The popular shopping center in Nice is at the Place Massena. You will know you arrived there when you stepped on the checkered tiles. From there, you can explore the near by streets for more stores as well. The better part is that the tram goes through the place, so you will never be lost.
Light, colorful, decadent, bursts of flavor. These French Macarons are produce vibrant kaleidoscope explosions on your taste buds! Each made with precision and expertise, the Pierre Herme macarons are one of a kind. Flavors like pistachio, raspberry, rose, litchi, caramel, cassis, chocolate, vanilla, and foie gras (the ever famous French duck liver) line the windows. Definitely a spot to try if your are taking a walk in the St. Germain district of Paris.
Try something different and experience wildlife on board a traditional Icelandic schooner operated by North Sailing Húsavík.The crew is fun and very knowledgeable. They take you to Lundey, the Puffin Island, as well as the traditional whale watching areas. While on the tour we saw over 10 humpback whales, a few Minkey whales, dolphins, puffins and other arctic birds including Northern gannets which are the largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, with a wingspan of up to 2 meters. It was a gorgeous day too. It was an unforgettable experience and something I would do again and again. At the end of the trip the Captain is offering hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls.
Smokehouse Grill is a true novelty in the hospitality scene of Delhi. It's an absolute treat for beef-starved tourists in India. It’s one of the very few places in Delhi that has started serving India’s holy animal on a plate. Aside from the tantalizing steak dishes, the vivacious ambiance and live house music completes this lounge/bar. Prices are on the high end, but it’s well worth it when a night on the town is in order. The martinis and classic cocktails are made well, so do give those a try. There are two floors, but the top floor is generally reserved for VIP guests or private parties. Although there is no cover charge, do make reservations, or you might be waiting ages for a table! There is no set dance floor, but you’ll see plenty of youngsters groovin’ to the hottest house/lounge beats at the bar. It’s considered one of the swanky, upscale lounge bars of Delhi, so naturally you will find that the crowd consists of foreigners, expats, and a wealthy local crowd. It’s located right next to Kuki Bar in Greater Kailash II, in Masjid Moth.
Devout foodies flock to the hawker stands in Singapore, one of the world's cleanest cities. Check out the tasty Hainanese Chicken Rice at the famous Maxwell Food Centre; you'll want to find the Tian Tian stall. Explore the other stands and salivate over the combination of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European flavors with such items as barbecue pork, steamed pork buns, fish cakes, and Hokkien mee (seafood pasta infused with special flavors). —Susan Sparks This appeared in the August/September 2013 issue. Image: William Cho/Flickr
If you ever go to the Evergreen Brickworks, make sure you stop by for a breakfast sandwich at Cafe Belong. You'll get a fresh buttermilk biscuit, eggs and herbs. It's fresh, it's flavourful and you can eat it right by a pond in one of the best spots in the city. That said, if you want a full-on brunch or dinner, Cafe Belong has a wonderful patio on site.
A short drive from the picturesque fishing village of Cadaques and Dalí's House Museum in Port Lligat, Cap de Creus is one of my favorite places in Spain when it comes to natural beauty. Sweeping views of the ocean from atop the cliffs are even better after a lunch of fresh seafood paella, the catch of the day-baked, grilled or fried, or the restaurant's surprisingly tasty Indian eats.
A short trip from Barcelona via bus or car, explore Besalú's medieval old town. Cross its restored 11th century bridge into a picturesque village with cobblestone streets. Shop for handmade trinkets or stop off for a meal or a drink in bars and restaurants offering traditional Catalan fare. While you're there, be sure to stop off and see Besalú's historic synagogue and Jewish ritual baths.
