Most visitors come to Kraków for sights – the imposing Wawel Royal Castle, St. Mary’s Church on the grand, medieval Main Square, or bustling Sukiennice Cloth Market to name just a few.

But especially for those new to Poland, Kraków also provides a great introduction to that key aspect of exploring all foreign lands: food. The Main Square, where most people start their city adventure, has plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from but you can do much better in terms of originality and selection, not to mention price-to-performance ratio, by venturing out a bit.  Here a foodie’s guide to some of the best restaurants and places to eat in Krakow, Poland.

Breakfast (and Second Breakfast) in the Old Town

One perfect place to start the day is Dynia Cafe located just a short walk from the Main Square (Krupnicza 20). Scrambled eggs with bacon and onions, cottage cheese with cucumber and chives, or a selection of sweet and savory omelets are sure to please. The atmosphere is great, too. Exposed brick walls and pumpkin-themed orange and red décor (dynia = pumpkin in Polish) give the interior a cozy, warm glow. If the weather is nice, don’t miss an awesome patio in the courtyard.

After a few hours of sightseeing, it’s time for a break, and in that respect Poles and Hobbits have one thing in common: second breakfast. It is a light meal typically consisting of a sandwich or pastries. A great choice, especially for vegetarians, is Greenway, a hip urban chain right off the Main Square (Mikołajska 14) with plenty of healthy choices, including a variety of delicious Polish soups such as barszcz (borscht) and krupnik (barley soup). If you have a sweet tooth, a stop at Czarodziej confectionery (Karmelicka 15) is a must. Unassuming interior conceals one of the best-kept secrets of Kraków, kremówka cream cake – Pope John Paul II’s favorite.

Discover Culinary Traditions in Kleparz

In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll to Kleparz, a district just north of the Old Town. Between the 14^th and 18^th centuries, it was a separate town and as such had its own main square, which is still there. Surrounded by historic buildings including the School of Fine Arts and St. Florian Church, it is of prime culinary interest. Jarema restaurant is the key highlight. Famous for serving traditional fare, it makes great bigos (hunter’s stew), żurek (sour rye soup), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls), and grzaniec (mulled wine), which are perfect for chilly evenings.

Season permitting, stop by at the Kleparz fresh produce market to enjoy local goodies from Mother Nature. The market is right on the Kleparz square. Juicy berries, vine-ripened tomatoes, golden hazelnuts, giant sunflowers, and aromatic forest mushrooms form a delightful mosaic.

Dine with the Angels

There are certainly many excellent dinner choices to select from. But whatever you do, don’t miss Pod Aniołami – Under the Angels (Grodzka 35). Hidden in a gorgeous gothic cellar, this Kraków institution offers classics done to perfection such as Polish dumplings (pierogi), or wood-fired grilled duck filet with baked apples. It ain’t cheap, but it’s well worth it. The restaurant is conveniently located half way between the Main Square and Wawel Castle along lively Grodzka street with many shops, restaurants, and beautiful churches like the one below, Romanesque-style St. Andrew’s. And on every street corner you can spot someone selling a perfect snack – salt, poppy seed, or sesame-sprinkled obwarzanki (Polish bagels).

It’s not just vodka that is famous in Poland – the country is also Europe’s third largest producer and consumer of beer. Tyskie, Zywiec, and Warka are just a few of the many brands you can sample in pubs across the country.

Late Night Noshing in Kazimierz

Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter of Kraków, is a thriving district just south of the Main Square with charming narrow streets, historic synagogues and museums, atmospheric cafes, and lively bars. After dark, the place to be is Plac Nowy, a market square by day that becomes a popular hangout place when the sun goes down. Cool-crowd cafes and pubs surround the square so it’s easy to explore different venues. The top one is Alchemia (Estery 5), a cult destination for artsy types fond of good beer and good music, and timeless candle-lit atmosphere.

For a late-night bite right on Plac Nowy, nothing beats Grill na Kazimierzu – Kazimierz Grill – an inviting open-air stand that attracts bohemian pub-crawlers with a sizzling selection of sausages and other simple, yet sumptuous, specialties. Don’t miss grilled oscypek, traditional smoked sheep cheese served with cranberry sauce. Amazingly good!

If, after a full day, you still have the energy and stomach capacity left to explore after dark, head back to the Main Square and hop between many bars and clubs that inhabit its mysterious cellars. Treat yourself to zapiekanka – open-face sandwich on a baguette topped with the basic combo of cheese, mushrooms, and ketchup. Vodka tasting is also mandatory, with the number one item to try being Polish bison vodka, Żubrówka.

Bottoms up!

All photos courtesy author.

This time of year it seems certain types of drinks come into fashion, and the most popular of course, are warm cocktails. Personally, I think when done well, a tasty winter warmer (even if cold by temperature) can be the perfect thing to warm up a chilly afternoon, a great start to the night, or a dreamy nightcap. Why don’t you consider one of these locally-inspired winter warmers on your next trip?

Farm-to-Bar Drinks by the Fire in Asheville

The Great Hall Bar at the historic Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is certainly one of Asheville’s top winter attractions. (See our previous Asheville trip report for a full list of ideas.) The bar features some fantastic “farm-to-bar” cocktails, which are perfect to enjoy while warming yourself in front of the hall’s massive 15 foot fireplace.

Be sure to ask for a concoction using Troy and Sons, the local moonshine, such as the If It Fitz (moonshine, coconut rum, amaretto, and the Inn’s own Great Gatsby Abbey Ale). Cheers to Asheville!

The Blackcomb Crush in Whistler

Whistler is one of the best places in the world for skiing. So, if you’re here enjoying the fantastic slopes, you’ll no doubt want to partake in some tasty warmers after a day on the show. I suggest you try the Blackcomb Crush, available at the Sidecut restaurant in Four Seasons Resort Whistler.

The Blackcomb Crush’s is made with blackberries, vanilla vodka, lemon, cane syrup and crushed ice. Those blackberries are a signature Whistler fruit, found all around the city.

A Ginger & Oatmeal Flip and the Boston Skyline

Should you decide to brave the cold to enjoy some sightseeing in Boston, be sure to wander over to the Royal Sonesta Hotel, where some wonderful seasonal treats are waiting. They have a yummy Ginger & Oatmeal Flip using local Oatmeal stout, snap, demrara syrup, and a local Organic Egg. Tasty!

You can also opt instead for a Barrel Aged White Manhattan, made with Bully Boy White Whiskey from Boston. The Sonesta is located on the riverfront, with a great view over the Charles River and Boston skyline, perfect after a day of sightseeing in Boston.

Maine-Inspired Warmers at the Camden Harbour Inn

Any visit to chilly Maine will definitely require a warmer to get you through the night. So, why not explore the award-winning beverages on offer at the Camden Harbour Inn. Two suggestions for this winter are the Maine Apple and the Stocking Stuff. The Main Apple features apple brandy, cranberry juice, Fiddler’s Reach Honey Wine from Bath Maine, and some Crown Royal Whiskey. The stocking stuffer has ruby red grape fruit, Maine Blueberry Honey Syrup (yum!), vodka, aperol, and a splash of tonic. Talk about tasty!

