Everything is Bigger in Texas

This past weekend I traveled (for the first time) to Dallas, Texas for a good college friend's wedding. Needless to say the expression that "everything is bigger in Texas" definitely holds true! Texas is the second largest US state (following Alaska) with population of about 25.7 million and an area of 696,200 km². One tip for anyone traveling there: RENT A CAR!!! I am not kidding - you need it to get around. Even in the downtown area of Dallas - you need a car. 

Given that I was only there for three days I didn't get to do much but I highly recommend the following:

City view of Dallas from my room at the Hyatt Regency Downtown

 

 HOTEL

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Dallas. The hotel has just been renovated (in fact some of the floors are still undergoing refurbishment) and it's conveniently located on Reunion Boulevard in Downtown Dallas. The rooms are very spacious with modern designs - try asking for a city view room.

SHOPPING

For one-stop shopping head out to NorthPark Center - an upscale shopping mall located by the North Central Expressway. There are more than 200 stores in the mall to please even the most demanding shoppers! Aside from all the boutiques and retail stores you will also find bigger department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. 

DINING 

When you think of Texas cuisine you immediately think barbeque, Tex-Mex, chicken friend steak, chili, and biscuits with gravy.  The Texan cuisine is influenced from a wide range of cultures, including Mexican and German among others. Unlike other regions in the U.S. Barbeque relies heavily on beef (brisket is very popular) and smoky flavors combined with spice. Typical Texas chili is actually beanless(!) made basically with meat and hot chili peppers.

If you want to try good barbeque go to Smoke (http://smokerestaurant.com). We actually went there for brunch which was delicious, but it's highly recommended for lunch and dinner as well. If you end up going for brunch I suggest ordering the Pulled Whole Hog BBQ Eggs Benedict with Goat Cheese Potato Cakes, although everything we ordered was mouthwatering! 

Scrambled Farm Eggs with Thick Cut Pork Belly Bacon,
Handmade Biscuit and Cheese-Grits  @ Smoke Restaurant

Pulled Whole Hogg BBQ Eggs Benedict with Chese Potato Caakes @ Smoke Restaurant

SIGHTSEEING

In all honesty I did not have time to go sightseeing in Dallas other than stroll through the Grassy Knoll / Dealey Plaza in the West End - the location of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 

Some other attractions and sights include: 

The Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, Reunion Tower, Dallas Cowboys Stadium, and The Dallas Zoo. 

I wish Y'all to have a great time when you go and remember - Don't mess with Texas ;) 

Dining in Hamburg

I've been to Hamburg quite a few times and usually I go around this time of the year, hence today's post. Aside from being the second largest city in Germany it is also considered an affluent city and a major transportation hub boasting a beautiful port. 

One of my favorite things about Hamburg is the excellent dining choices this city has to offer. Therefore, in this post instead of writing about where to go and what to see, I will share with you some of my favorite restaurants. 

The EAST RESTAURANT (www.east-hamburg.com) is located inside the East Hotel and offers a fusion of European and Asian dishes on its menu. The ambiance is spectacular featuring high ceilings and huge pillars, and includes a bar where you can go to for delicious cocktails after dinner. One of my favorite dishes there is the tuna tartar, but make sure you also try their asian beef salad as well as have a look at their extensive sushi menu.

CAFE PARIS (www.cafeparis.net/en/home.html) is a vibrant brasserie set inside a converted old slaughter house and is a great place for lunch or early dinner, especially after you are spent from all your shopping! Make sure you take a look at the stunning tiles and the art nouveau ceiling. You can get classic french dishes here like croque-monsieur but my personal fave is their steak tartare dish. Try getting a seat by the bar which is quite the social place.

FISCHEREIHAFEN (www.fischereihafenrestaurant.de) is considered to be among the city's most traditional and classy fish restaurants. Set in a converted warehouse by the port and overlooking the Elbe River it attracts sophisticated clientele. If you are a fish lover, Fischereihafen is definitely the place for you to go and make sure you also order some sumptuous oysters from the oyster bar before your main course.

 

DIEBANK (www.diebank-brasserie.de)

Imagine eating inside a bank vault - well this is what this restaurant is all about. This late 1890's built building served for over 100 years as a bank, after which it was sold and converted into a restaurant. The lavishness is evident - from the 20 meter long bar with leather seats to the marble columns reaching the ceiling you can feel the "richness" everywhere! 

The bar at Die Bank

Wishing you all a happy month with many travels!!