, and the elite to co-opt the concept in their latest attempt to back the next hip thing. It’s no surprise, then, that foodies on the cutting edge of the gourmet food scene have begun railing against their recent commercialization.

Fernandez & Leluu Supper Club © ollie harridge

Which is why pop-up restaurants are fast evolving into more intimate, exclusive, and underground “supper clubs.” While the former typically operate out of a licensed facility – taking over an existing restaurant, warehouse, gallery space, etc. – the latter are born of “normal” folks who simply love to cook, opening their homes, offices, galleries, and other private spaces to host those with a similar passion for great food. It’s a pure, grassroots movement that is defining modern guerilla dining.

It requires a bit of digging to uncover L.A.’s genuine underground supper clubs. Comprehensive lists detailing the latest events are ever-changing and outdated almost as soon as they’re published. But that just makes finding them all the more rewarding. Chicks with Knives offers cocktails, appetizers, and a five-course meal for just $98. Kali Dining is a hosted supper club where “the menu, guests, location, and atmosphere are a constant TBD.” The entirely secretive Wolvesden offers very few details, promising only “dining in its most raw form: people, food, and open minds …”

The trend away from the traditional notion of dining out has slowly evolved, and it’s difficult to say for sure how it all began. Two things are certain however: Los Angeles has been and will continue to be at the forefront of it all, and the concept of guerilla dining is most certainly here to stay.

The post Guerilla Dining: How Los Angeles’ Food Scene Has Gone Underground appeared first on Vagabondish.

Mrs. Vagabondish and I have both lived within an hour of Boston for most of our lives. So it’s a bit shameful to admit that we’ve never really explored the North End. (We’re all terrible tourists in our own hometown right?) So as VERY important travelers in Viator’s exclusive Ambassador program, we decided it was time to learn a few things we never knew about Boston’s most famous neighborhood. And what better way to do it than via a Pizza & Tavern Tour?

We met up with our tour guide Patrick — a young, energetic guy with a serious love of pizza, history, Boston, and beer — on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. A rare winter day in Boston indeed, complete with clear blue skies, lightly peppered with just the right amount of high, thin clouds. What’s more: we got lucky and wound up being the only two folks on what became our own private tour.

Line Outside Regina Pizzeria in Boston's North End © Mike Richard

Minutes into our tour, it was clear Patrick wasn’t lying about the North End being a foodie heaven. It seems there’s almost literally a new place to eat every ten feet. After strolling past some of the neighborhood’s most iconic bars and restaurants, we finally arrived at our first stop – the iconic Regina Pizzeria. Dating back to 1926, it’s the oldest pizzeria in the neighborhood and has, in that time, grown a loyal, almost obsessive fan base. It’s arguably the most popular and best known pizza joint in the North End – a go-to for locals and Boston newcomers who line up out the door from open to close every day of the week. It’s easy to see why. The dough is light and slightly chewy with a thin crispy, edge. The nuclear hot cheese is plentiful and gooey almost to the point of being able to “pour” it off the slice. (It was Mrs. Vagabondish’s favorite of the tour)

Because Patrick was concerned about us going too long without a proper pint, we quickly crossed the bridge to Charlestown for our first tavern stop. Warren Tavern is a “tavern” in the purest sense of the word – a place where dark wood, patriotic murals, and centuries-old details abound. I grabbed a local Harpoon Winter Warmer and settled in while Patrick regaled us with as much of the tavern’s history as he could pack into twenty minutes.

Historic Warren Tavern in Charlestown, Massachusetts © Mike Richard

Now there’s much debate, particularly in New England, over which is officially the oldest tavern in the country. Wherever Warren Tavern falls on that list is irrelevant. It dates back to 1780 and, for the love of god, George Washington and Paul Revere drank there! It’s a history buff’s dream. More than 225 years after opening its doors, it still feels like a boisterous meeting place for those looking to start a revolution. (Insider tip: don’t miss the Sam Adams Brick Red. This unique beer is only available at select outlets in Boston and Warren Tavern is one)

From very old to relatively new, we ambled to our second pizza stop of the tour. Todd English’s Figs is not strictly a pizza joint, but they still know how to make a mean pie (or “flatbread” if you’re the highfalutin sort). The menu features a dozen offerings and half-and-half pies are available.