Junk-Garage’s outpost on the Tokyo Ramen Street in the basement of Tokyo Station is a great place to taste the shop’s gut-busting, messy creations. The owners of Junk-Garage invented “junk”style ramen—soup-less noodles piled high with well, junk: stewed pork, cheese, spicy shrimp mayonnaise, and seabura (rendered pork fat). Photo by Daroldhiga/Flickr. Tokyo Ichiban-gai B1, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
This grand avenue in Paris was named Les Champs Elysees in 1694. Until the early 19th century, it led through open country. Today, it is within the center of this beautiful city. The Champs Elysees leads from the Place de ls Concorde up to the Arc de Triomphe.This photo was taken from the top of the Arc de Triomphe and the view looks down the avenue to the Place de la Concord. Paris celebrates big events on Les Champs. The most notable was the celebration at the end of World War II. The New Year's Eve party is held up and down the avenue and all major events are held there as well. This famous street's sidewalks are lined with huge trees, luxury shops, theaters, night clubs, and little cafes. Since this broad avenue is one of Paris' top tourist attractions, I had to get out and stroll the Champs Elysees. Shopping was a real adventure since the elegant shops are top quality and very luxurious. I did a lot of window shopping. This day would not be complete without a stop at an outdoor cafe for some lunch. While relaxing, I enjoyed people watching. Everyone seemed pleasantly happy. The weather was perfect - a balmy day with bright sunshine. I listened to the city sounds of cars and buses passing, people chatting, and birds singing in the trees overhead. What a great time I had on Les Champs Elysses. You know this is a "must do" in Paris. Any of the major guidebooks can give you more info and facts on this Paris attraction.
Molly's Cupcakes on Bleeker has thick, frosting-full treats in favorite flavors. The best, however, is their custom-creations, where you can pick the cake and frosting combination from about 6 choices. My personal favorite is the banana cake with brown butter frosting...prepare for a sugar rush! Even open late on weekends!
Adorning the Húsavík harbour front, Restaurant Gamli Baukur specializes in food from local produce. The fish comes straight from boats landing their catch in Húsavík and from local fish farms. Meat and vegetable is from farms in the region. Restaurant Gamli Baukur is a replica of a house which was built in 1843 and destroyed in a fire in 1960. It was a renowned local restaurant from 1884 until 1904. The present Gamli Baukur is built from driftwood found along the nearby shoreline. Like its predecessor, Gamli Baukur is popular among residents as a gathering place to enjoy music and refreshments. We got the Arctic char and it was absolutely delicious, resembles salmon a bit but lighter, I always find salmon to fatty and overpowering for taste. This was just perfect.
The Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant serves housemade granola, ginger scones, and seasonal fruit strudels in a cabin built in 1937. Wood-fired pizzas, with toppings such as squash and prosciutto, stand out on the dinner menu, and the blackberry shortcake is a dessert favorite. Occasional summer barbecues are worth a pit stop. 47540 Hwy. 1, (831) 667-0520. Photo courtesy of Tara Donne. This appeared in the June/July 2013 issue.
Eating at Mutsumiya is like taking a trip to Hokkaido, an island in northern Japan. They serve the classic Hokkaido miso-based ramen, created with water brought over from Hokkaido. The shop is located on the Tokyo Ramen Street, a collection of ramen restaurants in a basement hallway of Tokyo station. It’s a great place to taste a traditional Hokkaido style ramen without leaving Tokyo. Tokyo Ichiban-gai B1, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.
