With only three sleeps before I head off to Italy, much of my time this week has been spent reading up on all sorts of wonderful things about Italy, and doing some research about Croatia.

Still, I did get intrigued by a number of other topics, though. . . .

Eyeflare – 9 airport rip offs, and although I don’t agree with all of them (Duty Free can be a bargain, if you know you’re prices), there’s some good tips here.

The Edinburgh Guide – I don’t often think of tanning in Scotland, but Andy tells us the best spots in Edinburgh to work on a tan.

Intelligent Travel – Island hopping in Vermont?  I didn’t know that Vermont had islands till I read this article.

Tripso – Airports may not be known for their fine dining, but at some you can get a really decent meal.

Travel Views – How do you define value when it comes to choosing a restaurant and meal.  A good discussion of what is becoming a pretty big travel expense.

The South Florida Traveler – I love bags, and this BuiltNY Laptop Porter looks like it good be a good choice.  Attractive, lightweight, and perfect for travel.

Los Angeles Times – What does Mexico need to do to win back travelers?

I’ve been doing a bunch of cleaning around the house, and found a bunch of old matchbooks tucked away in the back of a drawer.  As I’ve sorted through them, memories of past vacations came flooding back, and there were a lot of chuckles as I remembered some of the things that had happened.

There were also some matchbooks, much like the one today, that I didn’t have a strong memory about.

This matchbook is from Andiamo’s, which I’m guessing is either an Italian restaurant (the obvious choice based on the name), or a steakhouse (a niggling memory is trying to work it’s way to the front of my mind).

I’ve asked around, googled around, and no one can quite remember where the restaurant was.  The closest suggestion that I’ve heard is that is was a steakhouse at the former Bally’s Hotel (formerly the MGM Grand and now the Grand Sierra Resort) in Reno, and was from about 15 – 20 years ago.

If the name, or any of the added details, trigger a memory for anyone, I’d love to know about it!

Do you find matchbooks tucked away in a drawer, only to discover them years later.  They are souvenirs of restaurants that have nearly been eliminated.  Share the past with others by taking a photo of a matchbook, and emailing it to me along with any details that you can remember.  I’ll feature it in an upcoming Matchbook Monday.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Since I’m in Miami, it’s probably no surprise that today’s matchbook comes from one of the many international restaurants here in this international city.  Texas de Brazil has locations in other states as well, but given wonderful mix of flavors here in this city, it fits right at home in Miami

Texas de Brazil is a churrascaria restaurant – a special heaven for meat lovers!

Based on a concept from the Gauchos (South American cowboys), the churrascaria provides a variety of meats roasted on an open pit.  Offered on skewers, and carved tableside, the grilled meat is accompanied by salads, vegetables, rice, beans, and other side dishes.

Want to try a little sirloin, they’ll carve you off a slice.  Maybe a bit of new york?  Sure, you can have that too.  With some carefully structured taste testing, you’ll enjoy the subtle differences between the taste of the different cuts of this Angus beer.  Chicken, lamb, pork, and sausage are also served.

To really get in the Brazilian mood, try a Caipirinha, a classic Brazilian cocktail made of Cachaca (a sugar cane rum), sugar, lime, and crushed ice.  Refreshingly delicious!

Dinner is one-priced, and does not include drinks, alcohol, dessert, tax or gratuity.  Children aged 7-12 are half price, and children 6 and under dine FREE.

Texas de Brazil is located at The Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th Street, Suite 514 in Miami.  It is open for lunch Monday through Friday, and for dinner daily.  Brunch is available on weekends.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from a Seattle restaurant that is one of my favorites.  It’s been quite awhile since I’ve been there, the last time was with a bunch of my tech friends who were in town for a conference.  Going through the matchbooks made me realize that I’m ready for a return trip.

Assaggio’s is simple Italian food, presented with exceptional customer service.  Dinner there is reminiscent of the food I ate in Italy:  simple, fabulously flavorful, and full of the best from the local garden (in this case, the Pike Place Market).  Owner Mauro Golmarvi will greet you at the door, offer a hug to familiar guests, and will then mingle among the tables throughout your meal to make sure you are enjoying it.  (Hint:  you will be!)

