Hello friends,

It’s been a while since I’ve written here on Adventures of Empty Nesters, and I’ve truly missed connecting with you in this space. The truth is, I’ve been busy writing somewhere new—on Substack, a fantastic platform that feels like a creative playground for writers and readers alike.

I’m still pouring my heart into the Travel Connections podcast, where I interview fascinating people from all over the world. Between that, travel, and writing, I’ve fallen a little behind on this blog—but I’m back today with an exciting update and a very special invitation.

So… what’s new? Quite a lot!

The past six months have been a whirlwind of travel and unforgettable experiences. We spent the holidays in London and Paris, and we embarked on a life-changing journey through Patagonia in South America with our friends at Collette. Most recently, we explored the captivating beauty of Morocco—riding camels through the Sahara, sipping rooftop cocktails in Marrakech, and immersing ourselves in the soul of North Africa.

And we’re not slowing down! Because here’s the thing: life is short, and I’ve learned that we can’t wait for the “right time.” I’m all about finding adventure, and I’ve promised myself to go hard until I can’t. There’s just too much of this big, beautiful world to experience.

Let’s Talk About Morocco… Wow.

Our recent adventure through Morocco with a small group of fabulous travelers was nothing short of magical. Organized by the incredibly talented Cindy Stephan of International Culinary Tours, this trip offered vibrant markets, spices piled high, rich culture, and laughter-filled dinners in the Sahara Desert.

It was so special that I invited several of my dearest travel friends on the podcast to share their favorite moments. (Spoiler alert: there were a lot of favorites.) If you’re curious, tune in to the Morocco recap episodes on Travel Connections. And if Morocco is on your bucket list, let me tell you—it’s more incredible than you even imagine.

Now… Can I Invite You to Tuscany?

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Italy the way it’s meant to be savored, this is your chance. I’m thrilled to invite you to join me on a personally curated tour of Tuscany!

I’ve partnered with a warm and welcoming couple who own a stunning boutique hotel in the tiny hilltop village of Montefollonico. It’s the stuff of storybooks—spectacular views, sipping glorious wine, exploring historic hilltop towns, and enjoying homemade pasta on every menu.

Once you arrive, you’ll unpack once and settle in for an immersive, joyful, and leisurely experience filled with dreamy Italian connections. No rushing. Just pure, delightful Italy.

We have two tours scheduled for April and two for September 2026, and each is limited to just 14 guests. That means personal attention, deep conversations, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Visit our Tour Page for details.

More Stories, More Conversations

I’ve had some amazing guests join me recently on the podcast:

Sol Marisol, our guide in Patagonia, shared her Chilean upbringing and deep knowledge of the region’s geography—it was a fascinating and emotional conversation.

Craig Stavert (yes, my husband!) returned to the show to share his perspective on our adventure with Collette in South America.

Barbara Boyle, a global creative director turned Italian farmhouse renovator, inspired us all to follow bold dreams in retirement.

Vanessa Gordon, a Hamptons insider, gave us the real scoop on this iconic East Coast destination. I learned so much—and I know you will, too.

You can listen to these episodes and more right HERE!

Why Substack?

I’ve been writing more regularly on Substack, and if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. Unlike social media, Substack allows you to curate what you want to see and read—no algorithms deciding for you.

I’m sharing more behind-the-scenes travel stories, reflections on midlife adventures, and invitations to join me on new journeys. I’d love to see you there.

Ready to Travel Differently? Join Me.

Whether it’s the magic of Morocco, the rolling hills of Tuscany, or somewhere completely unexpected, my passion is crafting meaningful journeys for curious, like-hearted travelers who crave connection, joy, and authentic discovery.

Our unforgettable Tuscany tours are filling up quickly, and I would be so thrilled to have you join us. This isn’t just another getaway. It’s a soul-stirring experience you’ll carry with you forever.

Visit adventuresofemptynesters.com/tours to learn more and save your spot. Don’t wait—our guest list is intentionally small and intimate, and it’s first come, first served. Who should you bring with you?

Let’s make travel dreams come true—together.

With excitement and gratitude,

Suzanne

The post Adventures, Inspiration & A Personal Invitation to Tuscany appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

August Adventures!

Out of the gate, we started the month of August on a full run. The summer flew by this year! August was especially wonderful as our twin grandchildren celebrated their fourth birthday. Their Mom baked a three-tier “Funfetti” and chocolate cake topped with a ring of sprinkles (Josie’s favorite). They were joined by Buzz, Woody, The Dinosaur – Rex, Jessie, and Bullseye from Toy Story. (I had to look up those names!)

The summer weather in the PNW in August is perfect: clear skies, sunny mornings, cool breezes. We have taken Rocco on many long walks along the lake; the sunsets are glorious, and my tiny vegetable garden is out of control!

