Zip Lining Through the Berkshires

In my never-ending quest to try new things, I can now check "zip lining" off the list. Inspired, I must admit, by a recent episode of "Expedition Impossible", We set out to have our breath taken away and live on the dangerous side.

If you've never zip lined before, an excellent (and inexpensive) way to experience four zips in under an hour is at Berkshire East in Western MA. But if you are adventure seekers like us, you may walk away wanting more.

Turns out, the intro "base camp tour" left much to be desired. At 30 feet above the ground and reaching speeds of around 15 mph, (I was a bit slower due to weight) we were hoping for faster, longer experiences. More rush, more heart-pounding suspense. But, now that we know not to "pencil" or "starfish" we think we'll try it again...perhaps across some raging rapids in Spain this Fall.

Rhode Island. Check!

It's true, I've been to some pretty cool places around the world. Every year I swear, "I'm gonna explore my own country more this year." Well, check off Rhode Island from my list! That's right, I finally made it to The Ocean State.

My Rhode Island visit was an unplanned, direct response of the crappy rainy, cold weather in Boston.We packed up the Ford F-150 rental truck and drove two hours to Newport, RI, home of "The Gilded Age Mansions."

Before we embarked on our "mansion hopping" we stopped at the Red Parrot. Still in search of the perfect Bloody Mary, we did NOT find it there...

Located along the water's edge are 11 historic "summer cottages" previously owned by tycoons such as Berwind and Vanderbilt. These summer estates are mansions...and while they cost "only" $1 million in the late 1800's that equals about $22 million by today's standards. We opted to take two tours: The Breakers--which is a MUST and The Elms. The tours come with audio headsets so you can go your own pace through the properties and listen to as little or as much information as you like. (And even sneak off for some alone time, if you wish)

After two tours, we were "all mansioned out" and decided to take a quick stroll along the Cliff Walk before indulging in a few adult beverages. The Cliff Walk was beautiful, with stunning views. But living in Hermosa Beach for nearly 5 years now (has it been THAT long?!) the views reminded me of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and I was less than wowed.

We were both in the mood of a wine bar and tapas...reminiscent of Bin 26 in Beacon Hill. We found sort of what we were looking for at Fluke's Wine Bar & Kitchen. The fire roasted octopus was great, the bacon wrapped dates filled with almonds were amazing. The Spanish Mencia was quite nice. However, the "crispy squid" should have been described as "your typical plain, boring breaded, fried calamari."

And what better way to end the evening than with hookah! Genie's Hookah Lounge was the perfect venue to wind down and talk about our adventure. Double -apple tobacco, apple tea...it was a little bit of Turkey....in Rhode Island.

It's Sunny in Boston. Really!

It's a great time to be in Boston. It's early June, it's in the 90's, and the Bruins are in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1972!

In between a week of rainy, cold weather, Wednesday, June 8, 2011 in Boston was *the perfect day*....really. After waking up in a gorgeous room at the European boutique property Beacon Hill Hotel, having a yummy breakfast in the Bistro, we headed to the Public Gardens. I was all ready for my swan boat ride in my new salmon colored sundress (yes Erik, it's not pink, it's salmon!) The Gardens were in full bloom with colors everywhere. Even the famous statue of George was adorned with a colorful Bruins jersey. Now that's a photo you likely won't see again!

After that, it was a stroll along Newbury Street--"the Rodeo Drive" of Boston. They may have cool, trendy shoppes but they certainly need some help in the Bloody Mary category. I'm not even gonna mention the place that we had the first one--it was.so.terrible.

I spoke with Chef Rich at Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro, and he suggested we try Gargoyles, Highland Kitchen, or East Coast Grill for Bloody Mary's. I mean, how hard can it be to make them? This is my newest project...making the perfect Bloody Mary. Stay tuned....

Chihuly!

When I was looking for a fun "indoor" activity for us on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon in Boston, I thought a "hand blown glass exhibit" sounds cool. (Remember, I did live in Italy for some time) I never dreamed I'm be amazed as much as I was! It takes a lot to impress me these days. And I was impressed. The exhibit is at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts until August, so you still have time to catch it! My favorite, was the "Ikebana Boat" (pictured here). Some other pieces of note: Reeds and Spears and the Persian Ceiling. The "Baskets" series is really cool too.

Jazz, Paint, and Love in the Desert

While I have been to Palm Springs many times, he has not. So what better way to celebrate his belated (ok, reallly belated) birthday than a CA get-away to Palm Springs. And it wasn't just a swanky hotel...oh no! We did this trip "Andy-Style".....staying at the La Quinta Resort and Spa, VIP Table front and center for the “Grooves in the Grove” jazz series featuring Rick Braun! We had a dinner tasting with Chef Michael Vaugn too! The dinner tasting consisted of Buffalo chicken lollipops, deep fried devil eggs, fried tomato soup, hanger steak with tater tots, and a TV Dinner. (Yes!) And for dessert, Chef made us Captain Crunch ice cream. Then for breakfast the next morning we started off with a Bloody Mary—made with bacon infused vodka! Then a pizza was delivered to our table—a green eggs and ham pizza. How fun! Def the most unique tasting I've had:)The next day it was over to Miramonte Resort & Spa for the Pittura Festa. In an open-air cabana you paint your partner with natural colored clays that have natural healing powers. At the end, you both look like warrior indians---but, hey, it's fun and very intimate.

On the Red Carpet with Michael C. Hall

For the third year now I have had the opportunity to be on the Red Carpet for the Newport Beach Film Festival. This year's opening film, EAST FIFTH BLISS, directed and produced by Michael Knowles (who I interviewed), starred Peter Fonda and Michael C. Hall. While at the festival, I called the Balboa Bay Club & Resort home. It's an amazing property right on the water in Newport Beach. A few films I saw that are of note include: FORT MCCOY, SILVER TONGUES, and NIGHT CLUB.

The Racing Chef

For the third year now I have been down in the pits at this world-famous race! This year was no exception as I rubbed shoulders with Danica and Dario, and even chatted up racing legend Bobby Rahal, who was in the pits helping his son, Graham. Then I got up close up with the Grand Marshall for this year’s event—Chef Gordon Ramsey! I had the opportunity to attended Chef’s press conference and got some inside scoop on Hell’s Kitchen and also a food few tips from Chef Gordon. Now when I'm in the Dining Room of Hell's Kitchen on May 31 for the taping of Episode 4, Season 10--I'll be prepared!