Hotel irons have more uses than just getting the wrinkles out. Pack a few feet of aluminum foil in your luggage, and you’ve got all the tools you need for cooking and reheating food.
Grilled cheese is simple to make! Just wrap it in foil and lay the iron on top of it.
Irons also work great for reheating food that you may have brought back from a restaurant. Anything that you can spread between aluminum foil can be reheated. I’ve reheated everything from pancakes to shrimp scampi for a late night snack. I’ve used this trick for years.
Tip: It works best when you turn off the steam option on the iron.
Once upon a time, the world’s food capitals were a mere few well-known locales like Paris, New York, and Bangkok. All the action (and the eyes, and the forks) were focused there.
Recently, though, many areas of the world have expanded and improved both their menus and their talents in the kitchen, resulting in far more places staking their claims in the classy world of quality dining. Similarly, other cities have quietly cultivated some of the most amazing farmer’s markets on the globe, and their passion for fresh food has spread throughout their communities. Taken together, the following are the crème de la crème — the Greatest Cities in the World for Foodies.
Sydney, Australia
Australia imports very little of its produce; the great majority is harvested from local fields and farms promising fresh, flavorful dishes with the very best of in-season fruits and vegetables. In addition, the open-air Sydney Fish Market showcases the best and freshest seafoods from both the local area and from around the world. The Fish Market is an excellent place to shop, to grab some of the world’s finest sushi, and even to take some cooking classes in their recently renovated facility. For those soon to visit, here’s a list of prizewinning eateries in the Sydney area.
Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
China’s south coast is a celebration of amazing foods. If you’ve got a taste for Asian-fusion, or the best dim-sum on earth, this is your city. The amount and variety of dining options is stunning, and whether you’re interested in street-side vendors, feasting in Yung-Kee where as many as five-thousand guests dine on their roasted goose every day (!), or meals carefully prepared by five-star chefs, Hong Kong has it on the menu.San Francisco, California, USA For many foodophiles, San Francisco is a potentially surprising pick. However, what most don’t know is that San Francisco actually has a strong culinary heritage that began largely as the coincidental landing pad for many immigrants arriving in the United States from Asia. The melting pot of different flavors, traditions, and recipes that cultivated there spawned dozens of powerful contenders in the culinary industry. Combine that with one of the worlds strongest and most vibrant wine cultures and it doesn’t seem surprising at all for San Fransisco to make this list.
Pro tip: The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is held Tuesday and Saturday offering produce from small regional farmers and ranchers, many of whom are certified organic. If you don’t feel like buying fruits and veggies, the market also offers sweets, cheeses, and wines.
Melbourne, Australia
The Botanical, the Koko, the Vue de Monde… some argue that Melbourne is the food capital of Australia, and for good reason. Melbourne is host to some of the most fantastic dining establishments in the world, and might just have more restaurants than any other city on the continent. Its strong fashion sense and sharp clientele demand a classy dining experience and only the tastiest cuisine can last in a city with such competition. Award winners abound in central Melbourne, so any visit here is unlikely to disappoint.
Rome, Italy
It’s been said that it’s hard to eat poorly in Rome (or even perhaps anywhere in Italy). Here, at the birthplace of our modern pastas, you can expect the well known tradition of Italian dining to be at its absolute best, and like San Fransisco: the wine culture is certainly at the top of its class. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a load of money, though. Both five star class and some enticing cheap eats are available on just about every corner of the old city.
Mumbai, India
Any foodie looking for a taste of truly authentic India will be satisfied (and stuffed!) here. No matter what variety you’re looking for, be it coastal cuisine or seafood, a good kebab, or just some hot tandoori, it doesn’t get any better than this. The unique spices and flavors native to India offer a festival for the palate you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Stop in to any one of the “innumerable restaurants” in the area and be prepared for something spicy! You won’t be able to say “naan” to these choices!
Montreal, Canada
Fresh, hot breads, rich and bitey cheeses, smoked meats, and sweet wines… Montreal is a gift to the palette. It has a history rich in perhaps the most renowned culinary culture on earth: of course, we’re talking about the French. The selection of restaurants in Montreal, be they casual or upscale, will have something on the menu capable of teasing even the most fickle of palettes, and the ingredients are fresh, often grown locally and sometimes picked just that day.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s capital is awash with cafes and shops, many specializing in just a quick bite to eat and many others capable of bringing the full bodied Argentinian flair to your plate (a new experience for many, a regrettable one for none). What really makes Buenos Aires’ kitchens worthwhile is their infusion of Spanish and Italian influences that form unique nuances derived from both, but brought to full potency only here, in Argentina.
