Real Food Traveler REAL Podcast

After days and nights of eating our way across Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, named the Gastronomic Capital of Spain 2026, I had started to notice some patterns. So, I asked our guide, Fran, for his take on how real Spaniards eat, in real life, on a daily basis.

Enjoy this quick podcast episode, recorded in our passenger van while heading to another fantastic meal at a local eatery. Fran gives me the real scoop on how to eat like a local.

See images of some of the food we ate in our articleon RealFoodTraveler.com.

The October 1-3, 2026 Park City Wine Festival: Fall Edition is upon us which means it's time again for me to talk to the organizer behind it. Kristen Slater, of Team Player Productions, and her team produce both the Spring and Fall Festivals.

In this podcast episode, Kristen is back telling us about some of the new and exciting features of the Park City Wine Festival's Fall Edition. She also shares some great tips for getting the most out of the experience which happens in Park City, Utah, a charming, historic and chic mountain town.

To get a glimpse of the Festival, you can listen to this podcast and read our associated article about it, with photos and links to the website and social media (PLUS our exclusive discount code), on theRealFoodTraveler.com website.

Steamboat Springs is one of Colorado's most historic mountain towns full of cowboy culture is also a premier ski resort. It's a wonderful place to visit and an even better place to host the Steamboat Food & Wine Festival. Get a glimpse of it in the following article and episodeof the Real Food Traveler Podcast.

One of the most memorable experiences I had in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain was a visit with Mauricio Lorente, a third-generation sherry-maker. Jerez literally means "sherry" and is the birthplace of the uniquely-produced wine.

In this Real Food Traveler Podcast episode, with me back in the states and Mauricio in Jerez, we discuss his interesting path to co-owning his business Lorente y Barba, while maintaining his "day job" as a doctor.

We also discuss the types of sherries, the steps involved in making it that are different than any other wine, food pairing and more.

Visit our site, RealFoodTraveler.com to see photos of Mauricio and his property and products.

A visit to New Mexico means experiencing a unique kind of cuisine that lets you know you're someplace special.

One of the best ways to explore southwestern cuisine is at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. In this podcast episode, meet Nicole Curtis Ammerman, the Director of the business.

She explains the intricacies of the cuisine of the region, including key ingredients and dishes. Nicole also tells us about the various offerings of the Santa Fe School of Cooking, founded by her mother, that includes classes, demonstrations, food tours, shopping for goods and even evenings of jazz and food together!

Read our article on RealFoodTraveler.com that accompanies this podcast to see Nicole and other images from the school as well as links to their website and a great recipe she shared with our readers.

Attending a culinary festival in a city is a great way to check out its foodie scene when you visit. That's certainly the case with the Denver Food + Wine Festival, happening August. 26-29, 2026 in Colorado.

In this episode of the Real Food Traveler Podcast, we talk to a member of the organization team who gives us the inside scoop on which events to attend, why they are such a great window into Denver's food and drink world and how to make the most of the experiences.

Be sure to use our exclusive discount promo code "TRAVELER10" to receive 10% off tickets. Our article on ⁠RealFoodTraveler.com⁠ explains exactly which events are part of that offer.

Dining and sipping next to the winemakers themselves; opportunities to get to know new wineries, wines and trends; a new concert and a charming Colorado mountain town.

These are the things awaiting guests at the 2026 Breckenridge Wine Classic this August. Get an insider's look behind-the-scenes at what makes this event a great reason to visit Colorado this summer.

As a bonus, get our exclusive discount code, "realfoodtraveler" to save $10 on tickets. Get the live links and see images from the event on our website, RealFoodTraveler.com.

Go behind-the-scenes with us to learn about the 2026 season of the Santa Fe Opera. You'll get a teaser of the storyline of each of the operas plus you'll learn what's so unique about the way the venue is built and how it plays off of the nature all around Santa Fe itself to add to the drama and excitement.

