Food & Drinks – Page 2 – Wolters World

North Carolina Food: What to Eat in the Tarheel State

Posted on May 11, 2020May 10, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in North Carolina, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in North Carolina, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. There are so many great North Carolina food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat and drink in North Carolina.

North Carolina Beer

The area around Asheville in the western part of North Carolina has some really great local brews. Asheville is a great little college town with a hippie vibe and it’s really fun to visit. The beer is just the icing on the cake! There are over 300 breweries and brewpubs in North Carolina, more than any other Southern state. Check out Asheville Brewing Company, Deep River Brewing Company, Foothills Brewing Company, and more!

If you prefer wine over beer, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville has vineyards and a winery where you can sample and purchase North Carolina wines. There are actually more than 400 vineyards in North Carolina!

food in north carolina — Grabbing some traditional North Carolina food in the OBX.

North Carolina Barbecue Sauce

I know I’ve probably said Memphis has the best barbeque and also Kansas City. But each region of the US has its own style of BBQ. The sauce is what sets it apart from other BBQ hot spots. North Carolina BBQ sauce has a vinegar base, so it’s more tangy and spicy without the sweet side of other barbecue styles. (Don’t forget a side of hush puppies and coleslaw to go with your BBQ!)

The most common North Carolina BBQ you’ll find is of the pork variety: pulled, sliced, shredded, or chopped. Of course, you can get ribs or brisket, but true “Carolina BBQ” is pork with a vinegar smoke.

Fresh Seafood

If you’re in the Outer Banks or anywhere along the coast, make sure you take advantage of the fresh seafood that’s available. Soft-shell crab and clams are two popular seafood types you’ll find all along the North Carolina coast.

The Don’ts of Visiting the Outer Banks, North Carolina

North Carolina Donuts

Some of the best donuts in the United States come from North Carolina. Krispy Kreme was founded in North Carolina before they went national, so they know their donuts here. You also have to try Duck Donuts. It’s like the “Chipotle” of donuts. You start with the base of a vanilla cake donut, and then go down the link, picking out your toppings. You start with a coating like powdered sugar or icing, then choose your toppings. You can even get bacon sprinkles on your donut! Finish it off with a drizzle of hot fudge, raspberry, marshmallow, or salted caramel, and you’re on your way to the best donut you’ve ever concocted! Duck Donuts started in the Outer Banks, but they’ve expanded so no matter where go you in North Carolina, you’ll find a Duck Donuts nearby.

Southern Fixin’s

It’s easy to forget that North Carolina really is part of the south, and that means Southern food. Boiled peanuts are a southern treat you can buy along the side of the road. Fried green tomatoes are another southern specialty we love to try. And you can’t visit the South without drinking sweet tea. Skip right by the unsweetened tea and try the sweet tea. It’s a southern staple and it goes with everything!

Five Things You Will Love & Hate About Visiting the South

North Carolina food is just one reason to visit this state. There are a ton of cool cities and areas to explore. From the Outer Banks to the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina is pretty amazing. Looking for more tips on travel in the southern United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!

What to Eat in Chicago

Posted on April 21, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Chicago Illinois, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Chicago, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. There are so many great Chicago food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat in Chicago.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish is not like the “pan pizza” you’ve had from Pizza Hut or Domino’s. Chicago Deep Dish is on a whole other level. My Italian friends thought it looked more like a cake than a pizza. The crust is super thick and then filled with toppings. It is more like a pie than a pizza! Pizza this thick takes a long time to cook, so don’t wait until you’re hungry. In fact, at places like Giordano’s in Chicago, they’ll have you put in your order and then go walk around town a bit while your pizza cooks. Be warned that you will be lucky to finish two pieces of pizza; this stuff is super heavy and filling!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Chicago

Some of the best places for Chicago deep dish include:

Giordano’s
Pizzeria Uno (and their 2nd location, Pizzeria Due)
Lou Malnati’s
Gino’s East
Pizano’s (local’s favorite alternative to Lou Malnati’s)
Pequod’s (a local favorite on the north side!)

Chicago Hot Dog

Hot dogs are a favorite of Chicagoans. A Chicago dog, usually Vienna Beef, is a beef hot dog. A “Chicago dog” comes with tomatoes, pickle, mustard, pepperoncini, and celery salt on a poppyseed bun. That’s right, no ketchup on a Chicago dog! It’s considered a sacrilege to put ketchup on a Chicago dog, and you might be ridiculed for it. Try it Chicago-style, you just might love it!

