Ramen Time at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (Vancouver, Canada)

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has long been on my list of Japanese restaurants to try. Sadly, with all the other delicious selections in the West End, I never had the chance and each time that I did try there was always a long line up out the door making me think twice.

On my last trip to Vancouver, I finally made it in the door and was seated within minutes (a miracle according to restaurant fans). For those of you who still don’t know, I love Japanese food, Japanese culture, and anything and everything Japanese. My love for ramen- that steaming hot bowl of Japanese soup is like no other. I would give up an arm and a leg for a good bowl of Ramen.  One night after watching the ‘Ramen Girl’ on TV- I decided that I would quit my life and school and move to Japan to learn how to make a great bowl of ramen. That dream never panned out but you if you are ever looking for me, try your nearest Ramen shop. I might be in there slurping away on some good old ramen.

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Santouka Ramen is a Japanese chain restaurant which opened doors in Vancouver a few years back, given Vancouver’s large Japanese population. It seems quite popular with both expat Japanese and local Vancouverites. The menu consists of a list of the basic ramens and other dishes for those who arent too big a fan of ramen.
09-image_15 We ordered a side of Gyoza (Japanese pan-fried dumpling) to start. Oh how I have longed for a taste of these delicious treats in my days in Louisiana where authentic Japanese food is non-existent. What suffering I go through. These gyozas were delicious and gone within minutes. 03-image_5 A friend who has never tried ramen- shyed away from the thought and ordered a bowl of Salmon Don. The serving was on the small side making it an ideal starter for those who are extremely hungry. 02-image_1 04-image_6 As for me I always order the Tonkotsu ramen– a mild, pearl-colored soup where the pork bones are simmered for 20 hours to make the perfect broth. Before serving the vegetables, noodles and other ingredients are added to make magic. I’ve been to several Ramen shops in Vancouver and found this ramen to be only average. I’ve definitely had better in neighboring ramen shops located on Denman street.

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My partner in food in Vancouver and I both looked at each other and agreed that this Ramen joint is by far not the best in town. Leaving us with the same question? What is all the fuss about? Why such line-ups when there are plenty of other good authentic ramen places in the West End? Perhaps, nostalgia brings those expats here reminding them of their home. While the  food is consistent and good it is definitely not worth waiting an hour for (although the other ones definitely on Denman definitely are). (see post on Motomochi Shokudo)
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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka on Urbanspoon

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Romantic Restaurants in New Orleans

Valentine’s Day is here and if you have procrastinated on planning a special night with your loved one then here are some tips on what restaurants offer the most romance. Here are my personal favourites for a romantic date night this Valentine’s Day. 
 
1.  Lola’s- Authentic Spanish food in a small and cosy restaurant located in Bayou St. John
 
3312 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA
504.488.6946
2.  Cafe Degas– Romantic French Bistro in Bayou St. John
3127 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA, 70119
504.945.5635
 
3.  La Boca– A small, intimate, and romantic Argentinian Steakhouse tucked away in the Warehouse District.
Address: 857 Fulton St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-8205
 
4.  Commander’s Palace- Haute Creole cooking served in a Victorian House in the Garden District
See Menu

1403 Washington Avenue 
New Orleans, LA 
504. 899.8221
5.  Lilettes– French and Italian Inspired cuisine in a romantic setting. 
3637 Magazine Street
504.895.1636 
 
6.  Restaurant August– Contemporary French cuisine in a romantic and up-scale setting 
301 Tchoupitoulas
New Orleans, LA 
70130
 
7.  Cafe Amelie-Nestled in the historic 150 year old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House on Royal Street in the French Quarter, Cafe Amelie serves a combination of Louisiana fare in a lush enchanting New Orleans courtyard setting. 
912 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA
504.412.8965
 
8.  Stella– is an intimate restaurant located in the French Quarter serving global modern cuisine influenced by Louisiana flavors.  
 
1032 Chartres Street  
New Orleans, LA 
504.587.0091
 
9.  Coquette– With dining rooms on two floors and a 14 seat bar Coquette serves American food with an ever evolving menu that focuses on local and seasonal products. 
 
