The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast

Shannon Gomes
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey. From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home. Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meaningful travel. Listeners are invited to subscribe for fresh ideas, insider tips, and destination inspiration delivered each week.   Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast celebrates connection, community, and the joy of experiencing new places through food and travel.  

  1. 3d ago

    She's Been Feeding San Francisco's Curiosity Since 2004 | Lisa Rogovin, Edible Excursions

    If you want to really know a city, skip the landmarks and find the people feeding it. That's the philosophy behind Edible Excursions, the Bay Area's original walking food tour company — and the life's work of founder Lisa Rogovin. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa to talk about how a conversation with a Four Seasons hotel GM launched a 20-year business, what a seven-month solo food and wine journey across five continents taught her about people and place, and why she cried the first time she led a tour after 17 months of Covid shutdown. We also get into the guides who've stayed with her since the beginning, the proposals that have happened mid-tour, the small businesses she's championed through rising costs and a pandemic, and why she'd happily eat Japanese food for 30 straight days. Lisa knows this city's food scene better than almost anyone. This conversation is proof. In this episode: How a hotel GM redirected Lisa's Ferry Building dream into a businessWhat her seven-month, five-continent food journey taught her about storytellingWhy she's intentionally kept Edible Excursions local to the Bay AreaThe guides, the regulars, and the proposals that happen on food toursThe Nebraska woman at the farmers market who cried over berries — and why that moment says everythingComing back after 17 months of shutdown and leading her first tour againLisa's SF Rapid Fire Picks: Underrated neighborhood for food: The Tenderloin. Her current picks there: Bodega (Vietnamese, newly relocated), Outta Sight Pizza, Brenda’s for Cajun soul food and the best po’ boys and hush puppies in the city, and Onsen,Coffee: Best Boy Electric Coffee in Japantown, inside the New People Building — get the Okinawa brown sugar latte or the black sesame latte, and don’t skip the pastries. And Bernie’s Coffee in the Mission, a woman-owned shop that sources all its beans from women-owned farms across Latin America, roasts in Oakland, and has the kind of warm, community-oriented energy that makes you want to stay.Wine bar: 20 Spot in the Mission, on 20th off Valencia. Tiny, dimly lit, plays vinyl, tiny galley kitchen that punches well above its weight.Cuisine for a month: Japanese, without questionTop 3 restaurants: Super Mira Market — restaurant-quality Japanese food made by a former restaurant owner, four days a week, inside a grocery store; Kokkari, where she got married, which tells you everything about how she feels about it — the spreads, the lamb chops, the seasonally inspired menu; and Jilli, a Korean tapas spot in the Mission on 15th, tucked into the ground floor of an apartment building. Book a tour: edibleexcursions.net Gift certificates available — and highly recommended. Links & resources mentioned: Edible ExcursionsThe Gomes Guide: North Berkeley Food Tour postThe Gomes Guide SubstackFollow The Gomes Guide on Instagram: @thegomesguideSupport the show

  2. Jul 7

    Oakland Has a Food Story. Kahja Elliott Is Making Sure You Hear It.

    If you want to know where to eat in Oakland, ask someone who moved there knowing no one and used food to figure it out. That's exactly what Kahja Elliott did — and it turned into Kay in the Bay, a platform that goes beyond where to eat and gets into why a place exists, who it's for, and what it represents. In this episode, Shannon sits down with Kahja to talk about Oakland's eclectic, endlessly surprising food scene, the spots worth seeking out in both Oakland and Berkeley, and why she thinks the best thing a visitor can do is keep it broad. They also get into how growing up watching PBS food and travel programming planted the seed for everything she's built — and where Kay in the Bay is headed next. This one is equal parts food guide, origin story, and love letter to the East Bay. Pull up your Notes app. You're going to need it. In This Episode: How Kahja went from wandering Oakland neighborhoods to building Kay in the BayGrowing up in the Bronx, living in Atlanta, and how three very different food cities shaped her palateWhy she tells every Oakland visitor to keep it broad — and what she means by thatThe Cook and Her Farmer (Old Oakland), Rose Lemon and Cao Cao Grill (Berkeley), and June's Pizza (West Oakland) — and exactly what to orderSweet treat must-visits: Gregory's Gourmet Desserts and Casa de ChocolatesHer favorite espresso martini, the red wine that converted her, and the farmer's market she'll always make time forWhy Kay in the Bay is expanding into food storytelling consultancy — and what that actually looks likeHer favorite food city outside the Bay Area (hint: it involves a very unexpected egg roll)Connect with Kahja: Website: kayinthebay.comInstagram: @heykinthebayPodcast: As Told By (available wherever you listen)Substack: Life Size BitesIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. You can also follow on Instagram at: @thegomesguide. And if you love the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you left a review — it really helps others discover the show! Support the show

