Janice Nieder

Janice Nieder could be the love child of Indiana Jones and Julia Child. Previously a specialty food consultant in NYC, Janice is currently a San Francisco-based culinary tourism writer who has wined & dined her way through 80 countries. To keep things in balance, Janice also enjoys writing about her Girlfriend Getaways which include spa visits, soft-core adventure, cultural events, shopping, boutique hotels, and chef interviews.

S.W. Alabama Girlfriend Getaway feeds body and soul (part 1)

“Do you like a good ghost story?” I enquired. Yes, ma’am, I sure do,” she replied earnestly. Next thing I knew, her daddy was right along side her, listening just as intently.

Tuscumbia’s 50th anniversary of the “Miracle Worker” still captivates audience, pt.2

The Fonz would be right at home in this nostalgic soda fountain.

Tuscumbia’s 50th anniversary of the “Miracle Worker” still captivates audience, pt.1

We sat in complete silence, collectively holding our breath like the moment before Ryan Seacrest announces who won American Idol, as Teacher ferociously pumps water over Helen's arm while spelling the letters into her hand, again and again. "W-a-t-e-r. It has a name!" This miraculous scene has been imprinted in my mind by numerous “Miracle...

Go West, Young Hipster: Zurich, Switzerland

Although they still make some mighty tasty chocolates, Zurich is now home to one of the hippest, coolest, designery nabes in Europe. The once-stodgy Swiss image has been shattered forever with the successful revitalization of Zurich West aka Kreis 4, easily accessible by a new tram line.
Here a bear, there a bear...

Get Your Bearings: In Bern, Switzerland bears rule

This distinctly medieval town, which has been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site since 1983, also offers beautifully preserved sandstone buildings lining broad, cobblestone streets, historic towers and the longest covered shopping arcade in the world, six kilometers of shopaholic bliss.

Mark your calendar for SummerTini

Join us and help ensure that our CHEFS program remains strong and continues to provide education and support to homeless adults in San Francisco.

Incredible view at 2011 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

Grab some girlfriends and make a date to view this spectacular home.

Mendoza: Home of fine wines and even finer men!

After a dreamy olive oil massage followed by a dreamless nap, I was completely reenergized. What followed was a whirlwind of extravagant meals featuring luxurious foodstuffs such as truffles, caviar, fish from the Amazon and flavorful organic beef.

“Eat a Ducky Mouse” at Nombe Restaurant, San Francisco

"In Japan, sushi chefs are very pale because they work inside for such long hours,” Mari explained, as she gently tossed the rice in the sushi-oke, a gigantic wooden bowl used to soak up extra moisture from the rice.

Me, Myself and Mafalda in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Part 2)

When I returned to my hotel room, lugging six shopping bags filled with all sorts of special prezzies, wearing my new street jewels and humming the last tango tune that was stuck in my head, I swear Mafalda gave me an approving, you-go-girl wink.