#but also i’m italian and i grew up eating traditional and authentic italian foods which is a loooooot of lightly seasoned veggies n like

[inkykeiji]

youre so funny cause I eat scrambled eggs with ketchup for dinner like every night and my brother does nottttt understand how I dont need toast, bacon, cheese, garlic, spices and all that. im like leave me and my terrible stomach issues alone!!!!!

LITERALLY THO!!!!! omg get out i love scrambled eggs and ketchup!!! i love ketchup in general but i don’t eat like, hamburgers at all or anything you’d put ketchup on regularly other than eggs so hehehe c; i use them as an excuse to eat an obscene amount of ketchup (*/ω＼*) but yeah i eat a lot of steamed veggies with hot sauce, vegetable soups, and balsamic vinegar salads! those are pretty much my main meals and then i’ll snack on fruits, nuts & dark chocolate all throughout the day!

honestly i get a lot of comments on the way i eat very similar to ur brother and i genuinely think it is so fucking rude to comment on someone else’s food or eating habits >.>

[iwillhaveamoonbase]

Love at First Bite

Rayla is taken by a client to eat at the Italian-Korean fusion place in town and falls in love with the food, and later, the chef.

-------------------------------------------------

Rayla smiled at her client as they waited for their server to come.  Her boss had told her that they had to keep the contract with the client’s company no matter what, and if that meant going to a Korean-Italian fusion restaurant that would probably be too spicy for Rayla’s Scottish, fried-food-loving taste buds, so be it.  The client, Ms. Danvers, had been hyping the restaurant up all evening.  “You said you like potatoes?  This place as amazing kimchi-style potatoes and potato pancakes.”

Rayla nodded.  “My grandmother is Irish and there are always potatoes cooking in her house.”  Rayla subtly looked around the dining room. The walls were mostly white with a few panels a beautiful red.  There was artwork on the walls, ranging from sceneries to portraits.  They all looked to be done by the same artist but Rayla couldn’t place a name to them.  The air was warm and smelled of spices and herbs and cheese.  Rayla could see a row of cheeses on one of the shelves.  “Do they use a lot of cheese here?”

“Korean food pairs wonderfully with cheese.  There’s a rumor that all the vegetables here are from the local farmer’s market as are most of the cheeses.  It’s fusion, but it’s as domestic as possible, too.”

“You’ve really been talking this place up.”

Ms. Danvers flushed.  “It’s my favorite restaurant.  I come here for lunch once a week and get take-away whenever I’m having a bad day.  This place is known for Korean-Italian fusion, but they make a delicious Thai laksa and a vegetarian Tom Yum that is to die for.”

“Really?”  Rayla didn’t know that much about Asian food, but she knew that Tom Yum was common in Thai eateries.

“The chef is a quarter-Thai and a quarter-Korean, his grandparents being from Thailand and South Korea.  He knows the flavors well and plays with them, but when he goes authentic, he’s the best in town.  He will also make almost any dish vegetarian if you request it.”

“How accommodating.”

A server came up, a smile on their face.  “Good evening and welcome to Sarai’s Place.  Any wine to start this evening?”  Rayla shook her head, surprised when Ms. Danvers asked for Thai iced tea for the both of them.  “And what can I get started for you?”

“Ms. Burrows?”

Rayla looked down at the menu again.  “Hmm.  I’m not sure what to get.  I don’t have a very high spice tolerance.”

The server nodded.  “Scale of 1 to 10?”

“Maybe a three.”

“Do you like kimchi?”

“Never had it.”

“Then I recommend trying the kimchi potatoes, if you like potatoes, or the risotto, which features chopped kimchi, sesame oil, and garlic.  The chef makes two kinds of kimchi, one mild and one spicy, so he’ll use the mild for you.  For the main dish, if you enjoy cheese, a pasta dish that has mussels, a Korean chili paste and tomato sauce, and fresh parmesan.  Everything that can be local, is local and if you eat vegetarian, the mussels will be taken out and instead you will get mushrooms.”

“My grandmother is Irish so I’m very snobbish with my potatoes.”

“I would rate his potato pancakes a ten.  He takes the traditional Korean recipe and adds parmesan cheese and some rosemary and its cooked with the house chili oil, so when you cut into it, it’s cheesy and subtly spicy.  The house chili oil is made with both gochugaru and the type of dried chilis usually used to make olio di peperocino.”

“I’ll go with the pancakes and the mussels pasta you suggested.”

“Excellent choice.  And for you?”

Ms. Danvers smiled.  “Did he make Tom Yum or laksa today?”

“Laksa.”

“I will take a bowl of laksa while Ms. Burrows is eating her pancakes and I will also take the mussels pasta.  Can we also get an order of garlic bread?”

“Of course.  I’ll get your Thai iced teas ready.  Anything else today?”

“What’s the dessert of the week?”

“Since it’s summer, mango pudding, Thai coconut pudding, and strawberry-lime cheesecake.”

“We’ll each take a slice of the strawberry-lime cheesecake.”  The server nodded and walked away after reading back the list.  “I hope you don’t mind me ordering dessert for you, but he only makes that cheesecake when the strawberries are in their peak season and it’s worth it.”

Rayla nodded.  “No problem, Ms. Danvers.  I wouldn’t really know what to order otherwise.”

They chatted while they waited, pausing when the garlic bread came to the table.  Rayla had been expecting the kind of garlic bread Americans seemed to adore, buttery and almost artificially garlic-y.  Instead, they got small, fresh loaves that had pieces of roasted garlic and thyme baked into it, served with the house chili oil and garlic that had been cooked until it spread like butter on the bread.  Rayla was impressed with the flavor and how the pieces of garlic were not overpowering.

When the potato pancakes came, Rayla could smell the spice but trusted the server had not led her astray, eyeing her glass of Thai iced tea just in case.  One bite and she was in heaven.  The cheese and the heat from the chili only enhanced the potato flavor as did the light smattering of soy sauce and vinegar-based sauce.  Rayla almost ignored Ms. Danvers when the pasta came, inhaling the dish.  At the end of the meal, once the excellent cheesecake had been finished, Rayla was in love with the food.  “Well, Ms. Danvers, I suppose I should be thanking you for introducing me to my new favorite restaurant.”

Ms. Danvers chuckled.  “It’s good, isn’t it?”

“I would marry the chef in a heartbeat if I got to eat like this every day for the rest of my life.”

-----------------------------

Rayla brought all her clients and her coworkers to Sarai’s Place in the following months.  She tried almost everything on the menu, though she was still mildly terrified of the spiciness of the laksa if the smell alone was anything to go by.  Every Monday and Thursday, she got take-away and ordered the dessert whenever she ate in on Saturdays.  She was thankful she was single or else she would have to come here every week with someone and she liked dining alone in the quiet restaurant.

Sometimes, they played classical music, other times K-pop, and Rayla would always remember the night they had played an opera medley when several people with the Katolis Opera Company had dined that night.  The chef seemed keenly aware of who came to his restaurants at what dates and times and played music to fit their tastes but also made sense with the theme.

It was a popular spot with not only Foodies and high school kids, but a lot of Asian-Americans dined there.  Rayla had looked up the reviews and had seen it was highly recommended by the Katolis Korean and Thai communities, the Katolis restaurant circles, and the Commission for the Promotion of Local Ingredients and Farmer’s Markets.  No one said anything bad about Sarai’s Place without at least ten people defending the restaurant’s choices.

And now Rayla was sitting with her boss, Ahling Patel, and having to stop herself from inhaling the food in front of her.  The risotto was so satisfying and paired with chicken breast stuffed with kimchi, perilla, and ricotta.  “What do you think, Mr. Ahling?”

“It’s delicious.  I’ve always felt that fusion was a gimmick, but I’m sold by this young man’s food.  Young lady,” Ahling called the server, smiling good-naturedly when she nodded at him and finished up with her current customer.  When she came up to their table, she greeted them again.  “Is there anyway we can speak to the chef?”

The server blinked before nodding.  “I’m sure I can arrange it.  Dinner service is almost over and there are only you and two other tables.  Can I bring you dessert while I’m talking to him?”

“What do you recommend?”

“Our pastry chef made yakgwa, which are little honey pastries made with pine nuts, ginger, and sesame oil and they also made a yuja polenta cake and a play on Italian lemon cake, but with yuja.”

Rayla ordered the yakgwa and Ahling got the polenta cake and waited for the news.  Rayla couldn’t recall having ever seen the chef even though she came there at least twice a week, closer to three.  She hadn’t seen any pictures of him, either, surprisingly enough.  He was said to keep to himself and shunned the limelight, which is why he never made TV appearances.

A few minutes later, it wasn’t their server, but a man who looked be about 26 arriving with their desserts.  His green eyes were striking, as were his cheekbones and sharp jawline.  He gave them both an awkward smile as Rayla noticed his ring finger was bare and didn’t seem to have a tan line.  Was this the chef?  His coat would seem to say so.  “Nice to meet you both.  I’m Callum Evans, the owner and executive chef here at Sarai’s Place.”

Ahling smiled.  “It’s nice to meet you, young man.  I’m Ahling Patel and this is my employee, Rayla Burrows.”  Rayla nodded her head in acknowledgement.  “Your food is delicious.  How on Earth do you even think of this?”

The young man flushed, looking down at his feet.  “Um, I’m not that special.  Many people before me found that Korean and Italian food go well together.  Most of my recipes are riffs on family recipes and all my Thai dishes are family recipes.  I was originally going to go traditional Korean or Thai but there were no fusion places in the area and I’m part Irish and German on top of being a quarter-Thai and a quarter-Korean.  It felt…right, I guess.  I’m mixed and grew up with a variety of food cultures in my house, so why not do fusion?  Korean and Italian just made the most sense, so…”  He looked embarrassed at the praise, rubbing the back of his neck.

Rayla leaned forward a bit.  “I’ve eaten here at least twice week for the past six months.  I can tell you, without a doubt, it’s my favorite place to eat.”

“Thank you.”

Ahling cleared his throat.  “Are you single, Mr. Evans?”

Callum flushed even deeper.  “Ah.  Yes.  Being a chef requires long hours and running a restraint requires even more.”

“You need a good partner to help you find balance in your life!”

Rayla remained quiet as she watched them talk.  The only thing going through her mind was ‘I’m going to marry this man for his food.  I’ll eat well for the rest of my life.’  She stayed when Ahling said good night and while the restaurant emptied out.  Callum stayed at the table, fidgeting under her gaze.  “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“A date.”

Callum blinked.  “We have a sticky rice made with dates-”

“No.  A romantic excursion.  An outing.”

He gulped, looking her up and down.  “A date?  Really?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I fell in love with your food almost immediately after I tasted it and would like the chance to know the man who cooks it.”

Callum blushed.  “OK.”  They exchanged info and Rayla smirked as she left with his number in her cellphone.  There was no way she would be letting this one go.

------------------------------------------

After four months of dating, Rayla could confidently say that she was now just as in love with Callum the man as she was with his cooking.  Learning that his restaurant was named after his mother who died when he was in high school had endeared him to her, as had the knowledge that all the art on the walls were his paintings.  Was there anything he couldn’t do?

They were currently in Callum’s kitchen, him developing a new recipe while Rayla took down notes for him.  Even on his days off, he was always thinking about what he would do next and Rayla admired his passion to his craft.  When he brought her up to try the dish, she groaned.  “I will marry this man if it’s the last thing I do,” she muttered.

“I can hear you, you know,” Callum chuckled.

Rayla raised a brow.  “Then why haven’t you accepted my proposal?”

“Because you proposed to my food?”

“I hardly see the difference.”  Callum laughed at her, shaking his head.  “Hey, move in with me.”

“We’ve been together for four months.”

“Is that a problem?  Too short?”

Callum stared at her.  “You’re serious.”

“I told you; I fully plan on marrying you to eat your cooking ‘til the day I die.”

“So, it’s my cooking you love?”

“When have I hidden this?”  Rayla reached for his hand, pulling him closer.  “I’m serious.  Move in with me.”

“Why?”

Rayla shrugged.  “I’m happy when we wake up next to each other.  I like the idea of coming home to you or you coming home to me.  I don’t like sleeping alone, and, for the past month, the two of us have been alternating sleeping at each other’s places and it doesn’t make sense to pay rent on two places when we could be happy together?”

“That and I’m the only person willing to put up with your stubborn ass.”

Rayla gave him a mock offended looking, giving his arm a playful smack.  “You love my stubborn ass.”

“I do.”  Callum leaned down and captured her lips, letting her taste the dish he had been working on for the past hour.  When they pulled apart, he looked down into her eyes with his bright green ones.  “I think I love you.”

“That’s good, because I think I love you, too.”

Rayla would take that for now.  And in two years, when she would be standing next to him in front of their new house, matching rings on their fingers, and a very pregnant belly, she would remind him that he had his food to thank for their relationship.  “I fell in love with your food first.”

“I’m glad you did, because you kept coming back.”

“Lucky you.”

“Lucky me.”        

[aion-rsa]

Pixar, Italian Style: Why Luca is Set in 1950s Italy

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Pixar movies have been set in all kinds of places: a coral reef, a closet full of toys, and the inside of the human brain are just a few examples of such creative flights of fancy. But with Luca, the original new fantasy coming from the fabled studio that will stream exclusively on Disney+ next month, director Enrico Casarosa and the filmmaking team have ventured into an exotic new locale: Italy during the 1950s.

Luca is the charming story of two young friends, Luca and Alberto (voiced by Jacob Tremblay and Jack Dylan Grazer respectively), who spend a delightful, seemingly carefree summer in a small town named Portorosso on the Italian Riviera, doing the kinds of things young boys in Italy do: riding Vespas, eating pasta, and seeing what kind of mischief they can get up to. But Luca and Alberto are not your run-of-the-mill boys. They’re sea monsters who can take on human form on dry land but must keep their true natures a secret from the townspeople they meet and interact with.

“What seemed pretty quickly relatable is feeling a little bit out of place or feeling a little bit like you’re not fitting in,” says Casarosa, who has been with Pixar since 2002 and made his directorial debut with the Oscar-nominated short “La Luna” in 2021. “You’re looking for who you are. So when we started thinking about the metaphor of having to look a certain way, but to have a whole hidden identity as a sea monster, it felt very true to the uneasiness of that time.”

While Casarosa says that the friendship between Luca and Alberto is “at the heart of the story” — and is based on his own real-life friendship, which endures to this day — the setting is equally important. “The setting felt true to a story of sea monsters, just because it’s kind of part of the sea and so present in that land. I remember moving to San Francisco and being so happy because I felt like that the bay is present here.”

Casarosa spent his childhood in the Italian port town of Genoa, right on the Riviera and the main inspiration for the setting of Luca. Another major inspiration was Cinque Terre, a stretch of five fishing villages in the province of La Spezia that are nestled among the Liguria region’s rugged cliffs, and are known for the area’s most famous export: pesto sauce.

The director says that he managed to sneak in some details from his hometown of Genoa into the village in Luca, which is situated in the Liguria region. “We’re putting a little Genoa in,” Casarosa confesses. “We wanted as much focaccia in this movie as possible. Focaccia is our bread… I have so many little details where I’m like, ‘Oh, this one is very specific and people in Liguria would probably understand.’ It’s a wonderful area of the world.”

Casarosa adds that he and the Luca production team had a specific goal in mind when it came to setting the movie in the Liguria region and drawing on its many traditions.

“We want to take people in an authentic way to a place,” he explains. “I’ve a lot of pride as an immigrant. I think the further away you are from your roots, the more you appreciate them, and honestly making films has really become my way to embrace my roots as much as possible.”

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While based in many ways on his own childhood, Luca does differ from Casarosa’s real life in one important way (well, two, since, as far as we know, he’s not a sea monster). Casarosa experienced his childhood during the 1980s, while the movie is set firmly in the 1950s, with all the period detail one might expect from that era in that part of the world.

“I think maybe because of the tube socks, the ‘80s seemed less interesting to me,” says Casarosa with a laugh when asked about the choice to set the film in the 1950s. “I grew up in the ‘80s. Nowadays the 80s are quite popular. But I feel it goes to the inspiration of the wonderful music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, the inspiration of the design of all the vehicles… It really was an aesthetic, beauty and a musical choice, and then a timelessness. When you go to an older era, it can feel a little more timeless.”

The little details of the era can be found in all kinds of corners of the movie, including the movie posters for films like Roman Holiday and La Strada, just two examples of the classic filmmaking era surreptitiously on display.

“It was after, first of all, a period that I love,” affirms Casarosa when asked whether the films of the era influenced his own. “So part of it is just my love of that golden era of film and cinema in Italy. I love the music in all these coming-of-age stories of summer. Music is a huge, huge part of a movie — I just love the music of the ’50s and ’60s in Italy, so we’re using a lot of that. And then the design, the old Vespas, the old, little cart-bicycle, I just love the sense that this has an old feel.”

Even the central conceit of the story — the idea that these two boys, Alberto and Luca, are actually sea monsters pretending to be human — was influenced in some ways by local legends along the Riviera. “There are a few different ones,” says Casarosa. “There is a wonderful town close to Cinque Terre that has, for example, a legend of a helpful octopus that rang the bell when the pirates were coming. I always found it fascinating. But you visit the place, the bell and the church are right on the sea. So you can see why people would think an octopus can definitely walk out and ring the bell.”

All of this — from the movie posters to the little Vespas buzzing around the streets to the food and more — extends the idea in Luca that the setting is almost a character itself, and that even an animated film can transport you for the first time to a distant new place, whether it be the Great Beyond or a quaint yet beautiful little riverside village in Italy, with as much authenticity as possible.

“We want to tell the real story, we want it to be authentic,” says producer Andrea Warren. “Obviously Enrico was a resource of a lot of that, but we did also create what we call a Pixar culture trust, which includes different folks from that area. It was really wonderful to hear a little bit of a different perspective on what authenticity means… we really appreciated all of that advice and input to create the best and the most authentic version that we could of Portorosso.”

Luca premiers exclusively on Disney+ starting on June 18.

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[charllieeldridge]

15 Things To Do in Boston: Top Activities and Attractions

Boston is one of the oldest and most famous cities in the United States. There’s no shortage of historic Boston attractions to visit, making this an incredible travel destination. If you’re planning a trip there but are unsure of what to do in Boston, read on for a look at some of the best things to see and do.

Dating back to 1630, Boston holds an important place in American history. The city was founded by Puritan colonists who were fleeing religious persecution in England. Much of the American Revolution unfolded here, including crucial events such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. 

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the biggest city in the area known as New England. It has several nicknames, including “The City on a Hill” and “Beantown.” Baked beans and bread were a very common dish back in colonial times, and the name stuck — well, with tourists, not so much with the locals!

Here you’ll find an abundance of historical sights, world-class museums, beautiful parks, and much more. With so much going on in one city, it can be a bit tricky deciding what to do in Boston.

I really enjoyed my visit to the city and am excited to share my tips and all the best things to do on a trip to Boston. 

1. Freedom Trail – topping the list of things to do in Boston!

One of the top Boston attractions is the Freedom Trail – a 2.5 mile-long walk that takes you to some of the most famous places in the city. Along the way, you’ll pass by 16 different historic sights, from the Boston Common all the way to the USS Constitution.

If you’re new in town and don’t really know what to do in Boston, just hop on the Freedom Trail and take in some of the sights. There’s so much to see and learn along the trail that you could easily spend all day or even a few days taking it all in. 

Going for a walk on the Freedom Trail in Boston is like being inside of a history book. You’ll see the site of the Boston Massacre, the former home of Paul Revere, and the final resting place of such patriots as John Hancock. 

It’s quite easy to do a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail. I recommend starting at the Visitor Center in Boston Common and moving along at a leisurely pace. Just click here for a PDF map that you can follow.

If you’d prefer the insight of a local guide dressed in traditional 18th-century garb, you can sign up for one of the popular Freedom Trail tours. Click here to browse the options and book your tour.

2. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

History buffs will definitely want to add a visit to the Tea Party Ships & Museum to their list of things to see in Boston. It’s an interactive museum that allows you to experience this historic event as if you were living it.

The Boston Tea Party is believed to be one of the most important events leading up to the American Revolution. Colonists boarded British ships in the harbor and tossed chests full of tea overboard in protest. They were known as the Sons of Liberty and their famous rallying cry was “No taxation without representation.”

At the museum, your guide will lead you through a colonial town meeting and then onto an authentically restored ship to actually dump boxes of tea into the harbor. After that, you can peruse their informative exhibits and check out the impressive multi-sensory documentary called “Let it Begin Here.”

You can find the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum at 306 Congress Street (click here for directions). It’s open daily from 10-4 or 5 depending on the season. Tickets cost around $30 for adults and $22 for children. Click here to learn more and to book tickets online. 

3. Fenway Park

There’s no doubt that Boston is one of the best sports cities in the world. Bostonians are very passionate about their teams, especially the Red Sox. The Sox play at Fenway Park, which is the oldest ballpark in the country. It dates all the way back to 1912 and is even on the National Register of Historic Places.

Catching a game at Fenway Park is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Boston. That is if you can manage to score tickets! It’s one of the smallest ballparks in the league and home to the reigning World Series champions. I recommend going for a day game on a weekday for the best chance of getting decent seats at a reasonable price.

Even if you don’t get to see the Sox play, it’s well worth it to take a tour of Fenway Park. It’s known as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” and a fascinating place to visit. You’ll get to see the famous Green Monster and Pesky’s Pole and learn all about this iconic sports venue. 

There are several different options for tours of Fenway Park, even on game days. You can purchase tickets online up to 30 days prior, and they are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tours last one hour and cost $21 for adults or $15 for children. Click here to browse the options and book your tour of Fenway.

Check out the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and much more in our video tour.

4. Duck Tour

If you’re wondering what to do in Boston that’s fun for the whole family, you should be sure to sign up for a duck tour. I’m not talking about the birds that quack, though. This “duck” is an amphibious vehicle that can cruise on both land and sea. 

After boarding the duck, your group is whisked around Boston for a fun and informative tour of the city and its many landmarks. From there, you get to splash into the Charles River to enjoy some fantastic views of the skyline.

Duck tours last around 80 minutes and depart from either the Museum of Science, Prudential Center, or the New England Aquarium. Tours leave every 20-30 minutes throughout the day. Click here to book tickets.

5. Boston Common and Public Garden

I know I mentioned it in the blurb about the Freedom Trail, but Boston Common definitely deserves its own spot on this list of things to see in Boston. Dating all the way back to 1634, this is actually the oldest city park in the country!

Before you get moving along the Freedom Trail, be sure to spend some time walking around Boston Common. During the summer, you can cool off in the Frog Pond. In the cold winter months, it transforms into an ice-skating rink. 

Boston Common also hosts several different events and festivals throughout the year. You can check out Shakespeare on the Common in the summer for some outdoor theater, or see the ice sculptures and fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. 

Walk across Charles Street and you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Boston Public Garden. Here you can enjoy a scenic stroll or jump in a swan boat for a spin around the lagoon. Click here to check the location on the map and get directions.

6. Faneuil Hall – a great place to eat and shop in Boston

After a few hours of walking the Freedom Trail and taking in the sights, you’ll surely be ready to grab some lunch and sit down for a while. The perfect place to go is Faneuil Hall, a marketplace full of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Historic Faneuil Hall is known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” as it was once home to the meetings that eventually led to the American Revolution. It’s one of the most famous Boston attractions and a must-visit while in the city.

In addition to all the options for shopping and dining here, you can also watch some pretty incredible street performers. There are various free outdoor activities here as well, including fitness classes and dance nights. 

Faneuil Hall is open from Monday to Saturday from 10-9 and on Sunday from 11-7. Click here to get directions. For a full list of all the business that operate there and the event schedule, check out their website.

7. Feast on Seafood

Ask any local what to do in Boston, and you’re sure to get responses that include the words “chowdah” and “lobstah roll.” Whether you can understand the accent or not, one of the most fun things to do in Boston is trying some of the city’s classic seafood dishes. (If you find yourself in Canada’s east coast province of Nova Scotia, eating lobster rolls is one of the best things to do there as well!)

Perhaps the most quintessential dish in Boston is New England clam chowder. This creamy seafood soup has been a staple of the Boston diet since the time of the Pilgrims. Great places for some chowdah include Legal Sea Foods and B&G Oysters.

Another must-eat in Boston is a lobster roll. This delectable concoction is made by adding lobster meat to a hot dog-style bun. The lobster is usually soaked in either butter or mayo along with some salt and pepper. If that sounds amazing, that’s because it is! Some of the best places to get this Boston classic are Island Creek Oyster Bar and the aptly named Lobstah on a Roll.

8. Visit The North End (and eat Italian food!)

While lobster is one of the most popular foods in Boston, so too is Italian food. The North End has been inhabited since the 1630s, and is home to an Italian American population.

If you love Italian food (balsamic vinegar, cheese, pasta, pizza, olive oil…oh my!), you’ll want to check out the North End. However, it’s not just about the food here, there are some great sites to see as well. Don’t miss the sculptures and artwork, the oldest church in Boston (Old North Church), the Paul Revere House, the birthplace of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, and more.

You can wander around the North End sampling gelato as you go, but if you want to learn more about the neighbourhood and find some great restaurants, check out this tour. 

9. JFK Presidential Library & Museum

John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States. He grew up just outside of Boston in Brookline, MA and he attended school at Harvard University. Tragically, JFK was assassinated in 1963. History buffs will want to add a stop at the JFK Presidential Library & Museum to their list of things to see in Boston.

The striking building was designed by world-famous architect I.M. Pei on Boston’s waterfront. Before his untimely death, Kennedy visited the area to find a location for his future library, but he never got to see it completed. Since he encouraged his administration to save both official and personal documents, this complex is considered both a library and a museum.

Through the various exhibits, you can learn all about the life and legacy of JFK. With interactive displays, high-definition projections, and countless original artifacts, it’s an amazing look into one of the country’s most beloved public figures. 

The JFK Presidential Library is located at Columbia Point (click here for directions). It’s open daily from 9-5 with the last introductory film showing just before 4 PM. Tickets cost $14 for adults and $10 for children. You can purchase tickets online in advance on their website.

10. Famous Universities

Boston is one of the biggest educational centers in the United States. The city is home to several prestigious universities, such as Harvard, MIT, and the University of Massachusets. 

Harvard consistently ranks at #1 on lists of the top universities in the world. As such, the campus of this Ivy League school is considered one of the top things to see in Boston. 

You have a few different options for seeing this world-famous university. Click here to download a free map for a self-guided tour along with an accompanying audio tour. It’s read by current Harvard students and provides a great introduction to the school.

Another option is signing up for one of their walking tours led by students. Click here to learn more and to book online. 

11. Skywalk Observatory

If you want to see the city from above, then head on over to the Skywalk Observatory. It’s located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center and offers the best views in all of Boston.

From here, you can get a bird’s eye view of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as Fenway Park. On a clear day, you can actually see up to 100 miles away from the observatory! They offer audio tours in several languages to enhance the experience.

In addition to the great views, you can check out the Dreams of Freedom Museum, which celebrates the role immigrants have played in the city’s history. You can also catch a film called “Wings Over Boston” in their three-screen theater.

You can find the Skywalk Observatory at 800 Boylston Street (click here for directions). It’s open daily from 10-10 from March to November and from 10-8 the rest of the year. Tickets cost $21 for adults and $15 for children, and admission is included in the Go Boston Card if you choose to go that route.

12. Museum Hopping

If you’re ever unsure of what to do in Boston, just pop into one of the city’s many excellent museums. In addition to the aforementioned JFK Library & Museum, you have several other choices to learn about art, history, and science.

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts has an impressive collection of art from all corners of the globe. It’s not only one of the best museums in Boston but in the entire United States. You could spend weeks here and still not take in all the amazing art that’s on display.

The museum is open daily from 10-5 Sat-Tues and 10-10 Wed-Fri. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children, but kids can visit for free any day after 3 PM and on weekends. The Museum of Fine Arts is at 465 Huntington Avenue (click here for directions).

Other great choices include the Boston Children’s Museum, the Museum of Science, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Travelers will love the Mapparium, which is home to a 3-story stained-glass globe that gives you a 3D perspective of the world. It’s located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library (click here for directions) and costs just $6 for adults and $4 for children.

13. Newbury Street

For those interested in finding some of the best shopping and dining options in town, a stroll along trendy Newbury Street is a must. I personally hate shopping and even I’ll admit that this is one of the most fun things to do in Boston!

This mile-long street is home to historic brownstones dating back to the 19th century. Here you’ll find a wide variety of boutiques, salons, cafes, restaurants, galleries, bars, and more. It really is a one-stop-shop and a great place to spend a few hours.

At the lower end near Boston Public Garden, you’ll find mostly upscale shops. Because of this stretch, Newbury Street is considered one of the most expensive streets in the country! As you make your way up the street, though, it turns into more of a bohemian vibe with more budget-friendly options. 

One of the most iconic shops here is Newbury Comics, which was opened back in 1978 and kicked off the street’s transformation into a hip shopping area. Come here to peruse their vast collection of pop culture merchandise, from comic books to vinyl and much more. Click here to get directions.

14. Castle Island

One of the coolest things to see in Boston is definitely Castle Island. Here you’ll find the historic Fort Independence and Pleasure Bay Beach.

It’s a beautiful place to visit in the summer months when you can go for a walk along the waterfront, go for a dip, and maybe have a picnic on the beach. If you don’t feel like bringing your own lunch, stop by local favorite Sullivan’s for fried clams and ice cream.

The Fort is only open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, and there are free tours given by volunteers. These always run from noon to 3:30 on Sunday, and there are also Saturday tours during the summer. In June and July, they add additional skyline viewing tours on Thursday evening at 7. 

Castle Island is located in South Boston on the shore of Boston Harbor (click here for directions). For more information, be sure to check out their website.

15. Brewery Tour

It’s no secret that Boston is a city that enjoys a cold one from time to time. Taking a brewery tour is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Boston, and you have plenty of options. In fact, there are over 100 craft breweries in the state of Massachusetts!

Boston is very much a revolutionary city, and the craft beer revolution got going here as well. Brewer Jim Koch made his first batch of Boston Lager in his kitchen in the 80s. Decades later, Samuel Adams is one of the most well-known beers in the country. 

Tours of their Boston Brewery run Monday to Saturday from 11-5. You can read about the various tour options on their website. You can find the Sam Adams Boston Brewery at 30 Germania Street (click here for directions).

Other popular options for brewery tours in Boston include Harpoon, Somerville Brewing Co., and Night Shift Brewing. If you prefer to leave the planning to someone else and focus more on the drinking, sign up for one of the City Brew Tours. You’ll get to taste up to 15 different craft beers and enjoy a delicious lunch, all for under $100.

Ready for Boston?

Hopefully, after reading this guide you won’t have a hard time figuring out what to do in Boston. As you can see, you’ve got plenty of amazing options!

It really is a fascinating city to visit, whether you’re interested in history, sports, art, or just enjoying the culinary and nightlife scenes. With a few days in Boston, you can enjoy a nice mix of them all.

Have you been to Boston and have a great recommendation on things to do, places to eat, or cool spots to grab a drink? Let us know in the comments below!

Some images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

The post 15 Things To Do in Boston: Top Activities and Attractions appeared first on Goats On The Road.

15 Things To Do in Boston: Top Activities and Attractions published first on https://travelaspire.weebly.com/

[brianmarshalltampa-blog]

Tampa Bay Restaurants: The Tasty, The Mediocre, & The Awful

Where to go and Where to Stay Away from When it’s Time to Eat

I’m a foodie, so I watch plenty of Food Network and some Travel Channel when they feature restaurants from across the country.

But I have to tell ya, it’s been a while since a Tampa Bay restaurants have been featured on national TV….not sure why.

I’ve eaten at upscale, low scale, local, national, and everything in between (yeah, I like to eat). Some stand out because of the quality of food and customer service and some stand out because of the un-quality of food and horrendous service…either way, both become memorable experiences. The difference is, we are more likely to share a bad experience than a good one, but I’d like to share both. Below are restaurants in Tampa Bay, in no particular order, I would recommend and those to stay clear from.

Eat. Sip. Enjoy. Repeat.

Bulla Gastrobar

First time I dined at Bulla, the food, drinks, and atmosphere reminded me of Miami. Low and behold, it all started in Coral Gables and moved its way up to Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Plano, and Charlotte.

Great hospitality, awesome happy hour and excellent Madrid-inspired tapas. It is a rarity, at least for me, that a restaurant has consistently good food and exceptional service. This casual gastrobar’s chill vibe and open kitchen throw me back to southern Florida. You’ll want to order everything on the menu but my favorite is the ENSALADA DE PULPO. If you enjoy seafood, especially grilled octopus, this is what you need to order. If octopus isn’t your thing, try the veal and pork meatballs, ALBÓNDIGAS, or from their Winter in Spain menu, the PIQUILLOS A LA VIZCAÍNA, mini red peppers stuffed with ground pork, beef and topped off with béchamel and black currants. I hear their SANGRÍA BLANCA is good, but I’m partial to the LEMONGRASS COLLINS…substitute mint for cucumbers and it’s a better version of a Mojito and oh, what a night.

Ulele

I’m praising this restaurant owned by the Gonzmart family, but if you keep reading, I’ll be obliterating another Gonzmart restaurant.

Ulele opened in 2014 in Tampa Heights on the banks of the Hillsborough River next to the Ulele Spring, and adjacent to family-friendly Water Works Park. Just like the Gonzmarts, they’re all about the family, using food by independent or family-owned farms. Their wine is from parts of the US, and their craft brew is right from their onsite brewery.

The first few times I dined at Ulele, they got my reservations wrong, but the service was excellent. The last time I dined at Ulele, the bartender was rather rude, but I let it slide because of the atmosphere, the yummy Crab Mac & Cheese, the homemade ice cream made inhouse, and the large outdoor area to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

Datz

I was first introduced to Datz at an event I was invited to several years ago. The restaurant was open to the public during the event, so I saw ginormous dishes take from the kitchen to the table and thought, I’m gonna have to come back here to eat. I did and I was in love.

Self-described as “comfort food with flair”, it opened in 2009, added a bakery, Dough (you gotta go), and New Orleans-style kitchen Roux (haven’t been, but I must try).

Besides their very catchy dish names, the service is good, but the food is out of this world. You have to try their Waffles N’ Tweet that includes fried chicken, honeyed pecan butter, Belgian waffle, spicy smoked Buffalo Trace maple syrup and candied pecans…OMG. All sandwiches are served with their home-made chips with blue cheese and green onions on top.

After lunch, stroll across to Dough for a sweet treat. The first time I was there was for a private event and opening. The desserts were plenty and original. The last time I visited several months ago, their desserts were sparse and non-inventive. Perhaps because it was an event, they went over-the-top and baked to impress? Not sure why they didn’t keep the momentum going.

Besito Mexican

Besito is upscale Mexican. Located at WestShore Plaza, not far from the Tampa International Airport, it delivers consistent awesome food in a fine atmosphere. If you love Mexican food like I do, you’ll love this place.  Their table side Guacamole is AMAZING served with hand-made tortillas…it’s the best I’ve had anywhere. Add a cocktail and you’re in heaven.

Besides the food, fun, and drinks, I really love the fact they provide food for rural San Miguel de Allende, in Mexico. Besito built and sponsors a school kitchen for the Clavellinas School. This includes fresh food for 1,500 meals each week during the school year and pays for cooks’ salaries, benefits, and training. This goes beyond a great night out at a restaurant with co-workers, friends or family. When you know each time you dine at an establishment the money you’re spending is helping feed someone less fortunate in another country, that's all you need to keep going back.

I Wouldn’t Smell the Food from These Tampa Bay Restaurants Even if They Paid Me. Well, maybe if they paid me.

Acropolis Greek Taverna

Acropolis Taverna on Kennedy is the first location that operated as a franchise in the Greek tavern realm of eateries. Located right on busy Kennedy Blvd., this Acropolis isn’t all that authentic for Greek food…been to Greece several times and none of the dishes we ordered resembled anything even remotely “Greek”. From a simple Gyro, which was thick, dry, and tasteless to their Greek village salad, with watered-down olive oil. If you need to know anything about Greek food, it’s all about the extra virgin olive oil in either salad, entrees, etc…also, for the record, an authentic Greek salad doesn’t have potato salad underneath it (potato salad is German) and although there are Hookah lounges in Greece, this tradition originates from another nationality.

Your best bet if you want good authentic Greek food in Tampa Bay, is Hellas Restaurant and Bakery in Tarpon Springs, on the Sponge Docks.

Bartaco

Bartaco in Hyde Park Village is a franchise that according to its description was “Inspired by the beach culture of Punte del Este and Busios in South America.” Too bad that’s where it ends…as an “inspiration”.

I can only speak about the location in Hyde Park, not anywhere else in the country. The service the first time I went with a friend was molasses-slow, they got our order wrong, and through dinner, our server never returned to see if we needed anything. One more important thing…they can’t make a proper Mojito…another strike in my book.

Donatello Italian Restaurant

Donatello has been around since 1984. It’s not a franchise and the little Italian man wearing glasses giving roses to women isn’t hitting on your date, that’s the owner and that’s what he does.

Back in the day, it was the bomb. Nowadays, it’s an atomic bomb. When you enter, the entire restaurant has a smell that’s not coming from the food, but I’m assuming coming from the carpet that most likely hasn’t been changed since it opened 34 years ago. That’s a lot of smell from food accumulating in through fabric over an extended period of time that no matter how many times you clean it, the smell will never go away, except to remove it and replace it with hardwood floors. The one time I dined at Donatello a few months ago, the server was extremely rude, the service, in general, was horrible and the food wasn’t good…at all. I’ve also been to Italy several times with my family and the dishes we ate didn’t resemble anything authentic. Perhaps it’s the Tampa version of Italian? Not sure.

The last time I was there (and it will be the last time I dine at Donatello) I met a friend at the bar. The ambiance…ratty and dreary. The bartender was too glued to her cell to do her job and the steak was dry and chewed like gum. Not sure why my friend suggested we meet there…maybe he had a gift certificate or Groupon? I'm also not sure why I agreed to meet him there…maybe I was really hungry and didn’t care?

Columbia Restaurant

Columbia opened its doors in 1905 as a corner café in Ybor City, making it Florida’s oldest restaurant, and “the largest Spanish restaurant in the world” because of the number of people it can accommodate, 1700 seats and 15 dining rooms. That’s quite a statement, “the largest”. On their website, it states “the largest” but on other online mentions, it states “one of the largest”, which is more accurate.

One thing is for sure, it is a Tampa Bay staple…you visit Tampa Bay, you eat at the Columbia…or do you?When I first moved to Tampa, I, of course, had dined at the Columbia. Was I blown away by the food or service? Not really. Did I go back? Yeah. Until New Years Eve, 2002. We ate at the Columbia located at the (old) Pier in St Petersburg. The fish was disgusting. The service was atrocious. The bill was not as advertised and we were charged for items we didn’t order. Sound hard to believe? Not really. I had to call the restaurant for about a week to clear-up the discrepancy on our bill and to express my poor dining experience to the manager. I’ve never been back to the Columbia since then and never plan on going in the future.

Bern’s Steak House

What was known as Beer Haven Bar on 1208 S. Howard Ave, is another staple of Tampa Bay eateries, Bern’s Steak House. Back when I moved to Tampa, I dined at Bern’s. Amazing selection of wine, amazing steak, and all fresh. I would tell people if they want the best steak in town, go to Bern’s. The last time I dined at Bern’s several years ago, the service had gone downhill, as well as the quality of the food…especially their steaks.

I’m guessing, the restaurant grew too fast, and as they tried to accommodate more and more customers, the quality suffered. I could taste it in pretty much everything we ordered.

I understand, times change and food changes along with them, but the heart and soul of Bern and Gert Laxer from N.Y.C. has diminished from their food…perhaps it was bound to happen. Perhaps people who remembered it from its heyday found a new favorite restaurant, so it doesn’t matter to them.  I found new favorites, but always want to visit an original, but not if the quality of food and service has deteriorated, such as in this case. If you're not careful, that's what happens to some restaurants who scale.

I get it. Things don’t always happen as planned when you dine out…not for the patron, not for the server, and not even for the chef…we all have bad days. What you do to make it right is what matters and what will get someone like me, to want to come back and tell my friends, family, co-workers to check it out or to tell them don’t go.

I’m all about customer service. Maybe the food isn’t that great, but they make you feel like a rock star. Maybe the food is amazing, but they make you feel like an overrated actor. No matter, there’s something that either keeps you coming back, or hightailing it outta there, never to return.~Brian Marshall

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/cafe-basas-eatsplorecb-pioneers-food-specialty-trend-right-ati-atihan-town-kalibo/754/

Cafe Basa's #eatsploreCB pioneers food specialty trend right in Ati-Atihan town, Kalibo

We had the privilege to attend Chef Mychal Kim Basa’s first ever event. He’s that guy who’s slowly making a name for himself with what he’s putting on the table, whether among tourists who are just passing by Kalibo for Boracay or among foodies in Aklan.

Who would not be? After tasting something good and that you know it costs a thousand bucks in Metro Manila but you only have it like just around P200, you would definitely be impressed.

Surprise us

The event was through invitation and he considered my fiancé and me to be a part of it; so we made sure to go there.

We got ourselves a nice place to sit as we waited for the others to arrive. I thought of the things that could happen in the next couple of minutes.

When everyone has finally come, he presented us to that day’s event, #eatsploreCB, which stood for “eat” and “explore,” with CB being Café Basa.

The event was his way of introducing new dishes with his own twists. (And us as his food critics for the day.)

“Surprise us, Chef!” I told him. We were around 16 people, ready for the journey.

After waiting for a minute or two, the first in the menu was out – Pizza Bianca. Everyone took their bite and each in the first batch was generally impressed. (Yes, there was a second batch).

I took my first bite, too. I could hear the soft crunching sound from its thick crust.

After around five minutes, I emptied my plate. It was better than the pizzas I’ve tasted in Kalibo!

I then became excited about where we were heading.

(While I am making this, I’m craving for three dishes prepared in #eatsploreCB, with one being Pizza Bianca).

Why #eatsploreCB?

I asked Chef Myck the purpose of the event and he told me he wanted to offer something new and unique that people in Kalibo have never tasted before.

Growing up, he observed there were not much of dishes that could be uniquely attributed to Kalibo. Because of that, it became his burning passion for making a trademark cuisine for the province.

But, more than that, #eatsploreCB is his way of telling a story.

“My goal here is to write a story,” he told me.

Pizza Bianca

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Pizza Bianca, technically, was based from one of Café Basa’s popular pizzas. It’s a tomato-less, thick-crusted version topped with several goodies: special cheese sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, ham, mushroom, and a hint of garlic.

So, you understand why it took me just five minutes?

Chef Myck would not be Chef Myck if it was not because of Pizza Bianca. Well, not really mainly because of Pizza Bianca, but because of “pizza” – it was his gateway to cooking.

“I had to include a pizza in the first #eatsploreCB because this is where my passion for cooking started,” he said. “Pizza-making became my gateway to culinary arts.”

Bolognese Pasta

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Commonly known in the Philippines as tomato-based, Chef Myck’s version is not just the “same same” Bolognese pasta, the Italian classic decorated with ground beef, marinara sauce, and tomato. He made a different approach to it.

As opposed to using the typical tomato-based sauce, he painted it with olive oil (ala Café Basa *wink*).

Being also both a meat and a tomato-based pasta lover, Chef Myck could not pass this out. The Bolognese pasta has become a part of who he is in terms of professional growth.

“Pasta Bolognese is one of the very first pasta dishes I learned to cook, as I am a meat and tomato-based pasta lover,” he said. “Although not the original recipe that I was taught with, this version has evolved as I grow further into the culinary profession.”

Curry Pasta

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This is something new in Kalibo, as far as I know, and Chef Myck was right in saying, “Not your traditional pasta combination.”

Curry (not the basketball player, but the food) is commonly associated with chicken in the Philippines.

“This is not your traditional pasta combination,” he told me. “I’d like to add an Indian cuisine twist. For Filipinos, authentic Indian cuisine is a daring flavor, so I had to start with something familiar, curry. So it’s not common that you would see pasta but I ought to give it a try.”

What I love about Chef Myck’s take was how he transformed those spinach leaves into something like chips. I literally feel like eating chips and I asked myself, “How on earth did he make these?”

“I made those crispy vegetables from thin carrots strips and spinach. It’s sweet and savory,” he said.

And rightly so!

Pamahaw Pasta

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Now this will really blow you away.

Pamahaw Pasta is mainly Italian carbonara pasta. But!!! (Yes, with an exclamation.) Chef Myk perhaps perfectly made one of the most satisfying combinations I ever tasted: Italian carbonara pasta mixed with a rich and creamy sauce made from salted egg yolks and some sprinkles of chorizo de Aklan. (Oh, how I really love this!!!)

I literally did not expect that salted egg would go well with chorizo. What I like was the feeling of the flavors somewhat fighting each other but seemingly agreeing to combine and make my meal palatial. It was that delicious.

Even Chef Myck was also surprised that the flavors blended well together.

“Actually for me, I was quite surprised with it as well. Why I got there was, honestly, I haven’t tried salted egg dishes before. I told myself, and for me, ‘I want to do something new,’” he said. “Though it’s already done in other places but not here in Kalibo, I want to be daring and try the salted egg craze; Most of the time I have salted egg and chorizo de aklan for my breakfast; thus, the Pamahaw Pasta.”

The best time to have this? Breakfast.

Well, it’s obvious based on its name, “pamahaw.” In the Central and Southern parts of the Philippines, “pamahaw” means breakfast. This certainly gives mornings a fresh start. (And oh, combine it with coffee!).

