Mementos Udaipur: Utopia in Rajasthan

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If I could bottle up a dream vacation and relive it over and over, my stay at Mementos Udaipur would be it. This wasn’t just a getaway—it was a journey into unparalleled luxury, where every moment felt straight out of a fairytale. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like absolute royalty, with every detail of our stay meticulously crafted to perfection.

Located about 45 minutes outside of Udaipur city, Mementos Udaipur offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The serene setting allows you to fully immerse yourself in relaxation and luxury, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan.

The Villa: A Private Slice of Paradise

Our home for this unforgettable escape was a sprawling, ultra-luxurious villa complete with a private garden and infinity pool. Mementos Udaipur delivered everything I could have dreamed of and more—imagine a spacious, exquisitely designed haven featuring the largest bathroom I’ve ever had in my life! Each morning, waking up to the peaceful sounds of nature and stepping straight into our private garden by the pool felt like absolute magic. It was truly a space fit for a queen.

But what really set it apart was the thoughtful personalization. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with beautifully displayed snacks and treats, along with a few framed photos of me set up in the room—such an incredibly sweet touch!

Culinary Heaven at Every Turn

Every meal at Mementos Udaipur was a masterpiece. From indulgent breakfasts to decadent dinners, each bite was bursting with flavor and authenticity, prepared with the finest ingredients.

Whether it was a multi-course vegetarian thali feast at Royal Vega, rich North Indian flavors at Kebab & Curries, or the best South Indian dishes I’ve ever had at Udai Pavilion, the culinary team went above and beyond to create unforgettable dining experiences.

I’ve stayed at many incredible properties around the world, but I can confidently say this was the first time I truly loved every single restaurant and every single meal. Mementos Udaipur is known for its exceptional culinary offerings, and it shows. I’ll be dreaming about these meals forever!

Magical Experiences

Our stay was filled with extraordinary moments, each more memorable than the last. At Mementos Udaipur, the focus isn’t just on luxury—it’s on creating truly immersive and unforgettable experiences. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to make guests feel special, and we were fortunate to enjoy some of the most incredible ones.

We started with a magnificent Afternoon Tea poolside in our private garden—a picture-perfect setup featuring specialty mocktails made just for us, delicate pastries, and savory treats. Sipping masala chai as we watched the sunset over the Aravalli Hills felt surreal.

Then the next day we experienced the floating breakfast in the main infinity pool—one of those bucket-list experiences I had always dreamed of. Seeing a beautifully arranged tray of breakfast delicacies floating in the water was an Instagram-worthy moment for sure, but more importantly, it was a moment that truly made my heart sing. Something I will never forget.

And then… there was THE picnic.

Nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared us for the “magic forest” picnic that the team arranged. Picture this: a breathtaking setup under a canopy of palm trees by the water, complete with colorful cushions, elegant rugs, fresh flowers, and a feast fit for royalty. It was so beyond stunning that I was literally rendered speechless. I joke that my expectations for all future picnics have now been completely skewed—because how can anything top this?!

Picnic at the Magic Forest at Mementos Udaipur

The Mementos Difference

What sets Mementos Udaipur apart isn’t just its luxurious accommodations or world-class cuisine—it’s the attention to detail and the warmth of the staff. The team showered us with thoughtful gifts throughout our stay, every request was met with a smile, and they anticipated our needs before we even realized them ourselves. From the moment we arrived, we felt like family.

One person who truly made our stay extraordinary was our butler, Tulika. She kept us on track with our daily activities, adjusted plans seamlessly when needed, and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience. She was with us from check-in to check-out, and by the end of our stay, she felt like part of our family. There were so many times I just wanted to invite her to join us because that’s how incredible she was. The level of service here wasn’t just excellent—it was deeply personal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a trip to Udaipur, do yourself a favor and book a stay at Mementos Udaipur. This is more than just a luxury resort—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Our time there was truly the trip of a lifetime, and I’m already dreaming of when I can return. Until then, I’ll be living vicariously through my photos and the unforgettable memories we created in this slice of paradise.

See you soon, Mementos Udaipur!

Please Note: While this post is in partnership with Mementos Udaipur, all opinions are my own.

