Chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, but the indigenous people of Mexico have been consuming chocolate for thousands of years. The Europeans went crazy for this natural caffeine source, and began experimenting with adding sugar, milk and cocoa butter to transform the drink into a solid form that could be eaten. While some may…
The boutique hotel La Casa de la Marquesa is a landmark in Queretaro. It is one of the premium boutique hotels in the Colonial Highlands of Mexico, and it all began with a love story. You can ask any local and they will give you a slightly different version every time, but the foundation of…
For someone who does just about everything online, things were a little surprising when we first opened a bank account. The banking system is just different here. They don’t make it easy to open an account or use their website. They still seem to have some taboos against paying bills online, and the words “corruption”…
Buying furniture in Queretaro is not that different from the States. They have modern and antique furniture stores ranging from Contemporary to Victorian. It’s always exciting to buy new furniture, especially for a new house. On our visits to Mexico last year, we researched furniture prices to make sure we could afford the cost of living…
If you think it’s hard planning your own flight to your overseas location, planning your pet travel is even more difficult. As humans, we can deal with wonky flight times; leaving at 5am in the morning, or arriving at an unknown location at 11pm at night, hoping someone will be available at the hotel…
Househunting is one of the most exciting and stressful things to do in a new country. When you don’t need a home, cruising through open houses to see the latest designs and layouts is fun. When you need a home in 3 days anxiety, stress and doubt can wreak havoc on your mind and body….
You may not fall down the rabbit hole, but upon entering Le Lapin Sauté, you will find yourself in a Beatrix Potter-meets-Disney-themed establishment. A medley of flower pots are transformed into bell-like ornaments to welcome passer-byes into the warmth of this cozy restaurant. Decorative eggs strung from old vines twist across the walls and around…
Tom is the ultimate foodie, and I usually just tag along and eat everything he orders. A few years ago, Tom raved about Au Pied de Cochon and the 20 courses of foie gras, pig, and organ meat he consumed. It sounded absolutely disgusting to me, and a heart attack in the making. But he took his…
Hollywood hipsters, drive-in theaters, and rock’n’roll defined the 1950s. Even before Scottsdale had a downtown of big name shops, upscale dining, and artsy galleries, Valley Ho was the private retreat for the rich and famous. Today, it’s a glimpse into the past with the modern luxury of today. Designed by Edward L. Varney in 1956,…
Momofuku Ssäm Bar’s Korean fusion cuisine never ceases to amaze us. The food is tremendous, and the artistic presentation and creative preparation really make you forget where you are and what’s around you. The conversational drone and blaring music fade away and you devote every fiber of your being to enjoying these edible masterpieces. The…