Watch us go for the gold!

SSBD Travel is happy to welcome Tres G. as our newest contributor.  Tres has sailed five of the Seven Seas and toured six of the Seven Continents. He has cruised Down Under and flown Up Over. He has been around the world, and is as round as the world. He will go anywhere and do anything, as long as there is first-class transport and five-star accommodations. He doesn't own a backpack and has never stayed in a hostel. He has a filthy mouth and a refined palette, both of which crave bacon above all else. His guilty pleasures include lapel pins and the worst of American pop music. He is the Everyman, yet one of a kind; he speaks for his generation and writes for no one but himself. Tres is our correspondent to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Look for his nightly updates après-ski and post-skate.

Bizarre World-You bet, that's different alright.

Next week our favorite rotund Minnesotan, Andrew Zimmern debuts his new show. Bizarre World can be seen Tuesdays at 10pm on the Travel Channel. Basically the same show as Bizarre Foods, with less focus on the odd items we put in our mouths and more focus on unique customs and culture.



Will you be watching?

San Francisco-Part II: Happy, Happy, Happy in Chinatown and More.

As we continue our San Francisco visit, we move a few blocks west of Union Square to Chinatown. This predominantly Chinese community was founded in the mid-1800’s and is a must see for tourists. The oldest in North America, it is reported to have the largest Chinese population outside of Asia. Walking down its crowded streets, it is not uncommon to hear several different Chinese dialects and not a word of American English for lengthy periods. Visit the quaint shops where bargaining is often not only allowed, but encouraged. In a sea of standard San Francisco branded tchotchkes, these shops can hold hidden treasures for discerning shoppers. A favorite is the Canton Bazaar at 606 Grant Street. Though shopping in Chinatown can be fun, what I prefer to do here is eat and drink.

The Bar Nun has written about my favorite little watering hole, the Li Po. It’s certainly worth a visit for their famous Mai Tai, but don’t expect anything too fancy. This place, like much of Chinatown, is well travelled. Across the street is the Buddha Lounge. The Buddha is even smaller and more of a dive than the Li Po. However, I can think of worse things than standing at the bar with a nice pour of your beverage of choice while watching the “Happy, Happy, Happy Man”. Another interesting option is the Empress of China. This once glorious restaurant has certainly seen better days. Upon entering, you’ll see a wall of photos of people whom I am guessing to be the owners with top celebrities. Unfortunately these celebrities, much like the Empress of China, have seen the spotlight come and go, or may even be no longer with us. I can only imagine the opulence of this place in the 70’s and early 80’s. Take the elevator to the top floor lounge. I have never tried the food, but the bar offers great views of busy streets six floors below, Coit Tower, North Beach, and Russian Hill. Pictures of those great views can be a bit tricky because of the reinforced wire windows; however, a decent optical zoom and no flash will do the trick. Of course, you can always blame any poor pictures from this fantastic vantage point on the abundant booze.

Chinatown also has some delicious eateries. It is hard to go two or three storefronts without seeing glistening roasted ducks or tasty bakery treats in the windows. My advice is to pick one that looks good and keep your fingers crossed. Chances are you will have a great, inexpensive meal. One food item I have yet to thoroughly enjoy in San Francisco’s Chinatown is sit-down Dim Sum. I have read about great take-away joints, but I like to have my shrimp balls presented by ladies with carts. You would think this place would be crawling with good sit-down establishments, but I have yet to find a stand out.

At the western edge of Chinatown is Broadway. This street and surrounding area are home to many of San Francisco’s gentleman’s clubs and the Francis Ford Coppola owned Columbus Tower. The Columbus Tower is very photogenic and if lined up properly you can snap a cool picture with it in the foreground and the Transamerica Tower in the background.


Across town is the Civic Center and adjacent Tenderloin. The Civic Center area is home to City Hall, the Supreme Court of California, and the Opera House. The Tenderloin is not. Both areas are worth a look, but don’t plan on spending much time in either. I highly recommend checking out the recently renovated City Hall and hear good things about the Asian Art Museum. The Civic Center is also home to various open air festivals such as Slow Food Nation in the summer months. Due to its close proximity to the TL, at night this area can be extremely different from the center of San Francisco politics and cultural events its hosts during the day. Since many events are held at night, direct transportation is strongly encouraged. Otherwise wandering these parts during the late night hours may provide you with some unexpected entertainment.

Which brings us to the Tenderloin. It’s hard to avoid the TL as it’s close to almost everything in the downtown area. Whether native San Franciscan’s want to admit it or not, this could almost be considered the heart of this grand city. In the middle of everything and full of life, this neighborhood is home to some of the most affordable housing in the city. Many of the apartments in this section actually are bigger than a large closet and rent for less than 2k a month. This allows some of the city’s struggling artists, hip bartenders, up-and-coming chefs and others a decent sized placed to call home. As such deals are not easy to find elsewhere, it comes with a catch. You won’t find many tourist stops in this part of town, as it contains a high transient and criminal population.

At the edge of the TL is Polk Street. This lively area is home to multiple hip bars and eateries. Check out internet café Quetzal at 1234 Polk for a decent cup of coffee and healthy breakfast or lunch. Then head west, up Nob Hill to see what else this area has to offer. If you are a fan of Greek fare, be sure to stop at Myconos for the two person specials. Bring your appetite, the portions are enormous. Don’t worry though, if you are by yourself, they also offer smaller options such as Gyros, Souvlaki, and more.

One street over on Van Ness, across from the Opal Hotel is Tommy’s Joynt. Though I’d heard some good things about Tommy’s Joynt, I was a bit reluctant, since it had been featured on a food show hosted by a bleached blond spiky haired, backwards sunglasses wearing goof of whom I am distinctly not a fan. Fortunately for me this “dive” did not disappoint. The corned beef was melt in your mouth tender and rivals the best sandwiches of the East Coast deli scene. Both food and beverages are on the inexpensive side and this place had me coming back for more over the course of several days.

For me, Chinatown, the Civic Center and the areas in close proximity to the Tenderloin are of the most enjoyable for experiencing “city life”. All three are very different and offer a variety of solid dining options, bargain shopping and diverse culture. JJ

Part III will feature Fisherman’s Warf, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Check out our pictures of San Francisco by clicking here.

Related:

San Francisco, CA-Part I=No Snappy Title. Just the Intro and Union Square.

BAR NUN AT THE BODEGA - A food special.

Do you think Mexican grocery products are super tasty & exciting? Really? Me, too! It’s no secret that the Bar Nun is Mexican at heart, so enjoy my attempt to explain why the mundane task of grocery shopping is better south of the border.

Many savory snacks in the US are simply sold “salted”, however in Mexico, they’re often enhanced to Lime & Salt flavor, or “Limon”. Holy guacamole, why do we not at least flavor things this way in US coastal cities, if not the fly-over (looking at you, Florida, with your Latin heritage & Key limes)? Tart and salty flavors like this are the perfect accompaniment to afternoon drinking. With a great variety of textures & combinations, I find them more interesting than their domestic counterparts. Potato chips are often sold in stores with bottles of hot sauce attached. You, the delighted consumer, are expected to squirt it straight into the bag & shake. Prepare by having plenty of napkins available! Reach in, get hot sauce all over your arm & enjoy! In Mexico, you’ll also see sweet little grandmothers strolling the beach or streets of town carrying enormous baskets filled with of bags of homemade potato chips & corn puffs in various shapes. Once purchased for about 10 pesos, the ladies offer you a squeeze of lime & a generous squirt of hot sauce. I love to have these on the beach (with micheladas from the convenience store). After being coated in hot sauce, lime juice & salt, a dunk in the ocean is imperative. You will also find savory snacks like Chile con Limon flavored microwave popcorn (please offer this in the US, Con Agra!) & microwave chicharrones (pork rinds, yes I said microwave spicy pork rinds).

The condiment aisles are a bizarro world wonderland of lime, chipotle, jalapeno, and vegetable flavored mayonnaise & habanero ketchup. An incredible selection of seasonings & sauces abound. Dairy coolers offer a delicious abundance of fresh white salty cheeses, as yellow, orange or aged cheeses are rare in Mexico. A mind boggling amount of beverage choices exist. In addition to absolutely any kind of juice, you will also find unusual fruit sodas & powdered drink mixes in flavors such as horchata (tastes like Christmas), tamarindo, & hibiscus. A personal favorite is pre-mixed michelada flavoring, just add beer!

Let’s chat about the candy selection, shall we? Many traditional candies hand made with natural ingredients will be on display in the supermercado. Coconut rolls, dried sugared fruits (kiwi is especially attractive) & wacky marshmallow & cookie creations. Many of the commercially produced chocolate items for sale in Mexico are the Italian brand Kinder in the familiar orange & white package. Often times, it has delightful hazelnut crème or sweet milk filling.

From here we stroll to the bakery department. You’ll also find stand alone bakeries, or panaderia, in most Mexican neighborhoods. Selections can range from simply stocking different varieties of pan dulce (sweet glazed rolls) to enormous donuts, muffins & cupcakes. The most tempting item I’ve seen was a Hostess-style chocolate cupcake as large as a grapefruit. You’ll encounter sweet fruit filled empanadas & tamales as well, which make amazing breakfast fare.

An on-line retailer of fine Mexican groceries and cooking tools that I typically buy when I’m there is MexGrocer.com. Visit their blog for recipes & ideas. In Seattle, I often shop for these items on Beacon Hill at the multiple tiendas or the Red Apple Market, located at 2701 Beacon Ave. South. When you’re in Mexico, or even if you have a Tienda or Mercado in your own home town, don’t hesitate to try the array of unfamiliar grocery items. It’s fairly easy to assess the contents, even if you can’t understand the package. It’s a grocery adventure! FP

Anthony Bourdain's Rust Belt adventures.

Last year I went to Cleveland for the first time. It was a work related trip so I wasn't expecting much in the way of food. However, after Anthony Bourdain showcased "the New American City" on No Reservations, I was hopeful. Unfortunately my hopes were dashed when my exposure to outside work sponsored events was limited. Most of the time we had an option of chicken, hamburgers, more chicken, hot dogs, and even more chicken. My body has never been the same. One bright spot was a visit to Michael Symon's Lolita in the Tremont area. Delicious food in a nice atmosphere with a few nearby spots for an after dinner cocktail . Next week Tony visits "the Rust Belt" featuring Baltimore, Buffalo and Detroit. I've experienced great food in Baltimore and I am curious as to what the others have to offer. Buffalo wings anyone?



Catch new episodes of No Reservations on the Travel Channel, Mondays at 10pm.

Related:
Travel Michigan a major sponsor of 2009?

New York City-An Inconvenient Series of Unfortunate Misconceptions and Half-truths

New York City. A place that I have always wanted to visit, but I only recently made it. Boy, am I glad I did! The Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps, you know all the nicknames. It’s a place that truly has LIFE. Though hard around the edges, New Yorkers have nothing to hide. They seem to lay it out there for all to see and don’t care what you think. I’m not sure what Sarah Palin was referring to when she described what “real Americans” are, but I would have to give that designation to the fine people of New York City. Here, it takes all kinds, it’s a true melting pot if there ever was one.

There are many misconceptions about New York and its inhabitants. I’m not sure if New Yorkers want it this way, but it’s true in my experience. Certainly New Yorkers move at speeds just a bit faster than most others, there is an excessive amount of honking, and most everyone wears black. I think it’s required that one must wear at least one item of black clothing. However, there are many stereotypes about the city and its people that I had difficulty proving. The first, that New Yorkers are rude. Not true. Sure they have their moments, but I would view it as being more “direct” than anything. The majority of my experience was thoughtful, helpful, and downright courteous souls that were willing to do what needed to be done. They are genuine in their approach and quickly move on when the task is complete. Now I live in a supposedly friendly West Coast city where the people are not as nearly as good hearted. Sure, in my town, they may walk down the street with a smile and give you a nod as you pass, but most are also not willing to provide any assistance when needed. In addition, you never really know where you stand with most of these people. Not in New York. Good or bad you always seem to have an idea of how the situation is going to unfold.

The second misconception, that New York is overwhelming. Yes, it is a city of over 8 million people and can be difficult to navigate at times, but common sense will prevail. There are plenty of landmarks by which to get your bearings, helpful signs to steer you in the right direction, and a century old subway system that is clean and efficient. As with any trip, plan ahead. Pick up a Lonely Planet or Moon guide and understand the basics. From there, decide on the attractions that you must see, would like to see, and the ones that would be nice to see. Break those down by location and budget, then buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes. In the end, hopefully you will have seen most of what you wanted and can save the rest for next time. I’m sure they’ll be waiting for you. Later in this article I’ll provide you with my top picks.

Third, New York City is filthy and there are rats everywhere. Even this one surprised me, as I like a bit of grit and was fully expecting it. I’m here to say New York is clean. Granted, it’s not spotless, but compared to the likes of Los Angeles, San Francisco, or even Las Vegas, it’s a clean place. Very little litter on the streets, limited graffiti, and very few visible rats. I’d been told that I’d see rats all over, and giant ones at that. In eight days I saw two and one of those was in Coney Island. Giant rats? No, about the size of a small cat. I’m sure they’re lurking in the dark, dank places that aren’t meant for me to see, but isn’t that the point? Out of sight, out of mind?

Now I understand those tacky “I heart NY” t-shirts that every tourist seems to buy. It’s true. New York is a city that is beloved. But most of that love is not from the millions of people that flock to Times Square and the top of the Empire State building. That love comes from people that live there day after day. They have pride in this remarkable city and they wear it as a badge of honor. If you have never been, go. If you have been before, go again. And if you experience it every day, you are very fortunate to call New York City home.

Here are my New York City tourist tips:

• Try staying in the “other” boroughs. New York City is not just Manhattan. Spend a few days experiencing Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Trust me, they have something for everyone. I have captured some of my Brooklyn experience below.
• There is such a thing as free. The Staten Island Ferry (big orange boat, hard to miss) is free. Even better, the ferry provides a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Go to the Whitehall Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan. Boats leave every 30 minutes. Once on board, find the lower level and move to the outside deck for great photo opportunities. These decks are larger and less crowded than the entrance level.
• The subway. Speaking of public transportation, this one isn’t free, but it will get you everywhere you need to go. Convenient and relatively clean, it’s one of the most efficient subway systems in the world. Plan well, be aware of your surroundings, avoid rush hour if possible and be aware that some stops close during non-peak hours. Most of all, enjoy the experience, especially if you live in a large city without mass transit.
• Hoof it. While riding the subway from point to point is the most efficient way to get around, don’t forget to venture above ground as well. Seeing the city from street level is a fantastic way to get the lay of the land and see the many intricacies that NYC has to offer. SoHo, the East Village, Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Central Park are just a few of the prime sauntering locations.
• It’s kind of hip to be Square. Though I would consider Times Square a must see, limit your time in this tourist trap. To see it at night is more enjoyable than daytime; however, I can’t help but feel, as many native New Yorkers have complained before, that it’s New York’s version of Disneyland. Less edgy than days gone by, you may be overwhelmed by Mickey, Ronald, and supersized toy stores than intrigued by any sort of edginess it may have once had.
• You can’t top it. You hear a lot about going to the top of the Empire State Building for breathtaking views of the city. My advice, go to the top of Rockefeller Center and enjoy views of both the Empire State Building and Central Park instead. Unfortunately you can only see a slice of the Chrysler Building from here; however, you are able to capture a more complete image of the Manhattan skyline and the bustling cityscape below. $20 will get you to the top. It’s worth it.
• I’ll buy it! A walk on the Brooklyn Bridge is a very memorable experience and a great photo opportunity. At almost 6,000 feet long there is no need to cross the bridge, as a stroll to the half way point is sufficient. Actual New Yorkers still use the bridge for running and biking, so be aware when looking up to snap pictures. Otherwise you might just hear “watch out!”.

And the food:

• Eat the pizza. Everyone talks about it. Large, cheesy, greasy…and delicious. Pick any halfway decent looking pizzeria and you won’t walk out disappointed. Even better after a night of boozing.
• Papaya King. Sorry Nathan’s, this hot dog is the pride of New York. Get the Original Special that includes two Frankfurters with your choice of tangy kraut, grilled onions or tropical relish, and a 16 oz. tropical drink.

• When Harry met Pastrami. Truth be told, I have never seen When Harry Met Sally. Never actually want to. So when I told someone that I really wanted to eat at Katz’s, I was a bit puzzled by their look of disgust. This expression was a result of the 1980’s film and not the excellent food that is served at Katz’s Delicatessen. The pastrami is a must. You know when a place of this reputation is still filled with locals, it must be good. And last but not least, don’t forget to send Salami to your boy in the Army! It will make sense after you visit. See Bourdain's related blog article about places likes Katz's not fading away any time soon.

Featured 'hood: Park Slope, Brooklyn

They say that Park Slope is the part of Brooklyn that families relocating from Manhattan gravitate towards. Well kept brownstones, large parks and plenty of quaint eateries probably play a big part in this decision. With less commotion, it still feels like New York City.

I feel fortunate that we chose to stay in Park Slope during most of our recent visit. It’s away from all the other tourists and it provided a nice break from the high prices of almost everything in Manhattan. Some call it one of the first areas in Brooklyn’s rapid gentrification. This is most apparent on 5^th and 7^th Streets. There are plenty good food, quality spirits and a diverse group of New Yorkers going about their lives without the disruption that comes with “out of towners” like us. Though often apparent that we did not reside in Park Slope, we were always made to feel like we were from the ‘hood.

It should be noted that hotels are rare in these parts and though less expensive than Manhattan, it can be a bit more of a challenge to find a place. We found a reasonably priced, yet worn around the edges room in a shared brownstone on VRBO. It worked out well, but I recommend doing your homework and finding a place with at least a handful of recommendations.

See

• Prospect Park-The little sister to Central Park, this “585-acre urban oasis” is located on the north edge of Park Slope. Go to one of the local establishments for some take out and have a picnic in the park.
• Brooklyn Central Public Library-At the north entrance to Prospect Park, this massive library is a sight to see. Check it out!

Eat

• Chip Shop-Deep fried English goodness. Try the Cod & Fries and a side of the Deep Fried Mac & Cheese. This place has great beer and tea selections. The special desert when we visited in March was a deep fried Cadbury Egg. Wait staff was jolly excellent! 383 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
• Rachel's Taqueria-Enjoy a hand squeezed grapefruit margarita or the Rachel margarita with prickly pear and sweet nectar. Yes, they have better than average Tex-Mex grub as well. 408 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
• Blue Ribbon Sushi-Brooklyn branch of this Manhattan chain. Good quality sushi, but a bit on the pricier side. 278 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Drink

• Royale-A dark hole in the wall with good drinks. Late nights liven up the place, for better or worse. 506 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
• Smith's Tavern-run of the mill Irish dive. The décor is nothing special, but strong pours do the trick. 440 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
• Commonwealth-great neighborhood bar with better than average juke box. 497 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

New York is a true adventure that has a little (and most often a lot) for everyone. Enjoy. JJ

Want to see more of our New York City photos? Click here.

Related:
Why it just got harder to blog in NYC.

I LOVE FUNNY FOREIGN FOOD!

What is this? Does anyone know? The only English on the package is on the inside of the box lid & says “Pudding Chocolate”, but the pictures on the box look like cartoon flan. It contains individually wrapped candies that resemble soft white chocolate with a brown top. It doesn’t taste like anything else, especially not chocolate & is super sweet. I acquired this bizarre confection at my local Uwajimaya store.

Uwajimaya has a lot of strange Asian candies & packaged foods. Shopping there is like a wee vacation to a major Asian metropolis encapsulated in a one block area. It’s crowded but fun. I can hardly read any of the food packaging. You can spice up a dull day by purchasing something there which you have no idea what it is & making it. It’s a surprise! Fortunately, many of the cooking instructions are accompanied by pictures.

They not only sell groceries & produce, which are often cheaper than at most chain grocery stores, by the way, but contain a bookstore that stocks periodicals, stationery & manga. The candy section & impulse racks are unbelievable, you won’t have a clue what most of it is, & some of it looks like REAL BUGS. (I dare you.) The food court, inexplicably, has a Herfy’s hamburger stand in addition to Japanese, Chinese, Korean & Filipino food stalls. There are also Asian specialty housewares, appliances, & Sanrio products. Combining the latter two, I once saw a waffle iron for sale here that made waffles in the shape of Hello Kitty’s head. I wish I had bought it. Regrets…

So if you want to feel like you are in a foreign city for the day or you just need a takoyaki maker, take a trip to Waji. It’s an adventure. FP