While I’ve been loving living in Indonesia thus far, I got homesick upon returning from my two-week trip to the US. This is when America’s capital came to mind again: so I decided to write a post about my friend and I’s favorite quirky Washington DC spots!
When I travel, I avoid chain hotels whenever possible, opting for Couchsurfing or other types of unique lodging. My favorite in DC is the historic Henley Park Hotel. Its European architectural details, such as stained-glass windows and 119 gargoyles, make it a special place to stay. Moreover, its location is perfect for visiting Capitol Hill, Gallery Place, and Chinatown.
As many of my friends are part of the LGBT community, I have been attending drag queen shows for years. I love them! So when I found out Washington DC spices up your brunch with a drag queen show, I was hooked. The buffet is average, so it’s the queens who steal the show. Perry’s is a great spot to have a good Sunday afternoon with friends—great rooftop for the evenings, too! Insider tip: get there by 9:30 AM if you want good seats for the show.
I’ve always been fascinated with crime and covert operations. In fact, one of my majors in college was criminology! That’s why I love the International Spy Museum: a historical compendium of the real James Bonds. It exhibits old espionage instruments, real spy stories, and other interactive media. What makes this spot even cooler is the fact that the museum is hands-on: at the entrance, you receive your own cover which, by the end of your tour, you find out whether you “blew it” or not.
Washington DC’s best food trucks converge at Truckeroo, my friend Stephanie’s favorite foodie event. Her favorite pick? Takorean. It’s like Chipotle, where you make your own taco, burrito or bowl—but with inventive ingredients such as steak bulgogi, spiced kale, and Korean-style salsa roja. Luckily, Takorean is also open for business at Union Market and Navy Yard.
Oh dear, I’m recommending a global chain! But hear me out: Vapiano Chinatown is a cool, Italian cafeteria/lounge concept. Not only is the menu fresh and delicious, but the restaurant is also great for groups due to its comfy seating arrangements and payment system. Guests receive cards upon arrival, to be swapped at the different food stations—total which is later paid by each cardholder upon checkout. No headaches splitting the bill!
The historic market, revitalized and reopened September 2012, now features 40 local food artisans. I believe it is one of Washington DC’s best day trips, as visitors can enjoy daily happy hour specials and weekly special events—in addition to sampling inventive cuisine.
Orlando, Florida: a city less traveled!? C’mon! This probably crossed your mind. But let’s be honest here: beyond the theme parks and golf resorts, Orlando is not a popular city break. I don’t know why though: I personally love it and used to frequent Downtown and Winter Park for concerts and dining. So, with a trip to visit friends in the area coming up next week, I wanted to showcase Orlando for foodies.
My favorite dish at Hawker’s Asian Street Fair: Curry laksa
Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant
125 W. Church St., Orlando (+4 others throughout FL)
I’ve been dreaming about Jamon Serrano for weeks so cannot wait to go back to Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Even though it’s a chain, they offer fantastic live flamenco shows and their menu is both delicious and extensive, with over 100 hot-and-cold tapas and paellas, mostly from Catalunya and Northern Spain. My favorites include the calamares rellenos (squid stuffed with veal, chorizo, Manchego cheese), champinones de Sevilla (4 types of sautéed mushrooms, sherry, goat cheese, toasted bread), and of course, the house sangria.
Luma on Park
290 South Park Ave., Winter Park
With a similar concept of shared dishes and small plates, the upscale Luma on Park offers fabulous Floridian seafood such as bluenose bass and Apalachicola oysters (depending on the season). The star here is their affordable US $35 prefix menu though, offered every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The 3-course special ranges from grouper brandade churros to egg cassarecce Bolognese, an 8-hour ragu. Good news to regulars: every menu changes daily.
Hawker’s Asian Street Fair
1103 Mills Ave N., Orlando
Believe it or not, my Indonesian city does not have many spots with Asian food, except for the local fair. For this reason, I want to go back to Hawker’s Asian Street Fair and have their excellent fusion picks hailing from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Beijing, and Bangkok. The most memorable include the Singaporean laksa, Hawker’s duck tacos, and the Southeast Asian curry.
Kappo at East End Market
3201 Corrine Dr., Orlando
Another great spot for Asian cuisine lovers, particularly pickled and raw seafood fans. Kappo at East End Market’s highlights include the scallop uni truffle, the pickled Chirashi bowl, the biggie sashimi plate, and omakase (Chef’s Choice) dinner. With only 8 seats, it is an intimate dining experience. Plan accordingly! Get there at least 30 minutes before opening time—and book minimum 3 months in advance for the omakase.
Treehouse Truck
Various locations
With the food truck trend hitting Central Florida by storm, I had to include one of Orlando’s favorites! With crazy creations such as the GC Luther (bacon cheeseburger between 2 Krispy Kreme grilled cheese sandwiches) and Mama’s PBJ (a Nutella, banana, peanut butter and jelly deep-fried sandwich), a visit to the Treehouse Truck will bring back fond memories of the State Fair. Opening hours and location are naturally erratic, especially since they also offer private catering. Make sure you check out their calendar before planning a visit.
