Diana Laskaris

In Americas

Philly Food Finds

Philly Food For Everyone

Finding the best Philly food can keep you busy for a long time. We had just a couple of days to scour the City of Brotherly Love for the tastiest treats we could discover. Lucky for you, we did it! From Fishtown to South Philly to Center City and more, we took to the streets. Although we’re sure that you can find something to please everyone, the choices may be overwhelming. To make your decisions easier, we share a few suggestions from the best Philly cheesesteak to unique ethnic Philadelphia restaurants so you can make the most of your visit.

Delicious Donuts

Life is short, so let’s start with my favorite sweet for any time – donuts! As you would expect Philly food options include several places that are well-known for their versions of the heavenly holy treat.

Federal Donuts

If you can only make it to one donut spot, make this the one. Federal Donuts is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov and a few of his closest allies. As you might expect, their elevated creations have taste levels that are simply off the charts. We tried some of their most unique flavors like grapefruit brûlée, banoffee (banana toffee) and turtle. Each one is more delicious than the next. For an extra special treat, you can get a fresh “hot” donut made to order. Literally, the warm cinnamon sugar-covered dough ring of pleasure comes into your hand and you think of nothing else.

But you really should. Because Federal Donuts also serves amazingly crispy double-fried chicken with your choice of spice blends and freshly brewed coffee. There are several locations so you should be able to feed your need all over town.

We’d also like to tell you about a sister project of Federal Donuts. The idea for The Rooster was originally hatched as a way to use the leftover parts of chicken from Federal Donuts to make soup sold to support a local nonprofit organization. The restaurant, now focused on deli-style food, has grown to support thousands of folks in need every year.

Beiler’s Doughnuts

Beiler’s Doughnuts is another great choice. If you go to Reading Terminal Market, you’ll know Beiler’s by the line of people that runs down the aisle. When you sneak a peek, you’ll see the doughnuts being formed, baked, filled and frosted right before your very eyes. It really doesn’t get any fresher than this.

While we can ease your search for where to buy delicious donuts, we can’t help you narrow down the many flavors. Beiler’s has a ridiculous number of creative and classic options. We couldn’t resist the Blueberry fritter and classic glazed. You can try such offerings as chocolate fruity pebbles, caramel apple, key lime or maple nut creme. The line moves fast so if you’re not sure, try a few!

Favorite Philly Foods

Any discussion of Philadelphia food has to include certain iconic items. We’re pretty sure that fist fights may have erupted over who has the best Philly cheesesteak. Philly food also offers a unique twist (pardon the pun) on a favorite snack like the soft pretzel. Whether you want to try Italian “water ice” or grab a fresh hot bagel, Philly food has you covered.

Soft Pretzels

Traveling with Sue is like having a separate set of tastebuds that dance to a German beat. Soft pretzels from Bavaria have their own special place of honor. But we were thrilled to learn that the soft pretzels in Philadelphia also occupy a unique place in the hearts of Philly food lovers.

We literally walked off the plane and into the airport when we saw the Philly Pretzel Factory sign. This seemed a clear signal to us that we should begin our taste testing right away. Who are we to say no to the universe?

Philadelphia Pretzel Factory Food Travelist Philly Food — Philadelphia Pretzel Factory

The unique thing about these pretzels is that they are not big and wide twists like the Bavarian style pretzels as big as your head. Soft, light and chewy, they are rather small and scrunched in shape. This means they make a perfect snack. You don’t need to figure out how to wrap the rest up to save for a later time. There are three different choices of mustard you can top your pretzel with if you like – yellow, brown, or hot. If you’re looking for more than a snack, you can find sandwiches, pretzel dogs and other filling ways to enjoy the pretzel dough.

Miller's Twist Pretzels Philadelphia Philly Food — Miller’s Twist Pretzels

In the Reading Terminal Market, Miller’s Twist offers another option for soft pretzels. These are more traditional in shape and you can watch them being made fresh by the Amish bakers at their station.

The Best Philly Cheesesteak Debate

No self-respecting food travel writers would be able to go to Philadelphia and not consider the cheesesteak. We are no exception. We talked with several people, both locals and expert visitors to get their various opinions. If you don’t know, a Philly cheesesteak at its core is a long roll filled with sliced beef. It often comes with cheese (or Cheez Whiz), onions, peppers or any other various assortments of toppings.

Philly Cheesesteak Philly Food — Philly Cheesesteak

Most histories of the Philly cheesesteak trace its beginnings to Pat and Henry Olivieri, a hot dog vending pair of brothers, who got tired of dogs and made a “frizzled beef” sandwich like those they had back in Italy. When Pat sat enjoying his sandwich one day, a cabbie driving by found the smell irresistible and asked Pat to make him one. He loved it and suggested that Pat had a future beyond the hot dog. Pat’s King of Steaks was born and the rest, as they say, is history.

As with many great ideas, success begets competition. Along with Pat’s, there are many others creating their own versions of the iconic sandwich. Geno’s, Tony Luke’s, Campo’s Deli, Dalessandro’s, Jim’s and Shank’s Original all have their raving fans. Steve’s Prince of Steaks pays homage to Pat’s with its tongue-in-cheek reverential name. But Steve’s has carved its own place in history. Working with Amoroso’s Bakery in 2015 they broke the world record for the longest cheesesteak sandwich – a mind-boggling 480 feet!

Go With A Winner

Rather than jump into the fray, we decided (as we often do) to take a different approach. We took an Uber ride to John’s Roast Pork, a shack in South Philly that our driver, surprised at our venturing off the beaten path, acknowledged as where the locals go. Pleased with ourselves, we got in the long line. Funny about little places like John’s. The locals know it, but sometimes, others do too. In this case John’s, now run by third-generation John Bucci, Jr., has a James Beard Foundation Award medal hanging on its wall. The Bucci family earned top honors as one of America’s Classics. So, figuring that if they could make a tasty pork sandwich, they were probably capable of doing a pretty good Philly cheesesteak too. Guess what? We were right. We shared one of each and now understand why this is a local favorite.

Philly Food John's Roast Pork Sandwich — John’s Roast Pork Sandwich

If you have the time, we’d recommend you try a variety of Philly cheesesteaks. Each will have its proponents and you’ll have to decide for yourself. One other hot sandwich spot that had a long line is DiNic’s Roast Pork in Reading Terminal Market. You can tell how seriously their customers take their sammies just seeing the incredible number of roasts piled up in the morning waiting for the lunchtime crowd and beyond.

Breakfast & Brunch

One of the best things about traveling is that you can eat three meals a day. Sometimes we don’t do that at home. But when we’re out exploring a new destination, you can bet you’ll find us up early checking out what goodies we can eat from morning until night.

Breakfast

We love discovering unlikely spots that challenge expectations. So you won’t be surprised to hear that we had to try breakfast at Pearl’s Oyster Bar. There’s something really fun about moseying up to a long counter with some other hungry folks before they head off for the day. And even better when so many dishes on the menu jump right out at you it’s difficult to choose just one.

Pearl's Crabcake Benedict Philadelphia Food — Pearl’s Crabcake Benedict

Philly Food Pearl's Chicken and Waffles — Pearl’s Chicken and Waffles

So it was at Pearl’s. After struggling with choices like a breakfast po’ boy, shrimp and grits, and creme brûlée French toast, we settled on the crab cake Benedict and chicken and waffles. They were both absolutely delicious. The crab cakes were abundantly full of lump crab. And the buttermilk fried chicken was set off nicely with tangy ranch dressing to counter sweet honey and butter. A perfectly delicious way to start our day.

Other Breakfast Spots

For real breakfast fans, Green Eggs Café might be worth checking out too. There are several locations, but you’ll want to arrive early as the wait can be quite long. The options look tasty and could easily satisfy your choice for either sweet or savory. Short rib Benedict, cookie dough stuffed French toast, huge breakfast burritos, red velvet pancakes, and the kitchen sink skillet struck us as worthy of a try. We also heard wonderful things about Morning Glory Diner, Sabrina’s Café and Spencer’s Too, Cafe La Maude and Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat. There were easily enough A-List recommendations to triple our stay’s worth of breakfasts and then some.

Brunch

As you know, we love exploring the areas of a destination where people actually live. One part of Philly that we decided to venture out to is Fishtown. Boy, are we glad we did! Aside from the wonderful nods to the namesake that appear on doors, trash cans, lights and just about everywhere else, Fishtown has a lot to recommend it as a place to hang out, eat, drink and have fun. Just so you know, the Fishtown neighborhood got its name from its role back in the day as the center of the shad fishing industry along the Delaware River.

Suraya

One of our favorite spots during our visit is the delightfully unassuming Suraya. Part Lebanese restaurant, part market, part Garden of Eden, this neighborhood favorite warrants a long, relaxing visit especially for brunch. A breezy Middle Eastern cornucopia, Suraya is named for the grandmother of two (brother and sister) of the four owners. The ethos is “Levant-inspired” meaning that the food, drinks, desserts, and ambiance are reminiscent of the Eastern Mediterranean of grandma Suraya through which siblings Nathalie Richan and Roland Kassis pay a modern homage.

Labne Suraya Philly Food — Labneh Suraya

Drinks can be surprisingly lovely, such as the Lebanese chai tea with rose petals. Dishes include classics like za’atar manóushe (Lebanese flatbread), soft strained yogurt cheese labneh and traditional hummus as well as modern twists such as hummus with mushrooms, pine nuts and brown butter, which are as delicious as they sound. Of course, there are plenty of desserts such as the rose and pistachio cruller and maámoul to satisfy your sweet tooth too.

Mushroom Hummus Suraya Philladelphia Philly Food — Mushroom Hummus Suraya

Cruller Suraya Philly Food — Cruller Suraya

Ma'amoul Pastry at Suraya Philly Food — Ma’amoul Pastry at Suraya Philly Food

While we were there, some people were enjoying the bar, others dining in the bright and open restaurant and a few were lounging in the back garden. With a relaxing bit of music and the sounds of a water fountain, we could imagine whiling away plenty of time here before buying a treat or two at the Suraya market and heading home. Make sure you call in advance for a spot. This place is deservedly popular so you’ll want to make a reservation well in advance.

Pizza Brain

As long as you’re in Fishtown, walk around a bit and enjoy. There are plenty of ways to and drink your way through the neighborhood. A few of the local favorites include Pizza Brain, where you can get a slice in the fun environment of a “Pizza Museum,” recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the largest collection of pizza memorabilia.

Philly Style Bagels

Of course, if you don’t want everything bagel ice cream, you just might want a real everything bagel. And, as fortune favors the bold, you’ll find those and many other options at Philly Style Bagels. A tiny corner shop loaded with yumminess, PSB offers right-sized bagels (ones you can eat without too much guilt) as well as sandwiches and spreads. There are plenty of vegan options in both bagels and toppings. They also offer special flavored bagels throughout the week. And, if you have a little one with you, they even have kid-sized bagels, which just made us smile.

Other Fishtown Fun

If you have more time to wander around, Fishtown offers a lot more. Frankford Hall is a kind of casual German-ish beer hall with plenty of games like foosball and table tennis. We imagine it’s quite lively at night, so if that’s your scene it looks like it would be plenty of fun – and we heard that the beers are big’uns though we were too full from our wonderful brunch to give them a go.

For coffee lovers seeking a good cuppa joe, you will enjoy visiting the La Colombe Coffee Roasters. The expansive space not only has all the coffee drinks you’ll want, but it also has a cafe with some pretty tasty looking food. You’ll find draft latte, cappuccino, cortado, cold brew and many other options along with teas, pastries, sandwiches and more. The big open space accommodates plenty of people, so you might even make a friend while you’re there.

Johnny Brenda’s is another notable spot in Fishtown. We first heard about this dining and music venue from the driver bringing us in from the airport. They serve a full menu all the way until 1 am, so if you’re up for late night antics, you’ll want to check in and see who’s playing. There’s also a downstairs, a back room and happy hour specials. Lots of local bands love to play there too so you can get a real taste of the Philly music scene along with something tasty.

Lunch

Options for lunching on Philly food are only limited by your imagination. From sit down luxury to grab-n-go casual, you will find something delicious to enjoy all over the city.

Dutch Eating Place

Thinking about where food and culture collide, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Amish population of Pennsylvania Dutch you may have heard about. Especially if you visit (and we highly recommend you do!) the amazing Reading Terminal Market, you will see several Amish merchants, many of whom are wearing a version of traditional Amish clothing. We’ve previously mentioned Miller’s Twist soft pretzels and Beiler’s doughnuts, which are both Amish establishments. For a hearty lunch, you can’t do better than Dutch Eating Place. You may have to stand in line for a few minutes, but it moves quickly and the food is worth the wait.

Dutch Eating Place offers a wonderful array of hearty comfort dishes like a homemade chicken pot pie. They have homemade soups, grilled items, and weekly specials, such as chicken & waffles, pork & sauerkraut, and hot roast beef. But one of the things that we couldn’t resist trying is their hot oven roasted turkey. Having heard about the oversized portions we opted to split a serving. That was a good choice – there was more than enough for two! The turkey was moist and fresh, mashed potatoes were real, the gravy was over everything and we felt like we were having our very own mini-Thanksgiving. Sides included cranberry sauce and coleslaw. Honestly, we were stuffed on half the dish, so keep that in mind when ordering here. Dutch Eating Place is also known for oversized pancakes and a huge apple dumpling. We will have to save those for next time though.

Ethnic Eats

Philadelphia is a great place to enjoy some great ethnic food as well. South Philly is home to the Italian Market on 9th Street. Although it’s probably not quite as Italian as it once was, you can still find plenty of food stalls offering fresh produce, meats, fish, and other goodies. There are also some bakeries, coffee houses, and Italian restaurants to visit nearby. We also stopped into Superior Pasta Company for a look at some seriously authentic looking sauces and prepared pasta dishes like baked ziti and lasagna. Anthony’s Chocolate House and Di Bruno Bros. House of Cheese are stalwarts of the neighborhood, with many years of loyal fans singing their praises.

Philly Food Anthony's Italian Coffee House — Anthony’s Italian Coffee House

For something different, head on over to Philly’s Chinatown. Full of options for Asian eats, the neighborhood has some wonderful art and sculpture as well. We surprisingly discovered an incredible bakery there called Paris Baguette, loaded with beautiful French-inspired creations like cakes, cookies, pastries, and savory items as well. We couldn’t resist strolling down the aisle, smiling at each enchanting mini-masterpiece. A bigger surprise was that Paris Baguette is actually a Korean chain with more than 3,500 locations worldwide. You can enjoy a dose of French-Korean-Chinatown local experience all in one sweet spot

Paris Baguette in Philadelphia Matcha Baguette — Paris Baguette Matcha Baguette

Dinner

As if there aren’t enough choices to make your head spin during the day, decisions about dinner can be downright dizzying. As with many cities rich in history and in food, Philadelphia offers just about anything to suit your fancy. We got tons of recommendations from many locals. Places like Blind Pig, Southernish, Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, Warm Daddy’s, Andy’s Fried Chicken, Dmitri’s, Soul City, Verdi’s, North 3rd, Santucci’s and the list goes on and on.

Barbuzzo

We opted to try the praised and popular Barbuzzo Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar in the fun “Gayborhood” within the fashionable Midtown Village part of town. After a bit of a wait, the host seated us in the busy, buzzing eatery. The restaurant is long and narrow with very dim lighting making it quite cozy. The menu offers an array of intriguing combinations so we decided to try a few different items. We started with some charred asparagus with spelt berries, spring onion, ramp vinegar, and pickled rhubarb, which set the bar for the yumminess to come. Watching the pizzas being made right in front of us in the open kitchen made it impossible not to order one – so we tried the Margherita loaded with San Marzano tomatoes and freshly made cheeses.

The one item everyone told us we had to save room for was a dessert. The salted caramel budino is legendary. With a dark chocolate crust, vanilla bean caramel and creamy custard, it was the perfect finish. Barbuzzo’s owners Marcie Turney and Valery Safran have transformed the area through multiple restaurants and boutiques that are as unique and fun as they are welcoming.

Pizza at Barbuzzo Philly Food — Pizza at Barbuzzo

Sausage at Barbuzzo Philly Food — Sausage at Barbuzzo

Parc

When you walk by the traditional-looking bistro Parc in swanky Rittenhouse Square, you’ll feel like you’re in Paris. The tables outside with chairs facing the park are perfect for people-watching. We even saw more than one dog joining in with their dining companions, completing the authentic scene. Fans of traditional bistro food will be pleased with the well-crafted and recognizable dishes. We opted for a trout almandine and the Saturday special of Filet de Boeuf Rossini, topped with foie gras and a demi-glace sauce. If you are looking to go a bit lighter, there are plenty of seafood and other options. Because the volume of music and people having fun escalates consistently at night, if you’re on the sound-sensitive side we’d recommend booking an outside table or coming earlier in the day. There are plenty of opportunities as Parc also serves breakfast, lunch and midday meals.

Filet of boeuf rossini Parc Philly Food — Filet of boeuf Rossini Parc

Profiteroles at Parc Philly Food — Profiteroles at Parc

Don’t Forget The Drinks!

Another fun part of the fabulous Philly food scene is the vast array of bars and lounges from chic to divey. We popped into a few to get the vibe. El Vez is a brightly-colored, upscale Mexican spot with a huge busy bar sporting a glittering low-rider bike as a centerpiece. Part of the Starr Restaurant Group (that also owns Parc) we hear they have a great happy hour as well.

For elegant but still lively cocktail time, check out Rouge. This attractive restaurant serves full meals as well, but we tested them out on one of our favorite libations, the Old Fashioned. And they did an admirable job. Fun cocktails like the Tokyo Fizz, Italian Breakfast, Kentucky Pope and Bear Trap keep company with classics like the Sazerac, Daiquiri, and Negroni. They also have wine, beer and sparkling to cover all the bases.

When you’re not feeling elegant or swanky or trendy, then you know how we felt during our rainy night out on the town. And what can cheer you up better than a good old fashioned Tiki Bar? That’s right – nothing. Luckily Philadelphia had planned to make us happy and right in the midst of all the cool kids was a perfectly kitschy Tiki bar, with a glowing sign and all the trimmings just waiting for us. Not only were there great Tiki cocktails but at the happy hour, they had some pretty darn good pot stickers too. We loved the hula grass hanging over the bar, the skull candle holder on the table and pufferfish light hanging overhead. No matter how wet you are coming in, by the time you leave you feeling warm and happy.

The Beautiful Bellevue

While I wanted to help you navigate the Philly food scene in this article, I’d be a total loser if I didn’t at least give you a hint about where to stay. The Bellevue Hotel is literally a gorgeous building with an interesting history of its own. Any Food Travelist will feel right at home as you pass by a chocolate shop and see a William-Sonoma store right at the end of the entrance. There’s also a dining court downstairs for the locals who work in the Center City neighborhood. Luminaries have stayed there from J.P. Morgan and Katherine Hepburn to heads of state and U.S. Presidents. There are amenities up the gazoo, salon & spa, sporting club, and Tiffany & Co. included. Oh, yeah, and the rooms are to die for – roomy and elegant.

There’s a Palm Restaurant serving classic steak and lobster and the Tavern on Broad serving cool beer and tasty bites until the wee hours seven days a week.

But XIX Nineteen at the top of the Bellevue really sparkles. There’s a signature restaurant, bar area, and a cafe. What a beautiful place to dine on the gourmet fare or unwind with a drink and watch the sunset or catch the city view. It’s easy to see why many folks choose XIX for their special occasion. And one special occasion we always love to celebrate is afternoon tea. The Bellevue offers our favorite repast on weekends, filled with pastries and scones, those little sandwiches we love and, of course, your choice of excellent loose leaf teas.

In the heart of Philadelphia, surrounded by the amazing presence of America’s historic past, the Bellevue offers a touch of elegance and grace that welcomes and embraces you during your stay.

Tip Of The Philly Food Iceberg

This post is ridiculously long. But you get the idea that deciding what to eat in Philadelphia requires quite a bit of navigation. I hope you find some interesting suggestions here and some leads to other places you will want to try for yourself. If there’s one thing we learned on our visit to Philly, no matter how long you’re there, you could always stay longer and find more to see, eat and do. Iconic items like the Philly cheesesteak are just the tip of the iceberg. We offer you just a little taste of this incredible city and look forward to having you share your own stories of discovery with us.

Our trip was hosted by Visit Philly, as always all opinions we share are our own and reflect our personal experience in the destination.

Pin On Your Philadelphia Travel Board On Pinterest

In Americas

Grand Geneva Fires Up Flavor

By Diana Laskaris

Beautiful and Tasty Grand Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva Wisconsin is a longtime favorite with locals and visitors alike. Especially for folks looking for a quick getaway from Chicago and the surrounding area. When Memorial Day comes around this year, foodies will be flocking to taste the fresh and exciting flavors of chef Nelly Bujele. Combining his Latin American heritage and Midwest upbringing, Chef Nelly is launching a new menu that is sure to please.

Known for its idyllic beauty and easy access to fun activities year round, the expansive Grand Geneva Resort also has many options to thrill food lovers. Chef Nelly’s enthusiasm for sharing his culinary passion is undeniable – and infectious. This joy fills every nook and cranny of the dining experience.

Midwest Roots and Latin Influence

Part of the fun for Chef Nelly in launching the new menu is because he had his first kitchen job as a teenager at the resort. Now he serves as Executive Chef. His love for the place and the flavors of his roots add excitement and modern approaches to the menu.

Chef Nelly’s heritage with roots in Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico play a part in his culinary creativity. He was born in Chicago and moved to Wisconsin as a youngster. Preparing tasty food was also a part of the culture that surrounded him and makes him happy to this day.

