Portland, The City of Roses. GREAT story by Perry Montoya. Click here to read.

Flash Mob in Moscow

What a crazy, ever-changing world! Who could have thought that in 2012 young people in Moscow would put on a "flash mob" happening, dancing to an 83 year-old American song written by a Russian born American/Jew (Irving Berlin) whose last name is the capital of Germany...  THIS IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. Click here to watch!

Stars of the Silicon Valley

"They" say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are a few from last week's visit to a few Silicon Valley icons...

I've got a special "in" - as my brother-in-law was Apple's first Director of Operations and has the inside scoop on all things technologically cool to come!  I'm sworn to secrecy, though. Just know that you don't know what you don't know. :)

Numbers Don't Lie: Consuming the Super Bowl

According to ESPN, Americans are expected to spend more than
50 million dollars on food during Super Bowl weekend, and they’ll consume on average 1,200 calories while watching the big game.

So what’s on the menu, you ask?

For starters, you can snack on 14,500 tons of tortilla chips, and dip them, if you so choose, into 8 million pounds of guacamole; enough to cover an enter football field, waist-deep.

THAT'S A LOT OF GUAC!

We’ll also eat 1.25 billion chicken wings, order more than 15 million pizzas and drink 325 million gallons of beer.

So if you wake up on Monday morning in really bad shape, you’re one of the estimated 7 million U.S. employees who will call out sick to work.

You may be tempted to lie to your boss about being sick on Monday, but just remember… numbers don’t lie!

TravelwithLisaOnline.com wins NAJA Award!

Just announced! TravelwithLisaOnline.com won the Bronze Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association in the Travel Journalist Website category, coming in just behind Travel USA Today and its parent site, Perceptive Travel. Another winning entry by yours truly - in the Cultural Travel category - was the story, "Riviera Maya and All That Jazz", featured in TravelWorld International Magazine.

The competition, now in its 20^th year, honors the “best of the best” in travel writing, photography and promotion that covers all aspects of the travel industry worldwide.

Click here for details!

Knowledge is understanding a tomato is a fruit...
--Wisdom is not putting it in fruit salad.

Grand Incentives Unauthorized Report

This might just get me fired. Why? Because the management at Grand Incentives insists upon anonymity regarding this very special cause. But I'm just posting on my little blog. Who really reads this, anyway?

So here's the secret scoop: One night a month, every month, for YEARS, the staff at Grand Incentives (GI) contributes cash, but more importantly, time and good will, to feed the homeless of Sarasota. Many GI employees live paycheck to paycheck, juggling family and financial responsibilities. No matter. The third Thursday of each month, they rally... generously giving up a portion of their hard-earned money and a big block of precious time to nurture those in our community who are in greater need.

Christmastime delivers not only food, but bags and bags of clothing and other items that our employees donate to "give back". They would, and have literally, given the coats off their backs to provide warmth to a homeless person shivering from the biting cold night air.

A Convenient Thanksgiving

My mouth is watering. All it took was a vision of tomorrow’s plate, overflowing with moist smoked turkey, gravy-heavy mashed potatoes, creamy green bean casserole, toasty crescent rolls, whipped-cream-piled pumpkin pie… are you hungry yet? Combine this with your favorite relatives, and you’ve got the perfect American feast.
Yet the definition of an ideal Thanksgiving is changing for many. Call it laziness or wisdom, 14 million Americans will dine out for dinner this Thursday, according to the National Restaurant Association. An additional 16 million will take out select menu items instead of turning on the oven. Once again, convenience trumps homemade. I mean, who really wants to do all those dishes? Click here to read more...
Post courtesy Grand Incentives, Inc.

Artichoke Hearts with Crab, Horseradish Butter and Chive

Gourmandia.com is THE go-to source for foodies! This recipe just in, complete with video. Can't wait to try it!

Artichoke Hearts with Crab, Horseradish Butter and Chive

Have YOU got a Ticket to Ride?

Beatlemania? Yes! The Beatles Tribute Cruise 2012 is almost upon us. It will coincide with the 48th anniversary of the band's first U.S. appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Click here to learn more!

Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard was born into food. Literally.

Baptized on a table in his kitchen, fifth-generation chef Jean-Stephane Poinard grew up with an abundance of daily olfactory pleasures in his home, which was situated over his family's restaurant. His bedroom was directly over the kitchen, waking him every morning with the warm smell of bread baking in the oven; the rich, thick scent of sweet, savory sauces bubbling on the stove; or a roast cooking to perfection.

