November 30, 2011

Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii: Big Island Candies; things to do

585 Hinano St., a few blocks from the airport, Hilo, (800) 935-5510, (808) 935-8890. Daily 8:30–5.

You can watch workers through big windows here as they make yummy chocolates and cookies. The macadamia nut shortbread cookies dipped in milk or white chocolate are simply THE BEST. And don’t miss your chance to taste chocolate-covered cuttlefish, called “ika.” Though it is tempting to pronounce that “ick-ah,” this delicacy actually tastes quite good.





More things to do on the Big Island.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

 

November 28, 2011

Cuzco, Peru: Hotel Monasterio; hotel review

Hotel Monasterio  

Calle Palacio 136, 1 blk. from Plaza de Armas, 800-223-6800, +51 84 60 4000.

Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco, Peru
Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco, Peru


Converted from a Spanish monastery built in 1592, the magnificent Hotel Monasterio features weathered stone arches sheltering the halls and original religious paintings decorating the walls. At hotel check-in we were offered coca tea, which eased our discomfort from the altitude. In the morning we feasted at the buffet in the cheery golden breakfast room of the El Tupay Restaurant, drinking electric-colored fruit juices and sampling tasty local Kiwicha biscuits and Andean cheese; Inca dinners are held here on Saturday.

November 25, 2011

Favorite snack foods in the U.S.



Favorite snack foods in the U.S.

Zagat lists some favorite snack foods in the U.S. Let's open that list up to the world. What is one of your favorites?


More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

November 23, 2011

Unusual hotels around the world


Unusual hotels around the world

Bored? Book a few nights in Canada's Ice Hotel.


More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world

November 21, 2011

Berlin, Germany: Hasenecke + Currywurst; restaurant review

Currywurst 

is one of Berlin’s most famous and beloved dishes. It is said to have been “invented” in the late 1940s and became popular with construction workers rebuilding the city.

currywurst served at Hasenecke cart in Berlin, Germany
currywurst served at Hasenecke cart in Berlin, Germany


Hasenecke  

Savignyplatz, 0173/233 9997.

This cheery little currywurst cart is near this S-Bahn station. At Hasenecke the wurst is cut in pieces, sprinkled with curry powder, and topped with a sauce. Fries are available either with ketchup or mayo. It is the favored fast food of Berliners and makes a great meal to take back to your hotel.



image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 19, 2011

Berlin, Germany: Jewish Museum Berlin/Jüdisches Museum Berlin; things to do

Jewish Museum Berlin/Jüdisches Museum Berlin 


Europe's largest Jewish museum is housed in a stunning zinc-plated building nicknamed "the silver lightning bolt." Interior spaces are intended to disorient visitors, and the empty Holocaust Void in the center represents the world’s great loss from that event. Still, the Jewish Museum Berlin/Jüdisches Museum Berlin  can at times feel cozy. Exhibits center on Judaism and Jewish life, the Holocaust, and the post-World War II rebuilding of Jewish life in Germany.

exterior of Jewish Museum Berlin/Jüdisches Museum Berlin in Germany
exterior of Jewish Museum Berlin/Jüdisches Museum Berlin in Germany




image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 17, 2011

Take a look at the Mount Everest Panorama

Take a look at the Mount Everest Panorama


This Mount Everest Panorama saves a lot of money and a very long, difficult trek to the top of the world's highest mountain!




More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.



November 16, 2011

Berlin, Germany: MUSEUM ISLAND/Museumsinsel; things to do

MUSEUM ISLAND/Museumsinsel 


A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, the MUSEUM ISLAND/Museumsinsel museum enclave is bordered by the River Spree and Kupfergraben. It consists of five state museums with world-class collections ranging from classical antiquities to 20th-century paintings and sculpture.


Bode-Museum Monbijoubrucke  

030-266 3666. 

Long closed for restoration, the grand Bode-Museum Monbijoubrucke is now open with enlarged exhibits, better lighting, and more viewer-friendly exhibitions. The interior itself is as interesting as the collections, with two spectacular dome rooms, marble floors, high ceilings, colorful walls, and large windows providing lovely views to outside. Sub-collections include the Museum of Byzantine Art (displays of early Christian sarcophagi, Coptic and Byzantine sculpture, icons, and even gravestones dating from the 3rd through the 18th century), the Sculpture Collection (exhibits magnificent pieces from ancient churches and monasteries, including a 1490 sandstone pulpit support by Anton Pilgram carved in the shape of a medieval craftsman. The Numismatic Collection/Coin Collection is exceptional.

