With a menu specializing in wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta, and a location just a few blocks from my hotel, the Goodwin Hotel, in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, Sorella was an easy choice for dinner. Sorella means sister in Italian, and since I don’t have one of those, I thought I’d see what she would come up with if I did. Read about it >
Although I’ve read plenty of travel blogs and watched an abundance of videos produced by fellow travelers, I never witnessed one creating the content in person. At Koliba in Queens, New York, I got to watch one in action—a Slovakian internet personality practicing his lines and his one-man crew handling the lights, camera, and sound. The rehearsal and taping were interesting to observe as I enjoyed an excellent, and very filling meal, at this Czechoslovak restaurant—but it was also odd: Although I watched the entire taping, they never talked about the restaurant (except for its name and location), the food, or the service. I, of course, will. Read about it >
Exploring Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, can certainly build up an appetite, what with its Museum of Natural History, Art Museums, libraries with special exhibits, and lovely campus. When you’re ready for dinner, you’ll find Saloniki Greek, just a block or two away from campus, popular with locals and students (and not just those earning degrees in Modern Greek studies, a program that began in 1828 when Harvard hired the first professor of Modern Greek). The only thing you’ll study at this restaurant, however, is, of course, the very tempting menu. Read about it >
If you’re hungry for both food and history when you’re in Antwerp, Belgium, then head directly to Hulstkamp. Just a couple of blocks from one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, this outstanding restaurant has been around for more than a century. You don’t achieve that kind of longevity without offering something special. Read about it >
Overfishing is a global problem that is decimating fish and seafood stocks in our oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. Legal Sea Foods, born in Boston in 1950, is doing its part to combat the growing issue by supporting the New England fishing community, prioritizing seasonal seafood, and engaging in responsible sourcing. The restaurant also contributes generously to local nonprofits. Its motto, “If it isn’t fresh, it isn’t legal!” is spot on—terrific seafood ethically caught. Read about it >
Except for the incessant planes thundering by directly overhead, Tempe Mission Palms (in Tempe, Arizona, just about four miles from the crazy-busy Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport) is a wonderful place to stay, for several reasons—perfect location in Tempe, comfortable rooms, rooftop pool, fine service. It also offers an excellent restaurant, Harry’s Place, a great destination for dinner after you’ve been exploring Arizona for three solid weeks and still have lots of packing to do before you return home the next morning. Read about it >
I had read multiple online reviews by people who asseverated that Carmelina’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston. Apparently, a lot of other people had read that, too, because when I arrived at 11.44 for an early lunch on a Thursday morning, it was already standing room only. And, yes, it definitely lives up to its reputation. Read about it >
High above street level in one of New England’s tallest buildings, I took my time gazing through huge windows at Boston, the Charles River, Cambridge, Boston Harbor, and beyond. The vistas are impressive, and so is the food at The Beacon Bistro, where you can enjoy a meal while savoring the best views to be had in the city. Read about it >
I was expecting to lose a bit of cash when I stepped into The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, and not long after I laid some bills on the table, that expectation was met. With pockets a little lighter, I turned my attention to dinner. Within this artificial Venice, with its gondolas, canals, St. Mark’s Square, and sky-painted ceiling, I wouldn’t consider anything except Italian cuisine. I found it at Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano—a sure bet for anyone craving a fine Italian meal. Read about it >
Picture someone’s backyard patio. Now move it all inside. That’s Back Deck, a Boston grill house that serves up charcoal-grilled favorites inspired by food served at casual cookouts. If you’re in the mood to eat al fresco but a chilly late-fall night in Boston quashes that idea, Back Deck is the perfect solution. Read about it >
Stephen Travels 