Sue Reddel

In Travel Tips

Travel Packing Made Easy

By Sue Reddel

We all love to travel but who likes to pack? Even the most experienced travelers can get caught up in what to take and what to leave behind. Fortunately for me, eBags sent me samples of their packing cubes to review and see what I think.* Here’s my bottom line: These lightweight little gems are perfect for organizing all your clothes and accessories – anything and everything you may need to pack. They also make it so easy to find what you want. You don’t need to unpack everything if you know where it is in your handy packing cubes.

As I discovered, there are many benefits to travel packing with packing cubes. You can pack lightweight and heavyweight clothes separately for a long trip. If you like, you can buy different color cubes to keep your clothes organized however you choose or clearly separate your items from those of another traveler (they come in lots of groovy colors). Drop the bags right into the hotel drawers and you’re done unpacking so you can get out and start exploring quickly. They also make going through security a breeze. TSA can quickly take them out if need be and the mesh tops make it easy see what’s inside.

eBags 3 Piece Packing Cubes — eBags 3-Piece Packing Cube Set

Not convinced? Let’s pack a carry-on bag to see just how quick and easy it is to use the packing cubes. Using the 3-piece packing cube set I packed for a typical 5-7 day trip. I pack light, so I know I can get everything into my one carry-on bag. This works perfectly because the 3 packing cubes fit just right into a standard carry-on.

Let’s start with the large packing cube. I easily fit 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of khaki pants, 2 blouses, 1 Food Travelist button-down shirt and 1 Food Travelist polo shirt into it. Like most travelers, I find that rolling the clothes works best, preventing too many wrinkles and taking up less space.

The medium packing cube holds 4 t-shirts. I take one black t-shirt that goes with everything and can be used as another layer if it’s chilly. I also take one t-shirt as a night shirt, one for a work-out shirt and a Food Travelist t-shirt. This cube also holds a pair of pajama pants and a pair of sweat pants.

The small packing cube holds 6 pairs of underwear, 2 bras and 5 pairs of socks.

Fully Packed Carry On Bag — Fully Packed Carry-On Bag

The large cube goes on the bottom and the other two fit easily on top. It’s a perfect fit!

I still have room for my little black bag, which holds my travel essentials like meds, over-the-counter drugs like Advil Cold & Sinus, eye drops, tissues, nail file and all those little things that get lost if they’re not contained.

In my carry-on I also have a white bag that I got from Estee Lauder many years ago that’s perfect for all my travel gadgets, chargers, headphones, and cords. That goes in my outside pocket along with my clean plastic bag of travel-sized toiletries. I keep that bag full and ready to go so I don’t need to hunt to find them when I’m ready to pack. I refill anything that needs it when I return. That way I’m always ready to travel quickly.

I also pack 1 pair of loafers and wear 1 pair of comfortable travel shoes. I have an eye mask, mini lint roller, and always take a small umbrella – just in case. These also go into the front pockets of my carry-on bag.

My second carry-on is typically a backpack holding my laptop, small notepad, pens, cell phone, snacks, and a bottle of water. I usually take low-tech reading material, either a book or a magazine. This prepares me for many entertainment possibilities while on a long or short flight.

I found that packing cubes are a great way to organize my clothes and optimize the space in my carry-on bag. It makes the process of packing easy and also provides a quick way for me to find what I’m looking for during the trip. I can also see how great these would be in organizing several travelers – even the little ones!

What do you think? Do you use packing cubes? Would you consider using them? If you’re interested, check out the link below. Food Travelist is an affiliate partner of eBags. Your purchase through our links helps us keep providing you with the best food travel. Kinda like PBS.

*DISCLOSURE: I was not financially compensated for this review. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

THE QUICK BITE: If you’re looking for an easier more convenient way to pack check out eBags Packing Cubes. They’re extremely lightweight and maximize your packing space while keeping you organized.

