In case you're wondering where the Missus and I are. We're in the midst of a month long vacation…longer than we've ever taken before. So, of course we started with a couple of nights in our favorite city and started things off with coffee at our favorite "people watching cafe".
The weather was wonderful.
And we got to visit a place we'd had on our "list" for a while.
We had two dinners, the first was of the Michelin, prefix menu type.
The other….well, I think the photo says it all……
We then headed off by train to our next stop. An interesting city of contrasts. Founded in the Middle Ages, there are medieval streets snaking its way through out the old town.
Along with a wonderful main square.
One of the oldest universities in the world was founded here in 1220. And to this day a good amount of the population are students. So, there's also a very modern vibe to the city as well.
And some interesting architecture.
With a very relaxed, genial vibe throughout.
Our meals were quite varied here. Ranging from some pretty good and well-priced ethnic cuisine.
To fine dining.
Speaking of medieval cities. That was out next stop on our journey a city topped by a fortress that dates back to 100BC.
It was quite interesting.
Sadly, the top 4 restaurants I had on my list were closed. Apparently places close around this time because things slow down a bit. I never came across that in my research. On the positive side; there weren't very many tourists around and we found the locals to be a hoot!
And we obviously didn't starve.
And the region is known for a specific dish that I make at home, so the Missus was eager to see how my cooking matches up.
You couldn't beat the views here.
We then headed to the fourth largest city in this country. The city is known as "La Ville Rose" due to the local pink bricks which form many of the structures.
There's not much in the way of travel guides to this city; which we enjoyed.
Our hotel was located right on the main square where the Christmas Market was going on.
That's the view from our window!
Our location made getting to and from the train station a snap and we did a quick day trip to one of the outlying villages as well.
We had some nice meals, but due to timing and other things (no online reservations) we'll need to return to try some places. That said, we had some good meals.
And had some traditional dishes as well.
The city is not very touristy, at least in terms of Americans, a fact we really enjoyed. The place was quite lively with folks enjoying weekend and evening socializing, something that people here have made into an art form.
It did rain while we were here, but then, the evening after the rain we took an evening stroll, and it was beautiful.
And now, we're at our final destination….well sort of, as we have a short overnight stay planned. We're enjoying things and hope all is well with you!
Thanks for stopping by!
That's the "Drive Up" window; there is no speaker or place to order before getting to the window. The entrance is just alongside that wall; it's small.
Step inside, order, pay and find a seat. Four booths and three tables with chairs inside as well as tables outside and under the canopy. Again, small. 
During the waning down of Covid-19, we could eat inside, but the meal "meal for two" was served in a in a 'to go' container ($14.50).
Rice, beans, one pound of carnitas (deep fried pork), warm corn tortillas. Of course, cilantro, onion, tomatoes and limes are the perfect condiments.
Now that things are back to "normal", the 'Carnitas for Two" is served on plates and just seems to taste better.
My current favorite item which satisfies a craving is the Maggi Burrito ($8.50) (carnitas, chicharron, whole beans, guacamole and pico de Gallo). The crunch of the chicharron with each bite of flavorful shredded pork and everything else (you can taste each ingredient; no one flavor overpowers the other) is so balanced and satisfying.
Another order when I want something different is the #9, Enchiladas Suizas ($12.50)
Chicken- lots of shredded chicken- wrapped in corn tortillas topped with Swiss cheese and a creamy green salsa (not the same green salsa as you get to go with a taco or burrito). 
When ordering, the final item-not to eat here, but 'to go' is always a 1/2 pound of chicharron ($4.50) which is cooked fresh. Such a treat!
The menu is on the wall, or you can scan a QR code and read the menu on your phone. 
The Mister wanted Boiled Tofu, and it was furiously boiling when brought to the table! He had ordered the 'Chef's Special' ($13) which included shrimp, pollack roe, clam, oyster, mushroom and kimchi. (white rice is included, but the multigrain rice option is an extra $2; get it). Great, fresh seafood and smooth, satisfying tofu.
I've been craving something from a hot stone pot (because crispy rice). Ordering the "Chef's Special Hot Stone" ($20) was just the flavor filled melange I wanted. Marinated beef rib eye as well as beef short ribs over the sizzling rice, topped with plump shrimp and small but flavorful scallops really hit the spot. 
Your condiments are brought to the table after ordering. 
The interior decor is timeless.
We decided to share an order of mixed tempura ($7.95). Not at all oily, the batter was a little hard/crisp and acted as a protectant for the vegetables and shrimp; everything was moist and flavored of itself; not the batter. The tempura sauce was a perfect blend of soy sauce, dash and mirin-bright and 'crisp' in flavor. 
Having really enjoyed the Ten Zaru Soba ordered a few months ago at the newly opened 
The Mister chose to order from the Lunch Special Combo menu. This is #16, Beef Teriyaki and Gyoza. All lunch specials come with miso soup, rice and salad. It was a nice soup (not salty). The beef was very tender, well marbled and had a good flavor without the (house made) teriyaki sauce. The gyoza were nice with a thin wrapper and fresh vegetable and pork filling. The soy based dipping sauce was not the same as the noodle dipping sauce on my plate. 
The former 
The sleek interior is utilized well, along with outdoor seating.
There are a few nods to the County Fair painted discretely on the walls.
The menu is extensive enough, many adult beverages are offered. There is a daily special listed on Facebook, or you can ask when you are seated. 
On this day, the special was Fish and Chips ($14) (substitute tots $1). (Regular price of fish and chips is $18.75).
Good size (4 ounce) pieces of fish, expertly fried in a crisp, light batter so the fish was cooked well but still flaky (not rubbery; a fault I find with some fish and chips orders). The tots were quite nice, also fried to a nice crunch. 
As soon as I saw a beet salad ($14.74) on the menu, I knew that was going to be my order. I added grilled chicken for $5. Red and yellow beets (plenty), Feta cubes, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber and onion on lettuce. A very good portion of grilled chicken. This was a filling meal. 
Man, this was much better than I expected. The beef, while perhaps chopped a bit more finely than I like was nicely chilled, with a clean finish, loved the ratio of capers and scallions to beef. But the most surprising thing were the frites, which were crisp outside and creamy inside.
The noodles were really good, doughy and chewy. The tamago was cold, but nicely cooked and marinated. The chashu was on the tough side and needed more flavor.
A very pleasant dish. The skate had been nicely prepared, buttery in texture, good black pepper, though perhaps a bit more salt would have helped. Very moist and tender. The accompanying veggies were fine and the caper butter sauce did well with the fish.
The women were from London and arrived via the Eurostar. Something I'd like to do in the future!
A 14 pound Jennie-O, 90 minutes at 400 degrees. There was poultry seasoning, salt and pepper sprinkled on the skin, handfuls of salt and pepper inside the cavity to force out juices. The meat is very moist.
We doctored up some Stove Top stuffing mix by adding cooked Italian sausage, fresh chopped celery and much more butter than recommended before placing in the oven for 30 minutes with the yams while the turkey was resting.
My 'usual' fresh sweet potato/yam side dish, 
Simple cranberry sauce made with fresh whole cranberries per the package recipe with added tangerine.
Dessert is mincemeat strudel, from 
Here is the first meal, including a roll made from frozen Bridgeford dough and frozen Martha Stewart spinach casserole (found at Grocery Outlet). We've already had a 'leftoversâ meal, and it is only Wednesday!