Destinations, North America

Around Dominican Republic

Leave a comment

The Dominican Republic is a world famous destination that attracts more and more tourists every year, thanks to its sandy beaches and mild climate. This beautiful country is not only popular among tourists, but also among those, who are looking for a place to settle down. This country loves foreigners so much that in shops, there can find signs in English, French, Italian and Spanish. Dominicans are known for being very friendly towards tourists.

The country itself is the perfect destination for all lovers of natural beauty. Hundreds of kilometers long beaches, lush forests with beautiful waterfalls and lakes, unusual plants and animals…the Dominican Republic has it all. If you are spending a week in the Dominican Republic, you are most certainly going to enjoy every moment spent there.

Dominican Republic beach

The main tourist destination in the Dominican Republic is of course Punta Cana, located on the Costa Bavaro. Because of its beautiful and long sandy beaches, it is the ideal place for enjoying the warm weather and drinking cocktails under tropical trees. In addition to that, in Punta Cana, there are also numerous restaurants, bars, night clubs, casinos and various evening shows that guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Punta Cana

205 km further, we can find the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. This city was completely rebuilt in 1930, due to the hurricane, which largely destroyed it, however, the Dominicans still managed to preserve. There many buildings from the Spanish colonial era.

Another must see destination is Catalina, one of the most beautiful islands in the whole Caribbean. The island has over 100 different species of birds, dolphins and various species of fish, which are a delight for everyone, who decides to go diving there.

After visiting Catalina, you should definitely visit Saona, an island that is located inside the National Park of the East. It is an almost uninhabited island, except for a few fishermen’s villages.

Fishermen

It is not difficult to travel from one place in the country to another. There are several private transportation companies that offer comfortable, modern buses. The price of a ride on a distance up to 225 km at Metro Buses and Caribe Tours is less than ten dollars. You can also use the OMSA buses, which drive from 7.00 a.m. to 9 p.m. along the main streets of Santo Domingo and Santiago. The price of a ride is between RD $ 5 and RD $ 10, depending on whether the buses have or do not have air conditioning.

Several car rental companies, such as National, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, Hertz and Dollar also offer their services in the Dominican Republic. To visit the destinations and the tourist attractions on the north coast or on the Samaná half-island, it is best to rent a vehicle. This also applies when you want to visit all the beaches in Punta Cana and La Romana.

Other options for transportation are small buses, called “Guaguas” that drive through the main streets and avenues, where they stop at the request of passengers. The price for longer distances never exceeds RD $ 25.

Crawfish

But tourists do not only visit the Dominican Republic for relaxation or sightseeing. The Dominican Republic has also the reputation for being a gourmet destination. The food there is tasty and versatile and, therefore, many different types of restaurants can be found all over the country. There are  refined and luxurious restaurants with gourmet menus, and also restaurants with Creole cuisine, the local touch and a casual atmosphere. You can find Oriental, Mexican, Mediterranean and Italian restaurants, as well as many pizzerias and snack bars.

The Dominican Republic has so much to offer – white beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, forests, amazing islands like Catalina and Saona etc. The natural beauty of this astonishing country seems endless. During your week there, this extraordinary island will give you an experience of a lifetime for sure.

Travelling with Kids

How to make your travel easy with little ones?

Leave a comment

Are you planning for a vacation in the not-too-distant future? Are you going to travel with your little one? Traveling as a couple is quite different from traveling with children or toddlers. You need a bit of careful organization in order to minimize the stress during your vacation. Just think who would like to sit beside a screaming child on the plane? From missing passports to lost children, your trip can turn into foreign nightmare if you don’t plan the trip according to your child needs keeping in mind yours and your partner’s too. Here’s a tick list for making your trip with little one wonderful:

  • If your child is young enough to select a destination, then allow him/her to do so. Otherwise you should select a child-friendly location with kids clubs, pools and facilities.
  • Getting back to the practical aspects of travel with kids!  You must travel with the essentials such as weather appropriate clothing for your kid, diapers, wipes, snacks, small toys, a stroller and favorite things of your toddler. It’s better to compile a packing checklist in advance, so you don’t forget anything.
  • The rest of the bulky stuff such as highchairs and a portable crib can be borrowed or you can ask the hotel facility to provide these things.
  • Always bring your own prescription medicine such as analgesics and cough syrup. Also pack a first-aid kit for little accidents that might happen during traveling.
  • Let your traveling partner go ahead to pack away cabin baggage on the plane. You should board the plane last to ensure that your child doesn’t need to be in a confined space for longer time.
  • Holidays are an opportunity to make memories and spend quality time together (for couples). Whether you want to hire a babysitter throughout the vacation or for just one day, make the most of your quality time away with hotel babysitting services in Las Vegas.
  • Make a rough schedule for each day, which is flexible enough to take in the unexpected experiences. Talk with your babysitter about the plan so that she can remain informed and plan activities for your child accordingly.

Many parents wind off their trip early because they don’t plan the trip that suits their children. It needn’t be your experience, if you plan the vacation in a structured way. Traveling with a toddler requires organization, but it is all worth it in the end. After all, your family experience in a foreign country should be worth remembering for all the right reasons!

Editor's Picks, Europe, Food, Infographic

28 countries, 28 dishes – Europe’s top food picks [Infographic]

Leave a comment

Europe is renown for its cultural and exquisite food providing those unique tastes that you can only find abroad – so what happens if you were given the opportunity to try only one diverse dish from each of the European countries?

The following infographic from countries-28-dishes Hotels4U poses that such scenario and helps decide for us which one dish we should be trying. Some of them will be well-known, such as paella from Spain, whilst others you may never knew existed. The handy guide even provides some helpful insights into the sort of calories and ingredients you would typically expect from each of the dishes too, which are super useful for anyone concerned about travelling with allergies or trying to watch their figure.

Which of the mentioned dishes have you already tried and which are you most looking forward to trying out?

28 countries, 28 dishes – Europe’s top food picks!

28-countries-28-dishes---V3

Source

Destinations, Editor's Picks, Europe

Splendor of Scandavian city: Stockholm

Leave a comment

From enticing Absolut Vodka to the rocking Swedish House Mafia, this country has given many amazing things to the whole world. Its beautiful cities are conferring magnificent sites, panoramic views and exceptionally great stories about its history and culture. Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are few things about the city where you should definitely go and try things out.

Taking the tour of Djurgården Island
The Djurgården Island is one of the hottest tourist destinations. The island is situated in the middle of the city and is famous for its greenery all over the place. It will be a heavenly abode to those who have a special corner for nature in their heart.

Get a ride of amazing Viking ship
Grona Lund amusement park is the best way to have fun with family, especially to those who have little kids with them. The park will be depicting a perfect picture of Scandavian culture. Moreover in this park you can also find the ride of Viking ship which is very rare.

Travel into the lane of glorious history
The ones who enjoy history, this city will be their paradise. It is an abode to many museums like ABBA museum, Vasa museum. The latter was forged after a famous Ship Vasa which sailed from Stockholm in 1628 and sank. Later on after 300 years the ship was discovered and was restored back in the place where you all can see now.

Take a look at the changing of guard’s ceremony
Royal guards are the part of Swedish Armed Forces. The ceremony takes place in front of the residence of King of Sweden. Altogether 30,000 guards participate and perform it within the time period of 40 minutes.

Dazzling nightlife
The city is not only a paradise for nature and arts lover but also bliss for those who are party animals and love gambling. There is a casino in the city which entertains people with various games like blackjack, baccarat, jackpot slot games, roulette etc.

Not to forget the favourite Scandavian activity: ice skating!
This one is especially for those who are visiting this magical place during winters. Kungsträdgården Park offers one of the best and most amazing sites for ice skating to its people. The best part about ice skating is that it is absolutely free!

With the fascinating stories of the valiant Vikings, Stockholm has much more to proffer the world as well as its people. Enjoy your trip to this magnificent land.