GC Luther burger by treehousetruck.com
I’m currently a writer for HipMunk, participating in the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Proud to be promoting Orlando for foodies!
While I have already told you about the different attractions and things to do in this charming old town, Quebec City Couchsurfing was an experience in itself. For 4 days, I stayed in a neighborhood north of Rue Saint-Jean and Avenue Turnbull (up the hill) and it was the perfect solo trip. And then some 🙂
me in front of Château Frontenac, Québec City
My Quebec City Couchsurfing experience: The arrival
It was a gray, chilly, rainy summerday. “Worst day ever,” I thought. After being lost, wet, and cold for over 30 minutes looking for her apartment, I wasn’t in the best of moods. Until…
FOUND it! Not only that, but as soon as the door opened, warmth overtook me. My host, a Polish translator who also spoke Spanish and French, had invited over her best friend, who happened to be an Argentinian studying languages in Québec City, so she could meet me. The welcome included plenty of Spanish discourse, hot apple cider tea, and Polish beet soup. Suddenly, everything was all right. Everything was perfect.
Neighborhood I was Couchsurfing at in Quebec City!
Couchsurfing, I freaking love you.
What I experienced thanks to my Quebec City Couchsurfing host
Just about an hour into my warm Quebecois welcome, Kasia’s Argentinian friend had to go back to studying and my host herself had to get back to work (from home). Which meant only one thing: whether I wanted to or not, I had to go out and explore the city on my own.
“Oh, you must be cold dear. Here, take my waterproof parka, sneakers, and scarf. Oh! And don’t forget the city maps!”
Somehow, I was leaving my host’s apartment with a new wardrobe, scores of self-guided walking tour itineraries and maps to choose from, plusa full belly. AND I got to explore a new city and have the rest of the day all to myself.
My crazy layers! I wasn’t prepared for the cold…so Couchsurfer gave me what she had (sneakers included!)
I started heading south of Rue Saint-Jean and Avenue Turnbull, down the hill. The multiple cultures I encountered within the first five minutes shocked me. Why I don’t know, but it was wonderful. From an Eastern European international grocer to a French bakery and authentic Arab restaurants — it was a quaint version of a small New York City neighborhood. With much more character! And beautiful architecture…
the gorgeous cabaret theater by the entrance gate of Old Québec
the charming streets and architecture of Old Quebec City
Within easy walking distance was Vieux Québec. I made it back to Gare du Palais (central train station), now able to truly take it in as I wasn’t running toward a bus as to not freeze to death. From there, I ventured into the Marché du Vieux-Port (Old Port market) and couldn’t help but stuff my face with sweet macaroons. Continued down picturesque Rue Saint-Paul, Château Frontenac, all the way down to Basse-Ville — and North America’s oldest commercial street, Rue du Petit-Champlain.
MACAROONS, O heavenly macaroons!
me walking around Quartier du Petit Champlain! Impressive Château Frontenac in the background
Around 5 PM I figured I would like some company over dinner, so I headed back to my Couchsurfing host (Kasia’s), hoping she would be done with work so we could check out the Tunisian restaurant I walked by on my way to Old Québec. I did so by taking the long way though: along Terrasse Dufferin, up La Citadelle, past the Parliament Building…
Terrasse Dufferin, the beautiful boardwalk with gorgeous views of the sound Lawrence River and nearby towns
Tunisian dinner — and free BYOB! — at Restaurant Carthage
No corkage fee and an incredibly sumptuous Tunisian dinner in an unreal environment — plus an unexpected price! Little place I wouldn’t have seen unless I stayed with a local in Quebec City. Got some excellent, affordable red wine from a nearby shop and had a dinner for the ages: some relaxing hours talking about the beautiful world of translation, world affairs, and even got to practice my Arabic with the friendly server 😀 why don’t we dine like this in the U.S.?!
Tunisian lamb…couscous underneath!
the ambience and architectural details: just so so gorgeous
Another day, another adventure: French-Canadian style
I spent the next 3 days walking alternate routes around Old Québec, paying close attention to and lingering around landmarks I only took a photograph of on my first day. Favorite experiences include playing a mural scavenger hunt along Base-Ville; spending hours learning about the ambiguous Quebecois culture & history thanks to the Musée de la Civilisation‘s “People of Québec…Then and Now” permanent exhibition; and of course, eating rich, creamy duck confit poutineat Le Cochon Dingue… *sighs*
I want poutine. Right NOW…
Dinner would be even richer: traditional French-Canadian fare at the historical, fancy Aux Anciens Canadiensrestaurant. Better yet, go between noon and 5:45 PM in order to get an incredible three-course lunch or early dinner (including a glass of wine or beer!) for a fraction of their regular prices. Game-stuffed pies, thick seafood bisques, sweet cream brulés, and a turnip soup that could lift the spirits of the dead–perfect for the unusually-cold summer I experienced:
fancy fancy!
the turnip and honey soup that could lift the spirits of the dead
traditional Quebecois pie made with bison, elk, and other wild game
UNREAL maple syrup pie. OMG
SO! My Quebec City Couchsurfing review equals…the perfect solo trip?
