Binoy Nazareth and the Italian Connection

Are you consumed by the power of wanderlust which takes you to places unknown, where you immerse your soul in the ethereal fantasies of Nature and discover the art of passion? I was led by my intuitive sense of adventure which took me to seek the treasures of history, culture and revel in a journey of the most talked-about cuisines of the world. With all roads leading to Rome, I was captured by the spirit of wanderlust as I ventured into the realms of Rome to seek hidden treasures surrounded by myths, mystery and mesmerizing facts of the much-visited tourist destination of Italy.

I was totally overwhelmed by Rome which is the capital of Italy with a history of almost 3,000 years of art, architecture and a haunting background of the Roman Empire. As a much-anticipated trip and a dream vacation, I set out on my Italian Connection tour by taking the sights and sounds and sensations of Rome with St. Peter’s Basilica which was first on list followed by the eye-opening artistic Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel was a glorious entrée into the architecture of times gone by and an eternal ode to the celestial and captivating art of the 1400s. After a filling and satisfying ‘prima colazione’ which consisted of fette biscottate, caffè latte and cookies, I joined the merry band of adventurers to explore the treasures of Rome.

The City of Rome Makes an Offer You Can’t Refuse

I just loved the atmosphere and the warmth of the sun as it filtered through an ambience of immortality and filled the traveler’s soul with all things everlasting. I absorbed the Roman environment at the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Palace of Justice and the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II which reverberated with the culture of a charismatic time. I was just waiting to explore the taste of a Roman holiday and revel in the much-talked of Italian dishes. I enjoyed the famous Bruschetta which is a popular antipasto or appetizer, Supplì or fried rice croquettes stuffed with mozzarella and beef ragout and a pasta dish called Bucatini all'Amatriciana and of course, who could resist trying out the delicious gelato, Tiramisu and Panna Cotta?

While Rome had cast a spell over me, I was still raring to explore the romance and the dream-like sequence of gliding through the canals of Venice. Yes, I did try out the gorgeous gondola ride which was every bit like the guide books said they were. Being every traveler’s dream, Venice unrolled spectacular sights and experiences as I walked in awe through St. Mark's Cathedral, San Marco Square and the Doge Palace. The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello held a special interest for me with their incredible glass making crafts while displaying the lifestyle of the Venetians. Fascinating and ethereal, the gorgeous canals of Venice rendered a surrealistic feeling and it was natural to try out flavors of seafood being surrounded by water. I relished the delicious Sarde in saor, a sweet sour dish with fried sardine fillets, Risotto al nero di sepia, a seafood based rice dish and Baccala mantecato or creamed dried cod including other fabulous specialties which consisted of game meats and the famous wines of Italy at the osterias and trattorias.

Delighting the Palate with the Flavors of Italy

Created for the fashionista, Milan as I expected was as fashionable as ever and chock full with famous boutiques and high-end designer outlets. I had read extensively about the historical sights of Milan and made it a point to visit the much-talked of grand Gothic Duomo. My gastronomic journey went on a flavorsome tour with Risotto alla Milanese textured to perfection, Cotoletta alla Milanese or veal cutlet, Cassouela made with pork and Savoy cabbage stew and many other delicacies.

I discovered tranquility and peace at the picturesque and picture perfect, Cinque Terre which means Five Villages and was transported into an ambience that was centuries old with colorful houses and vineyards clinging precariously to the sides of rugged cliffs. With harbors which were chock-a-bloc with fishing boats and trattorias with seafood cuisine, I marveled at the famous pesto which is a sauce from the Liguria region.

