Before you go out of the country, make a few wallet-sized cards that list what you can and can’t eat in the native language(s) of the country you’re visiting.
I like to list what I’m able to eat on one side of the card… and list the foods I can’t have on the other. This makes it so the server and kitchen can’t easily mix them up.
This is especially helpful for vegetarian and vegans, people with religious dietary restrictions, and people with food allergies.
Just because you might drop a few bucks on the table after eating dinner in the States doesn’t mean that’s appropriate behavior everywhere. It’s best to check local customs before deciding to do the same in another country.
Some countries, such as New Zealand, Australia and Japan, don’t customarily tip and the result can be confusion for your servers. In other countries, such as France, the tip is added to the bill automatically.
Take the time and check online or ask locally if tips are customary before making the gesture.
Everyone knows a Chicago-style Hot Dog is the best dog in the world, right?
Well, fans of this culinary delight will be happy to learn that the iPhone can help them find the closest Vienna Beef hot dog location. The app itself is free, and is surprisingly well made.
Inside the app, there is a location finder, Vienna Beef history, a photo of the perfect way to make an authentic Chicago-style dog and links to the Vienna Beef website, Twitter page and Facebook page. But the most important feature is probably the ketchup violation button.
See, Vienna Beef is pretty strict about prohibiting the application of ketchup on their dogs (an exception is made for kids under 12). If you come across a violation, you can email the Vienna Beef ketchup police directly from your iPhone.
Our very own Tom Johansmeyer is a bit of a hot dog connoisseur, so check his past posts on hot dogs from around the world!
Vienna Beef iTunes app store link.
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We go on vacation to be someplace different. Yet many people eat the same old foods on vacation as they eat at home. On your next vacation, challenge your family to a food “dare” contest. Here’s how:
The meal might not be tasty or balanced but it’s sure to be memorable.
The Olympics are so exciting that we forget ourselves. Once bestowed with a ticket, we find ourselves a flight and forget the rest.
Fortunately, there’s a Zagat Survey for the rest. Co-Founder, Co-Chair & CEO Tim Zagat just released his newest guide to Vancouver. “[Zagat Surveys] are based on a large number of avid, local consumers and are put through a careful editing process,” says Zagat of why his guides are so legendary. The other secret? “We have always kept our personal selections independent from the survey to avoid playing favorites.”
Zagat took the time to answer a few of our questions about Vancouver. Check out the interview below for a peek inside the Survey’s top picks for food and what tourists should expect.
Gadling: What should one look for in Vancouver? What is special about the destination (besides, you know, the Olympics)?
Tim Zagat: Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or an attraction for the family, there is no shortage of excitement in Vancouver. Besides being a very attractive city, nearly 300 of the region’s finest restaurants, nightspots, attractions and hotels can be accessed in our 2010 Vancouver Survey and on ZAGAT.com. Surrounding areas such as Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver Island are all appealing.
G: With what cities would you compare Vancouver, for someone who’s never been there?
TZ: Seattle and Portland
G: If money were no object, what would be the ultimate Vancouver experience?
TZ: Most Popular:
1) Vij’s
2) Keg Steak
3) Blue Water Café
4) Le Crocodile
5) Chambar
Top Food:
1) La Belle Auberge
2) Vij’s
3) Cioppino’s
4) Le Crocodile
5) ToJo’s
G: Is there a specific local cuisine one must absolutely try?
TZ: I would recommend trying some of the great Pacific Northwest and Seafood restaurants in the area.
Top Pacific NW:
1) Bishop’s
2) West
3) Diva at the Met
4) Refuel
5) Cru
Top Seafood:
1) Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar
2) C Restaurant
3) Go Fish!
4) Sun Sui Wah Seafood
5) Rodney’s Oyster House
G: Any customs of which tourists should be careful?
TZ: As an expected 2.3 million attendees are expected to come for the Olympics, tourists should plan for changing traffic patterns, enhanced security zones and extra travel time for all local and regional travel. In certain areas and hours, vehicles will be banned, so tourists can plan on foot-traffic.
G: What do you think the Olympics will do for Vancouver in the long run?
TZ: In the long run, any city that hosts the Olympics experiences an international spotlight on its culture, customs and traditions. Similar to the experiences in other Olympic cities, Vancouver should anticipate a long-term boost in economic growth and tourism.
You can access the 2010 Vancouver Zagat Survey for free here.
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