A (New York) Yankee in Connecticut's Gold Coast

Hop on a train from Grand Central and in thirty minutes you're in a different world.

Valencia Luncheria, 172 Main Street, Norwalk

Every time I visit friends in Connecticut this is the one place that gets my taste buds excited. My college roommate introduced me to this Venezuelan luncheria and I am hooked. I even braved a horrible storm in November and drove over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge while I thought my car was going to fly off the upper level to get my arepas con arroz and platanos. However, the main ingredient that makes this unforgettable is the liquefied cilantro sauce. It can be placed on anything on a plate and it is absolutely delicious. I'm sure I would just eat/drink the sauce by the spoonful if it would not be considered such a sin against the gastronomic experience. 

The restaurant has also been showcased on Diners, Dives, and Drive-Ins and in The New York Times, so now it's your turn (before the sauce disappears). Even the coffee brewed here is amazing. It is another time when I can bypass my daily cup of Dunkin' Donuts and trust me, that doesn't happen often. 

Norwalk's Yummy Little Secret

Sweet Ashley's, 248 East Ave., Norwalk

Coffee Heath Bar Crunch. Of course, that is one of the many homemade ice-cream creations at Sweet Ashley's; however, the image your mind should have you already salivating. Unfortunately, there's this thing called closing shop for the winter, so summer needs to get here as soon as possible. After Valencia, this is another gem in Norwalk.

Brasitas, 954 East Main Street, Stamford

Perhaps you might think that my diet in Connecticut consists of only two types of cuisine: Spanish and ice cream. It might be the case, but Brasitas allows for a Valencia-type experience for dinner. Paella, huevos rancheros, and of course, sangria are just a sampling of the menu. The Stamford location might be a challenge for parking, but the tres leches cake will make you forget the seething sensation you had when you had to basically double-park in the lot behind the restaurant. 

Hopkins Vineyard, 25 Warren Road, Warren

Just up the road from the Gold Coast, you can drive a scenic route to the area of Litchfield Hills. This is the country-esque Connecticut that I thought existed while watching the "estate episodes" of I Love Lucy. While rounding Lake Waramaug, the Hopkins Vineyard will surprise and delight all patrons. Its ideal location overlooking the lake make it an optimal get-away. And if you're searching for the type of bed-and-breakfast that doesn't allow your cell phone to get service, start packing now. 

The vineyard offers tastings and tours and is part of the Connecticut Wine Trail. My personal favorite was the semi-sweet Westwind that is perfect for summer. The vineyard recommends pairing it with appetizer-type dishes, but it would suffice for everything in my book, so pardon my palate. Its light yet bubbly taste made me savor the lake and its accoutrements. I wanted nothing else except to sit on the porch for days and forget everything else. Perhaps if I have a glass now, summer will arrive sooner and Sweet Ashley's will then give me my ice cream. 

How Bubbly!

Washington, D.C.: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Good Eats

Besides the multitude of free museums and important people, Washington has transformed itself from the Bad Boy of the Capital Beltway to a dining destination.

For those visiting the city for its sights, make sure to check out the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institution. However, if you're willing to pay a minimal price for admission, the Newseum is well-worth it. One can navigate the museum the front pages of national newspapers for hours and still miss something.

Front-Page Bonanza

After doing your civic duty of visiting every single free sight, now it's time to eat.

Potenza, 15th and H St. NW

If you haven't noticed, I'm somewhat partial to Italian restaurants. However, I'm also very critical of them, too. Potenza is a somewhat more trendy than Nino's on Staten Island, but the quality of the food is there. The restaurant also doubles as a bakery on its other side so an obligatory cannoli should be added to anyone's bill.

One of the litmus tests for authentic Italian restaurants is to check its spelling of the following word: parmigiana. Any other derivative of it is a poor excuse. Of course, Potenza passed the test with flying colors and offered quite a creative Italian menu.

I do recommend the Rigatoni al Ragu Della Domenica. This is Wal-Mart of Italian dishes due its ingredients: meatballs, sausage, brasciole, and ricotta (pronounced like "ri-goat"). The portion was decent; however, I always enjoy leftovers when I'm shelling out $21.00 for an entree.

Ciao!