I know many solo travelers overlook Couchsurfing because they feel they have to give up most of their independence during their trip. However, if you contact the busy busy bee as your CShost, you’ll get the best of both worlds! And so my Quebec City Couchsurfing experience was a perfect mix of self-guided walking tours, multicultural chatter, and exotic dinners shared only occasionally with someone just as passionate about languages and travel as I am.
St. Lawrence river view from Vieux Québec
What a perfect trip: can’t wait to go back!
Have you ever gone Couchsurfing? What was your experience like?
AHOY! I had already crossed Tampa Bay’s Mardi Gras, a.k.a. the Gasparilla Invasion, off my travel bucket list back in 2006. HOWEVER, I didn’t know the experience could be that much better when witnessed from a BOAT! Luckily, I had that ultimate experience last month 🙂 Debating whether you should experience it too (it is known, after all, as a festival of debauchery)? Check out my Gasparilla Invasion videos and photos below to decide yourself 😉 With the right crowd (and outfits), I promise you: it’s a lot of fun.
HOW to cross the Gasparilla Invasion off your travel bucket list
If I have convinced you, here’s how you can cross the Gasparilla invasion of your travel bucket list: You may hitch a ride with a Tampa Bay Couchsurfer who happens to own a boat, a friend, a total stranger. Just show up with some drinks, mixers and I doubt any friendly Floridian will deny you entry to their vessel 😉
I found some friendly pirates!
OR, if you feel more comfortable, go the ‘conventional tourist’ route and book a one of the unlimited wine/beer/soft drinks FERRY TOURS from St. Petersburg:
Throwing BEADS at one of the FERRY TOURS coming from St. Petersburg
Where to stay when attending the Gasparilla Invasion?
It really depends where your new found friend parks his/her boat, if you are boat hitchhiking or whether you’re taking a ferry tour. IF you are not Couchsurfing and plan to stay in Tampa, I recommend hotels close to Jackson’s Bistro (601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602), such as the Marriott and the Westin.
You must book your room WAY in advance, as locals snatch these early. Naturally, traffic is impossible on Gasparilla parade day, so I don’t recommend any hotel outside walking distance from Harbour Island…
It gets CROWDED, very crowded! But from the comforts of a boat, not a big deal at all. Unless…
Getting to the Gasparilla Invasion: Parade day tips
Speaking of which, boat traffic is pretty terrible before, during, and after the Gasparilla Invasion as well. Therefore, if your friends are planning to come into Harbour Island, make sure you arrive either the night before or on parade day by 9:30 AM sharp. Also, don’t plan to leave until sunset. Otherwise, it will be a nightmare.
^^ WARNING: strong Sofia Vergara-esque accent due to all-day imbibing ^^
On the other hand, if you’re staying in St. Petersburg and taking one of the ferry tours, ask your tour company which hotel is closest to its dock. Gasparilla can get pretty crazy, so make sure your hotel is nearby!
That shall be me — and very likely your vision after attending the Gasparilla parade!
If you have any other questions about Tampa Bay and/or attending the Gasparilla Invasion Parade, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
This week’s Travel Bucket List Wednesday post is all about some of my personal favorites: paid and free things to do in Quebec City! I fell so deeply in love with its walled old town and basse-ville when I visited last June. Just, the vibe… unbelievably romantic, captivating, beautiful. So glad I got to cross this lovely town off my travel bucket list on my first trip to Canada!
Old Quebec City from a room at the Hilton by Sean Haynes, Flickr
Paid + Free Things to do in Quebec City: My Personal Recommendations!
My first Quebec City travel tip? Go online and print a map of the city. Why? Because I did my best to arrange the recommendations and landmarks on this photo essay in a way that allows you to create your own walking tours! So dot down/circle the places I have listed, connect them all with a line, and have a fun holiday 😀
**You me start at Upper Town and end at Citadel — vice versa 😉
St. Lawrence River ferry, Vieux-Québec
Get lost in Upper Town & the vicinity
I Couchsurfed in Quebec City and let me tell you, it was an experience in itself. For 4 days, my base was a neighborhood north of Rue Saint-Jean and Avenue Turnbull (up the hill, bordering Upper Town). It was so multicultural and charming. People always had a smile on their faces, willing to strike a conversation. You could easily walk up to a small grocer and find everything from Polish beet soup to a complete assortment of Indian spices. Let alone the variety of charming restaurants/cafes down the hill, within easy walking distance of Vieux Québec. My type of neighborhood! 🙂
Upper Town and vicinity, Québec City
Lazy morning (or afternoon) at Gare du Palais & Rue Saint-Paul
Yes, I’m actually recommending you to spend some time at Quebec City’s central train station (450 Rue de la Gare du Palais), whether you arrived or are leaving from here or not. For starters, it’s a beautiful building! I took several pictures of its architecture, inside and out. Moreover, its good cafés, people watching, and free Wi-Fiare the perfect ingredients to “waste some hours away.”