Idaho Alcohol, Idaho Cocktails

Should you find yourself enjoying the great outdoors in Idaho, then the Coeur d’Alene Resort has you covered. The resort serves up an Idaho corn vodka out of Boise named Revolution and an Idaho potato vodka out of Rigby named 44 North Huckleberry. (As I previously pointed out, Boise has it going on when it comes to food and beverage. The wine room at the Coeur d’Alene speaks for itself.)

In the summer you’ll get these beverages served up with fresh local huckleberries, and then local herbs in winter – although I think with a splash of soda these local brews taste fine on their own! Try a bloody mary if you’re looking for some inspiration.

Spicy Hot Chocolate in Tucson, Arizona

We are not strangers to the power of the American Southwest’s chile peppers, as evidenced in our 13 ways to eat a New Mexico chile pepper. And at the Pasco Kitchen and Lounge in Tucson, they know a thing or two as well. I was surprised to learn that winter in Arizona can result in chilly nights and snow in the mountains!

Pasco has the cure for those chilly nights with their famous spicy hot chocolate, made with locally-grown Anaheim green chiles from Marana, just north of Tucson. Their head chef Ramiro Scavo looks like he’s mastered the art of presentation as well.

Beermisu in Downtown Disney, Orlando

While Downtown Disney may inspire dreams of sweet treats and kid-friendly snacks, the adults haven’t been left off the menu, particularly at the Portobello Restaurant. While the guys will love this one, I think anybody can get behind a drink that merges beer and dessert. The result of that combo is biramisu, which uses a local organic porter from Orlando Brewing. The beer is warmed and reduced to a syrup, then egg, Marscapone, and sugar are added, and don’t forget the biscuit. How tasty!

A Travassa Mixology – Hana, Hawaii

I’m excited to experience the Travaasa Hana’s new “Art of the Cocktail” mixology seminar. You get to work with the on site food and beverage director to create your own specialty cocktail with the fruit available that day. You also get to name your drink (with the staff providing some advice on Hawaiian words that would suit). I’d like to that these drinks are healthy, but hey – you’re on vacation – so I guess it doesn’t matter.

A Colorado-Inspired Old Fashioned

In Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor is serving up a tasty Harvest Old Fashioned. It’s made with Leopold Bros. Apple Flavored Whiskey, made locally in nearby Denver, CO. It also include homemade cinnamon bitters (can you say wow?!), muddled grapes, and a splash of soda. This sounds perfect after a day of enjoying the great Colorado outdoors.

A New-Fashioned Hot Buttered Rum

Also in Colorado, you’ll find another new twist on an old fashioned cocktail, the hot buttered rum. Leading the charge on this wintery refresh are the fine folks at Montanya Distillery in Crested Butte, who recently opened a new tasting room and are serving up lots of great, award-winning beverages that will leave you with a new impression of rum, especially their gorgeous-looking hot buttered rum which looks too good to turn down.

All images are courtesy of the venue except Grove Park Inn (Flickr CC rodmanjr) and Camden Harbor (Patrick McQuigan).

I love a good sandwich – maybe it’s a guy thing, but there is nothing better than two slices of bread piled high with tasty fillings and all the trimmings stuffed inside. I’ve found fabulous sandwiches in countries around the world, but here are some world famous sandwiches that you won’t be able to turn down.

Philippe’s French Dip – Los Angeles, California

I had no idea that the French Dip was founded in Los Angeles – and apparently Philippe, whose downtown restaurant is a class act in itself, made the sandwich by accident. I love that here they pre-dip the sandwich for you for the optimal moisture content, and they also serve beer and tons of classic sides, like macaroni salad and pie. What could go wrong?

Schwartz’s Smoked Meat – Montreal, Quebec

I’ve talked about my high praise for Quebec food, but Schwartz’s is high on the list for most visitors to Montreal. You’ll need to be prepared to wait, but the shaved meat in this sandwiches is well worth braving the long queues and the cramped tables. Delicieux!

Italian Sandwiches at Pasta Tricolore – Amsterdam, Netherlands

I’ve mentioned Pasta Tricolore (formerly Pasta di Mamma) in my round-up of the best food in Amsterdam, but as these Italian sandwiches are some of the best in the world, I have to include them here with the other world famous sandwiches. Fresh bread balls, fresh cheeses and meats, all configured to your order.

Cheesesteak – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s cheesesteaks have taken on a near-mythical state, and so have the arguments on which of the city’s many vendors have the best sandwich. But here’s the secret: Philadelphia is home to many types of sandwiches – roast pork, hoagies, and more – so pack your walking shoes, because these sandwiches mean business.

Grilled Cheese at Borough Market – London, England

My mother sent me on a quest for the elusive-but-famous Kappacasein’s grilled cheese, and you can’t go wrong with hunting for a meal in one of London’s best foodie hangouts, Borough market. This grilled cheese, I have to say, does take top marks – from the specialty sourdough bread, to the expertly-melted montgomery cheddar cheese, washed down with a beer, you’ll be more than satisfied.

Hot Brown – Louisville, Kentucky

While you may be surprised to see Kentucky home to a world famous sandwich, the hot brown (which is fun name for a sandwich, by the way), is named after the Brown Hotel in Kentucky. It’s an open faced turkey and bacon sandwich with bechamel sauce on top, and you’ll find it all over the area.

Italian Beef – Chicago, Illinois

The Philly cheesesteak arguments are only outweighed by who has the best Italian beef sandwich in Chicago. The beef sandwiches are often prepared to the venue’s secret recipe of spices and topped with peppers. The oldest, and often said best, beef stand is Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef, although it now is a franchise with multiple venues in Chicago and elsewhere in the United States.

Muffuletta – New Orleans, Louisiana

Just after the famous beignet, New Orleans has a cult-like following for it’s tasty muffuletta sandwich. The bread is the important part of this one – it’s a local bread that is sort of like focaccia but slightly bigger. The insides are filled with olive sald, meats, and cheeses. The olive spread is also very important – the meats and cheese shift – and if you want to make this at home you can buy the famous Boscoli olive salad to take home.

Francesinha – Oporto, Portugal

Oporto is famous for it’s wonderful port wine, but you might want to know about the also-famous francesinha. The name means “little Frenchie” in Portuguese, and it has a meat (ham, sausage, or steak) covered in melted cheese, a hot tomato and beer sauce, and comes with a healthy heaping of french fries. Absolutely incredible.

Bombay Sandwich – India

Last but not least is the bombay sandwich, a popular staple from India but you’ll find them cropping up all around the world. The bombay comes in various configurations, but many of them feel like a curry slipped in between two slices of bread. As a curry lover, I’ve got no problem with that.