Auction of Washington Wines

We were invited to the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction put on by The Auction of Washington Wines. This soiree is an outdoor summer affair on the spectacular grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. The A of WW raises money for Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University Viticulture and Enology. We were there as media guests to share the outstanding work of this unique charitable organization.

The food and drink are provided by local restaurants from Seattle and surrounding cities, and it was fabulous. We talked with chefs and ate numerous delicious bites, including divine king salmon and spicy pork tacos! The dessert table offered handmade macaroons and creamy hand-churned ice cream sundaes. Mark your calendar for next year; this is a fabulous event for a great cause.

The Foo Fighters

In mid-August, we were thrilled to attend the Foo Fighters concert at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. They were AMAZING!  I am a massive fan of Dave Grohl, the charismatic lead singer, and The Foos will be celebrating a 30-year career next year. The stadium was packed with fans singing their lungs out, and the opening act was our long-time favorite, The Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer, still sounds as good as she did in the 80’s. Watching a 72-year-old woman rock that hard is inspiring! Craig and I saw The Pretenders for the first time in a small venue in Santa Monica, CA, in 1980!

Family at Disneyland

We finished the month with an 8-day family adventure to Disneyland, California Adventure, and finished with some adult rest and relaxation in Encinitas, CA. This trip was the four-year-olds’ first visit to the Disney Parks, and it was a grand success!

We raised our kids in Orange County, and visiting Disneyland was just a 30-minute drive. Back when our kids were young, we bought annual passes for a fraction compared to what it costs to go to the Parks today. We had a blast and took a million photos.

The grandchildren and their parents then went to stay with their great-grandparents, and we all met up for a family brunch to catch up!

Adult R & R – Late Summer

While the kids swam and played with “the Greats” we headed south to recuperate from the crowds of Disney, 7.5-mile days in 88-degree weather. I am not complaining, but Disney is definitely for the youngsters in the hot summer! I have gotten used to the cooler temps in the Northwest!

We stayed at a favorite hotel on the beach in Encinitas, the Alila Marea, and we loved it there. With gorgeous beach views, the hotel design is unique, sleek, and super cool. However, a highlight for us was a revisit to dine at Jeune et Jolie, a phenomenal Single Michelin-star restaurant in Carlsbad, CA. The atmosphere is beach elegance, the food is beautiful and incredibly delicious. Jeune et Jolie is a notable restaurant that I highly recommend for every food lover.

If you missed it!

We were interviewed on Good Morning America! You can watch each of the two segments on the Home page of my website. It was certainly a career high for me!

Publishing on Friday, September 6th, on the Travel Connections Podcast – 

Best of: Highlights of our Puglia Itinerary

How’s your summer going?

Suzanne

The post Late Summer Update – An Exhilarating August appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Summer is almost here!!

Summer is fast approaching, and I am looking forward to it. My birthday is June 16th, which always coincides with the Opening of Summer for me! It is the time of year for Dads and Grads and lots of family celebrations. This month is always so festive!

We will be celebrating as well! Our son Nick will visit us in the Northwest to celebrate his Dad and Mom—my birthday falls on Father’s Day this year. His wife Kylie will stay in Southern California this trip, caring for a dear friend’s baby while the parents attend a wedding. I remember worrying about babysitting, ha, but no more! Now, I am the one to offer my services!

My recent local adventures

Craig and I drove to Skagit Valley on a warm, clear, sunny day. We visited my favorite local farms and food shops and had lunch in the picturesque town of La Conner. This destination is only 55 miles north of my house and an hour north of Seattle. My husband is so supportive, and he does like these adventures, but not half as much as I do. After almost 40 years of marriage, he gets me.

I love it there. I can get my “farm fix,” plus there is no better place to buy your fresh organic produce, specialty cheese, and wildflowers than from someone local!

Dinner at Cafe Juanita

We began my birthday celebrations early by dining with our daughter Alex and son-in-law Brent at the incomparable Cafe Juanita in Kirkland. Without counting special house-made bread courses, there were at least six courses or bites to swoon over!

The service is exquisite, and the ambiance is comfortable yet chic in a mid-century modern setting—I loved it all! This is our third visit, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it each and every time! Cafe Juanita offers a curated dining experience with four prix-fixe tasting menus in four iterations: omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan. There is also a supplemental menu where you can add specialty dishes as well.  The kitchen is quite generous and flexible, and each diner can swap one dish for another on any of the menus!

We splurged on special wine pairings! (It is my birthday, after all.) Craig enjoyed the classic wine pairings, and I enjoyed the Reserve! The cuisine celebrates the foods of Northern Italy, and the wines come from small Italian wineries. They were some of the best I have tasted. Seriously!