Even the central train station has character in Québec City!
Continue your day walking down Rue Saint-Paul, which is nearby!
Stroll down picturesque Rue Saint-Paul: another idea on free things to do in Quebec City! (Photo: Gilbert Bochenek, Wiki Commons)
A few hours at Musée de la Civilisation
Outstanding architecture and history of the ambiguous Quebecois heritage are always on display at Musée de la Civilisation (85 Rue Dalhousie). Marvel at its beautiful façade, the adjacent Maison Estèbe, and the Pagé-Quercy Vaulted Cellar.
Integrated into one of the exhibition rooms, “Pagé-Quercy Vaulted Cellar is part of the 27 vaults of Place-Royale, which are some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful structures” (MCQ.org)
Speaking of exhibitions, you must NOT miss the “People of Québec…Then and Now”–the museum’s permanent run-through of over 400 years of the province’s history. It will really put things in perspective for every visitor.
Musee de la Civilisation façade (Photo: Claude Gagnon, Wiki Commons)
Château Frontenac: inside and out
While just being inside this gorgeous mansion is absolutely amazing, their afternoon tea (offered on selected dates; call for details) is icing on the cake. Unless you actually book a night at the hotel + buy a President Club membership…now that’s just royal. Literally.
Château Frontenac in all its glory
Mural scavenger hunt, ferry ride & nightlife in historic Basse-Ville
Basse-Ville dates back to the 1608 settling of Quebec and, since there wasn’t electricity back then: did you know that many of this district’s buildings have an entire side without any doors or windows? I forget which direction they face, but it’s where the strongest, chilliest winds come from. So! In order to cover this “unattractive” side of the buildings up, many artists took the task of painting beautiful windows and murals over them. Why not take a couple of hours to do a “mural scavenger hunt,” with the player who spots the most camouflaged walls and murals winning a prize? 😉 It’s harder than you think!
yup, that’s a plain flat wall – with gorgeously-detailed MURAL!
After the exhausting hunt, take a ferry ride to Levis. You don’t even have to get off on the other side: just relax and enjoy the Saint Lawrence River and Old Town views from a different perspective. Particularly impressive in the winter, by the way!
View of Levis and the frozen St. Lawrence from the ferry by Robbie, Flickr
Not tired yet?! Stick around and join the happening scene after 6 PM. Cafés, some bars, and even a street musician or two start to spice up the streets then!
EXTRA tip: Try to visit during the New France Festival, to watch (or join!) hordes of people dressed in 17th-18th century costumes.
Quartier Petit Champlain, North America’s oldest commercial district
Speaking of Basse-Ville, did you know that Quartier du Petit Champlain is North America’s oldest commercial district?! Incidentally, Rue du Petit-Champlain is the oldest commercial street in the continent.
While the quarter has become a little bit of a tourist trap, you may still find specialty stores selling unique Quebecois merchandise–which you might not find anywhere else.
Long walk down Terrasse Dufferin & picnic at Plains of Abraham
One of my favorite free things to do in Quebec City is a long walk down Terrasse Dufferin, the 671-meter boardwalk that starts right below Château Frontenac and extends along the St. Lawrence River:
The start of Terrasse Dufferin, right by Château Frontenac
Bring your own picnic basket and (weather permitting!) walk all the way down the Terrasse until you reach the Plains of Abraham. There, lay on the grass and bask in the peace & beauty of the entire city below you. Or, if feeling particularly adventurous, visit the former battlefield’s Discovery Centre + follow the tip of a Tripadvisor user: “Find the underground entrance and view the house and military items hidden behind sod bunkers. It’s a walk but well worth it.”
One of SEVERAL distinct, panoramic views from the expansive Plains of Abraham by meddygarnet, Flickr
Free tour of the Parliament Building
Looking for more free things to do in Quebec City? Take advantage of the Hôtel du Parlement English tour, where Québec’s National Assembly meets (Grande-Allee and Honore-Mercier Avenue). The guides, who are friendly and extremely responsive, will teach you about the history and functions of the provincial government. Fascinating, informative, fun!
And, while not free, I highly recommend you finish off your Parliament visit with an unforgettable meal by elected Quebecois representatives at the café, which offers an excellent Menu de Jour for CAD $8.
Parliament building, Québec (my apologies for the shitty exposure: gloomy day!)
