All posts by certifiedfoodie

About certifiedfoodie

CertifiedFoodie is a food enthusiast in Houston. She's a fearless adventurer whose palate will bravely taste absolutely anything (!) once. A motto which have led to profuse tongue-scrubbings, cussing, and back-to-back food poisoning. When not eating and/or traveling, she's a loving wife and mom and a career woman involved in healthcare.

Hiking in Cinque Terre (Corniglia)

Adventures Around the World, Italy

This is going to be one of my very many catch-up posts. There is a huge lag between writings as life sometimes veers to so many directions at a whirlwind speed that there is simply no time to pause and write.

We took this trip late 2018. The kids were grown and active. If there ever was a time when it would be ideal to take kids across the globe it would be this. All three were in high school.

We arrive in Cinque Terre after more than 24 hours worth of plane ride, a regular train and a teeny tiny train, and what felt like 20,000 steps up to our Airbnb.

But look at this view. Totally worth it.

Our base was Vernazza, one of the five cities.

We started the day at the fresh market. Freshly made pasta!

Hiking was the itinerary for Day 1. My sister found this route. She’s a hiking aficionado. She will find a hiking route anywhere. She promised wonderful views so we laced up our shoes and off we went.

She promised that it would be pretty, not easy.
The promise delivered
The mountainside is filled with vineyards
Down below is the city of Corniglia. Breathtaking.

One of the things I love about going to the countryside is dining in hole-in-the-wall restaurants. We found this place as we headed back and the food was divine. That, or we were really starving 😬

Schiaccetra. Dessert wine from the grapes on the mountain we just climbed
Spaghetti Al Nero. Always a delight. Check your teeth before smiling.
Teeth checked!!!

High Tea at the Ritz (London)

Tea Time

This is the tea experience that started it all. This is the high tea that sets the bar with which every other would be measured. This was back in November 2023. We visited London (sadly , no more queen) and my good friend Marivic was able to join us. She’s a gem. Maybe it was her who made the experience memorable?

I would never set foot to London without meeting up with this girl.
No carb counting on this dessert cart
We opted to add champagne because why not
Service is above par. The servers were literally doting on us. You can order more of what is being served. Almost like a buffet but really, REALLY fancy.

Speaking of fancy, should you decide to go, dress code is strict. And no, this is not a Houston-type of dress code warning. Do not get me started. I’ve had notifications after I make my reservation on what is the expected dress code, only to arrive and seeing people in shorts and baseball caps. Not here, though. It’s a dinner jacket and cocktail dress kind of thing that is enforced. If you’ve look at the surroundings, you’ll understand.

It’s a gorgeous room!
We clean up good!