Exploring the Uros floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru

Exploring the Uros floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru

aparna krishnamoorthy
Culture, HIstory, Peru, Travel

When planning a trip to Peru, Lake Titicaca is not always at the top of one’s priority list. Peru normally brings images of Machu Picchu or the Nazca lines, but the lake definitely deserves to be right up there! The lake is the highest navigable (by commercial craft) lake in the world – at 12,500 feet above sea level, and is the largest in South America, at over 8000 square kilometers. Sitting at the border between Peru and Bolivia, we started our exploration of the lake from the commercialized port city of Puno in Peru.

Hungry in DC: The "Balkan experience" at Ambar DC

Hungry in DC: The "Balkan experience" at Ambar DC

aparna krishnamoorthy
DC, Drinks, Food, Hungry in DC, Restaurants, Wine

We can all agree that DC is a smorgasbord of global cuisine, but there are not too many places for Balkan cuisine!  Enter Ambar.  Ambar has been open for a couple of years now, serving up Balkan specialties, in tapa style small plates. When they opened, I had a fantastic meal with friends trying out the cuisine for the first time. I recently went back for dinner, and although I’m not too familiar with Balkan food, I can definitely say this place has turned me on to it!

Signature banana bread at The Mayflower hotel

Signature banana bread at The Mayflower hotel

aparna krishnamoorthy
DC, Culture, Food, HIstory, Events, Hungry in DC, Travel, Restaurants, Hotels

The Mayflower is one of the most historic hotels in DC – it has been home to Presidential Inaugural balls, the spot for the power lunches of power lunches, scandal and gossip, and is known as DC’s “second best address” (the first being the White House, of course). But it is also known for something else – BANANA BREAD. Yep, the hotel has been making banana bread since the 1950’s and it has become one of the hotel’s signature items, used in the hotel’s turn down amenities, served in the hotel’s Edgar restaurant, and even as dessert at many weddings in the hotel!

Hungry in DC: Alfie's, a Thai street food popup

aparna krishnamoorthy
DC, Drinks, Food, Restaurants, Hungry in DC

A Thai Traveler’s bar. What the heck is that? Everyone knows Thailand is has been a popular traveler destination for many years now. I’ve never been, but apparently there are plenty of “expat bars” all over the country, owned by expats and locals alike, but with a diverse traveler customer base. That’s what Alfie’s is going after – a funky, fun bar where everyone and their stories are accepted, with some kickass food.

#FoodCulture - Turkish Tea and Coffee, featuring Ankara DC

#FoodCulture - Turkish Tea and Coffee, featuring Ankara DC

aparna krishnamoorthy
Culture, DC, Drinks, Food, HIstory, Restaurants, Travel

Turkish coffee and tea are well known for their robust flavors, and the preparation and consumption of coffee and tea are both integral to Turkish culture and daily life. After enjoying a fantastic brunch at Turkish restaurant Ankara with endless cups of tea, and a cup of strong Turkish coffee complete with fortune reading, I was curious to learn more about the importance of coffee/tea in Turkish culture. I sat with Erin Gorman (co-owner along with her husband Utku Aslanturk), to learn a bit more about this …over a cup of tea, of course!

A taste of Oaxaca at El Centro DF

aparna krishnamoorthy
DC, Culture, Drinks, Events, Food

If you are looking for margaritas, micheladas, tacos, tortas, or other Mexican deliciousness with a great atmosphere, then you probably already know that  El Centro DF is a good bet. I’ve visited several times and have always really enjoyed myself whether for happy hour or late night (bring back the pork carnitas tortas late night!)

What you may not know, however, is that Chef Richard Sandoval (of El Centro, Zengo, Masa 14 fame) and his corporate chefs visit a different region of Mexico every year to research the culinary heritage of the area, and then come back and incorporate dishes into the menu at El Centro to showcase the diversity and flavors of Mexico.

Load More