Where To Dine In Naples, Italy

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I hope you have enjoyed reading about my adventures in Italy learning all about San Marzano tomatoes (read all about it here and here). On this trip, our homebase was Naples, Italy and from there we made day trips to the region to learn about the coveted tomatoes as well as visit the Amalfi Coast and island of Capri.

Naples doesn’t always get rave reviews, but I’m here to tell you I had a great time and really appreciated the city after spending 10 days there. Many people call it the “smaller and grittier version of Rome” and while somewhat true, I’d say that is exactly what I appreciated about it too. I found Naples beautiful, and loved that it is situated on the water with views of Mt. Vesuvius.

And, as a vegetarian, you know Italy is like heaven with endless veggie food options. I joke that if you are vegetarian and hungry while in Italy, that’s your own fault. There is no shortage of pizza, pasta, gelato and pastries and it’s available on every corner. Seeing that I was traveling with a group of chefs and foodies, you know we ate at some spectacular places. Here are a few favorites:

Pizzium– What’s actually a chain throughout Italy, I loved not only the food at Pizzium, but the decor and fun ambiance. I sincerely enjoyed all the things we ate including the bruschetta, Caprese salad, margherita pizza and my favorite was the pizza made with San Marzano tomato sauce topped with little mozzarella balls and spheres of pesto. So good and something really unique!

Bruschetta Wtih San Marzano Tomatoes At Pizzium

Caprese Salad With San Marzano Tomatoes At Pizzium

Pizza With San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella And Pesto Spheres At Pizzium

Mimi alla Ferrovia– An established restaurant of Naples with a loyal crowd in a beautiful restaurant setting. You can tell the old world charm brings patrons who are regulars. My two favorite dishes were the ricotta topped with a tomato jam (seriously, the lightest and best ricotta I’ve ever had in my life!) and the pasta made with squash blossoms (a specialty of Italy). I actually ate here twice on my trip!

Fresh Ricotta With Tomato Jam- Mimi Alla Ferrovia — Fresh Ricotta With Tomato Jam- Mimi alla Ferrovia

Pasta Ai Fiori Di Zucca (Pasta With Zucchini Blossoms)

Gaetano Adamo– This casual spot near the train station is a great option if you are looking for something quick and chill. Fresh made pizzas straight from the oven are definitely their specialty as are the calzones. They were able to make a vegetarian calzone for me and it was delicious. I was so hungry that evening, I ate almost the entire thing! That’s when you know it is good.

Calzone At Gaetano Adamus Naples — Calzone At Gaetano Adamo Naples

Tiramisu At Gaetano Adamus — Tiramisu At Gaetano Adamo

Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria– Not only does this restaurant offer atleast five varieties of different pizza crust, there is a pizza lab underneath where they are always innovating new recipes and options. I loved the food here and some favorites included the appetizer of pizza crust tossed with sun-dried tomatoes,arugula, pesto and fresh shaved parmesan as well as the cacio e pepe pizza topped with a pistachio pesto. Don’t skip dessert either, we devoured that chocolate cherry mini cake. A must visit!

Pizza Crust Appetizer At Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria

Cacio e Pepe Pizza At Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria

Miranapoli– We stopped here midday during a tour of Naples and only had the chance to get a drink, so I can’t say anything about the food. BUT, Miranapoli is a must visit for the views alone. Situated overlooking the water with Mt. Vesuvius in the background, make sure to get an outdoor patio seat if the weather permits. I relished every sip of my Aperol Spritz and could not take my eyes off that spectacular view.

Chalet Ciro 1952– It was my very last night in Italy and I was tired after a full day on the island of Capri and I needed to get back to the hotel to pack before my 3:30am wakeup call to head to the airport. But, our gracious host insisted that I MUST visit the local hot spot Chalet Ciro for one last hurrah and to try some desserts. Mind you, we had just finsihed a multi-course dinner and I was not even hungry. But, of course I’m glad we went. We each got a delicious, fresh-squeezed tropical juice and then a local famous donut (not sure of the name, sorry!). That donut was hot and fresh and amazing! Ok, it was totally worth it for the lack of sleep before I came back home.

