Whats your favorite mode of travel?
Traveling by vintage car is my favorite. It’s certainly not the fastest mode of transportation, and requires paying attention, but I think you’re greatly rewarded in many other ways. By car you can leave when you want, you can stop when you want, and take detours. It rewards exploration and curiosity in the journey.
Why do you travel?
To remind myself that the world is a bigger place than I think it is. Often I can get tunnel vision and place too much importance on what’s directly in front of me. It’s nice to “zoom out” every once in a while and have a novel experience.
What do you think of the future of travel? How do you see the future of our society? How do you think we can contribute?
Obviously travel is becoming easier and more accessible, but I hope the accessibility won’t dilute the unique nature of various cultures around the world. Since the internet has created this instant globalism, and everything is at our fingertips, and as more and more things become a “fusion” - ideas, people, places, and traditions, it’s nice to visit a place that has a solid cultural identity through centuries.
What is your future dream trip?
I’m a big fan of food and wine and cinema - yet I have never been to Italy. It’s on the to-do list for this year.
What is your favorite journey ever that you took?
Anywhere that’s a first is always special. My first time driving up Highway 1 to Big Sur. My first time visiting Joshua Tree. My first time in Yosemite. My first time in Paris (with you, LA VOYAGEUSE) You get to experience everything with an extra dose of magic. Everything is heightened and more interesting.
What are some of your favorite addresses?
The Harbor House Inn in Elk, California, is the most magical spot in California. It’s a 2 Michelin Star restaurant and Inn in a tiny town on the coast, with it’s own private cove and the most beautiful view you’ve ever seen, and the cuisine is seafood-focused and hyper local. Chef Matt Kammerer is the most dedicated to sustainability of any chef I’ve met, and the food is incredibly delicious.
What are your favorite places and activities in Napa and Los Angeles where you live?
The Napa Valley is a small, special place. My favorite wineries to take people are Promontory in Napa, and Scribe and Occidental in Sonoma. And of course, to Almacerro, the winery on the top of Howell Mountain where we make my wine, “Charbono” which is part of my own little project, Matt Morris Wines. It’s fun to give people a grand tour experience and then something more intimate - my favorite wineries are small ones where the experience is personal. So much about Napa is about tourism, so after a while you feel like you’ve done everything and seen it all. Local favorite restaurants for me are The Charter Oak, Charlie’s, Bouchon, and Bistro Jeanty. I’m also a part of a local vintage car rally group called The Breakfast Club. The route changes every month, and it’s a great way to remind yourself how special the place you live in is.
Los Angeles has all the energy and excitement that the Napa Valley lacks. There are always fun new restaurants and creative endeavors wherever you turn. Right now there’s probably nothing more fun than eating in the alleyway of Anajak Thai on a Tuesday night. This small family owned restaurant has been turned into an LA hot spot (and was named best restaurant in LA) by the owners’ son, Justin. Justin has made it a party, loud hip hop music, amazing Thai fusion, delicious wines. Anything goes, everyone into food and wine is there and it’s a full on bacchanal. The fact that you’re in an alleyway of a Thai spot in Sherman Oaks that has been open for decades, listening to loud hip hop and eating Thai tacos is a quintessential LA experience.
A treasure that you found on a trip? An object or memory ..
It's funny, none of the art pieces I’ve brought back from a trip have that much meaning to me once they’re back at home with me. The one’s that hold a special meaning are more practical. After at least two decades of wanting to visit Paris, I finally came and visited you in 2021. Every morning you and I would get coffee and chat at 10 Belles, the same coffee shop my friend (film director) Nick Jasenovec had told me about years prior. I got myself a coffee mug before I left, which at the time felt a little silly and touristy. But every time I miss you, or wish I was back in Paris, I make myself a cappuccino and a little toastie like they do at the cafe, and for the morning I am transported back to Paris!