From fish and chips to gourmet meals, currywurst from a street cart in Berlin to fine dining with white linen – I’ve eaten it all. It’s part of my theory of exploring a new place – to explore its flavors, its hospitality, its creativity with cuisine.

As promised from my last post, here’s my top 5 most memorable meals of the last 2 1/2 years. If you have any suggestions about places I must try in the future, leave your comments below.

1. Vinaiolo. Munich, Germany: Sometimes, German food can get a little heavy. I like dumplings, and weinerschnitzel just as much as the next girl, but one snowy Sunday in Munich, I got a recommendation to check out the Italian restaurant Vinaiolo. The snow had turned to heavy rain as we approached the warm, welcoming door of the restaurant. We were greeted in Italian, German, and English as our coats were whisked away into a back closet. 

A casual ambiance was achieved with the glass case full of wine bottles and other Italian trinkets, but the white-linen and well-dressed servers kept the restaurant upscale. With the rain encouraging us to get comfortable, we opted for a five-course tasting menu that blew me away. Traditional Italian ingredients were reinvented in fresh ways, each dish looked beautiful on the plate, and from my table I could glance into the kitchen to see Marco whipping up his creations. Every once in a while a night out to eat becomes a memorable dining experience – every touch at Vinaiolo was engrained in my memory as authentic, personal, and nourishing.

2. Dax. Dublin, Ireland: Some readers may not believe how great the dining is in Dublin. From Peploe’s to the Winding Stair to Juniors to Aqua in Howth – there are plenty of restaurants that are tempting options. For me, the most tempting is a French restaurant called Dax.

Maybe it was the particularly low Wednesday I was having, or the spur-of-the-moment reservation I made at a restaurant I’d been dying to try – but everything about Dax impressed. The knowledgeable waiters made suggestions without being pushy. When it came to the wine, the waiter recommended a Rioja riserva at a more affordable rate than the bottle we had originally selected – promising it to be delicious. He was right about that.. as well as the seared scallops, duck breast with blood orange sauce, and chocolate souffle. To this day, when I’m having a bad day my restaurant dreams turn to Dax..

3. La Zucca. Venice, Italy: I know I’ve written about La Zucca before – but it needs to be mentioned again for this ‘Best Meals’ list. My first trip to Venice I walked by La Zucca for many nights, never making a reservation, or even sitting down for dessert because I was renting an apartment and each morning bought my fish fresh from the Rialto Fish Market.

But this past trip, I knew I wanted a table outside next to the canal at La Zucca. A symbol for Italy at its best – the dishes were simple, prepared with fresh ingredients, and unfussy. My appetizer was the simplest plate of linguini with a pomodoro sauce, a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese, and a sprinkling of herby pesto. It is possible the atmosphere made the dish taste just a little bit better, but it still was simplicity at its finest.

4. La Leyerda. Hotel Becquer, Sevilla, Spain: After a long drive fromthe coast of Andalucia to Sevilla, the last thing we wanted to do was look for a restaurant. Asking a local for a recommendation, we were pointed towards the tapas bar and coffee shop of Hotel Becquer. At first unremarkable from all the other nearby restaurants, we then noticed that La Leyerda was packed with local families lingering over a long lunch.

There was one table left and we sat down to enjoy one of the most memorable lunches of my life. Far beyond typical tapas of ham or meatballs, this tapas bar offered balanced dishes with delicate sauces and a wide variety of fish. We didn’t stay for dessert – but I regretted it immediately when I walked out and saw other guests digging into an ice cream sundae.

5. Le 1920. Chalet Mont du Arbois, Megeve, France: Read my last post for details on the spectacular meal I had at Le 1920, including unique tableside service, the perfect filet mignon, and my first experience with sea urchin.

The answer for me is not many. I could probably count on both hands the number of times I have been completely blown away by a restaurant experience. I’ve had many good meals, many great meals even – but the kind of meal that makes you say, ‘Remember the time when…’ or that inspires you to learn how to cook with a new ingredient (or make another reservation!) that’s the rarity.

Next time I’ll share my top 5 dining experiences and you can be sure I remember exactly what I ate. The truly unique experience is the one where you remember what you had for each course, and not just one standout dish. This was the case at Le 1920, the restaurant in Chalet du Mont d’Arbois in Megeve, France.

The setting was unfussy and a great place to unwind after a cold winter’s day. Chef Olivier Bardoux presented a focused menu – both of traditional French dishes and inventive twists. After discussing the menu with the delightful host, who helped us with French translations, we decided on a combination of tradition and fresh takes.

Once the cork was popped on a bottle of Chateau Clarke we settled in to our cozy booth to watch the theater of the evening take place. Servers were immaculately dressed, and so focused on their tasks that they didn’t seem to notice the beautiful snow falling outside the french doors. Our amuse-bouche for the evening was presented, a tartare of turbot, enlivened with fresh citrus flavors. After this bright start, I began to think this might be one of those meals I would remember in detail.

Moments before each course was presented, a bread basket was offered. From skinny, chewy twists of onion-flavored bread to small baguettes of walnut bread, there was a fresh-baked option to go with each course. Our appetizers were presented with a bit of flair, as an entire leg (hoof and all!) of ham was brought to the table to be sliced. Accompanied by a simple salad and a toasted baguette with tomato compote, this was a simple and elegant start to the meal.

I have a soft spot for scallops, and one of the only words in French I know is Saint Jacques. My scallops arrived perfectly seared, over a brioche, with something from the sea I didn’t recognize. After discussion amongst the staff, a translation emerged: tongue of sea urchin. It was fresh, salty, and flavorful all at the same time – a great complement to the scallops. A delicate dressing and sauce completed the dish – and was wiped clean with warm bread.

