Eat great Food and Travel the World
Source: Foodie Traveler
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Venice, Italy
Three to four days is all my overactive brain, and restless body can tolerate in any one city, but Venice was one of the few cities I felt like extending my stay. The view from the airplane to Rome and Venice is the same; open fields dried from extreme summer heat, littered with bales of hay.
Once you arrive in Marco Polo Airport (VCE) it’s a vibrant, bustling Mecca of tourist from all over Europe and North America. Like most European airports, you can find bus and train booths throughout for ticket and travel information. I recently learned the hard way that it’s more economical to purchase foreign currency in your destination city than in the United States. Don’t be in a rush to exit the airport folks! Catch your breath, unwind with a Cappuccino, desert or even a local cocktail. You can run into some very interesting people if you slow down long enough to observe your surroundings. On some of my wing- it trips the locals who work in the airport have shared valuable tips about the their city. Valuable information like places to avoid, best routes to take and the best eateries. 
These boats will take you to varied islands along the canal, but Murano island is the most popular. There you can purchase items made by artist versed in the trade of glass blowing. Not only can you purchase these amazing pieces and have them shipped to your door, but you can also witness the craftsmen at work in the local factories. The art of glass blowing has been around since the Medieval period.
Getting around on the canal can be experienced by Gondola which will run you about €100 to € 200 euro or if you’re on a budget take the hop on hop off bus that also heads to Murano island for about €20 euro
I searched high and low to find this restaurant that was recommended to me by a local.
Every mile spent getting lost was not in vain, because the food was amazing. You can dine indoors or on the patio that is central to the town square, and shopping. This restaurant is located in the city of Mestre where I stayed, and is a short 15 minute bus ride into Venice.
Authentic Venetian food-Integral Spaghetti with crab and “pachino” tomato, grilled vegetables, Cuttlefish with polenta and cuttlefish ink. Best meal in Venice. The Cuttlefish taste better than it looks 🍴👌👍🇮🇹
If you’re on a diet don’t travel to Italy. 
Venice is known for great seafood dishes.
Venice four ways
Leave Venice, and take the train to Florence for only € 160 euro, it’s only a four hour train ride.You’ll love Florence which to me is like an open air museum. Plan a visit to the statue of David, and the Uffizi Gallery. 
Enjoy! Remember to travel for the experience not just to see the city.
Rome, Italy
Whats not to love about Rome. It’s a rich city with so much history, beautiful people and food. I find the Italians in Milan are a lot more formal than their fellow Italians in Rome. Romans are like Southerners, you either love them or you … and I love the people in Rome. They’re open to strangers and visitors alike, always willing to help give a lost traveler directions or connect you to their favorite spots.
The Metro will connect you to all major points of interest like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Google maps is 100% accurate with Metro, Regional train and bus service. Get out to the Metro and purchase a day pass for the number of days you’re in the city. It’s cost effective! Most city employees speak a reasonable amount of English, but don’t speak in tongues. Speak slowly, and the train employee will redirect you if you’re lost. Relax. Don’t be afraid to get lost in Rome, ask a stranger for help, make friends.
Rome in the Summer is hectic so wear loose comfortable clothing, shoes and drink lots of water ’cause it’s HOT. Venture outside the tourist spots, get out of the city into the towns outside Rome, and experience life through the eyes of a Roman.
My favorite grazing spot in Rome is a cool restaurant in the city center called La Zanzara, open all day, everyday, that’s hard to find in Europe. The food and staff are amazing.
Eat Gelato, enjoy a Cappuccino, drink wine, Peroni and be Italian. You’re in Rome, La Bella Vita!
I ❤️ ROME
Red Rooster Harlem
It’s amazing how we underappreciate a city we’ve lived in, only to discover its hidden gems and treasures long after we’ve moved on. I lived in Queens, NY in Spring of 2008 to Winter 2009; at the time I was overwhelmed by the Big Apple using it only to my advantage- a place I live only because of my job.
Seven years later, and I can’t get enough of the city. Each time I visit my senses are heightened by the people, culture and food. Most importantly the food. A true foodie has eaten from coast to coast, and New York is now my east coast love.
I first heard about Marcus Samuelsson after reading a copy of Sky magazine, and later watched him on Iron Chef. I promised myself that if I was ever in New York again, I would visit one of his restaurants. This place really comes alive at night with some of Harlems’ retro hip crowd. A DJ spins music off the turntable style machine while bartenders whip up tasty concoctions.
Red Rooster Harlem
I give Red Rooster an A++ not only because it offers great food, cool cocktails, an open kitchen concept, but most importantly, it’s not a boring restaurant.
Anchorage Alaska-The Great Outdoors
This Alaska trip was a first of many for me. My first time using Airbnb, first time to Alaska, and to a ski resort. There really is a first time for everything.