Grand New Tastes To Try

The flagship ChopHouse at Grand Geneva is one of Chef Nelly’s playgrounds for showing off his culinary flair. We had the opportunity to try out some of the magic he’s making in the kitchen at a 5-course tasting menu. His creativity and imagination made the dishes not only delicious to eat but full of stories and fun as well.

Seafood

No indulgent meal would be complete without a giant seafood platter. While lobster, king crab, and oysters might required occupants, other elements were surprising and delightful. The shrimp lobster deviled eggs, caviar & umami smoked salmon collars with charred scallion salsa verde tell another story.

Chef Nelly also thrills with a gorgeous bit of wrapped sea bass. Now, very often you’d see a piece of salty prosciutto enrobing the delicate fish. But Chef maintains the delicate flavor of the fish while setting it off with the more subtle saltiness of the paper-thin country ham. Roasted mushrooms, ham broth peas, and pistou add a refined finish to a dish that satisfies those who don’t enjoy strong “fishy” flavors.

Sea bass wrapped in country ham at the Grand Geneva

The impressive platter shows off the classic style you will see all over the Grand Geneva. It’s grand but not showy. And everything is delicious.

Meat

If you’re a meat lover, you’ll want to get in your car and head to Grand Geneva as soon as the new menu arrives. Chef Nelly has devised a gorgeous dry aged cowgirl ribeye that is out of this world. Part of the reason is that Chef Nelly and his culinary team have built a custom art box for the resort to create special whiskey-aged rib steaks. Dry aging breaks down the connective tissue in the beef making it incredibly tender and developing a rich flavor. Smoked marrow butter, loaded marble potatoes and brussels sprouts complete the perfect plate.

Vegetables

Whether you are vegetarian or just want to start your meal with something a bit different, look to some of the vegetable offerings for a wonderful way to get your vitamins. Sweet potatoes, rainbow carrots, cauliflower, beets and other picks of the harvest play a prominent role. Finished with delicate accents such as aromatic salt, pumpkin seed oil and chermoula, the veggies stand with something different to savor in every bite.

Dessert

If you’re going to enjoy the full pleasure of a night out, you simply have to save room for dessert. And what better way to indulge than with a truly classic dessert – Baked Alaska. We love this dessert in its original form, with ice cream and cake surrounded by browned meringue. Chef Nelly takes this already tasty dessert to a whole new level. Creating personal sized domes of deliciousness, he combines chocolate ice cream and chocolate cake with a lovely splash of cherries before enveloping this perfect blend of flavors in an igloo of meringue. Warm on the outside, cool on the inside, Chef Nelly’s interpretation of Baked Alaska adds grand to the Grand Geneva’s sweet ending.

Beverages

While the new menu stimulates the senses, the Grand Geneva’s beverage program is also kicking it up a notch. Wine pairings cover a wide swath. We enjoyed a lovely Sonoma County Belle Glos rosé, Orin Swift Papillon from Napa Valley, and a Chardonnay from Sonoma-Cutrer in the Russian River Valley. The Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley complemented Baked Alaska perfectly.

Creating Special Cocktails at Grand Geneva

Grand Geneva not only has a fabulous wine program, but they have some pretty tasty amped up cocktails as well. One that we tried paid homage to the classic Wisconsin Old-Fashioned that we love so well. But it did so with some high-level Bulleit and a smoked glass rim. We had fun watching the preparation, so not only did we get a fabulous cocktail, which went perfectly with the dry aged ribeye, but we got to enjoy a bit of entertainment as well.

A Creative Old Fashioned at the Grand Geneva

High Energy And Unwinding

Chef Nelly’s new menu is infused with his high energy, infectious love for culinary creativity and brilliant flavor blending. He creates dishes that are fun to see and even more fun to taste and enjoy. We just got a sampling of the items that will be coming out of the Grand Geneva ChopHouse. We’re sure that there will be much more to come all around the many kitchens at the Grand Geneva Resort.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a great place to take the family, enjoy the many restaurants, the local attractions and the many amenities of the resort itself. Remember that if you’re looking to pamper yourself a bit, Grand Geneva has a spa that offers some great services to help you unwind. You’ll discover a number of unique massage services such as the farmhouse fresh massage incorporating seasonal ingredients, the lava shell massage, the hydration ritual and more. You can also go for a full body treatment, facials and skin care, whatever your mind and body would like.

More To Love At Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

We just touch on two of our great loves – eating and unwinding. But the Grand Geneva offers so much more no matter the season. Skiing and golfing, swimming pools and waterparks, salons and fitness centers are just the beginning. You could easily immerse yourself in this tasty retreat and have plenty to see, taste and do.

Many luxurious spa services at the Grand Geneva. Photo courtesy of Grand Geneva.

If you visit Grand Geneva, you will definitely want to try the delicious new offerings from Chef Nelly Buleje. Not only will you taste the freshness and quality of his ingredients, but we’re betting you’ll also taste the love and excitement he brings to every dish. We know we did. It was really fun to meet him and share the vision and passion of a chef coming back home to share skill and inspiration gathered during his culinary journey. We think you’ll have fun there too. We expect even more great tastes to come out at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa restaurants, and we can’t wait to try them.

To find out more about Grand Geneva and to make reservations for a stay or for dining check out grandgeneva.com.

We were hosted at Grand Geneva, as always all opinions are our own and reflect our personal experiences.

In Travel

Fabulous Hotel Amenities Around The World

By Diana Laskaris

Who Doesn’t Love Fabulous Hotel Amenities?

We’re not immune to being pampered and indulged during our travels. Apparently, we’re not alone. Fabulous amenities at hotels and resorts are now par for the course for the ever-discriminating traveler. There are undoubtedly many more, these are just a sampling of the fabulous amenities we think make the grade. Please tell us the unique amenities you’ve discovered in the comments below!

Luxurious Spa Treatments

If you’re a fan of spa treatments, then you’re going to love the spa suites at Le Méridien in Oakbrook, Illinois. Not only is the masseuse one of the absolute best we’ve ever encountered, but there’s a little something extra that was new to us – a tile lounge chair that heats up so you can literally melt the aches, pains, and stresses away. One of the most relaxing amenities we’ve ever found, we recommend this topper to an all-around outstanding spa experience.

For extensive spa services and gorgeous pools, you won’t soon forget to check in to the Hotel Molitor in Paris. The hotel where the bikini was first introduced has been beautifully renovated to one of the most art-centric hotels we’ve ever visited.

With outdoor and indoor pools to enjoy you’ll think you’re at the beach in this one-of-a-kind hotel. Don’t miss the view from the sky-deck lounge and dining at the Hotel Molitor restaurant too.

Expanded Food Choices

We just love a good picnic but it’s not always convenient to make one yourself when you’re far from home. That’s why we are total fans of the incredible picnic prepared for you by the Sofitel Vienna Stephandsdom. They do all the work for you, creating the perfect take-along picnic basket with everything you could want – including plates, utensils and, wine. We really couldn’t have done better ourselves. See more about our Vienna picnic experience here.

When a resort lists itself as “gourmet all-inclusive” it has a lot of living up to do. Fortunately the Azul Sensatori by Karisma in Puerto Morales, Mexico is as good as its name. While the amenities abound, we do have our favorites. The built-in water loungers take away that difficult decision of whether to relax on a lounger or in the pool. You don’t have to choose because they have loungers built into the pool! And the five-diamond award-winning Le Chique avant-garde restaurant blew past all our expectations. Check it out here for an inside look at all of the deliciousness.

Azul Sensatori Water Lounges — Lounge in the water at the Azul Sensatori Resort

Imaginative Oysters in the Fog at Le Chique at the Azul Sensatori Resort

Lots of Art

When you walk into a hotel that’s also a museum you know they take art seriously. That’s the case at the 21c Museum in Oklahoma City.

We also loved the art at the Waldhotel in Stuttgart. They brought the natural parklike surroundings of the hotel inside with beautiful paintings of birds and wildlife.

Pet-Friendly

Many hotels are now catering to people who travel with our pets. But the Fairmont Copley Plaza goes even a step further for those who cannot have their pups with them and are looking for a doggie fix. Canine Ambassadors Catie and Carly hang out in the lobby to greet guests and relax between walks. If you just can’t take a trot without a pooch by your side, then sign up with the concierge to head out with one of these girls for a Boston constitutional.

If you like the idea of falling asleep under the stars but not being out in the chilly evening air, then you’ll love the twinkling lights you can enjoy in the ceiling of your comfy room at the Le Madison Hotel in Paris, France. Nestled perfectly on the Boulevard Saint Germain, the location is right by the Seine, the Louvre and Notre Dame, but quiet and unassuming like a little oasis. Best of all, when you look up in the evening, you can choose to see the twinkling stars in the privacy of your own little world.

Bubbly

Speaking of privacy, if you’re looking for a fun, hipster boutique hotel that caters to your every desire, then look no further than Drake Hotel in Toronto, Canada. We give props to any hotel that welcomes you with two splits of champagne and a card that says “Drink me! I’m Free!” The little bag of kettle corn to accompany them was a nice touch too.

Free champagne Drake Hotel Toronto — Complimentary champagne at the Drake Hotel in Toronto

But the “Pleasure Menu” offering pleasure kits and personal items from massage oils to adult toys and videos. If you’re looking for a playground for grownups, you might just find it here…and with a mighty fine cup of free coffee or tea each day of your stay at the lovely cafe, also known for its killer scones.

Drake Pleasure Menu Intro — Drake’s Pleasure Menu, now that’s unique!

Tea

We’re huge fans of tea and especially a relaxing afternoon tea at a hotel. If you get a chance to stay at the Beverly Hill Hotel in Los Angeles don’t miss tea in the Polo Lounge. You’ll not only have an excellent tea service but you just never know what Hollywood A-Lister you might run into.

Other hotels that offer delectable afternoon teas are the Windsor Court in New Orleans, the Drake Hotel in Chicago and the Savoy in London.

Privacy

When we think of relaxing by the beach, the idea of hammocks on our own little porch and a private plunge pool that looks out to the beach ahead, or closes off, at our discretion, didn’t really come to mind. But once we discovered it at the Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, we decided that we would update our definition. The relaxation available when you’re literally on the beautiful white sand beach with no phone or television in your room, but the above amenities close at hand gave us a new outlook on the concept of tranquility. The amazing bar with heavy-handed bartenders provides a great happy hour every day doesn’t hurt either.

Mahekal Hammocks — Two hammocks and a lounging outdoor bed at Mahekal Resort.

Mahekal Plunge Pool — Our very own plunge pool looking out to the Gulf of Mexico.

Music

Finally, if you long for a retreat to the cool times when turntables spun smooth vinyl with tunes for the soul, then like us you will enjoy The Redbury South Beach, which offers Crosley record players in the room with a collection of curated albums that sends you into vacationland from the first note. Though there were several appealing choices, we just never quite got past the amazing Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On.” And really, did we need to? Cool and swanky in hot Miami, a pretty neat trick to pull of well.

Though these are just a few of the fabulous hotel amenities that made memories in our minds, you’ll find that all over the world there are hotels, resorts, and B&Bs that are working hard to make your stay with them as pleasurable as possible. Be sure to check out what they offer when deciding on a place to stay. The right amenities turn a good vacation into a great one.

Night Cap or Cookies & Milk

Stay at the Graduate Hotel in Ann Arbor and lull yourself to sleep with either a cold glass of milk and fresh baked cookies or the fixings for an in-room Moscow Mule. You can choose which one helps you slumber the night away. Another amenity we really enjoyed at all the Graduate Hotels is the small notebook they leave in all their rooms. It’s very practical for us writers but I suspect every travel has a need to write down their experiences while on a journey.

Graduate Hotel Amenities — Milk and cookies at the Graduate Ann Arbor

THE QUICK BITE: Check out our survey of fabulous hotel amenities around the world. From extra fluffy pillows to chilled champagne that make the memories of your travels ones you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

If you like these hotel amenities be sure to Pin this to your Hotels Around The World board on Pinterest

In Desserts

Portokalopita Greek Orange Cake

By Diana Laskaris

Easy Orange Cake Recipe From Greece

Portokalopita is a special treat in Greece. This delicious orange cake recipe can be complicated when YiaYia (Grandmother) makes it the traditional way. But we have adapted this great shortcut recipe from our friends at RealGreece.com.

Now you can impress your guests with an authentic Portokalopita that won’t take all day to make. The fresh flavors of this orange cake recipe come shining through even though it takes a lot less time to make.

The secret is in using prepared phyllo dough to speed things along. The fruit and syrup in this orange cake recipe make it an irresistible treat whether for breakfast, dessert or a sweet snack during the day.

Orange Cake Ingredients

1 package phyllo dough (12 sheets) slightly dry, crumbled into small irregular pieces
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or 2%)
1.5 Tbsp (20g) baking powder
2 orange rinds, grated
.5 tsp (1.5g) pure vanilla

Portokalopita Syrup Ingredients

1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups water
2 Tbsp grated orange rind
2 cinnamon sticks

Syrup Preparation

Combine syrup ingredients and bring to a boil.
Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Let cool to room temperature. You must let the syrup cool to room temperature or your Portokalopita will turn to mush!

Orange Cake Preparation

Preheat oven to 350F degrees (325F if you use a convection oven)
Combine oil, sugar, and eggs in a medium bowl. Beat with a hand mixer at medium speed for 10 minutes.
Add baking powder, Greek yogurt, orange rind, and vanilla.
Fold in (in circular, figure 8 motions) crumbled phyllo dough a few pieces at a time until you have used all of the phyllo dough and it is combined and fully incorporated.

Baking Instructions

Rub the bottoms and sides of a 4 qt (10 x 15 x 2 in.) rectangular glass baking dish.
Pour the mixture and spread evenly in the pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for approx. 35 minutes, until golden brown on the tops and sides (as seen through the glass pan).
Turn the pan halfway through the baking so that it heats evenly.
If the cake begins to brown too much on the top, move it to a lower rack and cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the rest of the baking time.
Remove the cake from the oven.

Soaking In Syrup

There are two ways to allow the syrup to soak into the orange cake, and either option will work fine. Just note that both options require that the syrup be at room temperature.

Option 1

Pierce the entire surface of the hot cake with a fork, skewer or other star-pointed object. Slowly pour the cooled syrup onto the orange cake and allow it to soak in some. Keep pouring into pan until all of the syrup is in the pan with the cake.

https://youtu.be/VYpMtdiinEs

Option 2

Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled pierce the cake with a fork, skewer, or other sharp pointed object. Slowly pour the cooled syrup onto the cake and allow it to soak in some and then continue to pour until all of the syrup is in the pan with the cake.

Portokalopita Syrup Note

Please note that either way there will be a lot of syrup. You may think that the cake will not absorb all of the syrup. But it will! You will be surprised, but this orange cake recipe is tried and true. Allow the portokalopita to rest and absorb the syrup overnight.

You can choose to decorate with fresh or candied orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pin to your Greek Recipe Board On Pinterest

In Food

Coffee Is Life

By Diana Laskaris

I love coffee. Coffee is life. Let’s be clear about that. To me, coffee drinking is just as much a rite of passage as say, your first beer. Or a glass of wine. It is an adult beverage. Youngsters can drink it, of course. But it takes time to learn about its intricacies. One must have experience to know that all coffees are not alike. And while each one has its own style and personality, you will not like them all.

Coffee Styles

One of the great delights of coffee is that it can be personalized to suit every taste. Personal coffee styles separate coffee lovers of every stripe. You can make a cuppa joe just the way you like it. And there are so many ways to do that. But it all starts with the coffee type.

Light Coffee

You may prefer coffee that is light and mild. Something like a breakfast blend or Starbuck’s blonde. These are quite popular. They’re not challenging, easy to drink, approachable. Like a porch pounder wine, a session beer or an affable neighbor. You can enjoy it every day without much effort.

Medium Coffee

Perhaps you like something in the medium range. A little more oompf but not too bitter or strong. A lovely Italian roast or Guatemalan might do the trick. If you’re American, Dunkin Donuts is the king of medium roast coffee. I discovered this when I lived in New York and saw the constant lines at the Dunkins around the neighborhood.

Logically, I asked a cop, “Why the lines? What do they put in their donuts?” She laughed and said the line was not for the donuts. It was for the coffee. “Last place in America to get medium roast. Everything else has gone dark.” Apparently, moderate is not a nasty word in the coffee-drinking world.

Dark Coffee

Which brings us to the stated preference of many – dark, rich, bold coffee. That would be your French roast, espresso, Intelligentsia Black Cat or even Death Wish, which claims to be the world’s strongest coffee. A dark roast coffee drinker surely embraces life with gusto. This could be the coffee for risk-takers, the ones who want to suck every drop of excitement from life that they can. The skydivers and bungee jumpers of coffeeland live here.

Exotic Coffee

One last category of coffee is the exotic. The Black Ivory Coast, Finca el Injerto, Hacienda La Esmerelda, Kopi Luwak and the like. These are unique and rare types of coffee that have their own histories surrounding them. Because of the nature of their creation, whether from a small and isolated area that is difficult to cultivate or their passage through the system of an animal before harvesting, these coffees are expensive. How expensive? A pound of Black Ivory Coast from Thailand that passes through the digestive system of elephants can go for $50 a cup or more than $500 a pound – when you can find it. It’s not for everyone, just like most of life’s offerings.

Coffee Culture Around The World

And yet, it’s not so black and white. Many rituals around the world inform these basic coffee types. In Cuba and Brazil, for example, coffee is made thick, dark and very strong. But it is blended in equal parts with sweetened condensed or evaporated milk. Thus, the intensity is muted and infused with a sweetness that makes it so drinkable that you cannot have just one cup. It is, perhaps just like life in Cuba and Brazil. Wonderful for some, not so for most, but an unforgettable blend of the sweet and bitter experiences that life there has to offer.

Greek Coffee, Turkish Coffee

In Greece and Turkey, coffee has an important cultural role in the national heritage. These folks love to sit in their coffee shops whiling away the hours. Coffee is made by blending equal parts of espresso ground dark coffee with water and boiled in a “briki” or brass pot with a pouring spout. The coffee boils up and is taken off the heat three times. It can be made sweet, medium or without sugar.

However sweet, coffee is not complete without Greek spoon sweets or Turkish Delight to complete the ritual. Coffee may be taken any time of day, which may account for the amount of late night activity in these cultures, from dining to dancing to, well, more coffee. And when you are done, a skilled reader can turn the cup over and tell your future from the configuration of the grounds left in the cup. This may, sometimes, call for another coffee. And, thus “sto kafenio” or “at the café” is a common answer when looking for someone who is not at work or at home.

Viennese Coffee Houses

The coffee houses Vienna are well known for their place in Austria. Vienna prefers elegance with marble tabletops as a signature element inside lovely chandelier-lit rooms. The famous Viennese specialty of Einspänner Coffee contains strong black coffee served in a glass with whipped cream on top and powdered sugar on the side. A refined approach that serves perhaps as a fitting metaphor for a society that has produced some of the best art, music and culture in the world.

French Cafés

French cafés, of course, are known the world over. Here, the proper way to take a coffee is to sit outside, facing the sidewalk and watching the world pass by. This is true even if you are sitting with a companion. You will both sit side by side and converse while watching the happenings. Un petit café, or a little strong espresso coffee, may be taken black, sweet, with milk or in any variation. It is usually accompanied by a pastry or croissant. Then, you sit back and chat and watch the activity in front of you. Sometimes for hours. The French do not rush to turn tables. And you should not rush to get the check.

Mexican Coffee And More

Mexican coffee is brewed with cinnamon and sugar. It provides a little sweetness and spice that seems appropriate for a country that can’t resist a good fiesta. Spain and Portugal love to drink a “cortada” combining espresso with a little warm milk. Along with breakfast, these Europeans serve coffee as a pick-me-up during La Merienda, an afternoon time for coffee and snacks. Saudi Arabians respectfully serve the elders their coffee first. Cardamom spice and sweet dates often accompany the coffee to temper the bitter dark brew.

Coffee Culture In America

So while the world enjoys coffee and has its own coffee culture, no country has the diversity of coffee customs as America. True to life here in the States, coffees can range from the lightest to the darkest. Coffee drinkers make it strong like espresso, dripped through a filter, poured over, French pressed, steeped, percolated, boiled, and even slowly made through coils while cold.

Coffee And…

One American coffee custom that is particularly close to my heart is the tradition of “Coffee and…” You know this tradition, too. We have coffee and donuts. Or coffee and bagels. Coffee and cake. I first became aware of this ritual through an old friend who, whenever we would talk about having a coffee together, would offer to bring bring the “and.” To this day, one of my favorite ways to take a break is to meet someone for coffee and.

Coffee Uses

It’s undeniable that there are many coffee uses that go beyond just a warm morning cup. There’s nitro coffee for an extra caffeine punch. Bulletproof coffee made with butter and coconut oil can make a whole meal. And frozen coffee milkshakes easily become dessert. Millions of coffee lovers eagerly anticipate pumpkin spice lattes in an annual celebration each fall. Cappuccinos can complete an elegant meal. Irish coffees can start one. Coffee cupcakes, coffee cookies, coffee brownies…there’s so much to do with coffee! And Americans do all of it somewhere.

Coffee Innovation

Whether you want to sit and sip leisurely or get a jolt on the go, you will find a way to enjoy your cuppa just the way you want it. And as the globe spins, so does coffee continue to evolve. One of the best innovations I’ve seen is the adaptation of the concept of the tea bag to brew your cup of coffee. Steeped Coffee offers a way to brew your coffee using an oversized tea bag. Of course, they’ve taken pains to use this process to create the perfect cup of coffee every time. Unlike tea bags that create a bitter brew if they steep too long Steeped Coffee bags actually brew a perfect cup every time. So you don’t have to worry if you’ve gotten a call during the few minutes it takes to steep. Nitro sealed for freshness, the coffee choices range from light to French roast, and even decaf. I tried several and really did love the convenience and the taste. No muss no fuss.

From standing in line at Dunkin Donuts to driving through Starbucks to hanging out at the local diner, Americans truly love their coffee. Consuming 400 million cups per day – 146 billion cups per year, Americans are the world’s biggest coffee lovers.

Famous Coffee Quotes

As one might expect, there are some fun and memorable coffee quotes. Howard Schultz, the wizard of Starbucks sums it up in one way: “I can’t imagine a day without coffee. I can’t imagine!”

And another that makes me smile is from the irrepressible David Letterman who says: “If it wasn’t for the coffee, I’d have no identifiable personality whatsoever.”

Just so we’re clear that coffee has indelibly inserted itself into the fabric of America, one of the most famous quotes we associate with coffee came from President Theodore Roosevelt. Often called our most caffeinated President, TR drank a gallon of coffee a day. It’s no surprise that he came up with the famous coffee quote, “good to the last drop.”

Coffee Is Life

Coffee provides a window to the world like no other beverage. It’s world culture in a cup. And every individual shows his or her true self through a particular coffee style. Witness someone in Starbucks ordering a triple venti half-caff no foam soy latte with caramel drizzle at 120 degrees to see if you disagree.

Coffee is life. Embrace it. Chase it. Make it your own.

Hmmm… I think it’s coffee time. What’s that you ask? What am I going to have? Well, today I think it will be a nice Italian roast, run through a drip filter with a little Italian sweet cream. Perfect for easing into my next story. How about you? What’s your coffee story?

Pin to your Coffee Board on Pinterest

In Europe

Tasty Food In Athens Greece

By Diana Laskaris

Modern Food In Ancient Greece

Greece has an amazing culinary heritage. Ancient recipes mingle with modern methods in Athens food today. If you want to taste the real deal, you’ll want to eat where the locals eat. Lucky for you, we had a chance to live like locals during our visit to Athens. We’ll share our secrets for an easy, memorable, delicious vacation in one of the most interesting and tasty cities in the world.

Stay Where The Locals Live

While we love to experience local hotels and resorts when we travel, we suggest something even better in Athens. Rent an apartment in a real neighborhood, close to everything and miles away from the tourist crowds. Not only will you have a fantastic place to stay, but you will also save a lot of cash, especially if you are traveling with family or friends.

Living In Everyday Luxury

We stayed at the First Luxury Duplex Penthouse apartment in the Pagrati neighborhood of Athens. It’s less than 1 mile from the Acropolis and close to farmers markets, restaurants, bakeries, nightlife and the major sites you want to see. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 5-star home features all the comforts you would expect – and many that you’d never dream of. The unpretentious but stylish neighborhood charmed us as we wandered around to check things out.

The penthouse is decked out with everything you need – everything. It has sheets and towels, hair driers and toiletries. The gourmet kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, dishes, coffeemaker, teapot, dishwasher, spices, utensils and more. There’s a television, wifi and even a washer and dryer. You have lots of room inside and out. This 3 level property easily sleeps 8 and has an outdoor veranda on two levels plus a rooftop terrace with an Acropolis view. Simply stunning.

Live Like A Local

Though you are surrounded by American comfort, this hidden gem will make you feel like a local as soon as you walk through the posh marble entrance. Because parking in Athens is at a premium the nearby streets are lined with cars almost all of the time. If you get a car (you really don’t need one in Athens) look for a spot during the day when many folks are at work and you’ll have a better chance to get one nearby. Uber does not operate here but Athens taxis are easy to find and prices are inexpensive, rarely more than a few Euros for rides around the city. You can also download the popular Beat app to reserve a taxi in advance.

Best Food In Athens, Greece

Food is the way to our hearts, always. So we were thrilled to be greeted with a huge basket of local goodies sitting on the kitchen table when we arrived. Greek chocolates, honey packets, candies, a can of gigantes (a Greek bean specialty) and even bottles of wine and a loaf of fresh bread urged us to let the good times begin. There’s nothing quite like lounging on the veranda of your Athens penthouse apartment drinking a glass of wine and soaking up the scene.

As if that weren’t enough, our hosts, Basil and Carole of Real Greece, created a notebook with their very own special recommendations for dining, shopping, sightseeing, entertaining and more. Their warmth and love for the neighborhood came shining through. If truth be told, we already regretted that we were not going to be staying for a much longer visit. They literally did think of everything about everything we wanted to know and had it waiting for us.

One of the best things about Real Greece is that Basil and Carole are real people whose love for Athens and all of Greece is infectious. And, if you want to see, taste and experience the most authentic Athens food, and even learn to make some yourself, you’ll want to take advantage of their many culinary tours and cooking classes. They are simply fantastic.

Food Tours In Athens, Greece

We took their “Taste of Greece Foodie Walking Feast.” We walked through the streets of Athens with our funny and knowledgeable guide Nadia, a lawyer from Moldova who fell in love with Greece and decided to stay for good. We visited a large central market with fresh everything from lamb and beef to cheese and fish. Next came several shops selling Greek wine (the local stuff actually comes in plastic liter bottles), spices, sausage and cheese, olives and more. After taste testing the olives, we couldn’t leave without some. They vacuum pack them right there so you can easily take them home in your luggage.

Fruit Market in Athens Greece food in athens greece — Fruit Market in Athens Greece

A unique method of making coffee features the brass pot heating in hot sand. While waiting for ours, we enjoyed traditional spoon sweets, fruits and sometimes vegetables preserved in syrup. We continued walking through the winding central Athens streets and stopped to enjoy a skillful display of stretching phyllo (you know, those super thin sheets of dough used in spinach pies and baklava) ever so thin. Our reward was tasting the unique savory and sweet “bougatsa,” flaky phyllo wrapped around ground meat or sweet custard.

Bougatsa Athens Greece Food Travelist — Bougatsa

Time For An Authentic Greek Lunch

That really got our appetites up, so we ate lunch at Eleni’s, a hidden “koutouki” (joint) full of locals where we stuffed ourselves silly with many plates of deliciousness. Athens food comes in many styles, including our favorite meze, small plates that let you taste a lot of different items a few nibbles at a time. Our tiny table was loaded with veggies and dips and roasted meats. We watched our dining neighbors gobble down their food too, so we know we weren’t alone in our delight. After eating, we had to satisfy our sweet teeth by finishing with a little something sweet. Logically we stopped at a spot that makes fresh loukoumades (sweet fried dough puffs) by hand. They came in a big serving and Nadia told us that sharing them was not the norm. People usually eat an entire order alone.

Greek Meze Food in Greece — Greek Meze Athens Greece

After all that eating we needed to walk off some of those calories. Famous Monastiraki square awaited us. We wandered through its huge and lively flea market. If we had more time, we would have loved to explore many other shops, restaurants and bars that populate this fun and historic area. The tour was like taking a stroll through a Greek food menu. And we loved every bite.

Creating Traditional Greek Food Recipes

Real Greece knows that Food Travelists also enjoy learning to cook specialties of the local cuisine. We got the opportunity to do just that right in our apartment. Our private Mediterranean cooking class with Nadia kept us laughing and eating all night long as we prepared a multi-course feast of authentic Greek food.

Spinach and feta pies in Athens Greece — Spinach and feta spirals in Athens Greece

Spinach and feta spirals in Athens Greece

While we were doing our tour, Basil had a “kleftiko” (parchment paper wrapped herbed meat) cooking in the oven very slowly. For starters, we made a spicy feta cheese spread, yogurt, garlic and cucumber dip, and a spiral spinach and feta pie. We used the knowledge we gained watching the pastry chef opening the phyllo dough to try it out ourselves – with hilarious yet surprisingly tasty results.

No meal is complete without a Greek salad so we made one of those as well with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese from the market. Nadia showed us her super-secret method for making an irresistible orange cake. We poured the wine and relaxed on the veranda, enjoying our meal and our new friends. As a special treat, Real Greece made a personalized menu with all the recipes for us to take home. We can’t wait to try them out when we have company over to visit.

A Family Visit and A Farmers Market Stroll

As you may know, I’m a bit “Greekish.” My Heinz 57 approach to my ethnic identity includes relatives that are Greek. As it would happen two of my cousins were in Athens at the time we visited. We spent our first evening there enjoying a beautiful meal and hospitality provided by cousin Lucy, a tour director, at her stunning penthouse apartment in the Palaio Faliro coastal district of Athens. We enjoyed gorgeous views, Lucy’s delicious cooking, and meeting some of her travel friends and colleagues as well as her precious pussycats. The evening was most memorable.

Greek view of the bay in Athens — Cousin Lucy and Diana in Athens Greece

Connecting with Family in Greece

It just so happened that my cousin Ares, who lives primarily in Berlin, was coming for a visit to Athens at the same time. He joined us on the veranda for a piece of the orange cake we made. Then Basil and Nadia came to pick us up and we all took a stroll to the neighborhood farmers’ market. Basil and Ares compared notes on Greek food facts about various forms of horta (greens) and other local veggies. Sue and I were captivated by the array of fresh fruits, nuts and olives. We were lucky to find a vendor who had some of the best pistachios in the world from the island of Aegina, about 40 minutes’ boat ride from Athens. We bought two kilos and hoarded them immediately. These unique treats are naturally pink and without salt. Perfect for a healthy snack anytime.

Ares had a meeting to attend so we said goodbye and headed back to the apartment to enjoy a little downtime on the veranda with a few of the snacks we had bought along the way. It was a wonderful afternoon and made us feel like we were really a part of the local scene.

Athens Art and Architecture

While we spent a lot of our time eating our way through Athens food, we also made sure to visit some of the most historic and significant sites in this amazing city. Real Greece also offers sightseeing tours, and we visited the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum with a private guide. Our guide Maria is an architectural archaeologist and provided us with so much insight and information about every detail of these important sites. We asked many questions and she was more than happy to answer them. The Acropolis gets very busy but we were lucky that we were there a bit off season and in the afternoon so the crowds were not too large, though it was still certainly busy. Even so, the views were spectacular.

Porch of the Maidens Acropolis Athens Greece — Porch of the Maidens

The Acropolis Museum is also a must-see. It displays actual parts of the Parthenon as well as parts that have been manufactured to “fill in the blanks.” The history of ancient Greece is fascinating and the museum does a terrific job of displaying so many artifacts in context. While you could visit and stroll through it on your own, we were glad to have Maria really give us much deeper understanding of the people and society in the cradle of civilization.

It’s hard not to get emotional going through these ancient sites where you can literally see the development of humanity through art, philosophy, architecture, politics and much more.