You'll also get insider tips for making the most of your visit to the Opera and to visiting the City of Santa Fe itself.

Learn more, see photos, and get live links on our associated article on RealFoodTraveler.com.

On a recent trip to Jerez de la Frontera, named the Gastronomic Capital of Spain for 2026, I met Enrique Medina, owner of a company called Bilinguo. Enrique was one of our group's guides and knew so much about everything essential in the city of Jerez, from the food, drink, history, traditions and cultural ways, I knew I had to have him on as a guest on the Real Food Traveler Podcast.

Listen and learn from Enrique before planning your own trip to Jerez de la Frontera. And check out our associated article on theRealFoodTraveler.com website where you will see photos of Enrique, some of the things he talks about in this episode, and live links to things he references as well.

Hear from Kristen Slater, the organizer behind the August. 6-8, 2026 Vail Wine Classic in Vail, Colorado. Get the inside scoop on what to expect when you attend, tips for making the most of it, including avoiding long lines and how to prepare for the high altitude. Find out what goes into planning the event including how the wine + restaurant pairing meals come together.

Also, get our exclusive discount promo code for $10 off all tickets.

Learn more, including getting live links to ticketing, see photos from past years, and more on RealFoodTraveler.com.

#WineFestival #WineTasting #Travel #FoodAndTravel #VailWineClassic #VailWineClassicRFT

In what is considered Florida's "lake country" is a town called Howey-in-the-Hills (and there's a great story behind that name). And in that town is a beautiful place to stay, Mission Resort + Club (and there's a great story about that too).

Join us as we share a his and hers take on ways to enjoy the resort and offerings off-resort too.

You can read more about Mission Resort + Club and see images on RealFoodTraveler.com.

#travel #foodandtravel #culinarytravel

The Presidio was a military base but now it's an oasis at the edge of San Francisco, a prime example of reuse and community. Learn about the history and transformation of the Presidio as well as what it's like to stay there as a visitor at either the Lodge or the Inn. My guest for the Real Food Traveler Podcast is Terry Haney, Managing Director of Presidio Lodging.

You can see photos, get live links and learn more on our website too, at RealFoodTraveler.com.

#Travel #TravelTips #CulinaryTravel #SanFrancisco #ThePresidio

What started out as a movement to promote reducing the consumption of alcohol (while still having something special to drink) has become a way of life. No longer just relegated to "Dry January," alcohol-free drinks are big business and can be found on restaurant menus and on beverage shelves everywhere.

In this episode of the Real Food Traveler Podcast, we meet the couple behind Madame Mocktail, makers of bottled mocktails that can be enjoyed on their own, or as the foundation of other drinks. Get to know co-owners, Alena Brook Mahoney and James Mahoney and hear the powerful story of what's behind their business, what's so unique about the Madame Mocktails and what the future holds for them, as they take their place in the mocktail market.

Learn more, and see photos of Alena and James and their products on RealFoodTraveler.com.

Twice a year, wine (and food) lovers get the opportunity to visit a great mountain town destination and experience wine from around the country and local cuisine. The Park City Wine Festival is back with its Spring Edition, April 9-11, 2026.

You may have listened to our episode about the Fall Edition last October. But there's plenty that's new and exciting (including our exclusive discount on all tickets!) to learn about this springtime event in Park City, Utah.

Enjoy learning about the Park City Wine Festival: Spring Edition with its organizer and make plans to attend this year. You can learn more on our website, RealFoodTraveler.com.

One of our favorite guests is back on the Real Food Traveler Podcast. Travel writer Abbey Algiers is our resident expert on Spain and has shared her knowledge and experiences in previous episodes. But this time, she's telling us about two weeks she and her husband spent in Spain's neighbor, Portugal.

Abbey shares great tips for different styles of hotels, the authentic and local food and drink not to miss plus things to do - including golf, one of her favorites.

Enjoy listening to the episode and also check out our accompanying article (with photos and live links to some of the places Abbey talks about) on RealFoodTraveler.com.

