“How was your trip?” a friend would Skype me that night. “Amazing,” I replied, “I just had the most amazing pizza of my entire life.” This was the last thing she expected to hear from a Brooklyn-raised Italian American and, also, this is Argentina we’re talking about.

When you find yourself in Buenos Aires, don’t forget to make it to Eva Perone’s grave, and remind me to pass along the name of a fantastic little leather shop in Palermo where you can score affordable heels. Oh, and regardless of whether or not you’re a good dancer, give the tango your best whirl. Visitors venturing down to Argentina’s famous capital have no lack of ideas in front of them. Often breathlessly described as the idyllic love child of romantic Paris and edgy New York, guide books quite literally overflow with tips, ideas and itineraries for first-timers that range from sorta-scary-but-generally-okay street art paths to tango jaunts in cramped second floor studios. Food lovers here are corralled into art nouveau cafes and break blood vessels eating at gourmet butcher shops until they burst.

“But stay away from the pizza,” your friends will warn you, “you don’t want that pizza.”

Since Italians are the largest heritage group in modern day Argentina, it shouldn’t be that surprising that pizza is a staple of your typical Argentinian diet. You’re likely to find a Mediterranean restaurant on many streets featuring those old staples like spaghetti and meatballs. Argentine families are often mobile in their daily routines and these quick meals fit into their schedules and fill tummies. But there’s something about that pizza that causes confusion in visitors. There’s something different about this meal that the masses of sauce-covered faces just can’t place their finger on. Even Wikipedia, the crowdsourced dictionary of “subjective” reference, says of Argentine pizza, that it “more closely resembles calzones than it does its Italian ancestor.” Maybe it’s the recipe.

There’s one obvious difference to this exotic sideshow: the crust. This is not your typical Chicago deep-dish thick crust, this is a loaf of flaky bread more on par with another Italian treat, the focaccia, a round bread topped with light sauces and herbs. To achieve that dense, chewy base, dough is left to rise for up to 70 hours during preparation. After that, it’s smothered in an array of large hunks of vegetables like peppers, broad hunks of meat and whole green olives, an achievement similar more similar to a Jackson Pollock painting than your casual New York folding slice. And the faina, ah the faina. If you’ve still got room in your belly for more, you can try to handle this slice of “secondary pizza,” a broad slice packed with chickpeas, roasted onions and cheese. It adds a satisfying crunch to the soft, mushy ball of cheese you’ve undoubtedly only just gobbled down.

While even well-traveled Westerners can admit our US standard of pizza has no resemblance to it’s Italian brethren, we can’t deny having a love affair with the iconic slim triangles of dough covered in a dollop of cheese and drowning in oil. It’s an emotional thing, it’s a nostalgia thing, and here comes Argentine pizza, a mass of bread piled-high with thick, gooey cheeses and almost aggressive toppings, throwing us all for a loop.

If you’re willing to ignore the jeers and ridicule the Foursquare check-in will earn you, there’s an actual gem of a pizzeria right on busy Corrientes Av where Guerrin has been making people cry tears of pizza joy for 43 years. Brainchild of Milan immigrant Franco Malvezzi, the pies here are thinner by Argentinian standards, but still pack a punch that will make you double over in satisfied pain after you’re done licking your fingers clean. If you’re brave enough, pour a tall glass of moscato, fight for a table in the back and join the hundreds of people who line the walls of the bare-bones shop each day for a very emotional lunch break. What does this classic establishment have that the dozens of other shops lack? It could be the minimalist interior, or the all-business serving staff. It could be that the pies are closer to the style of our nostalgic pizza dreams than other Buenos Aires fugazza. Or, it could just be that Guerrin’s house pie, teeming with spicy ham, fresh tomato slices, salty olives and cheese so thick it’s actually walking away from the pizza, is really damn good.

As noted in the video, another big bonus of the program is the simple refrigeration of the products. Each market gets a colorful branded refrigerator that is stocked daily for just $200 with healthier options than high-sugar sodas and snacks. The markets have the choice to sell items at a higher price point to make a profit, or price to sell.

