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This is a quick little review of Lidl's brand Italiamo Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta and Chopped Tomatoes with Peppers and Chili. See Also: Lidl Review Blog Nothing screams quick weeknight dinner quite like pasta and jarred sauce, but unfortunately the results are often underwhelming despite doing the job of filling the household bellies. :)  Italiamo Brand Tagliatelle + Chopped Tomatoes with Peppers and Chili from Lidl Portugal With little additional effort, you may be able to elevate your easy weeknight dinner idea and if that's the case, why wouldn't you give it a shot?! The swap out for fresh tagliatelle pasta and a quick homemade meat sauce made all the difference over here. Fortunately in Portugal fresh pasta at grocery stores like Lidl is very affordable. This package was 85 euro cents and served 2 of us perfectly. Easy Tagliatelle with Meat sauce "Recipe":Ingredients to make this at home:In a well heated frying pan primed with oil, simply fry up your ground meat with some salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of tomato paste (the tubes are the best!!) and cook it through before adding the can of chopped tomatoes. This particular can included peppers and chili which added a nice little kick. The fresh tagliatelle pasta needs just 3 minutes in boiling water to cook and guys, that is literally it. I did not even toss the two together, I just piled this super easy meat sauce on top of the fresh pasta, drizzled with olive oil, a little grind of crushed red pepper, a festive shake of the garlic powder and dinner was served! But if you are wondering what goes well with fresh pasta and meat sauce, a salad I always a great choice. Our colorful side salad was loaded with a combination of arugula, spinach, and iceberg with chopped red and green peppers, cucumbers, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and feta cheese crumbled on top. Simply dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for a light, bright touch! COST: |
| Still, if you love Piña coladas you'll love the pineapple-coconut lassi too! The coconut flavor is prominent so you must love coconut to enjoy this beverage. Lassis are a yogurt based beverage popular in India so if you're feeling exotic why not swing by your local Lidl and see if you can still nab one of these delights?! |  Mango Lassi with Salmon Salad |
COST: .99 EURO
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
WOULD YOU TRY a lassi?
DO YOU THINK THEY WERE A GOOD VALUE?
These lassi beverages were purchased at Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out these posts:
Lidl Portuguese Grocery Reviews:
Before sailing on our favorite cruise ship yet, we found ourselves with a few days in Miami.
Miami isn't necessarily the cheapest city to eat in when you're on a shoestring budget so we made great use of TooGoodToGo and Happy Hour Menus to enjoy some of the culinary offerings without completely breaking the bank. Enter El Primo.
Miami isn't necessarily the cheapest city to eat in when you're on a shoestring budget so we made great use of TooGoodToGo and Happy Hour Menus to enjoy some of the culinary offerings without completely breaking the bank. Enter El Primo.
El Primo Red Taco in Miami
El Primo Red Tacos is located at 179 E Flagler St in Miami, Florida. A short walk from where we stayed at the Hyatt Regency.
Check out the Hyatt Regency Miami Review Here
The pick-up window was between 9:30 and 9:45 pm. The restaurant was clearly empty by that point and you can see they offer plenty of seating both inside and outside.
How much is a Margarita in Miami?
Well, at El Primo Red Tacos they are serving $6 margaritas and cerveza (beer) all day, every day!
Well, at El Primo Red Tacos they are serving $6 margaritas and cerveza (beer) all day, every day!
what we got.
We ordered 2x Surprise bags from El Primo Red Tacos at $5.99 each. Each container had 2 tacos, topped with cilantro and a fresh radish slice as well as some tortilla chips, salsa, and a lime wedge.
We were also surprised to receive agua de horchata x 2!
What we Thought.
It had been such a long time since we had tacos period, that I was so happy to eat these tacos! Even after carrying them back to the hotel they were still so tasty.
