Travel Tips

Somewhere along the line this section morphed into being like a menu, and so I orded the parts akin to how things might go while out at dinner. The order turned out to be:

1. Wine
2. Beers
3. Appetizers
4. Main Dish
5. Dessert
6. More Dessert
7. Late Night Stack

Bon Appetit!

Before we dive into the main course, let's relax and grab a beer or a glass of wine. My favorite wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, and generally any winery around the world that makes this is fine by me. Visiting wineries is something I enjoy and I tend to keep an eye out for these when traveling.

In terms of traveling and visiting wineries, I grew up in Upstate New York which is near the wine growing areas of the Finger Lake Region. The area is a nice place with the lakes and all. If you are in New York City during the summer, this region would be a few hour drive away.

Years later I made a couple trips to Napa Valley and found both the wine and architecture to make for a incredible trip. (I've yet to make it to the wine regions of France, Australia or Chile to name a few, though hope to go to all of these some day). If you are visiting San Fran, I really recommend a day trip to Napa. It's another reason why Northern California is a great place to visit.

An interesting gem is Eger, Hungary which has dozens of mom and pop wineries. Its someone remote, though if you are Budapest I would recommend visiting here. (Please see my page on this for more info).

In college, I had heard Czech beer was among the best in the world. After visiting throughout Europe, I would have to agree. Belgium beer was okay - just that I'm not used to beer and wine mixed together. German beers were so-so, conversely Hungarian beer (i.e. Dreher) was great. If you are traveling in the U.S., a couple beers I've liked are Shiner in Texas and in Milwaukee a beer I really liked was Leinenkugel.

In terms of tours of beer companies, honestly it's all about the beer tasting at the end. Wineries have it right by having wine tasting in their visitor centers. Also, the beer tours I've seen (Budweiser, Miller, Plzen in Czech) have been okay though not great. Some of the history can be interesting though the mechanical equipment used today is pretty much all the same.

Lastly, growing up in New York going across the border to grab some Canadian beers was often talked a'bout, especially since some like Brador were 6%. I was amazed though when I was in Budevojice, which is the original home of Budweiser. I received the lunch menu and noticed beers with 16% achohol. I ordered the 12% and in addition to tasting great, it really packed a wallop, moreso than even Guinness.

Okay, by now folks must think I am an alcoholic, so let's lay off the liquor a bit and have some appetizers.

The picture was taken in Japan at a food festival (i.e. Taste of Tokyo). However, the appetizer I would like to talk about is in the soup category. And were not talking just about soup but Gumbo! I visited New Orleans way back in 1991 and had my first taste of alligator (tastes like chicken!), though more importantly had my first bowl of gumbo, and have enjoyed it ever since. Cajun food by far is one of my favorites. Clam Chowder here in New England is a close second, though the spiciness of gumbo gives it an edge.

Mom's cooking comes in first --traditional stew, goulash, and many other dishes are the best! If you are in Upstate, NY we would be glad to have you over for dinner!

In terms of a main dish when I've traveled, it's really hard to choose a favorite. I've had great meals everywhere. I had heard French food was excellent and in Paris found this to be true. Similarly, meals in Brussles were great.

So with all the great types of entrees, my favorite food was barbecue from Kansas City. I realize this might not be sophisticated. After a football game, I stopped by an Arthur Bryant's and ordered some pork barbecue and ribs (it was going to be a long drive). Great barbecue!

In terms of food tours or museums, I don't really think this is out there. One thing my sister mentioned to me was that when she was in New Orleans she took a Cajun cooking class (the kind where one eats what they make), and she really enjoyed it.

There's always room for dessert. For me the hands down winner is Gelati from Florence. Pastries from Vienna are okay and many restaurants have their signature dessert, though there is nothing like the Gelati that is Made (and Eaten) in Italy.

I now live in Boston which is a stone throw from Vermont. I visited Ben & Jerry's headquarters near Burlington, VT. The tour is very short, though one does get to see where the ice cream is made. However, gelati is still my favorite and it is good to see that it is becoming more available in the U.S.

Okay, I realize there is only one main course and two desserts, but hey, were traveling so it's okay to splurge!

Switzerland, German, Belgium all have great chocolate (U.S. does not come close - Ghiradelli is okay though not on the same par). Of them I love Belgium chocolate the most. Pralines, truffles, white chocalate, well, any chocolate for that matter.

In terms of chocolate tours, etc. I really enjoyed seeing the chocolate museum in Brussels. It's in the main square. A tour of Lindt in Zurich is so-so, as one only sees a room with exhibits (this was tough since the aroma of chocolate was around). Interestingly, after returning to the states I talked to an employee of Lindt who mentioned that employees can tour the factory.

This photo was taken in Zurich. I saw this gal walking with this huge chocolate bar and asked if I could take a photo.

After a long day of site-seeing what better way to end it then with a deep-dish pizza Chicago style. (again I must apologize as I am not a food connoisseur). Surprisingly, it took me over a half hour to find a pizzeria open in downtown Chicago after 11 pm.

Generally, I've never met a pizza I didn't like, though if given the choice I would take Chicago style over N.Y. (or even those made in Italy).

I wish I could grab a slice right now, and wash it down with a great Czech beer!