Foodies for thought!
Ian Stalker
There’s no shortage of places which are inviting people who dig food to dig in.
Travel Courier has uncovered some interesting insights on food experiences at home and abroad for our readers, who may find it difficult to break bread at this time in some of these locations as the travel industry has to continue to contend with the coronavirus pandemic.
But they will all be easily available when travel restarts and so enjoy reading about them!
Nathalie Gauthier
The World Expeditions Travel Group
Nathalie Gauthier’s family trip to Jordan last year led to her being wowed by a cuisine that she labels both tasty and nutritious.
Gauthier, North American manager for The World Expeditions Travel Group, says she always enjoys “the fragrant and aromatic flavours of Middle Eastern dishes, and I am particularly fond of Jordanian food. It’s the perfect combination of fresh and simple Mediterranean-style cuisine with classic Arabic spice mixes. With ingredients like chickpeas, lentils and nuts, you get a healthy and tasty way to alternate sources of proteins. And the whole family absolutely loved it!”
She says there aren’t a lot of options for quality Jordanian or Middle Eastern restaurants near her home, and in any case, it would undoubtedly be quite different.
“There are some added flavours when tasting it (Jordanian food) within their environment, the smell of fresh bread cooking on a campfire, and tea brewing in the middle of the desert. You are completely immersed in the culture while experiencing the remarkable hospitality of Jordan. Food and drinks are shared in social gatherings, and meals are often served as communal dishes. The Bedouin tea ceremony is another interesting tradition, and we had plenty of opportunities to experience it with the local communities. It’s unlikely you will go hungry during a trip to Jordan. If you have a sweet tooth, there are an impressive number of shops dedicated to just serving desserts.”
World Expeditions Travel Group views food as an integral part of the overall travel experience. “By pairing the active travel style and authentic cultural flavours, World Expeditions trips aim to provide a deeper understanding of each destination,” Gauthier says. “To fully immerse yourself in a new culture, you must also taste it. Visiting local markets and attending cooking classes, for example, are great ways to learn more about local delicacies and the distinct flavours of the region you are exploring.”
Jordanian food certainly isn’t the only cuisine that gets the thumbs up from Gauthier, who singles out part of Italy for producing great dishes.
“I love traditional Tuscan food and for similar reasons,” she says. “I found that dishes made from simple and fresh ingredients are often the tastiest. There is also strong cultural significance, with communal cooking, shareable plates, and La Dolce Vita. As I said for Jordanian food, there are some added flavours when tasting in within their environment, and that’s also true for Tuscan cuisine.”
Michael Lim
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Michael Lim is confident that those who repeatedly visit Hong Kong will always be able to find new and interesting restaurants and understandably so.
Lim, who oversees the Hong Kong Tourism Board in this country, notes Hong Kong has a seemingly endless number of eateries to choose from.
“Hong Kong’s culinary scene has been very lively and ever-growing internationally,” Lim reports. “There are more than 14,000 licensed restaurants and over 60 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.
“Other than traditional Chinese cuisines, the influx of foreign branded eateries keeps coming in from around the world. Many are boasting Michelin star quality and international popularity. To name a few that just opened their doors — Duck & Waffle from London, UK; Takano Ramen from Japan; Roganic, UK; Chatterbox Cafe, Singapore and Sushi Zo, Japan, etc.
“As a cosmopolitan city, the variety of cuisines, quality and ranges of spending levels would satisfy different tastes and budgets. Most Hong Kongers consider themselves a food lover or a gourmet. It is a foodie’s paradise!”
Lim is quick to label Hong Kong is an international city but notes 95% of the population is Chinese. “Therefore, Chinese food is naturally the most common meal for the locals. Cantonese cuisine has been the most popular Chinese cooking in Hong Kong because of its geographical location. Dim Sum and Yum Cha are the best offer for international food lovers. The high quality, variety, freshness and selections of dim sum restaurants would satisfy the most demanding taste.
“Of course, locals and visitors enjoy the popular Hong Kong street foods too. The best of street foods are featured in the Michelin Guide too, i.e. Pineapple Bun, Hong Kong-style Milk Tea, Eggettes, Curry Fish Balls, Siu Mai, Trolley Noodles, etc. My favourite is an iced Hong Kong-style Milk Tea with a pineapple bun. “For some must-try local foods, visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/dining/must-try-street-food-in-hong-kong.html.”