This initiative is just getting started and I can’t wait to see how it grows. As anyone who lives or travels in this city knows, one block can make the difference between neighborhoods and yet there are dozens of parts of the city that go without healthy necessities every day. Folks in the test neighborhoods, Central Harlem and Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, can check the list at GrowNYC to find out which local bodega carries Fresh Bodega products and to become involved in continuing this project.

Fresh Bodegas from GrowNYC on Vimeo.

Photo via Flickr user Maggie Jane.

Sure, we were excited about the new cues for Haunted Mansion and Winnie the Pooh, not to mention the big wall guarding the famed Fantasyland expansion and the brand-new Beast’s castle peeking out from over the top. But most exciting of all, the night before we left, I stumbled upon this blessing of a blog, the Disney Food Blog, where I discovered a cupcake crawl.

Walt Disney World might not be the first place you think of when you go on a foodie vacation, but we decided, in preparation for our nuptials and dessert table, it was our duty, no, our mission in life, to test out as many Disney desserts as humanly possible. Thank goodness for walking uphill to Splash Mountain 4 hours a day!

[portfolio_slideshow]

This platter of cake samples was provided by our Disney Weddings planner. We fell in love with both almond cake and marble cake, amaretto cream and white chocolate.

Candied apples are very popular at Disney World. These Mickey and Minnie apples were found in Hollywood Studios and are covered in sparkling sugar.

These cupcakes are found at the Boardwalk Bakery near the Epcot Boardwalk resort area. Besides the marshmallow cream and graham cracker crust, the center was filled with molten chocolate.

Cake pops are a new offering at Disney World and they're already everywhere. These versions were spotted at the Main Street Confectionery in the Magic Kingdom and were freshly made by a team of in-shop chocolatiers.

Best for the tiny hands of kids (or those who can't handle a cupcake) these are simple pretzel rods doused in white, milk and dark chocolate, and sprinkled in coconut, M&M's and nuts. They're available in Downtown Disney and Hollywood Studios.

If pretzels aren't your thing, these chocolate covered marshmallows should do the trick. Like the pretzel rods they're doused in candy and on display in Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney.

A few months ago I went on an infamous quick girls getaway to Paris and Rome and developed horrifying pneumonia while I was there, and carried it for the entire trip. I’m pretty well known for becoming sick on trips, but for me, this was the final straw. Since then I’ve taken every precaution, from extra vaccinations to local food knowledge and preparation, to stay healthy while I’m abroad. When @ChooseCherries contacted me with a few reasons why a simple bag of cherries could help me achieve these goals, I was both pleasantly surprised and motivated.

As we all travel so much, I think it’s really important to try our best to stay healthy both on the road and between jaunts. We expose ourselves to some of the harshest elements, the strangest meals, and the longest, hardest hours people can exert themselves with; we do it voluntarily, and we do it happily. And while we’re doing that, we should also try to keep in mind some simple ways to stay on the up-and-up of our bodies. At the very least so we can live another day to see another place.

Happily, this week I’m hosting another installment of #TNI, the Travelers Night In chats on Twitter. During its tenure, #TNI has attracted the attention of around numerous participants from bloggers to industry folks.

I hosted the Euro cities chat a few months ago, and was thrilled when the opportunity arose for me to not only host again, but offer my friends and colleagues a giveaway at the same time!

This week, on my blog, I’m giving away a @ChooseCherries prize pack to a random commenter who leaves their best on-the-road health tip below.The winner can expect to receive:

• A four lb bag of dried cherries
• A Kashmere red pillow case-socks-shawl travel set
• A Tory Burch Cosmetic Case
• A Cherry Marketing Institute tote bag

I’ll be reading all the great comments this entire week and will pick a winner on Sunday night, to be announced Monday morning.

Plus, another lucky person will win a prize pack this week during a special health centric #TNI. Simply hash your tweets with #RedRecovery during the chat, and one person will be chosen at random to win!

Thanks friends, and good luck. I can’t wait to see your health tips below and I hope we can all make even a small commitment to be kinder to the bodies that do so much for us.

Food is everywhere in NYC. There’s a reason fashion editors crack jokes about the “Diet Coke and Cigarettes” diet and everyone counts calories like crazy. It’s not because we’re hyper-aware, it’s because if you wanted to, in New York City, you could literally never stop eating. The tall shoes keep us further from the feast, and the black clothes mask spillage from amazing meals. It’s a rouse, I’m sorry to inform you.