You will definitely need transportation in Alaska. Renting a car at the airport is hassle free and conveniently located. If you’re a city dweller like me don’t expect Uber, and expect to pay a lot in cab fare if you insist on using transportation for hire.
There is a lot to see and do in Anchorage, but get out of the city like I did and take the scenic route along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alyeska Resort, and Glen Alps.
No Anchorage layover would be complete without a visit to Snow City Cafe. It’s a favorite among the tourist and locals. I met a Seattle transplant to Anchorage called Jack Frost- not kidding. Another neat spot is the F-Street Station, get there early since they fill up for lunch with downtown city employees.
http://anchoragecoastaltrail.com/
http://www.alyeskaresort.com/dining/seven-glaciers-restaurant.aspx
Canada Wine Country
I recently had a layover in Buffalo, New York so I rented a car, and drove in to Ontario to visit Niagara Falls. My desire to go with the flow took me instead to Canadian wine country.
Here are some highlights of that trip:
Of course, no wine tasting would be complete without an amazing meal, and great company. The food at Ravine Winery Bistro was fantastic.
Complete list of Niagara on the Lake Wineries
Best Foods for Travel
Summer is fast approaching which means holiday travel. If you’re like me, and are a food conscious eater when traveling you need to read this article.
Eating in airports cost money and airplane food isn’t exactly healthy. Lots of empty calories.
These are some of my favorite snacks that are healthy and TSA friendly:
Raisins
Fresh fruit
Back to Nature snack mix
Whole Avocado
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Almonds
Boiled eggs
Tea bags
Emergen-C packs to beat the cold.
Nature Valley Crunch Granola bar
A water bottle, most airports have water refill stations. Stay hydrated.
You can eat healthy even when traveling. The number one thing to remember is pack the foods you love that will pass TSA screening.
Here’s a link to the TSA website for restricted foods.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-food-or-gifts
Bon Voyage
http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/foods-pack-for-flying-plane-article?mbid=social_twitter 
Azurea-Neptune Beach, FL
I definitely recommend getting a reservation, it was Wednesday night and the dining room was packed. I arrived a little after 7pm, and didn’t get a table until 8pm. I will say the food is absolutely worth the wait. If you’re adventurous with your time, and don’t mind waiting then sit, relax and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the lounge. I suggest the Lemon Drop Martini.
The dining room requirements are business casual, but the hostess will make an exception if you have a reservation. I wore jeans since the plan was to dine at the bar, but FYI, restaurant menu items are not served at the bar. However, the bar does offer some great food selections.
You can enjoy great views of the Ocean depending on where you sit (the mounds block the view). There is an outdoor patio that’s lit with a fire pit in the winter. The restaurant is located inside One Ocean Resort and Spa. Walk through the sophisticated lobby, swing right then a left and Azurea will be to the left of the lounge. The concierge or lobby attendant will be happy to direct you if you get lost.
The restaurant menu includes soups and salads, starters, seasonal specialities, and grilled choices from the Land and Sea. Remember, the menu changes each season so hurry in and try some of their Spring favorites.
Click to access spring-dinner2015.pdf
I found the atmosphere in the dining room very relaxed, but elegant. The tables aren’t covered in white tablecloths like a Matthews or Eleven South Bistro so elbows up.
The bread sampler plate is worth the try even if you’re on a low carb diet. Warm white bread and Papadum (lentil crackers) served with butter, fermented garlic, oil and tomato pesto. If you’ve never eaten fermented garlic, please give it a chance you won’t regret it.
This was my choice of entrée. The lamb was succulent and tender with lots of flavor. Non of the dinner choices were over salted but instead were perfectly seasoned. The garnish du Jour was Bok Choy one of my favorite vegetables, but you’re more than welcome to have mashed potatoes or any one of their eight side items.
I’m giving Azurea an A+
Saveur Magazine
Saveur presents their 6th Annual Cookout on Jun 23rd
http://www.saveur.com/saveur-summer-cookout
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite
Sweet Theory Bakery-Jacksonville
Sweet Theory Bakery Co. located on 1243 King Street should be your go to place for donuts, cakes and specialty cupcakes.
The inside of this bakery is chilax and homey. No pretentiousness here just great yummy goodness. They have really cool, quirky names for their sweets that will speak to your creativity, while satisfying the foodie soul in all of you.
I ordered a maple bacon donut, vanilla chai, so fudging good and yoga pants cupcake.
Next time you have a hankering for some donuts, instead of running off to some corporate giant donut shop, check out Sweet Theory. You won’t regret it.
If you have gluten or other allergies, don’t worry, there’s a sweet for you. They offer Bold Bean Coffee, Tea, and Italian sodas, and are the only vegan bakery in Jacksonville. Support Local!
thehungrytraveler1 