In Food

Plan Your Next Travel Getaway

By Sue Reddel

Looking to plan your next travel getaway? If you’re looking for some great authentic destination experiences look no further than Viator. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff has over 17 years of planning experience.

Viator has hundreds of handpicked activities and tours to choose from cities all around the globe. No need to worry about what to expect, there are tons of photos of actual tours from clients on their easy to navigate site. Over 3 million people have traveled with Viator and you’ll hear straight from them all about the tours and services.

Like Being Treated Like A VIP?

Who doesn’t? Viator provides you with behind-the-scenes access, private tours, no waiting in lines, and avoiding the crowds. Their low price guarantee saves you time and effort in your travel planning and assures you that you’re getting the best price available.

You can do all your research online easily on their website. If you have any questions they have live support available 24/7 to answer any and all questions you may have, and they’re pleasant too!

Japanese Tea Cermony with Tea Master in Kyoto — Japanese Tea Ceremony with Tea Master in Kyoto

Whether you’re looking for cooking classes and lunch in Singapore or a Bavarian Beer and Food Tour through Munich, or have a Japanese Tea Ceremony with a Tea Master in Kyoto they have more authentic destination experiences than you can imagine.

Start Your Planning Now

We’re pleased to be an affiliate partner of Viator Travel. If you are planning a trip a looking to add unique experiences check out Viator we highly recommend their services and think you’ll find the choices incredible and competitively priced.

Most of all they’re nice people we like that and know you will too! Use one of the links on our site and you’ll help support Food Travelist continue to bring you all the best tips and tools when planning your next food travel adventure.
Unforgettable Travel Experiences. Unbelievable Deals. Book Now on Viator.com

THE QUICK BITE: If you need some help looking for authentic handpicked experiences for your next travel getaway check out Viator.com. Their 17 years of experience provides you with VIP travel experiences you won’t soon forget.

In Americas

Desert and Dale Chihuly Glass

By Sue Reddel

We recently had the chance to visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that world-famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly, would be on exhibit for Chihuly in the Garden. We braved the long lines and were rewarded with a beautiful and restoring afternoon in the desert.

Chihuly glass belongs in a garden. The organic nature of the design makes each piece at home in the open space of the desert garden.

The bursts of color throughout the gardens were unexpected yet fit in so well.

At night the displays are lit. We’re guessing this one looks like a bonfire.

These shapes take on an almost aquatic feel.

The red spears could be seen as the heat coming up from the desert.

The giant blue burst of color with spiky edges seemed to be right at home with the cacti.

The giant Saguaro cacti don’t seem to mind their sharp glass companions.

Loved the way this red glass snaked around the plants.

Lovely use of geometric shapes with the vertical glass that seemed to grow from the ground.

Even adding sculpture as water features the exhibit is woven throughout the gardens. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Desert Botanical Garden and taking in the Chihuly glass was surely an extra unexpected bonus.

THE QUICK BITE: If you’re visiting Phoenix be sure to explore the Desert Botanical Garden to see the beautiful exhibit of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly whose glass will be on display until May 18th.

In Food

Bread Around The World

By Sue Reddel

For bread lovers everywhere, today we celebrate its infinite variety and global influences with Bread Around The World. And, since a picture’s worth a thousand words, we thought we’d let you enjoy this little visual journey and imagine some favorite tastes, bakeries, and memories from your own experiences. Please do share them in the comments!

Bread Around the World Croissants and Pain au chocolat European Waterways — Croissants and Pain au chocolat European Waterways

French Bread

France has elevated the buttery croissant to a national treasure. And who among us can pass up a freshly baked pain au Chocolat?

In the old days, your baguette might come directly to your door. Or, as it were, on your door.

Food Travelist Bread Delivery — The original method of delivery to your door

You will find baguettes of every size and width in France. Best to do your own personal research to find the best.

Italian Bread

Italy has many of its own delicious versions that are perfect with tomatoes, cheese, herbs and more.

