Author: simon611

In Alabama, you definitely won’t go hungry! During my road trip through the state, I sampled a wide variety of Alabama cuisine. From the tender BBQ pork in northern Alabama to the seafood, shrimp, and oysters of the Gulf Coast, the Southern flavors were irresistible everywhere I went.

The piquant white BBQ sauce, peach chutney, spicy Cajun flavors, and cheesy grits were just a few highlights. Let’s explore the culinary delights of Alabama and discover some must-try dishes along the way.

In Alabama, if it can be fried, it will be! Fried green tomatoes, succulent fried chicken, and even fried pickles are staples. This is soul food at its finest. Meat reigns supreme, seafood is a close second, and the portions are generous. Even a salad comes with at least ten toppings, all washed down with endless refills of sweet iced tea.

Every place has its traditional cooked breakfast, and Alabama is no exception. If you’re familiar with the “English Breakfast” fry-up, you’ll notice some differences in the Southern Breakfast. Bacon in Alabama is crispy rather than soft, and eggs are typically fried. Biscuits here are more like savory scones, served with gravy or butter. Grits, a porridge made from coarsely ground cornmeal, are a Southern staple, often enhanced with butter, salt, or cheese.

Fried green tomatoes, large slices of green tomatoes dipped in batter and deep-fried, are often served as a side dish at breakfast or with BBQ. The drink of choice at breakfast is either iced tea or hot coffee, both frequently topped up at no extra charge.

In Huntsville, The Blue Plate Cafe is the go-to spot for a full Southern Breakfast experience, offering bacon, eggs, cheesy grits, biscuit and gravy, and bottomless coffee. It’s the kind of food your mother or grandmother might have cooked if you grew up in Alabama.

In Montgomery, Cahawba House is an airy diner perfect for trying Southern specialties for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. You can build your own breakfast with any combination you like. I tried the Southern biscuit with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, and crispy bacon.

Iced tea, also known as Sweet Tea, is served at practically every restaurant. It’s a light tea brewed and then cooled, served from large jugs either unsweetened or sweetened. The sweet tea can be quite sugary, but you can ask for ‘half and half’ for a less sweet version. On a hot day, iced tea is refreshing and cooling, especially with free refills to stay hydrated.

BBQ in the Southern USA involves cooking large cuts of marinated pork and other meats slowly over a wood fire, resulting in succulent and smoky meat served with sides like potato salad and coleslaw. In Alabama, a white BBQ sauce, similar to mayonnaise with vinegar and mustard, is often served with the meat. Dreamland BBQ, a small chain that started in Tuscaloosa, is a great place to experience Alabama-style BBQ. Their smoked pork ribs are a specialty, but I opted for a lighter Smokehouse Cobb salad topped with shredded BBQ pork.

Fried chicken is another Southern favorite. Pieces of chicken are tenderized by soaking in brine or buttermilk, then fried in a flour coating. The result is succulent meat with a crispy coating. For boneless options, look for “chicken tenders.” Champy’s Chicken in Muscle Shoals offers a diner-style experience with succulent fried chicken cooked to order.

Salads in Alabama are hearty and loaded with toppings. A typical example is the Steakhouse wedge salad at Central in Montgomery, topped with bacon, candied pecans, sliced vegetables, and creamy blue cheese dressing. Another popular summer salad is the strawberry salad, featuring cress leaves, whipped feta cheese, almonds, pesto, and a fermented strawberry dressing.

Peaches are abundant in Alabama, especially in Clanton, the peach capital of the state. The fruit is at its best in the summer months. Peach Park and Durbin Farms Market offer a range of peach products, including peach ice cream, cobbler, and preserves.

Sweet pies are a staple in Alabama diners and Mom and Pop restaurants. Peach cobbler, made with a layer of cooked fruit topped with a mixture between cake and pastry, is a favorite. Pecan pie is also popular, with pecans being the state nut of Alabama. Priesters Pecans in Fort Deposit is a great stop for everything pecan-related, including pecan ice cream.

Banana pudding, similar to English trifle, is another staple, with layers of custard, whipped cream, vanilla wafers, and sliced banana. I tried it at Saw’s Soul Kitchen in Birmingham, where it was served in a styrofoam cup.

Homemade lemonade is a refreshing alternative to iced tea, often with unique twists like thyme or vanilla. Grapico, a local grape-flavored soda, is another interesting find.

Sno-cones, crushed ice flavored with fruity syrups, are a popular treat in the Alabama heat. I enjoyed one from Shymeer Ice in Birmingham and another in Gulf Shores after a hot bike ride.