Selection of Mini Ice Cream Cones at Chalet Ciro

Tarralleria Napoletana– While shopping one day, we saw this adorable store serving these traditional snacks of Naples called tarralli. They are basically breadsticks served in a circular form, but almost look like little donuts. This particular shop had both savory and sweet flavors and were offering samples, so I was definitely intrigued to try a local staple. To note; I learned most tarralli are made with lard, but Tarralleria Napoletana has both vegetarian and vegan options. I loved the basil flavored one the most, but really all of the vegetarian savory options I tried were phenomenal. Highly recommend buying some tarralli from here!

Make Sure To Seek Out Vegetarian Tarralli; This One Has Olives In It!

I hope this is a helpful list for when you find yourself in Naples, Italy. Obviously there are so many great spots, but these were just a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Please Note: While this post is in collaboration with Associazione Nazionale Industriali Conserve Alimentari Vegetali (Anicav), all opinions are my own.

Feasting in Italy- San Marzano Tomato Edition

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As if it wasn’t amazing enough to travel to Italy to learn all about San Marzano tomatoes (read more about that here), I’d say the BEST part was the many ways I enjoyed eating San Marzano tomatoes.

Prior to my trip, my guess is I only had San Marzano tomatoes in the most basic forms in pasta or pizza sauce. But now after visiting the birthplace of San Marzano tomatoes right outside of Naples, not only did I get to enjoy fresh San Marzano tomatoes straight from the vine in the tomato fields themselves, but I also tasted some classic and unique preparations. Here’s a list of some of the ways we enjoy San Marzano tomatoes in Italy:

Caprese Salad– With Buffalo mozzarella being one of the stars of Italian cuisine, and especially in Naples, I enjoyed daily caprese salads (not even kidding!). The Buffalo mozzarella was sliced (or sometimes presented as one giant ball that you would slice on your own at the table!) served with fresh, sliced San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil and drizzled with olive oil. Pretty sure no Caprese Salad will ever compare to these in Italy.

Bruschetta– Diced, fresh San Marzano tomatoes with fresh basil, and garlic mixed in olive oil and topped on toasted bread. A perfect appetizer. How does it get better than that? It does not. 😊

Pizza– When you are in the city that is called “the birthplace of pizza” you better believe I was eating pizza on the daily! Not only that, but Naples is also best known for their style of pizza called Neapolitan style pizza (pizza Napoletana) which is created from the simplest, yet fresh ingredients; the crust (made from flour, yeast, salt and water), hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, Buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil leaves and olive oil. That’s it! The pizza is baked in a special type of wood-burning oven for only 90 seconds and is eaten immediately after coming out of the oven. We actually had the chance to do a pizza making class with a pizza master (pizzaiolo), so I got to experience firsthand how it is all done.

Neopolitan Style Pizza With San Marzano Tomatoes

Pizzaiolo Using Pizza Shears To Cut The Pizza — Using Pizza Shears To Cut The Pizza

Guess I'm A Pizza Expert Now! — Guess I’m A Pizza Expert Now!

Pasta Pomodoro– The Italians know how to do it; use only the freshest ingredients and keep it simple. One of the best and most basic pasta dishes I had included freshly made spaghetti, a simple sauce of San Marzano tomatoes, topped with fresh grated Parmigiano Reggiano. That’s it. When you eat the best and most authentic food, it’s hard to eat anything else. Definitely have been spoiled!

Pasta Pomodoro With San Marzano Tomatoes

Eggplant Parmigiana– The eggplant parmesan we eat here in the US is very different than that which is served in Italy. The dish we ate in Italy more resembles a lasagna, where the layers are created with thinly sliced, eggplant, Buffalo mozzarella, and a sauce from San Marzano tomatoes and basil. The dish is then baked, cut, topped with fresh parmesan and served just like lasagna. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of the US version of eggplant parmesan (which are deep fried slabs of eggplant topped with tomato sauce and cheese and then broiled), but I do like the traditional Italian version way better!

