Although I'm not a "foodie" or someone who's travel experience is determined by the meals they consume, eating is a big part of traveling.
There's no way to get around the fact that food is a big deal when it comes to traveling. For some, it is the main reason to travel. For others, it is purely nourishment on the road to some adventure. I fall somewhere between those extremes, but am hopelessly horrible at choosing restaurants.
On a recent trip to Rome, my friend and I had the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of dining experiences. It's Italy, I thought, how hard could it possibly be to find a good meal? Give us some pasta and a pizza and we'll be fine.
Looking back on the Roman Holiday, however, I realized that this is fairly typical of my vacations. While traveling throughout Western Europe, Australia and North America, my culinary adventures have always been hit and miss. Now, I'd venture to say that it was easier in the U.S., Australia and U.K., if only for the fact that I could actually read the menus and didn't make the mistake of ordering raw hamburger topped with a raw egg (there's a Parisian dining experience I won't soon forget).
I discussed the situation with my well-traveled Aunt, who suggested scoping out dining establishments - especially the actual food on the tables - in advance of hunger. She also said she's had good luck by using suggestions from guidebooks, although my experience has been that the guidebooks are generally for that one special meal that's going to cost you and not for every day lunches. Finally, she said she's found good places by asking at her hotel. My friend and I tried this one, but the place suggested was actually closed.
So, any other suggestions?