Photos by Kayone73, noema perez, cookiemouse, bryce edwards,
tavallai, gavinmusic, inuyaki, kent wong, fortes, unlistedsightings

Many states and countries have a national dish or a regional specialty, but nowhere does a particular food take on such an elevated status as in New Mexico, where in every corner of this state, you’ll find the veritable New Mexico chile pepper. While in a global sense the state doesn’t compete in terms of volume, they certainly win in terms of passion – from the Chile Pepper Institute in Las Cruces to making peppers a part of New Mexico cuisine AND culture, you’ll want to have plenty of peppers while in New Mexico. Thankfully, that won’t be a problem, considering these are just 13 of the many ways to eat a New Mexico Chile Pepper.

Green Chile Bagels and Bread

Green Chile goes great in any bread product, so many local folks make tasty green chile bread creations. The most famous are probably the greenish loaves from the Golden Crown Panaderia in Albuquerque (also well known for its pizza). You’ll find chile bread at many of the farmer’s markets, but also you can get green chile bagels at most Einstein Bagels in New Mexico!

Red & Green Chile Pistachios

Pistachios are a great snack for road tripping – something you might likely being doing in such a vast state like New Mexico – but they’re also handy for souvenirs to take back home. Don’t miss out on Heart of the Desert‘s yummy red and green chile pistachios, completely with pretty gift wrap (burlap sacks)!

Chile Fudge and Peanut Brittle

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then be sure to visit The Candy Lady in the historic old town of Albuquerque for her tasty, sugary creations – including green chile fudge, green chile peanut brittle, or other combos like vanilla red chile fudge!

The spiciness (heat) of a chili peppe can be measured in what is called a Scoville heat unit (SHU). Bell peppers rank at 0 SHU, New Mexico green chilis are at about 1,500 SHU, jalapeños at 2,500–5,000 SHU, and habaneros at 300,000 SHU. The guiness world record holder is a Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper, sliding in at 1,463,700 SHU. That’s some hot peppers!

Green Chile Beer

Of course, brewers are always looking for new ways to infuse flavor and fun into their beers, so why not a New Mexico chile pepper? You can get plenty of green brews in New Mexico, but many say the chile beer fresh on tap (see the chile guy on the tap handle above?) at Eske’s Brew Pub in Taos is one of the best. Goes good with the cheeseburgers, fries, or pizza (see below!).

Red Chile & Chocolate Dessert

The Mayans were the first to discover the powerful effects of chocolate, both emotionally as well as a health boost. And red chile goes great with chocolate – either just as a chocolate bar, or in desserts, like red chile mousee, cakes, and even cup cakes. Cake Fetish Cupcakes in Albuquerque is one of the most well known cupcakes in the state, with their award winning Santa Fe Chocolate (chocolate cake dipped in chocolate with chocolate red chile buttercream) – only available on Fridays!

Green Chile Cheeseburgers

Wow, doesn’t that just LOOK amazing? Plenty of gastropubs and restaurants in New Mexico offer green chile as a default topping for your burger, but would you believe even places like McDonald’s offer green chile burgers? (I suggest the gastropub though, sorry….) And who doesn’t like a good burger on their vacation? Delicious.

Green Chile Pizza

Similar to the burgers, all the national pizza chains offer green chile as an option for your pizza. And actually you can get some very nice pizza here in New Mexico. It’s a good option if you’ve got fussy eaters who you do want to introduce some green pepper into their lives. Peppers go well with onions, sausage, and/or pepperoni.

Red or Green Chile Cheese Fries

After seeing how many restaurants (and bars) offer red AND green chiel cheese fries on their menus, I’m begging to wonder if this tempting treat is New Mexico’s answer to Quebec’s poutine? It definitely sounds like a good enjoy-with-alcohol or anti-hangover cute.

Red or Green Chile Stew

This soup you’ll find in many other countries, but the caldillo a classic New Mexico soup, given that it’s basically a green chile stew with meet and potatoes. Great for a chilly night or restoring some energy after a long day of sightseeing. There’s also a similar New Mexico chile soup called Caldo de Chile. You might also want to sample a hearty red chile beef stew – yum!

There’s a bit of debate on whether, if the state did have an official pepper, would it be red or green. All kidding aside, you’ll probably feel like there are more green peppers, because you’ll eat then fresh, whereas the red is typically used dried.

New Mexico Chiles rellenos

The deep fried, cheese covered chile pepper is a traditional Mexican dish, but don’t overlook having it here in New Mexico, since you’ll know that the chile pepper buried under deliciousness is a fresh, local pepper (rather than a typical poblano pepper).

Green Chile Wine

Oh yes, you can have your chiles in your wine as well! There’s your standard chilled white wine, or you can go for a dessert wine, such as the chocolate infusion shown above (there are several chile wines on the table). Or you can grab a wine to use in cooking, a common theme I hear amongst those chefs versed in New Mexico cuisine.

A New Mexico Enchilada

How could I NOT include New Mexico enchilada in our list? It’s a very, very common item on every menu, from breakfast burritos to evening entrees. To start, New Mexico makes some fantastic tortillas – some blue corn, but they’re just fluffier and tastier than elsewhere. Then of course your enchilada comes covered either red or green chile sauce, always a winner. A common order is with cheese and white onion – with the blue tortilla, it looks great AND tastes great.

Calabacitas

Last but certainly not least is a delicious seasonal dish from New Mexico, calabacitas. It’s simply some green chiles (ok, lots of chiles), with zucchini, and fresh corn, all gently sauteed. There are varying extra ingredients added to taste.

Photo Credits: Alasam, Michael, matt.ohara, Brewery Photo, Venue Photo, tinabasgen, Samat Jain, marianne1123, calamity hane, eekim, Jim Legans, alasam, just peekin

As we already explored, there are tons of things to do in Providence, Rhode Island, one of America’s most creative capitals. But one needs energy to get up and down those hills and explore all the shops and museums. But don’t worry – with a lineup of world class restaurants and unique cafes, Providence has got you covered. I taste tested and sampled my way through the city’s three main foodie districts – Downtown, Federal Hill and College Hill – and found the best of the best. Here are my recommendations for the best restaurants in Providence, RI.

Julian’s for the Quirky (Federal Hill)

If you want tasty food with a side of quirk, head for Julian’s on Federal Hill. It’s a popular local hangout and a FABULOUS place for brunch. Scrambled Egg pizza? Homemade chorizo. Beer and cocktails? Chalkboard art on all walls? You got it.

Blue State Coffee for Caffeine with Cause (College Hill)

Caffeine is an absolute must for me, so why not go where your drip goes for a good cause? Blue State Coffee has given away thousands of dollars to various charities, and patrons can help choose which causes the establishment should support. Blue State also has perfected their latte art, and along with the excellent coffee you can choose from a selection of yummy treats and sandwiches.

Teavana for the Attention to Detail (College Hill)

If the picture is any indication, Teavana is almost like a day spa, but in fact it is a tea shop. A wide selection of teas, a relaxing environment, and everything is served pretty and with a smile. They certainly picked the right name for the place.

