03/31/2024
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
"The Traveling Food Junkies". Just 2 friends looking up and down the US & Canada for the best kept local secrets of those hidden but magnificent eateries.
So if you happen to visit one of our locations, we have taken the guess work out of were to eat. A Yankee and Canuck celebrating travel and sharing their love of new food experiences. One day they will meet up at the same place!
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
When you are in Montego Bay, Jamaica you get…..what else?! Jerk chicken and Red Stripe!
RIU Playa Blanca, Cocle’ Province, Panama
June 2022
You’re flipping through reviews of resorts on social media and travel websites, trying to get a sense of whether a destination is worth visiting or not.
The problem is, everybody has a different opinion (specially if they had unreasonable expectations or were inconvenienced in any way) and you’re no further ahead in confirming your decision.
Here is some good news: This place is TOP SHELF.
“Just the facts ma’am!” - Sergeant Joe Friday from the 1950s TV show Dragnet.
A 10 minute drive from the quaint, quiet Rio Hato airport, this all inclusive resort is clean, clean, clean! The staff is constantly sweeping and mopping every area of the resort, including the outdoor walkway to the beach!
The staff are friendly and accommodating, from the front desk to the restaurant. I had a few maintenance issues during my stay and all were resolved quickly. The restaurant and bar staff always greeted me with a warm smile and “Buenos!”
And the food! Four restaurants did not disappoint. International Buffet (main restaurant), BBQ (at the beach), Asian and Italian. Always fresh ingredients, great presentation, and crisp, attentive service (I love the word crisp to describe service that is on point, a rarity these days).
If I had to choose a favourite it would be the Asian restaurant. From soup to sushi it was thoroughly delicious and the atmosphere quite complimentary. You could easily forget you were at a Panama resort.
The weekend can get a bit loud, as the Panamanians come to enjoy their jewel of a resort for the day or weekends. But if you are not shy, it adds an enjoyable experience to your stay!
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It is often said “home is where the heart is” but I believe home is where your mom is!
Made with love is my mom’s legendary seafood chowder. Shrimp, haddock, lobster, scallops, potatoes and onions, milk, cream and butter, and love. Topped off with pepper and enjoyed with fresh baked rolls.
The Halifax Donair
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, this cousin to the Greek Gyro, consists of pita bread stuffed with spiced beef, tomatoes and onions, and a sweet, creamy sauce.
It is different from a gyro in that a gyro is made with lamb and topped with tzatziki sauce.
I have had two during my time here and will have one more before my trip home to Ontario. Each time I have one it transports me back to my University days when a night of bar hopping was complete without a One O’clock in the morning Donair.
Not sure why they haven’t gained popularity outside of the Maritime provinces, so if you are ever visiting here, make sure you visit Tony’s or King of Donair for this amazing delicacy!
Peggy’s Cove Nova Scotia. No visit is complete without a meal at the Sou’ Wester. The portions are generous and the down home hospitality can’t be beat.
Canadian toonie size scallops wrapped in bacon, the freshest haddock deep fried in the lightest, fluffiest batter on the east coast, finished with a generous slice of ginger cake topped with lemon sauce was the perfect meal after scaling the impressive rock formations against 70 mph winds off the Atlantic Ocean.
Lobster, mussels, clams, chowder, and God forbid, chicken were also available on the menu. There is something for everyone. The gift shop is quite nice also with great ideas for those thoughtful souvenirs.
Rudy’s Sea Grill
Back on the Carnival Mardi Gras for the second time, visiting the places and doing the things I missed the first time.
Rudy’s is hard to reserve, as it is such an intimate venue. What is great about that is it is a nice pause, away from the hustle and bustle.
Dinner for me consisted of a trifecta of amazing presentations, flavours, and textures. You truly have to have ALL of your senses on alert to enjoy this experience fully.
Not pictured (because apparently I don’t know how to post photos AND videos), was a rich and flavourful lobster bisque served in what resembled a giant dinosaur egg (see stories for the video). Beautifully blended so not one flavour overpowered another, it was a great way to kick off the meal.
Next was a serving of mussels served in an engaging, non-traditional bowl. Also delightful, was the white cream sauce, a pleasant departure from white wine or tomato based sauces.
