Travel That Matters

Gregory Gourdet is an American chef, writer, restaurateur, and former finalist on the twelfth and seventeenth seasons of Top Chef. His first restaurant Kann was named America’s best new restaurant at the 2023 James Beard awards.

Gregory shares his experience on Top Chef and how it inspired him to travel around the world. We also get a sneak peek of his work guiding global travel experiences with Modern Adventure. We learn about what part of the world Gregory is most passionate about right now. We hear what trendy country in South America is unlike any other place on earth in terms of unique ingredients and flavor. Gregory shares one of his favorite travel experiences up in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. He also shares his thoughts on why his restaurant Kann has been so well received. We learn about Haiti and why Gregory thinks it’s poised to become a hot travel destination again. We find out what his “last meal” would be if he had to pick only one! Gregory shares his favorite nonfood-related trip, and why it’s such an ultra experience. Finally, we hear what and where Gregory’s best meals of the year have been.

In the wrap, Bruce welcomes chef Wayne Brown to the show. Wayne heads up operations of Carte Blanched – Ennismore’s in-house F&B development and concepting studio. We learn what goes into the concept development with Carte Blanched projects. Wayne also shares how Carte Blanched tailors each concept to its unique region and culture. We get a sneak peek into an exciting upcoming mixology project opening in Barcelona. We hear more about the new Mondrian Singapore Duxton food concepts coming to life, and how “the greatest butcher in the world” Dario Cecchini is building their new restaurant Bottega Di Carna. Finally, Wayne shares some interesting stories about his travels to Asia, and how those trips led him to who he is today.

To learn more about Gregory Gourdet or any of his projects, visit https://gregorygourdet.com/

To find out more about Wayne Brown and Carte Blanched, visit https://carte-blanched.com/

A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef Series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting.

Thank you also to Accor and the Mondrian Singapore Duxton for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Mondrian Singapore Duxton and their Bottega Di Carna restaurant visit https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining

Links and mentions:

• Modern Adventure: https://modernadventure.com/
• La Picanteria (Peru): https://picanteriasdelperu.com/
• Kann (Portland): https://kannrestaurant.com/
• Sousol (Portland): https://sousolbar.com/
• Tatiana (NYC): https://www.tatiananyc.com/
• Skybar Condesa (Mexico City) https://book.ennismore.com/nightlife/skybar/condesa
• Cleo Mediterraneo: https://book.ennismore.com/restaurants/cleo
• Mondrian Singapore Duxton: https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton
• Hyde Hotel, Niko (Ibiza): https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/hyde/ibiza/dining
• Bottega Di Carna (Singapore): https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii, Burgundy, Australia, and California are just some of the places internationally known chef, TV host, entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author and chef-owner Curtis Stone talks about on this episode of "Travel That Matters" with award-winning travel writer and editor Bruce Wallin.

Curtis shares insider tips on all the amazing, unknown places in Australia he’s been to and what's special about the Australian cuisine and the traditions that accompany it. Curtis goes into detail about the foods and ingredients you need to eat when you’re in Australia and where to find them, because you won’t find them anywhere else.

Everyone knows Italy has delicious food, but Curtis shares tips on where to find new culinary experiences beyond the hot spots like Rome, Florence, and Sicily. In fact, he provides an actionable step you can take to find authentic food in all of the countries you’re visiting and shares advice on how to plan your next vacation.

Curtis also tells listeners about his latest projects and the new spots where you can find his delicious cooking.

In the wrap, Bruce sits down with acclaimed Michelin starred Chef George Mendes. Chef Mendes joins Raffles Boston, opening later this summer, as chef to open the signature restaurant Amar and lead the culinary program, which also includes a sleek day to night bar and terrace, and a street side cafe. He was previously the executive chef at the New York Michelin-starred restaurant Aldea.

To learn more about Raffles Boston and the culinary program, visit https://www.raffles.com/boston

To learn more about Curtis Stone or any of his projects, visit https://www.curtisstone.com/

To find out more about George Mendes. visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mendes-31b3281bb/

A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of "Travel That Matters" can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting.

