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BRB: Currently at Coachella
Coachella here I come! It's finally time for Weekend 2 of the highly anticipated arts & music festival. Follow me on my journey because I will be updating this post LIVE throughout the fest! I will do my best to keep this going throughout the three-day experience. Check in on the blog every few hours to see what updates I've made.
Related reading: Coachella Outfit Ideas
Thursday, April 21, 2016
+ 3:02 a.m - I'm up. I'm groggy but up. Final packing moments then we're off to Indio!
+ 3:51 a.m. - We're leaving San Diego!
+ 3:53 a.m. - Never mind. Now we're getting gas.
+ 4:10 a.m. - En route to Indio! 101 miles to go.
+ 5:51 a.m. The sun is starting to rise! I love those cotton candy skies. Just a few miles away now.
+ 6:10 a.m. We're in the car camping line! Yay!
+ 6:24 a.m. Just heard a girl ask her friend "wanna start drinking after I put my makeup on?" I'm too old for that. Haha.
+ 8:12 a.m. - The car camping line is moving; waiting to get checked by security. It's hot already.
+ 10:06 a.m. - We are almost done setting up camp. Our next-door camp mates offered us a nice cold beer which we accepted gratefully.
+ 11:23 a.m. Fred & I have been drinking water because it's already nearly 90°. Currently checking out the information booklet they gave us upon arrival. Free blowouts & updos at the Beauty Bar & Barber Shop y'all!!!!
+ 1:24 p.m. - Woke up from a much-needed nap & now walking & exploring the camp area.
+ 2:26 p.m. - Some girl rode past us on her bike saying "I hate you. I hate you. I hate you." & then squirted us with her watergun.
+ 6:48 p.m. - We just woke up from a second nap. It's been brutally hot so most of the day has been spent finding shade & drinking water.
+ 8:18 p.m. - You have no idea how much more comfortable it is now that the sun has set & it's cooling off. Night & day difference. Literally. Currently making chili Ramen & we finally cracked open a beer.
+ 10:51 p.m. - Just found out about the recycling program on the campground so we might take up the offer of collecting cans & water bottles. We went to the activity center & charged our phones but now we're back to the campsite to wind down.
Friday, April 22, 2016
+ 12:35 a.m. - Enjoyed a couple hours with our neighbor & had some Jamison. Bedtime.
+ 8:48 a.m. - We woke up & rejuvenated ourselves. Now eating breakfast which is eggs, veggie sausage, & broccoli with cauliflower.
+ 11:41 a.m. - We took an amazing shower using a bucket of water & soap. It was so refreshing & necessary to rejuvenate ourselves after a very hot first day. We turned in our cans, so far we have 96. Currently getting ready to head out for the day.
+ 12:04 p.m. - Just entered the fest.
+ 12:43p.m. - We made it for Sheer Mag's set. I found an AIR CONDITIONED bathroom which was heavenly. Got Afters ice cream: Cookie Monster Milky Bun. Amazing.
+ 1:38 p.m. - Jackfruit nachos are a thing & they're delightful. Currently at the Frances show; she's lovely live.
+ 3:40 p.m. - All right all right all right. We saw Lapsley & she seriously rocked! Wow! We just finished watching the HEALTH set from up front at the barrier! Currently making a pitstop at our camp site to re-up on ice cold water & have our first beer of the day.
+ 11:59 p.m. - Oops time passed. We saw Foals, ASAP Rocky, Ellie Goulding, & LCD Soundsystem. We had lavender Earl Grey & double blueberry donuts. I told Fred I didn't think they were worth the price but he disagreed.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
+ 8:50 a.m. - We put our canopy back on. Hopefully, the wind won't be as terrible. We certainly saw our fair share of dead & damaged canopies. We're tidying up our tent & campsite. Fred's allergies are flaring up with all the dust & black boogies are definitely a thing for everyone. Our dry ice has been a miracle worker & kept our water & food nice & cold. Highly recommend.
+ 1:28 p.m. - We made some breakfast of eggs, refried beans, broccoli & cauliflower, veggie sausage, & a crappy homemade version of sorbet to cool us off. We took another campsite shower, bought some ice, & now we're trying to stay hydrated. It's 84° but feels much hotter.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
12:36 a.m. - I apologize for the lack of updates on Saturday but I was just enjoying the moment. Some of the highlights were: catching part of Deerhunter, AlunaGeorge, Vince Staples, a bit of Grimes, vegan Jamaican food, Guns N Roses, Ice Cube who brought out Dr. Dre at & Kendrick Lamar. Such a good day.