The main course was crab stuffed lobster. OMG!
Being from the East Coast of Canada, I often find lobster over cooked and tough when dining out, specially on a cruise when it’s being ordered by everyone and their dog, multiple orders. This tail was delightfully tender and juicy and the rest of the lobster mixed with crab was a precise balance. No need to drown in butter, just dip your fork and enjoy!
The service of both the wine and the meal were top notch and timely, the server always topping our wine and clearing courses in a perfectly calculated manner. You truly felt special dining there. No rushing, no crowds, and clear tables to fully enjoy the presentation of the meal.
If you book a cruise on the Mardi Gras, book Rudy’s at the same time. You’ll be glad you did. The one who hesitates is lost!
  
Sorry I've been out for a while but been getting things organized with a new move. But my adventures took me back to Nashville during this holiday week and found a great meat and three cafeteria style restaurant. Sweets is a traditional family owned cafeteria style meet in three that has an absolute wonderful choice of different meats vegetables and desserts. If you're looking for great comfort food that's cooked southern style and you have a B in the Nashville area this is the place to go and I promise you will not leave hungry. I opted for the roast beef mashed potatoes with brown gravy and corn. I chose the unsweet tea but if you like the southern style sweet tea they have that as well. I polished off my meal with a nice large piece of chocolate pie that was absolutely delicious. So look them up and enjoy a great meal. http://swettsrestaurant.com/
     
OMG What an experience Just home from sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras.
For those hesitant about cruising, here is my extremely safe experience.
Time at port to time on ship (check-in) 20 minutes. Show proof of vaccine and negative test and you’re on board the ship. No crowds anytime during embarkation process.
Ship capacity 5300 guests. Guests aboard 3900.
AMAZING bars, restaurants and venues!
Breakfast at Emeril’s in the French Quarter is a must! The flavours and decor took me back to my time in Paris where breakfast on the patio became a must each morning.
Another favourite was Tapanyaki. A first for me on a cruise, our Chef was as hilarious as he was talented! The food and knife aerobatics were fun and the food plentiful and delicious. I would mention Chef by name but I had too much sake!
An new twist to try is Chibang! It is a combination Mexican and Asian restaurant. You will delight in pairing Mexican dishes with Asian selections and marvelling at the taste combinations.
At night, hang out with the two Nicholas at the Brass Magnolia. They are talented and funny!
I could go on and on. Pictures do not do this ship justice. Book this trip while most of the specialty restaurants are still free (to the end of the year) and the ship is not at full capacity. You’ll be glad you did.
Time off ship, through customs to parking garage 30 minutes (walking off luggage).
Happy sailing! Mark. .
Just home from sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras.
For those hesitant about cruising, here is my extremely safe experience.
Time at port to time on ship (check-in) 20 minutes. Show proof of vaccine and negative test and you’re on board the ship. No crowds anytime during embarkation process.
Ship capacity 5300 guests. Guests aboard 3900.
AMAZING bars, restaurants and venues!
Breakfast at Emeril’s in the French Quarter is a must! The flavours and decor took me back to my time in Paris where breakfast on the patio became a must each morning.
Another favourite was Tapanyaki. A first for me on a cruise, our Chef was as hilarious as he was talented! The food and knife aerobatics were fun and the food plentiful and delicious. I would mention Chef by name but I had too much sake!
An new twist to try is Chibang! It is a combination Mexican and Asian restaurant. You will delight in pairing Mexican dishes with Asian selections and marvelling at the taste combinations.
At night, hang out with the two Nicholas at the Brass Magnolia. They are talented and funny!
I could go on and on. Pictures do not do this ship justice. Book this trip while most of the specialty restaurants are still free (to the end of the year) and the ship is not at full capacity. You’ll be glad you did.
Time off ship, through customs to parking garage 30 minutes (walking off luggage).
Happy sailing!
Let's change things up a little bit and head back to the mountains of East Tennessee and Dollywood. The location we chose was Aunt Granny's which has been around long time. This location used to be Buffet style but with Covid it changed to the family dinner table. I did have reservations at first but once I got in and learn that everything was served fresh and I was glad to learn the food was a Delicious example of good southern food. You can ask for seconds all you want, and that makes it even better. In addition you get to enjoy all of the park and you have to stay till closing so you can experience the drone laser show and fireworks. . .
