Grilled sausages with sauerkraut and red wine gravy. Subtly spiced and amazingly good.

At the Ayinger, Munich.

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Dinner, Travels by Courtney

Briny, tasty baby clams tossed with tomato, a hefty dose of garlic, and perfectly cooked tagliatelle. Heaven on a fork. The cannelloni alla fiorentina is also to die for. At Taormina Restaurant, Craven Hill Road.

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Dinner, Travels by Courtney

On the suggestion of a friend, I searched out Hakkasan, an upscale Chinese restaurant with amazing cocktails and equally amazing food. I decided to try their lunch, since the set menu had a good selection of offerings at a mere £29. But of course, I had to start with a cocktail. Pictured are the Chinese Mule, a blend of ginger, coriander, vodka, and sake; and the Pink Mojito, featuring tequila, mint, and cranberry. Both spot on. (more…)

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Dinner, Lunch, Travels by Courtney

London, indeed maybe all of Britain or the UK, seems to have a love affair with meat wrapped in pastry. From pasties to pies, you’re sure to see at least one of these concoctions on any pub menu. I’ve tried a couple of Steak and Ale pies since being here, and I dare say they might be on to something. Though I wish they’d just go ahead and douse the pie in gravy so I don’t have to wait for it to saturate through the flaky pastry, at which point it becomes soooo amazingly good. Only two data points, but The Mitre on Craven Hill has thus far beat out the Shakespeare in Victoria for the title of best pie. One evening soon I’ll try the ham and leek version, which will hopefully be as good as it sounds.

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Dinner, Travels by Courtney

Upon arriving at the Riad Kaiss in Marrakech, we were greeted by the manager and brought sweet snacks and mint tea. We’ve experienced this kind if hospitality in other French colonies (or former, as it were), and its something that just sets the tone for a wonderful stay. I wish everyone welcomed you to their city or hotel this way. After getting settled in our room, we were taken upstairs to a freshly prepared dinner. I started my meal with a quiche jamon, where I could see the French influence shining through. Next up was a completely Moroccan dish, tagine of chicken with lemon pickle. The salty, semi-sour yet semi-sweet pickle delighted my taste buds! It was must to cut it into tiny slumbers so I could enjoy it with every bite of tender chicken. Content and happy, I headed to bed dreaming of what the next day would bring…

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Dinner, Travels by Courtney