Pizza at Todd English's Figs in Boston’s North End © Mike Richard

We sprung for a half Bronx Bomber (pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil) and a half Isabelle’s (country ham, aged provolone, fresh asparagus, and sweet onion). The former is a simple take on the traditional pepperoni pizza with a subtle spice to the meat to give it a slight pop. The latter proved to be a unique, unexpectedly good blend of sweet and savory, with an interesting twist from the crispy asparagus.

Already full from the area rug-sized pie at Figs, Patrick ushered us along to our last pizza stop of the night: Ernesto’s. A staple of Boston’s North End for more than 30 years, they pride themselves on cooking in the old world style. They offer one of the widest selections of pizza in the area, particularly for single slices. Like Regina’s, it’s packed day and night. Unlike many other by-the-slice joints, the steady traffic means the pizza is always hot and fresh. And delicious to boot! Their simple cheese slice wound up being my favorite of the entire tour.

Green Dragon Tavern, Boston © DeedsPublishing.com

We wrapped up the night at Green Dragon Tavern. Established in 1654 (maybe …), this historic watering hole played host to the likes of Paul Revere and John Hancock. According to famed historian Daniel Webster, “it was in the Green Dragon that the plans for the invasion of Lexington and Concorde were overheard thus starting the famous ride of Paul Revere.” Thus you might argue that the American Revolution literally started there.

While the Top 40 cover bands, humorless bouncers, and raucous college freshmen have dulled some of its historical shine, it’s still among the oldest and most important taverns in the city. And a great place to end our tour!

Pizza, beer, and just enough of a history lesson to pretend we actually did something educational for the afternoon. If only my high school history class had been so fun and filling …

The post An Afternoon of Pizza, Beer, and History (… and Beer) in Boston’s North End appeared first on Vagabondish.

But after spending a week exploring the area in and around SLO (as the locals call it), it’s now squarely tied with Mammoth Lakes as my favorite area in California. We kicked off our trip with three days at this year’s Sunset Savor the Central Coast festival (September 25-28, 2014) — central California’s premier food and wine event. And I’m confident we consumed more gourmet food and top shelf wine in a long weekend than most people do in a lifetime.

Mrs. Vagabondish at California’s Sunset Savor the Central Coast © Mike Richard

Their pitch is simple:

SIP more than 200 wines, INDULGE in culinary bites from over 30 local chefs, MEET winemakers, brew masters and artisans, TOUR the Central Coast Pavilion and LEARN from Sunset Magazine’s expert editors.

… all in just three days. We expected great food and wine but were blown away by the actual experience. Which is why Sunset Savor the Central Coast has fast become one of the biggest, most prominent food and wine events in the entire country.

Kickoff at Hearst Castle

Sunset at Hearst Castle © Brittany App

This year, like every year, the event kicked off Thursday night at the world famous Hearst Castle. Built by obscenely wealthy newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst nearly a century ago, his self-described “summer cottage” is among the most opulent and lavish mansions in the country. It’s a place whose stunning architecture and grandiose scale is quite literally “jaw dropping”. All of which makes it the perfect backdrop to kickoff the annual festival.

Enjoying the Kickoff Event of Savor the Central Coast at Hearst Castle © Mike Richard

Chauffeured guests arrived by the hundreds, adorned in cocktail party attire and 1930s-era garb, lending a distinct air of flapper chic to the event. This was followed by a four-hour parade of passed appetizers, bottomless wine glasses, local BBQ, seafood buffets, and even a dessert station. To a soundtrack of lively music, we swished our way around the balconies and gardens of Hearst Castle, sampling Coq au Vin, Morro Bay oysters, fresh abalone chowder, and Sunset International Wine Award-winning vino.

