International Cuisine: Try a Country's Food on their National Holiday

I've found myself recently trying to find ways to incorporate more international flavors into my dining routine. And that's when I thought of trying to mix some good food with a little cultural learning. So it seemed so simple: put together a list of countries from around the world and include a national holiday they celebrate. I'd then try to sample some cuisine from some of these countries by keeping together a list by date. At that point, it seemed to make even more sense to just build out an entire calender on Google to share.

So here it is...

Here's a way to schedule some international food experiences. On a given countries national holiday, use it as an excuse to try a native recipe or head out to a restaurant featuring food from that nation. Below you will find a calender of different nations and their holidays.

To add this calender to your own calender, just follow the instructions from the Google icon at the bottom right corner of the calendar.




If anyone notices any holiday mistakes, please comment here.

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Sushi at Yuki in Buenos Aires

Sushi platter from Yuki, Buenos Aires

When it comes to finding good sushi in Buenos Aires, it's a nearly impossible quest. Sure, if you like salmon, cream cheese and the mystery white fish, then you're all set. But if you're looking for the mythical red tuna (Ahi), you're out of luck...because even if you find it on a menu, it's usually inferior quality.  So if you like a more traditional style of Japanese sushi, Buenos Aires has next to no options.

Except for Yuki.

Thanks to a review I read, I made it a priority to make sure I took a visit.I planned for months to goto Yuki but didn't get around to it until tonight. And it was well worth it.

They didn't have any fresh red tuna but were honest in saying that since it wasn't fresh, they wouldn't serve it. But even without it, the meal was superb.

In fact, when we told them "no queso crema" they explained how as a traditional sushi restaurant, they never use it anyways. Yes folks, in BA, most sushi has cream cheese...you have to ask to NOT have it when ordering.

Karaage from Yuki, Buenos Aires

Tamago, pulpo, rabas y tuna from Yuki, Buenos Aires

Green tea ice cream from Yuki, Buenos Aires

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Santiago, Chile in Food Photos

Upon returning to Argentina in July, it took only a few weeks before I had the travel bug again. The timing seemed perfect for a 10 day trip to Santiago to indulge in some of the high quality cuisine that is impossible to find in Buenos Aires. And that means seafood, seafood, seafood...and includes sushi. And German and French food in Buenos Aires is lacking while in Santiago, there are some great options.

So here's a photo recap of my July trip to Santiago...

Santiago

SURREAL:
Chicken in Pil-Pil sauce: Spicy, sizzling chicken in chili and garlic sauce from Surreal in Santiago, Chile.

SURREAL:
FryApalloza: version of fish and chips at Surreal in Santiago, Chile. Potato, sweet potato and yucca fries with fish.

SURREAL:
Sizzling shrimp al merken ( shrimp, garlic, olive oil) from Surreal, in Santiago, Chile.

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Patagonian scallops in a coconut saffron sauce with sautéed spinach at Aqui Esta Coco in Samtiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Corvina (sea bass) with pulpo (octopus), squid and mussels with potatoes from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
One of the tastiest dishes I've had to date: grilled swordfish with the skin removed, served on top of butter Patagonian potato mash mixed with corn, peas, carrots, in a black butter sauce from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Corvina with capers in a butter sauce with quinoa roma (basil, tomato) from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Chocolatey bomb: rich chocolate cake with liquor icing, with chocolate helado and toasted candied macadamia nuts. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Heaven: creamy coconut flan with whipped cream, candied Chilean hazelnuts and a sugary candied glass of pleasure from Aqui Esta Coco in Santiago, Chile. More athttp://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

AQUI ESTA COCO:
Chestnut creme brulee from Aqui Esta Coco, Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/07/seafood-from-aqui-de-coco-in-santiago.html

LE BISTROT:
Filet de boeuf (sauce roquefort ou poivre noir) Filet mignon with rice and a roquefort sheese sauce from Le Bistrot in Providencia, Santiago, Chile. The French restaurant is currently ranked #1 in all of Santiago on the Tripadvisor reviews. (Filete de vacuno, salsa roquefort /  Filete de vacuno, salsa roquefort). More athttp://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/le-bistrot-excellent-french-dining-in.html

