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

Boise, Idaho is a city on the rise. Not only is the population growing, but with new businesses coming into the area, more people are visiting for business trips and vacations. In turn, when you’re busy running around all day, in meetings, or getting into town in the evening, a late night meal is all you have time for. Fifteen years ago, your options for late night food in Boise were limited to fast food chains and the occasional visit to a convenience store. As in the case with many growing cities, the demand for late night options for food expands. To meet these expectations, food chains, restaurants and bars make the choice to stay open later, providing a service that wasn’t necessarily needed before. While the fast food places are still an option, your choices (and variety) of places to eat in the wee hours has grown. Whether you are a night owl, in town for business, or simply winding down from a night on the town, here are the top five places in Boise, ID to enjoy a late night meal.
 
 

1. Merritt’s Family Restaurant

Home to the World Famous Scone, don’t let the full title of Merritt’s fool you. While Merritt’s leans towards the family attitude during the day, by night it transforms into a place where all walks of life congregate. This restaurant has the old school, greasy spoon diner feel to it, which only lends to the party like atmosphere that is felt the later the night gets. The scone is a can’t miss, sometimes even providing a meal in and of itself. Honey is the preferred topping, but if you’re feeling risky, go with chocolate syrup. (Don’t worry, chocolate is good for you. And for the scone.) Even if scones aren’t for you (which you should definitely try one), the menu offers a variety of options, ranging from breakfast items to cheeseburgers to seafood platters, all at reasonable price. Just don’t forget to bring a few extra dollars to play the jukebox to listen to some good music while you enjoy your meal.
 

$
6630 W. State St., Boise, Idaho
(208) 853-6165
http://merrittsscones.com/

 
 

2. Pita Pit

Though a national chain, Pita Pit is a healthy alternative to the other late-night options that may not necessarily be good for you. In this case, Pita Pit is both healthy and delicious, hopefully fulfilling both of your needs. Lines can be long on weekend nights after midnight, but the staff moves efficiently and quick in delivering your order. Located in the heart of downtown Boise, you may have to deal with a outgoing bar crowd (if you’re not part of that group already) but these meat, veggie, and even breakfast pitas are well worth it. Plus, a sandwich is a great meal to take with you back to your hotel or home, ideal since options for seating at this Pita Pit location are limited.
 

$
746 Main St., Boise, Idaho
(208) 388-1900
http://pitapitusa.com/

 
 

3. Quinn’s Restaurant/Lounge

Looking for a place that is relaxing and moderately priced with a friendly staff? You should look no further than Quinn’s. This restaurant is located halfway between the Boise airport and the downtown area and is within walking distance of a few hotels in the area. The restaurant is separate from the lounge, in case a sometimes rowdy bar crowd is not quite your scene. The kitchen remains open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, staying open until midnight on most other nights. The food is top notch, ranging from breakfast to burgers to prime rib. And since you’re in Boise, make sure to sample the finger steaks, a food item generally only found in the Northwest, more specifically in Idaho. You usually won’t walk away from Quinn’s after a meal feeling unsatisfied and the staff provides a warm and welcome atmosphere that make it seem like they’ve known you for years.
 

$$
1005 Vista Ave, Boise, IDhttp://quinnsrestaurant.net/

 
 

4. Pie Hole

Pie Hole is also located in the heart of downtown Boise and is a favorite among many of the locals, especially if you’re part of the younger crowd. New York style pizza is what’s on the menu here and also is great for a meal on the run. Seating is limited at the Pie Hole, but an outdoor patio is available to sit and enjoy your pizza if the weather permits. It’s definitely worth it to grab a couple of slices of pepperoni (or the local favorite, the potato bacon pizza) and head back to your hotel or home for the night. Don’t want to deal with the hassle of the downtown area? No need to worry, as there is another location just outside of downtown. Parking is also limited but when it comes to great pizza by the slice, Pie Hole is definitely worth the hassle.
 

$
205 N. 8th Street OR 1016 S. Broadway, Boise, ID
(208) 344-7783
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pie-hole-pizza-boise

 
 

5. Los Betos

Los Betos is a 24-hour Mexican Restaurant which has numerous locations in the Boise area, with the closest being is about a five to ten-minute drive from downtown Boise. (If you really want to conquer the late night food scene, you can visit a second location that is only minutes away from Merritt’s). Los Betos offers the standard fare of burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, but if you really want to fill yourself to the brim, try the Chiles Rellenos meal. Even if you don’t go this route, the burritos are packed full of ingredients and most of the meals will provide the late-night sustenance needed to fulfill your hunger needs.
 

$
Various Locations within the Boise area (SEE WEBSITE), Boise, ID

http://www.idaholosbetos.com/

 
 

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About Jason Haskins

Jason Haskins is an author and playwright. He is new to the food blogging realm but has been a fan of food for years. Jason loves to jog as well but enjoys pizza and Italian food too much to ever make running a serious habit.

The Latin Quarter encompasses much of the 5th arrondissment (district) of Paris, with the Sorbonne University as its center. Back in medieval times, the slope on which the Sorbonne stands was covered with schools to which students from all over Europe came to study. The common language that they spoke was Latin, hence the name Latin Quarter. Today, the hill is still covered with schools, ranging from elementary to university. But one doesn’t have to be a student to enjoy the vibrant night life that spills out onto narrow streets on weekends. There are a number of fine neighborhood restaurants in the quarter whose mid-range (€€) and higher (€€€) prices are probably too steep for students to frequent, but travelers to Paris who have an adequate budget will find any of the five that I list a great place to begin their French dining experience.
 
 

1. Le Resto

Le Resto has been one of my favorites for many years. It stands on a side street around the corner from the lively rue du Pot de Fer. A handsome façade with curtainless windows trimmed in grey and a grey awning trimmed in burgundy welcome diners. The interior boasts bare-stone walls, exposed ceiling beams, a hardwood floor, and table tops made out of riddling boards covered with clear glass. The overall effect is rustic and reposing—as if one were dining at a country inn. I recently went there for lunch and ordered Pasta sotto de cavatappi au poulet et tomate ancienne. Three generous portions of tender, sliced chicken breast were served in on a bed of pasta that had been tossed in melted Parmesan. Slices of green, orange, and red tomatoes added color and flavor to the dish. It was a delicious, satisfying meal.
 

$$
8, rue de Tournefort, Paris
http://www.lerestoparis.fr/

 
 

2. Le Pré Verre

I have dined at Le Pré Verre many times over the years. I especially like the two-course, 14.50€ lunchtime menu that includes a glass of wine and an espresso. In the evening, a three-course menu (without beverages) runs 30€. The specialty of the house is Cochon de lait fondant aux épices douces et choux croquants. You get a wide-brimmed, shallow bowl containing a bed of lightly cooked cabbage upon which rest two slices of tender, milk-fed pork, all in a broth of light cream, white wine, and juices from the piglet. Flavored with cinnamon and star anise, this dish is exquisite.
 

$$
8, rue Thénard, Paris
http://www.lepreverre.com/

 

RELATED: Where to Eat in France.

 
 

3. Aux Verres de Contact

Aux Verres de Contact stands at the corner of boulevard Saint-Germain and rue de Bièvre. Its curtainless, sparkling-clean, tall and wide windows offer a view of its smart interior to passersby. Step inside to see a handsome zinc bar as you pass though to the main dining room. There, grey wallboards and room dividers trimmed in cherry; wallpaper displaying stylized glasses of wine; reddish-orange and bare-stone walls; and polished dark tables provide reposing atmosphere. The night that I dined there, popular music played over the sound system, including a song by the Temptations. For the main course, I chose Joue de bœuf façon pot au feu. The waitress asked me if I liked os à moelle, and I responded positively. When she returned, she presented me with a generous portion of stewed beef cheek, a cut of beef bone containing marrow (the os à moelle), and chunks of cabbage, carrot, small potatoes, leek, and turnips. This was a wonderful dish perfect for a chilly winter’s evening. I enjoyed it immensely and you will, too!
 

$$$
52, boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris
http://www.auxverresdecontact.com/

 

4. Le Buisson Ardent

A cheery red façade makes this bistrot stand out among the commercial establishments along the south side of rue Jussieu. Inside, the walls display painted murals on a forest-green background. The cherry-red and burgundy benches lining the periphery of the front dining room are comfortable, and the lacquered wooden tables lend elegance to the place. This restaurant was once a coaching inn. Its 1925 décor has been preserved. My choice for the main course was Noix de gigot d’agneau rôti à basse température, crème de pois chiches au cumin et polenta aux raisins secs. The boneless cut of tender leg of lamb was served rosé (pink), just as I had ordered, and was accompanied by a lovely cream of chick pea sauce. Alongside rested a large dollop of fluffy polenta (which was surprisingly light) studded with yellow raisins. The combination was simply delicious.
 

$$$
25, rue Jussieu, Paris
http://www.lebuissonardent.fr/

 
 

5. Le Reminet

A royal purple façade sets the tone for the fine dining experience that you will enjoy when you enter this small restaurant. Tables are set with tall candles and roses; gilt-framed mirrors hang on the walls; and spotless glassware stands on white tablecloths—diners will appreciate all of this and good service and great food, too! My main-course choice was called Filet de canette en croûte de lard et noisette, choux rouge croquant au vinaigre de Xérès et patate douce rôtie aux épices. I received a filet of duckling breast covered by a crust of breadcrumbs and bacon bits resting on a bed of cooked, crunchy, shredded red cabbage. The duck breast was tender, but nonetheless somewhat chewy (I had ordered it “rosé”). The red cabbage added color and texture to the dish and was quite flavorful on its own. Alongside lay a delicious wedge of roasted sweet potato cut lengthwise. Superb!
 

$$$
3, rue des Grands Degrés, Paris
http://www.lereminet.com/

 

RELATED: The Art of French Eating.

 

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About Tom Reeves

Confirmed Francophile Tom Reeves is the co-founder of Discover Paris! and the author of two books: Paris Insights – An Anthology and Dining Out in Paris: What You Need to Know before You Get to the City of Light.

 

As travelers will discover when they first get in the city, Montrealers are real breakfast lovers. Starting with institution as Beauty’s Luncheonette, opened since 1942 on Mont-Royal Avenue, brunch has become a real source of inspiration for chefs and cooks: national meals are being reinvented, cultures are mixed and seasonal products are valued. Need a bite of Montreal’s morning taste? You will find here five excellent addresses to start your day in front of flavorful dishes, surrounded by a great atmosphere. Bon appétit!
 
 

1. Chez Régine

Located in Montreal’s beautiful area Rosemont Petite-Patrie, Chez Régine’s restaurant will charm you at first sight while you will admire its elegant retro-chic style. Even the chairs are pieces of art! What we love most though is the original and creative menu. Everything is more than delicious and also, homemade, from the pastries to its bacon. Cooks don’t hesitate to mix salty and sweet flavors from local Quebec’s products. They use for their recipes one of best cheeses from Quebec’s producers, as “Cheddar Île-aux-Grues” and “Le Mamirolle”. For mushroom’s lovers, you must order the dish named “Champi”, amazingly good and healthy. Perfect culinary presentation in a sophisticated and eclectic atmosphere… Result: definitely a must for real breakfast lovers! Not surprisingly, Chez Régine’s won an “Excellence Certificate” from Trip Advisor team.
 