2800 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115 
504.265.0421
10. La Crepe Nanou– A romantic French Bistro located uptown on Prytania Street 
 
1410 Robert St
New OrleansLA 70115
504.899.2670
 
11. Gautreau’s Restaurant- Nestled in a lush garden spot in Uptown New Orleans, Gautreau’s serves elegant and inventive menu. 
 
1728 Soniat Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504.899.7397
 
12. Baru Bistro and Tapas– located on Magazine street in the Garden District serving a melange of fresh and tasty Caribbean food. 
3700 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504.895.2225
 
13. Galatoires- up-scale and chic historical restaurant located in the French Quarter serving up authentic French Creole cuisine
 
209 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.525.2021
 
14. Muriels- Located on the corner of Jackson Square, this restaurant serves creole cuisine in a very romantic setting.
801 Chartres Street
New Orlans, LA, 70116
504.568.1885
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Viennoiserie at Beaucoup Bakery (Vancouver, Canada)

If you know anything about me, you know that the one thing I do best and often is to travel. My latest trip took me to my hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia. I hadn’t been back home for almost two years which meant there were many new restaurants to try and review. But after two years of being away all I really wanted to do was visit old favorites. A few newer places were on the must-eat list including the most talked about bakery in South Granville, Beaucoup Bakery.

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I gathered all my girlfriends for a day of venturing into Vancouver’s food scene. It was the most perfect and beautiful sunny day for it. We walked across the Granville Street Bridge and followed our stomach’s to Beaucoup Bakery. The place was packed forming a line almost out the door. I felt at home and was immediately transported back to my college years in Paris.

02-DSC_0024An assortment of Viennoiserie sat perfectly in the baskets along the wall including my favorites: Pain au Chocolat, Chausson aux Pommes and Croissants.

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A pain au chocolat and pain aux raisins were my choice while my friend ordered the most tempting creation: a blue cheese and raisin twist which was truly amazing.  While butter is a key ingredient to French pastries, these were drowned with butter to the point where each bite released a mouthful of butter. My girlfriends while enjoying every bite felt that theirs too was too rich in butter…if there ever was a thing. I’m not one to complain of too much butter and definitely enjoyed every bite. My girlfriends loved it so much that rumor has it they are now big fans. Me? Unfortunately I left Vancouver shortly after my first visit.
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Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe on Urbanspoon

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“Swamp Edge’ Cuisine at Steve & Pats Bon Temps Rouler (Lafayette, LA)

From Philadelphia to Lafayette, our latest move has landed us in the heart of Cajun country. And while many locals enjoy the likes of shrimps and grits and shrimp and sausage gumbo in their homes, we have to scavenge the country looking for good cajun food. This is how we found Steve and Pat’s Bon Temps Rouler, a modern restaurant serving traditional and innovative cajun food (see menu). 

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Whenever Gumbo is on the menu I never fail to order it. Gumbo, especially a good home-style gumbo is a traditional Souther Louisiana which quickly became a favorite with my tastebuds. The Smoked Bird & Andouille Gumbo at Steve and Pat’s was no exception.

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The meal started with the Tuna tartar. A generous portion of chopped raw tuna served on top of fresh lime marinated avocado in a bed of  citrus ponzu sauce, served with home made potato chips. It was a creative spin on the traditional tuna tartar and definitely one of my favorite versions.

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Next came the creamy Bbq shrimp and grits….followed by another….and then another (it was that good). The Jumbo shrimps were cooked in New Orleans style BBQ sauce which was creamy, buttery and oh so good served over roasted jalapeno cheese grits.

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The Count ordered the Garlic Panneed Frog Legs for our guests because when in Cajun country, we must eat like the cajuns. Frog legs are perhaps the one thing that I have never tried and am not willing to try but by the bare bones that remained on the plate I assumed that it was one tasty leg of a frog.

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The Seafood Creole Cobb Salad was a great salad for those who love their seafood. Generous portions of lump crabmeat and shrimp served with a few pieces of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, apple wood smoked bacon, cheddar, boiled egg and red onions. The large portion makes it a great main dish however, I found that the proportion of seafood to mixed greens was a little too much.

