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When foodies travel: A culinary exploration of Cuba

My favorite way to explore a culture is through the cuisine. It is one of the most interesting, and filling, ways to understand a culture's history as well as its role today. Cuba is no exception. A country that seemed blocked off from the world, at least the US, for decades, Cuba has a fascinating culinary history. And, despite the new restrictions on traveling to Cuba, a culinary tour with Access Culinary Trips is still permitted! Here is a a recap of my culinary trip to Cuba, which I originally wrote about in the Napa Valley Register.

Despite new restrictions for Americans traveling to Cuba, it is still a top destination for tourists. And rightfully so. The largest country in the Caribbean, Cuba is a semitropical island with a coastline marked by bays, reefs, keys and islets as well as long stretches of lowlands and swamp. Half of the island is mountainous with the Sierra Masetra mountains to the east, the Trinidad mountains in the center and the Sierra de los Organos in the west.

When I was growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, Cuba was always off limits to me, somewhere I never thought I would be able to visit. But when restrictions were lifted in 2016, Cuba moved to the top of my list. I did not act on booking a trip right away, but as new restrictions came into place, I decided I could wait no longer. The good news is that is Cuba is still open to Americans and is a place worth visiting.

04 July, 2019

Auburn LA – An Exceptional Addition to the LA Restaurant Scene

Auburn LA is one of the newest additions to the Los Angeles restaurant scene, and it is set to be one of the best. Located on Melrose Avenue, across the street from Mozza and Chi Spacca, Auburn LA has made its home in the space that was once home to Meson G, Citrus and Hatfield's.

Completely revamped, the space looks nothing like its predecessors. Auburn LA is a clean open space with lots of sunlight streaming in from the skylights. The decor is simple with neutral-toned walls, white oak, light-colored furniture and indoor greenery. Auburn LA is a 105-seat restaurant, broken into several different spaces. Upon entering the restaurant, there is a bar and seating area.

The open kitchen is where you can see Chef Eric Bost and his team diligently at work. There are a few tables that share the room with the kitchen.

Just beyond the kitchen, separated by glass windows, is the semi-enclosed patio. This is the main dining area and yet the tables are so well-spaced that you really feel like you can enjoy dinner with your companions and not be distracted or interrupted by other diners.

25 June, 2019

Dining at Dama in Downtown LA

Dama in the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles opened in July 2018 and was at the top of my list to visit. Somehow it took me almost a year to finally get there, due to an insanely busy travel schedule. But, it was worth the wait and I have already returned because Dama is a definite dining destination. Dama is an upscale Latin-influenced restaurant located in a converted warehouse. From the moment you step inside, you will feel like you are at a tropical resort in the Caribbean. A gigantic wooden bar sits in the middle of the restaurant, covering a large portion of the space. Tables surround the bar and more tables can be found outside on the patio. But even when you are sitting inside, you will feel like you are outside as there are no solid walls around the restaurant and the outside breeze flows through the dining room.

The floors are tiled and wicker ceiling fans hang from the ceiling. The feeling is so tropical and relaxed, you will feel like you have stepped back in time to 1940s Havana as you sip a daiquiri at the bar. I am personally drawn to the wine list which is curated by Taylor Grant, who also oversees the wine program at one of Dama's sister restaurants, Scopa Italian Roots in Culver City. The wine list is creative and eclectic with wines from around the world - Spain, Portugal, Mexico, France, Switzerland, Greece, Lebanon, Germany, Austria, California, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and a small selection of wines from Sicily. Taylor and her team are on hand to suggest wines to enjoy with your meal and you are bound to try something you have not had before.

18 June, 2019