After visiting Pisa with its unique Leaning Tower which is also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli", or the "Square of Miracles", I traveled to explore the tourist destination of Sorrento, taste the famous Limoncello, relax at the  Marina Grande and absorb the bustling downtown which seemed like an everyday carnival. Being an adventurer at heart, I had decided to explore the ruins of Pompeii which had been destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Crafting the Art of an Italian Romance

Known as a popular backdrop for films and a great tourist destination, the Amalfi Coast delighted me with its pastel-colored fishing villages, sheer cliffs with lemon groves and dotted with appealing beaches which stretched across a rocky shoreline along the Tyrrhenian Sea. My taste buds were raring to go and I sat down to experience a combination of seafood and other great dishes with Scialatelli, a pasta in seafood sauce, ’Ndunderi, a type of pasta, Sarchiapone made with stuffed pumpkin, Pigniatello all’ amalfitana, a blend of seafood, Colatura di alici, a fermented fish sauce and a delicious dessert, Sfogliatella.

I just loved the dashing town of Positano with its dramatic yet luxurious ambience. Painting a picturesque sight with its cliff-side village which cascaded with terracotta and pastel colored houses, this great tourist destination displayed fabulous shopping outlets, hotels shaded with hanging wisteria and awesome restaurants. Bringing the rich harvest of the ocean to satisfy the taste buds, the restaurants in Positano served an amazing array of the local dishes and I reveled in a feast of seafood fit for Neptune. Delighting the palate with a wide range of both gourmet and local tastes, the cuisine of Positano ranged out mouth-watering Spaghetti with mussels, Boiled Octopus dishes, Tubetti with Totani which squid, Linguine with Fresh Prawns, ravioli, Gnocchi, pasta and spaghetti with flavors divine washed down with Chianti Classico, Rosso di Montalcino,  Falerno del massico and other great Campania wines. cheese and liquors.

As my Italian sojourn drew to a close, I was determined to bring alive the flavors of gorgeous Italy to tickle the taste buds which you will be delighted to read in my next adventure posting.

Binoy Nazareth Invites You to Delight the Taste Buds with the Flavors of Italy

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Binoy Nazareth A Tryst with Nature at Outer Banks, North Carolina

Living a Fun-filled Lifestyle

The delightful pleasures derived from short getaways and escapades to new places are priceless. To those who are passionate about travel, every trip provides a fantastic opportunity to interact with new people & culture; and soak in the experience of something that they never experienced before. The fundamental joys of travel including anticipation and discovery, is nourished and nurtured by these short unplanned trips. This time I decided to brag about my sizzling experience of visiting some of the most elegant and naturally gifted places in North Carolina and its Outer Banks. Due to this being an unplanned trip I had to settle for only four, but four fun-filled days at some of the all-time favorite and untouched reserves of NC. The real pleasures of travel go far beyond the sights, and it’s in the anticipation & unexpected, that you get to live your life to the fullest. So go on and keep traveling, for traveling is bliss and there is no joy like being a wanderlust adventurer!

North Carolina known as NC is the 6th most visited state in US and is the 9th largest one in US with a mixture of scenic beauties and historical traits and this diversity makes NC a visitor’s paradise.  I hope this personal exploration and narration of my visit can be a guide to those who are on an unplanned trip with no pre-determined list of places to visit. At your fingertips will be the Outer banks of NC which is full of water sports and attractive tourist destinations which you should not miss when visiting OBX.

Wild and Wondrous Wanderlust

After reaching my destination from a daylong car ride, I took a long stride on a serene evening that took me to the lighthouse in OBX. The lighthouse of OBX which is a frequent target of professional photographers and has appeared in many magazines is one of the iconic landmarks and goes back in time among rest of the lighthouses in United States. After making myself comfortable on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, I started my adventurous journey by taking a ride on one of the wild mustang horses around the Outer Banks. These horses have been part and parcel of this picturesque environment which really appears to be totally magical and mesmerizing.

Followed by this, another wonderful and unique experience that I completely cherished is the visit to Elizabethan Garden in Outer Banks situated on Roanoke Island. This island boasts of the history of the first English settlers who landed here over 400 hundred years ago. In each season new wonders are brought to these amazing gardens, which is a must visit place in Outer banks. Being an avid lover of fishing, I can never miss an opportunity to go score some big ones, and this time I hopped on an OBX charter fishing trip, since Outer Banks is known for the various big water species. I came back empty handed, but that’s not the point here!