During our travels to Macedonia, I was eager to escape the nation's hectic capital city of Skopje to visit the serene Matka Canyon, which is 30 minutes’ away by car. To get there, we traversed a countryside composed of rolling verdant hills and dotted with cherry-red poppy flowers and the minarets of mosques. Given our short time in Skopje, we wouldn’t be able to go on some of Macedonia Experience’s signature excursions – namely a 14-km. hiking trip from Skopje’s Millennium Cross to the Matka Canyon, a butterfly-spotting walk, their active tours, or their ethnological excursions to meet villagers. Nevertheless, we were eager to visit the Matka Canyon, a natural escape that’s so popular with Skopje residents, especially on weekends. Swapping honking horns for a symphony of chirping birds, we arrived to our wooded retreat. We made a short stop into a tiny, centuries’ old Eastern Orthodox church. Then, hopping into a small boat near the church, we headed off to the Vrelo Cave, 3 km. away. On the way, we passed a canoeing couple, rugged rocks, and lush, spring foliage. The air was cool and invigorating. An underwater portion of the cave is attracting interest from scientists, some of whom think it’s the deepest in the world. So far, it only holds the title of being the deepest in the Balkans, and the second deepest in Europe. Details: http://triciaannemitchell.com/2013/06/05/the-perfect-skopje-excursion-exploring-macedonias-matka-canyon/
One of the best-kept secrets in NYC (secret from tourists, that is) is the Burger Joint. The entrance is almost completely hidden behind floor-to-ceiling, Oz-like velvet curtains in the lobby of the upscale Le Parker Meridien hotel. The Burger Joint is the exact opposite of what you'd expect to find in a luxury hotel - this no-frills dive features graffiti covered wood paneling, cheap vinyl seats and a cluttered, shack-like environment. It's a tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot for burger enthusiasts. Go for the fun, offbeat experience of it and order their signature burger "with the works" and crispy fries. It's a cheap thrill - burgers are about $8 - but go off-hours otherwise you'll stand in line. (Another alternative is to call ahead for pick up.) Also, cash only! 119 West 56th Street
I always go to SP Chicken for Issan-style food, which is the food of northeast Thailand. Go with a group of friends so you can order more and try everything. The chef here makes exemplary kai yang, roasted chicken. You’ll see it cooking slowly over the flames on a vertical spit beside a wall of charcoal. The chicken is stuffed with seasoning like garlic and lemongrass. It definitely takes center stage on the menu. —Andy Ricker Photo by Suwa320/Flickr. 31/1 Sri Phum Road, no phone. This appeared in the May 2013 issue
I had already begged a woman to write down the name of her ground—what, pork?—dish that first melted my brain. She scratched a couple Thai words on my notepad. Later, I learned she’d written “lunch.” Bangkok’s street food astounded, but I’d known it would. To visit is to know that the city’s tastiest dishes are served in the gutter. This wisdom I carried one sticky evening into an Internet café that smelled like Windex and lime. I pointed at some words on a menu and grabbed a plastic chair. One minute you’re refreshing your browser, the next you’re rethinking your values, your world, because of this soft-shell crab that’s appeared. Crispy, light, hot, tangy, weird—I don’t know what was happening in my mouth, but suddenly I saw the next level of street food, and it was bathed in fluorescent lights and tapping of keys. I’ve had good food since. Not as good. This appeared in the August/September 2013 issue. Image: Rigmarole/Flickr
I’m an early riser and I like to go to Talaat Meuang Mai at around 7 a.m. to see one of the most interesting and active wet markets in Thailand. You’ll find food vendors selling produce, meat, fish, poultry, and groceries. Look out for a stall selling jok and khao tom (rice porridge and rice soup, respectively), a typical Thai breakfast that is both filling and delicious but will not drag you down for the day like a typical western breakfast. —Andy Ricker Photo by Yasuo Kida/Flickr. This appeared in the May 2013 issue
I decided I wanted to turn 30 on a stretch of beach, alone, with nothing but the wind and the waves to comfort me during what was a very confusing time. A dear friend had just died and I really didn't know how I felt about THIRTY. I'd heard it would be the new 20 but I remained unconvinced preceding the actual fateful birthday. February being an unpredictable month I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked an out-of-the-way slice of ocean a way from downtown San Juan yet technically still within the city limits. I couldn't have more completely gotten everything I wanted if I had invented the place in my head and physically willed it into being. Hosteria del Mar was not empty but yet quiet enough to feel as if it was my own. My beautiful turquoise and white room was comfortable without being cloying and the staff were similar; there when I needed them, not around when I didn't. Seemingly every meal I ate alone with the sound of the waves to comfort me. In the afternoon, there were kite surfing instructors to tempt me with lessons but not in an agressive way. The sun never left me, whether bright overhead or drifting through the sheer curtains which gently moved in and out, in and out in my room along with the breeze. It's not a luxurious place, it's simple and peaceful with the bare necessities. It's a perfect getaway for a person alone and in need of real rest. It is not near enough to anything of consequence without a long walk, so prepare to rent a car or bicycle.
