Danke Schön, Switzerland!

If you have followed any of my social media over the last 8 months you will know that I'm beyond obsessed with Switzerland.  I was fortunate enough to be invited TWICE by Switzerland Tourism to explore and fall deeply in love with their country.  

It's incredibly difficult to not be enchanted and immediately mesmerized by the scenery, the culture, the food, the adventure, and most of all, the people.  Truly some of the friendliest and well cultured people in all the world.  Since Switzerland is an international melting pot, you get to experience so many cultures, languages, cuisines, and people all within the borders of this tiny Alpine nation.  

The purpose of this blog is to help recreate my journey that traverses 4 cities and 2 seasons.  I intend to show you the extent of my adventures through the dynamic videos that my team and I created over our 2 visits to Switzerland.  

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I'll start with our most recent trip this winter in December 2016.  We started off in Zurich for the purpose of being the FIRST people to partake in the inaugural ride of high speed train that goes through the brand new Gotthard Base Tunnel.  This tunnel has been a dream of the Swiss for over a century and is finally a reality.  See why Swiss Travel System has been elevated by this incredible feat of engineering.  

Next, we took the Glacier Express train all the way to the Swiss/Italian border to the stunning Alpine city of Zermatt.  One of the most revered ski/snowboard resorts in the world.  Not only is the mountain infrastructure the most advanced I've seen at any ski resort, but the views were surreal.  Not to mention, waking up to the sight of the Matterhorn was like a dream in and of itself.  

Ahh Zurich. Cosmopolitan chic, yet culturally rich and historical.  One of my favorite cities on Earth, and incredibly livable.  Insanely easy transportation system, walkable, and AMAZING FOOD.  Always a must for me.  Check out where I went, where I stayed,  and what I ate below. 

And if you didn't see my Eat Travel Rock TV episodes from the summer, well, here you go! First up is the rolling hills of Bad Ragaz.  A breathtaking country side that was the backdrop for the world famous novel, Heidi.  Famous for their healing thermal waters, I indulged in the world's most luxurious spas.  This episode also features several Swiss Deluxe Hotels, not only in Bad Ragaz, but in Gstaad and Zurich.  This hotel company encompasses some of the most prestigious hotels in all of Europe.  

Gstaad is THE MOST picturesque town that is oozing with prestige and luxury that I have ever seen.  Not only does the small village house some of the world's most posh name brands, but the hotels and restaurants are in a class of their own.  However, in this episode, I explored the countryside, and even milked a goat... yes the ones used to make some of the greatest cheese on the planet.  You don't want to miss this one!

Hope you enjoyed my travels around Switzerland and I hope it inspires you to make it your next international destination.  If you've been to Switzerland or want to go, please comment below and let me know your thoughts, thanks!

Is There ANY Good Airport Food??

Eating and Traveling are 2 of my 3 favorite things. And they occur simultaneously, often.  Eating food at an airport is usually either a hassle, or a quick necessity...and rarely delicious.  What if airport dining could be a pleasure?  Crazy concept?....maybe.  

So I'm kind of weird.  I actually enjoy spending time at airports.  I'm fascinated with air travel in general and just like being around it... watching the planes land and take off,  seeing the pilots hustle about the terminal.  Air travel definitely isn't as prestigious and romantic as it was several decades ago, but I still like finding ways to enjoy it.  I like to get there as early as possible prior to my flight, of course for logistical reasons, but I also like to have a good meal before I board.  Unfortunately, options can be limited, especially at my home bases, O'Hare and Midway.  

Yes, Chicago airport food has definitely improved, but it is far from haute cuisine and chic dining.  No, we don't need 3 star Michelin restaurants at our airports, but how about things other than soggy or overly dry and processed genetically modified turkey sandwiches?  Even the "Wolfgang Puck" restaurants still offer the same boring dry turkey sammies.  Yes, Rick Bayless makes an appearance with Tortas Frontera, and there is a sushi spot called Wicker Park Seafood (I haven't tried it, reviews seem positive).  But for the most part, you're stuck with all Chili's-esque options.  Processed and microwaved "bar" food.  Is it THAT hard to bring in some fresh and organic options?

I'm spending a lot of time in New York lately.  Laguardia is a cesspool of nastiness.  Zero options for a good meal.  JFK on the other hand is like the Garden of Eden of airport dining.  High end steak and sushi options, healthier fast casual options, and streamlined bars at every other gate.  I had a delicious sushi dinner last night in the Jet Blue Terminal at Deep Blue. It was sexy and sleek and the food was actually great.  

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I do have one way to ensure that you can at least get the best meal possible at ANY airport you go to.   There are a few great apps out there can be very helpful.  Gate Guru is my favorite.  Not only will it give you the updated arrival and departure boards at every airport but it also has a complete list of all food, shops, and amenities and what terminal and gate they're at.  It also features reviews of other travelers so you know which to hit up, and which to steer clear of.  Happy travels all, and please share with me which airports YOU feel have the best food! 

Food Network In Concert... Eat Drink Rock.

It's ok, I'll let Food Network piggy back off of Eat Travel Rock.  Quite flattering the hashtag for their event last weekend at Ravinia Music Festival was #EatDrinkRock... haha, ok seriously folks.  My manager, Chantel, and I headed up to Highland Park to explore what was sure to be incredible food and incredible music...sounds right up my alley!!  I also managed to snag 2 quick interviews with some heavy hitters in the culinary world.   

The first chat was with Billy Dec (Co-Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions) and Chef Kevin Hickey (Executive chef of Bottle Fork and the upcoming Duck Inn).  They were FRESH off their win for BEST HOT DOG.  Quite an accomplishment being in Chicago and all.  Check out the Video HERE! 

Next, I had a chance to interview a Food Network Chef/Host I've been a fan of for a while.  She has a simple yet bold take on Latin American food... hence her show's name, Simply Delicioso! Check out this video of Chef Ingrid Hoffmann !!!

Let's Get Smokey

Hey Y'all.  This weekend marks the 3 day period where Chicago bows down to 2 of the mightiest forces in the universe.  BBQ and Country Music.  This may be controversial as, I've come to find out, not EVERYONE is a country music fan.  Well shame on you! You have a chance to make it right!  The Windy City SmokeOut starts today and not only will some of the best BBQ from around the COUNTRY be featured, but,... there will also be some of the biggest names in Country Music...right here in our own back yard...in River North!  Bub City puts it on, and we already know how great their food is.  Smoque, Chicago's Q, and Lillie's Q from Chi-Town are also repping as well as Salt Lick BBQ, Myron Mixon, and Dinosaur BBQ from around the ole US of A.  But of course, the twang will be flowin' and some of my favorite acts (and friends) will take the stage at Grand and the River.  Including Clayton Anderson, Brett Eldredge, Chase Rice (who I'll be interviewing for Eat Travel Rock TV on Sunday) Eli Young Band, etc.  Tix are still available.  Come on people, get your shit kickers on!