Plates & Suitcases
First-hand restaurant reviews, small-chain hotel stays and airport lounge visits from Marie Mendillo, with practical details from Ottawa, Orlando, the Philippines and destinations around the world. Browse restaurant reviews, hotel stays or airport lounge reviews.
Browse reviews by location: Alabang · Baguio · Cocoa Beach · Davao · Filinvest · Gatineau · Granada · Halifax · Liliw · Madrid · Makati · Manila · Manila Bay · Narita · Orlando · Ottawa–Kanata · Pampanga · Parañaque–BF Homes · Pasay–NAIA · Ronda · Seville · Tagaytay · Toronto–Pearson · Airport lounges
Latest reviews
La Rosario in Ronda: Choosing the Right Empanada
Read review: La Rosario in Ronda: Choosing the Right EmpanadaLa Rosario in Ronda offers a broad empanada selection and a memorable dark-chocolate alfajor. The olive-oil-forward pastry may divide diners.
Casa Macareno in Madrid: Learning Dish by Dish
Read review: Casa Macareno in Madrid: Learning Dish by DishCasa Macareno’s crisp patatas bravas and balanced vermouth stood out. A salty croquette and pork cheek were less memorable during this Madrid meal.
Casa Benigna in Madrid: Seeing More at the Table
Read review: Casa Benigna in Madrid: Seeing More at the TableCasa Benigna’s warm-smoked salmon was an exceptional Madrid dish. The black rice was worthwhile but salty, while the duck confit was a clear miss.
Al Waha in Granada: When the Spices Stay Quiet
Read review: Al Waha in Granada: When the Spices Stay QuietAl Waha offers generous, filling portions in Granada. The chicken couscous was the better plate, though the beef tagine lacked the pronounced spices I hoped for.
Luisitas Empanadas in Granada: Follow the Heat
Read review: Luisitas Empanadas in Granada: Follow the HeatAt Luisitas Empanadas in Granada, the spicy beef empanada was the must-have. A mushroom truffle option missed, while the spinach filling was less memorable.
Los Manueles in Granada: Craft After a Long Walk
Read review: Los Manueles in Granada: Craft After a Long WalkA comfortable, quick Granada meal at Los Manueles, elevated by carefully made piquillo peppers stuffed with bull’s tail and friendly service.
De Nata in Granada: A Small Pastry Worth Stopping For
Read review: De Nata in Granada: A Small Pastry Worth Stopping ForA focused Granada pastry stop that succeeds through a crisp shell, firm custard, warm service and a protective box for taking pastel de nata along.
La Canasta by BEHER in Seville: A Generous Table
Read review: La Canasta by BEHER in Seville: A Generous TableLa Canasta by BEHER offers a generous Seville meal built around eggs, Iberian ham, fresh tomato and a bright finish of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Carmen El Agua in Granada: Place, View and Craft
Read review: Carmen El Agua in Granada: Place, View and CraftCarmen El Agua pairs Granada’s Alhambra sunset with imaginative fusion cooking. The miso-marinated sea bass stood out, while a dry pork dish missed.