Taste Your Good Fortune at KITCHEN 1540 in Del Mar, California

If your travels find you in the charming seaside community of Del Mar, California, some twenty miles north of downtown San Diego, celebrate your good fortune. Not only will you be afforded majestic views of the California coast and the pleasure of meandering through the quaint and picturesque town of Del Mar, you are in the perfect location to enjoy a culinary experience at KITCHEN 1540, located in the historic seaside hotel, L'Auberge Del Mar.

The brainchild behind the taste sensations on the restaurant's new menu is Chef Brandon Fortune. Classically trained at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, Brandon's creations are modern American with a decidedly Southern influence based on his Southeastern roots.

                           ©Joanne DiBona

KITCHEN 1540's sleek, modern décor is sophisticated and comfortable at the same time, and sets a perfect stage for a variety of innovative dishes sure to please the most discriminating palate.

So what can diners expect from Fortune's menu?

Start off your culinary adventure with a tastefully arranged platter of cold-smoked trout and organic beets. Cured steelhead saltwater trout and tender beets are embellished with a blood orange vinaigrette, black walnuts, and feathered horseradish, served with a side of chive-potato cakes.

Those who prefer a warm appetizer might elect a plate of asparagus and grilled wild ramps. Described by the chef as “spring on a plate,” this vegetarian dish features organic wild ramps and asparagus with parmesan and pecorino cheeses shaved on top. A delightful French-inspired cream sauce made with eggs and lemon and lightly toasted caraway seeds is the perfect dressing for this vegetable creation.

                   Shrimp and Grits, a Passionate Combination ©Joanne DiBona

Shrimp and grits, the Chef's signature entree, elevates grits to new heights, thanks to a roasted corn and chorizo cream and succulent fresh shrimp. A topping of popcorn adds a whimsical theme to the plate. Chef Fortune admits he used this dish to woo his wife, a testimony to the old adage, “The way to the heart is through the stomach.”

Seafood specialties include the popular “still smoking scallops,” presented sizzling hot surrounded by asparagus and coriander puree, wild chanterelles, and smoked almonds powdered with lemon-thyme buds. The flaky North Pacific Halibut is served with celery root puree, mushrooms, spring carrots, and garnished with crispy fiddlehead ferns.

Chocolate lovers will delight in the malted milk chocolate mousse, one of several excellent desserts available to satisfy your sweet tooth. Roasted almonds and chocolate crunch, topped with homemade coffee ice cream, provides a decadently delicious end to a perfect meal.

For a complete menu, visit www.laubergedelmar.com. For several of my images of Kitchen 1540 and Chef Fortune's culinary masterpieces, log onto the San Diego Scenic Photos site.

Try it out if you are in Del Mar-- and raise a glass to your good fortune.

Salinas California....Steinbeck Country Revisited

Salad and Steinbeck may come to mind upon mention of the city of Salinas, California, but recent visitors to this diverse region know that it doesn't stop there. The destination has something for everyone: a picturesque and historic downtown; a scenic wine trail boasting award-winning wineries; superb farm-to-table cuisine and an eclectic mix of restaurants; water activities such as kayaking and whale watching; national park hiking trails, and the close proximity to other destinations on the Monterey Peninsula.  

View the activities and attractions surrounding Salinas on my USA TODAY/10Best PHOTO SHOW.

10 California "Saint" Cities Ripe for Romance

California has quite a few "Saint" cities, locations prefaced by San or Santa, the Spanish word for saint. Many are as heavenly as their names, inviting lovers of all ages to nurture their love in destinations that are ripe for romance.

Enjoy a tour of 10 California "Saint" destinations ripe for romance on my site at 10Best.com/USA Today.  

This simple SLR Holder makes life easy for the scenic photographer

My husband Tony and I, who work together as a travel journalist team, were faced with a dilemma when we learned we would be traveling to the Galapagos Islands on a photo assignment.

It was time to make some changes.

We managed to ignore the frustration we’ve felt for years, annoyed at the “thump thump thump” of our Canon SLRs across our chests, as we hiked over rocks and crevices on our travels in search of the perfect scenic photos.  Strapping our cameras around our necks was okay for city tours, but the moment we got out into nature, we were constantly frustrated by the discomfort our SLRs caused during strenuous hikes. We were also ever fearful of damaging our equipment in the event of a slip and fall on a treacherous path.

