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Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to, and anyone who has been there can see why. With its many bridged canals dividing the city into an elegant labyrinth, it’s the epitome of a romantic European … Continue reading
When my boyfriend and I decided to spend a couple days in Guatemala as part of a larger Central America vacation, I did a ton of research on where to stay in Guatemala that was close to the Tikal ruins. Reading through … Continue reading
Flamenco in Sacramento How to get there http://www.lovegranada.com/places/sacromonte/ http://www.sevillaflamenco.com/flamenco-tablaos-spain/flamenco-shows-in-granada.html Peña La Plateria on Placeta de Toqueros La Plateria is a very old, respected, private gypsy club in Granada with a distinguished history. Some of Spain’s most celebrated flamenco artists … Continue reading
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I have to say, being back in Madrid after more than 9 years is completely surreal! 9 years ago was my first international trip traveling by myself, and it completely changed how I thought of the world. Before I get … Continue reading
WHERE TO EAT & WHERE TO GET LOBSTER ROLLS
Eventide Oyster Company
Eventide was recommended to me by a number of friends as having the best lobster roll and oysters in Portland. So being the foodie that I am, I made it a priority to visit the restaurant for lunch.
There was an hour+ wait (which I’m told is normal) but they use an automated queue system to manage the waiting list. After you provide your phone number you’re sent a text with a link that shows you your place in line, and it automatically updates. Pretty cool.
My friends and I split a dry bottle of rose and ordered some oysters to split. The oysters from Johns River I’d never heard of before, but they were easily some of the best I’ve ever had. A perfect balance of briney, buttery and not too big or small. I could have eaten a dozen to myself.
But the lobster roll is what stole the show. Served on an Asian pork bun (a lighter and fluffier bread than the normal roll) the lobster meat had been chopped more finely than I was used to, but that’s what made it so much better. The lobster meat had been soaked in butter, paprika and topped with chives, making it a flavor explosion every time you took a bite.
Eventide is a must-visit when in Portland. Expect a wait, but grab a drink nearby or go try another lobster spot for your first stop on your lobster roll tour (like us). Just make sure to save this place for last. Otherwise everything after will leave you missing Eventide.
Portland Lobster Company
Street & Co
Elevation Burger
Dry Dock Restaurant Tavern
Disclaimer: We only came here for drinks but the food all looked delicious
The Porthole
This spot came recommended by one of our friends who grew up in Maine. Unfortunately we arrived just a little too late to catch last call at the kitchen (10PM) so we’ll need to come back on a future trip.
The entrance to the restaurant is located on an unassuming street leading into the pier and the no-frills sign is remenicient of the 80’s & 90’s. The Porthole known for their outdoor dining space, late-night food and live music on the weekends.
DeMillo’s on the Water
The Honey Paw
Duckfat
The Holy Donut
Benny’s Favorite Fried Clams
Located about a 5 minute walk south of downtown,
Bite into Maine
The Lobster Shack at Two Points
WHERE TO DRINK
Liquid Riot Bottling Company & Brewery
RiRa Irish Pub
Novare Res Bier Cafe
Bissel Brothers Brewing Company
Located near the airport and about a 10-minute drive from downtown,
Allagash Brewery
Madrid holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it one of the few cities in the world I could see myself living in (trust me I wish this could happen) but just like my current hometown of … Continue reading
My first time in Barcelona I was given some extremely valuable insider information on where locals go to eat in Barcelona. And now I’m sharing it with you. You’re welcome.
Carrer de Blai, a pedestrian-only street located in the El Poble-Sec neighborhood boasts a plethora of pintxos (pronounced pin-chos) bars offering unique bite-sized morsels for between 1-3 euros each. What are pintxos? It is a small snack typically served on top of a slice of bread that originated in the Basque country (hence the spelling of “pintxos” with an x, but “pinchos” is also accepted). Restaurants that specialize in these dishes will display all pintxos in a buffet-style setting where you simply grab what looks good. All pintxos will have different colored toothpicks in them that not only keep the food on top of the bread, but will vary in color according to price. SAVE THOSE TOOTHPICKS. When you’re finished, you’ll bring them to the cashier and pay for what you’ve eaten.
