Author: Manan Kashyap

Posted on by — Leave a comment

New York’s Best Breakfast Places

From the classic cream cheese bagels to modern avocado toast and artisanal pastries – breakfast in New York City is an experience. The city is known for its diverse and delicious food options, and breakfast is no exception. We’ve together a list of the most loved New York breakfast places & their absolute must-haves. Let’s dig in.

1. Russ & Daughters

Russ & Daughters New York Breakfast Place

Russ & Daughters is a century-old Jewish deli located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It is famous for its traditional Jewish delicacies such as Babka, Rugelach, Latkes, and Matzo Ball soup. The deli is often crowded and has a lively atmosphere, with locals and tourists alike clamoring for a taste of its delicious food. Russ & Daughters is an institution in New York City. It has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and books. It has been recognized as one of NYC’s most iconic food destinations.

The team of Russ & Daughter's standing at the counter

Must have at Russ & Daughters

The bagels and lox here are among the best in the city. The bagels are hand-rolled and boiled, giving them a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. They are then topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and other toppings such as onions, capers, and tomatoes.

2. Sarabeth’s

Sarabeth’s is a beloved breakfast spot with multiple locations throughout New York City. It was founded by Sarabeth Levine, a self-taught baker who began selling her baked goods at a market in Upper Manhattan in the 1980s.

Sarabeth's New York Breakfast Place front door

Her business grew rapidly, and she eventually opened her first restaurant on the Upper West Side in 1983.

Today, Sarabeth’s is a New York institution, beloved by locals and tourists alike for its classic American breakfast dishes and baked goods. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious breakfast dishes, including fluffy pancakes, French toast, and a variety of egg dishes.

Must have at Sarabeth’s

Sarabeth’s Legendary Sour Cream Pancakes are light, fluffy, and tangy. Served with signature preserves and fresh whipped butter, making for a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Another must have is their signature ‘Morning Sunshine’ cocktail, made with vodka, orange juice, and a splash of raspberry liqueur. It’s a refreshing way to start your day! 

3. Clinton Street Baking Co.

Inside the Clinton Street Baking Company

Clinton Street Baking Company is a popular bakery and restaurant in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It was founded by husband-and-wife team Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman in 2001.

They began by selling baked goods at the local farmer’s market before opening their first brick-and-mortar location in 2004.The restaurant is best known for its brunch menu, which features classic American dishes.

Must have at Cinton St. Baking Co.

Pancakes with fresh blueberries and preserve served at Clinton St. Baking Company New York

The Blueberry pancakes are made using a secret recipe that includes ricotta cheese, which gives them a fluffy texture and a slightly tangy flavor. They are then loaded with fresh blueberries and served with warm maple butter, making them a decadent and satisfying breakfast choice.

4. Baltahzar

Store front of Batlhazar, New York

Balthazar is a French brasserie located in the heart of SoHo in Manhattan.

The restaurant is known for its bustling atmosphere, classic French dishes, and extensive wine list.

Balthazar was founded in 1997 by restaurateur Keith McNally, who sought to create a New York version of a traditional Parisian brasserie. The restaurant features a large bar area, an open kitchen, and a bakery that produces fresh bread and pastries daily. This bustling French bistro in SoHo is known for its decadent pastries, including croissants, pain au chocolat, and brioche. They also offer a variety of egg dishes and French toast.

Must have at Balthazar

Steak Frites served at Balthazar New York

Steak Frites, the classic French dish features a grilled hanger steak served with a heaping pile of crispy French fries and Béarnaise sauce. The steak is cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy interior and a flavorful charred exterior. The fries are crispy and golden brown, and the Béarnaise sauce adds a rich and creamy finish to the dish.

5. The Grey Dog

The Grey Dog Cafe New York

The Grey Dog is a popular café and restaurant in New York City that first opened its doors in 1996.

The café is named after the founder’s yellow Labrador Retriever, and has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Must have at The Grey Dog

Food at Grey Dog Cafe, New York

The Classic Breakfast Sandwich, made with a freshly-baked brioche bun, scrambled eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and a choice of bacon, sausage, or avocado. It’s a hearty and delicious way to start the day, and is often considered one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the city.