Only in Providence: New York System Hot Dog (Downtown)

When I asked a local about “food you only can find in Providence,” the strangely named New York System Hot Dog immediately entered the conversation. What is it? A pork hot dog with onions, celery salt, mustard, and a meat sauce. You typically order them in threes – and what’s worse, their nickname is a “gagger.” Olneyville’s New York System in downtown Providence is supposedly the oldest joint in town to serve them. Oh, and the name? Supposedly some immigrants served them on the NY subway system and figured they’d be a hit up north, and they chose Providence for their new marketing venture. It obviously worked.

Best Seafood in Providence: Hemenways (Downtown)

Topping any list of the best restaurants in Providence RI has to be Hemenways, a class act establishment just off the river in downtown, a perfect (but busy) spot before an evening at Waterfire. Their service treats diners like kings and queens, and many of the staff members have been there a number of years. Everything from their cocktails to the fresh seafood dishes are fantastic, so I suggest you come hungry so you can sample the chowder, enjoy a great entree and still have room for dessert. Chef Steven Long makes a special effort to use local ingredients and balance traditional versus cutting edge – Hemenways may very well have the best seafood cooking in New England.

Providence is one of many cities to claim more restaurants per capita in the United States – though Providence states that they are the capital with the most restaurants per capita, which may indeed give them the winning position.

First American Pizza: Al Forno (Downtown adjacent)

They say that the first grilled pizza to be made in America was made at Al Forno. Whether that’s true or not, the grilled pizzas and tasty Italian you’ll get there today are certainly worth it. What’s a grilled pizza like? It is sort of like naan bread, but better. You just have to try it.

Cav for the Ambience (Downtown adjacent)

Ever wondered what it would be like to have dinner (or lunch) in an antiques shop? Well, Cav will give you that experience. It’s in the old jewelry district, so even though the food is great, the weird/quirky/unique decor is the draw. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or just fun with friends.

Red Fez for Drinks (Downtown)

Fancy a cocktail? Then head for the Red Fez, where you can play a pinball machine and a eclectic music selection over tasty food and pitches of sangria or beverages of your choosing. The biggest complaint about Red Fez is that the food is TOO good – and why’s that a problem? Because they swap out the menu regularly; dishes are focused on local ingredients, and the ambiance is another one of those “only in Providence” establishments.

Downcity, because it’s Famous (Downtown)

Just to clarify, Downcity is famous, but perhaps not for reasons you want to know. It’s now one of the best restaurants in Providence RI, but at one point it was one of the worst – which made it famous, as it’s been featured on Kitchen Nightmares! They’ve cleaned up their act now and its a hotspot for snacks and drinks – burgers and wraps are popular, and they have some great desserts too. It’s kind of a cheery venue too, maybe because it’s got a new lease on life.

Pastiche for Dessert (Federal Hill)

The best desserts in Providence have to be at Pastiche, hidden on a sidestreet of Federal Hill. Their cake case is full of amazing creations, but I found even their simple cheesecakes or fruit-n-cake dishes were amazing. Coffees and teas compliment it well; you’ll see many locals in queue to take home a cake, but have a seat and relax.

Nancy’s Fancies for More Dessert (Federal Hill)

The one thing that Pastiche doesn’t do a lot of is cupcakes, but that’s because some of the best cupcakes in the world are at Nancy’s Fancies, also on Federal Hill. Nancy’s been featured on Cupcake Wars, but in the end you are the winner, because at Nancy’s you can even design your own custom-to-order cupcake. These fancies also take the cake (sorry, pun intended) for the cutest, with their teddy bear and other animal cupcakes! If you’re traveling with kids, you have to come here.

For the Ultimate Foodie: Culinary Arts Museum

Last but not least, if you’ve finished your tour of the best restaurants in Providence RI, then be sure to prove your ultimate foodie-ness with a stop in Providence’s unique Culinary Arts Museum. It’s for the total kitchen geek, but there aren’t many museums dedicated to the craft of cooking, so it is well worth a visit.

Photo Credits: mhaithaca, Venue Photo, Venue Photo, image415, Author Photo, donutgirl, Venue Photo, subliminal, Yelp, Venue Photo, Venue Photo, the analog kid

Special thanks to the Providence and Warwick CVB for being such a kind host and showing me around town. Learn more about our editorial policy on sponsored trips here.

Let it be said that I do enjoy a good cold beverage on my vacations. And booze ranks right up there with food in the ways you can learn more about a culture. Some drinks have special glasses, others have folklore, and some just have a funny way you have to consume them.

Regardless, when you’re on vacation, there is always time for a tipple. Here’s a quick roundup of alcohol around the world – these drinks are best had in-destination and definitely worth traveling for.

Scotland: Knockandoo Whisky

Having lived in Edinburgh, I have developed an appropriate palate for the good stuff. It is not “Scotch”, it is whisky, without an ‘e’. (Irish and American whiskey has the ‘e’).

If you’re traveling to Scotland, hopefully you’ll be considering some Scottish Highlands travel, as this gives you an opportunity to visit the whiskey areas to the north in Speyside, where you’ll find my favourite whisky, Knockandoo, distilled in a town of the same name. Also, pictured above is Glenfiddich, one of the best (and FREE!) distillery tours.

Speyside is beautiful and a wonderful place to go tasting, but you may want to also visit the Hebrides Islands to the west, many of which have distilleries famous in their own right. Be sure to buy your whisky at the distillery – it’s usually cheaper than the airport, and more choice!

Czech Republic: Becherovka

If you have ails, Becherovka will cure them – at least momentarily, as you’re blinded by the bitter herbal taste and potency of this beverage. While you’ll find Becherovka anywhere in the country, you’ll want to head to the drink’s home down of Karlovy Vary for bragging rights. It’s a wonderful town featured on my Czech Republic sightseeing list for all the hiking and spas. Bottoms up.

Note: If you try this and hate it, I suggest you then try one of the liquors I keep around the house at all times: plum brandy (“Slivovitz”).

Portugal: Vinho Verde

I love bubbly beverages, and know that even the really awful champagnes can taste awful. Vinho Verde I actually discovered in the Netherlands at my local wine shop, but have come to love this crisp and refreshing wine, which is from the north of Portugal. It means green wine, which refers to the youthfulness of the grapes. If you find wine that says vinho verde, by law it must be from the Minho region of Portugal, which has plenty of sightseeing opportunities beyond wine.

Ireland: Guinness

I’m not a fan of Guinness, and I’d be reluctant to put a beer that you can get almost anywhere in the world on a list of “special” alcohol around the world.

Having said that, Guinness tastes better in Ireland. Yes, it does. And the best place in the world to drink a Guinness is at the Guinness Storehouse itself, in Dublin. At the end of the factorytour, you’ll be dropped off in the Gravity Bar, which has the best views over Dublin. Best time to end up here is around sunset.

Alcohol plays a heavy role in history. As Magellan prepared to sail around the world in 1519, he spent more on Sherry than on weapons. But alcohol was believed first made in 8000B.C. by Persians, who used honey and wild yeast. (Wine started a short time later on, in 6000 B.C.)