Pro-Move: If you want to go Pintxo-hopping like I did and try as many restaurants as you can, don’t eat the bread on the bottom.
Quimet i Quimet – The best of the best
TripAdvisor
Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Monday to Friday from 12-4PM and from 7-10:30PM / Saturday from 12-4PM
This tiny standing room-only pinxtos place that has some of the most unique offerings we’ve ever had. You NEED to get the salmon with yogurt and truffle honey. It sounds weird but it is absolutely outstanding and unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before. The combination of flavors and textures (the bread is perfectly crisped) will give you a solid mouth-gasm. I also recommend the cheese, mushroom and truffle olive oil one as well. Added bonus: This place doubles as a wine and spirits store. Could it get any better?
***All Pintxos bars listed below are based on location so you can “Pintxos-Hop” in order***
Taberna Berri
Yelp
Carrer de Blai, 44 08004 Barcelona, Spain
This was our 2nd favorite place after Quimet i Quimet. The portions were really big and everything tasted really fresh. This is at the complete opposite end of Carrer de Blai but so worth it. I recommend starting here if you plan to “Pintxo-hop.”
Zodiaco
Website / TripAdvisor
Carrer de Blai, 39
Go here for glasses of cava for 1 euro. The pintxos were all delicious and pretty hefty portions (I mean look at that photo evidence!).
Pincho J
Website / TripAdvisor
08004, Carrer de Blai, 26, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
This place was also one of our favorites and a must-go. Again, everything was really fresh, the portions were big and the prices were low.
Taberna Blai Tonight
TripAdvisor
Carrer de Blai, 23, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
This place had decent Pinxtos but a more limited selection than other places we tried.
La Esquinita de Blai
Website / TripAdvisor
Carrer de Blai, 16, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Maybe it was an off-night for this place but we weren’t too impressed. The pinxtos seemed like they had been sitting there all day and despite that, the place was PACKED due to a football game on TV and it was tough to find anywhere to sit and eat.
La Tasqueta de Blai
TripAdvisor
Carrer de Blai, 17, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
This place was also one of our favorites as they had very unique tapas that we didn’t see anywhere else (sweet + savory). The portions are generous and they offer everything from hamburgers to traditional Spanish pintxos.
Blai Every Day 12
TripAdvisor
Carrer De Blai 12, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Almost all the pintxos here were 1 euro each. The place was decent but didn’t offer anything unique or different from other places we tried.
Blai 9 Tapas
Website / TripAdvisor
Carrer de Blai, 9, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
This small tapas & pintxos bar has a limited pintxos menu but the combinations are unique and delicious.
Gran Bodega Saltó
Website / TripAdvisor
Carrer de Blesa, 36, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Ok, so this isn’t a Pintxos bar, but I highly recommend going in here for drinks – Specifically wine. It’s a really funky decorated bar with all sorts of random found objects and a number of tigers (paintings, stuffed animals, etc.) all over the place. They regularly have live music so it’s a great place to go check out a local Catalan band.
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Barcelona is one of my favorite cities and for good reason: It’s extremely beautiful, contains some of the most amazing architecture in the world and contains a ridiculous amount of good restaurants. The Barcelona restaurant scene is out of this … Continue reading
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Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and known for its buildings that combine different architectural styles. It’s a very beautiful city and contains side-by-side examples of Baroque, Gothic and Rennaissance architecture. In some cases, the styles are … Continue reading
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While we only spent 2 full days in Prague, we found the city to be fascinating due to its mishmash of architectural styles and prevalence of beer. One thing people might not realize is that the Czech Republic is the … Continue reading
I'm an Oregon-born travel addict living in New York.
I'm relentless in my pursuit to experience everything the world has to offer.
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