Every so often, I have a meal where I feel like Alice must have, down the hole and through to Wonderland. An experience where I am swept away in awe, merriment, and amazement as I’m presented, course after course of fantastical creations. I buzz with energy as my senses are overloaded with textures and tastes … Continue reading
My family needs “a reason” to travel together, which may come as a bit of a surprise considering I fill my thoughts with travel plans and can turn anything into a reason to go away. But outside of our reunions every other year to Japan, the Bando’s don’t travel a lot as a family. Last … Continue reading
I am fortunate to be able to travel a lot. People wonder “how”? But it’s because I take opportunities and use them as excuses to book trips. After having an amazing September in Vancouver with cousin Alex, I knew I wanted to get back down to Nashville as soon as I could. So why not … Continue reading
I hate having my photo taken. I feel most of the time in posed shots, I’m awkward or have a fake smile. In most candids, I look angry (bad eyesight = squinting= angry 11’s on my forehead) and it takes me at least 10 tries to get a selfie that I’m somewhat satisfied with. Having … Continue reading
I know that Oaxaca is relatively undiscovered to most of the world and I’ve enjoyed sharing my experiences here for others to get a sense of the calibre and creativity of the Chefs in Oaxaca. I have been lucky to have eaten multi-course extravaganzas all over the world, many from the “World’s Top 50” lists, … Continue reading
There are so many reasons why Oaxaca draws me back year after year, but recently, it’s the connections that I’ve made with the people that make me most excited to return. I’ve written a lot about Chef Rodolfo Castellanos from Origen over the years, and my time with him has always ranked as a … Continue reading
For the first half of my life so far, I used to be shy. So many times I’d sit on the sidelines as I watched the world go by in front of me. In my adult years though, I’ve made a conscious effort to put myself out there. I tell myself life is too short … Continue reading
