With a writing career spanning over a decade, Liz SanFilippo Hall has written about everything from the correct way to assemble a Chicago-style hot dog to the intricate flavors and plating styles of Michelin-star European restaurants. Liz loves discovering new places and flavors to share with her readers, whether it’s the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and the foodie town of Traverse City or the vineyards and small towns of France. She hopes her stories inspire people to travel, try new dishes and ingredients, and learn about the history and culture of a place through its food and meeting the locals.

A graduate of The University of Chicago’s Master’s in Humanities/Creative Writing, she has a knack for combining research with her personal travel/food stories. Some of her most memorable food and travel experiences include slurping fresh French oysters at a market in Cognac, hunting for black truffles in the stunning Umbrian countryside, heading off the beaten path of the Amalfi Coast to find a Michelin-starred restaurant only known to locals, visiting the largest underground church in all of Europe, exploring the catacombs of Paris, and touring the vineyards of Northern Michigan, which is on the 45th latitude just like France’s Côtes du Rhône wine region.

In addition to her blog posts on The International Kitchen, her writing has been featured on CBSLocal.com and Hot Doug’s: The Book, among other sites and publications. She also writes about parenting, self care, and how to travel with kids (and maintain your sanity) on her personal blog, www.OopsandDaisies.com. She currently writes in the western suburbs of Chicago, where she lives with her two young children, husband, and stubborn bulldog named Kafka.


Posted

January 20, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Vegan Lentil Burger from Our Tuscany Cooking Vacation

Filed Under  Kitchen Tips, Recipes

While traveling is often seen as an excuse to indulge, it doesn't have to be if you don't want it too! In fact, our What Women Want trip (with our Cooking Under the Tuscan Sun cooking vacation partners) actually offers a healthier than usual spin, both in regards to the food and the activities. When you're not being pampered in their beautiful spa, shopping in Cortona, or taking a wine… Read
Post

Posted

January 8, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Poule au Pot Recipe from our Discover Normandy Cooking Vacation

Filed Under  Food History, Recipes

What's on your weekend menu? Over in France, a traditional Sunday dinner often features poule au pot, which literally translates to "chicken in the pot." The classic dish has quite the history too. While some kings -- such as Louis XVI -- were very much focused on high-class feasts with as many as 50 dishes even as the country suffered from famines, other kings at least attempted to create policies… Read
Post

Posted

January 4, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

The History of our Discover Normandy Cooking Vacation Property

Filed Under  Destination Features

The region of Normandy -- located in the north of France -- is a place steeped in history in so many ways. Well known as the site of the D-Day landings during World War II, there are an incredible amount of places to visit, including the beaches and museums. According to Chef Sinead of our Discover Normandy cooking vacation in France, "the poignant American Cemetery, in my book, is an… Read
Post

Posted

December 23, 2015

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Christmas Chocolate Recipe from Chef Katerina

Filed Under  Recipes, Special Occasions

No matter where you travel this holiday season, chocolate is bound to be served in some form or another. But come the holiday season, it can also make a tasty gift! At least that's what Chef Katerina, of our Greek cooking vacation, likes to do with it after making it in the kitchen. But she also recommends having a bite or two for yourself too, of course! This recipe even… Read
Post

Posted

December 21, 2015

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Chestnuts and Mushroom Cream Recipe from Spain

Filed Under  Kitchen Tips, Recipes, Special Occasions

Chestnuts abound during the holiday season. In fact, tour the Christmas markets -- particularly around the Mediterranean -- and chances are you'll see more than one vendor roasting chestnuts and doling them out. These nuts are high in nutrients, including loads of fiber, but they also are a bit sweet after they've been roasted. (Raw, they have a bitter taste). But roasted chestnuts aren't the only way to enjoy this… Read
Post

Posted

December 9, 2015

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Christmas Eve Culinary Traditions in the French Alps

Filed Under  Destination Features, Interviews, Special Occasions

All over the world, families and loved ones gather together to celebrate the holiday season. For many, traditions revolve around the dining room table, and in France, there are quite a few traditions in regards to what's served and when. In today's blog, Chef Nikki, of our fabulous Cooking in the French Alps culinary vacation, shares what her traditional meal consists of, complete with luscious descriptions of all the different… Read
Post

Posted

November 13, 2015

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Drinking Chocolate: History and Recipe

Filed Under  Food History, Recipes

Long before chocolate was turned into solid form (and the origins of the solid bar of chocolate vary, depending on who you ask), it was enjoyed as a drink, from the Americas to Europe. But this is no mere 'hot cocoa' we're talking about. Drinking chocolate has all sorts of depth of flavor, as well as a reputation as a symbol of power that, throughout history, was most often enjoyed… Read
Post

Posted

November 11, 2015

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Three Interesting Facts About Chocolate

Filed Under  Food History

When it comes to food history, there are legends and stories galore, which are at once fascinating and even at times, we daresay, fanciful. Chocolate is one of those foods that has a history that spans the globe, and, as such there's a lot that can be shared about this wonderful bite. Here's just three interesting -- and quite simplified -- tidbits about chocolate's evolution over its 3,000 year history.… Read
Post

Posted

October 30, 2015

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Dobladillas with Mole de Guajolote Recipe from our Hola Mexico Cooking Vacation

Filed Under  Food History, Recipes

If you're looking for a dish that epitomizes Mexican gastronomy, while also offering an amazing variety in flavors, look no further than mole (pronounced MOH-lay). Every region in Mexico has their own take on this dish, resulting in both different appearances (from thick dark sauces to light colorful ones) and flavors. Terrain plays some part in the different takes on the dish, and that's why in one region alone you… Read
Post

Posted

October 26, 2015

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Why Visit Mexico for Dia de Los Muertos

Filed Under  Destination Features, Special Occasions, Travel Tips

While the U.S. is gearing up for Halloween with everyone picking out their costumes and buying their Halloween candy, our neighbors to the south are getting ready for a similar – but truly unique – holiday. Rather than a 'spooky' time of year, Dia de los Muertos -- or Day of the Dead -- is more of a celebration of the life of loved ones who have passed on. The… Read
Post