— The above was written by Caleb Roy, Seed contributor.
Chicago, Illinois, USA Once you bite into a Chicago-style hotdog, you’ll wonder why you’ve ever eaten another type. A typical Chicago hot dog includes a pickle spear, relish, tomatoes, mustard, onion, and even a dash of celery salt. You can find hotdog stands and restaurants throughout Chicago so there is no need for extensive search. However, for a traditional experience, try the South side.
Stann Creek District, Belize
Local foods consist of surprisingly simple ingredients and include fried chicken, tamales, and rice and beans. Flavored with local spices and flavors, food lovers who enjoy the unusual will find common ground with those that love the familiar. There is something here for everyone.
To truly eat like a local, go into town (dubbed the “cultural capital of Belize”) instead of staying on the resorts. For an extra bit of pleasure, pair the food with a Belikin. It’s the national beer of Belize and worth every calorie.
Springfield, Illinois, USA
Not many people know Springfield, Illinois as a great food town, but let me tell you about something called the horseshoe. For those that love cheese and meat, you have found your heaven. It starts with a piece of Texas toast and is followed by any type of meat you want (although buffalo chicken is especially popular). Throw some french fries on top of the meat, and plaster cheese sauce on top of the fries. Restaurants throughout the town offer this staple of Springfield diets, but the West side is especially plentiful in horseshoe restaurants.
Avery Island is home to Tabasco, the greatest thing to happen to food since the plate. Factory tours run 7 days a week and cost $1.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
If you love gumbo and jambalaya, take a trip to New Orleans for a traditional delight. In addition to the cajun food, make sure you try the fried pastries (beignets) paired with a cup of coffee while you’re in town. If you like to bar-hop and need a bit of liquor to cool your mouth from the jambalaya, try the French Quarter to move between establishments.
Pro tip: Nearby Avery Island is home to Tabasco, the greatest thing to happen to food since the plate. Factory tours run seven days a week, and cost a paltry $1.
Venice, Italy Venice has been a traditional port city for centuries and chocolate helped make it rich. It’s a tradition that has never left this city on the water. Chocolate shops are located throughout the city. However, to visit the affordable shops, venture away from St. Mark’s and the tourist area; try Santa Croce and the San Polo areas instead.
To top it all off, try a sgroppino. It’s a traditional cocktail with vodka, sorbet, mint, and sparking white wine.
Edinburgh, Scotland Haggis is only for the truly brave of heart. This traditional dish consists of sheep innards mixed with onion, spices, and even oatmeal. I’ve found that each haggis chef cooks it a bit differently, but all haggis reminds me of salisbury steak. Tourists flock to restaurants on the Royal Mile that offer it just for the experience. However, if you wish to taste a more traditional haggis, step off of the Royal Mile and into a small family run shop. It may be more traditional and not cater to sensitive tourist bellies.
London, England
As early as the 13th century a food market existed under London Bridge on the south side of the Thames. Today, Borough Market (pronounced Burrah) is one of the largest food markets in the world offering an impressive display of conventional and organic produce, cheese, meats, wild and exotic game, seafood, wine, and baked goods. There are also a number of stalls within the market that offer prepared food. Join the adventure and get into the longest line. Don’t worry about what’s being sold at the other end.
Of course, London has been for some time a major food destination. With tourism and travel booming, the restaurant industry has been able to flourish — producing such gems as triple Michelin Star winner The Fat Duck overseen by Heston Blumenthal and his 12-course menu; or the Tamarind, a classy, casual eatery serving Indian cuisine that often sees celebrities like Madonna popping in for a quick bite.
Barcelona, Spain La Boqueria market dates back to 1217 and is one of the more charismatic and intimate food markets in the world, located just off La Rambla. In a city known for seductive architectural influences, La Boqueria stands out as a gem. Here you will find a wide variety of diverse and colorful foods (and characters).
Bologna, Italy
Everyone expects to find great food in Italy. If your travels do not include Bologna, you’ll miss out on one of Italy’s greatest masterpieces. Behind the grand arcades of Piazza Maggiore are cobblestone streets where greengrocers, fishmongers, cheese merchants, butchers and bakers have plied their fare since Caesar was in power. Here you will find Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena, Parma ham and bags of tortellini hanging in shop windows. Impatient? There are countless restaurants and cafes worthy of their presence in this area of gastronomic heaven.