Changing of the Guard & Governor General’s residence at La Citadelle
Speaking of Parliament, did you know that “Canada’s monarchy operates in Quebec as the core of the province’s Westminster-style parliamentary democracy and constitution” (Wikipedia)? This takes us to another Quebec City landmark, La Citadelle (1 Côte de la Citadelle)! Great tours included in admission price, plus magnificent views of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Town thrown in.
I highly recommend you start a full day around Old Quebec here, arriving early enough to join the first tour (9 AM from May to September; 10 AM from October to April). Then, stay for the Changing of the Guard at 10 (seasonal; June 24 to the first Monday of September only). A true history buff? I also recommend the tour of the Governor General’s residence at 11, which is free by the way! You will enjoy them all, pinky promise.
**Please note, the Citadel is closed December 25 and January 1
Spectacular shot of the Changing of the Guard, with Château Frontenac in the background, by Conrad Kuiper, Flickr
That’s it for my favorite things to do in Quebec City! Mind you, this list is not exclusive–I had to leave some attractions out due to space and time. Which reminds me, my next Quebecois post will be all about my favorite places to eat in Québec’s capital! 😀
Got more tips and things to do in Quebec City? Share them below!
ALOOO! It’s Travel Bucket List Wednesday, so what better day to officially announce my Seattle, Portland, Vancouver trip?! I’ve heard about the eclectic trio of cities quite a bit throughout my travels: as far off as Egypt, where one of my roommates happened to hail from the seat of King County.
“You would LOVE my city — especially since they have the best coffee” to “Keep Portland Weird” have always pique my interest for the Pacific Northwest. SO, when I was invited to a travel blogger wedding by Seattle, I knew I had to extend my trip beyond Washington state!
I know some of you have probably been crossed-eyed ever since I mentioned the term “Hippie Hajj” on last week’s blog post too, so here’s your answer 😉
Seattle, Portland, Vancouver trip: aka the ultimate hippie pilgrimage
In case you don’t know much about Islam, Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage each able Muslim must make to Mecca at least once in their lifetime in order to make it to heaven. It involves elaborate preparation and several rites of passage, so speak.
Add to that that, the more I read about each city, the more my theory is cemented: a Seattle, Portland, Vancouver trip is basically the ultimate hippie pilgrimage. Very walkable, co-ops, good farmers markets, great food trucks/stands, dive bars, etc. Or perhaps we could swap the word “hippie” for simply “HIP”? Either way…
This shall be my Hippie Hajj, dammit! A full week on each city 😀
Shibby777, Flickr
My Seattle itinerary: lots of local events!
I spent the ENTIRE day today putting together my awesome Seattle itinerary. I’m always flexible, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss a thing. And so, I was in luck: LOTS of events scheduled! Excited as heck, for sure.
**VisitSeattle.org, Seattle.gov & The Stranger here UNBELIEVABLE travel planning sources — especially the latter!
-Take advantage of SEVERAL free wine tastings happening every Thursday & Saturday all over the city.
-Speaking of drinking, I want to tour a couple of breweries + must visit the UNICORN on Capitol Hill. I hear it’s funky.
-Catch a band or show at one or more of these venues: Showbox, Tractor, New Moe’s, Chop Suey, Fun House (I may have misspelled one of these, my apologies!)
–Guest Chef Night at FareStart: $29.99 for 3-course dinner. All chefs volunteer their time and ingredients! ALL proceeds toward helping rehabilitate homeless people, teaching them skills to be able to work in the food industry. Amazing initiative
-Other foodie activities: Rainier BBQ to try cobra andrattlesnake; Little Uncle on Capitol Hill for Thai street food; try Somali food in the International District; book at least one foodie/gourmet tour of the city.
-Break bland airport food routine at Ivar’s Fish Bar for their famous clam chowder or smoked salmon chowder.
-Try at least 2 different food trucks every day (yes, really).
SO many more on my list, but must move on for this post’s sake!
SEATTLE
My Portland itinerary: loose plans
Given that I spent way too many hours today planning my Seattle trip, I have nothing but loose ideas of what I want to do in Portland:
-Visit Voodoo Doughnuts and by a sexual-innuendo souvenir T-shirt to Mr. B
My Vancouver itinerary: (sort of) no clue yet! HELP MEEE
The regular “to do” lists are making me kind of yawwwn… I want something quirky! Got any Vancouver recommendations?! For now, this is all I got on my list:
-Forbidden Vancouver tours: look quirky, fun enough
-Some kind of food tour
-Some kind of pub crawl
-A state or national park (not sure which one yet!). MUST be reachable with public transportation btw, as I don’t have a drivers license… Don’t ask! 😛
Oh, and visit the Guinness Record Holding narrowest building in the world in Chinatown, Vancouver! (Leeann Cafferata, Flickr)
Have you taken a Seattle, Portland, Vancouver trip? Write your tips below!
UPDATE: due to an unforeseen emergency, I had to cancel my #HippieHajj trip…but don’t worry, we will make it happen soon!