What Not to Do When You Visit Chicago

Some of the best places to try a Chicago hot dog include:

Wrigley Field
Wiener Circle (open until 4 am!)
Superdawg Drive-In
Portillo’s
Any Vienna Beef hot dog cart along the lakefront path

Italian Beef Sandwich

Another popular Chicago food is the Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich is made of a hoagie roll filled with shaved beef and green peppers on top. Then you’ll get a side of “au jus” to dip your sandwich; it’s like a taste of heaven. This isn’t a sandwich to eat with your hands; you’ll need a fork and knife to take down an Italian beef in Chicago.

Some of the best places in Chicago to try an Italian Beef include:

Portillo’s
Luke’s Italian Beef
Al’s Italian Beef
Tony’s Italian Beef
Mr. Beef

Garrett Popcorn

Another famous Chicago food is Garrett’s popcorn. There are several Garrett’s locations in Chicago, including the sports arenas and airports, but you will typically see a line down the block at the Michigan Avenue and State Street locations where most tourists are. (Hint: the location in Ogilvy train station is usually quick!) Garrett has several flavors of popcorn, but you really need to try the Chicago Mix. It’s caramel popcorn and cheese popcorn blended together. The combination of sweet and salty makes this some of the best popcorn you will ever have! With their decorative tins, Garrett popcorn makes the perfect Chicago souvenir if you’re looking to take something home!

Ethnic Restaurants Around the City

Now that we’ve mentioned the popular “Chicago-style” foods, we have to mention all of the ethnic enclaves around the city. There are huge populations of immigrants throughout Chicago which means you can get some amazing food from all over the world, right here in the Midwest. Each ethnicity in Chicago has an area where the restaurants and businesses are concentrated. This is also a great way to see some other parts of Chicago that aren’t the downtown tourist area. A food tour is a great way to explore some of these areas. Some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for ethnic food include:

Greektown – just west of the loop, tons of great Greek restaurants
Little Italy – just south of Greektown, near the UIC campus
Chinatown – south of the loop, several spots for weekend dim sum
Pilsen – Mexican neighborhood on the west side
Little India – along Devon Avenue on the north side near Rogers Park
Portage Park – traditionally Polish neighborhood on the north side

Chicago Beer

While you’re filling up on Chicago style food, don’t forget to try some local Chicago brews. Goose Island is probably the most famous as it’s nationally distributed. I like Half Acre, Two Brothers Brewery, and Revolution Brewing. You’ll see these beers all over town, from the grocery store to the ballpark.

what to eat in chicago — They even have a huge bean you can(NOT) eat 🙂

Chicago has so much to offer as a Midwest travel destination! You won’t be bored, and you definitely won’t go hungry with all of the tasty Chicago food. If you’re traveling with a family or a group, there are several food halls popping up in Chicago where you can each order from a different food stand so everyone gets their favorite Chicago food! Check out the French Market, Eataly, FoodLife, or the Revival Food Hall.

Looking for more tips on travel in the Midwest United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!

The Best Food in Kansas City, Missouri

Posted on April 17, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Kansas City Missouri, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Kansas City, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. Kansas City has some amazing food. There are so many great KC food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat when you visit Kansas City.

Kansas City BBQ

Kansas City is known for its amazing BBQ. There are so many Kansas City BBQ restaurants around town, and every local has their favorite. Some of the best BBQ in Kansas City is at Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Q39. Once you choose a restaurant, you still have to choose what kind of BBQ you want. There’s burnt ends, brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and more.

KC BBQ is mostly famous for the “wet” style of BBQ, which is smothered in a sweet BBQ sauce. You can get a dry rub in Kansas City, but the sauces are what set Kansas City BBQ apart from other places, like Memphis. Each Kansas City BBQ restaurant will have its own lineup of sauces, from sweet to spicy. I recommend trying them all and a bottle of Kansas City BBQ sauce makes a great souvenir! If you go during lunch or dinner, expect to wait a while to get your BBQ because these places are popular!

What NOT to Do When You Visit Kansas City

Kansas City Strip Steak

Once you’ve had your fill of Kansas City BBQ, it’s time to try another local fave. Kansas City Strip Steak is this amazing tender cut of beef. It’s similar to a New York strip, but the KC strip still has the bone attached on one side. The marbling and the flavor is to die for. It’s not hard to see why Kansas City is still called cow town!

Pan-Fried Chicken

Sorry, vegetarians, we’re still talking meat and we’re halfway through the list! Head over to Stroud’s for their pan-fried chicken. With your chicken, the side dishes are served up family-style, so you can share with the whole table. It’s one of the best places to eat in Kansas City that isn’t BBQ!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the Midwest

Joe's BBQ in KC — Great BBQ & you can fill up your gas tank.