Small corn tortillas are my favorite and home made tortilla chips can't be beat! The tacos at El Primo Red Tacos are birria and the only problem that I had with them was I wanted more. lol
Small corn tortillas are my favorite and home made tortilla chips can't be beat! The tacos at El Primo Red Tacos are birria and the only problem that I had with them was I wanted more. lol
| The Horchata was unbelievably tasty. Typically made with rice, flavored with cinnamon and sweetened with sugar, this horchata was refreshing and a nice balance to the savory tacos and spicy salsa. To pay $5.99 in Miami for 2 quality tacos, chips and salsa, and a drink was a great deal! I could have easily eaten more, but I was happy for the opportunity to try El Primo Red Tacos at a discount while in town and I wouldn't hesitate to return next time I'm in Miami! |  It's hard to beat eating tacos with this view of Miami from Hyatt Regency |
More Miami Food & Travel Blogs:
- Hyatt Regency Miami Review
- Meraki Greek Bistro Review - Miami Happy Hour
- A Family Review - Argentinean Delights in Miami
- Dumpling Mi Amore Review - Ramen and Dumplings in Miami
- Marabu Cuban Cuisine - Miami Happy Hour Review
- Raccoon Coffee & Kitchen Miami Food Truck Review
- Versaille Miami's Most Famous Cuban Restaurant Review
- Azucar - Little Havana's Best Ice Cream
- Miami Slice - Overrated?
- Free Public Transportation in Miami - Trolley, Metro Mover
More too Good To Go Reviews:
- Rei do Churrasco Review - Quarteira, Portugal
- Too Good To Go Portugal Review
- A Family Miami Too Good To Go Review
- Raccoon Coffee & Kitchen Miami TooGoodToGo Review
Lidl Review: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING
Carrying on from the Meat and Ginger Dim Sum Review, we also snagged these frozen Gyoza from Lidl.
Cooking Instructions: VITASIA ASIA STYLE GYOZA SPICY PORK AND KIMCHI FILLING
Okay so the package gave loads of ways to cook these gyoza, but I was looking for the most hands off version which for me was the oven option. The instructions were to put the sauce of your choice on the gyoza (I guess with a brush like this) and put them in the oven at 200 celsius for 15 minutes.
Btw, 200 C is approximately 400 degrees F.
Btw, 200 C is approximately 400 degrees F.
Modo de preparação:
Não descongelar o produto antes da preparação.
- Na frigideira: adicionar um pouco de óleo à frigideia, juntar o produto e fritar em lume médio durante 2 minutos até que a parte de baixo atinja uma tonalidade dourada. Acrescentar um pouco de água e cozinhar o produto durante mais 3 minutos.
- Na panela a vapor: adicionar um pouco de água à panela e aquecer. Assim que a água começar a ferver, colocar o produto na panela a vapor e cozinhar durante 6-10 minutos.
- Na fritadeira: aquecer a quantidade necessária de óleo, de forma a que o produto fique coberto ao fritar. Aquecer o óleo a 160°C, colocar o produto congelado e fritar durante aprox. 3 minutos.
- No forno: pincelar o produto com um molho à escolha e cozinhar a 200 °C durante 15 minutos.
- Na fritadeira de ar quente: cozinhar o produto durante 8-12 minutos a 180 °C. Virar a meio do tempo.
- Na panela: cozer o produto durante 3 minutos em água.
I really didn't have any sauce in mind so I just laid them in a single layer on a Nordic Ware quarter sheet tray and spritzed them with some spray oil and popped them in.
While I didn't find the Kimchi flavor to be as pronounced as expected, overall I thought these were super tasty and I would definitely get them again. I believe the package had about 20 gyoza inside.
Between these Gyoza and the Dim Sum at Lidl, the Gyoza were the clear winner for us!
Between these Gyoza and the Dim Sum at Lidl, the Gyoza were the clear winner for us!
COST: 3.29 EURO
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
WOULD YOU TRY THESE Gyoza?
DO YOU THINK THEY WERE A GOOD VALUE?
These Gyoza were purchased at Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out these posts:
Cost of Living in Portugal:
MORe Lidl Portugal Reviews:
We've decided to try all the donuts at Lidl. We will refresh this post as new donuts become available... It's a trial, but we are willing to do it for you ;)
Glazed Donut .39
Let's start with the classic glazed donut. The Glazed Donut at Lidl is called an "argola". Well, all the donuts I saw today were called argolas. Other stores call them "dots", for example. :)
Learn Portuguese: Argola is a Portuguese word meaning "ring".
