Yet individuality pokes through even in these universal shared commonalities. This is no more readily seen then in the food we eat. What can food say about a culture and a people? Those who travel the world enjoy the rich diversity of the eats they encounter. Below is a guide from my experience the food you will find in taverns across the world as you may travel there.
Those who visit the City State of Dragon are familiar with the locals saying, "Dragon is the Greatest City in the World." And the experienced traveler will agree the claim has a lot of merit. Most of the city is clean and well organized. The advancements in applied magics bring all the greatest comforts to its visitors.
Establishment: The Green Dragon
Locale: Temple Square, Dragon
Best known for: Honey Cakes
Review: Walking into the Green Dragon, one is immediately assaulted with the aroma of the famed honey cakes. I am happy to report that the honey cakes live up to their reputation. The sweet bread blends perfectly with the touch of caramel, and the honey glaze on top of the cakes nearly convinces one that these morsels come directly from Mt. Olympus.
Unfortunately, the honey cakes are the only good thing at The Green Dragon. The lamb was poorly seasoned and the ale stale. While the fireplace is a gorgeous piece of architecture, the entertainment at the hearth was atmosphere lack-luster.
2 stars.
Establishment: The Leaky Cauldron
Locale: Old City, Dragon
Best Known For: The Rough Crowd
Review: You know, folks, I sat here for 10 minutes trying to think of something nice to say about The Leaky Cauldron. I couldn't come up with one. It is a cold, dark, depressing, malodorous tavern. Surprisingly, there was a fairly large crowd of patrons, though none of them seemed to be of favorable character. My waitress was well-endowed but barely looked at me, and instead of getting the rolls and drumstick I ordered, she brought me back oatmeal with what I think were raisins. There did seem to be some sort of entertainment upstairs, but I dared not venture up there. Large and heavily armed men guarded the stairs and honestly, I didn't want to spend a minute longer in The Leaky Cauldron than necessary. My advice is avoid the the "establishment", and the Old City altogether when in Dragon.
1/2 star. The waitress' bosom was quite large.
Establishment: The Squealing Pig
Locale: Any town of note within the Crystal Empire, with franchises throughout the world.
Best Known For: Variety of Cuisines
Review: The Empress, may she live forever, has done wonderful things for the vast expanse that is the Crystal Empire. The Squealing Pig franchise is merely a reflection of the order she has brought to her lands. The staff in each establishment are dressed uniformly and are well-groomed, with manners to match. I was most impressed by the sheer variety of foods offered. I could have ordered Seanchan curry, Talyun fried noodles, or Jong Guo pasta if I'd had the mind to. I chose a grilled chicken served over brown rice and was quite satisfied with the meal. The bard was funny with a real knack for the sitar. My room was clean and I even had an after-dinner mint on my pillow.
Four stars.
Establishment: The Roaring Lion
Locale: Dual Franchised Trade City Docks and Down Town Atlanta
Best Known For: Great Gambling
Review: For any gambling enthusiastic the docks on Trade City are paradise. Among this paradisaical glory is the 8 story hotel casino the Roaring Lion. Magically augmented entertainment as you are greeted by an illusion of a roaring lion and augmented serving girls maybe fake but still nice to look at. Game tables were not to favorable to me but I did at least enjoy the fact the Trade City smell stopped outside the door.
4 stars
Establishment: The Merovingian's Bar
Locale: Old City Dragon
Best Known for: Being a magnet for the desperate.
Review: Can't say much about this place as I was not allowed in. The locals report that the club is full of all manner of creature and beast with food and drink to please them all. But its a private club you must be invited to. No one seemed upset they had not been invited.
NO star rating available
Establishment: The Journey's End --Atlanta
Locale: Part of a two part Franchise the other is Journey's Begining in Trade City.
Best Known For: Cheap drinks.
Review: The friendly neighborhood tavern has a decent common room and always entertaining singers and minstrels, much more than would be expected for such a small tavern. The drinks are cheap but stout and you can not beat the companionship of the Local Atlantian people. Seems like everyone is always buying the tavern a free round. Trade stories or just listen to the retired paladins tell there's. Rooms have great views of the Isle and the docks. A great best kept secret.
3.5 stars.
Establishment: The Angel's Haven
Locale: Haven, the Isle
Review: Nowhere short of the Imperial Palace could one find such luxury and comfort. This massive Inn with its 6 performing stages 6 stories of spacious rooms, swimming pool and 3 different bars was built to cater to the Imperial crowd. Less than a 5 minute walk from the Temple of Light this Inn was built to cater to the world leaders and wealthiest of merchants who travel to the Temple of Light to pay their devotion. It is not uncommon to run into a diplomat or King while staying here. I must note I have heard the best singing here in the whole world. A young lady named Mallory sang a set of songs fit for the courts of Olympus. Just an example of the great entertainment a patron will find. Beware this best of the best has the price tag to match.
a FULL 5 STARS.
No comments:
Post a Comment