Just to the west of Lisbon, and an easy train or car ride away, Portugal’s Riviera unfolds — white sandy beaches, stunning vistas, bars and restaurants sprawling onto the P... Read More
It never fails to amaze me how a city and its scene can inform, nurture, or undermine talent. As it turns out, both of my West Coast hometowns have provided inspiration and support... Read More
Lisbon is an alluring city any time of year, but why not celebrate the start of 2017 there? It’s similar in so many ways to San Francisco – seven hills, stunning bridges, d... Read More
As this is being written, New Year’s Eve — with its champagne revelry, midnight kisses, and the promise of bright beginnings — and New Year’s Day — with its Alka-... Read More
As the calendar goes, this is a time of peace on Earth and goodwill to all men. Then, there’s the recent, hotly contested, downright coarse presidential election and its aftermat... Read More
Christmas in wine country conjures images of spending festive time in Napa or Sonoma, maybe Paso Robles or Santa Cruz County. But how about this year exploring a totally different ... Read More
If you keep the sort of hours I do, you know that dining can be a very haphazard thing. Generally, I’m up at the crack of noon. Don’t judge. The validity of my lifestyl... Read More
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada’s historic gold rush region, El Dorado County (Spanish for “The Gilded One”) is a year-round playground — ski and snowboard in the winter, enjo... Read More
San Luis Obispo is a four-hour trip south down Highway 101 or a stunning drive down Highway 1. Either way, once you arrive, the SLO lifestyle kicks in – laid back, down to earth,... Read More
As much as i love the change of pace and professional opportunities that my frequent time in Los Angeles provides me, I can’t imagine packing up all of my belongings, pulling up ... Read More
The California coastline is a stunner any time of year. On a clear day, it really can’t be beat. Heading south on Highway 1 to the Central Coast from San Francisco, my husband an... Read More
Many years ago when Hong Kong was a British Crown Colony, I spent a lot of time there as a P.R. guy. In the 1950s, I was the publicist in the United States for Cathay Pacific Airwa... Read More
I’m worried about the figs. Never thought I’d say that, let alone write that, but there you have it. At an inopportune time, I find myself in San Francisco and not at m... Read More
In the fall, Tahoe is a visitor’s dream — stunning lake, enticing trails, majestic views, and culinary excitement — all without the crowds. This trip, we chose the north shor... Read More
Just to be clear, I may be the coastal commuter, but I am hardly the only coastal commuter — at least when it comes to the San Francisco-Los Angeles circuit. I have at least thre... Read More