Boiled peanuts, a popular snack, are flavored with Cajun spice or Dill Pickle. The Alabama Peanut Company in Birmingham offers a variety of flavors in a large, airy shop.

As you travel south through Alabama, Creole flavors become more prevalent. Beignets, small pillows of dough deep-fried and dusted with icing sugar, are a breakfast favorite. Gumbo, a thick soup or stew combining meat, seafood, and vegetables, is another Creole staple. Dauphin’s restaurant in Mobile offers a refined version called Gumbo Z’herb.

Shrimp is a Gulf Coast specialty, with dishes like Cajun shrimp and shrimp tacos being popular. Oysters from the Gulf of Mexico are also a delicacy, often served cooked rather than raw. Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile is a great place to try them.

West Indies Salad, a dish of crab meat dressed with oil, vinegar, and finely chopped onion, is another Gulf Coast specialty. It was invented at Bayley’s Seafood Restaurant on Dauphin Island.

Moon Pies, a favorite at Carnival time, are sweet biscuits sandwiched with marshmallow and coated in chocolate. The Moon Pie store in Mobile offers a variety of flavors.

Alabama’s food scene is rich and diverse, with a mix of traditional Southern, Creole, and modern influences. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast, a BBQ feast, or a refreshing iced tea, there’s something for everyone to savor.

If you’re not a wine expert, you might not know that Lebanon produces some top-notch wines that can compete with the best from Bordeaux. During my recent trip to Lebanon, I had the chance to visit the Chateau Musar winery, which is famous worldwide for its winemaking.

We met with Gaston Hochar, the grandson of the winery’s founder, and Tarek Sakr, a top winemaker who trained in Bordeaux. Both are passionate about their wines and explained how Chateau Musar aims to create exceptional wines as naturally as possible. Tarek mentioned that the warm, dry climate of the Bekaa Valley is ideal for growing high-quality, fully matured grapes, which are essential for making great wines.

Two years ago, the winery received organic certification for their grapes, and their wines are made using organic principles, avoiding the typical treatments and pesticides used in non-organic vineyards. We joked that such naturally produced wine must be hangover-free, but they explained that headaches from wine are usually due to the excessive use of sulfur on the grapes to prevent oxidation.

Since the 1980s, Chateau Musar has had an office in London, serving as their European distribution center. They produce three different ranges of wine. The premier line, Chateau Musar wines, made from cabernet sauvignon, carignan, and cinsault grapes, are full-bodied and aged in oak, released after seven years. The second range, Hochar Père et Fils, follows the same philosophy, aged in oak and released after two years. The Cuvée Musar is a light and fruity wine meant for everyday drinking. For the European market, the Cuvée Musar is branded as Musar Jeune with a trendy new label.

Gaston Hochar explained that Musar wines have a distinctive taste, saying, “Once you’ve tasted our wine, you can recognize it anywhere.” We joked that after visiting, we wouldn’t want to drink anything else, but Gaston insisted, “No – you must try others, then you can come back to Musar and understand what makes it special.”

Gaston shared a story about how the Hochar family was featured in a Christmas issue of a wine magazine, enjoying their Christmas lunch Lebanese style. The lunch had to be photographed in July due to magazine lead times, one of the hottest times of the year. The children were happy, though, as they had presents under the Christmas tree, brought out of storage for the occasion.

The conversation shifted to the number of journalists hosted at Chateau Musar, including English celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who featured Lebanese foods and wines in his new food magazine. Gaston mentioned that journalists often want to discuss the war, but the Lebanese prefer to focus on the present and future, leaving political troubles behind.

Tarek later shared how, during the 2006 June War with Israel, they flew the Chateau Musar flag on trucks transporting grapes to the winery, hoping warplanes would distinguish them from military vehicles. He believed the winery’s reputation depended on producing great wines in both good and bad times.

Back in the UK, I was delighted to find Chateau Musar wines at my local Majestic Wines. I stocked up on a case for special occasions. The wine merchant assured me that these Lebanese reds were equivalent to a top Bordeaux wine at half the price and were very popular in France. So, grab some to enjoy with friends before the whole world catches on.

Chateau Musar welcomes visitors for a tour and tasting by appointment. The winery is a 45-minute drive north of Beirut, in the hills above Jounieh. To find out where Chateau Musar wines are stocked in your country, you can email them via their website’s contact page.