As I planned the Hippie Hajj trip I’m taking next month (more on that lata!), I realized something. While I have sung on rooftops about my love for Couchsurfing, I haven’t shared that many details about my individual stays. And so on this Travel Tuesday I decided to share my Toronto Couchsurfing review so you read firsthand of another amazing, unexpected experience!
Messages left by other couchsurfers on my host’s wall
Toronto Couchsurfing review, Act I: The Layover
Call me weird, but I absolutely ADORE those long, awkward layovers. Why? I have plenty of time to get out to the city and explore it in a whim! SO, when I had one of those overnight layovers on my way to Montréal, I was excited to contact Toronto Couchsurfing host Art to have some fun 😀
First off, he picked me up at the airport. How sweet is that? Second, because his roommate was away for the weekend, I got to have my own big bed and bedroom. Yay! Happens to me more often than not when Couchsurfing and I absolutely love it.
My host Art and me on his balcony, the morning of my flight (and BARELY any sleep)!
In the few short hours I got in that big city, he showed me all around Little Italy, we ate at some amazing halal place, and then…
LATVIAN BAR!
OMG, that was incredibly fun. It felt like I was in the middle of Eastern Europe, in a warm toasty basement with long-lost friends. Don’t ask me for the name of the bar…*hides* I forgot! Sorry! One of the few things I remember is that we started drinking a lot of vodka, a lot of artisan beers, and between Latvian, Russian, Spanish, and Spanglish, we all kind of understood each other. We were meant to go salsa dancing afterward, but with bars closing at 2 AM around there (BOO!), we just went back to his place.
Good, because I would only have 3 hours of sleep before going back to the airport 😀
[no, he never tried to make a move on me. He was respectful. It was great.]
what my “couch” looked like while Couchsurfing Toronto!
Toronto Couchsurfing review, Act II: The Opera Singers
“No f**ing way.” I was definitely going to miss this one. After several people misled me around the massive Montréal bus station, somehow I made the Toronto bus by the skin of my teeth. Outside, it was about to drive away, but someone was kind enough to stop it. And to offer me a rock star seat with a table and all:
“Feel free to sit here!” or something like that he said. I was partly deaf from the hasty jaunt, my apologies. Anyway, after introducing ourselves, I found out Mr. Jonathan happened to be an opera singer, on his way back to Toronto to record his very first album with the CBC. Friggin’ sweet.
After he found out I was a couchsurfer who wouldn’t meet her couchsurfer host for another couple of hours, he offered lunch and a place to stay. Yup, that was my second Toronto Couchsurfing experience on the same trip! Out of the blue, when barely making a bus 🙂
My Toronto digs for the first few days, in the affluent Annex neighborhood
Yes, I even got a welcome raspberry champagne glass from my Couchsurfing host. Take THAT, Four Seasons
And it got even BETTER: his other friends were just as fun, and they showed me several different neighborhoods around the Annex. I even got to meet his opera singing uncle, who had a SWEET place in downtown Toronto and bake some traditional Italian recipesfor us (all while drinking great wine, of course):
Downtown Toronto digs
The rest of my days varied between scrumptious brunches and gay bar hopping. One at which, by the way, on a Thursday night I won the dancing contest (and a free shot. Haha).
Amazing brunch place in Toronto! Forgot the name, we were partying the night before…
OH! And on my last day, when I was supposed to check into my hostel and go to TBEX ’13? Jonathan allowed me to accompany him to one of his opera rehearsals before recording his album. I got to go inside the Conservatory of Music (I think that was the name?) and watch his one-on-one. It was amazing! He wasn’t happy with any of the clips I recorded, so I’m sorry about that 😉
my Couchsurfing host Jonathan, on his way to his opera rehearsal!
Homemade Thai curry lunch. It was AMAZINGLY tasty
In conclusion: STAY with couchsurfers in Toronto!
I’m sure I wouldn’t have found 97.9% of the places I experienced in Toronto if it weren’t for my Couchsurfing hosts. Sorry my stories were not that full of details… I guess when you’re having so much fun, you forget to take notes/many photos!? (This is horrible to say as a blogger, but that was the DETOX trip…!)
“Thanks for a spectacular night in Toronto! I will never forget my first trip to Canada”
Have you also had great Couchsurfing experiences? Share them with us!
After a light shove, the gooey, salty white chunks rolled over the crispy bed—just as thick, spicy fluid cascaded down the deep pockets like honey on a stack of hot cakes. Excited, I finally took a mouthful… and, as expected, the concoction was even more explosive inside me. I had to know more about him…
View of Frontenac Château, one time I was waiting for him…
This, however, is the street of our favorite encounter…
…so today, I’m exploring poutine history and its different flavors! 😀
The origins
How did this sensual French-Canadian creation came to be? That was probably (one of) the first question(s) that came to mind when I lost my poutine virginity in Montréal in June. And while I had a feeling that it’s background wouldn’t be as exciting as our first encounter, it’s controversial nonetheless.
