The Trekking Pawns' Diary

If you've been following us for a while, you already know — food is one of the greatest joys of traveling (at least for me!). I love exploring a destination one plate at a time, and everything in between is just a scenic walk to the next meal. 😌 Since this will be our first time in Cabo San Lucas , I started daydreaming and researching what deliciousness awaits us beyond the gorgeous beaches and famous sea arches. Sure, I’ve had tacos al pastor, Baja fish tacos, and ceviche before… but let’s be honest — I’ve probably had the American version more often than not. It’s time for the real deal . And yes, I fully intend to eat tacos every day if possible. #VacationGoals 🌮✨ But in my little food deep-dive, came across a few things jumped out at me that I’ve never tried on Cabo-adventures.com and now MUST find: (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Th...

Toor dal, also known as pigeon peas or arhar dal, is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, especially in South Indian households. Its mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite for dishes like sambar, dal tadka, and Gujarati dal. When cooked with turmeric and a pinch of salt, it's often enjoyed with rice and a dollop of ghee—a nostalgic comfort food for many.( ​ Vegan Richa +4 The Times of India +4 Wikipedia +4 | Pricooked | ) Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  Nutritional Highlights of Toor Dal Toor dal is not just delicious; it's also packed with nutrients: ​( thinkyou.in ) Protein : Approximately 10.36 grams per cooked cup, making it an excellent plant-based protein source. ​( The Times of India ) Fiber : Around 8.7 grams per cup, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. ​( The Times of India ) Essential Minera...

One of the most surprising—and delightful—food experiences on our cruise aboard the NCL Getaway wasn’t in a specialty restaurant, but in the Garden Café buffet . Each day, among the endless options of international cuisine, we found ourselves returning to a warm, humble dish that quickly became a favorite: dal . Yes, dal ! A comforting, soul-warming Indian lentil stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. We didn’t expect to find such authentic flavors at sea, but this dal was delicious—flavorful, creamy, lightly spiced, and satisfying every single time. What is Dal? Dal (also spelled daal or dahl) is a staple of Indian cuisine , and there are countless variations across the regions of India. The version we tasted on the cruise was made from chana dal , which are split yellow chickpeas. When cooked, they break down into a hearty, creamy stew packed with earthy flavor and a comforting, nutty aroma. We were so impressed, we had to learn more—and even looked up how to make it ourselves! ...

  ( Dessert Disappointment: The Crème Brûlée Letdown One dessert we were excited to try  at the sit downs was the crème brûlée (imaged) , but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to our expectations. While it looked beautifully presented, it was too cold when eating , which took away from the rich, creamy texture we were hoping for. Not exactly the decadent finish we wanted to our meal!) --- Dining Aboard the NCL Getaway: A Culinary Adventure One of our favorite things about cruising is the food, and we were excited to explore and compare the different dining experiences aboard the NCL Getaway . With so many options, from complimentary sit-down restaurants to the ever-popular buffet, we made it a mission to try as much as we could. Complimentary Dining: Savor, Taste, and The Manhattan Room Included with boarding are three main complimentary sit-down restaurants: Savor, Taste, and The Manhattan Room . These restaurants serve the same menu each night, with classic entrees availab...

Louisiana cooking is legendary—a delicious melting pot of cultures and culinary influences that has made the Pelican State a global gathering place for fine dining and enchanting flavors. Few states can claim even one instantly recognizable regional cuisine, let alone two. That’s what makes Louisiana such an incredible place to eat: both Creole and Cajun food are world-renowned. And that’s not all—this southern gem is also home to outstanding Italian cuisine, Jewish delis, and soulful Southern comfort food. (Photo from  Amazon ) (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) For those of us not lucky enough to live at the lower end of the Mississippi River , it can be hard to tell the difference between Creole and Cajun cuisine. There’s definitely some overlap—gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish pie, for example, are staples in both (and are even immortali...

We love to eat—and trying new foods is one of our favorite parts of traveling! So, when we stumbled upon the book 50 States, 1,000 Eats by National Geographic , we knew it was the perfect companion for our adventures. This beautifully illustrated guide features 1,000 must-try dishes and drinks across all 50 states and Canada, complete with travel tips and mouthwatering images. From diner breakfasts and food trucks to fine dining and U-pick farms, it’s a foodie road trip dream! (Photo from Amazon ) (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) Naturally, since we’re heading to New Orleans , we flipped straight to Louisiana to see what made the cut. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to explore, so we’ve got some research to do over the next few days. But let’s start with the big picture: Founded in 1812, Louisiana is home to 4.59 million people and a rich c...

  While planning our upcoming trip to New Orleans , there’s one thing we’ve already decided on: we’re going all in on beignets . The very moment we started talking to people about our trip, three separate conversations began with, “You HAVE to try the beignets.” Without even asking for recommendations, this fried, powdered-sugar-dusted treat was at the top of everyone’s must-try list. (Image: AI generated. Real pictures to come when we go!) (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) We’ll admit, we’ve never had a beignet before. We’ve had donuts—plenty of donuts—but from what we’ve heard, beignets are something else entirely. Curious, we dug into their history via the Food Network (recipies can also be found here ). Beignets, as we learned, are square, puffy pastries made with a less-sweet dough and fried to golden perfection before being bu...

  Our planned walking path to see the most and eat the most. New Orleans is a feast for the senses and a paradise for food lovers. With a cuisine rooted in Creole traditions, a vibrant history of cultural blending, and a wave of international influences, the Crescent City is a culinary playground unlike any other. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, rich flavors, or innovative spins on classic dishes, here are the must-visit spots to savor the essence of New Orleans. Our walking path was inspired by the Lonely Planet and mapped for maximum flavor and time to digest while sightseeing. Another option is to book a lovely food tour! Saba , 5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Mister Mao , 4501 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Pascal's Manale by Dickie Brennan & Co., 1838 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 Lucy Boone Ice Cream , 3918 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Stein's Market and Deli , 2207 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Parkway Bakery & Tavern...

Exploring the local markets in Nice has been one of the highlights of our time here! There are specific spots throughout the city set up for daily markets, and let me tell you, we are hooked. These markets are where locals get their groceries and seafood, and they feel worlds away from the markets we’re used to back in America. One of our favorite spots so far has been the market at the Liberation tram stop, thus known as the Libération market . It’s at this bustling intersection with the train station just a block away, Tram Line 1 zooming by, La Gare du Sud looming nearby (more on that later!), and several bus lines converging. But the real star of this area is the massive open-air market—it’s the kind of place you imagine when you think of a traditional European market. Pedestrian streets filled with stall after stall, all selling the freshest vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat. No clothes, no knick-knacks, and no trendy cafés trying to sell you pre-made sandwiches—just pure, local ...

 We are so excited!! Choosing EF for our French language journey was an easy decision for us, and here’s why. French isn’t just a beautiful language; it’s one of the most important languages in the world. From the United Nations to the International Olympic Committee and the Red Cross, French is a key language in international relations, business, and humanitarian work. It’s spoken across continents, from Canada to Haiti and North Africa, making it truly global. We wanted to learn a language that would not only enrich our travels but also open doors to new cultures and connections around the world. When it came to choosing where to study, EF offered us the perfect options: Paris or Nice. Both cities are incredible, but we decided to immerse ourselves in Nice. Picture this—learning French in a place where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Alpine foothills. Our days are filled with intensive French courses that build a solid foundation, but we also get to practice our French in real-w...