A Ti
A Tí is an Echo Park restaurant that fuses Mexican cooking with Japanese influence, highlighted by an 800-day aged date mole served with crispy duck
Dining & Restaurant Reviews
Spaghetti Western
A Western-themed restaurant near Joshua Tree, Spaghetti Western in Morongo Valley serves up Italian classics in a relaxed atmosphere
Bliss Cafe – Joshua Tree
A vegan-friendly cafe in Joshua Tree, Bliss Cafe keeps things fresh and plant-based with a menu of salads, bowls, smoothies and coffee.
Boozehounds – Palm Springs
Boozehounds Palm Springs is a stylish, dog-friendly restaurant and bar offering California-inspired food, breakfast cocktails, and a dedicated pet menu
The Dez
The Dez Cafe in Joshua Tree is a casual cafe serving breakfast, brunch, and coffee in a relaxed indoor-outdoor setting
Joshua Tree Saloon Bar & Grill
A saloon-style bar and grill in the heart of the high desert, Joshua Tree Saloon serves up burgers, barbecue, and American comfort food in a lively setting
Acai Jungle Cafe
Acai Jungle Cafe in Burbank offers fresh, organic acai bowls, sandwiches, smoothies and drinks in a bright, casual setting
doto. restaurant
Doto is a casual Virgil Village spot with all-day service, Japanese-inspired food, drinks, and a relaxed patio setting.
Michelin Rated & Notable Dining Reviews
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
The French Laundry
Dinner at The French Laundry. Table for one. Culinary Excellence.
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
Beckon
Beckon in Denver, Colorado, is an intimate, chef-driven restaurant offering a seasonal tasting menu that highlights meticulously crafted dishes.
Bar Crenn
Bar Crenn offers refined French inspired cuisine and exceptional cocktails in an intimate, artfully designed setting in in San Francisco, California
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 deliciously, batshit wild - and perfectly fitting for Las Vegas
Vespertine
Pretty plating.....
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil
Lunch at The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil was an incredible introduction to a wonderful weekend in wine country of Northern California.
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.
Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn
Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn in Beverly Hills offers refined French cuisine in a luxurious setting on the top floor of Christian Dior
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
Citrin x Mélisse
Dinner at Citrin x Mélisse was a delicious experience of gastronomic pleasure, in Santa Monica, California
Smyth
My dinner at Smyth was an incredible experience of relaxed culinary refinement through cuisine and service in Chicago, Illinois
Hestia
Hestia in Austin, Texas, is a sophisticated restaurant that centers its menu around live-fire hearth cooking of high-quality ingredients in a sleek, modern setting.
Expendio de Maiz
The Michelin starred Expendio de Maíz offers a casual, communal dining experience centered on bespoke Mexican cuisine without a fixed menu
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
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
The Wolf’s Tailor
At Denver’s Michelin-starred The Wolf’s Tailor, Japanese and Italian traditions are fused together using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
Alinea
Alinea, a renowned culinary destination in Chicago, Illinois, offers a multi-sensory dining experience that challenges traditional food presentation with its innovative dishes.
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
Noma
Noma. Table of four. Casual perfection, defined.
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
SingleThread Restaurant
Dinner at SingleThread Restaurant was an experience in decadent perfection - from service to presentation to taste - in Healdsburg, California
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
Centurion New York
Towering over the Manhattan skyline, the Centurion New York showcases a menu of contemporary cuisine, expertly led by Chef Daniel Boulud
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
HA’ by Carlos Gaytan
Dinner at HA’ restaurant was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday at Hotel Xcaret México in Tulum, Mexico
Citrin
A group dinner at Citrin for DineLA Restaurant Week was a great backdrop for conversation and delicious bites in Santa Monica
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
Providence
Dinner at Providence was my first foray into the world of Michelin starred restaurants, in Los Angeles, California
kato restaurant
Kato in Los Angeles' Arts District offers a Michelin-starred Taiwanese-inspired tasting menu, blending Asian-American flavors in a sleek, minimalist space
Montreux Jazz Café
Dinner after listening to jazz at Montreux Jazz Café was the quintessential Montreux experience, in Montreux, Switzerland
Mizumi
Mizumi restaurant, in Wynn Las Vegas offers a decadent Japanese menu within a refined and beautiful environment in Las Vegas, Nevada
Explore The World of Eclectic Kim
Experiences & Engaging Conversations
Indoor Snowboarding Lesson at Virtual Snow at Sports LTD in Woodland Hills
Virtual Snow at Sports LTD in Woodland Hills provides indoor snowboarding on treadmill simulators, offering a unique way to practice or learn year-round
Snowboarding River Run at June Mountain
June Mountain in June Lake is a chill Eastern Sierra snowboarding destination near Mammoth Lakes, CA
Curated Travel Guides
Travel Guide: British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is renowned for its stunning landscapes alongside vibrant cities like Vancouver and Whistler
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: San Diego
San Diego’s stunning coastal views, breweries and great dining options create the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure
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: 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: 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: 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: Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and rich biodiversity, renowned for its sustainability efforts and adventure-filled tourism
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
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: Wyoming
Wyoming is a land of wide-open beauty, home to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and endless outdoor adventure.