A Feast Fit for the Adventurous Palate

Later during the evening I joined for more fun and amusement in Bodies Island. The two light houses located there look spectacular and the island is the perfect beach to relax and forget your worries on the pristine sands. This is a true family paradise. Here I was on a unique travel which was fast transforming into a cadence of color, charisma and a carousel of all my favorite things…need I ask for more??!! I cruised through the Outer Banks activities and realized that I truly wanted to go on a journey of flavors, fragrances and food trails of far-flung places. Barely trying to keep the cravings of my palate under control, I ventured into one of the Corolla Seafood Restaurant which served up a feast for Neptune with every type of seafood which was a treat for my taste buds.

Wandering through a maze of tastes and tunnels of pure enjoyment, I skimmed through the water activities and was lost in the history where I discovered the treasures of the Outer Banks. Perfect for families who need a whimsical and wild break, the Outer Banks in North Carolina provided the magic of a natural world untouched by the busyness of modern-day trends. This was where I had my fill of every type of seafood which was mesmerizing and eventful for an aspiring chef like me. I satisfied the adventurous streak in me with pickled delicacies, nutty goat salad, fillet mignon fish kebabs, ravioli, prime rib eye, pork loin, seafood pasta and chowder. I indulged in a happening nightlife with karaoke, great music and intoxicating beverages while treating my palate to Sundogs, homemade ice-cream and other sweet treats. As days mingled with sizzling evenings, my tryst with Nature and delightful things to do completed a great holiday. I truly enjoyed the endless recreation blended with an infinite trail of gourmet delights.  

The great Corolla restaurants in Outer Bank NC serving BBQs and southern sea foods are things which are most wanted and craved for. One thing I must mention here is, at no point did I feel like a tourist here and it was almost like this place was my home. Great food, excellent sceneries, top-notch hospitality – that’s Outer Banks for you. Go on, be a wanderlust traveler and experience this place for yourself. I challenge you, it won’t be disappointing!

Binoy Nazareth Invites you to Revel in a Whimsical Adventure at Outer Banks, North Carolina

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Binoy Nazareth Traverses Through the Cuisines, Culture and Curries of India

Unique. Unusual. Unforgettable.

Satisfying my wanderlust and the innate intrepid nature of an adventurer, I gave in to my passion of exploration and the excitement of sampling new and delectable cuisines. Traveling around to capture the essence of life and lifestyles, I took off on a tour that was an unusual but perfectly chosen whim that was just up my alley. Knowing my adventurous nature, it was just like me to choose a journey that combined cuisines, cultures and curries!

With my wanderlust for the unique and the unforgettable, my trip blended the quintessence of travel and though a long one, it was filled to the brim with lasting experiences for the explorer.

With adventure flowing in my veins and anticipating the thrill of discovering exotic cuisines and the perfect holiday destinations, I decided on a trip to India. I was thrilled to travel through the vast and diverse terrain of an exotic South Asian country which evolved over 5 millennia from the famous Himalayan Mountains to the Indian Ocean coastline. Surrounded by an exciting and exotic history, India is the second-most populous and the seventh-largest country with over 1.2 billion people.

And then…it was nostalgia time with a great trip to the Taj Mahal, Agra which is about 3.5 hours from Delhi. Inspiring me with its love story, the Taj Mahal or the Crown of the Palace spoke volumes with its passion. I was over-awed by the Mughal architecture and its spectacular features which was illuminated with the fact that this gesture of love was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. My journey through time began as I traversed the charisma and culture with historic sites which ranged over the Red Fort, the Qutb Minar, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s tomb and other wondrous sights of the city. Delhi took me on a voyage of culinary discoveries where I went on a long yet delightful culinary journey with the popular street food, Mughlai and Frontier cuisines.