And on this list of amazing, fantastic places to manga, I’ve got a few favorites. Recently, when an out-of-town buddy came into the city, I spent a weekend shuffling from one to the next.

Starting out slowly, we sat down at OTTO. For all the Italian charm this place packs in, it also packs in tourists, thanks to the big fat Mario Batali stamp on the front door. Yep, it’s Batali’s restaurant, but you probably knew that already. What you might not know is that it contains one of the best snacks of all time, olive oil gelato. Stop in, if only for the gelato, like I did, and savor the salty sweetness in a slightly toned down setting than Washington Square Park (nee: Needlehead Park) is known for.

While still in Manhattan, we headed across town to my all time favorite foodie jaunt, Chelsea Market. Among the cubby holes of fantastic treats you can score fresh lobster, crusty bread, and sweetened figs. You can also sit down for a lunch at The Green Table, part organic eatery, part people-watching mecca. My guest and I, not yet full off Batali gelato, opted to share crudites and soups, a light lunch suitable for a walk on the Highline.

We packed it in for the night, food wise, but picked right up again the next day in the borough of my existence, Brooklyn. I was born in Bensonhurst and have been keeping watch over my hometown’s development and accolades since 1983. So, I love Flatbush Farm. Using mostly local purveyors they’ve created a brunch menu chock-full of tasty bites like Buckwheat Pancakes and Duck Confit. They’re also located on a fun nexus of Flatbush Ave, within walking distance to my apartment (huzzah!), Target, and Brooklyn Museum.

No trip to Brooklyn is complete without a stop at the sideshow circus called Williamsburg. Visitors love the spectacular waterfront views, spacious parks, and ridiculous people watching. Locals remember the quaint mom and pop shops and tenement buildings that used to line the streets. That nabe’s rate of growth has been both amazing and terrifying, and what will be the outcome is yet to be determined. Until then, there are some great places to grab a bite, including Marlow & Sons. Grab either a meatplate to share, like we did, or the sea bass, which is surprisingly flavorful and fresh for what you’d consider New York seafood. The wine menu is also impressive, and you’ll wanna give both the house wine and Metro Normandy, a special cocktail, a try.

Before leaving the area, my guest decided to visit the Bedford Cheese Shop to grab gifts for friends back home. While there is a staggering array of gourmet goat, cheese, and cows cheese, they probably won’t hold on any sort of plane ride. Instead, they offer Cheese Subscriptions based on the very best in their portfolio. I won’t tease you with prices, but your giftee better really enjoy cheese.

Sufficiently stuffed, we sauntered into Bay Ridge for one last epic battle of good and stomach: desert. I’ve been visiting the Mona Lisa Bakery since I could walk. Back then we were both much smaller, and these days we both have better taste. Walk past the adorable cafe tables and into the bakery where the scents will assault you and you’ll swear you’re in Italy. If you yearn for Roma, grab an espresso at the authentic coffee bar, but if you’ve got a one track mind like me, head straight for the gelato counter. Yes, gelato two days in a row. I’m sorry, I’m Italian. Skip the weightier flavors for the light sorbets. Lemon, lime, berry, any will do. It’s a sweet way to end the night and, for me, a great way to send off a friend: gelato in hand, Verrazano Bridge views in the distance, Sinatra on the speaker.

With all that wisdom (and cash) spend your Girl’s Day Out at one of these three locations that encourage new experiences, casual fun, and so much conversation.

202 Nicole Farhi at Chelsea Market

Instead of meeting up for a waffles and french toast brunch, take a seat at this adorable little Chelsea Market eatery. It’s got an innovative yet homey menu, fantastic people watching, and- oh yeah- shopping just a few feet away from your plate! Meet the eat-and-shop: a new wave of brunch spots that inspire fashionista shopping waves by munching on tasty meals. After you order your food, get up, have a walk around, and shop the latest Nicole Farhi collection from gorgeous set-ups of racks and tables. The catalogue + kitchen table routine gets a 2010 makeover here.

