I have been lucky enough to get to travel to many places in the world starting as a child. When people ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, after veterinarian and ambassador, I would say I wanted to travel. Traveling evokes such good feelings for me. Loneliness dissipates, stress gets erased, and overall I feel happiest while traveling, absorbing foods and cultures of the world.  Here are a few of the most memorable places and the “sustenance” I gathered from each location. The common draw to these locations is that the people there know how to take time to fill themselves with the sustenance they need, which is so much about just sitting back, eating, and realizing- something I love doing when I travel but never quite am able to do when I am here on US soil……….anyhow….good times and many more to come!

Israel   (General Israel)

I’ve been traveling to Israel for over 8 years now. I remember when I got my new passport to travel to Israel for the first time 8 years ago almost exactly.  I remember not knowing what to expect and have loved it ever since.  When I first began traveling there, the tourism sector was down, not too many travelers going there like today again, so there was an element of peacefulness to it that I enjoyed a great deal.  I considered myself lucky when I traveled for work; I got to discover growers all over the country which basically meant not going to the tourist sites. I got to go into people’s homes in the north by the Galilee, in the south in the Negev and the Arava, and around the Dead Sea.  I got to experience food that was traditional and fresh and like nothing I have ever had before.  But most incredible to me was the people and their appreciation for food and the gift of sharing food together.  The Israelis appreciate taking time to be with one another, and eating is a perfect way to do that. That is one of the most heartfelt bits of “sustenance” that I can take from the land of milk and honey for sure. My favorite all time food experience in Israel would have to be the Kurdish food that one of our early herb grower’s mothers made for me, kube and kofta and cabbage salads and cucumber salads, spicy and herby like I like, the most amazing food I have tasted yet!

Souiliac, Mauritius

Mauritius was my first ever real vacation. I took two weeks and turned my phone off and flew halfway around the world to this tiny little perfect island!  I went on a yoga mediation retreat, with high hopes of learning to combat stress better.  Funny thing is for the first 4 days I couldn’t do yoga; the Indian Yogis said that I needed to learn how to breathe first before I could do yoga.  Ironic as breathing is still hard for me to this day!  The food in Mauritius was heavenly. It was an all ayurvedic diet for the full two weeks and consisted of the cleanest, healthiest food ever. There was something so fulfilling- simply about waking up eating clean, doing yoga, swimming in the clearest of blue seas and relaxing.  The people knew how to eat healthy in general there.  Very little alcohol, very little meat, nothing processed just good clean food and fun.  Super amazing experience, I would go back in a heartbeat.  All time best food experience in Mauritius: The ethnic mixture of the food from Mauritius for me made it one of the most interesting of all fusion foods, a combination of French, Chinese, Arab and Indian influences and ingredients made the experience of eating interesting beyond comprehension.  I ate a jack fruit curry there that blew my mind.

Amsterdam, Holland

This was the first place I had ever traveled where the people looked like me.  I had mostly traveled throughout Latin America and the Middle East up until that point and so being in Holland I witnessed people that were tall and larger.  It was great to feel very comfortable there as a Swedish girl- it made me want to visit Sweden.  The food was fresh but hearty, and the fresh herb usage was ferocious, and I loved it.  Again one of the common threads was people sitting in coffee shops (no, not that kind) and just talking to each other, being present in each other’s lives.  I loved it and am trying to bring it into my life more.  Best food experience:  Bitterballen on a cold rainy day!

Guadalajara, Mexico

A stop I have made a few times- both times with one of my brothers and both times en route to either fruit or pepper farms.  Either way Guadalajara is a memorable place.  Typical big city Mexico but somewhat unique as well.  The food scene in Guadalajara I think is remarkable, tomes of upscale restaurants like I had never seen before in Mexico.  Tons of foodie people were there, and it was very interesting to witness people coming together for food.  Both times we spent an entire day in Guadalajara, visiting the churches and museums and relaxing. Both times I enjoyed one of the most incredible meals in Mexico to date! Best food moment in Guadalajara: chicken enchiladas with a mole sauce that was sublime. I never loved mole but this one was spicy and perfectly seasoned, didn’t taste like chocolate!

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is indeed one of my most special places. For one, I sincerely felt love while there with a dear friend and new lover.  And secondly, it’s Santorini for shit’s sake- one of the most majestic places on EARTH!  Santorini taught me the art of indulgence and feeling worthy of that indulgence.  The scenery was so exquisite, the people calm and happy, and it was difficult to complain about much. It was truly amazing, and the food, spectacularly fresh, seafood, tomatoes, wine…….love was in the air in Santorini for all and it translated into a good time.  Best food moment: Eating our morning breakfast of eggs & herbs, santorini tomatoes, fresh juice and fruit and honey and yogurt, all while taking in the bright sun and deep blue sea.

The Dead Sea & Arava Desert, Israel

To float in the Dead Sea is unlike any other experience on earth.  My main memory of the Dead Sea which usually goes hand with trips to the Arava desert, is floating in the Dead Sea in the middle of summer, the heat is typically over 110 F and the water probably about 80 F, hot and hotter on all counts!  But spending the day with good friends floating, drinking some herbal iced tea and eating fruits and dried dates is a great loving memory.  In the Arava, I have to admit I have tried some wacky stuff, one of my favorites was the ostrich burger, thick and juicy and like a steak!    My overwhelmingly incredible food moment in the Arava was a moonlight picnic in the middle of the dessert, with blankets and pillows…..lots of babaganush, dolmas, hummus, fresh pita and some lemon thyme flavored moonshine! (Dancing & singing galore!)