Best Places To Eat in Athens, Greece

Pagrati is a lively neighborhood with so much going on you could spend your whole visit just exploring nearby and have more than your fill of authentic experiences. Basil was intent on showing us one of his favorite barbecue joints, literally just down the street from the apartment. We are always ready to try the local cuisine, so happily followed him there.

The main street nearby is lined with many restaurants, bakeries, cafes and shops. The spot Basil had in mind for us was a small local hangout packed with people eating spit roasted meats, including gyros and souvlaki, which we know. They also had a couple of local specialties. Kokoretsi is lamb or goat intestines wrapped around seasoned offal and roasted on the spit. We gave it a try, but Basil enjoyed most of it himself. There were also lamb heads on the spit which the locals happily devoured.

Greek local food bar-b-que Athens — Greek local food in Athens

Soulvaki in Greece — Greek local food in Athens

There are plenty of tavernas and restaurants offering all kinds of dishes. We went to another hidden gem known for its spectacular fish dishes. There we tasted flavorful salads, shrimp, horta, a special seafood medley and a specialty of the house, fresh stuffed sardines. Sue fell in love with the seafood medley and asked the owner for the recipe – which he gladly provided. The hospitality and joy shared among the locals is infectious. We practically danced home, which was a good way to work off all that food.

Seafood salad athens greece — Seafood salad

Fresh shrimp in Athens Greek — Seafood salad

While we didn’t make it out to the nightclubs, there are plenty of places to party the night away. You can dance or listen to live music, share small plates or desserts, or quaff some wine and cocktails at lots of spots that stay open late. We’ll just have to get back for the late night fun next time!

Athens Has So Much To Offer

This article barely scratches the surface of all that Athens has to offer. Greece has so many ways to soak in the culture. Explore street art and graffiti, taste the many wines, listen to live music, discover the history, learn to Greek dance, take a bike ride through the city streets and so much more. You can even take some interesting side trips just for the day or longer if you like. Sail or take a cruise to nearby islands. Take a train ride up to the hills for fantastic views. Visit the many museums and the ruins of an ancient civilization that make Athens a city like none other.

In Athens You can see the past and the present come together in one of the most stimulating and diverse metropolitan areas of the world. And whether you want to figure it out on your own or have some help from knowledgeable experts like those at RealGreece.com who can save you time and ensure a wonderful visit, now is definitely the time to visit Greece and get a taste of authentic delicious Athens food that will leave you wanting more.

In Asia

Happiness Is The Trip Of A Lifetime With Mom in Beijing

By Diana Laskaris

Beijing was on our agenda for another business trip. My mother overheard us talking about when we would be traveling there and let out a little sigh. “I always wanted to visit China,” she said. “Ever since I was a little girl. My teacher read us The Story About Ping, the little duckling on the Yangtze River, and I from then on I wanted to go.”

Although my mother and I have talked about a great many things, I never knew about this dream of hers. “Do you have a passport?” I asked. “No, but I can get one,” she said. “Good. Then do it.” “Okay.” And that was just about all there was to it. Mom was going with us to China.

It Starts With A Passport

Now, to understand how monumental this decision was, you have to know a few things about my mom. She was 80 years old (or young, depending upon your viewpoint). A diabetic that has to take insulin shots, Mom also has a bum knee and a benign brain tumor. She’s had a couple of minor strokes but still gets around pretty well, if slowly. She’s got a few other physical conditions, some unique to her and some simply the result of living a full life. As she likes to say, “I’m in great shape for the shape, I’m in.” And, she hates flying. None of this entered into our conversation.

As a first step, Mom had to renew her passport. She had to prove various name changes had through voluminous records and documentation. Despite starting somewhat early, getting a passport required intensive persistence, patience mixed with indignation and above all, dogged determination. An understanding postal worker managed to provide some relief to the frustration of dealing with endless bureaucracy. It never ceases to amaze me how difficult it can be to get something as mundane as renewing a passport done requires weeks and even months of slashing a path through impenetrable administrative nonsense.

Nonetheless, she managed to get her passport in order. Next was the flight. As I mentioned, Mom hates flying. She would not get onto a plane alone. So Sue went ahead first to attend to her business meetings and I flew from Chicago to Los Angeles to pick Mom. Together we’d fly to China. 13 hours. Wow.

Flying Without White Knuckles

I have to say that although there was a slight kerfuffle about some unwanted fish at dinner (meal options for diabetic diets were slightly limited), Mom was a trooper. The China Airlines staff put Mom’s insulin in their refrigerator, eliminating one major concern right away. Though it’s never easy to sleep on a plane, especially if you have any sort of back or hip or knee issues, Mom was able to relax enough to minimize some of the stress of flying. Honestly, if she had much stress about it, she didn’t share it with me.

Peninsula Beijing is Shangri-La

Finally, after the long flight, we made it to Beijing. We had decided to splurge on an upscale hotel, knowing that Mom would require a little special attention, if not a lot. We opted for the gorgeous and exceptionally hospitable Peninsula Beijing. The hotel is perfectly located near WangfuJing, a main walking and shopping district. We splurged on club level suite, providing Mom (and us) with a quiet place to stop in during the day for tea, snacks and pampering. The extra attention was absolutely worth every penny. When we arrived, we went directly to the special “Club Level” reception. Greeted by name, with smiles and soft voices, I knew that we were all in very capable hands.

One of the challenges of traveling with family of any sort is managing expectations. It can be tough to accommodate the desires of one traveling family member without stomping on the desires of another. For adult family members traveling together, it can require great restraint to prevent the desire to kill one another after spending almost every waking moment together when that is not at all your everyday experience any longer.

Fortunately, we had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the many amazing experiences that Beijing has to offer, culinary, cultural, historic and modern alike. We started our day as early as possible. The Peninsula has a huge breakfast selection, including both Asian and Western options. With a good beginning at the hotel, we pushed ourselves to see and do as much as possible. We took breaks when we needed, making them fun and energizing. Mom shared her amazement at how different modern China is from her vision when she was young.

Seeing The Sights of Beijing

Beijing is certainly a place of wonder. Delightful Chinese architecture, brightly colored and beautifully adorned greeted us at every turn. Squawking vendors sell everything from hot chestnuts to starfish on a stick. The number of people on bicycles is even greater than those driving in cars. We visited iconic spots such as the Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square and Temple of Heaven. We paced ourselves, taking photos and allowing Mom to soak up the past as well as the present. Seeing her awe was just as exciting as experiencing my own.

Hotpot Anyone?

Because of Mom’s dietary concerns, we opted to focus on the amazing fresh foods available all over Beijing. Knowing that she enjoys a social experience, we decided to try our first hotpot. The helpful and patient servers provided bibs and some general instruction. We ordered some fresh veggies and meats, which our servers brought out on platters. We learned that you put whatever you want to eat into the hot soup in the middle of the table. You can mix and match your choice of sauces to accent the food however you like, whether spicy, sweet, salty or sour, or, more than likely, some combination of these.

For The Love Of Lotus Roots

We discovered, mostly through trial and error, that lotus roots are delicious. Mom loved them so much that we made lotus roots a staple of our meals, no matter where we were eating. In addition to the hotpot, we had them on sizzling platters, mixed in with prepared dishes and all on their own. Fortunately, lotus roots are fairly ubiquitous around Beijing, so we easily included them in most whatever we ate.

The Beijing Duck Experience

To honestly call ourselves Food Travelists, we needed to try a proper meal of crispy duck prepared the Beijing way. Formerly known as “Peking Duck,” this delicacy is an important culinary and cultural experience. Huge multi-level restaurants specialize in the proper preparation and presentation of this unique and theatrical dish. Our servers expertly carved the duck while wearing surgical masks and gloves. They covered our table with small plates of condiments and ingredients, which we were to combine according to our own tastes. We were almost embarrassed by not the number of plates on our table, but the number of them that were empty when we were done. Almost.

The Great Wall

Family Photo at the Wall of China With Mom's New Friend — Family Photo at the Wall of China With Mom’s New Friend

Of course, Mom’s trip to China would not be complete without a visit to the Great Wall. We learned in our research that although the Badaling portion of the wall is closest to Beijing, the Mutianyu section is only about 10 kilometers further away. More importantly for us, a cable car can transport visitors up the wall to take in the glorious view without having to take the steep climb all the way. This sealed the deal for us.

The Jade Factory

We hired a guide who took us to one of the seemingly obligatory stops at
“The Jade Factory.” This is one of those attractions that makes us cringe as it’s essentially a sales pitch for who-knows-what stuff that is likely overpriced and of negligible quality. Fortunately, Mom is a good shopper and a good sport, so we all had a laugh as she pointed out her favorite corny offerings as they lined the extensive shelves. In short order, we were on our way again.

The guide and helpers at the wall ensured that Mom was comfortable on her ride up the mountain. We did our best to express our gratitude all along the way. She was all smiles when we met with a lady vendor on the wall, who gleefully put a communist hat on my very capitalist mother. The surprising delight Mom took in finding a “comrade” at the wall was priceless and unforgettable. So, too, was her contentment at looking out over the wall into the land she had dreamed about seeing for her whole life. I think it was a moment I too will cherish forever.

Truly Local Eats

After our visit to the Great Wall, we asked our guide to take us someplace to eat where the tourists wouldn’t go but where he himself would go with his family. He was a bit surprised but happy to meet the challenge by driving into a rustic area surrounded by greenery and slightly away from the main road. Surrounded by locals, we felt quite at home. We told our guide the food experience we were seeking, adding, of course, that lotus roots must be included. He ordered perfectly and we enjoyed several dishes with vegetables, seafood, poultry and some congee with fruit for dessert.

Stuffed and happy, we rode back toward Beijing and noted all of the beautiful chestnut trees that populated the area. Apparently. chestnuts are an important crop and are consumed all over China. When we arrived back at the hotel, we had a lovely rest in the Club Lounge, with a bit of jasmine tea. Quite civilized, as we like to say.

Tea Is Its Own Language

We visited the Hutongs, back alleys of the neighborhoods full of shops and homes. We watched a man carve a pineapple into a beautiful work of art.(He didn’t want his picture taken, but imagine a pineapple carved into a spiral and that’s about what it looked like). And we visited several tea shops. Sue and my mom, both avid tea drinkers, miraculously carried on extensive exchanges with the tea people. This, despite the fact that the tea people spoke absolutely no English while Sue and Mom spoke no Chinese. Apparently, I discovered, tea lovers have their own unique language which transcends such limited boundaries.

In the end, we managed our way home with memories to cherish of what my Mom continues to call her “Trip of a Lifetime.” If there’s anything that travel has taught me, it’s how transformative an experience it can be.

For me, our family trip to Beijing was not just another exploration of a wonderful country. It enabled me to connect with my mom in a way that I never had before – as a whole person.