Cheese Bread from Mars Cheese Castle Photo 11 — Cheese Bread from Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha WI

Garlic Knots at Patzerria in New York City

Mexican Bread

Just south of the border there are many types of bread in Mexico too.

Mexican Rolls Bread Around the World — Mexican Rolls

Brazilian Bread

And Brazil’s contributions include the delicious little cheese roll puffs known as Pão de Queijo.

Cheese Bread Texas de Brazil — Pao de Queijo at Texas de Brazil

Portuguese Bread

Some of the best garlic bread I ever had was in Portugal. Check out those hunks of fresh garlic slathered with butter. Yum. It’s also fantastic with sardines too!

Sardines on Portuguese Bread with Onions

Mediterranean Bread

Pita is traditionally soft, chewy and flat, enjoyed in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Food Travelist Pita Balloon — Unique Pita balloon lets you crack it to make your own pita chips

Let’s not forget one of our favorites Greek Easter bread. Diana makes it every year.

American Bakeries

Boudin in San Francisco is world-renowned for its sourdough bread. They say the secret to this recipe like many other bakery products is the water.

This tasty American Indian flatbread was a treat at the regional Pow Wow in Cody, Wyoming.

Indian Flat Bread Pow Wow Cody Wyoming — American Indian Flat Bread at the Pow Wow in Cody Wyoming

Midwestern Favorites

If you’ve been to Madison Wisconsin’s Dane County Farmer’s market then you’ve seen the lines around Stella’s. The hot and spicy cheese bread is in high demand every weekend on the square.

Stellas Spicy Cheese Bread Dane County Market Food Travelist — Stellas Spicy Cheese Bread Dane County Market

Wisconsin has a lot more than just cheese…

Blues-Egg-Milwaukee-Monkey-Bread — Blues Egg in Milwaukee Monkey Bread

If you’re in the Ann Arbor area don’t miss Zingerman’s Bakery and deli it’s an institution in this college town in Michigan. The bread and everything else you’ll see and taste is amazing.

Zingerman's Bread Ann Arbor — Zingerman’s Bread Ann Arbor

How about this hot skillet full of yummy warm bread at The Dearborn in Chicago?

Bread Around the World of Every Color

Green Bread for St. Patricks Day from Reuter Bakery — Green Bread for St. Patricks Day from Reuter’s Bakery in Chicago

Home-baked Bread

It’s tough to beat bread made by loving hands in a kitchen at home.

Bread can be the best part of a meal

Whatever its form and origin, the aroma of bread baking in the oven is a universal pleasure we can all enjoy. Go ahead, break bread with somebody new. You’ll be glad you did!

Hope you enjoyed our look at bread around the world. Tell me about your favorite bread in the comments below.

Pin To Your Bread Around The World Board on Pinterest

In Food

Dubai One Stop for Middle Eastern Delights

By Sue Reddel

I never really appreciated Middle Eastern cuisine. Perhaps it was my Midwestern meat and potatoes upbringing. All I can say now is what a mistake it was not to be enjoying the wonderful flavors and spices of this magnificent region.

One of the life experiences that changed my attitude toward Middle Eastern cuisine and traveling was a visit to Dubai several years ago. I had arrived for a quick business meeting and would only be in Dubai for two days. I was delighted when a colleague living in Dubai with his family suggested we have dinner together with his family. This is when I learned about the common hospitality of the region.

Yajnesh, his wife Divya and their beautiful baby boy picked me up at my hotel later that evening. They took me to Dubai’s Souk Kahn Murjan in Wafi Mall. If you know anything about Dubai it’s that they do everything big, shiny and extravagant. Think Las Vegas, times three in the desert.