Berlin, Germany

Well first and foremost, I loved Berlin- clean, organized, and a good example of how quickly one can change.  Think about the short amount of time since the wall fell and how integrated the city is.  Berlin has always been a fun city that I travel to once a year for a fruit & vegetable convention.  Always interesting food and so much organic, sustainable and green stuff is happening here. I am always inspired to make drastic changes when I return.  This last time in February of this year, I was inspired to make my biggest change yet and have been happy for its inspiration ever since!  Best food moment in Berlin had to be the sour bratten at one of the oldest restaurants in Berlin.

Tel Aviv, Israel

One of my favorite places to visit.   I love Tel Aviv and spent one whole summer there.  I packed up my dog and moved and took the summer off work while I was going to finish my first cookbook proposal.  I ended up playing non stop in the food scene of Israel as well as spending MANY days on the beach and training in kick boxing with some great folks!  It was a perfect life (for the summer)- I awoke every day, ate breakfast on the veranda overlooking the sea, walked around, went to the beach, went to the big open air market & bought fresh vegetables, cheeses, fruits, nuts seeds, wines…….learned Hebrew (ksat!) and simply went on a big food education journey.  I discovered the incredible attention to detail that I am such a fan of, not only in the food but the general attention to detail in their art, music, fashion… The culture in Tel Aviv is unlike anything else, and the people are jovial and usually taking in something good- afternoon espressos, a football game, a good band, an incredible BBQ a nice swim, a jog along the beach or an art show.  All of which is surrounded by the freshest foods.  Loved my times there, hope to have many more.  I shared a lot of Tel Aviv with my family. Many folks came to visit while I was there, and I got to witness Stavin (4) and Kianna (7) (at the time) indulge in another culture, one of the best things I had ever done.  My favorite Tel Aviv food experience: Hands down all my meals with Kfir at Boya, eggplant, hummus and grilled fish- and lots of kosher wine!

Larnaka, Cyprus

What a trip with some amazingly crazy folks, and I’m not talking about the Greeks!  I was lucky enough to be invited with a group of pepper growers (45 men and 4 women!) to Cyprus for their annual season ending trip.  We went to incredible restaurants in the middle of the mountains and ate incredibly well, drank uncanny amounts, and sang and danced all night long.  This place taught me about the beauty of new friends and the meaning of people being kind and generous to me at a time in life where there were not many who were. The best of the food there had to be the halumi cheese raviolis…..so good I want to fly there now and eat them!

Paris, France

An accidental visit, due to my reading my ticket incorrectly upon returning from Berlin.  The re-route was through Paris.  When we got off the plane I said let’s just ask how much it is to take the next plane back to NYC, thinking it would just be a dream. The guy then said it will cost $7 Euros and the next plane leaves at 7 am and it is now 5 pm the day prior.  We stayed in Paris for ONE NIGHT ONLY. We first went to the Eiffel Tower, then walked everywhere, and had a late night meal in a lovely, little café…….We walked until about 3 am, then got a little hotel and slept an hour or two, showered, and went to the airport.  I was there with a dear friend, and it was a spectacular reminder of how much sustenance there is in the word with impromptu happenings- a BIG reminder of how important it is to be free for ideas to generate!  Most memorable food moment there was the snails, great big suckers filled with herbs and butter, lovelier than I could have imagined, and the wine was ESQUISITE!

Uruapan, Mexico

Traveled to Uruapan a few times- both times with one of my brothers, and Uruapan is a remarkable place in the middle of the mountains.  The monarch butterflies call the place home so if that isn’t any idea of how perfect it is then I don’t know what is!  Uruapan is the center of the avocado trade, and avocado is in much of the area’s cuisine.  I had good times there and began a very good friendship via work in Uruapan and by far my best food moment was an avocado icecreamcicle that I shared with a street dog I named Freckles, but I also want to point out my best breakfast ever- fresh blackberries right off the vine into my mouth with a strong coffee on a hillside overlooking Uruapan at about 10 am on a sunny day!

Islas Secas, Panama

A quick surf trip while in Panama for work.  Amazingly beautiful and simple. I was with one of my brothers, and no one else was around.  It gave being alone a different perspective.  We had a lot of fun for sure, and it was a nice getaway for the both of us at a hectic time.  There wasn’t much to do, we were on an island so we swam, kayaked, surfed, ate, slept and hiked.  Not bad!  Best food moment was a fresh ahi tuna sashimi with coconut something on it…..caught a few hours before we ate it and a memorable taste to this day.

Barra de la Cruz, Mexico

Another impromptu surf trip during a trip to Mexico for work.  Epic waves and superstar surfers, and of course again I was the only girl.  Barra del la Cruz is a tiny little village with absolutely nothing in it but some amazing waves so it’s a surreal place to see a bunch of foreigners.  Anyhow the time was so amazing and it was amazing to be in the presence of such great surfers. I learned a lot and had probably the best wave of my life there!   The place humbled me a great deal. Best food moment:  fresh ceviche tostadas on the beach in a shack and a negra modela!

Lima, Peru (General Peru)

Amazing place was Peru!  I traveled throughout Lima and to the north and the coastal north as well.  Mangoes, bananas and avocadoes work trip.  Gustav and I took Kianna, his daughter, with us, and it was amazing to witness her in this place interacting with farmers and speaking a little Spanish and trying different foods.  This trip was one of my most proud for being able to give opportunities and reminded me of the fact that I always want that in my life, to be a giver of opportunities!  Perfect food moment:  for me clearly it was the plethora of ceviche but, since Kianna doesn’t do ceviche, my perfect food moment in Peru was witnessing her try all the other things.  She was at her best food wise there, inspired by the people and place, I guess; it was magical to witness!