+ 6:19 a.m. - Someone's alarm went on & hasn't been turned off in several minutes. Woke up & went outside. It's a joy to have some brisk temperatures in Indio, if only for a moment.
+ 7:38 a.m. - Hello from the Connected Lounge. I'm updating this on an ancient laptop; it should be in a museum. Charging our phones here as well.
+ 7:38 a.m. - Hello from the Connected Lounge. I'm updating this on an ancient laptop; it should be in a museum. Charging our phones here as well.
+ 11:08 a.m. - We took a refreshing bath/shower this morning & made some breakfast. I got a piña colada smoothie & Fred💖 got an iced coffee from one of the camp vendors. Our next-door neighbor campers left this morning because their tickets were invalid because they were scammed. Very unfortunate.
+ 4:14 p.m. - Started off the day with De Lux then PRAYERS. Both were great. We caught Joywave then ate a churro. Now Wolf Alice.
+ 7:48 p.m. - A wave of exhaustion hit me, so I'm back at the tent trying to take a little nap before Sia.
Stay psyched & read my Coachella posts from last year:
Anacapa Island Day Trip: Channel Islands National Park
Magic exists in the natural marvels of Channel Islands National Park. Off the coast of Southern California, you'll find five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, & the smallest island of them all, Anacapa Island. Available by boat only, these other islands are secluded from the buzzing freeways & cell phone chatter of everyday life. You won't find a Wi-Fi signal out here, but you might find yourself. Anacapa Island is 12 miles out to sea. As your boat comes in you might see the sea caves, kelp beds, and arch rock. Seriously the best views for wildlife watching.
Scroll down to learn the answers to: Where is Anacapa Island? How do you get there? Is it part of Channel Islands National Park? What are some things to do on Anacapa Island? Is there camping? Are there hotels in Downtown Oxnard? How can you do an Anacapa Island day trip?
About Carmen
Hello, welcome to my blog! I'm Carmen. I'm a travel writer (also known as a travel blogger or travel influencer). Some of my most popular travel posts are Things to Do at Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, How You Can Visit Central Perk Cafe from Friends, & Your Guide to Oslo, Norway. I prefer black tea over coffee. I've worked with brands & companies such as The French Ministry of Agriculture, KAABOO Del Mar, Queen of the South TV show on USA, OLLY, & more. You can learn more About Me here.Where is Anacapa Island?
Part of the Channel Islands National Park, you can find Anacapa Islands off the coast of Oxnard, California. Oxnard is 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles; 38 miles south of Santa Barbara. Anacapa Island has three islets named East, Middle, & West Anacapa Islands. However, you aren't permitted to explore all three of them.
How do I get to Anacapa Island?
It's not like visitors can walk from one island to the next anyway, that's why you need a boat for transportation. You have to take a boat trip out there. The boat ride over takes about an hour. Visitors can explore the entire island in just half a day. You can't just leave the island when you want, you have to stay there until the boat takes you back later in the afternoon. Perfect excuse to go on an adventure!
Other things to do in California: Go skydiving & wine tasting in Lompoc, California
Travel to Anacapa Island on the Island Packers boat. |
Transportation Around the Islands
I took a majestic boat ride with Island Packers. Arrive at the Oxnard Harbor. Travel time takes about an hour each way. Fred & I downloaded a few episodes of the Dr. Death podcast so we could listen with headphones from our phone. A layer of clouds protected us from the sun & the waves of the ocean. Apparently, the clearer the skies, the choppier the water. The more you know, right?
As we ventured past the Anacapa arch our way back to Oxnard, we saw a pod of dolphins. They swam right next to us. It was a top life experience. Island Packers offers trips to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara Island, whale watching, & other exciting options for visitors.
Once the Island Packers boat docks, adventurers step onto a ladder at Landing Cove then they corral everyone to cover the essential rules of Anacapa Island. After that, get ready for your quads to burn because you have 157 steps to climb.
I felt a bit winded but the view from the top was spectacular, the first time you can see what it looks like from the island. You're really stuck out there on a small blip of land in the middle of the ocean, okay well it's about 10 miles off the coast of Oxnard, California.
