The Traveling Food Junkies

03/31/2024

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

09/08/2022

When you are in Montego Bay, Jamaica you get…..what else?! Jerk chicken and Red Stripe!

07/18/2022

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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04/11/2022

12/31/2021

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.

12/27/2021

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!

12/24/2021

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.

12/19/2021

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!

  

11/28/2021

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/

     

10/01/2021

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. .