Yet another perk to living in Catalunya is its close proximity to France. In my 5 plus years here I have made many a journey over the border to take in the charms of the French countryside. My last jaunt was to the fabulous western city of Bordeaux, known for its fat river and tasty wines.

When I think France I think wine, but I also think croissant. Currently in training for swimsuit season, I have not been allowing myself to eat croissants (of muffins, or chocolate napolitanas) for breakfast lately. In France I made an exception, because it seemed so wrong not to eat their baked goods. And so I did, and with relish. Read More »

Occasionally, friends and neighbors read my restaurant posts on UpTake.  They may be looking for a new place to eat.  They may be curious what I thought of one of their favorites.  Or they may want to throw down a bit of a restaurant challenge.

A couple weeks ago, I talked about my new go-to Chinese lunch place, Shanghai Bistro in the Woodlands, Texas.  I gave it two thumbs up–one for the food and the other for the price.  In no time at all, I received a call from a neighbor.

“Have you tried China Springs?  I haven’t tried Shanghai yet, but everyone I know loves China Springs and I think it’s a better deal.”

Hey, I’m always up for something better.  So I headed over to China Springs at lunchtime to see for myself.

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Barcelona is an expensive city, especially with the current dollar to euro exchange rate. Eating out at a restaurant in the metropolis is spendy, unless you get the menu del dia, which is not always available. Try these cheap but delish spots around town for a filling meal. They may not be typically Spanish, but the price is right and the grub is yummy!
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Aha! You know the snowy season is gone for good when SoWa Market re-opens in Boston’s South End neighborhood. Rain or shine, from May 1st to October 31st you can buy handmade crafts, vintage antiques and locally grown food & plants at this open market in the SoWa District, South of Washington Street, each Sunday between 10AM and 4PM.

You can eat as you browse by checking out the Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods and treats. Or you can sit down and dine at one of the neighborhood’s terrific restaurants. But a third alternative is to choose from a variety of samplings from some of Boston’s best food trucks. Here are just a few of the 16 food trucks parked at the market all season long serving up meals for under $10 to hungry patrons: Read More »