Boulevard Beer

You need something to wash down all this tasty Kansas City cuisine. I recommend Boulevard Beer, which is a local beer brewed right in Kansas City. They make several excellent beers, including a great lineup of seasonal beers. They’ve got a great pale ale, unfiltered wheat and the Tank 7 has a little extra kick to it. If you have time, take a tour of the brewery. You’ll get great views of Kansas City and get to sample some delicious beer.

Kansas City Sweets

After all this savory food in KC, you’re going to want to satisfy your sweet tooth. LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee is a great local chain with yummy donuts. They have lots of varieties of donuts, but I thought the glazed donut was perfect. If you want some sweets to take home as a souvenir, check out Christopher Elbow, a local line of handcrafted artisan chocolates.

what to eat in KC — It will be a non-stop eating fest in KC.

Kansas City has so much to offer as a Midwest travel destination! You won’t be bored, and you definitely won’t go hungry with all of the food in KC. Besides all the yummy food I’ve already listed, Kansas City is a melting pot of international cuisines, so don’t be afraid to try Italian, Croatian, or Argentinian food in Kansas City! Looking for more tips on travel in the Midwest United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Argentinian Food: What to Eat in Argentina

Posted on April 16, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Argentina, talking about food! There are so many amazing cuisines around the world, and trying the local food is a big part of travel. But as travelers, we don’t always have the time, or the money, to try all of the local foods in a new destination. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the list for you, to tell you the best Argentina traditional food to try!

Argentinian Beef

When people think of Argentina cuisine, they tend to think of steak. There are a million different ways to eat steak in Argentina. You’ll have Asado, BBQ, lomo, lomito, and chorizo. You’ll see lots of parrillas, which are the steakhouses, and most of them have an open kitchen where you can see all the different cuts of meat being prepared. When you order your steak, you order your side dishes separately, and they are usually served family-style in portions large enough to share. Also, just a head’s up that they like their steaks well-done in Argentina, so let them know if you like your steak with a bit of pink in the middle.

What to Know Before You Visit South America

Choripan

Choripan is basically chorizo sausage, in bread, with a chimichurri sauce on top. This is one of the Argentinian foods you’ll see at fairs and festivals all over the country. It’s a staple takeaway food in Argentina.

Super Pancho

Another common street food in Argentina is the super pancho, which is really just a hot dog. If you buy a super pancho on the street, make sure you try the mustard before you put it on the hot dog. It might be different than what you are used to!

Dulce de Leche

When it comes to Argentina desserts, nothing beats dulce de leche. It looks like caramel, but it’s actually condensed milk (leche) and sugar boiled down into a syrup. Dulce de leche is often served as a topping for pancakes or your morning pastry. For a more portable dulce de leche, try alfajores, which is dulce de leche sandwiched between cookies and then dipped in chocolate.

Helado

Another of my favorite Argentina desserts is helado, also known as gelato or ice cream. Yes, ice cream is good everywhere, but somehow Argentina ice cream is even better. When I studied in Argentina, I pretty much ate steak and ice cream non-stop. There are good chains, like Freddo, but there are also lots of good mom-and-pop ice cream shops to check out. My personal favorite is banana split ice cream…it’s so good!

what to eat in argentina, eating steak — Everyone was eating steak like it was going out of style.

Italian Food in Argentina

Believe it or not, Italian food is a big part of Argentinian cuisine. You usually choose your pasta and then choose your sauce and/or toppings. I really like gnocchi in Argentina. You can get pizza in Argentina, too, but it’s a bit different than Italian or American pizza. It’s got a thicker dough base than traditional pizza.

Argentinian Wine

Argentina is also known for its wine. The area around Mendoza produces really great red wine, especially syrah and malbec wines. It’s really excellent wine, and I highly recommend spending an afternoon enjoying a bottle at a local cafe, watching the world go by. If you’re not a wine drinker, Quilmes is one of the most popular local beers in Argentina.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Buenos Aires, Argentina

Empanadas

Empanadas are a great snack to try in Argentina. If you haven’t tried them, empanadas are the Latin version of calzones. It’s a doughy pocket with meat, cheese, and sauce inside. You can get sweet empanadas, too. It’s a great food to take on the go and eat in the park.

Omelets & Quiche

More snack options in Argentina include omelets and quiche. These are usually available all day long, making them a great snack in the middle of the day.

Medialuna

One of the most common snacks in Argentina is the medialuna, which is shaped like a half-moon, hence the name. It’s a croissant, but with a very sweet glaze and a sugar coating. These are often eaten for breakfast, or for a snack during the day.

what to eat in buenos aires — The boys were a bit tired having an 11pm dinner, but they were good the next day for Helado.

When Do You Eat in Argentina?