St. Petersburg, Russia Did you know that Russians spend more money on food than any other European nation? It’s no wonder with options as the Yeliseyevsky Gastronom Market, housed in an Art Nouveau mansion built in 1901.
This grand emporium showcases exquisite seafood, meat, cheese, and baked goods. You will be amazed at the impressive quality and quantity of caviar on offer and will be hard pressed to find more opulent surroundings to showcase luxury items from around the world.
Tokyo, Japan
The Tsukiji fish market handles more than 2000 tons of seafood per day. A highlight of any visit to Tokyo is a 5am tour of the market to observe the auction of the most exquisite fish and the transfer of more than $5 billion US in this massive market complex each year. The best catches routinely find themselves prepared as world-class courses at restaurants such as Waketokuyama and Tsujitome.
Not only is Tsukiji the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, but it’s one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind, employing nearly 65,000. Just outside Tsukiji is an outdoor market offering not only exquisite seafood, but also produce and food-related goods, including an impressive selection of kitchen knives. Toronto, Canada
A farmer’s market has been in existence at Front and Jarvis Street since 1803. Today, the St. Lawrence Market encompasses two buildings: the South Market, open throughout the week with more than 100 food vendors on the upper level, and hard-to-find exotic and international items on the lower level.
Every Saturday the North Market hosts a farmer’s market starting at 5am. Need inspiration? Located on the west mezzanine of the South Market, The Market Kitchen is a 2,400 square foot cooking school with exposed brick, 20 foot-high ceilings, and soaring views of the Toronto skyline.
Gadling TV’s Travel Talk, episode 4 – Click above to watch video after the jump
Ready to go subterranean? Travel Talk takes you to Monterey, California this week for a special episode under the sea!
This week we discuss India’s Festival of Colors, the United States’ new Travel Promotion Act, frozen ferries in the Baltic Sea, and a pilot who managed to fool authorities and fly commercial planes unlicensed for 13 years! Also, we speak exclusively with cargo pilot & Video of the Week contributor Matt Wright!
Bruce is back to show you how to stay fit on the go; Sheila brings us a new segment on dating practices from around the world, and we take a look at California sea life from above and below the water.
If you have any questions or comments about Travel Talk, you can email us at talk AT gadling DOT com.
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V).
[RSS M4V] Add the Travel Talk feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.Links: Karma Champagne
Poll of the Week!
%Poll-42707% Last week’s results:
Only after we can monitor our congressmen and senators. (39.7%)
Yes – there are too many lives in their hands! (37.9%)
No – it’s an invasion of privacy! (12.1%)
Wait, we can’t already do that on in-flight entertainment? (8.6%)
Rumor at 36,000-feet is that Virgin America will announce its long-delayed service to Chicago later this month, but that’s not all that the low-cost airline has in store for its domestic travelers.
I caught up with Virgin America CEO David Cush via online chat onboard my flight from Los Angeles to Boston earlier this week and learned about a few more cities the airline has in the pipeline.
Cush said he’ll likely have some news for flight attendants later this week about new planes and new routes. While the general public will have to wait until a bit later this year, in-flight sources suggest to me that Dallas, Orlando and Atlanta might be the next target cities.
But here’s the best news from my main cabin seat: Cush told us that Virgin America is considering service to Canada saying, “We certainly plan on expanding to Canada at some point (maybe sooner rather than later) and are very excited about it.”
No clues yet on which city the airline will service, but among the strongest Canadian candidates, our money is on either Toronto or Whitehorse.%Gallery-87349%
Before you go, be sure to check out Episode 4 of Gadling’s Travel Talk TV, which features good and bad pilots, Holi, and a sofa in an aquarium!
Renowned author and humanitarian Isabel Allende is one of Chile’s most acclaimed and beloved writers. Currently a resident of California, she flew to Chile last Friday to witness firsthand the effects of the devastating earthquake and tsunami on her homeland and to raise funds for the country’s rebuilding. I interviewed her by email on Sunday night. Here is her report.
Don George: Where are you in Chile now, and why have you traveled there?
