Top places to stay in Siem Reap – stylish hotels to hostels

As mentioned in my last blog, I am planning a trip to Asia, including to Siem Reap and need to choose a place to stay.  I am sharing some of my potential launch pads to Angkor Wat.

Sojourn Boutique Villas

A socially responsible resort of 10 villas nestled among palm trees and rice paddies. The rooms surround the salt water swimming pool with a swim up bar offering tropical cocktails. Khmer hospitality and service, including:

• Intimate, only 10 rooms
• Spa, massage and spa therapies
• Cambodian cooking classes
• Moonlit theatre
• ‘Walk and talk’ in Treak village
• Authentic tour ‘Day in the life in a Cambodian village’
• Yoga retreats offered
• Wedding packages
• Socially responsible, employing local Treak villagers
• 7% of profits are donated to village programs (water, garbage collection)
• Walking distance to Ancient Wat Athvea temple
• Short drive to town in Siem Reap
• Rates vary according to room type: $80-$240 USD

Treak Village Rd,
Treak Village Siem Reap
(+855) 12 923 437
info@sojournsiemreap.com
www.sojournsiemreap.com

Sala Lodges

Simple luxury welcomes guest with exquisite service in relaxed and intimate atmosphere. The stilt house accomodations themselves have their own unique history and stories. In contrast, communal areas are modern and contemporary in feel.

• Eleven wooden houses on stilts (original Cambodian houses dismantled and beautifully restored)
• Residents will have their own appointed Tuk Tuk driver to drive them to shopping, restaurants
• Western and eastern cuisine
• Gorgeous botanical gardens
• Salt water pool
• Spa massage
• Airport- hotel transfers
• Tours available to Angkor Wat, Kbal Spean, Phnom Kulen national park, Tonle Sap village on the water, cooking classes and Monk blessings
• Listed in “The IT List 2014” by Travel and Leisure, and made “The Hot List, The Best New Hotels 2014” by Condé Nast Traveler
• Rates vary according to villa and season: $230- $450 USD

Sala Lodges
no 498, Salakomroeuk
Siem Reap, Cambodia
+855 63 766 699
www.salalodges.com

The River Garden

Located among lush tropical gardens on the tranquil banks of the Siem Reap river, this small hotel is perfect for travellers who like exploring local neighbourhoods.

• 16 rooms overlooking into rainforest
• Khmer style cottage and bungalow are also available
• Street food stalls set up in the evening on the corner
• Local market nearby
• Chef takes guests on her street food tours and popular cooking class “Cooks in Tuk Tuks”
• Timber buildings with tiled terraces and breezy decks
• Spacious rooms are furnished with Cambodian silk textiles.
• Traditional two-storey Khmer house with a big wooden veranda can also be booked.
• Saltwater pool
• Poolside restaurant serves home-style Cambodian food & delicious baked treats.
• Breakfast included
• Angkor Wat temples 10 minutes away by Tuk Tuk
• Rates vary according to room and season: $35- $115 USD

The River Garden
West River Road
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tel: +855 (0)63 963 400 | Mob: +855 (0)89 527 299
info@therivergarden.info
therivergarden.info

The Siem Reap Hostel

A luxury hostel at a backpacker’s budget in a great location.

• lean and lux guesthouse for backpackers
• lively poolside bar and restaurant
• private rooms as well as dorm rooms available,
• great place to meet people from around the world
• relax in our retreat area overlooking the beautiful Wat Damnak Pagoda.
• 5 minutes walk to Old Market and Pub Street
• 20 minute Tuk Tuk ride to Angkor Wat
• Offers a wide variety of cost conscious tours
• Room rates vary according to room type:
  $8 USD general dorm – private room $45 USD

7 Makara Street
Near the corner of Wot Bo Road and High School Road in the Wat Dam Nak area.
Centre of Town, Old Market
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 964 660
info@thesiemreaphostel.com
www.thesiemreaphostel.com

Now I just have to decide if I have backpacker or Sala Lodges budget…

Angkor Wat and beyond — Siem Reap, Cambodia

I am planning a trip to Asia, including to Siem Reap, Cambodia this spring. One of my top bucket lists is to step through through the magnificent and storied Angkor Wat. To step back into a mythical time — and visit the 7th wonder and architectural masterpieces of the world.

