Travel Tip #22 - When you're looking for a restaurant, try something unique

     When we go on vacation, we try not to eat at the same places all the time. McDonalds? Taco Bell? Been there, done that. Instead, we try to find something unique that fits within our price range.
    When we were planning a trip to Philadelphia, we heard about the City Tavern. It was a little pricey, but when we heard that it was a favorite hangout for the delegates from the Continental Congress, our interest was peaked. When we found out that the tavern uses authentic 18th-century recipes, and that the ambiance of that period has been recreated - down to the style of cutlery and the dress of the waiters, we put it on our A-list itinerary.
     Sometimes, when you look forward to something, your high expectations create disappointment when they aren't met. That was not the case with the City Tavern. The food was absolutely exquisite. The ambiance was cozy and friendly. I ordered the rabbit - something I don't think I'd ever eaten. It was savory and unique. I guess you can say that it didn't "taste like chicken," and I mean that as a compliment.
      When we are in an area known for a specialty, we try that: lobster and clam chowder in Boston, Philly cheese-steaks in Philadelphia, BBQ in Texas, mofongo in Puerto Rico, and NY style pizza in New York. Other fun places we've eaten are: the Aquarium Restaurant on the Kemah Boardwalk, the Lone Star Restaurant on the Riverwalk, the Mount Vernon Inn, Planet Hollywood in NYC, Juniors Diner in Brooklyn, Nathan's Hot Dogs in Coney Island, the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, the Oceanarium in Honolulu, the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Vermont, and donuts baked at 14,000 feet on Pike's Peak.
     Obviously, you can't splurge every time you go out to eat, and we've had our fair share of fast food on our trips. But since you have to eat anyway, you might as well make it something memorable. Just make sure that the menu has some kid-friendly options if you have young (or particularly finicky) children. So next time you are visiting somewhere new, keep your eye out for something unique. It may end up being one of the highlights of your trip.