A few extra picture of the elk
And for the last treat of the day taking a wrong turn we found a herd of elk. They were about 100 elk in the hurt and if you listen close on the video you can hear the head bug calling his herd together. Also check out the antlers on that head buck absolutely enormous on this beautiful animal.
An a small taste of today Redrock entertainment by the Barefoot Bears
We started heading toward the red rock amphitheater taking us through Golden Colorado and our site was a parasailing couple off the side of the mountain. You just have to stop and watch this for a minute. We continued on up to the amphitheater and it was absolutely a architectural sight to behold. The work, the history of those that have performed, the growth of a few performances inn1908 to where the whole board was completely filled throughout the year. And even during the week we got to actually sit out on the patio and enjoy some local music from a local band out of Colorado Spring. They call them self the Barefoot Bears. We would've enjoyed the grill but the grill was not open so we had to settle for a few cold beverages and music.
Today we took a Northern Colorado Adventure and due to a wrong turn we happened up "The Pub and BBQ. This eatery is in a small tucked away strip mall in Genesee Colorado. The three of us shared three plates consisting of "Burt Ends", "Fried Oakes" and "Potato Skins". The ends were flavorful and delicious The potato skins are full and meaty and had an absolutely wonderful chili sauce with just the right amount of bite. The okra was fried to perfection and it came with a wonderful spice sauce that added to the flavor. In addition this location has a full menu for those who wish to eat larger and had several beers on tap from all local breweries and you had your choice of indoor and outdoor dining. All in all a little out-of-the-way place that's worth a stop if you're in the area looking for elk or Bison watching which is what the area is known for. We did come across a herd of elk which will be in a separate post.
http://geneseepubandbbq.com
Out on a new adventure today looking for a great out of the way place to eat.
Found a Mama Moose and calf today
Today my search for great places to eat takes me to Salina, Colorado and a great treat for your taste buds. Our stop takes us to Amicas Pizza. We enjoyed a great Pepperoni Pizza and spinach salad with corn nuts. You can pick seat that is indoor or outside and just as Salina is that quaint and Western small town of 6000 you get the equal feeling inside the restaurant. They have white water rafting all summer long and it's a big event in Salida they also accommodate skiers in the winter time. So if you're in the area make sure to stop at a Amicas Pizza you'll be glad you did.
Our newest adventure and again in Parker Colorado, the Tailgate Bar and Gill downtown on the square. Great good and drink featuring live music in two venues indoors and out. If you need a place to go while in the area check them out, you'll have A good time. Our night we were able to enjoy Stereo P**n. A great band with a deep genera of music. Make sure to talk with Sal the manager and ask for Alex for your sever, but they are all good and with enhance your good time while there. So go forth and have a good time. . . .
It has been awhile since I posted, but that is because I've been looking for a really good restaurant to post and I have found it. The Parker Garage with a simple menu good food great selection of beer and wine full bar historic and a great atmosphere clean and family friendly. What more could you ask. Located in Parker Colorado 25 miles south of Denver.
Choice of brunch, lunch and dinner. Completely restored to the original garage look. Downtown Parker on the square. Chef based menu and the food junkies as excellent. Surface and atmosphere was excellent. #theparkergarsge .
Working my way through Kanas
A single windmill blade I could stand up in the larger end
Just passing through
Although in the South we call them Pancakes, Flapjacks in Indiana serves up a nice breakfast, and Since I like mine less fluffy, I found this spot to sever the perfect hot morning meal.
Nashville, TN
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Just home from sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras. For those hesitant about cruising, here is my extremely safe experience. Time at port to time on ship (check-in) 20 minutes. Show proof of vaccine and negative test and you’re on board the ship. No crowds anytime during embarkation process. Ship capacity 5300 guests. Guests aboard 3900. AMAZING bars, restaurants and venues! Breakfast at Emeril’s in the French Quarter is a must! The flavours and decor took me back to my time in Paris where breakfast on the patio became a must each morning. Another favourite was Tapanyaki. A first for me on a cruise, our Chef was as hilarious as he was talented! The food and knife aerobatics were fun and the food plentiful and delicious. I would mention Chef by name but I had too much sake! An new twist to try is Chibang! It is a combination Mexican and Asian restaurant. You will delight in pairing Mexican dishes with Asian selections and marvelling at the taste combinations. At night, hang out with the two Nicholas at the Brass Magnolia. They are talented and funny! I could go on and on. Pictures do not do this ship justice. Book this trip while most of the specialty restaurants are still free (to the end of the year) and the ship is not at full capacity. You’ll be glad you did. Time off ship, through customs to parking garage 30 minutes (walking off luggage). Happy sailing!