Exploring the streets of NYC with TwixAir

Stay connected on your trip across the US with eSIMs from TwixAir. Discover the local experiences in NYC, make and manage reservations, stay in touch with friends & family, get online passes to local attractions and much more. Make the most of your days in NYC with connectivity on-the-go. Enjoy high-speed 5G connectivity your iPhone, Android, Smart Watch, iPad & Tablet. Just pick a plan for your destination, scan the QR and instantly connect to a mobile network. It’s that simple! Visit the TwixAir Shop to know more.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Best Summer Beaches in France & Local Brews To Go With Them

Beach in France with old fort

France, with its stunning coastline stretching for thousands of miles, is a country for beach lovers. From the windswept cliffs of Normandy to the sun-soaked beaches of the Cote d’Azur, here are some of the best beaches in France for your summer travels.

1. Palombaggia, Corsica

Palombaggia is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in France. With its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Corsica and a great place to soak up the Sun, swim, and enjoy water sports.

Day Trips

From Corsica, you can also take day trips to Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio to explore the historic towns, local markets, and try out traditional Corsican food. The Sentier des Douaniers hiking trail also runs along the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Local Brews

Try Cedratine, a liqueur that is made from the fruit of the cedrat tree, which is native to Corsica. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and is often served as an aperitif. And Eau de Vie, a type of brandy that is distilled from local fruit, such as figs, plums, and cherries. It is a strong and aromatic spirit that is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.

2. Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo

Plage du Sillon is a long sandy beach located in the charming town of Saint-Malo, in the Brittany region. This beach is popular with locals and tourists alike and is an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and walking. The beach is backed by a long promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Day Trips

Visit Cancale, a small fishing village that is located about 20 minutes from Saint-Malo. The town is famous for its oysters, which are harvested from the nearby beds. Try the local seafood in one of the town’s many restaurants and visit the local oyster farms.

Local Brews

Chouchen is a traditional Breton mead that is made from fermented honey. It has a sweet, slightly spicy flavor. Then there is Muscadet, a white wine that is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, grown in the Loire Valley and Brittany. It has a light, crisp flavor with notes of citrus and minerality. We recommend pairing Muscadet with seafood and local dishes.

3. Biarrtiz, Basque Country

Biarritz is a chic seaside town located in the Basque Country, in southwestern France. The town is known for its world-class surfing beaches, including La Côte des Basques and Grande Plage. The town itself is also worth exploring, with its elegant architecture, excellent restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Day Trips

Visit Espelette, a small village located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just a short drive from Biarritz. The village is known for its production of Espelette peppers, which are a key ingredient in Basque cuisine. Visitors can explore the village’s many shops and cafes, and even visit a local pepper farm.

Local Brews

Basque Cider is a popular drink in the Basque region, and Biarritz is no exception. Basque cider is usually tart and slightly effervescent, and it’s traditionally served from a large barrel called a “txotx.” You can try Basque cider at local cider houses or bars. Biarritz also has its own microbrewery, La Brasserie du Basque, which produces a variety of high-quality beers.

4. Plage de Pampelonne, St. Tropez

Plage de Pampelonne is one of the most famous beaches on the French Riviera. Located near the glamorous town of St. Tropez, this beach is popular with celebrities and jet-setters. With its golden sand, crystal-clear water, and luxurious beach clubs, Plage de Pampelonne is the perfect place to see and be seen.

Day Trips

Travel to Port Grimaud, a charming seaside town located just a short distance from Plage de Pampelonne. The town is known for its network of canals, which are lined with colorful buildings and boats. You can take a boat tour of the canals, explore the town’s many shops and cafes, or simply enjoy the beautiful views.

Local Brews

St. Tropez is located in the heart of the Côte de Provence wine region, which is known for producing high-quality red, white, and rosé wines. You can take a guided tour of a nearby vineyard to learn more about the winemaking process. Pastis is a popular anise-flavored liqueur that is often served as an aperitif in St. Tropez. It’s typically mixed with water, which causes it to turn cloudy and creates a refreshing, slightly sweet drink.

5. Plage des Ondes, Ile de Ré

Plage des Ondes is a beautiful beach located on the tranquil Ile de Ré, off the west coast of France. With its clear water and golden sand, this beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach is also popular with wind and kite surfers, who take advantage of the island’s steady winds.