Other things to do in California: Beach hopping & meditation in Encinitas, California
Western Gull mama (probably) & cute little spotted chick. |
Marine Life and Animals on Anacapa Island: Western Gulls, California Brown Pelicans, Island Fox, Oh My!
Visit Anacapa Island from April through mid-August & you'll run into some seabirds, particularly the Western gull. An annoyed gull pooped on Fred's backpack as we walked by its nest. If you're not a fan of birds, guano (bird poop), possible bird carcasses, loud squawking (literally anytime you walk by a nest or chicks), questionable smells, then avoid voyaging to the island during this time frame. However, if you want to experience an absolutely remarkable natural phenomenon, then mark your calendar & book a ticket. You might spot California Brown Pelicans, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, western gulls, California sea lions, harbor seals. I saw California Brown Pelicans, Western gulls, sea lions, & dolphins! Just stay on the hiking trails! There is even summer whale watching so you might catch a whale too.Anacapa Island Camping
We only did a day trip on the island, but there are Anacapa Island camping options. We saw several campers already setup from the day before. There were a couple campers who left on the evening boat out for the day. The campsites are "primitive." That's the wording from the National Park Service website, but I'd called them minimal or bare. Anacapa Island provides picnic tables, food storage boxes, & pit toilets for use. But ultimately, you need to take all trash with you as there are no rubbish bins. The island has 7 campsites that fit 4-6 people per site. Reservations are required, so you can't just decide you're having a great time staring at the baby Western Gulls & have a sleepover. Check campsite availability on Recreation.com, the official website to make your Anacapa Island camping reservations.
Is There Food, Drink, & Water on Anacapa Island?
No, make sure to bring everything you need with you. There's no food, drink, or water on the island for visitors to purchase. We brought a couple liters of water, sandwich or pita pockets, chips, fruit, granola bar, & some chocolate in a backpack for our Anacapa Island day trip. You must take all garbage with you; we simply put it in our backpack to throw away once we got back to Oxnard.
Things to Do on Anacapa Island: Hiking, Bird-Watching, Camping. |
Things to Do on Anacapa Island
On our day trip to Anacapa Island, we walked the entire trail around the island, saw the Anacapa Island lighthouse, marveled at the views from Inspiration Point, got pooped on by a Western Gull (well, Fred did at least), picnicked with a panoramic ocean view. Despite the boat full of people we arrived on the island with, we were able to have many private, secluded moments. You can't get super close to the Historic Light house on Anacapa Island but you can definitely get a good photo of it.Activities for Visitors to Do on Anacapa Island
Water Sports
Picnicking
Hiking
Camping
Bird-Watching
Historic & Cultural Site Information Site
Photography
Ranger Station
Snorkeling
Swimming
Small Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing
Water Access
Scuba Diving
Whale-Watching
Our ocean view room from Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard, California. |
Where to Stay (Besides Camping on Anacapa Island): Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort
I stayed at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort with a remarkable ocean view. Our spacious two-room suite Mandalay Beach Hotel is a good option for kids, families, & couples. They have a spa, fitness center, huge pool. I took advantage of Happy Hour by the pool. Just show your wristbands & order your drink. I grabbed the house wine while Fred opted for their beer on tap. We sipped our beverages along with the dozens of other people doing the same thing on a Friday evening. Make sure to eat the made-to-order brekkie at the Coastal Grill in the morning.Hotels in Oxnard
✓ Best Western Oxnard Inn
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort
✓ Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge
✓ Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard/Ventura
Take a look at some of the hotels in Downtown Oxnard. You can customize what day you'll arrive/leave & how many people in your group. You can even expand your hotel search to include Oxnard & surrounding areas:
Booking.com
Things to Do in Oxnard, CA
You can spend the entire day or weekend admiring nature in Oxnard. There are endless things to do in Oxnard, California as far as strolls by the beach, kayaking, exploring the Channel Islands National Park, & thriving outside. Visit Oxnard has some fabulous suggestions if you need more inspiration for places to stay, where to dine, things to do, & local events in Oxnard. There are other other California National Parks as well.Other Fun Stuff
Pin this image on Pinterest - Day Trip to Anacapa Island. |
Have a question? Comment below & I will answer the best I can. Let me know if you've visited Anacapa Island. Would the birds scare you off? :]
Playing & Staying at the Atlantis in Reno, Nevada
The Reno, Nevada temperature read 103°F. The local radio personality said it was a heat wave for the start of summer. We'd camped the night before, driven 4.5 hours from Lone Pine, California to Reno that morning, & we were in desperate need of a mentally & physically refreshing shower. We wanted to check into our hotel immediately. We arrived in Reno, & the Atlantis* stood tall like a welcoming giant. We followed it like a beacon, found parking, & went inside. The cool air conditioned casino breeze felt like an oasis from the harsh heat.
* Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
We arrived at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa as soon as we could check in, 3 p.m. We checked in, got our keys, & made our way to our room as fast as humanly possible. Atlantis was kind enough to give us a Concierge Tower room on the 25th floor. It wasn't until later we realized that Concierge Tower guests can get VIP check in. It wasn't until day two that I realized our windows were tinted purple.
The Concierge Tower
I got a kick out of the key-card access glass-enclosed elevator ride up to our room. These elevators are exclusive for Concierge Hotel Tower members; you literally have to scan your card in order for the elevator to move. I loved using it in the evening because you could see Reno light up at night. Concierge Tower hotel rooms include custom furnishings, robes, slippers, TV in the bathroom, as well as access to the 25th floor Concierge Lounge.
We tried to utilize all the benefits of the Concierge Lounge such as the morning breakfast & afternoon hors d'oeuvres. We went every single day. If anything, just go for the view. Get a table by the window & sip your morning cup of coffee with sweeping views of Reno. The Concierge Lounge service was absolutely incredible.
The Spa
Spa Atlantis is luxurious & convenient! Head on over to their full range spa & salon. I received a Swedish massage, while Fred enjoyed his Spa Day Pass. We met up after my massage & enjoyed the Brine Inhalation-Light Therapy Lounge, the indoor whirlpools, & the Nature Experiential Shower. I pretty much tried every version of their spa waters. They have recipe cards for all of their waters; I regret not grabbing the cards!
The Casino
The Atlantis Reno is a player's paradise. Slots, table games, poker rooms, keno, race & sports book. They have it all. I'm a terrible gambler, but casino life is part of Reno & the Atlantis. Smoking is allowed on property, so head on over to the designated smoke-free areas if you have smoking sensitivity.
The Food
The dining options at Atlantis Reno are plentiful, even as a vegetarian. There are bars, lounges, delis, buffets, grilles, sushi bars, & basically anything you could dream of. Bistro Napa came highly recommended. We grabbed gelato with a friend at Café Alfresco. We had breakfast buffet at Toucan Charlie's but I'd opt for lunch next time or perhaps the Sunday Champagne Brunch.
The Amenities
I kid you not when I say Atlantis has it all — atrium pool, cabaret, Fitness Center, spa, salon, slots, wedding packages, & more. I joked with Fred that you could just stay inside for a week & never explore anything else in Reno because there is that much to do within the Atlantis. They aim to ensure that you're completely entertained during your stay. I'd say that's accurate!
The Verdict
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is genuinely a great option if you're in Reno, Nevada & want a place to stay in the heart of the city. I received nothing but impeccable service. Whether you're there with family, as a couple, on business, with friends, by yourself, there are options to suit your needs. It's buzzing with life. It's air-conditioned. It's a Reno staple.My Favorites
♥ Afternoon hors d'oeuvres at the Concierge Lounge ♥ Nature Experiential Shower ♥ Melon water at the Fitness Center ♥ All the spa waters ♥ Fluffy white robes ♥ Watching TV in the shower ♥ Desserts at Toucan Charlie's buffet ♥ Evening elevator rides ♥ Sweeping views of Reno ♥ Blogging/working from the hotel room ♥
Have you ever stayed at the Atlantis? What about Reno? I want to hear your thoughts! :]
*Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. I was not paid, but did receive free hotel stay, buffet breakfast, & Swedish massage. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
*Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. I was not paid, but did receive free hotel stay, buffet breakfast, & Swedish massage. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
The Best Coffee Shops in Portland, Oregon + What Is a Coffee Cupping?
When I think about Portland, I picture those golden trees with leaves galore, the nippy mornings, the endless walking, the delicious donuts, & the coffee. Oh, the coffee. In order to stay alive & function with all the steps we trekked, Fred & I definitely needed some caffeine.