There are so many reasons why going on a mid-week escape to Colorado's Monarch Casino Resort & Spa is a great idea. In addition to fewer people, there are money-saving deals available too. Listen to our Real Food Traveler Podcast episode with Executive Chef Alex Lopez who tells us about all that Monarch has to offer guests and why each one is better when you're there in the middle of the week instead of the weekend. Learn more on RealFoodTraveler.com.

Meet Susan and Rene Trevino, the owners of Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours, during this informative and fun conversation on the Real Food Traveler Podcast. We learn about how their business got started (it was a total switch from their previous careers), what they offer in terms of tours (new offerings are coming), and some great tips for what to see, do and eat in Corpus Christi, Texas (you don't want to miss this!).

Real Food Travelers, like me, will be surprised to know there's a pretty logical connection between the Denver Broncos football team, Nigeria, Colorado, agriculture, honey and whiskey. See how all of those things are combined in this sponsored Real Food Traveler Podcast conversation with Omar Lababidi, of Goldswarm Honey. And find out how you can partake of the honey and the whiskey! Learn more, see photos, and get live links on our site, RealFoodTraveler.com.

When we were in Scottsdale, Arizona, we kept seeing a striking building that turned out to be a museum perfect for people looking to immerse themselves in the American west. On this Real Food Traveler Podcast, we meet Andrew Patrick Nelson, PhD, the Chief Curator of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and find out all the reasons why no visit to the city is complete without some time viewing their exhibits.

Read our accompanying article on RealFoodTraveler.comfor photos and live links.

In Northwestern Arkansas, in a place called "Rogers," is Ozark Beer Company, with a focus on enabling community-making brewed up with beer-making. Meet Marty Shutter from Ozark Beer and learn about the unique approach they have to their beer, cocktails and other drinks plus their efforts that go way beyond just something to drink.

Hot off of a whirlwind visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, listen to this couple's podcast recorded in their airport before returning home. Hear real-person recommendations and tips for places to stay, where (and what) to eat and things to do in Scottsdale, AZ.

We’re back with Part 2 of our Real Food Traveler Podcast about our back-to-back river cruises with Viking in the summer of 2025. In Part 1, we covered the first cruise, the “Rhine Getaway,” which went from Basel to Amsterdam.

The second cruise, the “Lyon & Provence” itinerary sailed along the Rhone River. In this episode of the Real Food Traveler Podcast, we, RealFoodTraveler's Courtney Drake-McDonough and Jimmy McDonough, describe what to expect from the ship and sailing experience and from each destination along the itinerary, including helpful tips.

Read the article that accompanies this podcast on RealFoodTraveler.com that includes photos and live links.

Listen to our conversation with Irvina Lew, the author of the new book "Forays in France, A Flavorful Memoir." We hear what inspired the book, who it's best for, and what benefits readers will come away with after reading the book.

Read ouraccompanying article on RealFoodTraveler.com where you'll see photos from Irvina's travels to France and some links to our favorite articles by Irvina, who is our Europe Editor.

Learn about the October 2025 event in Park City, Utah PLUS get our exclusive discount promo code.

In the summer of 2025, we had the wonderful opportunity to do back-to-back river cruises with Viking. The first cruise was on the Rhine River. While Viking's cruises sail in both directions, our cruise started in Basel, Switzerland and ended in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In this episode of the Real Food Traveler Podcast, we, RealFoodTraveler's Courtney Drake-McDonough and Jimmy McDonough, tell you what to expect from the ship and sailing experience and from each destination along the itinerary.

Visit RealFoodTraveler.com to read more about our journey, get live links and see photos from the destinations.

And listen to our Part 2 podcast about sailing on the Rhone and a post-cruise extension in Aix-en-Provence.