Travel Guide: Copenhagen, Denmark
My time in Copenhagen was a journey through a vibrant blend of old-world charm, beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine.
Travel Guide: Alberta, Canada
Alberta, Canada, boasts breathtaking Rocky Mountain landscapes, stunning national parks and of course - dinosaurs
Travel Guide: Washington DC, Delaware and Maryland
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Delaware offer a rich mix of history, culture, and coastal beauty, from iconic monuments and museums to charming harbor towns and scenic beaches
Travel Guide: Texas
Texas, the second-largest U.S. state, boasts vast landscapes and a rich blend of cowboy heritage, vibrant cities and world-renowned barbecue
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: Istanbul
Istanbul is a vibrant city where East meets West, blending rich history with modern energy along the banks of the Bosphorus.
Travel Guide: Switzerland
Switzerland is a land of breathtaking alpine landscapes, medieval towns, and a unique blend of European cultures
Travel Guide: Vermont & Montreal
Vermont is a winter wonderland where world-class skiing and snowy New England charm meet one of the country's most celebrated craft beer scenes
Travel Guide: Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Mountain offers incredible snowboarding, stunning alpine scenery, and year-round outdoor adventure
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: Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora
On the islands of French Polynesia, volcanic peaks meet crystal-clear lagoons, overwater bungalows, and vibrant Polynesian culture
Travel Guide: Napa & Sonoma Valley
Napa and Sonoma Valleys are celebrated wine regions offering stunning landscapes, world-class wineries, and delicious culinary experiences
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: 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: Chicago
Chicago is a dynamic city known for its striking skyline, deep rooted culture and a renowned food scene
Travel Guide: Alaska
Alaska is a vast and untamed wilderness where towering glaciers and abundant wildlife create an awe-inspiring destination unlike anywhere else on earth
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: 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: 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
Hotels & Unique Stays
Martis Valley Lodge Truckee, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Martis Valley Lodge is a mountain-style boutique hotel with convenient access to ski resorts and downtown Truckee
Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile
The Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile combines sophistication with location, offering guests elegant rooms with floor-to-ceiling city views
Group Tours & Planned Itineraries
Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague and Madurodam Tour by Tours and Tickets
Booking the Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague and Madurodam Tour by Tours and Tickets was a delightful way to see a different view of The Netherlands
Olana State Historic Site
Olana, in Hudson Valley, New York, is a breathtaking estate and National Historic Landmark that was the home of renowned landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church
Bora Bora 4X4 Island Safari Tour with Tupuna Safari Bora Bora
The Tupuna Safari 4x4 Tour in Bora Bora offers a scenic off-road adventure led by a local guides, combining panoramic views with cultural and historical insights
Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife by Yellowknife Vacations
The Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife by Yellowknife Vacations delivers expertly guided aurora viewing with local insight
Exploring Fes: The Royal Palace, Borj Sud, Chouara Tannery & More
A busy day exploring Fes - from palaces to the tannery in Fes El Bali - gave me a deeper insight into the city’s culture and history.
