Sunday, January 31, 2016

New Orleans: FOODIE's bucket list and where to eat them.

New Orleans is perfect for Gastronomic trips, thanks to the mixture of influences on West-African foundation: French, German, Spanish, Latin American, Vietnam and so much more!

1. Beignets and Cafe au Lait

www.hungrynomad.net
So what it is touristy? That's classic! "Beignets (pronounced "ben-yays") and Cafe au Lait" is perhaps the best breakfast/tea combination of all times! Deep fried square donut which is crunchy at the outside, gooey and soft in the inside, top with generous amount of powdered sugar.
Where to eat: Café du Monde

2. Swamp Animals
Some other food to add to your exotic food bucket list.
Try: Frog legs, goose fat fries, Alligator
Where to eat: French Market, The Delachaise

3. Boudin
Sausage in other word. For a flavor twist, try turtle boudin at Sac-A-Lait.
Where to eat: Cochon Butcher (classic), Sac-A-Lait (turtle)

4. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a Louisiana-Creole dish under Spanish and French influence. It consists of meat and vegetables mixed with rice.
Where to eat:  Coop’s Place

5. Seafood 
NOLA is famous for its fresh and cheap seafood, fresh from the great Mississippi river, cooked various different styles.

Try: Raw oysters, Turtle, Softshell crab, Crawfish, Thin fried catfish, Crabcake
Where to eat: Drago’s (Raw oyster and crawfish), Commander’s Palace (Turtle soup), Mr. B's Bistro (Crabcakes)

6. Po-boys
This is a New Orleans take on classic sandwich, served on po-boy loaf (similar to French bread).
Where to eat: R & O’s (roasted beef), Domilise's (seafood), Guy's (fried shrimps)

7. Muffaletta 
Similar to a focaccia, plus some beautifully sliced meats, cheese and olive salad.
Where to eat: Central Grocery (They created Muffaletta back in 1906 on this very shop on Decatur Street)

8. Gumbo 
image from pinterest
Louisiana traditional soup originating in West-Africa. Try seafood gumbo and make your taste buds scream in delight!
Where to eat: Dooky Chase’s , Galatoire’s

9. Red beans and rice 
Traditionally in New Orleans Monday equal red beans and rice, they simply can't be treated separately. Find out why.
Where to eat: Ya Mama

10. Bananas Foster 
courtesy of blog.albanywoodworks.com
The favorite local dessert. If you think Banana+ nutella is brilliant, try "Bananas+brown sugar + cinnamon+ butter+ rum+ vanilla ice cream+ flame". Everything you ever wanted to see on one plate.
Where to eat: Brennan’s 

11. Snow balls 
New Orleans variation of "snow cone" which is layered with sweetened condensed milk. Expect a line on sunny days.
Where to eat: Hansen’s Sno-Bliz

12. Soufflé potatoes 
courtesy of www.foodandwine.com
An air-puffed soft fried potato dish, traditionally French- Creole.
Where to eat: Arnaud’s

13. Pralines
New Orleans favorite candy made with brown sugar, cream, and pecans!
Where to eat: Loretta's.

14. Tabasco sauce
Do you know that this heavenly hot sauce is a creation of Louisiana? Grab one home if you love everything spicy!



Thank You for Reading! 
Know more about delicious food in New Orleans? Help me expand the list!

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Las Vegas: Which Cirque du Soleil show should I watch?

I've heard about Cirque du Soleil and wanted to catch one of their shows. However, I failed to realize there are 8 Cirque du Soleil productions playing in Las Vegas showrooms on the Strip. I made my decision on the spot upon reaching the half-priced ticket booth with the help of the promoters. Here, I would like to share some insights of each Cirque du Soleil shows with you so that you won't have to make last minute decisions like I just did (although I am happy with my choices)!

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Road Trip: A Rough Guide to Yosemite National Park

@littlemisshappyfeet

Sleep recommendations: 

  • The Ahwahnee for those who are looking for luxurious comfortable rooms.
  • Lodge at the Falls and Curry Village are both popular in-park lodging. 
  • Cabin and RV Campground for a whole new experience!
  • Backpackers Campsite for those who have a tent and sleeping bag.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Road Trip: 3 days in Yosemite National Park

photo credits to Matt Fonceca
It is good to finally be surrounded by refreshing greens after a ride in the Death Valley National Park, Nevada.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Camping in Bear Country: What to do and what to avoid.

image from www.yellowstonepark.com
After our first bear encounter in the Kaibab National Forrest, I spent the whole time of our journey from Death Valley to Yosemite reading articles, blogs and guidelines about bears. Now that I can dub myself an "bear expert" after hours of studying, let me share some useful information I found on the National Park Site and more. (** although I would most probably scream, throw my hands up and run in circle if I ever meet one again.)  

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Road Trip: Bonneville Salt Flat, Utah

@littlemisshappyfeet
This remnant of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville is the next best thing after Uyuni de Salar! We arrived at this magical marshmallow heaven after about 2 hours drive Taking the I-80 highway from Salt Lake City. It reminded me of Pamukkale in Turkey, except for here, it is FLAT!

