It may not be America’s favorite food, but it’s definitely on the list: Americans consume nearly 20 BILLION hot dogs every year. It’s not all lame hot dogs with ketchup that kids are eating — there are plenty of delicious hot dogs to eat all over the country, with regional and city-specific recipes you often can’t find quite right anywhere else.
Here are five of the most interesting from coast to coast. Consider it a hot dog bucket list, if you love hot dogs as much as I do.
The New York Dog
Toppings: steamed onions, deli-style mustard, plain bun
The New York-style hot dog is the most iconic — everybody wants one. But, it’s actually one of the plainest hot dog recipes on the list. Three simple ingredients, plus the hot dog, and you can enjoy a taste of the Big Apple in a bun.
The Chicago Dog
Toppings: yellow mustard, green relish, chopped raw onion, pickle spear, sports peppers, tomato slices, a dash of celery salt, poppy seed bun
In the ways that the NYC dog is simple, the Chicago dog is decidedly not. It’s a rainbow of colorful ingredients and flavors that strangely work together — and even more strangely, are better without ketchup.
You may have to take a trip to the store if you want to enjoy a homemade Sonoran dog: some of these ingredients aren’t going to be laying around the fridge and cupboards. Nonetheless, the Sonoran dog makes the best of its Southern influences in a heaping pile of toppings.
The West Virginia Dog
Toppings: chili, mustard, coleslaw
Some of the toppings so far might seem a little strange, but the West Virginia dog has the unique privilege of being the strangest — but also vaguely appealing. Spicy chili and cool coleslaw make a party in your mouth the likes of which you can only find in Appalachia.
The Seattle Dog
Toppings: cream cheese, grilled onion
Naturally, I’m partial to the Seattle dog: It’s a game day favorite for fans of the Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners, and the combo of cream cheese and grilled onion hits all the perfect salty and sweet spots and never fails to chase away any grey-sky sadness.
Walt Disney World offers a wide variety of foods for every palate, but there’s often one “steak and potatoes” person in most families. Where’s the best place to go when beef is what you want for dinner? Here are five of Walt Disney World’s best places to get a steak that offers quality beef, upscale ambiance, and unique preparations for steak.
The BOATHOUSE
Until STK opens in the early summer of 2016, The BOATHOUSE is really the only choice for a good steak at Disney Springs. Using certified USDA Gibsons Blue Star Heritage Angus and a choice of sauce, the 12-ounce filet mignon or the 28-ounce porterhouse for two are real winners. Make sure to save a lot of room for dessert. The S’mores Baked Alaska is an impressive dessert, big enough to serve four very hungry people.
Le Cellier
A long-time favorite of visitors to Epcot, Le Cellier in the Canada pavilion can be one of the hot ticket dining reservations to score. The Black Angus boneless rib-eye is a favorite, along with the AAA Canadian tenderloin filet mignon with truffle butter sauce. And while the steaks are excellent, one of the most talked-about dishes is on the appetizer menu—the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup with Moosehead Beer and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked bacon.
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Although the Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club, like most Disney restaurants, doesn’t prohibit kids, the upscale nature of this restaurant tends to attract adults over families, partially due to its dress code requirement (not formal, but dressier than normal clothing is highly encouraged). In addition to a variety of cuts of beef, including a 21-day dry-aged Kansas City strip steak, Yachtsman Steakhouse offers an above-average wine list.
Shula’s Steak House
At the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Shula’s Steak House is largely popular with convention-goers, but still provides a good meal within easy access of Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll want to come with a hearty appetite, as the portion sizes are large, from a 10-ounce Steak Mary Anne (with a cognac peppercorn sauce) to the 48-ounce Porterhouse. If massive amounts of beef aren’t your thing, try the 4-pound Maine lobster instead.
Artist Point
Although not specifically a steakhouse, Artist Point in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers two steaks that are noteworthy: the grilled filet mignon with crushed potatoes and charred eggplant and the aged buffalo strip loin with barley risotto. For an extra treat, try the duck-fat-fried potatoes with spruce salt. This unique offering brings out the spirit of the Pacific northwest embodied by this restaurant. For young lovers of steak, the kids’ menu also offers a petit steak.
The city of Sydney is absolutely infatuated with food, celebrating celebrity chefs and creating incredible dining experiences for both locals and visitors. It should come as no surprise then that this city has capitalized on its natural asset, the incredible views it offers. Restaurants throughout the city have been built so diners can look out onto the Harbour, Opera House, beaches, and cityscape. From a revolving restaurant 47 floors up to one located a short ferry ride away; here are 8 Sydney restaurants with spectacular views.
8. Ormeggio at the Spit
This restaurant first opened its door in 2009 and has won too many awards to keep track of, making it not only one of the best restaurants in Sydney with a spectacular view, but also a spectacular menu and service team. The call themselves refined Italian dining and put a contemporary twist on traditional meals, taking things to a fine dining level. The restaurant is located inside the D’Albora Marina on the western side of The Spit, giving diners views of the impressive sunset over Middle Harbour.
Choose to dine either inside or out, both offering glimpses of the shimmering water and twinkling lights. Indulge in such menu items as carnaroli risotto, squid and mussel tagliolini and wagyu beef cheek. Rounded off by a wine list that features both local and international wines, there may be no better place to take in the sunset while eating a delicious meal than Ormeggio at the Spit.
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7. Aqua Dining
This elegant restaurant is located above the North Sydney Olympic Pool and offers stunning views of the impressive cityscape views in Sydney, with views that sweep from Luna Park to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The venue is both modern and minimalist, with plenty of room for dinners, parties, and weddings. The executive chef here uses the freshest Australian ingredients to create an incredible Italian menu. This fine-dining restaurant is tucked under the Harbour Bridge, so close to the water it feels like you are in the harbor itself.
Diners can look past the bridge and see the perfectly framed Sydney Opera House. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the chef here offers 2, 3 or 4 courses which include items such as chicken liver agnolotti, pumpkin custard, and lamb rump. Make sure to save room for the rhubarb, beetroot & chicha morada sorbet.
Via www.aquadining.com.au
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6. Jonah’s
It may be a 45-minute drive north of Sydney but locals have been heading here for years, to this incredible restaurant located high up on the cliffs of Whale Beach. This award-winning restaurant features a modern menu with French influences and includes favorites such as Sydney Rock Oysters and 500g Dry Rubbed Aged Beef Rib Eye. In all actuality, the only thing that can take your eyes off of the view is the food itself.
The pristine dining room features floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the sand, cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. If you feel like enjoying the outdoors, snag a seat on the more relaxed outdoor terrace balcony where lighter, grazing menu items are offered. Make sure to make a reservation and arrive before sunset to get the entire magical experience.
Via jonahs.com.au
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5. O Bar and Dining
It is one of three revolving restaurants in the city and although many peg these restaurants as “touristy”, they do in fact offer the best 360-degree view of Sydney. O Bar and Dining is located 47 floors up and is both lofty and warm, offering patrons a fabulous bar and dining area. The creative cocktails are worth mentioning here and it is quite obvious that a spectacular team works behind the bar.
Whether you order off the menu or let the bartender choose, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The choice of entrees here range from fresh oysters to grilled steaks to hazelnut gelato and reach audiences from around the globe, blending ingredients from over the world in harmony. Don’t forget to look up at the stunning views of the Sydney Harbour as you slowly rotate by, taking in one of the best views of the city.
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4. Hugos Manly
It is hailed as having Sydney’s best pizza and this waterfront restaurant offers stunning views into Manly Wharf, looking back into the city. To get here, take a 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay and although you will only be 5 miles from Sydney, you will feel as though you are in a different world. Weekends can be extra busy here and we suggest heading during the week if you are looking to have a peaceful dinner taking in the skyline that stretches east.
Choose to sit inside or out, although we suggest outside to enjoy the smells and breeze off the water. The menu here consists of favorites such as the choc hazelnut pizza with ricotta, banana, icing sugar and vanilla gelato, as well as the slow-roasted roast lamb with potato, feta, olives, capsicum, and onion and chili pizza. Whether you are after a couple incredible cocktails or a full sit down meal, don’t miss out on this Sydney gem.