Dinner time in Argentina is pretty late. Some restaurants don’t open until 8 pm. If you are visiting Argentina with kids, you might need to plan accordingly as you’re probably not used to eating that late. Fortunately, you can usually grab some snacks at a cafe, or pick up some street food to tide you over until dinnertime.

I studied in Argentina and have always loved the food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very affordable, so you can eat really well in Argentina, without spending a fortune. I hope you get the chance to visit Argentina and try some of the amazing Argentinian cuisines! Looking for more tips on South America travel? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Moroccan Food: What to eat on your vacation in Morocco

Posted on April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Morocco, talking about food! When we visited Morocco, we had the opportunity to take a cooking class at Faim d’Epices. Thanks to our chef, Ilham, we learned so much about Moroccan cuisine. Because trying local cuisine is one of the best parts of travel, we wanted to share with you the best Moroccan food to eat when you visit Morocco.

Couscous

The most popular Moroccan food in Morocco and in Moroccan dishes around the world is couscous. Couscous is similar to rice or pasta in that is is a starchy base for your Moroccan meals. It is made of tiny balls of wheat that are steamed or boiled. On top of the couscous, you add seven vegetables and meat, which can be chicken, beef, lamb, or whatever you have on hand. This is NOT the instant couscous you might buy in your local American or European grocery store! A Moroccan couscous dish cooks for about three hours. Because of this, couscous is prepared in larger batches once a week.

Tajine

Tajine is a style of cooking that is done in a terra cotta pot. The name tells you how it’s prepared, but not necessarily what is in the dish. Think of it like “BBQ” or “casserole.” A tajine usually contains some kind of meat and vegetable, although you can also get vegetarian tajine.

Tajine is served with bread, which is used to eat the stew without using spoons or forks. It is similar to a stew and is usually served mid-day for lunch.

The Don’ts of Visiting Morocco

Seafood

If you are in Morocco near the coast, make sure you take advantage of the fresh seafood that is available. In many restaurants near the sea, you can buy your seafood directly from the market and have the restaurant prepare it for you. Sardines are a particularly popular fish to eat in Morocco. And yes, you can even have seafood tajine!

Harira

Another common Moroccan food you might see is Harira. This is a tomato-based soup that is thickened with chickpeas and/or lentils. Beef or lamb is also usually added to harira for extra heartiness.

food in morocco — Moroccan food is just so good.

Moroccan Desserts

Moroccan desserts are usually fruit-based, using dates, figs, or oranges. Moroccans don’t typically make cakes or cookies, but crepes with jam are a popular dessert. Many Moroccan desserts are just a sweet take on traditional Moroccan food, like couscous. Many times, fruit is served at the end of a meal for a simple, sweet ending.

Moroccan Beverages

One of Jocelyn’s favorite things to drink in Morocco is mint tea. Mint tea is served throughout the day in Morocco, and is also used as a “welcome drink.” It’s a social drink, similar to having a glass of wine with friends in the States. Although Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is not widespread, you will find some Moroccan wines and beers in some areas. Since fruit is so prevalent in Morocco, fruit juice, especially orange juice, is also a popular drink in Morocco.

Moroccan Flavors

Some common Moroccan flavors you’ll find include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and orange blossom. Pears, prunes and other fruits are also used frequently in both sweet and savory varieties of Moroccan cuisine.

moroccan cooking class — Making our Tajines outside of Marrakech

When Do You Eat in Morocco?

You may wonder when to eat when you visit Morocco. Breakfast is typically very early; in the countryside, they eat breakfast at around 5 am. In the city, breakfast is served around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. In the afternoon, there is usually tea time with light food such as bread, jam, and tea. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is often a tajine with bread and salad. Dinner in Morocco is served after the last prayer, which is at 8:00, and tends to be a lighter meal.

Want to make Moroccan food at home? Follow Faim D’Epices on YouTube!

Morocco is a great place to visit, with a unique cuisine to experience. Taking a cooking class in Marrakesh is definitely a cool way to learn about local cuisine and sample a ton of great food! As they say in Morocco, Besseha! (Bon Appetit!)

Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Scotland Food: What to Eat in Scotland

Posted on February 24, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Edinburgh Scotland talking about food! One of the biggest surprises for many people who visit Scotland is the quality of the food! It’s not all weird stuff that you can’t identify; Scottish cuisine is actually pretty good! That’s why I want to give you a head’s up on what you should eat when you visit Scotland.

Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties

This is the holy trinity of food in Scotland, for both tourists and locals alike. Haggis is probably the most notorious Scottish food as it’s made with all of the innards and organs of a sheep or calf, mixed up with oats and spices and then cooked inside of an intestine. Sounds yummy, right? When done well, haggis actually can be really tasty. Neeps are turnips, and tatties are potatoes. These are pretty common side dishes you’ll see in Scotland. Potatoes show up in many different forms with every meal.

Black Pudding

This is another Scottish food that actually tastes pretty good, it’s the ingredients that scare off most people. Black pudding is part of traditional Scottish breakfast and looks like a sausage patty. It’s also sometimes called blood pudding because it’s made with blood. Doesn’t sound so appetizing, does it? You can also get white pudding, which is made with fat instead of blood.

Scottish food for travelers — Food in Scotland is way better than you expect.

Scottish Porridge

In the States, we call it oatmeal, but in Scotland, it’s called porridge. Scottish porridge is really good. My kids love it and even ask for it. It is made really thick and you can sweeten it up if you’d like.

Scottish Salmon

For lunch or dinner, one of the best things to eat in Scotland is the salmon. You will see a lot of salmon on the menu, from smoked salmon appetizers to a salmon filet for the main course. The salmon in Scotland is amazing and you will pay a lot for it back home, so I try to fill up when I visit Scotland.

Fish & Chips

Besides salmon, you can get all kinds of great seafood in Scotland. Of course, fish & chips are popular and you should try it at least once when you visit the UK. It’s usually made with cod or haddock, and of course, no meal in Scotland is complete without potatoes. In this case, it’s the fries or the chips.

Scottish Pub Grub

Eating at pubs in Scotland is a tradition and we definitely make the Scottish pub food part of our Scotland travels. The beer in Scotland is pretty good, too. They have national brands, but I always like to try the local brands of Scottish beer. Of course, whiskey is the national drink of Scotland, so be sure to try some whiskey during your trip. A favorite pub dish in Scotland is Bangers & Mash, or sausages and potatoes.

Keep in mind, if you are visiting Scotland with kids, pub rules vary. Some pubs don’t allow kids at all, some pubs allow older children and other pubs are very family-friendly. For the most part, after 8:00, children are no longer allowed in the pubs. So, plan ahead to have an early dinner if you want to have pub grub with your kids.

What to eat in Scotland — Some traditional Scottish treats.

Scottish Pies

Scottish pies are something else you should try when you visit Scotland. These aren’t sweet pies, they are savory. A Scottish pie is like a little pot pie, with meat and vegetables inside. You can eat several for a meal, or just snack on them. They are pretty tasty!

Fried Pizza

Yes, this is also a thing in Scotland. They take a slice of pizza, fold it in half and then deep fry it. They like to fry things in Scotland!

Scottish Food to Go

If you are on a road trip or just need food to go, there are plenty of Scottish foods you can eat on the run. Of course, sandwiches and rolls are popular. A bacon butty is basically bacon on a roll, with butter. It’s simple, cheap and tasty!

Scottish Sweets

Not all Scottish food is savory. They have some pretty good sweets as well, so always save room for dessert in Scotland. A few of my favorite sweets in Scotland are:

Fried Mars Bar – just what it sounds like; a deep-fried Mars candy bar
Sticky Toffee Pudding – a chocolate sponge cake with caramel sauce on it
Scottish Shortbread – this makes a great souvenir to take home as it’s found everywhere in Scotland.
Cadbury is also a common brand you’ll see all over the United Kingdom
Tablet – these are pretty popular candy bars that come in a big block that you break pieces off

Buying Souvenirs: What Not to Buy When You Travel

Scottish Beverages

Besides whiskey and local beer, there are a drinks you should try when you visit Scotland. Irn Bru (pronounced like Iron Brew) is one. It looks like orange soda, and my son says it tastes like Inca Cola (bubble gum) and oranges. It’s an acquired taste, but you might love it! Coffee and tea are also widely available in Scotland. And do not worry, the Scottish Ales will keep your whistle wet each time you visit the pub.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Scotland

When to Eat in Scotland

Scottish meal times are pretty close to what you’d expect in the United States. Lunch is served between 12:00 and 1:00. Dinner is usually between 5:00 and 8:00.

Scottish Service

Servers and bartenders in Scotland are always super nice, but it’s not always the fastest, most efficient service. Plan for some extra time to get your food and enjoy the meal. If you are really hungry, you might order a beer and a starter so you can get something in your stomach while you wait for the main course.

Tipping in Scotland

If you are at a sit-down restaurant, you are expected to tip in Scotland. Usually, around 10% is sufficient for tipping in Scotland. If you are paying your bill with a credit card, you have to add the tip before they run your card; it’s not something you can write in on the receipt.

