Travel Archives - A Side of Sweet

Hog Island Oyster Company + Languedoc Day

Everything you need to know about oysters including how to choose a great one, how to shuck oysters and what wines to pair with them, just in time for #LanguedocDay on May 26th!

Hog Island Oyster Company produces the best oysters I’ve ever had. No question. They’ve been in Marshall, California for 34 years and have developed a process that produces consistent, flavorful oysters.

Luckily, Hog Island is just a 90 minute drive north of San Francisco, near Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s the perfect place to escape from the city for the day. I couldn’t imagine a more picturesque setting to learn about the Languedoc Wine Region in the south of France, just in time for #LanguedocDay on May 26th!

Read on to learn:

What Characteristics Make the Perfect Oyster
What Wines to Pair with Oysters
How to Shuck an Oyster
Best Way to Eat an Oyster
How Oysters are Farmed

Rustic Strawberry Galette + San Francisco CSA

Strawberries are the centerpiece of this simple but delicious rustic strawberry galette. Galettes are deceivingly simple to make and are the perfect brunch or dessert recipe.

During one of my rare weekends off in May, Pat and I had the chance to pay another visit the farm where our CSA (community supported agriculture, or farm shares) comes from. You might remember the last time we visited Eatwell Farm – to attend one of their famous tomato sauce canning parties!

Our visit coincided with one of Eatwell’s Strawberry Days. Strawberry days celebrate the start of strawberry season (yesssss!) and visitors to the farm get access to the strawberry fields for the day to pick as many berries as their stomachs can hold. There were also homemade picnic lunches, so we spread our blanket at the edge of the orchard and enjoyed the (almost) summer sun…. Read More »

Tokyo Food Guide – Restaurant Recommendations

Everything you need to know to dominate the Tokyo, Japan food scene. Your Tokyo food guide for the best restaurants for sushi, ramen, snacks and more!

Tokyo, Japan is foodie heaven. I was so lucky to have a few days there on either side of my epic trip to Okinawa. I basically ate like it was my job. At least four solid meals per day and some stops for snacks in between! I wanted to cram as much of Tokyo’s amazing food in as I possibly could.

You may be wondering how I can call myself expert enough to give you recommendations on where to eat in Tokyo. Having spent only a couple of days there, I really only scratched the surface of this incredible foodie city!

Luckily for me, I approached Tokyo armed with the advice of four Tokyo foodie masters. My panel of experts included:… Read More »

Van Life Inspiration – Custom Camper Vans

Need some Van Life inspiration? A camper van with custom modifications is just what you need to do your next road trip in style. #VanLife

In Iceland (hi from Iceland, by the way!), we’ve been constantly passing small camper vans. They are one of the most popular ways to see the country and there are tons of companies offering rental options. Even though I’m really enjoying the hotels, comfortable beds, included breakfasts and hot showers, I’m still a little bit envious of the Van Life movement…. Read More »

Mahaina Wellness Resort in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a beautiful hotel in Okinawa, Japan with a focus on wellness, great food and excellent service, try Mahaina Resort in Motobu.

After two days of glamping at Nanma Mui, we checked in to Mahaina Wellness Resort in Motobu, Okinawa. Mahaina has something for everyone. You’ll find amazing food with multiple restaurants offering different dining options, spacious rooms, scenic views and even a traditional Japanese spa…. Read More »

Glamping at Nanma Mui in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Okinawa, Japan, try glamping at Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago. There’s no roughing it at this beautiful spot.

So, you read my Okinawa travel guide and now you’re headed to Okinawa. Perfect! Wondering where to stay when you’re there? A great option is Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago, Okinawa. It’s directly on the water, meaning you wake up to amazing views of the Hanejinaikai Sea. It’s perfectly secluded and surrounded by lush greens and beautiful flowers…. Read More »

Where We’re Eating in April – San Francisco Restaurants

A look at where we’re eating in SF this month. Our new favorite San Francisco restaurants with photos and reviews – Fiorella, Presidio Social Club and Jane the Bakery.

I’m so exciting to share with you a new series here on A Side of Sweet! One of our favorite activities is exploring the amazing food scene here in San Francisco. Each month, I’m going to compile a few of my favorites and share them here on the blog. Want more recommendations? Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram.
Have a recommendation for a place we should check out? Let me know in the comments!… Read More »

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