Do It Go

When visiting Atlanta, there’s a ‘must-do’ to add to your itinerary: The Peachtree Road Farmers Market, located at 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, next to many Atlanta hotels . Market shoppers already know that supporting local is not only a good thing for the economy and for their health, but it is fun at the same time. When you spend some time at the market, you too will find why this place is a delicious place to be and be seen.

The food is fresh and comes directly from the folks who produce it, you’ll actually get to see the producers each and every Saturday. Farmers Markets are a treasure in any city or town, and more and more people are waking up to the fact that shopping at their local farmers market each week to do their food shopping keeps ‘local’ thriving, and keeps the community whole.

Peachtree Road Farmers Markethttp://www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com/ has grown from 12 vendors to 65, making it the largest producer-only market in metro Atlanta. Producer-only means everything at the market is grown, raised or hand-crafted by the vendor. In addition, a majority of producers will give you recipes when you buy their produce such as Greg Brown recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Crostini , which is the perfect summer snack. The Market is open every Saturday and the tomatoes are looking great!

Tags: atlanta hotels
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A border town is a complex thing, where alliances and a history unease marks the local culture to make something that’s multiple and original. There’s nothing like it anywhere, and every border town is different, based on the cultural and regional histories that come from many directions. In El Paso, this is further complicated, or made more interesting, by the community in Las Cruces. They share some similarities, and many differences, but when the two converge in the best of possible worlds, they can share artistic space.

Those who are traveling in the area are always looking for the best of everything, the best taco, the hottest pepper, and the best hotels. El Paso can offer many possible bests for any of these, and the choices are absolutely delightful. Every choice here, in fact, brings one closer to the local culture, which is infinitely more complicated and fascinating than words could ever say. For theatre, there are lots of options, and some of the best are just across the border. It’s about 40 miles, give or take, and there are lots of ways to get there other than rental cars, because it’s a trek that many people make every day.

For anyone with a taste for the local and unusual, then, No-Strings Theatre in Las Cruces is the best thing going for miles. It began 10 years ago, by Ceil and Peter Hernan , who wanted to see interesting and provocative theatre, and found it missing in the area. They did what many people in such a predicament: they started their own.

What makes them unusual in the theatre community, however, is that they decided not to give up their day jobs to do it, and take a chance on struggling. The couple have teaching posts at the university, and this meant that they wouldn’t have to focus on raising funds, and instead put their attention toward making work without any strings attached (hence the name). They began with Ed Albee’s Seascape, an absurdist comedy-drama about a couple turning into seamonsters, and the cities have never been the same. It’s been a wonderful thing, too.

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The dessert is usually something with cream or syrup, and the thicker the better.  There has never been a sad customer after eating a dessert as decadent as these, so they say.  These days, however, it’s never too late to begin, but because I was on a roll, I decided to go with the flow, and the flow here was definitely going uphill.  This kind of backwards logic was certainly getting to be enough for me, and I started to feel a bit like a letter in a poem by Vattacharda Chandan.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained, is another one of those witticisms that are really not altogether witty, when you get right down to it.

The curries were always a process, however, and when that part begins, there’s no telling where the world will go.  You can usually depend on something that, for me, is like heaven, but there might be someone taking you up on your request for extra spice, and throwing in a touch of something rather difficult, but always enticing.  The restaurant with Indian food is always going to be my favorite, no matter which one it turns out to be.  Somewhere in the middle of things, however, I was sensing that I was part of a literary experiment, where things were in reverse order.  It seemed a bit odd, like that episode of that tv show about Harold Pinter, where George was stuffing saris in sacks, and the rest was a sneeze or so.

Time is certainly a different element in poetry, in all cultures.  It is certainly connected to its relationship with music, one that’s been getting further and further away with some of the new experiments.  However, with Vattacharda making work, there was also a sense that the music  was back, even in the highest experiments that worked for the greater good of the avant garde.  India or Singapore, we are all in this together, after all.

Tags: restaurant with Indian food, Vattacharda, Vattacharda Chandan
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When I was finally in New York, after having to cancel the same trip three or four times, I had the opportunity to have a lunch with a remarkable man who was a friend of a friend.  He had been traveling in some of the same circles that I had, so I was told, and we would have a lot to talk about.  I really didn’t have very high hopes, but considered it a meal, and a meal is always welcome, and if there were to be good benefits outside of that, it was extra, but would nonetheless be welcome.  I had not considered that this might be a conversation in which the direction of my life would be changed.

I consulted my favorite site and we arranged to meet, and I arrive ten minutes ahead of schedule, which was how I always do things.  I was born a little early, and it’s a habit that follows me still.  When I arrived, I found my table, and decided, just this once, to have a double shot of espresso while I waited.  Usually, I begin the day with one coffee only, and may have a tea later, but that was the limit of my caffeine.  I don’t know if there’s anything for me to worry about, but I’ve always felt suspicious about those who indulge too much in anything.  When he finally did arrive, I already felt like I had broken a rule, and this gave me a secret over him.

He was very self-assured, and even gregarious, and although that sometimes causes great suspicion in me, this time I found it somehow complimentary.  He asked me about my recent troubles, a marriage that crashed on the rocks, and a few health problems.  He had been through the same things recently, but I already knew that.  Then he started to talk about foils, and how we have another version of ourselves, a darker or more benevolent version, somewhere in the world, and it’s possible to meet ourselves at moments.  I didn’t think this was interesting to me at all, being of the mind to avoid narcissism, and cultivate humility in my own garden.  He went on to explain how he had been in touch with a Qabal, and they were exploring certain things that had great potential, he felt, and he proceeded to speak to me about this for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening.

Tags: foils, my favorite site, narcissism
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If you’ve gone to the trouble to rent a room in one of the boutique hotels in New York City, arranged for theater tickets on Broadway, even looked into a few tours of the city’s sights, all you may have left to worry about is food.  Where to eat?  Obviously, New York is one of the great places in the world to find food; there are restaurants on every corner, many of which are already categorized by price, by cuisine, by service, and so on.  But if you want to do something unique, why not try a food tour?

Maybe it’s not surprising that in a city that offers everything from tours of the Statue of Liberty to ghosts, that food is included.  There’s several options here.  Foods of New York Tours is just one of them.  With this company, you’ll find guides who are friendly and knowledgeable, who will take you around to the best culinary treats of New York while walking through the streets.  These tours last from two to three hours and are conducted weekdays and weekends.  You might like to try an East Village Food Tasting and Cultural Tour, or a Taste of Chinatown.  How about an Exotic Southeast Asian Tour.  There’s even a Multicultural Wine and Beer Tour, and, for the health conscious among us, a Vegetarian Tour.

Other companies also offer up food tours, which you can easily look up, such as the Food on Foot Tours.  Many food tours are about gourmet offerings; Food on Foot is about good but inexpensive food.  It’s a highly rated attraction that combines a walking tour with some subway travel to allow you to find the variety possible in the East Village, a tour called the Midtown Mix, and its world famous Sweet Tooth Tours.  Each one of the places have included an option for vegetarians, so no one’s left out.  it’s a great way to see New York and get something to eat at the same time

Tags: boutique hotels in New York City, Food on Foot Tours, Foods of New York Tours
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Ben was too excited to catch his breath after his best friend and also bass player in their band told him that they had just received their first invitation to play live in a club in Austin. This was the first major goal their band Rear View had developed since they first came together six months ago. In addition they believed in taking their development slowly after a month of playing together. They felt they had real potential and were writing original music and lyrics and they didn’t want to overexpose themselves too early or get stuck in an immediate rut. So, they gave themselves a year to get their first Austin gig and while Ben was breathless at the news, Troy, the more rational and calm of the two, had his concerns that the band may be moving too fast.
The members of Rear View had driven into Austin numerous times in the past and had seen bands play at clubs such as the Carousel Lounge, The Dirty Dog Bar and The Warehouse Saloon and Billiards. Each of these places were among their favorites whenever they came to town. Last year they reserved some rooms in one of the hotels Austin and spent the whole weekend there and went to the Austin City Limits Music Festival. They had such a great time there that they decided to make a special trip every year and stay the entire weekend. And while it was definitely a great time they decided they should be allowed to go every year because it was work related and they would study some of the bigger musician’s performances.

The Carousel Lounge was Ben’s favorite club in Austin. He liked it for many reasons, such as the atmosphere and staff, but also because they hosted an assortment of performances and every time they went there he was guaranteed to see something different. And he always had a great time at the Carousel. Troy, however, had a strong preference for The Dirty Dog Bar. He greatly appreciated the warehouse feel of the building and he also loved that it was a combination of sports and live music. This was something he always felt would be a good blend and it allowed alternative bands to gain new audiences. It was also unique in Austin as the only extreme sports themed live music place. Troy had ambitions of using the three eight foot screens as part of a live music show someday. But for now, he felt the need to keep the other band members tamed down and use this upcoming performance in Austin simply as experience performing together. They weren’t ready to burst onto the scene and he knew it.