Mexico: Margaritas

You didn’t think I’d write about the booze without including my personal favourite, the margarita. Margaritas are ubiquitous, particularly in the United States, where I think they are actually more popular than they are in Mexico. Nonetheless you don’t have to go far to find one in Mexico, particularly at a resort.

It’s believed that a Tijuana-area restaurateur invented this beverage in 1938. But of course, like many historical facts, it leaves a lot of wiggle room for interpretation. Regardless, when in Mexico, get yours on the rocks, with salt, and in the largest glass possible. (Note: careful on the ice, though – it could make you sick, so stick to reputable venues, or add more tequila.)

Italy: Grappa

One of my house liquors (along with some plum brandy), I actually realized I don’t know a lot about grappa. What I did know, and confirmed, was that this alcohol is basically a wine leftover, used by distilling the stems/skins/seeds after winemaking. Although it is protected by name, it isn’t specific to a region of Italy – it’s the method of producing it that is protected by law. Venice, Lombardy, and Piedmont are all areas find to go on a Grappa Tasting.

Brazil: Cachaça

Pronounced “ka-sah-cha“, this most popular alcohol in Brazil is the basis for the country’s national drink, the Caipirinha. You can buy Cachaça elsewhere in the world, but it is truly never as good as the stuff the Brazilians keep for themselves. The caipirinha is simply Cachaça with sugar and crushed limes. It has many derivatives – such as fruit-flavors. If you don’t like Cachaça or like me, you find it doesn’t settle well with you (I get a raging fever when I drink it, some sort of weird allergy I guess), the capiroska (the same drink but made with vodka) is your best bet.

When you visit Brazil, you’ll find this drink served in every resort, every restaurant, every bar. It is ubiquitous, almost moreso than water.

New Zealand: Monteiths

Last, but not least. It takes a lot for me to include another beer on this list, given that there are so many great beers in the world – Victoria Bitter from Australia, the amazing IPAs from the Pacific Northwest, or some of my favourite brain-blitzers from Belgium or the Czech Republic. But I have to say if you make it all the way to New Zealand, you are going to love a cold glass of Monteith’s. They still operate a brewery tour in small town of Greymouth (west coast of the south island). They have seasonal beverages, so be sure to sample what’s cold that season.

Photo Credits: Author, CommandZed, zone41, DoNotLick,apasciuto, star5112, randal schwartz, asiaticleague

The Travel Blog Mob

Every month, a group of independent travel publishers converge on a chosen topic. Posts related to this feature this month…

• Wandering Educators: Austria for Wine Lovers
• Ciao Bambino: Napa Valley with Kids
• Boots n’ All: Favorite Drinks from Around the World
• The Vacation Gals: Touring Wineries in Wilmette County
• Wanderlust and Lipstick: Europa Village – Old World Wines SoCal Style

After exploring the beautiful streets of Charleston, or exploring the historic Plantations in Charleston, you will no doubt have worked up an appetite. Have no fears – Charleston has long been South Carolina’s culinary hot spot, with its own set of celebrity chefs, it restaurants, and unique cuisine.

Here are some of the best Charleston restaurants. There are more where these came from – so come hungry!

Old Fashioned Good Cookin’: Hominy Grill

While I’m still not exactly sure with hominy is, I know that ANYTHING you get at hominy girll will be memorable. Brunch is probably your best bet, but anyplace you can get cornbread, biscuits, homemade sausages, grits, homemade granola, french toast… the list goes on and on.

Best Desserts in Charleston: Kaminsky’s

Kaminsky’s is hard to miss, because they often have someone out on the sidewalk by the Charleston Market helping to draw in customers. They don’t need to help – one look at their cake case, which is overflowing with flour-and-sugary goodness, but they also have great coffee drinks (iced and hot), ice cream drinks, and other treats. If you’re feeling a bit low on blood sugar after traipsing around Charleston sights, then Kaminsky’s is your stop for the best Charleston dessert.

Quirk and Ambiance: Fuel

Fuel is, as the name subtly implies, an old gas station converted into a fabulous restaurant. Petrolhead paraphernalia is everywhere, but the food is also top notch, so it’s a great quirky place to hangout. Fuel also has perhaps the best cheese dip and the best sweet potato fries in South Carolina. Maybe.

Charleston’s Most Unique Dining Establishment: Tattooed Moose

The Tattooed Moose isn’t in downtown Charleston, but just a short drive out of town. I’d love to say that as a foodie sleuth I had found this destination on purpose, but it was only by chance and a fluke of my phone’s GPS that it suggested the Tattooed Moose. I’m glad it did, because this quirky and weird spot is totally awesome. Duck fat fries, cheap beer, big burgers, and desserts like chocolate cinnamon bread pudding are what you can expect. Yes, if the freakish decor doesn’t give you a heart attack, the food might, but at least you’ll go out with a smile on your face.

Michelin-Star Quality: Slightly North of Broad

Slightly North of Broad, S.N.O.B. for short, calls itself “eclectic lowcountry” cuisine. I call it amazing, and deserving of a Michelin Star or two. I love that they use locally sourced ingredients, and create their own unique take on such “regular dishes.” Example: SNOB’s shrimp and grits, which come with sausage, country ham, tomatoes, green onions, Cajun spice. Wowza.

Classy with Cocktails: 82 Queen

Serving up classy “lowcountry” dishes in a terrific venue (ask to sit in the outside garden if you can), with great cocktails, 82 Queen is great for date night or to try one of the most popular Charleston restaurants. Skip their desserts which aren’t worth writing home about – in fact, I suggest sharing a few starters as that seems to be their strength.

Worth All the Hype: Husk

Husk is the latest establishment from James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock, and it’s certainly no secret – the place is packed and everyone recommends you go there. And you should – the cal their dishes “new lowcountry” and really push tastes to a new level. The best part? You could go more than once during your trip, because the menu changes every night. Here’s how Sean summarizes the menu choices, though: “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door.”

You had me at ‘Bottomless Mimosa’: Toast

Toast has been often rated as the best breakfast in Charleston, and it’s hard to say no to a pile of french toast with fresh berries and hot syrup. But what keeps folks coming in and never leaving are the bottomless mimosas. Just sayin’. Great place for a group or to nurse a bit of a hangover.

A Tourist’s Dream Come True: Fast and French

Wow. Fast and French might have been my personal fave of all the best Charleston restaurants, just because of it’s classy French demeanor without all the fuss. They have great iced coffees, a gazpacho to die for, and wonderful wonderful sandwiches (it’s the bread, I think). This really is like a typical French cafe, but with foods served up super quick so you can be in-and-out. Perfect if you’re needing a refill but you are short on time between tours and attractions.

One thing you may see a lot of during your visit are two charleston classic snacks, boiled peanuts and shave(d) ice. The idea of boiled peanuts makes me ill, but feel free to try it. As for the shave ice, all the cart vendors give free samples, so try it – if it’s a hot day in Charleston, this will cool you down quick.

