Recent Episodes

 

Dwight Furrow, the author of American Foodie: Taste, Art, and the Cultural Revolution, talks about the philosophy of food. We discuss everything the impact of everything from automobile to Alice Waters to the Slow Food movement have shaped the way Americans think about food.
 
 
 
 

 

Inbal Baum, the Founder of Delicious Israel, joins us to talk about where foodies should eat when they travel to her country.

• Shakshouka is a popular dish in Israel
• Israeli Breakfast is a distinct and important meal
• The modern cherry tomato has roots in Israel
• Tel Aviv and Jerusalem top the list of cities you should visit
• Beach season runs from April to October
• Rosh Hashana is a great time to visit Israel
• When you visit Tel Aviv, go to the Carmel Market, the Levinsky Market
• Try the date syrup, Silan

 

 

Food for Thought

• Q: After pita bread, what is the most common food used to “wipe” humus?
• A: Raw onion.

 
 

Out of the Frying Pan

• Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining: Milgo & Milbar
• Favorite Place to Buy Spices: Cafe Arma in Levinsky Market
• Herbs to Try: Za’atar and Hawaij (in Yemenite Coffee)
• Favorite Winery: Sphera
• Favorite Place for Dessert: The Malabia
• Favorite Food Experience for Kids: Max Brenner
• Chef to Watch: Eyal Shani
• Dish to Try at Different Places: Shakshouka and sabich

Bennet Jacobstein, author of The Joy of Ballpark Food: From Hot Dogs to Haute Cuisine, talks to us about what foodies can find at different baseball stadiums around the country.

• Hot dogs and sausages are not the same thing.
• The quality of ballpark food was elevated in the 90s as new stadiums were built and food television shows took off.
• Stadiums have highlighted regional foods.
• Gordon Biersch‘s founder Dan Gordon introduced garlic fries at Candlestick Park in 1994.
• The song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was written in 1908.
• The Yankees replaced Cracker Jacks at one point, but brought it back after a public outcry.
• 

  San Francisco Giant Gordon Biersch Garlic Fries

  Veggie Happy spearheaded the movement to get veggie dogs sold at ballpark stadiums.

• Andrew Zimmern has a stand in the Minnesota ballpark.
• Rocky Mountain Oysters are bull testicles.
• “The Big Six” are the food companies that service the major ballparks.
• As you go from ballpark to ballpark, try the hot dogs at each to see how they’re done differently.
• Proceeds from Bennett’s book go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

 

Food for Thought

• Q: In what year were Cracker Jacks first served at a baseball game?
• A: 1896 in Atlantic City.

 

Out of the Frying Pan

Here’s what Bennet recommends you try at each ballpark:

• Yankees Stadium in New York City: Chicken and Waffles.
• Fenway Park in Boston: Lobster Roll and a cuban sandwich.
• Wrigley Field in Chicago: Chicago-style hot dog with Vienna beef.
• Turner Field in Atlanta: Boiled peanuts.
• Marlins Park in Miami: Cuban dishes.
• Safeco Field in Seattle: The Ivar’s hot dog (with fish) and cream cheese hot dog.
• Nationals Park in Washington D.C.: A cauliflower hot dog and presidential cupcakes.
• 

  Chicago White Sox Chicago-Style Hot Dog

  Busch Stadium in St. Louis: The BBQ.

• Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles: Tommy Lasorda Spumoni ice cream.
• AT&T Park in San Francisco: Crab salad, lamb sausages, and Gordon Biersch garlic fries.

Try a Food Tour

Top 5 Lists

Whether I am skiing the sweet powder slopes or climbing a cliff face in the majestic Banff National Park I need my coffee shop hour to prepare the body and soul for the Albertan Rockies majesty. As an emigrant to North America from a rural Irish farming area, the mountains and Canadian coffee houses have enchanted my heart. These are the Albertan Rocky Coffee Shops that I recommend for a local and inexpensive culinary pleasure.
 
 

1. Harvest Cafe

If you have more than 15 minutes to spare and you want to eat and drink coffee where the local ski bum and climber eats, you need to visit Harvest Cafe. It is even located adjacent to a used mountain gear shop. Reservations are not required and it is a short walk from Canmore town center. It is best to park in Canmore town center. Word of month from another climber is what brought me to this hidden treasure. Casual dress is essential, the more mountain rugged you look the more you will fit in. The walls are ever painted with images of skiers, climbers and mountains. The staff dress as casual as the customers however they have the differential of being from the French speaking region in Canada that brings a rare French-Canadian culinary experience to the English speaking province of Alberta. Coffee in the cafe is sourced from Mountain Blend Coffee Roasters which is locally based in Canmore town. The breakfast menu and lunch menu are written on a large chalk board and center mainly on healthy options including the sunrise (scrambled egg, avocado, mango salsa and mozzarella) and cowboy (scrambled egg, bacon, salsa)breakfast wrap which my boyfriend and I chose on our most recent visit. Both were priced at about $7. The daily coffee special was a coconut latte and the pastry was a cinnamon bun with cream cheese.
 

$
2-718 10th Street, Canmore, Alberta, Canada
(403) 678-3747
https://harvestcafe.ca/

 
 

2. Beamer’s Coffee Shop

Are you looking for some local coffee shop history? Have you a desire to titillate your coffee taste buds? Are you time constrained for your coffee hit? If yes to any or all of these I would thoroughly recommend a visit to one of the two Beamer’s Coffee Bars in Canmore. The first Beamer’s Coffee Bar was established in 1994. Free parking is available adjacent to both locations. I love Beamer’s as it has amazing coffee blends with delicious breakfast/ lunch wraps, sandwiches and pastries. These are all available for a quick grab and go or to stay and all for a reasonable price. You can be in your ski gear or office clothes and you will fit in here. Foodies Top Tip: If you bring in your own travel mug your chosen brewed coffee is only $2 and they often have day old muffins for $1.
 

$
A – 1702 Bow Valley Trail/ 120, 737 – 7th Ave, Canmore, Alberta, Canada
(403) 609-0111
http://www.beamerscoffee.ca/

 

RELATED: Top 5 Bistros in Calgary

 
 

3. Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.

As the name strongly suggests if you want a freshly baked bagel with a brewed coffee this is the premier place to visit in the Albertan Rockies. Even if you didn’t read this review you would be able to understand from the crowds that queue at the weekend at the downtown location the appeal of these bagels. The cafe has two locations with the most popular being the downtown Canmore location, however if your goal is for a quick stop for quality coffee blends on the way to a mountain I strongly recommend the Bow Valley Trail Location in the town. Parking at the downtown location is limited so walking is best from a town parking lot whereas the Bow Valley Trail location as amble parking adjacent to the premises. The clientele range from mountain guides to wealthy Canadian retirees.
 

$
830 8 St #102/, Canmore, Alberta, Canada
http://www.thebagel.ca/

 
 

4. Whitebark Cafe

Do you want to go where the Banff Ski bum goes for coffee? Do you want to avoid the Banff tourist crowds? Do you want damn good coffee at a reasonable price then the WhiteBark Cafe is the place to go. The White Bark Cafe was recommended as a medicine to my Banff coffee woes by a friendly local who indicated that it was established by an ex-Olympic Ski Athlete who used to train in the area. The cafe is located at the edge of Banff town center in the Banff Aspen Lodge Hotel. Parking is very limited unless you are staying at the hotel so walking here is best. Please be aware the Banff Parking Officers are very active and the author has purchased a $50 parking ticket along with her 2 minute coffee stop. Staff are formally dressed but the customers range from people in their ski gear to higher end formally dressed visitors. It is best to grab a coffee and as the White Bark has limited space but if you have time to site at the bar facing the window you can admire beautiful views of the local Tunnel Mountain. Additionally if your belly is empty you can dine one homemade treats such as their homemade granola cereal and bars or savory dishes such as Foccacia bread which was the daily special on my most recent visit.

$
401 Banff Avenue, Banff, Alberta, Canada
(403) 760-7298
http://whitebarkcafe.com/

 
 

5. Wild Flour Bakery

Do you love art, photography and baking? Then a visit to Banff’s Wild Flour Bakery is essential. It is located one block off the main drag in Banff yet on a Saturday morning this bakery is a hive of activity due to famous bakery and the freshly baked smell emanating from within. On my first visit several years ago I even found my way here by following the aroma down Banff’s Bear Street. My recommendation for a visit is to grab a beverage and admire the art adorning the walls before purchasing food. The beautiful things in life need to be savored and there are too many good things at once. You need to appreciate the smooth coffee (coffee is sourced from fantastic Fratello roastery which is located in Calgary city) you need to appreciate the fantastic mountain art for sale on the walls and you need to savor the delicious food. Parking is limited though there is a parking lot across the street which as of 2016 is free, though it does fill up quickly. Walking here is best as you really need to follow the aroma. Foodie Tip: You can buy loaves of bread freshly baked in store. My favorite purchase was a Walnut and Cranberry bread loaf.
 

$$
101-211 Bear Street, Banff,  Alberta, Canada
(403) 760-5074
http://www.wildflourbakery.ca/

 
 

---

 

About Aislinn Deenihan

Aislinn Deenihan loves the Rocky Mountains and the local cafes in the environs.

A one hour drive north of the City of Toronto is the lakeside community of Barrie. Wrapped around Kempenfelt Bay (an arm of Lake Simcoe), Barrie is a fast growing city with its roots in farming and the railway. Its Victorian era downtown was once the domain of mom-and-pop diners and hardware shops, but it has grown up in the most amazing fashion and is now home to a variety of ethnic eateries, vegetarian restaurants, cool cafes and sandwich shops, upscale burger joints and fine dining establishments.
 
I once led a culinary tour through Downtown Barrie which really opened my eyes to the fun things going on in the neighbourhood. I did a little research before my dining adventure and was surprised to find no less than fifty two unique places to grab a bite in this not overly large locality. Wow – you could try a different restaurant once a week for a year! It’s hard to pick just five, but here are a few special ones that I really enjoy.
 
 

1. Tiffins Curry In A Hurry

Small and cosy, decorated in warm colours and Indian artifacts, is the super friendly Tiffins Curry In A Hurry. Goldie is the hostess, bubbly and welcoming. Chef Kay, her husband, is a quiet master of spices, and together they make the ideal team. Come in and sample the dreamiest butter chicken, chana masala, or korma. If you are feeling brave, and looking for something found on no other menu in Canada, order the phaal curry. That’s right – diners come from all over to try the world’s hottest curry at Tiffins. Can your palate tolerate 800,000 – 1,000,000 units of heat? One way to find out!
 

7 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, Ontario
(705) 252-5816
http://www.tiffinscurry.com

 

 
 

2. Kenzington Burger Bar

This place will no longer be Barrie’s private burger heaven once the recently filmed episode of “You Gotta Eat Here” airs on the Food Network! The whole world will know all about the amazing house made burgers and all their delicious sides, sauces and toppings also made on site. Whether it be beef, veggie, turkey or other burger, you can pick from a variety of sides and breads and then choose a topping style with crazy names like the cowboy, porky or black & blue. A uniquely Canadian cocktail, the bloody caesar, is served here but with a garnish that is Kenzington all over – a tall skewer with olives, tomato, lemon and a slider hamburger. Oh ya!
 

40 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, Ontario
(705) 725-1667
http://www.kenzington.ca

 

 
 

3. The Grilled Cheese Social Eatery

How many ways can you make a grilled cheese sandwich? Oh you’d be surprised! This little place has been very popular since it opened. It serves up all kinds of toasty, cheesy goodness to the lunch crowd daily and re-opens after a few hours break to tame the hunger of the after bar crowd. Grab a green goddess, dill-icious or jalapeno popper sammy and slide into a cosy nook or do some people watching at the front counter. While you’re there, think about buying a Suspended Coffee or sandwich. This is a worldwide movement whereby people buy coffees for the less fortunate, and distribute them to local street people. Lots of warm feels at the GCSE.
 

53 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, Ontario

https://www.facebook.com/GrilledCheeseSocialEatery/timeline

 

 

RELATED: Food Journeys Through Ontario

 
 

4. The Lazy Tulip Cafe

Another tiny but mighty gem tucked into a very vintage building, the Lazy Tulip is less lazy and more of a beehive of activity. The attraction is what the Tulip so aptly describes as breakfast and lunch that is fresh, soulful and healthy in a quaint and funky setting. They specialize in wraps and paninis, flavourful soups, crepes, salads and homemade bread. A lot of their menu is vegetarian, and you will be happy to see the LT is conscious and serving gluten free, fair trade, organic and local fare. Your taste buds will be happy too. My taste buds are craving the colourful and crunchy Thai Tofu Wrap right now! Mmmmm.
 

29 Maple St., Barrie, Ontario
(705) 252-0910
http://www.lazytulipcafe.com

 

 

RELATED: The Top Five Burgers in Toronto

 
 

5. Unity Market Cafe & Studio

A converted garage with the oddest of architecture, painted in wild colours, sits near the corner of Toronto and Simcoe Streets. This is the home of the Unity Market, a fun mish-mash of culture, art, food, music and community activism. The ever changing menu of homemade, local, organic fare is sure to surprise and delight. How does Moroccan squash soup sound? Or cheddar spinach quiche, scalloped potato shepherd’s pie or cranberry hemp seed carob cookies? Sip a spicy pumpkin latte and browse among all the local art for sale – bags, jewelry, stained glass and more. Want to record a song? There’s a recording studio upstairs! Visit during regular hours or get into the action by taking part in cypher night, song writers night, kids art events, poetry readings or lakeshore clean-ups.
 

25 Toronto St., Barrie, Ontario
(705) 737-5208
https://www.facebook.com/UnityMarket/timeline?ref=page_internal

 
 

 

---

 

About Mary Harris

Mary Harris is a professional chef, food blogger, freelance writer and mother of five. She grew up in Ontario’s garden, the Holland Marsh, and has lived and cooked in Barrie for over 30 years.

 

Boston is a proud city and that sentiment doesn’t stop at its food and drink. In an urban hub with lots going on, it’s hard to navigate what you’re really looking for. These five restaurants, bars, and bowling alleys (!!) have been carefully selected to give you a taste of the variety Boston has to offer. From upscale craft cocktails near Fenway park to live jazz in the South End, to the neighborhood bowling alley that serves organic pizza across the Charles River, these places have one thing in common: they’re known for their serious attitude for providing the best in cocktails, local beer, and great food as well. These spots have been Zagat noticed and locally praised, but they’re not where someone visiting Boston might normally find themselves. Spread throughout different neighborhoods of Boston, if a fantastic drink, tasty food, and experiencing Boston’s life outside the usual downtown spots interests you, I invite you to venture into the deliciously local scene.
 

1. Highland Kitchen

 
Favorite drink: The Dorchester: vodka, triple sec, pink lemonade, cucumber ($7)
 
The wait might be long on Friday and Saturday nights as they don’t take reservations, but this popularity means the bar is lively every other day of the week too. A true neighborhood hangout, it’s family owned and known for its American style comfort food and welcoming feel. The food is also excellent, Zagat named it a ‘Best Restaurant in America‘ in 2008 and 2009. You must try the Buffalo Fried Brussel Sprouts $6.95 and Spicy goat stew $18.95. Am I catching anyone’s attention? If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot behind the restaurant off Central St. and street parking as well.
 

$$
150 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-1131
http://www.highlandkitchen.com/

 

 
 

2. jm Curley

 
Favorite Drink: Dark & Stormy: dark rum, lime, “ginger-brew”, sugar rim ($9)
 
Named after the city’s former Mayor, this place offers upscale bar food and acts as a regular hangout for people who work in the restaurant industry. It doesn’t take reservations either but between bar seats and other tables space opens quickly. Somewhat new to Boston’s foodie scene, it’s generated a lot of buzz for its Burger and late night menu with spiked ‘Concretes’ (Milkshakes). Other interesting food items from its always-themed chalkboard specials have included a Foie Gras Donut and bacon grease popcorn. The restaurant also offers fried pickles that are to die for. It’s perfect for sharing a few small plates and sipping on something delicious.
 
