Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

"...Counting Cows as I Drift Off to Sleep." Photo courtesy of public-domain-image.com

Despite my professed apathy for a straight cup of cow milk, I truly love cheese, ice cream, yogurt and all other milk byproducts. That’s what made my transition to the travelers diet quite heartbreaking. In spite of spicy noodles, savory stews and tangy stir-fries, I couldn’t stop thinking… where’s the cheese?

October 20th, 2011 - Indonesia: “…Amazing! I love Asian food. Dumplings, sate, and fried rice galore. Saw some American guys eating hamburgers at McDonalds… heh. What a cop out! I could eat this kind of food forever.”

January 3rd, 2012 - Thailand: “…I’m slipping. I have reverted to my old ways of yogurt and cereal for breakfast even though it has nearly doubled my daily food budget. Yesterday, I bought a block of cheese that tasted more like salted plastic and grass than cheese–I ate it anyway. My idea of a diet is only having one Chocolate Royale cone a day. I also ate from a block of goat feta that my friend’s family carried to Thailand in a suitcase on a 17 hour flight. Desperate times have already fallen, and 10 months remain.”

April 27th, 2012 - India: “…Paneer is cheese! But it’s spongy and wet. Hmm… this isn’t too much like cheese after all. Where’s the cured cheese? The ice cream is usually freezer burned and the yogurt sits in unrefridgerated pyramids with the excess dripping down the bottles… I tried my luck with the ice cream. I got sick. I guess now I really have to wait”

June 30th, 2012 - Israel: “Yogurt and spreadable cheese wedges! Ice cream is still outlandish, but I think we’re definitely moving back into milking territory. Staying with a family friend that buys REAL cheese. Life couldn’t be better.”

August 8th, 2012 - Spain: “Milk, gelato and cheese, woohoo! Cream soup, cream cheese, cream sauce, oh no. I think I’m going to be sick.”

October 20th, 2012 (Prediction) - USA: “Checking out at the grocery store with a cart full of ingredients to make Pad Thai… my bottle of fish sauce costs three times more than my block of swiss cheese. Oh, how things change.”

Alright, foodies. What food do you miss the most when you travel? Give me your most vivid description in the comments below or on Facebook. (Can’t see the comments below? Click here for the link: Dairy Diaries of an International Traveler)

Hatch Green Chile Image Provided by Flickr user vxla

Autumn pulled back her cloak this morning and gave us the shoulder. A crisp reminder that summer is coming to a close. For a brief moment I was saddened but then I was reminded that this time of year means one thing – CHILE ROASTING SEASON!!!

It’s not a secret that I am indigenous to New Mexico and that I am incredibly proud of it. If you have ever met anyone from NM, and talked food, then you know there is only one kind of green chile – Hatch green chile. We take our green chile seriously.  We will put it in EVERYTHING. It’s true, I need an I.V. drip. If it ain’t Hatch green chile, I really don’t want anything to do with it.

Growing up, August and September was that special time of year in which the air becomes saturated with the glorious smell of roasting Hatch chiles. We would pick up bushels, line the table with newspaper, a bowl of water, and Zip Lock bags for days. No gloves though–if you use gloves you don’t get it. It is as if summer is giving you a kiss goodbye. You have to feel the heat in your hands, it needs to seep in your pores – this is a ritual.

Since I have left home, I have deeply missed this time of year. Fall just doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t smell right. Luckily there is always someone willing to bring a cooler up to me so I can stuff my freezer with this vital life source.

If you haven’t experienced this you have to! Go to New Mexico and just smell the air. It’s something so special, unique and tasty! I mean, even Anthony Bourdain (my dream man) agrees that you will never have green chile as good as Hatch green chile. So go support local farmers, grab a bushel and get a taste of heaven.

Do you have a favorite green chile recipe?

Do you disagree with me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Author & Friends Cooking Shrimp Chile Rellenos from Scratch in Mexico. Photo by Steve Hoberg.