There had to be a better way.

A short internet search later, we found the perfect SLR carrier, HoldSLR.

This ingenious holder attaches onto a belt or backpack, giving you immediate access to your camera when that perfect shot comes along. No more fumbling through your photo bag or backpack to find your SLR.  This camera holder allows you to access your SLR at a moment’s notice to capture those magical moments in photography that can truly disappear in an instant.

Our backpacks were not equipped with frontal straps, but we quickly determined that the HoldSLR worked beautifully strapped to the belts of our pants.

We can highly endorse this product! It is the perfect solution for field, landscape, wedding, adventure, and travel photographers who need to get to their camera quickly, and above all, comfortably.

Borrego Springs CA: Where Desert Wildflowers Spring to Life

Located 90 miles east of San Diego, CA, Borrego Springs welcomes visitors from around the world who flock to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in spring to marvel at nature's display of desert wildflowers. View the wonders of Borrego's spring flower display on USA TODAY's 10Best.com. For a complete gallery of images, visit my ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK photo gallery.

Mariposa, Ca: Historic Gateway to Yosemite

The old mining town of Mariposa is the perfect place to begin an adventure into Yosemite National Park.

Not only does the town exude charm and historical significance, it offers a wide option of overnight accommodations and amenities a mere 40-minute drive to Yosemite Valley.

View my photo essay of this charming Gold Rush town at the 10best.com/USA Today link:

This historic town of Mariposa, Gateway to Yosemite National Park  © Joanne DiBona

A Whale of an Adventure Off the Southern California Coast

Winter marks the beginning of whale watching season in Southern California. From January through April, Pacific grey whales can be viewed relatively close to shore as they make their way to mate and calf in the warm lagoons of Mexico's Baja California. Whale watching cruises, many of which offer unique experiences, are available from ports along the entire Southern California coast.

Enjoy a photo slide show at the 10Best.com/USA Today link:

Photo courtesy Carla Mitroff, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

Where in the World is Oxnard, California?

Despite its unusual name, Oxnard is a hip, happening, and affordable visitor destination in southern California. Located an hour north of Los Angeles on California's Central Coast, Oxnard boasts seven miles of white sandy beaches, a picturesque harbor, farm-to-table international cuisine, outstanding museums, wine tasting, and a historic downtown district.

Oxnard California, Beach Scene   © Joanne DiBona

See all that Oxnard offers the visitor on our 10Best/USA Today Link.

Yosemite National Park: Off-Season Beauty Worth Discovering

Yosemite National Park is a destination for all seasons. Each year, millions of visitors are drawn to its magnificent granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and awe-inspiring vistas. In late fall and winter, the visitor can enjoy the crisp air and spectacular scenery at a more leisurely pace than during the crowded summer months. Accommodations are more readily available and affordable. Clear blue skies, spectacular fall foliage, and snow-capped mountain peaks create postcard-perfect scenes.

View a photo slide show on USA TODAY/10Best on the wonders of Yosemite in off-season.

Discover Italian Heritage in America's Neighborhoods

The great European migration to the United States between 1880 and 1920 brought millions of immigrants to the nation's shores, which included some 4 million Italians. These original families and their descendants all left their mark on the traditions that remain alive today in Italian neighborhoods across the nation. Pictured in this show are a handful of the many cities and towns across the United States with Italian roots, where one can find a true taste of Italy in the heritage that remains remarkably intact in these colorful ethnic neighborhoods.

VIEW A USATODAY/10Best photo show of America's Italian neighborhoods

View article on USA TODAY on the best Italian Neighborhoods in America

The Castello di Amorosa Takes You Back to 13th Century Tuscany--in Napa Valley!

The Castello di Amorosa winery, which looms high on a hill located near the town of Calistoga in Napa Valley, is a authentically-styled replica of a Medieval Tuscan castle built by Dario Sattui, owner of the V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena, Ca. Built in 2007 on 8 levels both above and below ground, the castle also serves as a functioning winery known for its reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other varietals. The winery offers several wine tasting experiences, including food and wine pairings and wine aficionado tours that focus on high-end, specialty wines. 

