Help me eat my way thru Europe! :)
Mar 25th, 2014, 05:17 AM
#61
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The word tapas has been diluted in the US, as it has been applied to many different cuisines, simply because the portions or plates or small.
There is also the Italian tradition of stuzzichini, or spuntini.
And mezze or meze which are found in Turkey, Balkans, and the middle east
There is also the Italian tradition of stuzzichini, or spuntini.
And mezze or meze which are found in Turkey, Balkans, and the middle east
Mar 25th, 2014, 06:21 AM
#62
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Yes, that is what I said. The majority of Italians in some areas of the US are not from Southern Italy. Just like there is no such thing as Italian cooking, there is also no such thing as italian-American cooking that can be ascribed solely to southern Italian traditions. There is an extremely well developed cuisine in California of Italian-emigre food and wine that is rooted in the cooking and viniculture traditions of Northern Italy.
Equally important to recognize is how many American ideas of "real" Italian food have now been shaped by television chefs who are either from northern Italy or who learned to cook in Northern Italy and promote the foods and cooking styles of Northern Italy. That has been as influential as memories of Italian-born grandmothers. Many Americans are now told that Italians "never eat" many Sicilian and Neapolitan preparations and combinations are in fact eaten all the time in Italy.
Finally, a great many or the most popular "authentic" Italian recipes in Italy have their roots in food products that were never known, grown or used in Italy until Columbus found his way to the Americas. And today, the word °snack° has definitely made it into Italian parlance as a substitute for stuzzichini, spuntini (and cicchetti).
Equally important to recognize is how many American ideas of "real" Italian food have now been shaped by television chefs who are either from northern Italy or who learned to cook in Northern Italy and promote the foods and cooking styles of Northern Italy. That has been as influential as memories of Italian-born grandmothers. Many Americans are now told that Italians "never eat" many Sicilian and Neapolitan preparations and combinations are in fact eaten all the time in Italy.
Finally, a great many or the most popular "authentic" Italian recipes in Italy have their roots in food products that were never known, grown or used in Italy until Columbus found his way to the Americas. And today, the word °snack° has definitely made it into Italian parlance as a substitute for stuzzichini, spuntini (and cicchetti).
Mar 25th, 2014, 10:50 AM
#63
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Amsterdam: fancy twist on Dutch cuisine (look at any 17th century still life and you'll see there's a rich culinary heritage):
Bolenius
http://www.iens.nl/restaurant/29415/amsterdam-bolenius
Streetfood: if in early june: try the new herring, and drink a glass of jenever with that. Herring parties all over the city.
Vijff Vlieghen is a tourist trap, most indonesian restaurants too. There's one that's alright: Djago, on Scheldeplein.
Rijsttafel is an invention.
Bolenius
http://www.iens.nl/restaurant/29415/amsterdam-bolenius
Streetfood: if in early june: try the new herring, and drink a glass of jenever with that. Herring parties all over the city.
Vijff Vlieghen is a tourist trap, most indonesian restaurants too. There's one that's alright: Djago, on Scheldeplein.
Rijsttafel is an invention.
Mar 25th, 2014, 10:57 AM
#64
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In Amsterdam; have an indonesian meal. Sama Sebo is popular. Or Kantjil. Order the 'rijsttafel' with a selection of small dishes.
Both Sama Sebo and Kantjil are mediocre (at best).
The classic Indonesian meal is:
rice (white is ordinary, yellow nasi kuning is for birthdays, nasi goreng is in reality a breakfast dish of left over rice)
a sayur, often sayur lodeh, that is fairly sweet to balance the more pedis dishes and as a sauce for the rice
a meat of fish or tahu dish like rendang, ikan bali or tahu peteh
some pickles (acar)
a salty garnish like serundeng or kerupuk
some sateh as a side dish or for starters is also very acceptable
a "white" beer, coriander flavored goes well with these dishes.
if they have it: coffee "tubruk" and "spekkoek" or an indonesian sweet like kwee lapis, or ondeh ondeh.
and that's it: the full range of flavors on the plate, everything in balance, but no array of small dishes.
Both Sama Sebo and Kantjil are mediocre (at best).
The classic Indonesian meal is:
rice (white is ordinary, yellow nasi kuning is for birthdays, nasi goreng is in reality a breakfast dish of left over rice)
a sayur, often sayur lodeh, that is fairly sweet to balance the more pedis dishes and as a sauce for the rice
a meat of fish or tahu dish like rendang, ikan bali or tahu peteh
some pickles (acar)
a salty garnish like serundeng or kerupuk
some sateh as a side dish or for starters is also very acceptable
a "white" beer, coriander flavored goes well with these dishes.
if they have it: coffee "tubruk" and "spekkoek" or an indonesian sweet like kwee lapis, or ondeh ondeh.
and that's it: the full range of flavors on the plate, everything in balance, but no array of small dishes.
