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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.

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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!

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Known to be “the most romantic spot on the California coast,” Dana Point is located half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego.

From shopping, to dining, to fishing and whale-watching, there is tons to do in Dana Point. Of course water sports are a big hit year-round with mild temps even in the winter!

As for accommodations, journeyPod highly recommends the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. You can delight your tastebuds at Eno, give back to the community while sport fishing via Second Harvest, or learn to surf with a pro Billabong surf instructor!

For more information on this amazing property check them out on Face Book and on Twitter, and listen to our exclusive podcast here! Then sit back and enjoy local Laguna Beach artist Sasha Evans and her song, "Achin' For You."

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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".

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Which wine tastes best with pork chops in a maple glaze? Does rosemary-marinated grilled halibut invite red or white wine? Are there also great food pairings for beer, spirits, cocktails, coffee and tea? journeyPod had a chance to chat with Wine Expert, Natalie McClean, about some great wine & food pairings. Find out what strange food Marilyn Monroe used to pair her white wine with and impress a date with a brand new iPhone, iTouch & Blackberry application called Drinks Matcher.

Natalie is the author of the bestseller 'Red, White and Drunk All Over' and publishes a free wine newsletter at www.nataliemaclean.com. Natalie is also a 'tweetmeister' on Twitter, so make sure to follow her: http://twitter.com/NatalieMacLean & look for her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nataliemaclean

For more luxury travel tips make sure to follow journeyPod on Twitter: http://twitter.com/journeyPod.

Enjoy podsafe artist Amy Ayres with her hit "Today".

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journeyPod is coming to you live from the Grand Tasting Village of the 2009 South Beach Wine and Food Festival. We had a chance to catch up with winner of Food Network's "Iron Chef America" - Michelle Bernstein-Martinez. Michelle's unique approach to "luxurious approachable food" has made her namesake restaurant, Michy's, a fiery success. Michelle has also made a splash with her Spanish-style tapas at Sra. Martinez, the intimate Michelle's at Carysfort and MB at the Aqua Hotel in Cancun. 

Before opening her own restaurant, Michelle worked at some of our favorite Miami hotspots including Tantra, Red Fish Grill and The Strand. Today she is a regular guest on The Martha Stewart Show, The Today Show and was a co-host of the Melting Pot.  Michelle lets us in on some of her favorite hangouts in Miami including Nobu and Michael's Genuine Food & Drink.

Make sure to pick up her cookbook "Cuisine á Latiná" at a store near you. Now lets take you live to the event where Michelle cooked up some delectable Sweet Corn & Cheese Empanadas at the Sargento Artisan Blends Booth.

 Enjoy podsafe band Black Lab with their hit "Remember".

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journeyPod headed to sunny Southern California for the 5th Annual San Diego Wine and Food Festival. journeyPod was there for lip smacking, glass clinking, celebrity watching, swishing, swirling, mouth watering kinds of fun! Held at venues along the stunning San Diego waterfront, the Festival was a sizzling five-day festa that offered attendees everything from cooking classes with celebrity chefs, to wine tastings with Master Sommeliers, to a Reserve Tasting aboard the Hornblower’s Inspiration, and the Final Grand Event --where over 800 wines were poured.

journeyPod caught up with some of the movers and shakers at the festival. We spoke with the Chef of the Fest from 2007, Chef GT, for some real inside scoop on what it is like to be “Chef of the Fest.” We also chatted with the Dan from Redwood Creek Wines, and with Rita from Designo Plus who told us all about sea salts from around the world!

Let's take a listen straight from this year’s San Diego Wine and Food Festival. And if you’re interested in attending the festival next November, journeyPod highly suggest you make your hotel reservations now—at the Grand Del Mar. That’s where we stayed this year and we couldn’t have been more impressed! Tune in for our podcast on The Grand Del Mar in an upcoming show. You’re gonna love this kitchy piece called “Glass of Wine” by The New Autonomous Folksingers.

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Atlanta is a city on the rise! With new restaurants, boutique hotels, wine bars, and lounges opening - culinary tourism is increasing rapidly!

Chefs in Atlanta are to thank for this great movement. Kevin Rathbun made his mark with his three hotspots: Rathbuns, Krog Bar and Rathbuns Steak. Hector Santiago has brought true Spanish tapas to Pura Vida in the Virginia Highlands. Top Chef contestant Richard Blais wows his patrons with his knowledge of comfort food and molecular gastronomy at Home.

journeyPod was especially impressed with Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala, who continues to draw in the crowd at Aria restaurant in Buckhead. Serving delectable dishes like the Zinfandel Braised Beef Short Rib and a Warm Lobster Cocktail - there is a reason this restaurant is packed nightly with both locals and visitors!

Listen in as Chef Gerry explains his idea of creating food memories at Aria. Usher, Janet Jackson and Woody Harellson are just a few of the celebrity guests that have enjoyed Gerry's cooking!

Enjoy podsafe artist Jersey Jung and her song "Good at Goodbye".

For a full list of our favorite places in Atlanta, check out our Atlanta Destination Guide!

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journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, hottest nightlife and coolest restaurants.

journeyPod was live at 8th Annual Wine South Festival in Atlanta where we enjoyed a wine sampling of some of the finest European wines available, paired with spicy food provided by Hector Santiago of Pura Vida.

Maureen Petrosky was our sommelier for this tasting and taught us about pairing rieslings and riojas with meats, shrimp, chocolate and peppers. We were surprised to learn that sparkling wine goes extremely well with hot wings..something for the ladies to remember during football season!

Among many other titles, Maureen was named "Female Chef Extroardinaire" by the International Organization, Les Marmitons, and was a recent judge on Iron Chef America.

Enjoy the alternative sounds of Figureone and their song "Beautiful Creation".

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journeyPod is your guide to luxury travel around the world.

Hello fellow jet-setters, we are in Salzburg, Austria!

Situated on the Salzach River, Salzburg is about a four hour train ride from Zurich and a four hour train ride from Vienna. Most of the major attractions are located in the Old City. It's easy to wander the cobblestone streets of the old town and become a part of history.  Getreidegasse âTrade Streetâ? is the Rodeo Drive of Salzburgâshopping galore.  And all the store signs are wrought-iron and very classyâeven the McDonalds!  Youâll want to see Mozartâs birth houseâthe most famous address in Salzburg.

The greatest views of Salzburg can be seen from atop the Monchberg peak at Fortress Hohensalzburg. (Think Sound of Music)  And donât worry, journeyPod did not partake in one of the CHEESEY (did we say CHEESEY) Sound of Music Tours!

You surely wonât go hungry in Salzburg: there are a tons of great places to sample the local cuisine.  At De Weiss, a beer garden, you can blend in with the locals.  At Sternbrau try the weiner schnitzel, or down a few Steigl beers at Skiftskeller St. Peter.Be sure to read our Destination Guide on Salzburg for more information on this High-Baroque city!  When youâre ready to lay your head to rest, head to the journeyPod pick, Hotel Sacher. This top-notch beauty is situated on the banks of the Salzach River.  Hillary and Chelsea Clinton stayed here as did the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. journeyPod met with Elfie Kammerhoffer, the Managing Director of the Hotel Sacher Salzburg. 

Enjoy the rock sounds of Mozart Rottweiler with Sinister Undertones and their song, âCastles and Dragons.â?

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