Diana Laskaris

In Food

Al Fresco Dining Ideas

When the weather is nice, one of the most wonderful ways to enjoy a meal is in the open air. “Al fresco” dining is popular in many countries and the choices for location, style, food and drink are as varied as the diners themselves.

As Food Travelist is a big fan of dining around the world and seeing (and tasting) all it has to offer, we thought we’d share a few of our favorite al fresco dining experiences with you. We hope this sparks your own imagination and gives you some ideas for your own delicious outdoor meals.

Netherlands

Al fresco dining in the Netherlands is enjoyable, especially when at a restaurant near a square where musicians and others abound. Mussels and fries pair perfectly with local beer.

Stunning Vienna

Speaking of music, Vienna is a wonderful city for enjoying the history of many composers who called it home. The Cafe Mozart is just one place perfect for enjoying music in the air.

Cafe Mozart Vienna — Cafe Mozart in Vienna

Caves of Cappadocia

Taking a break to enjoy spectacular views over an al fresco drink is a great idea. And there are no more spectacular views than those in Cappadocia, Turkey. A local brew helps to take it all in!

Enjoying the Windy City

There are fun ways to enjoy the company of others when dining al fresco. The flash mob “Chicago in White” dinner is one such way. Everyone wears white, packs up their own meal, and waits for their outdoor dining destination to be revealed. Afterward, everyone cleans up, and no one ever knows you were there. There are Diner en Blanc and Diner en Noir events all over the world. Check it out. It’s a lot of fun!

Al Fresco en Masse — Chicago Dinner In White Begins with the Napkin Twirl

People Watching in Brazil

Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches. And there’s no better beautiful beach to enjoy a luscious brunch on than the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian favorites like fresh fruit, seafood and hearts of palm are consumed just about everywhere there.

Everything’s Better in Paris

The Croque Monsieur seems tailor-made for dining outdoors. A glass of rose, a little side salad, and – Voilà!

Croque Monsier — Croque Monsieur – A Favorite in France

Turkey Delights

Dining onboard a boat is also a wonderful way to take in the fresh air. This fabulous fresh fish meal on a wooden gulet floating in the Aegean is hard to beat.

Take Us To The Top

Rooftop dining is another popular option. This fantastic deck on top of the Little Goat Diner in Chicago offers great food and great views.

Parks Are A Pleasure

Picnics are the ultimate in al fresco dining. This one in Vienna was actually provided by our hotel, the Sofitel. And it was delicious!

Tapping into Tapas

Spain offers some wonderful combinations, from Sangria and Cava to local wine and beer. It’s easy to find a great pairing with local tapas, cheese, and, of course, Jamon Iberico. There are so many great plazas surrounded by restaurants and cafes that are perfect for dining, people-watching, and taking in the scene. Madrid and Barcelona are two of our favorite cities for dining al fresco in Spain.

Cafes With A View

Cafes and bistros are a big part of the dining scene all over Paris. The tables often have chairs facing toward the street so that patrons can sit beside each other and watch the world as it goes by while enjoying a pastry and coffee, sandwich, or meal. It’s a fun part of the culture that takes advantage of the bustling city’s atmosphere.

Dine With Nature

Some of the most unique restaurants are those that are both indoors and outside at the same time. Figuera in Sao Paulo Brazil offers patio outdoor dining, complete with its namesake giant fig tree, around which glass windows have been built to protect it from the elements. It’s a memorable way to dine while being immersed in nature’s majesty and beauty.

Markets Aren’t Just For Shopping

Some of the most unique local foods anywhere can be found at the markets and street vendors’ stands all over the world. From hot roasted chestnuts to starfish on a stick, there are tons of different tastes to try from sellers on the street. From the tame to the adventurous, travelers can get a taste of the locals while walking around and seeing the sites. This night market in Beijing offers various bites, from mainstream to exotic.

We hope we’ve inspired you to think about going outdoors for your meals when the weather permits. Dining al fresco gives you the opportunity to enjoy the many wonderful tastes of travel while at the same time soaking up some of the culture of your destination. Wherever you go, enjoy it all!