Drink Up Only in Charleston: Firefly Vodka

If you get a chance, try a cocktail (of any kind) that’s made with locally distilled Firefly Vodka. It’s distilled with tea – they aren’t giving away any secrets on how – but it makes for a utterly superb long island iced tea (or I guess that would be a Charleston Ice Tea, no?). They have other flavours – you can try all of them at their distillery Wadmalaw Island outside of Charleston.

For those Special Occasions: Peninsula Grill

Peninsula Grill is pricey, but it’s worth it for those special occasions or when you want to treat yourself – because everybody deserves a treat now and then! Many of their dishes are famous (infamous?) themselves, in particular the Ultimate Coconut Cake, which may very well be the tallest cake served in the city. Another standout are the veal sweetbreads. Never a bad meal here – and oh, did I mention their well-rounded international wine list?

FIG

It’s hard to decide what FIG does best – dinner or cocktails/wine, because each has a super menu to peruse. Their menu is very fun and innovative, with dishes like Puree of Garlic Soup, Suckling Pig Confit, or the fun-to-say succotash.

Jestine’s Kitchen

Some say Jestine makes the best fried okra in Charleston, but in general this wonderful bistro-y spot has great, simple soul food cooking. Coca cola cake? Fried green tomatoes? Peach and Blueberry cobble? Oh yeah – all washed down with a cold glass of sweet tea.

Cook it Yourself: Charleston Cooks

If you fancy a Charleston cooking class, then Charleston Cooks is your number one best bet. They’re owned by the same folks that own Slightly North of Broad (mentioned above) and several other quality restaurants in Charleston. Their classes are very popular with locals, so you will want to book this one in advance. Their adjoining kitchen appliance store is pretty cool and you might find yourself bringing home some more practical souvenirs.

Photos by Author, Suki, Author, Venue Photo, Found Drama, Author, jenny8lee, Venue Photo, Venue Photo, Venue Photo, Think Jose, Mr T in DC, Margo Millure

The Highland Lakes region of Texas, just north of Austin,  is a superb place to enjoy pristine lakes, photograph amazing vistas, and explore numerous state parks. With so many activities to pursue, it is a good idea to keep the body fueled up at all times, and you had better believe that Texans take food seriously.

Several unique eating establishments dot the towns that surround the lakes, but we have experienced a few that truly stand out as the best. So, bring along your appetite and join us on a Highland Lakes Foodie journey to some great eats.

Best BBQ: Cooper’s Old Time BBQ in Llano

Texas is known worldwide for its exceptional barbecue, and Llano in particular, is notorious for the home-style fare at Cooper’s. Along with the traditional offerings of smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, and sausage, this eatery also specializes in tender goat meat. Their homemade BBQ sauce is to die for, and I always purchase a bottle to take home. A bottle of their sauce may have even made it to the White House, as former president George W. Bush loved to eat here. Make sure to explore downtown Llano after indulging at Cooper’s to walk off some calories, and you can see several historic buildings from the late 1800s.

Best Baked Goods: Brother’s Bakery and Café in Marble Falls

For an early morning breakfast or a great lunch, Brother’s Bakery has the goods. Only home made pastries and breads cross the counter here, and their sausage kolaches are out of this world. Excellent Danishes, turnovers, cookies, and muffins satiate those with a sweet tooth, and fresh salads and sandwiches are available for the more sensible palate. Free Wi-Fi is offered at Brothers and creates a great excuse for travelers to stop in for a bite or two.

Best Thai Food (and Most Unusual Setting): Thai! At Fastway in Burnet

Unusual setting is putting it mildly; this authentic Thai establishment can be found in the back corner of a local fueling station. Eating food from a gas station is nothing new to road trippers, but Thai! makes this experience a pleasure. The proprietors of this establishment hail from Bangkok and their curry dishes outshine any that I have ever tasted. The menu is extensive considering its location, and soups and appetizers round out the menu nicely. This is the ideal place to fuel your vehicle and your body before heading out to explore Longhorn Cavern State Park.

Best Fresh Fare: Noon Spoon Café in Marble Falls

This locally owned café is housed in a converted cottage in the heart of Marble Falls, and most of their fruits and vegetables are locally grown. The café is a favorite breakfast and lunch spot of locals who enjoy feasting on the healthy fare Noon Spoon provides. If you are not a veggie lover, do not despair; the café features daily specials of meatloaf, enchiladas, and lasagna that all hail from traditional family recipes.

Best View While Dining: Canyon Restaurant in Buchanan Dam

Wall-to-wall windows allow diners at this fine establishment to enjoy superb views across Lake Buchanan, and the food is excellent, too. Delicious hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, and chicken dishes are grilled to perfection and their sides boast a European flair. You can find this gem at the end of Ranch Road 2341 tucked away next to the Canyon of the Eagles Lodge. This is also the launching area for the infamous Vanishing Texas River Cruise, where you can safely view some of Texas’ endangered wildlife. Plan ahead so you can participate in one of these before or after your meal.

Best Pie (and Texas Home Cooking): Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls

The delightful Bluebonnet Café may not look like anything special from the outside, but it is what’s inside that counts. Right? Underneath its drab, gray, concrete exterior lays the best pies in Texas. For 80 years, locals have been stopping into the café to feast on the tasty all day breakfast menu. Bluebonnet’s home-style lunches of chicken and dumplings and chicken fried steak are almost as famous as their pies. An unadvertised special that all the locals know about, is that the café features an afternoon pie happy hour, where you can get a slice and a drink for only three dollars.

The Highland Lakes are actually resevoirs, man made lakes providing hydroelectric power and flood control, as well as recreation, of course.

Best Italian: Francesco’s Italian Restaurant in Marble Falls

After you have one bite of food here, it will come as no surprise that locals have voted this eatery as the best Italian food for three years running. The calzones and hand tossed pizza pies offered here easily rival those found in New York and Chi-town. All of the pasta served here is made from scratch every day, and you will smell the deliciousness long before you walk through the door. Francesco’s dipping oils and signature sauces are divine, and they can be ordered to go, so you can enjoy at home, as well.

Best Chocolate: Innocent Chocolate produced in Marble Falls

Chocoholics beware; you may believe that you are in Heaven when you discover this amazing treat. This chocolate is all natural, sugar free, and it even helps increase your metabolism. Healthy chocolate? This company’s chocolate concoctions are produced with all organic raw materials and are dairy free. By avoiding sugar and dairy, many allergy sufferers can enjoy the delicious taste of chocolate worry free.

Innocent chocolate can be found locally in the Highland Lakes area and in several Whole Foods and specialty stores within the state. Make sure that you look in the frozen food section to find this product. They keep it frozen in order to ensure the consistency and texture of the chocolate is maintained.

During your travels in the great state of Texas, you will encounter many great diners, cafes, and off the wall eateries, but these are our favorites. Some of the best eats can be found in these small towns, and rest assured, that regardless of where you choose to stop, you will be welcomed by some of the friendliest people in the nation. Happy eating!