Marvin, 2007 14th St. NW


If you're first thought was Marvin Gaye, then yes, you will have quite the gastronomic healing. Marvin is  quite the destination for the up-and-coming DC crowd. Its upstairs has a roof-top bar that allows for spectacular views of the historic Shaw district. The ambience of the main dining room reeks of soul food. If you haven't tried chicken with waffles yet, then this is the time. This dish is the flagship of true soul food. This bistro was also mentioned in National Geographic Traveler as helping put DC back on the map for eating experiences. And you heard that through the grapevine.

What's Going On

Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections (ACKC), 1529 14th St. NW

Okay, I'll admit what brought me into this delight of a cocoa bar was its free ice cream. If you want me to go anywhere on a sultry day, then offer me free ice cream and I will move mountains for you. Of course, the only caveat was the barrage of chocolate that stared me down. The owners' objective was successful and a friend and I sampled it various chocolate confections. My personal favorite was the bacon and paprika-infused piece. Take any preconceived notions what should or should not be in chocolate and try some for yourself.

Chocaholics Anonymous

Egypt (Pre-Destruction of Mubarak's Regime)

Every day that I watched the protests on CNN or read about it in The New York Times, I applauded the citizens of Egypt for taking control of the future of their country. However, I couldn't help but be reminded of the brief time I spent there in April 2009.

To be frank, I was out of my comfort zone. I was not used to the daily prayer calls from the mosques, nor was I used to the stares from Egyptian men. Yet I needed this type of experience to remind me of how I am part of their world just as I am a part of theirs.  And I was thankful for the opportunity. I was also introduced to the former iconic voice of Egypt, Oum Kalthoum. Her voice resonated through the squares and bazaars. She would now be proud of her country and what it has now been able to accomplish.  If you have some iTunes credit to spare, her "Enta Omree" is as poetic as it is powerful.

The tourists who left recently during the climactic days of the protests did so for their safety, but one of Egypt's main industries is its tourism. I would like to go back to the country one day to visit Alexandria and its libraries, but how soon could or will that happen? My fear is that many outsiders viewed the protests and now will judge the country and want to stay away from history.

Lisbon and Paris

LISBON

Winter break in wintry places usually means snow, delays, and headaches. However, I was one lucky traveler and found Lisbon, Portugual to be the Florida of Europe during the winter holidays. I was excited to visit this city because I had heard about its cost effectiveness compared to its neighboring country, Spain.

I recruited a friend and her sister to join me on this adventure and made the layovers in Paris work to our adventure-seeking advantage. An ideal trip to Lisbon would be at least five days to ensure maximum sightseeing and leaving the city for a day-trip, if possible. Also, tiles for your door would be a perfect yet inexpensive souvenir. 

Due to its coastal location, Lisbon's palm trees and picturesque views make it a great vacation spot for sightseeing and sunbathing. This would even be an ideal city to see after Madrid or Barcelona and compare. Please do not make the mistake of thinking that the Spanish and the Portuguese share a common language and culture. They do not and the Portugueses have no qualms making you cognizant of that fact. Give this county the credit it deserves! 

Main attractions and gastronomic enterprises (of course!):

Castelo de Sao Jorge-Alfama neighborhood

This castle looks like a daunting walk from the Restauradores area; however, a cable car can do the work for you and drop you off at one of the best places to take in the view of this magnificent city. Prepare your camera battery. The castle used to be the residence for Portuguese kings and the cobblestone streets outside the castle remind you of old Europe. 

Cafe Brasileira-Chiado neighborhood

Known as one of Lisbon's grande cafes, Brasileira is the ideal lunch spot after taking in the shops in this district. From the tiled floor to the ornamented walls, it is at least worth a picture. 

Sintra

If you have enough time, Gray Line Tours offers a full-day excursion outside the city cinter to another famous coastal location. Sintra is known as a vacation spot for affluent Portguese and is recognized for its multi-chromatic castle After taking in the city and its accoutrements, Gray Line takes its travelers to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Western Europe. You can greet the Atlantic Ocean before heading back to Lisbon. 

Belem and Pasteis de Belem

Like most of Europe, Lisbon can connect you to many areas with its mass transit. Therefore, Belem is considered a suburb of Lisbon; however, one can take a train and arrive there in about twenty minutes. Visit this area for the Ermida de Sao Jeronimo (monastery) and Museo Nacional dos Coches (Coach museum) before tasting one of the best custard treats ever made. 