Tags: hotels Austin, The Dirty Dog Bar
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For not getting hardly any sleep, I got up pretty early and headed out on a bus to South Beach, Florida. Stepped of the bus and headed straight into the water. It was so nice! Being from the west coast, the warm waters of the Florida ocean is a real treat, I stayed in for hours, even when it started to rain. But, was was so unbelievable, was when I looked further out, I saw a water sprout! It was pretty far away, but it was still cool!

I got out of the water and had nothing to dry myself off with, forgot to bring a towel. But, I figured it didn’t matter when I went in search of food. There were plenty of beach side restaurants that I’m sure caters to all types of beach people. I got a slice of New York style cheese pizza and then caught the bus back to my accommodations, really one of the best resort hotels Florida has to offer to be honest about it. When I got back, I headed straight for the resorts pool for a few hours. There were only a few guests poolside, so it was really great to almost have the pool to myself.

After cleaning up, I went to the restaurant in my hotel for dinner. I didn’t recognize most of the dishes, but I’m the adventurous type so I just pointed to an entree and hoped for the best. I lucked out, the dish was called Veal Oscar, and man, was that the most tastiest meal I’ve ever had. Later, when I got back home, a friend of mine told me what veal was, and I felt a little sad, but it tasted so good, so I didn’t stay sad for long.

One of the hotel guest invited me out to this Booze cruise where there was an open bar. I drank way too much and danced with some of the funniest people I’ve ever met, all the while the boat took us to a place called, well I really can’t recall, but I didn’t stay there for too long, because I was pretty much out of it. Luckily, the guy who invited me on this booze cruise, made sure I made it back to my hotel. Nice guy.

I had no idea that Florida would end up being one fun filled day and night after another. I really thought it might be boring, I really did. But, boy, was I ever wrong.

Tags: resort hotels Florida, Veal Oscar
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When Gus and Gita arrived in New York for a lecture Gus was to present at an astronomy club, both of them were extremely hungry. It as all they could do to put down their luggage and extras in the their hotel room without fainting from hunger. They were both passionate individuals with a zest for life and everything in it. This included great cuisine. So, even though they felt like they were starving, neither Gus nor Gita was interested in compromising quality of service and tasted so they set about inquiry into the greatest and best New York City restaurants.

After they freshened up the couple headed down to have a quick conversation with the concierge. They got the basic scoop on their neighborhood offerings and attractions and Gus was provided with the best route to his lecture facility. As the efficient concierge began suggesting various dining options, Gita stopped her when she heard Kellari Taverna. This sounded familiar to her and she quickly scanned her memory until she recalled a friend of hers had once dined there. As she remembered it, Kellari was well known for great Greek seafood. The concierge confirmed this and always being slightly skeptical of recommendations both Gus and Gita were satisfied to try Kellari. This is due to the cross referenced appraisal on both a personal and professional level. And the couple left their resort eager to partake in the expected great cuisine.

And they were not disappointed. From the moment they walked into the restaurant they loved it. It had a fabulous aroma, great décor and a pleasant atmosphere. They began their meal with a couple of appetizers, the tartare and the melitzanosalata, which was a roasted eggplant spread. They also shared a Greek salad before moving on to their main course. Gus had the fire roasted Salmon with pumpkin puree. He thought it was delicious and loved the spinach and beets. Gita had the corfu shrimp, which was pan seared with asparagus and a mushroom risotto. They shared an order of the lemon potatoes. Both Gus and Gita loved their meals and while they wanted to try a couple of the desserts they just didn’t have the room. However, they definitely planned on coming back.

Tags: best New York City restaurants, fire roasted Salmon, Kellari Taverna
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One of the best things about grilling on a fire magic grill, is the flavor of everything you choose to cook.  From ribs to pork roasts, tofu hotdogs and vegetables, the choices are endless.  One of my favorite recipes for grilling vegetables I learned from the chefs at the restaurant I worked at in Chicago.  What you will need to prepare this dish is really up to you, and variations can be made according to your own personal tastes and preferences.