Summer Plans on the Podcast

Last week, I announced our summer travel plans on the podcast and offered three helpful suggestions for improving your summer travel. In our next episode, I will interview my daughter Alex, and we will share all of the details of our Alaskan Cruise on the Celebrity Edge.

Summer Travel is around the corner!

Craig and I are heading to Italy, beginning with Rome, where we will be enjoying my favorite country for a couple of weeks. You can follow along on my Instagram here if you wish. There won’t be a newsletter until July 12th, when we return!

Ciao for now!

Suzanne

The post Feels Like Summer! Local Fun & A Foodie’s Dream appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Wow, we sure had a blast in Southern California this weekend. Craig traveled from Chicago, and I met him in Pasadena. I took Pilates with two very fit and inspiring ladies (87 and 84 years old)! When I asked my mom why she is so healthy at 84, she always said exercise. Her advice is always to keep moving! Walking, gardening, Pilates, yoga, weight training—she does it all. Hopefully, her strong genes run through me as well!

Do you work out? If so, what is your favorite activity and why?

Success in So Cal & Orange County

It was just our luck to fly to Southern California from Seattle, only to have gray skies, cool temperatures, and drizzly days. However, if you listen to my podcast from our Epic Road Trip in Arizona, it rained there as well! I offered you a verbal essay on my thoughts about rain, so honestly, when you come from a climate with rain, you don’t care if you encounter a little rain on your vacation. 

However, I would’ve liked it to be slightly more sunny. Mr. Sun did make a showing a couple of times. We certainly had a wonderful time, saw many people we care about, and ate some really great food. I will start this newsletter with our superb dining and then move on to some other things I have discovered in the last couple of weeks.

Orange County Dining Discoveries

We enjoyed a double birthday dinner with dear friends at The Quiet Woman in Corona Del Mar, which opened in 1965. The food was delicious, and inside, it felt “quiet” with a great vibe. This restaurant is a favorite with the birthday boy Troy. He and his family have been enjoying special meals here for decades. With all the choices available in Orange County, it is a challenge to visit every great restaurant, but wow, this was outstanding! Thanks, Troy!

New Baby!

I also helped to celebrate a new baby at a gorgeous baby shower! It felt great to be back in Orange County, where we raised our kids for 27 years. Watching my friends’ kids have children is joyous for me as well!

One more restaurant of note

Slightly north of Orange County, in the Naples area of Long Beach, we met our son Nick (Wife Kylie was in London on business) at another new restaurant called Marlena. Run, don’t walk to this fantastic place! Our daughter-in-law Kylie couldn’t be there, but once again, she curated the perfect dining experience. We were the lucky ones!

The food and drink

Extremely creative craft cocktails, thoughtful preparation, and local Mediterranean-style ingredients. Everything was made in-house, from the Vanilla Syrup for the Vanilla Latte to the Eggs Benedict Pizza fresh from their wood-fired oven. The flavor combinations were unusual yet so perfect. It was my dream brunch!

Links of Interest!

Speaking of restaurants, I read that Canlis, a prominent restaurant in Seattle, is closing on the weekends this summer so their employees can take the weekend off. What are your thoughts? As a loyal restaurant visitor, I am not sure I like this philosophy. With Craig working long hours, the weekend is the time for us to celebrate by dining out. Check out the article HERE! 

No More Black Shoes?

I found So Susie on Instagram last year, and everything she wears, I want to wear, too. I subscribe to her newsletter and buy from her Instagram account. She just sent her newsletter and posed this question: I Stopped Buying Black Shoes, Here’s Why.  What are your thoughts about matching your shoes? This concept resonated with me. I am not very tall, so her theory of a neutral shoe makes sense. What do you think?

Up next on the Travel Connections Podcast:

The Perfect Day at the Seattle Center. The road trip episode in Arizona was so popular I wanted to follow up with a recent day trip with travel besties from California. Such great ideas if I do say so! 

Have a great weekend,

Suzanne

The post Orange County Fun Even With No Sun appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Travel News for Spring

Spring is in full bloom in the Northwest. Blue skies, tulips popping up, and wild daffodils sprouting everywhere. It feels good!

I decided to write a short “newsy” letter to all of you, catching you up and keeping you in the loop. I don’t know about you, but social media can be exhausting and frustrating, and I never seem to see what I am looking for. Frankly, I am too busy to go searching, but I would love to learn about new things from inside my inbox and not have them disappear (like an Instagram Story) in 24 hours! So here we go!

Travel in a nutshell

Our travel season has already begun with several fun long weekends! However, 2024 is more spread out (at least at the beginning of the year!) I am trying to avoid overloading every month with multiple trips. Last year almost killed me! However, once June rolls in, we are off and traveling to some pretty spectacular places! I can’t wait to share it with you!