All accounts point to the late 1950s in rural Québec, Canada. It can’t be decided, however, whether its birthplace was the town of Drummondville, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Victoriaville or even Warwick. According to the CBC though, the most-often-cited source is the latter, with its inventor being Fernand Lachance… Or the customer the asked for the special french fries? It went something like this:
Customer: I’ll have some cheese curds with those fries, please.
Chef Lachance: une maudite poutine! [a damn mess!]
Either way, thanks to BOTH! Oh, and to the guy (or girl) that had the brilliant idea to add the gravy in order to keep the fries warmer, longer.
SEXY
Poutine flavors: infinite?
The possibilities with poutine are endless: any shredded meat, vegetable or cheese as topping is fair game. Just please, never forget the thick brown gravy, the salty cheese curds or the crispy, sweet fries.
Below are some of the poutine concoctions I stumbled upon with during my time in Montréal, Québec City, and Toronto:
CLICK TO ENLARGE: many varieties at the infamous La Banquise, Montréal.
Original variety at Montréal Poutinerie
Vegetarian poutine, made with the vegetable-based gravy (ohbernadine, Flickr)
All the poutines at Le Chic Shack (Old Québec City) are made with quite chunky, yet crispy “wedge” fries — a bold twist from original varieties (photo: TripAdvisor.ca)
Smoked bacon, chipotle pulled pork topping original poutine and gravy (Smoke’s Poutinerie, Toronto)
My favorite poutine
I gained about 10 pounds from my week in Québec—all from eating a different type of poutine every day. But there’s this special one… One that I still dream about every night. One that’s making me consider booking a ticket from the warmth of Puerto Rico to the bitter cold of Québec just so I can have it again this Christmas holiday…
Duck confit variety HECK YEAH
That poutine… That poutine is what inspired the first paragraph of this blog post. I, however, didn’t describe the shredded duck confit—as it smoothly slid into my mouth, between my teeth—because that would have probably grossed some of you out.
*melts in your mouth*
Just look at that. Even without the duck, it was the best poutine I’ve ever had (my 10 pounds worth of it!), hands-down. The big, perfectly salty cheese curds. The crispy, golden-sweet fries. The thick homemade gravy, mixed with the house’s spicy BBQ sauce. And yes, it even had capers.
Looking for a unique Toronto day trip? Look no further than Stratford Canada! On my second blogiversary, I will introduce you to this food and culture little gem, centered on responsible tourism. Best of all? It will only set you back about 20 CAD round-trip to get there from El Toro during festival season. Definitely worth a detour!
I was invited to Stratford Canada as part of a TBEX FAM tour (sponsored familiarization day trip from Toronto). However, all descriptions and recommendations about this foodie’s paradise are my honest opinion: I was seriously impressed!
Welcome to the charming little town of Stratford, Ontario, Canada!
Stratford Canada: The Heritage
Stratford may only be known as Justin Bieber’s hometown—but it’s so much more than that.
Settled by Europeans since 1828, the town was born as a railway junction in 1856. Then, almost a 100 years later, the seat of Perth County unexpectedly morphed into a world-renowned cultural hub with the debut of its acclaimed Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 1953.
Since then, Stratford has continued to grow as one of Canada’s food and culture centres, attracting new talent ranging from theater to the culinary arts and music. Naturally, this translates into a number of exciting festivals and events happening every year.
set of props for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival (Renée S. Suen, Flickr)
Stratford Canada: The Food
From tutored tastings led by local experts to self-guided trails filled with food shops, cafés, and pubs—the foodie scene in Stratford is outstanding. It’s really hard to believe how much this small town has to offer! Check out the unique programs below to see why I highly recommend this culinary getaway as a multi- day trip from Toronto 😉
Savour Stratford Tutored Tastings: on select Saturdays (October-June, prices vary), choose between Scotch & Chocolate; Monforte Artisanal Cheese Making and Tasting; Tea Pairings with Chocolate or Honey; Craft Beer & Cheese; and Tea Tasting Techniques—led and crafted by local experts; also customized by you.
Culinary Adventures (foraging) and Cooking Classes: yup, you can go to the wild and forage for mushrooms, wild weeks, fiddleheads and other vegetables in season—all while learning how to make sustainable choices—or even take a class with renowned Great Ontario chefs during your Stratford visit.
Food festivals: foodie extravaganza! So many events year-round, so little time.
Culinary Festival photo courtesy of VisitStratford.ca
Savour Stratford Trails: available year-round, these “self-guided treks” are sold as passes ($25 CAD +HST each) and are valid for 3 days from date of purchase.