Day Trip

Les Marais Salants de l’île de Ré is a salt marsh located on the eastern side of Île de Ré. The marsh is a protected natural area, and you can take guided tours to learn more about the local wildlife and the traditional salt-making process.

Local Brews

Try the Pineau des Charentes, a sweet, fortified wine that is made in the Charente region of France, which includes Île de Ré. The wine also pairs well with local cheeses and desserts.

Stay Connected in France with TwixAir eSIM

Stay connected on your trip across France with TwixAir Europe eSIM. Pick a plan for your destination, scan the QR and instantly connect to a mobile network. There’s no need to find a SIM card vendor, manage multiple SIMs, or worry about roaming fees.

Enjoy Voice & Data connectivity on your device without the expensive roaming charges. And you get a local France number (+33) which gives you access to the best local deals and offers. To know about our eSIMs and Voice + Data plans for France and Europe, visit the TwixAir Shop.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Most Beautiful Small Towns in Spain & What You May Find There

Small town in Spain by the seaside with a lighthouse

Spain’s big cities are all too well-known. A simple search on Pinterest will throw up tons of bucket lists with things to see and do in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada. So we’re moving deeper into Spain – to those small towns which still carry the old-world charm into the present-day. Here are the five most beautiful small towns in Spain and what you may find there.

1. Zaragoza

Located in northeastern Spain, Zaragoza lies between Madrid and Barcelona. With a history that dates back over 2,000 years, the city has been home to the many, including the Romans and Moors. All have left behind some stunning architecture and added to the city’s present day culture. Even today, Zaragoza remains a top choice for expats looking to relocate to Spain.

Place To See

The Basilica del Pilar is a stunning baroque church that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is located on the banks of the Ebro River and is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics

Aljaferia Palace, a stunning Moorish palace that was built in the 11th century

The Pablo Gargallo Museum is dedicated to the works of the famous sculptor Pablo Gargallo

Basilica del Pilar and Ebro river, Zaragoza
Basilica del Pilar by the banks of Ebro river

Local Food Specialties

Zaragoza is known for its Chilindron – a stew made with chicken or lamb.And Migas, a dish made with breadcrumbs and pork.

Chicken Chilidron
Migas with egg

2. Cuenca

A charming city located in the central region of Spain and was a strategic location during the Spanish Civil War. The city has a number of monuments that commemorate the conflict. Cuenca is also known for its music festivals, including the Festival Internacional de Música de Cuenca, which attracts musicians and music lovers from all over the world.

Places To See

Cuenca’s Hanging Houses

The Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas), are a row of houses that hang precariously over the Huecar River. The houses date back to the 14th century and are one of the most photographed attractions in the city.

The Cuenca Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

The Museum of Abstract Art, which is dedicated to contemporary art

Local Food Specialties

Try Morteruelo, a type of game paté, and Zarajos, grilled lamb intestines. The city is also known for its wine, particularly red wine from the La Mancha region.

Morteruelo
Zarajos

3. Avila

One of the most impressive walled cities in Spain, situated in the province of Castilla and León. Avila is the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish Mystic and Theologian who lived during the 16th century. When visiting Avila, you will find stunning architecture and its hilltop location with superb town views. The city is also home to religious festivals, including the Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feast of Saint Teresa. 

Places To See

Walls of Avila

The Walls of Avila are a series of impressive fortifications that surround the city. The walls were built in the 11th century and are some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Spain. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

The Avila Cathedral is a stunning Gothic building dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

Local Food Specialties

Avila is known for Chuletón, a traditionally prepared grilled steak and Judiones, a type of white bean stew. Try the red wine from the Ribera del Duero region.

Chuleton
Judiones

4. Bilbao

A vibrant city located in the northern Basque region of Spain. At one point, Bilbao was an important center for steel and shipbuilding, and played a vital role in Spain’s development. 

Places To See

Guggenheim Museum, Bilabo

The Guggenheim Museum is a stunning contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry. The museum is known for its innovative architecture and impressive collection of modern art.