Berlin, a city with a rich history too long to get too in-depth with here, is a city symbolized by the Brandenburg gate, a gate that was throughout history about separation and a gate today that is more clearly a “gateway” and about movement and change.  Berlin is a city with a rich culture, politics, media, science, art, and especially notable for its creativity in the world of business.  Perhaps most fascinating to me is the East vs. West nature of the city.   For many folks my age or older, we cannot forget the muddled words in 1989 by our then president Ronald Reagan, “ Mr. Gorbachav, take down that wall.”  Nor can we forget the amazing video footage shown on televisions throughout the world, showing thousands of Germans (old and young, East and West) literally chipping away at this wall with small tools and their hands. As a 16 year old then and a child who spent the prior 4 years in Central America (coupled with my American education). I didn’t really have a clue what this was all about.  I knew what most Americans were told- that the East and West were separated because of communism, or, as we were really taught, one side was good and the other was bad. (The irony is that we lived in Nicaragua from 1986-87, and communism was a part of our lives. Although I had no clue, later on in life I learned more about communism as the type predominant in the eastern bloc and the type predominant in Nicaragua).

The wall, which was built by the Eastern Germans in 1961 and made of thick concrete with guard shacks along the entire wall, was built to separate two opposing world viewpoints as opposed to learning tolerance and to live side by side (think now of Israel and the large concrete wall they have been building for the last few years).The wall, which restricted freedom of movement and ideas, deterring emigration between the two locations.  But, as we know, ideas like water, find their way through any wall and any regime for that matter. Ideas spread, and Germany is a place long noted for the rapid spread of ideas, good ones and bad ones both.  Eventually the ideologies of the West spread into the people of the East and the lives of the easterners were clear in the eyes of the West. As communism as we knew it began to fall in the Eastern bloc, East Germany was not strong enough to hold on either as their own people were the ones who wanted to let go of communism and embrace something new and different- something they saw their “ brothers and sisters” of the West embracing as a democracy of sorts.  The wall came down, and so began the new freedom of movement of people, ideas, politics, and an overall fresh start for the region.

Berlin is a city long known for fresh starts, from the removal of the wall giving rise to hundreds of thousands of people moving throughout the area carrying many ideas from East to West and between outsiders.  The creativity here is extensive, and I am deeply in awe of how a city that was once separated in two and completely different by force, has morphed into one unique and adaptable place.  If you haven’t been, GO. It is certainly a city to keep your eye on for the latest and greatest in creative thinking. I am blessed to get to visit each year for the Fruit Logistica conference, a worldwide convention for the fruit and vegetable side of my business.

The food which I also usually mention in this section (sorry it was outshined this time by its people!) is extremely diverse as well as authentically German.  Fresh, with loads of organic and creative fare, its grocery stores are also amazing…..go, go today, and see for yourself!

Since this month’s theme is built upon resolution, I thought it prudent to share one of my goals for 2011. It’s a two-sided post- learning French and traveling to Madagascar to practice it! As I have stated in the past, I’m not a super disciplined person, but I do believe that once I put something out there and publicize it, there is a greater chance of me actually doing it. Thus, our location of the month is Madagascar, and the goal is to travel there this year and indulge in the food and culture while I practice my new French!  The way I figure, this trip to Madagascar will be one that fulfills many goals. I have dreamt of traveling there ever since I was a little girl having heard stories of my father’s travels there.  I am in love with the exotic allure of the Indian Ocean and want to deepen my travel experiences there.  I didn’t want to travel to France to practice my French; on the island of Madagascar, English is spoken rarely if ever, so I knew I would be forced to speak my newly learned language of French! I think traveling to a place with major deforestation problems and one of the most important environments for the planet’s biodiversity would remind me of my duties to the planet!

Madagascar coddles a way of life very distinct in contrast to the rest of the world. The fourth-largest island in the world, Madagascar, Africa, is home to a dazzling variety of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else. Having broken away from the African and Indian landmasses hundreds of millions of years ago, many plant and animal species have developed on Madagascar that are unique to this island, including the extinct elephant birds (skeletons can still be seen), many species of lemurs, unusual species of birds, and a variety of chameleons. Madagascar is also the home to six baobab tree species. As a prime destination for eco-tourism, travel to Madagascar often includes exploration of its many national parks.

Madagascar is the home of the Magalasy people, who are the descendants of Indonesian and African settlers. Madagascar is a former French colony, and in its history has had influence from many different sources, including Arabs, Indians, and Jewish immigrants. The Magalasy culture is thus a fascinating mix of many different influences that coalesce into an artful, national form. Visitors who travel to Madagascar will find that each part of the island is populated by a different Magalasy people group with its own unique customs.

Madagascar’s diverse geography includes a fragile rain forest, desert, and limestone karst formations. One of the most popular places to visit on trips to Madagascar is the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the west of Madagascar, a veritable labyrinth of limestone peaks, waterfalls, and pristine forests. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, the park is now one of the most popular eco-tourism treks in the country. The Tsingy National Park is one of the only habitats for certain rare chameleon species, the endangered Madagascar fish eagle, and several lemur species. Treks in this park can also include cave exploration and camping.

Madagascar holds pieces of nature and the world that are sure to make an impression on your life and mind!

Fair Grove, a small town of only about 1300 folks, sits about 14 miles north of Springfield, Missouri. It is a town built upon roots, family, and heritage.  The town came to be around 1850, and it is said that a school was the first thing to be followed by a church.  This interests me because, as for the times I have traveled there, family, school, and religion seem to make up the prominent core values that stick out in this town.  The history is rich  starting with the local mill, Wommack Mill (seen in the picture above).  This picturesque mill was built in 1883 by Joe Hine and John Boegel 33 years after the town was founded. The mill is the town’s oldest standing structure and is a real sight of beauty coupled with the sense of deep history.  The town was also known for its corn and wheat farms and blacksmithing played a major role as well- both remain prominent in the city. 

