5 GREAT DESTINATIONS FOR THE FOODIE

New York

Around 24,000 restaurants call New York City home, making it the go-to destination for international cuisines from famous chefs across the world. Walk a few blocks and find cheesey, salty Columbian arepas, Greek roasted lamb on a bed of basmiti, Korean kimchi tacos or good-old fashioned juicy American hamburgers.

Anytime hunger strikes, whether its 5 a.m. or 5 p.m., you can find what you’re craving within the city. What makes the Big Apple such a foodie paradise are the options: from unique street food to Michelin-rated restaurants. Little Italy, Koreatown, Chinatown, Hell’s Kitchen, and other neighborhoods offer dishes based on their cultural roots, making for a great epicurean adventure.

California

California is brimming with varied choices; we couldn’t even decide on the best city. San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego… all a food lover’s dream. Sip wines in Napa Valley as you gaze upon the hills wine grapes are grown. Trek to coastal city piers to find farmer’s markets bursting with bright and colorful produce or fish markets offering freshly-caught seafood.

Each city possesses its own flair and personality, you may want to stop in as many places as you can during your California tour. Delicacies such as sushi, pastries, ramen, fresh fish, and other inventive dishes are usually close by and easy to find.

Italy

The home of pizza, pasta, gelato, and other favorite comfort food means you might have to bring your stretchy pants for a trip through Italy’s famous cuisine. Within a few hours, you can travel between Venice, Milan, Rome, Florence, and other cities to find the perfect dish and a great glass of wine.

Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Italy has access to the freshest produce and seafood in the region, allowing chefs to create magnificent and healthy dishes. Start planning your trip and be sure to sample traditional foods perfected in Italy such as Arancini, Ribollita, Tiramisu.

France

No foodie trip would be complete without a visit to the origin of fine dining, France. Freshly baked bread and delicate pastries will greet you in every city or town. You’ll discover why most classically trained chefs get their start in France by sampling traditional French dishes such as Coq Au Vin, Cassoulet, Ratatouille, and more.

Whether you travel through the vast wine country or smaller towns, you’re sure to have the same authentic food experiences as you would in the larger metro cities of Paris or Marseille. With France’s easy access to the Mediterranean and fresh ingredients, your tastebuds will explode with delight enjoying any locally prepared meal.

Thailand

If you are in search of the most authentic Pad Thai, Thailand is the place to go. A staple in their national cuisine, this dish can be found from street food carts to the finest dining establishments. Both Bangkok and Chang Mai are renowned for the quality and quantity of restaurants, so you’re sure to find many interpretations of this salty noodle dish.

Other traditional specialties are full of spices & local flavors such as Pad Se Ew, a stir-fried noodle dish, Massaman curry and Tom Kha, a spicy and sour hot soup with coconut milk. Another benefit to a Thailand trip are street vendors with low food prices, keeping you well-fed and under budget during your visit.