Traveling and visiting different cities and countries is not all about beautiful place and breathtaking views. Food and fashion are also a few that invite tourists in visiting a certain place.

When you are in Valencia, you surely will be invited with the numerous rice meals that they have. Paella, where Valencia is most known of and where the said dish originates, is a dish made of simmered rice with some seafood or meat in it. You can easily get a chance of tasting this Valencian traditional food in many of the valencia restaurants.

If you enjoyed the Valencia rice dishes, you definitely enjoy a good twist if you visit Vienna. The most known food in vienna is not made of rice but mainly of meat like beef, pork, and other animal protein. The most common food that you can see in majority of the restaurants in Vienna is the Wiener Schnitzel, a delectable food made of pounded meat, coated with flour, bread crumbs and egg and then fried. Other than meats, Vienna also produces delicious cakes and desserts, which will surely complete your fine dining experience while in this beautiful city of Austria.

After a good taste of foods, you surely are in the good mood for shopping. If you are in Spain, the Valencia Fashion will surely urge you to spend a bit more for your clothing. The city loves fashion and the numerous international brand shops that can be found around the city will prove it all.

My dear hubby's niece is planning to go to Europe for a month vacation. In fact, she's currently busy looking for a place to stay while over there. It's good thing I found coolcapitals.com. I will let her know about this cool website. I'm sure she's going to like it.

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Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 tablespoons light olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 whole salmon or 6 ounce fillets

Directions:
1. In a medium glass bowl, prepare marinade by mixing garlic, light olive oil, basil, salt, pepper, lemon juice and parsley.
2. Place salmon fillets in a medium glass baking dish, and cover with the marinade.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator about 1 hour, turning occasionally.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. Place salmon in aluminum foil, cover with marinade, and seal.
6. Place sealed salmon in the glass dish, and bake 35 to 45 minutes, until easily flaked with a fork.

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Tinolang Manok (Chicken Stew) is one of my favorite Filipino dish. It's affordable, yummy and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken, cut into serving pieces
or any choice cuts of your liking like thighs, drumsticks or wings)
1 thumb-sized fresh ginger root, cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp. patis (fish sauce)
salt, to taste
4 to 5 cups water (or rice water – 2nd washing)
2 to 3 sayote (chayote squash), quartered (or green, unripe papaya or potatoes)
1 cup sili (chili) leaves or malunggay or substitute 1/2 lb. spinach
vegetable oil.

Directions:
1, In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add onions, stir-fry until softened and translucent.

2. Add chicken cuts. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until chicken colors slightly. Season with patis and salt.

3. Pour in water (or rice water, if using). Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until chicken is half-done. Add in chayote (or papaya or potatoes, if using). Continue simmering until chicken and vegetable are tender. Correct seasonings and then add sili leaves or malunggay or substitute. Stir to combine until well blended. Remove from heat.

4. Let stand for a few minutes to cook the green vegetables. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot.

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