exterior of Bode-Museum Monbijoubrucke in Berlin, Germany
exterior of Bode-Museum Monbijoubrucke in Berlin, Germany




image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

November 14, 2011

NYC: Strand Book Store; things to do

Strand Book Store  

828 Broadway/12th St., near Union Square, 212-473-1452.

interior of the Strand Book Store in NYC
interior of the Strand Book Store in NYC


Founded in 1927 by the Bass family, which still owns it, the beloved old-timer Strand Book Store is now run by the third generation. This New York legend offers "18 miles of books," including used books for a buck, new best sellers, rare books and collectibles in every price range, and an entire floor of art books. The rare books collection is the largest in town and includes signed editions. You never know what you might find on the shelves. It's as much a scene as it is a bookstore; last time I visited I witnessed a woman of a certain age pushing a baby stroller holding three yappy dogs. The Logo t-shirts and bags make great souvenirs.

November 11, 2011

Brentwood, California: Le Pain Quotidien (CLOSED); restaurant review

Le Pain Quotidien  

CLOSED  11702 Barrington Court/off Sunset, (310) 476-0969.  $$.

Le Pain Quotidien in Brentwood, California
Le Pain Quotidien in Brentwood, California


Breakfast choices at this cog in the global chain of bakery cafes include scrumptious fresh French pastries, an assortment of omelettes, and more.

coffee at Le Pain Quotidien in Brentwood, California
coffee at Le Pain Quotidien in Brentwood, California


My favorite is the Petit Dejeuner that includes a basket of breads and a croissant, plus coffee French-style in a bowl and orange juice; I always also add on a boiled egg.  Lunch brings on imaginative Belgian open-faced sandwiches, soups, and salads.  Le Pain is known for their delicious desserts and housemade breads as well as their line of condiments (spicy harissa sauce) and jams (I love the dark Montmorency cherry and the apricot), and all can be packed up to carry home.  A central communal table is popular with solo diners.  This branch might provide good star-spotting opportunities.  I say “might” because I am pretty sure, but am not positive, that I spotted Johnny Depp and Samuel L. Jackson here.



More things to do in Brentwood.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


images c2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated November 6, 2018

November 9, 2011

Santa Monica, California: Blue Plate; restaurant review

1415 Montana Ave., (310) 260-8877. B-L-D daily; $.

At this bright and cheery spot you’ll find big windows, table-and-chair seating, and a simple menu. Breakfast at Blue Plate is frittatas, scrambles, pancakes, and smoothies, and at lunch you can choose from healthy sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, and soups. And after, there’s great shopping along Montana.



More things to do in Santa Monica.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.


image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 7, 2011

Ravenglass, England: World Owl Centre; things to do

World Owl Centre


The World Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle has one of the world’s finest collections of these creatures. More than 40 species are on view.

owl at World Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass, England
owl at World Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass, England



More things to do in England.

Watch owls via webcam.

More owl items.

More castles.

More ideas for exploring Europe.


image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 1-14-18

November 4, 2011

Pacific Palisades, California: Mick's Cafe (CLOSED); restaurant review


Mick’s Cafe  

CLOSED  859 Swarthmore Ave., (310) 454-0090. B-L-D + afternoon tea daily; $-$$.

This cute, narrow, cottagey space is a series of small outdoor patio areas. Breakfast includes pastries, panini, and omelettes. Lunch is sandwiches (both the fried egg and the BLT are very good), soups, and salads--including a delicious house salad made with nuts and Feta. In the evening, candles light the tables, small lights twinkle, and blankets and heat lamps are available, and the menu includes “around the world pizzas” and a variety of entrees.







November 2, 2011

NYC: Pongsri Thai Restaurant; restaurant review

106 Bayard St./Baxter St., 212-349-3132.

Opened 25 years ago in 1972, Pongsri Thai Restaurant is the oldest family-run and -operated Thai restaurant in NYC. Easy intro dishes include Pad See Ew (a noodle-vegetable dish) and Pra Ram (chicken and broccoli mixed with a curry-coconut-peanut sauce), but plenty more exotic options are available.

Columbus Park 

is across the street on former swamp land (you can see it out the window).  It is in the Five Points neighborhood depicted in the movie “Gangs of New York.”  Once ridden with disease, this 5-year-old square of green is the venue now for tai chi, Chinese opera, chess, fortune-telling, and quick repairs of watches and shoes.  On nice days, men bring out their caged birds and hang them in trees—just like they do in China.  


More NYC attractions.

More NYC restaurants.

image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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