ENJOY A USATODAY/10BEST photo tour of the Castello

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California-Classic & Cool

Internationally known for its scenic beauty and rich artistic history, Carmel-by-the-Sea lies on a gently rising slope above a magnificent white beach on California's Monterey Peninsula, some 200 miles south of San Francisco. Despite its relatively small size, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers the visitor a plethora of activities and experiences. These include fine dining, wine-tasting, historical walking tours, hiking, shopping, art collecting, golf, performing arts, spas, and beach activities. It is also a preferred location for destination weddings and romantic escapes. Carmel-by-the-Sea is strategically located near popular destinations such as Cannery Row, Big Sur, Carmel Valley, and the 17-Mile Drive, making it a perfect spot from which to explore the entire Monterey peninsula.

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, USA TODAY/10Best  PHOTO SHOW

Historic Julian for Southern California Fall

Nestled in the mountains of San Diego County is the picturesque town of Julian, California. The town bears the distinction of being an official California Historical Landmark, and visitors to this quaint village will certainly understand why. Stroll through the town, take a romantic carriage ride along the main street, and imagine you were witness to the exciting Gold Rush days in Southern California.

View A USA TODAY/10Best Photo Show of Beautiful Julian

View my PHOTO GALLERY of Julian images.

10 Places to Shoot Postcard Perfect Photos of San Diego

San Diego has been my home for 30 years, and I never tire of photographing the natural beauty of this sun-blessed region. My photo show on the "10 Best Paces to Shoot San Diego Photos" is currently running on the home page of 10 Best.com/USA TODAY. I welcome your comments as to YOUR favorite San Diego photo spot!

10 PLACES TO SHOOT POSTCARD PERFECT PHOTOS OF SAN DIEGO USA TODAY/10Best

 Oceanside Beach  © Joanne DiBona

Sonoma: Adventures Beyond Wine Tasting

Needless to say, wine-tasting is a favorite activity when visiting Sonoma County, California. However, this slice of paradise has a wide variety of activities to delight the visitor to this sun-kissed region. Enjoy a photo show of Sonoma adventures beyond wine-tasting.

USA TODAY TRAVEL

Cruise Clues...Home Ports Worth Exploring

The beautiful Port of San Diego is a destination in of itself. Cruising is a popular mode of travel around the world for travelers of all ages and walks of life, for many reasons. The cruise ship itself is a floating hotel, offering top-notch cuisine, first-rate entertainment, and many other amenities. Passengers can easily take day tours of all the ports of call. And arriving at the home port is an adventure in itself, with many passengers extending their cruise with a pre or post cruise stay in the host city. There is a cruise available for every taste and interest, making it a perfect choice for family vacations, romantic getaways, special occasions, weddings, and adventure and eco-tourism.

Enjoy a photo slide show of some of the world's best ports to visit.

10Best.com/USATODAY Travel

See the World's Tallest Living Things in Muir Woods

The majesty of the giant redwoods in Muir Woods never fails to inspire.

Muir Woods National Monument is located 11 miles north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The national park is what remains of an ancient redwood forest that once dominated the northern California coast. The tallest tree in the world, the Coast redwood, grows here, as well as many plants that are indigenous to an old-growth redwood forest. Muir Woods attracts nearly a million visitors annually who travel from around the world to pay homage to nature in this cathedral of ancient trees.

View a slide show on the Muir Woods at 10Best.com/USATODAY.

Discover the Dramatic Landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park

The Majestic Joshua Trees

Joshua Tree National Park, located near Palm Springs, California, delights the visitor with incredible vistas, rock formations, hiking trails, and the rare and beautiful forests of Joshua Trees. See a photo show of the park's wonders at USA TODAY TRAVEL/10Best

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Hop on a Tour Bus and Enjoy the Ride through the Glorious Sonoma and Napa Valley Wine Country

Many visitors to San Francisco may not realize that the famous Sonoma and Napa Valleys are less than an hour's drive away. If you are visiting the City, make plans to spend a day exploring the famous Wine Country in the comfort of a fully-outfitted tour bus. 

View a photo show of this adventure on USA TODAY/10Best

Two San Francisco companies that come highly recommended for their outstanding wine country tours, featuring knowledgable and personable tour guides, include:

Extranomical Tours   www.extranomical.com

Tower Tours             www.towertours.com

Find Yourself in Hot Water in Desert Hot Springs, California

Long famous for its natural mineral hot waters, Desert Hot Springs, California is a short drive north from Palm Springs. Enjoy this USA TODAY/ 10 Best photo show of the delights of this emerging boutique spa destination.