Discovering local cuisine is one of the things I love most about travel. Here are my top five foodie destinations I would revisit in a heartbeat!
Tuscany, Italy
Obviously Italy has to be on the foodie list! There is nothing quite like eating Italian food in Italy. There’s such reverence for the art of cooking and so much enjoyment surrounding food and gathering with friends and family for meals. I’ll never forget the deliciousness of a home cooked meal at the Badia a Coltibuono or the divine simplicity of a gelato while roaming the streets of Florence.
Vancouver, Canada
Not only does this city boast spectacular oysters and other seafood, the choices are exhausting for fun, interesting restaurants! I love charcuterie and there is a fabulous spot in Gastown called Salt, which is set up like a tasting room and focuses on wine pairings with cheese, spreads and condiments. Interesting wines and knowledgeable, engaging staff make this a wonderful experience.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is a bit of a hidden gem for foodies. There’s fabulous Dim Sum to be had at Red Emperor in the beautiful South Bank area, wonderful variety along the St. Kilda beachfront and great markets, especially Prahran Market, home of the best Greek yogurt I’ve ever had, and still crave. For a real neighborhood feel, Di Palma’s pizza on Glenferrie Rd. remains one of my all time favorite pizza joints.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder boasts some great restaurants and there is a very strong focus on fresh, organic, non-processed ingredients which is wonderful to see from a place where getting fresh items can be a challenge. The Kitchen is one of my favorite restaurants, with it’s rustic feel and truly exceptional food. Boulder is also home to Frasca, named by food and wine magazine as one of the 100 Best Wine Restaurants in the country, 2014.
Healdsburg, California
Northern California is one of the most versatile foodie places I know of. The climate is temperate, it’s beautiful, and the close proximity to farms and vineyards means that the “Farm to Table” movement is a way of life, and not simply a tourist buzz-word. For one of the best burgers, (and also the best martini EVER) visit Bistro Ralph on the Healdsburg Sq. Spoonbar in the H2 Hotel has made a name for itself, offering spectacular mix drinks and constantly upping their mixology game with new and interesting cocktails. And for a truly unique experience, Madrona Manor offers a classic 5 course meal like nothing you’ve ever seen.
What are your top five foodie destinations?
I was nominated to write this post by Valerie and Valise as part of a promo through booked.net: <a href=”//www.booked.net/” style=”text-decoration: none”>Booked.net</a> – <a href=”//www.booked.net/gothere”>Top Destinations to Go There</a>. I nominate Trupti at Trailbound, Sarah at Luxury Nomad, Mackenzie at Wandering Scribbler, Sarah at Sarah Under the Sea and Becky at The Girl and the Globe!
Eat Well, Travel Well ~ Samantha