Diana Laskaris

In Food

The Best Healthy Snack Ever Kale Chips

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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In Americas

Home Sweet Deli Home

By Diana Laskaris

I don’t know about you, but whenever I go home to visit family and friends, I’m flooded with food memories and places I want to revisit. I was born in Los Angeles, California, USA, in a town called Hollywood. The hospital I was born in was once called Cedars of Lebanon. It is now the headquarters of the Church of Scientology. Well, some things do change.

But one thing that hasn’t changed in all the many years since I left L.A. is the killer combination of deli and bakery down the street from where my parents have lived in Tarzana, California (yes, the city got its name from the Tarzan character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs who lived there). Mort’s Delicatessen and Bea’s Bakery are a must-stop dual delight that I never miss when back home.

Food Travelist Morts Deli and Beas Bakery — Mort’s Deli and Bea’s Bakery

Nothing fancy, Mort’s is a reliable deli that serves dine-in and has a take-out counter as well. The bagels used are from Bea’s next door, so they are fresh and perfect every time.

Food Travelist Morts Deli Over 45 Years — Mort’s Deli Over 45 Years!

The last time I stood at the counter, I chatted with some of the many people there waiting to pass the time. One man said that he had been coming there for over 30 years – 30 years! (I don’t know why I’m so surprised, I have been doing the same thing.) Another woman, who was getting over a cold said she just couldn’t sleep until she had some matzo ball soup from Mort’s. She drove 45 miles to get it!

Food Travelist Morts Deli Counter — Mort’s Deli Counter

Breakfast can include perfectly scrambled eggs and crispy home-fried potatoes with a bagel.

Food Travelist Morts Deli Eggs and Potatoes — Mort’s Eggs and Potatoes

Or you can just do your “coffee and…” with a bagel and cream cheese or whatever you like.

Food Travelist Morts Deli Beas Bakery Bagel and Cream Cheese — Everything Bagel and Cream Cheese

Lunch could be a deli sandwich piled high or a bagel heaped with perfectly sliced Nova lox, creamy coleslaw, and a little Greek salad.

Food Travelist Morts Deli Bagels and Lox — Bagels and Nova Lox

Bea’s Bakery next door – in fact, there’s an open wall between the two so you can get your bakery and your deli at the same time – is just as delicious and has just as many loyal customers.

Food Travelist Beas Bakery Big Cookies — Bea’s Bakery Big Cookies

In addition to fresh bagels, you can get all kinds of bread, including the cherished corn rye, to take home. They truly make some of the best butter cookies and Rugelah in the business.

Food Travelist Beas Bakery Rugelah — Bea’s Bakery Rugelah

Although I live in Chicago now, one of the greatest places in the U.S. to live if you are a foodie like me, there’s something very special about going back home to my food home, Mort’s Deli and Bea’s Bakery in Tarzana, California. If you ever have a chance to visit the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, be sure not to miss these neighborhood favorites.

THE QUICK BITE: If you ever have a chance to visit the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, be sure not to miss Mort’s Deli and Bea’s Bakery in Tarzana, which are neighborhood favorites.

In Belgium

Brussels Belgium Peeing and Waffles

By Diana Laskaris

Brussels Belgium is known for many things. It is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union for starters. But two of its best-known and beloved hallmarks are much more earthy. A little statue of a peeing boy – yes, we did say peeing – and the most delicious waffles you’ve ever had in your life. For Food Travelists, this makes the world-class city of Brussels a destination worthy of experiencing.

Food Travelist Brussels Belgium World Class City — Brussels Is A World Class City

Let’s start with the peeing boy. He is a small statue, much smaller than his world renown would suggest. Officially called Manneken-Pis (which literally means Little Man Pee in a Dutch dialect), this statue which is only about 2 feet (61 cm) tall, is a bronze fountain of a naked little boy peeing in the fountain’s pool. Yep, it really is. And you can’t believe the number of people who flock to see it.

Food Travelist Brussels Belgium Manneken-Pis Tiny But Mighty — Manneken-Pis Tiny But Mighty

Beyond the oddity of this little fountain is the fact that Mannekin Pis is a Brussels hobby. The people of Brussels love to dress him up. So much so in fact that there are more than 800 costumes for him at the City Museum.

Food Travelist Manneken-Pis Costume — Manneken-Pis In One of His 800 Costumes

The unofficial mascot has been recreated in just about every form, fashion, and manner you can imagine. He’s even been reproduced in candy and chocolate!

