LOC101: Life of a Consultant

: got #volcano? This (cozido) was one of my favorite meals from the #Azores. Everything from the meats to the veggies was prepared from volcanic heat/stream underground. Nothing like spending the day relaxing in and grabbing a meal cooked prepared by hot springs. #travelandeat #doubledip (at Restaurante Tonys) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-s3ayCJGHz/?igshid=o59txvgmu51a

: got #ramen? One day I’ll be back to enjoy this bowl again. Until then, I’ll keep thinking about you. #travelandeat #jersey (at Santouka Ramen) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ncveJpwYM/?igshid=1ejwco63kzceg

: got #sardines? Targeting to have my meals be 80% plant based this year. And with the remaining 20%, eating more fish/seafood and cutting out red meats from my diet. Just need to find a spot like Mané Cigano on my travels. #travelandeat #azores (at Mané Cigano) https://www.instagram.com/p/B69mAoQJSWA/?igshid=1g0ssfu6mr0hs

: got #tigerprawns? Looking back at the many things from last year, this is one that stands out. So simple yet so good. The place itself was small focused mainly on seafood dishes. We ate so much that we needed to get rolled out. 🤤 #travelandeat #lisbon (at Cervejaria Ramiro Lisbona) https://www.instagram.com/p/B64qMtyJvpk/?igshid=idp2z6ygxc1

: got #soup? When in #LA, sul lung tang at this specific place is almost always in the plans. It's like a cleanser or refresh button where you feel good and healthy. And their kimchi is on point. Such a simple combo/meal. #travelandeat #losangeles (at Han Bat Sul Lung Tang) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwjqauCl1Vs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pwher7uuezrp

: got #chicken? Big thanks to @americanexpress conceirge service in finding this spot for us. Ordered up more than half the menu but Chicken Milanese with the crunchy crust and juicy chicken was my favorite dish of the night. The restaurant is quaint with a view of the kitchen wherever you're seated. Bonus: the Rocky Steps were walking distance. #travelandeat #philadelphia (at A Mano) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6cn1DFC9L/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g46u2z9bk17b

: got #shrimp? A great introduction and welcome to #Raleigh. When I saw they were serving cauliflower cacio e pepe, I had to give it a shot. Brings back a lot of great memories from my trips to Italy. #travelandeat (at Death & Taxes) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuwzeTlFgch/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=u21fgkd4z7m6

: got #primerib? Had planned on getting some North Carolina BBQ... But the place just recently closed to focus on catering. So we went to the next closest spot. Not what my stomach was planning for but it did the job and not complaining. I'll get that pulled pork another night. #travelandeat #Raleigh (at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuscKTDlKcs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4ameqwqdpwx5

: got #dimsum? One of only a handful of places that serves dim sum in the #TwinCities. Oddly this is the only snap I got off all the food we ordered. Must've been focused on eating and didn't bother. Not complaining because I walked out happy and full. #travelandeat #Minneapolis (at Mandarin Kitchen) https://www.instagram.com/p/BukIlAXl7_C/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tnf6r3bzlz75

: got #foodhall? Answer - when you don't know what to get for lunch. After a disappointing lunch the day before, ordered to my stomach's content. Tried out some tacos, fried plantains, and the Seoul bowl. The surprise of the meal was the people rice that came with the bowls. 😍🤤 I'll def be back to try out some other bowls as well as the vendors. #travelandeat #raleigh (at Morgan Street Food Hall) https://www.instagram.com/p/BugbKvuFRjl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vqav2frj2fal

: got #curry? As I've gotten older, I've appreciated and become more curious of history and where things originated. Nothing better than getting to spend some time with a local family who gave us the background of Bo-Kaap, a subset of #CapeTown, and the changes they experienced and continue to see. Then we got to learn how to make a number of Malay dishes from masala to dhaltjies to folding samoosas and making our own rootis. Can't wait to try to make this at home! #travelandeat (at Bo-Kaap) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtkFWkMl_OT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11b8ny3alilwr

: got #tasting? This happened to be down the road from where we were staying in #Stellenbosch so it was hard to pass on this dinner. We went with the Estate Experience which essentially puts all control of the "gastronomic journey" to the chef and sommelier. You need to give 24 hour notice so that they can prepare their surprise menu and asked to plan out 4-5 hours for the evening. This was the second dish of the night - a seabass tartare on puffs with ponzu mayo and caviar parks. Everything that came out tasted amazing and paired perfectly with selected wines. Such a great experience. #travelandeat (at Rust en Vrede Wine Estate) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtYq8GfltXA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=68wwjqr4emsz

: got #seafood? Starting to get behind on posts of travels. Recent journey (and flight deal) landed is in #CapeTown. Much love for the city. Felt like home (Los Angeles). This spot was over on Camp's Bay known and for seafood and time limits on your meal. When it comes to food, you pick your seafood at the stand and then they do they rest. We got the langostines (my favorite and enjoyed so much we got seconds), calamari, crayfish, and a local fish (kingklip). Oh, and they have a rotating sushi bar for apps. Definitely recommend. Go hungry. Oh, and when you get there, order your seafood first before going for the sushi apps. #travelandeat (at Codfather) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtUsN-oFNUl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ov0lgxqr4sye

: got #steak? Remembering one of the last meals of red meat before leaving #Mendoza. This was the limo/tenderloin prepared in a clay oven wrapping all sorts of goodies from sweet potato, avocado, bacon, mascarpones, cheese, tomato, and parsley. #travelandeat (at Francis Mallmann's Siete Fuegos) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsrOrghFY_1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1q2umqe8rhgn5

: got #pizza? When I look to get a full pie, this is where I go. The crust is thin and crisp with the right balance of cheese and sauce. Add on your toppings of choice and you're set. #travelandeat #newyorkcity (at John's of Bleecker Street) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsahardFs60/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12t0hsr6wbdf8

: got #smoothie? Been starting my 2019 breakfasts with juices/smoothies - this one courtesy of @juicepress. There was an order ahead of me that caught my ear when she said "f-n...". Quickly scanned the menu to find: F&%*ING GENIUS BLUEBERRY PROTEIN and thought to myself "why the f not". Did not disappoint. #travelandeat #newyorkcity (at Juice Press) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsMBCEKFAvt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gqecqen09o9

: got #bestnine2018? What a year it's been with all the different cities, states, and countries for work and for fun. And all the different dishes and drinks each provided. Here's to another year of traveling and eating! ✈️🍴🥂📷 #travelandeat (at MSP Airport) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsGMNMlly4O/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8ninm53o0mp6