After spending a wonderful evening at a whisky pairing dinner with Craig Engelhorn, co-founder and head distiller at Spirit Hound Distillers in Colorado, I knew he had to be a guest on, not only the Real Food Traveler Podcast but also on our sister podcast, the In Good Taste Denver Podcast. Learn about Craig's interesting path into making spirits and how visits to the source in Scotland made him look at distilling very differently.

See Craig in action and get links to his website (which includes where to find Spirit Hound where you are), and his social media platforms in this articleon RealFoodTraveler.com.

Aussie Select produces premium deli products responsibly sourced from Australian lamb. The pre-cooked products, available throughout the United States, brings a convenient, creative and delicious protein option to diners. I grew up eating lamb so I was really curious to know what lamb deli products would be like. After having tried several, and hearing the story behind the business, I was excited to have Jaclyn Oyola, CEO of Aussie Select as my guest. Learn more and see some photos of the products on RealFoodTraveler.com.

What awaits travelers to Mississippi? We find out on the Real Food Traveler Podcast from my guest, food/travel/lifestyle/wellness writer, Abbey Algiers. She was recently on a golf-music-food tour that started in Biloxi, Mississippi and worked its way north. We learn about the food, drink, music and culture scene to prepare us to visit on our own. See some photos and get the links to everything Abbey talks about on our site, RealFoodTraveler.com.

Abbey Algiers is back for another Real Food Traveler Podcast episode about Spain. This time, it's Valencia where Abbey recently visited, coming back with a wealth of useful and delicious information to help us plan our visit there. She gives us the ins and outs of the foodie scene, including what time it's appropriate to eat Paella, unique places to get authentic cuisine and much more. You can see photos from Abbey's trip to Valencia on our accompanying article on RealFoodTraveler.com, including live links to some of the places she talks about.

Imagine the opulence of the Court of King Louis XIV, hosting lavish balls and welcoming dignitaries from around Europe to the Palace of Versailles, France. Among the delicacies that were served were Bissinger's chocolates. The family was granted the title of Confiseur Imperial (Confectioner of the Empire) by Louis. Those scratch-made, hand-crafted chocolate treats are still made today in St. Louis, Missouri. On this episode of the Real Food Traveler Podcast, we chat with Dan Abel, Jr., Chief Chocolate Officer at Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier. We talk about what's so special about their chocolates that still create demand 350 years later and how they keep up with the times to ensure the family-run company's legacy. See some examples of Bissinger's chocolates and get live links to their site on RealFoodTraveler.com.

First, she was an actress in New York. Then she ran a car dealership. Then, she made ice cream for a living. Listen to how these seemingly unrelated careers blended together perfectly, much like the creative flavors of ice cream Erika Thomas makes. Her Colorado-based company, High Point Creamery, may have started as a favorite treat she made for her family at home but it now includes four scoop shops and distribution of pints of ice cream across the country. Meet the self-titled "Boss Lady" on this Real Food Traveler Podcast episode.

With a long, rich history, plentiful seafood and a supportive restaurant scene, it's easy to experience the culinary scene in Galveston, Texas. The city's Restaurant Weeks offers an annual opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner menus at special price points that enable restaurant owners and chefs to show off the best of their best each year. Learn about what Restaurant Weeks are like in Galveston and what you can expect from the local food scene in this Real Food Traveler Podcast episode. 

My guest for this episode is Abbey Algiers, a fellow travel journalist, whom I met in 2024 in Mallorca. Abbey has had a passion for Spain for years and years and has been fortunate enough to return many times. Hear Abbey tell about some of her local foodie experiences around Spain but, specifically, about the real experiences of dining - beyond just eating good food. You can see photos and get links to things Abbey talks about in our article on RealFoodTraveler.com.

You'd be amazed how much of Vienna, Austria you can experience in a short time! As part of a river cruise on the Danube, my husband and I had the opportunity to experience a quick stay in Vienna through an excursion tour offered by Viking River Cruises, plans we made on our own, plus a lovely overnight stay at a very unique hotel.