Cantonese cuisine is most common Chinese food in Hong Kong but Lim notes the destination offers other schools of Chinese cooking, with many restaurants serving “outstanding” Pekingese, Szechuan, Hunan, and Shanghainese dishes.
“Hong Kong cuisine is a unique product influenced by Cantonese, European and non-Cantonese Chinese cuisines due to its history,” Lim adds. “The typical Hong Kong cuisine outlets offer amazing and affordable dining experiences.”
Lim adds that there are a couple of Hong Kong festivals that he particularly looks forward to, one of which is certain to be appreciated by foodies.
“Chinese New Year is the most festive and colourful, filled with Chinese traditions,” he states. “As I love food, the Wine & Dine Festival is my other favourite. I had the opportunity to experience it twice. It provided me an opportunity to sample great wines from around the world, as well as to sample great tastings menus from many Hong Kong restaurants all under one roof. All this under a spectacular outdoor setting next to Victoria Harbour. Due to the pandemic, the festival has gone online this year so that it can be enjoyed by locals as well as those from overseas. One of the highlights is the Masterclasses and Wine & Spirits Talks. One can choose to join live or catch up on a recorded class at one’s preferred times.”
For more information, visit https://winedinefestival.discoverhongkong.com/eng/.
Brantley Ussery
Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Are these donuts the apple of Cynthia Chiles’ eye?
Just possibly and perhaps of plenty of others who have tried the apple cider donuts available at Chiles’ Carter Mountain Orchard in the Charlottesville, Virginia, area.
“I’m telling you, they’re great,” says Chiles of the unusual donuts, found at an attraction that among other things invites visitors to pick their own fruit.
“Who just does not love picking their own apples off the tree?” she asks.
The Charlottesville area is home to plenty of interesting foods, with Brantley Ussery of the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau pointing to the historic Michie Tavern, which invites people to Get a Taste of the 18th Century and offers such southern U.S. creations as cornbread.
“It is a treat to be in the kitchen when they (the likes of cornbread and biscuits) are coming out of the oven,” he says.
The structure dates back to the 18th century.
Food is far from the only tourist draw in the area, with James King of King Family Vineyards reporting that Virginia is “one of the birthplaces of American wine” and the state’s flourishing wine scene now has over 300 wineries.
The Charlottesville area is home to the Monticello Wine Trail, which links 33 wineries.
Those wanting to see the King Family Vineyards can do so on horseback tours, which King praises as a “really unique” experience, providing riders views other visitors don’t get. After the family friendly tours, visitors will go on a wine tasting.
Ussery notes the region also has craft breweries and distilleries if wine “isn’t your cup of tea.”
Manoir Hovey
North Hatley, Que.
North Hatley, Que.’s Manoir Hovey clearly wants its guests to bee of good cheer when Christmas arrives.
The Eastern Townships retreat — “set on 30 acres of Quebec forests and English Gardens, and which has seven stand-alone cottages and connecting suites” — marks the arrival of Christmas Day by delivering a special gift of Hovey Honey, along with homemade granola, and a local blueberry jam to guests.
That’s followed by an intimate reception and complimentary eggnog tasting at 11 am with the Stafford family in the property’s library.
Next is a three-course brunch at Le Hatley restaurant or private dining experience in the guest’s room ($65 per person). The festivities continue with 45-minute horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow-covered landscapes of North Hatley, snowshoeing on local trails in proximity to the property (snowshoes provided), and just a short jaunt from the property, skiers can take to the trails at Mount Orford for downhill and cross-country skiing. On Dec. 24 and 25 guests have a choice of a lavish diner with either a three-course table d’hôte or an eight-course tasting menu (160$ per person).
Meanwhile, seasonal culinary tidings of comfort and joy don’t end at Christmas as guests can join Manoir Hovey for a New Year’s Eve Gala on Dec. 31 beginning with a complimentary glass of champagne and hors d’oeuvres followed by an eight-course tasting menu and a wine pairing at Le Hatley restaurant ($190 per person). For those seeking a more laid-back evening, the Tap Room pub will offer a complimentary glass of champagne and hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course table d’hôte menu.
“Enjoy a wonderful celebration with world-class cuisine and a live quartet jazz band and singer. As midnight approaches guests will be invited to join the countdown with a complimentary glass of champagne and savoury snack. Join family and friends with flambé drinks and personal sparklers around the outdoor fireplaces. Open the door to the New Year with a gift of local cider from the property and enjoy a three-course brunch, sleigh ride and relaxing day at the spa,” Manoir Hovey says.