Experiencing the Aromas of India

I looked forward to visiting Mumbai where I grew up playing gully cricket, eating world famous street food, indulging in Golgappes, Misal Pav, Dahi Misal and Pav Bhaji. I went through a much-needed culinary travel, tasting the delectable side of life with traditional Shahi Mughal dishes, Biryani, and Butter Chicken and innumerable fabulous, spicy dishes in Mumbai.

Bringing back memories of adolescent days, I escaped in to the landscape of ‘Mumbaiah’ cuisine and re-experienced delicious culinary delights. Taste bud tickling spicy Chaat snacks such as Vada Pav, Bhelpuri, Dahipuri, Panipuri,  Sevpuri,  Ragda Pattis, Kebabs, popular Mumbai Sandwiches including other local favorites were a source of authentic  gastronomic pleasures which recalled memorable times.  The Mumbai culinary scenario has constantly filled my soul with scrumptious and robust fare as I took off on a repertoire of Konkani coastal meals, South Indian meals and snacks, seafood, Bori Mohalla cuisine, Mangalore meals, North Indian dishes, Parsi food trails and other regional bests. My all-time favorite desserts were Kulfi, ice golas and incredible mouth-watering sweet concoctions.   

After buying a few mementos for my friends back in the USA at the Bombay Bazaar, I strolled down the Mumbai Marine Drive and watched the sunset throwing a beautiful aura of light on the great architecture of the Taj Palace. My enchanting and tasteful Mumbai diaries tripped on a delicious vegetarian sojourn at the famous Ram Naik Sadya House in Matunga which served South Indian Sadya or meals, flavored with coconut and authentic South Indian masalas, this great must-taste meal took my palate on a diverse travel.

With ‘Khau’ meaning good dish and ‘Galli’ or small lane, the Mumbai street food goes on a delectable journey with any number of food stalls displaying visual treats with multiple vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. The Khau Galli near Churchgate served up the sweet life with sandwiches, Pav Bhaji, strawberry juice, sugar cane juice, milkshakes and other great options for the sugar addicts. And what can I say about the humble yet rich in flavors Bade Miya behind the Taj Hotel which cooked up a storm with kebab and curry dishes which was a treat for the weary adventurer? This was total bliss which added a replete sense of fulfillment.

Relaxed and rejuvenated with a laid-back mode, I touched down in Goa as she beckoned with her lovely beaches, Goan concerts, incredible cuisine, sun, sea and sand. Combined with a bohemian lifestyle and a carefree frame of mind, I set off to enjoy the culture, the curries and the cuisines of Goa. Indulging in fish curry and rice along with other local seafood fare, I ventured into Portuguese flavors which involved Pork Vindaloo, Sorpotel, Calfreal and Beef Xacuti that took the palate to a pinnacle of delicious heights. Robust and satisfying, Britos in Calangute on the beach presented a charming environment with great seafood. While the Ritz punctuated my culinary voyage with prawns in Goan masala, crab cakes, pork vindaloo, chili pork and other supreme dishes, my flavorful journey was quenched with the local brews comprising of cashew and coconut feni. Peppers, Margoa sprinkled my encounters of the tasteful kind with traditional Goan seafood classics and a few global dishes while  I let my taste buds go on a sweet journey with Bebinca and other local treats. 

 

My diary of travel notes was burgeoning by the time I reached home which created a bubble of expectation and delight as I planned yet another exploration into the myriad colored world of travel.

Enchant the Taste Buds on an Exotic Travel of the Senses with Binoy Nazareth 

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Binoy Nazareth Goes On a Gator Trail in Florida

Explore Exciting Encounters in Fantastic Florida

What could be more exciting than to journey through “the Sunshine State” where the brilliant light brightens your day and takes the taste buds on an adventurous mode? I planned my sunshine with great excitement to include Florida’s fantastic food and its perfect days filled with sunshine. Known as the “Land of Flowers” in Spanish, Florida in the United States of America evolves on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean with its borders ranging over the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama.