Discovering the Beauty of Rabat – Morocco’s Capital City – with Abdul of Tour in Rabat
A guided walk through Rabat, Morocco with our guide Abdul revealed the city’s vibrant mix of historic landmarks, kasbah streets, and local flavors
Berlin: 1-Hour City Tour by Boat by Get Your Guide
Taking the "Berlin: 1-Hour City Tour by Boat" by Get Your Guide was the perfect introduction to the sights of Berlin, Germany while cruising the Spree River
Chichen Itza and Xei-Ha Tulum Tour by Xcaret
Visiting Chichen Itza and spending time at Xei-Ha in Tulum was a great way to spend the day in Cancun, Mexico
No Diet Club: Night Food Tour of Montmartre
The No Diet Club walking food tour in Montmartre serves up French favorites and local hidden gems while guiding you through the neighborhood’s historic streets
Vespa Tour of Rome: The Grand Tour with Bici & Baci Tours
Taking a Vespa tour of Rome, Italy with Bici & Baci Tours was the best way to see Rome in a refreshing new light
Cefalu, Italy: An Afternoon Stroll on the Northern Coast of Sicily
Walking the cobblestone streets of Cefalu, I felt mesmerized by ancient structures meeting modern times
Istanbul: Asia Side Highlights in a Day
Booking a planned tour of Istanbul through Airbnb allowed me to explore the Asia side of Istanbul in a challenging yet rewarding way
Private Tour of the Blue City of Chefchaouen, Morocco with Fatima Habte
During our private walking tour, Fatima Habte revealed Chefchaouen as a living tapestry of history, culture, and community
Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise with Alii Nui Charters
Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise with Alii Nui Charters was the perfect experience for a night out on the water in Maui, Hawaii
West Highlands, Lochs & Castles Tour by Rabbie’s Tours
"The West Highlands, Lochs & Castles" tour was the perfect way to comfortably see the nooks, crannies and backroads of Scotland in a day
Dive Into The Depth Of Your Being: Montenegro Yoga Retreat
The "Dive Into The Depth Of Your Being: Montenegro Yoga Retreat" by Kineesi Yoga at Mahakala Retreat Center in Montenegro was an experience in open mindedness, patience and self discovery.
Agrigento, Italy: A Walking Tour of Ancient Sites Amidst a Rainstorm
Our walking tour of Agrigento with our tour guide, Luigi, showcased a cornucopia of ancient cathedrals and a vintage theater while sidestepping raindrops
Evening Desert Safari in Dubai with Arabian Adventures Experience
Experiencing the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with Arabian Adventures was a buffet of adventure in the Dubai desert
One Night in Marrakesh: An Evening Walking Food Tour with Soufiane Adnane
Our evening food tour through Marrakesh with Soufiane Adnane showcased the city’s vibrant flavors and the true essence of Moroccan cuisine
Undiscovered Lisbon Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe Lisbon
Booking this Eating Europe Lisbon tour, my intention was to walk the city streets and enjoy bites of local cuisine. What I got was that - and more.
Historical Walking Tour of Brussels, Belgium with Chocolate and Waffle Tastings
The "Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate and Waffle Tastings" Tour I booked as an introduction to Brussels, Belgium was a wonderful way to see the best of the city - in under 3 hours.
Après Teepee Snowshoe Tour with Whistler Snowshoe
Snowshoeing in a forest outside of Whistler, BC was truly a magical, one of a kind experience in the winter wonderland of Western Canada
Aruba Sail & Snorkel Tours with De Palm Tours
The Sail & Snorkel Tour with De Palm Tours was an absolutely perfect mid morning adventure in Aruba
Berlin: Highlights of Berlin Walking Tour by Insider Tours with Get Your Guide
Insider Tours Berlin's "Berlin: Highlights of Berlin Walking Tour" from Get Your Guide, was one of the best, most comprehensive tours I've ever experienced
A Walking Tour of the Cherry Blossoms of Washington DC
A walking tour of the cherry blossom along the National Mall was the perfect way to capture the emerging beauty of spring, in Washington DC
Ken’s Tours of Lower Antelope Canyon
Ken's Tours of Lower Antelope Canyon offers an unforgettable experience, immersing visitors in the stunning beauty of the canyon's swirling sandstone walls
Kayaking the La Jolla Caves with Everyday California
Kayaking the La Jolla Caves with Everyday California provided a fun way to enjoy the Pacific Ocean, off the San Diego area coastline
Evening Guided Walking Tour of the Gion District in Kyoto, Japan
This evening walking tour of the Gion District in Kyoto, Japan was definitely a unique experience in managing tour expectations
Finding Life After Grief: Joe Kara’s Yoga Retreat in Sayulita, Mexico
Nearly a year after my mom's death, I saw my favorite yoga teacher had space in his upcoming Mexico retreat. All I could think was, "go." So, I did.
Private Walking Tour of the Old Town of Kotor, Montenegro
Booking a private walking tour of the Old Town of Kotor, Montenegro was the perfect way to learn about the region before settling into a week long yoga retreat in Buljarica
An Afternoon Trip to Florence, in the Tuscany Region of Italy
Taking an afternoon trip to Florence was a fantastic way to revisit one of my favorite regions in Italy
Guided Tour of the Canals of Copenhagen with Netto-Bådene
A 60 minute cruise around the canals with Netto-Bådene Boat Tours in Nyhavn was a great way to spend time learning about the history of Copenhagen, Denmark
A Sensational Tour of Sicily with Kim Larkin and James Bene
Spending a week in Sicily during the "Sensational Sicily - Yoga, Culture + Self Discovery in Italy" retreat with Kimberly Larkin and James Bene was an extraordinary experience in balancing rest, yoga and adventure
A 10 Day Moroccan Adventure with Kim Larkin Adventures
My time in Morocco became a transformative blend of connection, self-discovery, and cultural learning, filled with unforgettable moments and practical lessons for traveling with openness and joy
Northern Lights Tours by The Aurora Borealis Experience
The Aurora Borealis Experience offers guided Northern Lights tours from Yellowknife, with hotel pick ups in a 50 seater red bus.
