Welcome! Culinary Passages is more than just a blog—it’s the ongoing story of our family of four based in Los Angeles, California. Together, we love exploring new restaurants, traveling to exciting destinations, and sharing the joys (and occasional challenges) of experiencing the world with kids.
Our family includes two parents and our two young daughters, who are already budding critics with their own opinions on food, fun, and family-friendly places. Through this blog, we hope to inspire parents and families like yours with authentic restaurant reviews, travel guides, and insider tips—all rooted in our real experiences.
Who We Are
Life in sunny Los Angeles keeps us busy with school drop-offs, weeknight dinners, and weekend adventures. When we’re not at home, you’ll most likely find us:
- Exploring Los Angeles restaurants that balance quality dining with a family-friendly vibe.
- Traveling as a family to destinations near and far, from quick weekend getaways to dream vacations.
- Seeking balance between adult experiences (like wine tastings and spa visits) and kid-friendly activities (like pools, dessert spots, or grassy play areas).
As parents, we know how challenging it can be to plan outings that satisfy everyone. That’s why we started Culinary Passages: to create a trusted resource for families deciding where to eat, where to stay, and what to do together.
Our Philosophy: Family-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Boring
Too often, “family-friendly” gets reduced to mediocre food or watered-down travel options. We believe in something better:
- Parents should enjoy great food and experiences without compromise.
- Kids should feel welcome and engaged, not just tolerated.
- Travel should balance parent time with family reconnection.
From restaurants like Katsuya Brentwood, Benihana Encino, and the Terrace at the Maybourne Beverly Hills, to resorts like Terranea or cruises like Carnival Firenze, we highlight destinations where everyone in the family can thrive.
Why “Culinary Passages”?
The name reflects our twin passions for food and travel. Each outing becomes a passage:
- A new restaurant to discover,
- A cultural flavor to enjoy,
- Or a family memory to create.
By sharing our passages, we aim to:
- Inspire parents to seek memorable dining and travel experiences.
- Encourage families to explore new cuisines and destinations.
- Celebrate the joy of meals and adventures shared together.
What You’ll Find on Our Blog
1. Family-Friendly Restaurant Reviews
Detailed reviews covering:
- Food quality (for parents and kids).
- Atmosphere (is it stroller-friendly? space for kids?).
- Service and staff attitude toward families.
- Extras like kids’ menus or outdoor areas.
We highlight both what’s great and what could improve—so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Travel Guides & Resort Reviews
From luxury hotels to family cruises, our guides include:
- Best kid-friendly activities.
- Parent-focused amenities (spas, wine tastings, date nights).
- Family reconnection tips for shared experiences.
3. Parent Time + Family Reconnect
A unique feature on our blog: how parents can recharge while traveling, then reconnect with kids afterward. Examples include:
- A spa morning followed by a family beach picnic.
- Wine tasting at AJA Vineyards, then meeting the kids for dinner.
- Date night dining, followed by next-day family adventures.
4. Los Angeles Insider Guides
As locals, we share tips on:
- Farmers markets
- Beach outings
- Local dining gems
- Cultural events
Perfect for both visitors and fellow Angelenos.
Why Families Trust Us
- Authenticity: We share real, firsthand experiences.
- Balance: Reviews reflect both parent and child perspectives.
- Practicality: Tips are actionable (from kids’ meal favorites to parking hacks).
- Community: We welcome reader input and stories—Culinary Passages is for families, by a family.
Our Young Critics
Our daughters contribute the kid’s perspective—what’s fun, what’s tasty, and what makes a restaurant or trip exciting from their point of view. Their voices help make our reviews more relatable to real families.
Our Mission
Culinary Passages exists to:
- Help families discover quality, family-friendly dining and travel.
- Encourage parents to value both adult experiences and family bonding.
- Provide inspiration, honesty, and practical guidance for family adventures.
Join Our Journey
Every meal and every trip tells a story. As our daughters grow and our adventures expand, we’ll keep sharing those stories here.
We invite you to:
- Subscribe to our newsletter for new reviews and guides.
- Follow us on social media for daily tips and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Reach out via our Contact Page—we’d love to hear your experiences.
Closing Thoughts
Family. Food. Travel. Connection. These four pillars define Culinary Passages.
As a family of four in Los Angeles, we’ve learned that traveling and dining with kids doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be full of flavor, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Welcome to our journey—we’re excited to be part of yours.