The town today is still small, there are not many small farms or blacksmiths left, and the mill is a historic museum of sorts.  The feeling of community lingers on here.  This little town reminds me of core values, and, although the town is somewhat conservative in its politics, religion, and general viewpoints, I am often reminded of balance when coming here, as all of us together with all of our views and ideals make up the dynamics of our country.  This small town is certainly very meaningful to me, and I often think that if I had a “sister city” like you see in airports mine would be Fair Grove, Missouri.  Truly a lovely place it is, and I am happy that my family now has roots there and that I will forever be connected to it!

To find out a little more on Fair Grove click here…

A city of change and realizations all on its own, San Francisco knows a thing or two about change, realization and sustainable growth.  As one drives, walks, or BARTs it around town you can witness the thousands of billboards and signs clearly labeling the city as such a place…..”The sustainable city.”

We hear so much about San Francisco being the green, sustainable city, but what was nice to learn upon my most recent visit, was that San Francisco itself is also… well… human!  I come to find out that San Francisco hasn’t always been the greenest most sustainable city out there and has a past ridden with dumping garbage in the bay and on the beaches and having raw sewage spill into the sea.  The point of the story is really to show that how upon realizing this about San Francisco, I began to give myself a little slack and use it and its ability to change and realize new sustainable ways, was in a sense a new outlet to learn steps towards my own sustainable personal growth.

In the early 19^th century and way into even the 20^th century, the city of San Francisco and its surrounding Bay Area, did some bad stuff!  It not only dumped its trash right on the beach, but it let raw sewage spew into the ocean, the bay and the wetlands.  In the 20^th century government and private enterprises were filling the bay with gravel and mud from nearby mining causing waters to shallow, wetlands to erode, thousands of species of flora and fauna to be endangered.  The waters of the Bay to this day are still some of the shallowest waters for bays and ships have to carefully maneuver with maps of the deepest spots to get into the Oakland port.  In addition, the port still needs to be dredged on a regular basis to prevent the silt from build up and ships not being able to enter. 

But! The moral of the story is about change, growth and realization and today San Francisco is one of the most progressive cities in the world.  Its ever changing and evolving citizens realize the need for change and growth and are extremely good at taking action on these realizations which makes it an incredible inspirational city and was for me pivotal to my recent growth!  It’s basically as “green” as a city gets and as liberal and accepting of a place can be, it exudes change and sustainability in everything it does and is, like a child growing into adulthood nicely. San Francisco is the epitome of sustainable growth and the evolution of it.

And as far as food & farming and the artisanal food movement–it doesn’t get much better than the Bay Area.  The respect for food and food roots and sustainable food practices is profound here.  The devotion to food in this city of course starts with what some would consider the best agricultural conditions around, these ideal growing regions with its plethora of micro climates and pockets of cool and hot with fertile soils.  An extremely educated, diverse and evolving population in the area catapults the food scene into an entirely different level than most and with some of the most famous food people in the business, restaurants, wines, artisanal breads…you name it.  Most of the sustainable food movements started here as well; CSA’s, Slow Food, Commercial organic agriculture, Fair-trade grocers etc.

In the end it’s clear that San Francisco and the Bay area is and will continue to be an inspiration for growth, realizations and sustainability.  It’s an incredible city that can push our minds to great realizations through its inspiring way of simply being an evolving place where green, just means right!

Having been to Tel Aviv countless times I am never without pure amazement in the artistry in the food scene here. Between the food sellers, the street vendors and the restaurants, the Tel Aviv & Jaffa are has created a food scene that is ultimately an art form.   Yes, it true they have a huge central outdoor market with the smells of falafel and spices lofting through the air which can cause a spellbound trance for most westerners who are in open market envy, and yes this lust and lure towards the food is somewhat magical, but it’s more than just a spell.  The people first take their food seriously.  There is a greater connection from land to mouth so speak and a greater understanding of what the food goes through in order to have it on your plate.  Chemicals and pesticides here that we still use in the states have been banned for decades.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are a plethora and are ultimately the freshest of fresh.  Most people buy their groceries and specifically fresh fruits and vegetables daily and most go out to eat a few times a week or at least go out for breakfast or coffee and dessert.  The idea of sitting and appreciating the food whether it is over coffee or at a seafood place on the port or at home on Shabbat, the food is center stage and it is usually dressed to kill, like a natural beauty of course, just a few highlights here and there.

The Tel Aviv Jaffa area is a city of about 400,000 people.  Certainly it is a city that rarely sleeps.  The population is as young as it is diverse with people from all over the country and the world, a place where Jews, Arabs, and non Jews live peacefully and joyously.  The attitude & energy in Tel Aviv and Jaffa is one of fun and one of indulgence, albeit somewhat moderated indulgence or healthy indulgence perhaps.    This indulgent energy you find in Tel Aviv is not so common in Israel.  With the diversity of people found here, an abundance of things to indulge in is just simply the result. 

The dining scene is second to none for a multitude of reasons, one of the main reasons being access to the a slew of fresh fruits and vegetables, some of the most sought after spices of the world, nuts, berries, seafood, meats, poultry and dairy to die for!  Another reason the dining scene is amazing is because of the attention to the ambience and over all details or the ARTISTRY of the experience as a whole.  Now it’s true you can’t beat places that over look the sea an in Jaffa for instance there are some amazing places that not only overlook the sea but are houses in seriously old rock buildings that are astonishing to be in where the ancient wisdom in the rocks is felt like heavy bricks on your chest.  The restaurants and coffee shops and bars  cater to the idea that the experience in their walls or at their street carts should be pleasant, enjoyable, memorable and an experience of art.  It’s truly a decadent experience for an American, even one as spoiled as I am getting to travel the world and indulge in food all over, including NYC.  It is really indescribable almost how the experience here in Tel Aviv and Jaffa differs.  It’s not the service at all either, the service on many levels is pretty poor when it comes to American perceptions…the staff is usually more aggressive, colder and overall not tolerant of the American need to have a higher level of service.  I got over that need long ago and would much rather have the ambience and the food shine than the service. 