Quick take on the glazed donut: "I liked it."
How would you describe it? "Good fluffy texture, nice fried donut-y taste. The glaze wasn't too sticky. It was a good price - pretty good for a donut I think!"
I would tend to agree. To be honest there are a lot of really tasty donuts in America and during our time in Portugal not every donut has been in the game, but I think they are steadily improving. The glazed donut was fluffy and the glaze had just the right thin-shell sweet sturdiness that you're looking for. Flavorful, but not overly greasy. A nice sweet treat that you don't regret afterward!
Sprinkle Donut .59
 Tap for sprinkles! | Quick take on the sprinkle donut: "Less good (compared to the glazed), a little gummier. The donut taste wasn't as good as the glazed. Maybe the sprinkles detract, I'm not sure. Just get the glazed." Did you dislike it? "No." So overall decent, just not as good as the glazed? "Exactly." |
Coming in at a whopping 20 euro-cents more than the plain glazed, the sprinkle donut may not be the best bang for your buck, however listen... when you want a sprinkle donut, you want a sprinkle donut. I tried the sprinkle donut first and I was like "Wow this is a good Portugal donut!"
When I followed up with the first bite of the glazed donut I was surprised how airy it was, as you could see in the photo. The donut sprung back up whereas with the sprinkle donut it stayed squished down, hence the "gummier" description. I assumed the base donut experience would be identical on these, but actually no!
Unfortunately I missed a cross section pic of the sprinkle donut (or "argola party" as the sign says in Portuguese lol) so this can only mean one thing: I will have to try another one and add the photo so you can see the difference ;)
When I followed up with the first bite of the glazed donut I was surprised how airy it was, as you could see in the photo. The donut sprung back up whereas with the sprinkle donut it stayed squished down, hence the "gummier" description. I assumed the base donut experience would be identical on these, but actually no!
Unfortunately I missed a cross section pic of the sprinkle donut (or "argola party" as the sign says in Portuguese lol) so this can only mean one thing: I will have to try another one and add the photo so you can see the difference ;)
More donuts to come. Stay tuned! ;)
These Donuts were purchased at Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out some of the posts above!
Lidl Review: Vitasia Chinese Style Dim Sum with Meat and Ginger
This week there were loads of interesting Asian foods in the local Lidl so we decided to try a few including this package of Dim Sum, frozen Gyoza, and Indian Lassi.
Cooking Instructions: VITASIA CHINESE STYLE DIM SUM WITH MEAT AND GINGER
You have 3 options
- In a pan - cook with plenty of salted water for 4 minutes under low heat, turning them carefully. Drain and serve with the sauce of your choice.
- In a steamer - Steam for 5-6 minutes, drain and serve with sauce of your choice.
- In a frying pan - Fry the dim sum in hot oil for 1-2 minutes. Drain and serve with sauce to taste.
Tap the photo below for nutritional information of Lidl's Dim Sum.
Modo de PREPARAÇÃO
- Na panela: cozer o produto em água abundante com sal durante 4 minutos em lume brando, virando cuidadosamente. Escorrer e servir com um molho a gosto.
- Na panela a vapor: cozer o produto durante 5-6 minutos. Escorrer e servir com um molho a gosto.
- Na frigideira: fritar o produto em óleo quente durante 1-2 minutos, escorrer e servir com um molho a gosto.
We opted to prepare them via the first method and then I wanted to fry them off a bit after they were cooked with some toasted sesame oil. I quickly aborted that mission as they were sticking to the pan I was using (whoops, forgot to let it get back up to temp first - rookie move) and proceeded to plate.
I really wasn't sure what molho (sauce) I would want with "meat and ginger" Dim Sum, so besides the toasted sesame oil, we had a splash of soy sauce.
| What did you think of the Dim Sum we had the other night? "They were mediocre, I guess." How would you describe them? "Soft, meaty - there was some sort of filling in there. I don't know what it was..." I think that about sums it up. No pun intended. Seriously. :p |  Tramontina Pan |
The filling was very smooth and processed and made for a lack of variety in texture imo. If you could deep fry these puppies maybe it would be better. I was impressed by how gingery they were, though.
For us, these were a pass. They were fine, it was an easy little snack after a midweek meeting, but nothing I would seek out again.
For us, these were a pass. They were fine, it was an easy little snack after a midweek meeting, but nothing I would seek out again.
VITASIA CHINESE STYLE DIM SUM WITH MEAT AND GINGER Ingredients
The Dim Sum contained 60% filling which was a combination of beef and pork meat along with onion, carrot, rosemary, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and wine. The filling also contained potato, mozzarella cheese (what?!) .6% ginger, and pepper. The other 40% was the dough made of wheat flour and water.
Cost: 1.99 euro
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
WOULD YOU TRY THESE DIM SUM?
DO YOU THINK THEY WERE A GOOD VALUE?
These Dim Sum were purchased at Lidl, a grocery store in Portugal. If you're looking for information on current Cost of Living in Portugal and opinions of Americans in Portugal, check out these posts:
More Lidl Reviews:
Aldi Reviews:
Loads of Celebrity Captain's Club Members (aka past sailors) received an email this week inviting them to join something called "Dream Makers" which is set to launch on February 8, 2025.
But what exactly is Dream Makers? We're answering all your questions today!
But what exactly is Dream Makers? We're answering all your questions today!
Celebrity xcel Dream Makers Video |
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What is Xcel Dream Makers?
Celebrity Xcel is the newest ship being added to the Celebrity fleet, the 5th in the stunning line up of Edge Class ships which also includes Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent.
Xcel Dream Makers aims to be an opportunity for cruisers to impact the final decisions about the design and onboard experience of Celebrity's newest ship launching in 2025.
Celebrity Cruises is offering cruisers the chance to be a part of designing its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. To create the world’s first cruise ship designed for cruisers, by cruisers, Celebrity is extending an invite to travelers globally to join the ‘Xcel Dream Makers,' where members will preview and vote on experiences launching on Celebrity Xcel. Additionally, Dream Makers members will be entered for multiple chances to win prizes where they can trial new onboard experiences and even attend the naming ceremony and sailing in November 2025.
What does being on dream makers involve?
You're probably pretty busy and wondering what all is involved in Dream Makers. Solid question. Celebrity says that Dream Makers will be weighing in on design and programming topics via polling, instant win games, and more. There will be lots of chances to win prizes along the way including a trip for two to Xcel's naming ceremony which will be in November 2025.
Okay but What Exactly will I get to Give Input On?
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Sounds fun, doesn't it?! |
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How much does it cost to participate in xcel dream makers?
Of course it's free! You're helping Celebrity by telling them exactly what's going to make you most happy when you sail Xcel. It costs as much or as little time as you care to participate. :)
Celebrity Ascent Cruise Reviews
how do i sign up for Dream Makers?
Signing up for Xcel Dream Makers currently involves submitting your email here, which adds you to the Dream Makers newsletter. Once the program is live you will be able to register!
When does Dream Makers Start?
When is Celebrity xcel's Maiden Voyage?
Celebrity Xcel will sail out of Fort Lauderdale for a 5 night Western Caribbean Maiden Voyage on November 18, 2025. There are a handful of spaces left for that exciting event, tap below to snag one of the last staterooms!
After that, 7-night itineraries will alternate with stops in Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Reach out for the best price and current availability.
MEDITERRANEAN Cruise Blogs
When will CElebrity xCel be in Europe?
Exciting news for Europeans and anyone who has been waiting to do a European cruise! Xcel will be sailing seven-to-11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens in Summer 2026! Some sailings will include overnight stays on the exotic Portuguese island of Madeira.
Review of Celebrity Xcel Dream Makers
I'm excited for the Xcel Dream Makers program. I think it's a genius marketing technique and will also be fun for cruisers to feel they are having a real-time involvement in decisions that they will later be able to feel a sense of pride about when they sail Xcel.
I hope the rewards are many for the free insights that will be given by presumably thousands of paying cruisers and it would be great if at the end of the program every participant was awarded something whether it be some onboard credit for their next Celebrity Cruise, some wifi, or maybe to try out any Specialty Dining options they had weighed in on. ;)
What do you think? Would you sign up to be a Dream Maker?