 

Sensational with sunny days filled to the brim with encounters of exciting days, I headed to the gorgeous shores of Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, South Beach and the Panama City Beach. Rocking with life and exhilaration, my days were leveraged with awesome vibrant activities at Florida’s theme parks and water parks. Yes, Disney World was definitely on my itinerary including Sea World, Universal Studios, Wet and Wild, the Discovery Cove and the marvelous Islands of Adventure. Quenching my thirst with the famous Florida Margaritas, frozen yogurt, delicious ice creams and sweet teas, my hunger pangs were satiated with the mouth-watering Cubano (Cuban sandwich), innumerable types of seafood, barbeque, grits and Caribbean food. I indulged my taste buds with glorious Florida specialties which included Key lime pie, Strawberry shortcake, orange juice, Mojitos, Café Cubano and sun-filled trips to incredible wineries.

Each of my forays into Florida was filled with refreshing cultural offerings and a pasture for my quest to discover the craft of culinary cravings. I indulged in steaks, subs to Biscottis to going the whole “Hawg’ in Jacksonville or Jax besides lazing around on the beaches. I was amazed by the display of rich and awesome cuisines which included coffee to custard to the catch of the day.  To my surprise, I discovered that Florida has two time zones! Lounging around on white sandy beaches at Daytona while taking foodie breaks with Asian, Italian, Mexican and other culinary delights, I have never before enjoyed a unique two-time zone with such immense attractions.

Speaking of entertainment for both mind and body, I was completely fascinated with Orlando which boasted of over a dozen theme parks which I made it a point to visit. Driving down the ocean side highway (The Strip) at Fort Lauderdale was exhilarating and divine. I just loved chilling out in the bars and shopping at the famous boutiques besides visiting the popular attractions.

Discover a Gourmet Gator Trail

Every minute of my breath-taking holiday in Florida was topped to the utmost with hiking, backpacking, fishing and cruising around the calm waters.   Between sightseeing and shopping, I took off to discover my main reason for this vibrant break which is exploring all the restaurants which served alligator meat. I had heard so much about alligator meat that the chef and the intrepid adventurer in me simply had to taste, feel and ingest the essence of a gourmet trail.

This was going to be a tasteful adventure which I knew my taste buds would thoroughly enjoyed while anticipating the flavor of smoked, barbequed, marinated, spiced and oh so delicious delicate gator meat. Have you tasted the healthy, lean alligator meat high in protein and low in fat? I just loved it and relished the alligator meat dishes so much that I visited all the restaurants which specialized in this delectable culinary skill. I satiated the senses with all things alligator such as gator nuggets, sautéed alligator and blackened alligator, seasoned alligator meat ribs, barbecues and smoked alligator ribs. Served with barbecue sauce on the side and also served as an appetizer or even a meal, these amazing dishes hold memories which take the palate on a delectable sojourn.

Celebrate the Spirit of a Delightful Journey

Punctuating my explorations through the Nature Coast Manatee Tours, the Everglades National Park and the Busch Gardens in Tampa, the gator meat dishes kept beckoning with inviting enticement. Florida opened out a virtual sea of entertainment with Lake Okeechobee, the Shark City, the inspiring Seminole or Miccosukee Indian reservations including myriad attractions and I stopped off to record all my experiences. I gave in to my gator cravings with Alligator Gumbo, Gator Pucker which is a burger with gator meat and pork, Shrimp and Chicken & Alligator Combo and Gator Tail a la Fud which I not only relished but made sure that I took photos of these memorable dishes. I particularly enjoyed the Gator Ribs which was accompanied by hushpuppies, coleslaw and French fries, the zingy Cajun Fried Gator Tail and the Alligator sausage blended with pork or turkey.

