Once again, thanks to the hospitality of Media Relations Manager Stephen Grande and the Houston Astros, Matt Parker and I were able to talk travel with members of the Astros organization as well as the visiting Chicago Cubs. These are all people who have traveled to many cities and eaten at many restaurants over the years. They always offer unique insight.
We could not have done much better with our first interview as Matt landed Craig Biggio, long-time Astros player and future Hall-of-Famer. Biggio named Chicago as his favorite baseball city to visit and Gibsons as his favorite restaurant.
Cubs outfielder David DeJesus joined the Chicago bandwagon and also picked Gibsons. Houston Astros coach Dave Clark (who spent two seasons playing in Chicago) also picked Chicago, but he chose Nick’s Fishmarket as his restaurant.
Last year, Cubs broadcaster and former catcher Bob Brenly told us about his little black book of pizza places. This year, we strong-armed him into revealing Giovanni’s in Pittsburgh as his favorite spot.
Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija, Cubs outfielder Joe Mather and Astros coach Dave McKay all selected San Diego, mostly because of the downtown waterfront area. Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper picked San Francisco, citing the Haight-Ashbury area as well as Fisherman’s Wharf.
Cubs coach Jamie Quirk named New York as his favorite city to visit because of its rich history. Quirk couldn’t name a specific eatery, but he mentioned Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building, Central Park and several other New York attractions.
Cubs manager Dale Sveum also cited history as his deciding factor, but his city of choice was Boston. Sveum enjoys the historical district.
Astros coach Joe Pettini came up with some original answers. He named St. Louis and Houston as his favorite spots to visit. He threw us a bit of a curveball when he selected T.G.I. Friday’s in St. Louis as his favorite restaurant.
I have been to every city and most of the restaurants listed, and I cannot argue with any of their choices. As for me, I pick Houston and New York as my favorite cities to visit. Feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section.
— John Wroblewski, online contributor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen
Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to softly open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse. The hotel will officially debut January 2025.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 20242 Miami Hotels Go Big for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Two Miami hotels entice travelers this season to take advantage of some special offers. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, in the heart of Mid-Beach, offers up to 40 percent off the best available rate when booked by Dec. 30 for stays through Dec. 30, 2025. Book this offer.
ShareThis