Cruise Drink Packages
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So you're pretty much sick of winter by now, right? Check out these last minute Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals so you can get away and replenish. your stores of Vitamin D in February. ;) 
Sun, Sand, and a Drink in my Hand Custom Cruise Tumbler
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Last Minute Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals From Baltimore
- 8 night Bahamas cruise on Vision of the Seas departing February 21, 2025
Ports of call Charleston, Port Canaveral, Grand Bahama, and Nassau
Oceanview Stateroom - from $1144.65 per person
Last minute ROYAL CARIBBEAN cruise deals from florida
Last minute cruise deals from port everglades fort lauderdale
- 4 night Bahamas cruise on Liberty of the Seas departing February 24, 2025
Ports of call: Nassau + Perfect Day at CocoCay
Inside from $444
Oceanview from $781
Balcony from $727
Yes, balcony is cheaper than oceanview! ;)
- 6 night Western Caribbean cruise on Freedom of the Seas departing February 23, 2025
Ports of call: Nassau, Falmouth Jamaica, Labadee Haiti
Inside from $952
- 9 night Southern Caribbean cruise on Grandeur of the Seas departing February 21, 2025
Ports of call: St. Maarten, Dominica, St. Kitts, San Juan Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic
Inside from $1076
Fort Lauderdale Travel Tips
LAST MINUTE CRUISE DEALS FROM Port of Miami
- 3 night Bahamas cruise on Independence of the Seas departing February 21, 2025
Ports of call: Nassau + Perfect Day at CocoCay
Inside from $393
Oceanview from $533
Balcony from $635
- 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Symphony of the Seas departing February 16, 2025
Ports of call: St. Maarten, San Juan Puerto Rico, Perfect Day at CocoCay
Inside from $1157
- 10 night Southern Caribbean cruise on Explorer of the Seas departing February 6, 2025
Ports of call: Puerto Plata Dominican Republic, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts
Inside from $1359
LAST MINUTE CRUISE DEALS FROM PORT Canaveral Orlando
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Symphony of the Seas reviews:
LAST MINUTE CRUISE DEALS FROM Tampa
- 5 night Western Caribbean cruise on Enchantment of the Seas departing February 15, 2025
Ports of call: Costa Maya, Cozumel Mexico
Inside from $562
Oceanview from $662
More Last Minute Cruise + Travel Deals:
Enjoy the tropical sands of Punta Cana with just a few PTO days and these all inclusive deals including flights from Chicago, Philadelphia, and St. Louis!
ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT DEALS FROM CHICAGO, PHILADELPHIA, ST. LOUIS
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Girls Trip Gift Idea: Meet Me In The Dominican Republic Luggage Tags
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Roundtrip flights included!
Available through 1/23/25 or until space sells out!
Book Here while you can! Shop Cute DR Luggage Tags |
Disney Swan Discount + All Inclusive Travel Deals From Milwaukee, Rockford, Lansing, Philadelphia
1/19/2025
If you live in Philly and are looking for a Disney hotel deal, here is a deal at Disney Swan for you!
Rockford, Lansing, and Milwaukee friends - enjoy a few days at an all inclusive resort including flights with these deals. ;)
Rockford, Lansing, and Milwaukee friends - enjoy a few days at an all inclusive resort including flights with these deals. ;)
Disney Swan Hotel Discount + All Inclusive Deals from Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Rockford, and Lansing
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Roundtrip flights included!
• 3 All Inclusive Nights at Princess Senses The Mangrove Resort
• 3 All Inclusive Nights at Ocean Blue & Sand from $869 • 3 All Inclusive Nights at Grand Oasis Cancun from $829 • 3 Nights at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel from $710 Available through 1/23/25 or until space sells out! Book Here while you can! |
Oh, Hey!
We're Justin and Marissa
We love to travel + eat!
❤︎
From Lisbon and the Algarve to cruise ports and grocery aisles, at Traveling Through Food we share restaurant, cruise, hotel and snack reviews to inspire your next adventure.
Check out our guides:
Restaurants, Cruises, Hotels & Grocery Finds!
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Thanks for visiting!
Restaurant Guides
Best Places to Eat in Portugal:
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Cruise Reviews:
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