Here is an example of the artistry of the restaurants of Tel Aviv and Jaffa:

On one of the hot, steamy days in Tel Aviv, we went out with some business associates, they happen to be good friends as well and we can always count on them for showing us a good time (lots of drinking & smoking)  and brining us to the most amazingly interesting places. On this occasion the Jaffa port was our destination, and specifically the restraint called THE CONTAINER, a new-ish restaurant on smack in the middle of the Jaffa port.  The new restaurant, a creation by Chef Vins Muster, is every bit art as it is restaurant and once again his attention to details is top notch.  The restaurant in surrounded by fishing boats and nets and it literally a spit away from the sea, housed in an old hanger, the area is very up-and- coming but keeping its old warehouse and industrial fishing look intact!  The front patio tables are pallets stacked on top of each other which make for HUGE tabletops, a bit uncomfortable to sit at but rather intriguing and had the ability to hold a lot of food which is a plus for me.  The air was hot and thick and salty with our proximity being can literally jump out of our seats into the water which was tempting!  The inside I barely saw but was decorated with old photos and the architecture was old warehouse like and exposed tattered brick.  The floors were shiny concrete and the overall look was very industrial.  Just a few seats on the floor and a very large V shaped bar, the rest of the place was open with some old string lights hanging over head, it was over all uncomplicated and very groovy.  The bathrooms had these amazing drawings of nude characters that were creative beyond my imagination.

As if the energy and ambience were not enough, (and indeed they were) the food and drink was another work of art!  The drink of the day, which ended up being my drink of the night, was the frozen fresh grapefruit and Arak (an anise flavored Middle Eastern liquor delicacy).  The rest of my party drank local beers and fresh squeezed lemonade and vodkas, the drinks were refreshing and CRSIP and ultimately cooling.  For food we ordered a full table of random plates and simply passed them around and enjoyed dishes like grilled local sardines with charred tomatoes and herbs with lemon and garlic, sea bream grilled with some amazing spices and a cumin dried fruit rice, lemony steamed asparagus, charred stuffed chilies, plus a bunch more I honestly can’t remember but they were decadent and delicious.  For desert we had all kinds of artistic cakes and chocolate things that were like sculptures of sweet sublime!  I had some salt caramel ice cream with fresh berries in a spiced shredded wheat bed.  The night was so much fun and we felt the pure joy and witnessed the artistry of the entire night! 

Over all this experience at The Container is no different from the countless places one can go in Tel Aviv and Jaffa.  It’s really an amazing place and I don’t think I have honestly been anywhere where the artistry in the food experience as a whole is as uniquely expressed as it is in Tel Aviv & Jaffa!

It’s a unique destination for sure, and I am not sure my intent for location of the month was such a place but I find it to be the fitting location of the month where I am these days finding not all, but most of my inspiration.  The classroom, any classroom for that matter, has a way of evoking the best parts of who we are.  I find that if you are teaching something you are passionate about, regardless of your skill level and your teaching repertoire, you will keep not only the students wide open for learning but you yourself will learn.

I have recently been taking up a new discipline, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and in this I have been learning a lot about learning and teaching.  There is a saying in the martial arts that the teacher is also always the student and the student is always also the teacher.  I find this to be such a lovely way to approach teaching and learning and I also find it to be a quite respectful one.  I have found lately with the new culinary center and finding myself smack in the middle of long work days with the fruit & vegetable side of things and long work nights teaching the cooking classes.  Despite the long hours,  grueling juggling act of being prepared and all while trying to still take good care of myself, exercise,  eat right, and find time to relax, I am more inspired than ever before. And not just inside the classroom, but everywhere.  It is a direct correlation that begins in the classroom.  The passion flows and trickles into all the other things I do in life and I can feel myself becoming calmer (J to my Ger-Nis fruit & veggie staff I know they laugh as they read that!) but in the end it is true.

The students inspire me.  Their openness to try new things, to go outside their comfort zone, to admit being an amateur or not knowing everything and to be able to enjoy truly enjoy while learning something is amazing to me.  I’m equally as intrigued by what keeps them so interested in learning more and more.  Ideally, classrooms are a place where passion sparks an inspiration for growth and to be just a tiny part of that in a student’s life causes major growth in myself.

Not only am I always in awe of the students, no matter if they are 4 years old of 70 years old, but I am in awe of the instructors as well.  We have recently had a few higher profile local chefs in house teaching either demo classes or hands-on classes and it is amazing to witness the sheer pleasure they get when they get to share their passion.  They are inspired by the people that sit before them, not like in their restaurants where they expect something specific. This time the audience is simply waiting to have passion poured on them from the chef. The chef shares their love of food, agriculture, local sustainable eats and all the tricks of the trades they have learned.  This venue for pleasure is a two way street and is incredible to witness.

I know for myself it is a gentle reminder of how I came to be in this place I am at, and why all the hard and sometimes NECKSLITTING days are worth it, because sometimes we just simply get to share our passions with others.  This is our true calling in life really, if we are lucky enough to actually find what our passions are and then live them.

So whether you teach or are a student no matter what age or venue, find a place to take or teach a class, get back to the root of passion and let inspiration create growth in all of us.

Barra de la Cruz, is about 20 km east of Huatulco, famed mainly for its surf both with the locals and the surfers that travel here form all over the world, Barra is a really simple laid back place that one can enjoy a day in the sun surfing, eating excellent local food and not seeing a beach of tourists nor even any amenities that would make it appear as if there was any.  The public beach is well cared for and only opens from 8 am to 8 pm.  There are showers and bathrooms and a small palapa right on the beach serving up cold drinks like beer and good eats like fresh, really fresh ceviche. 

