LOS ANGELES – According to the dictionary, a foodie is “a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food; a gourmet.” Let me state upfront that this is not me.  I am not a foodie.  Yes, I do enjoy eating out, have done countless boring (and quickly forgotten) business dinners at this or that fancy restaurant, [...]

  NEW YORK – Head to the most northern point of Manhattan island and there you’ll find one of New York’s best-kept secrets, Fort Tryon Park.  A smaller version of Central Park (about one-tenth the size), Fort Tryon offers all the perks of its famous uptown sib – quaint, tree-lined paths, lovely gardens, a rich legacy, and top-notch artwork – [...]

  BANGKOK  – I always knew about it but never saw it; had no clue how amazing it was or what I was actually missing.  The Royal Barges National Museum, located along the banks of the Chao Phraya, ranks right up there with the magnificent Wat Praew Kaew.  A bit of a trek but, once you find it, you’ll be [...]

  TOKYO – If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki and his animated masterpieces (e.g. Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro) then this is truly the place for you.  More than a museum (quite Disneyesque, actually), visiting Ghibli is like walking into one of Miyazaki’s films.  You’ll get a fun and fascinating look into the Ghibli magic, from life-sized prop and [...]

  TOKYO – Known for ‘great tempura at an affordable price’ or – as some would say- for being ‘good and cheap,’ this original branch of the famous Tsunahachi chain serves up some pretty darn tasty tempura.  The seafood is fresh, the veggies seasonal and the final product, cooked in sesame oil, is crispy and light.  The menu is designed [...]

  BANGKOK – It was once known as the first western-style mega mall in Bangkok but nowadays MBK’s claim to fame is the rather unfortunate nickname “ground zero for all things pirated.”  Like Bangkok’s infamous Chatuchak market, I have a love-hate relationship with MBK – the swarm of families decked out in the latest knock-offs is enough to scare the [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON – I think the actual name of this place is The Light Restaurant and Bar, but no one I know calls it that – to us, it’s just “The Light”.   This is one of my recommended bars for folks finding themselves in Shoreditch or The City (which is nearby) looking for a good spot to [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON – Borough Market is London’s oldest food market and, hands down, my absolute favorite part of London.  It’s called a “foodie’s paradise” because of its abundance of fresh and prepared food stalls, but wine, beer and merchandise are also on offer here.  This was always my go-to spot to pick up my paella ingredients, as [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON - I always experience neighborhood envy in Spitalfields, and have pledged that I will someday reside on Folgate Street.  The atmosphere created by the juxtaposition of the area’s inescapable history, the nearby bustle of the City of London and the energetic buzz of the cafes and pubs is all rather irresistible. Spitalfields is an East End neighborhood [...]

  By MONICA BYERS LONDON – I absolutely adore whiling away a morning at the Tate Modern.  And I do mean morning – this is the best time to go to avoid the crowds, largely comprised during the week of tourists and school groups. I won’t make any attempt to discuss the merits of the collection – I would just [...]