Luxury Travel Nightlife Restaurant Chef

Photo By: Andrea Cannistraci

journeyPod was again front and center at the 8^th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. This international showcase of the world’s premier wines, spirits, chefs, culinary personalities, and gourmet foods did not disappoint!

We called Hotel Solamar home for the weekend, and chatted with GM, Mark Dibella for some inside scoop on this amazing property located in the heart of the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.

Our weekend of gluttony included a Belgian Beer Tasting & Pairing with Chef Daniel Joly (Mirabelle at Beaver Creek). And at the Reserve and Limited Tasting Event,  it was more than just wine... There was scotch! SipSmokeSavor was pairing scotches with chocolates.

It was a sunny San Diego Saturday for The Grand Tasting Event down at the Embarcadero where we ran into a number of unique luxury brands such as Chuao Chocolate, DelGrosso Sauce, Wild Hibiscus, and Ca’momi Wines.

Take a listen as we give you inside scoop on everything from crazy wine owners, to edible flowers, to how to live like a local.

Listen Now:

 Enhanced Podcast [9:02m]: Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (505)

Journeypod.com was in pit lane and the paddocks for the 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. We rubbed shoulders with Danica and Dario, and even chatted up racing legend Bobby Rahal, who was in the pits helping his son, Graham. Then we got up close up with the Grand Marshall for this year’s event—Chef Gordon Ramsey! journeyPod.com attended Chef’s press conference and got some inside scoop on Hell’s Kitchen and also a food few tips from Chef Gordon. Take a listen from this exclusive press conference!

Listen Now:

 Enhanced Podcast: Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (446)

Located in Morningside, just outside of Virginia Highlands, Rosebud is a favorite among locals who are looking for fresh, local fare at a really great price with impeccable service. Named after Jerry Garcia’s famed guitar, Rosebud serves a creative fare of American cuisine with a definite touch of Southern inspiration and offers guests a wide selection of reinvented classics.  Chef Ron Eyester readily embraces the creative aspects of cooking and takes pride in being labeled the “Innovator of the Year” by the Georgia Restaurant Association. Ron Eyester shares his ideas, menus and thoughts on his weekly blog and has a very active following on Twitter, where he is known as the “Angry Chef”. We look forward to his latest venture The Family Dog (named after one of the first venues the Grateful Dead performed at) set to open in March/April 2011 which will serve as everyone's ” local watering hole”.

Enjoy podsafe artist Buddahead & their hit "When I Fall".

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [6:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (385)

Los Cabos is where the warm calm Sea of Cortez meets the cold angry Pacific Ocean. They come together at the famous “El Arco.” Be sure take a glass bottom boat ride out to the arch. You won’t need to pack much either. The temperature year round is 78 degrees. journeyPod was just there in mid-April and it was nearly 90! A bikini/swimsuit, flip flops, and shorts is all you’ll need.

Stay at the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar or the Westin Resort & Spa. You won't go wrong either way! For more information on Los Cabos be sure to check out our upcoming Destination Guide this week. For now, take a listen as Jose from the Westin gives journeyPod inside scoop on this amazing destination!

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [8:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (741)

journeyPod is back at the Ellis Hotel, Atlanta's only "Green" Boutique Hotel located in the heart of downtown. We had a chance to celebrate Valentine's Day weekend at the property and we highly recommend this to couples for next year! The only time we left our room was to taste some of Chef Thomas's delectable dishes! For Valentine's Day we enjoyed fresh Blue Pointe Oysters and North Georgia Trout stuffed with American Crab. After licking our plates clean, we headed to our candle-lit room where we were pleasantly surprised with champagne, edible chocolate with a feather duster and rose petals!

Let's listen in on our interview with Executive Chef Thomas McKeown as he chats about cooking with local organic produce at Terrace on Peachtree, shopping at farmer's markets & upcoming events like St. Patrick's Day!

Enjoy podsafe artist 3rd Culture with their hit "One Promise".

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (594)

Famous worldwide as North America’s top ski resort, Vail is an extraordinary winter vacation destination. The vacation experience is world class, from the Vail Ski and Snowboard School, snowmobiling (which we absolutely loved), to big time concerts and festivals, the shops and spas, dining, nightlife and accommodations – world class lodging from the high end of luxury to practical affordability, Vail waits to be discovered. Again, and again.

journeyPod stayed at the beautiful Vail Cascade Resort & Spa,  Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain along the banks of Gore Creek, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is Vail's only ski-in/ski-out, AAA Four-Diamond Colorado ski resort. Enjoy an amazing dinner at the Atwater on Gore Creek (Check out our Chef’s Corner with Adam Votaw!). After a day on the slopes, let an expert masseuse treat your sore muscles to a deep tissue massage at the Aria Club & Spa!

Let’s listen in on our interview with Chris Romer, Director of Sales and Marketing for Vail Valley Partnership.

Enjoy podsafe artist Bill with their hit “Sound Scientist”.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [9:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (609)

Just an hour flight from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, be prepared for the trip of a lifetime to Eleuthera and Harbour Island! Eleuthera, home to Lenny Kravitz, is considered one of Bahamas 'Out Islands' but is definitely the place for the "in crowd" looking for seclusion and romance! Other famous faces spotted in Eleuthera include Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, John Mayer and many more!

journeyPod enjoyed making fresh Conch Salad at Queen Conch, snorkeling around the coast and taking an overnight trip to Harbour Island. In Harbour Island we stayed at the luxurious Romora Bay Club & Resort and enjoyed an amazing cuisine by Chef Matthew Ona at VUE (make sure to check out our Chef's Corner article).

In Eleuthera, we fell in love with The Cove Eleuthera - what a fantastic property! Described by guests as "a calming flow of island elegant living & world class service," the Cove boasts 22 newly renovated rooms and deluxe suites, a wonderful chef by the name of Manuel Perez and a warm and welcoming staff! Listen in on our interview with Managing Director, Kirk Aulin.

Enjoy podcafe artist Douglas Kay with his hit "How can I be sure".

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (660)

There are a total of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe, each uniquely located on the outskirts of gorgeous Metropolitan cities including:  London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich and Dublin.

Each of the nine open-air Villages boasts anywhere from 55-120 designer outlets and provides a rich ambiance that reflects the flavor and culture of the respective location; this includes everything from the architecture to the cuisine.  It's  no wonder these shopping destinations are recognized among many of today’s jet-setters, fashionistas, and celebrities! Recent celebs that have been spotted include Mick Jagger, Victoria Beckham, Jude Law and Liz Hurley.

Listen in to our interview with Desirée Bollier and find out more about luxury designer outlet shopping, like Gucci and Diane Von Furstenberg. Bollier will also share some of the luxury secrets that make Chic Outlets so unique - personal shoppers, Valet Boy to carry your bags, a VIP lounge and even translators!

For our full shopping guide, click here!

Enjoy podcast artist Bill and his hit "Sound Scientist".

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (636)

journeyPod explores the Cayman Islands and some of their many pristine beaches.  We uncover some top diving and snorkeling spots including North Wall and Stingray City.  We chill out at the famous Rum Point with its unspoiled scenery and water sports.

journeyPod gets up close and personal with rare Blue Iguanas.  Finally we hear from a Caribbean expert about the lesser known Little Cayman which provides for a real escape and amazing diving.  journeyPod has you covered with vacation information and travel tips about the Cayman Islands including Grand Cayman Island.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (759)

After spending the day visiting the largest aquarium in the world, hiking up Stone Mountain, taking in a CNN Studio Tour and filling up on cola at the World of Coke, book yourself a room at Atlanta's only "Green" boutique hotel.  The Ellis Hotel is a charming and unique property located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.  Conserving energy by using paper products that have been at least 30% post consumer recycled, timed light systems and recycled water - it's easy to see why this hotel was recently awarded an "Excellence" rating by Trip Advisor.

Enjoy American Heirloom dishes prepared by their Executive (Irish) Chef Thomas McKeown (check out our podcast with Chef Thomas!) . Terrace supports local and regional farmers, fisherman and producers.  Try free wines between 5:30-6:30 p.m. nightly.  When booking a room make sure to ask about breakfast and romance packages! Forget your hair straightener or Spanx at home?  Don't fret, the "Women's Only" floor has more than enough goodies to make sure that you look your best at all times!

Listen in to our podcast with General Manager, Stacy Martin, as she discusses the concept of The Ellis Hotel, property amenities and the wonderful menu at Terrace! Enjoy the jazzy sounds of David Baumgarten with his hit "When I still Wonder".

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (589)