Winter naturally slows things down, except in December, when life feels full and festive. That’s the energy I’ve leaned fully into since you last heard from me. Between holiday-themed outings, birthdays, travel, warm meals and cozy nights at home, memories were made and experiences were savored, one bite at a time.

My husband and I kicked off the month with sips and bites at Barcelona Wine Bar in East Passyunk. This was one of the businesses we got the chance to try during the 2024 Flavors on the Avenue Festival. I wrote about it here. The restaurant is known for its traditional Spanish tapas, specifically its patatas bravas. We can attest to this, as we opted to have them again. The menu highlights flavors from Spain and the Mediterranean and changes with seasonal ingredients. In addition to patatas bravas, we tried the Brussels sprouts and chicken thighs — both packed with great flavor and amazing texture. A delectable Chilean Syrah from its award-winning selection of wines tied up the whole experience.

Since the season wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the holiday magic Philadelphia has to offer, a stroll through Miracle on South 13th Street with hot cocoa was the perfect way to wrap up a Sunday in the city. Christmas classics playing, kids mesmerized by the impressive themes and displays, twinkling lights, and an overall feeling of Christmas joy made the very cold stroll worth it.

The next experience took us across the Schuylkill River to Lark, James Beard finalist and Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi’s coastal Mediterranean restaurant. Everything was delicious, and the service was impeccable. Although the space did not feel stuffy or fussy, the experience felt like one from a very fine-dining establishment. Situated on the eighth floor of the IronWorks complex in Bala Cynwyd, Lark was dressed up in all its holiday finery just for my birthday! Or so I chose to see it. And its view of the Schuylkill, Manayunk and city skyline certainly didn’t hurt. Although our entire meal was delicious — you could taste the purpose in each bite — it was the pasta that stood out to me most. We shared the Candellini Guardaporta, a delicious ragu made from pork cheek and beef with marjoram and Locatelli cheese.

Of course, one of the perks of working in the travel industry is, well, travel! And before I knew it, I found myself on a flight out of the cold, wintery north to the land of sunshine itself, beautiful Coral Gables, Florida. We celebrated the 22nd annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards at Loews Coral Gables, a luxurious hotel just a short stroll from Miami’s famous Miracle Mile. Dinner found us celebrating the holidays at Zucca in Coconut Grove.

A curated menu for our end-of-year celebration delivered an Italian flare. Think fresh burrata salad; risotto; ravioli; and the classic Italian dessert we all love, homemade tiramisu.

I couldn’t leave the state without a stroll down “The Manhattan of the South.” This was only my second time in the city, and I wanted to see what the fuss about Miami’s Brickell City Center is all about.

I met up with my cousins at Casa Tua Cucina for an early lunch, an upscale food hall offering delicious options for Italian cuisine, coffee and even a bar. The hall is located within Saks Fifth Avenue — convenient for our plans, if you know what I mean … .

After our meal, we did some shopping in the plaza and walked around the financial district. While Coral Gables reminded me of Beverly Hills and Santo Domingo, a mix of the latter and New York City was the vibe I got from Downtown Miami. A new place, yet it felt so familiar.

Although I was far from ready to return from the warmth, it was beautiful coming back to the hectic, loving chaos of the holidays and family. I was worried this year’s season would feel like a short one with Thanksgiving so late, but even with packing it with events it still felt like I had a chance to slow down and relish in it. Whether from one great meal to the next or one grand event to the next, it’s about enjoying the moment you are in and the people you are share them with.

— Yasser Gallagher-Ogando, executive media director