WHAT'LL YA HAVE! - THE VARSITY THEN & NOW

Welcome to the worlds largest Drive-in. The Varsity, Atlanta can accommodate 600 cars and over 800 people inside. The original Varsity was opened in 1928 by a man named Frank Gordy. Through his dedication to freshness, superior quality, advanced technology and serving the best food fast, he gained a reputation that is known worldwide. Through Frank Gordy's determination, the original Varsity has grown into a two-story "Lunching Pad". The Varsity has become an Atlanta institution. Two miles of hot dogs, a ton of onions, 2500 pounds of potatoes, 5000 fried pies and 300 gallons of chili are made from scratch daily. I enjoyed my Cheese Dog with fried Onion Rings. Whenever you are in the city of Coca Cola & CNN it's a must to pay a visit to this American Icon. (Historical pics via Coca Cola & color pics are mine)

THE BUTCHER - IT'S BLOODY DELICIOUS!

Right in the heart of Holland’s most famous market: the Albert Cuypstraat in Amsterdam. The happening scene of young urbans in ‘De Pijp’ as the perfect setting for this new concept. A Stylish burger bar serving top-quality burgers, prepared on the spot using only the freshest ingredients without losing perspective of good value for money. The relaxed atmosphere of The Butcher and the professional service level make for the ideal trendy yet relaxed meal out.

‘The Butcher’, the name says it all. The chefs choose to work only with the best quality meat: Aberdeen Angus beef thus committing to creating the ultimate burger. From the choice of meat, to the selection of herbs, the freshest vegetables, the magic signature sauces, right down to the homemade bun, The Butcher stands for quality, quality and more quality.

Attention to detail at all levels, from presentation of menus to food wrappings, napkins and more gives The Butcher a distinctive tone of voice and standout appearance in Amsterdam.

It’s bloody delicious!

CHAD IN THE BIG APPLE - DAY 3

New York in the early morning

J.Crew liquor Store

An original Diner - Square Diner

Soho

GQ & Nordstrom's Pop Up Store

Schoolhouse Electric

Hudson Street - Thom Browne @ nbr 100

Jack Spade & Barbour

Jack Spade Store @ Greene Street

Onassis Store @ Greene Street

Burger Joint @ Parker Meridian Hotel

J.Crew Store on Madison - The Vault

Nike Town NFL Display

P.J. Clarke's -  great steaks

Time Square @ night

Today I made a lot of miles by foot and that's exactly what I feel right now - my feet hurts and are full of blisters, but what the hack. It was a great day, beautiful weather and great food.  Breakfast at Square Diner homemade eggs benedict, yammie. And what about lunch at The Burger Joint, a "restaurant" tucked away in the Parker Meridian Hotel, the best hamburger in town!! Last but not least P.J. Clarke's here I enjoyed a great steak with sweat potato fries. Not only the restaurants, but also the stores I saw were great today. Too much to tell, one in particular was the Jack Spade in Greene Street, they had their collaboration with Barbour on display. Great jackets and beautiful bags in the waxed cloth we are used to from Barbour. Another store I liked was the Onassis Store also on Greene Street, great display and nice people in the store. Overwhelming was the entrance @ Nike Town all those football players and a mega USA flag made of baseball balls.

RESTAURANT TIP - TRATTORIAN

Italy came a little closer to Stockholm with the recently opened restaurant Trattorian. We enjoyed a great Italian diner with nice wines. It ain't just the food and the wines that brings you in an Italian mood also the whole interior, the large tables gives you the idea to be invited for diner by an Italian family.

CHAD IN VANCOUVER, BC - RAIN CITY

Vancouver, Canada...Poeh what can I tell you about the city of Vancouver? It's named after a Dutch family called Van Coevorden. It's also called Rain City, and the birth place of Brian Adams. My first impression wasn't the best I guess, I arrived late in the evening and the streets (E. Hasting) was packed with homeless people and that gave me a little strange feeling. The next morning, when I hit the streets it was raining cats and dogs, so also that didn't do any good to the city, but.......I found some gems. Walking into the Old Faithful Shop on Cordova Street made me smile again, beautiful products from the Hill-Side and bags from MAKR and Souhtern Fields, special tea from Bellocq etc. all packed in a great atmosphere. I love the canoe hanging from the ceiling. Next stop in Gastown was Inventory Stockroom on Powell Street. Which started some years ago as a web shop. As the rooms of the apartment soon became too small to stock the merchandise, they decided to open a store as well. You might know them from the magazine called Inventory. All this makes you hungry.....waiting in line to order the Sandwich Special of the day at Meat & Bread isn't a punishment, the sandwiches are great! A little away from Gastown on East Broadway you can find a store called Mr. Lee General Store. In a decor of antique props like a frame of a canoe, a Marlin, stuffed animals etc. you find not just clothes, but also coffee, magazines, bow ties, Pendleton blankets etc. When you plan a trip to Rain City be sure to bring some wellies and a rain jacket.

THE AMERICAN DINER

Empire Diner - New York, NY

11th Street Diner - Miami Beach, FL

Nifty Fifties Diner - Port Thownsend, WA

Rock & Roll Diner - Oceano, CA

Sally's Diner - Erie, PA

Scotty's Diner - Fort Worth, TX

101 Cafe - Oceanside, CA

Circle Diner - Latham, NY

Square Diner, New York, NY

Palace Diner - Hauppauge, NY

Denny's Classic Diner - Cortez, Co.

Americans love to eat and nothing could be finer than eating breakfast, lunch or dinner in an American Diner. On my travels to various parts of the States I love to have breakfast in one of those oldies myself as well. The first diner was created in 1872 by a man named Walter Scott, he sold food out of a horse-pulled wagon. The first manufactured lunch wagons with seating, appeared throughout the North eastern US in the late 19th century. As the number of seats increased, wagons gave way to pre-fabricated buildings in the heyday of the diners in the 1950s. We all know those streamlined buildings. The typical American diner serves mainly fried or grilled food, like fried eggs, bacon, hamburger, hash browns, waffles, pancakes etc. The food is usually quite inexpensive and cooked to order. I'm looking forward to next week when I will travel through the Rockies and hopefully can visited one or two of those All American Classics. (above you find some pics from my previous travels)