Lunar New Years, Newark Museum of Art

 🐎🔥 Year of the Fire Horse 2026 🔥🐎

Chinese New Year 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse, beginning February 17, 2026 and lasting through February 5, 2027. Governed by the Fire element, this is a rare Fire Horse year—occurring only once every 60 years.

In Chinese metaphysics, the Horse symbolizes motion, freedom, and forward momentum. Fire adds passion, speed, and bold action. Together, they create a year charged with movement, ambition, and exploration—making travel a powerful and meaningful theme for 2026.

This is a year to journey with intention. Travel is more than destination—it’s growth through movement and wisdom through experience. With thoughtful planning and balanced energy, the Year of the Horse can open doors to new opportunities, deepen relationships, and renew personal direction.

In the spirit of the Horse, 2026 invites us all to step beyond familiar boundaries—move boldly, explore freely, and let the road ahead lead to transformation.

A celebration at the Newark Museum of Art to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with culture, creativity, and connection.

Market Tour & Cooking Class, Oaxaca, Mexico

Quintonil, CDMX September 6, 2025

An amazing dining experience at Quintonil in Mexico City — currently ranked #3 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list 🌎🍴.

My absolute favorite was the Chichilo negro with rib eye, pico de gallo with huitlacoche, and charred vegetables — rich, earthy, and perfectly balanced. 🥩🔥 Second place goes to the Blue fin tuna aguachile with wasabi ice cream, pickled watermelon radish, mustard leaves — a refreshing and bold explosion of flavors. 🐟🌱 And not to forget the aged kampachi pescadilla with lacto-fermented mushrooms and chintextle de chapulín — a creative appetizer that set the stage beautifully. 🌮🍄🐜

Quintonil is a masterclass in modern Mexican cuisine and artistry. 🇲🇽✨

SEPTEMBER 2025 

Chileatole with wild mushrooms, mexican herbs

Aged kampachi  pescadilla, lacto-fermented mushrooms, and chintextle de chapulín

Plantain buñuelo with escamoles, cream infused with Melipona bee honey

Mussel tostada with mole de mar

Lime pickled tomatoes, jicama and fennel kimchi

Blue fin tuna, aguachile de brassicas, wasabi ice cream, pickled watermelon radish, mustard leaves

Gordita de yuca and aged cheese from Ocosingo, Chiapas, chicharrón de wagyu
and chicatana ant, suero costeño and lemon balm mojo

Smoked biological trout from Baja California, adobo de cocopache, hen of the woods mushrooms pickled in fig leaf

Cactus paddle sorbet

Pibil pork tamal, young corn cream

Chichilo negro, rib eye, pico de gallo with huitlacoche and charred vegetables

Coconut sorbet with plankton and caviar

Mexican cornbread with rompope de nixtamal, vanilla from Chichicaxtle,
Veracruz, passion fruit

Dulces mexicanos

Mexican Wine Pairing 

Basilica de Guadalupe

Visited the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world and the spiritual heart of Mexico. The modern basilica houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, drawing millions of visitors each year. Standing before the sacred tilma, surrounded by stunning architecture and the energy of devotion was interesting. 

El Pescadero, Baja Mexico

Five days soaking up the magic of Todos Santos & Pescadero. From surfboard posing to body surfing to indulging in street BBQ, fresh seafood feasts, and mezcal tastings. Discovered the art of perfume making with scents like rose, lavender, and rosemary, while winding down with sunsets, local wines, and cold craft brews. Celebrating T'Shawn's birthday. A perfect mix of adventure, flavor, and coastal charm.

Hunterdon County 4 H Fair

Coney Island, NYC

Very fun day in Coney Island with Everything and Joann! We all rode in the Wonder Wheel and I also rode the Cyclone!!  Had lunch at Nathan, visited the New York aquarium, hangout on the board walk people watching. The weather was perfect. 

Very fun day in Coney Island with Everything and Joann! We all rode the Wonder Wheel and I braved the Cyclone!! Grabbed classic dogs at Nathan’s, visited the New York Aquarium , and spent time people-watching on the boardwalk. Perfect weather, perfect company, perfect summer day. 

Cesar NYC

Just opened last July and already making serious waves: a new restaurant led by César Ramirez, former head chef of the legendary 3 Michelin-starred Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare. We were lucky enough to try his signature uni brioche—an unforgettable start to a meal that only got more inventive with each course.

Rooted in Japanese inspiration and French technique, this spot just earned two Michelin stars and debuted at #98 on the World’s Best 100—and honestly, it’s only going up from here.

Dinner service had a thoughtful rhythm, with dishes building in size and complexity. The highlight? Dover sole with Bonny melon and Alba truffle—the sweetness of the melon cut through the richness like a dream.

Finished with a corn soufflé dessert that defies explanation: think frozen clouds of sweet corn that disappear on your tongue and leave behind a haunting, perfect finish.

Menu  

Artichoke Rillette

Shima Aji on Nori Chip

Red Prawn Monaka

Kisu Weaved in a Potato Crisp

Sea Urchin with Black Trufffe and Brioche

Sawara Parfait

Flan with Crab and Wood Ear Mushroom

Day Boat Scallops with Foie Gras, Pinot Noir Reduction

Young Sea Bream with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Vermouth Yuzu Kosho Sauce Wolfe Ranch Quail from California with Morels, Pickled Cherries

Cantaloupe Pavlova with Elderflower

Early Summer Corn Souffle

Petit Fours

Wagyu Beef and Caviar add ons

6th Pride Ball Gala, Newark Museum of Art

Ithaca NY July 2025