Food, Travel Tips

Traveling with Food Allergies

Leave a comment

Traveling has been revolutionized in the past 40-50 years, and it is becoming a possibility for a growing number of people all the time. The number of young people who have never left their region, even their country, is dropping with travel costs. However, there are still plenty of people who will never experience a worry-free trip. The number of people suffering from allergies is increasing, due to our overly clean and sanitized everyday life. Allergic reactions to food are not as common as reactions to pollen, but they are a big problem nonetheless, and one that people have to learn to live with. Several make a particular problem to travelers: gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance and the famous one that airline companies dread – nut allergies. A modern traveler has to be smart when preparing and carefully planning his or her journey.

bibimbap
BBQ Chicken Dolsot Bibimbap by Alpha
  1. Preparing oneself for possible and probable medical issues is a priority. Everyone affected should keep a list of medication on them in case trouble arises. Antihistamines and epinephrine are at the top of the list for people with serious food allergies. Gluten allergy may be a trend, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are people for whom gluten is a serious health threat. Whatever the problem, it is wise to keep anti-nausea medication and antacids close to hand. However, the best treatment is to avoid any food you suspect may have a problematic substance.
  2. A traveler needs to consider which airline they are flying with. Today, most companies prepare gluten-free, nut-free, any-other-allergen-free meals, but it is wise to get all the information before a flight, especially a long flight, and with a smaller airline company.
  3. Once the destination has been reached, it is important to have information about food-joints in the area. Are there restaurants that cater to your dietary restrictions? How stocked are the local markets? Again, it is wise to book a room close to a local market with fresh produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always the safest option, once they have been properly washed.
  4. One of my friends has a severe intolerance to gluten and he always books a room with a kitchenette, and one equipped with food-preparation utensils at that. This ties up with what has been mentioned above – once fresh food is bought, it is safest to prepare it in your own kitchen, where you are in charge of the water you use to clean everything.
  5. It is important to prepare all your dietary requirements on paper, in the local language. Perhaps you are planning a vacation in Thailand – everything regarding your health should be translated into Thai, and preferably typed on out for waiters and chefs to understand. But there is more. Food allergies sound like a joke to some less developed places, where few people suffer from them. In order not to sound like an annoying tourist that “should be taught a lesson”, never use the word wheat to describe your gluten intolerance. Specifically list products like “bread, pasta, pastries, flour” etc as something that you mustn’t eat, for very important, undisclosed reasons.
spices
Spicy by meaduva

Once the trip has come to an end, a digestive system cleanse is in order, whether or not you are sensitive to food. The best way to detox is through tea. Most detox tea ingredients act as anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, antioxidant, lymph system cleansers. They will wash out your intestines as if foreign food you’re unaccustomed to was never a problem.

Celebrity Chefs, Editor's Picks

Michele Lean: The True Food Lover and Traveler

1 Comment

After the first season of Food Hero, her name keeps rising to popularity. Yes, she is Michele Lean, one of the winners of the program. She is known for her passion in culinary world. Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on September 1st of 1982, Lean spent most of her early life in the Capital City of Malaysia, Borneo, Melbourne, and Hong Kong. It is even difficult for her to answer the question, “We are you from?” since she considers them all her homes.

Michele Lean
Michele Lean

Michele Lean is a passionate traveler, as she has traveled to different parts of the world, such as Indonesia, China, Canada, and Australia. She loves beach and marine life very much. For this hobby, she calls herself a beach girl, as she is always amazed with the beauty of sea, sand, and sun. The woman with full name Michele Yi Wen Samantha Lean is also fond of technology and architecture and crazy about cartoon characters, such as Stewie and Daria from Happy Tree Friends and Family Guy.

Michele Lean’s Education

As she has traveled and breathed in different cities for extended period, Michele Leans also studied in different countries. She studied as Island School Hong Kong, where her passion for television developed, thanks to CNN Hong Kong. In Malaysia, she studied at Garden International School. In her hometown, her talent in the world of selling consumerism was ignited. In Malaysia, she took internship programs at Herald Sun online department, CNN International Asia Pacific, and the Sun newspaper.

In Melbourne, Australia, she studied at University of Melbourne, from which she graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications in 2007. She had part time career in acting and modeling in this city. There, her camera experience begun and her knowledge of print and online media developed after working as editor-in-chief for Veeza magazine. Her acting skills were polished in New York Film Academy. In other words, Michele Lean is a perfect blend of different cultures and skills.

