General General 3 min read

Food names that are mouthfuls

The dulce de leche craze and other foreign foods Americans love

Image: Adamsov

Not being able to pronounce a meal’s name properly doesn’t matter so much when it’s delicious! Some treats have been around for so long that most of us have incorporated them in our homes: like sushi, curry, or simply pizza! But other newcomers cause us to stop and reread when we are trying to order them –like feijoada or dulce de leche. Let’s look into the list of foreign foods we have embraced and welcomed!

1
Pizza

Image: Nik Owens

This Italian classic truly needs no introduction. From its humble beginnings in Naples, pizza conquered the world, and America is no exception. Whether it's a classic New York slice or a deep-dish Chicago pie , pizza is a staple in American diets, with endless customizable topping options.

2
Sushi

Image: Jakub Dziubak

Once considered exotic, this Japanese delicacy has become a mainstream favorite in America. From California rolls to spicy tuna, these bite-sized pieces of artfully prepared fish and rice have won over many of our palates with their fresh flavors. Not to mention the fun appeal of sushi bars!

3
Fondue

Image: angela pham

Cheese fondue or chocolate fondue? All are welcome! This Swiss tradition of dipping diced food into a communal pot has become a fun and interactive dining experience for Americans. It’s a meal as much as an event: The point is to share and enjoy!

4
Dulce de Leche

Image: Leigh Skomal

This caramel treat hails from South America, where it's slathered on everything : pancakes, fruit, ice cream —you name it! Lately, Americans have embraced this sweet indulgence, swirling it into ice cream and frappucinos, drizzling it over desserts, and even stuffing it into cookies.

5
Ramen

Image: Bon Vivant

Another convenient, exotic, and fulfilling meal that many Americans can vouch for. Whether in the form of a quick instant noodle fix or as a gourmet bowl in a Japanese bar, this is a meal that has become a favorite comfort food for many.

6
Macaron

Image: Holly Stratton

Charming to the eyes as well as delicious! Macarons are delicate French cookies that are almost too pretty to eat . They are almond-based and usually served in bright colors, already a favorite for those of us with a sweet tooth.

7
Pad Thai

Image: Hidden

Once street food in Thailand, today a go-to for American takeout lovers. It combines fried rice noodles, protein, vegetables, and a tangy sauce . Interesting! The dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that has garnered many fans across the country.

8
Paella

Image: Olivier Collet

Paellas are inviting to all of the senses. This saffron rice is a staple of Spanish cuisine and often includes seafood, chicken, or chorizo. It’s accompanied with vegetables and served in a large pan. Its colorful presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner party or food festival.

9
Pavlova

Image: Léo Roza

This meringue-based feast from New Zealand and Australia has charmed its way onto many American dessert menus. If you like a crisp crust of meringue with a fluffy interior, topped with fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries, you must try this dessert —if you haven’t already!

10
Feijoada

Image: Beatriz Braga

Feijoada (pronounced fey-zhoo-ah-dah) is a hearty black bean stew from Brazil. It’s packed with pork, spices, and often served with rice and orange slices. Sure, a bold flavor . But Americans are starting to embrace this traditional Brazilian pride!

11
Arepas

Image: Alexandra Tran

Arepas can go with anything, really. Some refer to them as culinary blank canvases . They are versatile cornmeal cakes from Colombia and Venezuela, which can be stuffed or accompanied by spreads like cheese, shredded beef, vegetables —you name it!

12
Gyro

Image: Bruna Santos

The gyro (pronounced yee-roh) is a Greek pita-wrapped delight, and a favorite of handheld dining . Packed with spiced meat, crisp veggies, and garlicky tzatziki, gyros are a satisfying and flavorful meal that Americans have embraced for their fresh taste and convenience.

13
Curry

Image: Photo By: Kaboompics.com

The fragrant aromas and complex flavors of Indian curries have captivated us for decades. From the creamy tikka masala to the fiery vindaloo , curry dishes have opened the door for Americans to incorporate rich spices from foreign cuisines.

Geography Geography 4 min read

Did you know these beloved sitcom sets are real places you can visit?

Image: Haberdoedas II

We’ve laughed, cried, and binge-watched our way through some unforgettable sitcoms over the decades. But did you know some of those iconic TV locations aren’t just set pieces? They’re real places you can visit. If you’re a sitcom lover, they should get a special place in your bucket list, or become a unique road trip. What’s certain is that this list will take you on a coast-to-coast tour of sitcom spots that live outside the screen.

1
The Friends apartment building in NYC

Image: Chalo Gallardo

In the heart of Greenwich Village sits a corner that any Friends fan would spot in a heartbeat. The building where Monica, Rachel, Joey, and Chandler "lived" is at 90 Bedford Street, right above a real restaurant called The Little Owl . While the inside scenes were shot in a studio, this exterior became one of the most recognizable TV landmarks ever.