As a recent college grad on a big trip, I’ve become a budget travel aficionado more out of necessity than desire. Now that you know How to Save Money on Flights and How to Save Money at the Airport, its time to start saving money while you’re actually on vacation. Even if you’re not traveling on a tight budget, read on. Sometimes it can be fun to try out a local place or cook your own meals while abroad! Here are a couple of ways to cut back your spending on food while traveling abroad.

Eat Where the Locals Eat: Almost anywhere in the world, you will find that you get a serious discount by avoiding the popular tourist restaurants and eating where the locals eat. Avoid the main road and find a little pub or noodle shop on a side street. Then you’ll finally understand how much local food should cost!

Stay Somewhere with a Communal Kitchen: Cooking is almost always cheaper than going out to eat for every meal. If you’re settling down in one location for more than a week, look into short term rentals with a kitchen so that you can prepare a couple of simple meals during the day rather than heading out to eat because you don’t have options. Many hostels also offer a communal kitchen for young travelers. Not only will this help you save a bit of money, but it can be a fun vacation activity to stage cooking contests and trade off cooking responsibilities during your trip.

Buy Snacks at Grocery or Convenience Stores: At theme parks, historical sites and world monuments, there are many people waiting to capitalize on your desperate thirst and hunger. The idea is that once they’ve got you cornered, you’ll probably overpay… willingly. However, if you come equipped with a couple of snacks, you’ll not only be eating what you want, but you’ll be getting it for a fair price.

Drink Less Beer: If traveling on a budget, you’ll start to realize that your alcohol tabs run up dinner bills significantly. “But I’m on vacation!!” I know. BUT If you’re looking to spend an evening out within your budget, why not have dinner first and order drinks only after you’ve finished eating. This option will provide a couple of extra hours of entertainment at no additional cost to you. If you’re trying to be really classy (I wish there was a sarcasm font), you can also buy drinks at a convenience store or grocery store and drink them in your room before heading out.

Skip Meals: I’m not advocating anything crazy, but I do know that the three-square-meals-a-day folk need some persuasion on this issue. If you sleep in or get off to a slow start, it IS ok to skip breakfast and go for an early lunch! If your day trip runs long, eat around 4pm and snack for dinner that night. Going with the flow regarding meal times and snacking in between can help you accidentally save a bit of money.

Whats the most terrible thing you ever ate because you were on a tight budget, at home or abroad? My roommate’s spaghetti with ketchup and green beans tops my list. Tell me about it on Facebook or in the comments section below! (Click here if you can’t see Facebook comments below: Budget Travel Tips: Saving Money on Food)

My Favorite Bar is the Olive Bar. Photo by Author.

I arrived from India into Jordan without any idea of what to expect. I had long desired to travel to the Middle East but now that I was finally here, I recognized I really had no plan.

No plan, no problem. I would start with what I know how to do in any country.

Step 1. Get my bag and get out of the airport in the cheapest way possible. Step 2. Drop my bags off at my hotel. Step 3. Ask the front desk where the best local food is.

As a lifelong lover of hummus and falafel, I was eager to toss aside Indian masalas and find the best food in Jordan. Pricey organic versions of Middle Eastern food had long invaded my home, and I was ready for the real Arab food.

What I learned: You think you know hummus, but you have no idea.

Hummus in Amman. Photo by Author.

Middle Eastern food brings together the freshest, smoothest, brightest, crispest, tartest flavors into a simply perfect ingredient or an actual culinary masterpiece. If you find yourself anywhere in the Mediterranean, here is a list of the 10 Best Middle Eastern Foods for you to enjoy!

