Poland: discovering the “bar mleczny” (if any left…)

Posted on November 13, 2012 by nontouristytourist

For a snack or just a quick meal venture yourself into one of the bars mleczny (also called milk bar). Here, in addition to excellent homemade food, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the past comunist era. Upon entering you will find yourself queuing between students, older guys and tourists.The menu is written on the board and it ‘s all in polish, so when is your turn to order, you may need a little of imagination. Food is good and prices are unbelievably cheap. I found this non-touristy Południowy (11 Rynek Podgórski Street) where the locals go. I had the classic zurek soup (rye, potatoes, sausage, egg and laurel and a great bigos (meat and cabbage) All for 12 zlotzy ( less than 4 dollars). This place closes at 5pm. Get there early because best dishes are quickly sold out.

Milan, the brunch gets “royal”

Posted on November 11, 2012 by nontouristytourist

Talking of an hidden gem…
Milano. Every Sunday Giacomo Caffè hosts an exclusive brunch called Colazione Mediterranea, boasting two rich buffets of appetizers and desserts and a menu inspired to the traditional Italian cuisine. The seated meal offers three choices of entrees, salads and a variety of egg dishes.I tried the uova affogate in cocotte con caprino e salsa tartufata (eggs with truffle sauce and caprino cheese), it was delicious! The price is from 25 to 35 Euro including coffe and a glass of prosecco wine. This prestigious venue is located in the heart of the center of Milan, at the magnificent Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) Museum, whose great exhibits are worth a visit. At the first floor You will find a library room with a great selection of art books. You can say that gastronomy meets art at Giacomo Caffè piazza Duomo 12, (Ph) 02 89096698. giacomocaffe.com

A trip to Italy? Add TRIESTE to your list!

Posted on September 30, 2012 by nontouristytourist

Trieste is often forgotten as tourists head.
Well… not to a non-touristy-tourist like me !

This marvelous North-Easter Friuli Venezia Giulia Italian city has a lot to offer and a lot to be discovered. Once a very influential and powerful center of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion, today, Trieste is a very charming city, with a quiet and lovely almost Eastern European atmosphere, several pubs and cafes, some stunning architecture and a beautiful sea view. It was also, for a while, the residence of famous Irish writer James Joyce.

Not to be missed!
Città Vecchia, The Austrian Quarter, Museo Revoltella, Museo di Storia, Arte e Orto., The Synagogue, The Miramare Castle and San Giusto, where a walk on the Castle ramparts and bastions will give you a complete panorama of the city of Trieste, its hills and the sea.Then take the legendary tram #2 from Piazza Oberdan to Opicina.

I discovered a hidden jewel!

The Carlo Schmidl Theatre Museum in Palazzo Gopcevic that documents the life of theatre and music in Trieste from the 18th century to the present day.
You will find posters, costumes and jewellery; paintings, prints, drawings and photographs; marionettes and puppets; musical instruments, medals, archives and manuscripts; a large library, a media library and an extraordinary musical collection.

And more…
Barcola Paved waterfront walk stretches from a little north of the city nearly to the castle at Miramare. It is the beach where the Triestini spend their summers.
Annual Events:
Trieste Film Festival international film festival held in January, Bavisela Maratona d’Europa, marathon every May, Trieste Science+Fiction annual film festival, usually held in November, Barcolana an annual sailing race held in the Gulf of Trieste the second Sunday of October.

Let’s eat!
Jota a soup prepared with pork, potatoes, cabbage, and finely-ground beans, Gnocchi in the style of Austrian dumplings, made with everything from ham to stuffed with plums, Brodetto Fish soup, Risotto Creamy rice dish, Sardoni in savor flavored pilchards and…
“Buon appetito!”…with “bollito” Traditional dish of boiled pork at Caldaia

Historical Coffee Houses

Caffè San Marco, Caffè degli Specchi, Chocolat, Caffè Pasticceria Pirona, one of the few remaining petesserias to have retained its Viennese charm. One of its most devoted customers was none other than James Joyce.Trieste is waiting for you!
More info at http://www.turismofvg.it/Locality/Trieste