In January, we visited Nashville and saw Elvis Costello at the Ryman—AMAZING. We also enjoyed some great dinners, but not much sightseeing…the weather was quite cold. We continue to visit one of our favorite local weekend retreats – Whidbey Island! We love Whidbey so much that I have truly embraced my travel connections. I recently interviewed Aurora Echo, an impressive powerhouse of a woman who created Wildly Beloved Foods, where she makes pasta using only organic ingredients and Italian flour. Listen===> HERE

At the tail end of the Nashville trip, we went to Pasadena to visit family! Always a treat! As spring approached we then headed for warmer temperatures in Arizona. Our road trip to Arizona was so fantastic that I decided to create a special podcast episode so I could share this incredible itinerary! The trip included a Dodger home game and Spring Training, new restaurants, a new hotel, and we finished with three days in Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Absolutely epic.

That episode comes out on Friday, April 12th, and you can find the Episode Summary here!

What I am loving!

I continue to read a great number of books each month and just finished this charming and thoughtful travel memoir by Angela Correll. The book is called Restored in Tuscany. Her story of loss and personal renewal, coupled with a renovation in Tuscany, checks all of my interest boxes~ Her book is so compelling I asked her to come on Travel Connections and talk about the book.

Did you know that I have an online photography store? You can purchase prints, create notecards, notebooks, iPhone cases, and many other things with my images. Come check it out at the Fine Art America link below.

Restored in Tuscany by Angela Correll – My Amazon Store
Tulip Photography/Mother’s Day Ideas – Fine Art America

Easter

Decorating for Easter was so much fun this year. Our twin grandchildren are at the perfect age to enjoy every single detail. This year, Craig bought enormous rainbow-colored eggs to hide little toys and stickers inside. The weather was spectacular, and we all had a blast.

What’s up next

A Trip Back to Skagit Valley, WA

I try to visit Skagit Valley for the tulip festival every April and I wonder if you have been as well? Also, we will be traveling to Newport Beach, California, for some baby and birthday celebrations with old friends. I am looking forward to some great weather and happy merrymaking!

My first trip to Alaska!

Can I get a woo-hoo for this? It will be state #44 and my very first ocean cruise. We are traveling on Celebrity Edge, where the interiors were designed by Nate Berkus. My friends Ann and Steve Teget from Postcard Jar organized the group and guess who is coming with me? My grown-up daughter Alex! Her fantastic husband is taking care of the twins for the week and she and I will be staying on the Spa level of the ship and have planned many excursions to enjoy together. This is what the cruise looks like ===> Here!

More details about the cruise in the next newsy letter!

Between my podcast, travel, family news, and adventures, there is a lot happening! If you have questions or want more details about a trip or information I shared, just let me know in the comments or email me at suzannestavert@me.com

Suzanne

The post Spring Travel News, Favorite Bits & Bites appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

A new podcast Adventure!

I am so thrilled to share some exciting news! On October 1st, I will formally launch my brand NEW podcast!  It is called Travel Connections and I wanted to let you know first so you could subscribe and tell all of your friends it is coming your way! As of now, you can listen to the short Welcome Episode! So fun! More exciting episodes will publish every two weeks starting in October.

Are you a podcast listener? I started listening to podcasts several years ago when I would take my dog Rocco for a walk. Many people listen while working out or while driving.

It is super easy to do. If you have an iPhone, there is an icon that looks like this where you can find thousands of different shows!

Virtually any subject you can think of can be found on a podcast! 

You can type in a name or subject matter and literally find ten podcasts that fit your search. A podcast can help you learn something new; you can listen to a comedy podcast and get some needed stress relief or be inspired by an author’s podcast. If you love politics, many politicians and celebrities have very popular podcasts. To find my podcast Travel Connections on Apple Podcasts click HERE!

I will give you five reasons to start listening!

1. Get inspired  
2. Learn something
3. Escape!
4. Optimize your time – Do two things at once! Walk, workout, clean your house, fold laundry, drive in the car and listen to a podcast simultaneously! Genius!
5. Discover!

Why did I decide to create a podcast?

Honestly, I have been thinking about it for a while, but my downtime from traveling during COVID allowed me the mental space and creativity time to create it. 

In a typical year, I would be traveling twice a month, and then once I arrived home, I would have to get busy writing about it for the blog. But in 2020, life stood still, and travel wasn’t happening. So if there was a silver lining with the lockdown, I created Travel Connections.

For the last seven years, I have traveled the world and shared my stories here on AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com. This new podcast will be another way for us to connect and enjoy exciting conversations.

Additionally, I was looking for a way to give back to an industry that has been very good to me. The business of travel was devastated by the pandemic. My mission was to invite the people and companies that create unique travel experiences to share their stories on the show. 

Travel is about storytelling and going deeper into a destination to meet the people and hear about their adventures!

Lastly – If listening to a podcast is not your thing (yet), I have created a dedicated page right here on this website with Episode summaries and…wait for it, a complete transcription of the conversation. That way, if you would like to investigate further, you can read it! It will also have links to everything we talked about on the podcast, so you can learn more right from the page.

I have tried to cover all of the bases!

How to support the podcast:

1. You can listen of course!
2.  Please tell everyone you know!
3. Go to the place where you download your podcasts like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher and click “Subscribe”. This means that every time I publish a new podcast it will automatically download to where you listen.
4. Also! If you like what you hear, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. The more reviews and downloads it receives, the more Apple will share it with the rest of the world! It would be So helpful!
5. In the coming months, I will have several sponsors, so please click the links in the show notes => Here to learn more!

Come find Travel Connections and let’s start this new adventure together! Thank you so much!!

Suzanne

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The post A New Podcast Adventure! Come Listen to Travel Connections appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Dining at The French Laundry has been a dream of mine since my passion for food, restaurants, and the presentation of dishes bordered on obsession. This world-famous, three Michelin Star, pinch me I’m dreaming restaurant is the place where food lovers spend an evening of a lifetime.

Seven years ago, my wish to dine at The French Laundry came true and Craig and I experienced this spectacular dinner for the first time. As expected, it met every one of my expectations and more. The entire food adventure was dreamy and surreal, delicious and memorable. I wrote about my experience here on the blog way back when I first started Adventures of Empty Nesters. 

Fast forward to 2020 where it was a challenging year for everyone. (I know it’s an understatement!) We put our travel dreams on hold and continued to postpone and cancel every trip, every adventure. However, it was time for me to plan my 2021 60th Birthday celebration during this lockdown even where we saw no end in sight. But I planned it anyway! Always the optimist and planner, I thought, why not, let’s plan something, we can always cancel.

My 60th Birthday Wish

My wish was to spend several days in California’s wine country with our kids and their spouses and my mom and stepfather. I found a ridiculously chic house with a pool in Sonoma, CA where every couple could have their own room and bath, and I planned dinners, wine lunches, and tastings. It was going to be perfect.

However, my husband wanted to take it up a notch by securing a reservation at The French Laundry on the evening of my birthday. The restaurant was slowly reopening from the lockdown, masks were still partially in use, and it is also the hottest ticket in town to get! How was this going to happen…again!

Our daughter-in-law Kylie and my husband Craig teamed up to be ready and online at the exact moment the June reservations went on sale. Kylie used her Chase Sapphire Card as her entry point. Evidently, Chase is allotted a few reservations per month, but she could only get a reservation for four guests. Guess who is coming to dinner with us!

One of the best parts of dining at the French Laundry is sitting beside your food-loving grown children and watch them experience this dining magic for the first time!! To share this bucket list adventure with the people you love and care for elevates it even higher. 

The French Laundry Experience

We arrived for the 4:00 pm seating and were warmly greeted at the door, and immediately (it seemed that) every staff member wished me a Happy Birthday. Any time someone new came to the table, they said, “Happy Birthday, Suzanne!” It was surreal, totally, and completely surreal, but we were just getting started!

What is it about this dining experience that means so much to me?  It is the artistry and the attention to detail. The precision, creativity, personalization, and brilliant presentation of every dish are not only clever but SO delicious. Also, every selection from every farm and proprietor is of the finest quality.

The chefs carefully select their suppliers and purveyors to ensure the best possible ingredients. In addition to the evening’s menu to take home, we were presented with a beautifully presented, detailed book with the story of every one of the purveyors who supply the food for the restaurant. A family of people passionate about their craft created this meal for our enjoyment. So special.

For one of many creative examples, in the First Course, which has been on the menu for years, “Oysters and Pearls” is served with this description: “Sabayon of pearl tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and Regiis Ova Caviar”.

This dish is warm and smooth, with just the right amount of teeny-tiny diced herbs—umami in every single bite. The delightful play on words with oysters and pearls, along with the fabulous taste, is the perfect first course.

The Parade of Courses!

Without any further interruption, this is the parade of extraordinary dishes we oohed and ahhed over for nearly three hours. We chose four different wines and kept pinching ourselves. This was a culinary adventure of epic proportions.

This was a standout and a favorite dish for all of us! The lightness of the fish selection and colorful melange, coupled with the crunch of the puffed grains was sublime!

The combination of creamy and crunchy along with the sophisticated serving dish made this an unbelievable couple of bites. With over ten courses, plus dessert, you have plenty to eat, but you don’t feel like you need to loosen your belt. The chefs dazzle you with their creativity and there is time in between each serving to discuss and revel in the presentation. All courses are timed and presented to perfection!

