Category Archives: Local Food – Dining

Amankora Bhutan Wanderlust Momo’s

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I’ve been fueling my wanderlust by culinary measures — making delicious Thai spicy shrimp salads filled with sweet pomelo and snacking on French Truffle Frites; trying out recipes in my dusty cookbooks now that I have more time to do so.

If I can’t go to these places, at least I can be transported there by my taste buds! The Gift from Bhutan & Amankora. I travel for adventure, culture and new recipes, oh and maybe some shopping. In many destinations I am introduced to divine cuisine, these meals inspire a dinner party based on a native dish.

The Gift from Bhutan & Amankora. I travel for adventure, culture and new recipes, oh and maybe some shopping. In many destinations I am introduced to divine cuisine, these meals inspire a dinner party based on a native dish. Do you remember the first time you dined on a tangy spice infused chicken and date tagine in Morocco?  And then schlepped a clay tagine home to create a full blown Moroccan Feast – guests in exotic caftans, babouche (shoes), and of course accompanied by ancient folk music. I’ll never forget that spicy summer evening in my garden.

Our initial evening Amankora Thimphu pre-prandial cocktail hour included amid a platter of morsels, a humble dumpling, known as a Momo, accompanied by a fiery red chili sauce. Who knew it would become the precious darling of Bhutan and virtually demanded by our travel group exploring Amankora Lodges. Momo became a rally cry from thereafter. An absorbing 10-day Aman Adventure enriched by sampling Bhutanese cuisine including: Yak steak with radish red chili, diced chicken curry with glass noodles, chili cheese and Yak butter tea.

On a wintry snowy morning, I requested a Momo cooking class at Amankora Paro – as Amankora is inclined to do, please their guests, Chef invited me to the kitchen for a personal class, just like that!


Chef ‘s Tej Bakadur Rai and Richard Bia at Amankora Paro, Kadren chela! And of course, compliments to Mark who alerted each Lodge of our Momo Addiction!

I’m eternally grateful !

Four Seasons Punta Mita Sharing Chilaquiles

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At its best, travel is a transformative experience, not just in the meeting of local peeps, but in the cuisine and beverages we savor. Who doesn’t love going South of the Border? Food and spirits are vital elements of Mexican culture. Come to the Four Seasons Punta Mita for the relaxed pace, the sensational adios to the sun at day’s end, delectable dining and cooking classes, there is also a fun informative Tequila Blending Class. Just say Si!

Four Seasons Punta Mita

We are dreaming of our next escape to the Four Seasons Punta Mita. One of our most reserved Four Seasons properties, the congenial GM, John O’Sullivan, has become a good friend over the years. Many years ago, on my first site inspection in September which is a particularly humid month, we enjoyed breakfast together. Sharing my collection of press articles, he said: Oh, I don’t need those. I thought he was dismissing me, then he said where are you going now? Me: site inspections at another hotel. John: Don’t go, I’ll host you here. Me: But this is what I do. I moved to another property and in the midst of a meeting, a courier delivered a note from John with his book of moody Irish poetry. We’ve been friends ever since and as you can imagine our clients are beyond spoiled at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, besides our usual Preferred Partners amenities!

Benjamin & I visited again in a humid September, I enjoyed the luxurious Presidential Suite and Benj was next door in his own suite. We, of course, attended meetings and took classes, a site inspection isn’t merely lounging about, it’s becoming an expert on a property. Chef Jorge González  prepared these yummy Chilaquiles for our breakfast.

And for your upcoming Spicy Mexican Brunch – Chilaquiles! We hope you are healthy and dreaming of traveling soon.

Chilaquiles, Four Seasons Punta Mita
Chef Jorge González Four Seaons Punta Mita

Chef Jorge, after we begged for the Chilaquiles recipe – true to Four Seasons exceptional service, the recipe was delivered to my Presidential Suite before I returned! We loved chatting about food and culture with Jorge, do follow him on Instagram- his posts are mouthwatering! Jorge González (@jorgehglez)