The Old Town in Bilbao, a charming neighborhood that dates back to the 14th century. The Old Town is home to a number of impressive buildings, including the Santiago Cathedral, a stunning Gothic construction.

The Bilbao BBK Live is an annual music festival that takes place in the city every summer. The Bilbao BBK Live features performances by internationally renowned musicians and bands across a variety of music genres, including indie, pop, rock, and electronic music. The festival takes place over three days in the Kobetamendi mountains, which provide a stunning natural backdrop for the performances.

Local Food Specialties

Try Pintxos, small dishes of food that are similar to tapas. And Bacalao Al Pil Pil, a cod dish cooked in garlic and olive oil. The red wine from the Rioja region is highly recommended.

Pintxos
Bacalao Al Pil Pil

5. Galicia

Home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic natural landscapes in Spain. The region’s coastline stretches for over 1,200 kilometers and is dotted with stunning beaches, hidden coves, and rugged cliffs.

Places To See

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The Rías Baixas are a series of estuaries that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. They are particularly popular with tourists and known for crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.

Inland Galicia is equally impressive, with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. The region is also home to the Picos de Europa, a stunning mountain range that straddles along the border of Galicia.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the region and the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Local Food Specialties

Pulpo A La Gallega
Caldo Gallego

Galicia is famous for its seafood, which is some of the freshest and most delicious in Spain. Try the region’s signature Pulpo a la Gallega, or the Galician-style Octopus, which is boiled and served with potatoes and paprika. Other popular dishes include Percebes (goose barnacles), Empanadas (savory pastries filled with meat or fish), and Caldo gallego (a hearty soup made with beans, potatoes, and greens). Also try the wine, particularly the crisp and refreshing Albariño, which is grown in the Rías Baixas region. Discovering Spain With TwixAir eSIMs

Discovering Spain With TwixAir eSIMs

Find the truly local experiences that don’t make it to any bucket list.

With on-the-go connectivity from TwixAir eSIMs, you can also make and manage reservations, rent-a-car (or bicycle), use maps to your next destination, discover where the locals go for their pasta and figure out the right kind of sauce to go with yours 🙂

Visit the TwixAir Shop to browse through our Voice + Data eSIMs for your next trip to Spain & Europe.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Visiting New Orleans for Jazz & Much More

Sax Player at a Jazz club in New Orleans at night

New Orleans is among the most loved tourist cities in the US, with tons to explore in music, food, history, street culture and everyday life. If, like us, you too are a Jazz fan, then New Orleans clearly needs no introduction.

“In other places culture comes down from on high. In New Orleans, it bubbles up from the streets.” – Elis Marsalis

The birthplace of jazz has been home to so many legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Sidney Bechet, to name a few. NOLA’s vibrant music scene and rich musical heritage draws musicians and fans from all over the world, making it a mecca of jazz activity and culture.

Must-have Jazz experiences for your next trip to NOLA!

Now for the ‘much more’…

Let’s head over to some of the other experiences that make it to every traveler’s to-do list when in New Orleans.

The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans and the city’s oldest neighborhood. Founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the area has plenty of historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and grand courtyards stretching along the Mississippi River. 

Thanks to its extensive range of sightseeing, dining, and nightlife opportunities, the French Quarter stays lively throughout the day and night. The market covers 5 blocks with a variety of food stands and restaurants with outdoor seats, giving you a nice view of street performances in the French Quarter. From museums and tours to shops, bars, and restaurants, here’s how to make the most of your trip to the French Quarter.

Still more ways to fall in love with New Orleans

Did we miss something, nope!

The Pink Panther Diamond has been stolen and it’s up to you to crack the case..!”

If you’ve enjoyed the clumsy genius of Inspector Clouseau and his quest to find the Pink Panther diamond, then this is certainly for you! This hilarious and fun outdoor adventure will navigate you to discover new places, hidden gems and little nooks that you might want to return to, all while being entertained by the inimitable Inspector Clouseau, as you practice your detective skills and deduce your way to solving the Case of the Missing Diamond.

And when you’re completely satiated with the city spirit, here’s something for the final or until next time kind of goodbye, before your flight out the next morning.