LE BISTROT:
Beef burgundy with rice from Le Bistrot in Providencia, Santiago, Chile. The French restaurant is currently ranked #1 in all of Santiago on the Tripadvisor reviews. (Boeuf bourguignon Estofado de vacuno en vino tinto). More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/le-bistrot-excellent-french-dining-in.html

LE BISTROT:
Classic escargot and garlic from Le Bistrot, in Santiago, Chile, currently ranked #1 overall restaurant in Santiago on Tripadvisor. [Escargots à l’alsacienne Caracoles al alsaciana (lleva ajo)]. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/le-bistrot-excellent-french-dining-in.html

DE TAPAS Y COPAS:
Tapas from De Tapas y Copas in Bellavista, Santiago, Chile. Right to left: Pixto (chicken and beef in red wine sauce), Gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce), Salmon y Camembert. Check out their menu at http://www.detapasycopas.cl

DE TAPAS Y COPAS:
Tapas from De Tapas y Copas in Bellavista, Santiago, Chile. Photo is of "Tigres", 4 unidades de mejillones (choritos) apanados relienos con bechamel de jamon, huevo y los propios choritos. Check out their menu at http://www.detapasycopas.cl

LA HACIENDA:
Tortilla de Papas con Chorizo from La Hacienda Goucha in Santiago, Chile. Perfect blend of buttery soft potato chucks, egg, onion and spicy chorizo.

LA HACIENDA:
Mixto de Pulpo y Ostiones al Ajillo from La Hacienda Goucha in Santiago, Chile. Soft and tender octopus with oysters in a perfect sauce of roasted garlic, challots, olive oil and butter.

STARNBERG:
Pernil dorado with 2 bratwurst, spatzle, Starnberg sauce (mushroom  gravy) and a Kostritzer from Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Roast pork loin with mashed potatoes from Starnberg, German restaurant in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Pernil dorado (roast pork shoulder) with spatzle and a mushroom cream sauce from Starnberg, German restaurant in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
A Kostritzer from Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

STARNBERG:
Starnberg in Santiago, Chile. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/starnberg-german-food-in-santiago-chile.html

ZABO:
ahi sashimi from Zabo sushi in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Perfect ahi hand roll from Zabo sushi in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Sushi from Zoba Sushi in Santiago, Chile. Hundreds of vodka drinks on the menu and something you don't see on Argentinian menus: high quality ahi tuna. Menu athttp://www.zabo.cl

ZABO:
Perfect ahi hand roll from Zabo sushi in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Gotta love the culture of mixing your own drinks: vodka and cranberry juice from Zabo in Santiago, Chile

ZABO:
Gotta love the culture of mixing your own drinks: vodka and cranberry juice from Zabo in Santiago, Chile

NIU SUSHI:
Pulpo roll (shrimp, avacado, rice, chives wrapped in tasty octopus) from Niu Sushi, Santiago, Chile.

LA PICCOLA ITALIA:
Congrio del nonne from La Piccola Italia in Santiago, Chile. Conger eel in a white wine sauce with a side of creamy rissoto.

LA PICCOLA ITALIA
Dessert time at La Piccola Italia in Santiago, Chile

Mote con huesillo: dried peaches in sweet and cinnamon nectar with wheat.

Thin crust pepperoni and onion pizza from Pizza Aniz in Providencia, Santiago, Chile.

CAFE LITERARIO:
Hot Chocolate from Cafe Literario, Parque Bustamante in Santiago, Chile.

YAMA SUSHI:
Ramen from Yama Sushi in Santiago, Chile.

Fish market at Vega Central, Santiago, Chile

Southern BBQ Pulled Pork Empanada. More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/southern-bbq-pulled-pork-empanadas.html

Shepard's Pie Empanada, More at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/08/southern-bbq-pulled-pork-empanadas.html

Want to see more? Check out the Santiago Food Photos page on Picasa

Want to explore more? Try the FoodSherpas.com
Food Photo Map of Santiago

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Southern California in Food Photos

This is the 3rd part of the Food Photos series, covering my June trip to the United States. After covering San Francisco Food Photos, New York Food Photos, we're now onto Southern California.

