My wife and I actually say to each other, “I miss Stumble Upon,” for exactly the reasons you said, and we’ve resorted to just trying places when we travel. Some are dull, but some are pretty awesome. We found a place in Paris that way that was one of the highlights of our trip, in part because there was no English on the menu and the wait staff didn’t speak English and so we just took our chances with our crap French and had a great meal. Anyway, a piece of counter-evidence: a local guy writing a Substack about the best bagels in Seattle that I’ve come to enjoy. https://itsashanda.substack.com/
You've definitely tapped into something here. I love traveling and eating, but there are so many great reviews that lead to "meh" places. I have tended to like Rick Steves recommendations because they feel less touristy and somehow more authentic? But also the act of him funneling Americans towards x or y restaurant feels like it will change the place. Maybe randomness is the answer.
My wife and I actually say to each other, “I miss Stumble Upon,” for exactly the reasons you said, and we’ve resorted to just trying places when we travel. Some are dull, but some are pretty awesome. We found a place in Paris that way that was one of the highlights of our trip, in part because there was no English on the menu and the wait staff didn’t speak English and so we just took our chances with our crap French and had a great meal. Anyway, a piece of counter-evidence: a local guy writing a Substack about the best bagels in Seattle that I’ve come to enjoy. https://itsashanda.substack.com/
You've definitely tapped into something here. I love traveling and eating, but there are so many great reviews that lead to "meh" places. I have tended to like Rick Steves recommendations because they feel less touristy and somehow more authentic? But also the act of him funneling Americans towards x or y restaurant feels like it will change the place. Maybe randomness is the answer.