Paris | Why Septime Should Be on Every Food Lover’s Paris Itinerary

Dining in Paris feels like stepping into a fairytale where every dish tells a tale—sometimes of love, sometimes of butter. From charming sidewalk cafés to Michelin-starred havens, the city is a foodie’s playground. But among all the culinary gems, Septime shines as a bucket-list destination for anyone obsessed with innovative French cuisine. Tucked in the 11th arrondissement, this cozy-meets-chic hotspot has earned global fame for its seasonal creations, creative flair, and effortlessly cool vibes. And getting a reservation? Let’s just say it’s an Olympic-level sport. Even locals set alarms like it’s ticket release day for Taylor Swift.

Paris, One StarCatherine CourtneyJanuary 14, 2025Septime, One Michelin Star, World's 50 Best RestaurantsComment

Singapore Standouts | Restaurant Edition

If you’re looking for a way to use those extra PTO days before year-end, I’ve got just the place…Singapore. There’s simply no place like it. Located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore boasts one of the most vibrant and diverse cultures I’ve ever experienced.

Food enthusiasts unite! From hawker centers to Michelin-star restaurants, Singapore has an incredible culinary landscape and definitely lives up to its reputation.

Singapore, One StarCatherine CourtneyNovember 14, 2023Singapore, Cedric Grolet, Hello Arigato, Burnt Ends, Michelin Star, Atlas, Tiong Bahru BakeryComment

Kasama | One Of Chicago's Most Acclaimed Restaurants

Food is one of the most delicious expressions of love, culture, and those who influence us. Dining brings those elements to the table showcasing the true beauty of food.

Chicago, One StarCatherine CourtneyApril 15, 2022Ukrainian Village, Chicago, Filipino FoodComment

A Perfect Ending To A Week In Geneva: Le Flacon

Finance by day food by night is the mantra that I have been living by since I started Blonde Voyage Nashville three years ago. While I spend my days as a project manager who’s often eyeball deep in spreadsheets or slide decks, my evenings are filled with food tastings, checking out Nashville’s newest establishments and networking with some of Music City’s most enthusiastic foodies. Life is all about balance, right?

One Star, SwitzerlandCatherine CourtneySeptember 6, 2019Geneva, Switzerland, Carouge, Michelin GuideComment

Blonde Voyage's Guide To Dubrovnik

Can you believe that we are halfway through 2019? I’d shake my head in disbelief if I didn’t have a stack of magazines on my coffee table that said otherwise. In a day and age where we consume so much digital media, I find myself more and more enjoying the ritual of pouring a glass of wine, opening up Travel and Leisure or Bon Appétit and escaping my current reality. There’s something so satisfying about holding the pages in my hands and tearing out those articles or recipes that really speak to me.

But first, Brunch: Band of Bohemia

When one of your favorite chefs gives you a restaurant recommendation, you not only make a quick note, but you also make reservations, ASAP.

Enjoying yet another amazing dinner at Bastion (last seen here) I started chatting with Chef Josh Habiger about upcoming travel. Well aware of the fact that he is incredibly knowledgeable about the food scene in Chicago (he did after all, work spend some time at Alinea) I thought it would be worth picking his brain for any new up and coming restaurants.

Chicago, One StarCatherine CourtneyDecember 13, 2017Band of Bohemia Brunch, Chicago, Band of Bohemia, Michelin Star, Michelin GuideComment

D.C. Dining: Rose's Luxury

Lately, it seems as if I am developing a habit of standing in lengthy lines for dinner. First Street XO and now Rose's Luxury. The question that is always asked: "was it worth it?" You'll have to read and find out!

D.C. Dining: Fiola

My girlfriend knows me all too well. Before I could even finish my text about reservations and restaurants, she had already texted with a full blown itinerary. And by now, you know I am SUCH A FAN of an itinerary. I was thrilled to see that she scheduled Fiola for lunch. I just love it when a plan falls into place!

A Rick Bayless Classic: Topolobampo

Every time I go to Chicago, I try to make it to a few new restaurants. Over the past eighteen months, it's been harder and harder to abbreviate my list as the Chicago dining scene is always evolving. When one place closes, three more open making it exhausting for this Nashville girl to keep up.

Chicago, One StarCatherine CourtneyApril 25, 2017Chicago, Mexican, Michelin Guide, Michelin Star, Rick BaylessComment

Ready to Roister!

When the Alinea Group announced in 2015 that they were introducing a casual dining concept, people were waiting with bated breath to see what would develop, myself included. Well known for its innovative and provocative spin on food, the group boasts quite the list of high-caliber restaurants and bars within the Chicago area. Roister was no exception.

Chicago, One StarCatherine CourtneyJuly 18, 2016Comment