Oku
Oku in Santa Barbara serves up Asian-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting, complemented by stunning oceanfront views
Food + Dining
Ristorante Per L’Ora
Ristorante Per L’Ora delivers an elegant dining experience, blending Italian and California cuisine in a sophisticated setting with artfully crafted dishes
A Tasting of 4 Van Winkle Bourbon Whiskeys
Forman’s Whiskey Tavern provides the ideal setting for a personal Pappy Van Winkle bourbon tasting, featuring their full selection of this rare whiskey
Paradise Springs Winery
Paradise Springs Winery in Santa Barbara features a charming tasting room with award-winning wines, providing a perfect spot to enjoy locally crafted vintages.
Forman’s Whiskey Tavern
Forman’s Whiskey Tavern in Toluca Lake combines a warm, rustic atmosphere with an impressive whiskey selection
Ventiki Tiki Lounge & Lanai
Ventiki Tiki Lounge & Lanai in Ventura delivered mid-tier food and service, falling short of the vibrant experience its tiki-inspired theme promises
As a lifelong lover of travel, all things adventure and the brilliant beauty of Earth, I’ve always enjoyed sharing my experiences with friends. Here you’ll find a collection of my travels, thoughts and inspiration for a life well lived. I hope you enjoy your stay.
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Press
Michelin Rated & Notable
The Duchess Restaurant at the W Hotel Amsterdam
Dinner at The Duchess restaurant at the W Hotel Amsterdam was a delicious, Michelin star delight - in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Smyth
My dinner at Smyth was an incredible experience of relaxed culinary refinement through cuisine and service in Chicago, Illinois
Jont DC
Dinner at Jont in Washington DC firmly placed the cuisine of the restaurant as one of my favorite dining experiences in the United States
The French Laundry
Dinner at The French Laundry. Table for one. Culinary Excellence.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants – Cedar Creek
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants in Cedar Creek outside of Austin is everything I love about omakase: decadence, deliciousness - and fun
Mizumi
Mizumi restaurant, in Wynn Las Vegas offers a decadent Japanese menu within a refined and beautiful environment in Las Vegas, Nevada
Per Se
Overlooking Central Park, Per Se in New York offers a luxurious culinary experience with artfully presented dishes that blend French technique with seasonal ingredients.
Citrin
A group dinner at Citrin for DineLA Restaurant Week was a great backdrop for conversation and delicious bites in Santa Monica
Beckon
Beckon in Denver, Colorado, is an intimate, chef-driven restaurant offering a seasonal tasting menu that highlights meticulously crafted dishes.
n/naka
n/naka presents an exquisite kaiseki dining experience, where Chef Niki Nakayama masterfully blends traditional Japanese techniques with modern influences in a meticulously curated tasting menu
Citrin x Mélisse
Dinner at Citrin x Mélisse was a delicious experience of gastronomic pleasure, in Santa Monica, California
Montreux Jazz Café
Dinner after listening to jazz at Montreux Jazz Café was the quintessential Montreux experience, in Montreux, Switzerland
Noma
Noma. Table of four. Casual perfection, defined.
HA’ by Carlos Gaytan
Dinner at HA’ restaurant was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday at Hotel Xcaret México in Tulum, Mexico
Alinea
Alinea, a renowned culinary destination in Chicago, Illinois, offers a multi-sensory dining experience that challenges traditional food presentation with its innovative dishes.
Pasta Bar Los Angeles by Scratch Restaurants
Dinner at Pasta Bar Los Angeles by Scratch Restaurants was a creative, curious and - above all else - delicious affair in Encino, California
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Dining at Lost Spirits Distillery
Dinner at 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at Lost Spirits Distillery was - to get to the point - absolutely, deliciously, bat shit wild. Which is gloriously fitting for a dining experience in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants – Los Angeles
Dinner at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants - Los Angeles proved to be - yet again - one of the best, unique and delicious omakase sushi experiences in Encino, California
The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley
Before it burned down, The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa Valley gave me an absolutely incredible, stunning night of service and food
Whiskey & Seaweed by Clare Smyth
Light bites and drinks at Whiskey & Seaweed, crafted by the kitchen of Core by Clare Smyth, served a delicious procession of pretty plates - in London, England
Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills
Gucci Osteria in Beverly Hills delivers an upscale dining experience - where Italian-inspired cuisine meets a chic ambiance and artful presentation
Orsa & Winston
Dinner at Orsa & Winston is a delicious journey into the culinary mind of Chef Josef Centeno, pairing Italian and Japanese inspiration in DTLA
La Paix
Having my birthday dinner at La Paix, a Michelin starred restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, was a bespoke experience in French and Japanese cuisine
SingleThread Restaurant
Dinner at SingleThread Restaurant was an experience in decadent perfection - from service to presentation to taste - in Healdsburg, California
Centurion New York
Towering over the Manhattan skyline, the Centurion New York showcases a menu of contemporary cuisine, expertly led by Chef Daniel Boulud
Providence
Dinner at Providence was my first foray into the world of Michelin starred restaurants, in Los Angeles, California
45 Grill & Health
Lunch at 45 Grill & Health offered me life giving views of Lake Geneva while enjoying mouth watering cuisine and wine of the region
Travels & Experiences
Adult Group Snowboarding Lesson at Mountain High Resort
My snowboarding lesson at Mountain High offered personalized instruction and a small student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring a fun and effective learning experience
Indoor Snowboarding Lesson at Virtual Snow LA
Virtual Ski in Santa Monica provides indoor snowboarding on state-of-the-art simulators, offering a unique way to practice or learn year-round
Holey Moley Golf Club – Santa Monica
Holey Moley Golf Club in Santa Monica, California, delivers a unique mini-golf experience with themed holes and a lively atmosphere
Outbound Mammoth
A weekend stay at Outbound Mammoth was a lovely way explore Mammoth Lakes while staying near Mammoth Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Nestled along the Kohala Coast, Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers a family focused tropical escape
1 Hotel Toronto
1 Hotel Toronto is a luxury eco-friendly hotel that combines nature-inspired design with sustainable practices and a focus on wellness.