Yet, I have been researching Siem Reap and have discovered there is so much more to see than Angkor Wat. Now, I am excited to walk through and certainly looking forward to visiting this legendary temple. Angkor Wat is one of the most impressive UNESCO and archaeological sites in the world — but I always believe in travelling deeper.

Some of the stops or modes of transportation if I can make the time.

Kampong Phluk

Approximately 13 miles from Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk is a fishing village on stilts in the swamps around Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Cambodia. The floating village offers a different view of Cambodian life. Only a handful of tourists do make the journey by boat or bus to Kampong Phluk. This has helped the village keep much of its authenticity and culture. Watch daily life unfold, leaving the big city bustle of Siem Reap feel far behind.
Read about etiquette in Cambodia to enhance your visit to Kampong Phluk.

Phsar Chas (Old Market)

image: shutterstock

Shop into the evening at the Angkor Night Market, which is targeted more to travellers. The market gets busy around 8pm—a perfect choice after a hot day exploring Angkor. You’ll find everything from tshirts to Khmer crafts. The vendors expect you to bargain and haggle over prices so don’t be afraid to negotiate!

Phare Circus

image: http://www.pharecambodiancircus.org

The Phare Circus is one of the most unexpected cultural attractions in Siem Reap. An hour-long performance in the evening that mixes Khmer culture and modern dance. As well as acrobatic displays, juggling, and fire walking. All for a good cause— Phare Circus has trained and employed many of Cambodia’s poorest residents in putting on this unique show.

Balloon Ride Over Angkor Wat

image: madmonkeyhostels.com

West of Angkor Wat, Angkor ballooning offers an exciting way to appreciate the ruins without fighting the hundreds of tourists.  See the ruins from 600 feet and a new perspective on just how massive the temple  really is. Balloon rides start at US $35 and prices go up for longer tours. The tour company is on the road from the airport to Angkor Wat, a short distance from Angkor Wat’s gates.

Angkor Wat

image: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Listed as the 7th wonder in the world and an official UNESCO heritage site. The temple is a magnificent expression of Khmer architecture and genius.

Angkor Wat is heaven on earth, literally. The temple is an earthly representation of Mount Meru, the cosmic and mythical home of Hindu gods. The temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia, showcasing Khmer culture and has been in continuous use since it was built in 12th century. The temple extends over 500 acres and is surrounded by an impressive moat that would make most European castles blush.

I am looking forward to seeing this breathtaking monument in real time soon.

Rocking the Junos

I was crazy excited to be attending the much buzzed about Junos 2015 in Hamilton. The Junos were held in First Ontario Centre, formerly known as Copps Colliseum.

This is the one of the only places you will see people in tuxes to torn jeans in the same arena. (Literally!) Great vibe and full of energy — musicians and media crawling everywhere. I had a couple of wines in a classy, no spill plastic cup in my floor length rock’n roll, suede fringe gown. And I headed down to watch the show.

My take on the Junos: The highlights and… most awkward moments of the Junos 2015!

Highlights of the evening

Keiza

image: ET Canada

Calgary artist, Kieza emerged as the winner of the evening, taking home 3 Junos including “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” for her video Hideaway and Sound of a Woman dance recording. And I so WANT her nude and blue dress she wore on the red carpet. With her shock of touseled red hair she looked like a beautiful mermaid emerging from the sea. Keiza is more than an emerging artist this year — earning the lion share of Junos for 2015.

The awkward and bad…

Junos 2015 host and Hedley singer, Jacob Hoggard was good overall… but a few of his jokes made the large colliseum go awkwardly silent. Just plain bad. Who edits his script?? and the fake video call to Dubai. Seriously CTV.

