THIS CAFE LIFE

Travel Ideas

Need a trip idea? Whether you're a beach bum, adventure junkie, or fan of the weekend getaway:

yes, we have some ideas & itineraries for you!

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Articles

Preserving Our Culinary Heritage: Jams, Jellies & Food Preservation

Several years ago, I had the privilege of working at a culinary incubator in southeastern Massachusetts, consulting with food growers and small start-up makers. One of the most meaningful collaborations I had during that time was with an organic farmer tending a small heirloom and heritage farm. Together, we explored the art of preserving — taking traditional recipes and methods passed down through generations and layering in modern influences.

16 min read

Soups: Recipes, Techniques & Kitchen Essentials

Soup is one of the most universal dishes in the world. Every culture has its own version, whether broth-based, cream-enriched, or pureed to smoothness. Soup nourishes, comforts, and in many traditions, it also opens a meal with intention. A first course sets the stage, allowing guests to relax, settle in, and anticipate what’s to come.

6 min read

The Chanler on Cliff Walk in Newport Rhode Island

Where to Stay in Newport & Aquidneck Island | Hotels, Inns & Rentals

Discover the best places to stay in Newport, RI — from luxury hotels and historic inns to waterfront resorts and family-friendly rentals on Aquidneck Island.

3 min read

This Café Life Cooks Keller: The French Laundry at Home

Thomas Keller’s French Laundry Cookbook is more than a recipe collection — it’s a philosophy of precision, patience, and beauty on a plate. The book translates the elegance of one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants into techniques and dishes that inspire home cooks to raise their craft. For me, it represents a masterclass in refinement. Every recipe is carefully considered, from a simple salmon cornette to the signature “Oysters and Pearls.”

4 min read

Nobu: The Cookbook – Japanese Fusion Recipes from Chef Nobu Matsuhisa

Nobu Matsuhisa isn’t just a chef — he’s a culinary innovator who redefined Japanese cuisine for the modern world. His restaurants, from New York to Tokyo, are destinations for anyone who craves artistry on the plate. In Nobu: The Cookbook, he shares the recipes and philosophy that made his name iconic. Think delicate sashimi, bold Peruvian-Japanese fusions, and meticulous techniques that are surprisingly approachable at home.

3 min read

Julia Child’s The Way to Cook: A Timeless Classic for Every Home Kitchen

Julia Child taught generations how to cook. Whether you’re drawn to timeless recipes or the artistry of French dining, this book is an inspiration for chefs and home cooks alike. Perfect for anyone who loves flavor, history, and a touch of elegance in their kitchen.

3 min read

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culinary highlights, cultural immersion, itineraries & walking tours.

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Nantucket Revisited

72 Hours in Lisbon

There’s something undeniably magnetic about Lisbon. It has a way of making you feel both at home and transported all at once. What makes Lisbon special isn't just the sights - it’s the pace. Life moves a little slower here. People linger. Strangers smile. The city is approachable, affordable, and endlessly photogenic. Even getting a bit lost becomes part of the adventure.
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Lisbon spans seven hills, and where there's a hill, there's a view! It is a city built from a mosaic of unique neighborhoods & districts, each with its own distinct personality, history, and vibe. Instead of feeling like one big uniform city, Lisbon’s charm comes from how these diverse areas weave together to create a rich, layered experience.
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Lisbon isn’t a place to rush through -it’s a city to feel. It’s for long walks, lingering dinners, spontaneous music, and unexpected views. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, the people, or the mood, Lisbon invites you to slow down and stay a while.
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Chiado Calling

Culture, Coffee & Cobbled Streets - Chiado is where Lisbon’s charm comes alive - an elegant neighborhood that hums with creativity, history, and style. From iconic cafés like A Brasileira to tucked-away bookstores, avant-garde galleries, and the faded grandeur of old theaters, Chiado blends old-world sophistication with a modern, artistic edge. Chiado calls to both the curious and the nostalgic.

Azuléjos Tiles

A significant aspect of Portuguese culture and artistry, these traditional ceramic tiles have a rich history dating back centuries, and they've become emblematic of Portugal's art & architectural landscape. The word "azulejo" comes from the Arabic word "az-zulayj," which means "polished stone." Introduced to Portugal by the Moors in the 15th century, azulejos quickly became a popular form of decoration. Initially, they were mainly used to adorn the walls of churches, palaces, and noble houses.

Azulejos aren't just decorative; they also serve functional purposes, like regulating temperature and providing insulation. Over time, Portuguese artisans developed distinctive styles and techniques, blending Moorish influences with indigenous designs, as well as incorporating elements from other cultures encountered through Portugal's extensive maritime explorations.

Look for them next time you're in Portugal!