This long, fast right point break get up to double over head.  The area enjoys the good swells from March through October with the exceptional season being June & July.  The surf in Barra de la Cruz was relatively unknown until the 1990’s  and when in 2006 Rip curl Search Event assembled here with some of the best surfers in the world, the place became very well known amongst surfers.

There is a mixed feeling about the event being held here and some controversy surrounding it for sure.  Whether the Rip Curl folks treated the town correctly or not is the main controversy.  I guess I cant determine the truth or not truth here, all I know is that the place was packed with professional surfers from all over the world, and there is not a modern amenity in sight for miles.  The town which is extremely small and located up the hill from the beach is extremely poor.  Most the homes are  a mix of concrete and palapa style roofs, dirt floors and well water often carried by buckets in to many homes. 

The people are friendly and excited to speak to the foreigners.  We had to buy some gas at one of the homes, there is  no gas station and like most the folks in México were only to eager to help us with our problem, I cannot say the same thing happens here but then again maybe I have less evidence.

Now take in mind this is the kind of place that people get pummeled for posting about, its supposed to be a top secret spot and everyone gets all bent out of shape when hearing people talk about the place.  The fact is that the word is out, no doubt the place is crowded now and not much different than surfing at ROCKAWAY BEACH in NYC in terms of amount of people surfing, but the great part is the calabur of surfers is unique and I have never experienced seeing such high quality surfing ever before in my life, not only by the professionals and advanced surfers from around the world, but the locals were amongst the best I  have ever seen.  It was a tricksters heaven, more air and more rail riding than imaginable, forward and back flips not a problem here for the many.  The great part is that there are no amenities here so it will never attract the type we fight for it not to attract.  Its hot, humid, dusty dirt roads, sometimes they are out of water, sometimes they are out of beer, there is no shade by the end of the beach where the break is, it’s a long walk on the hot sand.  So the one thing you can bet on it that the folks that are there can surf!  All parts of the world were represented while we were there, Argentina, England, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, USA, Canada, México and many more……….

So as I might get my ass kicked for writing about this place, it was one of the best places I have surfed and the people both in the town and on the waves were inspiring, in their zest for life.  Barra is not a place for everyone for sure, but for me it will forever hold and important place in my history both in surf and in life!  It is for one the first place I stepped down from a long board to a short board……….and I am forever grateful for the joy it showed me on what could have been a disastrous time surfing!

Brooklyn, NY! Brooklyn is NYC most populated borough with over 2.5 million inhabitants, despite the fact that since 1898 it has been a part of NYC, it manages to maintain an extremely unique & distinct culture and independence from the city (Manhattan).  Rich in a bounty of ethnic enclaves Brooklyn continues to maintain and even grow a variety of distinct pockets of these enclaves, whereas other boroughs have been slowly loosing the ethnic enclaves to gentrification.  Brooklyn has long been known as the “magnet” for immigrants moving into the NYC area, with substantial populations of immigrants who have long called Brooklyn home.  These substantial enclaves have given Brooklyn a unique food and culture scene that is hard to find replicated anywhere else in the world, with perhaps a close consideration for London’s ethnic enclaves. So as you can imagine where I am heading with this is the richness of the many neighborhoods, the secret sector so to speak and the hidden treasures, right here in our back yard.  I’m personally attracted to these hidden cultures and hidden treasures but I am only just discovering what I am actually talking about as I begin to embark on these little sub pockets.  I recently took a class in Brazilian Jujitsu and the dojo just happened to be located in Dyker Heights, I had never been there and never heard of it and I discovered while there a long standing Italian community with amazing pizzerias and Italian specialty shops and a community of Italians and their families who immigrated here over the years.  As someone who is not a fan of little Italy in Manhattan, I t was refreshing to see real Italian culture, without the tourist aspect and again right here in back yard.

There are so many of these pockets of culture located all throughout Brooklyn and as we all typically “know of them” I thinks it’s about time we really begin to experience them and support them and indulge in them, like I have been trying to do.  I could go on and on here as most who know me know I am quite capable of but instead I’m going to give you a little guide through Brooklyn’s ethnic areas with the goal or purpose being go out and check them all out and enjoy!!!

Listed by culture in no particular order!

African: Bedford Stuyvecant :  For decades this has been a cultural center for Brooklyn’s African & African-American populations, following the construction of the subway line between Harlem and Bedford back in 1936, better and less crowded housing availabilities led them into BedStuy.  Once considered one of the worst places to live in the city, many of the community’s longest inhabitants have partnered with many in order to achieve the improving conditions which we find today in Bed Stuy. The area has been able to improve itself without too much gentrification , preserving its rich past and deep culture while improving living and working conditions.  With some of the greatest architectural housing in the city Bed Stuy is a gem of a neighborhood, highly recommended.  NY Times did a great piece on the neighborhood with a walking tour guide, here’s the link.  www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/nyregion/28stop.html

Russian & Ukranian: Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay :  Although most notably the Coney Island area, the Russian and Ukrainian neighborhoods run long and deep around these parts and are considerably rich with character and history that spans many borders.  Brighton Beach commonly referred to as “Little Odessa”.  The 1950’s brought many second generation Jewish –Americans plus a plethora of concentration camp victims.  Since those times there has been an influx of Russian Jewish immigrants, including, Ukrainians, Armenians, and Georgians.  In many sections of the neighborhoods Russian is still the primary language spoken.  The neighborhood is filled with ethnic restaurants, cafes, food stores and specialty shops.  Many of which can be found along Brighton Avenue.  Here is a nice little guide to the neighborhoods and shops: www.gridskipper.com/archives/entries/062/62696.php