• Awkward: Hoggard jokes about his appearance; audience members watching must be thinking, “Russell Peters looks sick and white,” the room sounded quiet.
• Bad taste: Hoggard jokes about Keiza’s pronunciation of her name and ‘that it sounded like a sneeze.’
• Bad: Michael Bublé’s SO faux video call to Dubai with Jacob Hoggard appearance from Dubai. What was that? Just pretentious and over the top. Really.

The Amazing Arkells

Hometown Hamilton artists The Arkells took it home for ‘Rock Album of the Year’. They performed Come to Light at the Junos illuminated by the National Academy Orchestra of Canada.

The Arkells posted on the Junos’ Twitter account, “The thought of you, Hamilton, keeps me warm.”

Image: music.yahoo.com

The Weekdn

My personal favourite performance of the evening. Hanging raw ropes and bare lightbulbs strung from the high ceiling. The act opens dramatically with rich, red, velvet curtains. Weeknds voice was rich and we swooned to his perfectly timed, powerful track “Earned it”, the official soundtrack to Fifty Shades of Grey. WOW. Loved it.

After accepting his award, the musician stated: “Canada, I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Alanis Morissette melted Steeltown

Ottawa born artist, Alanis Morissette is ushered into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Alanis closed the Junos on Sunday with a powerful medley of Uninvited, You Oughta Know, and Thank you. Morrissette beautiful as ever.

NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS

“I am deeply appreciative of this country,” she said calmly after a standing ovation. “A lot of people around the planet ask me what [it] is about you Canadians that make you so expressed and so compelling.

“And I say, ‘There’s definitely something in the water other than fluoride.”

Alanis stole and melted the hearts of Steeltown that evening.

The afterparty

image: http://www.outdooradventurers.ca

No red carpet party for me — but something better. Friends and late night pub food. Met up with fellow Juno attendees and friends at one my favourite Hamilton hangouts. The West Town Grill & Bar on Locke Street.

We share our own reviews for the #junos2015 and chowed down on West Town Pizza… topped with chicken, bruschetta mix and feta. A symphony of good flavours!

image: ontariofresh

Have a slice on Tuesday and listen to live music in the Hammer with West Town’s Songwriter Showcase.

Featuring some of the best talent in Hamilton — perhaps you will see the next Juno winner in the making!

 

Top Irish bars in the Hammer

Feeling green? Looking to get your Irish on in the Hammer? Celebrate St Paddy’s Day in Hamilton, Ontario in two of the oldest Irish bars in Ontario.

Being part Irish, I personally will never miss celebrating St. Paddy’s Day! Always a good excuse to have a pint or two… Sharing my top two choices for Irish pubs to visit, both with a history.

1. Corktown, Hamilton

(83 years old, established 1931)

175 Young Street
Hamilton, ON
L8N 1V7
www.corktownpub.ca

This legendary bar is Hamilton’s oldest licensed establishment and live music venue. Corktown has hosted local and international talent from Rock n’roll, Jazz to Irish fiddling. A small place with a big pub atmosphere. I love there is a separate Ladies Entrance! Which was a common practice in taverns from the Victorian era and even up into the 30’s. Read up on the history of these secretive passageways into pubs.

Drop in for a pint and take in the best live entertainment Hamilton has to offer.

Check out Ferguson Young and the amazing young fiddler, Liam McGlashon who has played at Copps Colliseum. Pull out those jig moves you never knew you had… and raise your glass!

• One main stage on the side and a small front stage by the bar
• Live entertainment all week (Jazz, Folk, Rock, Blues, Irish)
• Best fish and chips
• Every walk of life at this pub!
• Longest St. Paddy’s Day Celebration – 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

2. Sláinte Irish Gastropub

Circa 1880s

33 Bowen St.
Hamilton, On
L8N-3Y6
www.slainteirishpub.ca

Originally, built as a stable in the 1880s, this pub is like going back into time. Cobblestone walls, fireplaces and handcrafted woodwork from Ireland are rich in authentic history and in atmosphere.

Their food is locally sourced — including a farm to table menu. They pride themselves on serving hand crafted burgers, fresh Dover perch, savoury meat pies and home made desserts to satisfy every pub craving.

Sláinte celebrates St Paddy’s Day from Thursday – Sunday.  And then the official St. Patrick’s Day.

Tonight’s entertainment: 

• Eclectic Revival 4-8 p.m.
• Shari and the Shenanigans
•  Irish Dancers to get your feet moving to the beat.

• Over 100 craft beers
  
• Farm to table menu
• Burgers & roasts (free from hormones, grain-fed, free range)
• Serve Rodney’s oysters
• Live entertainment 4 days/week
• Weekends DJ spinning and dancing

May the luck of the Irish be with you! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Heat Up Spring! Top Caribbean Street Foods

Up to here with the slush and salt?? Heading south for some sun on the March break? Make sure to search out some Caribbean street food to accompany your tropical drinks… I have included recipes for those I can find in case you are not heading into the sun.

My top 4 choices

1. Conch Fritters (Cracked Conch) – Bahamas

image: http://www.largeup.com/

I searched these out in Belize. These are my one of my favourites and best from vendors on the side of the street (not the restaurants) Deep fried puffs of conch to pop in your mouth! Served with creamy and sometimes spicy dip.  Yes, I am being suggestive… but these are gooood. I highly suggest them!

Excellent as hors d’oeurves or to accompany that fruity tropical cocktail or favourite rum punch. Beware these are HOT and SPICY… but that is exactly how I like these.

Make this recipe at home

2. Bake and Shark (Trinidad and Tobago)

image: www.travelandescape.ca

Sink your jaws into freshly caught shark! Decadently deep-fried on fried dough (ironically called a “bake” and this is not a healthy option here in Trinidad). The secret is the sauce. Make sure to pour the condiments onto your Baked Shark. Roadside stands have many sauces to choose from.

The best sauces:

• garlic sauce
• pepper sauce
• shadow bennie (local herb similar to Cilantro)
• tamarind chutney
• pineapple

3. Empanada (Cuba/Dominican/Jamaica)

image: flikr.com

Empanadas are said to originate from Portugal and Argentina claims to make the best. But it is the Dominicans who have made empanadas a staple late night snack. Shell-shaped meat filled pastries are commonly sold from street vendors. And we can not forget the Jamaican version of these — Jamaican Patties which are the best when sandwiched with two slices of coco bread!

Make some Empanadas! A recipe to try

4. Jerk Chicken/Pork (Jamaica)

image: http://www.largeup.com/

The ultimate Caribbean street food! You may have think you have had or even cooked Jerk chicken here at home. But until you have tried it cooked on an outdoor grill you have not had the “real deal”.

It all starts with the wood.

images: http://www.seriouseats.com

The big difference is that the meat is grilled outdoors over a bed of pimento leaves and sweet green wood from the pimento tree. In Jamaica, the wood is the secret ingredient to the Jerk process. This is what gives the meat its smoky taste.

Just as important is the spicy marinade for which Jerk is famous for. The pork or chicken is soaked 12-24 hours to infuse the meat and keep it soft and tender. You will find hundreds of recipes for Jerk marinade. But Jamaican Jerk houses are secretive on their own restaurant variations. However, the main ingredients are simple and listed below:

• Ground allspice berries (fruit from the pimento tree – a sweet spicy, floral flavour)
• Fresh or dried thyme
• Scotch bonnet peppers
• Scallions/green onions (green and white parts chopped)
• Fresh ginger (peeled and grated) abundant in the Caribbean

And then add fiery, hot scotch bonnet sauce served on the side. If you can find wood from a pimento tree — here is the real jerk recipe from Jamaica, and some history behind the dish.

Perfect pairing with your jerk — fried Jamaican sweet dumplings!  Try the recipe Also check out www.cooklikeajamaican.com

image: FoodNetwork

Take a walk on the wild side… take in some Caribbean street food on your next Spring break trip!

 

Powerboat Adventure with a Side of Conch Salad

Have you had too much cold, salt and snow? Book a trip to the Bahamas — but do you want to do more than just lie on the beach and drink Bahama Mamas? How about high-powered adventure to break up the lazy days in the sun…

I am not usually big on commercial excursions and prefer to do my own thing when travelling. However, I did not know anyone with a cigar boat and was on my list of “to dos” while in Paradise Island. So I signed up for what was promised by the Hotel excursion guide to be a “powerful experience” and “has been featured on Animal Planet and Shark Week, you have to go… we have one seat left…” She could probably sell me most anything with her adorable smooth Bahamian accent.

