Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Travel Adventures

The 998-Guest Viking Vesta Was Welcomed to Award-Winning Fleet During Ceremony in Split

Viking Vesta Launch Ceremony attendees (L to R) Torstein Hagen, Chairman & CEO Viking, Lene Tangevald-Jensen (Godmother of Vesta), Captain of Vesta, Karine Hagen, Viking Executive VP of Product, Lean's partner Olav Nils Sunde.

Yesterday Viking named its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta®, with a traditional ceremony in Split, Croatia. Serving as ceremonial godmother of the Viking Vesta was the Norwegian journalist, Lene Tangevald-Jensen. The Viking Vesta will now continue her inaugural season sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother. In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking—she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious. I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family.”

In keeping with the naming tradition, during the ceremony Lene used a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that allowed a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull. Guests also enjoyed performances by Sissel Kyrkjebø, one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and godmother of the Viking Jupiter®, and Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold.

Lene Tangevald-Jensen is known for her commitment to journalism and philanthropy, as well as a deep curiosity about people’s lives. After completing the International Baccalaureate and earning a master’s degree in business, she worked in the private sector, investing in stocks and real estate. For 30 years, she has written for Kapital and Finansavisen, two of Norway’s leading financial publications, conducting more than 500 interviews, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter. She has also contributed to =OSLO, a street magazine that gives a platform to those who have fallen outside society’s safety net.

Lene believes in the power of paying it forward—performing small, meaningful acts that spark new beginnings for someone in need. Through her work with the LEON Trust, she supports education for children in Kenya, Nepal and Sri Lanka. She is involved with Make-A-Wish Foundation Norway and is the founder of TBS Gallery, an art space in Oslo dedicated to the work of sculptor Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik.

As a close friend and neighbor of Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen, Lene has become a cherished part of the extended Viking family. In December 2022, she and her partner joined an expedition to Antarctica on board the Viking Polaris®. There, she created a documentary film, capturing the beauty of the White Continent—a journey that reaffirmed her belief in embracing the unknown. She often returns to the mantra that shapes her life: “Growth happens when we dare to try—even when failure looms.”

The Viking Vesta is the newest ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet of sister ships. Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Vesta has a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, with 499 staterooms that can host 998 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, elegant Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

The naming of the Viking Vesta follows a string of recent accolades for the company. Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a “World’s Best” for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications—something Viking has now achieved two years in a row. This achievement marked the first time a travel company won these three categories in back-to-back years. Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking’s ocean ships have also been rated and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards.

About Viking  Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

Puerto Vallarta Culinary Talent Brings Expertise to Lead Prestigious Resort's Emiliano Restaurant, Taú Beach Club & Group Catering

Casa Velas, an adults-only luxury boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta, proudly announces the appointment of Sandra Macías as Executive Chef. In her new role, she will oversee the resort’s signature Emiliano Restaurant and exclusive Taú Beach Club as well as the hotel’s group catering for meetings, weddings, and events. This promotion recognizes her exceptional culinary talent and six years of dedicated service within the Velas Resorts family, renowned for its culinary excellence across Mexico.

Originally from Durango, Chef Macías brings over 10 years of culinary expertise shaped by her professional journey in León, Guanajuato and refined through her commitment to excellence in Puerto Vallarta's dynamic gastronomic scene. Chef Macías joined Velas Resorts in 2019 and has demonstrated remarkable growth – beginning as dinner lead at sister property Velas Vallarta’s Andrea Restaurant, advancing to Sous Chef at Tau Beach Club, and now ascending to Executive Chef at Casa Velas. Her culinary philosophy centers on creativity and experimentation, with a particular focus on Mexican-Italian fusion cuisine. Her signature style combines fresh, local ingredients with techniques that honor both her Mexican heritage and international culinary training from the Gastronomic Institute Corbusé.

As Executive Chef, Macías will showcase the resort’s commitment to using fresh, organic, and local ingredients while highlighting the culinary strengths of the Mexican region – from fresh seafood to regional specialties. The restaurant recently debuted new menus featuring locally-influenced dishes like marlin stew with chipotle chili and green tomatoes; Shrimp Aguachile with mango sauce, basil, onion, cucumber, and avocado; Mushroom Ceviche with soy and avocado mousse; octopus sopes, and the distinctive quesadillas with locally grown Hoja Santa, cheese, and squash blossoms.