Hispanic: Bushwick & Sunset Park: With many of the population spawning from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean, with a newer and most notible influx of immigrants from Haiti, the Bushwick area of Brooklyn is diverse and distinct in Hispanic food & culture.  Noted probably more so for its poverty than its rich cultural diversity, make no mistake this is a community rich & rooted in culture.  Sunset Park has more residents form Mexico and Central America than the Bushwick area; both have a significant population of Dominicans. With the hard work of a few key residents and some local government help the area has been reviving itself concentrating on housing, sanitation and commercial improvements, the low rents and extremely large houses and apartments have made this area a new haven for young professionals who cannot afford to live in the city or other parts of Brooklyn, this new influx of people has sped the process up of gentrification but the richness in culture still lives but it is true that the influence of Williamsburg can’t be missed.  www.newyork.timeout.com/articles/own-this-city/68606/l-to-morgan-ave

Italian: Dyker Heights & Bay Ridge & Bensonhurst: A basic mixture of Italians and Jewish are found throughout these neighborhoods. Originally in the early 1900 hundreds there was an equal amount of both Jewish and Italian residents. During the 1950 there was a huge influx of Italian immigrants and thus the population demographics shifted making the Italian immigrants a larger number than the Jewish, many of the Jewish families moved out of the neighborhoods to surrounding neighborhoods.  Many of the businesses in these parts are still family owned being passed down for decades and with well over 50% of the population Italian descendants they remain one of the largest Italian populated cities in our nation. Bensonhusrt was stereo typed as a haven for mafia members back in the day, and many mobbed themed moved were filmed here using many of the local residents as back up, didn’t really help the stereotype.  But it can’t be denied that these areas certainly had mobsters living and conducting business within.  In addition to the many Italian food shops, pizzerias and distinctly Sicilian food stuffs one o9f the highlights and things not to miss in these parts is the Festa di Santa Rosalia (commonly known simply as The Feast to locals), held on 18th Avenue from Bay Ridge Parkway (75th Street) to 66th Street. The annual end-of-summer celebration attracts thousands.  Here is a video I found on YouTube showcasing the great fun.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsY6cCyU-Rc

Chinese: Sunset Park @ 8th Avenue: Scattered throughout the southwest portion of Brooklyn are many of the Chinese neighborhoods, most notably the one in Sunset Park at 8th Avenue, which is known as Brooklyn’s China town.  An amazing Chinese New Year celebration is held here annually and it is something special, more low-key than in the city and with more locals and less tourists. Here’s a great article in the Village Voice Highlighting “The other Chinatown” www.villagevoice.com/2005-11-29/nyc-life/the-other-other-chinatown/

Orthodox & Hasidic Jews: Borough Park: Home to one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities outside of Israel and one of the largest concentrations of Jews in the USA  living with strong insular traditions, Borough Park is evolving and growing at one of the most rapid rates of any of the communities in Brooklyn.  The diversity is extremely unusual here and most predominantly in social class.  It’s an area where very wealthy and very poor live side by side and go to the same schools and synagogues.  The every expanding neighborhood is spilling out into surrounding neighborhoods as well lately.  Economically this sector of Brooklyn continues to flourish and the 13th Avenue shopping district that is roughly 1 mile in length spanning from 39th street to 55th street is packed with stores selling everything to all the Jewish households, the neighborhood is extremely loyal to these stores and Hasidic Jews from all over the city, the state and the country and even other countries come to buy kosher items.  The community has achieve global recognition especially amongst Israeli Expats and in 1999 a kosher hotel was opened called the AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL” on 13th Avenue, one of the only hotels that can accommodate the needs of the Hasidic Jews.  One of the most interesting tid bits I have learned on the area is that is houses the only KOSHER Culinary Arts School outside of Israel  www.kosherculinaryarts.com/

Polish: Greenpoint: Longtime traditional working class polish neighborhood, home the countries 2cnd largest community of polish immigrants in the country.  Defiantly the best neighborhood in all of NYC for authentic Polish cuisine.   Here is a little guide to the neighborhoods best kept secret gems.  www.ehow.com/list_6060950_polish-restaurants-greenpoint_-brooklyn.html

Arab: North Bay Ridge:  Brooklyn’s most heavily populated Arab neighborhood is home to some of the best Arab specialty food stores and restaurants.  The streets are lines with many of the best Arab pastries around, coffee houses with amazing Arabic coffee and hummus to die for. There is an amazing walking tour coming up of the area, try it! www.brooklynartscouncil.org/documents/834

West Indies: Crown Heights: Most notably famous for the Crown Heights riots the history of the neighborhood of crown Heights is as diverse at its local residents today.  Originally a posh neighborhood for spill out bourgeois class due to a rapid transit subway, the neighborhood was lush with tree lines big streets and huge decadent homes, mainly brownstones; it once was one of NYC premier residences filled with culture, parks, social and community organizations.  In the 1920 populations began to change as newcomers from Jamaica the West Indies and Africans began to immigrate and live there.  There was also at the time a great deal of middle class Jews residing there.  The population quickly began to move from 90 % white to about only 29% white in a very short period of time. As poverty rose a significant amount of racial problems began to rear up in many of the ethnically diverse neighborhoods in NYC, and especially in Crown Heights, the tension continue to rise and many incidences continued to occur as poverty rose in the area, in 1991 the incident known as the CROWN HIEGHTS RIOTS OCCURRED, spurred by the death of a black man and an injury of a young black child in a car accident where the driver was a Hasidic Jew.  The Jewish man who stepped out of the car to help the child and man he hit was beaten and robbed by angry bystanders.  A private Jewish ambulance came to take the injured Jew to the hospital while the black man and child still were waiting for the  city ambulance and a riot broke out immediately.  The neighborhood has since come a long way and has had to work very hard to combat this history that has plagued it with violence.  The neighborhood has been improved drastically in the last few years and has had peaceful coexistence between the black populations and the Jewish populations that still reside side by side today.  Specked with Jewish kosher food places amongst Caribbean, West Indies and African food stores and restaurants its truly a diverse place.  You can wonder for days here and cross at least 50 borders of eating establishments, Puerto Rican, Angolan, Jamaican and more, it’s truly a spot not to missed despite the history, because of the history is it one of the most diverse places where coexistence occurs today.    www.mouthoftheborder.com/2010/01/a-walk-through-the-west-indies-via-crown-heights-restaurants-part-2/