It shouldn’t have been a surprise that the open-air courtyard was spectacular. I was concerned about eating “outside” in the 100 degree plus weather but quickly learned that the courtyard was air conditioned and quite comfortable.The cuisine was a wonderful selection of delicious dishes from Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Iran and the Emirates. There was also a huge fresh juice bar preparing delicious fruit drinks. I thoroughly enjoyed everything I tried. My hosts talked about living in Dubai and asked me about living in Chicago. It was this experience that made me truly appreciate my good fortune to be able to travel, meet and eat with people with such different life experiences.

The food was truly what brought us together and gave us a chance to tell our own personal stories. I now eat Middle Eastern food at every chance I get but more importantly I made lifetime friends with Yajnesh and Divya. I now try new foods wherever I travel and meet the folks who prepare it to learn just a bit about their culture and reality.

THE QUICK BITE: Sharing stories and food with new friends makes Middle Eastern cuisine special to this Food Travelist.

In Austria

Perfecting the Vienna Picnic

By Sue Reddel

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Vienna provides many wonderful options during the sunny months of summer for perfecting the Vienna picnic.

Some hotels will provide you with a basket freshly prepared and ready to go for your perfect Vienna picnic. There are also plenty of places you can purchase all the goodies you desire. Or, you can hit the market and put your own feast together. However it comes to be, a basket, bag, box, or backpack full of delicious treats can be the perfect way to combine eating, people-watching, and exploring in Austria’s capital city.

Food Travelist Perfecting the Vienna Picnic

There are many parks and gardens around Vienna to use as a lunch spot. When perfecting your Vienna picnic, you’ll want to decide where you’d like to sit and relax for your meal and where you’d like to go before and after the meal. Be sure that, whatever your plans, if you’ll have a basket or box to take with you that you account for where you will keep it when you’re through. Many of the museums and attractions will hold onto it for you while you’re there.

Vienna Hofburg is an extensive palatial complex with grounds, horse stables, the Sisi Museum, imperial apartments, and more. There are lovely spots where you can take your Vienna picnic with you and enjoy all the people-watching and sun-sitting you can take.

Food Travelist Perfecting the Vienna Picnic Hofburg

The Viennese Prater provides another great venue to picnic. You can find peaceful lawns, take a little water trip in a pedal boat or take a nice long walk. If you crave some other activities, then you will also find a planetarium, giant Ferris wheel and other activities as well. Pretty much something for everyone.

If you stay at the luxurious Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom they can provide you with an incredible picnic basket ready just for you. With sandwiches, sides, fruit, wine, and water, with all the plates and utensils you would need, it makes picnicking in the park a breeze.

Food Travelist Perfecting the Vienna Picnic Basket

If you’re on your own, you can put together an incredible Vienna picnic basket on your own to enjoy, with classic tastes such as schnitzel and strudel to elegant bites of lobster and foie gras.

The Naschmarkt is a popular market for locals as well as visitors, located near the city center. There are food stalls, restaurants, and even a flea market (on Saturdays). Be sure that you have your Vienna picnic plans all set – or you might just spend longer at the market than you intend!

Be sure to enjoy some of the wonderful wines from Vienna, the wine capital of Austria!

Food Travelist Perfecting the Vienna Picnic Wine

THE QUICK BITE: Vienna is a wonderful place to build or buy a picnic basket and enjoy the scenery, people-watching, great food, and wine.

In Asia

Donghuamen Night Market

By Sue Reddel

Donghuamen Night Market is definitely a must-not-miss stop when visiting Beijing. Located conveniently in the northern part of Wangfujing in Beijing the vendors line up a display their unusual wares. Everything from snakes, water beetles, starfish, centipedes, scorpions, crickets, and even sheep’s penis can be purchased and fried up in a wok right before your eyes. You simply can’t imagine all the different “food” items that appear on a stick.

For those who are a bit on the timid side, there’s plenty of rice, fried rice, chicken, dumpling, spring rolls, and other more typical Asian fare. We noticed that these items were purchased with great regularity. Perhaps the other more intriguing items make for a good view, lots of tourist photos, and fun discussions around dinner tables both in China and around the world. But when it comes to actual purchases and consumption, we think you’re more likely to find these delicious-filled pancakes in the hands of hungry passersby than a scorpion on a stick.