I lived in Southern California for a good chunk of my life. But the photos shared only cover the items I enjoyed upon my June visit. The cities include Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange County and San Diego.

So without further ado...

Southern California

If you live in Seattle or are planning to visit, check out the Foodsherpas.com "Ate8" city guides on Foursquare and Foodspotting. It's 8 foods/restaurants to check in at and try some food!

LOS ANGELES FOURSQUARE FOOD LIST

LOS ANGELES FOODSPOTTING GUIDE

SASABUNE
Los Angeles
Albacore sashimi, the first dish in the Omakase special at Sushi Sasabune in Los Angeles, CA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/01/sushi-sasabune.html

ENTERPRISE SEAFOOD Co.
Santa Monica, CA
Lobster Bisque covered in Puff Pastry from Enterprise Seafood Co. in Santa Monica, CA. FoodSherpas.com review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/01/lobster-bisque-covered-in-puff-pastry.html

PHILLIPS II BBQ
Los Angeles, CA
BBQ ribs with beans from Phillips II in Los Angeles, CA

ROCK'N FISH
Manhattan Beach, CA
Navy grog from Rock n' Fish in Manhattan Beach, CA

ROCK'N FISH
Manhattan Beach, CA
Macademia nut encrusted mahi mahi with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables from from Rock n' Fish in Manhattan Beach, CA

JAY BEE'S HOUSE OF FINE BAR-B-QUE
Gardena, Los Angeles, CABBQ ribs and beans from Jay Bee's House Of Fine Bar-B-Que in Gardena, Los Angeles, CA

THE BOILING CRAB
Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
3 Lbs of crab legs and shrimp with sweet potato fries from the Boiling Crab in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA

THE BOILING CRAB
Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
The AFTERMATH of 3 Lbs of crab legs and shrimp with sweet potato fries from the Boiling Crab in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA

Frankie & Johnnies
Marina del Rey, CA
The rare GREAT NY style pizza in Los Angeles from Frankie & Johnnie's in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA

SANTA BARBARA FISHOUSE
Santa Barbara, CA
Bacon wrapped scallops and onion rings from Santa Barbara FisHouse,  Review on FoodSherpas.com at  http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

SANTA BARBARA FISHOUSE
Santa Barbara, CA
Huge New England clam chowder bowl with bacon from Santa Barbara FisHouse,  Review on FoodSherpas.com at  http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

SANTA BARBARA FISHOUSE
Santa Barbara, CA
Grilled lobster and onion rings from Santa Barbara FisHouse, part of their weekday $19.99 special. Review on FoodSherpas.com at  http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

NORTON'S PASTRAMI
Santa Barbara, CA
Much needed hunger relief after a days hiking in Santa Barbara, hot patrami from Nortons Pastrami in Santa Barbara, CA

ENTERPRISE SEAFOOD Co.
Santa Barbara, CA
Lobster bisque topped with puff pastry (front) and seared ahi with caramelized onions, eggplant and red peppers (back) from Enterprise Fish Co. in Santa Barbara. Review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

ENTERPRISE SEAFOOD Co.
Santa Barbara, CA
Lobster bisque topped with puff pastry (front) and seared ahi with caramelized onions, eggplant and red peppers (back) from Enterprise Fish Co. in Santa Barbara. Review at http://www.foodsherpas.com/2011/06/santa-barbara-fishouse.html

MARKET BROILER
Orange, CA
Tasty crab cakes and a corn salad from Market Broiler in Orange, CA.

MARKET BROILER
Orange, CA
Mesquite grilled halibut with crispy coconut shrimp with a pina colada sauce with rice and steamed vegetables from Market Brolier in Orange, CA.

TAPENADE
La Jolla, San Diego, CA
Fantastic French tapas from Tapenade in La Jolla, CA, including a perfect Coq au vin

Want more? Check out the Southern California Food Photos on Picasa

Want to explore more? Try the FoodSherpas.com
Food Photo Map of Southern California

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