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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Four most overcrowded places in Europe I won't return to - no matter how beautiful'
Europe can become incredibly busy during the peak holiday season and according to a travel expert, one of Italy's top attractions is among those that have become too overcrowded Europe's top holiday spots are becoming unbearably crowded during peak season, warns a travel expert, with Italy's most popular attractions among the worst offenders. World-renowned destinations like Barcelona have even hiked up their tourist taxes in an attempt to curb visitor numbers. Research by Holidu reveals that Dubrovnik takes the crown as the world's most overcrowded tourist hotspot, boasting 30 visitors for every local resident. But which other locations are bursting at the seams come summertime? Speaking previously to Sara Rodriguez, a seasoned traveller and blogger at Madrid Travelling, revealed four places she found overwhelmingly busy. Positano, Italy Considered a gem of southern Italy's Amalfi Coast, the picturesque landscape in Positano is nothing short of iconic. Colourful buildings are perched on cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean, giving Positano its name as the 'vertical village'. Despite its reputation as one of the most picturesque seaside villages on the coastline, Sara described the atmosphere as far too "hectic". She elaborated: "While undeniably beautiful with its colourful buildings and seaside views, the narrow streets were packed shoulder to shoulder with other sightseers." She added: "The atmosphere felt more hectic than idyllic, and prices were inflated for tourists. I left feeling like I never got to experience the real Positano beyond the chaotic surface." Paris, France The 'City of Love' is one of Europe's most sought-after destinations, but Sara is just one of many visitors who are left less than impressed by the iconic French city. She detailed: "The congested boulevards of Paris and the never-ending lineups at attractions like the Eiffel Towe r and Louvre strained my patience. I didn't really enjoy the atmosphere as much as I was waiting to take shots." TripAdvisor reviewers are in agreement, with one Louvre Museum visitor stating: "The art is crazy, but the queues are insane. Two hours to access the museum and then you can barely walk due to the quantity of tourists. They should regulate this." Excessive tourism has been widespread this year, with the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in the city. This occurs despite Paris City Hall's decision to triple the tourist tax by 200 per cent for 2024. The move was implemented to assist Île-de-France Mobilités, which oversees public transport, including the metro and bus services, in managing the increased passenger numbers anticipated for the international sporting spectacle. Mykonos, Greece The busy tourist period in Mykonos is generally from Greek Easter (April) to the end of October, with peak season from mid-July to late August. During this time, the island attracts visitors of all ages. Holidaymakers fork out top prices for accommodation on the picturesque Greek isle, which costs considerably more than neighbouring spots such as Syros. However, the masses prove disappointing, according to Sara. She explained: "When I finally went to the Greek island, I thought it would be a tranquil haven. Even while it was breathtakingly gorgeous, I felt that partygoers and inebriated vacationers overshadowed it. The restaurants were expensive and the beaches were noisy." Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam is renowned for its lively culture, fascinating heritage and stunning waterways, with the 17th-century canal network having developed into one of the most distinctive cityscapes globally. That said, its hordes of visitors make it incredibly busy considering the city is only an eighth of the size of London. In addition to overnight stays, Amsterdam welcomed 15.1 million day visitors last year, with approximately 60 percent of them coming from within the Netherlands, according to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Sara's own experience was marred by congested streets, claiming: "The city centre was overrun with rowdy bachelor parties riding bikes through crowded streets. The museums were packed, and reservations at restaurants were impossible to get."
