Category Archives: Food

Cultural Sites, Food, Travel and Food, USA Travel

South Dakota is more than corn

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Whether it’s learning about the migration of the Monarch butterfly, fly fishing or roasting Smacos, South Dakota and Sioux Falls insure residents and visitors that time spent will be worthwhile and make you smile.

Mc Crossan Boys Ranch rodeo fund raiser, August 2012, Sioux Falls, SD

A short distance north of Sioux Falls is Dell Rapids complete with an early 20th century Grand Opera House

backstage at Dell Rapid’s Grand opera House – part of an early 20th century poster.

Of course lush countryside abounds with green crops and a riot of Black Eyed Susan’s in late summer bloom.

Black Eyed Susan’s, Sioux Falls, SD

Small city urban meets nature and lots of outdoor cooking. Keep kids big and small engaged during picnics roasting smacos and whipping up 5-minute ice cream.

Make smacos and learn survival skills at the Sioux Falls Outdoor Campus 

clockwise from left: Falls Park & Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, prep for Smacos, kittens and Sanford Health hot air balloon.

and you don’t need to go to Spain to ride the bulls, Visit Sioux Falls

Bull riding at Mc Crossan Boys Ranch rodeo August 2012

In the early 1900’s, many citizens couldn’t believe the hubris in assuming a 25 year old incorporated city of less than 20,000 justified such a palace to learning. Some 100 years later it’s the jewel of Sioux Falls cultural life.

Travel the straight roads around Sioux Falls and discover the future

children of the Hutterite Colony, SD

 

South Dakota may be the land of corn, cakes and chislic, but a menu is just as likely to include buffalo meatballs, pheasant wrapped in bacon and walleye fish cakes on a bed of micro greens.

A South Dakota ramble through farms and tables

Jersey dairy cows at the Oak Lane Hutterite Colony

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Cultural Sites, European Travel, Food, Restaurants and hotels, Travel, Travel and Food

Four Days in Flanders

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Brugge, Flanders, Belgium

In the land of Bruegel, chocolate and mussels, the lush green land of Flanders is punctuated by towns of extraordinary beauty. Medieval castles, Renaissance houses, canals and cafes are in view with every convoluted turn in the ancient streets. Yet in Brussels, larger than life cartoon wall art decorates, and compliments, its historic core.

wall art in Brussels depicting popular Belgian cartoon characters

In four days, VisitFlanders introduced me to three cities rich in layers of culture, four restaurants bursting with layers of flavor as well as beer and chocolate as it ought to be enjoyed. Articles, as they appear, will be added to this post, so please check back often.

Dominique Personne chocolates, Brugge, for Hertog Jan and Gruut Brown herb beer, Gent

Flanders, today, is at the vanguard of a new wave in international gastronomy that’s pairing the freshest of locally sourced ingredients with 21st century culinary techniques.

With 3 Michelin Stars already….

Restaurant Hertog Jan, in Brugge, brings their farm to their table

A Walk through the garden at Hertog Jan

The mild climate may have favored Flanders own agricultural abundance, but access to the world through trade constantly brought new products, such as the potato and chocolate, fueling today’s Michelin starred restaurants, creating chocolate beer and celebrity chocolatiers, although Dominique Personne is considered the bad boy of Brugge – watch the You Tube video in my latest article.

Belgium celebrates eating during its 2012 Year of Gastronomy

Dominique Personne with chocolate gun and the Chocolate Shooter

Ghent’s de Vitrine is Kobe Desramaults little city bistro. Yet the secret these young chefs are revealing is simple, fresh regional ingredients treated with respect and given pride of place. “I think about the vegetable,” Speybreck says, “not what meat or fish it goes with. What can I do with a nice cauliflower. Each ingredient has its own place.”

Ghent’s restaurant de Vitrine is a showcase for each ingredient

mussels with cucumber, eggplant sauce and sour cream foam

Ensconced in Brussels’s elegant Radisson Blu Hotel, Chef Yves Mattagne’s two Michelin star Sea Grill serves art to the power brokers of Europe.

Brussels’s Sea Grill catches Michelin stars

Caviar Royal Belgium, Sea Grill, Brussels, Belgium
European Travel, Food, Restaurants and hotels, Travel and Food

London Gastronomy in the Jubilee Year

 

From scotch eggs to stinking bishop, Context Travel nibbles through London

Neal’s Yard, London
Orange marmalade with gold leaf

Amidst the frenzy of summer in London, it’s comforting to know that scotch eggs and marmalade with gold leaf can still be part of your customized picnic basket from Fortnum & Mason. In three hours, Context Travel’s Janine Catalano narrates a three century evolution in British gastronomy with “a walk through central London from less than a common perspective.”

