Program 467: Holiday Roadfood; Best Chocolates in Europe; Holiday Travels; Prague Christmas

Writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort food served in America's roadside restaurants, then food and culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus we'll hear how locals get into the Christmas spirit in Prague.

• Jane Stern and Michael Stern, authors of  "Roadfood: The Coast-to-Coast Guide to 700 of the Best Barbecue Joints, Lobster Shacks, Ice Cream Parlors, Highway Diners, and Much, Much More" (10th edition, published by Clarkson Potter), plus "500 Things to Eat Before Its Too Late" (Houghton Mifflin), and "The Lexicon of Real American Food" (Lyons Press)
• Fred Plotkin, author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler" (Kyle Books)
• Katerina Svobodova, tour guide based in Prague

• Jane Stern and Michael Stern have an interactive website at Roadfood.com where you can design roadfood-themed trip itineraries, and add your own roadfood recommendations. Their "Roadfood" guide to more than 700 road food establishments around the USA is in its 10th edition.
• Harold's New York Deli is in Edison, New  Jersey.
• The Clifton Mill near Yellow Springs, Ohio is known for its extensive Christmas lights.
• Fred Plotkin's "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler" is published by Kyle Books in Britain.
• Gianduia is a chocolate-hazelnut spread invented in Turin, Italy.
• Bicerin is a traditional chocolate drink you'll find in the cafes of Turin.   
• Fred Plotkin likes the Alma chocolate makers in Portland, Oregon.
• Fred Plotkin posts frequently to the Operavore blog on the website for WQXR radio in New York .   
• Trip Advisor listings for car-free Wegen, Switzerland.
• A look at the Christmas markets in Prague.
• Prague-based tour guide Katerina Svobodova's website.