For the first time on the Real Food Traveler Podcast, I am joined by my husband, who is also co-owner of Real Food Traveler and our Eco-Friendly Food, Travel and Adventure Editor. Here's the link to photos and other information that will help you plan your quick visit.

Thanks to its health benefits and delicious flavor, olive oil has never been more popular. Enjoy this podcast conversation with Tiffany Blackman of Aubocassa, makers of extra virgin premium olive oil on the island of Mallorca. Learn about their revolutionary techniques for harvesting and production and how best to use and store olive oil. And, you'll learn why you might have been thinking about olive oil the wrong way all this time.

Meet Luis, the owner of MOLTAK Kitchen Life, which provides hands-on cooking experiences (and dinner afterword) inside a centuries-old windmill in the heart of Palma Mallorca. His classes are a great way for Real Food Travelers to get to know the stories behind, and flavors of, the local cuisine.

Read the articlethat accompanies this podcast where you can also watch our YouTube video that shows you what happens during class.

With the third of his 3-part series about travel in Peru now available on Real Food Traveler, here's a conversation that shares some of the best tips and memories from a sibling trip that included a visit to Machu Picchu. Learn more and get the links to all three articles on our site, RealFoodTraveler.com.

Downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana is enjoying a refresh. With a revitalized riverfront area, world-renowned genealogical center, thriving arts and culture scene, bold mural walk and new places to stay, there's a lot to see and do. And their restaurant scene has been experiencing a big boost as of late. Enjoy this conversation with Johnny Perez, owner of Te Gusto Hospitality which encompasses several restaurant concepts in Fort Wayne. He tells us about his places, where he loves to eat on his own time, and what to watch for in the city's food scene.

Let some Paris into your life, whether you're planning on visiting or just doing some travel dreaming. Real Food Traveler Podcast host, Courtney Drake-McDonough chats with travel writer, author, and Europe Editor at RFT, Irvina Lew. They cover helpful tips for visiting Paris including essential phrases, lesser-known (and less busy) places to visit, and news about Irvina's upcoming book, Forays in France: A Flavorful Memoir.

Meet Richard Lomax who introduces Real Food Traveler readers and podcast listeners to his family-run collection of restaurants in Corpus Christi, Texas. Each is a completely different concept where locals and visitors love to eat. Learn more on RealFoodTraveler.com.

A lot of destinations say they have the best beaches. But only some can say it’s official. St. George island, off the gulf coast of Florida, has been enjoying that designation of “Best Beach in the U.S.” since the venerable Dr. Beach declared it so in June of 2023. Since then, the Island has been welcoming visitors to enjoy what they’ve known for years – that St. George is a great place to go for a beach vacation. After checking it out personally, I can see what the appeal was for Dr. Beach. Here, I’ll share ways RealFoodTraveler.com readers and podcast listeners can make the most of the island. Read our full article on RealFoodTraveler.com.

Beyond what the cruise lines tell you in their promotional materials, here's a glimpse into a Discovery Princess Cruise that provides been-there-figured-that-out tips from the editor of RealFoodTraveler.com, a digital, culinary travel magazine.

You'll discover tips and tricks to make your time onboard and on shore more relaxing, less rushed, and way more enjoyable. Read more about it and see beautiful photos and video on our site at RealFoodTraveler.com.

There's a new distillery on the scene that's doing things differently, taking advantage of local crops (including potatoes and quinoa), emphasizing renewable energy in the process. Get to know the owner of Dune Valley Distillery in Masca, Colorado, near the famous Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Our efforts to be mindful about what we eat don't have to go out the window just because we're traveling. Sure, there's a lot of amazing food to be had out there in the world, but it IS possible to balance that with healthy eating too. Enjoy this podcast interview between Real Food Traveler's Europe Editor, Irvina Lew and Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Huggins of Hilton Head Health, a destination wellness resort. Together, they share information and tips for eating healthy and (staying) well when traveling. Learn more at https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/podcast/eating-healthy-and-well-when-traveling/