In Food

The Many Tastes of Honey

By Diana Laskaris

Honey is one of those wonderful products of nature that is enjoyed all over the world. The hard work of the honey bees gives us the perfect ingredient for appetizers and entrees, desserts and drinks alike. And its benefits are not just for consumption – honey makes a wonderful ingredient in skin and hair products, to soothe sore throats and coughs, and heal wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns.

After attending an incredible honey tasting provided by the National Honey Board we got so excited about what we learned, we thought we’d share some of our sweet discoveries with you.

There are more than 300 varieties of honey in the United States, thousands around the world. What makes the variety is the floral sources that the honey bees gather the nectar from. Some varieties you might be familiar with include clover, orange blossom and sage. But did you know that there are varieties from such other blossoms as pumpkin, avocado, silkweed, chestnut, alfalfa and many more? Each type has its own distinct taste, which can range from mild to floral to fruity to strong and spicy. It’s quite a bit like wine once you start to compare. Which leads to our next discovery…

Honey goes great in cheese pairings, just like wine. We met Marie Simmons, the award-winning author of over 20 cookbooks, including the wonderful Taste of Honey who provided us with some insights into pairings to show us how they work.

We discovered that Sicilian orange blossom and Lavendar varieties pair well with one of our favorite cheeses – Burrata! We tasted a rich avocado honey, which pairs well with chocolate, and a deeply malty buckwheat one, which goes well with things like sweet potatoes and winter squash. Our favorite taste was the Tupelo paired with a buttered cracker. Tupelo is a floral variety considered a labor of love by producers as it is gathered from beehives along river swamps, particularly in the Gulf Coast region of the southern United States.

Some uses of honey in drink recipes are worth noting too. Think about adding some to lemon juice and gin for a Bee’s Knees cocktail, cream and white rum for a Bee’s Kiss or Cachaca, ginger liqueur and lime juice for a tasty twist on the Caipirinha. There are many possibilities, including the delicious Austin Honey Sour we tasted with Vodka, honey simple syrup and lemon juice.

The most important thing to remember about honey is that it is produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. A single hard-working bee produces about 1/12 of a tablespoon of honey in its entire lifetime. Bees pick up pollen as they travel from flower to flower in search of nectar, and in doing so, pollinate our crops. They are an essential participant in the natural world, and so it is critically important that we become aware of and act to prevent the dangers affecting bee populations, including pesticides and fungicides.

Now that you know a bit more about honey, we hope you will experiment with it more fully in your own kitchens and seek it out in your tastes of travel. We also urge you to support your local beekeepers and share your appreciation of bees with others.

For more information about honey and bees as well as recipes and ideas, visit the National Honey Board, Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, and HoneyO websites.

THE QUICK BITE: Honey is one of those wonderful products of nature that is enjoyed all over the world. We’ve learned a lot about its many facets and tastes and want to share our discoveries with you.

In Food

Mary Aregoni of Saigon Sisters

By Diana Laskaris

Today we’re talking with restaurateur Mary Aregoni, co-owner of Saigon Sisters with 3 locations in Chicago. Saigon Sisters has developed a large and loyal following among food lovers who appreciate its superior achievement of the delicate balance between classic dishes and innovative cuisine. We’re delighted to have this opportunity to share some of Mary’s passion with you.

FT: Thanks for talking with us, Mary. This is a second career for you. Why did you decide to start Saigon Sisters?

MA: Since I was always interested in food and entertainment from all the places I lived and traveled, I figured the hospitality and food industry made sense to me. Since I didn’t know and had not even worked in a restaurant before, I wanted to start something small and less risky by testing the concept at the French market, the first artisan/food market in Chicago. After living in NY for a few years, I noticed that Vietnamese cuisine and banh mi shops were popular there but there was none in downtown Chicago. It was the right time and opportunity to be the first to bring banh mis to the fast-casual market in the heart of Chicago.

FT: Saigon Sisters are really you and your sister, Theresa. How is it working with her in the business?

MA: It’s great to have family working with you and share your vision and be part of the brand and story behind it. We have always supported each other and helped each other throughout our careers but never worked together until now. We grew up around amazing food cultures and a highly creative environment.

FT: You had a lot of cultural influences on the food of your youth. What are some of your favorite dishes from when you were little?

MA: Pho of course because our dad would take us to his favorite pho shop for breakfast every day. We also love a Laotian dish made with fish soup and rice vermicelli that we ate for lunch every day at the Open market. Then there were the French pastries like croissants and toast with rich French butter and sugar.

