KEEP PORTLAND WEIRD!

PORTLAND, OREGON

Welcome to my second Weekly Feature on Portland, OR.  I'm glad to have you along with me today. We learned a little about the food carts of Portland.  Now let's move on to the fun quirkiness here and see what we can find out about the slogan "Keep Portland Weird."   

So this is my new hometown and I love it!  I love every weird thing that happens here (mostly).  Why?  Because that weirdness is what gives this city the biggest personality I've ever seen.   It's also accompanied by a lot of heart, compassion, and let's certainly not forget humor.   Humor makes us laugh, it heals, it comforts, and it brings us together.  Don't worry about those laugh lines....just enjoy and stick around - you'll be glad you did!

WHO WOULD WANT TO BE WEIRD?

Not me, that's for sure.  Well, not as a teenager or even as a young adult.  I was way too cool for that...at least I thought I was.  My mom was always weird and I mean that as a really good thing.   People loved and adored her.  They embraced her "weirdness" and soaked it up like a sponge.  It was fun and she was fun.  She was herself 100% of the time and she never made any apologies for it, nor did she need to.  She lived her life to the fullest and I miss her everyday.

My son and I having fun in the
hat shop at Disneyland!

There's a certain self-discovery that comes with realizing you've been wrong about something your whole life.  Being weird doesn't take away your ability to be level-headed, it just means you're free to be yourself and express your individuality.  Since we're all one of a kind, I should think of no one else you would want to be.  This is a life-lesson for me and one I continually work on.  Recently, I got a sign for my son that reads, "Be yourself.  No one can tell you you're doing it wrong."  It lets him know he's fantastic just the way he is and reminds me to relax, so I try to refer to it often. 

HAS ANYONE NOTICED PORTLAND IS A LITTLE WEIRD?

It's entirely possible that the idea might have found its way outside of the Portland area.  I'm not certain, I just suspect - that's all.

Actually, they even made a TV show about it (Portlandia).  It's hysterical and very entertaining. I've even heard it referred to as a documentary as opposed to sattire!

weird

  
[weerd]  adjective, weird·er, weird·est, noun adjective

1.

involving or suggesting the supernatural; unearthly or uncanny: a weird sound; weird lights.

2.

fantastic; bizarre: a weird getup.

3.

Archaic. concerned with or controlling fate or destiny

WHAT DO WE MEAN EXACTLY BY "WEIRD?"

Well, I suppose we'll start with a man (I presume) riding a unicycle who is dressed in a kilt, a cape, and a Darth Vader mask while carrying, and possibly even playing, bagpipes.  

Seemed like a good place to start. 

Subarus, VW's, and Volvos are definitely popular choices around here, but so is the fantastic mode of transportation pictured here.  It could be any model really.   It's the fancy decor that makes it so special.   

I've seen more than a few of these in my time here and they are always great fun to look at!  

Portland is bike central, but it seems that bikes are not the only things that are protected with lock and key here.  As you can see, someone has safely secured their hula hoop until their return.   

Wise move.

I am certain hula hoop thieves are just lying in wait for people who foolishly just lean them up against something when they're not being used. 

People are so considerate here.  I know if I had lost my chicken (if I had one), I would be so appreciative that someone took the time to create a flyer to reunite us as soon as possible.  

Really, I would. 

IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?   NO, NOT AT ALL...HERE'S MORE!

This 452 square inch green space in between two walkways in Downtown Portland, OR was officially designated as Mill Ends Park in 1948 and was recognized as such by Guinness in the year 1971. 

It's a must see if you come here....although you'll have to look closely to find it! 

I know I love living in a place where I have so many options when it comes to delicious Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine.....I just didn't know I had options that applied to holiday decorations as well. 

Looks like I need to become a little more informed on this topic.  

Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, OR offers even more than a groovy environment where you can feast on creative and delicious doughnuts - you can also get married there with a (wait for it) doughnut centerpiece as your wedding cake!  

Fantastically weird!  

For further reading on the matter, I also recommend taking a look at the "You Might Be From Portland If...." list.

SO, WILL YOU COME TO THE DARK SIDE?

Well, there you have it.  Thinking of visiting or maybe even relocating?   First, consider if you have what it takes to become one of us.

I know you have it in you, you just need to become a little bit more in touch with your dark (A.K.A. "weird") side.  It's not difficult, it just means it's time to express yourself or at least come with the understanding that you will see some great and different things here, meet some really welcoming people, eat some fantastic food, and have the time of your life....like I am.

Hope to see you in Portland fellow food lovers!


Now it's time to get back to our journey....we're still in the Orient and on our way to the fast-paced city of Tokyo, Japan.  

Sayonara for now!

THE MYSTERIOUS ALLURE OF BEIJING, CHINA

Welcome to Beijing, China

I seem to find myself attracted to far away destinations that have a richness and promise of a completely different world.  A place where science and technology are greatly advanced, but where one can still experience tradition and culture in everything around them.  Beijing is one of those places.  It is the capital city of the People's Republic of China and is one of  six "Chinese Ancient Capital Cities."


Due to the 2008 Olympics (Deemed "China's Coming Out Party"), Beijing is not as shrouded in mystery to me as it was and is more appealing as a destination than ever.  Getting to know a little bit about this exciting city during the Olympics is likely why I chose it as opposed to Hong Kong or another well-known city in China.

Dragon Dance at
Chinese New Year Festival

I have always enjoyed Chinese culture, a love that started for me with the birth of my son in the year 2000 - the New Millennium & the Chinese Year of the Dragon.  Being such a significant year, I could not help by become immersed in the symbolism of what that meant.  Over the years, we attended Chinese New Year festivals  regularly and indulged on the wonderful traditions and cuisine of this culture.  Two of our favorite celebrations include  the magnificent displays at the Bellagio Convseratory in Las Vegas as well as our new tradition at Lan Su Garden in Portland, OR.

HISTORY

Beijing has a long and colorful history, dating back over 3,000 years.   It was first settled by Peking man.  The recorded city of Ji, very close to Beijing, was crucial throughout the dynasties due to its important location for trading.   During the Ming Dynasty approximately 500 years ago, the name was changed to Beijing after the throne was captured and the city was then reconstructed, bearing some of the famous historical monuments and locations visited today.  Today, Beijing is the political and also the cultural center of China, flush with some of the world's most famous sites and incredible scenic beauty.  

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

The best seasons to visit China is undeniably in the fall.   It is the most comfortable in terms of the weather with little rain and temperatures between 50 and 72 degrees.  Due to the pleasant temperatures, this is the time when many museum pieces that are sensitive to high temperatures are brought out of storage for display.  Spring is a close second for visiting; however, those two seasons may also be the priciest.   Summertime is hot and rainy so be prepared if you are visiting during that time.   Winters are notoriously cold, although in some other parts of China there are some incredibly redeeming qualities to the season (Harbin Ice Festival).

TOP SIGHTS TO SEE

Beijing is a magical and mysterious place, filled with great beauty and splendid sights of historical and cultural significance. For those with a slightly different agenda, it is also described as a shopper's paradise!

• Great Wall (One of most famous monuments in the world accessible from different locations)
• Temple of Heaven (Holy Place)
  
• Tiananmen Square (Massive gathering site & famous public space)
• National Museum of China (Extensive collection of the nation's past)
• Forbidden City (Palace Complex)
• Hutongs (Ancient Transportation)
• Olympic Sites (National Stadium, National Aquatic Center, & Olympic Forest Park...all still in place)

CHINESE CUISINE

During my research on this beautiful city, I learned that Chinese Muslim is the most influential aspect in their cuisine.  Additionally, many types of International cuisine can be found there as well.  

Chinese dishes are categorized into eight different types and traditions of cuisine.  In Beijing, there are influences that can be found from all all eight styles.  Shangdong; however, is one of the more common styles found there.  All eight are listed below.

1. Shandong (Clean & pure...found in Beijing)
2. Sichuan / Szechuan (Spicy, pungent flavors)
3. Guangdong/Cantonese (Most familiar to Westerners)
4. Fujian (Seafood using sweet, salty, sour & savory flavors as well as pickled foods)
5. Jiangsu (Fresh fish, skilled carving techniques)
6. Zhejiang (Combination of local cuisines of Hanzhou, Ningbo, and Shaoxing)
7. Hunan (Combination of local cuisines of Xiangjiang Region, Dongting Lake and the Xiangxi coteau areas)
8. Anhui (Focuses on cooking temperature, braising & stewing)

Meals can be extremely formal with complex preparation techniques and presentations or much less formal.  There are countless options for dining here (Beijing Dining) including fine dining; less expensive family-run restaurants, food stands and "snack streets" where you can find a variety of quick options.  Roast duck is the true specialty here and is considered the local flavor of Beijing.  In addition to roast duck, pork, lamb/mutton, and seafood are very popular and can be found in the Hot Pot restaurants in the city as well as at the snack streets.  Vegetarian dishes also are plentiful which means there is something here for all who visit.  

If you're looking for the extraordinary served up skewer style, look no further than the many snack streets you can find.  In addition to the popular skewered and grilled meats along with skewered fresh fruit, expect to possibly come across skewered scorpions, grasshoppers, seahorse or sea star, and even beetles.   Other more mainstream dishes include meat-stuffed rolls called Roujiamo, pan-fried and stuffed crepes called Jian Bing, or stuffed buns called Baozi.  Sounds like you won't be going hungry there!


I hope you've enjoyed our exploration of Beijing, China.  I think you'll see as I have what a delicious and fascinating journey this would be (maybe with the exception of the exotic foods portion above...unless of course you have an appreciation for that).  What a transcending experience it must be to have some of the best and most flavorful foods in the world that one can enjoy in the midst of this ancient and beautiful paradise.  

Our next city of discovery before we leave the Orient is Tokyo, Japan; however, we're going to pause first to take a look at why folks in my hometown are so dedicated to ensuring that we "Keep Portland Weird!"   Hope you'll come along! 

THE CITY OF ANGELS & CALIFORNIA CUISINE

LOS ANGELES 

Welcome to sunny Los Angeles, CA, one of my favorite places to visit!    

California has some of the most delicious and unique food around.  The best part is they usually grow their own components for their dishes, making it some of the freshest food available in the nation.  

Delicious food, beautiful beaches, fantastic weather and some of the best tourist and cultural attractions in the world make this a top tourist destination.

LOS ANGELES THE CITY & THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

The City of Los Angeles (also known as the City of Angels) is a global city inside of the Greater Los Angeles area (DiscoverLosAngeles.com).  This area also encompasses famous cities such as Hollywood, Universal City, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and many more.  The City of Los Angeles is famous for its connection to the movie industry, pricey real estate, culture, arts, architecture, Spanish and Mexican history, and, of course, diverse and amazing food sometimes referred to as California Cuisine.

WHAT IS CALIFORNIA CUISINE

California Cuisine was coined as a term in the 1970's and the movement was pioneered with Chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse.  She stressed the importance and loveliness of locally sourced foods that were produced organically and were the freshest available.  However, California Cuisine can also be defined as the fusion of more than one culture, such as the merger of Asian and Spanish flavors, utilizing local California ingredients.

With its mild Mediterranean-like climate in many areas, California is a major producer of avocados, oranges, nuts, seafood, and also dairy.  According to the website BeachCalifornia.com, California is the #1 dairy state and more than half the nation's fruit, nuts, and vegetables come from here.  Los Angeles in particular is known for their health-conscious dishes and foods with a Latin influence whereas in Northern California, specifically wine country, Mediterranean and Asian influences are more apparent.  Both Southern and Northern California alike though take full advantage of their agricultural abundance of many wonderful foods,

BEST TIME TO VISIT

I recently relocated from Las Vegas and am very familiar with Los Angeles and the surrounding areas as it was a frequent vacation spot over the years.  For the greater Los Angeles area, you have some options.  For milder weather and less crowds, spring and fall are the best times to visit.   To have the most variety in things to do, Summer is the best time for an abundance of festivals, concerts, and special events.   It also happens to be the best time to take a dip in the ocean as it can get a little chilly during the other seasons.

THINGS TO DO IN "LA LA LAND"

1. Graumann's Chinese Theater (Hollywood)
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame 
3. La Brea Tar Pits (Miracle Mile)
4. Universal Studios (Universal City)
5. Rodeo Drive (Pricey Shopper's Paradise)
6. 1934 Farmer's Market (*Historical foodie paradise)
7. Los Angeles Zoo (World renowned) 
8. Pink's Hot Dogs (Food landmark pictured on right)
9. Santa Monica Pier (Personal favorite)
10. Hollywood Sign via Mulholland Drive

From the list above, Farmers Market, is a mandatory stop when I visit L.A.  It combines a great tourist destination with a great food destination which makes it one-stop shopping for me.  It is also in close walking distance to the Fairfax District which was the closest resemblance I found to a Jewish neighborhood (with fantastic Jewish food - Canter's Deli) on the West Coast when I was growing up.  

Farmers Market houses some of my favorite foods.   I would always make sure get a piece of grilled trout from one of the vendors there.  It is some of the best I've had.   Before I became a vegetarian, I used to also enjoy the steamed buns with sweet pork inside.  My favorite food though is the marzipan "fruits" that are sold there.  I am a lover of all things almond and these are my favorite.   It is the place where it became my son's favorite too.  Don't forget to check out the glorious selection of local fruit and vegetables too when you go!  

SO CAL FOOD WRAPPED UP

Delicious food is all around in Los Angeles from the casual food stand such as Pink's, the healthy and casual dishes of California Cuisine, to a four-star gourmet restaurant such as Providence, you will be able to find what you're looking for here.

California Cuisine sometimes gets a "health food" kind of rap.   In actuality, it's so much more than that.  Californians, "Angelenos" specifically, are famous for their chiseled figures and model-like attributes. A lot of residents like to eat healthy foods which are locally grown and native to the area  which is in no means a bad thing at all.   The local flavors and ingredients, as mentioned, also weave their way into the fusion and traditional cuisine you can find there.  Thankfully, that makes the quality of those local and fresh foods present in every culture that is represented in that diverse city.

Thanks for exploring the City of Angels with me.  If you're looking for a vacation with an overwhelming amount of things to do and fantastic food that is unique to that place, come and visit So Cal!  It is a city not to be missed.   

See you next time when we're off to the Orient with stops in Beijing, China & Tokyo, Japan.   

I can't wait! 

THE UNSURPASSED BEAUTY OF MAUI, HAWAII

LIKE NOTHING ELSE ON EARTH.

Imagine a place like no other place on earth.  A one of a kind experience that becomes a part of you as soon as you step off the plane and never leaves you, even decades later.  Can you imagine it?  I would venture a guess that the place you are envisioning is Maui and would go on to add that once you come here, you will understand what it means to have a place become a part of who you are and who you hope to be.



Aloha!

Welcome to the beautiful Island of Maui, Hawaii's second largest island.   I think you picked the right day to join us....turquoise blue skies, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters.  Who could ask for anything more than that in a destination?  Well, me actually.  I also dream of fantastic food that has a spiritual connection to its surroundings and its history.  Unbelievably, this place has that too.

Come on in fellow food lovers.....the water's fine!

HISTORY

Hawaiian legend speaks of a mythical and mischievous God named Maui who fished the islands out of the deep sea.   All of Hawaiian culture has wonderful stories and myths associated with it that makes it the magical place we love.

In the 1800's, Maui was where plantation workers from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and locations in Europe came to work the sugar cane fields and later the pineapple fields.   That immigration of workers is what has given Hawaii its diverse ethnic background.

In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state and its tourism industry began to take root on the other islands.  It wasn't until several years later; however, that Maui became the vacation destination that it is known for today.      

BEST TIME TO VISIT

One of the greatest things about Hawaii is that there's never a bad time to visit!  Due to it being at the edge of a tropical zone, Hawaii boasts fantastic weather year-round.  Hawaii has only two seasons:  summer with an average temperature of 85 degrees and winter with an average temperature of 78 degrees.  Not too shabby!

My research indicates that the best time to visit (weather wise) are the last two weeks of December. You might be able to save quite a bit on airlines and hotel at that time as well.   I, on the other hand, will be going back there this summer (hooray!) which I'm finding out quickly is also known as the expensive season!  Apparently there are more than two seasons after all!

TOP ATTRACTIONS

While you're visiting Maui, there are some things that should definitely be a part of your "Hawaiian Experience"....here's a few:

• The stunning beaches 
• Lahaina Historic Town 
• Maui Ocean Center
• Road to Hana Scenic Drive
• Atlantis Submarine Ride 
• Whale Watching (Seasonal)
• Volcano Tour Day Trip

The historic town of Lahaina was one of my most memorable experiences  when I visited.   We had a wonderful time visiting all the shops and walking around.   One of their great attractions there is the Sugar Cane Train....it's great fun for a nostalgic trip into yesteryear.

Oh, and then there's always snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, bicycling, parasailing, boating, hiking, bird watching, scooter riding, surfing, etc., etc., etc.   Although it may be tough to fit those things in once you hear about the food.......

FOOD, HAWAIIAN STYLE

1. Spam Musubi (classic spam/rice sushi)
2. Tropical Fruits (Maui Gold Pineapple, coconut) & Nuts (Macadamia)
3. Famous "Plate Lunch" (Main dish with mac salad & two scoops of rice)
4. Lualau (Pork, chicken, or beef wrapped in taro or ti leaves & steamed)
5. Loco Moco (Hamburger patty served with a fried egg, rice, & brown gravy)
6. Hawaiian Shaved Ice (Snow-like snowcone flavored with local, tropical  flavors)
7. Poke (Personal favorite. Raw, diced tuna with sesame oil)
8. Poi (Mashed taro root served as a condiment - traditional food, but acquired taste)
9. Mochi (Ice cream inside of sweetened rice ball.  Green tea mochi is delicious!)
10. Finish it off with a Blue Hawaii or Mai-Tai cocktail or maybe a mug of steamy Kona coffee

DEFINING HAWAIIAN FOODS

Loco Moco Takeout!

Hawaiian foods to me are a celebration of what the islands have to offer and they are also are an homage to tradition and history.   Spam, for example, was introduced to Hawaii during WWII and has now become inseparable in Hawaiian culture.  Other foods are symbolic and show appreciation for the gifts of their surroundings.  Fresh fruits and nuts such as pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts (especially the ones dipped in chocolate) are plentiful and grace many dishes there.      

One consideration to contemplate on a Maui vacation is the cost of food which can be rather pricey on an island.   The website Go Hawaii - About.com offers a great list of affordable places to eat that you might want to check out.   Alternatively, there is no shortage of fancy restaurants available, most with views that will leave you speechless.  If you rent a car while you're there (recommended), you will be able to venture into some of the more residential areas where all the locals go.   One option I came across was actually called Local Food!   According to Trip Advisor, this is a close place to go to get good Hawaiian food and also relief from pricey meals.  My overall advice would be to just plan your meals while you're visiting and enjoy....it's some of the best food you'll find and you should do your best to try it all!
   

THE ALOHA EXPERIENCE

When I visited Hawaii, I was a young girl and have been waiting ever since to go back.  There is a hard to explain feeling that you get when you're there.  It's beyond relaxed - it's a transforming state of mind.  Although there are parts that are embellished to enhance the "tourist experience," you really get a sense of how spiritually connected Hawaiian people are to their home which is like none other.        

Don't worry about having to leave.....Hawaii will always stay with you and will welcome you with open arms upon your return.

Thanks for coming along.  We've got more exciting destinations to explore.   Next we're off to the City of Angels for some notoriously fresh & healthy California Cuisine.

THE FOOD CARTS OF PORTLAND, OR

WELCOME TO MY FIRST WEEKLY FEATURE

&

WELCOME TO MY HOME!

This week we'll be spending a little time discussing one of Portland's greatest attractions.....the food carts!   They are iconic and it wouldn't feel like Portland without them.  They are a part of the culture here and contribute greatly to this exciting food scene.   Let's get started exploring!

WHAT IS A FOOD CART & WHEN DID IT COME TO PORTLAND?

A food cart is simply a mobile kitchen and Portland has quite a few of them. According to article in Portland Monthly (Portland Monthly Magazine Article) in an effort to revitalize downtown at the end of the 1970's, business were required to have retail available on the bottom floor of new construction towers built.  This helped to increase business; however there were still many vacant parking lots.  The company that owned the lots soon discovered that pods of food carts thrived in those spaces and attracted more people to the area.   Hence, a culture was born.

WHERE ARE THE FOOD CARTS IN PORTLAND?

While many cities have food carts that move about the city, Portland mainly has food carts that are uniquely stationary and are part of a "pod."   The pods are located throughout the city in the downtown area (10th/Alder), in business districts, and in residential neighborhoods offering everyone the chance to experience their delicious cuisine.   Below is a link to where you can find a food cart pod near you:

Portland Food Cart Locations

WHAT TYPES OF CUISINE CAN YOU FIND?

A variety of different types of cuisine is offered and you can find foods you never would have imagined.  Think beyond the typical lunch truck of the past.  Food carts here offer gourmet sandwiches (Addy''s - a personal favorite of mine, Grilled Cheese Grill); fusion food (Koi Fusion); regional & ethnic food (The Frying Scotsman, Tabor, The Dump Truck); vegan cuisine (The Whole Bowl); Breakfast (The Big Egg).  

There are so many wonderful choices....unfortunately too many to name.   You'll just have to come and find out for yourself!

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

The website FoodCartsPortland.com is a fantastic resource that provides information on the history of the carts, new and exciting ones to check out, and links to trucks for the different types of cuisine you're looking for.  Saveur Magazine also has a wonderful article on the Portland food truck scene and observations on what makes this city so welcoming.

Thanks for checking out my feature this week!   Portland, OR is such a fantastic city and I'm so lucky to live here.  It is such a foodie paradise, but with all the cultural and historical accouterments to go along with it.  While you're here and in between bites, don't leave without visiting:

1. Portland Saturday Market (More yummy food available here)
2. Portland State Farmer's Market (here too)
3. Washington Park (Oregon Zoo, Forestry Museum, Children's Museum, Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden)
4. Oregon Historical Society 
5. Lan Su Chinese Garden
6. Portland Art Museum
7. Powell's City of Books
8. Pittock Mansion
9. Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI)
10. Voodoo Doughnuts (Like nothing you've seen before)

For my feature next week, we're going to dive into the slogan, "Keep Portland Weird" and take a look at the idiosyncrasies we're so proud of! 

 

Now, grab your swimsuits fellow food lovers....we're headed to Maui, Hawaii next.   

See you there!   

Oh, almost forgot.....Aloha!

WELCOME TO MANILA, PHILIPPINES

"The Pearl of the Orient"

I'm so glad you decided to continue on with me for this food lover's journey!  Even though I have never been here, Manila is a special place to me.  My son is 1/4 Filipino and I have become familiar with the diverse dishes this culture has to offer.   My research into Manila made me realize all the great things this city has to offer.   From a tourist's perspective, this could be a wonderful choice for a getaway.   My suggestion to you would be to go with an empty stomach - it won't stay that way for long!  

HISTORY

Manila is the capital city and the seat of political power in the Philippines.   Known as the "Pearl of the Orient" or the "Gateway to the Philippines," it encompasses six different cities and 12 different towns.   It is also a Global City where the Executive and Judicial branches of government are located and it is the most dense city in the world.  It is known for its friendly people, history and culture, and for its delicious food which is served in large quantities.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

If you're interested in visiting Manila, there is a small window during the year that is best to do so.   Due to the typhoons (yikes!) and the significant rainfall it receives most of the year, the most ideal time to visit is between the months of March - May.  The climate can get especially humid at this time, but rain will most likely not delay some of your travel plans during those months.  

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND MANILA

Aside from all the wonderful cultural things to do which I will list some of below, Manila is also a shopper's paradise.   The Mall of Asia repeatedly came up in searches of top things to do when visiting.   This, along with some of the historical landmarks and beautiful architecture that can be seen there, make this an excellent place to visit.  

1. Mall of Asia

   

   Intramuros
   "The Walled City"
   
   

2. National Museum of the Philippines
3. Tour of Manila's famous churches 
4. Ocean Park (Marine theme park)
5. Corregidor Island (short boat trip / scenic WWII memorial)
6. Intramuros ("The Walled City" - the oldest district in Manila)
7. Manila Rizal Park (Urban park great for family picnics)
8. Fort Santiago (16th century fort)

IS IT TIME TO EAT YET? 

A plate of pancit noodles, lumpia, and skewered pork

Why, yes!  Yes, it is!  Filipino foods are a mixed cuisine of Malay, Spanish, Chinese and American.   The Philippines is a foodie paradise.   The day starts with breakfast, moves on the brunch, followed by lunch, then a snack, and then on to dinner.   If you are a lover of yummy and abundant food, this is the place for you. Although, if you are a vegetarian, your options might be a little more limited here.

Popular choices include:

1. Sinagang (Meat/seafood in sour broth)
2. Longganisa (Philippine sausage)
3. Lumpia (Fresh or fried spring rolls)
4. Adobo (Chicken/pork braised in garlic,vinegar, oil & soy sauce)
5. Lechon (Whole roasted pig)
6. Pancit (Noodles)
7. Fried squid or fish balls / Fried salted fish
8. Fried Banana Fritter
9. Rice, rice, and more rice
10. Halo Halo (Dessert of shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet beans & fruit)

Feeling Adventurous?   Here's a few suggestions off the beaten path (foodwise).....

Balut Duck Egg

1. Balut (Fermented duck egg)
2. Grilled Chicken Feet
3. Grilled Pork Ears 

What is Filipino Food?

Filipino food can be characterized in my opinion as comfort food.  Family plays a huge role in the daily meals and food is often part of a festival or an informal celebration, taking hours to prepare.  Filipino food ranges from the simple to the elaborate and usually combines sweet with sour or salty flavors. Rice is a staple food served with most dishes.  Proteins normally consist of beef, pork, or chicken.   Fish is common due to their geographic location and is usually served fried or salted.  Additionally, dipping sauces such as soy or vinegar will accompany many foods.        

If you are a lover of feel-good foods that bring a close connection to that specific culture, I would suggest a visit to Manila.  There is no lack of things to do and no shortage of satisfying meals to choose from.  If you're looking for a city that is a collection of beauty, history, culture and an abundance of regional cuisine, Manila is a destination that encompasses all of those attributes.   Thanks for coming along.  

Next, we're going to take a detour and head back to the place I call home....Portland, OR!   This week's feature will take a look at some of the great food carts that help to make Portland such a food paradise of its own.  You won't want to miss that one!  

FABULOUS LONDON, ENGLAND

"Look Kids - Big Ben, Parliament!"                                                             *European Vacation

Moving along in our cultural journey, we are off to our next destination - the fabulous London, England.  I think I have been wanting to go here since I saw the movie European Vacation when I was much younger.   It started a fascination I have with Europe that I have always carried with me. 

First, A Trip Down Memory Lane.....

As a teenager, I was lucky enough to visit five different countries in Europe:  Switzerland; Germany; France; Italy; and Holland.   It was a European food and hospitality industry tour that I took for credit with the college I was attending.  The food was fabulous and we had the opportunity to meet with different chefs and watch them in action.   Specifically, I remember watching one of the chefs making a wonderful loaf of bread which was served to us alongside a lovely lunch.

For the majority of the rest of our time in those countries, our choice of meals was left up to us, the students, and choose we did.  One of everything if memory serves.   After our memorable meal in Switzerland, we moved on to France.  It was there that I discovered the sweet simplicity of a crunchy baguette smeared with creamy butter and a little jam.   In Germany, we decided we would not leave without trying a fantastic bratwurst with all the trimmings.   I may be a vegetarian now, but that is one yummy meal I will remember.   In Italy, the smell of coffee filled the air and I ate mouth-watering pizza with a crust you could write a sonnet about.  Oh, and we finished it off with scrumptious gelato right down the street from the Vatican City.   We tasted every flavor just to be certain if wasn't our imagination how wonderful it was!   Unfortunately, my trip to Amsterdam was a quick one for the purpose of seeing Anne Frank's Secret Annex (absolutely incredible) and I did not get to taste the wonderful foods available in that city.  Sounds like it's time for a trip back someday, but right now we're going to London!

HISTORY

London, founded by the Romans, is the capital city of England and is the largest city in the United Kingdom.  It is a diverse and historical city founded originally by the Romans.  London is now considered a "Global City" and is one of the financial centers of the world.  It is very rich in tradition, culture, arts, and education which makes it a fascinating place to visit.   

London, the Seat of Government for the United Kingdom, is governed by a Prime Minister.  The British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is Head of State.

London has many wonderful things to offer a visitor.   Listed among the most iconic would include the famous red phone booths, the charming double-decker buses, and the London Underground railway system.  Make sure to look for those when you visit.

   

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit London is in the spring when the weather is mild and all of the world's beautiful, earthly treasures are in bloom.   London has an oceanic climate so be prepared for a bout of rain or two when you're visiting.  You've heard of the infamous "London Fog," right?   Wait. Come to think of it, this sounds a lot like Portland, OR!  Perhaps that's why it's on my list of places I would enjoy as I do love the city I call "home."  

 

TOP ATTRACTIONS

There's no shortage of sights to see here.   My top ten are listed below:

1. Buckingham Palace (British Monarchy)
2. Windsor Castle (1 of Queen's residences)
3. Big Ben (Clock tower, pictured at right)
4. Houses of Parliament (British Government)
5. London Eye (Giant ferris wheel)
6. Stonehenge (Prehistoric Site) 
7. Tower of London (Home of Crown Jewels)
8. Westminster Abbey (Famous Church)
9. York Minster (Gothic Cathedral)
10. Shakespeare's Globe Theater (Playhouse)

PASS THAT MALT VINEGAR, IT'S FISH AND CHIPS TIME!

London has some wonderful foods (and drinks) to offer with a lot of variety.   The food establishments are generally a combination of restaurants for all budgets, Pubs, and now street food.   Street vendors are growing in popularity and number there and a variety of International cuisines can be found.   The street food is somewhat less expensive than a restaurant can be, but not by as much as one would expect. 

Here's some traditional foods not to be missed:

• Fish & Chips (Battered, deep-fried fish served with fries)
  
• Scotch Eggs (Hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage & coated in bread crumbs)
• Meat Pies (Shepard's Pie)
• Savory Puddings (Steak & Ale)
• Bangers (Sausage) & Mash (Taters) with Onion Gravy
• Breakfast Fry-Up (Traditional breakfast, but all fried!)

No doubt you will be thirsty after all that.   I recommend finishing it off with one of their famous stouts or perhaps you're more in the mood for a Spot of Tea?  Either way, you're going to leave London with a full belly and the wonderful memories of the fun experiences you had there. 

How is London's Food Defined?

I think the best way to summarize the food of London is to note that their cuisine is evolving.   Mostly known in the past for their crunchy and delicious fried foods, famous stouts, teas, and other signature dishes named, there has been a shift to make other worldly cuisine available there.   You're sure to be able to find all the traditional foods so that you can decide which one is your favorite, but you might also find other International dishes available there that you may not be expecting.  My research suggests that curry is actually the current dish of choice there for many. No matter the dish, expect that there might be a glass of stout or ale not far away as Londoners, generally speaking, seem to love their beer!   Once again, I'm seeing a Portland similarity.  *For a great site that expands on the fabulous foods of London, I recommend Food Lovers Meetup.


I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about the fabulous city of London, England and the deliciousness that it has to offer!   I know I can't wait to see it and experience it for myself! 

Cheerio!

I'm off to Manila, Philippines next.   There's sure to be some exciting and different yummy foods to discover there.   I hope you'll tag along!