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.All Trips / California / Food / Southwestern USA
Signs of Grand Central Market, Los Angeles
Even though I lived in the Los Angeles area for more than 2 decades, it was not until I moved away from the city that I visited its famous Grand Central Market. Situated in downtown Los Angeles (on Broadway), near many of the city’s massive skyscrapers and businesses, the market has been a landmark for 100 years (established in 1917).
The market has changed with time and it’s not like most of the markets you’ll visit. Sales of fresh and bulk food , while a component, are a small part of the operation. It seems these traditional market elements have been pushed out to make room for more restaurant vendors. People now go to the market to buy prepared food. …
Tagged food, Grand Central Market
.All Trips / Alberta / Central Canada / North America
Cochrane Farmers’ Market
The town of Cochrane sits in the beautiful Bow River Valley, between Calgary and Banff. Growing rapidly because of its proximity to Calgary, Cochrane still retains a small town vibe although it’s now home to more than 20,000 people. The region was originally developed as a ranch, as was much of the western Alberta prairies, and the farmers’ market is still held at the Historic Ranch Site (which you can explore when you’re done with your visit to the market).
While it’s only held during the summer months, the Farmers’ Market is very enjoyable. It’s busy, but not too crowded, and features locally grown produce and handicrafts, as well as popular food vendors. You’ll find items here you don’t see …
Tagged Cochrane, farmer's market, food
.All Trips / Food / Nevada / North America / Southwestern USA
In ‘n Out — That’s what a Hamburger is all about
Many of my Canadian friends find it difficult to understand why someone would want to move away from California. There were good reasons to stay and, in our case, better reasons to leave, but there are definitely things about California that I miss. Foremost among these are dear friends, the meyer lemon and fuyu persimmon trees in my yard, and the beautiful winter weather (summers I wasn’t too crazy about — blasted hot). And …
Tagged cheeseburgers, food, fries, hamburgers, In n Out
.All Trips / Europe / Food / Spain
La Boqueria: Barcelona’s fabulous Food Market
One of the finest food markets I’ve ever visited, and supposedly one of the best in the world, is the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, usually just called “La Boqueria“. It’s one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist spots — so much so that group tours are no longer allowed inside. You, the independent traveler, are welcome! The market is just off the popular pedestrian mall, La Rambla, not far from Barcelona’s opera house. A iron gate frames your entrance to the very diverse and fresh selection of food items within.
The first mention of the Boqueria market dates to 1217, when tables were installed near the old city gate to sell meat. From December 1470, a pig market was …
Tagged Barcelona, Boqueria, food, La Boqueria, Market
“Pic of the Week”, June 10, 2017: World’s Best Donuts, Grand Marais
Situated in the small tourist town of Grand Marais, on the northwest shore of Lake Superior, is this ‘mom and pop’ donut shop. The name of the place may seem a little overdone, but the donuts it sells are prepared to perfection. They are indeed among the best I’ve ever had.
World’s Best Donuts has an extensive assessment of donuts, prepared fresh daily and greedily consumed by the shop’s many patrons. The several I’ve tried during my visits were all excellent, although they say their cake donuts are a house specialty. The donut shop opened in 1969 and has been run by the family for almost fifty years.
There are seats outside, but it’s especially …
Jun 10, 2017
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.All Trips / Europe / Food / Italy
Catania’s Fabulous Market
Besides the sight of Mt. Etna looming not far away, perhaps the most famous landmark in Catania is its lively fish market, La Pescheria. There’s more to the market than seafood, but I’ve never encountered a more diverse selection of fresh seafood anywhere. And the operative word is fresh as much of the merchandise was still flopping and flipping about. The fish mongers are a lively bunch, trying to entice everyone passing by to purchase their fish, which are said to be the best and/or cheapest in the market.
Given that it’s situated on the Gulf of Catania, it’s not surprising to find that seafood is so popular with the locals and a key ingredient in local cuisine. You’ll find massive …
.All Trips / Europe / Food / Spain
Barcelona’s Santa Catarina Market
Situated in the El Born region of Barcelona, close to the Picasso Museum, Santa Caterina is one of the finest markets in Barcelona. Built on the ruins of an old monastery, the market opened in 1848. The market was constructed on the former site of the convent of Santa Caterina (from which it derived its name). It has served its working class neighborhood for more than 150 years.
Santa Caterina market has recently undergone modernization and extensive renovation, completed in 2005 (while preserving the old walls of the market). This is most evident in its brightly colored wavy Modernista roof, which consists of 325,000 ceramic pieces in dozens of colors intended to be coordinated with the produce sold under it. The …
Tagged Barcelona, food, Market, Modernista, Santa Catarina
“Pic of the Week”, February 11, 2017: Canter’s Deli, Los Angeles
When recently visiting Los Angeles I returned to one of my favorite places in L.A.’s Miracle Mile district, Canter’s Deli. Canter’s is an authentic Jewish deli which never closes. Besides ordering items from the menu, there are a wonderful assortment of fresh baked goods available for sale at the deli’s bakery.
When I was a resident at UCLA I’d eat at Canter’s from time to time with my peers. The corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are wonderful, as are the pickles, pickled onions and everything I’ve ever tried here. It seems the place hasn’t changed in the 30 years since that time.
Canter’s opened in 1931, was and remains very popular, although it has changed locations more than once. It’s now run by …
Feb 11, 2017
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