An a small taste of today Redrock entertainment by the Barefoot Bears #music #Redrock #patio #saintjudehospital #adultbeverages
Our newest adventure and again in Parker Colorado, the Tailgate Bar and Gill downtown on the square. Great good and drink featuring live music in two venues indoors and out. If you need a place to go while in the area check them out, you'll have A good time. Our night we were able to enjoy Stereo Pron. A great band with a deep genera of music. Make sure to talk with Sal the manager and ask for Alex for your sever, but they are all good and with enhance your good time while there. So go forth and have a good time. #parkercolorado #tailgate #tailgatebarandgrill. #stereopron. #music.
Niagara Falls, a place of beauty, history and intrigue. Part 1 The first time you visit Niagara Falls, and you drive into the city to find that there isn’t a lot of wow to your visit. As you drive into the US side and look for parking, you will not see a lot to tell your friends back home. This become even more of prevalent, when you find out that the buildings you were seeing on your drive in turnout to be on the Canadian side. This, in today’s world of Covid-19 limits your visit to the single side and doesn’t allow you the full experience of the park. But not to worry, you will find in a short few minutes your trip will still have a lot to experience and see. We choice to hike and see all the park had to offer, however you can also opt for the trolley ride as well. As you start your hike to the falls, it will take a good 20 minute before you to start to understand what you about to behold, but the best part of walking, beside the exercise, is the gradual build up until you get to the amazement of this wonder of nature, and ask yourself if God had honeymooners in mind as he creation of this feat of nature. As you walk toward your desired destination, you will soon start to hear the sound of falling water in the distance, which grows louder with each step. There will be historical plague along the way and I suggest taking the time to read them if this is your first visit. They provide a lot of insight for what you are about to see. You will see the water start to flow a little faster with each step and you pass by other features of the park, like Rainbow Bridge and you will start to see small short lived rainbows along the way. Equally you will also see the sign of people that live in the area, letting you know the park is alive as expressed in the tagging you will see on the retaining walls and the bridge along you walk. This however doesn’t detour the excitement that is building as the water continues to gain speed as it flows from the in
Plymouth Massachusetts, Home of Plymouth Rock and Salt the Whale Today as our last real day in Maine, our travels will take us to the historical city of Plymouth (also has been known as Plimouth and Plimoth) Massachusetts. This is a place that holds more than a historical place in American history, but a solid foundation of this countries prominence. Many have referred to Plymouth as the first English settlement in The America’s, in actuality, to many Jamestown receives this billing, pre-dating Plymouth by about 30 years. No matter what your position on this topic many be, the historical significance of Plymouth Massachusetts cannot be denied as the Mayflower deliver of the Pilgrims as the first settlement to announce a position of freedom and has become the foundation of The United States. Upon our arrival, our first order of business was to make the departure of the “Whale Watching Cruise”, which due to the heavy “New England Traffic” we were running very close to time (counted in minutes) to making this voyage. Let’s just say we were really pushing the speed limit requirement of both Maine and Massachusetts to make the departure time. We arrived in town with about 20 minutes to spare until we learned of the parking situation. As the two cars searched for parking we became separated, and ended up in two different lots, but were able to merge together and we moved toward the boat that would take us out to sea. As I’m running to hold the boat for the remainder of our group, the leader of the tour met me as let me know I could slow down, that they don’t need a heart attach on the docks, that we were good on time. I guess my 60 years are showing these days. We made the boat, and 5 minutes later, we pushed off. Did I tell you we made it by minutes? The whale-watching trip was very successful. Our crew made up aware of two facts of the trip; 1. They went to an area they do not normally go for whale watching and 2. Our first trip out we