Crispy Shang-hai w/ Spicy Pineapple Sauce

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This is a classic pork lumpia paired with this season’s harvest, pineapples with hot chili. It’s your sweet, sour, and hot shang-hai rolls.

The menu hits a certain spot at Chef Myk’s heart. This is the recipe that he grew up with because it’s made by his mother.

“It’s one of the reasons why I love food,” he said. “What I can remember vividly when I was a kid, mom cooks a whole bunch. Let’s just say we’re three siblings, she’ll put 30-40 pcs., and everything’s sniffed. Sometimes, we’d fight for the last piece.”

Chilled Pipino Soup

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If you happen to enter in their café, you would see beautiful furniture, particularly tables and chairs.

You would also be surprised that all of them were made from scrap such as boxes used for forklifts, chairs from fast food chains, among others. Guess who made them? His dad designed by Chef.

He has this knack of turning ordinary things into something beautiful and useful that you would think he must have purchased this somewhere in Manila.

Chef Myck has extended this skill of being resourceful to his cooking. Case in point: Chilled Pipino Soup, where pipino is a bountiful resource in Kalibo.

He transformed the common pipino into a good palate cleanser. And he made it taste like a fruit shake.

Pork & Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage

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Aside from stuffing cabbage with steamed pork, Chef Myck made an oyster mushroom meatball to complement the mix. He also paired it with his signature cheese sauce as well as his homemade tomato sauce.

But before I continue, I have something to ask, have you ever watched “Ratatouille”? Could you recall the time when Alfredo Linguini in the animated film gave a dish to Anton Ego and when Anton ate it, he remembered his childhood days?

Alfredo’s dish was special because it made a mark at Anton. Anton walked down the memory lane.

Chef Myck’s Pork & Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage had a similar effect to me. It’s my “Ratatouille.”

When I tasted this dish, deep inside I was smiling because I recalled the memories of my dorm days when I used to cook my own cabbage. And yes, my dorm days were special for me.

It was a time where trials, laughter, and fulfillment were mixed in one. I would consider it my golden years. And Chef Myk’s Pork & Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage tugged at my heartstrings.

This is what makes dishes really special, when you are able to recall certain memories as you eat; when it touched your heart; when it made you eat with #hugot. And when that happens, you know you are in a good restaurant.

“I’ve been searching, traveling, doing a lot of studies because I want to hit the spot where it will remind you of something,” Chef Myck said. “I’m trying to hit the spot in a way that, I’m hoping, my food is not just the typical restaurant food but something that will remind you of your good ‘ol days. This dish reminded me of my culinary studying days”

Café Basa’s tagline is perfect: “The quality experience you can eat.”

Grilled Chicken with Spicy Yogurt Sauce

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In their usual menu, Café Basa serves a grilled chicken dish that is mainly flavored with homemade focaccia bread and cheesy penne pasta. It’s fairly enough to satisfy your palate aside from the fact that it’s one of their popular dishes.

But as if it’s not enough, Chef Myck upped the game. With the new grilled chicken, he added more flavor to it by pairing it with yogurt sauce and garlic. It’s a bold Greek infusion, he said.

Matcha Cheesecake

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A disclaimer, I do not have a sweet tooth. Sure, I eat sweets but a single serving of them is enough for me: a little chocolate there and an ice cream here is sufficient.

I happen to taste Chef Myck’s usual cheesecake and I do like it. With the Matcha Cheesecake, they taste almost the same thing for me.

But what interested me about the Matcha Cheesecake was the story behind it. And it had something to do with his lovelife (hearts everywhere!!!).

“Aside from being a tea-lover, Matcha speaks to me. In fact, every time me and my girlfriend [Norvie], tackle something with matcha [on the table], we end up laughing,” he lovingly recalled. “Not just once or twice, but plenty of times. It brings us joy for no reason and we end up having a great and memorable time. Seriously, I know it’s kind of a stupid story but that happens every time we eat something with matcha, we’re just having a good time. So I really had to include it here.”

I know it’s too early for Valentines Day but, hey, love is for all seasons. So, if you want to invite someone for a date, the Matcha Cheesecake at Café Basa is worth a try.

Halo-Halo (Buko Pandan Version)

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If there is one thing that you should never miss when you visit Café Basa, it’s their Halo-Halo. I will not spoil you by revealing what it is made of but you will never regret it (unless you do not like halo-halo).

It’s their bestseller; it has no other in Kalibo. Just like Apple whose flagship product is the iPhone device or Samsung with their Galaxy S8, Halo-Halo is Café Basa’s flagship dessert. It is one of the reasons why most of their customers return.

During #eatsploreCB, Chef Myck made a slight twist by adding aromatic pandan leaves and toppings of macapuno strings, sweet corn, and cornflakes. Mouthwatering, I would definitely say.

“It’s a new rendition of Café Basa’s popular Halo-Halo! I am planning to expand my Halo-Halo line because my guests are asking for more,” he said.

And yes, we want more.

Was it worth a dime?

My words are really not enough to express how I enjoyed the #eatsploreCB event. Of course, I would be lying if I tell you that every food was my favorite.

We have different taste buds; some are fond of sweets while others are fond of sea foods. It really depends on the person.

If you ask me if going to Café Basa is worth it, I can’t answer that for you. I’ll leave that to you and invite you to test their dishes.

As far as my experience is concerned, I have gone back to them for the nth time already. If you would also ask me whether or not their dishes are worth my dime, I would vouch for them; that their service and food are topnotch; and that every single peso my fiance and I paid to them is never wasted.

You would also be surprised how full you would be with just around P500 for their dishes. In fact, you might even say that they charge low for a menu and for the experience that are, in reality, expensive when you’re in other places.

Café Basa is living up to their tagline:

“The quality experience you can eat.”

About #eatsploreCB

#eatsploreCB is a first of its kind in Kalibo and possibly in the province of Aklan. This is an event and a gastronomic adventure that aims to introduce a new culinary culture in town. It gives access for new and traditional dishes that come with the use of new flavors, cuisines, infusions, or techniques. Some dishes will be familiar, but they have a different approach, while others will be influenced by different cultures, or from the imaginations of Chef Myck. In the near future, Chef Myck plans a collaboration event with other chefs and aspiring chefs.

#eatsploreCB is not just a culinary event. It also comes with socializing with other people. Here, you will be joined by other food enthusiast and chefs! Meet them or make friends with them and get a chance to exchange ideas, cooking and traveling tips, and share the whereabouts of other culinary gems. As with high hopes, we at Café Basa, are aiming to create a community of food lovers here in Kalibo!

Café Basa is located at Judge Martelino Rd, Andagaw, Kalibo, 5600 Aklan. For reservations, contact them via landline (036) 262 1482. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.