A Caribbean summer getaway is a classic choice, but with everyone flocking to these tropical destinations, what you hoped would be a peaceful vacation can quickly become crowded and hectic. If you still want to enjoy a serene Caribbean beach without the chaos, consider visiting some of the lesser-known islands in the region. Recently, three of these hidden gems have become more accessible.
Due to increasing demand, major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue are adding more flights to these once-overlooked destinations, making it easier and more affordable to reach them. If you’ve been dreaming of visiting St. Lucia, St. Kitts, or St. Martin, now is the perfect time to book your trip.
**Saint Lucia**
St. Lucia is often described as a slice of paradise, and it was recently named one of the Caribbean’s safest destinations. Now is an ideal time to visit, as American Airlines and JetBlue have expanded their flight schedules to the island, adding 40,000 new seats for U.S. travelers this summer. Most flights depart from New York, Boston, or Miami, offering flexibility in planning your trip. With round-trip tickets starting at just over $300, you can explore the iconic Pitons, Anse Mamin Beach, and the Diamond Botanical Gardens. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views.
**Saint Kitts**
Saint Kitts, the larger island in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, offers tranquility without being dull. You can relax on the pristine sands of South Friars Bay, hike Mount Liamuiga, explore Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, enjoy the St. Kitts Music Festival, and ride the Scenic Railway. American Airlines is launching two nonstop flights to St. Kitts from New York and Charlotte this summer, with service running through August 31st. If you prefer to wait, Delta will also introduce new flights to the island in December.
**Saint Martin**
For a culturally rich experience, St. Martin is an excellent choice. This French side of the island offers a blend of Caribbean relaxation and European charm. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, beautiful beaches like Orient Bay and Grand Case, and numerous duty-free shops in Marigot, the capital. American Airlines is starting a new weekly flight from New York to St. Martin on December 7th, giving you plenty of time to plan your dream Caribbean getaway.
Don’t miss out on these Caribbean treasures! Plan your flights now to enjoy a perfect island escape without the crowds.

Some time ago, I wrote about the Banksy Exhibition that took place in 2009 at the Bristol City Museum. If you haven’t heard of Banksy before, he’s a well-known street artist from Bristol who has gained significant fame.

In Bristol, you can still find a few of his artworks around town, although many have been painted over by the city council. If Banksy were to have a major exhibition, Bristol would be the perfect place for it, given the local appreciation for his work.

When the exhibition opened, I noticed long lines outside the City Museum on my way to work. As a Banksy fan, I planned to visit once the initial crowds subsided. However, the crowds never diminished. Since the museum and the exhibition were free, the lines only grew longer each day, eventually blocking a side road and necessitating signs indicating the wait times.

Banksy is known for maintaining his anonymity, and no one really knows who he is, except perhaps some fellow street artists and my son, who supposedly attends the same school. The possibility that Banksy might be in the queue with you adds an extra layer of excitement.

While Banksy still creates street art occasionally, he now seems to focus more on collectible pieces. His exhibition featured works with an Old Masters theme, including Turner-esque landscapes and pieces in gilt frames, seamlessly integrated with 19th-century artwork on the museum’s first floor.

I particularly enjoy the humor in Banksy’s work, which often mocks the ‘serious’ art world. For instance, one piece parodied a Damien Hirst spotty picture, humorously suggesting it had been rolled over by one of the rats, a recurring motif in Banksy’s art.

The exhibition also featured a patriotic ‘Best of British’ theme, but with a twist—the little girl in the artwork was wearing a flak jacket. Banksy often uses children in his street art to deliver political or anti-war messages with a touch of irony.

When I finally visited the exhibition, it was worth every minute of the wait. I even went around a second time to ensure I saw all the pieces. It was refreshing to be at an art exhibition where photography was encouraged, aligning with Banksy’s belief that art should be accessible to everyone.

For more of Banksy’s work, you can visit his website.

Cruising can be incredibly addictive, and the Mediterranean sunshine is calling my name. This weekend, Guy and I are heading off for a week-long cruise around the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises, visiting some exciting new places for me.

We’ll fly to Barcelona to join the MSC Splendida, and hopefully, we’ll have just enough time to enjoy some tapas in the old quarter. After that, I’m looking forward to trying Bouillabaisse in Marseille, Gelato in Genoa, or an authentic Margherita pizza in Naples. Maybe I’ll have Lemon granita in Sicily or Tagine in Tunis. I’m also excited about exploring the culture and street life, ancient churches, crumbling palazzos, and Roman ruins in Pompeii and Taormina.

