Goonies Never Say Die!

Does this look familiar? Since I'm running with the images familiar to the 30-something, then 1985 was a good year for you. I'm pretty sure that I wasn't the only person who has ever had Cindy Lauper's "Goonies are Good Enough" on repeat. And since this is another one of my childhood favorites, I had to go from Paris to Cannon Beach, Oregon to find the Goonies. You can easily get the Oregon Coast after driving for about two hours max from Portland's international airport. However, once in Cannon Beach, you'll never want to take your outbound flight back to Boringville, U.S.A. Besides food and movies, I also love great hotels. I booked a room for three nights at the Stephanie Inn, and this picture was taken from my balcony at sunset. I found the Stephanie Inn while reading Conde Nast Traveler, in which it was on the magazine's Gold List. And trust me, the fireplace in the room along with the yummy scones served every morning made not even want to leave the Inn. The hotel also offers cheese and wine in the afternoon with a nightcap available in the evening. Of course, no stay would complete without watching the movie for the 123213th time (which they provide at the front desk). If you'd like, you can actually take a picture of the house and remember your childhood all over again. To be honest, I even had goosebumps because I couldn't believe it. The owners were very understanding and accommodating since I'm sure I haven't been the first person to take 1,000+ pictures of the "Goondocks."

It Takes Two to Tango (or something like that)

Hey, do you have $140 extra dollars? If so, fly to Buenos Aires and pay the visa fee---NOW! Argentina had always been on my list as exotic and the place where I could learn to tango---or not. Even though I might have two left feet for dancing, there was plenty to see and do while in the Argentine capital. Oh, and since we're talking about the city known as the "Paris of South America" then don't forget about the cuisine. Since many Italian, Spanish, and German immigrants came to this country post-WWI, you can just imagine how eclectic the food can be. However, don't you dare think that Nonna's pasta will be the same. I've found the pasta to be let's say not as "al dente" as many would like, but considering the number of wannabe-Italian restaurants in the States that sell "parmesan," then pasta their way is fine by me.

 

But I didn't go to Argentina for the pasta. I enjoy chasing the local fare, and that means plenty of empanadas, carne, and malbec. I chose to stay at the Plaza Marriott hotel due to its central location that allowed to me explore the adjoining streets for food, tango, and cafe culture. I found Parilla al Carbon "El Establo" while experiencing extreme hunger after an 11-hour flight from Atlanta. And wow, I was not disappointed. The empanadas were absolutely amazing. And let's not forget about the vegetables. Is it me, or do vegetables taste better outside the States? No one has ever served an eggplant as good as the one pictured here.

Now on the beef. Let's face it, you can't be a vegetarian in Argentina. So, pour a glass of Malbec and get that steak knife ready. It's customary to try "bife de lomo" first since it's a ubiquitous menu item. Of course, after ten days, you don't need to worry about a low iron count anymore. And make to sure to leave room for Havanna Alfajores afterwards. These soft cookies filled with dulce de leche make walking the miles back to your hotel worth every single step. And if you're looking for the perfect souvenir for friends and family, you can buy them in boxes. However, they're hard to find in the States and I found a knock-off version once at a gas station near Miami International Airport (PALES IN COMPARISON!!).  And don't worry, that visa fee you paid will allow you to travel to Argentina for ten years, or at least until your current passport expires. 

Je t'aime, Paris! a.k.a. "Kevin, you are what the French call..."

Any 30-something knows how to finish that quote. And yes, one of my main Paris accomplishments was not having the quintessential photo next to the Tour Eiffel. It was making sure that I had a picture of the Champs-Elysees because when I think of Paris, my mind thinks of Home Alone and the screen-shot of this iconic street that switched to the chaotic apartment with "It's a Wonderful Life" playing in French. The Culkins' careers might have been long forgotten, but not the many quotes. So, the next time you go to Paris, make sure "to bring me back something French."

p.s. Yes, I know there is a shot of this street in earlier post from over two years ago, but let's get real. Home Alone really brought me there.