Travel Guides
Travel Guide: Denver, Aspen & Vail, Colorado
Colorado provides a refined retreat where majestic mountain vistas, world-class skiing, and serene hot springs combine with a vibrant culinary scene to create the ultimate luxury escape
Travel Guide: New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant city where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences blend into a unique culture celebrated for its jazz, cuisine, and the spirited energy of Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, pulsing with history, resilience, and joy
Travel Guide: Chicago
Chicago is a dynamic city known for its striking skyline, deep rooted culture and a renowned food scene
Travel Guide: Lisbon, Faro & Sintra
Portugal is a coastal gem in southwestern Europe. From the vibrant capital of Lisbon and the sunny Algarve coast, Portugal combines natural beauty with a warm, delicious food culture.
Travel Guide: Italy and Sicily
Italy is a land of rich history, art, and cuisine, with cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice showcasing ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and romantic canals.
Travel Guide: Belgium
Belgium is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy, where picturesque canals, grand Gothic architecture, and rich cultural history meet a thriving arts scene and cosmopolitan energy
Travel Guide: British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is renowned for its stunning landscapes—rugged coastlines, vibrant rainforests, and the majestic Rockies—alongside vibrant cities like Vancouver and Whistler.
Travel Guide: Amsterdam & Rotterdam
The Netherlands is a captivating blend of historic charm and modern innovation, known for its picturesque canals, vibrant cities, and progressive culture.
Travel Guide: New York City
New York City is a dynamic, iconic metropolis known for its skyscrapers, cultural diversity, and vibrant energy, blending historic landmarks with a modern, global appeal.
Travel Guide: Istanbul
Istanbul is a vibrant city where East meets West, blending rich history with modern energy along the banks of the Bosphorus.
Travel Guide: Hawaii
Hawaii presents an unparalleled escape, where pristine beaches and lush rainforests converge to create a tranquil haven
Travel Guide: Paris
Paris is a city of timeless elegance, where iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame stand as symbols of art, history, and romance
Travel Guide: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
From the tranquil temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan captivates visitors with its rich culture, natural beauty, and incredible cuisine.
Travel Guide: Switzerland
Switzerland is a land of breathtaking alpine landscapes, medieval towns, and a unique blend of European cultures
Travel Guide: Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks & Upstate New York
With its farm-to-table dining, local wineries, and outdoor adventures, exploring Upstate New York offers a refreshing change of pace from NYC
Travel Guide: Dubai & Maldives
Dubai’s ultra-modern opulence and the Maldives’ serene tropical beauty unite to offer the ultimate luxury escape, blending vibrant city experiences with tranquil island relaxation.
Travel Guide: London, England
London, England is city where historic landmarks merge with modern elegance to offer unparalleled sophistication through museums, delicious dining, and cultural experiences
Travel Guide: Napa & Sonoma Valley
Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California are celebrated wine regions offering stunning vineyard landscapes, world-class wineries, and exceptional culinary experiences
Travel Guide: Copenhagen
My time in Copenhagen was a journey through a vibrant blend of old-world charm, beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine.
Travel Guide: Toronto
Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural city with an iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, delicious international cuisine, and a thriving arts scene
Travel Guide: Mexico
Tulum’s restaurants and Cancun’s vibrant resorts come together to offer an exquisite escape, seamlessly combining serene jungle tranquility by turquoise waters
Travel Guide: Texas
Texas, the second-largest U.S. state, boasts vast landscapes—from deserts and pine forests to Gulf Coast beaches—and a rich blend of cowboy heritage, vibrant cities, and world-renowned barbecue
Travel Guide: Greece
Greece is a country rich in ancient history and stunning landscapes, from the iconic ruins of Athens to the sun-soaked islands of the Aegean Sea.
Travel Guide: San Francisco & Northern California
Northern California is a captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural diversity, offering something for every traveler
Travel Guide: Berlin
Berlin is a city of contrasts, where history—from the Berlin Wall to World War II—intersects with cutting-edge art, vibrant nightlife, and a modern energy that propels it into the future
Tours + Itineraries
EclecticKim is made with by Kimberly Kirven.
EclecticKim is an online resource created and curated to provide restaurant reviews, travel itineraries, photography, recommendations and personal reflections on a life less ordinary.
© Copyright 2024 by Kimberly Kirven – All rights reserved.