15th Annual L.A. Times Travel Show This Weekend at the L.A. Convention Center, Feb. 23-24

Last year at the L.A. Times Travel Show


The 15th Annual L.A. Times Travel Show is happening this Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-24 at the L.A. Convention Center, with a trade industry day happening on Friday the 22nd.

I am a travel show junky, always looking for countries that are reaching out to travelers to share with my friends. This year, Turkey, India; Okinawa, Japan; Taiwan, Ecuador, South Africa, and Thailand are going big booths and sections--that means great deals on everything for these tourist hungry destinations.

This show has a diverse list of well-traveled speakers from institutions like Rick Steves, to Pretty in Pink's Andrew McCarthy, to veteran journalists like Barbara Hansen, to local stars from L.A's blogger community like Cathy Chaplin, Tomoko Kurokawa, and Dylan Ho.

Haven't traveled lately? Make this the year you go somewhere--go to Yosemite, to to Armenia, go to South Africa--why not do a Farm Stay? Make our world smaller--reach out and know a new culture in 2013--every year should be dedicated to knowing a new travel destination. The L.A. Times Travel Show is a great place to start.

L.A. Times Travel Show
February 23-23
10AM-5PM
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
$10 regular admission, children under 16 are free, 1 per paid adult
Children must be accompanied by an adult
For advance tickets click here

Pan Dulce 101: My 2 Part Series on Los Angeles Magazine's Daily is Pretty Damn Sweet

Is case you missed my 2-part series on Pan Dulce in Los Angeles for Valentine's Day, getting sweets for your sweet is still in fashion. In Part 1, I tell you about the Shape of Sweet Things to Come from the great bakery tradition of Mexico; Part 2 has a fantastic list of the top Mexican bakeries here in Los Angeles. Enjoy with coffee and sugary grins!

Street Gourmet LA About Town: Chef Marcela Valladolid, Booze, Soda, Tacos, Beer in Mexico and More from LA Mag and the OC Weekly

It's been a busy couple of months, and let's just cut to the chase! Here are some recent articles you may have missed.

Los Angeles Magazine Digest

Los Angeles is full of Latin American sodas with unusual flavors--take a sweet tour of the best in town on Poppin' Bottles.

The Baltimore Ravens have prevailed in Super Bowl XLVII, but the snacking goes on. Here's a carne asada nachos recipe from the boys at Mexicali Taco Co. for your next party, or for your next Blockbuster night.

Don Lencho's in South L.A. has whole grilled fish that's worth a detour.

Legit brisket taco action in Walnut Park by La Guera makes the cut. This is one of the best late night hits in the city.

La Diva del maguey, Chef Marcela Valladolid introduces her own family label: tequila Hacienda de la Flor.

A legendary and unknown spirit  from Mexico, bacanora, lands at Bar Ama in Los Angeles--it's worth the trip alone.    

Border Grills's avocado taco is a delicious north of the border invention by Chefs Mary Sue Millikin, and Sue Feniger.

OC Weekly-Tijuana Si 

Cervezeria Wendlandt serves up Baja craft beer and Baja cuisine that's inspired, right in the heart of Ensenada's tourist zone.

and, I have an evening of burritos and wine at the Tijuana institution: Bol Corona.