With the main course came more theater – the Sole Meunière was brought to the table and deboned by the server. My filet mignon with peppercorn sauce was perfectly cooked – and the potato gratin was an ideal level of creamy. After these dishes, I understood the Relais & Chateaux status of Le 1920 – everything was perfect from start to finish.

Of course in France, next comes the cheese cart. One of my favorite parts of the evening – the server who explained the cheese seemed to have a pure love of fromage. We sampled four or five cheeses, including a local one from the French Alps called Bleu de Termignon. This was the server’s favorite – and with the first bite I found out that the man knows his cheese. Unlike any other blue cheese I’ve tried, it was crumbly and flavorful without being too strong.

After this course, I couldn’t imagine having dessert – but a soufflé arrived nonetheless. Paired with a tangerine gelato, the dessert was somehow refreshing as well.

Whether a meal is an old favorite that is executed perfectly or something you’ve never tried before – it is difficult to make a lasting impression. I have a feeling five years from now I’m going to be saying.. ‘remember when that leg of ham was brought to table in the French Alps a few years back…?’

Have any favorite meals to share? A restaurant your fellow travelers must make time for? Leave your comments on the most impressive restaurants below.

I’ve never skied one day in my entire life. I’ve never tried it. I’ve never put the boots on, been on the bunny hill, took a lesson, NOTHING. But after spending 2 days in the French Alps, I finally understand the hype.

There was an appeal about Chalet du Mont d’Arbois that was effortless, comfortable, and unfussy. This five-star property got the details right: soft lighting in the bedrooms, cozy beds, luxury in the bathrooms. The effortlessness began in my room and continued throughout the lodge. The fire was always crackling, the couches seemed inviting, and there was always a cup of hot tea waiting for me.

These simple pleasures celebrated winter in a way I hadn’t previously experienced. I usually think of winter as the time to head to the Caribbean, and mountains as places to explore on foot in the cool summers. Instead of dreading winter, these lodges celebrate what the seasons offer, and set the stage for a memorable winter getaway.

After breakfast, we headed out in the storm to see the town of Megeve. A pedestrian boulevard is the core of the town, and as we began our stroll, fellow travelers were playfully tossing soft snowballs at one another. Blackboards outside cafes offered vin chaud (hot wine) and the shops were stocked with every type of boot, hat, and snow jacket you could imagine.

But although Megeve is a ski town, it is also in France. The gourmet shops are every foodies dream, and the cheeses, sausages, and herbs will lure you in if you try and walk by. Even if you swear not to buy anything, the vibrant jars of preserves, tarts, and chocolates will have you thinking: well maybe as a gift for someone back home…

The center of town is home to a 10 meter Swarovski Christmas tree. When I read this before arrival, I imagined an entire tree made of crystals. Not exactly as I envisioned, but still beautiful, was a real pine tree covered in Swarovski snow flakes – and no two were the same.

After a couple hours, the cold chased us inside to a cozy cafe where we got a table next to the heater by the window and sipped our hot wine. In the afternoon, we were ready to head back to the lodge – and the jacuzzi, lemongrass scented steam room, and spa that awaited us. A massage was the perfect ending to the day – and I began thinking how much better it would be if I’d spent the day on the slopes.

This weekend got me thinking I might try and get out on the bunny slopes some time soon – stay tuned to find out how my first lesson goes.

The rest of my day in Megéve, France was a strong contender, but this moment of first waking after a restful, quiet night’s sleep to a scene of pure winter beauty takes my vote for number 1. Perhaps it was the surprise of the snowfall that could barely be characterized as a ‘storm’, or maybe it was stepping out onto the balcony to get a better look on how the landscape had transformed over night – but this morning waking in Chalet du Mont d’Arbois reminded me just why lodges, mountain escapes, and winter sports are so appealing.

The first task was breakfast. Vacation takes on a pace that is so drastically different from daily life, that in this instance, preparing for it can be called a ‘task’. Although we were late for the 10am cut off point in the breakfast room, we were received warmly and steaming coffee and tea was brought to the table.

The French know how to do many things right – and for me, the evidence is in the bread. An entire table of homemade breads was the centerpiece of the buffet. Baguettes of every shape, size, color, and seed were artistically placed at the center of the table, and yet, if any one struck your fancy, all you had to do was place it on the cutting board for a taste.

Next came the cheese, the thinly sliced ham, the fruits, and my personal favorite – vanilla poached pears. A soft texture and hint of sweetness made this pear the perfect complement to my mostly savory breakfast. Or so I thought. Then came the bread basket to the table – featuring fresh made croissants, Pain au chocolat, and other sweet pastries. A place was found on the table for a beautiful tray featuring four types of preserves, and voilà, breakfast was served.

And yet, all of this stimuli couldn’t tear my eyes away from the scene beyond the wall of french doors: more lightly falling snow, heavy pine branches, and the town of Megéve in the distance. Maybe it was the paintings on the walls of a glamorous 1920s ski holiday, maybe it was the storm outside, or maybe it was just being days away from Christmas that gave this weekend in the mountains an almost magical appeal.

Our plan to hike the trail down to Megéve may have been postponed by the snow, but there was plenty to see and many more surprises that the Chalet had in store for us. While the storm had me envisioning a quiet afternoon by the fireplace, there was too much to see and do to stay put on Day 1. 

Check back for more details about my trip to Megéve and Chalet du Mont d’Arbois, including a 10 meter Swarovski Christmas tree, details of the mountain village, the spa specialties of the Chalet, and a gourmet dinner that puts many other restaurants to shame. 

** Call to Readers – Does anyone have a favorite ski resort in the Alps they think deserves editorial coverage? I might be planning another ski trip in the New Year, and suggestions are always welcome. Leave your comments below.***