FT: Your mom helps in the business too. Does she influence any of the food you serve?

MA: Yes she teaches everyone how to roll the spring rolls correctly and make the dipping peanut sauce. All the traditional dishes like pho broth, spring rolls, nuoc cham sauces, pickled daikon/carrots, and Vietnamese pork are all her recipes.

FT: What is your favorite food travel memory?

MA: France along the Loire and Champagne regions and of course the Parisian bistros.
Laos where I grew up eating amazing foods from street vendors and markets. The latest trip to Thailand and learning how to do curry from scratch and all the traditional dishes.

FT: What country have you not yet visited but would love to and why?

MA: Portugal, Peru, and Morocco for the moment. Their cuisines and historical sights have always interested me. My sister went to Peru last year and all she talks about is their food so I have to see and taste it for myself.

Flavors and spices drawn from cultural heritage

FT: What do you think are the best and worst things about being a restaurateur?

MA: The best is to always have great food and wines around either at my restaurant or checking out new places or attending seminars and conferences. The worst is to deal with all the complexities of running a restaurant.
FT: Do you have a signature dish? If so, what makes it so special?

MA: Yes there are several but the one that stands out the most is the grilled baby octopus with squid ink rice. It is not a typical dish that you find at a Vietnamese restaurant. It is a great example of how we can elevate Vietnamese cuisine using standard products like broken rice and introduce new ways to combine the flavors and present it in a unique way.

FT: What influence has food travel had on how you think and what you do?

MA: It certainly gives me the perspective of where food comes from and how culture influences the way food is prepared and shared. It gives us a glimpse of the true origin and authenticity of the dishes.

FT: What’s your number one tip for people who dream about starting a restaurant?

MA: Be very clear in your concept and make sure that you do your research on the location and demand for your products. Have enough capital to not just open the restaurant but to make up for unexpected costs and repairs.

FT: Any special recipes or kitchen tips you can share?

MA: Fish sauce makes every savory dishes taste better. Use it instead of salt and you will understand what umami means.

Thanks so much for spending time with us, Mary. We encourage Food Travelists in or visiting Chicago to be sure to get a taste of Saigon Sisters at one of their three locations. You can read more about the restaurant on their website.

THE QUICK BITE: Today we’re talking with restaurateur Mary Aregoni, co-owner of Saigon Sisters with 3 locations in Chicago about food travel, favorite flavors, and becoming a restaurateur.

In Food

The Best Healthy Snack Ever Kale Chips

By Diana Laskaris

If you love to munch and crunch on popcorn, cheese puffs, tortilla or potato chips but want to try a more healthy snack – something with a little more nutritional value – our simple recipe for crispy kale chips definitely makes a more healthy snack and one that’s super tasty too.

Available in many varieties, kale is often classified by its type of leaf, such as curly or plain. It comes in various colors, from ornamental varieties in purple and white to sturdy greens that are familiar worldwide.

What is Kale?

Kale is used in many traditional dishes around the world. In the Netherlands, it’s used in a dish called boerenkoolstamppot that mixes kale and mashed potatoes, similar to the Irish dish colcannon, which uses the same. A variety of kale is popular in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, where it’s often used in stir-fries with beef. Caldo Verde is a Portuguese soup that combines potatoes, kale, and spicy sausage. Denmark and Sweeden make a side dish with kale to serve together with the Christmas ham. The cooks of Scotland, Montenegro, Japan, Italy, Africa, the United States, and elsewhere certainly love their kale.

Food Travelist Growing Kale — Growing Kale healthy snacks

So while there are many different ways to make it, we thought we’d share one of the easiest, a homemade healthy kale chips. They make wonderful snacks for kids, too. It’s a healthy chip for them to crunch on. They’re so simple you can make them any time you want to crunch on something without all the fat and calories that usually accompany crispy treats. We provide the basic recipe here for you but feel free to improvise with any toppings you like. Granulated garlic or onion, seasoned salt, lemon pepper, ginger, cajun or bbq spice all work well. Just be sure not to overdo it so it stays a healthy snack. Use your imagination and let us know what you like best! Let’s learn how to make kale chips.

