Mary Jo Manzanares

Mary Jo Manzanares is a traveler and travel blogger. In addition to her blog, Traveling with MJ, she is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Traveler’s Way, and the author of the book Secret Seattle. Her travel ethos is value luxury - luxury for real people - and her goal is to help travelers know when to splurge and when to save. Mary Jo has been a speaker at various industry events around the world, and is the President-Elect of SATW (Society of American Travel Writers).

What to Look for When Identifying Quality Wagyu Beef

Wagyu beef has earned its reputation as one of the most luxurious and sought-after meats in the world, celebrated for its rich marbling, tender texture, and unparalleled flavor. However, not all Wagyu is created equal, and understanding how to identify true quality can make all the difference. Whether you are an experienced connoisseur or a

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How Food Traveled from Pans to Digital Platforms and Cookbooks (and people love it)

Who doesn’t love delicious food? Well, I’ll admit, that’s not a good question since almost everyone would give a positive answer. But let me ask you this—who doesn’t like preparing delicious food? This question is more challenging to answer. While we all aspire to cook a masterpiece and become the star of our kitchen, the

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Dinnertime: 20 Delicious Dishes to Pair with Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is the grape responsible for some of the most well-regarded wines in the world. The name comes from the French words for “pine” and “black,” both in reference to the tightly clustered dark purple pine-coned shaped bunches of grapes. Pinot Noir wines are among the world’s most highly regarded and popular. Joel Fleischman

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cherry danish at belle pastry bellevue

Delicious French Pastries at Belle Pastry, Bellevue

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to have pastry and coffee, Belle Pastry offers a delicious experience in downtown Bellevue, Washington. It’s almost like being in Paris at your favorite neighborhood cafe. If you have gluten, milk,  or soy concerns, Belle Pastry has you covered. And if you’re vegan, you’ll find lots of tasty options here

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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Bellevue, Washington

Comfort Food at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Bellevue

When I learned that ramen wasn’t just a cheap dried noodle and instant soup mix, the door opened to a world of Japanese comfort food. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Bellevue, Washington, could become wonderfully – and comfortingly – addictive. Location: 103 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 3, Bellevue, [amazon_textlink asin=’1402745451′ text=’Washington’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’93a965f2-d09b-11e7-8468-0dc833c4b617′] (between

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