1840 Beaubien East Street, Montreal, Canada
(514) 903-0676
http://reginecafe.ca/fr/

 

 
 

2. The Sparrow

The Sparrow is the cutest place on Saint-Laurent’s street to start your day, with the million little sparrows that will surround you on the wallpaper while you will sit at your table. The atmosphere is vintage and more than welcoming; the meals, full of flavors and affordable. The menu is short and precise. You won’t get lost in pages of food options while you are still half asleep. The “House-smoked trout”’ dish is definitely a must if you like a bit of sea taste when you’re sipping a latte. You also need to try the freshness of their Turkish breakfast, with feta, tomatoes, olives and soft boiled eggs. A delight! If you get the chance, also get those Scottish eggs, perfectly cooked and not so heavy. Best place if you want to pimp your breakfast with a tasty Mimosa or a Bloody Caesar, just spicy enough!
 

5322 Boul. St-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 507-1642

https://www.facebook.com/TheSparrowBar

 

 

RELATED: Check Out These Top 5 Asian Restaurants in Monreal

 
 

3. Vieux Vélo

Vieux Vélo’s restaurant, two steps away from the Petite-Italie’s dynamic neighborhood, is a small, cozy and hipster place that could be called, for the cheap price and tasty dishes, “benedict’s king”. This lovely address won the first place in best breakfast’s categories, according to “Best of Mtl 2013: Food and Drinks” of CultMontreal. Veggie-pesto, smoked Atlantic’s salmon, brie-bacon-avocado… The variety of eggs benedict are simple but, oh so tasty! Just got there and no room for you? No problem! The cute and comfy coffee next door Odessa, from the same owner, will offer you to taste a comforting latte or cappuccino while you wait. When your table is ready, you cross next door to Vieux Vélo and get ready for an amazing (and low price) dish of benedicts!
 

59 Rue Beaubien East, Montreal, Quebec

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/1599108/restaurant/Saint-douard/Le-Vieux-Velo-Montreal

 

 
 

4. Le Fabergé

Have you ever taste a classic Montreal’s poutine? Here’s an opportunity to rediscover this special dish in a morning way, cup of coffee in hand. Le Fabergé, located in the heart beat of Mile-End’s lovely neighborhood, is offering, surrounded by a relaxing and trendy atmosphere, a perfect occasion to taste brand new culinary tendencies. Forget the eternal toast with peanut butter and jam; time for you to explore something new. Breakfast poutine with eggs, caramelized peppers and onions, Quebec’s cheese curds and hollandaise sauce, or chicken wings on waffles bathed with maple syrup? Who says yes? For eggs lover, you will feel at home while you will explore the million ways on the menu to taste your favorite ingredient. Not a coincidence this address is named “Le Fabergé”, in honor of “Faberge eggs” treasuries of tsarist Russian empire. Here your chance to provoke your taste buds in a total Montreal morning’s way, with flavorful food and friendly staff.
 

25 Avenue Fairmount West, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 903-6649
http://faberge514.com/

 

 
 

RELATED: Round Table Food Tours in Montreal

5. Prohibition

Located in the beautiful and not too touristic Notre-Dame de Grace’s neighborhood, on Monkland Avenue, Prohibition is definitely an excellent brunch spot! The space is well decorated, with a beautiful piano in a corner, and the atmosphere is cozy. The menu presents unique ingredients combinations and the result tastes amazing. Prices are very affordable, around 15$ coffee included. Prohibition is specially known for their delicious Bulgarian benedict’s (poached eggs with garlic yogurt, sheep’s feta and paprika oil… you can call that a must!), fried chicken with challah french toast and their lemon ricotta pancakes served with blueberry compote and sugar bacon. The portions are generous and the staff, very attentive. Lovely recommended experience!
 

5674 Monkland, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 481-8466
http://www.prohibitionmontreal.com/contact.html

 

 
 

 
 

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About Valérie Trudel

Valerie Trudel is a writer from Montreal that combines two passions: by day she explores different levels of Montreal’s restaurant scene and by night, she writes about it. She is the creator and editor of Montreal’s culinary blog “La Poule ou l’Oeuf”