A Review of Manakish Oven & Grill in Walnut Creek

Manakish Oven & Grill is a Mediterranean restaurant located in the heart of Walnut Creek. It keeps the light shining like a beacon of excellence for Mediterranean cuisine, serving everything from traditional dishes to modern reimaginings of old favorites, ensuring that there is something to please truly diverse palates. This restaurant is beginning to serve as a neighborhood cornerstone, serving food to customers from Pleasure Hill, Concord, and Danville who are eager to experience the great foods and friendly service associated with Manakish Oven & Grill.

The art of the menu is the combination of tradition and innovation. The restaurant is home to well-prepared classics like Za’atar and Lahme Bajin and creations such as Chicken Shawarma Manakish on a base of hummus. How they prepare and make every dish is executed with keen precision and meticulous detail, making the result full of flavor and authenticity.

Fatteh Bowls are also popular creations from Manakish Oven & Grill. These bowls come with your choice of shawarma or falafel on top of fragrant rice, crispy lettuce, refreshing cucumber-tomato salad, creamy hummus, pickles, and garlic or tahini sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Kebab lovers will not miss out; the best Mediterranean live-grilled meats are part of the restaurant’s selection of meals. Chicken, kefta, lamb—whatever kebab you choose, the meat will be tender, juicy, and oozing with taste.

Apart from tradition and quality, the taste of their food also leaps further into excellence and freshness. The restaurant has a strict no-freezer policy and works to make sure the materials used are fresh and delicious. Hence every plate that comes out is made out of the freshest and finest ingredients the restaurant can procure. The dough is made fresh daily. Manakish Oven & Grill is beyond just another restaurant; it’s a new way to experience the Mediterranean culinary tradition with every bite that fills your stomach. Whether you’re a lifetime devotee of Mediterranean cuisine or just looking for Mediterranean food in Milpitas, CA, drop by Manakish Oven & Grill to warm your heart and impress your taste buds. Also, ask about catering for Middle Eastern food in Concord, CA and surrounding areas.

Global Gastronomy Unveiled: Cody Moxam’s 5 Tips for Food Lovers on the Go

In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, the realm of gastronomy has expanded beyond borders, offering food lovers a chance to explore a diverse array of cuisines from around the globe. For those with an insatiable appetite for culinary adventures, Cody Moxam, a budding artist in the fields of dance and poetry, renowned globetrotter, and food enthusiast, has shared his five invaluable tips for fellow food lovers on the go.

Embrace Local Cuisine

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling is the opportunity to savor the unique flavors of a region. Cody Moxam advises food lovers to set aside preconceptions and embrace local cuisine. When in a new destination, be it the bustling streets of Bangkok or the romantic cafes of Paris, venture beyond your comfort zone. Experiment with dishes that may seem unfamiliar at first but hold the potential to redefine your gastronomic experience. By trying local delicacies, you not only expand your palate but also gain a deeper understanding of the culture you’re immersing yourself in.

Seek Authenticity

In an age where globalization has given rise to the replication of popular dishes across the world, it can be a challenge to find authenticity. Cody Moxam suggests seeking out local markets, street vendors, and family-run restaurants. These hidden gems often offer a more genuine and unadulterated taste of a region’s culinary heritage. The flavors, techniques, and ingredients in these places can be both enlightening and truly unforgettable.

Engage with Locals

Food is a universal language that transcends borders. Cody Moxam underscores the importance of engaging with locals to gain a deeper appreciation of their culinary traditions. Strike up conversations with chefs, vendors, and fellow diners. Their insights, recommendations, and stories can add a unique dimension to your dining experience. Moreover, connecting with the people behind the dishes can foster meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.

Prioritize Hygiene and Safety

While the allure of street food and hole-in-the-wall eateries is undeniable, it is crucial to prioritize hygiene and safety. Cody Moxam suggests exercising caution when choosing where to dine. Look for establishments that adhere to local health standards and display cleanliness. Additionally, ensure that the food you consume is cooked thoroughly to avoid any unwelcome surprises during your journey.

Document Your Culinary Adventures

To make your gastronomic journey memorable, Cody Moxam advises documenting your culinary adventures. Whether through a travel journal, photographs, or a dedicated food blog, capturing the essence of the flavors you encounter can help you relive your experiences and share them with others. It’s a way to preserve the magic of your foodie travels and inspire fellow food lovers.