 

 

London’s St. John Bar and Restaurant transforms offal into delectable

Roasted Bone Marrow with toast
St. John Bar & Restaurant, London

Chef Fergus Henderson’s 1999 book, “Nose to Tail Eating: A Kind of British Cooking,” caused a sensation when published. It placed Chef Henderson and St. John’s at the forefront of an omnivore movement, in direct opposition to modern meat consumption, in which the whole animal is eaten –  trotters, tripe, kidneys, heart, sweetbreads …

 

 

 

 

 

London’s The Little French Restaurant is big on flavor

The Little French Restaurant, London

It would be easy to walk right past The Little French Restaurant on London’s narrow Hogarth Street. The diminutive road, opposite Earls Court underground station, is lined with at least a half dozen small cafes, shops and quaint flower bedecked townhouses. Yet a passerby would be hard pressed to dine in a more charming French bistro.

Grilled goat cheese at The Little French Restaurant, London

 

 

As Greek As It Gets restaurant brings the Aegean to London

Grilled calamari stuffed with cheese, As Greet As It Gets, London

Not only is London’s population a polyglot of the former empire, but Britons have embraced an unprecedented broadening of their culinary palate.  As Greek As It Gets, a restaurant in fashionable Earls Court, says it all in words and in the authenticity of its menu offerings.

As Greet As It Gets, London

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Culinary Travel Examiner

 International Dining Examiner

International Travel Examiner

Philadelphia Fine Dining Examiner

and

 Food & Recipes Examiner

Food, Pennsylvania travel, Philadelphia Restaurants, Restaurants and hotels

Philadelphia Fine Dining – Part 2: The suburbs in bloom

As Philadelphia continues refining its vibrant Center City restaurant scene, the suburbs, a former culinary wasteland, are blooming with innovation in attractive locations.

The canal in Yardley, Bucks County, PA

In the suburbs:

On the Yardley riverfront Charcoal sizzles with creativity

Cured Sea Trout, Charcoal BYOB, Yardley, PA

The lowering sun casts a gold light on the swift flowing Delaware River as diners at Charcoal tuck into tender chunks of hanger steak, superbly seasoned octopus and wild mushroom soup with green curry.

Over the past 25 years the Greek menu at the Kitchen Bar has become an American

The Kitchen Bar, Abington, PA

It’s 9:00 pm on a Thursday evening and the Kitchen Bar Restaurant is nearly full. For a weekday night in leafy suburban Abington Township, where even most of the fast food chains are already closed, this is uncommon.

Kinnaree highlights the French influence on Thai dining

Pan Seared Hawaiian Butterfish, Kinnaree Restaurant, Horsham, PA

Set in an unassuming Horsham strip mall, Kinnaree Thai French Cuisine balances traditional Thai dishes with centuries old French influences.

Seafood Ceviche, El Sarape, Blue Bell, PA

El Sarape: Authentic Mexican in the Philadelphia Burbs

Devotees of authentic Mexican cuisine in the Philadelphia metro area have had few choices until El Sarape opened in suburban Blue Bell.

Historic Old City Philadelphia at Washington Square

In Center City:

El Vez is Starr Restaurant’s modern Mexican on Sansom Street

El Vez, Philadelphia, PA

There’s a lot of competition for customers seeking good dining on Philadelphia’s Sansom Street since it’s in proximity to everything of interest in center city.

Le Viet defines Vietnamese cuisine in South Philadelphia

Goi Hai San Trai Tho’m (pineapple & shrimp salad) Le Viet, Philadelphia, PA

The Italian Market/Queen Village district, to any resident of Philadelphia, is inexorably morphing into a little Southeast Asia.

M Restaurant in Philadelphia offers elegance and cutting edge cuisine

caraway scented goat cheese w/ multi colored beets, Meyer lemon, grated rye bread, M Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA

Set within an historic Philadelphia mansion, the M Restaurant & Bar is elegant yet unpretentious.

All my Examiner.com restaurant reviews are a click away: 

Philadelphia Fine Dining and International Dining Examiner

Cultural Sites, Food, Historic Sites, Restaurants and hotels, Southeast Asia, Travel, Travel and Food

Laos in the North: Poised for Change

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“The idea of the Laos government is to become the battery of Southeast Asia,” Robert Zoellick, World Bank president, Time, 12/09/2010

 According to the teachings of the Buddha, life is comparable to a river. It moves from cause to cause, effect to effect, one point to another, one state of existence to another, giving an outward impression that it is one continuous and unified movement, where as in reality it is not. So does life. It changes continuously, becomes something or other from moment to moment.  (The Buddhist Concept of Impermanence)

Is Laos in the 19th century racing towards the 21st? Not since the 1970’s has this most relaxed of southeast Asian societies faced the prospect of monumental changes globalization is bringing to this ancient land. In a series of articles for Suite101 and the Examiner, I explore these shifting forces even as I experience centuries of tradition.


