Featured Contributor
I once had a falconry lesson in Ireland
which gave me my best ever
connection of man, bird and nature.
Afterward I wrote: When I extend my
arm, quick as a flash, Liffey (the
hawk) plummets for the food I am
holding and my heart rate accelerates
to hummingbird-speed. Whoa–what a
thrill. I forget to be frightened,
watching the hawk greedily snatch
the lure with his sharp talons, feeling
the pressure through my glove. I am
Mother Nature with a haughty grin; I
feel powerful. Yet Liffey is in control,
trained to follow his instinct for
food; he merely permits me to enter
his world.
Is there a meal that stands out in
your mind above others?
I once had a meal at the Four Seasons
in Prague that is such a fun memory. I
asked my host to let me sample local
foods and wine and each course
became an amazing surprise. But, at
the end of the night they came out
and covered the table with a nonstick tablecloth. A chef then drizzled
a sweet red liquid in an abstract
design and scattered candied orange
and lemon rind around the delicacy,
followed by candied kumquats. Rolled
pieces of whiskey truffle bonbons
were strategically placed as we
witnessed a masterpiece sculptured
before our eyes. A small rectangular
slice of frozen chocolate mousse was
added near the center along with a
triangular Earl Gray gelato, further
garnished by seductive frozen
jasmine foam dollops. Delectable
spoonfuls of a chocolate hazelnut
blend known as a croccantino adorned
the whole along with sprinkled
pistachio nuts. Lastly, the lively
artistic creation was topped off with
warm and heavenly chocolate sauce.
Edible art!
If I am given the chance to pick a
destination, I make it an adventure.
I always look to connect with a place,
be that going on a hike, taking a dip
in the pool, a cooking class or tasting
street food. I have a great desire to
visit Easter Island, the Galapagos,
and the pyramids of Egypt. I’ve never
been to China or Thailand and would
jump at the chance. In the United
States I am especially fond of
National Parks. I’d also love to live
out a Medieval or Renaissance theme
and spend the night at a castle in
Europe with all of my grandchildren.
If you could be anyone else, who
would it be?
I’d love to tag along with “Where in
the World is Matt Lauer,” but I’d most
like to be a great photographer, one
of the professionals hired by National
Geographic. When I am out on a photo
shoot I lose track of time and am
simply dissolve into the moment.
To be able to produce a photo that
moves people would be rewarding.
What motivates you to be a
luxury journalist?
While I love adventure, who doesn’t
love luxury? I am so fortunate to have
the opportunity to experience hotels
and meals fit for a king. I constantly
pinch myself with wonder. A night in
a five star hotel is a gift, a pleasure
that everyone should enjoy at least
once. Going behind the scenes as a
journalist is a real bonus.
Tell us about a memorial time from
one of your trips.
of some type or meeting artists or
chefs. To me, these are important
ways of connecting with a place. A
luxury hotel must offer top of the
line rooms, bedding, etc. but having a
concierge service that has great
contacts is vitally important.
In your hometown of St. Augustine,
what do you recommend for a new
traveler to experience?
If you came to St. Augustine, I would
first take you to the Castillo de San
Marcos, our original fort dating back
to xxx, and a National Park site. We
would then go the Pirate Museum (as
St. Augustine really was sacked by
pirates.) For lunch we would go to
the Columbia Restaurant because
they feature traditional Spanish
food. St. Augustine maintains a rich
history from Spanish settlement. In
the afternoon we would visit Flagler
College and see the fo &