The Culinary Diplomat

Karma Modern Indian: Edible Art with South Asian flare

It’s definitely nowhere near your average Indian restaurant. Washington, DC’s Karma Modern Indian is one of DC’s newest fine dining establishments, which just happens to emphasize the flavors of India and South Asia as it plates craveable, edible works of art. It somehow manages to pull off an understated opulence that shatters expectation. OK, so…

The Willows: When a cheeseburger alone just isn’t enough

Yes, your eyes didn’t deceive you. That featured photo was neither your standard grilled cheese, nor your standard cheeseburger. It is an insane, lusty menage a trois wherein two textbook American grilled cheese sandwiches surround, yet manage not to completely overwhelm, a meaty cheeseburger. Yes, what I’m describing is food porn and nearly almost is…

The Indecisive Foodie’s guide to Vancouver, BC

What’s an indecisive foodie to do when visiting a new city? Happy hour hop! Follow me on a romp through some of Vancouver’s best happy hour spots, where locals, business travelers, and tourists alike can sample some of Vancouver’s great dishes, cocktails, beers, and wine – all while sticking to a budget. My first trip…

Blue Water Cafe: An iconic seafood restaurant in Vancouver, BC’s Yaletown

When visiting a new city for the first time, any foodie’s first question is, “Where do I eat?” I rely on cross-referencing friends’ recommendations with Trip Advisor and Yelp so I ensure I go to places locals would eat and not the easy, middle of the road places that happen to be popular. My first…

Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch: Reliably wonderful Napa Valley farm to table

You know you’ve found a favorite restaurant when you can eat there twice within a week, and the second meal is even better than the first. That’s how I feel about Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch, a Napa Valley restaurant that is a must for anyone traveling through the area, no matter how short your stay….

Pasta Fresca Barkia: The best of Italian cuisine and Greek hospitality in Mykonos

Greek cuisine is fantastic. Whether you prefer surf or turf, meat or vegetarian food, Greek cuisine has something for everyone. Yet in the Mediterranean food wars (I made that up), Italian food wins the global battle. I would argue that no other cuisine has such is represented by more restaurants or appears on more menus…

Mykonos: Know Before You Go

Mykonos. The Greek isle has quite the reputation as a luxury party destination. Does it live up to the hype? The island can offer a wide range of experiences, depending on your preferences. Looking to party like European royalty? Mykonos has you covered. Relaxation or a romantic retreat? Check. An action-packed LGBT-friendly getaway? Check. Looking…

The Talisman: A magical expat nook in southwestern Nairobi

The omnipresent developing world traffic of Nairobi, Kenya can’t stop expats from flocking to The Talisman, an eclectic, cozy gastropub for international culinary fusion or cocktails with friends. I joined that set for a night during my trip to Kenya, and the restaurant didn’t disappoint for food and atmosphere. For those of you who haven’t…

Narobi, Kenya: Where culture, cuisine, and class converge

Fresh off a Kenyan adventure, the CD takes you on a cultural and culinary tour of Nairobi, a city of contrasts. The food scene one finds in Nairobi as a wealthy expatriate is far different than what those less fortunate may eat, showing us all just how fortunate we are as travelers. Many of us…

The quintessential high tea experience at London’s Hotel Café Royal

There is perhaps no dining experience more quintessentially British than a proper high tea. And when one has so many fine tea rooms to choose from, how does one do so? Discover how here! A truly great high tea experience has been on my bucket list since my first trip to London 15 years ago….

The Culinary Diplomat

Wedel chocolate cafe: Polish confections for a chocoholic

Peru: More than ceviche, Pisco, and Machu Picchu

A tour of Belgium’s chocolatiers

Healthy Diplomat: Chocolate superfood cookies – paleo, vegan, and packed with chocolate

Extreme chocolates in the Baltic States

You, too, can make French macarons – trois façons