Destinations

How to Choose the Best Italian Restaurant

Published

4 months ago

December 8, 2022

In a recent survey, Italian food was crowned the world’s favorite cuisine.

But how do you find the best Italian restaurant when you get that craving? It’s not just about pizza and pasta anymore. Italian food has so much more to give.

So if you’re feeling hungry, let’s take a look at a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the best of the best.

If you’re serious about Italian food, it’s important to do some research before visiting a new restaurant. A few key questions you will want to answer are:

Who are the owners?
Is the food authentic?
Is the restaurant self-service or table service?
Do they serve other cuisines?
How are the reviews?

Ideally, you will be able to find the answers on the restaurant’s website. However, in some cases, you may need to look further, such as on social media.

Who Are the Owners?

Great food comes from passionate Chefs. When trying to decide how to choose a restaurant, the owner should play a part in your decision.

Finding an Italian restaurant run by an Italian is a great start. Chances are the food is more authentic, having been passed down through the family.

However, it is possible to find authentic and delicious food made by a non-native. The key is to avoid franchise restaurants with generic menus that are the same at all locations.

Is the Food Authentic?

A few keys things to take into account when checking out an Italian menu are:

Italian food is usually seasonal
The dishes shouldn’t be covered in cheese and sauce
It’s so much more than just pasta

Great Italian food changes with the weather and highlights quality ingredients. They use lots of fresh vegetables, and rarely will you see a bowl full of pasta drowning in sauce.

Is the Restaurant Self-Service or Table Service?

Typically, a self-service restaurant is thought of as a lower class of dining experience than table service, and in some cases that is accurate.

On the other hand, when you learn more about it, you can see why many restaurants are changing their business models – especially in the current climate. By removing the servers, the restaurant has the opportunity to focus more on the kitchen and the quality of food.

Do They Serve Other Cuisines?

Although you should be looking for a variety of dishes, a kitchen that serves up a variety of cuisines might not be the best option when it comes to quality.

A restaurant that is trying to cater to everyone is less likely to be the best option if you want real Italian food. Their focus is more on getting tables booked than what they are serving.

How Are the Reviews?

Checking reviews is a must. Any great meal can be spoiled by a rude server or an unappealing atmosphere.

Search for local Italian restaurants and see what people have to say. In many larger cities and towns, you should be able to find reviews left by tourists. Look for those by visitors from Italy to get the most trustworthy information.

It’s Ok to Order Pizza

Italy is the home of pizza, after all, so don’t be ashamed to order one when you find the right Italian restaurant for you.

By doing a little research beforehand, you should be able to find a place that will offer you some authentic local cuisine, along with the familiar favorites. The difference will be the quality of the ingredients which you will no doubt be able to taste.

Check out our food section for more help with finding your next great meal.

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Destinations

4 Australian Beaches That Are Breathtakingly Beautiful

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2023

Adam T

Australia is a wild and wonderful place filled with diverse people and landscapes.

If you’re planning a trip to this amazing place, there’s no shortage of incredible beaches to explore while you’re there.

Read on to discover a list of four of the best beaches in Australia that are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

1. One Mile Beach

This beautiful Australian beach offers miles of sandy shoreline and plenty of charming accommodation options to choose from. Be sure to take a look at the many recreational activities and amenities this beach has to offer.

Enjoy an incredible adventure by participating in camel rides at sunset, or enjoy sandboarding down the dunes at incredible speeds. You can also experience the fun of camping, staying in a comfy cabin, and more. This beach is within close proximity to tons of entertainment including playgrounds, a games room, and much more.

2. Best Beaches in Australia: Bondi Beach

This famous beach in Sydney offers an incredible history and a truly breathtaking landscape. Enjoy mingling with tourists from around the world at this beautiful beach, known for its close proximity to Sydney for easy access.

While you’re there, explore the many trendy cafes and enjoy some of the local food and fare. With turquoise-blue waters and sunny weather, it’s not surprising that Bondi is one of the best beaches in Australia. Experience the thrill of meeting people from across the globe or spend time relaxing in the cool, clear waters.

3. Lizard Island

Located in the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is a nature lover’s paradise. This remote island includes over 23 white sandy beaches to explore, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a little bit of adventure.

You can stay in your own private villa at the island resort, offering premier access to some of the most remote and secluded beaches in Australia. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful reefs. Lizard Island is perfect if you want an off-grid getaway in a tropical place.

4. Byron Bay

Once known as a small hippie town, Byron Bay has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists. This beautiful beach offers a variety of delicious cafes and modern reports as well as boutique shopping.

Located on the eastern point of mainland Australia, you’ll get to visit the iconic lighthouse at Cape Byron. Surfers also love this beach due to the fantastic ocean breaks. Walk along the soft powdery sand, enjoy a day of swimming or just lounge at one of many beachfront cafes.

Make it an Unforgettable Visit

With so many incredible options to choose from, these are just some of the best beaches in Australia that you can visit for a relaxing getaway. From the white sands of One Mile Beach to the mysterious Lizard Island, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For more fantastic articles, guides, and information about travel, destinations all over the globe, and much more, be sure to visit our website today!