Photo credits: Dave Hensley Logan Ingalls, kim.anch, 9AM, aslhoog36re

Well, we’ve talked about all the fun things to do in Ashevile, NC. There are the great outdoors, the wonderful shopping, the quirky attractions.

But a traveler’s got to eat – and Asheville doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. In fact, they take foodie adventures to a whole new level with their Foodtopian Society program, so when you eat in Asheville, more than likely you’ll be having locally produced goods, all served with love and hospitality on the side. Asheville is one of the few cities I’ve been to where I didn’t see hardly any chain establishments during my entire trip.

Here are some tips for great places to eat in Asheville, NC. This list isn’t exhaustive – one couldn’t possibly eat everywhere in Asheville, and if you did you’d have to buy new clothes on your way home.

Best Old Fashioned Home Cooking: Tupelo Honey or Mayfel’s

Want some good ol’ cooking, North Carolina style?  Think shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes?  Well, either Tupelo Honey or Mayfel’s are your best bet.  I couldn’t recommend one without the other, because each has such a superb (and gut-busting) menu, from fresh homemade biscuits at Tupelo Honey (pictured), or Mayfel’s classy fried greens paired perfectly with a cocktail.  They’re both perfect for that North Carolina experience, and both can get packed, so be prepared for a wait or try to go off peak times.  (Conveniently, they’re next to each other, making it easy to swap choices if you have to.)  Come hungry, and wear stretchy pants.

Tip: After you’ve walked around the block a couple of times, maybe you want to stop by the The Soda Fountain (in the old Woolworth’s building) for a milkshake. Or just a coke.

Best Coffee in Asheville: Old World Coffee

Need a pick me up after a long night of beer tasting in Asheville?  Or just want to power your way around the Urban Trail or other sights?  Old World Coffee is your best bet.  Love the friendly staff here, the small but well situated outdoor tables, and of course, they pour the perfect espresso.

Most Unique Foodie Venue in Asheville: Potato Chip Company

Really, a venue that only sells gourmet potato ships?  Yup – that’s what you’ll find here in Asheville.  But what do they mean by a gourmet chip?  Well, how about chips with lavender honey, bleu cheese crumbles, and sea salt, prepared fresh?  Or maybe you’d rather have some plantain chips with smoked sea salt and warm chocolate?  Or, sweet potato chips with cajun seasoning?  Yup – seriously – if you want to stop for a sightseeing snack, this is the place.

Best Place for Drinks: Battery Park Book Exchange

Asheville’s Battery Park Book Exchange just epitomises the cool, quirky, fun vibe of the city.  It’s a book store and champagne bar, one of the main residents of the Grove Arcade, an architectural attraction in itself.  Dogs are not only welcome, at times they seem to be the ones in charge.  And with a superb champagne menu (other drinks are available), and seats which allow you a great opportunity to people watch,  this is a must must must stop.

Tip: A great place to go after a glass of champagne?  Bouchon, Asheville’s famed creperie, where you can enjoy tasty crepes with a glass of wine.

Most Fun, Friendly, and Delicious Restaurant: Salsa’s

Perhaps one of my personal faves for fun places to eat in Asheville – NC style, but Carribean food.  What does that mean?  Well, the dishes are certainly Caribbean, but the restaurant makes their own hot sauce (for sale, so be sure to sample some at dinner), and their cocktails are superb.  My vote goes for anything with sweet potato, and they also are strong with the starters, so be sure to try a couple of things – gives you the excuse for a second drink as well.

Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Asheville: Laughing seed Cafe

Even vegetarians who haven’t been to Asheville know about The Laughing Seed Cafe.  It’s got a big heart, and even if you aren’t technically vegetarian (but you do like your veggies), you’ll definitely find something you’ll like.  Breakfast is a popular choice, but there isn’t anything bad on the menu.

Best Chillout Zone and Outdoor Patio: Mellow Mushroom

Nice sunny day in Asheville?  Then head for Mellow Mushroom‘s expansive patio for simple but tasty calzones and pizza’s.  Sure, the name (and the corresponding sign) remind me of a cheap college hangout, but sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with that, especially when the food is good and the vibe is mellow, as advertised.

Western North Carolina has almost 12,000 farms and 36 area farmer’s and tailgate markets – 17 of them in Asheville. The city has 250 independent restaurants, 7 microbreweries, and has been serving up field to table since the early 1800s (which was, er, the only choice back then!).

Best Only-In-The-Know Restaurant: The Admiral

My friend Margo found out about The Admiral, and the description that was provided was something along the lines of “a dive bar with a Michelin chef.”  I couldn’t agree more, because not only is the Admiral tucked away in a somewhat industrial district part of town, it’s also kind of…well, dive bar looking.  Inside it’s ok, but on the surface, it’s a bit rough.  But serious, the menu here includes Michelin-star delicacies at burger barn prices.  It’s incredible.  Just go – words can’t describe this terrific spot.

Hot Tip:  Want more Michelin-starred food?  Then head for Curate, a tapas bar which has a chef who trained under the one, the only, “best chef in the world,” Ferran Adria.

Best Baked Good/Pastry in Asheville: The West end Bakery Cinnamon Roll

It was nearly by accident that I found this gem, as we were on the hunt for some tasty pastries to keep us sustained while heading out of town for some hiking to some of the waterfalls of the Western Carolinas.  We managed to stumble upon this great bakery which I had heard about, but didn’t realise their cinnamon roll was so famous.  As it should be – just the right amount of icing, a sticky layer of cinnamon that’s just as earthy as it is sweet, all baked just perfectly.  Their sandwiches and other pastries are also delicious.

Best Asheville Brewery and Food: Lexington Avenue Brewery (LAB)

Asheville is home to several superb breweries, earning it the title of “Beer City” – you don’t have to go far to get a cold beverage.  But for the foodies who want a brew, Lexington Avenue Brewery (LAB) is your best bet.  This place was so good I ate here twice during my trip.  Must Have’s:  venison nachos, lab burger, and oh-yum-yum fish tacos.  (My only complaint is that the desserts are a little weak.)

Best Non-Downtown Foodie District

If you’re hungry and want to get out of downtown, then head for Asheville’s River Arts District, which in a few years may outshine downtown itself - after all, one of the area’s main restaurants, 12 Bones, is one of President Obama’s favorite places to eat in Asheville, NC. (And, he doesn’t even live in Asheville.)  There’s also the wonderful soups and sandwiches at The Junction, as well as brews and snacks from Wedge Brewery or maybe you’d like to hit the White Duck Taco Shop. There is tons of good food here, but I think this area is only getting started.

Best Ice Cream in Asheville: the Biltmore Creamery

When you visit the Biltmore Estate, you get a lot for your money – but did you know you can also do wine tastings (and, er, ice cream tastings)?  I had several folk mention to me their love for the Biltmore Creamery, and I have to say I agree with them.  Whether it’s a heaping bowl of hand-scooped deliciousness, or one of their fun dreamsicle floats, you’ll find just the thing for both the adults and the children.

What do you think are the best places to eat in Asheville, NC?