The restaurant is decorated with elaborate wall murals featuring the work of Michelangelo.   Take a look at the walls and see if you can spot the Creation of Adam, the Creation of Earth, the Ladies of Justice, and the Creation of Moon and Water (among others).  I’m not sure if it’s like dining in an Italian bistro or an art museum.

Since it’s been many months since I’ve been there, I can’t give a current review.  But I can share with you some of my favorites from the menu:  Insalata di Francesca (field greens, apples, pears, gorgonzola, nuts with a vinaigrette), Sautéed spinach (delicious with onions, lemon, pine nuts, and Dijon mustard), Osso Buco (classic veal shank with vegetables), and the Wild Boar Pasta. 

Assaggio is located at 2010 4th Avenue (downtown) in Seattle.  It’s open daily for lunch Monday – Friday, 11 am – 2 pm, and for dinner Monday – Saturday, 5 – 10 pm.  Reservations are recommended.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Calling itself an “open-air bar and grille for open minded people,” Hamburger Mary’s delivers good food and a fun atmosphere.

Part of a 14-store national franchise, Hamburger Mary’s opened in San Francisco in 1972.  It opened as a family oriented, affordably priced, restaurant and bar that target the gay and lesbian community and their families, along with those friendly to that population.  As the chain has expanded it has refined its concept with a focus on fresh food, home-style meals, that are prepared and presented in a fun atmosphere.

At the Palm Springs Hamburger Mary’s location, you’ll be greeted outside the door by a larger than life Mary welcoming you and tempting you with a larger than life burger.  Once inside, that saucy attitude continues.  It’s a little like being at your best and most irreverent friend’s home, where you expect nothing but the best, and are always ready for a few little surprises.

The menu includes lots of burger selections that are piled 6 inches high.  But that’s not all there is – you’ll find sandwiches, salads, steaks, fish, and a variety of other traditional bar food.  A very kid-friendly menu is also available.  If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, try the Mary Tyler S’mores.  It’s just like being back at summer camp again.  Or get a little more daring with the Deep Fried Twinkies.

A bar favorite is the super spicy Blood Mary.  I also heard raves about the margaritas.

Indoor and outdoor dining is available, and the restaurant is family friendly.

Hamburger Mary’s is located at 415 North Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.  (You can check the map to see if there’s a Hamburger Mary’s near you.)  It is open daily for lunch and dinner, serving dinner until 9:30 on weekdays and 10 pm on weekends.  The bar is open until midnight.

As they say – Eat, Drink and be Mary!

Photo credit:  personal collection

Often times when I’m in a city regularly, I develop a few favorite places.  Despite being fairly adventurous at trying new places and things, when you find a favorite it’s sometimes hard to try something new.

Karne Garibaldi (website is in Spanish) in Guadalajara, Mexico is one of those favorite places.  When I’m in Guadalajara, the assumptions is that I’ll be having at least one meal at Karne Garibaldi.  And I’ve never gone wrong with that decision.

To “get” the concept of this restaurant, you have to let go of what you assume typical Mexican food is like.  What passes for typical in the US, is not typical when actually in the country.  It’s not necessarily better or worse, it’s just different.  But if you don’t let go of your preconceived expectations, no matter when you go to eat, you’ll be disappointed.

One of the claims to fame of Karne Garibaldi is its Guinness Book of Records (1996) entry for the fastest service.  Indeed, as the hostess in walking you to your table a group of waiters will appear bearing appetizers to get you started.  It’s plates full of warm fresh tortillas, grilled onions, refried beans with bits of corn in it (which is available to purchase by the can), other condiments (chopped green onions, radishes), and some salsa.  In many cases, these appetizers are on the table before your entire party has even been seated.  Chips and guacamole must be ordered separately, and guacamole is not always available  – but really, don’t bother – you’ll be just fine without it!

