Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 108

Good Eats: Lombardi's, NYC

America's very first pizzeria—it's been here since 1905--is a warren of atmospheric rooms filled with tables topped with red-and-white-check tablecloths. The pizza is smoky-flavored, has an ultra thin-crust crust, and is made in a 100-year-old coal-fired brick oven. Meat-lovers like the meatball pizza, and many consider it superior to the pepperoni. Vegetarians are fond of a simple version topped with the house's tasty uncooked tomato sauce, freshly torn basil, and pools of fresh unsalted moz...

Sights to See: Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Built about 600 years ago, the huge chedi here gave the temple its name. In its day, when for a short time it was home to the most important object in Thailand--the Emerald Buddha now in Bangkok--it must have been the most impressive temple in Chiang Mai. Its unusual Monk Chat program lets you have a chin-wag with a real monk.



Wat Chedi Luang  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Chedi_Luang 



image c2010 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: elephants, Lampang, Thailand

This government-sponsored elephant center was founded to address the issues facing Thailand's elephants and to preserve local traditions for future generations. The elephants are well cared for, and all profits go directly to the support of the elephants. See elephant poop processed into paper (and a wide variety of souvenirs), www.elephantdungpaper.com; an elephant hospital, www.elephanthospital.com/index.php (sadly, I saw an adult elephant with sunburn and a baby in a suspended sling with a...

Sights to See: umbrella making, Borsang Village, Sankamphaeng, Thailand

In this covered outdoor pavilion, busy workers put together paper umbrellas. You'll see frame-making, paper-making from the bark of mulberry trees, the covering of umbrella frames with paper or cotton or silk, and hand-painting. In between, workers will paint permanent works of art on your camera case, hat, or jeans. A huge gift shop adjoins.

Umbrella Making Centre 111/2 Moo 3 Borsang Village, Sankamphaeng, +6653 338324; http://www.handmade-umbrella.com/.

image c2010 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodle Inc., NYC

In this very small venue, a small window in a swinging door permits viewing the noodle-slapping and -pulling process taking place in the kitchen. Choose from soups or fried dishes, each with a choice of seven styles of noodle—including common thin noodles, fat noodles, and chewy knife-peeled noodles. A delicious hot sauce is on the table, and fresh cilantro is provided upon request. Jasmine tea and water are complimentary.
Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodle Inc. 1 Doyers St., Chinatown, 212-791-1817. L-...

Travel Videos: Where in Heaven is Mozart?

This family is documenting their little Mozart's trip around the world. The trip started when she was 5 and continues open-ended. She started playing the violin at 23 months!

Sights to See: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

This gargantuan centre offers shopping, dining, and entertainment galore. It is home to 472 international brands and more than 60 unique outlets. Entertainment includes the amazing Ski Dubai, a Magic Planet family entertainment area, a 14-screen multiplex cinema, a 500-seat community theatre and arts centre, and 75 restaurants. A five-star Kempinski Hotel adjoins.

The indoor ski resort known as Ski Dubai offers an amazing snow setting where people can ski, snowboard, and toboggan. It has a 25-...

Sights to See: Bastakiya, Dubai

This restored historic neighborhood of meandering lanes, traditional Gulf houses, and ornate wind towers (old time air conditioners) that are characteristic of early Dubai also has a a few restaurants, shops, museums, and art galleries.

Bastakiya http://www.dubaitourism.ae . Daily 9-8. Free.

video c2010 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: Caffe Reggio, NYC

Opened in 1927, this is America's first cafe. And the very first American cappucino was made here—the 1902 machine is on display. Nowadays you can get the usual coffee house drinks as well as a personal favorite—an Italian frappe monte-rosa (cherry iced frappe)—made better yet with an additional shot of chocolate, and also salads, sandwiches, shakes, and sweets. The vintage 1950s bohemian movie starring Shelly Winters, Next Stop, Greenwich Village, filmed many scenes here.

Caffe Reggio 119 Mac...

Good Eats: Alleva Dairy, NYC

Here since 1892, this is the oldest Italian cheese store in the U.S. Try the ricotta, and the delicious salt-free mozzarella that is made fresh daily. The deli section makes sandwiches to order as well as golf ball-size rice balls stuffed with peas and bits of meat that are perfect for a walk-away treat.
Alleva Dairy 188 Grand St./Mulberry St., 800-4-ALLEVA, 212-226-7990; http://www.allevadairy.com/. M-Sat 9-6, Sun 9-3.

image c2010 Carole Terwilliger Meyers