2
Tom’s Restaurant from Seinfeld, New York City

Image: Albert Stoynov

If you’ve ever watched Seinfeld , chances are you’ve seen the bright sign of Tom’s Restaurant flash across your screen. Known in the show as "Monk’s Café", it’s located at the corner of 112th and Broadway in Manhattan. The indoor scenes were filmed elsewhere, but the real diner is still serving up burgers, fries, and some nostalgia on the side.

3
The Brady house on Dilling Street, Studio City

Image: Patrick Bohn

The exterior of the Brady Bunch home is as iconic as Alice’s blue uniform. Found on Dilling Street in California, the house was used for exterior shots, though the interior was all Hollywood magic. HGTV renovated it to match the show's set for a special series, making it even more of a shrine for longtime fans. It’s not open for tours, but you can still walk by and hum that catchy theme song. Wouldn’t you just love that?

4
Cheers bar on Beacon Street, Boston

Image: Chris Hardy

Where everybody knows your name... is actually at 84 Beacon Street in Boston. This classic pub was used for exterior scenes in Cheers, and still operates as a real bar today! Inside, it’s filled with memorabilia and a whole lot of warm nostalgia. Stop by, order a pint, and pretend you’re chatting with Norm and Cliff at the end of the bar.

5
M A S H filming site in Malibu Creek State Park, California

Image: Robert Ruggiero

The rugged Korean War setting of M A S H was actually a lot closer to home. All those outdoor camp scenes were in fact filmed in the scenic Malibu Creek State Park. Hike the trail and you’ll stumble across the old site, complete with rusted props and a replica of the famous signpost.

6
Painted Ladies from Full House, San Francisco

Image: Joshua Sortino

That sweeping shot of San Francisco and a picnic in the park? That’s Alamo Square Park, facing the famous Painted Ladies, the colorful Victorian homes seen in Full House . Funny enough, the Tanner family house is actually elsewhere, but fans still visit this spot for a taste of that opening credits magic. It's a great place to take in the skyline and maybe even sing a little "Everywhere you look."

7
Stately Pasadena City Hall from Parks and Rec

Image: Igor Shalyminov

The city of Pawnee may be fictional, but its town hall isn’t. The elegant building you see in Parks and Recreation is in fact Pasadena City Hall. Its beautiful arches and fountain-filled courtyard served as the setting for plenty of Leslie Knope’s proudest moments. And yes, the red tiles on the roof were digitally changed to green to give it a more "Midwestern" look!

8
The Dunphy house from Modern Family, Culver City

Image: Doug Bagg

Claire and Phil Dunphy’s cozy suburban home sits quietly on Dunleer Drive in the Cheviot Hills neighborhood of LA. It was used for the show’s exterior shots and became an instant fan favorite. When the home went up for sale, it drew curious buyers and lookie-loos alike. While you can’t go inside, the outside looks just like it did when Luke crashed his bike in the driveway.

9
The Puck Building from Will & Grace, NYC

Image: Udara

Located in SoHo, the Puck Building is a real-life landmark that served as the fictional office of Grace Adler Designs. This towering red-brick beauty stands at Lafayette and Houston Streets. If you're a fan of the show, you’ll instantly recognize those massive arched windows from the opening credits. You can’t miss it!

10
The Electric City sign from The Office, Scranton

Image: Kelly Sikkema

"The Electric City" isn’t just part of a cringey rap from The Office ; it’s a real nickname for the Pennsylvania city. The sign featured in the show is perched on a building in downtown Scranton and makes a fun photo-op for any Dunder Mifflin devotee. Most of the show was filmed in California, but a few Scranton landmarks made it into the mix.

11
The Prince bar from New Girl, Los Angeles

Image: q u i n g u y e n

The gang of New Girl frequently hangs out at a bar called The Griffin , which in real life is "The Prince," a moody Koreatown spot with red leather booths and vintage charm. It's a favorite filming location, appearing also in shows like Mad Men and The Defenders . On which series did you see it first?

General General 4 min read

No champignons on this list

Read this before picking mushrooms: 10 toxic species in America

Image: Hans Veth

Mushrooms can be found everywhere—not just deep in the woods but also in our neighborhoods, growing in the little grass patches on our sidewalks, under ornamental bushes and plants, and nearly anywhere else. Their ubiquitous presence is a testament to the evolutionary wonder of fungi in general. While many species can be safely consumed, others are toxic or even lethal. Names like "Death Cap" or "Destroying Angel" are warning enough, but, alas, nature does not provide little tags with the names we humans assign to things. Therefore, having a general knowledge of this subject is always advisable.

