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Africa

Tangier, Morocco: A City of History, Culture & Coastal Beauty

 

We traveled to Tangier, Morocco, by ferry from Tarifa, Spain, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to begin our one-day adventure in this fascinating Moroccan city. The ferry ride itself was a memorable part of the experience, taking me from southern Europe to North Africa and into a completely different culture and atmosphere.

We explored Tangier’s most famous landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and spectacular coastal scenery on a one-day tour. The tour combined comfortable transportation with a guided walking tour through the heart of the city.

We began with a panoramic drive through Tangier, passing elegant neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and scenic viewpoints while the local guide shared stories about Tangier’s fascinating Moroccan, European, and international heritage.

One of the most interesting aspects of Tangier is its multicultural character. The city has long been a meeting place of different cultures and traditions, and we saw how people of different religions and backgrounds live alongside one another. This diversity is an important part of Tangier’s identity and history and was one of the things that made my visit particularly interesting.

We continued to Cap Spartel, one of the region’s most impressive coastal locations, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Strait of Gibraltar. The sweeping views were spectacular, and we had plenty of opportunities to take photographs and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Next, we visited the legendary Hercules Caves, a natural and cultural landmark associated with ancient mythology and local history. We also had the opportunity to enjoy an optional camel ride, which added a fun and memorable experience to the day.

After exploring the coastline, we returned to Tangier’s historic center for a guided walking tour through the Kasbah and Medina. We wandered through narrow streets, admired traditional Moroccan architecture, explored colorful markets, and watched local artisans and shopkeepers going about their daily lives.

We also enjoyed a typical Moroccan lunch, giving us the opportunity to experience some of the country’s traditional flavors and warm hospitality. It was one of the highlights of the day and gave us an authentic taste of Moroccan culture.

Our tour continued through Grand Socco, the lively square where historic Tangier meets the modern city. Along the way, we learned about Tangier’s strategic location, multicultural past, and the many artists, writers, and travelers who have been inspired by the city over the years.

There was also time to take photographs, browse for souvenirs, and simply enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable city before returning to the ferry for our journey back to Spain.

Tangier was a fascinating experience—a city where Africa and Europe, and the Atlantic and Mediterranean worlds, come together. Traveling by ferry from Tarifa made the experience even more special, taking us from Spain to Morocco in just a short journey. Its rich history, diverse cultures, welcoming people, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable Moroccan cuisine made our one-day visit truly memorable

 

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Europe

Marbella, Málaga, Ronda & Setenil

   

 

My journey through southern Spain offered an unforgettable mix of coastal beauty, rich history, remarkable architecture, and authentic Andalusian charm. From the elegant seaside atmosphere of Marbella to the historic streets of Málaga, the dramatic landscapes of Ronda, and the extraordinary rock-covered homes of Setenil de las Bodegas, every destination revealed a different side of Andalusia.

Marbella is one of the Costa del Sol’s most celebrated destinations, known for its beautiful beaches, mild Mediterranean climate, luxury resorts, upscale shopping, and vibrant dining scene. Its charming Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, flower-filled balconies, and inviting plazas, offers a wonderful contrast to the glamour of Puerto Banús and the area’s sophisticated coastal lifestyle. Marbella’s culinary scene ranges from traditional Andalusian tapas and fresh seafood to world-class restaurants, making it a destination that appeals to both relaxation and indulgence.

Málaga: A Private Tuk-Tuk Tour Through History and Culture

I enjoyed a two-hour private tuk-tuk tour through Málaga, a wonderful way to experience the city’s historic landmarks, waterfront, beaches, and scenic viewpoints. The tour provided a different perspective of this vibrant Mediterranean city, allowing me to take in many of its highlights comfortably while learning about its history and culture.