Once seated, waiters are there to take your order immediately.  If you want time to have an ice cold beer and chat, order them and ask for a little more time.  By default they are prepared to get you in and out in a hurry, but they are more than accommodating if you ask them to slow down the pace.  I’d recommend a cold Negro Modelo (ask for a frosted mug) first thing, and placing your order when it arrives.

What should you order?  That’s easy, keep reading —

Read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday features a box from BOA Steakhouse in Las Vegas.  BOA is located at Caesar’s Palace, among the Forum Shops, overlooking the Vegas Strip (3500 South Las Vegas Boulevard).

As the name suggests, BOA is known for its steaks. offered up with your choice of rubs (tri peppercorn, blackened, blue cheese, herbed butter, foie gras butter) or sauces (signature, cabernet béarnaise, chimichurri, creamy horseradish, peppercorn).  Add a side or two (vegetables and potatoes) in a size suitable for sharing, and just try to save room for dessert.

There are a variety of seafood choices on the menu, either as entrees or add ons with your steak, but here it’s really all about the meat.

Bring your winnings, as steak prices start at $38 (flat iron steak) and sides at $8 (mashed potatoes).  Lunch steak prices are the same, although there are some additional appetizers and sandwiches.

BOA Las Vegas is open Sunday – Thursday,  noon – 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday, noon – midnight.

There are also BOA locations in Santa Monica and West Hollywood.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Today’s Matchbook Monday features Betelnut, a San Francisco restaurant featuring a Pan Asian fusion menu. It is located in the Cow Hollow section of the city.

The restaurant’s bar is a bit of a “scene” kind of place, and is often crowded. Don’t let that put you off trying the dining room, however, or the outdoor seating during the nice weather. The ambience and menu appeals to a wide variety of ages, and you’ll find the dining area full of patrons of varying ages.

Betelnut has an extensive menu, and it can be hard to make a decision. Ask your server to help steer you in the right direction for your taste preferences. Small plates work well for trying a new dish, so don’t be afraid to sample something that you’ve never had before. Chances are, however, that if you’re a regular you won’t be willing to let go of your favorites!

My favorites are the spicy dishes. Mmmmmmm!

Betelnut is located at 2030 Union Street (between Buchanan & Webster Streets) in San Francisco.

Do you have a matchbook collection?  I know lots of people have picked them up over the years, and still have them sitting in a box somewhere.  I invite all my readers to submit a matchbook photo for inclusion in a future Matchbook Monday.  Take a photo and send it to me.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Today’s Matchbook Monday is from one of my standby restaurants here in Seattle, Tulio Ristorante. 

Located adjacent to the Vintage Park Hotel (a great place to stay, by the way), you can enter Tulio’s through the hotel or through its own entrance.  It’s like eating in a wine cellar or trattoria in Tuscany – cozy, full of wonderful aromas, and with wonderful waitstaff to help you make the best meal choice.

If you’re not certain if you want to have dinner here, just step inside and take a deep breath.  That’s the aroma of delicious Italian food.

Share the salumi plate ($10) and the sweet potato gnocchi appetizer ($9) with a glass of wine and great companion, and you have a light meal before heading off to the theater.  Add the warm chocolate pudding cake ($8) for dessert – it’s divine!

Tulio’s is located at 1100 5th Avenue in Seattle.  It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Bar service is available until midnight, and until 1 am on Friday and Saturday.  A bistro menu is also available.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Cuistot is an elegant Palm Desert French restaurant located on El Paseo (72-595 El Paseo, Palm Desert) at the southwest intersection of Highway 111.

The restaurant features multiple dining areas, including a wine room, a heated outdoor patio, and a large dining room with a fireplace.  If you like watching a chef at work, opt for Bernard’s Room which offers a view of the kitchen and the energy of the cooking staff at work.

Open for lunch (Tuesday – Saturday, 11:30 am – 2:15 pm) and dinner (Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30 – 10 pm, and Sunday 5:30 – 9 pm). 

A perfect location for a romantic dinner or simply a great glass of wine.