Professional Career

In 2007, she moved to China, where her professional career in television began to rise. In the same year, she was recruited by China Central Television for English-based CCTV-9, in which, she hosted an English language program in traveling, called Travelogue. Later, she hosted a music variety show called Centre Stage. With Travelogue, she gained much experience and knowledge about Chinese cultures, from the lives of Chinese ethnic minorities to the nightlife in the busy city of Beijing.

Michele Lean on TV
Michele Lean

Her broadcasting experience began when her Travelogue’s program was filmed in Xinjiang, China. The program, called Ethnic Odyssey, provided her with great opportunities to try the life of ethnic minorities. She lived with nomadic Kazakh in the mountains of Altay. She rode horse as the main transportation facility from one location to another. But overall, she loves the diversity, color, breathtaking scenery, music, and archeological sites in Xinjiang. Her adventurous experiences with Travelogue have been released on DVD version in China.

From the moment on, she appeared in different TV programs in different countries, such as Malaysia and Australia. She even hosted a special program, which was aired throughout Beijing Olympics in 2008. In 2011, she hosted Outlook English, a two-episode series in CCTV-10, Beijing. Then, since became a guest-judging panel of Star of Outlook 2011 for the same channel. In Malaysia, she appeared in Icon Magazine – a luxury and society publication – from 2009 to 2010.

Insights about Foods and Cultures

Her mother and grandmother are very good cooks. They love experimenting with different ingredients That is why Michele Lean loves culinary world. She was always involved in the process of cooking and serving foods during her childhood. Despite a little girl, she was taught how to make sophisticated dishes, omelet (particularly for her father, who loves egg very much), cereal, juice, and sandwiches. Her love for cooking developed formally, when she received a culinary scholarship – Culinary Trust 2012-2013 – offered by Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa, Canada.

During her travel around the world, Michele Lean has tried different types of foods, whether Asian and Western. She notices how geography, history, and culture of a country influence the taste, particularly in the usage of spices. For her, the best way to experience a true culture of a place or a country is by eating the local foods. She believes that foods give us a universal understanding of a country’s culture, where language is not a barrier anymore. Without words, you can learn a country’s culture through foods.

For the 32-year-old TV presenter, a tasty food represents a balance between textures, use of spices, and flavor. This is only served by a cook, who cares and loves the food she/he serves. She finds that each country she has visited has some best foods, which cannot be found in any other countries. In Indonesia, she loves kek lapis, or layered cake, but she also found great foods in Malaysia, China, and Australia.

Vision of Culinary Industry

Michele Lean loves the culinary industry very much, as she has been forged by some culinary TV programs, which she hosted. After Travelogue, she hosted Foods Wars, where she took the contestants to a journey in cooking. As she loves food concepts, she may some day pursue a plan to open a restaurant as a business. In addition, she would like to challenge the misconceptions related to foods. Her principle is try every thing even though it is not physically appealing. “You will never know how it tastes before you try it.”

She has pursued her career in travel and food, as they are her greatest passions. That is why Lean has not had a plan to pursue another business in different sector. Even though she may someday have a different business, I should have something to do with culinary world and travel.

Finally, for those who are interested in culinary world or looking forward to being a chef, Lean advises you to try everything as long as you are not allergic to it. In addition, besides the talent, learning from the right source is important, whether it is a mentor, a restaurant, or a formal school.

Food Wars Asia
Premieres on Food Network, Tuesday, 7 April 2015 at 8.00pm (7.00PM JKT/TH)
Food Hero Michele Lean, travel lover and passionate about all things food, sets out to find the most celebrated dishes in Singapore and Malaysia, food that defines destinations and create local rivalries spanning generations. From Singapore’s famous Fishball Noodles to Malaysia’s Nasi Lemak, Food Wars Asia pits nation’s most famous culinary rivals against one another for a final showdown, where a blind taste test will settle the debate once and for all on who makes the best dish in town.

Want to participate Food War TV Show?

