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Dessert – Berthillon Ice Cream

Dessert – Berthillon Ice Cream It was in 1961 that the French restaurant guide Gault Millau wrote about “this astonishing ice cream shop hidden in a bistro on the Ile Saint-Louis.” This article is what brought the ice cream shop to the public’s attention. It is well known that they use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Berthillon is a famous ice cream shop in Paris that has won the hearts of both locals and tourists since 1954. It is located on the charming Île Saint-Louis. Berthillon, renowned for its handmade method, crafts some of the best ice creams and sorbets in the city. Each flavor boasts a unique, rich flavor, thanks to the use of only natural ingredients and the absence of fake ingredients. Every scoop is a medley of flavors, from the rich salted butter caramel to the cool raspberry sorbet. The flavors change with the seasons, so you can always find something new. If you want to remember your time in Paris, walk through the small streets of Île Saint-Louis with a cone of Berthillon ice cream in your hand. It’s the perfect mix of pleasure and the city’s timeless charm. Berthillon is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a cultural icon that represents the beauty and ease of French cooking. Whether it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter, it remains a wonderful place to stop. Keep in mind that chocolate ice cream is always a wonderful idea. Berthillon 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris, France

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Dessert – Angelina in Paris!

Dessert – Angelina in Paris! Established in 1903, Angelina remains one of Paris’s most iconic tea houses, captivating both visitors and loyal customers to this day. Despite being a bit of a cliché, Angelina is a must-visit for those seeking the best hot chocolate in town and an indulgent pastry selection. If you are willing to indulge in a little luxury, be sure to visit during your Parisian vacation—you will not be disappointed. In the summer, expect to patiently wait in line just to get inside (yes, it’s that popular). However, in the winter, not only can you enjoy shorter queues, but you can also savor their famous winter treat—the rich and decadent chocolat chaud. Angelina 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

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Cheap Eats – Otomisan Japanese Comfort Food

Cheap Eats – Otomisan Japanese Comfort Food I first heard about this restaurant on “Take Out with Lisa Ling.“ I made a note to myself to visit the next time I am in Los Angeles. This is a homestyle Japanese cooking restaurant in the Boyle Heights area, established in 1956, and now listed as a historic cultural monument. There is always a long line, so be prepared to wait. Because the space is small, lunch and dinner are always full. Fortunately, I sat at the bar by myself without having to wait. Otomisan is known for its tempura, but they also serve pork katsu curry, oyakodon, and udon noodles. Occasionally, they serve dishes that are not listed on the menu. Unagi donburi was the highlight of the day, and I ordered it right away. When the individual following me attempted to place a similar order, I informed them that I had the final one.   I have to tell you that the Unagi Donburi was out of this world! It just melts in your mouth. The experience brought me back to the time I was in Japan! Otomisan 2506 ½ East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003

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Cheap Eats – Good Mongkok Bakery

Cheap Eats – Good Mongkok Bakery If you are craving authentic, delicious, and affordable dim sum, Good Mongkok Bakery in San Francisco is the place to visit. This spot is a popular Chinese bakery where there’s always a line, even before they open at 7:00 a.m. I’ve been here early to beat the morning rush, but I still wait in line most of the time. One time, I tried a different approach and arrived in the afternoon, only to discover that everything had disappeared. The selection here is consistently fresh and flavorful, and you can’t beat the price. Whether you’re a dim sum enthusiast or just curious to try, Good Mongkok Bakery is worth the wait in line. You can’t go wrong with anything you buy here. They don’t speak English, so I usually just point to what I like.    Good Mong Kok  Bakery 1039 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

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Cheap Eats – Truly Med

Cheap Eats – Truly Med Truly, this is one of our favorite ‘Cheap Eats’ and falafel spots in San Francisco. We’ve been to Truly Med for 30 years and have tried everything on the menu. Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern highly recommend this restaurant. The falafel deluxe wrap is a delectable combination of falafel, hummus, fried eggplant, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and tahini. The taste has remained similar over the years. The rest of the menu is just as good. Shawarma, kabob, baba ghanoush, and dolmas are all must-haves. Our trips to San Francisco usually involve a falafel!  If you choose to visit Truly Med, head two blocks to Clarion Alley to view stunning street art by talented San Francisco-based artists.     Truly Med 3109 16th Street, San Francisco 94103

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Dessert – Gelateria San Crispino

Dessert – Gelateria San Crispino When in Rome, eat GELATO! A travel blog mentioned Il Gelato di San Crispino is the best gelateria in Rome. I ordered a Pistachio, which fully lives up to the honor.  It is the freshest pistachio ice cream I have had. There are no artificial colors; you can tell by the green color. Note: the fresher the ice cream, the faster it melts. On a hot summer day in Rome, make sure you eat fast, or you will be drinking pistachio broth. San Crispino has several locations, and we went to the one nearby; the Trevi Fountain is straightforward to miss since it’s in one of those narrow cobblestone alleys. Just look for the simple blue sign and don’t hesitate if there are no customers. It’s your lucky day. San Crispino Via della Panetteria, 42, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