1
Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

Image: Rémi Müller

The first mushroom in our list is also the most toxic in the world. It was originally found only in Europe until imported trees transported it to America and everywhere else. Over time, Death Caps adapted to native trees, enhancing their ability to proliferate.

These unassuming-looking mushrooms have tinted green caps, white stems, white gills, and a white partial veil . They grow around oak, beech, chestnut, birches, hornbeams, spruce, and pine. Death Caps fruit in summer through fall underneath these trees, and are responsible for more than 90% of all mushroom poisonings and fatalities worldwide.

2
Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera)

Image: Sai Kiran Belana

Another member of the Amanita species with an ominous name, the Destroying Angel is the number one toxic mushroom in North America and is extremely widespread. Its all-white cap and stem often lead to mistaken identity with button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms.

The Destroying Angel grows from a white volva egg-like sac, features gills, and has a tall, slender stem . Its stems typically range from 3 to 8 inches in length, making it stand out in the forest like an all-white apparition. None of the common lookalikes grow this tall.

3
Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata)

Image: Lucas van Oort

The Funeral Bell appears somewhat harmless, and most poisonings are from mistaken identification. This "little brown mushroom" closely resembles several edible species, including the widespread Sheathed Woodtuft.

Funeral Bells grow on rotting wood, preferring conifer species, though they are not limited to them. They are found across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. This mushroom features a cone-shaped brown cap, light brown gills, and a tan to rusty-brown stem . A key distinguishing feature is a membranous ring around the upper part of the stem.

4
Pholiotina rugosa (previously Conocybe filaris)

Image: Kadri Võsumäe

A common lawn mushroom prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, this deadly fungus contains amatoxins, which destroy the liver and can cause death. Pholiotina rugosa is slender, petite, and rather innocent-looking. The cap is smooth, brown, and conical, with rusty brown gills underneath . The stem is also brown and features a distinctive, prominent ring around the middle—a key identification feature.

This deadly mushroom isn’t picky about habitat. It will grow on the lawn, soil, compost, and woodchips. P. rugosa is easily transported to new locations through woodchip and compost deliveries and adapts to new environments with little trouble.

5
Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa)

Image: Hoejin Iwai

Fool’s Funnel grows across North America in meadows, lawns, and other grassy areas from summer through autumn. It often grows in fairy rings, and accidental consumption by children or pets is a significant concern. These toxic mushrooms are small, white, and benign-looking . The caps are white and funnel-shaped, with crowded white gills underneath. Fool’s Funnel stems are also white and lack distinctive markings.

While this fungus rarely causes death, its ingestion will cause severe pain. This mushroom contains high levels of muscarine which acts as a nerve agent when ingested.

6
Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus)

Image: Markus Spiske

Another mushroom with a foreboding name, the Deadly Webcap, is found in coniferous and mixed forests across North America. It contains a toxin called orellanine, which can cause severe kidney failure when ingested.

The Deadly Webcap bears a close resemblance to edible species like the Chanterelle , making it especially dangerous for foragers.

7
False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta)

Image: jaStra

As the name implies, the False Morel is a toxic mushroom closely resembling the highly prized Morel mushroom . It contains a toxin called gyromitrin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, seizures, and even death if ingested in large quantities.

There are multiple species of False Morels, and current evidence suggests that many are safe to eat, while Gyromitra esculenta should still be foraged with caution. Many people consume this mushroom, but only with proper preparation. This is not a mushroom you can simply sauté and eat; proper preparation is necessary to remove most of the toxins, making it "safe.

8
Common Conecap (Pholiotina rugosa)

Image: Oliver Fetter

This small brown mushroom contains the same deadly amatoxins found in the Death Cap and Destroying Angel. It is commonly found on or around wood mulch , particularly in landscaped areas. Its tendency to appear in yards makes it especially dangerous. Ingesting even a small amount of this toxic fungus can result in severe illness or death.

9
Amanita Muscaria

Image: Егор Камелев

Probably the most recognizable mushroom shape in the world is Amanita muscaria . Its stereotypical toadstool stands out in the woods thanks to its bright red cap with white spots and a white stem . These mushrooms are considered toxic and can cause pain but are unlikely to cause death.

Few mushrooms share the same scarlet hue that makes them so visible in green and brown underbrush. The white bumps on the cap also create a distinct, eye-catching pattern.

10
Green-Spored Parasol

Image: Timothy Dykes

Known as "the vomiter" for the effects it can have on anyone who consumes it, the Green-Spored Parasol has the same general shape as the Death Cap and Destroying Angel. Its stem is tall and thin, with a skirt that sits just under the cap . This cap ranges from rounded downward to wide and flat, depending on the mushroom’s age.

The symptoms from its ingestion range from extreme stomach irritation to bloody diarrhea, as well as the aforementioned vomiting. Therefore, caution is advised.

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