Know two great places in your country that’s serving the same dish and you can’t decide who’s best? Leave your comments on www.facebook.com/foodnetworkasia!

Visit www.foodnetworkasia.com for more information.

Celebrity Interviews, Editor's Picks

Travelfore Interview with Michele Lean About Culinary Travel Adventures

Leave a comment

After the first season of Food Hero, her name keeps rising to popularity. Yes, she is Michele Lean, one of the winners of the program. She is known for her passion in culinary world. Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on September 1st of 1982, Lean spent most of her early life in the Capital City of Malaysia, Borneo, Melbourne, and Hong Kong. It is even difficult for her to answer the question, “We are you from?” since she considers them all her homes.

A passionate traveler, beach and marine life lover, Travelfore fortunately make a in depth interview with the woman with full name Michele Yi Wen Samantha Lean.

Here, Michele shares her insight about foods and cultures, discusses Food Wars Asia and offers advice on how to make the most of your culinary adventure. Read on:

Would you please share about your program Food Wars and how it differs to other food TV shows?

“There are cooking programs, there are eating shows and then, there’s Food Wars! I’ll take you with me on a journey where you’ll get to experience cooking and the eating in two different kitchens that serve the same dish. Together, we’ll meet the owners, the fans and wait in suspense while the panel of judges decide which of the two locations serves it best in a blind fold taste test.”

When you travel around the world, what are the basic differences between Asian and Western food?

“I’d have to say the usage of spices. It is very much dependent on the geography, culture and history of the country. Even within a country, you’ll find differences in the food just going from north-south or east-west.”

You have ever visit Indonesia. What is your favourite Indonesian foods? Please explain why?

“Kek Lapis. I love kek lapis. It always fascinates me how each layer alternates between light & dark so consistently. I’ve even gone through the trouble of googling ‘best kek lapis in Jakarta’ before a layover, called the baker and ordered it a few days before my flight and had it delivered to me just before my connecting flight. I took a 2 kg kek lapis with me on my travels and ate some every day.”

In your opinion,  is there any correlation between food and culture?

“Definitely. I’ve always firmly believed that no matter how many sites you visit or how much time you spend in a country, you’ve never really experienced a place’s true culture until you’ve eaten local food from places frequented by locals. Unlike language, eating and food is universal. It gives us a better understanding of a country’s culture without the language barriers.”

What are heritage foods that have been cooked since thousand years ago?

“Haha…in 1015? I suppose something with meat and vegetables – depending on where in the world you were at the time. Definitely no fast or processed food.”

How can a food considered has good taste in your opinion?

“Taste is very subjective but in my opinion, balance is key. The right balance of spice, textures and flavour is what I look for. And soul – the best food is cooked by a cook who cares.”

You’ve stay for long time in Malaysia, Singapore and China. According to you, what country which has the most culinary richness?

“I’ve actually lived in Malaysia, Australia and China the longest and all of these places have a rich and diverse culinary heritage. To pick one would be like asking me to tell you which of my two sisters was my favourite – impossible. 😀 ”

Interview With Michele Lean
Interview With Michele Lean

When did you start to cook and what food was being your first cooking?

“The first thing I ever made on my own was an omelete. I was 7 or 8 and wanted to make that for my dad because he loves eggs. Before that, my sisters and I always put together Mother’s Day breakfast for my mum but if I remember correctly, it was mostly made up of juice and cereal or sandwiches.”

Who influenced you to love cooking?

“My mum and my grandmother. They are fantastic cooks, love experimenting with different cuisines and they would always involve us. My sisters and I would watch and they’d teach us by getting us to help out with tasks that became increasingly more difficult as we grew more experienced in the kitchen.”

Have you ever learn cook formally?

“Yes, I trained in traditional French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa.”

Besides cooking and acting, what are your activities?

“I love scuba diving, yoga and I’d like to start longboarding soon. And travel – I travel a lot. I’m addicted to travelling and new experiences but I also love revisiting countries and getting to know them better.”

Have a plan to open a restaurant someday?

“Let’s see! 😀 Time will tell. I love food concepts and if the right opportunity comes along, I’d definitely pursue it.”