NOLA, the Crescent City, The Big Easy or the City of Second Chances – New Orleans has received many names from its many many lovers and rightly so. Whether this is your first time to New Orleans or you’re a seasoned visitor, the city’s invigorating spirit is sure to inspire, captivate and motivate you. As Edward Lee puts it, “New Orleans is a city you must visit when you’re young and foolish but return to when you’re wiser and still searching for your dreams.”

Make the most of your trip to New Orleans with TwixAir

Stay connected on your trip to New Orleans and all through the US with our USA eSIMs. Pick a plan for your destination, scan the QR and instantly connect to a mobile network. There’s no need to find a SIM card vendor or manage multiple SIMs. Enjoy Voice & Data connectivity on your device without the expensive roaming charges. Visit TwixAir eSIMs for USA to know more.

“I visited New Orleans (Louisiana) and Des Moines (Iowa). I did not get any network problems anywhere including my work location which is located at the outskirts of Des Moines. Call clarity was extremely good. Cost wise it is very cheap. I’ve already recommended a few of my colleagues.” – Arundra

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Exploring Thailand’s Temple Trail and Unique Local Experiences

Buddha Temple in Thailand at Sunset

Thailand is known for the warm and welcoming nature of its people. Which is probably why it is also called the Land of Smiles. Another rather interesting reason why so many people visit Thailand each year, is that it is situated in the middle of everything – it is about 3 hours from Hong Kong, 2 hours to Singapore, 4 hours to Bali, and halfway between Australia and Europe. And you can get to many places easily from Thailand.

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Thailand. Known for it’s beaches, elephant sanctuaries and the local food, Thailand is also home to hundreds of temples, each with its unique architecture and cultural significance. So we decided to explore Thailand through its rewarding temple culture, before diving into the must-have uber-local experiences.

Wat Rong Khun, The White Temple

A unique design makes Wat Rong Khun one of Thailand’s most unusual and visually striking man-made attractions. The White Temple is the creation of Thai artist, Chalermchai Khositpipat, who worked on the project as an act of faith. Chalermchai’s aim was to make the temple one of the world’s greatest works of art and wanted visitors from around the world to enjoy the labour of love he has undertaken in his home village.

Temples at Ayutthaya

The Buddha head entwined within the roots of a tree is one of the most recognizable images from Thailand. This ancient temple was built during the 14th century, but was reduced to ruins in 1767 when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam. Later restored in 1950s when the Department of Fine Art began restoration work in Ayutthaya.

Wat Pho and Wat Arun

Wat Pho is famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand’s capital. The reclining Buddha illustrates his passing into nirvana. 

Known as Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is named after the Indian god of dawn, Arun. It was here that, after the destruction of Ayuthaya, King Taksin stumbled upon a small local shrine and interpreted the discovery as an auspicious sign that this should be the site of the new capital of Siam.

Silver Craftsmanship of Chiang Mai

To the south of Chiang Mai’s walled Old Town lies the traditional silver-making district of the city. Centering on Wualai Road, this area is dotted with silver shops. The temple here was first founded in 1501 under King Mengrai and given the name Wat Srisuphan Aram. The panels are full of intricate details depicting an eclectic range of subjects ranging from the life of Buddha to comic-book heroes. Most of the work is carried out using aluminum or zinc alloys with precious silver being reserved for the holiest images.

Discovering Thailand like a local

Traveling solo, with family or friends, these curated local experiences are the surest way to explore Thailand and get intimate with its culture and ways.

Thailand has all it takes to be your next international travel destination. “It is a place where a smile is never far away, and the senses are constantly stimulated..” thus wrote John Hoskin, the British Writer who lived in Bangkok for more than 32 years. And we stand by his words.

Make the most of your Thailand trip with TwixAir eSIMs

Book a tuk-tuk to your next destination, keep your Instagram feed live and buzzing or google what ‘Tom Yum Goong’ on the local food menu really means! – do all this and more within a data budget fixed by you. Visit TwixAir to know more.

“Worked like a charm on landing in Phuket. Just inserted the sim before landing and removed airplane mode. Immediately all messages and WhatsApp texts started flowing in. In my second hotel in Phuket, my phone would not connect to wifi due to certificate issues. All the 4 days I used 4G and it lasted easily. 100% recommended for Thailand visitors” – Sailesh