Our tour included:

  • Plaza de la Marina: A central meeting point connecting Málaga’s historic center, the waterfront, and the city’s major avenues. Its location makes it an important gateway between the city and the port.
  • Málaga Cathedral: One of the city’s most impressive landmarks, this magnificent cathedral combines Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic influences. Built on the site of a former mosque, it reflects Málaga’s layered religious and architectural history.
  • University of Málaga: Founded in 1972, the university is an important part of the city’s modern identity and educational community.
  • Banco de España: I passed the Málaga branch of the Bank of Spain, an impressive institutional landmark reflecting the city’s civic and architectural heritage.
  • Ayuntamiento de Málaga: The city hall, an elegant historic building and one of Málaga’s notable civic landmarks.
  • Centre Pompidou Málaga: Located beneath the colorful glass cube known as El Cubo, this contemporary art center is the first international branch of Paris’s Centre Pompidou, adding a modern cultural dimension to the city.
  • La Farola: Málaga’s iconic lighthouse, completed in 1817, stands at the entrance to the port and has become one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
  • Playa de La Malagueta: A popular urban beach stretching along Málaga’s coastline, offering views of the Mediterranean and a lively seaside atmosphere.
  • Baños del Carmen: A beloved seaside setting known for its oceanfront dining, seafood, local cuisine, and relaxed coastal ambiance.
  • Mirador de Gibralfaro: One of Málaga’s most spectacular viewpoints, overlooking the city, port, and Mediterranean Sea. The nearby Gibralfaro Castle dates back to the 14th century, when it was built to protect the Alcazaba and house troops. Its historic walls and elevated position provide a fascinating glimpse into Málaga’s past and some of the city’s most breathtaking views.

Seeing Málaga by private tuk-tuk was a memorable experience. It allowed me to appreciate the city’s blend of history, art, architecture, and coastal scenery in a relaxed and personal way.

Ronda: A City Above the Gorge

I also traveled to Ronda, one of Andalusia’s most spectacular and picturesque destinations. Perched dramatically above the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is famous for its breathtaking cliffside views, historic architecture, and the iconic Puente Nuevo, the monumental bridge spanning the gorge.

The city is deeply connected to Andalusian culture and bullfighting heritage, including the annual Feria Goyesca, a traditional celebration honoring the region’s history and customs. Beyond its landmarks, Ronda is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is known for its local wines, olive oil, and traditional Andalusian cuisine.

Ronda’s combination of dramatic scenery, historic charm, and cultural significance makes it one of the most memorable places to visit in southern Spain.

Setenil de las Bodegas: A Village Beneath the Rocks

Not far from Ronda, we visited Setenil de las Bodegas, a truly unique white village in the province of Cádiz. Built along the Río Trejo, Setenil is famous for its homes, restaurants, and shops constructed directly beneath enormous rock overhangs.

Unlike many of Andalusia’s traditional pueblos blancos, Setenil’s architecture incorporates the natural rock formations as part of the buildings themselves. These remarkable structures help keep interiors cool during the summer and warm during the winter, while creating streets and spaces unlike anywhere else.

Walking through Setenil felt like stepping into a living piece of history, where ancient architecture, dramatic geology, and everyday village life exist side by side. Its charming streets, cave-like homes, local restaurants, and surrounding olive groves make it one of the most distinctive destinations in Andalusia.

A Memorable Andalusian Experience

From Marbella’s sophisticated coastal lifestyle and Málaga’s rich cultural heritage to Ronda’s dramatic gorge and Setenil’s extraordinary rock formations, this journey showcased the incredible diversity of southern Spain. Each destination offered its own character, but together they created an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, history, culture, and the unmistakable charm of Andalusia.

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European

Restaurant Flanigan in Mallorca Spain

     

Flanigan is a beautiful waterfront restaurant in Mallorca, with a prime location overlooking the marina and a pleasant, upscale atmosphere. The setting is definitely one of its biggest strengths, making it a great place to enjoy a leisurely dinner with a view.

When we first arrived, the service was very good and welcoming. Unfortunately, as the evening progressed, the service became less attentive and somewhat inconsistent. The staff remained professional, but the level of attention didn’t match what you would expect at this price point.

The menu offers a nice variety of Mediterranean, European, and Spanish dishes. We started with the garlic prawns, which were very good, followed by the croquettes filled with Iberico ham, which were good but not exceptional.

The highlight of the meal was the tagliatelle with lobster and truffle—it was excellent and easily the best dish we had. The seafood paella was good, but not great. For dessert, we ordered the apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It was very good, although the portion and overall value didn’t justify the price. We also enjoyed a good bottle of Rioja wine with dinner.

Overall, Flanigan has a fantastic waterfront location, beautiful surroundings, and a pleasant atmosphere. However, for us, the price-to-quality ratio was low. The food was generally good, but portions felt somewhat modest for the prices, and the service became disappointing as the evening went on.

It’s a restaurant where you are definitely paying a premium for the location and setting. While we enjoyed our evening, the overall experience didn’t justify the prices for us. Great location and beautiful setting, but overpriced for the quality and amount of food, with service that was only average. I probably would not return.

⭐️ 7.1/10

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Europe

Mallorca Spain

Mallorca Spain

After visiting this beautiful island, I can understand why Mallorca continues to captivate travelers from around the world. As the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca offers an extraordinary mix of dramatic coastlines, crystal-clear turquoise waters, historic towns, charming villages, citrus-scented valleys, and world-class cuisine.

Our time in Palma de Mallorca, the island’s vibrant capital, offered a wonderful blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm. The city’s architecture reflects centuries of influences, from Moorish heritage to Spanish Gothic design. One of the highlights was La Seu Cathedral, the magnificent Gothic masterpiece overlooking Parc de Mar. Built on the site of a former Moorish mosque, the cathedral is an impressive symbol of Palma’s rich and layered history. Its enormous rose window, one of the largest Gothic rose windows in the world, is particularly breathtaking. Antoni Gaudí also contributed to its restoration, adding another fascinating chapter to its story.

Beyond the historic landmarks, Palma’s markets and artisan shops provide a wonderful connection to local life. Fresh produce, cured meats, cheeses, handmade crafts, and traditional pastries offer a true taste of Mallorca’s culture and culinary traditions.

But some of my favorite experiences took place on the water. I enjoyed several boat excursions into Mallorca’s stunning coastline, where the scenery is often even more spectacular from the sea.

One memorable private boat tour departed from the fishing port of Cala Figuera. Our guide led us along the coast, revealing breathtaking views and secluded spots that are difficult to reach by land. We snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters of Caló de Moro, stepped onto the peaceful beach at Cala Marmols, and photographed the natural arch of Es Pontas. With drinks included and fascinating local insights along the way, it was a relaxed and unforgettable way to experience the island.

Another highlight was a relaxing catamaran cruise along the Mallorca coast, complete with welcome drinks, cocktails, and Spanish tapas. Cruising through turquoise waters, swimming in the Mediterranean, and enjoying the company of others made this an especially memorable experience. The opportunity to use water toys such as stand-up paddleboards, floats, and snorkeling equipment added even more fun to the day.

Mallorca is a destination where history, natural beauty, exceptional food, and the sea come together effortlessly. Whether exploring Palma’s historic streets, discovering hidden coves, or simply relaxing on the water, the island offers something truly special.

Mallorca, was simply beautiful!

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Appetizers

Grilled Lamb Chops

Ingredients

  • 8 lamb rib chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika 

Instructions

  • Marinate the lamb; In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat the lamb chops well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lamb from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking.
  • Heat up the grill
  • Cook the lamb chops flipping the chops often. Cook them approximately 3–4 minutes on each side for medium rare, 4–5 minutes per side for medium. Adjust for thicker chops
  • Once done cooking let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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Dinner

Linguine with Littleneck & Chopped Clams

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. linguine
  • 2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
  • 1lb chopped clams
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¾ cup dry white wine
  • 1 bottle of clam juice
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 stick of butter
  • ½–1 cup pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