Cody Moxam’s five tips for food lovers on the go encapsulate the essence of global gastronomy. By embracing local flavors, seeking authenticity, engaging with locals, prioritizing hygiene and safety, and documenting your culinary adventures, you can embark on a culinary journey that transcends borders. So, pack your bags, prepare your taste buds, and set off on a delightful adventure around the world, one dish at a time.

What Else to Do Near the Grand Canyon

This article was written by Phin Upham.

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s largest gorges, but there is more to the experience than just the views. There are historic stories to discover, and artifacts from the natives to see. If you’re taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, try exploring these lesser known sights for a different experience.

Cabins

There are several nature cabins around the area that put you in the middle of the wilderness. Book a room close to the historic district for an educational Grand Canyon adventure. There are plenty of historic structures for visitors to explore, and a railway station that takes tourists through town.

Ride the Rim

A mule or a bicycle can be your transport through and around the canyon. The rim stretches for 277 miles, but riding many of the trails along the rim will give you a great view of the canyon and surrounding mountains. Beware that the bike ride is arduous, but the burro ride is a bit more relaxing.

Shop

The historic village is one place to shop for Grand Canyon souvenirs, but there are easy transports in and out of surrounding cities. Try the El Tovar restaurant for a midday meal, and then walk the Bright Angel Trail to wind down after a day of commerce.

Hike

There are plenty of hikes through the canyon that offer some unique views of the region. The Tusayan ruins will paint a picture of early life for native Americans near the canyon, but some of the best hiking can be found in the Eastern side of the canyon. Try looking west from Grandview point and you’ll see the “Duck in the Rocks.”

Phin Upham Travel : Grand Canyon.

Phin Upham Travel : Grand Canyon by dm_52022698b459b

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About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website

San Juan, Puerto Rico a Great Travel Destination

Article by Robert Petrossian of Travel E Zone

San Juan, Puerto Rico is a great travel destination. It offers centuries of history, dating back to the island’s discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and the massive 16th-century Spanish forts overlooking the sea. The Old San Juan has great old architecture, many great restaurants shopping offerings. The National Rainforest of San Juan is an amazing place to visit. There are also numerous historical places to visit such as the El Morro.

I visited San Juan recently with my family as part of a cruise and was there only for a day. I think it was a bit too short, so probably a 2-3 day visit would have been better to visit most scenarios and tourist attractions in San Juan. We took a 5-hour day tour that took us through parts of the city, the National Rainforest and the El Moro.

The National Rainforest itself has a lot to offer, with its beautiful exotic trees, birds and water falls. This alone probably needs a full day to enjoy. The main water fall that we visited on the side of the road was full of tourists and did not offer good picture opportunities. I would suggest for anyone visiting San Juan National Forest, to rent a car and try to visit the water fall in early morning hours were there would be less tourists. Be advised that in some parts of the rainforest it rains everyday, so dress appropriately or bring an umbrella.

El Morro, AKA Fort San Felipe del Morro, or Morro Castle is a 16th-century citadel located on the ocean front of San Juan on the most Northwestern point. Named in honor of King Philip II of Spain, the fort was designed to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay, and defend the city of Old San Juan from seaborne enemies. The structure which started in 1595 has very tick walls probably around 6-10 feet to protect it against enemies. It took many years to built and over next 400 years has had many additions.

Finally the Old San Juan is a beautiful place to visit. You can walk from one end of Old San Juan to the other in about 15 minutes, passing buildings in every pastel hue imaginable.  Many balconies have vines. Trees have vibrant colors and you can see the turquoise sea from some places. Make your way to Calle Tetuan and you’ll see a house reputed to be among the world’s narrowest at about 5 feet wide.

The shopping ares offer many brand name shops such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, but also many mom and pop souvenir and gift shops.  The restaurants are plenty and sea food is recommended, being on island were you can get fresh sea food.  A good  recommendation is Toro Salao, 367 Calle Tetuan, a Spanish-Puerto Rican fusion restaurant with (rare) outdoor seating on a plaza at the southern edge of the old city.

There is a good French restaurant called Trois Cent Onze. There is  a waterfront restaurant near e southern entrance to the old city called Melao, which is also a good choice, with outdoor seating.  Verde Mesa, 216 Calle Tetuan, a tiny vegetarian restaurant, only serves lunch but is known for fantastic fruit shakes .

Puerto Rico, being a US Commonwealth, uses  US Dollar as currency and you can visit with a US Passport, without a Visa.