Pumpkin Cakes at Donghuamen Night Market

If you have a sweet tooth there are a lot of tasty sweets from which to choose. Candied fruits, fried pumpkin cakes, fried ice cream, and plenty of fresh fruit are all over the market. Don’t let the scary stuff fool you. It’s fun, but not necessary to enjoy Donghuamen Night Market. It will definitely be an experience you won’t soon forget. Be sure to bring your camera.

THE QUICK BITE: Don’t forget to take your camera and your spirit of adventure! You won’t be alone in your quest to document your food trophies at the Donghuamen Night Market.

In Americas

Surprising Sandwich Finds

By Sue Reddel

Sandwiches are a kind of universal lunch delight. They can be cheap and cheerful or extravagant and pricey. Whether a bun, roll, wrap or flatbread surrounds deliciousness inside, sandwiches provide a little joy, just by being themselves.

But even if you recognize their kind, we don’t want you to take for granted the fact that you can still be surprised by a sandwich. Sometimes it’s the ingredients. And sometimes, it’s where you find it. Here are a few of the surprising sandwich finds we’ve made in recent travels.

Peameal Bacon Sandwich – Toronto, Canada. What’s surprising? The fact that this little unglamorous-looking slice of Canadian bacon dredged in cornmeal (peameal in the old days until people decided green meat was not appealing) has garnered praise from famous chefs and celebrities all over the world. It’s pretty hot with visitors and locals too.

Little Ass Burrito – Dublin, Ireland. What’s surprising? Well, aside from the fact that the Little Ass Burrito Bar makes a pretty big ass burrito, the most surprising thing is that you will find this delicious, handcrafted baby on a street corner in Dublin. It’s a burrito. In Ireland. It’s kick-ass good. Surprising enough for you?

Extra Pita Greek Gyros in The Latin Quarter In Paris Food Travelist 10 Things You Must Do in Paris — Extra Pita Greek Gyros in The Latin Quarter In Paris

Extra Pita Greek – Paris, France. What’s surprising? A double-whammy of surprise. First, your French fries are inside your sandwich, and, second, HELLOOO – it’s in France! Even though the area you can find this beauty in is called The Latin Quarter (another little surprise) it is full of tasty gyros like this one.

Sonoran Dog - Tuscon — Sonoran Dog – Tuscon

Sonora Dog – Tucson, Arizona. What’s surprising? It’s not often we see massive twists on such a classic. But in this case, the “classic” is a hot dog. And the twists are many – The dog is wrapped in bacon before it is grilled; it comes in a New England Lobster Roll style bun; it has different toppings including mayo and green chile sauces. Enough said?

THE QUICK BITE: The versatile sandwich is found around the world and can still surprise with its variety and taste.

In Food

Founding Foodie

By Sue Reddel

Are you one of the many who believe that the wondrous and beloved Julia Child was the first notable person responsible for introducing the joys of French cuisine to America? However much she popularized it, Julia was not the first. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States was actually a founding foodie. He was the one responsible for bringing everything from Champagne to Crème brûlée to the new republic. And, as much of a lover of agriculture and food as Jefferson was, he had some help – from his slave James Hemings.

Food Travelist Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale

Here’s the short version of an intriguing story. The two struck a deal. If Hemings would go to France to apprentice under the best French chefs of the day, learn the techniques and dishes then return to America and teach a fellow slave the wonders of French culinary tradition, Jefferson would grant Hemings his freedom. Never mind that France at the time prohibited slavery. A deal is a deal.

