If you fancy something a little lighter than tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini en brodo as you’re ambling around Bologna, look no further than the beloved crescentine. This pillowy fried bread is often stuffed with or accompanied by Italian meats and cheeses, making for the perfect snack or pick-me-up. As...

Numerous cities and regions in Italy are synonymous with specific pasta styles, and in Bologna, tortellini is the shape of choice. It’s a treasured food in Bologna and throughout Emilia-Romagna, and no visit to ‘La Grassa’ is complete without a helping or two of fresh tortellini. I’m a massive fan...

Like in most Italian cities, locals in Bologna mean business when it comes to coffee. Not only are there dozens of traditional bars that are perfect for a quick countertop espresso or cappuccino, but the city has a growing specialty coffee scene. I understand just how easy it is to...

Barcelona is truly an international city that simultaneously embraces Spanish and Catalan cuisine, as well as modern trends and dietary preferences. This translates into Barcelona having one of the most vibrant vegan dining scenes in Western Europe. From Spanish flavors to authentic Catalan cuisine to Mediterranean ingredients and dishes, you’ll...

Mercato di Mezzo is the beating heart of Bologna’s food scene, lying in the center of the historic Quadrilatero neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city and is always a highlight of my Bologna food tours. The market has been a meeting point for food lovers since...

If you haven’t visited Dublin, there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the city’s beloved takeaway dish, the spice bag. This fusion of Irish and Chinese flavors has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon in Ireland over the last ten to fifteen years. A mix of spice-covered chicken, fries,...

Few cities in the world have a pub culture comparable to that of the Irish capital. In Dublin, pubs are revered for their freshly poured pints, lively music, and charming settings, but you’ll also find plenty of alternatives if you prefer something a little more refined or upmarket. While my...

Although tea is often the hot drink of choice for Dubliners, the coffee scene in the Irish capital would lead you to believe otherwise! Every time I visit the city, I come across a host of gorgeous coffee shops, and there always seem to be new cafes opening. This is...