Leslie Kelly

Seattle

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Contributor at Forbes

Food/travel writer, recovering restaurant critic, fan of Seattle M's and Memphis Grizzlies. Living the dream, on the road again!

Articles

These Pretty Cocktails Will Keep You Cool By The Pool In Palm Springs

1 week ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

Sip, swim, repeat. It’s already full-on summer in the desert and these refreshing adult beverages are well worth toasting when visiting the Coachella Valley. Shaking it up, poolsideRoyal Sun is one of the latest old school hotels to dramatically transform into hip digs, and with the rebranding comes a bar program that covers a lot of territory.
Fun Fan Fare At Seattle Mariners Home Games Shines A Light On Players

2 weeks ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

The season’s sweet and savory culinary line-up is a big hit with the fans. Here’s what you need to step up to the plate and try, including a tribute to superstar Ichiro Suzuki. Let’s hear it for Ichiro SuzukiThe M’s legendary outfielder is being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July and to celebrate, the culinary crew has introduced “lucky” wings similar to those Ichiro ate in the clubhouse before games.
3 Very Cool Spots For Warming Springtime Tea Parties In Seattle

1 month ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

It’s peak cherry blossom season in the Pacific Northwest, though temps are still pretty chilly. Here are a few warm and cozy places that provide the perfect excuse to celebrate the arrival of spring in style, fancy hats optional. Cafe FloraThis longtime neighborhood favorite is known and loved for its innovative plant-based fare, but in recent years, it’s also become a hot spot for high tea. The holiday tea experiences have been so well-received, in fact, that spring dates were added.
Savoring A Taste Of Seattle On The San Clemente Pier

1 month ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

Seafood from the Pacific Northwest is featured on the menu at Fisherman’s Restaurant in Orange County and the busy kitchen hits the mark at this popular spot. Here’s what makes this cross-state connection extra special. Prime locationLike many California coastal communities, San Clemente’s shoreline is distinguished by a wooden pier that dates back to the days when those served as the hub of commerce.
When A Hotel Room Feels Like An Airbnb, It’s Time For A Dinner Party

1 month ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

When traveling, sometimes you want more than a comfy bed and a hot shower. The craving for a roomy kitchen led me to Drift, the chic hotel in Palm Springs that feels more like an Airbnb. Confessions of a snowbirdFor the past several years, I’ve spent winters hanging in my tiny home on wheels in the sun-drenched Coachella Valley. I’m addicted to the Vitamin D charge delivered by the sun and the Palm Springs region serves up endless opportunities to hike and bike and swim.
Discovering A Hidden Gem In Downtown Los Angeles

1 month ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

The Los Angeles Athletic Club has been a landmark since 1880, yet most visitors walk on by this prime example of Beaux Arts architecture assuming it’s for members only. That’s mostly true, but booking a hotel room there is the secret handshake that’ll get you in the door. Welcome to DTLAWhenever I visit the city, I’m drawn downtown.
Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion Celebrates A Milestone Anniversary

1 month ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

The tastiest music festival in the universe kicks off its 10th year on March 12 with a feel-good Potluck feast that benefits Farm Aid. This year’s Potluck lineup celebrates the contributions made by Asian chefs from around the American South. Here’s the dish on who’s cooking. Welcome to SpicewoodWillie Nelson wears a lot of hats: legendary singer/songwriter, actor, mentor, father and husband, with a healthy helping of humanitarian/activist in the mix.
Savoring A Tasty, Action-Packed Weekend In Palm Springs

2 months ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

Yes, of course, those sun-drenched plans include an order of ahi poke nachos by the pool. The gem of the Coachella ValleyPalm Springs shines extra brightly this time of year, attracting flocks of snowbirds, families and friends looking to soak up some winter sunshine. Many travel to this popular destination for annual events such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the National Date Festival and that joyful celebration of mid-century architecture known as Modernism Week.
Mike’s Hot Honey Is The Surprising Star Of This Excellent Seafood Dish

2 months ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

Drizzling sticky sweet stuff on salmon might seem like a leap, but go ahead and jump. Mike’s Hot Honey makes everything betterThat welcome blast of sweet heat might seem as if it’s always been around, but the product is only 15 years old. Long enough to inspire heaps of imitators and plenty of clever creations. It’s become a go-to embellishment for pizza because – guess what? – that was its original intention.
Tom Skerritt’s Latest Project Stirs ‘A River Runs Through It’ Vibes

2 months ago | forbes.com | Leslie Kelly

The star of classic movies including “Top Gun,” “Alien” and the 1992 Robert Redford-directed film has more than 170 screen credits. His latest might be his most personal project yet. And bonus, during a recent interview, he also dished on some of his favorite restaurants in his Seattle neighborhood. Looking back, looking forwardSkerritt’s love of rivers goes back to his childhood in Michigan. “One of my first memories is sticking my bare feet in cold water and feeling those rocks,” he said.