Cooking with the Country’s Top Chefs

Every year, the event features special presentations and live cooking demonstrations at Chef Central with some of the country’s top chefs. This year included the likes of Tanya Holland (preparing her famous Creole Shrimp & Grits) and a healthy dose of Italian flavor from Fabio Viviani who, this year, prepared a special duck entree for the audience.

On Sunday, readers of Sunset magazine got to experience a treat as Sunset‘s own Food Editor, Margo True revealed her tips about how fresh, light meals are a staple of living in the West. This year, she prepared a caramelized tomato bruschetta followed by grilled halibut wrapped in lettuce with black-olive tapenade. These are just two of the unusual recipes from Sunset‘s new The Great Outdoors Cookbook.

Sunday culminated at Chef Central with the aptly named “Lamb Jam”. Here chefs prepared creative lamb dishes any way they liked with the goal of winning the People’s Choice or Judge’s Choice awards or, fingers crossed, both. Each chef worked with a local winery to pair a carefully selected vino with their particular dish. This year’s Judge’s Choice winner, and our personal favorite, was Chef Rodney Scruggs of Occidental Grill.

The Main Event

Outside, some of the area’s best restaurants, bakeries, food vendors, breweries, and of course wineries presented us with a sea of gastronomic choices. There were myriad popup tents, live music stages, and fancy exhibit booths with each vendor hard at work to outdo the next. It’s a convivial atmosphere to be sure, but there’s naturally a sense of good-natured rivalry as well.

Enjoying California's Sunset Savor the Central Coast (2014) © Mike Richard

An eclectic mix of live, local bands played throughout the weekend, beckoning visitors to the Estrada (beer) Garden. It was a lively atmosphere for sure, underscored by impromptu acts of song and dance, and plenty of attendees joining in from their picnic blankets and lawn chairs.

Enjoying California's Sunset Savor the Central Coast Event 2014 © Mike Richard

We spent the day sampling countless wines, beer, and food dishes — literally I stopped counting after the first twenty. There was seafood ceviche from Niner Wine Estates made with fresh abalone, claim, avocado; a tent dedicated to all things cheese and decked out in full gypsy garb (more like a Den de Fromage); a seriously tricked-out wine booth from Cupcake Winery; excellent wine from Halter Ranch (which we sampled at least five times throughout the weekend); and even a purpose-built “Tactical Thirst Response Unit” truck from San Luis Obispo’s own Central Coast Brewing with beer taps built directly into the side.

Every day, two kind girls from California’s Eureka restaurants managed to appear at just the right time with a platter of lamb sliders. I felt obligated to pretend that I hadn’t tried them yet just so I could get seconds (and thirds). They assured me that wasn’t necessary. Just. Endless. Gourmet. Food.

In the end, our favorite food of the event wound up being a simply prepared burger on sourdough bread with Monterey Jack cheese and avocado aioli.

Roaming with the Clydesdales (and Other Non-festival Diversions …)

Some would argue that “it’s not just about the food and wine”. We call those folks “silly”. But they’re right in that every year the Savor the Central Coast event also offers a wide variety of ancillary, a la carte adventure tours and experiences that provide visitors with a deeper appreciation of SLO’s rich food and wine scene.

This year, these included everything from indulging in Ocean Rose Abalone on the Cliffs of Cayucos to the Ultimate Wine Experience (including a vineyard hike, cave tour and harvest lunch at Halter Ranch).

Roaming with the Clydesdales at Covell Ranch in California © Mike Richard

Our favorite tour of the entire weekend was Roaming with the Clydesdales at Covell Ranch in Cambria (so much so that I ranked it among my 7 Essential Outdoor Adventure Experiences in and Around San Luis Obispo). Here, we boarded a purpose-built touring wagon and ranch owner Ralph Covell took us on a guided tour of his prized ranch.