Here come the truffles!

We all chose to upgrade to the decadent Black Truffle and Ricotta Agnolotti. The server presented us with a lidded wooden box full of truffles! I have never seen anything like this, ever!

The Wagyu Beef Course – Oh My!

If black truffles were not decadent enough, let’s add the sumptuous Wagyu beef! I have only had Wagyu once before and that was in Japan. I am not a red meat eater, but for this evening, I splurged and it was so worth it.  Rich with savory umami with just the right amount of salt – the perfect combination.

WAGYU – In Japan there are four breeds that are considered Wagyu. These cattle are raised to ensure a unique high-quality product for meat lovers around the world.

One last course!

Dessert is served!

Here come the desserts, almost too many to remember! In addition to the incredible birthday cake, there were donut holes, chocolate truffles, macarons, strawberry cake, ice cream, and “espresso”, a luscious coffee mousse served in a cup and saucer.

But there’s more!

After the dinner, the wine, the dessert buffet, we were presented with a selection of a variety of truffles. Gorgeous works of art! I reached out to the Concierge at French Laundry and she just sent me all of the details of these dishes! See Below:

• Silverado Trail Strawberry “Delice,” Aged Balsamic Purée, Yogurt “Panna Cotta” and Victoria Cake
• Toasted Oat Ice Cream, Vanilla Milk Chantilly, and “The French Laundry” Honey
• “Gâteau Marjolaine,” Hazelnut “Dacquoise,” Chocolate Ganache and Praline Buttercream (Birthday Cake)
• Cappuccino Semifreddo

Just when you think your heart is so full of love and happiness they presented me with this gift!

Inside the kitchen

And then the pièce de résistance! A personal tour of the renovated kitchen! I cried. Honestly, I was so overwhelmed by the food, the service, the extreme kindness, and my proximity to greatness, I shed a few tears in the state-of-the-art kitchen designed in 2018 by Snøhetta. A perfect adventure for this birthday princess.

Final thoughts about dining at The French Laundry

My magical birthday trip was so memorable that it makes me sad that is it over! Writing this article and going back over and over the details of this dinner caused me to appreciate the experience even more! Craig was so thrilled to see how happy I was and not surprised by my emotional response. We will be married 37 years in October, how lucky am I?

Having Nick and Kylie there with us meant so much to me and to see them enjoy this dining fantasy was a mother’s dream too! There is so much to appreciate and I can understand that this type of dinner isn’t for everyone, but it certainly was for me and my family. I am deeply moved by the personal touches and thoughtful gestures.

Many may wonder if the atmosphere is intimidating or stuffy, not in the slightest.  From the moment we walked through the famous blue door, we felt nothing but a welcome and delicious embrace!

Let’s connect on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram – Hope to see you there!

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The post What Is It Like Dining at The French Laundry? Dreamy & Sublime! appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Why do we travel? One reason: For travel connections

I am often asked – Why do you travel? 

Whenever or wherever I travel, I look for special connections, unique moments, and delightful conversations. What do I mean by travel connections?

My goal is to gather stories, backstories, inspirational stories, and going deeper into the lives of the people who live in these glorious destinations. Now that is traveling! Of course, we visit the local attractions, but there is so much more.

Tell me about the food you grew up eating? Please share with me your favorite local place to relax and soak up the surroundings! What cafe do you go to with your girlfriends? Where can I see a gorgeous garden or unique architecture? I want to dive deep!

I ask questions like: Who did you meet on the train? Where were they going and should you go there too? These are the best parts of travel, the connections we search for and often just stumble upon.

Here is my most recent travel connection story!

Dinner at Mala Tavern

When planning our most recent Maui adventure, more than one frequent Maui traveler said to me, “You must eat at Mala Tavern; the tuna bruschetta is to die for!” I thought, hmmm, that’s an exciting combination; I think we need to check it out. We have visited Maui nearly every year (sometimes twice) for as long as I can remember.  I am embarrassed to say that we have never dined at this popular oceanfront restaurant. Good grief!

We made up for it on this trip; we went twice!

On our first visit to Mala Tavern, along with two divine handcrafted cocktails, we ordered the Ahi Bruschetta (Flaxseed toast, edamame puree, microgreens, aged balsamic). As expected, the flavor profiles were unique, and we nearly licked the plates. We thoroughly enjoyed this tasty, healthy yet moist, thinly sliced bread that served as the bruschetta base. OMG, it was some of the best bread we had eaten in a long time. Did they make it here? Who baked it?

I was on a mission.

I asked the server if the restaurant baked the bread, and she answered with “No, it comes from the Lahaina Bakery.” I asked, “Oh, where is that? I can’t believe I have never heard of it.” She pointed east, “I am not quite sure, but it’s over there near the Taco Bell.”