Thank you also to Accor and Girafe restaurant by Paris Society for sponsoring this episode of Travel That Matters. To learn more about Girafe, visit https://girafe-restaurant.com/

Links and mentions:

• Maude: https://www.mauderestaurant.com/
• Gwen: https://www.gwenla.com/
• Marques de Riscal: https://www.marquesderiscal.com/en/marques-de-riscal-reserva
• Belmond Hotel, Maroma: https://www.belmond.com/hotels/north-america/mexico/riviera-maya/belmond-maroma-resort-and-spa/
• Indian Star: https://www.indianstar.com.au/
• Topanga Social: https://www.eatplaytopangasocial.com/
• Amar, Raffles Boston (Opening Summer 2023): https://www.raffles.com/boston/dining/amar/
• Long-Bar, Raffles Boston: https://www.raffles.com/boston/dining/long-bar-and-terrace/
• Girafe: https://paris-society.com/en/table/girafe/

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production:

• Host: Bruce Wallin
• Producer: AJ Moseley
• Marketing Director: Catrin Skaperdas
• Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philippe starts by sharing his favorite family destination, the little-known Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean. Part of Mauritius, Rodrigues is a rare find in today’s world, a place that has truly preserved its historic culture, beautiful land- and seascapes, and laid-back island lifestyle.

Next, Philippe talks about a decision he and his wife made when their two sons were young. They created a family policy by which each of the boys could choose a vacation destination anywhere in the world when they turned 10 and 20. The boys have both researched and selected their destinations in great detail, leading their parents so far on adventures through Vietnam, California, and Rwanda. Philippe believes that empowering his children in this way has led to greater engagement for them as well as better travel experiences for him and his wife.

One common theme to Philippe’s family trips is food. He believes the power of food is transcendental to cultures and that his children’s education has benefitted from the many different flavors they’ve tasted around the world. The country that has stood out the most in terms of food is Japan, which, for many reasons, Philippe believes is one of the best destinations for families with teenagers.

Regarding the age of children and how that informs travel decisions, Philippe sees the experience as a progression with stepping stones along the way. Younger kids especially need downtime, and there is a ceiling to the number of cultural experiences they can enjoy and absorb. For older children, Philippe suggests allowing them to pick the itinerary for an entire day during your trips. The Zuber's frequently do this on vacations, where each member of the family is responsible for one day’s planning, budgeting, and scheduling. He says it has led to a bit of friendly competition and a host of new experiences that would never have come to fruition otherwise. It also allowed the family members who weren’t in charge of the day’s itinerary to truly relax during their off days.

Philippe also dives into his family’s life-changing experience in Rwanda, where One&Only operates two resorts, Gorilla’s Nest and Nyungwe House. He then gives us the inside scoop on some of the company’s other new resorts, from the spectacular Mandarina in Mexico—where Bruce interviewed him in person—to properties in Montenegro, Athens, Greece’s Kéa Island, and Big Sky, Montana.

Links: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/

Bruce's email: [email protected]

Bruce's IG: @Brucewallintravel

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We might as well call this “The Big Book of Mexico” episode, because it’s filled with a lifetime of adventures, insider spots, and authentic luxury hotels throughout the country. Our guest is Zachary Rabinor, the founder and president of Journey Mexico, a unique luxury travel company that takes clients far beyond the country’s well-known beach destinations. Not that he doesn’t appreciate Mexico’s great beach resorts—he’s been living in Puerto Vallarta for almost 20 years, and he joins Bruce in person from the town they both call home for this special episode. Zachary is the perfect person to lead us on a whirlwind tour of Mexico’s cultural, natural, and culinary riches, from Campeche and Chiapas in the south to the Copper Canyon and Baja wine country in the north. If you love Mexico like we do—or even if you’re just slightly curious about the country—this episode is a must listen!

Learn More: Journey Mexico

HACIENDAS:

Hacienda De San Antonio: https://haciendadesanantonio.com/

Hacienda San Gabriel De Las Palmas https://www.haciendasangabriel.com/en/

Casa De La Real Aduana http://www.realaduana.com/

COSTALEGRE

Four Seasons Tamarindo https://www.fourseasons.com/tamarindo/

XALA https://www.luxury-frontiers.com/project/xala/

COPPER CANYON

Copper Canyon Train: https://chepe.mx/en/

CAMPECHE

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve Jaguar Observation https://www.calakmul.org/html/learn.html

PUEBLA

Banyan Tree https://www.banyantree.com/mexico/puebla

Cartesiano https://cartesiano360.com/en/

La Purificadora https://www.lapurificadora.com/

Wallin Wrap-Up

I’m just going to assume that hearing from Zach got you very excited to visit Mexico. And now that you’re coming down here to visit, you’re going to need a few ideas about where to stay, so I thought I’d share some of my personal favorite hotels and resorts around the country.