  3. Jun 16

    She Studies the World Through a Glass: A Conversation with Kimberly Noelle Charles

    Some conversations make you want to pour a glass and never stop listening. This is one of them. Kimberly Noelle Charles is the founder of Charles Communications Associates, one of the most respected wine marketing communications firms in the country — and one of the most passionate storytellers I've ever had the pleasure of sitting down with. She started her career as a part-time sommelier at Georgetown, selling wine to lobbyists on commission while studying foreign service and rowing crew. She thought it would be a side hustle. Instead, it became the foundation for a career spanning more than four decades and taking her around the world. She's 45 years deep in this industry. And she is still completely lit up by it. We go well beyond wine in this one. This conversation is really about curiosity, connection, and why the best glass is always the one you share. In This Episode: How a college side hustle selling wine to D.C. lobbyists accidentally launched a 45-year careerWhat it took to become one of the first Americans to earn the WSET Diploma — and why she was convinced she'd failedThe move west to lead communications for the Gallo of Sonoma relaunch and what California taught her that New York never couldThree underappreciated California wine regions you're probably driving right past — the Petaluma Gap, the Sierra Foothills, and the Anderson ValleyWhy Americans are actually some of the most informed wine drinkers in the world — and what Europe still does betterWhat the Toji sake masters of Japan's Niigata prefecture taught her about humility, craft, and leadershipThe quote that stopped me in my tracks: "They are asking not to be taught about wine. They want to be invited to wine."The Come Together campaign she's been building with Karen MacNeil and Gino Colangelo — and why it matters right nowRapid fire: favorite SF restaurants, a hidden gem in Marin, a dream Paso Robles road trip with the Ladies Who Lunch, and the bottles she'd open to convert a wine skepticLinks:  Charles Communications Associates — charlescomm.comFollow Kimberly on Instagram: @alltheswirl and @cbruleeItata in Chile https://www.winesofchile.org/winegrowing-regions/Niigata prefecture & sakes https://www.niigata-sake.or.jp/en/Petaluma Gap https://petalumagap.com/Visit Mendocino https://www.visitmendocino.com/Sierra foothills https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Foothills_AVAPaso Robles https://www.travelpaso.com/plan-your-trip/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1588561142&gbraid=0AAAAAC7I7giEs9G1jN9jgjTKcWY5L4QKc&gclid=CjwKCAjwxb7RBhA5EiwAQ-AAdHSdu5R0ooP7Uscil3DonWJEjMUq7Hh4tcs8D_Di-lRUPqi4ri5-zBoCQckQAvD_BwERed Clay Strays https://www.redclaystrays.com/home; Kimberly's favorite song https://open.spotify.com/track/1HbzxLqpNVPdiBXvpC7Ovb?si=e799c21a2c4a496dStephen Wilson Jr. (Best new vocalist CMAs this year) Kimberly's favorite song: https://open.spotify.com/track/72RX8sK4OKFnUX2MBDOdBD?si=e912b7f6e43f47c2Enclos in Sonoma for her favorite pairing: https://enclos-sonoma.com/If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. You can also follow on Instagram at: @thegomesguide. And if you love the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you left a review — it really helps others discover the show! Support the show

  4. Jun 2

    The Woman Behind One of Sonoma County's Most Thoughtful Wineries | Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Vineyards

    Some conversations stop you in your tracks. This is one of them. Karin Warnelius-Miller is the proprietor, winemaker, and winegrower at Garden Creek Vineyards in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley — and her story is remarkable. Born on a dairy farm in Sweden, she immigrated to California in 1975, eventually falling in love with her childhood friend Justin Miller and building one of the most intentional, unhurried wineries in the region. Their estate Cabernet Sauvignon ages for eight years before release. That patience defines everything they do. We go well beyond wine in this one. This conversation is really about how we live. In This Episode: Swedish slow living — and what it actually looks like at the dinner table and in the vineyardHow Karin's father launched one of Sweden's first wineries, sourcing grapes from four continentsThe serendipitous job posting that brought her family to Sonoma CountyWhy Garden Creek has stayed deliberately small and appointment-onlyThe WärneliusMiller Pinot Noir and the Golden Fleece Vineyard in Anderson ValleyA horseback safari in Botswana that changed everythingWhy Americans need to embrace sauna cultureRapid fire: harvest season, Sonoma Coast oysters, seared filet with Cabernet reduction, and the two songs that soundtrack Garden CreekLearn more: Garden Creek Vineyards — gardencreekvineyards.comWärneliusMiller Family VineyardsIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. You can also follow on Instagram at: @thegomesguide. And if you love the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it really helps others discover the show!  Support the show

