08 Dec
Tulum? Maui? Tokyo? This was my hot list a few weeks ago when I blinked and realized that winter break was breathing down my neck. And, I had planned zilch. Within an hour, I discovered that “sure thing” destinations -ski resorts with perma-powder, foolproof...
23 Nov
Posted at 17:23h
in
Travel
by Amy Tara Koch
Travel is a learning experience. To illuminate this point, I create worksheets for my children to fill out prior to most trips. The sheets entail research--what is special about this place? What are some cultural differences? What type of food is eaten here? What can...
08 Nov
Posted at 18:38h
in
Food
by Amy Tara Koch
If you are a food lover, you know about Commander's Palace, the home of haute Creole cuisine in New Orleans' Garden District. A new book about Miss Ella Brennan, the 90 year old proprietress and icon of the American Food Movement is out (penned by her...
08 Nov
While j’adore Paris, a recent trip there felt triste, the militia -like police presence, endless sirens and parfum of fear sucking the romantic spirit from the city. Plus, I couldn’t shake the anxiety that a terrorist attack was very much in the realm of possibility...
08 Nov
Posted at 17:03h
in
Travel
by Amy Tara Koch
After conducting a few interviews this week, I had an epiphany: I've been wasting a lot of money on travel. It's not that I had crap experiences. Au contraire. It's that I haven't been doing enough homework on how to best use awards dollars to...
17 Oct
How to eat your way around St. Louis
Chef Rick Lewis of Southern and Mike "Pappy" Emerson of Pappy's Smokehouse, both located in St. Louis, talk about their restaurants' specialties. (Amy Tara Koch / Chicago Tribune)
Amy Tara Koch for the Chicago Tribune
Some cities reveal their charm effortlessly. Walk...
11 Oct
The most difficult thing about becoming a parent is watching the concept of free time evaporate. In the old days, “getting ready” was part of the fun of going out. Two luxurious hours could easily be invested in outfit selection and grooming. Your chart-topping responsibility...
21 Sep
Posted at 11:32h
in
Travel
by Amy Tara Koch
For parents, back-to-school means back to the drawing board. To plan winter break. With the economy boosted, families are using school vacations as an opportunity to criss cross the globe. And, they are booking travel earlier and earlier. If you want to use airline miles...
12 Sep
Posted at 01:23h
in
Travel
by Amy Tara Koch
The San Juan Islands were not on my radar until last March. Not even a peripheral blip. But, an engaging call from a publicist piqued my interest and suddenly a family trip to the Pacific Northwest fell into place. The San Juans were a perfect...
10 Sep
To me, a trip is very much about where I will lay my head. Hotels are a major part of the travel experience. Without a comfortable (veering luxurious), recently renovated, de-shag carpetized hotel/inn, the destination won’t work. Translation: no skanky bedspreads, no lumpy mattresses, no...