I am happy to say this was one of the best organized day excursions I have been on. The cigar boat takes you out to The Exuma Cays which is about 38 nautical miles from Nassau.

A high speed, thrilling cigar boat adventure. Wow. I knew it would be fast but it felt like I was in a James Bond boat chase. The boat slices through the crystal clear Bahamian waters at 40mph. What an adrenalain rush! Just wish I could drive the boat. You will get wet….so bring a waterproof camera!

Iguana Island

The first stop is at Allan’s Cay Rock (Iguana Island). It is crawling with iguanas or as the locals call them “Bahamian Dragons”. You can feed them, they do not bite and seem tame… not exactly cute either.  I do not like lizards particularly so I chose to keep swim in the ocean and have rum punch.

Ship Channel Cay

Literally a private island in paradise. The island is 2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Beautiful views of the ocean in every direction. This is our island for the day.

A converted fishing cottage offers shelter from the sun and to cool off. More importantly the island bar is here too. Lots of refreshments and full island bar ready for me. Perfect. Rum punch and Pina coladas are flowing.

 

The secluded island is available for private stays overnight as well, You can stay in your own paradise island but with a bartender…what else can you ask for?

Stingray feeding

I was excited to pet and feed the stingrays. You do have to position yourself carefully to avoid their stingers. The rays are similar to dogs in that they love to be stroked, petted and most importantly fed. But what a strange feeling as their mouths suck the fish from my fingers!

My stingray liked me a little too much however, and he ended up attaching and sucking my leg — I received a stingray hickey,,,. hmmm a take home souvenir. It did hurt so if this ever happens to you do not freak out as you may get whipped by the stinger. Make sure you are completely vertical and no opportunity for leg sucking… The rays however are so smooth and so different than any creature, the hickey was well worth the experience of being up close.

Snorkelling in the Reef

The Exuma Cays are renowned for their beauty and their reefs. An opportunity to do an amazing drift snorkel and swim along side sharks, but keep your distance from the sharks, these are NOT tame. You may even spot an eagle ray drifting by. There were a lot of people and the waters did get a little crazy, with splashing and flippers kicking you in the face etc.  Not my favourite way to snorkel. I recommend heading up to the front if possible with the guide to avoid the splashing chaos of the other snorkelers. But a great location and snorkelling alongside sharks in the drift currents — you can’t beat.

Shark Wrangling…

A dramatic show of shark wrangling. The sharks are lured in with large piece of bait. And the handlers wrangle them in for a good show. The shark and the wrangler get a full work out!  The sharks are then released without harm.  But do keep your distance!!! I saw people letting their children too close or wander off further into the ocean as the sharks were coming in. The guides were good and kept an eye out but use your common sense. We are not in marine land with the belugas! The sharks may want a piece of you… I did ask if anyone had been attacked. So far so good…

The Real Conch…

An amazing dinner is served, fresh fish, fruit and salads. But my favourite was the fresh Conch salad that is prepared in front of you.

Not for the squeamish to watch. Yes I know it looks like a big snail…But so delicious!

Bahama’s national dish is Conch Salad, and they make it better than anyone. Very simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Freshest conch (literally picked from the ocean)
• peppers
• onion
• orange
• lime
• salt and pepper

 Off into the sunset

Then a spectacular power ride home with the sunset at your back.

I recommend this day trip by Powerboat Adventures if you are staying in Paradise Island. Great for singles, couples, families with children (just keep on an eye on them they do not become fish food!) But seriously well run, safe, an amazing and memorable experience.

Now I am craving some conch salad…. I feel the urge to book a trip. It’s better in the Bahamas!

