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Good Food Enhances The Trip




In the beginning of our relationship Rob and I had gone back and forth across this beautiful land of ours quite a few times in his trusty 1979 Toyota Celica hatchback.  Rob was getting his Master’s degree at the Univ. of Connecticut and we would travel home to Portland, OR or Chicago, IL to visit family.  Our trips were always amazing!  The incredible sights and discovery of the local’s favorite foods is a big part of my joy.  In recent years we’ve discovered, by plane thank-you-very-much, the glory that is the Napa Valley in September.  We were so fortunate to spend many seasons of “the crush” in one of the most awe-inspiring parts of America that it just feels wrong for it to be September and we aren’t there.

While traveling, I feel it’s a must to try the favorite foods of the area.  While on our recent vacation to the Oregon Coast we had some of the best seafood you will ever find with the guidance of our hotel manager; muscles, scallops, freshly caught crab.  Amazing.  While in Napa we were told to visit the small bakery on a side street that makes fresh olive bread every day.  We paired it with freshly pressed olive oil, some mozzarella and basil and we were in bliss.

Most often we find recommendations for places to eat by asking people along our strolls through town.   While on a business trip to Dallas, TX Rob was told to visit one of the best restaurants in Dallas, Hoffbrau Steaks.  That’s where he went for dinner that night and was not disappointed.  The next day he was surprised to find that he had been appointed to research banquet halls in Dallas, TX for his company’s presentation.  With help from the hotel’s Concierge he found the services, and menu choices, at Mattitos a perfect fit.  We tell friends that if they are in the area to visit Mattitos for great Tex-Mex and their Sunday champagne fun-day, complimentary champagne all day.  Sounds delightful to me!  Now, if only they were closer.

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