While on my family trip to China, one of our stops was in Shenzhen, China (a major city in Southern China that is right on the border with Hong Kong). One of the reasons for our stop here was so my father could show us around. He has been doing business in this area for over 20 years. While getting to explore a different country is exciting, after a certain amount of time it’s only natural to start feeling homesick. This is where Frankie’s comes into play; this is where my father and all other ex-pats come to get a…
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New York City is known for being a melting pot of different cultures. A perfect example of this is the restaurant Spice Market, located in the Meatpacking District. Here you will find flavors from Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. When you walk through the door you feel like you have been transported to an exotic land. Their décor captures the imagination with hanging lights, wooden pagodas, drums for seats, and candle light everywhere. I started the evening off with one of Spice Markets creative cocktails – the Yule Mule (their take on a Moscow Mule). Adding the hibiscus liquor…
Leave a CommentOn a visit to Vancouver, Canada I discovered a little hole in the wall place called Fritz. All this place serves is fresh cut french fries. You can get them plain or with different toppings. This is where I was introduced to Poutine for the first time. Classic Poutine is fries topped with cheese curd and brown gravy. It’s a wonderful treat. The fresh cut fries are made with sweet tasting potatoes. The cheese curd is creamy but has a mild taste that complements the brown gravy that is nice and salty. The best thing is the cheese curds do…
Leave a CommentIf you are visiting Franklin, Tennessee make sure you venture down to the historic section of town. The area has been rejuvenated over the years and is thriving with shops and restaurants. One of the places that I checked out was 55 South. This restaurant has a rustic feel with brick walls and reclaimed wood accented throughout. They have a beautiful wooden bar that caught my attention as soon as I walked in. Their menu is loaded with dishes found in New Orleans, gumbo, po’boys, red beans & rice and my ultimate favorite chargrilled oysters. I was not expecting to…
Leave a CommentSo you are going to Los Angeles, home to Hollywood celebrities, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios, where to go first? My suggestion is Pink’s! This is the world famous hot dog joint that has been around since 1939. These are not small hot dogs either; they are extra-long, all beef hot dogs. A classic Pink’s hot dog comes with chili, mustard, and onions however, they have a plethora of options to choose from. They have classic combinations like Chicago and New York style dogs, and super special combinations named after celebrities. Be prepared to know what you want by the…
1 CommentThere is no shortage of awesome places to try in Boston’s Little Italy located at the North End. Do you have a sweet tooth? Check out these hot spots. Mike’s Pastry (www.mikespastry.com) There are so many options to choose from but since the line is always out the door you will have time to decide. I have two recommendations: The Florentine Cannoli (traditional cannoli with chocolate chips) The Neapolitan Modern Pastry (www.modernpastry.com) Remember to bring your cash when you visit Modern Pastry. Enjoy some fresh coffee along with their carrot cake. Salumeria Italiana (www.salumeriaitaliana.com) Get a freshly made…
Leave a CommentBoston is a city that is rich in history and has an abundant selection of cuisine choices. After spending the day walking on the Freedom Trail, you undeniably will work up an appetite. I found myself in the North End of Boston, which is where you will find Little Italy. At the corner of the street sits Regina Pizza – it’s neon sign beckoning you to enter. Regina’s has been serving brick oven pizza since 1926 and has been voted one of the best places for pizza in Boston. When you look at their menu and see three pages of…
Leave a CommentDeep in the heart of the Edgewood neighborhood is a NY style pizza place that’s been around since 1982. They have all the classics – calzones, pastas, pizza, and subs. On the appetizer list the first thing they call out is the Eggplant Rollitini. I asked my waitress if she recommended this dish and she said absolutely, it’s one of their top sellers. The eggplant was cooked perfectly – not too hard and not too mushy. The breading on the outside was just a dusting so that there is texture to the dish when you bite in. The filling was…
1 CommentSt. Louis has an area in town called The Hill – which is their Little Italy. There are many places you can visit for authentic Italian food. I chose to check out Anthonino’s Taverna. The restaurant is located on the corner in the heart of The Hill. It looks small from the outside, but when you walk in you see that they expanded the restaurant in the back. It’s always wonderful to see a business succeed and expand; it’s great not only for them but for the community as well. After looking over their menu I can certainly see why…
Leave a CommentI was told by several Birmingham residents that I had to try Saw’s Juke Joint for some of the best Alabama BBQ and a huge selection of craft beers. Nestled in a quaint neighborhood, sits the renovated shopping center with Saw’s located right on the corner. Although everything is fairly new it still has old rustic charm. There are license plates on the walls from all over the United States. They have blue paper towel rolls on the tables that make you feel like you are in an old garage that’s been converted to a restaurant. It’s just a fun…
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