Dinner Reservations

If you visit Scotland during high tourist season, you will need dinner reservations in some of the smaller towns. Some towns may have only a few restaurants, which can easily be overwhelmed by one or two bus tours. So, if you’re in a small Scottish town, with few restaurants, make sure you make dinner reservations when you get to town.

Scottish cuisine does not deserve the bad reputation it has. As a family, we ate really well in Scotland. I hope this helps you decide what to eat in Scotland. Don’t be scared to try something that seems “weird” to you like haggis. You might be surprised at some of the Scottish foods that you end up liking. Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Welsh Food: What to Eat in Wales

Posted on February 20, 2020February 16, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Wales, talking about food! A lot of the food in Wales is similar to the food in England, but I’m going to talk about traditional Welsh food that is unique to Wales. It’s not all weird stuff that you can’t identify; Welsh cuisine is actually pretty good! That’s why I want to give you a head’s up on what you should eat when you visit Wales.

Welsh Cakes

One of the most popular items in Welsh cuisine is Welsh cakes. They look like little pancakes. It’s actually more like a round, flat scone. Welsh cakes are very dense and usually have something inside, like raisins. They make a great snack as you are out sightseeing in Wales or the perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea.

Ten Things That Will Shock You in Wales

Bara Brith

Another item common in Welsh cuisine is the Bara Brith. It looks like a fruitcake that you’d have at Christmas in the United States. However, it’s not as dense. Bara Brith is served sliced and is another great snack. You can find this at pretty much any grocery store.

rarebit wales food — Eat away my Wales visiting travelers.

Welsh Rarebit

This sounds very similar to rabbit, but it’s really just a simple open-faced toasted cheese sandwich. There’s usually a sauce added underneath the cheese, and if you order this at a restaurant, it may come with additional toppings. This is a quick and easy meal if you just want to grab a bite at a pub and continue on your road trip through Wales.

Laverbread

This is pronounced like lava-bread, but as with most Welsh cuisine, this is misleading. Laver is actually seaweed. It usually comes with some bread slices you can spread it on. It’s actually not too bad, but it’s definitely a “love it or hate it” kind of food.

Bara Brith and other welsh food to eat — Wales has plenty to try

Lamb & Leeks

Leeks are one of the national symbols of Wales, so it’s a very common ingredient in many Welsh dishes. The lamb in Wales is really fantastic. Lamb Cawl is like a lamb stew, or you can just get the lamb chops. Lamb is my go-to meal when I visit Wales.

Shellfish

The shellfish in Wales is really good. The mussels are quite good; my son was a big fan! If you have a choice, get the bread instead of fries as your side so you can dip the bread in the sauce from the seafood. If you see cockles on the menu, those are small clams and they are pretty tasty as well.

Local Beer

Of course, you will need something to wash down all this tasty Welsh food, so I like to recommend a local beer to try during your travels. Brains Beer is probably the most popular beer brand in Wales, and they make multiple different types of beer, from dark to light. Once you leave Cardiff, you’ll see all kinds of local ales in the smaller regions, so give those a try as well.

The Don’ts of Wales: What Not to Do When You Visit Wales

Wales is a great place to visit. You’ll find all kinds of little restaurants and pubs as you travel through Wales. If you visit Wales with kids, make sure you check the hours that kids are allowed in the pub. There’s usually a cutoff time when children are no longer allowed, so you need to plan ahead and eat earlier. Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!

The Best Christmas Market Foods To Try

Posted on December 13, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

Five Christmas Market Foods You Must Eat

Merry Christmas from Germany! By now you know that we love visiting the Christmas markets in Europe, especially the German Christmas markets! So,we wanted to share the five things you must eat at the German Christmas markets. Whether you’r in Munich, Berlin or a smaller German town, these classic Christmas market foods will be served up at all of them.

Christmas Market Food #1 Glühwein

The first thing you have to try at a German Christmas market is the glühwein. It’s a hot,mulled wine. A lot of times, the glühwein comes in a cute little ceramic mug. It’s usually cold at the Christmas market, so a hot drink is essential for staying warm. (When you buy your glühwein, you’ll be charged a deposit on the mug. Return the mug to get your deposit back, or keep it for a souvenir.)

Christmas Market Food #2 Bratwurst

One of the things I love about the Christmas markets is the half-meter bratwurst. Even the smaller ones are really tasty, so make sure you try a bratwurst at the Christmas market. (I like mine with mustard!)

Christmas Market Food #3 Gingerbread

After a bratwurst and some mulled wine, you’ll be ready for some sweets. One of the favorite treats at the Christmas market is the gingerbread,or lebkuchen. It’s a bit spicier in Germany than in the US, and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The small ones are great to eat; and then there are giant hearts, but I find those aren’t as tasty.

Christmas Market Food #4 Nuts

You’ve got to “go nuts” at the Christmas markets. There are two kinds that I recommend trying. If you can find roasted chestnuts, get them! The candied almonds, or gebrannte mandeln, are also fantastic! Eat them when they are warm; it’s delicious!

Christmas Market Food #5 Schmalzkuchen

Another classic Christmas market food is the schmalzkuchen. These are little fried pieces of dough with powdered sugar. They’re the Christmas market version of donut holes. If you like then, then you’ll also want to try the Quarkbällchen, which is a bigger version.

Christmas Market Food #6 Regional Specialties

The five Christmas market foods above can be found across Germany. However, each region will also have specialty foods that you should try. In Dresden, they are known for Stollen, a dense fruity bread. Other parts of the country will have other specialties, so find out what’s unique where you are, and give it a shot!

For more tips about Christmas in Europe, check out these blogposts and videos:

The Best & Worst of Thanksgiving Travel

Posted on November 10, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Thanksgiving Travel

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, we’re getting ready for Thanksgiving. We’re also sharing five things you will love and hate about Thanksgiving travel, and the Thanksgiving experience in general.

Thanksgiving Travel Hate #1: It’s the Busiest Travel Weekend of the Year

More Americans travel at Thanksgiving than any other weekend. Airplanes and airports are packed with crazy lines, traffic is horrible, and grocery stores are crowded. For anyone traveling over Thanksgiving, be sure to pack some extra patience. Arrive early to account for long security lines at the airport. If you choose to drive rather than fly, know that the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, is a crazy driving day. Take your time, have some patience and plan a little travel time. With so many people traveling in the same week, it’s extra important to book your flights and hotels as far in advance as you can.

Thanksgiving Travel Hate #2: Family Drama

There’s always family drama at Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone has that one crazy uncle, or siblings you haven’t talked to in years. For many families, Thanksgiving is the one get together of the year, and the drama can bubble up quickly. Again, patience is key to getting through the holiday. (And maybe some wine, too!)

Thanksgiving Travel Hate #3: Holiday Weight Gain

Thanksgiving kicks off the season of eating, which inevitably leads to some holiday weight gain. This is the day we give thanks by eating lots of turkey, pies, sweet potatoes, bread, stuffing, etc. etc. It’s typically a feast of gluttony, so try to watch out for that, or be prepared for an uncomfortable evening.

Thanksgiving Travel Hate #4: Celebrating Thanksgiving Alone

Thanksgiving is really the holiday to celebrate family and friendship, but many travelers end up spending it alone. Whether you’re in a new city across the country, or just traveling abroad where Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday, spending Thanksgiving alone can be lonely. We suggest looking online for a local Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities, or expat groups to celebrate with. If you are with foreign friends abroad, invite them to a Thanksgiving dinner as a way to share your culture.

Thanksgiving Travel Hate #5: The Commercialization of Thanksgiving Weekend

Sometimes, it’s called the Christmas creep, but Thanksgiving weekend has become very commercialized. It’s easy to forget that Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, and a time to be grateful for all of your blessings. However, these days you hear so much about Black Friday deals and retail stores open up at crazy early hours for shoppers to snag doorbuster deals. Some people feel that Black Friday has taken away from the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

12 Days of Christmas Travel Parody Video (Dozens of Cities & Countries in 5 minutes)

Thanksgiving Travel Love #1: Spending Time with Family & Friends

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is getting to see your family and friends. Being together with the people that mean the most to you is a wonderful thing. Most people have the day off on Thanksgiving, so you get to see family and friends that you don’t see very often. As kids, we always looked forward to seeing our cousins at Thanksgiving, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, watching Miracle on 34th Street, followed by a huge feast topped with Aunt Alice’s amazing pie. As an adult, we’ve started new traditions of hosting friends and family for dinner, followed by whiskey. Thanksgiving weekend is also a great time to head out to the local bars and catch up with old friends who are in town for the holiday.

Thanksgiving Travel Love #2: Traditional Food at Thanksgiving

The food at Thanksgiving is the best! From the stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and so much more! For many, cooking the food is the best part of Thanksgiving. If you’re not from the U.S. and thinking about visiting, this is a great time to visit. People are happy, outgoing and in a sharing mood at Thanksgiving, plus it gives you a chance to experience a lot of American customs. We love to show our international friends the customs of Thanksgiving in the States.

Thanksgiving Travel Love #3: Relaxing & Enjoying Life

With nearly everything closed for the holiday, and the kids out of school, it’s a great chance to kick back and relax. It’s so rare to have a day off, with the kids, when you aren’t running to a million different things. With everything closed, it’s a great time to relax.

