Moak Pancakes in Amsterdam

A few visuals from Moak Pancakes in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

A Glass of Scotch at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

Before we even arrived in Scotland I had made it clear that I wanted to get a glass of scotch at the whisky bar in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. It just seemed like an iconic thing to do. If you're unfamiliar, the Balmoral has been a fixture along Princes Street in Scotland's capital since opening in 1902, and to this day is one of Edinburgh's most recognizable landmarks.

What I hadn't anticipated over our stay in Scotland, however, was just how much whisky / scotch I would end up sampling. By our final night, not only had I had my fair share of variety already, but I had collected a mini-bars worth of small bottles to bring back home. The reason this is noteworthy is because looking back at this now, I can't remember exactly what kind of scotch I ended up having on that final night when I finally sat down in the Balmoral bar. 

I know I wrote it down, but have yet to find where I hid the note.

Memory loss seems a fitting end when making a point of sampling a lot of scotch in Scotland, I suppose. What I do remember is that the whisky I chose was aged 18 years, the Balmoral itself was incredibly beautiful, and the drink I had was by far the most expensive pour of all the variations I tried that trip. I may not remember the brand, but there's no denying I felt like a king in the castle that night in Edinburgh, Scotland.  

Schnitzel, Strudel, Pretzels & Beer

When in Berlin, Germany it doesn't hurt to play into as many stereotypical foods in one sitting as possible. On our first night we nailed the photo-op with schnitzel, pretzels, beer, and apple strudel for dessert just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate. 

 

A Stay At the Watergate Hotel in Washington DC

Completed in 1971, the Watergate Complex is one of the more well known, prestigious, and storied addresses in Washington DC. Comprised of offices, residences, and the iconic Watergate Hotel, the property and its name became immortalized following the Watergate Scandal leading to President Nixon's resignation in 1974.

The Watergate Hotel reopened in 2016 after almost a decade of closure and a $100 million renovation that embraced both the prestige and scandal associated with the name.

In addition to the upscale finishes, you don't have to look too hard to find references to wiretaps, President Nixon, and nods to notable past residents. These small touches give the Watergate Hotel its distinct character and are a clever and casual way of contextualizing the history. Located next door to the Kennedy Center, and with unmatched views overlooking the Potomac River, the Watergate Hotel is still a conversation starter.  

Grand Central Market in Los Angeles, California

With a variety of cuisine, coffee, produce, and general novelty on offer, the Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles, California is a bustling hub of activity. It's a great place to be a culinary tourist and sample foods from around the world under one roof. Grab breakfast here, as I did, and then head out to explore downtown L.A. landmarks such as the Bradbury Building just across the street. Your taste buds will thank you. Grand Central Market doesn't disappoint.