Photos by author except JPott (Coffee), Gourmet Chip Company Venue photo, Salas Venue Photo, Amber Karnes (Laughing Seed Cafe), Kolin Toney (Mellow Mushroom), mygothlaundry (The Admiral), , West End bakery venue photo, ltbeyer (Lex Ave Brewery), Alaina B (River Arts District).

Asked to write a follow up piece to the excellent Foodie’s Guide to Fun & Must-Have New York City Eats, I got to head scratching and contemplation. I figured I must represent my fair city of London in all its glory. I must unlock some of the hidden passageways and side streets, the secret hideaways and local only eateries whilst also showing off the resplendent, the opulent and the glorious.

At the same time I had to adhere to the same criteria, namely that each place must be unique, noteworthy or just damn fun whilst also being the best, easiest, and most convenient place for a traveller to find. In short I had a lot of territory to cover in 48 hours and I was already late. Best get started.

Best Bagels in London

Brick Lane Beigel Bakery (spelt that way)
159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB (Liverpool Street Station + a 10 minute walk)

Hmm, tough one this. Londoners don’t ‘do’ bagels in the same way as New Yorkers. They’re available if you look hard enough but not so ubiquitous as to be on every street corner. Still I know from long experience of having New York friends over that you always need to keep a GPS in your head of the closest bagel stand just in case the urge overwhelms and a bagel must be sought. So I headed to fashionable Brick Lane for the finest bagels London has to offer. So mouth wateringly good in fact that I had to have two! The only caveat is that they only serve salt beef bagels but once you’ve tasted them you will never look for anything else.

Best Pizza in London

Malletti
26 Noel St, Soho, W1F 8GY(Tottenham Court Road Tube)

If you’re out and about in the centre of London and need a pizza fix there’s only one place to go and that’s Malletti’s in Soho. They cook pizza the Roman way so none of that triangular rubbish my friends, oh no. Instead you take your pizza as a rectangle and eat it on the street or on the one spare counter in the joint. It’s always heaving with people so best to go mid-morning or mid-afternoon if you don’t want to have to queue round the block. It will be worth it for their incredible tomato sauce and topping options, trust me.

Best Brownies in London

Paul. A. Young
33 Camden Passage, N1 8EA (Angel Tube)

I’ve always loved the New York expression ‘hey forget about it’ but never found a place to use it until now… Young’s Brownies ‘Forget about it!’

More genius in a square inch of food than in the rest of the World put together. Simply (sucking noise of finger) make sure (more sucking noise of finger) that you (even more sucking noise of finger) eat ever last bit (sound of passing out on pavement from elixir).

Best “Seriously, WTF?” Restaurant

Giuseppes Place
47/49 Borough High Street, SE 1NB, (London Bridge Tube)

OK so Giuseppes Place is an Italian restaurant down a dark alley way in London Bridge. What’s it doing on the seriously WTF list right? Wrong! Giuseppes makes the list because of the sheer WTF when you first encounter Giuseppe. A total extravert this guy has built the best Italian in town as can be judged by the fact it’s heaving with Italians at all hours.

They’ll make Italian food to your specifications so if you want your Carbonara made the Roman way you tell them and they deliver. Not only that but the live music, free random shots and roses delivered to the table leave you feeling particularly pleased for venturing down the dark alleyway to begin with.

Best Burgers in London

Grand Union Pub
102 – 104 Camden Road, NW1 9EA (Camden Town Tube)

You know when Homer Simpson makes that ‘Mmm’ sound followed by the gurgled ‘Aurghhhh.’ Well that’s what happens when you head to Grand Union for one of their multi-stacked burgers. Try the Fired Earth Burger if you like things hot and you won’t be disappointed. Follow the meal up with a full afternoon of Camden Market mayhem where Goths, Artists, Musicians, Techno Heads and Commerce collide.

Best Deli in London

Luigi’s Delicatessen
349 Fulham Road, SW19 9TW (Fulham Broadway tube)

With more milk, cheese, cured meats and breads from all over Europe than you can shake a fist at Luigi’s really is one of those places all Londoners wished they lived closer to. Both Luigi and his staff are friendly and knowledgeable so go ahead and make your demands and they’ll come right back with the perfect recommendations (well that or the bird if you’re too rude!).

Best Restaurant with a View in London

Kensington Roof Gardens
99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA (Kensington High Street Tube)

High above the genteel streets of Kensington sits a restaurant with the best view in town, the Kensington Roof Gardens. Owned by Sir Richard Branson this 1.5 acre sanctuary of green includes pink flamingos, ponds and plants. To go with the setting is some fantastic food including the most sublime scallops this side of the pond.A little pricey but worth it for the view.

Best Most Expensive Restaurant in London

Rules35 Maiden Lane
Covent Garden, WC2E 7LB (Covent Garden or Charing Cross tube)

London’s oldest restaurant dating back to 1798 is a must visit restaurant. Having served everybody from Charles Dickens to King Edward the VIII and Prince Charles to me, the place drips history whilst serving up stunning food. This quintessentially British institution specializes in game from its own landed estate so be prepared to pick from the likes of pheasant and quails eggs. It can be found just off Covent Garden and is open all day so perfect for a pre theatre dinner. Just be prepared to wear loose pants and leave time for a nap afterwards!

Best Eats in London Chinatown

Empress of Sichuan
6 Lisle St, London, WC2 H7 (Leicester Square Tube)

Friendly and knowledgeable staff are always a bonus and this place is full of them. Located in the heart of China Town this recently refurbished establishment is worth a look in every time. Try the Lantern Shadow Beef if you really want an authentic Sichuan dish packed full of flavour.

Best Doughnuts

Camden Cakes
Camden Market, NW1 8NP (Camden Town Tube)

If you’re still knocking around Camden after your earlier burger at the Grand Union then make a bee line for Camden Cakes. This long standing market stall serves up the best doughnuts in all of London from jam filled to ice covered goodness. Enjoy your desert whilst watching the bustle of the market pass by.

Best Pickles

Borough Market
(London Bridge tube)

If you’re any kind of a foody then you have to make a date with Borough Market, a dedicated Victorian food market next to the River Thames. The variety of stalls will leave you salivating and, within an hour, your wallet empty. Once you’ve picked your pickles from the variety of stalls in the pickles section (say that fast five times whilst patting your head and rubbing your belly) you can wash them down with a fine ale in the Market Porter pub (excellent on Friday nights).

Best Sandwich

Kappacasein Grilled Cheese
(1 Voyager Railway Arches – Bermondsey Tube Station)

Once in Borough Market not far from the pickles, the tasty treats of Kappacasein – proclaimed by many, including celebrity chefs, as the best grilled cheese on earth, has moved south of the Thames. Even if they were on the English coast, they’d be worth the trip. Great cheese, great bread, perfect melting point.

What are your London favorite foods?

Photo Credits: London Less Travelled, everydaylife.style, jamescronin, Ewan-M,Venue Photo, Rufino Lasaosa, Kake Pugh, Qype, Vincent C. Alblas, tavvali