  5. May 19

    Food, Travel, and Midlife Reinvention with Cookbook Author Amanda Haas

    What happens when you spend your life teaching others how to cook — and finally give yourself permission to start living? That's exactly where Amanda Haas finds herself. A cookbook author (four books in, with a fifth on the way), former culinary director at Williams-Sonoma, and founder of the Substack community House of Hass, Amanda has spent decades helping people fall in love with cooking. Now she's channeling that same energy into something bigger: a whole new chapter of her own life. In this episode, we talk about the food memories that shaped her, why she always comes back to Italian and Mexican cuisine, and what it really means to cook with confidence (hint: it has nothing to do with being perfect). We also get into her move back to San Francisco, the neighborhood spots she loves, and why she believes the city has never been more alive. And then there's the midlife conversation — the one I think so many of us need to have. Amanda is refreshingly honest about what this season of life actually offers: clarity, freedom, and the radical permission to finally chase your own desires instead of everyone else's. Follow Amanda on Instagram: @amandahaascooks and find her recipes, live cooking shows, and community on Substack at Amanda Haas. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. You can also follow on Instagram at: @thegomesguide. And if you love the podcast, I'd be so grateful if you left a review — it really helps others discover the show. Support the show

  6. Apr 28

    From Lawyer to Travel Writer: How Jen Ruiz Built a Life Around Travel

    What happens when you stop chasing the “perfect” life and start building one that actually feels like yours? Jen Ruiz did just that. While working full-time as an attorney, she challenged herself to take 12 trips in 12 months—and that decision changed everything. In this episode, we talk about how Jen turned that experiment into a career as an award-winning travel journalist, best-selling author, 3x Tedx speaker, and the woman behind Jen on a Jet Plane. She shares what the transition from law really looked like and how she built a sustainable business around travel. We also get into her next big project: a cross-country road trip along the historic Lincoln Highway, where she’s exploring a bigger question—can a road built to unite us still do that today? Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenonajetplane.  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. You can also follow on Instagram at: @thegomesguide. And if you love the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it really helps others discover the show. Support the show Support the show

  7. Apr 14

    National Parks Road Trip with Teens: Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Glacier

    If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a classic American road trip through the national parks with your family, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast, Shannon sits down with her friend Julie to talk about an unforgettable two-week road trip through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Park—with three kids, including teens, in tow. Julie shares how they planned their route, where they stayed (from glamping tents to a HomeExchange in Montana), and the simple traditions that made the trip so special—from playing the license plate game and asking conversation questions in the car, to blasting Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” at the halfway point of every drive. They also dive into practical tips for planning a national parks itinerary, including how far in advance to book, why visiting ranger stations is a game-changer, and how to keep teens engaged on long travel days. Along the way, the family experienced incredible wildlife sightings, swam in alpine lakes in the Tetons, and even soaked in hot springs under the stars in Montana. If you’re planning a national parks road trip—or just want inspiration for meaningful family travel—this episode is packed with ideas. ----- If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Gomes Guide on Substack for more travel inspiration, tips, and stories. And if you love the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it really helps others discover the show. Support the show

  8. Apr 7

    The San Francisco Experience I Can’t Stop Thinking About with Gregangelo Herrera

    In this episode, Shannon Gomes sits down with Gregangelo Herrera—artist, storyteller, and founder of the Gregangelo Museum in the Balboa Terrace neighborhood of San Francisco—a one-of-a-kind immersive art house that blends creativity, storytelling, and human connection in the most unexpected ways. Born and raised in San Francisco, Gregangelo shares what it was like growing up in the city during a time of cultural change, and how those experiences shaped his life’s work. We talk about how his home evolved from a crumbling rental into a San Francisco landmark, why he calls himself a “chronic collaborator,” and how art can bring people together in a way that feels especially needed right now. We also dive into his upcoming immersive experience at the Haas-Lilienthal House—“Earthquake: Shaken, But Standing Strong”—which brings history, storytelling, and emotion together in a powerful way. This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about creativity, connection, and rediscovering our sense of curiosity. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover: Growing up in San Francisco in the 70s and 80s  The evolution of the Gregangelo Museum into a landmark cultural space  Why we lose our childlike sense of creativity—and how to get it back  The power of in-person connection in a digital world  How immersive art experiences can spark real human connection  The story behind the upcoming “Earthquake” experience 🎟️ Mentioned in This EpisodeGregangelo Museum “Earthquake: Shaken, But Standing Strong” immersive experience 🌉 Connect + FollowIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow The Gomes Guide Podcast and share it with someone who loves discovering unique travel and cultural experiences. You can also find more stories like this, plus travel recommendations and tips on the weekly The Gomes Guide newsletter on Substack.  Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey. From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home. Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meaningful travel. Listeners are invited to subscribe for fresh ideas, insider tips, and destination inspiration delivered each week.   Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast celebrates connection, community, and the joy of experiencing new places through food and travel.  

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Gomes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast

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