Fun fact: there’s an entrance to another, ‘Adults Only’ restaurant called Bogie’s Place through jm Curley that keeps to itself and doesn’t allow cell phone use inside. I don’t fully understand what experience is offered behind the door to this second spot, but if you’re adventurous it might be something to try as well. Parking is limited to garages or getting very lucky on the street. Public transit might be the best way to get there as it’s right by Park St. Station and the Boston Common.
 

$$
21 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111
(617) 338-5333
http://jmcurleyboston.com/

 
 

 

3. Flatbread Co. & Sacco’s Bowl Haven

 
Favorite Drink: Seasonal Local Brews.
 
Take a break from the cocktails and venture to Davis Square (an easy shot on the Red Line T from downtown) to Flatbread Co. at Sacco’s Bowl Haven. This joint cooks up fantastic flatbread pizzas using only organic and locally sourced ingredients, serves beer, and offers bowling lanes all in one. Come with the kids to bowl and chow, or with friends to sit at the long bar and watch the bowling balls fly down the alley. It’s a great place to try unique local beers from MA, ME, NH, VT and more. A pizza necessity is Jimmy’s Free-Range Chicken Pizza with black beans, cilantro, tomato, roasted corn, sour cream and jalepeños, $12.50 small, $19.75 large. If you do drive, there’s meter parking throughout Davis Square.
 

$$
45 Day St., Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 776-0552
http://www.flatbreadcompany.com/FlatbreadSacco2010.html

 

 

4. The Beehive

 
Favorite Drink: Sangria: Red wine, muddled fruit, brandy ($8.50)
 
There are endless reasons the Beehive should be a must see stop on your agenda. Chef Marc Orfaly incorporates Middle Eastern and European influences with American style and locally sourced ingredients to serve her contemporary cuisine in an art-infused setting that provides live jazz music during weekend brunch. Still not convinced? It’s been named a ‘Must See’ not only by me but by Travel & Leisure Magazine, Zagat, and The New York Times, and named one of the Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the country by Downbeat Magazine. It so happens the cocktails are fantastic as well, with an extensive bar program. I’d recommend going for the brunch, and, as we’re crossing our fingers for spring’s arrival, scouting out a warm day to sit on the patio and observe the goings on of Boston’s classy South End. You can walk to this area from the Copley area and Back Bay Station. There is some sparse street parking.
 

$$
541 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02120
(617) 423-0069
http://www.beehiveboston.com/

 

 

RELATED: How well do you know the Boston food scene? Take our quiz and find out.

 

5. Eastern Standard

 
Favorite Drink: Nouvelle Fleur: St. germain, tequila, citrus, aperol ($12)
 
Eastern Standard is another place with lots to offer. Steps from Fenway Park, it’s famed for its extensive craft cocktail list, sophisticated late night bar menu, and for, my favorite part, its Butterscotch Bread Pudding with praline ice cream and salted caramel $8. Its experience in the Boston restaurant scene has allowed it to adapt to and please different types of people, creating different types of experiences. I’ve celebrated a family Mother’s Day in the classy yet buzzing dining room, I’ve cheers-ed tequila-infused sangria with girlfriends on the patio, and I’ve shared high-end potato chips and french onion dip with a group after a Red Sox game when desiring a quiet reprieve not offered by other bars in the area. You can take your chances with street parking and tempt the wrath of our meter maids, or you can take public transit. Eastern Standard is right above Kenmore Station on the Green Line T.
 

$$$
528 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
(617) 532-9100
http://easternstandardboston.com/

 

 
What are some other stellar places for an interesting drink in Boston that I didn’t mention?
 

 
Correction: An earlier version of this post stated that Chef Rebecca Newell was at The Beehive; Rebecca moved over to the sister restaurant Beat Hotel in the fall of 2013.
 

---

 
Isara is a native Bostonian who loves writing, photography, and all things food. Naturally, this lead to her dining out blog, Alone with a Cupcake, which offers foodie insights regarding the best restaurants in Boston and her recently new location, San Francisco.