Eggplant Parmigiana With San Marzano Tomatoes

Gnocchi– We also had the chance to do a gnocchi making class at a restaurant right in the heart of Naples. Here we made a flour-based gnocchi (as opposed to the traditional potato or ricotta based gnocchi) and learned how to make a San Marzano tomato based sauce to go with it. The cool thing is the chef showed us two different preparations of the sauce, but with the same ingredients. Namely, the San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and salt. It was incredible how different the two sauces tasted, even though they had the same ingredients! Either way, this gnocchi was so delicious.

Always Crush San Marzano Tomatoes By Hand

Two Different Sauces Made With San Marzano Tomatoes

Gnocchi With Sauce From San Marzano Tomatoes

Ice cream topped with candied, dried San Marzano tomatoes-Definitely the most unique way we enjoyed San Marzano tomatoes was in the dried, candied form on top of vanilla bean ice cream as a dessert. When you have access to the fresh form of these tomatoes right in Italy, I’m sure there are so many innovative ways to include them in dishes and even desserts! So happy we got to try this sweet option.

Ice Cream Topped With Candied San Marzano Tomatoes

As you can see, I sincerely enjoyed the many ways we ate and appreciated San Marzano tomatoes. You can definitely take my word on it, but the better option would be for you to go to Italy and try it for yourself. Let me know if you do!

Please Note: While this post is in collaboration with Associazione Nazionale Industriali Conserve Alimentari Vegetali (Anicav), all opinions are my own.

A Visit To Italy To Learn About San Marzano Tomatoes

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The San Marzano tomato: I bet most people have heard the name and noticed them on restaurant menus or in grocery stores, but don’t really know much else about them (unless, of course, you have taken the time to learn about them). Well, not to worry, because prior to a few weeks ago, I didn’t know a whole lot about San Marzano tomatoes myself!

I was lucky enough to embark on an epic adventure to Italy and to the actual town called San Marzano, just to learn all about these tomatoes and what makes them truly special. And let me tell you, there is a whole lot of love and care that goes into cultivating these delicacies that has been perfected over generations. The San Marzano tomato really is one of the best tomatoes you will ever have.

The Cute Town of San Marzano, Italy. Notice the Statue of Tomatoes!

Truly Some of the Best Tomatoes In the World!

San Marzano tomatoes come from the region right outside of Naples, Italy surrounding the famous Mt. Vesuvius (you know, the one that erupted in 79 A.D. that destroyed and yet preserved the city of Pompeii). Due to the rich soil around the volcano and perfect climate conditions, the tomatoes thrive in this particular geographic area and are harvested each year from July through October.

Fields of San Marzano Tomatoes with Mt. Vesuvius in the Background!

Beautiful Fields of San Marzano Tomatoes

We had the opportunity to go into the tomato fields themselves as well as several canning facilities to learn about the entire process from field cultivation to seeing the final slats of packed cans being ready to ship around the globe. Here are some notable highlights I took away from the experience.

The tomatoes are hand-picked from the vines. In today’s modern world of automation, this crucial step of picking each tomato by hand allows the tomatoes to remain in the best possible wholesome state. It also comes with much less probability of being damaged during the process than if picked by machines. It’s truly a white glove service getting the tomatoes from the fields.

San Marzano Tomatoes Freshly Picked From the Vine

San Marzano Tomatoes Ready for the Distribution Center

I Really Enjoyed Visiting the San Marzano Tomato Fields! What a Cool Experience.

Each batch of tomatoes is labeled, sent to a distribution center and sent to a canning facility within hours of being picked. Basically, the tomatoes go from the vine and are in a can in a very short amount of time! You know this system has been perfected over time and is what also lends the tomatoes to remain the freshest and the best final product.

Labeled Batches of San Marzano Tomatoes Ready For the Cannery

San Marzano Tomatoes Loaded Up and Ready To Go!

A Quick Process from Field to Can For San Marzano Tomatoes

There are no additives or chemicals added to the tomato cans. The peeled tomatoes, some of their sauce, salt and a bit of citric acid are all that you will find in the canned version of the San Marzano tomatoes. The cans of tomatoes are truly just that and nothing else (sometimes basil may be added, but not always).

San Marzano Tomatoes Being Washed and Steamed to Remove Their Peels

A Very Hands-On Process To Ensure the Best Quality Product

I Really Enjoyed Visiting the Canning Facilities Too. It Was Fascinating!

