Romancing the exotic, erotic truffle

Chef Nicola Chessa makes magic with truffles. Photo: Wanda Hennig
By Wanda Hennig *First published Cuisine Noir magazine 2013
At lunchtime on …

Food rocks at Napa Truffle Festival

Black Diamond Truffles at the Napa Truffle Festival. Photo: Wanda Hennig
Sooner rather than later and most likely within the next …

Trains and Lady Bird and Greyhound: an adventure

A snowstorm whites-out the highway. Do three solo travelers, abandoned in Sacramento, abort their respective journeys—or unite and make a …

SAfm Otherwise: Shado Twala speaks to Wanda Hennig about Cravings (Podcast)

‘Shado’s interviews are more of a conversation than a straight Q&A. The interview will be about the book; how it came about and what it deals with. From depression to social phobia to meditation, celibacy, etc,’ SAfm Otherwise producer Hazel Makuzeni said. I was blown away that Otherwise host Shado Twala had read my book (Cravings: A Zen-inspired memoir…)—and liked it. And, might I say, ”got it”—in the sense that one writes memoir (“one” meaning “I”, natch…) to reach and express one’s truths. Knowing that it will speak to some people. Not to others. Hoping it will speak to “the right people” in an affirming, empowering way…

On the way to the wedding: on track—or off?

Traveling to island nuptials by train is fine. Not missing the ferry and the whole blissed out event is even …

Travel: Making Waves at Mavericks

You don’t have to be stoked on surfing to enjoy a great escape to Mavericks the famed surf spot and …

Best Beaches Northern California: Flavors of Capitola and Santa Cruz

Story and photos by Wanda Hennig
All travel has a culinary flavor, given that one has to eat. True culinary travel, however — I’d say what defines it is the focus. It’s about eating the specialties of a place. Learning about the food traditions of the people. It doesn’t imply eating lavishly, isn’t necessarily about haute cuisine, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Visiting a farmers market and creating a picnic from the produce stall … Read more

The Moss Beach coastal stroll — Highway 1’s best kept secret?

A breathtaking beach walk; a scenic cliff-top hike; a chance to see harbor seals up-close-and-personal; and if you keep your …

Insider guide to Fort Bragg: 20-plus delicious reasons to go there now

Story and pictures: Wanda Hennig

Fort Bragg a hotbed of conscious creatives and sustainable agriculture activists? That wasn’t how I remembered it from previous visits. Good camping, yes, at the MacKerricher State Park three miles north on Highway 1; and the legendary Glass Beach that’s more interesting to read about than to visit; and unmemorable meals in the quaint harbor; and Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout at the North Coast Brewing Company. But now a foodie friend was telling me about their active Slow Food group and saying things like, “I went to Italy and saw what they were doing with agritourism in Tuscany and thought …

Napa and Sonoma Cook

You can too!
Have you thought of adding “culinary education and cooking skills” to your wine country travel menu?
Story and photos …