She had this dream of going to China for more than seven decades. I can’t imagine what it was like for her to finally see this land. But I can enjoy the stories she still tells about it. About lotus roots and little jade lions. Jasmine tea and views from The Great Wall. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. But most of all, I know that whatever dreams she may have given up along the way, this was not one of them. So for me too, it was the trip of a lifetime.

Check this short video with the highlights of our trip with Mom.

Pin It to Your Family Travel Board on Pinterest

In England

Tasty Northern England

By Diana Laskaris

When we think about some of our favorite meals ever, we often think of certain elements. Cheese is up there a lot. Charcuterie is too. Delicious fish is a great find, maybe smoked fish. But we don’t reminisce about industrial large scale products. We like products produced by local people who care about other people and their quality of life. We love those who take pride in their craft. Food Travelists appreciate people giving back through what they do. In other words, artisans.

We had the opportunity to visit some local producers of these favorite foods in Northern England, the type of those described above, and we were thrilled. Northern England is full of artisanal food producers and purveyors. In fact, it’s one of the most important features of the area. For us Food Travelists, one of the best parts about visiting and tasting is meeting those behind the scenes.

Botton Creamery Cheesemakers

Let’s start with one of our favorite foods – cheese. It’s fair to say that cheese has many forms and many followers. But there’s something unique and special going on in Northern England at the Botton Creamery. Cheesemaking here is performed by a cheese artisan with the help of people with learning difficulties. Botton Creamery is one of several Campbell Communities, which use a social enterprise business model. They provide for those with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs. Some 130 residents live and work in Botton Village. The residents help with farming, making cheese, working at the store, baking bread, making preserves and other useful duties.

Botton_Creamery_Yorkshire — Botton Creamery

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons Botton Creamery produces such incredibly delicious cheese. Types vary by season and include Dale End Cheddar, Moorland Tomme, Summer Field Alpine. Upon occasion they also make Gouda and cumin Gouda. Alastair Pearson, a Northern England local who traveled to Germany to learn the cheesemaking trade, provides the watchful tutelage.

Botton_Creamery Chutneys — Botton Creamery Chutneys

The folks at Botton treated us to an explanation of the cheesemaking process, a tour of the facilities and, of course, tastes of cheese. We can say without a doubt that the cheeses at Botton were some of our favorites. The social enterprise provides a beautiful gift to those who live and work there. This caring environment undoubtedly adds to the rich delight we found in the carefully crafted products. They exclusively use organic and bio-dynamic farming. The high quality ingredients also likely add to the deliciousness. Learn more about Botton Creamery on their Facebook Page.

The Courtyard Dairy Affineur and Cheese Monger

If you happen to be visiting Northern England, you might want to stop in at the Courtyard Dairy for a taste of cheese (including some provided by Botton Creamery) and an education from Andy Swinscoe and his wife Kathy. Awarded Cheesemonger of the Year by the World Cheese Awards, you’ll be able to find some of the most unique and delicious cheeses everywhere. The Courtyard Dairy specializes in artisanal delights and award winning cheeses such as creamy Tunworth Camembert, smoky caramelized Old Winchester or rich and subtle Gorgonzola Dolce.

Andy’s passion for cheese comes through in his infectious, bouncy explanation of every delightful piece. The tiny shop is filled with the scents of all the options just there for the trying. He told us that his mission is to help people understand and appreciate the beauty of cheese, no matter what they do or where they come from. And we can say that we learned a lot just from visiting, and of course tasting, the many delicious cheeses he had for us to try. Even if you’re not in Northern England, you can learn a lot about cheese, cheese-making, pairing, and see more about Andy on The Courtyard Dairy website and blog.

Town End Farm Shop Charcuterie

Once your cheese itch has been scratched, it’s time to visit an incredibly unique charcuterie experience. We visited the Town End Farm Shop, home to Paganum’s Yorkshire charcuterie. Chris Wildman is the proprietor and he’s got quite a story. He gets his meat from his family’s own farm. They raise grass-fed animals, from sheep to cattle to rare breed pigs. Game meat is also available in season.

Chris is certainly passionate about what he produces. He shared with us the long process of creating the finest artisanal products, including something quite unique for the area – chorizo. Yep, that’s right. Chris has mastered the art of making spicy Yorkshire sausage. And why not? He’s also making salami, pancetta and guanciale. But why stop there? Town End Farm Shop also carries Cumberland sausage, dry cured back bacon, pork sausages, beef brisket, steaks, herb fed chicken and even venison. They work in partnership with local farmers as well as producing their own stock, producing and providing delicious local products you can tell has been carefully crafted.

The Town End Farm Shop is more than just a meat market. They also stock some pretty serious cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, preserves, candies, wine, beer and liquor all local and tasty. And, as if that weren’t enough, you can visit their Tearoom for a Farmhouse Platter, hearty casserole, fresh cakes and scones with Yorkshire Tea and Reunion Coffee. Hikers, cyclists and locals all find the views of the area as well as the tasty menu much to their liking.

For a final couple of tips, if you happen to have an interest in learning more about butchery, Town End Farm Shop offers courses in charcuterie, salumi, curing, pork butchery, sausage making and more. And, if you’re planning a stay in and around the Yorkshire Dales, you might be interested in a complete service hog roast, done on-site and featuring their delicious roast Yorkshire pork, with all the fixings. All you need to provide is the electrical outlet. Visit their website to learn about all the wonderful things they are doing.

Kilnsey Park Estate Trout Farm and Smokehouse

One of the more impressive visits we made on our tromp through Northern England was to a trout farm and smokehouse called Kilnsey Park Estate. Now, if you’re like us, you hear the words “trout farm” and immediately get a sinking feeling and start to get all uppity. Totally understandable. That’s what happened to us. And then we saw the place. Boy were we wrong. Not only was the location spectacular, the most beautiful part about it was the trout streams. Seriously. We know it sounds crazy, but these people love the fish. They love the fish, they love fishing, they love teaching fishing to kids and others, they love making delicious food with trout as well.

We were provided with a tour and got to see the incredible pure spring water used to raise the fine rainbow trout that have a virtual wonderland while they’re growing up. Kids and adults can come and learn all the ins and outs of fishing, as well as being responsible caretakers of the environment. In fact, one of the key goals of Kilnsey Park estate is to help people connect with nature. The beautiful grounds certainly help you achieve that goal.

Jamie Roberts from Kilnsey Park is also passionate about smoking fish. He also may smoke whatever happens to be around for a tasty dish. We had the opportunity to see the smokers. They are quite tricky and require a lot of knowledge, patience and proper timing. Kilnsey Park also has a popular retail counter for purchases and a restaurant for tasting. We sat in the cafe and tried quite a few yummy dishes. We would never have had the kind of positive understanding about a trout farm such as this exquisite example in Northern England without seeing it for ourselves. If this is something that appeals to you, check out all they offer at Kilnsey Park Estate.

These are just a few of the artisans we met experienced in tasty Northern England. We had a fantastic time exploring the area bite by delicious bite. If you want to experience the carefully crafted local flavors, these spots will provide a great start to your journey.

Special thanks to Visit Britain! We were guests of Visit Britain on our visit to Northern England. We were not financially compensated. All opinions are our own and reflect our experiences at the time of our visit.

THE QUICK BITE: Join us in exploring some of the best artisanal tastes and beautiful scenery that Northern England has to offer.

In England

Food and Fun in Cartmel England

By Diana Laskaris

Cartmel, England. As Food Travelists, we are always on the lookout for small places with big flavors. We love local establishments with eats and memorable dishes that provide an insight into the culture of a place we are visiting. Sometimes they come in the shape of unique and local ingredients. Perhaps they have a Michelin star or more. Maybe they have big personalities behind them or combinations we’ve never thought of before. And once in a while, we discover a place that encompasses the best of all of those.

We love encountering memorable destinations that offer delicious treats that are forever etched into our memories. When we’re super fortunate, we discover something that tickles our imagination so much that we dream about it long after its come into our lives.

The wonderful village of Cartmel in Cumbria The Lake District of Northern England has it all. From Michelin star dining to classic British pub grub and ultimately the quintessential version of favorite British treats, this tiny town filled us with food and stories to tell for years.

Cartmel is a historic village that is chock full of interesting things to do and amazing food to eat. In our brief visit, we only scratched the surface. That’s an exciting thing to share with our fellow Food Travelists!

Priory Church in Cartmel England — Priory Church in Cartmel

First, let’s explore what’s happening in Cartmel. If you’re a horse lover you’ll want to be sure to go when some of the important races take place at the Cartmel Racecourse. If you’re planning a wedding or special occasion, the venue is also available. You can even tie the knot at the 800-year-old Priory Church just a short distance away from the track. The place is also suitable for other special parties and celebrations or even conferences and business events. You’ll feel like one of the globe-trotting horsey set in this gorgeous and historic setting.

L'Enclume Food and Fun in Cartmel England Food Travelist — Hidden L’Enclume

Michelin Stars in Cartmel

Feeling very elegant and looking for one of the world’s best-hidden treasures? Trot on over to L’Enclume, located by the river in Cartmel. If you’re looking for a beautiful and exclusive place to stay, this is it. One of the 16 rooms in this luxurious setting will surely suit you. The rates include breakfast. Looking for a Michelin star dinner? Dining at this Simon Rogan restaurant highlights local produce from their own farm will surely tantalize your taste buds. Creative seasonal dishes such as broth of artichoke, Westcombe, pork fat and fennel to grilled lobster and parsnip, nasturtium and apple or guinea fowl, runner beans, beetroot and tarragon will thoroughly delight you. Noting that the restaurant has two Michelin stars, we’d agree that it’s exceptional cuisine worth a detour. The prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality you will find in both accommodation and dining. Check it out here.

Local Cartmel Sausages at Kings Arms Food Travelist — Local Cartmel Sausages at Kings Arms

Cheese and Meat Pie at Kings Arms in Cartmel Food Travelist — Cheese and Meat Pie at Kings Arms in Cartmel

Kings Arm Brew Selection Food And Fun In Cartmel — Kings Arm Brew Selection

Traditional Food & Pubs

As often happens when in the UK, we got an overwhelming urge to have a pint and a traditional classic meal. Fortunately for us, the Kings Arms in the village square welcomed us with open arms and flowing taps. Local sausages, meat pies, huge sandwiches and much more will fill even the hungriest belly. Many local beer selections are available on tap. The atmosphere is suitably comfy with lots of dark wood and cozy lighting. You’ll enjoy friendly service and good prices there too. And if you over-indulge a bit, don’t worry about it. They have accommodations available as well.