Related reading: How to Spend 48 Hours in Portland, Oregon: A Travel Guide
Thanks to Third Wave Coffee Tours*, Fred & I spent one morning exploring some of the finest coffee options in Portland, Oregon. I opted for their Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour, a three-hour guided tour on the east side of the Willamette River.
The Eastside tour starts at 10 a.m. on Fridays & introduces you to top-notch espresso, cold brew variations, & even a cupping experience — the practice of observing the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee, basically a coffee tasting. This tour introduces you to the pioneering micro-roasters that sparked the third wave coffee revolution.
The Eastside tour starts at 10 a.m. on Fridays & introduces you to top-notch espresso, cold brew variations, & even a cupping experience — the practice of observing the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee, basically a coffee tasting. This tour introduces you to the pioneering micro-roasters that sparked the third wave coffee revolution.
The tour began at Portland Roasting Coffee — a sustainable & carbon neutral company — where we waited a few minutes for the rest of the tour members to join. We tried the small but mighty macchiato with a bite of cookie before we were on our way to the next stop, Steven Smith Teamaker.
Yep, we went to a tea place during the coffee tour. Steven Smith is actually the mastermind behind Tazo Tea as well as Stash Tea. Go figure. We tried nitro chai tea with a touch of half & half. It was utterly glorious; I still dream about it. We also sampled both the iced & hot tea versions of the Sparkling Strawberry Honeybush. As a tea fan, this was my favorite stop of the day.
Then we began the journey to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a brand that focuses heavily on sustainability, direct trade, & paying their coffee farmers liveable wages. The Stumptown visit was abundant in its information & coffee samplings. We sipped on quite a view varieties, but I was particularly in love with the Stumptown Chocolate Cold Brew, which is essentially coffee spiked chocolate milk. Yes please.
Next up on the tour was Coava Coffee Roasters with their cool & open wooden interior. Instead of using the traditional but wasteful paper filters, they created their own handmade cones with tiny holes to strain the coffee. We tried a single shot Guatemala macchiato & nibbled on bits of a cookie.
Our last coffee shop spot was Upper Left Roasters, where we sipped on their cold brew coffee with hazelnut macadamia milk. To wash everything down, we got a bite of their delicious country wheat toast with macadamia nut butter & banana. I'm not ashamed to admit that I grabbed a second piece of toast.
I left the Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour feeling high on coffee & ready to take over the world. It's the perfect experience for any coffee lover, & I give it bonus points because there was time for tea. If you're in Portland & enjoy your fair share of coffee, Third Wave Coffee Tours is spot on.
Then we began the journey to Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a brand that focuses heavily on sustainability, direct trade, & paying their coffee farmers liveable wages. The Stumptown visit was abundant in its information & coffee samplings. We sipped on quite a view varieties, but I was particularly in love with the Stumptown Chocolate Cold Brew, which is essentially coffee spiked chocolate milk. Yes please.
Next up on the tour was Coava Coffee Roasters with their cool & open wooden interior. Instead of using the traditional but wasteful paper filters, they created their own handmade cones with tiny holes to strain the coffee. We tried a single shot Guatemala macchiato & nibbled on bits of a cookie.
What is a Coffee Cupping?
A cupping is a coffee tasting where you observe the tastes & aromas in brewed coffee. For our cupping experience, we ventured to Buckman Coffee Factory. The cupping begins with smelling the freshly ground coffee & pointing out any odor descriptors such as earthy, floral, spicy, etc. Step two is to add water & smell again. The third step is to break the crust by taking a spoon & pushing the floating coffee grounds away while smelling again. The last step is to taste the coffee & compare notes with the others.Our last coffee shop spot was Upper Left Roasters, where we sipped on their cold brew coffee with hazelnut macadamia milk. To wash everything down, we got a bite of their delicious country wheat toast with macadamia nut butter & banana. I'm not ashamed to admit that I grabbed a second piece of toast.
I left the Pioneering Eastside Roasters Coffee Tour feeling high on coffee & ready to take over the world. It's the perfect experience for any coffee lover, & I give it bonus points because there was time for tea. If you're in Portland & enjoy your fair share of coffee, Third Wave Coffee Tours is spot on.