Lounging on the beach as I took a break between my gator trails with intoxicating cocktails and mojitos, I marveled at the amazing southern Florida wildlife and landscape. Of course, I did make time to attend the incredible music festivals that Florida offers to keep the mind on a ethereal journey and to celebrate the spirit of talent. But I vowed to come back to Florida to pursue, enjoy and relish the gator dishes which would whisk my taste buds on a divine tour of all things tasteful and thrilling.

Binoy Nazareth Invites the Brave Hearts to Indulge in a Gator Food Adventure

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The Ruminations of a Gourmet in Montana

Exploring Mesmerizing Montana

Loving every minute of a passionate adventure through the food trails around the globe and being an ardent and avid gourmet, I decided to treat my palate to a spin around Montana to discover the health and the wealth of bison steak. With thoughts of food fit for the adventurer and being an intrepid traveler, I dreamt of traversing the diverse terrain of Montana to indulge in a treasure trove of the most authentic and delicious dishes to add to my repertoire of food tours. With the awakening of exotic appetites and the deliciously colorful carousel of the food train, my taste buds took me across the diverse terrain of Montana to capture the love of food and the pleasures that it offers to a passionate soul.

Who can suppress the spirit of an adventurer who can carve eternal solace with a delightful spread of food trails? The aspiring chef in me brought out a way to soar to the highest pinnacle of ecstasy while choosing a culinary adventure. Vast and wild, Montana displays wide-open spaces with the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountain, the Glacier National Park and uncultivated regions which offer the essence of adventure. There is nothing like wide open spaces which celebrate the spirit of freedom and Montana perfects the art of diversity with its snow-called peaks and innumerable hiking trails that whip up the appetite to a crescendo of palate-pleasing experiences.

All for the Love of Bison Steak

My culinary journey yearned for the aroma, the texture of flavors and the fragile yet fresh natural ingredients that go to conjuring up a masterpiece. Born of the desire to taste and relish bison meat and its various concoctions, my travel through Montana took my taste buds across a heritage of a rich agriculture and products grown locally. I looked forward to the delicious treats that lay ahead of me as I went touring across the famous ghost towns for Bannock State Park, Virginia City and Nevada City with its 19th century structures and incredible artifacts. Perfect and pleasurable, Montana offers hot springs, wineries, scenic drives and great activities. Yes, in-between sight-seeing and quenching my thirst with awesome wines, I took off to enjoy the much-sought after Bison steaks, Bison burgers and Bison meatballs.

While the gourmet and the foodie in me sampled delectable Huckleberry macaroons, steak and potato pasty, breakfast frittata, Rancher’s pizza, elk burgers and Lifty Dog, I wallowed in the delicious dining scenario. My taste buds crackled and I heard a distinct echo of my stomach congratulating me when I spent considerable amount of time relishing Bison steaks at the popular historic Montana Lodge and Bison Potstickers. Dating back to well over a thousand years, bison meat is nutritious and tasty and has become an authentic American food. The Native American tribes used almost all parts of the bison with the bladder being transformed into medicine bags and the bones becoming shovels.

Discovering the Brilliant Bison Food Tour

You can almost predict my culinary travel through Montana which is one of the best bison meat producers in the U.S.A. Every nerve in me declared that I should take the food trail in Montana which leads to the best bison meat restaurants. Off I went through beautiful scenic sights which took me to the popular Cafe Kandahar which served game sausage, game paté and grilled bison tenderloin. The Andiamo Italian Grille at Big Sky Resort took me over the moon with their special Montana Osso Buco or the Chianti Braised Bison Shank which is a slow-roasted bison dish. You can imagine my delight as I discovered many other Montana restaurants which served bison entrees with the taste buds tingling from the lasagna to burgers.

While the traveler in me took off to enjoy great sights, Butte beckoned with its jaw-dropping adventures through underground tours and a much-talked about history. My innate talents as an aspiring Chef were inspired as I tasted the Montana favorites such as sausage onion soup, the famous Sleigh Ride Dinner, Buckwheat pancakes, the twice-baked potato casserole and a kaleidoscope of delightful dishes. Making a vow to visit mesmerizing Montana, I made notes in my journal for a future date to rediscover the pleasures of the palate with the brilliance of bison meat delectables.

