There is a stereotype of Americans traveling and doing two things, complaining that the local coffee is not good, and seeking out McDonalds. I am an oddball in many ways, but I think the coffee in Europe is far better than the weak, bitter swill that most places serve in north America.
If I have a choice between someplace local, and a chain, if I am at home, or halfway around the world, I generally try the local place. Our first day in Dublin, we wandered a couple of blocks from the hotel in search of our first meal after arrival. The Oval bar fit the bill, and the food was amazing. As I recall I had Irish Stew, one of the specials, it was great. A hint, for local food, in small places, go for the special. It is often what was fresh, easy, good. Sometimes it is a great price, sometimes it is special because it has rare and pricey ingredients. They tend to feature it because they know people will like it and come back. It is also often something that is quick to serve.
McDonalds, I have a few times. But not recently.
I too like coffee better in Europe, but the best I ever had was in Costa Rica and Argentina. I also find it intresting when over in Europe and when meeting people here, how Americans are always in a hurry to get in and out of a dinning establishment. The lady I met the other day, from Germany, I told her different for me. I enjoy a nice 2 hours in a place, and I almost always eat late. So when friends go out with me be prepared to be a while. And that's just the cock-a-tails.
ReplyDeleteI really probably should be living in Europe.
So when we go to lunch, plan on being there through happy hour?
DeleteAustralia generally has great coffee, made with Italian or Italian derived machines. North American coffee is awful. I thought it might have better in Canada because of the French influence, but it wasn't. I've had some pretty awful coffee in Europe and some really good coffee in England.
ReplyDeleteI've had great food wherever we have travelled. I don't like most Japanese food but we found a great English pub in Tokyo, same happened in Dubai. There is a terrific Irish pub on 9th Avenue NYC. Japanese McDonalds offer very superior food compared to our local McDonalds.
Japan is on my want to see list
DeleteI love that top photo. The Oval Bar looks like it’s worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteTwo three blocks from the hotel Moxie.
DeleteThat haircut was way too short!
ReplyDeleteCute
DeleteI don't eat McDonald's in this country so I would never seek one out anywhere else in the world.
ReplyDeleteWe drink Cuban coffee and it's dee-lish!
The stronger the better
DeleteI always go for local restaurants too. That's the whole point of travel! Why eat at a goddamn chain?
ReplyDeleteAgree
DeleteI always go for the local places when I travel and I've had some great meals.
ReplyDeleteAnd a few adventures
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