Tag Archives: exotic
August 7, 2013

Enjoying Traditonal New England Cuisine

New England cosine encompasses delicious dishes made in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. For the most part these places are known for their traditional recipes that incorporate such indigenous ingredients as clams, maple syrups and beans.  Just follow along the state highways and stop at the many inns and bed and breakfasts to sample the best of what this state has to offer.

 

However lately the food in New England has gotten even more delicious and adventurous. If you thought New England is just about the clam chowder you are wrong!

 

These seaside states are famous for their clam chowders and there are as many recipes for it as there are grandmas, inns and spas. The Three Stallion Inn serves up delectable Corn Tarragon Chowder. The Wachusett Village Inn serves up both Smoked Salmon Chowder and Lobster chowder sprinkled with oyster crackers.

 

The entire state is known for homemade breads. If you like banana bread you will love the Chocolate Zucchini bread served at the Cabernet Inn. The Oatmeal Molasses bread served at the Rabbit Hill Inn is rustic and healthy for you.

 

Traditional raspberry scones are served up at the Old Tavern at Grafton. For a more decadent baked good try the Strawberry White Muffins or the Triple Chocolate Muffins at the Glynn House Inn.

 

In New England you find Maple Syrup on everything from pancakes to squash to ice cream. You will also find it in fudge, cookies and candy. However one of the most gourmet uses for it is in the recipe for Apple Chicken served up at Wachusett Village Inn. This is a chicken breast stuffed with apple and cheese soaked in maple syrup.

 

Lobster is a dietary staple in New England. Buttered lobster is found everywhere in restaurants along the coast. However, these “fruits of the sea” are now found in exotic gourmet dishes such as the “Grilled Lobster Tails with Foraged Fiddle Head and Leek Risotto found at the Inn by the Sea.

 

New England is also known for Inns serving special cocktails AT the Trapp Family Lodge a hot red wine drink known as Gluehwine is served.

At the Sebasco Harbor Resort there is a unique cocktail served called the Sebasco Lobster Bake, which is basically a vodka-based Ceaser with Horseradish and Lobster claw meat as a garnish.

When it comes to food there is a lot to discover in New England!

 

June 15, 2013

Bed and Breakfasts in Texas

No matter where you travel in Texas, which is a dramatic mix of scenes from the Wild West complete with cowboys roping horses and oil wells and glassy modern cities, you are bound to find a bed and breakfast with a charming and gregarious host or hostess. This is true whether you are staying in one of the more modern Texas B & B’s among the glass towers of a big cultural and business hub like Houston.

 

You might also want to plan to do a little fly-fishing on the Galveston coast (where all of the bed and breakfasts are located across the highway from the beach) This recreational area is also a boon for fisherman and nature lovers. Fredericksburg, Texas is an outstanding spot for sportsmen to find year-round opportunities to hunt native and exotic species of animals and has dozens of Texas bed and breakfasts that cater to sportsmen. At these places, many of which are institutions in the area, you can expect see to see a few oversized flying fish on the wall.

 

If you decide to stay in Houston make sure you take a visit to the space station, which is the home of the United States Space Shuttle. Houston is also famous for its five star fusion cuisines as well its trendy boutiques and artistic sidewalk café scene.  Most of Houston’s bed and breakfasts and little motels are located in this artsy district.

 

Yet another great place to stay in a Texas bed and breakfast is Dallas, the home of J.R. Ewing and the gang. Dallas hosts numerous million-dollar companies and is a city hat offers some of the worlds most sought after shopping.  If you stay in a bed and breakfast here expect some giant flapjacks to be on your place in the morning. You can find  BedAndBreakfast discount codes at DiscountStorm.com to save some money.

 

The only thing grander than the huge size of Texas is its cultural diversity. People from all over the globe have settled here through the centuries, weaving a rich tapestry of traditions and art forms. Culturally you will see this reflected in the state’s cuisine, which ranges from Cajun Creole to European to cowboy style.

 

No matter where you stay in Texas you are likely to be impressed by the “breakfast” part of the Texas BedAndBreakfast experience. Aside from providing the usual tea and crumpets you are likely to find everything from steaks, to pancakes to pork and beans served up to you in the morning.

 

May 21, 2013

So You Have Decided to Take A Big Trip …

Getting ready for a trip can be both exciting and tiring. You’re ready to go to all the places you’ve wanted to see, but being ready for another country can be a bit stressful if you take everything too seriously. All you need is a pen, a piece of paper and a little time in front of your computer.

 

First things first, where are you going? Make a list of places you want to see and don’t just rely on one site. Think outside the box, do you have to visit the places you see on a postcard or would you like to go to more exotic, unknown (but of course safe) places? Look at sites where people share travel experiences and se wht they share. There are many travel agencies that have guides or tours that you can join, just inquire and then make some plans.  Decide whether you want to be on your own or just with your companion to have your own adventure, walk around shops and bazaars and just discover things by yourself.

 

Now that you know where you’re going, you’ll know what you’ll need. Aside from the usual papers you need from the embassy or from your ticketing agency, research on what people have had to do once they land in the country. Is there something you’ll need in the airport? Aside from that you’ll need a camera (traveling without one is simply not an option anymore), your laptop, laptop and cellphone charger and maybe an adaptor. Look into roaming charges for your cell phone.

 

Then necessities such as a toothbrush, toiletries (that are allowed on the plane) and other small items – are you going to bring some along or just buy them form a store somewhere? Make a list either way. Are you traveling to a country that’s experiencing hot or cold weather? Bring suitable clothing. I love Under Armour cold weather gear. You can get some Under Armour promo codes from PromoCoder.com .

 

Take note on what cards are accepted, whether it’s better to exchange your money in your country or where you’re traveling to and if you run out, will you be able to withdraw without any problems with your card? In case you have trouble, also find out what money sending services you can use (Western Union is the best choice) and where you can find one.

 

Lastly, always have a backup plan and contact information of where you’re staying, your embassy in that country or police information and always keep it on you at all times! You never know when you may need it. You wouldn’t want to be lost and not remember the name of the hotel you’re staying in!