Food Travelist Brussels Belgium Colorful Manneken-Pis Candy — Colorful Manneken-Pis Candy

Food Travelist Manneken-Pis In Chocolate — Manneken-Pis In Chocolate

Speaking of tasty treats, let’s move on to the next thing Brussels is known for, waffles. We’re not talking just any waffles. These are Liège waffles, named after the city in which they were conceived. Made with a thick, yeast-risen batter and a special sugar called pearl sugar that is added to the batter just before cooking the waffle, these thick chewy snacks are actually eaten throughout the day rather than at breakfast. The special pearl sugar consists of tiny little polished sugar balls that melt when the batter is baking on the iron and give the waffle its distinctive caramelized crustiness, similar to a crème brûlée. They are delicious when fresh off the specialized waffle iron that creates them served plain or with butter.

Food Travelist Brussels Belgium Liege Waffle Stacks — Fresh Liege Waffle Stacks

But they are seen most often with a dizzying array of choice toppings including fruit, chocolate, whipped cream, and more. You can choose what you want and build your own unforgettable treat.

Food Travelist Brussels Belgium Waffle Combos — Build Your Own Belgian Waffle Combo

So are you surprised by what you’ll find in Brussels? These are just two of the many delights of this world-class city. We just wanted to
“wet your appetite” (boo, hiss, pun intended) to get a taste of Brussels Belgium, and all it has to offer.

THE QUICK BITE: Brussels Belgium has much to offer to visitors including the statue of a little boy peeing over which the residents are obsessed and insanely good waffles over which Food Travelists can obsess.

In Blog

Boating in Bodrum Turkey

By Diana Laskaris

Bodrum is a small port city on the southern coast of Turkey that offers a unique opportunity to rent a boat and sail for a day, a week or more. It requires a little planning but is well worth it for Food Travelists seeking a way to see the sights and experience some of Turkey’s true treasures.

Called Haicarnassus in ancient times, Bodrum housed the Mausoleum of Mausolus, which was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Today it has a lot of restaurants and one of the largest marinas in the Aegean with docks for more than 500 boats.

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Gulets — Bodrum Gulets

Once you’ve plotted your course, your skipper and first mate will take good care of you.

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Skipper and First Mate — Skipper and First Mate

You’ll head out of the harbor and into the beautiful sea. You might even get the chance to drive the boat yourself. Before long it will be time for breakfast. You can enjoy Turkish tea or coffee and some cookies, biscuits and breads. You’ll find that the First Mate is also your onboard chef and personal server!

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Breakfast — Breakfast Onboard

You might sail by the Bodrum Castle officially the Castle of Saint Peter built by the Knights Hospitaller in 1402. Today it houses a fantastic museum of underwater archaeology with artifacts from excavations and shipwrecks.

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum The Castle — The Bodrum Castle

Your captain can find you a nice little cove to park in to relax and drink some more Turkish tea. You can go for a swim in the relatively warm water and then sun yourself and catch a few rays.

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Swim And Lounge — Swim and lounge in a quiet cove

In case you’ve got a sweet tooth an ice cream boat may come by selling sweet frosty treats.

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Ice Cream Boat — Ice Cream Boat

But don’t spoil your appetite because your First Mate may be a pretty good cook. You can get fresh bread, salad and vegetables.

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Fresh Salad and Vegetables — Fresh Salad and Vegetables

And for the centerpiece, a fresh whole local fish, such as the Çipura (gilt-head bream) made right on the boat. You can then relax for awhile and go for another swim. Depending on the length of your gulet trip, you might head off to other areas and coves. Or, you can just relax for awhile before heading back.

There’s always room for a little fresh fruit, which tastes so great when you’re sunning yourself on a wooden boat floating peacefully on the sea.

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Fresh Fruit — A Little Fresh Fruit

And whenever you decide to head back, you can enjoy a beautiful Turkish sunset. What a great way to enjoy boating on a Gulet in Bodrum!

Food Travelist Boating In Bodrum Sunset — Bodrum Sunset

THE QUICK BITE: Renting a wooden boat called a Gulet in Bodrum offers a unique opportunity to experience some of Turkey’s true treasures and taste the local fare prepared onboard.

Diana Laskaris

What is Kale?

Healthy Snack Oven Fresh Crispy Kale Chip Recipe

Ingredients

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