Dear Culinary Backstreets,
I keep hearing buzz about “yangmei” season in Shanghai. What’s all the fuss about this fruit?
What’s in a name? Shakespeare could just as easily have written, “A yángméi (杨梅) by any other name would taste just as sweet.” Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
What is the situation in Rio de Janeiro these days in terms of personal safety? Is it dangerous for foreigners, or can we explore the city beyond the beachside Ipanema hotels? Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
Where can I go in Barcelona when I’m tired of sightseeing and I just want to sit down and relax with a cup of coffee?
Visiting museums and landmarks can be a lot of fun when you’re a tourist but sometimes you can learn more about the life of a city by sitting in a chair in a café than you can by reading any guidebook. In Barcelona, there’s no shortage of cafés but like anywhere else, it can sometimes be a bit tricky to find one that has just the right ambiance. Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
I’ve heard some horror stories about food safety scandals in China. How does an adventurous eater explore Shanghai without having any culinary misadventures? Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
My husband and I are planning a visit to Istanbul with two little ones in tow. We love to be adventurous with food and want to explore the city’s culinary scene, but are also a bit concerned about finding “child-friendly” places to eat. Do you have any recommendations? Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
I heard from some friends that everyone smokes in restaurants in Athens, despite the fact that it is not officially permitted. What is the situation, and is there anywhere we can dine without being exposed to smoke? Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
We will be visiting Barcelona with our children. Do you have any good recommendations of places in the city to eat with kids? Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
I hear that Spaniards take their dinner very late. Are there any good restaurants in Barcelona that start serving dinner before 9 p.m.? Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
I’ve been hearing a lot about shark fin soup in the news lately, from countries banning the dish to people protesting government intervention. What’s all the fuss about? Continue »
Dear Culinary Backstreets,
I heard that the Monday on which Lent begins is a holiday in Greece and that there are some special culinary traditions. Is this true? What do Greeks eat on this day? Continue »
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