RSSMar|14|2010
Binh Soup Shop, Saigon
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Food and Drink, Historical, Travelogger
Going to Saigon? You will definitely find tons of soup shops around the city. They’re everywhere – and I mean everywhere. From the footpaths to medium sized eateries to classy dining places, they all have pho, the “national food” of Vietnam. My first – and best, I think – taste of real beef pho was at this corner eatery. We got to Saigon after midnight, starving. The shop was right around the corner of the first hotel we went to. Needless to say, it was bliss.
I did have another beef pho experience, and this time, it was more about history than the food. The soup was good, though not exceptional. However, the soup shop – Pho Binh – used to be the secret headquarters of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. …
Dec|22|2009
Food In Caramoan: Bicolano Dishes
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Destinations, Food and Drink, Islands
Aside from the white sand beaches and wonderful water, there is one other thing that I am looking forward to when I go to Caramoan: the food. The Bicol Region is known for excellent food, and the dishes almost always are HOT and SPICY and mixed with coconut milk. Chili peppers and coconut milk are staples in this part of the country.
Where we are going, there aren’t too many fancy restaurants. What I am really looking forward to are the small “eateries” where you can taste the local food in all its authentic glory. The best part is that everyone says it’s cheap!
Perhaps the most popular dish from this region is Bicol Express. This dish is available almost anywhere in the Philippines, but I am sure that what I will find in Caramoan is nothing like anything else …
Feb|11|2009
Refreshing New Jersey
Posted by Zahir as Adventure, Backpacking & Budget, Cities, Destinations, Family, Food and Drink, Hotels, Luxurious, Romantic, Shopping, Spa, Tips, Travelogger, United States
New Jersey is known to have one of the most culturally diverse population in the whole US. People of different nationalities setting up shop creating a unique mix of food, culture, history and hospitality like a basket of fruits that all taste good. From the wonderfully relaxing beaches to the many leisure activities that can be enjoyed day and night comes the time when you need a bit of rest form all the exciting offerings the state has to offer.
from the Sea Isles to the other wonderful beaches many hotels and local inns abound to give tired souls a place to relax and recharge for another days adventure. Some of the best Jersey Shore hotels can be found near the wonderful beaches making it ideal for beach lovers and their families to have a relaxing …
Dec|30|2008
New Year Freebies
Posted by Noemi as Announcements, Food and Drink, Tips, United States
If you’re in the New York area and you are planning on doing some traveling on New Year’s Eve, here is some good news for you. Thruway Travel Plazas are offering free tea and coffee to all travelers! Don’t believe me? Here’s the announcement from Syracuse.com:
The New York State Thruway Authority announces that HMS Host Family Restaurants, Inc., McDonald’s Corporation and Delaware North Travel and Hospitality Services, the Thruway travel plaza food concessionaires, will once again offer free small coffee and tea to all motorists traveling during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Thruway travelers have been offered this service for more than 40 years to help keep motorists warm and alert during late-night or early-morning travels.
The free beverages will be provided at all 27 travel plazas along the Thruway from 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December …
Sep|24|2008
The Maryland Wine Festival
Posted by Noemi as Americas, Arts & Culture, Destinations, Festivals, Food and Drink, United States
I was really surprised to find out that Maryland has its own wine festival. My husband is from this state and he has never once mentioned the wine festival. I know about their crabs, Ocean City, the mountains, the railroad, etc., but I didn’t have the vaguest idea that there is actually a celebrated wine festival in the area. For someone who likes wine (though I don’t know all that much about it), this is good news indeed. And for those of you in the east coast, then here is another festival that you should not miss.
This year’s wine festival is already over but they are already planning next year’s celebrations. The Maryland Wine Festival is held at the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster, Carroll County. Next year’s festival is slated for …
Sep|04|2008
New Destination For Foodies: Tokyo
Posted by Noemi as Announcements, Around The World, Asia, Destinations, Food and Drink
It used to be that when one wanted to go to the premier destination for food, it was Paris that came to mind first. These days, it seems that there is a new culinary capital – at least according to the experts. The attention of Michelin, arguably the foodie’s guide to the best, was placed on Tokyo and they came up with a Michelin guide. What did it contain? Nothing but praise for this foodie’s haven, where even the ones on a budget could satisfy their palates with tons of great food.
MSN reports:
Here’s a Michelin morsel:
“Tokyo is a shining star in the world of cuisine,” Michelin Guides Director Jean-Luc Naret said shortly after its Tokyo edition came out last November. “We found the city’s restaurants to be excellent, featuring the best ingredients, culinary …
Aug|02|2008
More Of Bangkok On A Shoestring Budget
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Backpacking & Budget, Food and Drink, Tips
We have talked about going around Bangkok and sleeping in the city on a shoestring budget. Now how about going to the best part of all – FOOD.
When we went to Bangkok, trying all the different food available was the best part for me. We arrived at the hotel around 4 am and we were starving. It was a good thing that we saw a long line of food stores right beside the hotel. It seemed that they were open all night and there were a lot of people eating and drinking so we decided to check in and then find something to eat. Most of the people were Thai so of course, we got weird looks but I supposed they are quite used to tourists walking the streets of Bangkok.
Anyway, I remembering ordering a bowl of glass noodle soup and a squid dish. …
Jul|16|2008
More Unique Vacations
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Around The World, Destinations, Food and Drink
If you thought the first two places I mentioned in the previous post are strange, then think again! Here are several more unique places to visit for your vacation. (Thanks again to the Ottawa Citizen).
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant — Bangkok, Thailand
The restaurant’s name raises eyebrows, but it’s all for a good cause.
“Don’t be misled by the restaurant’s odd name or put off by the array of contraceptive devices for sale. This very popular place raises funds for the Population & Community Development Association, the country’s family-planning program. The complex is a restaurant, bar, Internet cafe, massage shop, and gift shop all rolled into one. All diners get a condom with coffee, instead of an after-dinner mint.”
I have actually eaten at this restaurant and it is quite beautiful I have to say. They have great Thai food and …
Jul|10|2008
Unique Vacations
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Around The World, Destinations, Festivals, Food and Drink
Are you tired of the “regular” vacations that you always have? Don’t get me wrong, I really love going to beach and become a normal beach bum for a week. I’d also love to go to the mountains and relax like any other person. Sometimes, though, I get this hankering to do something weird. Aside from the experience itself, you get to have unique stories to tell your friends. I read this article at the Ottawa Citizen which details some of the most unique vacations that you can have. Let’s take a look at them.
The Great Whipped Cream Battle — Olomouc, Czech Republic
Fluff flies during this highlight of Olomouc’s week-long city festival. “Volunteers are divided into opposing teams and asked to arm themselves with trays of cream. There’s a countdown and then …
Feb|26|2008
Hot Hot Hot!
Posted by Jen as Events, Food and Drink, Travelogger
Once dubbed as the “hottest food show in the world,” the 20th National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show is upon us once again. As it has been for the past two years, the trade show is going to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To be precise, it is going to be held at the Sandia Resort and Casino Events Center.
For those of you who have the taste for something a bit spicier, then you should definitely drop by this trade fair. Aside from the free parking, guests can also avail of golf and spa services. So if some of you want to take a break from all the heat, the hotel is at your service!
Last year, there were around 200 booths in the area. They ranged from spicy edibles to barbecue wares. Exhibitionists ranged from guest chef and barbecue expert Mike Stines to families …
