While smoking at the restaurants is a thing of the past, enjoying their great steaks is not.  With two locations, downtown at  2165 West Burnside and Glendoveer at 14021 NE Glisan, RingSide is not far from wherever you are in the Portland area.

Do you have a matchbook that you’ve found stuck away in a drawer?  I’d love to feature it in a future Matchbook Monday.  Take a photo and email it to me, and be sure to include any memories that you might have.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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I’ve gathered up some great weekend reads, so grab a cup of coffee, and settle in.  These posts are sure to make for great Sunday (or any day) reading:

Filipina Soul introduces us to the Ayala Museum which houses world-class collections based on the history of the Philippines.  Beautiful!

Notre Dame in Paris as viewed from the top of the Pantheon (c)Mary Jo Manzanares

Travel Writers News lists the best online travel resources.  I was aware of most of these, but picked up a few that I’ve now added to my list.  You’ll find this very helpful.

The Los Angeles Guide introduces to the mobile food vendors are the latest, hippest, dining experience to hit LA, grazing haven for foodies.

The Sydney Traveler tell us about the new iPhone app, FoodWatch NSW.  This Aussie app used the phone’s GPS to show which nearby restaurants have breached food safety standards, helping you avoid those dodgy spots.

iTravelNet has a great photo of Three Countries Corner in Basel, Switzerland.  This spot on the Rhine River is where Switzerland, Germany and France meet.

The London Traveler intrigued me with her post on the often overlooked Benjamin Franklin House.  I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the man who spent time at this house in London hoping to avoid a war between England and the Colonies.

Almost Fearless starts a great discussion on whether or not you should start a travel blog.  There’s plenty to ponder before you say yes, no, or maybe.

The Paris Traveler makes the list again this week with her post about vespa-ing around the city.  While I’m still a fan of the Metro, this could be quite a fun way to tool around for a day.

Gadling has me scratching my head with its post about a fold-up hotel room.  The Flexotel is a container type room that claims it can be unpacked and furnished in about 10 minutes.

The Venice Guide has a fun post about a high school where wine and students are encouraged to mix. The Venice, Italy, high school teaches students how to make wine, olive oil, and other specialty products produced from the farm.  Visitors can even buy the wine that students make.

IAG Blog takes apart the fine print of Jet Blue’s $599/one month of unlimited travel offer.  Read up on it to see if it’s a good deal for you.  Or for the ailing airline industry.

Happy reading!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Twin Oaks Restaurant in Cranston, Rhode Island

Like me, Jeff enjoys using matchbooks as a bit of a souvenir of a special place and occasion.  He’s provides this matchbook from the Twin Oaks Restaurant in Cranston, Rhode Island.  Back in the 70’s this was considered one of the top restaurants in the state, and Jeff said that he always looked forward to having lunch or dinner at the restaurant.

The restaurant, which got its starts as a Speakeasy during the days of Prohibition, is located at 100 Sabra Street in Cranston, is still around, and over the years has won a number of awards.  It serves up quality family food six days a week (closed Monday), and is open for lunch and dinner.

Thanks, Jeff, for sharing your memory and matchbook with us!

Photo credit:  Jeff Williams, Matchbook Traveler

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 —

Deciding what to order is easy, and be prepared for it to arrive at your table seconds after you gotten the words out of your mouth.  Ordering is basically all about size, as one item dominates the menu – carne en jugo (beef in juice).  This is basically a tasty beef stew, cooked in its own broth and flavored with bacon, beans, tomatoes, and spices.  There are a few other items on the menu, but I’ve never ordered them.  The reason I go here is for the carne en jugo.  Orders come in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, and I recommend choosing your size and then get ready to dig in.

When your carne en jugo arrives there are a couple of ways to eat it.  Tourists (and there are usually not a lot in the restaurant) tend to scoop the meat out of the juice, drop it into a tortilla, add a few condiments and eat it like a taco.  Sure, I tried it like that the first couple times as well.  But after going there with some local friends, I’d like to think that I’ve learned better, and now eat it like a local.  Locals eat is as a soup or stew, adding a variety of condiments to the meat and broth, including radishes, chopped onions and salsa.  Then roll up a tortilla in one hand, and eat it as you would a piece of bread, and use a spoon to enjoy every bite of the carne en jugo.  You can also add the grilled bulb onions, although they are sweet and yummy eaten plain.

The service is not just fast, but also attentive.  An empty mug will get a request if you’d like another.  When the tortillas or refried beans run low, they’ll be replenished without prompting.  The service in unobtrusive, but I like chatting with the servers and asking them their favorite things to do in their city.  There are times when I’m there every week, and it’s nice when they start to remember me.

My recommended order would be a medium, with a couple beers.  The price for that will vary based on the exchange rate, but that order with a generous tip will come in around $6.  I always have leftovers, and they are extremely gracious about packing them up and including all the extras (usually replenished).

I frequent the location across the street from Plaza del Sol (Mariano Otero 3019, Zona Plaza del Sol),although there are other locations around the area.  Hours are 11 am – 11 pm every day but Sunday, when it closes at 6 pm.  Credit cards are accepted.  Casual dress is okay, but be aware that casual by Guadalajara standards is more dressed up than by US standards.

I enjoy this place.  And it’s not a tourist restaurant, despite the whole Guinness record thing.  The majority of the patrons are locals.  The staff does not speak much English, although they do a great job of communicating.  The language difference is not a problem, and you’ll be fine.  Just remember, you’re in Mexico and it’s expected that people will speak Spanish!

I’ve yet to find anywhere here at home where they serve carne en jugo, so I think this is just a Guadalajara specialty.  I’d love to get my fix a little closer to home,though.

Photo credits:  personal collection

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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

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