Welcome to Culinary Passages!
I’m Ginger (the zest of the operation) and my husband’s name is Brad (the sweet one). Together, we are the ‘Ginger-Brad’ family… yes, we know, it sounds like a cookie.
We are a family of four living, eating, and exploring our way through Los Angeles, California.
If you’re here, you probably know the struggle: You want to explore the world (or just a really good menu), but you have kids. You’ve been told that “family-friendly” means loud arcades and chicken fingers.
We started Culinary Passages to prove that wrong.
We believe parents shouldn’t have to sacrifice great food for a high chair, and kids are capable of enjoying more than just the kids’ menu.
Who Are We?
We aren’t anonymous reviewers or a travel agency. We are real parents navigating school drop-offs, weekend chaos, and the eternal hunt for a restaurant that serves a good martini and has room for a stroller.
- Ginger: The planner, the photographer, and the one who always orders the “weirdest” thing on the menu just to try it.
- Brad: The logistics expert and the designated driver for our many adventures.
- The Girls: Our two daughters (Madeline [Age 10] and Charlotte [Age 7]) are our toughest critics. If a resort pool is boring or a pasta dish is “too green,” you’ll hear about it in our reviews.
Why Trust Us? (Real Experiences, No Fluff)
In a world of AI-generated travel guides, we promise you this: We actually go to the places we write about.
Every hotel review, restaurant recommendation, and “Things to Do” list is based on our real-life experience. We’ve dealt with the tantrums at the museum, the spilled juice at the 5-star hotel, and the parking nightmares in Santa Monica—so you don’t have to.
Our Editorial Promise:
- No Sugar-Coating: If the service was slow, we’ll tell you. If the “luxury” cabin wasn’t clean, we’ll warn you.
- The “Parent” Lens: We judge places differently. Sure, the food might be Michelin-star quality, but if the staff rolls their eyes at our kids, it’s not making the list.
- Balance: We love family time, but we also cherish our “Kid-Free” dates. You’ll find guides for both.
What You’ll Find Here
🍽️ Dining with (and without) Kids From Katsuya Brentwood to the best desserts in town, we find the spots where culinary excellence meets family reality.
- Check out: 🍣 Katsuya Brentwood: Is It Kid-Friendly? The Complete Review AND The Great Gamble on Oysters/Mussels + a Fishy Farewell
✈️ Real Family Travel We skip the generic “Top 10” lists. Instead, we give you the specific itinerary that worked for us, including the downtime parents need to stay sane.
🍷 The “Parents’ Recharge” Because sometimes, you just need a break. We scout the best spas, wineries, and staycation spots for when you leave the kids with a sitter.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Adventures We haven’t forgotten the fur babies. Our Goldendoodle named Barnaby joins us on some adventures, and we review the gear and getaways that actually accommodate big dogs.
Join Our Journey
This blog is our family scrapbook open to the world. Whether you’re an Angeleno looking for a new weekend spot or a visitor planning your dream trip, we’re happy you’re here.
Got a question or a recommendation? Message us on Instagram @culinarypassages or E-mail us at info@culinarypassages.com—we actually reply! We are on pinterest also!
Cheers,
The Graham Family (“Yes, like the cracker…. We know.”)