This is what I used the last time: corn on the cob, butter potatoes, carrots, a sweet pepper and a green pepper, a red onion, a few tomatoes and a portobello mushroom.  Other necessary items include a bit of salt and pepper, onion soup mix, olive oil and some fresh basil.  Once the vegetables have been washed and sliced you will need a large mixing bowl to hold all of the vegetables.  The next step is to mix the soup mix, the basil and any others seasonings you prefer, and a bit of olive oil.  Next toss the vegetables with this sauce and let them marinate while you prepare the grill. Once the grill has been heated you brush a bit of oil onto it and place the vegetables over the flame.

Some will take a bit longer to cook that the others, the onions and the peppers will take more time than the tomatoes and the portobello mushrooms so place them on the grill first.  Once the vegetables are cooked there are a couple of options.  You can toss them with red wine vinaigrette or some balsamic vinegar and either have a hot grilled vegetable salad, or you can chill them in the refrigerator for later as a cold salad.  Many people are fond of panini bread, which can be toasted on the grill, and together with your favorite cheese this makes for one incredible sandwich.  The flavors will amaze you and your meal will be healthy and satisfied.  So get out the grill, head to the local farmers market, and enjoy.

Tags: farmers market, fire magic, flame grilled vegetables
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It’s fascinating to see how cultures can be represented through the foods offered from place to place.  Cape Town is no different, and the cuisines here are extremely varied.  Cape Town is a very metropolitan place, holding a wide array of cultures and identities, and this is certainly reflected in the food.  There are many different African dialects spoken here, and one of the tongues you’ll undoubtedly hear is the Bantu-derived Xhosa.  This food is really exquisite, and extremely hearty, composed of different kinds of stews that are fantastic on the cooler nights.  There is also a wide array of Asian delicacies available.  In the best Cape Town restaurants the offerings might be a variation on local themes, but the main concentration is a kind of international chic that is truly out of this world.

Using the most innovative cooking techniques, along with the best of classical gastronomy, our restaurants offer scrumptious dishes that are made with the freshest ingredients. Cape Town is in the auspicious position of being close to the sea, to local farms, and to the wineries, making it an absolutely gorgeous place to get lost in hours of conversation over fantastic food.  There’s always the possibility of leaving the conversation to spend some time out on the town, checking out some of the fantastic night life here.  Whether your tastes lie in live music, a pub, or performance, there is plenty to choose from here.  You could, of course, always opt for the pub and continue the conversation, and if you’re here long enough, you might end up engaging with some of the locals about art in Cape Town.

Mention Gregg Smith, and you might get a few nods of recognition.  He’s a performance and video artist who lived here for the first three decades of his life, and is now living in France, and making quite a name for himself on the international art scene.  His work is rather hard to describe.  It’s not impossible, it’s just complicated, and better to experience it.  In one of his works that was brought back to Cape Town, there are recordings of parts of a complex and intriguing love story.  The recordings are sent to public telephones around the city, and whoever answers hears another segment of the story.  The art here is making things slightly uneasy, where a natural response to peek into private lives carries an ambiguous moral value.  Smith grew up in the last days of apartheid, and his work asks questions about the nature of moral choice in a repressed society, and in its ironic affect, asks deeply moral questions.

Tags: best Cape Town restaurants, Gregg Smith
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The English village of Herefordshire has a myriad of options for those traveling to the city.  From historical museums and site of significance to many restaurants that offer up locally grown produce.  There are many choices when it comes to the world of the performing arts, as well as opportunities for outdoor activities in the splendid English countryside.  One site of interest is the center ofMappa Mundi, which not only possesses the map, but two Chained Libraries, with most extensive collection in the world.

Located within walking distance from the Mappa Mundi and several Herefordshire hotels, is the All Saints Church.  This church was renovated and now contains withing the church walls a thriving and wonderful restaurant.  Two museums are located in the center of town, one being the Old House, and and other being the Cider Museum,  where one can enjoy the tastings of the different varieties of cider, while touring the facility and learning about the history of cider production inHerefordshire, as well as the means in which cider is produced.

More recently, this village has become well known for the increasing quality of the cuisine and the wine bars.  As in many cities throughout the world, citizens are becoming more aware of the benefits of local produce farms and agriculture. Herefordshire farms are well known for the sheep, the cattle, the cider and the hops.  Many vineyards have become very successful, contributing to the paradise of gourmet flavors Herefordshire offers.