On a recent trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin, I met Ashley Grant, owner of Bountiful Boards, a small business helping to promote and nurture small dairy farms and cheesemakers around the state. Although her shop is reason enough to go, and stock up for picnic fare, it's her own story and the stories she wants to tell about the local cheese scene that got our attention. Read more about the shop and see photos on our website: https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/podcast/meet-ashley-grant-of-bountiful-boards-in-green-bay/

Enjoy this special podcast episode with a lively conversation between Real Food Traveler's Europe Editor, Irvina Lew, and Restaurant Manager Claire Sonnet and Chef Emmanuel Pilon of Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Gain a good sense of what it's like to experience an exquisite meal of this standard. Read the accompanying article here: https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/podcast/le-louis-xv-alain-ducasse-dining-experience/

Make reservations on a cruise ship and you have access to a seemingly endless supply of food included in your fare. But many cruise lines go a step further with specialty restaurants. Here are our tips for making the most out of those dining experiences.

It's one thing to commit to living a more eco-friendly life when we're at home. It's not hard to remember to take our reusable bags to the grocery store, use recyclable containers, and be more aware of where our food comes from. But does that all have to go out the window when we hit the road (or air, or sea) to travel? No, says Jimmy McDonough, Real Food Traveler’s new Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & AdventureEditor,who wrote an article on the subject for our site. Here's the audio version of that article, via the Real Food Traveler Podcast.

What we eat impacts our personal health and that of the planet. As described inthis article, I learned a great deal about the body/planet connection at a conference where one of the most impactful speakers wasJennifer Bushman. She introduced me to the concept of blue foods and the vital importance of healthy water ecosystems for food supplies across the globe. Jennifer shared facts about sustainable ocean farming that upended my understanding of fresh fish versus frozen. As Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & Adventure Editor, I knew she had important and interesting information to benefit the Real Food Traveler community. Happily - she accepted my invitation!

Learn how to save money, time, and stress (and maybe your back too!) with these concepts and tips for packing better when you're traveling. You'll get our quick list of 11 things to keep in mind as you plan what you want to take on a trip and how to pack it within your bag(s). 

There’s a lot to love about Cheyenne, Wyoming. And there are a lot of ways to discover the wide variety of things to do, places to go, and ways to experience the city. We visited with someone who has literally made it his business to know as much as possible about Cheyenne and to pass that information on to perspective visitors. See some images from Cheyenne in this article on RealFoodTraveler.com: https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/podcast/an-insider-view-of-cheyenne-wy/

One of the biggest things that has come out of the global pandemic, is a rethinking of how we are spending our lives. When life feels so uncertain and we’re on edge every day, it’s only natural to start re-evaluating the what, why, how, and when of our lives. Diana Laskaris and Sue Reddel, founders of the FoodTravelist.com blog, were already thinking about their next big move in life when the pandemic hit. Listen to our podcast conversation with them in which we talk travel and food, Twitter chats, and making big changes.

It's 2021. I mean, 2022. It may feel like the same year all over again but there are a lot of great, new things coming our way and yours with Real Food Traveler. Our publisher and managing editor tells you why, despite the state of things, she's feeling really optimistic about 2022.

Paola Legarre, owner of Sage Creations Organic Farm in her beautiful lavender fields in Palisade, Colorado.

Lavender plants have a long and storied past. They have been used for centuries for food, health and beauty purposes. And beautiful it is, in varying shades of blue, growing in mounds in vast fields.

Colorado will host its annual Lavender Festival June 29-July 1, 2018 in Grand Junction, on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains. Learn more about the festival, the plant’s history and what it’s like to grow lavender in our latest podcast. Our guest this time is Paola Legarre, owner of Sage Creations Organic Farm.

Learn more about Paola and her farm on her blog:  https://sagecreationsorganicfarm.com/category/blog/