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In the mountains where France, Italy, and Switzerland meet, viticulture geeks are fighting to preserve endangered grapes for future generations.

Innovative placemakers are infusing this old industrial city with stylish, new life.

72 Hours With a Portland Local

How to Taste the Best Artisan Foods from Around the World

Chris Walker and Morgan Hartley spent three months cycling through central Asia as part of an 18-month bike trip. Here is part one of five of their account, in which their trip is almost thwarted from the start.

One traveler returns to Laos.

Overview

On this week’s episode of Unpacked, we explore one of the world’s most diverse cities—which didn’t really start out that way.

You haven’t truly had a Belgian waffle until you’ve eaten at San Antonio’s Belgian Sweets. Based on an 18th-century recipe, the waffles here feature special pearl sugar and brioche-style pastry dough leavened with yeast, resulting in a seriously sweet treat. Toppings include Nutella, strawberries, spiced-gingerbread spread, and fresh whipped cream, while specialty options range from the La Tatin (topped with caramelized apples and vanilla ice cream) to the La Dame Blanche (vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream). You’ll also find Neuhaus chocolates here, as well as a rotating selection of desserts and some lighter lunch options.

La Paletteria pops with a rainbow of popsicles. There are a variety of water, cream and yogurt based options including regional fruit like Guanabana and Lulo. Pistachio and Nutella became my crack for my time in Cartagena and I returned daily for this refreshing savory/sugary snack.

In my experience, it’s never the wrong time to sit down on a patio and enjoy a cupcake (or several), and that’s just the kind of thing that Dalia Dogmuch and Racil Chalhoub had in mind when they decided to bring their talents to Dubai. There are currently 14 flavors to choose from, including the ‘Kitsch Special Nutella Cupcake.’ Plus, you’ve got to love the name, right?

Apparently I had been living under a rock, because I had not heard of the Cronut - the latest baked sensation to sweep Manhattan. It’s a doughy delight croissant/donut half-breed, and it’s finally come to LA! I found them at the unassuming DK Donuts in Santa Monica (16th & SM Blvd.) where a sweet family has been making naughty donuts for decades. The son came home from NY with the discovery and momma created a west coast recipe. (So close the original chef placed a cease and desist order on the name, so here they’re the O’Nut.) Tons of flavors (Nutella!) and even more calories. And they aren’t cheap, at $5 a pop, be sure to bring your wallet with your sweet tooth. Delish.

The Crème Brûlée Cart has three locations in SF, the most convenient location being in the financial district at Market and Sansome. Their first bricks and motar location is on Folsom. The cart also makes appearances at food truck events like Off The Grid. I can’t get enough of the inventive flavours like Nutella + Strawberry; S’mores and more! Of course, there’s the classic flavours for the traditionalists. One of my favourite food trucks and eats in San Francisco.

When this wine country–style restaurant opened in the Laguna Hills in 2016, it was instantly embraced by locals. Maybe it’s the hillside location—no bikinis in sight—that allows diners to breathe easy and indulge. Maybe it’s the warm wood-clad dining room with its lively open kitchen. Or maybe it’s the craft cocktails and 25-plus international wines poured by the glass. Regardless, Ironwood is not the place to come while on a diet. The biggest reason: the house-made giant meatball, served with fresh, made-from-scratch herb pappardelle, spicy pomodoro sauce, and ricotta salata. Limited numbers are made each night, so it’s worth going early (the dinner-only restaurant opens each evening at 5 p.m.). The menu also features American Wagyu burgers, mac and cheese skillets, and pork shanks with fried green tomatoes and fresh burrata—plus colorful, palate-cleansing salads incorporating handpicked local ingredients. When the weather’s good, a retractable roof is pulled back from the heated patio to reveal views of the picturesque Saddleback Mountains. Must-order: the warm fromage blanc brownie with Nutella ice cream.

How good is the brunch at the Thomas in downtown Napa? So good that sometimes I wake up on a Sunday morning thinking about their banana and nutella-stuffed French toast or the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado...with an egg on top, of course) and will drive from San Francisco just to satisfy my craving. Formerly known as Fagiani’s, the restaurant was taken over by NYC chef Brad Farmerie and the amazing design can be credited to the brilliant team at Avroko. It would be sinful to leave brunch without ordering one of the excellent Bloody Mary’s. In the warmer months, ask to be seated on the roof and enjoy the views of the Napa River.