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Binoy Nazareth Experiences a Cultural Celebration In San Francisco, CA

Capturing the Spirit of Aspiring Adventures 

Are you ready to discover an ethnic and culturally diverse iconic destination? Explore a concrete jungle with Hollywood as a glittering backdrop showcasing bridges, bays and beaches. Binoy Nazareth takes you into a wonder world of wanderlust to sample incredible and mouth-watering passionate forays into tempting cuisines and capture the spirit of a cultural adventure in San Francisco. Shrouded with a misty all-year-round fog, San Francisco displays stunning and picturesque backdrops through a haze of sunlight which is breathtaking, colorful and which makes a lasting impression on the mind.

As a lover of the finer things in life, Binoy Nazareth lines up his adventures which take the mind and body to rest, rejuvenate and revive in wild and wonderful destinations and to travel on a divinely pulsating road with the spirit of wanderlust. Here I was skimming through one of the most-talked and the most visited places – The sultry and seductive San Francisco.  Taking the intrepid traveler through a hilly city, San Francisco stands shrouded by a mysterious mist which covers the famous Golden Gate Bridge, colorful sensational Victorian houses and the fabled cable cars. Binoy Nazareth leads the way to experience the financial, commercial and cultural center of San Francsico as it evolves over the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay on the west coast of the United States.

Explore an Explosive and Excellent Gastronomic Journey

With a little bit of everything for everyone in San Francisco, I explored the gorgeous Muir Woods with its breathtaking redwood groves which are named as of the some of the tallest trees in the world. Determined not to miss the famed Sonoma Valley and its wine country, I stopped off at quite a few drinking enclaves which displayed a well-curated collection of wines from the abode of Bacchus. Between an inspiring walk over the Golden Gate Bridge with its 1.7-mile length, riding on cable cars and visiting the Alcatraz (The Rock), I made innumerable stopovers to quench the thirst buds and take the palate on a non-stop quest to stir up a gastronomic adventure.

I had certainly arrived at a unique destination where the palate could go on a gastronomic journey. I wasted no time on setting out on an explosive thrill at dining San Francisco which is known as ‘one of America’s best restaurant cities’. You name it, they have it, I was told as San Francisco opened the doors to authentic tastes, flavors and the freshest local ingredients to offer immense creative genius and awesome international flavors. Offering a veritable smorgasbord of cuisines, San Francisco displayed an attraction of Japanese, Chinese, Russian, French, Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Malaysian, Greek, Moroccan, Italian dishes and oh so many delightful delicacies with an array of fusion and creative styles.

I tried out delicious cruffins, strawberry manju, apple fritters and salted caramel ice cream which I downed to satisfy my sweet tooth as my eye ranged over the Swedish Pancakes and incredible goodies. Who can beat the tastes and smells of San Francisco with the tantalizing flavors of pizza focaccia, Dutch Crunch bread, cioppino, Caldo Verde and prime ribs? My palate went on a tasteful sojourn with Clam Chowder Bread Bowl, Oysters, Hangtown Fry and the delicious Carnitas Burrito. I just loved the Roast Chicken with Bread Salad, the Explosive Chicken, burgers and sandwiches which were magically present everywhere especially when the taste buds went on a craving binge. And what about the delicious melt-in-the-mouth finger sandwiches and scones that were thankfully articulated just in time for a great snack?

I traveled on a repertoire of sights and sounds as San Francisco invited the intrepid tourist to experience the Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 with its sea lions, Madam Tussad’s, Ripley Believe It Or Not and great night life. I made it a point to shop at Union Square and the wonderful designer boutiques with countless non-stop shopping centers. What a great and immense premier tourist attraction place San Francisco provides with concerts, museums, art galleries and architecture. I was thoroughly and completely entertained especially with everything that San Francisco offered and made a mental note to visit this destination with its myriad and mesmerizing carousel of all things brilliant and beautiful.