Thanksgiving Travel Love #4: Shopping Opportunities

It can be a love or a hate, but Thanksgiving brings lots of shopping opportunities, with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. While many lament how it encroaches on Thanksgiving, there’s no denying that the shopping at this time is really good. If you are looking for deals, this is the time to find them, especially if you can get in on the doorbuster deals. The savings continue to expand with different days now, from Thanksgiving all the way through to Cyber Monday. We had fun showing our Italian friends the madness of Black Friday shopping.

Thanksgiving Travel Love #5: All the Things You Are Thankful & Grateful For

The best part of Thanksgiving is having the opportunity to reflect on all the things you are thankful and grateful for. Whether it’s great food, friends or fans, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to take a minute to reflect on everything good in our lives.

We wish you a great Thanksgiving weekend filled with turkey, pie, family and friends. Thanks for stopping by!

Some Other Holiday Videos You Might Like

Weird European Christmas Traditions

5 Things You Will Love & Hate about Christmas in Europe

5 Love & Hates of Germany Christmas Markets

Food & Travel: How to Eat Cheap AND Well While Traveling

Posted on September 7, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

Food And Travel: How to Eat Cheap & Well While Traveling

Greetings from Granada, Nicaragua. Today I’m sharing tips on how to eat well and eat cheap as well as finding those cheap eats when you travel. Travel and food go hand in hand, but eating out all the time can add up to an expensive vacation! From finding a lunch special, to choosing the street food truck over a restaurant, these are some tips and tricks we use that help us travel all the time without spending a fortune on food!

Budget Food and Travel Tip #1: Don’t Eat!

Ok, I’m not saying not to eat at all, but you don’t need to eat three large meals every day. Cut back to two big meals per day. Maybe you have a good breakfast and a hearty lunch, then just a snack for dinner. Traveling with two adults and two kids means we can spend 50 to 100 dollars per meal. A cheap snack can save you up to 80% over a full meal at dinner time.

Budget Food and Travel Tip #2: Look For A Lunch Special

Lots of countries around the world have lunch specials where you get the same big dinner meal, but at a much cheaper lunch price. For example, in Spain, you can have a 3-course lunch for about 12 Euros anywhere you go. A normal meal price at dinner might be 20-30 Euros, so you can see how much you’ll save by eating the lunch special.

Budget Food and Travel Tip #3: Use the Grocery Store

Visiting the grocery store while traveling is a great cultural experience and it’s way more fun than hitting up the grocery store back home. It’s interesting to see how people shop and how they live. Not only will you get to see some unique items, but you really can save money by picking up some groceries. In Paris, you really can grab a baguette and cheese and go sit on a park bench. It’s easy to pick up ingredients for sandwiches, and eat at a park. Yesterday, we picked up a package of tamales and ate them while we sat next to a volcano. What’s even better about this is when you find a nice scenic spot, you can just enjoy your lunch without searching for a nearby restaurant.

Budget Food and Travel Tip #4: Find Street Food Trucks

Whether it’s a bratwurst from a kiosk, or grabbing a local specialty from a food cart, you can save a ton of money eating from street food trucks. You can have a 3 Euro bratwurst on the street or pay 12 Euros for the bratwurst plate at a restaurant. For dinner, we usually snack on street food like quesillos here in Nicaragua. In Germany, we might finish off the night with a bratwurst. Not to mention, street food is usually really tasty!

Budget Food and Travel Tip #5: Go Where the Locals Go

If the locals are lining up at a place, it’s probably pretty good. It will also probably be more reasonably priced than the restaurants primarily attracting tourists. Tourist restaurants are priced higher because tourists are willing to spend more on vacation, while locals generally look for more reasonably priced options. Don’t be scared to ask a local for recommendations as they can point you to some really good places to eat. In Cancun, we asked the people working at our hotel where to eat. We bypassed the overpriced, mediocre tourist restaurants and found fantastic food at fantastic prices with fantastic service.

Budget Food and Travel Tip #6: Free Hotel Breakfast

If your hotel doesn’t have a free breakfast, don’t take it. Most of the time, if you pay for breakfast at your hotel, it’s a lot more expensive than if you were to leave the hotel and have breakfast elsewhere. In Berlin, our hotel charged 17 Euros for breakfast. The city is full of great bakeries with so many options, including the little 3 Euro sandwiches that my son loved. For 17 Euros, I could get 17 individual items from a bakery, and feed the whole family rather than taking one pass through the buffet line.

I hope you find this advice helpful as you travel and eat your way around the world. If you really want a great destination where you can eat cheap but well, I encourage you to check out Nicaragua!

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