Healthy Snack Oven Fresh Crispy Kale Chip Recipe

Ingredients

Bunch of kale
1 tablespoon olive oil, for sprinkling
1 teaspoon salt, sea salt is good and so is Himalayan pink salt, if you want to be fancy!
pepper or other seasonings to taste (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Rinse and thoroughly dry a bunch of kale.
3. Snip the greens (not the stems) of kale into bite-sized pieces (the kale will shrink a lot, so think BIG bites here).
4. Drizzle oil and coat very lightly. Don’t be heavy-handed here – too much oil and the chips will be soggy, not crisp.
5. Sprinkle with salt and, pepper or spices if you like.
6. Bake for about 5 minutes until the edges of the chips start to turn slightly brown.
7. Stir them around and flip them over on the pan.  You want to heat them on all sides.
8. Watch carefully for another 3-4 minutes until the edges are brown and the chips are crispy. Be sure not to over-bake or burn. Greens should still be green. Just the edges get brown.

That’s all there is to it. So, enjoy your crispy healthy snack – guilt-free baked kale chips.

THE QUICK BITE: If you love to munch on crunchy snacks but want something with a little nutritional value, try our simple recipe for crispy kale chips, a healthy snack.

In Europe

Musical Marienplatz Munich Germany

By Diana Laskaris

Munich is certainly a musical city and Marienplatz, the market square known for housing the new town hall (Rathaus) with its famous musical carillon, known as the Glockenspiel is a worthy highlight of any visit.

The Glockenspiel is an ornate carillon or set of bells in a tower that is played by a keyboard or an automated device similar to a piano roll. In this case, there are 43 bells connected with 32 life-sized figures.

Food Travelist Marienplatz Munich Glockenspiel — Marienplatz Munich Glockenspiel

The top-level figures depict the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V (who also founded the Hofbrauhaus) which is celebrated by jousting life-sized knights on horseback representing Bavaria and Lothringen. Of course, the Bavarian knight prevails every time. The lower level figures show the Schäfflertanz (the coopers’ or barrel makers’ dance), once a tradition symbolizing perseverance and loyalty even in the most challenging times.

Food Travelist Marienplatz Glockenspiel Two Levels of Life-Sized Figures — Glockenspiel Two Levels of Life-Sized Figures

The Glockenspiel plays at 11 am and 12 noon daily and also at 5 pm from March to October. The activity lasts for about 15 minutes and at the end, a small golden rooster at the top utters three chirps to indicate that showtime is over.

There are plenty of places to dine in the area. One popular restaurant is the Donisl just behind the Glockenspiel area. If the weather is good, you’ll find plenty of spots outside to take in the scenery and hear music whenever it plays.

Food Travelist Marienplatz Munich Restaurant Donisel — Marienplatz Munich Restaurant Donisl

Marianplatz is also a popular place for musicians to perform for crowds. You may hear classical music, popular music, jazz or a combination of styles depending on who feels like playing.

Food Travelist Marienplatz Musicians — Marienplatz Musicians Pleasing the Crowd

December is also a great time for music at the Marienplatz as holiday carolers sing on the balcony of the Rathaus. And no matter what time of year you are there, you may be able to see and hear music students playing to earn tips that help with tuition for their music studies.

Food Travelist Student Musician Getting Tuition Tips — Student Musician Getting Tuition Tips

Check out a live HD webcam of Marienplatz to see what’s happening there right now!

You’ll find plenty of places to eat in the area as well, so you’ll be able to enjoy a schnitzel and bier to tide you over until the next performance!

Food Travelist Marienplatz Schnitzel — Marienplatz Schnitzel

THE QUICK BITE: Munich is certainly a musical city and Marienplatz, the market square known for housing the new town hall (Rathaus) with its famous musical carillon, known as the Glockenspiel is a worthy highlight of any visit.

In Americas

Pizzeria Bianco and More

By Diana Laskaris

We know that Italian food is some of the most popular in the world. And it’s one of our favorites too. So we’re pretty picky when it comes to pizza. But if you have a reason to be in Phoenix, Arizona, or can make one up, you might just find one of the happiest surprises in the culinary world. Pizzeria Bianco offers an incredibly good artisanal pizza by an incredibly good chef in an incredibly good-weather location.

Food Travelist Pizzeria Bianco — Pizzeria Bianco Al Fresco

Pizzeria Bianco is a standout in the world of pizza, primarily because of the fresh ingredients, creative combinations, and artisanal approach of chef/owner Chris Bianco. Chris started Pizzeria Bianco inside the back corner of a neighborhood grocery store in 1988. 15 years later, he won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest (2003).

Knowing that the best ingredients make the best dishes, Chris joined with Rob DiNapoli, an expert canner, to create a line of organic whole peeled tomatoes. Now expanded to include crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, Bianco DiNapoli products are available in retail shops and fine grocers, including Whole Foods in Arizona and California, with more outlets to come. He has also opened Pane Bianco, 4 blocks away, originally to serve focaccia sandwiches with bread baked to order for takeout, Pane now is a full-service restaurant.

Food Travelist Bianco Dinapoli — Bianco Dinapoli Sauce

But back to the food at Pizzeria Bianco. There are delicious options for salads and small plates. We started with the delicious antipasto, a delicious combination of wood-roasted vegetables, soppressata, and cheese.

Delicious Antipasto Plate at Pizzeria Bianco

Then on to the main event. Pizzas come in various styles, such as the traditional Margherita with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil to the creative Sonny Boy with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, salami, and gaeta olives. If you can’t decide what you want, or you want to try a few different types, you can do what we did – a half and a half. In our case, we split a pie into the Wiseguy a sauceless pizza with wood-roasted onion, house-smoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage, and Biancoverde with fresh mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, ricotta, and arugula.

Food Travelist Pizzeria Bianco Split Pie — Pizzeria Bianco Split Pie

You can stick with their combos or add some of your own options like wood-roasted organic mushrooms, organic ‘la Quercia’ Prosciutto Americano, or Agostino Recca Sicilian Anchovies. And to complement your tastebuds, you can order a glass of local wine or cold beer from Bar Bianco next door, where, incidentally, you can also just hang out before or after dinner.

The whole atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and comfortable. With a couple of locations under their belt now and logical expansions like Pane Bianco and the Bianco DiNapoli products, you’re likely to find Chris Bianco’s passionate palate working its way beyond the southwest. In the meantime, if you happen to be in or around Phoenix, be sure not to miss this worthwhile bite.

Margharita Pizza at Pizzeria Bianco — Margherita Pizza at Pizzeria Bianco

THE QUICK BITE: Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix Arizona offers an incredibly good artisanal pizza by an incredibly good chef in an incredibly good-weather location.

In Europe

Extraordinary Ephesus Turkey

By Diana Laskaris

Ephesus, the extraordinary ancient city with its Great Theater, Celsus Library, Temple of Artemis, and Terrace Houses still being uncovered is a must-stop if you’re planning to visit Turkey.

Located in present-day Selçuk, Ephesus was originally a Greek city renowned for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. When the Romans made their march on, well, everywhere, Ephesus became a Roman city and ultimately the capital of Asia Minor. There were spring festivals for Artemis (Diana to the Romans) and Ephesus became the largest city in the area with about 400,000 inhabitants.

Food Travelist Ephesus Largest Excavation In The World — Ephesus Largest Excavation In The World

As the Roman empire declined, Ephesus lost its place in the spotlight until the mid-19th century when archaeologists began excavating it. To their astonishment, there is much to find! Less than 1/4th of the city has been uncovered but it is still the largest excavation in the world.

Food Travelist Terrace Houses at Ephesus — Terrace Houses at Ephesus

The Terrace Houses, extraordinary dwellings with creature comforts that we know today like heating systems and private baths, were homes to the rich and important of the day. The frescoed walls and mosaic floors are being painstakingly reconstructed and their incredible details are being rediscovered.

Food Travelist A Huge Job Ephesus Excavation and Reconstruction — A Huge Job Ephesus Excavation and Reconstruction

The Great Theater is a huge outdoor amphitheater that seats some 25,000 people. Known in biblical times as the place where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians, in modern times it has been used for concerts because of its near-perfectly designed acoustics. Fans and performers alike marveled at the environment and mega-stars such as Elton John, Diana Ross, and Sting. Concerts by performers from around the world are still given (though no major rock concerts because of the structural damage caused by the volume).