Join Binoy Nazareth on an Entertaining Trip to San Francisco

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Binoy Nazareth Takes a Tex-Mex Approach in Mexico

Experiencing the Spirit of Wanderlust

Have you ever looked for a place with character? Does the spirit of wanderlust fill your soul with inspiration? With magic in the air, I decided to explore Mexico, the land of enchantment where channels of art, music, dance, color, art and cuisines galore flowed in infinite streams to give the adventurer a celebration of culture. With a diverse landscape filled jungles, deserts and mountains, Mexico evolves between Central America and the USA showcasing its popular Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches with Belize and Guatemala in the southeast.

Immersing the soul in a passionate whirlpool of rich history and scenic wonders, Mexico opened its doors to discover Spanish colonial-era towns, warm beaches, incredible cuisine, archaeological sites, jungles, deserts and awesome getaway destinations. I absorbed the secrets of the ancient ruins and gazed in awe at the windswept Mayan cities of Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán while wondering about the life in days gone past. As the morning sun strode across the blue skies, I took off on my intoxicating tour of a much-spoken about country to explore the gourmet restaurants, the sophisticated shops and the museums.

Exploring Sensational and Sizzling Mexico
I found Mexico truly intoxicating with its pyramids, amazing architecture, ancient ruins and innumerable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I was whisked away by my buddies on an exciting Tequila tour at the Mayan ruins where we sampled some of the most sensational varieties of Tequila. But no Mexican adventure is complete unless you go on a delicious travel with platillo tipico, rice, and bean Tamales and Enchilada Rice Beans. I tasted Mexican Tacos and Carnitas, a fascinating pork dish, while indulging in myriad seafood delicacies, spicy vegetables and chicken-based concoctions. I relaxed on the great beaches and was regaled by mysterious and intriguing tales of Mayan beliefs that swirled around in an everlasting mist over a bygone culture.

Quaint yet keeping up with modern advances, Costa Maya (Mexico) and filled my itinerary with visiting the beaches, sampling seafood and discovering island life. Playing in sync with the music of the universe, Costa Maya evolves as a well-known cruise ship port on the Yucatán Peninsula with coral reefs and beaches. Picturesque with innumerable flora and fauna, Cozumel is a perfect getaway with underwater caverns, fascinating sea life, great diving spots, an eco park, scuba diving and exciting natural attractions.

With its myriad intense flavors, unique presentation, varieties of spices and aromas, Mexican street food has been much-talked about and inviting. With its roots steeped in Maya, Aztec and pre-Colombian traditions, the penchant of Mexican culinary trends lean heavily towards the influence of Spanish colonists. But was it ever memorable!! Taste reached its zenith as I sampled alambres, quesadillas, barbacoa, pambazos and an endless list of great and gorgeous dishes.  

Mexico has it all with its colorful culture, an extensive over 10,000Km of coastline, sunny weather, unique art, delicious food and interesting architecture. But its wonders do not stop there as Mexico showcases 21^st century cities, snowy mountains, deserts and the Sierra mountains.

Spicing the Art of Travel
Continuing my laid-back vacation, I arrived at Belize which was the capital British Honduras in Central America. With meat for the stronger soul, I immediately set out to explore a tongue tingling and exciting menu with gibnut, iguana, lobsters, fish, pork, chicken, game meat, beef and countless other delicious dishes. Known for its rich marine life, Belize turns on its charm with Mayan ruins, the Belize Barrier Reef with its cays, great resorts, water sports and thick impenetrable jungles as the perfect gateway to a getaway.

Perfectly crafted to give you the spice of life, my Mexican adventure hosted a dreamy vision with sun, sand and sea which took me on a tasteful and exotic culinary journey. Echoing with ancient and modern sights and sounds, I made my way reluctantly back from a paradise created for intrepid adventurers with the stuff that dreams are made of.

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