Dickens Bar

by Wendy

We randomly chose to visit Cocteleria Dickens in San Sebastián in 2015, and deliberately in 2019. The bar feels vaguely 70s, with dark glossy wood, shiny brass, magenta walls, mirrors and candy-color cocktails with umbrellas and pineapple. It is known for serving some of the best, if not the best, gin and tonics. There is a collection of trophies and framed photos of famous people breezing by for a famous drink. Prices are high and thus the topic of scathing internet reviews, but we find the legendary Gin y Tonic Donosti soothes sticker shock. We perch on barstools and admire their creation, a strong and beautifully blended beverage to fortify weak Spanish skills for a chat with the genial bartender about the rare bourbon on display. We sip and accept snacks and briefly talk with the older gentleman presiding over bottles at the counter; he grins and points to a page in the extensive menu listing his awards. A woman rushes in with important information for him about a Woody Allen movie scheduled to shoot in a few days. He seems nonchalant, he’s no stranger to celebrities and he’s one himself, a renowned mixologist. We do not learn if Dickens Bar will be featured in the film, but its slightly mysterious, unapologetic worn glamour and proud alcoholic pedigree provides an interesting scenic backdrop, for locals or Hollywood or those on holiday.

Starting the Summer in Savannah and Hilton Head

by Wendy

Let’s rewind to late May/early June and the first vacation of the season: the always anticipated family trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We’ve written about this locale previously – I particularly love Dad’s post on HHI,  Jack’s wine pairing, and of course the shared recollections of a beach house getaway. I can’t top any of that, but have a few more details to cover on the topic of food (of course), as well as a stopover in Savannah, Georgia. Continue reading

Hiking in San Sebastian

by Wendy

San Sebastian/Donostia is one of Jack and my favorite places. I still can’t believe we almost skipped it. On this third visit, we planned to enjoy activities we had done before: going to the beach, an afternoon at La Perla, steak frites at Gandarias, and snacks and drinks at other spots we liked in the Ondarreta neighborhood near the fabulous NH Aranzazu Hotel. But I also wanted to add a hike. 

You may have noticed the Christ statue in photos I’ve included in previous posts about San Sebastian. Perpetually watching over the city from Monte Urgull, shining like a guardian day and night, my eyes are always drawn to it. On a Saturday morning, we postponed the beach and resolved to follow the path to the top. Continue reading

In Defense of Aperol Spritz

by Wendy

The recent debate whether Aperol Spritz is a good cocktail is a pointless and stupid one, which makes participation nearly irresistible. This combination of sparkling wine or champagne mixed with Aperol bitter orange liquor (a little lighter than Campari) over ice has been popular for a few years, around the time when trendsetters feel the need to take it down a peg. Sure, the drink can be saccharine if made poorly, or if you knock back too many in a row. But why the disdain? Why the controversy? Aperol Spritz can be wonderfully refreshing and delicious, and it looks so pretty in a glass. As my husband Jack said, Aperol is said and done, we love this drink. Continue reading

Tips to Make Work Trips Easier

by Wendy

Part of the reason I haven’t posted as much is due to being almost overwhelmingly busy at work, including frequent trips for various meetings. It has been interesting, and a year of flying nearly every month for a 2-3 day business trip has probably helped me become a more efficient traveler. We love sharing travel tips on the blog, so here are a few more to consider. Continue reading

Disney Darlings

by Joe

A trip to the world of Disney, in this case Walt Disney World, brings you into a one of a kind adventure and experience like no other. There are many places where you can travel that will certainly change your daily routine and your feeling of place. The mountains can do that. The beach can do that. A cruise can do that. But nothing changes your sense of place, your daily routine grind, and your happy spot like one of the Disney Parks. I’m a grandparent who enjoys these parks a lot and I can only imagine how wonderful it must be for children of age (those old enough to recall the experience later). Continue reading

Pierogi, Pop Art and Primanti in Pittsburgh

by Wendy

Jack and I recently took an overnight trip to Pittsburgh. Yeah, Pittsburgh! We had points from a hotel rewards program that needed to be redeemed, and recommendations from my cousin on what to see and where to eat (thanks, AJ). So instead of sleeping in on a Saturday we jumped in our car bright and early to drive up to Pennsylvania. Continue reading