Tag Archives: food

July 10, 2019 · 5:35 am

Baltic Cruise — Gdańsk Lunch

Gdańsk

Touring on foot around Gdańsk, Poland is a lot of fun.

Gdańsk

The buildings are colorful, the streets charming, and the architectural details photogenic:

Gdańsk

But eventually you’re going to need to stop and refuel. So let’s take a look at some typical Polish dining fare, beginning with pierogi (not to be confused with Russian piroshki — my recipe for that here: Fun Food Friday — Piroshki ). Pierogi is similar to a Chinese dumpling, but in this case the filling is usually a savory meat concoction, fish (such as salmon), spinach, cheese, or even potato when served as a main course:

Pierogi

In addition to dipping sauces for savory pierogi, somepierogi may instead come with a citrus squeeze:

Pierogi

Pierogi is often accompanied by different kielbasas, sauteed onion, and rustic bread:

Pierogi and kielbasa

Another traditional Polish dish is zupa ziemniaczana, typically a watery yet tasty potato soup. The one we had this day was a bit creamier than usual, and it was served in a bread bowl:

Zupa Ziemniaczana (potato soup)

And what would a Polish lunch be without a Polish beer to wash it down? This one is a Tyskie:

Tyskie beer

Comments Off on Baltic Cruise — Gdańsk Lunch

Filed under Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation, Wine & Food

Tagged as food, Gdańsk, photography, Poland, R. Doug Wicker, travel, travel photography, vacation, Vision of the Seas

January 23, 2019 · 5:35 am

54 Days at Sea — New York City’s famous Katz’s Delicatessen

Looking north on Bowery at Bleecker

There is one place in New York that Ursula and I consistently hit at least once each and every time. That is the incomparable Katz’s Delicatessen and their indescribably delicious pastrami sandwiches. Those sandwiches are piled so high that, if you take one along with a side of their marvelous fries, you better be prepared to share. Indeed, I doubt I could finish one on my own even without the fries. Look in the lower left corner of the photo below to see what I mean:

Katz’s Delicatessen

Katz’s is always busy every time we go there. But if there’s a wait, it’s definitely worth it.

Katz’s Delicatessen

Here’s a shot of Ursula waiting patiently for our shared pastrami on rye with a side of fries:

Katz’s Delicatessen

While Katz’s is world famous, I mentioned in Monday’s article that a rather suggestive, uproariously hilarious movie scene only further added to the mystique of this New York landmark. Yes, this was filmed in Katz’s Deli, and the last time I was there a sign hovered over the table that hosted Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal:

I doubt anyone can truly duplicate the wonderful flavor of Katz’s pastrami, but this week look for a special edition of Fun Food Friday as I come up with a really close impersonation. Until then, enjoy these New York City scenes:

Comments Off on 54 Days at Sea — New York City’s famous Katz’s Delicatessen

Filed under Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation, Wine & Food

Tagged as food, Holland America, Katz's Delicatessen, Katz's pastrami, MS Prinsendam, New York, New York City, photography, R. Doug Wicker, restaurant review, travel, travel photography, vacation

March 19, 2014 · 5:35 am

Dinner was Just Ducky

There is a delicacy for which certain high-end restaurants in Beijing are famous. It’s called “Peking Duck.” I must say that it is indeed impressive.

After a very exhausting day our guide Mao Gu’i “Jim” Chen of China Spree turned us loose for a bit of rest back at the hotel, only to return a short while later to herd us to our next destination — the famous Bianyifang Restaurant dating back originally to 1855 using an established name that goes back even further. A lot further. To 1412 to be exact.

Can you imagine . . . a restaurant that traces its roots back to 364 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and some 80 years before Columbus tripped over the New World on his way to Beijing for some Peking Duck?

The most incredible thing you’ll first notice about Peking Duck is the tasty, crisp skin. It’s simply indescribably. You just have to taste it to know what I mean. Served with the duck were lotus root, noodles, snow peas, other assorted vegetables, a type of crepe in which to place the duck meat, various condiments, and a rather interesting Yanjing beer.

Here’s the feast complete with descriptions: