Can Majo

Address: Almirall Aixada 23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: 93-221-5455

Why we dined here: Can Majo came up consistently in our Google search for the best paella in Barcelona.

In a Nutshell: Delicious paella!

We went to Can Majo as a last day stop in search for Barcelona's best paella after scouring the web for reviews and recommendations. We couldn't leave Spain without having an authentic paella experience. The restaurant was located in the harbor are but right at the waterfront so you have to navigate some small streets to find it. We arrived there very late (near 11pm) but it was still bustling with patrons. The paella was the best I've had - very flavorful and the rice had good texture. This was the only paella I had in Spain though. All my other paella experiences were from Canada or the Philippines.

I docked one point off my review for the price and the service. I found the service to be spotty. Sometimes, you'd have to wait a while to get service and the servers weren't as friendly as in other restaurants in Barcelona.

Olives, bread and Rose wine

Seafood soup

Paella

Creme brulee

Montiel Restaurante

Address: C/ Flassaders 19, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone: +34 932 683 729

Why we dined here: At our time of travel, Montiel was the #1 rated restaurant in TripAdvisor.

In a Nutshell: Montiel is a top-notch restaurant and the suckling pig is definitely a must-try!

I visited Montiel after researching online and seeing its rank and positive reviews on TripAdvisor. Despite my high expectations, it managed to exceed it. When we visited, there was a football (soccer, for US and Canada) game going on so it was not very busy. But this did not affect the quality of food and service we received. The waiters were very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu they offer. The food was impeccable - especially the suckling pig! Very crispy skin and the meat is tender, juicy and flavorful. We also ordered duck and ravioli, both of which were also superb. I am typically a picky foodie but I have nothing to complain about with this restaurant. The food and service is top notch and definitely up to par to high-end fine dining.

Rice crisps provided at the end of meal

Olives and olive oil provided with bread

Wild mushroom ravioli

Suckling pig leg

Lacquered pigeon with creamy rice

Warm chocolate melting cake with mango ice cream

About Thyme

Address: 3457 King Street, Vineland, Ontario L0R 2C0, Canada

Phone: 905 562 3457

Why we dined here: We needed a lunch spot before journeying to Balls Falls, so we rounded up the best rated restaurants around the area and ended up with About Thyme.

In a Nutshell: The Bistro Poutine da bomb - hands down the best poutine I've ever tasted! 

We decided to visit About Thyme after seeing its ranking in TripAdvisor and the glowing reviews. This was a spectacular find and definitely exceeded our already high expectations. Our party of three shared the following dishes:

1.) Mussels of the Day (small) - I definitely agree with the reviewer that the mussels & fries here can beat out the ones in Belgium. In fact, I much preferred it over the ones I had in Chez Leon in Brussels. The mussels were very fresh and juicy. The cream of leek and smoked bacon sauce was flavorful. Also, the small is actually quite big in size and would be enough for 2 to 3 people for sharing as an appetizer.

2.) Charcuterie Plate - If you love meat, you will enjoy this plate. You get a good variety and quantity of cured meats.

3.) Pork & Beans - The pork belly was very tender and melt-in-your-mouth. The only complaint we have is the fattiness of the pork belly.

4.) Bistro Poutine - The most memorable dish of our meal, hands down! This is different from the regular poutine in that it uses foie gras sauce instead of gravy, aged cheddar instead of cheese curds and it's topped with duck confit. Yes, it is a poutine fitting for royalty. That dish is worth the trek to About Thyme from Toronto any day. It's the best poutine we've ever had and we've had our fair share, even journeying to Quebec where the dish originated.

If you're within the area or within driving distance of Lincoln, this bistro should be in your To-Eat list. The closest comparison to a Toronto establishment that comes to mind is The Black Hoof. I enjoyed the dining experience at About Thyme more since the ambiance was more laid-back, less cramped, and the service was more attentive.

Specials of the Day board

Chips and Mayo that came with the mussels

Mussels of the Day (cream of leek and smoked bacon sauce)

Pork & Beans

Charcuterie Plate

Bistro Poutine (drooooool!)

Mary Chocolatier

Address: 73 rue Royale, Brussels 1000, Belgium

Phone: +32 02 217 45 00

Why we went here: We were still craving for Belgian chocolates and wanted to try specialty chocolatiers that were only available in Belgium.

In a Nutshell: Delicious chocolates but pricey and I still prefer Dumon.

Mary Chocolatier offered good chocolates - very smooth and creamy. It was a bit pricey but compared to Neuhaus, I much preferred the chocolates here so I was willing to pay the difference. However, I enjoyed the chocolates from Dumon Chocolatier in Brugge much much better so I would recommend buying from Dumon if you are making a trip to Brugge. If you're only visiting in Brussels, you can't go wrong with Mary. 

Window of Mary chocolatier

Assortment of chocolates

Dumon Chocolatier

Address: Eirmarket 6, Bruges 8000, Belgium

Phone: +32 50 34 62 82

Why we went here: Belgian chocolates were in our To-Eat list for Belgium. Dumon was the first specialty chocolatier we saw in Bruges.

In a Nutshell: Best Belgian chocolates (and chocolates, in general) that I've ever had!

Smooth, creamy, melt in your mouth, not too sweet and flavorful! Yum! Dumon chocolates are the best I've ever sampled. Period. Well worth the money.

I tried Mary Chocolatier and Neuhaus in Brussels and both were subpar compared to Dumon. I regret not buying more since we went here during our last day in Brugge and during closing time too! They didn't have a store in Brussels so I wasn't able to buy more to bring home :(

Window of Dumon Chocolatier

Assortment of chocolates

Restaurant Schoennemann

Address: Hauser Plads 16, Copenhagen 1127, Denmark

Phone: +45 33 12 07 85

Why we dined here: We wanted to try the best smørrebrød in Copenhagen. Restaurant Schoennemann kept on popping up in our Google searches.

In a Nutshell: Delicious smørrebrød, but too pricey for what you get!

The smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich) was in my Eat list when I visited Copenhagen and after some Googling, I stumbled upon Restaurant Schoennemann as the place to go for the best smørrebrød. So I called in a week in advance to make reservations. The restaurant itself has a cozy, old home ambiance but with fancy plates and silverware.

I cannot attest to whether Schoennemann does offer the best smørrebrød, since this was my one and only smørrebrød experience. However, they do offer a wide selection so there should at least be one type that will suit each person in your party. We enjoyed the smørrebrøds we ordered, at least while they lasted. The portion is small (by North American standards at least). It is not enough to qualify for a meal. The prices are steep, considering the amount of food you get. Also, despite how good the smørrebrød may be, it is still just a sandwich.

Greenland shrimps in pyramide

Simon's Favorite - smoked salmon with creamed spinach and poached egg

Linie Aquavit Herring

Manfred's & Vin

Address: Jaegersborggade 40, Copenhagen, Denmark

Phone: (+45) 3696 6593

Why we dined here: The chef and owner of Manfred's & Vin, Christian Puglisi, did internships at El Bulli (former World's Best #1 restaurant) and Noma (current World's Best #1 restaurant).

In a Nutshell: Well-executed food at reasonable price!

We came here with high expectations, well-aware that the chef/owner of Manfreds used to work at Noma. The menu is very limited, especially for non-veggie eaters. So all 3 people in our party ended up ordering the only meat dish that night which was pork belly. The pork belly was roasted perfectly - golden brown skin and well-marinated, juicy meat. The desert and cheese we ordered were good but plain. The price is actually quite reasonable for the amount and quality of food you get and considering the high cost of living in Denmark.

To sum up, Manfreds offers standard honest-to-goodness food at an affordable price. Nothing ground-breaking but still thoroughly enjoyable.

Beer

Roasted pork belly

Cheese and dessert