The MSC Splendida is said to live up to its name. It’s modern and stylish with a European flair, dispelling the myth that cruises are just for retirees. We’re expecting a cosmopolitan, European crowd and a few family groups on board since it’s half-term and kids sail free in their parents’ cabin with MSC.

With a ship that can accommodate over 3,200 guests, there should be something for everyone. When the four pools get too crowded, we’ll find a quiet corner in one of the lounges or retreat to our balcony cabin.

We’re looking forward to being well taken care of by the crew, enjoying delicious Mediterranean food, and reliving our Texas holiday with some Tex-Mex at the Santa Fe specialty restaurant. I’m hoping they serve those amazing fish tacos I had in Austin. I’ve also planned a Balinese massage on the sea day to soothe any aches from sightseeing.

Do you have any recommendations for Marseille and Genoa? Any tips for Pompeii, Taormina, and Carthage where I’ll be brushing up on my Roman history? What souvenirs should I look for in the souk in Tunis? If you’ve sailed on the MSC Splendida or with MSC Cruises, please share any tips to help us make the most of our week’s cruise.

I hope you’ll join me on a virtual voyage on the MSC Splendida from Friday, May 23 to Friday, May 28. I’ll be posting photos on all my social media channels and sharing some diary updates on the blog. Follow along with the hashtag #MSCBlogTrip and let me know any tips for the places I’ll be visiting.

At the start of each year, I like to plan my travels for the upcoming months, often browsing Instagram for ideas and inspiration. Some of the most popular Instagram hashtags feature places I’ve visited, like Notre Dame in Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis, and the Alhambra. Others, such as Burj Khalifa, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal, are still on my bucket list, but I hope to visit them soon.

During my last trip to Paris, all our walks seemed to start from Notre Dame, right in the heart of the city. So, I thought I’d share some tips on where to capture the best images of this beautiful landmark, the ones that will make your friends envious when you post them on Instagram.

After the devastating fire in April 2019, I hope these photos of Notre Dame will help us remember the cathedral in all its glory, as the foremost Catholic church in France, the heart of Paris, and a place of special significance for the French people.

Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, attracts 14 million visitors a year because it’s free to visit. This makes it challenging to photograph the facade without crowds. Visiting in spring, autumn, or winter can help avoid the high summer crowds, and on a clear day, you can get beautiful photos of the intricately carved facade.

Notre Dame is the 5th most shared landmark in the world on Instagram, with 1.1 million shares. You can climb the 402 steps inside the towers to get panoramic shots of Paris, get close to the famous gargoyles, and reach the belfry at the top.

For a quieter spot, head to Place Jean-XXIII at the back of the cathedral. It has benches where you can relax or have a picnic, and you can see the cathedral’s flying buttresses that support the walls and roof.

From Place Jean-XXIII, cross the small bridge of Pont Saint-Louis to Île Saint-Louis. Stroll along Rue Saint-Louis, admiring the old mansions, shops, and galleries. My friend runs Galerie Kara, which features elegant jewelry and objects from India and Asia. Foodies should try the delicious ice cream at Berthillon.

Alternatively, walk across Pont de l’Archevêché to the Left Bank of the Seine. The river provides a beautiful setting for photos of Notre Dame, especially from one of the bridges further down the river.

If you need a break from the crowds around Notre Dame, head to Canal Saint Martin and Bassin de l’Arsenal. They remind me of Regent’s Canal in London, with houseboats in the heart of the city. From here, you can access a riverside walk and get further viewpoints of Notre Dame in the distance.

The Eiffel Tower is the most Instagrammed spot in the world, with 3 million shares. It’s a must-visit landmark in Paris, perfect for selfies. The queues for the lift to the top are always long, so if you’re fit enough, opt for the shorter queue to walk up. You can get interesting shots of the architecture on the way up.

The Acropolis in Athens, with the Parthenon at the top, is the 10th most Instagrammed spot in the world. Many restaurants, hotels, and bars offer views of the Acropolis at night. Don’t miss the Acropolis Museum, which has many treasures from the Parthenon and temples. The museum’s terrace cafe is a great place for lunch with a view of the Acropolis.

Spain’s Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been shared on Instagram 675K times. It’s a mix of palace and fort with beautiful gardens and courtyards. Plan your visit and book tickets online a few days in advance, as they sell out quickly.

For more travel inspiration, check out the CEWE Photoworld Infographic, which features other top spots like Big Ben in London, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and Machu Picchu in Peru.

To share your travel images, consider creating a photobook with CEWE Photoworld. It’s a great way to relive your travel memories and share them with loved ones. They offer a range of photobooks, calendars, cards, and prints that can be made from your travel photos.