Food Travelist Great Theater Accoustics — Great Theater Acoustics Are Just About Perfect

The Celsus Library is also interesting. It was built to hold 12,00 scrolls and serve as a tomb for a Roman senator, who is buried in a sarcophagus beneath the library. But what may be even more interesting is that there was a “secret” tunnel that connected the library to a local brothel, enabling gentlemen who did not wish their whereabouts to be scrutinized could head to the library and then steal away for entertainment elsewhere without observation.

Food Travelist Celsus Library in Ephesus — Celsus Library in Ephesus

Ephesus is a popular location for extraordinary weddings, cocktail parties, and other celebrations that can be catered, including the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a small dwelling built by the Apostle John where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived to the end of her life. Restaurants like Prince of the Castle, Yavuz’un Yeri, and Artemis are popular places to eat in the area and there are some quick bites and sellers of wine, oil, and other goodies nearby too.

Food Travelist Ephesus Perfect Place for A Party — Ephesus Perfect Place for A Party

The residents of this ancient city took advantage of Market Square or Agora, where they could purchase food and other manufactured goods. Bread, wine, olives, figs, and cheese, staples of the residents would taste especially good on a modern visit too. If you listen carefully, you might just hear the ancient voices whispering about the next great meal…

Food Travelist Wine Stand Near Ephesus — Wine Stand Near Ephesus

THE QUICK BITE: Ephesus, the extraordinary ancient city with its Great Theater, Celsus Library, Temple of Artemis, and Terrace Houses still being uncovered is a must-stop if you’re planning to visit Turkey.

In Food

Confessions of a Feeder

By Diana Laskaris

by Diana Laskaris

I know, I know, I’m a feeder. I’ve heard that since I was in college and learned that cooking helped my popularity rise. Whenever I had a party, my friends would bring their friends, family members, and even people they barely knew. They’d stuff themselves into my small apartment and then stuff themselves with whatever yummy stuff I made for them to stuff themselves with while they were there.

Food Travelist Food Still Makes A Party — Food Still Makes A Party

I remember one particular party that was so well attended and such a happy time that I finally went to bed at around 3 am and told everyone to let themselves out when they were done. Of course, many were still there at 8 am and wondering what “we” were making for breakfast. “We” made lots of fluffy eggs, French toast, freshly squeezed orange juice, and one or two “hair of the dog” drinks for those who enjoyed a little too much the night before.

Food is love to a feeder. Food is communication to almost anyone who eats. I know this because I have traveled the world and spent countless hours finding ways to learn about the culture of those I meet. It always and easily comes down to food. Food and drink allow us to take a shortcut to understand people in their homeland. The spices of India are vibrant. The bounty of rice in Japan is ubiquitous. The scent of fresh fruit in Brazil is undeniable. These are the portals through which we can enter a new culture.

Food Travelist Delicious in Any Language — Delicious in Any Language

When we travel away from our home, we bring those sensibilities with us. Think about all the recipes from all the grandmas and grandpas that are still being made today – sometimes in the homes of descendants who now live half a world away.

Food Travelist When Do We Eat — Fascinating – When Do We Eat?

When Sue Reddel (notably more an eater than a feeder) and I started Food Travelist, it was with the hope that we could bring people around the world together using food as our common language. In fact, we even wrote a chapter about Food and Drink as Communication in the new handbook of the Food Tourism Industry, aptly called “Have Fork Will Travel.”

Food Travelist Feeders And Eaters Have Lots To Share — Feeders And Eaters Have Lots To Share

We hope you use Food Travelist to meet other people all over the world who also love food and that you exchange stories, experiences, and ideas with them. Along the way, whether eater, feeder, or just an observer, we think you will feel enriched by the wonderful variety of Food Travelists you meet here. And learn that what brings us together is far more important than what keeps us apart. Especially where wine and bread are involved!

Food Travelist Sweet Ending — My Kind Of Sweet Ending

THE QUICK BITE: Food is communication to almost anyone who eats. We hope you use Food Travelist to meet other people all over the world who also love food and that you exchange stories, experiences, and ideas with them.

In Americas

A Deliciously Charming Charlevoix Auberge

By Diana Laskaris

One of those rare accommodations that are unpretentiously luxurious, Auberge des 3 Canards, is a quiet inn in the Charlevoix region of Quebec Canada with gorgeous views and award-winning cuisine.