* Disclaimer: Third Wave Coffee Tours provided the tour in exchange for an honest blog post about my experience. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
Spending the Night at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto
Northern California is beautiful fall and winter as the red, yellow, & orange leaves gather on the ground, creating a squishy rainbow padding as you walk around. The evening air of Silicon Valley cools down to the point where you always need a protective layer for warmth. I'm from San Diego, where it's hard to find any sign of the seasons — leaves & layers included. An adventure to Northern California is just what I needed!
Located at 711 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301, The Clement hotel Palo Alto is an all-inclusive hotel that has a fitness center, business center, free wifi, parking, and everything you could need for your stay.
Due to Covid, valet parking has been suspended temporarily. Self-parking is available. The whirlpool and roof top pool are currently closed until the summer, but pool cabanas are available. We had fun hanging out on the roof in the cabanas.
Fred & I created a mini trip out of it. We maneuvered our way out of Southern California, stopping in Bakersfield, Santa Maria, & Palo Alto along the way. The Clement is a luxury hotel with personalized service based in Palo Alto, California. The location is beautiful; The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those things you'll just have to see for yourself. From the rooftop pool to the delightful food, The Clement Palo Alto is an all-inclusive boutique hotel for those who are ready for the finer things in life. Breakfast lunch dinner, they've got it! Stanford University campus is just a hop, skip, & a jump away. They have a fire pit,
Palo Alto, California is about 35 miles south of San Francisco & 14 miles north of San Jose. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, The Clement Hotel focuses on first-class accommodations in a boutique atmosphere. The location is right near Stanford University. Enjoy the energy of downtown Palo Alto.
Living Room
Fred & I chatted on the Outdoor Dining Terrace, checked our email, & scoped outside before heading back to the elegant Living Room for the evening. We enjoyed a cocktail as well as a charcuterie board right by the fireplace. Warm & toasty!
Jury Room
The Jury Room makes for the perfect business center whilst you're on your travels or you can host a business meeting in their state-of-the-art boardroom.
Kitchen
Want to venture outside of the guest rooms? The Kitchen adjoins the Dining Room & features a fully stocked Guest Pantry. There's also an on-site chef if you desire something more in-depth. I love that the Pantry is available 24 hours a day. That means if you're hankering for a snack at 3 AM, you could head down to the dining room & grab water, fresh cut fruit, a cheese board, ice cream, or other munchies. The Clement hotel Palo Alto offers a seasonal menu with starters, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and desserts.
Clement Hotel Palo Alto Guest Suites and Rooms
Your guest suite is sure to be freaking fabulous. We had a separate living room, bedroom, & bathroom, including cool gadgets like two 65 inch Samsung televisions, Nespresso Vertuoline coffee machines, & an in-room refrigerator stocked with a handful of beverages like mango juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite, & Voss water. This guest suite is seriously the size of a large 2-bedroom apartment with tons of amenities to boot. I love that I could make a piping hot cup of chamomile tea right in the room, or get room service delivered straight to our door. The Clement is a boutique hotel heaven in Silicon Valley's Palo Alto, giving guests a peaceful place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in town.
Bath
The bathroom includes two sinks, a super rad television built into the mirror, a soaking tub, separate rain head shower, & a Toto Washlet toilet with a heated seat, which my mom raved about during her stay in Toyko, Japan. I adored the ODE Natural Beauty Verde Olive Oil Sea Salt Scrub; it's genuinely one of the best body scrubs I've tried! I relaxed in the big tub as I checked myself out in the mirror. Okay, I was watching The Simpsons on the TV built into the mirror! Talk about all-inclusive luxury.
We loved panoramic views of Stanford & Palo Alto from the roof-top deck. The location is impeccable. Who doesn't like a rooftop pool? We found ourselves there at least twice during our under 24-hour stay. Up there you'll find a swimming pool, whirlpool hot tub, & private cabanas. There's even individual sunglasses & sunblock set out for anyone to use. If you're there in daylight, enjoy the bustling view of Palo Alto. If you're on the rooftop deck at night, stay cozy by the heaters & jam to the music with a cocktail. Don't miss out on the rooftop pool, seriously. You don't even have to go inside of it if you're not a swim fan. Just breathe in the view & the trees. Sip champagne in your cabana then dip your feet in the hot tub & call it a day.
