Stary Dom: Warsaw wins over the heart with hearty comfort food

While Krakow is known as the gem of Poland’s tourist industry, with its beautiful old town spared from the ravages of World War II (and The Culinary Diplomat certainly loved it – see below for links), Warsaw is its underappreciated capital – and it has a lively international food scene befitting of any European capital….

Mykonos: Know Before You Go

Mykonos. The Greek isle has quite the reputation as a luxury party destination. Does it live up to the hype? The island can offer a wide range of experiences, depending on your preferences.  Looking to party like European royalty? Mykonos has you covered. Relaxation or a romantic retreat? Check. An action-packed LGBT-friendly getaway? Check. Looking…

An introduction to the cuisine of the. Greek Cyclades, Part 2: The dishes

The second in a series featuring Greek cuisine and the restaurants of Mykonos. Two posts ago, we set the stage for a Greek drama: The wonderful cuisine of Greece. We discovered the raw ingredients that comprise some of Greece’s beloved dishes; today, we will explore the dishes themselves. Some are so beloved they have been…

The Christmas Markets of Europe: Munich and Madrid

Peruse the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of Europe’s great societal treasures – the Christmas markets. Many of you may have grieved along with Berliners as they mourned the tragic vehicle attack on one of Berlin’s Christmas market on 19 December 2016. I grieve with Berlin, Aleppo, Zurich, Yemen, and countless other cities across…

An introduction to the cuisine of the Greek Cyclades, Part 1

Sure, you’ve tried a few specialties at your local Greek restaurant and watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding (both of them!). But what is Greek cuisine? Join me on a the first in a series marking a culinary tour of Mykonos (Mikonos), one of the Cycladic Islands.  In the next few weeks, I’ll profile some…

Honoring France with Boeuf Bourguignon

This post is a dedication to the people of France, Lebanon, and Iraq in the wake of the tragic attacks of November 13, 2015. Lest Beirut and Baghdad’s losses be dwarfed, the CD will post future Lebanese and Iraqi recipes; stay tuned! May we all stand firm against hate and fear. May we all show…

Alpine hospitality in Tirol, Austria

Step back with me to another late August day a few years ago as I share the great experience that is small-town hospitality deep in the Austrian Alps of Tirol, Austria. My friends and I were fortunate enough to see through locals’ eyes the flavors of Austria – hearty pork, Alpine cheese, wine, and homemade…