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Cheap Eats – Moya Ethiopian Food

Cheap Eats – Moya Ethiopian Food Have you had Ethiopian food? If not, this is the perfect place to try your first Ethiopian meal. It was my first time, and the taste experience was excellent. They have vegetarian and meat dishes on their menu. I ordered a vegetarian sampler plate that included spicy red lentils, yellow pea stew, collard greens, and cabbage stew. I was surprised it was delicious, and I loved the flavor of the different spices. Try to get some injera (Ethiopian fermented flatbread); it will go well with any order. Don’t forget to use your hands to eat it properly! It is located in the South of Market (SOMA), between Minna Street and 9th Street—street-metered parking. Moya 121 Ninth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

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Santiago de Compostela Tapas

Santiago de Compostela Tapas Santiago de Compostela offers a culinary adventure rich with the flavors of Galicia, particularly celebrated through its exceptional pintxos and seafood. The city’s pintxos bars are a vibrant part of the food scene, where you can enjoy a variety of creative small plates that showcase local ingredients. These pintxos, crafted with care from jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) to chistorra (a type of sausage), offer a delightful way to sample a range of flavors in a lively atmosphere. A highlight of the seafood experience in Santiago de Compostela is a visit to Mercado de Abastos, the city’s bustling market known for serving some of the finest seafood in the region. Here, you’ll find an impressive array of fresh catches, from pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) to mejillones (mussels) and berberechos (cockles). The market’s seafood stalls and bars serve dishes that highlight the freshness and quality of the local produce, with flavors that truly capture the essence of Galicia. Whether you’re enjoying a perfectly grilled octopus or savoring the briny taste of freshly shucked oysters, Santiago de Compostela’s seafood offerings are a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage and culinary excellence.

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Z and Y Szechuan Restaurant

Z and Y Szechuan Restaurant ZY Szechuan is a top choice in San Francisco for those seeking authentic Sichuan flavors. This vibrant restaurant offers a dynamic and flavorful dining experience, showcasing the best of Sichuan cuisine with its bold, spicy dishes. A standout feature of Zy Szechuan is its hot pot, which delivers a rich, spicy broth brimming with aromatic spices and herbs. The customizable heat level allows you to tailor the experience to your taste, whether you prefer a mild kick or an intense spice. The mapo tofu is another must-try, known for its spicy, numbing sauce and perfectly cooked tofu that absorbs the robust flavors. Don’t miss the dan dan noodles, which offer a delightful mix of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors, and the kung pao chicken, which features tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, spicy sauce with crunchy peanuts. The restaurant’s lively yet relaxed atmosphere provides a wonderful backdrop for enjoying these flavorful dishes, and the attentive service ensures a pleasant dining experience. Zy Szechuan is a fantastic destination for anyone in San Francisco looking to dive into the bold and exciting world of Sichuan cuisine. ZY Szechuan 655 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

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La Bretxa: The Market That Fuels San Sebastian’s World-Class Cuisine

La Bretxa: The Market That Fuels San Sebastian’s World-Class Cuisine Some of San Sebastian’s best-known chefs visit Mercado de La Bretxa’s traditional food market every day to personally choose the meat and seafood they subsequently feature in their restaurants. Farmers and booths selling goods straight from the countryside help the market run as usual. As you enter the market through its historic arches, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and locally salted meats are all present. The stands are brimming with a rich variety of produce and handmade goods, a testament to the area’s abundance. Behind it all, the fishermen proudly display their catch from the Bay of Biscay, a diverse array of fish, including shiny anchovies, squid, and the famous Basque mezuzah. La Bretxa is more than just a market; it’s a living museum of Basque cuisine. The lively chatter of locals as they select the best ingredients for their meals fills the air, creating an immersive experience for visitors. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to delve into the heart of Basque culinary traditions. Here, you’ll often spot chefs from San Sebastián’s famous restaurants carefully handpicking fresh ingredients for the city’s iconic dishes. Locals, too, flock here for traditional txakoli wine, handmade cheeses, and jamón ibérico—the essential ingredients for any Basque cook. And don’t leave without trying some of the world’s best-smoked foods. San Sebastian’s cuisine scene goes beyond a simple pintxos. The market embodies San Sebastian’s deep connection to the sea, the land, and the people. It allows tourists to enjoy more than just the taste of Basque food, offering a comprehensive culinary experience. Click here for pintxos at the La Bretxa Market.   Website: Mercado de La Bretxa

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