This just out in Global Writes by Gayle J. McCarthy. Click here to read the entire, fascinating story.

I've had the distinct pleasure of sharing a Holland America cruise with this talented gentleman during an International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association Conference at Sea.

Don't Leave Home Without Them!

Whenever possible, we travel with our girls, Mimi - the intrepid long-haired Chihuahua - and Sadie, the sweetest rescue English Springer Spaniel. They are our family. If you love your pets as much as we do and can't bear to leave them behind, check out the Official Directory of Pet-Friendly Hotels, just posted on travelwithlisaonline.com.

Hell's Kitchen Just Got Hotter

Jamie Gregorich is not afraid of the heat! The 24-year-old sous chef at Longboat Key's Euphemia Haye is holding her own against Chef Gordon Ramsay in the hit Fox reality show, Hell's Kitchen.

Read the juicy details here.

Sweet Paul

Foodies and photogs, I just found this great blog and yummy magazine by Paul Lowe, a food and prop stylist. Great recipes and gorgeous images - all look good enough to eat!

Kidding Around on Carnival

This just out!

A fun, four-day getaway aboard Carnival's Inspiration.

Read about it here: Kidding Around on Carnival

Charleston... a Low-Country High

What do Charleston, S.C. and Ocala, Florida have in common? What's Up Ocala magazine. I started writing travel features for the magazine a few months ago. First assignment, Charleston! The print layout is awesome; the online version is not quite as photo-rich, but it's a good, short, fun read (yes, I'm slightly biased :)

Check out the online version here: Welcome to Charleston, a Low-Country High

Birds of a Feather

One of the great things about living in Sarasota, Florida, is that we are just below the state's frost line (Tampa). This means I get to see the most amazing birds and wildlife in my very own backyard. Sandhill cranes and other intriguing varieties of birds - including roseatte spoonbills (Florida's "real pink bird"), all species of ducks, tortoises, fish, armadillos, possums - and some strange creature I WISH I had caught on film last week. Looked like a sea lion scampering across my yard. (We live on a small canal.) I have no idea what it was!

Summer in the City: Naples, Florida

We call it “dreams on sale.” Every summer in Naples, Florida, the resorts, retailers and restaurants offer extraordinary savings for ordinary people. You don’t have to be Donald Trump to vacation like him. Especially at The Inn on Fifth.

Click here to read the story, Summer in the City or visit TravelwithLisaOnline.

Fine Dining?

Click HERE to see what it's like to have doggone great meal!

4 Tips to be a Greener Restaurant Guest

Restaurants nationwide are “going greener,” and consumers are increasingly looking for ways to do the same when dining out. The National Restaurant Association offers these tips for being an eco-conscious restaurant guest:

1. Pass on the water. If you plan to order a beverage with your meal and not drink the complimentary glass of water, simply let your server know. If one out of four restaurant patrons did the same, it would help conserve more than 25 million gallons of water in a year.

2. Skip the straws and utensils. If you don’t need a straw to enjoy your beverage, pass on it. More than 500 million disposable straws are used in the U.S. every day – enough to fill 9,300 school buses! And, when getting takeout or delivery, tell restaurant staff that you don’t need disposable silverware. This will help divert waste from landfills.

3. Bring your own. Use your own reusable tote bag for takeout orders rather than plastic or paper bags, and bring a travel mug for that morning cup of coffee – some restaurants will even give you a discount for it!

4. Consider alternative transportation. Car-pool, walk, ride a bike or take public transportation to your favorite restaurant. Each vehicle in America uses about 600 gallons of gas per year. That's lot of emissions. And with rising gas prices, these alternatives double as budget-friendly solutions.

Happy Easter!

As the day draws to an end, here's hoping it was comforting and celebratory for you and yours. I spent it on gorgeous Bradenton Beach, signing "Bradenton Beach, Then and Now" DVDs. Lovely day - and speaking of lovely, had the honor of meeting Mayor Bob Bartelt and his beautiful bride.

Easter Sunday Encore

The churches of Bradenton Beach have gotten together to present what is sure to be a moving and beautiful sunrise service on Bradenton's sparkling shores. Afterwards, join in the festivities on Bridge Street... the last Marketplace of the season and an encore showing of the Bradenton Beach Video at The Back Alley. Hope to see you there!