Nosara, Costa Rica is a small, modest and straightforward tourist destination. Tucked into the jungle, with three of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches at its edges, Nosara’s natural beauty and year round consistent world class surf make it a destination for those who seek simplicity and quiet as much as those who seek surf.  A two and a half hour drive from the Liberia International Airport, down what is basically a long dirt road, secluded behind coastal mountains and tucked into the Nosara River Valley, lies a paradise.  Nosara is not the destination for people seeking an Americanized version of jungle paradise.  The unpretentious yet deceivingly upscale little town is populated mainly by expatriate surfers. Unlike many of the other Costa Rican beach cities that have been highly developed with upscale and modern amenities and are typically built smack dab on the beach, Nosara has strict environmental and social laws forbidding building and development right on the beach.  Because of these laws, the area is very spread out and there are no amenities right on the beach. Houses, hotels, restaurant and all other tourist and town attractions are located about 1 kilometer off the beach. Committed to preserving the simplicity and natural environment of the area, the residents have long made sure that the land is put above the profits.  The majority of jungles and forests are protected and therefore cannot be logged or developed and basically ruined, as many of the smaller Costa Rica neighboring villages have.

Nosara has three different beaches all tranquil and all perfect for nature lovers and surfers alike.  All three beach areas are speckled with private vacation rentals, hotels, and cheap surfer style hostels.  Playa Guiones, a six mile stretch of white sand beach is a world renowned surf destination with a long beach break. Having both lefts and rights that can accommodate the beginner and the expert with the same break, is a rare luxury as surf spots go.  At the northern end of Playa Guiones, past a rocky outcrop is the shell-sand beach of Playa Pelada.  Playa Pelada is protected with an offshore barrier reef that makes it wonderful for swimming and snorkeling and a perfect spot for children. There are plenty of tide pools and caves towards the north end of the beach, one of which houses a very large bat community. During low tide a number of rocks are exposed and Pelada’s famous blow hole comes to life. It is quite an impressive site. Just past the northern end of Pelada and a rocky cliff which is passable at low tide, is Playa Nosara; a black sand beach located just past the River Nosara. It is the most remote & desolate beaches of Nosara.  Playa Nosara is backed up by thick jungle vegetation and lines up to Ostional Refuge or “turtle beach”.  The waves at Nosara are among the largest in Costa Rica and for experienced and advanced surfers only; not even swimming is advised at this beach as currents are incredibly strong.

The small serene village of Nosara is virtually unspoiled.  The lush lands produce some of the freshest fruits and vegetables, many of which you can find at the weekly organic farmers market.  The dense jungle filled with howler monkeys, iguanas, parrots and pizotes (badger/raccoon things) gives a plethora of wild wares like tropical fruits and seeds.  The food and cultural offerings here are as simple as the land itself.  Basic, small local grocers and restaurants with surprisingly upscale and organic straightforward food make up the food scene here. Most of the hotels have restaurants and all serve very similar fresh foods highlighting local ingredients. There are a few key restaurants where one can grab a good, simple and fresh meal. Most notable in the entire town, is the little breakfast venue called Rosie’s Soda Tica, open daily from 8 am-3 pm and cooking up fresh, local authentic Costa Rican food in an open kitchen.  The restaurant seats only about 25 people and is famous for serving up breakfasts after the morning surf.  This place is truly the highlight; not only in flavor and authenticity, but also in prices.  The surfers flock here for Rosie’s fresh banana pancakes, gallo pinto and huevoes breakfasts, but the fresh array of juices is pretty alluring as well with fresh watermelon lime juice, fresh banana milk juice and tamarindo.  This tiny open air local fueling depot is the place to go for after surf meals!

As many of the tourists rent vacation houses here, the local grocers are the real full time food source.  Fresh fish markets serving the daily catch each afternoon, and the local fruit & vegetable truck driving around each morning are the highly sought after food musts here.  One of the most notable fruits is the mandarin lime, a lime and mandarin combination that is sour with a hint of sweetness and has a beautiful orange color.  It makes for the tastiest of all margaritas!  Outside of the mandarin lime, the fruits are abundant and tropical, and the flavors are as intense and pure as they can be.  The watermelon as simple as that sounds, is some of the best ever tasted, and the pineapple sweet and perfectly tangy.  The vegetables as well have a flavor that seems “real”; the tomatoes are perfect in their acidity while remaining succulently sweet.  The salsas are tremendous and the chili spicy hot yet flavorful.  Even the meats are incredible, fresh tasting chicken and beef, clean and ultimately pure.  The flavors of Nosara can be described as nothing less than fresh and this freshness lends itself to the simplicity and overall serene feeling of Nosara.

So whether you are looking for kayaking, canopy tours, world class yoga, fishing, snorkeling or the ever mighty awesome surf, Nosara offers a relaxing & easygoing vacation spot that is truly off the beaten path.

For more information on Nosara try www.surfingnosara.com, it’s a pretty comprehensive website dedicated to all things Nosara, including the surf!