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3. Opera Kitchen
It would not be a complete list of restaurants with spectacular views without the Opera Kitchen on it, offering postcard-perfect views of the CBD skyline, Circular Quay, and Sydney Harbour Foreshore. Diners will be perched under the most famous sails in the world, in a collection of different tables, chairs, and dining settings. The atmosphere here is casual and relaxed, a nice break from the fancy fine-dining restaurants that often offer up the best views.
It has been dubbed a “fantasy food court” as there is truly something here for everyone, with over 60 creative dishes. Friends, families, theatergoers, and professionals are all welcome at this spot. Whether you are grabbing a bit before the theatre, having late night wine with your girlfriends or looking for a spot to take incredible pictures; this kitchen fits the bill.
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2. Café Sydney
It is renowned for its “million dollar” view, located on the rooftop of Customs House in Circular Quay and giving visitors spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. There are many places to choose from in terms of where to sit here, the breathtaking outdoor terrace, stunning cocktail lounge or the more relaxed indoor dining room. It also happens to be world-renowned for its incredibly fresh seafood menu, second to none in the city.
You will find professionals closing deals here, as well as beautifully dressed diners soaking up the view and people celebrating special occasions. This restaurant promises exceptional food, service and a creative wine menu, all designed with you in mind. Don’t miss out on trying the freshly shucked oysters, grilled swordfish and if you are with friends or family, make sure to indulge in the delectable seafood platter.
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1. Aria
This award-winning restaurant is located on the very edge of the Sydney Harbour, giving diners an incredible view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, two of the most sought-after landmarks in the city. This restaurant has been in business just about 15 years and has held strong in being one the “the” restaurants to eat at in the city. This iconic restaurant comes at a high price, although many will say that an experience here is most definitely worth it. The menu can be ordered in two, three or four courses and promises not to disappoint hungry patrons.
Make sure to try the pink snapper with mussels, sashimi of yellow fish tuna or the miso baked eggplant, all popular and delicious choices. As an added touch, the tables have all been so strategically placed diners almost feel as though they can reach out and touch the iconic landmarks they are looking at.
Bangkok is often referred to the best city in the world for street food and everywhere you look there is something in common; people and food. You can literally wander the streets for weeks, filling your belly until you want to burst, still trying something new every single meal. From fancy shopping malls to outdoor markets to Chinatown, this city is overflowing with street food. There is no bad thing to eat here but we have rounded up the top 8 street foods you have to try in Bangkok.
8. Pork Belly
Depending on whether you want roasted pork belly, or fried pork belly is going to determine where you get this delectable street food in the city. If you go with the roasted pork belly head to one of the Chinese-style roasters, known by the fact they also sell roast duck. The favorite among locals though comes from the Thai vendors who sell the fried pork belly, served up with a tangy and spicy chili sauce.
One of the favorite dishes that involve pork belly is crispy pork with holy basil. Holy basil is unique to Thailand and brings a fiery kick to the dish. Rumor has it some of the best pork belly comes from the vendors at Or Tor Kor market.
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7. Thai Iced Tea
Food isn’t the only thing that visitors can find in the city and if you are looking for something liquid, we highly suggest heading to the streets for some authentic iced tea. This sweet, thirst-quenching, delicious and refreshing drink on a hot day is bound to knock your socks off in terms of flavor and missing out on trying this would be a travesty. Thai iced tea is made from black tea that has been infused with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cardamom and tamarind seeds.
The sweetness in the tea comes from the condensed milk and sugar that is added to the drink. The most common finish is a swirl of evaporated milk and then the tea is poured over ice. There is an abundance of tea stalls throughout the city that often add their own twist to the drink including aloe vera, grass jelly, and macaroons.