It’s home to nearly 2,000 acres of pure Monterey Pine Forest — the world’s largest, privately owned stand of this endangered tree that’s found in very few places in the world. Ralph purchased the land decades ago and placed it into a conservation easement, forever blocking it from further development. He reveals a deep, personal connection to the land and its future well-being and he works hard to impart that appreciation to his visitors.

Clydesdales at Covell Ranch / Cambria Pines by the Sea, California © Mike Richard

For two hours, we rolled along across endless pastures that seem to slope gracefully into the Pacific Ocean. We also stopped along the way to appreciate his more than 100 beautiful Clydesdale horses. We were fortunate enough to join Ralph and his crew for an exclusive gourmet lunch on a hill overlooking the entire property. It was a stunning view and one that perfectly captured the vast expanse and beauty of the landscape of San Luis Obispo.

Another Stunning California Sunset © Mike Richard

In the End …

We left the long weekend’s event with a deep appreciation for SLO: the food, the wine, the people, the weather (good god, the weather!), and the breathtaking natural beauty. It’s no wonder that it’s been dubbed “the happiest place on earth”.

While it was our first time attending the annual Savor the Central Coast event, we’ve no doubt that it won’t be our last!

The post Experiencing California’s Epic ‘Sunset Savor the Central Coast’ Food + Wine Festival appeared first on Vagabondish.

Ireland seemed like a good place to start, as Guinness is always on everyone’s list, and being that the Storehouse in Dublin is Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, we couldn’t miss a visit. From there we hopped to London and spent the next four months meandering Europe from the far south in Rome, to the northern tip of Finland and the enchanting city of Budapest.

We came across beers we had never heard of, beers we never want to hear from again and some we still dream about. So sit back and pour a pint as we reveal our five favorite beers in Europe.

#5: Franziskaner Weissbier (Germany)

This beer was a great treat after a cold day in the snow. We found a warm local pub in Innsbruck, Austria who had this little gem on tap. It was very rich and made Jeff and I both feel all warm cozy! A must have if you are traveling in Germany or Austria.

Germany has some of the best beers in the world, and while you’d have a hard time finding a truly nasty German beer, we won’t forget the Franziskaner any time soon.

#4: Stiegl Weisse Naturtrüb (Austria)

Stiegl Weisse is a delightfully light and fruity beer which we absolutely loved to drink in Austria. It is wonderful to have a nice light beer so high up in the alps that still has loads of flavor. We enjoyed this beer most high up on the alps after long days on the slopes and would recommend it to anyone.

Although full of flavor, it only adds to a meal of schnitzel or knoodle and compliments the fine Austrian cuisine beautifully.

#3: La Chouffe (Holland)

Another light beer, La Chouffe is the type that just makes you feel like a grown-up. Full of citrus flavor, rich and hoppy, its almost a meal in itself. We were lucky enough to be in Amsterdam with a good friend who took us to a small bar off the beaten path where we enjoyed many a pint of this sweet nectar.

#2: Guinness (Ireland)

Of course Guinness is on this list! I have never had a Guinness before this year and I even waited until I was in Ireland in one of the oldest pubs so that I could have a real Irish Guinness and I was not disappointed. As someone who loves coffee and dark beer, I instantly feel in love with the frothy dark delicacy. Most people either love or hate Guinness, and most people told me that I would hate it, but they couldn’t have been more wrong.

While at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin we were able to learn all about the historical drink and even learn how to properly taste it. I must say that all the hype is true about this dark beauty of a pint!

While I wouldn’t recommend all brewery tours, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is not to be missed and still endlessly enjoyable for kids or those who don’t drink. For those who have not been, each tour concludes with a visit to the Gravity Bar, perched high up in the sky which gives incredible 360 degree views of Dublin and only serves Guinness… and a free pint to anyone on the tour.