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Bon Temps Grill on Urbanspoon

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Neorion Hotel (Istanbul, Turkey)

Our last stop this summer in Europe was Istanbul. We started at the tip of the continent in Portugal and ended in Turkey where Europe meets Asia.

Istanbul. You have won my heart. Your beauty, charm, history and friendly welcoming people. A first trip to Istanbul, I was not sure what to expect. Where to stay. What to see and eat. We ended up staying in the Sirkegi district at the Neorion Hotel, neighboring the historical Sultanahmet district where most of the historical sites are situated. The hotel is constantly rated No. 1 hotel in Istanbul by TripAdvisor, which also awarded it the Travelers’ Choice® 2013 Award: one of the top 25 hotels in Turkey, and one of the top 25 hotels in the entire world!  Based on these great reviews we had to stay at the Neorion hotel and experience the greatness for ourselves.

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Upon arriving through the mazed streets of the neighborhood I really was not sure what to expect. An unassuming street with a more unassuming outside appearance. Once we walked inside all worries were put to rest.

Location:

Neorion hotel is located in the heart of Istanbul’s history, culture, food and nightlife. Only minutes walk from the Topkapi palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market and everything else that you want to see in a short stay.

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Rooms & Decor:

The hotel, opened in 2011, was conceived and designed to honor and reflect all of the cultures that have enriched the city and its empires.The rooms are spotlessly clean each room decorated with a large colorful historical painting of Istanbul. A welcome letter from the owners and a gift were waiting for us. The rooms were quiet even though they were facing the front street.

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Dining:

The complimentary breakfast was a combination of eastern and western options. A wall of honeycomb slowly drizzling down is a hit with hotel guests.

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Amenities:

Neorion hotel offers a health club with small pool, jacuzzi, sauna and two hamams. But for me the best part of the hotel was the rooftop terrace which offers free complimentary drinks at happy hour overlooking the mystical city.  Perhaps the most memorable moment of our stay occurred on the rooftop while sipping on a glass of wine, watching the sun slowly descend into hues of pink and red between the minarets of the Suleymaniye Mosque while listening to the evening prayers.  And who can complain of the complimentary early-evening meze buffet with delicious Turkish treats to go along with your glass of wine (or tea).
Service:
The staff were waiting to welcome us with a serving of tea. We were given a brief about the hotel and neighborhood and walked to our room. Perhaps what makes Neorion hotel so special is the friendly service and humble staff. Throughout our stay they went out of their way to make us feel at home. When you arrive at the hotel after a long flight or day of sightseeing, you are offered with a complimentary meal:  a bowl of soup, a sandwich, stuffed peppers, salads, a slice of cake and a cup of coffee or tea, or other light dishes.  What’s more? If you arrive early in the day like we did, you will be allowed to have complimentary breakfast and check in extra early if the rooms are ready. Really, it is this kind of service and thoughtfulness that makes the hotel so special and constantly rated number 1 on tripadvisor.
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Istanbul, My Heart is Forever Yours!

Landing in Istanbul and walking through the airport was quite a dramatic change from the rest of our European destinations. The mix of cultures, religions, languages and history was evident as early as the customs line up where women covered in the Islamic hijab stood in line next to girls in short skirts. I was already in awe and felt envious. In my motherland of Iran, such freedoms are not granted and it surprised me to see how harmonious the blend of individual choices and freedoms can be in a predominantly muslim country.

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The taxi ride to the Neorion Hotel was like no other. While most airports are in a dreadful neighborhood outside of town where getting to the center requires looking out at the freeway and other not so pretty scenes, the ride to the center of Istanbul was the most breathtaking airport ride of my life. We were driven right next to the Marmara, with a view onto the Bosphorus. I was surprised by the overwhelming green space and lush gardens that covered most of Istanbul. It was love at first sight. And while my love for Paris will never be replaced Istanbul rose quickly to the top as my favorite destination. Maybe it was the melancholic reminder of memories of my childhood in Iran and the similarities or maybe it was the history, the people and beauty of Istanbul that made me fall in love. I’m still not sure. All I know is I have never been so sad to leave a city behind. I am left wanting more and planning my next destination to Turkey.