Bruges and Ghent – Belgium’s Fairytale Cities by Brussels City Tours
Touring Bruges and Ghent with Brussels City Tours was an overall delightful experience in exploring historic areas of Belgium
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip by Tours & Tickets
The "Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip" by Tours & Tickets was a light yet comprehensive tour of the Dutch countryside, while highlighting traditional points of the Dutch culture
Evening Food Tour with Fork & Walk Tours Berlin
Unfortunately, this Evening Food Tour with Fork & Walk Tours Berlin focused on Turkish food - not the expected German fare.
From Tokyo: Guided Day Trip to Hakone, Owakudani & Mt. Fuji
Booking my day tour of Hakone, Owakudani & Mt. Fuji was a wonderful introduction and immersion to the landscape, culture and regional food of Japan
Cathedrals, Markets and History: A Walking Food and Culture Tour of Palermo, Italy
Guiding my tour group through the streets of Palermo, Domenico was a skillful guide in showcasing the best of what Sicily's capital city had to offer
From Anchorage: Alaska Wildlife Center & Turnagain Arm Tour by Alaska’s Finest Tours and Adventures
Alaska’s Finest Tours & Adventures provides guided Anchorage adventures that combine iconic sightseeing with local flavors and expert interpretation
Venice: Highlights Tour, St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace by Walks In Europe
The walking tour "Venice: Highlights Tour, St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace" by Walks In Europe was a comprehensive dive into Venice's vibrant history
Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Dover Tour by Evan Evans
The Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Dover Tour by Evan Evans offered me a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating day outside of London.
An Afternoon in Taormina: Basking in the Sunshine of the Western Coast of Sicily
My afternoon in Taormina served up luxurious White Lotus vibes in the beautiful coastal resort town in Sicily
Sazerac House
Touring Sazerac House taught me the history of the Sazerac cocktail while experiencing interactive exhibits in New Orleans, Louisiana
Venice: Walking Tour & Gondola Ride by Venice City Tours
Exploring highlights with "Venice: Walking Tour & Gondola Ride" group tour by Venice City Tours was a great introduction to the city
Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour with Eating Europe Rome
Taking the Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour by Eating Europe Rome during my first night in Rome was a brilliant idea
A Day in Versailles: A Train Ride from Paris, Touring Outdoor Markets and Bicycling Around Versailles
This Blue Fox Travel led bike tour adventure blended a guided train ride and market visit with a scenic cycling experience through Versailles
Dolphin Watching & Enjoying the Coastal Sea Caves of Portugal with Algar Experience Tours
The AlgarExperience tour of the dolphins & sea caves and arches off the Algrave Coast was a lovely experience off the coast of Albufeira, Portugal
Evening Snowshoeing Tour with the Walking Mountains Nature Discovery Center
A evening snowshoeing experience with a Naturalist from Walking Mountains was an incredible exploration of the winter wonderland of Vail, Colorado
A Day Trip to Sintra, Portugal and Palace of Pena
When in Lisbon, one of the easiest and most fun day trips you can take is an easy 40 min train ride to Sintra, Portugal
Exploring the Natural Caves of Longhorn Caverns State Park
Longhorn Cavern State Park in Texas is a fascinating geological site featuring stunning underground rock formations shaped by centuries of natural forces.
Walking the Streets of Marrakesh: the Medina, Dar El Basha, Madrasa Ben Youssef and more with Soufiane Adnane
With Soufiane guiding us through the medina, historic sites, and local shops with his knowledgeable and attentive style, Marrakesh quickly became one of my favorite cities in Morocco
Evening Taco and Mezcal Walking Tour in Mexico City with Airbnb Experiences
This walking tour through Roma Norte offered a comfortable group experience to discover Mexico City's vibrant cultural soul through tacos and mezcal
More Reviews and Experiences
EclecticKim is made with by Kimberly Kirven.
EclecticKim is an online resource created and curated to provide restaurant reviews, travel guides, inspiration and reflections on a life well lived.
© Copyright 2015 – 2025 by Kimberly Kirven – All rights reserved.
EclecticKim is an online resource created and curated to provide restaurant reviews, travel guides, inspiration and reflections on a life well lived.
© Copyright 2015 – 2025 by Kimberly Kirven – All rights reserved.