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 >
Ruins have always fascinated me. What was this place, or building, or bridge, or sometimes an entire city? What was it like when it was still functional and vibrant? What happened there? Who lived there? What was its function? What triggered its demise? Littered all around the world, ruins are quite enthralling, no matter how big or small, from the bell tower of St. Magdalene Mary in Budapest, for example, to the eerily silent columns at Windsor Plantation in Port Gibson, Mississippi. When I visit them, I’m always in awe of their stories and their ability to hang on in the face of natural and manmade forces that continually eat away at them. Read about the top five ruins >
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 >
With a large Latino population in Hartford, Connecticut, I knew I’d be able to find some wonderful ethnic restaurants. On my first night in town, I had some flavorful Peruvian fare. Now, on my last night, I headed for Mexican food at Agave Grill, where the spirits, both literal and figurative, flow nicely. 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 >
Located smack in the middle of Georgia, Macon developed as a state transportation center during the 1800s. Post–Civil War, it emerged as a railroad transportation and textile factory hub, and the city’s economy boomed. In those following decades, the city added some impressive structures to its eminently walkable downtown. As a result, I was rather taken by this small city of about 160,000. Read about the top five buildings in Macon, Georgia >
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 >
I was sure that I would be able to find a restaurant in the South Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York, where I could sample a cuisine I had never had before. After all, it’s not that uncommon here to see an Egyptian hookah lounge, an Italian deli, a Greek bakery, a Thai restaurant, and an Irish bar all on the same block. So, when I spotted the Ecuadorian flag in the windows of Barzola, I knew I had located what I was searching for. Read about it >
Stephen Travels 