Sala One Nine for Tapas and Sangria

Grabbing a drink with your girlfriends is no innovative way to spend your day, however, the soothing atmosphere and delicate menu at Sala One Nine makes it a favorite for Union Square hipsters, fashionista’s who work in the area, and ladies who could use a break. Come early to Sala and grab a table in the back for a break from the bar noise. Order 3 or 4 dishes off their tapas menu just to keep your appetite interested, and request the tastiest glasses off the wine list. The helpful and smart staff will be happy to give you a taste or two to help you decide, and point you in the direction of your favorite. For an evening drinks get-together, this is a classy alternative to the typical New York bar scene.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Whether you’ve already grabbed a meal or you’re not hungry, there’s always room for a treat. Grab the girls and head downtown to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for this cult favorite homemade dessert. Choose from flavors like Almond Cookie, Red Bean, and Wild Blueberry, or buy a few and taste each others. For the family members you left at home, grab some cupcake-like Lucky Cakes for a taste of this iconic factory right in your own home.

Am I old fashioned? Maybe. But I just can’t help but smile at the idea of a nice big glass of milk and a few tasty cookies getting me through the night. Someone finally heard my prayers!

At The Cookie Jar, an adorable warehouse of treats in all shapes and sizes, you can sit down at a table alone, with the fam, or with a loved one, get a cup of milk, and choose two cookies to dip, dunk, and slurp into your belly. Of the dozens and dozens made fresh on premises, you can grab bundles of dazzlers like Peanut Butter Delight, Raspberry Lintzer, Pretzel Cookie, Peanut Square, Italian Wedding Cookie, Chocolate Chip Sandwich, Rainbow, and many more.

And for a perfect holiday gift, why not buy one of their retro cookie jars, fill it with baked delights, and pass it on to someone special? But, what’s wrong? Can’t make the trip? You can even buy direct from their website. Save some room after dinner!

The Cookie Jar. 1226 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY.

(718) 448-3500

www.cakechefcookiejar.com

Photo via Visual Vamp

I confess. My first trip to the Big Easy was in a post-Katrina world. However, with an open mind, I traveled to New Orleans to find what was so special about this town, that would convince people to visit it, even in it’s less than stellar post-hurricane state.

And, even though I’ve spent my 9- to 5 as the editor of a travel magazine, I ignored recommendations from fellow editors and headed off to NoLA with little more than the notion that I wanted to be led by locals, a keen design eye, and my stomach. Thanks to a whip smart hotel staff, amazing courteous people on every corner, and Cajun food, I achieved all that I dreamed, and more. So much more than I just kept going back, sans guidebook every time. Thanks to helpful neighbors, I discovered the Garden District. Magazine Street, in particular, is less traveled than the French Quarter- due to a lack of bead tossing and booze, but just as charming, and only minutes away.

Hop on the St. Charles streetcar on Canal St. (after bringing exact change, please. The streetcar drivers cannot break bills!) and you’ll find yourself in the Garden District. Teeming with elaborate Southern homes, the walk from the streetcar to Magazine St, where most of the shops and eateries are, feels like a walk back in time.

This districts specialty is antiques and Parisian-like design, and that’s never more obvious than catching glimpses of the mansions along the streets here.

If you’re aching to give that credit card a workout, you’ll want to start at contemporary design shops like Perch Home, Bella Nola, and Hazelnut. At Perch, pick up funky, sleek, or vintage pieces for your home from a constantly revolving stock. Although it isn’t cheap by any means, every single piece is one-of-a-kind, and worth the cost. At Bella Nola, splurge on uniquely New Orleans items such as Fleur de Lis drawer knobs, and kitchenware. Being the symbol of this great city, a Fleur de Lis in your home is always a reminder of where you were. If you have any cash left when you arrive at Hazelnut, you can stock-up on an eclectic range of authentic toile fabrics, ceramic tableware, and sunburst mirrors. Although this little shop has been voted a favorite by top quality magazines and websites, it’s truly where the locals come to decorate their homes.

To add a little chintz and funky to your trip, La Maison d’Absinthe has everything you need to throw your own absinthe party at home. From fountains and spoons to pre-made gift sets, absinthe is now legal in the US, and there is no better place to find it. As a journalist, I never come home from the Crescent City without stopping by Scriptura. You can pick up “thank you” cards anywhere, but only in New Orleans can you pick up “thank you” cards adorned with bowls of crawfish, dancing alligators, and zydeco accordions.

After all that shopping, stop in for a quick treat at Sucre, where the pastries are beautiful enough to save and bring home, and yummy enough to devour in mere seconds. The shop itself brings to mind idyllic pastry fantasies… but pull yourself together, and don’t forget to bring home a signature chocolate box, or some handmade macaroons. I, personally, stock up on handmade marshmallows for the holidays; they make great gifts for neighbors and even better hot chocolate toppers on cold winter nights.

And where to crash after a long day in the Big Easy? Why not head back to that streetcar for a little carnivale?

The Maison Dupuy is full of French charm and sits right in the French Quarter amid gaslamps and cobblestones. Visitors here get a front row view of the French Quarter Wine Festival, which is rolling into town again next year.

The W French Quarter is ultra hip and way swanky, with dripping chandeliers and a neon lit pool lounge, right across from Jackson Square. Steer clear during Mardi Gras as this hotel has a reputation as a party spot to keep.

Hotel Monteleone is a romantic choice, a little more subdued, and right near the Mississippi River. They’ve earned their four diamonds with a heated rooftop pool, three award winning restaurants, and modern guestrooms that pack in the charm.

For More Information:

Perch: 2844 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-2229
(504) 899-2122

Bella Nola: 4236 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-2735
(504) 897-9499

Hazelnut: 5515 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-3151
(504) 891-2424

La Maison D’Absinth:
823 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70116-3114
(504) 523-0903

Scriptura: 5423 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-3149
(504) 897-1555

Sucre: 3025 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 520-8311

It makes a great deal of sense that what’s possibly the best restaurant in New Orleans comes from the father of all New Orleans cuisine. Mr. Emeril Lagasse brings up a little gem, filled with southern charm and great meals, smack in the middle of the French Quarter. Take a small walk from the liveliness of Jackson Square, and arrive at NOLA.

Though the food here is akin to the highest gourmet stops in New York City, the staff carries the easygoing manner that must be attributed to years of tourists stopping in after walks down Bourbon. They welcome you with open arms, and seat you within minutes if you have a reservation, and inform you how to make one, if you don’t. They lead you further into the dining room, with cozy brick walls and contrasting modern art, and are attentive off the bat.

Foodies will be happy to know that the menu at NOLA consist of comfort food staples like Warm Gulf Shrimp Remoulade with Fried Homemade Pickles, but also twists like Duck Confit and Fried Egg Pizza with Parmesan Cheese, Truffle Oil and Baby Arugula (my fave!). For dessert, cash in on the Daily Sorbet, Warm Ooey Gooey Cake with Layers of Moist Chocolate Cake, Marshmallows and Toasted Coconut served with Coffee Ice Cream, or Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie with Sweet Potato Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle.And save space for a drink special or two. Yum.

Lunch is infinitely more casual at NOLA, much easier to secure a table, and a good choice of timing in general since you’ll want plenty of time to work off that Duck Confit Pizza before hopping on the St. Charles Streetcar.

NOLA. 534 St. Louis St., New Orleans, LA. 504.522.6652.

More on NOLA:

iGouGo New Orleans

New Orleans City Guide

St. James Hotel

The District Eats Bengeits

Isle St. Louis is my favorite spot in all of Paris. This quiet little enclave is just moments from the busting Notre Dame area, but is more like going back in time to the old Paris of American silent films. From bakeries to pubs decorated with silly and sad bulldogs, this is the place to taste France away from the tourist hot spots. The best reason to venture to this tiny isle, Berthillon, of course. This tiny ice cream shop boasts lines down the block for just a simple cone every day, and is world renowned for it’s simple but extravagant flavors such as creamy chocolates and sweet and tangy fruits.

Get there early, and be prepared for a wait. Don’t worry, you’ll walk off the treat in no time.

Berthillon. 31, rue St Louis-en-l’Ile, Paris, France.

More about Berthillon:

Berthillon’s Website

Paris Deconstructed

Travel DK Berthillon Entry

Prepping for Paris: Ice Cream