Ok, now I had to do some exploring. How hard could it be to find this little bakery? Lahaina is a small place! We googled the address, but it wasn’t quite that easy, and our two-week vacation was coming to an end. Due to our travel schedule and the limited number of hours the bakery was open, the only time we had left on our trip was on our way to the airport.

 The Bakery Lahaina

I planned to have Craig drop me off, and I would run in, buy a loaf of the yummy Health Bread, and head for the airport. But this is not what happened, and here is my wonderful travel connection.

The Bakery Lahaina is a sweet, unassuming place on a quiet industrial business park: nothing fancy, just the kind of place that piques your interest. I was in a hurry, needed a loaf of bread, and had a plane to catch. What I found was two busy women running the store and lots of can-do aloha spirit.

I struck up a conversation with Jennifer, who is the co-owner, along with her husband, Charlie. She began to share their inspirational story, and I was captivated. What an unexpected surprise! However, I was in such a rush that I had to follow back up with Jennifer to make sure I got the story straight. 

My heart was a flutter, my skin was tingling, and I wanted to hear the details!

A little history

The Bakery was founded in 1979 by Harold and Keiko Hardcastle. When Harold passed away late in 2020, his wife decided it was time to sell the business. Charlie was the Executive Chef at Hula Grill, a very popular beachside restaurant in Kaanapali Maui, and Jennifer was the manager at The Spa at Black Rock.

The way Jennifer tells the story, Charlie called her and said, “Do you want to buy a bakery?” This was not something they had ever discussed before! There were other interested buyers, and everything was moving very quickly! After careful consideration, they decided to buy it, and it has been an exciting journey ever since. Don’t you love their adventurous spirit? I walked in just about two weeks after they had taken over!

As I mentioned before, I had never heard of it, and when I returned home, I asked my friends who travel to Maui often, and none of them was familiar with The Bakery either! There was not a robust online presence; however, Charlie and Jennifer are in the process of changing it. It is my duty and privilege to tell the world! 

I have since talked with Charlie by phone and emailed with Jennifer. This historic bakeshop needs all of our continued support and enthusiasm. It was such an unexpected thrill for me to hear their story and have the ability to share it with you!

Here are the details:

The Bakery Lahaina

Hours: 6 – 11:30 am Monday – Saturday, Closed on Sunday

Location:

991 Limahana Pl.
Lahaina, HI
808 667-9062

Travel connections are like the icing on the cake and in the case of The Bakery Lahaina, a perfect slice of healthy bread too. They make all kinds of tasty treats! I hope you will visit them on your next visit to Maui. Please say Aloha for me! Mahalo!

Looking for more travel connections? I have BIG news coming soon and you will want to know all about it. Make sure you are signed up to receive emails from me!

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The post Travel Connections : Look What I Discovered in Maui! appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Just for you! A Springtime cocktail for toasting friendship & family!

Spring is the perfect time for a new cocktail adventure! I just love bright new beginnings, sunshine, handcrafted cocktails, and a beautiful asparagus appetizer to accompany the tasty beverage.

We have been raising our cocktail game and consistently trying to include the very best organic ingredients and search for empty nester-friendly recipes. I found a gorgeous Blood Orange Margarita on Instagram, created by The Bitter Fairy. We have made it two other times already and thought it was time to share it with you!

You are welcome!

Our friends at Melissa’s Produce sent us an enormous, healthy stack of colorful organic produce, which happened to include exactly what we needed to make this stunningly delicious margarita! Until recently, we have been hand squeezing our citrus, but for this drink and if making it for a crowd, we purchased a Cuisinart Electric Juicer, and it was so worth it!

Cocktail Adventures!

Back in 2020, when we were not traveling, we created Cocktail Adventures for IGTV and YouTube. We filmed eight videos  (*Plus two bonus episodes) where we shared how to make a favorite cocktail recipe and then paired it with some history and a travel memory. We brought back Cocktail Adventures just for this cocktail recipe and filmed it in our new kitchen in Kirkland, WA.

Blood Orange Rosemary Margarita

• 2 oz tequila Blanco
• 1/4 oz Campari
• 1/2 lime (squeezed)
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 1/2 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Combine all ingredients in a Boston Cocktail Shaker filled with ice, shake and strain into glass with ice. Garnish with fresh rosemary and a slice of blood orange.

Asparagus Gruyere Tart by Martha Stewart

I went looking for a fresh and easy Springtime appetizer that paired well with our citrus cocktail. I am a huge fan of asparagus, and since it was prominently displayed in our produce box, it was a simple choice. Don’t you love asparagus?