Organized Crime in Niagara – Wine Running

A frosty February morning. I am feeling very sorry for myself with a torn AC and rotator cuff. I can not ski. After some self pity and reflection I thought, I might as well accept being grounded from the ski lift and embrace the Aprés Ski concept — minus the ski

I jumped in the truck with my favourite DD and headed to Twenty Valley Wine region. Only a 20 minute drive from my home. Perfect. A beautiful and sunny day. I was headed to check out if the rumours were true. Organized Crime in Beamsville? I have been trying to connect with the elusive godfather of wine for the past year. Their sporadic hours of operation not always coinciding with my vineyard venture dates.

The hideout

I eventually found the quaint home. I entered from the side. I felt like I was  in a European parlour. Heavy, red, velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers and crafted wood cabinetry. A man with a European accent emerges from behind the door to greet us. At first, not the friendliest but soon warmed up to us. Jan fills us in the humorous and colourful story behind the vineyard.

The rumours are true. Organized Crime does exist in sleepy Beamsville.

The story

The short story: In the early 1900s, two quarrelling Mennonite congregations disagreed about the acquisition of a certain pipe organ. The opposing congregation broke into the church, stealing the organ and sending it to its demise in a carriage down an embankment. Organized Crime winery found its name from this now humorous story.

Organized Crime is a small boutique winery located in the beautiful Beamsville Bench. The secretive vineyard faces south and hangs over the hillside edges of the Bench. The ideal enviroment for cool climate winegrowing. The owners Jan and Krystyna Tarasewicz farm the land themselves and are passionate about the art of winemaking.

The goods

• Excellent and memorable wines.
• Small and select batches – you will not find easily in LCBO
• Craftsman styled winery, little automation
• Intimate, quaint space for wine tasting
• Winetasting fee waived with purchase of two bottles
• Wonderful Ontario reds
• NO commercial feel here – no grandiose patio or view.
• Meet the owners who guide the tastings
  (quite the characters and part of the experience)
• Recommend visiting when quiet, not ideal for large groups
• Ross Wise–Consultant Winemaker, one of the most celebrated Winemakers in Canada.

The score

I very much enjoyed wine tasting with Jan, while listening to stories in his Polish accent. Love the names and creative labels as well. Taste, try and buy. Shop online or better yet make the wine run realtime and head to Organized Crime.  Some of my suggestions below.

Whites

• 2011 The Mischief
• 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
• 2013 Pinot Gris
• 2012 Gewurztraminer
• 2012 Riesling

Reds

• 2012 Break-in Pinot Noir
• 2012 Pipedown
• 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve

I scored a few bottles and continued my drive into wine country. Organized Crime is the best kept secret in Beamsville.

The hideout — ask for Jans or Krystyna
Organized Crime Winery
4043 Mountainview Road, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2

Worth the scenic drive.
Especially with wine waiting.
Happy tasting!

Best late night Chinese in TO

I am sure many of us remember late night Chinese dinner after an all night of partying…. or maybe you do not remember exactly where you were…. but it was Chinese food!

Chinese New Year is upon us and the weekend will be a party. If you are in Toronto, I am sharing my top 3 choices for your late night Chinese cravings.

House of Gourmet

House of Gourmet  – name sounds suspicious. Like maybe it will be the exact opposite with such a name. But despite outward appearances, great spot. Much prettier inside than out. House of Gourmet is well known to Torontonians for good cheap chinese food. Chinese comfort foods are a great stand-by; noodle or wonton soups.

• open 2am weekdays
• open 4am weekends
• Very, very fast service
• Lots of variety
• Cheap, dinner for two under $30
• TRY: 2 lobsters with ginger & green onion for $26.99

Swatow

Swatow — a late but not too late spot. Modestly decorated — hmmm ok… no atmosphere — but you are going there to eat. Great food. The General Tso is my personal favourite.

• Open until 2 am week nights
• Reasonable prices
• Fast
• Cantonese
• TRY the Shrimp Dumpling soup and General Tso chicken

New Ho King

New Ho King — tried and true hot spot for clubbers, late partiers and night owls at University of Toronto.

Note: they do not serve lunch — however, I do not see this as a problem for their loyal, late night customers. Service can be abrupt.