One of the largest vineyards is located close by in Ledbury, this is the Coddington Winery and Vineyard.   Each year the Coddington produces close to  four thousand bottles with a variety of three different grapes.  This site was once known for their apples, however the vineyards replaced the apple trees in 1989And located nearby, in the village ofLeominster, the cheese industry is booming, a perfect pairing for wine tastings.  For those interested in a culinary vacation, Herefordshire is the place to be.

Tags: Coddington Winery and Vineyard, Fine Cuisine, Herefordshire, Herefordshire hotels
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Robert De Niro has stated that when he has needed to gain weight for a particular role he is playing, such as the quick weight gain for “Raging Bull”, or in his role throughout the series for the “Godfather” movies, he pack up and heads abroad, where he eats his way around Italy.  Today, perhaps he would choose the island of Singapore.  Food is a way of life on the island, and it is suggested that one not travel to Singapore if one is on a diet.  There are not many places that offer such exotic and diverse fares, every Singapore restaurant promises everything from authentic and traditional Italian food, to Indian and Chinese.  The preoccupation with all aspects of the culinary world has created a world of flavor that is plentiful and suits all budgets.  It really is amazing that amount of locations for dining out.  From fancy restaurants offering haute cuisine, to cafes and hawker malls.

One of the reasons for this diversity is the diversity of cultures and races that have made Singapore their home over the years.  The food reflects the cuisines of those that have immigrated, the Chinese, Thai, East Indian and the European influence have presented fusion dining like none found, as well as many locations for traditional foods of each region.  Many people travel to locations for ‘food vacations’, obsessed with discovering foreign flavors and recipes, will find in Singapore a virtual cornucopia of variety.  One can stay for a month and never eat at the same place twice.  For the true Singapore flavor, one should visit restaurants run by the Peranakan culture, which is a blend of Malay and Chinese cultures.  This will be an adventure for those who do like spice, a bit of heat in their meal.  Items spiced with chilies are popular such as the favorite dish of the very spicy, very delicious chili crab.  This is a truly international island, in every sense of the word.

Tags: "Raging Bull", Diversity, Restaurant, Robert De Niro, Singapore, Singapore flavor, Variety
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Of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife is the largest and most populated. It is known for its scenic attractions, though one of its most interesting features is the cuisine. Also, it is a major manufacturer and exporter of cheese, and the luxury hotels Tenerife are certain to offer some of the local cheeses in their happy hour food options. The island exports about 3,400 tons of cheese per year, and it accounts for approximately 50 percent of Tenerife’s output. It has become crucial to the economy and also the daily lifestyle of residents.

The commercial business of cheese manufacturing began after the Spanish conquest of the island. In the early days, cheese was also used as a form of local currency and good be traded for other commodities and services. It greatly consumed on the island is regularly served as an appetizer, part of an entrée and as a snack. Most of the cheeses are hand made and the major farmers are La Orotava, Teno and Arico. There are various varieties including soft cheeses, smoked cheese and curd cheeses.

The current industry produces mostly goat cheese products. There are still some cows or sheep. They produce around 75 different varieties of cottage cheese, and have an excellent standard of excellence. The Fundacion Tenerife Rural is the quality management organization and serves to promote and guarantee a high level quality and stability of product. The agency also serves to promote and publicize the product, and help it to maintain and international recognition and appreciation. In general, the cheeses to come from the Canary Island are popular and considered to be of good quality. The cheese from Tenerife has been acknowledge for being sweeter than most European cheeses, which sets them apart. In 2008, the Tenerifan cured goats cheese won in the final of the World Cheese Awards that took place in Dublin, Ireland.

Tags: Cheese, goat cheese, luxury hotels, Tenerife, world cheese awards
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Offering ample urban delights, lovely beaches, and luxury hotels, Dubai (UAE), is a breed apart.  Situated between old and new worlds, Dubai offers the finest of creature comforts along with the most cutting edge modern delights.  Exquisite beaches and stunning shopping malls are just the beginning here.  Annually, there are a host of festivals, with international film celebrities, rock and roll musicians, and literary giants, participating in the cultural life here.  It is truly an international city, with a focus on developing the local talents, and a keen eye toward global culture.