1. Hummus: This classic Mediterranean appetizer is mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Eat a freshly prepared batch with parsley and pita to have your life changed dramatically.
2. Shawarma: This fast food option is the enticing meat block you’ve probably seen twirling around on a vertical spit. Shavings are wrapped up in a pita with anything from tahini to tabbouleh.
3. Falafel: Falafel is the vegetarian fast food option that is equally as delicious and equally as unhealthy as Shawarma.  Falafel is chickpea balls mashed with spices and onions, then fried and served as a snack or sandwich option just about everywhere.
4. Olives & Pickles: Practice has made perfect for pickled goods in the Middle East. An abundance of pickles and olives are readily available, and shouldn’t be overlooked as an afternoon snack.
5. Mansef: This dish is more of an authentic home experience than a meal. A flavorful rice mixture with goat and nuts is served over a thin bread with a prepared yogurt and served on a communal platter. Be prepared to get your hands dirty for this one.
6. Tabouleh: Tabouleh is salad of fresh parsley, bulghur wheat, tomatoes, and lemon juice that holds its own against a table full of entrees. It is tart and fresh, and probably one of the best simple salads on the international scene.
7. Kofta: Kofta is essentially a skewered meatloaf mixed with onion and parsley, then grilled to deliciousness.
8. Baba Ghannouj: If you’re not burned out on appetizers, baba ghannouj is a hummus look alike made with eggplant that is equally appetizing.
9. Kibbeh: Kibbeh is a tasty football-shaped spiced meat pie that is either fried brown or served in a soup in most Midle Eastern countries.
10. Tea & Turkish Coffee : While these don’t technically classify as a food, I would say that they are the most significant of all. Whether you start your day or finish your meal with a cup, coffee and tea are at the epicenter of Middle Eastern dining.

Got a Middle Eastern favorite that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook!

Photo of Author Wai-ing with Ronald at a Thailand McDonalds.

I have always had a shameful fascination with American fast food chains abroad. I don’t even remember the last time I ate a Big Mac at home, but put me in a new country, and I’ll be scarfing down a super sized fries the minute I can’t handle another bite of pad thai.

McDonalds is probably the ultimate in globalization and product adaptation case studies, so this is not really a bad habit… just research. So in the name of educating people everywhere, here is the run down on a few Asian countries’ McDonalds:

1. McDonalds Indonesia: The standout quirk at this McDonalds was neither the McFlurry nor the Mac, but instead the unusual side order. Not feeling fries? Dive into a white rice patty–not to be confused with a rice paddy–with your burger. I don’t get why anyone would make that substitution, but hey! The Indonesians were lovin’ it.
2. McDonalds Thailand: Thailand has managed to Westernize faster than its SE Asian neighbors, so I suppose it was no surprise to me that the McDonalds menu was pretty much the same. Besides the wai-ing Ronald at the door and an entree option of spicy pork and basil, this McDonalds was not so shocking after all!
3. McDonalds India: Devoid of clown imagery, the Indian McDonalds was just as different as everything else is in India. From a beef free menu of Maharaja Mac and Spicy Paneer Sandwiches, I selected a simple chicken sandwich. However, as not to be overshadowed by its Indian brothers, this sandwich came with a Puri Puri Spice Mix and a Shake Shake Bag for mixing it all together. The unique culinary experience at this McDonalds might be as distinct as they come.

Have you had any interesting observations at a McDonalds or other fast food joint abroad? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook!

fork, knife, FOOD

We all probably know that regional food availability, taste, tradition and transportation concerns are factors that have led to the hundreds of distinct cuisines from around the globe. We also probably have a few favorites, signified by whether you’ve got more Thai, Indian or Peruvian takeout menus in our drawer. Regardless of your personal leanings, check out this awesome (and completely hipster-riffic with its typefaces and design) info graphic at Massive Health.

What’s your favorite regional food? Let us know in the comments section below.

Photo by Author. Spicy, Crispy, Street-Side Samosas in Myanmar

Crispy empanadas stacked and sprawling emit fragrances that could make even the most finicky of travelers scarf down a plate. Pad Thai is twice as flavorful and half as expensive in Thailand, and street Kebabs after a night out in France have a higher turnover than their restaurant counterparts anyway!

Traveling offers an abundance of opportunities to sample local favorites and imported flavors. How could you turn that down? As long as you have a discerning eye, you can sample some of the best food in the world like a mad man without even losing a day to stomach grumbles.