• Open until 4 am week nights
• 5am on weekends.
• Generous portions
• Cantonese
• bit oily – but that is good if you need a post-drink fix-me-up!
• Great price
• TRY: $5-6 fried rice craving satisfied

 Sources: TO Blog and Kristina’s personal late night experiences

Taking a bite out of NYC

New York’s roots and identity and is best tasted — by exploring the dishes given a new home in America by the wave of immigrants who settled in NYC. These dishes have not only become American staples but icons of the Big Apple itself. There are so many but the Top 4 on my list when I am in NYC.

The Hot Dog.

The humble hot dog was brought to New York by European butchers in the 1800s. A man named Charles Feltman from Germany was the first to have a hotdog pushcart on Coney Island in 1870. But competition soon put poor Charles out of business, as a former employee opened up shop across the street offering dogs at half the price. Nathan, a smart businessman promoted his hotdogs with a July 4 hotdog eating contest. The dog-eating contest still runs every year, 145 years later. Now that is a legacy!

Competition still rumbles in the hotdog turf war. In 1973, the Papaya King claimed to have the original combo of the Hot Dog and Papaya drink. Again, a former partner opened up shop. Gray‘s Papaya. Open 24 hours, caters to the hungry late night broadway branch, brings in the masses. Signs such as “no gimmicks” and “Famous hot doggery” plastered in fire red and bright yellow all over the restaurant. Classic NYC frank, all beef, natural casing, served on toasted bun with sauerkraut and brown mustard…

$4.95 for two dogs and a drink. You can’t beat the dog!

Pastrami on Rye.

“I’ll have what she’s having.” We all know this scene from Harry Met Sally. Harry did however, choose the pastrami on rye.

This is the most iconic NY sandwich. A mountain of smoked, black edged pastrami sandwiched in two pieces of fresh rye bread, smothered in mustard and always with a pickle.

125 years ago, Katz’s opened up shop. Still served up the same, no compromises. The pastrami is still cured with the same secret ingredients. The best pastrami sandwiches are handcut to order —Katz’s proudly cuts each pastrami sandwich by hand. Not many delis left like this.  This way, the meat is steamed longer, softer and more tender. Each thin slice is carefully cut to the exact same size. Katz’s is located on the Lower East Side, still with its original signage, ticket system and formica tables.

Katz, however was not the first to create the pastrami tradition — Sussman Volk made the first sandwich. Volk’s handiwork, the pastrami sandwich has become an iconic NY institution.

Definitely, worth the trip to the Lower East Side! Get your ticket and stand in line at Katz’s for a NY iconic pastrami on rye!

The Ice Cream Cone.

Ice Cream first arrived in NYC in the 1700s but only the wealthy, upper-class could afford a taste of the creamy dessert. But with industrialization, and technology advances, such as refrigeration and ice transportation, ice cream was available to the average New Yorker.

Under the Manhattan bridge overpass, across the East River is another city unto itself. No skyscrapers and towers here. 19th century warehouses have been converted into lofts and cobblestone streets are home to boutiques and cafes. A nice change. Also home to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

The parlour in in a 20s fireboat house. The employees wear perfectly pressed white shirts, red bow ties, and Coke is still sold in glass bottles. Like walking back in time. Banana splits, sundaes, and milkshakes. No tiger tail sold here. Just 8 classic, all-natural flavours: Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chunk, vanilla chocolate chunk, strawberry, peaches and cream, butter pecan and coffee.

Your ice cream cone served up in an American flag cone holder. Pure Americana.

The New York Cheesecake

Baked cheesecake has been a dessert in Europe since the 1400s, but New York has claimed it as its own, aptly naming the New York cheesecake. In the 20s, German immigrant Arnold Reuben, immortalized the cream cheese, heavy cream, spot of vanilla and cookie crust dessert. New York Cheesecake was born in the now famous Midtown Lindy’s restaurant — thanks to Arnold. Want to make the original NY cheesecake? Try the recipe.