Hemings agreed, and that’s just what happened. Jefferson, a devoted student of agriculture and brought many new and exciting ingredients back to cultivate at his estate, Monticello. And Hemings dutifully apprenticed with the best chefs in Paris and returned to teach his brother Peter the art of French cuisine, ultimately earning his freedom. Jefferson

This fascinating and unique partnership is the subject of a fascinating book called Thomas Jefferson’s Crème Brûlée by Thomas J. Craughwell. So while much is appreciated about founding foodie Jefferson’s love of wine, his legacy also includes being the original proponent of French cuisine in the United States. So feel free to toast him with some Champagne, the bubbly beverage he served at nearly every dinner he hosted. Sounds like our kind of dinner party!

Only a few of the original recipes survive, but because we know you’re dying to see one, we’ve reproduced James Hemings’ recipe for “Snow Eggs,” a French dessert of meringue floating on crème anglaise here for your enjoyment.

Snow Eggs Recipe

Take 10 eggs, separate the yolks from the whites, and beat the whites as you do for the savoy cake, till you can turn the vessel bottom upward without their leaving it; when they are well beaten, put in 2 spoonfuls of powdered sugar and a little orange flower water or rose water if you prefer it. Put a pint of milk in a saucepan with 6 oz sugar and orange flower or rose water; when your milk boils, take the whites, spoonful by spoonful and do them in the boiling milk; when sufficiently poached, take them out and lay them on a sieve. Take out a part of the milk, according to the thickness you wish to give the custard. Beat up the yolks and stir them in the remainder; as soon as it thickens, take the mixture from the fire; strain it through a sieve; dish up your whites and pour the custard over them. A little wine stirred in is a great improvement.

— James, cook at Monticello

THE QUICK BITE: Thomas Jefferson is a founding foodie who, together with his slave James Hemings, introduced French cuisine to America.

In Food

Chicago Pizza: Thick or Thin?

By Sue Reddel

Thick or thin? That’s the decision we all have to make. Jon Stewart recently started a nationwide debate about pizza. It’s certainly not a new argument. Chicago and New York have been fighting about who has better pizza for a bazillion years. But since Chicago is our home town we feel the need to defend our fair city. Here’s a look at Chicago Pizza in all its glory!

Gino's East Chicago style Deep Dish Pizza Jon Porter The Pizza Man — Gino’s East Chicago style Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago is home to so many wonderful pizza establishments. From fancy trendy places like La Madia to hole-in-the-wall pick-up windows like Geo’s. We also have our fair share of types of cheesy saucy pies. If you do want Chicago-style deep dish, Gino’s East or Pizzeria Uno or Due, or Giordano’s fit the bill. If you want thin crispy buttery crusts try Pizano’s, or Leona’s.

Can’t decide? Go pan pizza from Nancy’s, Pizano’s, or Edwardo’s. New Haven-style hands down Piece is your place. Neapolitan how about Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana on the far west side, Spacca Napoli or Coalfire?

If those don’t satisfy you, try out one of the more specialized establishments. Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder make something interesting and wonderful. It’s more like a bowl of the best pizza ingredients around. Pequod’s has an incredible caramelized cheese crust. Connie’s is also a very old Chicago pizza favorite.

Heading to the south side? Check out Pizza Fiesta, Palermo’s on 95th, or my favorite Vito and Nick’s for thin-crust pizza cut into tavern-style squares.

How about a New Haven-style pizza at Piece Pizza? You can’t go wrong with any of their unique pies.

Not enough recommendations for you? Then ask any cabbie you encounter and you’ll get a different answer. The one thing we do guarantee is that there is no shortage of pizzerias or different types of Chicago pizza in just about every neighborhood in Chicago.

THE QUICK BITE: Whether you like your crust thick or thin, there is plenty of Chicago pizza in many styles to suit your tastes.

Sue Reddel

Like Being Treated Like A VIP?

Start Your Planning Now

French Bread

Italian Bread

Mexican Bread

Brazilian Bread

Portuguese Bread

Mediterranean Bread

American Bakeries

Bread Around the World of Every Color

Home-baked Bread

Bread can be the best part of a meal

Signup for our newsletter

Thank you for sign up!