Bradenton Beach Video World Premier, this Sunday, April 17th

Bradenton Beach is one of the world's most beloved destinations. Rich in history, brimming with beauty and a respite from "reality", it's definitely a dream come true. Join us this Sunday for an historical event... the world premier of the video, "Bradenton Beach, Then and Now". Celebs will be signing DVD covers and offering personal insights into why the area is a such a coveted getaway. The launch coincides with The Market, an exciting weekly event in-season that brings together the best of Bradenton's artisans. Click here to learn more.

Top 10 Reasons to

RIVIERA MAYA

(Photo by Judy Eberspaecher)

#10. romantic ambiance… #9. exquisite food… #8. perfect weather… #7. exotic jungles… #6. intriguing wildlife… #5. picturesque villages… #4. surprising shopping… #3. pampering resorts… #2. sparkling beaches…

and the #1 reason to love Riviera Maya: its warm, welcoming people.

We spent a glorious week there, four days of which we spent mornings in press conferences with legendary muscians and four nights on the beach with 14,000 people reveling in the international Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. The rest of the time, we simply luxuriated in our surroundings at the magnificent Secrets Maroma Beach Resort. Story just out in Travelworld International Magazine. Click to read!

Lovin' Longboat - Voted #2 in North America!

Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Longboat Key, Florida, as the No. 2 island in all of North America, for its blend of wild, natural beauty and manicured elegance. Second only to Kiawah in Charleston, South Carolina, it captured the hearts of Condé Nast. Here's why: Bradenton has Something to Brag About.

Oysters Camille

This award-winning dish is even tastier than it is attractive! It was among the featured goodies at celebrity-chef Camille Manella Johnston's annual Mardi Gras Party. Here's the prized recipe:

1 quart shucked fresh oysters
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
4 crumbled bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried coarse ground thyme
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 bunch chopped green onion
1 large diced green bell pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup Progresso bread crumbs, Italian style
4 tablespoons butter (my change - Camille's recipe calls for Fleischmann's margarine)
1/4 cup thinly sliced lemon peel
10 drops red Tabasco sauce
3/4 pound crumbled, crisp bacon
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
course ground salt
freshly ground black pepper

Line bottom of 10 x 14-inch glass pan with olive oil. Place drained oysters flatly on olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle evenly over oysters the following: basil, Italian herb seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, lemon juice, green onions, green pepper, garlic and 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs.

Cut butter (or margarine) into about 9 pats and place evenly over oysters. Spread evenly over oysters the following: lemon peel, 3/4 of the crisp bacon, mozzarella cheese, Tabasco sauce and rest of bacon. Top with remaining 1/2-cup bread crumbs. Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 6 to 8 as hors d'oeuvres or 4 to 6 as an entree.

Winter/Spring Cooking Classes

Have you ever attended a cooking class at Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key? I have, and it was scrumptious. Chef-owner Ray D'Arpke is gearing up for another series sure to please.

His popular Winter/Spring Lesson Luncheon cooking classes series begins Friday, January 28 and runs through Wednesday, May 11. Featured will be visits to Spain, South America and New Orleans as well as items from some of his most popular classes, a sumptuous Sunday brunch and three of Euphemia Haye’s favorite menu items.

Space is limited and reservations are required. Classes are held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and include wine pairings, fresh banana bread and Euphemia Haye’s signature coffee. Students will receive copies of the full menu and detailed cooking instructions, as well as enjoying a superb meal. Classes are for serious and not so serious cooks. Classes are $60 per person. Cooking Class Schedule

Is Your Luggage Elephant-Proof?

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Where to NEXT?

Wondering where in the world to go next? Check out Network 4 Travel, a new library of short destination features designed by Grand Getaways for the curious traveler.

Okay, so I've written ALL of the travel articles... so far. So I just might be a bit biased. But, if we share similar sensibilities - and I suspect we do (or you wouldn't be reading this) - you'll appreciate the possibilities that these destinations have to offer. :)

Pack it In - and in, and in and in...

My esteemed editor commented recently that since I travel so frequently, I must have some good packing tips to share. I’m guessing she assumed I’m one of those people that can travel for a weekend or a month with nothing more than a carry-on. Oh honey. I usually have a suitcase devoted just to shoes!