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Craziest things people do in National Parks

courtesy of nytimes.com
They said people who live on the edge will always get the best view. Will you go on these rides for the possible "Best Views"?

Road Trip: Pacific Coastal Highway 13 Interesting Stops

courtesy of www.inkdryercreative.com
You probably know about the struggles I faced when choosing a route to take: Route 66 or the Highway 1? So now, I finally had it settled: I am taking the Pacific Coastal Highway (a.k.a Highway 1) Road Trip. If you are planning the same route too, this is a rough guide for you:

Friday, January 22, 2016

Road Trip: Arches National Park

@littlemisshappyfeet
The Arches National Park is God's creation at it's best! The landscape of contrasting colors, soaring pinnacles and amazing window arches formations left me in awe.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Tampa: 1 day in Tampa

I stopped by Tampa on my way to Miami, and I'm glad I did.

Tampa Bayshore Boulevard

@littlemisshappyfeet

Road Trip: Visiting Canyonland National Park

photo credits to Matt 
Since the Canyonland National Park is a short drive from the Arches, I thought it would be a great idea to check this one out too. I've heard some good thing about this National Park: beautiful, rugged and underrated , and everything I was looking for.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Monument Valley: 7 different ways to get that Wild West vibe

southwestdesertlover.wordpress.com
Honestly I am not a movie-buff either. But, one could never fail to recognize the "Monument Valley" as it is featured in so many of them, to name a few: "Transformers","The Lone Ranger","Forrest Gump","Doctor Who".

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Road Trip: Bryce Canyon National Park

ig: @littlemisshappyfeet
The moment you enter the Park, you will be given a map of the National Park. Now, it is your choice to visit the visitor center first or to drive straight onto the Scenic Driveway. If you are here for a couple of days, make the visitor center your first stop to find out about Hiking trails and activity offered.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Road Trip: 6 Awesome ways to move around the Zion National Park

reddit

1. Horseback/Mule Riding

Available March through October, a Cowboy-guided horseback ride is for those who want to relax while venture into the canyon. This Tour can be from a half an hour to half a day, your call!

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

ARIZONA: 10 Reasons to visit Page

Planning a road trip in Northern Arizona? While driving along Highway 89, there are so many reasons to pull over! Here are the 10 reasons, why you should include Page, Arizona as a stop:

1. Antelope Canyon

@littlemisshappyfeet

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

ARIZONA- Antelope Canyon: How to visit this most photographed location

The picture perfect moment when sand's running down the rocks.
@littlemisshappyfeet
       Take a look of any travel bucket list. Whether it is the "10 most beautiful places on earth", "10 most surreal destinations" or "50 most unique landscapes", the Antelope Canyon is never left out. Why? You simply have to be here and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Then you will know, why.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

ARIZONA- Grand Canyon: Which Rim is the best

East Rim

grandcanyon.com
Easily accessible from Page, Arizona, this Rim is gaining attention worldwide, featuring the not-a-secret-anymore Horseshoe Bend and the Little Colorado River Tribal Park. The best thing about Horseshoe bend is, there are no entrance fees, no gates, no railings. You can get as close as you want to the edges and take crazy photos holding on to the edges. (at your own risk, of course.)

ARIZONA: 11 different ways to experience the MAGIC in Grand Canyon

photo credit to Matt Fonceca
Excited to tick the Grand Canyon off your bucket list? Not so fast! Planning is crucial for the most memorable trip of the summer, and you won't want to mess things up! Here is a list of "11 different ways to see Grand Canyon" to help you with the planning.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Road Trip: 10 Must have FREE Road Trip apps

1. Road Trippers


This app is introduced to me by my well-travelled travel buddy, Matt during summer 2015. Good for organized plans, saving places to go and accessing guides. There’s also a column for you to leave some useful tips for future traveller. Since that, it is a keeper!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Road Trip: Who should I go with?

Should I do it alone?


Yes, you will have a lot of me-time. You will decide your journey, your time, your decision, your mood, your style. However, it is not as fun as being able to share the incredible view with a bunch of friends! Driving alone is lonely... unless your main aim is "Self- discovery".

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

8 baby steps to Planing a Road Trip?

courtesy of thecanyon.com

Step 1: Know your preference

Do you prefer a scenic route, historical route or a gourmet route?

Monday, January 4, 2016

Road Trip in USA: 7 Hauntingly beautiful scenic route

huffingtonpost.com
It’s road trip season! Since I am in the states now, I won’t miss this opportunity to experience the classic American pastime. The only problem is: Where to go?

Sunday, January 3, 2016

San Francisco: Quick Guide


Before I reach San Francisco, I only have one thing and only one thing in mind: Why is every movie destroying San Francisco???

Friday, January 1, 2016

San Francisco: Best spot to view the Golden Gate Bridge


You are here in San Francisco, looking out to the ocean and the famous bridge featured in so many Blockbuster Movies. It is always the first bridge to collapse during world apocalypse, always the first bridge to run to when one is engaged in a car-chase... even the apes like to swing on this bridge. Seriously! Why is every movie destroying San Francisco?!!

And I know what you are thinking: you want to take your own postcard snapshot of it, spending hours googling online "the best place to view the Golden Gate Bridge". I understand that, been there, done that.