I don’t exactly know how or when it happened, but I became known to my friends as a traveler. Actually, some started referring to me as the Global Traveler. Just for accuracy’s sake, I must point out all my travels have been within the North American borders.

Yesterday, my friend, who was at Houston Hobby Airport, texted me for food opinions. I responded with Barry’s Pizza. It is fresh and delicious.

A couple months ago, my dad went on a driving trip to several Midwestern baseball games. I suggested staying in Novi while going to the Detroit Tigers game. I also mentioned Bagger Dave’s for awesome burgers and Tirami Su for a great Italian meal. I gave my dad similar suggestions for Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Indianapolis.

Another one of my friends asked me about Pittsburgh. In the Steel City, you have to go to Mallorca for wonderful Spanish cuisine and Primanti Bros. for their “almost famous” sandwiches, which are the pride of Pittsburgh.

Somehow, I became the “go-to” guy for meal and even hotel suggestions as my family and friends travel around the country. It is a little odd for me to be that guy and for me to answer so naturally.

At first, I kind of scoffed at the notion of me being the travel adviser. A little reflection and simple math made me change my mind. Over the last 10 years, I averaged more than one trip every month (a trip being defined as any hotel stay away from home for at least two nights). That might not qualify me quite as a “global traveler,” but it does give me a good amount of travel knowledge.

If you are going to Toronto, try Jacob’s Steakhouse. In New Orleans, visit The Praline Connection for Cajun/Creole-style soul food or Deanie’s Seafood for the best seafood.

I could go on about great places in other cities, and you can feel free to send requests and I will give my opinions when I can. Unfortunately, my nephew stumped me when he told me about his upcoming trip to Thailand. I told him he would have to ask GT‘s publisher Fran Gallagher or one of my GT colleagues.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor