I wasn’t ready for lunch quite yet, but the attractive green frontage of Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour and the manicured shrubs lured me in. I felt like I stepped through a portal, back a century or two to Paris or New York, with the “u” in “Parlour” adding Old World dash. I liked it immediately. And when the owner gave me a personal tour of arguably the most interesting interior of any eatery in Hartford, Connecticut, I knew I was in capable hands. Read about it >
When the owner and chef of six restaurants in and around Sedona, Arizona, can excel at anything from a high-end Latin restaurant to a simpler place for salads and pizza, you know you’re in good hands. So, when I received two recommendations to try Pisa Lisa, one of those restaurants owned by chef, entrepreneur, author, humanitarian, and award-winner Lisa Dahl, I acted on it without reservation—a very smart decision on my end. Read about it >
On my way to the light-rail line in Tempe, Arizona, that was going to take me right into downtown Phoenix, I passed by Daily Jam. I liked the play on words: jam, as in a fruity breakfast spread; jam, as in something that someone particularly likes, as opposed to jam, an awkward situation. Closer inspection revealed an extensive menu, and before I knew it, I decided Phoenix would have to wait a bit while I was enjoying an excellent breakfast. Read about it >
Of course, when one is in Tucson, Arizona, one must have Mexican food for dinner at some point. Downtown Tucson has lost a few of these restaurants over the past year or two, but in 2024, a new arrival opened its doors. La Chingada serves up traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, and the husband-developer and wife-chef team have created a buzzworthy place that attracts all kinds of folks. Read about it >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 