  • Cook the linguine in well-salted water until about 2 minutes before al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, without browning the garlic
  • Add white wine and littleneck clams. Cover and cook 5–7 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the clams open.
  • Remove the opened clams and set them aside. Discard any clams that remain closed
  • Add the chopped clams and the bottle of clam juice to the skillet. Add ½ cup pasta water and simmer for 2 minutes
  • Add the partially cooked linguine and toss continuously for 1–2 minutes. Add more pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and coats the pasta
  • Stir in the butter and parsley. Return the littleneck clams to the pan and toss gently
  • Finish with fresh black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. A squeeze of lemon is excellent too

A good ratio: about 24 littlenecks + 1lb can chopped clams per pound of linguine. This gives you plenty of clam flavor without overwhelming the pasta. Enjoy!

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Appetizers

Sausage, Peppers and Onions

Ingredients:

  • Olive Oil -3 tbsp
  • Hot and Sweet Sausage -3 hot, 3 sweet
  • Peppers – 3 peppers, red, green and yellow cut up in squares
  • Onions- 1 onion
  • Garlic – 4-5 cloves
  • Marinara Sauce – 1 can (24 oz)
  • Parmesan –  2 tbsp
  • Garlic Powder -1/4 tsp
  • Onion Powder – ¼ tsp
  • Bread
  • Salt- to taste
  • Pepper-to taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ teaspoon
  • Oregano – ¼ tsp
  • Italian Seasoning – ¼ tsp

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F
  • Toss the peppers, onions, and garlic with the olive oil, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
  • Spread the vegetables evenly in a large baking dish or on a sheet pan
  • Bake for 25 minutes
  • Put in a can of Marinara sauce, sprinkle with grated cheese and mix everything well
  • Put back into the oven for another 25 minutes
  • Serve with garlic bread, over pasta, or with roasted potatoes. Leftovers also make an excellent sandwich the next day, enjoy!

 

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Dinner

Cherry Tomato & Garlic Pasta

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, ziti, rigatoni or your favorite pasta)
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
  • Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it burn.
  • Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), then add the cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and burst, creating a light sauce. Gently press some of the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release more juices.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with the tomato mixture, adding a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
  • Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning.
  • Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan or Pecorino and a drizzle of good olive oil.

Optional additions

  • Top with grilled shrimp, chicken, salmon or tuna
  • My picture is with Tuna in water
    • 2 cans drained
    • ½ of white onion
    • ½ cup of pickled jalapenos
    • 2 tbsp of regular mayonnaise
    • A few pinches of salt and pepper
    • Mixed well and combine with the pasta
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Korean

COQODAQ – Restaurant in NYC

We visited Coqodaq in New York City on a Sunday for brunch. As a Michelin-recommended restaurant, our expectations were high. We were greeted by a friendly host and hostess and were seated immediately, making for a great first impression.

The restaurant has a trendy, modern atmosphere with a bright interior and a chic vibe. One unique touch is the hand-washing station at the entrance, stocked with exotic luxury soaps before entering the dining room. The space features tables along with upscale semicircular black leather booths, while a DJ near the bar keeps the energy high with loud music. The stylish setting is fun, although the noise level makes conversation somewhat difficult.

The staff was friendly, welcoming, and always smiling. They stopped by our table frequently, although the service wasn’t especially attentive or detailed. The drink menu is impressive, offering a wide variety of creative cocktails along with an excellent selection of wines and other beverages.

The brunch menu is offered as a prix fixe meal, with six appetizers shared by the table and each guest choosing their own entrée.

The appetizers included:

  • French Toast Sliders with a house-made sauce – creative, but half of our group didn’t care for them.
  • Hash Browns with Salmon Rillettes – excellent and one of the standout dishes.
  • Shrimp Salad Lettuce Cups – fresh and very good.
  • Deviled Eggs – excellent.
  • Umma’s Kimbap – good.
  • Crispy Chicken Croquettes – very good.