Muang Ngoi on the Nam Ou, Laos

Forested mountains and ethnic villages may dominate photos of northern Laos, but it’s the region’s swift rivers an energy hungry southeast Asia covets.

Visit northern Laos timeless scene before time runs out 

 

The Forest Retreat Laos cafe, Luang Namtha, Laos

In the misty mountain provincial capital of Luang Namtha in northern Laos, a mere 50 miles from the Chinese border, a traveler would not normally expect to enjoy a perfect grilled cheese sandwich, stuffed with banana, while sipping a shot of Lao Lao.

The Forest Retreat Laos cafe and bar makes a mean grilled cheese

the Nam Oh, upriver of Nong Kiau in northern Laos

For eons, Laos 270 mile long Nam Ou has cut a path of incredible beauty providing easy transport and fertility to the northern interior.

The Nam Ou: Laos Rice Bowl River Changing Course

al fresco lunch in the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area

Roasting eggplant and tomatoes imparts an earthy flavor to these two quick and easy Laotian dips or spreads.

Roasted Eggplant and Tomatoes: Two Easy Laotian Appetizers

Nong Kiau Riverside Resort & Restaurant, Nong Kiau, Laos

In the far north of Laos, overlooking the swift flowing Nam Oh River as it cuts a path through towering forest covered limestone mountains, the Nong Kiau Riverside Resort and Restaurant melts into the lush countryside.

The view from Nong Kiau Riverside Resort and Restaurant is worth the trek

Mok Pa

An aromatic mix of onions, garlic, herbs and chili enveloping slices of fresh fish fillet may be the ingredients for Mok Pa, but the banana leaves are the secret.

Mok Pa: Laotian Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves

A relaxing ecotourism center spanning the Nam Ou, Nong Kiau is positioned to be a major player in Laos northern economic development.

Nong Kiau, Laos: Poised for Change

Ban Samsaath, Laos – a traditional weaving village
Africa, Architecture, Cultural Sites, Food, Historic Sites, Photography, Restaurants and hotels, Travel and Food, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Zimbabwe’s Inns and Lodges in the National Parks

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Throughout Zimbabwe visitors have abundant opportunities to view Africa’s array of animal life on a guided safari photo tour or from their room’s balcony.

Breakfast on the lawn at Antelope Park Lodge, Gweru, Zimbabwe

Within National Parks

Sikumi Tree Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

At stunning natural wonders

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

At historic sits

(top & bottom center) stairway & doorway at Great Zimbabwe, (lower left) a room at Lodge at the Ancient City

Travel with Pen and Palate in Zimbabwe:

In the Land of Kings: Zimbabwe’s Ancient Treasures

Zimbabwe Inns and Lodges: Nature Up Close and Personal

Zebra in the Eastern Highlands, Nyanga National Park, Zimbabwe

Antelope Park, Zimbabwe: When ALERT is Being Alive

lion videos at Antelope Park Lodge 

Zimbabwe Cuisine: A Tale of Three Meals 

(Editors Choice Award, Suite101)

breakfast at Matopo Hills Lodge in Matopo National Park, Zimbabwe

Luxury Lodges at Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls

(clockwise) sunset on the Zambizi River, at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, rafting on the Zambizi River, Victoria Falls, at Gorges Lodge

The Smiles of Zimbabwe

children in Mutare, Zimbabwe

(for visitor information:  Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.)

Cultural Sites, Food, Historic Sites, Southeast Asia

Southern Laos’ Ecotourism Future

From post-revolutionary obscurity, the once ancient kingdom of Champasak is at the center of southern Laos’ eco-tourism incentive.

On Don Khone, the Siphandon, Champasak Province, Laos

Cheap airfares, especially from Australia, and even cheaper cost of living attracted budget seekers of alternative vacations in the early 1990’s to the sleepy isolated islands of the Siphandon.

The Siphandon (4,000 Islands), from Don Khong, Champasak Province, Laos

Just 25 miles from the Cambodian border, Laos’ Mekong spreads up to 8 miles wide creating a delta-like region, the Siphandon, sheltering human and wildlife.

Hotel Senesothxeune and the Siphandon

Don Deth and Don Khone epitomize the Western vision of a tropical existence, sleeping in a hammock with mosquito netting, playing the guitar at night, picking fruit and spending as little money as possible.