What is your next goal for culinary industry?

“I’d like to challenge the misconceptions that people have about food and get people to try things they wouldn’t normally eat or say they don’t like without actually having tried it.”

Have a plan to be a business woman that not in culinary industry?

“Up till now, I’ve dedicated my career to involve food and travel (my two greatest passions) and plan to continue to do so. Even if I were to go into a different industry, I imagine it will always encompass some form of travel and food.”

Please share your advices for them who interested in being chef?

“Experiment, keep learning and try EVERYTHING – unless you’re allergic to it, then stay clear. J Find a mentor, a school or a restaurant you like and absorb all the knowledge you can. Also, I suggest working out. It helps to build stamina in the kitchen.”

Michele Lean
Michele Lean

Food Wars Asia
Premieres on Food Network, Tuesday, 7 April 2015 at 8.00pm (7.00PM JKT/TH)
Food Hero Michele Lean, travel lover and passionate about all things food, sets out to find the most celebrated dishes in Singapore and Malaysia, food that defines destinations and create local rivalries spanning generations. From Singapore’s famous Fishball Noodles to Malaysia’s Nasi Lemak, Food Wars Asia pits nation’s most famous culinary rivals against one another for a final showdown, where a blind taste test will settle the debate once and for all on who makes the best dish in town.

Want to participate Food War TV Show?

Know two great places in your country that’s serving the same dish and you can’t decide who’s best? Leave your comments on www.facebook.com/foodnetworkasia!

Visit www.foodnetworkasia.com for more information.

Editor's Picks, Food

The History of Noodle That Becomes Pasta in Italy

Leave a comment

Noodle is one of the most well-known foods that many countries have. The food made of the batter wheat flour in the very small roll, dried and cooked in the boiled water is one of the most popular foods in Asia. There are so many kinds of noodle in Asia, such as La mian noodle from china, Ramen noodle from Japan, Udon noodle from Japan, Soba noodle from Japan, Mee pok, He fen, pho noodle (Vietnam), soun, bihun that popular from Singapore, Idiyappam from India, Dotori Gusku from Korea, etc. Noodle developes as the most popular food around the world.

Udon noodles with chicken and vegetables
Udon noodles with Chicken and vegetables

The History of Noodle

The origin of noodle is still debatable. However, so many opinions point out that China is the first country to produce noodle in addition to any other countries in the Middle East, which also produced noodle. There are also the old notes, which prove that noodle was first made by Han Dynasty in China in 25-200. Then, it is found the oldest noodle has been 4000 years old in the middle of the 2005, in China.

Noodle is the symbol of long life according to Chinese. The form of the noodle, which is long and unbreakable, represents the hope for long life. Therefore, serving noodle in the special occasion like birthday party and new years is a must for many Chinese people.

Meanwhile, in Japan, noodle becomes the companion of drinking tea. The tradition of drinking tea becomes an art in Japan. Noodle becomes the most important food after the World War II ends. Noodle has become the substitute of the main food when the lack of food in Japan. That is why; noodle becomes so important food nowadays.

From Noodle to Pasta

So many people argue that noodle comes from Pasta, so that many opinions come up that Italy was the first country to produce noodle. However, so many historians believe that noodle comes from China. It was brought to Italy by Marco Polo that has visited China around 13th century and fell in love with the food. Then, Marco polo combines the Italian food with noodle. The opinion that noodle did not come from Italy is that noodle had not become the main food of Italian until the 17th and 18th century. On the development, noodle brought by Macro polo has turned into pasta.

Pasta comes from Italian language “Pasta Alimentare” that means batter food ingredients that refer to the kinds of food like noodle. Pasta is sold in the form of dry pasta. There are so many kinds of pasta, which range in form and size. The variations of pasta include spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, farfalle, etc. Pasta has developed in not only Europe, but also America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Nowadays, pasta is served in many variations of food and becomes the favorite of many people. This food is sold in many big, high-class restaurants in many countries in the world. Noodle and pasta have the same derivation, but they have their own characteristics and variations.

Best Travel Guides to Destinations Around the World