Get ready for September, the month for celebrating  Southwestern flavors, especially chiles!

If you are a lover of chiles or a “chilehead,” New Mexico is a perfect destination for you.  New Mexico produces more chiles than any other state.  In fact, New Mexico has an official state question that refers to the spicy, flavorful delights, “red or green?” The question is said to be asked at least 175,000 times a day regarding which type of chile you prefer on your food.  If you have trouble making up your mind, simply answer, “Christmas,” and you’ll get both side-by-side. read more »

If the historic Alamo is on your list of sights to see soon, make sure you leave enough time for eating multiple meals in San Antonio.

You’ll find whatever you are craving in this town.  San Antonio’s food has been heavily inspired by Mexican culture, along with German, Asian, and Southern cuisine.  You can eat some great Texas barbecue too!  If you are visiting in November, try it all at the New World Wine & Food Festival.

Spice counts in Texas, and San Antonio has done its part to put its twist on Mexican food to contribute to the delicious Tex-Mex style.  Fajitas, burritos, nachos, and enchiladas have been perfected here.  DO NOT MISS the puffy taco, a San Antonio creation.  The shell, which is filled with traditional taco ingredients, is light and flaky.  Get to Henry’s, the most famous puffy taco joint, or find them almost anywhere in the city.  Just make sure you eat one (or 12)!

Experience Local Flavor on the Flavors of San Antonio Foodie Tour.  Taste signature dishes at six locally owned and operated restaurants.
And if all of that eating leaves you feeling inspired to cook, visit Sunset Home & Hardware for any cookware needs.

There’s still time to hit the beach! And one of the best parts of any great end-of-summer escape is finding truly local flavors to enjoy.

From okra to oysters, Charleston has all the elements of a culinary cultural celebration in place.  This history-rich town is part of the South Carolina Lowcountry, known for tasty specialties like Sweet Potato & Crab Soup and Hoppin’ John.

Want to give it a try? Whether you’re off on a South Carolina adventure or a native looking for fun close to home, Charleston Cooks! is a great place to learn about real Lowcountry cooking.  Take a fun class in their state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen and walk away with some Southern cuisine secrets.

If you are on the hunt for a new culinary adventure, we think you should spend a couple (or many, many) days in Portland, Oregon.  It’s apparent in food and drink that the people of this town truly celebrate their local community.  It’s all about fresh ingredients.  Portland is fun for its chefs because there are so many local products to cook with, such as seafood, wild game, hazelnuts, and many fruits and vegetables.  When you eat at a restaurant, you get the freshest experience because the ingredients don’t have to be flown in. read more »