Emerging Culinary “Hot Spots” for World Travelers
People who enjoy wine river cruises and culinary tours of the world’s eminent dining meccas may be ready to try some lesser known, but equally interesting, locations for fine dining and culinary cultural immersion. Michelin stars are not always indicative of wonderful gastronomical experiences!
South America
- Visit Mendoza, Argentina to attend a traditional asado – a vibrant outdoor social event that takes outdoor barbecue to an entirely new level! You’ll enjoy a variety of expertly prepared, slow-roasted meats, side dishes of chimichurri, provoleta, and spicy grilled vegetables accompanied by superb Malbec wines from local vineyards.
- Lima, Peru has been home to its famed Nikkei cuisine since the early 1900’s when Japanese immigrants arrived, recruited as farm workers. Here Japanese precision and artistry is blended with Peruvian spice and passion to create a unique blend of flavors. Favorites include tiradito, raw fish dressed with spicy Peruvian sauces, makis with ceviche sauce, tempura rolls dressed with ceviche, pulpo al olivo, sliced octopus with a creamy purple Peruvian olive sauce, and Nigiri Nikkei, vinegared white rice with spicy Peruvian aji amarillo sauce.
Australia
- If you’re traveling in November, you’ll be just in time for the Margaret River Gourmet Escape. This massive festival features long table winery lunches featuring premium chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon wines, celebrity chef demonstrations, bountiful locally grown produce and a cocktail master class. Truffle hunts (rivaling those in Provence) occur a little earlier – July through September.
- New Zealand is a paradise for pinot noir lovers. Enjoy private cycling tours of vineyards here and superb farm-to-table private dining at the Hapuku Kitchen. Located in a spectacular mountainside setting, you can attend private cooking classes here or simply enjoy a fabulous “trust the chef” meal at the Whare Kai Club. Surprisingly, ice cream is a big deal here (New Zealand’s six million dairy cows are kept busy!) Try “hokey-pokey” (vanilla with honeycomb toffee swirls) or fresh mango and berry cones.
Indian Ocean and Islands
- Mauritius is a blend of many kinds of cuisine – Indian, Chinese, African and French influences have all had an impact on Mauritian street food and fine dining. For a quick bite try the Port Louis Central Market for local favorites like Dholl Puri (curry stuffed flatbread) and boulettes (steamed meat or seafood dumplings), and for unbeatable fresh seafood served in style as you cruise the peaceful lagoons, book a catamaran barbecue cruise.
- Food in the Seychelles definitely has a creole flair and fresh fish is always the star of every meal. Enjoy grilled bourzwa (marinated red snapper) and shark chutney, a local delicacy. Fine dining at La Plaine St. Andre is set in a lovely 18th century plantation home and features prawn curries and gumbos as well as a grilled local “catch of the day.” Signature island drinks are baka (fermented sugar cane juice) and refreshing kalou (palm wine) – both pack a punch!
Speak with your Travel Leaders professional for advice on where to travel to experience up-and-coming trends in culinary travel experiences.