It may come as no surprise, then, that there is a sports café opening here, by none other than Argentine world football great, Maradona.  Diego Armando Maradona is one of the most visible and famous soccer players  in the history of the Beautiful Game.  Perhaps most well-known for his two goals against England in  1986, goals called, “the Hand of God,” and “the Goal of the Century,” he retired from the game at the ripe old age of 37.

Set to open at the end of the year, The Maradona Sports Café will be modeled on Planet Hollywood-style eating establishments, and will be a lively gallery of world soccer culture, featuring memorabilia from such football giants Zico, Dunga, Garrincha Pele, and of course, Maradona himself.   The chain of cafes will also have large-screen televisions showing some of the greatest moments of football in televised history.

Not simply a living testament to the greatness of football, these cafes also serve a larger, humanitarian purpose.   The soccer great’s brother, Remigio Maradona, is a Permanent Observer on the UN’s Economic and Social Council, and he has arranged to have a portion of the profits here to benefit the battle against global malnutrition.  These new cafes, then, will serve multiple purposes, in promoting and contributing to the cultural life in Dubai, giving football fans a new and exciting place to hang out, and contributing to the betterment of the world at large.

Tags: Cafe, Dubai, hotels, Maradona, Remigio, Sports
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A stunning blend of urban adventures and luxury hotels, Chennai is India’s fourth largest city in terms of size, but number one in hospitality.  With a rising presence in the global technology field, top-notch local sports teams participating in the international sports arena, and of course, beach, plenty of beach, there is something for everyone here.

One of its more intimate attractions is the famous coffee.  Known as Indian filter coffee, or Madras coffee, it’s a local treat that has an international reputation.  This sweet, milky coffee is made with milk and dark roasted coffee beans with chicory.  The coffee beans can be from a wide variety such as Peaberry, Arabica, and Karnataka, among others.  The wide appeal of this coffee comes from its very intricate and complicated brewing process.  There are special machines made expressly for this purpose, and the method of preparing involves two separate concoctions of water, and then mixing the milk and sugar in a very particular manner.

There are many households who will begin their preparations for Indian filter coffee the night before, so that the members of the house can be greeted with this wonderful treat first thing in the morning.  It’s a far cry from setting the timer and putting the grounds in a basket, the way it’s done for the mass-produced coffee makers sold around the world.  This method requires great care, and much attention, so that it is, really, an art form.   Without the great care needed for the preparation of this sensational coffee, the result could be a bitter surprise (pun intended!).  For those who are willing to take the time to learn, the result is fantastic, and there are actually tons of recipes and discussions, and much debate, over how best to prepare Madras coffee.  To become proficient in the art is to enter into a long tradition, one that continues to define the culinary feats of Chennai.

Tags: Channai, coffee, hotels, India, Indian, Madras
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A Singapore coffee shop is called a Kopi Tiam. Kopi Tiams have long been a part of the social fabric of its community. You can almost find them on every corner; they are commonly found in all residential areas, some industrial sites and business districts numbering over 2,000 stalls or shops. A Kopi Tiam is typically run by the owner who sells the coffee, teas and any other beverage available. Breakfast items, like kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs are also available. The better Kopi Tiam and more traditional, still buy and roast their own beans and brewed on a charcoal grill, strained through a bag and severed with sweet milk and a chaser of hot water. The hot water a necessity for those not used to a strong coffee.

Despite the exodus of Malaysian coffee-drinking society from the Kopi Tiams to the new hip and cool incorporated coffee shop such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean, the coffee shop still figures prominently as a part of the local scene, to all Singapore Luxury Hotels and rural countryside rest stops for the weary traveler. Kopi Tiams are still around due to not only a place to get a hot drink or a quick meal, but their atmosphere of relaxation and for catching up with friends, neighbors and local news read out-loud from the newspaper. What corporate coffee shop can say that they read, out-loud, the newspaper to their customers?

To compete with today’s corporate chain coffee shops, the outdoor Kopi Tiam has had to move into the food-courts of shopping malls for the air-conditioning and the convenience of shopping for their customers. But, many Kopi Tiam owners are sticking it out and not going with the trend and capturing the attention of the younger generations disillusionment with the corporate look-a-like coffee shops wanting the experience of the uniquely wonderful tastes of a neighborhood tradition. Do to the tenacity of these Kopi Tiam owners and promoting the concept of buying local, once again, the humble, unassuming Kopi Tiam is becoming a lucrative business.

Tags: coffee, hotle, Kopi Tiams, Singapore, Starbucks
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