The meal began with a flavorful chicken consommé that was rich and comforting. We also ordered a dozen East Coast oysters, which were exceptionally fresh and served with cocktail sauce, mignonette, and lemon wedges. They were absolutely superb.

For our entrées, everyone chose Coqodaq’s Signature Fried Chicken, served in three styles: Original, Soy Sauce-Garlic Glazed, and Gochujang Glazed. The chicken arrived hot, crispy, and perfectly brined. While everyone agreed it was very good, none of us felt it quite lived up to the extraordinary hype. The variety of accompanying sauces—including honey mustard, spicy gochujang, ranch, and pesto—added plenty of flavor and made each bite a little different.

One of the highlights was the selection of side dishes, all of which paired beautifully with the fried chicken. These included cold noodles in a light, tangy dressing to balance the richness of the chicken, a crisp coleslaw, a lightly spicy scallion salad, traditional kimchi, and spicy Korean rice cakes. Being able to replenish the sides was a nice touch.

Dessert was a refreshing frozen yogurt that one can top with strawberries, grapes, mango, and blueberry compote, providing a light and satisfying finish to the meal.

Overall, Coqodaq delivers a fun, energetic dining experience with stylish surroundings, excellent appetizers, fresh oysters, and quality fried chicken. While I don’t think it’s a restaurant I’d go out of my way to revisit, I’m glad we experienced it. It’s worth trying at least once for the atmosphere, creative brunch format, and unique take on Korean-inspired fried chicken.

Rating: 7.5/10

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American

Nomade a Restaurant in Westport CT

Nomade in Westport, Connecticut, delivered a wonderful dining experience from start to finish. We dined with two other couples, and everyone enjoyed their meal. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. His recommendations were excellent and helped make the evening even more enjoyable.

The atmosphere is warm, stylish, and inviting, creating a cozy setting that’s perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends or family. Nomade also features an atrium for al fresco dining, along with a lively bar area and several distinct dining spaces, giving the restaurant an upscale yet comfortable feel. Their beverage program offers an excellent selection of wines, cocktails, and other drinks, all presented with the same attention to detail as the food.

We started with several appetizers, all of which were outstanding. The Atlantic Lobster Dumplings with tamari lobster coconut beurre blanc, kaffir lime leaf, and crispy shallots were rich, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The Caesar Salad, made with little gem lettuce, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic croutons, and Bel Aria white anchovies, was fresh and packed with flavor. The Bleu Point Oysters were exceptionally fresh and served with citrus cocktail sauce, chipotle mignonette, yuzu ponzu, and lemon, offering a perfect balance of bright and savory flavors. The Hand-Cut French Fries were crisp and delicious, while the Tuna-Avocado Bomb, featuring pani puri, yellowfin tuna, Hass avocado, sriracha aioli, and micro cilantro, was one of the highlights of the evening—creative, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor.

For our entrées, the quality continued to impress. The Fresh Fettuccini with truffle mascarpone cream, organic mixed mushrooms, green peas, and freshly shaved black truffle was rich, comforting, and well received. The Israeli Salad, with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, sheep’s feta, hummus, parsley, and lemon juice, was fresh, vibrant, and satisfying. The Halibut Filet, prepared with herbed butter, tricolor cherry tomatoes, capers, Meyer lemon, and basil, was perfectly cooked and became one of the favorite dishes at the table. The Chicken Pimento, featuring an airline chicken breast, herbed fingerling potatoes, hot cherry peppers, and a lemon-white wine sauce, had outstanding flavor and was cooked perfectly.

Throughout the meal, every dish and beverage reflected careful attention to detail, from presentation to execution. Nomade combines exceptional food, thoughtful service, and a beautiful atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion or an enjoyable night out.

This is definitely a restaurant we’ll be returning to, and one we would highly recommend to anyone looking for an outstanding dining experience in Westport.

Rating 8.3/10

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