Mar 25th, 2014, 11:01 AM
#65
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Our favourite Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam is Sampurna by the Flower Market
http://www.sampurna.com/
http://www.sampurna.com/
Mar 25th, 2014, 08:18 PM
#69
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One hell of an argument here. Back to the OP's Q.
In Dresden I suggest the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Bistro. It is very traditional and reasonably priced, at least for lunch.
If you like fish try Ocean's Corner in the heart of Prague for a snack or lunch.
My favorites in Amsterdam have been the Cafe Luxembourg for lunch and the Luden for dinner. I ate at the Five Flies once. As mentioned it is an historic place, expensive and good. Indonesian restaurants are to Amsterdam what Taco Bells are to the USA - oily and smelly. If you get over to Haarlem, highly recommended, try the raw haring at the fish stand at the Botermarkt for an afternoon snack. The restaurant Dubrovnik in Haarlem is great for dinner.
Italian restaurants are so popular because everybody loves pizza and it is cheap.
In Dresden I suggest the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Bistro. It is very traditional and reasonably priced, at least for lunch.
If you like fish try Ocean's Corner in the heart of Prague for a snack or lunch.
My favorites in Amsterdam have been the Cafe Luxembourg for lunch and the Luden for dinner. I ate at the Five Flies once. As mentioned it is an historic place, expensive and good. Indonesian restaurants are to Amsterdam what Taco Bells are to the USA - oily and smelly. If you get over to Haarlem, highly recommended, try the raw haring at the fish stand at the Botermarkt for an afternoon snack. The restaurant Dubrovnik in Haarlem is great for dinner.
Italian restaurants are so popular because everybody loves pizza and it is cheap.
Mar 25th, 2014, 08:23 PM
#70
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Oops, I just noticed that you slipped Scotland in there, but not in your title. In Edinburgh the Witchery should be your "fancy-schmancy" evening dinner. This place is great, and famous. Look up their web site.
BTW, the Cafe Luxembourg in Amsterdam has it's menu on line.
BTW, the Cafe Luxembourg in Amsterdam has it's menu on line.
Mar 26th, 2014, 01:04 PM
#71
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Restaurant Konirna in Prague. Great setting in Mala Strana, outdoor terrace and delicious food. Just a couple of blocks from the Charles Bridge, but on a small, calm square.
Quimet y Quimet in Barcelona has wonderful tapas. A little off the beaten path, but worth the effort.
Quimet y Quimet in Barcelona has wonderful tapas. A little off the beaten path, but worth the effort.
Mar 26th, 2014, 04:38 PM
#73
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Now that I am handcuffed to my glorious America for life, I'm happy to once again be among the finest restaurant choices in the entire world. Chauvinistic? You G-D right I am! and proud of it.
Maybe this will end this thread and take away all the opportunities for you would-be foodie bores to show what you think you know. Bah f-ing humbug.
Maybe this will end this thread and take away all the opportunities for you would-be foodie bores to show what you think you know. Bah f-ing humbug.
Mar 26th, 2014, 09:49 PM
#76
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just when I think I can't possibly get any more great food ideas from this thread, more come. Thanks to recent posts giving me more ideas for Prague, Dresden, Amsterdam & Spain. Manachem, thanks for the details on ordering good Indonesian in Amsterdam. Heck, I had no idea that Indonesian food was such a rock star there! Sandralist, Petros & I'mDoneHere....love getting the historical perspective! And a special shout out to spaarne for giving me a great place to eat in Scotland! 
. It wasn't part of my tags b/c Fodor's limits you to 5 tags per post. Thanks again everyone!
. It wasn't part of my tags b/c Fodor's limits you to 5 tags per post. Thanks again everyone!
Mar 27th, 2014, 09:44 AM
#77
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I want to come along!
For Madrid, I can highly recommend this tapas walking tour:
http://madridmuseumtours.com/Strolls_and_Tapas.html
His website:
http://www.walksofspain.com/
Bruges:
Don't miss Cambrinus, and definitely don't miss the beer Westvleteren.
Paris:
Too many to list! I'll have to come back. Where are you staying - that may help.
I agree with the David Lebovitz reco, above, you cannot go wrong. Also consider buying Patricia Wells restaurant app (5 bucks?) for Paris. Finally, the website Paris by Mouth is a good bet. You will be all set if you do that.
Agree with Verjus. Septime was fantastic and now has a star. Frenchie's was good but I liked Septime better and at the time was easier to get into.
For Madrid, I can highly recommend this tapas walking tour:
http://madridmuseumtours.com/Strolls_and_Tapas.html
His website:
http://www.walksofspain.com/
Bruges:
Don't miss Cambrinus, and definitely don't miss the beer Westvleteren.
Paris:
Too many to list! I'll have to come back. Where are you staying - that may help.
I agree with the David Lebovitz reco, above, you cannot go wrong. Also consider buying Patricia Wells restaurant app (5 bucks?) for Paris. Finally, the website Paris by Mouth is a good bet. You will be all set if you do that.
Agree with Verjus. Septime was fantastic and now has a star. Frenchie's was good but I liked Septime better and at the time was easier to get into.
