Bia Mara: Sustainable fish and chips in Brussels, Belgium

The Classic Panko Fish n Chips with ling, Bia Mira, Brussels, Belgium

Bia Mara, meaning seafood in Irish, is a small sustainable fish and chips restaurant located in Brussels, Belgium. The focus here is on quality, uncommon in central Brussels, where expensive, low-quality restaurants catered to tourists are typical. The restaurant, owned by two Irishmen, differs from your typical fish and chips shop in London or Dublin. …

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Noordzee – Mer Du Nord: Fresh seafood in Brussels, Belgium

Grilled Shrimp (Scampi a la Plancha), Noordzee - Mer du Nord, Brussels, Belgium

Noordzee – Mer Du Nord, located in Brussels, Belgium, is popular with locals and visitors for inexpensive, tapas-like seafood plates. The restaurant in the Sainte Catherine area of Brussels is only minutes by foot from the Grand Palace. Many centuries ago, the city’s main fish market stood in the small square in front of the …

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The Seven Wonders of Oregon

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Seven Wonders of Oregon are a collection of natural attractions and geographical wonders that showcase the diverse landscapes of Oregon. The list of iconic wonders includes coastal roads with sandy beaches, towering volcanic peaks with endless hiking options, state parks with some of the best rock climbing in the world, and river gorges with …

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Torikizoku: Popular yakitori chain found across Japan

Momo Kizokuyaki Tare (Chicken Thigh and Leek Skewer), Torikizoku, Osaka, Japan

Founded in 1986, Torikizoku has established itself as one of Japan’s most popular izakaya chains, with almost 700 locations nationwide. Today, the chain is well known for its affordable prices, cozy atmosphere, and freshly prepared yakitori skewers. You can find Torikizoku locations in major cities, including Tokyo (Shinjuku and Shibuya), Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Kobe, and …

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21 of the best things to do and see in Shinjuku

Shinjuku, the center of entertainment in Tokyo, Japan

When I think of Tokyo, one of the first places that comes to mind is Shinjuku. This vibrant and dynamic ward, or neighborhood, which surrounds Shinjuku Station, is the epicenter of nightlife, entertainment, shopping, business, drinking, and eating in Tokyo. For decades, Shinjuku has attracted both locals and tourists who come from all around to …

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Kura Sushi: Popular conveyor belt sushi chain in Osaka, Japan

Tuna and Green Onion, Kura Sushi, Osaka, Japan

Kura Sushi is a popular Japanese conveyor belt sushi restaurant chain known for its affordable sushi dishes. Founded in 1995, Kura Sushi today has over 450 locations in Japan along with 22 in Taiwan and 47 in the United States. On my recent visit to Osaka, I stopped by the Kura Sushi Shinsekai Tsutenkaku location …

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Yamamotoya Honten: Miso nikomi udon in Nagoya, Japan

The famous Miso Nikomi Udon, Yamamotoya Honten, Nagoya, Japan

With a history spanning nearly 100 years, Yamamotoya Honten has established itself as the best place to try Nagoya-style miso nikomi udon. Originating in Nagoya, miso nikomi udon is a traditional Japanese noodle dish characterized by thick udon noodles simmered in a flavorful and salty miso broth. As Yamamotoya Honten’s signature dish, the miso nikomi …

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Sekai no Yamachan: Nagoya’s Famous Tebasaki Chicken Wings

Maboroshi no Tebasaki (Chicken Wings), Sekai No Yamachan, Nagoya, Japan

During my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to visit Nagoya for the first time. Despite reading and hearing that Nagoya was less impressive than Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, I was excited to explore a new city. Whenever I travel somewhere new, one of the first things I do is research what to …

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