Bacon & Ale Trail: Perth County is Ontario’s top producer of pork—so YAY for bacon! This pass lets you grab unique bacon-and-ale samples from 5 out of 13 pubs, bars, and shops sprinkled throughout the trail (map provided!). Some of my favorites include Mercer Hall’s Bacon Manhattan;Revel Caffé’s espresso bacon & egg croissant (breakfast only, 9:30-11 AM); and the bacon or essential oils & beer soap bars (yes, to shower with!) from Small-Mart General Mercantile or Treasures, respectively.
Chocolate Trail: attention, chocoholics! Pass includes 6 tickets that allow you to taste cocoa treats from 6 out of 20 shops, pubs, and restaurants on the trail. Samples include chocolate chili tea, a handmade milk chocolate theater mask, and even aged dark chocolate balsamic vinegar. Tip: you can get unlimited samples of crazy olive oil and balsamic vinegar flavors at Olive Your Favorites with just one ticket! 😉
Maple Trail: the newest of the clan will make you fall in love with Canada’s liquid gold all over again. With 12 stops to choose from, you might have to buy 2 passes so you can try them all (one pass = 6 treats) 😉 Unique delicacies include sweet potato fries with Maple Aïoli, Maple Mustard or Maple BBQ dipping sauces at Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub; Canadian whiskeys aged/distilled with maple at Mercer Hall; and a house-cured maple-smoked bacon sandwich with grainy maple mustard, roasted tomatoes, and organic greens at Canadian Grub to Go.
Mill Street Tankhouse Ale country-style pork terrine wrapped and smoked bacon sauce: delicious sample from the Bacon & Ale trail!
Stratford Canada: Best Time to Visit
While Stratford Canada is an outstanding food & culture Toronto day trip year-round, it’s best to visit during festival season (May-October). Buses and private coaches happen to be cheaper and easier to find then as well!
However, other festivals are starting to pop up throughout the year, so mark your calendars 😉 Here’s a list of some special events you can’t miss:
November 2013-March 2014
Stratford Chefs School Repertoire Dinners and Chalkboard Lunches
“Roasted pork shoulder, brined; rubbed with cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, ketchup and other spices; then slow roasted. Topped with a barbecue sauce composed of the same aromatics as the spice rub […] sided by simple greens dressed with a maple vinaigrette.” -Stratford’s chef school creation, photo by Renée S. Suen
Stratford Canada: How to Get There
The easiest, cheapest way to get to Stratford from Toronto is via the Stratford Direct. The state-of-the-art buses, equipped with free Wi-Fi, have 2 daily departures during the peak summer festival season and one departure between May and October. Please note though, service only available during performance days and cost $10 CAD each way. Quite a bargain!
You may also travel aboard VIA Rail (daily departures from Toronto and Windsor), by air, and by private shuttle. For more information, including festival days, please visit the Stratford Festival website.
Stratford Canada City Hall
Stratford Canada: My Toronto Day Trip Experience
Check out some of the travel pictures that summarize the Culture and Cuisine itinerary I experienced. It included several stops on the Maple, Chocolate, Bacon & Ale trails, in addition to a special seafood bounty and Italian dinner at the Taverna Pazzo. Take notes 😉
Sweet stop: drinking and refreshing Maple Manhattan cocktail at the legendary Mercer Hall. Great whiskey!
Bacon & Ale trail stop: Country-style pork terrine wrapped in smoked bacon, served with Foster’s Inn homemade baked beans
Part of the Chocolate trail: Chocolate and wine pairings!
Seafood galore at Taverna Pazzo: from top left, giant scallops ceviche, fresh shrimp, mussels in delicate pesto sauce, and… I think that was roe with something else?! And this was only the SECOND-tier!
The gnocchi with baccala, cream, lemon, and black pepper MELTED in your mouth. OMG
Icing on the Cake: Stratford’s Responsible Tourism
The sense of community, responsibility & accountability I witnessed in Stratford Canada was an experience in itself. Every single stop we visited as part of one of the trails or guided tastings had direct trade partnerships with other members of the community and/or were part of small cooperatives, plus had their products sourced sustainably.
For instance, Revel Caffé’s owners only buy their coffee directly from the source in Nicaragua, where they actually met the family of farmers, pickers in person in order to learn more about the process, how their organic products are grown, etc.
Another example is Canadian Grub to Go, as staff only buy bread from the neighbor baker and their pork products from Canadian farms (awesomely depicted on a huge chalkboard map inside the eatery!)
Chalk map, specifying where their products come from, at Canadian Grub to Go
Food Network’s Chef Chuck Hughes said it best:
“The importance of having food fairs, especially in a place like Stratford Canada, it’s so close to the farmers, so close to the producers, and so close to where were trying to get back to.”
To me, the importance is to support small towns like Stratford year-round not only because of their proximity to the producers, but also because of their exemplary responsible tourism practices.
Passionate owners of the Perth Pork Products farm took us on a tour behind their pork, in high demand by Stratford Canada chefs
Support local: plan a unique Toronto day trip to Stratford this season!