Of all the amazing things that Istanbul had to offer, the hospitality, generosity and warmth of the Turkish people was what left the biggest mark on us. This post is dedicated to the Turkish people and features mostly photos of the generous people of Istanbul.  From the fig stand man from whom I wanted to purchase one fig from, who gave me 3 for free and insisted on not accepting my money because he only sold by the kilo to our hotel manager who personally rode the train with the Count to the other side of town late one night to pick up medication. And so the stories and myths of turkish rip-offs all turned out to be just that: myths and tales from an angry tourists past.

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Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner screams with same admiration. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautiful place on earth.
Edmondo De Amicis
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A Culinary treat at the Galaxy Restaurant and Bar (Athens, Greece)

During our short stay in Athens, we were invited to dine at the Galaxy Restaurant and Bar located on the top floor of the Hilton Athens. After 40 weeks of eating the local foods of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece we were in the mood for something that would remind us a bit of home. The Galaxy Restaurant was the perfect choice as it had both international cuisine mixed with a touch of Greek.

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Our hostess was so courteous and knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients. She spoiled us from the moment we sat down until the last second when we wobbled our over-filled stomaches to the elevator.   We were seated in the outdoor patio overlooking the majestic Acropolis ruins. All this view under the Athenian stars sipping on Greek wine, listening to good music and watching a fashionable crowd could not be beat.

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Our meal started with a salad tree resembling an enchanted forest of delicious treats. It  consisted of crisp baby spinach leaves with prosciutto chips, walnuts, dried figs, local kalathaki cheese drizzled with a nutmeg vinaigrette.  In the land of Greek salads, this salad was a nice change. After finishing the salad we were presented with a plate of the seared tuna starter set in a slate board.  The sesame crusted tuna was served with snow peas, caviar, pickled pearl onions, black and yellow cherries and a truffle vinaigrette. It was the most perfect serving of seared tuna. Both in taste and presentation.

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I thought we were done but it turns out that our meal was just getting started. Next we were served with another starter, the roasted fillet of grouper. It was artfully presented in a bed of squid ink couscous salad served with a vegetable pea puree and sun dried tomato olive oil. The combination of the couscous, its texture and colorful contrast with pieces of tender white grouper made for a visual and culinary treat.

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The one page sushi options was the biggest welcoming surprise. There is nothing I crave more than a good serving of sushi, especially on a trip, and the Hilton Athens satisfied this craving. We were presented with a colorful array of sushi rolls. Options ranged from the crispy salmon roll to the classic spicy tuna roll. Sashimi and Nigiri were also available.  The rolls were presented on a large slate board arranged beautifully with rose shaped salmon sashimi and wasabi cubes in the middle. It tasted quite authentic with the perfect portion of rice and fresh fish per roll. It was the perfect way to satisfy my cravings.

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After finishing off the sushi plate we were too full for words. But our hosts insisted on serving us more of their wonderful culinary creations.

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The Galaxy Roof hot stone is something that should not be missed. There are two options: the sea food platter or the surf and turf. We opted for the surf and turf which consisted of pieces of top quality beef tenderloin and lobster tail. The meat was served raw in a dish and presented alongside a sizzling hot stone. Our server placed the meat on the stone to cook to perfection. There were side order options to go along with the hot stone meal of which we had an eggplant melange and a bowl of local greens only grown in the hills and mountains of Greece.

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For dessert we had a little bit of everything including the frozen mojito cream with crunchy mint jelly, lime syrup and lemon sorbet. A tart dish perfect for those who love a tangy dessert; the milk chocolate mousse  bar with vanilla ice cream and berry coulis, great for us chocolate and berry lovers; the semifreddo amaretto with almond crocant and orange sauce; and a blueberry soup with lavender ice cream, meringues and strawberry froth. A colorful treat blasting with distinct flavors.

02-image_16 03-image_15The meal at Galaxy restaurant far exceeded our highest expectations. The food was divine, the view was breathtaking, and the service was excellent. If you want a great meal served alongside a great view with a hip ambiance then don’t miss the Galaxy on your next trip. 