Isabel Allende: I am in Santiago. I came to participate in a 24-hour television fundraiser “Chile Ayuda a Chile” (Chile Helps Chile) hosted by Don Francisco, the celebrity host of Univision. The goal was to raise the equivalent of $30 million. Amazingly, they were able to raise $59 million in an incredible effort that joined the whole country. Everybody is participating in the reconstruction and emergency effort. Kids in schools collect food, blankets, diapers, clothes, etc. They package them and then big trucks distribute the donations where they are most needed. Banks are open day and night to receive cash donations. Volunteers collect in the streets. Everybody is cooperating. The devastation in the south is impossible to describe. Images on TV can’t really give an accurate idea of the suffering. Whole fishing villages were wiped out by the tsunami. Hospitals, schools, bridges, and roads were destroyed, not to mention houses.
DG: What is the mood in Santiago and in the country as a whole?
IA: Chileans are stoic people; they live in the most beautiful country in the world, but it’s also a land of earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and droughts. In 1960 Chile suffered the worst earthquake in history: 9.5 on the Richter scale. The recent tragedy left people stunned and horrified, but soon the mood changed. Solidarity is the word that best defines the mood. People want to help.There is also a sense of shame for the looting that happened in some southern cities. Shame because most of the looting was not for food or water; angry mobs stole electronics, assaulted cars and houses, and even started fires. The government was able to control the situation rapidly, the police and the military were in the streets and a strict curfew was enforced where needed. Two days later the looters started to return the things they had taken either because the police raided their houses or because they were shamed by the public outcry.
The earthquake showed that in Chile social inequality is still appalling. Chile’s sustained economic growth has placed it among developed nations, but its distribution of wealth is one of the worst in the world. DG: Can you describe what you have seen and heard since you arrived in Chile? What is the condition of the affected regions?
IA: What we have seen on TV is a fraction of reality. The destruction in the south — Concepcion, Talca, Chillan — is horrific, but considering the damage, there are fewer casualties than could be expected. In the coastal villages most people ran to the hills as soon as the earthquake began; they knew a tsunami could happen. Chile has strict building codes, so most of the buildings that collapsed were either old or the code had not been properly enforced.
In the affected regions there was no electricity, phones, communications, and water for several days, but slowly things are coming back to normal. The government, the military, the police, churches from all denominations and hundreds of thousands of volunteers are working to help the victims. There is order. As soon as looting was controlled, people started to feel safe. They know that help is there or on its way.
DG: What is the country’s and people’s greatest need at this point?
IA: We need to rebuild hospitals, schools, bridges, roads, houses and much, much more. The winter is starting soon and thousands of Chileans are homeless. The organizations that are building emergency housing are, among others, Un Techo para Chile, Hogar de Cristo, and Fundación para la Superacion de la Pobreza.
DG: What have been the most moving scenes you have witnessed or stories you have heard since arriving?
IA: How could I list the most moving scenes? There are thousands, from the mother who was taken by the tsunami with two children in her arms and later she was rescued, but the sea took her babies, to teenagers gathering food and driving to the disaster zones to feed hot dogs and apples to the hungry, to a seven-year-old girl who survived under her bed when the house collapsed, or a man who cried for his young grandson on the rubble of his house, to a family that lost everything and has organized communal meals for all the neighbors where their house used to be, or a group of seniors on vacation who were taken by the tsunami, or the pets left behind that are starving, and on and on. It’s a never-ending story of grief and loss, but also of courage, patience, solidarity, generosity and even humor.
DG: What are you feeling now?
IA: When I arrived in Chile I was heartbroken and depressed, but now I am hopeful. Chileans are at their best in times of need; we rise to the occasion every time. All our pettiness and arrogance disappear in a crisis, but soon we forget and go back to our old ways. I know that Chile will recover from the material loss. I hope that this tragedy will force us to focus on the moral fabric of our society and that we will remain as generous and united as we feel today.
DG: How long will you stay?
IA: I am leaving tomorrow. I will try to do some fundraising in the States.
DG: What message would you like to give to Americans reading these words?
IA: There is no safety in the world, as anyone who is not a spoiled idiot knows. Relax. You are not in control. Bad things happen. Good things happen. We can lose everything material in an instant but we can always start again from scratch. Human resilience is astounding. Fear is useless; an open heart works much better. Breathe, love, give, rejoice, share, know your neighbor, and don’t waste time in pettiness. Sorry, I sound like a preacher, but this is the lesson I am learning this week in my devastated and beloved country.