Destinations

Royal Wedding Locations You Need To Visit

Many of the locations of famous royal weddings are open to the public. Here are five of them you simply have to see.

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2023

Loren Thorn

With the upcoming wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, royal weddings seem to be the only thing people can talk about these days. And while it’s a little out of control, we’re not complaining! There’s just something about the extravagance and pageantry of it all that is undeniably fascinating. But for the longest time, I always assume it was something so completely out of reach that I would never be able to experience even the slightest bit of what being at a royal wedding is like.

Well, I was wrong! You can actually visit many of the locations where royal weddings have happened over the years. Here are just five of them. I know I’m going to try and see at least a couple of these before I die!

YORK MINSTER

This stunning cathedral is, of course, located in York, England. It was the home to two royal weddings. First, in 1328, King Edward II married Philippa of Hainault, making her his Queen. Then, in 1961, Edward, Duke of Kent married his love, Katharine Worsley. Also, the city of York is really something to be seen. So this is a great location if you’re looking for a proper England experience with a little royal flavor.

THE ISLE OF WIGHT

This island getaway off the coast of Southampton was actually home to two royal weddings. The Osborn House is on the Isle of Wight, which was once the vacation home of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. Their second daughter, Princess Alice, was married right there at the house. While her little sister, Princess Beatrice, was actually married at the Church of St. Mildred at Whippingham, which is just a short trip away from the Osborn House.

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL

The Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire was also home to two different royal weddings. First, in 1403, King Henry IV of England married his second wife, Joanna of Navarre at the Cathedral. Then, in 1554, Mary I married King Philip II of Spain. Mary I was famously the first woman to rule England and her marriage to King Philip was famously an unpleasant one. So This is a great place to eat up a little royal history!

HAMPTON COURT

This truly gorgeous property was long-owned by the one and only Henry VIII. Yes, the Henry VIII that was married not four, not five, but six times. In fact, his sixth and final wedding took place at Hampton Court. He married Katherine Parr there in 1543. The Court is still kept in immaculate condition and is definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

CANTERBURY

Canterbury is a perfectly quaint and charming English town. It was here, in 1625, that King Charles I married Henrietta Maria of France. Their marriage was famous for Henrietta’s loyalty to King Charles after a civil war broke out during his reign. She stayed loyal to him even after the civil war resulted in the execution of her husband and her king. A regular Romeo and Juliet over here!

And those are just a few of the amazing a beautiful locations that have hosted royal weddings. But there are plenty more to be seen if you’d like to do some more homework. I’m just trying to get you started! The rest is up to you.

Destinations

Check Out The Hottest Penthouse Suites In The World

We put together a list of the dopest penthouse suites around the world so that when you want to feel decadent you know the best places to do it at.

Published

4 days ago

March 23, 2023

Loren Thorn

When you’re staying in a hotel why stay in a normal room like a dud? Head on up to the penthouse suites and stay in style. But let’s be honest, some penthouse suites aren’t worth the money. If the suite is lame then what’s the point? When you want to stay in a penthouse suite you need to make sure it will be luxurious enough so that it is worth your time and money. That is why we put together a list of the dopest penthouse suites around the world so that when you want to feel decadent you know the best places to do it at.

The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
The Silo Hotel is Cape Town is an amazing structure that was built to do one thing: look beautiful. This hotel actually used to be an elevator shaft in a historic grain silo complex. The rest of the giant building is an African art museum that has art that’s almost as beautiful as this suite’s views.
The windows bulge outwards so you have an amazing view that has to be seen to be believed. The penthouse rings it at around 2,012-square-feet. You have nothing above you, besides the pool and bar that sit on the rooftop. Now that’s sweet.

The Whitby, New York
The Whitby suite sits on the 16th floor of the Whitby hotel. Actually, it’s not just located on the 16th floor, it IS the 16th floor.
This penthouse unbelievably takes up the entire 16th floor of the hotel and is beyond deluxe. You have 1,845-square-feet in the middle of Midtown Manhattan to do whatever you want. The style of this suite is something that is truly remarkable and the colors are vibrant and fantastic. You don’t have to stay in your room because the suite also comes with a terrace so you can enjoy the outdoors while still having plenty of space in one of the most crowded cities in the world.

Il Sereno, Lake Como, Italy
You don’t need to go to a giant building to get a great penthouse suite and the Il Sereno penthouse suite is proof.
This hotel is actually all suites but they have two penthouses on the top floor. The hotel is only four stories tall so it’s not that long of an elevator ride when you’re trying to get your room. This suite is right on the water though so you really get to live it up and the look of the rooms is ultra modern. Plus you get delicious meals from a Michelin star chef amongst the beautiful vertical gardens. What more do you need?

The William Vale, Brooklyn, New York
This penthouse suite is unbelievable thanks to the amazing terrace that offers incredible views of Lower Manhattan.
There is also an open-air jacuzzi and luxuries you wouldn’t dream of in one of the biggest cities in the world. The furnished patio will blow you away. You can spend a lot of time here, trust me.