 


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Hilton Hotel (Athens, Greece)

We arrived on a hot day in August appearing out of the subway station into a hazy fog and scorching sun that can bring anyone to their knees. Our hotel of choice was the Hilton Athens situated in the  Kolonaki district.

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Location:

The hotel is very central within walking distance to the upscale shops, bars and restaurants of the Kolonaki neighborhood. The Evangelismos metro station is situated across from the hotel allowing for easy access to the major tourist destinations.

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Rooms:

The hotel itself is everything you would expect from an upscale hilton. Great, friendly service with top notch facilities. We were generously given an executive suite overlooking the Acropolis from our room and access to the elegant Executive Lounge, with private check-in/out, in addition happy hour drinks and snacks available until late evening.

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The bathroom was extremely clean and crisp with white and grey marble lining the counters and walls. Local Greek wine and a basket of fruits were waiting for us on our arrival. A top to bottom window opened up to a balcony overlooking the Acropolis in the distance. In the evening, the view turned magical with the golden lights of the acropolis reflecting from the distance.

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Facilities:

In the heat of the summer, guests can also relax by the outdoor pool before freshening up and heading to the penthouse for drinks at the ever so fashionable Galaxy Restaurant and Bar.
04-P1040890 05-P1040891Dining:

The rooftop Galaxy Restaurant and Bar at the Hilton Hotel is a must for anyone who is staying at the hotel and all others who are looking for a night out on the town eating haute international cuisine. The indoor-outdoor bar/restaurant is split into two sections: the bar and on one end the restaurant. We opted to dine at the Galaxy Restaurant during our short trip in Athens and were not let down. In fact, it was one of the best meals we had during our trip in Europe. Wining and dining under the Athenian stars with a view to kill, things could not get better. (See Review on Galaxy Restaurant).

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The next morning we enjoyed complimentary continental breakfast enjoyed in the large Byzantino restaurant. It was one of the largest breakfasts we had and featured both local greek flavours and international food. Service was as always immaculate and friendly.

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The Hilton Athens is located at: 46 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens 11528, Greece
Telephone: +1 888-414-2018
Note: Our stay at the Hilton Hotel and all meals were complimentary. 


 

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Two Days in Athens (Greece)

Our Italian journey ended in Rome. From Rome we took an Easyjet flight to Athens, Greece. After one and a half months of traveling and sightseeing we were ready to relax and spend time on the sandy beaches of the cyclades but not before we paid our respects to my beloved city, Athens. Most people use Athens as a stepping stone to get to the islands, not taking any time to see the city. But for me Athens is a jewel in disguise waiting to be discovered.

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Athens is a city that lies close to my heart. The first time my 21st self stepped foot onto the sun-kissed concrete city I felt like I was back in Tehran, Iran. A free Iran.  From the architecture, traffic, and landscape to the warm people and the amazing food everything for me was a gentle reminder of my motherland.  I was lucky enough to have travelled with born and raised Athenians who knew the city inside and out and as a result was given a thorough tour of the city and what it has to offer. Athens is comprised of old and new high rises, neoclassical houses, and incomplete concrete frames.  There is a certain orderly chaos that makes the city so charming.  Not to mention the people who are kind, giving and welcoming. The most welcoming hosts on our journey through Europe (after Turkey) making Greece again one of my top three destinations in the world. Here is a list of my favorite things to do and see in Athens.

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1. Get lost in the oldest neighbourhood of Athens, the Plaka and shop for souvenirs and trinkets. Don’t forget to bargain your price down as bargaining is a way of life in Greece. Try to find your way to Byzantino (tel: (30-210) 324 6605). Here you will find handmade ‘museum-copy’ jewelry replicating ancient Greek pieces. You can be assured that nothing here is made in China as all is made in the Athens workshop of this family run business.

02-P1040897 2. From Plaka walk your way up the hills toward the “high city”, the Acropolis. Here you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion (my favorite) and the Parthenon along with many pieces of stones arranged on the ground for eventual reassembly. The Count loved to re-live the history of the Persian kings burning the ancient city of Athens to the ground.

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3. Visit the Acropolis Museum and revel at thousands of years of history carved in marble. 05-P1040974

4. Spend the evening in one of the many outdoor cinemas nestled in parks and gardens around town. My favorite is the one located at the south side of the Acropolis, the Thiseion (tel: 30-210 347 0980).

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5. Party it up in the lively Gazi district. It has been dubbed Athen’s coolest neighborhood with many bars, restaurants and live music venues.

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6. For treasure hunting visit the Monastiraki flea market located in the Avissynias Square. You can literally find anything and everything from books to clothes to souvenirs.

08-P1040992 7. Since I am a foodie I never miss the opportunity to visit a city’s central market, in Athens that is the Agora market. Here you can get the freshest meat, fish and vegetables along with a lively setting with lots of yelling and bargaining.

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8. Eat a Greek salad in one of the city’s many tavernas washed down by a souvlaki. Or vice versa.  10-P1050004

9. Spend the evening shopping, drinking and dining in the chic neighborhood of Kolonaki11-P1050008 12-P1050013 13-P1050027 10. Take the obligatory photo with the guards at the Parliament building in Syntagma square14-P1050057

Side note:  Since my last trip to Greece in 2007, the country’s economy has suffered. I was afraid that visiting the country would deplete me of my wonderful memories and sadden me at the state of affairs. What I found was a proud people keeping their head up and hoping for change to come. Living in the United States often we only see the worst headlines on the news. Many warned us to redirect our Greece trip based on the headlines to avoid being caught in strikes and violence. Yet, it was still as safe and friendly as ever. If tourists stopped going to Greece, Greeks would suffer even more from a decrease in one of their main sources of income, tourism. So my advice is: go to Greece and live the myth for yourself! It is no wonder that it was the home of the gods as there is a certain mystical sense of beauty and history at every turn.

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A Tuscan Meal at Alla Vecchia Bettola (Florence, Italy)

Crossing the Arno river to the south side of Florence we discovered a whole new town where tourists were a rare sighting, locals roamed the streets and the real Florence came to life. I myself have been guilty of focusing most of my trips to Florence on the North side where most of the tourist destinations are located. This time, having already checked off all the major tourist  must-do’s including the Uffizzi and Duomo we were ready to see what more Florence had in store. The vast beautiful gardens of Giardino de Boboli and Bardini are a peaceful escape from the heat not to mention extremely beautiful. But as most of the nomad’s journeys, we were in search of a true tuscan meal. Walking around the gardens we eventually made our way to Alla Vechia Bettola, a cozy, home-style tuscan restaurant with a large local following.
22-P1030982We arrived quiet early in the evening. Unbeknownst to us, the restaurant was still closed and the staff were around a large table eating their dinner prior to opening. We walked in on them feasting away at the same delicious food that would later be served to us.  We apologized for the intrusion in the little Italian we had picked up through our journey and turned around and walked back outside. We sat waiting for them to open their doors. Embarrassed to be the first eager diners at the restaurant I pointed to my belly and attempted to explain that we were very hungry. Minutes later a gentle server came to welcome us in. The old tuscan man and wife team were there chatting away with every customer that walked in the door. Most diners appeared to be local regulars. 11-P1030949 The restaurant filled up within minutes making us thankful for having arrived early. We quickly ordered and were served with glasses of the house wine. I really wish I could have ordered everything off the menu as everything that came out of the kitchen looked divine. But sadly there is only so much a hungry duo can eat. 12-P1030950 15-P103095713-P1030953 14-P1030954We started off with a prosciutto and melon salad to start.   It was the real thing. Fresh pieces of lemon and local cured prosciutto. For our main entrees we ordered the cheese penne and macaroni with wild boar. Both dishes were absolutely amazing and the closest thing to real italian cooking that the two of us will ever get to. Our meal was so good that the Count considered ordering a second meal and when realizing that wasn’t a realistic option suggested we go back the next day before leaving Florence.

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I hesitate to recommend this restaurant only because it is so good and still remains out of most tourist’s reach. But if you are a big foodie like me and are trying to explore true tuscan dining, Alla Vecchia Bettola will not disappoint.

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