Ingredients

• Flour, for work surface
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
• 5 1/2 ounces (2 cups) Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 pounds medium or thick asparagus
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions

• Step 1
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a 16-by-10-inch rectangle. Trim uneven edges. Place pastry on a baking sheet. With a sharp knife, lightly score pastry dough 1 inch in from the edges to mark a rectangle. Using a fork, pierce dough inside the markings at 1/2-inch intervals. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes.
• Step 2
• Remove pastry shell from oven, and sprinkle with Gruyere. Trim the bottoms of the asparagus spears to fit crosswise inside the tart shell; arrange in a single layer over Gruyere, alternating ends and tips. Brush with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until spears are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Cook’s Notes

Store-bought puff pastry works well in this savory tart; thaw it according to package instructions. 

Looking for another unique treat with exotic fruit? Check out my friend Stacey’s Feijoa Strudel and Chia Feijoa Jam Recipe! I had never heard of a feijoa either! Looks amazing!

Thanks for reading and please forward this post to someone else who may be looking for a Springtime Cocktail Recipe!

Let’s connect on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram – Hope to see you there!

I was provided with fresh produce for the purpose of this cocktail and appetizer adventure.  Also, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. 

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The post A Juicy Springtime Cocktail & Savory Appetizer with Melissa’s Produce appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Ventana Big Sur – An extraordinary luxury hotel!

After seven months of quarantine, we were more than ready for an anniversary trip. At the time, restrictions from COVID had lifted enough where we could travel to the glorious California coast at Big Sur.

I needed this vacation so much! Tired of being cooped up with no trips planned, it was time. Travel is my passion, my occupation, and honestly, what lights me up inside. I love to create the plans, to experience new places, and find adventure. I’m not ready to settle into retirement yet; there are too many fabulous destinations to visit, too much out there to learn! Don’t you agree?

On our first vacation out from COVID quarantine, we wanted to take it up a level in a luxury hotel like Ventana Big Sur. We certainly chose the perfect destination! Ventana is AMAZING, and this idyllic gem located on the top of the mountain literally blew us away. Surrounded by nature instead of hotel guests, we were able to relax, keep any unwanted germs at a distance, and thoroughly enjoy a long weekend and empty nester adventure.

The Big Sur Suite

My friends at Ventana Big Sur suggest that although we need physical distance, an emotional connection is paramount. “The importance of space, both physical and mental. Room to explore, unencumbered by obstacles. Areas designed to enhance personal connection, while seemingly a world away from everyone and everything. Experiences that offer restoration and rejuvenation without walls or limitations”. I wholeheartedly agree with this philosophy.

We reserved the Big Sur Suite, an enormous bungalow-type room with a stone fireplace and our very own hot tub. Our suite, which sits in a lush forest, felt more like a luxury cabin than a hotel room and was decorated with warm woods, a tub for two, and peekaboo ocean views.

We stepped away from the stresses and politics to focus on ourselves. We hiked, rested, read, sat by the pool, ate superb food, and even snuck in watching a Dodger World Series Game or two.

This exclusive luxury resort allowed us to stay away from the crowds, and I can’t wait to tell you about our dining experience! Ventana sits just above the thick cloud cover looking out over the Pacific Ocean and was positively dreamy! The sun shines brightly above the clouds, and when you travel down the mountain, it is appreciably cooler.

Staying Safe

At the restaurant, the small wood dining tables sat very far apart, we felt safe and well looked after. The friendly staff is accomodating, offering personal service to make you feel special. All COVID protocols are enforced, and the safety of the guests is a top priority.

And I should also mention that only 50 rooms are occupied at any one time. This hotel is an impeccable destination where couples thrive, and food lovers rejoice!

Our adventures!

Oh, but the food!

Our stay was all-inclusive, so the only extra we paid for were cocktails and wine. Breakfast and lunch are served at Sur House where the menu is inspired by the sustainable ingredients found in the Central Coast of California.

The dishes are thoughtfully prepared to showcase seasonal herbs and vegetables and the plates are pretty as a picture! Bright colors, unique flavor combinations, and the freshest local ingredients. Sheer perfection!

The entire experience ranks at the top of our luxury hotel adventures. The quiet privacy coupled with views to die for and incredible gourmet food makes Ventana Big Sur one of my very favorite destination hotels. I think too that because we had been deprived of travel, this trip was that much sweeter!

I am always appreciative, but my devotion to travel and my connection to all that travel means has risen to a whole new level. About a year ago, this property was purchased by Hyatt Hotels and as you may have read previously, we are loyal to Hyatt. We were so delighted to be able to use our hotel points to enjoy this extraordinary resort and have already planned another trip to return in May!

Let’s connect on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram – Hope to see you there!

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The post An Anniversary Trip to Ventana Big Sur: A Luxury Hotel on the Pacific Coast appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.