#food-and-drink

#food-and-drink

Spending a long weekend in Budapest is always a good idea. It's a city of striking silhouettes and quiet corners - the domed Parliament reflected in the Danube, bright roofs of multi-coloured tiles crowning churches and markets, and grand boulevards interspersed with hidden courtyards and tranquil garden squares. Trams slide along the waterfront, bridges frame long views, and the mix of neo-Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture lends a sense of discovery to every stroll.

They've been to the Michelin-starred restaurant. They're on first-name basis with the city's top chefs. They know about the cool underground spots seemingly before they've even opened. What then, could you possibly buy the on-the-pulse food fanatic that they haven't already thought of themself?

If the colorful Bauhaus French press on my nightstand could talk, all $30 of its retail price - not to mention its immeasurable value in joy and whimsy - would remind you that a present doesn't have to be wildly expensive to be great; it just has to be thoughtful. As a fastidious, near-obsessive gift shopper, collecting finds that meet this criteria is my favorite annual task come the holiday season.

Nothing sparks joy and jumpstarts the Christmas season like a cardboard box filled with 25 tiny compartments each housing a festive treat or token hidden behind a perforated door. I'm talking, of course, about advent calendars. And if you're thinking of ordering one to enjoy this year, the time is now-there's just one month left until December 1st, and you'd be surprised how quickly these things sell out or get backordered every year.

The Catskills have always been a retreat-first for 19th-century painters and writers, later for city escapees chasing mountain air and summer swims. That legacy hasn't faded, but the region feels freshly alive these days as chefs, artists, and creative entrepreneurs put down roots. Farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries and cideries, and design-driven boutique hotels now coexist with retro diners, antique shops, and historic inns-many of which have been newly restored.

From exploring one of the UK's best small art galleries to taking a boat along its myriad waterways to visiting a nearby beach, the day is wide open with possibilities, while Birmingham's exceptional gastro scene comes alive when night falls. Whether it's sampling Michelin star restaurants in the city centre or bar hopping out in lively neighbourhoods like Moseley or Stirchley, activities in Birmingham are always first-class.

For starters, Avalon is a food lover's playground. Start your day with Colombian coffee from Magnifico Coffee Roasters, then walk across the street to Loaf Lounge-the owner was a pastry consultant for The Bear. Craving something savory? Grab steamed buns at Joong Boo Market or dive into one of the city's most creative burgers at Kuma's Corner. If you're into vinyl and chef-created snacks, Parachute HiFi pairs Korean-American bites with an excellent record selection.

Local expert Lauren O'Neill said that Camberwell 'is brilliant because it's loads of things at once', and because it crams the best bits of southeast London - 'the young-at-heart vibe, the independent spirit, the multiculturalism' - into a 'green, community-oriented little patch'. Lauren picked out the food options on Camberwell Church Street as 'the stuff of legend', shouting out legendary Xinjiang restaurant Silk Road, gastropub The Camberwell Arms, Nandine's Kurdish cuisine, the much-hyped Toad Bakery and top-tier sandwich stop Cafe Mondo.

Mission Bay is characterized by glassy biotech buildings and modern condos, giving it an appearance of opulence and modernity but also prompting perceptions of sterility.

At the junction of Alpine and Arastradero roads, a steady stream of cars come and go from Rossotti's Alpine Inn, with hordes of diners unfazed by a wait that can exceed an hour.

Smithereens, a cheffed-up homage to the foodways of New England, features a seafood-heavy menu that has transitioned from inconsistent to solid after nearly a year.

Chef-owner Jon Taub emphasized that despite new offerings and changes, the core menu of hoagies and cheesesteaks will remain intact, as those are what patrons truly desire.

Tapp'd by Shmash'd is a new beer hall in Belmont offering Peninsula brews and craft smashburgers. Owner Gil Sesma merges his beer expertise with a passion for burgers.

Join us at the Excelsior to experience the creativity of a dozen talented local artists showcasing unique items including clothes, art pieces, and popcorn.

Kickstand Comedy intentionally scheduled its Comedy in the Park Pride event on the Fourth of July as a 'bold, joyful act of resistance in a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the country.' They invite folks to join them in 'reclaim[ing] 'freedom' with laughter, love, and community,' so grab your pals with a sense of humor and drop your blankets early—the free stand-up show has been known to draw crowds of 4,000 or more.

The 60-seat pizzeria Ops opened its doors to the East Village, maintaining the charm of its Bushwick roots with white-washed brick walls and wooden booths.

Join us for the Chocolate & Wine CRUISE on San Francisco Bay, and wear your best Off-White outfit! The day's adventure takes place onboard a luxury yacht, where you will taste wines from a local winemaker, along with samples from a curated selection of local chocolate, confections, and wine.

KERB Social Club is what happens when you take the spirit of a proper British local, mix it with the casual chaos and fun of an American sports bar.

The Standard Soda Shop blends classic diner kitsch with modern flair, marrying 1950s nostalgia with today's trend-savvy vibes for a unique summer experience.

This refurbishment will breathe new life into the pub, not change its character. It's a historic building and a proper community boozer and that won't change.

The bright sun invites DC locals to indulge in various outdoor happy hours across the city offering delicious drinks, tasty snacks, and a vibrant atmosphere.