The tomatoes really are special! They tend to have fewer seeds, taste slightly sweeter and less acidic as compared to traditional plum style tomatoes. Also, the skin on the San Marzano tomato is very thin and comes off much easier as compared to other tomatoes.

A Cut Open San Marzano Tomato- Notice Fewer Seeds

The Peel on San Marzano Tomatoes Is Very Thin, Can Scrape or Steam Them Right Off

San Marzano Tomatoes Are Slightly Sweeter

Beware, there are imposter San Marzano tomatoes out there. I was shocked when I found this out! The key to purchasing legit San Marzano tomatoes is to look for two particular symbols: the DOP (the product designation in Italy) seal as well as the San Marzano seal with serial number. When you see these two symbols on the can, you know you are purchasing authentic San Marzano tomatoes from Italy.

Look For These Two Symbols and Serial Number To Ensure Authenticity of San Marzano Tomatoes

I hope you found some of these facts both interesting and educational. I know I did! I had the honor to learn first hand from the most passionate and wonderful people who dedicate their lives to San Marzano tomatoes in Italy. And for that, I’m so incredibly grateful.

Stay tuned for my next post with probably THE most important aspect of the San Marzano tomato; the many ways to eat and enjoy them!

Please Note: While this post is in collaboration with Associazione Nazionale Industriali Conserve Alimentari Vegetali (Anicav), all opinions are my own.

Vegetarian Guide To Northern Idaho

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I have to admit that my amazing trip through Northern Idaho completely exceeded all my expectations. If you didn’t get the chance to read about my adventure, check it out here!

And, who knew I would have no problem finding great vegetarian options while exploring the area? Not me! I was sincerely impressed with the array of vegetarian (and even vegan) options pretty much everywhere we went. I’ve included some of my favorites by city, check them out in this guide here.

Sandpoint

Pend d’Oreille Winery– Adorable restaurant and winery in downtown Sandpoint with a great selection of wines, delicious food and live music. Make sure to order their awesome pizzas!

Delicious Pizza at Pend d'Orielle Winery — Delicious Pizza at Pend d’Oreille Winery

Beet and Basil– Globally inspired elevated street food with a great outdoor patio along the water. Make sure to get the vegetarian banh mi sandwich, I still think about it!

Heart Bowls – Found in the awesome food truck court, loved these healthy bowls to start the day.

La Catrina– Also in the food truck court, this vegetarian tostada was excellent. So fresh and tasty.

Sky House at Schweitzer Mountain- Stunning views and delicious food, definitely recommend stopping by. I had this vegan “tuna” sandwich made from chickpeas and loved it!

Panhandle Cone & Coffee– A must-visit and popular spot in Sandpoint. Of course, I had to get at least one scoop of the local huckleberry ice cream. YUM!

Coeur d’Alene (CDA)

Evans Brothers Coffee– One of my favorite coffee shops, visited several times during the trip!

Evans Brother's Coffee CDA — Evans Brother’s Coffee CDA

Terraza Waterfront Cafe– Beautiful restaurant serving Latin cuisine with a fun vibe. It’s right on the water and has a great patio for outdoor dining.

Coeur d’Alene Coffee Co– Great coffee shop with chill vibe and a nice selection of pastries and eats.

CDA Coffee Company — Coeur d’Alene Coffee Co

Crafted Tap House + Kitchen– Fun and lively spot in downtown CDA for great food, huge beer selection and a large outdoor patio.

Vault Coffee– Another cute coffee shop with very Instagrammable photo opps!

Wallace

The Fainting Goat Wine Bar and Restaurant– Loved this place so much, we went back two nights in a row. Now that’s an endorsement!

Blackboard Marketplace– Cute spot with coffee, pastries, food, ice cream and gourmet marketplace. We were so hungry when we stopped here, I didn’t even take a picture of my sandwich. Oops! It happens. But, I do recommend for a visit.

Photo Credit: @blackboardmarket on Instagram

I hope this guide helps while you explore the stunning landscape and amazing outdoor activities in Northern Idaho. So many great vegetarian eats are there for you to discover. Let me know what are your favorites 🙂

Please Note: While this post is in collaboration with Idaho Tourism, all opinions are my own.

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