You know you have found Tian Tian at the Maxwell Road Food Center when you see the line of people waiting for tender chicken. If there is one dish that can be considered the national dish of Singapore - this is it. The chicken is boiled until it is ready to fall off the bone. The water is used for the rice, allowing the rice to soak in the flavor of the chicken. The condiments are key though - each person chooses their own combination of sweet and spicy to flavor their chicken rice. A tour of Singapore is just not complete until trying to dish, and Tian Tian is the place to do it.
Spice Rout is a heavenly experience where deep colors meet exotic spices. Located in the grand Imperial Hotel, I found the restaurant to be one of the most visually stunning places I’ve ever seen. Restaurants in 5-star hotels are generally known to display lavish and extravagant decor, but this restaurant is on a whole new level. It feels as if you have walked into a dark forest with rich gold branches and heavenly waterfalls, and a pervasive aroma of mysterious spices to match. It’s an escape into nature. And it’s not as if the stunning decor is trying to compensate for the poor quality of food. The food is absolutely scrumptious, offering food from all the places that fell under the ancient spice route, from the Malabar Coast of Kerala to the shores of Thailand. I think it’s one of the very few restaurants in Delhi that has amazing Keralan food. The restaurant is really romantic, making it a perfect place for a date. It is very upscale and they are quite serious about implementing a strict dress code. It’s even rated as one of the top restaurants by Condé Nast Traveler. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience!
The Farm is at once a relaxed, down-to-earth night out, and a surreal dining experience. Adding to the allure of the place are the botanical gardens, waterways and lakes that surround the dining areas, giving you a sense of connection to nature—a theme of the cuisine as well. The atmosphere reminds me of the sensibilities of Napa Valley, but set in the heart of the desert. Photo courtesy of The Farm Dubai.
The Noodle Box started life as a street cart in Victoria and now has eight restaurants on the island alone. The never-fail lunch spot has everything from gluten-free noodle to ghost chillis laced boxes and chilled glasses of mead.
The St.Lawrence Market is one of my favorite spots in the city. Housing over 120 speciality vendors, it's a perfect place for picking up ingredients for a picnic or light supper. I was able to taste local in every category I wanted. Cheeses from Ontario and Quebec, local wineries, seafood featuring fresh catch and baked goods-my beloved butter tart. There's an international flavor to the market that reflects the city itself, and the Saturday Farmer's Market provides a chance to see the best in Southern Ontario growers. Sundays the antique vendors line the outdoor areas with unique wares. When you've made your selection from the dizzying array of choices, head over to Sugar Beach and enjoy your meal at the revitalized waterfront.
I love the Australian outback, it's a big place but in and around it are small pockets of human existence and history. Parachilna or 'patajilnda' to use the Aboriginal word is no exception. Surveyed in 1863, and located on the railway line and road between Port Augusta and Leigh Creek, today it's claim to fame is the Prairie Hotel. All that remains of the town is a derelict railway station, a dirt airstrip and a few buildings. It's a great spot to stay if you want to explore the Flinders Ranges National Park which is literally at it's doorstep, as well as Arkaroola and the Gammon Ranges, the Leigh Creek coal mine and Lake Torrens which are close as well. At night you can sit in front of a blazing fire in an old oil drum plonked in front of the hotel and surrounded by a odd collection of chairs, logs and other places to sit. The sunsets are magnificent, the company jolly and the hotel food, famous for it's Road Kill platter, which is excellent. This view, from the front of the hotel, looks past the old station out toward the west.
When we decided to spend a long weekend in "Zihua" we wanted a hotel with great views, conveniently located near a beach, and within walking distance of town. Casa Que Canta delivered these in addition to a tasty good restaurant with helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly service. The hotel sits on a hill overlooking the bay and is a 1 min walk to Playa Ropa where you can hang on the beach. We stayed in #11 and the photo captures part of our view. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The floral arrangements that are left every eve are thoughtful. Overall, this hotel combines comfort and personal touches that make the experience feel like luxury and t-shirt/flip-flops go hand in hand. Definitely worth staying here when you come to Zihuatanejo.
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