While walking around a gift shop one day, my friend noticed a post card that showcased Pasteis de Belem and we knew that it must be good to have its own post card. Of couse, the veracity of the sentiment rang true as we fought for a table as this amazing cafe. Due to a slight language barrier, the waiter somehow new to bring the "pasteis" to us. This pastry does not pale in comparison to any other custard I have tasted. It could have been the combination of its warmth and cinnamon and powered sugar; however, we each ate our share of two each and then waited in line to take more back to the hotel.  Hence, this pastry should be added to Portugal's flag. I tasted others from bakeries once back in the city, but my taste buds wanted nothing to do with those. 

Praca de Comercio-Lisbon's Triumphal Arch

PARIS

Ah, Paris! In the winter, this city can be just as magical as New York. I've never been to this city during the Christmas holidays, and I was immediately reminded of the Home Alone scene that spans the Champs d'Elysee while walking towards this city's famous arch. 

Besides visiting Tour Eiffel and Louvre, one must make its away to Laduree, the famous shop for macaroons. I promise that no matter what the length of the line or the celsius degree of temperature, this iconic shop will soon rid you of any annoyance. You can eat your macaroons and walk around the city while waiting for the Tour Eiffel to dazzle with its lights every hour! 

Your Virtual Tour of Masterpieces

Laduree's Online Goodies

Two Tickets to a Winter Paradise?

Will Work for Macaroons

New York, New York

If I can make it here (after a blizzard), I can make it anywhere (before, during, and after aforementioned blizzard). Thank you, Frank Sinatra, for reminding us about the perpetual charm of the Big Apple. No life is complete without at least one visit to this iconic city. Therefore, if you haven't been here yet, book the flight now.

I visited New York at the end of January and found myself literally knee-deep in snow. My roots are in Brooklyn, so the old stomping grounds of Bay Ride were frozen and covered and smothered in winter's gift. However, a little snow doesn't keep a real New Yorker down. Thanks again, Frankie and the fuel of Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

I usually fly into LaGuardia in Queens and then begin the real adventure. It's possible to find amazing sights in all five boroughs, but most people head to Manhattan for the usual tourist spots. I recently re-discovered Staten Island as the ideal residential side of NYC: close to the city but not the craziness. As a child, I viewed the island as an obligatory rite of passage to the real deal. I take it all back.

Anyway, now that you've purchased that ticket to NYC, here are some gastronomic recommendations. Of course you're visiting for a Broadway show, but travel is not only the sights but also the food.  These are places that I've found to be worth even the plane ticket and the headache of traffic.

Paneantico Bakery, 9124 3rd Ave., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Cannolis? Sfogliatelle? Pignoli Cookies? Oh my! Yes, Paneantico is the destination for those interested in a real Italian bakery. Of course, you could go to the usual Junior's for cheesecake or find some place near Mulberry St. in Manhattan, but Bay Ridge is known as once being an Italian stronghold in the NYC area. Therefore, I trust the bakeries outside Little Italy as well. Paneantico's ideal location on the corner of 3rd Ave. and 92nd St. make it easy to get those delectable Italian goodies. The cookies are fresh and last for days. However, dependent upon your portion, they might last one hour. If you're hungry for lunch, the fried eggplant with mozzarella and balsalmic vinegar is another reason why I will drive out of way and park miles away to go to this bakery. Add a cup of coffee and you're ready to go. Mangia!

Nino's Restaurant, 1110 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island

You can't visit an Italian bakery and not eat at a restaurant, so Nino's is one of my top choices in the NYC area. Again, it's not in your typical tourist area, but this restaurant is a local favorite for parties and gatherings. Its quaint atmosphere provides for stress-free dining. Try the prix fixe menu so you can sample the best of Nino's fare. The eggplant rollatini and filet of sole are probably my all-time favorites; however, I'm an equal-opportunity eater and recommend everything. If you notice the number of Staten Island Italians feasting, you know that you've chosen a place even your own Nana would approve. Mangia!

Bagel and Bean, 1710 Broadway, Manhattan

Not only are you here for the Italian food but also the bagels! This place was recommended to me about two years ago, and I will brave any subway train to get my everything toasted with lox and cream cheese. If you haven't had a bagel like this lately, then my sincere condolences. The whitefish salad can move a breaksfast sandwich into lunch. Pair it with an iced coffee and you're ready to brave anything that New York can throw at you. Yes, even I will skip a Dunkin' Donuts run for Bagel and Bean's iced coffee instead. Yikes.

Central Park--um, what?

Brooklyn, Yours Truly, Dunkin' Donuts, and the euphoria in knowing that a visit to Paneantico is in the near future equals Heaven.