A little over a week ago, I returned from a trip to Puerto Vallarta and thought it might be fun to go over a few highlights of the vacation.

My trip was booked in a heartbeat when I punched in the dates (Jan 25 to Feb 1) and the destination (Toronto to Puerto Vallarta) into www.travelocity.com. The first thing that popped up on the list of options was a flight for $450 CAN with Taxes with Delta Airlines. I grabbed my Visa card and booked it without hesitation. #smart move

As for accommodations: I was pretty lucky and scored an opportunity to stay in an airbnb that my sister had rented. It had a huge terrace, was super clean (and quiet), and in a fabulous location as well.

I also decided to hang out at The Westin Spa and Resort, and so glad I made that decision. The view was from my 11th floor room was spectacular. I’ve been a fan of Starwood for a long time and glad that I’ve now stayed in yet another one of their hotels.

I did absolutely nothing on this trip except lie in the sun everyday and read my Kobo. Books that I finished included:
-My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler (chuckled my way thru this book)
-The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richmon (amazing historical fiction story)
-My Secret Mother by Phyllis Whitwell (another great memoir)

I highly recommend GoodReads – it is my lifeline when trying to find a good book to read.

Food highlights: This chili pineapple paleta that I had every day!

The taco tour with Vallarta Food Tours on my last night (stay tuned for a blog post) was certainly a huge highlight of my trip.

I would also highly recommend to visit the Olas Altas Farmers Market on Saturdays which has a huge selection of prepared foods, breads, flowers and more. They even had a vendor that sold cinnamon buns that had atlas 20 people in line (I was one of them!!)

The weather did not disappoint me throughout the week…which is one of the best reasons to visit Mexico!

Huge thanks to @StunningOttawa (my sister) who encouraged me to join her for a week.

As always, I’m already looking forward to my next trip. This year I’m fortunate to have three family functions to attend; one in New York, another in London, England and one in Niagara-on-the-Lake. #cantwait.

I have a long history with the Sheraton Tel Aviv. It actually goes back to 1988 when I had my last dinner there after spending 4 years attending Tel Aviv University. #truestory

However over the years, I continue to stay at this hotel and to be honest I haven’t ever considered staying at any other hotel when visiting Tel Aviv. Plus I know many friends and family members who stay at the Sheraton Tel Aviv so I know it has a great reputation.

Here’s just a few reasons why I  continue to stay at this hotel.

1. The views: Need I say more?

2. The Israeli Breakfast: This is a must so make sure it’s included in the price of your hotel. If not, it’s wroth the $$ to pay for it.  The selection is unlike anything you have ever seen in an North American Hotel. You have been warned!!

I couldn’t possibly capture the entire range of what’s offered at this Israeli Buffet however I can tell you that the ENTIRE restaurant is dedicated to it. Trust me – it’s a sizeable restaurant.

3. The pool/beach proximity: I spend most of my time at the pool however if you cross the street – voila – you are the beach!! As you can see, it’s a great place to capture the gorgeous sunset.

4. The service: Everyone was courteous and helpful – the bellboys, the front desk staff and front desk staff too. We had no complaints.

5. The Club Lounge: I’m not a world traveller however I have seen a few club lounges in my life and this one is the best ones I’ve ever seen. There’s food served all day long and an incredible outdoor patio to view the city.

For more information:

Website: www.sheratontelaviv.com

Twitter: @SheratonTelAiv

 

I had one of those days. You know, the type of day that included 3 amazing events!! Here’s what my day looked like.

The day started off like this…

8:00 am – Started off my day with a Farm and Food Care Media Tour.  I love (love) this tour and have been attending this tour for the last 3 years. Over 50 people (food writers, bloggers, cookbook authors, food stylists, etc)  met off the highway for a “tail gate” party featuring coffee and fresh baked goodies.

8:30 am – Bus Departs

9:15 am – We went to visit Burnett Farms in Orangeville. At this stop, we learned about the diversity of grain farming in Ontario. It was also fascinating to learn that there are four generation on the Burnett farm today! They own 800 acres of crops and grow corn, soybean (both GMO and Identity Preserved), seed soybeans, canola, wheat and seed barley.

11:00 am – Bus Departs

Noon – Gourmet Taste of Ontario Lunch that was Catered by the Black Birch Restaurant. The (delicious) menu included;

Sorrel & Spinach Soup with Cider Infused Barley and Creme Fraiche. Hockley Valley Beer Braised Ontario Corn Fed Beef Ribs with Mushrooms, Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Asparagus. Dessert: Honey and Yogurt Semi-Freddo with Rhubarb Compote and Barley Cookies.

1:30 pm – Bus Dparts

2:00 pm – We visited the Schaus Land & Cattle Beef Feedlot in Alliston. At this stop we got up close and personal  with 3,000 yes- that’s right – 3,000) of Canada’s top cattle.  To my surprise, these cows were so quiet!! Not to mention…well taken care of!

3:45 pm – Bus Departs

5:15 pm – Arrived back in at the bus stop

5:15 pm to 6:45 pm – Drove from Trafalgar Road/401 to Avenue Road and the 401 so I could attend the the first Sip & Savour Farmers Market. I spoke to the organizer who told me that 1000 people had visited. I was thrilled to hear that. Sadly I got there at the last 15 minutes and many vendors had sold out or were packing. However I still managed to buy some gorgeous Kale and some sausage. This market will take place every Thursday from 3 pm – 7 pm at Avenue Road/Old Orchard Grove. (just south of the 401)

8:00 pm – I drove the Element Vaughan Southwest Hotel (6170 Highway 7) to attend a super intimate event that was designed for Starwood Preferred Guests. There was a reception followed by a performance by Mayer Hawthorne. The evening was FANTASTIC. I loved the atmosphere they created and the performance was outstanding. Stay tuned for another blog post about this hotel!!

11:30 pm – returned to my apartment to get some much needed sleep. What a fabulous day I had!