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6. Grilled Fish
It’s a familiar scene in early evenings; roadside barbeques begin setting up shop along Bangkok’s busy streets. These makeshift barbecues are where you will find some of the best street food in the city, grilled fish. There are three common types of freshwater fish that are sold at these barbecues; tilapia (Pla Nin), catfish (Pla Duk Dam), snakehead fish (Pla Duk Yan).
The fish is first gutted than stuffed with pandanus leaves and lemongrass, coated with flour and rock salt and then grilled over charcoal. The result is perfection; just make sure to eat the meat and not the skin. The grilled fish is often served with a variety of vegetables for wrapping and chili sauce to add some heat. Head to the front of Central World Mall for some of the best grilled fish in the city and indulge in one of the spectacular street foods in Bangkok.
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5. Pad Thai
If there is one thing we can predict, it is that most visitors to Bangkok will head right to the Pad Thai stalls, and that is absolutely okay as this city offers up some amazing choices. Just make sure you try all these dishes on the list, not just the delicious pad Thai. Your basic pad Thai comes complete with fried egg noodles, bean sprouts, egg, lime, chili flakes and ground peanuts.
One of the most popular places to find this dish is in the Khaosan area where a variety of stalls over different choices. The best way to find the perfect Pad Thai is to truly try them all as locals tend to stick with what they know and will only recommend places in their area. Although its cliché, the Pad Thai here is ultimately some of the best you will find anywhere in the world and it’s a definite must when you are in Bangkok.
Via dalinfotour.ru
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4. Mango Sticky Rice
It is perhaps the best known of Thai desserts and if you think you have tried it back home and loved it, wait until you get to Bangkok and try the real deal. The fresh mango here is the real winner in the dish, and when combined with coconut sticky rice creates the ultimate flavor. The secret to this dish is that the sticky rice is soaked in coconut milk, sugar and salt, before being soaked in pandam leaves, literally allowing the rice to take on the flavor.
Fresh mango is then sliced and put on top and drizzled with coconut syrup and either sesame seeds or mung beans. For a real treat make sure to head to the stall across the street from Soi 38, a downtown alley famous for food stalls which serves up this dish made with three different colors of sticky rice. Trust us; you will never want to eat it at home again.
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3. Curry
It wouldn’t be a list of street foods to try in Bangkok without the famous Thai curry on it. There is an abundance of curry stalls in the city serving up everything from red to green to penang and every other variety in-between. The greatest part about getting these curries from a street stall, they are more than likely more delicious than any high-end Thai restaurant will ever serve. Curry stands are easily identifiable in the city, with their rows of pots laid out front.
More than likely the stalls will have numerous options for curry, as well as some stir-fry dishes. Whichever curry you pick, it should come on a bed of rice and to fit in like a local make sure to use a fork and spoon to devour this delicious dish. No chopsticks necessary for this street food.
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2. Sumtum
Sumtum is one of the most common street foods in the city and it’s no wonder due to its absolute deliciousness. This earthy, green, crunchy salad consists of unripened papaya that has been shredded, tomatoes, garlic, chilies, fish sauce and lime juice. The varieties of somtum vary greatly and the customer is asked to choose additional flavors that are added. Authentic northeastern sumtum contains pickled crabs, fermented fish and little else besides green beans and tomatoes.
Thai sumtum, on the other hand includes tiny dried prawns, peanuts and palm sugar to give the end dish a much sweeter taste. A plate of somtum will cost you between 30 and 60 baht depending on the variety, and is best enjoyed with sticky rice. You can find numerous stalls selling delicious sumtum beneath Ratchathewi BTS station.
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1. Stir Fry
It is one of the most popular street foods in all of Bangkok, consisting of pork, chicken or seafood mixed with pounded chilies, garlic and plenty of holy basil. It is normally mixed with a fish and oyster sauce creating the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Stack this all on top of a steaming mound of rice, stick a fried egg on top of it and voila, you have yourself the perfect stir-fry.
There is seemingly no bad place to pick up a stir-fry in this city, just look for steaming woks, fresh vegetables on display and an incredible stir fry should set you back no more than 30-40 baht. Simple, delicious and widely available; it is one of the most popular dishes in the city.