Click here to read the entire story... and don't expect the typical "pack light" tips!

Where to Stay on Siesta Key

As many of you know, one of my favorite spots for a "staycation" is Siesta Key. A fun getaway close to home, its quirky village and award-winning beaches attract visitors from across the globe. I never tire of visiting the Key, nor writing about the area. So naturally, I'm excited to announce the addition of our newest sponsor, Siesta Key Vacation Rental Condos, offering a wide array of beachfront accommodations in this special brand of Paradise.

Siesta Key Vacation Rental Condos offers Siesta Key oceanfront condo rentals in Gulf and Bay Club, Siesta Key Midnight Cove I and II, Siesta Key Excelsior Condos, Siesta Key Siesta Dunes, Siesta Key House of the Sun and Siesta Key Jamaica Royale. Stroll Siesta Key Village, a colorful jumble of shops, galleries, restaurants and outdoor cafes. The Siesta Key Trolley will take you from the southern end of the island near Siesta Key Beach to northern end, where the shops are located.

Eagle Island, Georgia - The Naked Truth

If your idea of Paradise is an uninhabited island with fishing, crabbing, boating and bonfires, you'll be in hog heaven at private Eagle Island. I spent several refreshing days there, chilling out with a few colleagues. Story just out today in Global Writes Webzine! Enjoy!

It's All Good

Since I created the all new and improved, travelwithlisaonline.com, I fear I've neglected to give this blog, which existed long before, the attention that it deserves.

So this post serves to not only catch you up on the tips and deals featured on the aforementioned site; the most recent, a sale on sailing by Blue Bayou in the British Virgin Islands, but also, to give you a heads up about the amazing interview that MPS producer Bob Neuf held with the inimatible Ed Chiles, just yesterday at The Beach House on Anna Maria Island.

Mr. Chiles is involved in all things good and charitable. And, he's down to earth. What a priviledge to meet him in person. And, he's one of the main supporters of the new rich media video site promoting Anna Maria Island; coincidently, narrated and hosted by yours truly.

Here's a link to the work in progress: http://bradentonbeachvideo.com/ - an exclusive preview!

The nearly finished product is PBS quality; no wonder, since that's what Bob does - produce PBS and National Geographic specials for television audiences. However, thanks to me, he's amassed a number of out-takes (a.k.a. bloopers) from our Anna Maria Island shoots.

Coming soon... :)

Sarasota - Free and Cheap!

It's no secret that Sarasota is my favorite spot on the planet, and that I write about it regularly for the CVB. Came across this incredibly useful article by esteemed colleague Elana Galerman... all about how to enjoy this high-end destination on the cheap! Love it. Champagne travel on a beer budget. Doesn't get better than this. Check it out!

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Sarasota Under 5 Dollars

How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Shoe

I'm embarrassed to admit how many corkscrews I've had confiscated at airports since 9/11. Finally, I've learned not to pack one in my carryon. Thing is, now I forget to pack one at all. Came across this intriguing video that demonstrates how to open wine with a shoe. Haven't tried it, yet. Would be interested to learn if anyone else has. Check it out at TravelwithLisaOnline.com.

Worship On Water... A Different Kind of Trip

The first inaugural Worship On Water (WOW) departed from Cortez Village, Florida, last Sunday. It was an historical event. Little did I know when I guiltily packed my tiny camera – leaving behind my larger conspicuous one (it is church, after all) – that there would be hoards of reporters, photographers and no less than three TV station crews present. Read the entire account at Travel with Lisa Online...

Flying Gets Fresh: Virgin America Introduces New Seasonal Menu

Are you hungry? You will be after reading the new menu selections from Virgin America Airlines. Très gourmet. I want to fly somewhere just for one of their meals! Delicious details courtesy PRNewswire. Check it out on Travel with Lisa Online.

Beautiful Anna Maria Island

I am honored and privileged to have been asked to host a PBS-quality video about Anna Maria Island. Unlike other videos about the island, this one provides intriguing insights into Anna Maria's history while informing visitors about what there is to see and do today.

I'm anxious to upload the work in progress, but it's just too soon! I'll share as soon as I get the okay from our (famous) producer, Bob Neuf. In the meantime, check out my Fan Page for more pics of the shoots.

New Website: Travel with Lisa Online!

Visit my all-new website, Travel with Lisa Online for the latest travel deals, tips, features, videos and radio broadcasts. Be sure to check out "Visitors Views" - great articles by guest travel journalists. You'll find tips for stress-free honeymoon planning, how to travel with pets, and other news you can use. The Gotta Have section hightlights some of the products I have personally found to be essential for the savvy traveler.

Discounts and More from Carrabba's Amici Club

Want to be the first to know what’s cooking at Carrabba’s? Sign up for a FREE membership to the Amici Club and receive:

* Exclusive Offers: Receive valuable offers for complimentary menu items, special prix fixe menus and more.
* Flavorful Rewards: Be the first to learn about Carrabba’s delicious specials and enjoy cooking tips, recipes and flavor pairing options from their chefs.
* Invitation Only Events: Enjoy social events ranging from wine tastings to chef specials and cooking demos.
* Insider Information: Find out about special events, gift card giveaways and other Carrabba’s happenings before anyone else.

I know, it sounds too good to be true. But, Patrick and I were privileged to be among the guests of last night’s Amici Club dinner. Here's what we discovered: Our evening at Carrabba's

Georgia on My Mind

If your idea of Paradise is an uninhabited island with fishing, crabbing, boating and bonfires, you’ll be in hog heaven at private Eagle Island. Just 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and 10 minutes from the Intercoastal Waterway, the island is accessible only by boat, ensuring privacy as well as anonymity. It's a naturalist’s wonderland; 10 acres of wildlife habitat punctuated by the rustic yet luxurious lodge, the quintessential headquarters for becoming acquainted with friends feathered and finned.

Imagine sleeping under the stars on a swinging bed. Toasting marshmallows over a bonfire. Singing, laughing and eating to your heart’s content. Having time to read your favorite book. Being isolated from the world. Well, almost. Eagle Island Lodge offers complimentary wireless access for those of us who are communication-obsessed.

For more information about Eagle Island and Coastal Maritime Lodge, visit http://www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com/or call 912-638-0306. Guests of Eagle Island can book kayak, canoe and bicycle tours with Altamaha; http://www.altamaha.com/, 912-437-6010, and/or fishing charters with Captain Wendell Harper, 912-437-8200

55 Years of Saving Sealife

Mote Marine Laboratory celebrates its 55th anniversary with stellar events




Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium recently kicked off its 55th Anniversary Celebration with its first-ever Juried Art Exhibition of unique paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed media and ceramics by artists from across the state depicting Mote's expansive projects and achievements over the past 55 years. A silent auction followed the festive event.

The party continues throughout the year with Run for the Turtles; Party on the Pass, Oceanic Evening and more. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store for sea fans.

YES... Clarity

Attended my third Young Entrepreneurs of Sarasota (YES!) meeting this week. A Tony Robbins workshop. Learned about clarity, modeling, action and intergration, state changes and more. The room reverberated with positive energy. Tony Robbins fans, you know what I'm talkin' about! If you're local and interested in joining the YES group, visit YES! online. Great people, good contacts and limitless sources of inspiration.

Video/Slide Show - Holland America Cruise!

From denizens of the deep to divas of the media, the IFWTWA Conference at Sea on Holland America's ms Eurodam was a multi-sensory delight. Enlightening workshops and wine tastings at sea punctuated ports of call that included Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. Beautiful, historic and sizzling hot meccas all.

Of course, the cruise ship is a destination in itself, complete with culinary school, computer workshops, fitness center, luxury spa, theatre, nightclub, casino and more.

I'M BACK!

Literally and figuratively. Returned from a cruise on Holland America - not a "vacation" - instead, a Writers Conference at Sea. Working on a really cool slide show that will hopefully give you a great glimpse into both the work and play, including pics of our ports of call: Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. We, members of The International Food Wine & Travel Association, were graciously hosted by each respective tourism entity. While on board Holland America's MS Eurodam, we were privy to private press conferences where we learned much about what goes on behind the scenes. Of course, our writer's workshops and seminars were outstanding. This photo was taken our last night... there were about 40 in our group, but here you see the die-hards, the "hard-core" social butterflies (including me!) that wanted to spend time together until the very end of the cruise. Have been dealing with some interesting personal issues since we returned, or would have posted sooner. No matter, more posts forthcoming!