Montreal Gazette
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
Drimonis: Montreal's cultural diversity a problem? Don't believe the lie
I found myself in Outremont recently lining up for Terraza Luz, a weekend-only back-alley taqueria pop-up owned by Mexican-born chef Juan Lopez Luna and sommelier Lindsay Brennan. It's tucked behind the couple's main restaurant, Alma, recently voted the best Mexican restaurant outside of Mexico by the prestigious Mexico Gastronomic Guide. Alma means soul in Spanish, and there's no doubt that there's plenty of it here. The establishment, nestled on a sleepy residential street in a quiet neighbourhood, offers traditional Mexican cuisine inspired by Quebec products. The focus on Catalan wines throws a little bit of Europe into the mix. This isn't a restaurant review, although having grown up in restaurants, I pay attention to almost everything when I dine out — from the greeting to the ambience, to the way food is plated, to the prices and the products, to how staff (chef included) interact. Of course, the food. But more often than not, the stories behind the food. What struck me that day as I patiently waited in line with my friend to nab a table on the tiny terrasse is how Montreal everything was. Not just Alma's inception — a foreign-born chef coming here after falling in love with a local gal and bringing along his culinary traditions and passions to share with us — but the easy coexistence of it all. Here we were, diners from all over lining up, speaking a multitude of languages, in a back alley of a neighbourhood largely populated by Orthodox Jewish families. On the main streets, little shy kids with Hasidic sidecurls and kippahs were playing in yards, bikes and toys scattered everywhere, while nearby, Lopez Luna was busy hand-pressing one corn tortilla after another. No one seemed to mind the weekend invasion of gentile diners coming for the non-kosher pork belly tacos. The easy mingling of cultures, languages and religions reminded me of how I celebrated Greek Easter in Park Ex this year, at a Greek Orthodox church my community affectionately refers to as 'Panagitsa' (Little Virgin Mary). While not at all religious, I love the traditions of Greek Easter. Especially the ceremonial lighting and sharing of the holy light, distributed by the priest, symbolizing connection and the vanquishing of death. While we gathered outside on St-Roch St. (at the same spot that hosts the Greek festival in August), from the corner of my eye I could see a group of Muslim men who had just left the nearby mosque. Dressed in their long-sleeved, ankle-length thawbs, they were hanging out at the corner talking, unbothered by our gathering. Any longtime resident of Park Ex has at one point witnessed (or heard) Greek Orthodox Easter mass. Across the street, giggling teenage girls dressed in bright yellow saris were lining up for ice cream. A lot of ink is spilled daily trying to convince Quebecers that Montreal's diversity is a constant source of tensions. That coexistence is untenable. That our plurality is a problem. That our city has been overtaken by foreigners unwilling to integrate and live together. It's a lie. A calculated choice to focus only on the problematic exceptions instead of the peaceful co-mingling in our daily lives. On Saturday mornings when I go out on long bike rides by the LaSalle—Verdun waterfront, I always cycle by outdoor tai chi, Zumba and karate classes, where Montrealers of all ages, colours, origins, languages and religions come together to dance, laugh, exercise and just coexist. Some will claim my attitude is naive, but I refuse to let ideologically motivated politicians and pundits — opportunistically seeking any flimsy excuse to divide us — convince me that this city's cultural diversity isn't precisely what makes it so special. Montreal is a marvel of coexistence, and we're so lucky to enjoy all its flavours.
Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Retro: 21 brilliant pictures of city restaurants and eating out in the late 1980s
Here is a selection of photographs drawn from the Evening News archives, showing just some of the restaurants that were popular places to dine out in the late 1980s. There are nostalgic shots of the Maybury Roadhouse, pictures from the launch of Tommy Miah's Curry Club at The Raj Indian restaurant in Leith and more. Scroll through and get a taste of what it was like going out for a meal in Edinburgh nearly four decades ago. 1 . Meteora, Cockburn Street Chef Michadis Mikroulis and owner Thynio Anglis celebrate Greek Easter with lamb, eggs, koftas and bottles of Retsina and Metaxa at the Meteora Greek restaurant in Cockburn Street Edinburgh, March 1988. | TSPL Photo: Hamish Campbell Photo Sales 2 . Maybury Roadhouse The exterior of the Maybury Roadhouse in Edinburgh, July 1988 | TSPL Photo: Denis Straughan Photo Sales 3 . Maybury Roadhouse bar and restaurant The foyer bar and the restaurant area at the Maybury Roadhouse in Edinburgh, July 1988 | TSPL Photo: Denis Straughan Photo Sales 4 . The Maybury Roadhouse ballroom The staircase and ballroom at the Maybury Roadhouse in Edinburgh, July 1988 | TSPL Photo: Denis Straughan Photo Sales Related topics: MemoriesNostalgia