Now, Mexico really does have some of the best hotels in the world, and one that I’d say has kind of been the standard bearer over the years is Las Ventanas in Los Cabos.

There are so many great beach resorts in Cabo—you’ve got One & Only Palmilla, Esperanza, Zadun, Pedregal—and you really can’t go wrong at any of them. But I’ve visited Las Ventanas a few times over the years, and I’m just always blown away by how good it is—the feel, the ambience, the service is spectacular.

Another Rosewood resort that is right up there with anything is Rosewood Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya. We’ve talked about this place before on the show, and it’s this very peaceful sanctuary in the mangroves and along this great stretch of beach. The food is really a standout here.

Other spots I love on the Riviera Maya—the Hotel Escencia and the Belmond Maroma. Both on incredible beaches—like that soft white-sand beach Caribbean dream beach. Escencia is a very chic designer type place, while the Belmond is a little more classic Mexican in style. That one is closed for the next couple years for renovations, and I’m curious to see how that turns out.

Closer to where I’ve been based here in Puerto Vallarta, Zach briefly mentioned Las Alamandas, which is a truly magical place. It’s on the Costalegre, south of Vallarta, and like Zach said, this area just hasn’t been developed like other coastal regions, so you have these huge pieces of land with only one small resort or a few homes. Alamandas is on 2,000 acres, it’s got four private beaches, and there are less than 20 suites. Definitely one of my favorite hideaways.

Another one that came up in our conversation is Hacienda de San Antonio. This place is a working hacienda in the foothills of the Colima Volcano. Honestly, I don’t even know how to describe it. You just have to go check out their website, look at how incredible the photos and videos are, and then trust me that it really is that incredible. Unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.

Another hacienda property I love is Hacienda de los Santos in northern Mexico. Not a place that’s very easy to get to, but it’s in a great town cal...

New York Times travel columnist Elaine Glusac is an expert at something that has become increasingly essential for travelers: finding the best alternatives to the world’s most popular destinations. She joins Bruce to dive into the top spots for experiencing everything we love about over-touristed spots—minus the crowds.

Elaine starts by giving us a behind-the-scenes look into the New York Times’ “52 Places” article, an annual feature that explores the newspaper’s picks for the year’s most compelling destinations. One spot Elaine has suggested several times for the list—the Great Lakes region—has never made the cut. The Chicago native tells us why she thinks the world’s largest freshwater system is so deserving, and why it’s
such an interesting and important destination for travelers to consider right now.

A couple of Elaine’s other recent stories for the Times cover the concept of alternative destinations, including “Driving Iceland’s Overlooked North,” in which she recounts her family’s adventure in the country’s rarely visited Diamond Circle—a region that offers at least as much natural wonder and drama as the bustling Golden Circle. Her “Go Here, Not There” article—the inspiration for this episode of Travel That Matters—offers up a number of other great options for those looking for all the thrills without all the people. Starting with Europe, Elaine suggests Montenegro instead of Venice or Dubrovnik. The small country south of Croatia has incredible shorelines, well-preserved ancient cities, and the deepest rafting canyon in Europe, among other attractions. She also thinks travelers should consider Brittany the next time they visit France, for a more locals’ perspective on the country.

Moving beyond Europe, Elaine shares her favorite spots for winter sports in Canada, including a network of ice-skating trails in the flooded forests of Quebec. She also discusses Panama (instead of Costa Rica) and its Chagres National Park; Dunedin, New Zealand, where the wildlife resembles that of the Galapagos; and much more. Throughout it all, her inspiring insights and tales are sure to make you think differently about travel—and start seeking out more alternative destinations.

Links & Notes:

• Diamond Circle
• Go Here, Not There
• Where Trails Are for Skating, Not Hiking
• Elaine Glusac on Instagram
• Amsterdam-Noord (The hip neighborhood AJ was referring to)
• Travel That Matters recommended boutique hotel in Barcelona: https://www.casabonay.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic

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Learn more about the podcast: https://www.curtco.com/travelthatmatters

Hosted by: Bruce Wallin

Produced by: AJ Moseley

Music by: Joey Salvia

A CurtCo Media Production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.