| |
|
|
|
| |
Good Eats The combination of food and travel creates the most delicious memories. Here are some of my favorite dining experiences, in no particular order. You won't find fancy, five-star restaurants listed. These are the places that had the captivating combination of time, place, food and atmosphere to create a truly special meal.
|
Chiang Mai, Thailand
For excellent northern Thai cuisine, make your way to Huen Phen for dinner. The restaurant is set in an old house liberally decorated with Thai arts, crafts and antiques. This was hands-down our favorite meal during our two weeks in Thailand. Whatever you choose from the menu, order sticky rice with it.
@ 112 Ratchamankha Road.
|
|
|
|
Wachau Valley, Austria
Follow the Danube River northwest of Vienna and you will find yourself in this beautiful, historic and fertile valley. While famous for its vineyards, the valley is also known for producing apricots (marillen). Visit here in early summer when the apricots are ripe and you are in for a treat. Every restaurant, bakery and cafe is cooking and baking with apricots. You'll find marillenstrudel (thin layers of rolled pastry baked with an apricot filling), marillenkuchen (apricot cake), and marillenknoedel (apricot dumplings). We couldn't get enough! Our B&B host gave us a jar of her homemade apricot preserves to take home.
@ Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems.
|
|
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Seafood in Croatia is fresh, simply-prepared and delicious. Our favorite dining spot in old town Dubrovnik is Rozarij, tucked away on a quiet corner with tables outside on the steps.
@ Prijeko 2.
|
|
Korcula, Croatia
For outstanding grilled fish, go to Adio Mare in old town Korcula. This small restaurant is located on the first floor of an old stone house with bouganvillea bursting over the top of the wall. You are seated at long wooden communal tables; the open kitchen is at one end of the room. The wait can be long, so arrive early.
@ Sv. Roka 2 near Marco Polo's house.
|
|
|
|
|
Oslo, Norway
For one of the simplest and definitely the cheapest meals in Olso, go to the harbor and look for the fishing boats. Fishermen sell bags of freshly boiled shrimp (ferske reker) right off the boat. Sit harborside and enjoy!
@ Rådhus and Aker Brygge.
|
|
|
|
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Brown cafés are an Amsterdam tradition (so named for their tobacco smoke-stained walls) and one of the most appealing we found is Het Molenpad. With tasty food and laid-back charm, you are in for a good meal so sit back and relax. In summer, tables are set out on a canalside terrace.
@ Prinsengracht 653.
|
For the best Belgian-style frites outside of Belgium, head to Vleminckx. In business since 1887, they've had time to build a following so there will be a line. No matter how long the wait, it will be worth it for you will be rewarded with a paper cone full of salty, crispy potato perfection (served with mayonnaise on the side).
@ Voetboogstraat 31.
|
|
|
|
|
's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), The Netherlands
On a day trip by train to Maastricht, we made a quick stop in Den Bosch for one reason: a Bosche Bol. It is a pastry about the size of a softball, filled with whipped cream and covered with dark chocolate. The Jan de Groot bakery, famous for its bollen, is only one block away from the train station.
@ Stationsweg 24.
|
|
Paris, France
There is no shortage of opinions on where to eat in Paris and I am not about to compete with all the Paris guidebooks out there. My suggestion is to set aside the guidebooks and instead find a busy café near your hotel. Visit often and become one of the locals. On our last visit to Paris, we found such a place: Cave la Bourgogne. We ate there regularly (good meals every time) and by the end of the week the waiter was greeting us with a wink and smile.
@ 144 rue Mouffetard, 5th arrondissement.
|
|
|
|
If you feel like getting off the beaten track in Paris, visit the Canal Saint-Martin area in the 10th arrondissement where you can spend a leisurely couple of hours on a canal cruise. (The canal will look familiar if you've seen the movie 'Amelie'.) For a truly unique treat, stop in at Centre Cultural Pouya. Order a dish of Persian ice cream and enjoy the aromatic flavors of rosewater, pistachio and saffron.
@ 48 bis quai des Jemmapes, in a nondescript building, 10th arrondissement.
|
Aix-en-Provence, France
Walk along the grand Cours Mirabeau and you will come upon the VitamFruits stand selling frozen fresh fruit drinks. Make mine a pamplemousse menthe, s'il vous plait! When the temperature soars, nothing is more refreshing.
@ Le Cours Mirabeau near La Rotonde fountain.
|
|
|
Kinsale, Ireland
In the super-cute town of Kinsale, The Bulman can't be beat for good pub food and seaside atmosphere. Inside is a relaxed, informal setting for a superb meal or a drink. On balmy evenings, patrons sit outside by the seawall and watch the sunset over Kinsale Harbour. Beautiful.
@ Summercove near Charles Fort.
|
|
|
|
|
Fort Myers, Florida
Tucked in an unremarkable strip mall is an unexpected surprise - a delightful french restaurant. The French Bakery serves breakfast and lunch as well as an enticing selection of breads and pastries. Owner Serge greets his customers with a smile (and a hug for his regulars). Check the blackboard for daily specials.
@ 12901-22 McGregor Boulevard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chocolate lovers, do not miss this! Renowned pastry chef and chocolatier Norman Love's headquarters and store are conveniently located near the Fort Myers airport. Pick up a box (or two or three) of his heavenly chocolate creations for your flight and be the envy of everyone around you.
@ 11380 Lindbergh Boulevard.
|
|
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
After several hours of hiking in Olympic National Park, nothing tastes better than a crisp cameo apple (Washington-grown!) while sitting at the shore of Lake Crescent.
@ Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.
|
|
|
|
Kauai, Hawaii
If you are heading to the north shore, stop in at Banana Joe's Fruitstand for a fruit frosty, a refreshing drink of 100% fruit and just the right treat as you make your way to laze on the beach or hike the Kalalau Trail.
Check out my t-shirt for more info.
|
| |