Wondering how to eat street food without getting sick? Here are 4 essential tips for eating smart on the street:

1. Choose your Food Wisely: Sure a street ceviche and an already-cooked pork skewer look tasty, but only if you’re willing to gamble upon the food’s freshness. Typically, a smart street-eater might steer clear of meats and fresh fruits and vegetables in favor of something fool proof– fried, boiled, and seared are always good! Pick something that is stored and cooked to order for the least chance of contamination.

A couple options include Vegetarian Pad Thai, Churros, Chow Mein, Samosas

2. Follow the Crowd: Step down trendsetters, this is the time to do as the locals do. If a crowd of Mexican diners are vouching for a burrito stand, chances are it’s not only safe, but delicious. Also, the more people blowing through, the quicker the food turnover… which means less chance of a yucky stomach bug for you.

Eat at the standard local breakfast or lunch time to see the most popular places in action.

3. Screen for Sanitation: Food cleanliness is part of a huge realm of subjectivity and you’ll have to set your own standards when you see it– flies are a serious reality in many parts of the world and a quick rinse is considered “washing” at particularly busy food stalls. Use discretion and ask questions about water or cooking methods if necessary. Soon enough, you’ll develop a new standard for “clean” and knowing what to look for will make is not so scary anymore.

Watch them clean up the previous order to see if they’re using clean water and soap.

4. Eat it Anyway: Sometimes the best food comes from an establishment that looks flat out shady. If you’re brave, it might be worth taking a risk on a mango lassi or an agua fruta, as long as you know basic precautions (ie. purified water) have been taken. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and enjoy every last sip. Usually, you’ll have no problems at all!

Theres too much to sample in the world of cuisine to always stick to restaurants. Flavors emerge in an entirely new way and the breadth of local food is broadened significantly if you’re willing to experiment. If you’re new to street food, take it slow, but I’m confident your first trip won’t be your last! Enjoy!

Interested in experiencing the local cuisine? Check out one of Gray Line’s foodie tours on GrayLine.com!

Where and what was the best street food you have ever eaten? (If you can’t see Facebook comments below, click here to go to the full version of the Street [Food] Smarts: Traveler’s Guide to Eating Street Food Blog Post. 

Image Provided by Benson Kua

Hello springtime!! April showers have brought May flowers and the allergies to go with them. Sneezing aside all is forgiven thanks to pool parties, patio cocktails and my new favorite – food truck season! Yes, that’s right folks, I said food truck season. A lot of local restaurants are taking to the streets to promote and convert new customers by way of food trucks. It’s a win:win – restaurant quality food with the ease of street food. Food trucks are nothing new; they’ve been around forever, like taco trucks which have been popular since way before it was cool. I can recall an early 90′s Simpsons episode in which Marge’s pretzel stand was outdone when a falafel truck invaded her territory.

Food trucks are great because not only are you getting fed, it’s like a scavenger hunt because you never know where your favorite truck will be posted up. Now there are even food truck parties and festivals! This a great way to diversify your palate, get to know the food your city has to offer, and take in the sunshine with those who love to eat as much as you do! This can even be a money saver while on vacation! For maximum fun factor, try an open top double decker hop-on hop-off tour which will give you a great opportunity to hunt down local food trucks while taking in the sights!

Here’s a list of food trucks in some popular cities and tips on how to find them!

• Denver: http://www.denfoodtrucks.com/
• LA: http://www.findlafoodtrucks.com/sea
• New York City: http://www.nycfoodtrucks.org/
• Chicago: http://www.foodtrucksmap.com/chicago/
• Seattle: http://www.seattlefoodtruck.com/
• San Francisco: http://roaminghunger.com/sf

 
What’s the craziest or tastiest thing you’ve ever eaten from a food truck? (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here to view the full version of the blog entry: Keep on Truckin’ – Food Truckin’ That Is

While messing around on Facebook last night I came across an app titled 100 Foods to Eat Before You Die – The Food List Challenge. I like to think of myself as an adventurous eater, I will try anything once, so I had to click on it. The list had dishes like alligator, paella and (my favorite being from New Mexico) frito pie!

The app got me reminiscing with friends about the “strangest” things we have eaten while traveling; things like pigeon fois gras, steamed silkworms and in my case, goat eyeballs. Why would we eat these things? Part of it is to say that you have, I mean come on, but really most of it is out of politeness. In many cultures it is considered extremely rude to not eat the food that has been given to you. What may seem strange to our American sensibilities are considered delicacies in other lands. So what do you do when your host hands you a plate of blood sausages? Smile, say thank you, and you never know, you might like it! Either way, you have a great story to share with your friends when you get home. You only live once right?

Head Cheese - Image Provided by Flickr Stu Spivack

If you are inspired but not quite ready to eat crickets, headcheese, or tongue tacos, you can certainly find some fun food themed tours in your own city to help expand your palate. Are a few in the US to help get you started!

• In Chicago, Illinois: http://www.grayline.com/Chicago/Your_Love_of_Food_Tour
• In Newport, Rhode Island: http://www.grayline.com/Rhode-Island-Providence/The-Providence-Riverwalk-Gourmet-Tour
• In Boston: http://www.bostonfoodtours.com/

And if you were wondering, I scored 81 out of 100 on the Food List Challenge. Did you see the app? If so what was your score? Better yet what are the “strangest” foods you’ve tried on your travels? Let us know in the comments below! (Don’t see Facebook comments? Click here to view the full 100 Foods to Eat Before You Die blog post)

Famous thin-crust New York pizza

The U.S.A. has a reputation around the world for pretty much over-doing everything, and when it comes to food, the stereotype seems to fit fairly nicely. McDonald’s world domination ring a bell?

And as the States are a melting pot of cultures and influences of the highest order, it also fits that there is not a single food that best typifies the American experience. Rather, there are a few culinary delights that can be considered typical American foods, and it’s not surprising that some U.S. cities have gone considerably over the top in the number of spots that cook them up every day.

The website TheDailyMeal.com felt compelled to somehow quantify America’s food fixations, and recently released the results of a study that rated cities based on the number of restaurants offering up one of the country’s signature foods. If your travels take you to any of these tasty hotspots, don’t miss the chance to sample the goods!

Pizza — #1 city: New York. With an amazing 1,737 pizzerias across the city, The Big Apple dominates this delectable category. The whole thin-crust versus deep-dish debate, ongoing with the Second City, Chicago, is pretty much squashed by these numbers. Chicago is second on the pizza list, but with a distant 747 pizza places.

L.A. staple In-N-Out Burger

Hamburgers — #1 city: Los Angeles. Sure, the hamburger is named for someplace in Germany, but the pressed grilled meat sandwich is omnipresent in the States. Fast-food or sit-down, it’s Los Angeles that’s the city where they are most available, at 531 restaurants offering up burgers. For visitors, hanging in LA means almost certainly stopping off at an In-N-Out Burger joint at some point.

Hot Dogs — #1 city: Chicago. They do dawgs the correct way – with yellow mustard, a poppy seed bun, onions, tomatoes, pickle spears, peppers and celery salt – and they have 98 hot-dog stands to serve them up. Our favorite, after a night in the clubs: the aptly-titled “The Wieners Circle.”

Fried Chicken — #1 city: Dallas, Texas. They’re always on the hunt for the best crust-to-chicken ratio, and the 113 chicken shacks in Dallas are experimenting every day on the perfect balance.  Kentucky may be finger-lickin’ good, but Texas is tops in the U.S. in greasy poultry; Houston is number two on the list with 106 fried chicken joints.

Mmmmmm, donuts.

Donuts — #1 city: Los Angeles. We’ve heard anecdotal evidence that Rhode Island is by far the per capita leader when it comes to donut shops, but L.A. seems to be leading the nation in guilty pleasures, as evidenced by its 343 donut shops. And yes, that’s where they make “The Simpsons” …