#1: Hell Hunt (Estonia)

I’m sure you’re thinking, “What is Hell Hunt?” Although we only spent one night in Tallinn, Estonia, Jeff and I spent most of that night walking around the old city going from pub to pub and were glad we did. If we hadn’t, we would never have found this great little brewery called Hell Hunt.

This local brewery has four of their own beers — a lager, dark, wheat beer and an ale — that are all just amazing! I personally loved the Hell Hunt Tume, which is their dark beer. It was light and crisp but with that great brown ale taste.

On top of having great beer, Estonia is a really affordable country to drink in compared to it’s surrounding neighbors. At only €3 for a 50cl glass it can’t get much better! Only a short 2-hour ferry ride from Helsinki, Finland, Estonia provides a simply magical feeling in an endlessly picturesque city center – we were even lucky enough to have a sprinkling of snow during our visit.

BONUS: Worst: X33 (Czech Republic)

While in Prague we had heard about a beer from a local brewery that had an alcohol percentage of 11.8% and as beer connoisseurs we had to try it. At first sip the beer tasted sweet and we thought we liked it, but upon our second sip we soon realized how thick and sticky the strong beer was. It was like we were trying to drink a glass of beer flavored syrup.

Packed full of flavor, there didn’t seem to be one main theme and all the flavors fought on our mouths, with no real winner. The almost zero carbonation and thick, thick texture did not appeal to us, much to our surprise as we typically love dark beers.

It was not my cup of tea – but if you want to try something new it is worth checking out and at 11.8% you don’t need more than one!

So there you have it! We tried all the beer we came across, good and bad. While we did find a couple duds, we were constantly surprised by the delicious beers all across Europe. Even the low end beers in many countries were still miles above the Miller and Bud Lights we are used to having to drink in the states.

If you are a true lover of beer, pack your bags and head to Europe. You won’t be disappointed!

The post Happy Hour Travel: 5 Must-try Beers in Europe appeared first on Vagabondish.

Lately, I’ve been hanging around Johannesburg, what some bloggers are calling the new Williamsburg. It should be no surprise then that the town’s got their fair selection of hip cafes. I figured you deserve to be in the know”¦

First up …

Bean There

Bean There is located in 44 Stanley, a complex that plays host to many different creative small businesses. There’s a little vintage shop, a tiny bookstore, an art gallery, a great hair salon, and a sweet pub. Bean There’s got an array of filtered coffee offerings, all sitting within their mellow corner shop. The hanging bikes were a nice touch, too.

Father

I hate playing favorites, but Father (73 Juta Street, in Braamfontein) has probably has the best long black in town. The vibe is really chill, stripped back for coffee efficiency. There’s not much of a place to sit, but the taste is perfect. Great for strutting around Braamfontein on a lazy Saturday. Definitely better than any of the places you’ll find in the famed Neighborgoods Market.

Volo Telo

If I told you Volo Telo (4th Ave, in Parkhurst) was known for their coffee, I’d be lying. The café’s more known for their sweet selection of baked goods. Just the right stop if you’re looking for a little more substance with your sipping though.

Warm and Glad

Definitely the hidden gem of the group, Warm and Glad (357 Jan Smuts Ave, in Sandton) is a little known eatery hanging out off Jan Smuts Ave. The 3 shops — a clothing store, a café, and a bookstore — all are owned by the same laidback owner. The vibe’s the best. Perfect for the brunch and buzz.

Wolves

Wolves Cafe (3 Corlett Dr., near Rosebank) knows how to make a good cup of joe. There’s not much in terms of coffee in part area of town, so you’re well pressed for luck. Try sitting out on the patio for a lazy afternoon with a book.

(All photos © David Peter Simon)

The post Travel South Africa: Exploring the Hippest Coffee Shops in Johannesburg appeared first on Vagabondish.