Purple sticky rice: this nutty deep purple variety of Laos’ ubiquitous grain is usually reserved for desserts. Although a festive addition to dinner and delicious even when not sweetened, I was reminded of my favorite recipe for Purple Sticky Rice in Coconut Sauce.

varieties of sticky rice

You can read about all these topics in my latest articles on Suite101:

Southern Laos’ Eco Tourism Future

The Siphandon: Laos Mekong River Oasis

Purple Sticky Rice with Coconut Sauce: Laotian Khao Gam

Laos is an ancient land that is being rediscovered one (trekking) step at a time.

Food, Southeast Asia, Travel, Travel and Food

Southeast Asian Restaurants on a Mission: Feeding Body and Soul

 Four cities, three countries, four restaurants serving superior food, providing community training and accepting reservations – you’ll need one.

Place setting at Koto, Hanoi, Vietnam
Carrot cake at Koto, Hanoi, Vietnam

Koto, Hanoi, Vietnam (Know One, Teach One), founded in 1996 by Australian Vietnamese Jimmy Pham, has set the standard for grassroots not-for-profit restaurant ventures.

Forest Refuge & Papaya Cafe, Luang Namtha, Laos

Trekking first brought Karen and Andrej Brummer from New Zealand to Luang Namtha, just like nearly all visitors. Yet they soon felt a desire to remain and do something: Forest Refuge Bamboo Lounge.

Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand, is famous, amusing and serious. Where else in Southeast Asia will there be a condom decorated Christmas Tree.

Makphet Restaurant/Friends-International, Vientiane, Laos

I tried to dine at Makphet three times during two trips to the Laotian capital of Vientiane. Given the hype about this must-go-to restaurant, I was pleased that the experience was worth the wait.

Ingredients for Yum Khi Tom

A classic recipe, Yum Kai Tom incorporates all the basics that elevate Laos cuisine to a food experience.

Interior of Dibuk Restaurant, Phuket Town, Thailand

For the best bistro (far) east of Paris, try Dibuk Restaurant, old Phuket Town, Phuket Island, Thailand – no joke.

Thailand, Laos & Vietnam: Southeast Asian Restaurants on a Mission

Enjoy all my articles at Suite101.com, International Dining Examiner and Philadelphia Fine Dining Examiner for Examiner.com

Bangkok 2012
Food, Restaurants and hotels, Southeast Asia, Travel and Food

Bangkok and Vientiane: Legendary Capitals and Memorable Eats

Bangkok, Thailand and Vientiane, Laos provide an abundance of eateries from street vendors to luxury hotel venues like Bangkok’s Centara Grand Hotel’s 55th/56th floor Red Sky dining room and Sky Bar.

Bangkok from the Sky Bar on the 56th floor of the Centara Grand Hotel

Yet in remote villages, some reachable only by boat, tools invented centuries ago are still used for preparing important aspects of traditional cooking such as sticky rice, eaten at every meal.

Sticky Rice drying in the sun

Grains of sticky rice are sun dried and then the hard hull must be broken and sifted away using large woven baskets. The young mother of this household gave me permission to film her children providing the power to operate the hull cracking tool.

The abundance of South East Asia’s food supply is not lost on its restaurants.

Mekong River at sunset from the Kong View Restaurant

In the Laotian capital,  Vientiane’s Kong View provides beautiful vistas of the Mekong River while preparing excellent dishes such as salt grilled river fish.

Ban Vilaylac, Vientiane, Laos

On a quiet street within the historic French colonial core of Vientiane, reservations may be necessary on weekends for Dining at Ban Vilaylac.

Chef Wan, Look-in Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand

Soon to be on every foodie tourist map, two year old Bangkok’s Look-in Restaurant makes both a mean pizza and the best Tom Kha Gai I’ve eaten. Chef Wan gave me his Recipe for Tom Kha Gai.

Enjoy all my articles at Suite101.com and International Dining Examiner and Philadelphia Fine Dining Examiner for Examiner.com

Tom Kha Gai and its ingredients
European Travel, Food, Historic Sites, Travel and Food

Borough Market, London England: the Empire Lives on in Food

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The mother of all food markets, London’s 13th century Borough Market is appropriately located near Borough High Street station delivering the world’s food to ancient Southwark Cathedral’s door.

Borough Market & Southwark Cathedral

Moving patiently with the crowds through narrow aisles, the experience is both exotic yet modern.

The Market is an international food court

Organic, unpasteurized, artesian, locally sourced, urban honey are all terms that have certified clout in England’s regulated farming and food industry and are the norm at the Market.

 

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