Rates at Casa Velas begin at $305 USD per adult, per night, based on double occupancy. Luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, premium liquor and wine, use of the fitness center facilities, WIFI, taxes, and gratuities are included in the nightly rate. For more information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://www.hotelcasavelas.com/.

Casa Velas is a luxury all-inclusive boutique hotel for adults only in Puerto Vallarta. Reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, the hotel features 80 spacious suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta's 18-hole golf course, this Puerto Vallarta hotel offers guests a 25% discount on green fees. Casa Velas’ guests have beach access at Táu Beach Club, a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the ocean with infinity pool, delectable cuisine, and event space. ABJA Spa encompasses treatment rooms for singles and couples, a hydrotherapy area, garden-view fitness center, and a beauty salon. Emiliano restaurant is in the hands of one of the area's leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine. Casa Velas' concierge, a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or, forges connections with locals and immerses travelers in the rich tapestry of Mexican culture in accordance with individual preferences and interests. Casa Velas was built by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela Ruiz, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or more information please or visit hotelcasavelas.com. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.

Eureka! Santa Barbara Unveils Delicious Bold New Made to Share Menu for Summer!

I was so happy with the new menu out for summer at Eureka! in El Paseo Center in Santa Barbara. They have summer delights to please every taste including my meat lover guest and a fussy veggie lady like me. Eureka! aims to please with such a versatile menu of super and inventive dishes that can be shared over some amazing

cocktail specials, wines and renowned craft beer.

Sharing at Eureka! with a favorite person is so much fun, with tastes for every palate including light veggie-forward bowls and delicious salads followed by outstanding Sticky Pork Belly Bites or a Goat Cheese Citrus Salad to be washed down with divine cocktails or a choice of great wines. This summer evolution of the Eureka! experience is solidly crafted to surprise and satisfy every visitor.

My seared salmon beurre blanc with ripped

fingerling potatoes and charred green beans was perfectly presented and paired with a very nice chardonnay, while the new Steak Frites item that includes a luscious 8 oz. steak, with chimichurri and signature fries totally appealed to the meat lover sitting in my booth.

Sharing starters of Sticky Pork Belly Bites with orange chili glaze, sesame seeds and Fresno chiles was such a delightful beginning, as were the scrumptious Lettuce Wraps of red gems filled with tofu, Fresno chiles, cashews and a rich sesame ginger dressing. Both were outstanding!

They say, and I know from experience, food is the magical essence that brings people together to share and enjoy all that is good in life, and Eureka! has found the secret to bring friends and families together over some truly amazing plates and beverages in a fun-loving venue where service and good food count, and people totally get into savoring and sharing. The new menu items are up just on time for the City of Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days Fiesta July 30 - August 1, and Eureka! is the perfect place to celebrate!

Oh, by the way, the Whistle Pig Bourbon maple cake with whipped cream was simply outrageous!

Below I have included a list of the new summer pleasures on the Eureka! menu and wish you Bon Appetit! I truly enjoyed tasting several of their latest dishes to share with a friend and hope to get back there soon to sample a few more.

So enjoyed sharing latest news on Eureka! with Justin Christiansen and trying out his personal recommendations for summer.

Eureka! remains the premier destination for elevated all-American fare, exceptional craft beer, and one of the most impressive whiskey selections around. This summer, that legacy gets a classic comfort with a signature, modern twist refresh with vibrant new dishes perfect for every appetite, whether guests are craving indulgent comfort or something light and seasonal. Planning a summer gathering? Bring the flavor home with Eureka!’s new menu available to-go, or explore curated catering options designed to impress any group.

Eureka! is a dynamic culinary powerhouse overseeing a portfolio of 36 restaurants, generating $150 million in annual sales. In partnership with Grupo Carolo, the group operates four distinctive concepts, Eureka! La Popular CDMX, The Amalfi Llama, and Electric Pickle, all committed to scratch-kitchen excellence, exceptional cocktails, and an unwavering passion for hospitality. Website: eurekarestaurantgroup.com
Social: @EatDrinkEureka on Instagram