Experience
Everything you need is right there on the property. You can relax from the moment of welcoming arrival until you leave. You can access snacks when you want or perhaps you're in the mood for cocktails. Visit the facilities and familiarize yourself. I had a blissful but short experience at The Clement Hotel. From the TV in the mirror to the comfy white linens, The Clement Palo Alto gives guests a place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in Palo Alto. It felt special to receive such personalized concierge service. It felt like what I'd imagine Kim Kardashian's everyday life is like: everything is taken care of, always the best of the best, & if they don't have it they'll get it for you! Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me! The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those fantastic hotel experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. Plus, it has such a fantastic location close to Stanford University.
What part sounds the best to you? Have you ever had an all-inclusive luxury stay before? How was it?
What Is Huitlacoche? What Does Corn Smut Taste Like?
Mexico has a vast range of positively scrumptious food. Authentic Mexican food is next level. A bean & cheese burrito or store-bought taco doesn't quite articulate the multitude of flavor & variety Mexican food has. And then we also have drinks, which is a subject of its own. Don't get me started on horchatas.
Okay, you're searching the internet trying to figure out what the heck is huitlacoche? How do you even use it? Is it edible or do you have to throw it away? Is it safe to eat huitlacoche (corn smut edible)? I've done all the research for you so you can get all the answers right here. Keep scrolling interesting keep reading.
What is huitlacoche in English?
In the United States, American farmers often call it corn smut fungus.
What is huitlacoche (corn smut / ustilago maydis)?
Corn smut is a plant fungus caused by Ustilago maydis. Huitlacoche is basically a corn mushroom or corn truffle that grows on the infected corn kernels on corn plants. You might know it as corn smut or common smut. While most farmers in the United States would consider this fungal plant disease an infection worthy of eradication, fungus corn smut is considered a delicacy in Mexico, more commonly referred to as "huitlacoche." You might even hear it referred to as cuitlacoche, corn truffles, Mexican truffle, Mexican huitlacoche, maizteca mushrooms, corn mushrooms, & bunch of other terms.
Is Huitlacoche Safe to Eat?
If you're left wondering: well, is this fungus safe to eat? Yes! The corn fungus caused by ustilago maydis can be found on ears of corn is considered a maize mushroom or type of edible mushroom. Yes, it's safe to eat. It's actually a Mexican delicacy. Taste a piece of Mexico. Not only is it safe to eat but there are plenty of ways that you can eat it & make it - from huitlacoche quesadillas to soups to tamales. You can eat it in a lot of savory and smoky dishes with some salt and pepper.
Can You Eat It While Pregnant?
I'm not a doctor so I am no clue about that; make sure to check with your own doctor based on your own health conditions. Definitely worth asking your doctor before ordering some at a restaurant. Just to be on the safe side!
How Is Huitlacoche Pronounced?
That's a great question because it's somewhat difficult when you first look at it. You can pronounce it weet-la-ko-che (the 'che' should sound like 'che' in 'checkers.') If you want to be super authentic then you can pronounce it more like "hwee-tla-ko-che."
Huitlacoche Taste - What does fresh huitlacoche smell like, taste like, look like?
Don't forget this corn growth is a culinary delicacy. The plant fungus grows on corn kernels. The infected kernels change color & shape. The name corn smut fungus doesn't sound so appetizing, so I love referring to its name in its mother tongue. I first tried huitlacoche back in 2016; I even mentioned it in my July A - Z monthly recap & my July Favorites. Mexican cuisine is delicious; I always eat something new & foods can vary by state & by cities. My boyfriend's mom made a fresh batch. Fred's parents are from Central Mexico. I've been able to taste some delicious Mexican food homemade by Fred's mom, including some regional specialties from their hometown.
I ate it by itself, as a side. It's earthy but not as stinky as mushrooms. It tastes like corn, even though it is a plant fungus. The spongy texture is a bit mushy, just like cooked corn. There might be an occasional fiber from the corn. It looks dark, like a blackish, brownish color, due to the corn fungus kind of the same color as a crimini mushroom or Portobello mushroom. If you enjoy mushrooms or kind of earthier foods with that type of texture, you will probably agree with the taste of huitlacoche corn smuts. You can find huitlaoche recipes online to cook it yourself.
How do you eat huitlacoche?