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Easter In New York City: Last Minute Reservations
Spit-roasted lamb will be served at Estiatorio Milos for Greek Easter Forget to book Easter plans? Don't fret! Plenty of top restaurants still have space on Easter Sunday, April 20 for luxurious brunches, family feasts and more – no need to commit to a prix-fixe, there are plenty of excellent ala carte options at restaurants still offering reservations. Here's where to snag a spot this Easter in New York City. Head to france by way of Soho for Easter at the beloved French from acclaimed design studio Roman and Williams. Chef Partner Marie Aude-Rose is offering three specials for the holiday: a white asparagus salad with smoked cream, bottarga, clementine, and fresh herbs; duck and foie gras with puff pastry, duck jus, mustard and arugula salad; and a rhubarb sorbet with pink pepper French meringue, and elderflower whipped cream. Fresh flowers from Flora Field Studios will adorn every table for extra festive flare. Greek Easter is also this weekend, and both of Milos' Manhattna locations are celebrating. Milos Midtown will be open post-midnight Mass, on the evening of Saturday, April 19th, for a special dinner served until 2 a.m. A live band will play while guests enjoy a set menu ($150 per person) of traditional Easter dishes such as Magiritsa Soup; spring lamb with roasted potatoes; traditional Easter salad; and koulourakia with tsoureki and red egg. Ahead of the feast, the lamb will roast on a sidewalk spit starting at 4:30 p.m. Milos Midtown and Milos Hudson Yards will be open for Sunday Brunch, with ala carte menus and Easter specials. Join in the Italian tradition of celebrating family, friends, and the changing seasons through food in Nolita. Il Buco's $95 Easter prix fixe menu includes three courses with various options. To start, guests can choose from kingfish ceviche, an escarole heart salad, Tuscan black kale, huevos al horno, and frittata al funghi. For the main course, il Buco is offering a grilled filet of wild Long Island seabream, cast iron seared Rohan duck breast, and two house-made pastas: ravioli with fresh ricotta and wild ramp pesto, and campanelle with Hudson Valley lamb sausage. To finish,enjoy the chef's selection of Easter desserts. Get cool and casual this easter Williamsburg's beloved diner recently re-envisioned by Executive Chef Jackie Carnesi. From 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Easter Sunday, Kellogg's will be offering a number of holiday dishes, in addition to its diner classics. Specials will include braised lamb with pistachio mint salsa and buttery peas, cherry cola glazed ham with red pepper jelly and arugula salad, fried goat cheese and arugula salad, carrot cake, and mini strawberry rhubarb pies. Celebrate Easter with an à la carte menu featuring seasonal delights and exclusive holiday specials from Executive Chef Romain Paumier and Executive Pastry Chef Katalina Diaz Brunch specials include a black truffle croque monsieur, and French toast in addition to Foie Gras rhubarbe, and much more. Dig into seafood this Easter at Flex Mussels on the Upper East Side. In addition to the regular menu, Flex will serve a special burrata with wild arugula, Sicilian olives, croutons, and lemon vinaigrette. Another Easter special at flex, hyper-seasonal crispy soft shell crab served with celeriac slaw and dill remoulade.
CBC
16-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CBC
24 recipes for a magnificent Easter feast
If you're still finalizing your feast for this weekend, we've got a long list of recipes that would be welcome at an Easter table. Whether you're searching for something new to add to the mix, a different take on a family favourite, or another sweet for your dessert spread, we've got ideas! Instead of devilled eggs, consider Sohla El-Waylly's go-to — a devilled-egg dip. Or use fresh spring produce for Marcella DiLonardo's asparagus gratin or Dhivya Subramanian's asparagus, leek and chickpea salad. Jazz up your baked ham with a raspberry-chipotle glaze or, if ham isn't for you, we've got recipes for braised lamb, a lentil shepherd's pie and a lasagna that's an Italian pasta master's secret weapon. And we have traditional recipes for both Easter and Orthodox Easter — which fall on the same day this year — like hot cross buns and the Greek Easter soup magiritsa. For dessert, I highly recommend our classic carrot cake. I turn to it year after year and am always impressed with how well it turns out. My colleagues have heard me sing its praises many times, but it's a really good cake. Devilled egg dip Tzatziki Parker House rolls Greek Easter soup Herby egg salad Loubia bil zeit Lentil shepherd's pie Brined and roasted turkey with simple pan gravy Carrot cake with cream cheese icing Vegan tiramisu