Food Travelist 3 Canards View — Auberge 3 Canards in Charlevoix View From A Room

When you first enter the Inn, you can’t help but notice the warm surroundings. A room off the foyer has a big fireplace and invitingly comfy furniture. You might be tempted to have a glass of wine or a cuppa something before you even get to your room!

Food Travelist Auberge de 3 Canards Comfy Spot — Auberge de 3 Canards Comfy Spot

The rooms are comfy. Many have great views and even come with a fireplace.

Food Travelist Auberge des 3 Canards Rooms — Auberge des 3 Canards Rooms Are Cozy Too

When it’s time for eating, that’s when the Auberge shines even more brightly. It’s low-key exquisite if that makes sense. Beautiful dinners generally pay homage to local items such as veal, quail, deer, beef, duck, goat, foie gras, and produce grown nearby.

Food Travelist Auberge des 3 Canards Dinner — Auberge des 3 Canards Beautiful Dinners

In the morning, you can get a fabulous breakfast any way you like.

Food Travelist Poached Eggs a la Florentine Auberge 3 Canards — Poached Eggs a la Florentine Breakfast at Auberge 3 Canards

At the same time have the opportunity to grill your own toast on an open flame toaster!

Food Travelist Make Your Own Toast At Auberge 3 Canards — Make Your Own Toast At Auberge 3 Canards

Depending on the season, you are near ski slopes, art galleries, mountain biking, golf, horseback riding, national parks, and, of course, the St. Lawrence River for whale watching and more. And on the grounds, there is an outdoor pool, mini-golf, croquet, and nearly half a million square feet of garden.

Food Travelist Aubege 3 Canards Pool — Aubege 3 Canards Pool

So, if you’re looking for a unique getaway that caters to your finer tastes all around, Auberge 3 Canards has a lot to offer.

THE QUICK BITE: Unpretentiously luxurious, Auberge des 3 Canards, is a quiet inn in the Charlevoix region of Quebec Canada with gorgeous views and an award-winning cuisine.

In Asia

Argos Cave Hotel in Cappadocia Turkey

By Diana Laskaris

While it may sound odd to say that there’s a luxurious cave you can stay in, that happens to be the truth. Argos is one of a handful of “cave hotels” in Cappadocia, Turkey that combines luxury accommodations and spa sensibilities with the truly unforgettable landscape of this amazing place.

Food Travelist Argos in Cappadocia — Argos in Cappadocia

When Martha Stewart visited Cappadocia, she stayed at Argos and called it a “Spectacular and charming hotel.” Argos is located on the site of an ancient monastery in Old Uchisar Village, where people lived in caves that were carved into the rocks. The advantage of cave dwellings was that they generally provide year-round temperatures that don’t vary too much, regardless of the cold or heat of the sometimes punishing environment outside.

rgos_Hotel_Cappadocia_Food_Travelist — View from the Argos Hotel Cappadocia

Argos worked hard and thoughtfully to restore the interconnected homes in the village, which now provide tranquil and aesthetically charming accommodations, terraces, and gardens.

Food Travelist Argos Cappadocia Seki — Seki Restaurant, Lounge and Wine Cellar

Gastronomy gets serious attention here too with incredible wining and dining at the SEKi restaurant, lounge, and wine cellar.

Food Travelist Argos Cappadocia Seki Interior — Seki Restaurant Interior

You can tour the grounds and see the underground tunnels and wine cellars, view the vegetables and fruits growing in the incredible volcanic soil or drying in the Turkish sun or just relax on your own private terrace.

There are 53 rooms, suites, and splendid suites (these include private cave pools) offering their own unique style.

Food Travelist Argos Cappadocia Cave Room — Cave Room

Winner of just about any award you can imagine, the Argos is a unique hotel in Cappadocia, one of the most unique destinations anywhere.

We also recommend spending an early morning sipping Turkish tea and watching the hot air balloons at sunrise from the lobby terrace. You will make memories here that you will not soon forget.

Food Travelist Argos in Cappadocia Balloons at Sunrise — Cappadocia Balloons at Sunrise

THE QUICK BITE: Argos is one of a handful of “cave hotels” in Cappadocia, Turkey that combines luxury accommodations and spa sensibilities with the truly unforgettable landscape of this amazing place.

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