The oldest eating establishment in Luxembourg? Of course I had to go there. I found it along one side of a square that leads to St. Michael’s Church and the bridge that accesses the historic Bock Casemates. Since 1842, Ënnert de Steiler has been serving up beer, mixed drinks, and generous portions of food in a building that predates it by nearly 500 years. Read about it >
Author Archives: stephentravels
Art Deco Gems of Albert Anis
Nestled comfortably between New York and Tulsa as one of the best Art Deco cities in the United States, Miami Beach also has one of the country’s best historic districts. The short-lived Art Deco movement in the United States lasted only about 15 years, until World War II virtually killed it. But before this terrific style was beginning to fade, Miami Beach, rebounding from the devastating Great Miami Hurricane of 1926, capitalized on this architectural trend. Many of its now iconic buildings, especially the low-rise hotels, owe their very existence to one man, architect Albert Anis. Read about his top five works >
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Three Decades of Italian Excellence
I had my choice of dining options when I was staying in downtown Tempe, Arizona, all within walking distance from my lovely hotel, Tempe Mission Palms. The most convenient, and by far the best, turned out to be directly across the street. If I lived here, Caffe Boa, a combination Italian restaurant / wine bar, would definitely be my go-to place for dinner. Read about it >
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Feeling Blue
Suffering from the winter blues? Then turn your attention from the figurative blues to the literal ones and you’ll be much happier. Around the world, the coolest color has the ability to awe us. It’s also the color that can best calm us down. Just look at the sky or a tranquil sea and you’re already feeling better. But nature doesn’t hold a monopoly on blue. There are some outstanding manmade objects that equally do the trick. Read about the top five blues >
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History + Arizona’s Best Breakfast
When you’re in Tucson, you can come to Coronet in the evening for dinner, or at night for a cocktail or two. I found myself here for breakfast, thanks to a glowing recommendation from the friendly folks at the Southern Arizona Heritage & Visitor Center. I wish I could go back and thank those people for the suggestion—this was the best breakfast I had during my three weeks in Arizona. Read about it >
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As Straight as the Arrows That Almost Killed Him
If Cupid should hit you with an arrow, consider yourself lucky. If anyone else does, it’s going to hurt. A lot. And if multiple arrows pierce you, good luck. St. Sebastian should know. A courageous captain of the Praetorian Guards in the Imperial Roman army during the 200s, St. Sebastian, in the Christian canon of gruesome martyrdoms, suffered this particular form of torture for being a devout Christian, yet he didn’t die from his arrow wounds. Rather, he survived, aided by a pious woman, only to be clubbed to death shortly after for some bold lèse-majesté against Emperor Diocletian. Despite his ultimate fate, the saint, whose feast day is celebrated on January 20, is almost always pictured as an archer’s target practice. Read about the top five depictions of St. Sebastian >
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Breakfast With History
I headed to downtown Tucson to board the free Sun Link Streetcar, the light-rail system that was taking me directly to the University of Arizona campus. Before hopping on, I had enough time for breakfast, at the historic Hotel Congress. It was here that a fire in 1934 led directly to the capture of gangster John Dillinger. It’s also where you can have an excellent morning meal in the hotel’s Cup Café. Read about it >
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Dine Like Royalty in Antwerp’s Gorgeous Train Station
I came into Antwerp via train at Central Station—one of the world’s best arrivals. This gorgeous station, one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, was completed in 1905. From the impressive train shed to the sumptuous main hall, it welcomes you to this Belgian city in the grandest style. And it invites you to dine at Le Royal Café, one of the most beautiful cafés in the world. Read about it >
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Visiting Vincennes
I love small-town America. It’s such a different experience from my hometown of New York, and Vincennes, Indiana, is a perfect example. Founded in 1732 by French fur traders, Vincennes is one of the oldest settlements west of the Appalachians and the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the state. With a population of under 17,000, the city is small enough to walk to all its sights, and when most of those people were seemingly asleep all day when I was there, I felt like I owned the entire city, able to appreciate its riverside setting and attractive architecture at a very leisurely pace. Read about the top five buildings in Vincennes >
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Dinner With a Mexican-Honduran Flair
Chela’s Latin Cuisine was ready for Halloween. Spiders climbed along the walls, cobwebs fluttered in the air being stirred by the air-conditioning, and skeletons saluted and waved to you (or beckoned you, if you’re in a darker mood). I had a feeling that any other holiday—or any regular day, for that matter—would be just as festive. A new addition to the downtown Tucson restaurant scene, Chela’s serves up a great Mexican-Honduran menu, served by some pleasantly chatty waiters. Read about it >
Stephen Travels 