Today, the NY cheesecake has moved on up to the Upper East Side, with some of the most pricey zip codes in the US. Try Lady M Confections for delicate, and beautiful jewel-like cheesecakes, displayed behind glass counters. With an artful gallery like display, the alluring cheesecakes have your attention.

If you are there, do have a slice of the Mille Crêpe as well, do not think about calories – heavenly. 20 paper thin crêpes layered in ethereal light pastry cream.

Try for $7 USD for a taste of the good life on the Upper East Side

 

Sources: Lonely Planet and Kristina’s personal tastings

What the Dim Sum am I eating?

Chinese New Year is fast approaching and entering the Year of the Goat. Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China where they celebrate over fifteen days. Like any celebration, great food is always a central part of the festivities!

Excellent time to partake in Chinese cuisine — but drive past your Westernized Mandarin buffet. Now is the opportunity to explore your local Chinatown for an authentic Dim Sum experience.

What is Dim Sum?
The original Dim Sum orginated from small roadhouses rather like American diners. Weary travellers stopped in for warm tea accompanied with different small dishes. Now, Southern Mainland China and Hong Kong this is a popular way to eat and spend time with family. Just like our Sunday brunch.

In downtown Toronto, there are many Dim Sum houses to choose from. What is better than spending a Sunday morning with friends and family for a new experience? Dishes clattering, lighting fast but abrupt service and tiny dishes with a large variety of dumplings, steamed buns and sweet, savoury Chinese pastries for your tasting

How do I order Dim Sum?
Food is served in mobile table trolleys, stacked in bamboo steamer baskets. The server pushes these table to table. You simply point at what you want. Usually, a card is stamped with your individual orders and you pay at the end of your meal. Price varies on the dish, but usually no more than a couple of dollars for each one.

Have a sense of adventure — if you don’t know what it is try it!!

But I would like to know what I am eating….
Ok, I get it – you are a little hesitant. First order some tea — great for digestion…

Dim Sum 101

Dumplings

Har gau (steamed shrimp dumplings) my personal favourite
Dumplings with a starchy skin created with tapioca which gives it its stretchiness and transparency. Often steamed with bamboo shoots, green scallions.
Inside perfectly cooked shrimp.

Siu mai (open steamed pork or shrimp dumplings)
Dumplings with an open top of pork or shrimp made in a wheat wrapper.
Sometimes topped with grated carrot or a pea.

Chiu-chao fan guo (dumplings with pork, shrimp and peanuts)
Delicious mix of shrimp, pork and peanuts.
Sometimes flavoured with cilantro and crispy jicama (a turnip like vegetable)s

Buns

Cha siu bao (steamed barbeque pork buns)
Classic Chinese bun. Stuffed with barbeque pork, sweet and savoury.

Cha siu bao (Baked barbeque pork buns)
Same as the above but these are baked and glazed with a glossy egg finish.

Rolled Food

Cheong fan (rice noodles)
Rice noodles rolled with different fillings: pork, beef, pork or shrimp, drip-drizzled with a sweet soya sauce. mmmm another favourite.

Pei guen (tofu skin roll – steamed)
Thin, silken tofu skin rolled with various fillings such as shrimp or chicken.
Sometimes delicately flavoured with bamboo shoots

Meat Dishes

Fung zao (fried chicken feet aka phoneix talons)
Puffy, deep fried chicken feet, cooked in a savoury and sweet sauce.
Good luck to eat these!

Pai gwut (ribs)
Small ribs in starchy coating with soy bean sauce.
Bones so be mindful biting down!

Ngao yuk kau (meatballs – for the picky dim summer)
Meatballs, flavoured with a worchester-like sauce

Dessert

Daan taat (egg custard tart)
Egg tarts — I had thought these were lemon. Quite a surprise, very eggy but good.

Ma lai go (sponge cake)
A soft steamed, egg based cake from Malaysia

Jin deui (fried rice balls)
Puffy rice balls. Created from rice powder, dipped in sesame seeds
and deep-fried. Inside sweet lotus or red bean filling.

Happy Chinese New year!
… or in Mandarin Gong Xi Fa Cai! 

Now go stuff yourself with dumplings and sweet buns!