You can use this smut delicacy many ways. There are plenty of recipes. It's a versatile ingredient. You don't eat it off the cob as you would regular ears of corn. I loooove quesadillas de huitlacoche. The ingredients you'll are need organic corn tortilla, cheese, huitlacoche, that's it. You can use flour or corn tortillas. Delicious. If quesadillas aren't your thing, you can use huitlacoche Mexican truffle in your soup or burrito. You can make a huitlacoche taco or sopes. Basically, you can add huitlacoche as a filler or side, the same way you'd integrate something like black beans or mushrooms. Just check some recipes online. You can eat it with a tortilla or as a side dish on its own. You can add it to various types of dishes such as soups, tamales, huitlacoche tacos, whatever your heart desires.You can add onion, garlic, corn, cheese, tomatoes, tortilla, epazote leaves. These are common ingredients that go together with huitlacoche. Huitlacoche dishes to add some delicious earthy flavor and texture to the meal.
What's the nutritional value of huitlacoche?
High Protein
As cuitlacoche grows, fresh huitlacoche is higher in protein than most maize or regular corn, & could be considered as an alternative protein source for vegetarians (or anyone), according to a research study published in Food Science and Technology (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos).
High in Minerals like Magnesium & Phosphorus
The study also shows that huitlacoche is high in minerals magnesium & phosphorus. Higher magnesium intake may reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, & osteoporosis (National Institutes of Health). So load up on that huitlacoche!
High in Fatty Acids like Oleic Acid & Linoleic Acid
Huitlacoche is high in fatty acids like oleic acid & linoleic acid. Due to the plant fungus & how it alters the corn, huitlacoche is loaded with nutrients corn doesn't normally have, such as lysine, an essential amino acid.
High Carbohydrate
At the end of the day, huitlacoche is still corn, so it has a high carbohydrate content. The great news is that huitlacoche has a high cellulose content (a type of carbohydrate), which can be beneficial for digestion. Sounds like a win to me!
Low Fat
Huitlacoche is low in fat, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for lower calorie & lower fat foods.
As cuitlacoche grows, fresh huitlacoche is higher in protein than most maize or regular corn, & could be considered as an alternative protein source for vegetarians (or anyone), according to a research study published in Food Science and Technology (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos).
High in Minerals like Magnesium & Phosphorus
The study also shows that huitlacoche is high in minerals magnesium & phosphorus. Higher magnesium intake may reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, & osteoporosis (National Institutes of Health). So load up on that huitlacoche!
High in Fatty Acids like Oleic Acid & Linoleic Acid
Huitlacoche is high in fatty acids like oleic acid & linoleic acid. Due to the plant fungus & how it alters the corn, huitlacoche is loaded with nutrients corn doesn't normally have, such as lysine, an essential amino acid.
High Carbohydrate
At the end of the day, huitlacoche is still corn, so it has a high carbohydrate content. The great news is that huitlacoche has a high cellulose content (a type of carbohydrate), which can be beneficial for digestion. Sounds like a win to me!
Low Fat
Huitlacoche is low in fat, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for lower calorie & lower fat foods.
Where Can I Find it
You're likely to find it at a Mexican restaurant but there are some canned huitlacoche varieties as well. I haven't tried canned, only fresh huitlacoche, so I can't say from experience. Fresh is usually always best. You can even had to a Mexican market to see if they have it or know someone who grows it. Know any farmers? Ask them. Farmers might be a good place to start.
So what do you think? Did I convince you to try it? Technically it's a corn fungus but that shouldn't stop you from trying something you could potentially really enjoy. I've had plenty of times & each of the restaurants makes it their own unique way. The seasoning might be different or the flavors or the texture but it's the same main ingredient no matter what. If you're traveling to Mexico, you might find it does frequently in a quesadilla, Sometimes a quesadilla trio with floor de Calabasas (squash blossoms) huitlacoche, & then whatever other option they have.
Would you eat huitlacoche or quesadillas de huitlacoche? It's essentially a corn truffle. Yes, it's a corn fungus but it sure is tasty! What is your favorite food item from Mexico? Have you? How do you like to eat it? Leave a comment below if you have any questions! :]
Hopefully, this answers all your questions. Just wait until you try huitlacoche quesadillas. If it doesn't, leave the question below & I'll see what I can do. Happy eating. I hope you order it the next time you see it on the menu now that you know exactly what it is, where it comes from, & potentially what it'll taste like.
Things to do in Mexico
Things to Do in Roma Mexico City Neighborhood, read here.
The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret.
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