Unsworth Yard Brewery Food and Fun in Cartmel England Food Travelist — Unsworth Yard Brewery

For a taste of local cheese, wine, baked goods and brews, head over to Unsworth’s Yard near the Priory. There you’ll discover a little cavalcade of shops around a lovely courtyard. The creative and delicious Unsworth’s Yard Brewery is making some tasty beers indeed. The dedicated cheese experts at Cartmel Cheeses will hook you up with something you’ll love from their painstakingly cultivated supply of delicious cheeses. There’s also the Mallard Tea Shop for tasty teas and baked treats. Discover Hot Wines, a place to stock up on not just wine, but also an expertly curated range of liquors and artisanal libations. Overseen now by brothers Peter and David Unsworth, the Unsworth’s Yard has been owned by their family since 1922. That personal touch and family feel is evident in every part of this fun area.

Cheeses Food Travelist — Cartmel Cheeses

International Gin Selection at Hot Wines in Cartmel

Many Shops To Explore

There are lots of fun places to shop around Cartmel as well. You might just find a knitted cap, an interesting book or even perhaps a life-sized sheep statue for your garden, should that be your fancy. But for us, of course, the ultimate shop is the one that has the food.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Going into the Cartmel Village Shop is like reaching the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. While they have a full supply of intriguing items, the heart, and soul of this productive shop is, wait for it: Sticky Toffee Pudding. That’s right. We said it. And just putting the words into print make us salivate all over again. But first, just in case you’re the poor sort who’s never heard of, let alone tasted, this amazingly decadent dessert, we need to properly introduce you to it.

Sticky Toffee Pudding consists of a dense but moist cake, often filled with chewy chopped dates. It’s covered or soaked in an incredibly decadent “toffee” or butterscotch type sauce. Many folks treat it as a blank canvas upon which they add chopped nuts, vanilla custard or ice cream. Any or all of these can be absolutely delicious. But by many accounts, the Cartmel Village Shop is making the best sticky toffee pudding that there is. It’s still handmade (though they did have to move to a bigger kitchen down the road). They use 100% natural ingredients. Extending your delight, they also make pudding flavors such as ginger, chocolate, Christmas and banana. And there’s even a lemon drizzle sponge if you’re feeling a bit more tart. Don’t miss the Toffee+Vodka it’s a unique and tasty spirit!

Sticky Toffee Vodka at Cartmel Village Shop Food Travelist — Sticky Toffee Vodka at Cartmel Village Shop

Wait There’s More

If you’d like to taste these incomparable flavors but don’t have a trip to Cartmel on your itinerary just yet, don’t worry. You can purchase their amazing puddings, sauces, gifts, and goodies online as well. Be sure to check out their tasty treats in their online shop.

Hales Chocolates Food and Fun in Cartmel England — Hales Chocolates Food and Fun

Cartmel is a vibrant village in Cumbria, The Lake District of Northern England. It’s filled with places to go, things to do and, above all for us Food Travelists, amazing food and drink to explore. We heartily recommend you add it to your food travel plans as soon as possible.

Special thanks to Visit Britain! We were guests of Visit Britain on our visit to Northern England. We were not financially compensated. All opinions are our own and reflect our experiences at the time of our visit.

THE QUICK BITE: The wonderful village of Cartmel, in Cumbria, The Lake District of Northern England offers Michelin star dining, classic British brews and fare, activities and attractions and the ultimate version of sticky toffee pudding all in one place.

In Better Living

Amazing Health Benefits of Donkey Milk

By Diana Laskaris

Before we talk about the benefits of donkey milk, let me tell you a secret. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals. I love to be out in nature with the wild ones. I also enjoy being at home with domestic ones. And one of the animals that have always been a favorite of mine is the donkey. When I met my first donkey, I discovered their many charms.

Diana visiting a donkey in Burgundy, France

But I have only come to learn more recently about the wonder of donkey milk for health. Surprisingly, donkey milk uses can have amazing benefits for some serious health issues. I learned that Buttercup Farm and their Dolce De Donke brand of donkey milk products are just outside of Oklahoma City. Of course, I had to make a visit on our recent trip to the area.

Fortunately, our good natured hostess from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau was game to come along so we headed to the farm for a visit with the donkeys and education in donkey milk their human caretakers.

Donkey Milk Good For Health

We were greeted by Saundra and her family, including a husband two daughters. We also met a little black rescue kitten aptly named Midnight and two friendly dogs. Looking around we discovered several ducks, a few Guinea fowl, some grown-up cats and, of course, donkeys. As adorable as everyone in the cast was, we couldn’t wait to see the stars of the show. Twelve at this time, the donkeys included rescues, moms, dads, and babies. We met a pair of twin donkey babies, something quite unusual in the donkey world.

The donkey beckoned and we carefully went to have a visit. After a few hellos and nudges, we learned that what they wanted from us most were attention and brushing. Donkeys love brushing. Fortunately, there were plenty of brushes on hand for us all and humans and donkeys were happy as can be. Brushing a donkey can be as beneficial as petting a cat or dog for your blood pressure. And, the donkey likes it too.

Buttercup Farm donkeys are American Mammoth Donkeys. George Washington’s first imported French donkeys are their ancestors. These are large, strong, sweet and sensitive donkeys. Unfortunately, they are now critically endangered. Saundra decided to opt for this breed for many reasons, including her hope to increase their numbers.

Something About Donkeys

If you don’t know much about donkeys, you’ll discover that they are generally affectionate, docile and sort of like huge friendly dogs. They follow you around, hoping you’ll scratch them behind the ears or brush their coats. If they think that you’re trustworthy, they will even nudge you until you take the hint.

Donkeys don’t startle easily as horses do and they are quite curious and friendly. Interestingly, the placement of donkeys’ eyes is such that they can see all four of their feet. So if you happen to be somewhere they don’t want you to be, their aim is very good.

Donkeys are sometimes called “stubborn.” But what they should be known for is being thoughtful and cautious. Donkeys will not do something that they feel is unsafe and they consider their surroundings and circumstances when making a decision. This is why much of humanity has benefited from donkeys as workmates and helpers in many pursuits.

Donkeys are herd animals and like to be with others in a group rather than alone, though they can get along fine with other farm animals. They come in many sizes from mini donkeys to the big mammoths, but all are smaller than most horses. Donkeys have long been work and companion animals for people as far back as ancient Egypt. They can be trained well once they are shown by words and deeds that they can trust you. With good health and care, donkeys can live into their 40s.

History is full of great donkey deeds. Donkeys carried silk along the Silk Road trade route, worked the narrow paths of vineyards in Greece and Spain. Even today they carry heavy loads up and down trails that are difficult to navigate otherwise. They like to be helpful and in many ways they are.

Donkey Milk and its Amazing Benefits

If you live in the United States, the idea of consuming or using donkey milk for health is probably quite new. But donkey milk has been recognized for its many health benefits since ancient times. Cleopatra of Egypt known for her beauty and youthful appearance took a daily donkey milk bath. Ancient Greek doctors prescribed donkey milk for its health benefits. And more recently, donkey milk was used to feed orphan babies, care for sick children and the elderly in Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany.

But what caught my attention about donkey milk and its potential benefits came from some first-hand experiences I had read, including Saundra’s story about her daughter’s challenge with an autoimmune disease called PANDAS that attacked her brain. After researching anything that might help, they tried donkey milk and it provided the relief they needed. They got their little girl back.

Donkey milk is anti-inflammatory and hypoallergenic and has many benefits from its vitamins, probiotics and other elements. Studies show that children and the elderly who cannot tolerate cow’s milk do very well with donkey milk. In fact, some 90% of children who can’t consume regular milk do just fine with donkey milk, which is similar in composition to human breast milk.

There’s a lot more to donkey milk’s health benefits than I can address in this article, but if you’re interested I’ll direct you first to information on Saundra’s product site where you can start to learn more.

The challenge with obtaining donkey milk though is that donkeys are not like cows. They produce small amounts of milk for limited periods of time and they need to have their babies around or production will stop. They need to be milked by hand, and there’s only a little extra beyond what they need for their babies so there’s not a lot of it to be had. If you know that your child is being helped by it though, you’ll do whatever you can. So Saundra bought 3 donkeys and started her farm.

Uses of Donkey Milk

One of the first things I wanted to know about consuming donkey milk, probably like most people, is what does it taste like. Saundra was generous with her “liquid gold” and shared some with us. First, we tried some donkey milk coffee ice cream. It was quite mild and more like ice milk than “cream.” We then tasted the milk itself, unadorned. To me, it was really close to skim milk from a cow. It was not thick or heavy or gamey at all. It was just slightly sweet, but not nasty in any way.

While Saundra uses what she needs for her daughter and family health, the little extra donkey milk she has can be used for products that she can offer with a longer shelf life. These include soaps, lotions, and creams that are great for body and skin. Saundra designed the adorable packaging herself and several local shops around Oklahoma sell her products. Fortunately, she also has an online shop for Dulce de Donke products so you don’t have to be in Oklahoma to get them.

Donkey Milk Products from Buttercup Farm

Still Love Those Donkeys

I think I can say we all had a wonderful time visiting Buttercup Farm. We learned so much about the benefits of donkey milk and enjoyed meeting Saundra and her family, hearing their stories and seeing the results. It is truly inspiring to see that there are some ways a natural source can solve even the most challenging problem.

But in the end, the thing that will stay with me most is what brought me there in the first place. The donkeys. They are gentle, friendly, generous animals. They have strong personalities, preferences, and expressions. I think if you spent much time with them, you’d feel sad when you have to leave them behind. I was only a visitor for a few hours on one day. And yet, I already miss them.

Perhaps we will all have more donkeys in our future. The benefits of donkey milk are being researched and studied for applications to human health. And the success stories are becoming more visible. I know that there are many animals out there deserving of our love and support. But so long as there are donkeys to meet and brush, I’ll always be a devoted fan.

Pin If You Love Donkeys

Sue & Diana

Welcome to Food Travelist! We are Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. We travel the world to find unique spots away from the crowds. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tasty street food on a stick. We hope to bring the world just a bit closer together as we share a meal and learn about different cultures through food and drink.

Learn More
Categories
- Blog (29)
- Food (167)
  - Entertaining Ideas (12)
    - Holidays (8)
    - Parties (3)
  - Food Stories (63)
  - Recipes (94)
    - Appetizers (12)
    - Breakfast (10)
    - Desserts (16)
    - Drinks (7)
    - Main Dishes (34)
    - Mediterranean (8)
    - Side Dishes (24)
    - Vegetarian (12)
- Portugal (33)
  - Learn About Portugal (22)
  - Living In Portugal (22)
  - Moving To Portugal (15)
- Travel (225)
  - Americas (87)
    - Central America (1)
    - North America (84)
      - Canada (4)
      - Mexico (3)
      - United States (71)
    - South America (1)
  - Asia (9)
  - Caribbean (7)
  - Europe (81)
    - Austria (1)
    - Belgium (2)
    - England (6)
    - France (14)
    - Germany (7)
    - Greece (7)
    - Italy (2)
    - Portugal (28)
    - Spain (2)
    - The Netherlands (4)
  - Middle East (1)
  - Travel Tips (50)
- We Recommend (26)
  - Better Living (14)
  - Doing Good, Giving Back (2)
  - Things We Love (13)