culinary travel (147)

Mole Poblano, Mexico's Saucy Splendor

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If you’re a true fan of the complexities of Mexican cuisine (as in, beyond Taco Bell and “pass the Old El Paso”) I’m sure you’ve come across one of this country’s most sophisticated contributions to world cuisine, as well as its quintessential “special occasion” dish. There are a number of Mexican sauces referred to as moles (pronounced “MO-layss”), but the best known is mole poblano, a thick, rich, brown concoction that for my money is as tasty and complex as any fancy confection from the kitc

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Best San Diego Sushi: Zenbu

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Since I'm not an expert on sushi, I asked Shira Bliss of La Jolla Wine Tours for advice on finding the best sushi in La Jolla.

Shira combined her love of walking, fine wine, and gourmet food into a tour company that introduces La Jolla residents and visitors to local restaurants and wineries. With business partner Paul Anthony Vild, she started a guided food and wine walking tour that has expanded to include wine train tours, beer tours, and tours to San Diego wineries.

"There are seven sushi bars
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Great Culinary Destinations

 

 
Top Places For Food and Wine
 
 

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A cook stirs up some Thai food in Bangkok

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In Rome, you’re never far away from a great glass of wine and a plate of pasta.

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Café and a croissant: a delicious Paris combo.

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In Chicago, a saucy deep-dish pizza.

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Some of the best wines in the world hail from California’s Napa Valley.

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In Tokyo, sushi is a form of art.

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From po’boys to muffulettas, New Orleans is home to some of the earth’s best sandwiches.

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The shrimp cocktail is a staple of Las Vegas cuisine.

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Some say San

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10 Best Countries for Vegetarian Travel

Traveling as a vegetarian or vegan is never easy, but it isn’t as hard as many people think. It takes a little effort, but if you’re open to tasting new and interesting food and up for a challenge, you’ll be amazed at the variety of exciting things you’ll get to try when traveling. The 10 countries below are known for their various cuisine and always helpful locals.

#1. China

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Thanks to the historical influence of Buddhism, China has a 2000 year tradition of pure vegetarian food. There are vegetari

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A destination that has something for every traveler, Thailand offers an incredible stay and fascinating opportunities to enjoy world-class shopping, island hopping or explore the country’s national parks with the activities that has something different for every visitor that plans a visit to Thailand. Indulge yourself in the massive geographic and cultural diversity of Thailand by opting for Thailand tours. Explore unique areas along with beautiful bustling beaches, rich cultural experiences as

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via Hg2

pic-blog-post-europe-russia-moscow-ekspeditsiya-7-1011.jpg?w=250&h=167&width=249Next time you’re in Russia’s capital and require an adventure fix without leaving the big city, go for an urban expedition at central Moscow’s Ekspeditsiya, whose roaring open fire, pine tree, canoe, running stream beneath the floor, and real rescue helicopter will whisk you on an eponymous expedition to the wilds of Siberia. And so should chef Leon Ek’s menu: disguised as a photograph album of all kinds of awe-inspiring al fresco adventures, it offers the traditional food of Russia’s Ar

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The Best Countries for Food Trips

Food and travel go together and no matter where you go, the culinary experience is always a good way to understand the local culture. So here’s a list of 10 countries that your palate would really enjoy!Eat up!

1. Thailand

Thailand, Pad Thai

Influenced by the unique flavors and food preparation techniques of India, China and Oceania, Thai cuisine is a tangy fusion of the best ingredients.

2. Greece

Greek cuisine

From olives to oven baked bread, to rosy tomatoes and Mediterranean octopus, the true taste of Greece is about fresh, who

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by Asli Pelit

Imroz meyhane, Istanbul, TurkeyAlong with the dramatic blue waters of Turkey‘s Bosphorus, the opulent dome and minarets of Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia, travelers to Istanbulalways come away wowed by its incredible cuisine. And I confess, as a seventh-generation local, I dream about the sight of a well prepared Turkish table when I’m away from home.

Atop seven hills where two continents meet, encircled by the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the perfect setup of the ancient city once known as Constantinop

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9008604695?profile=originalTo most non-Spaniards, the historic city and region of Valencia is most famous for paella and oranges. There is, however, an incredible edible número tres you probably haven’t heard of.

Even though it’s popular throughout Spain, for whatever reason the drink called horchata generally doesn’t seem to travel so well beyond the borders. Some in the U.S. West familiar with Mexican cuisine know horchata as a cinammon-laced, rice-based drink. Not so in Mexico's mother country. Made from ground tiger

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Texas Eat 'Em: BBQ in San Antonio, Texas

9008603670?profile=originalThe definition of barbeque has nearly as many meanings as sauces. First, you can attend an event or outdoor party, which, in Texas is usually held on a ranch. The act of barbecuing is the process of preparing food with smoke, low temperatures and long periods of time. Don't be confused by the backyard griller who claims to barbeque, but simply heats food outdoors, often over a gas source. And, don't try to find the best recipe as everyone claims their method holds prize winning secrets.

 

I recent

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9008600093?profile=originalThe senses increases on the Cheese Museum of Azeitao, where more than 50 years of this local cheese producer can be appreciated by visitors.

 

Yes, a tradition born on the Natural Park of Arrabida with nice Sheeps that give a wonderful milk to produce butter and an amazing cheese. You can participate on the production of your own cheese.

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La Jolla Wine Tours

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Where are La Jolla’s best restaurants?

Our eclectic food and wine scene can be a bit overwhelming for the first time visitor, but Shira Wiseman will be happy to help you get the lay of the land.

This local foodie offers culinary walking tours of the village and, in the process, helps fellow San Diegans and out-of-towners find our best food and wine gems.

Her three-hour excursions include four to five stops, including local restaurants, a purveyor of chocolates, and a little-known source for gourme

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Cooking Vacations in Tuscany

Italy is one of the most beautiful regions in the world and one of the top tourist destinations as well. People from around the globe visit Italy for enriching and rejuvenating. The mix of scenery, food, culture, and wine blend together for an enchanting experience.

If you are planning a luxurious vacation but have yet to settle on a destination, Italy should be considered due to its breathtaking scenery and amazing cuisine. Many travelers who visit Italy for cooking vacations chose Tuscany, as t

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Sparkling Champagne Meets Lively Paris

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNUpl-GKCX1YyDTDWYJEw8m5ZZIJm0_-UIY05ac0dXz_zG-V1SWine appreciation has reached new heights in Paris, producing a region prolific in wine bars, champagne tasting workshops at prestigious Parisian wine merchants, and other popular champagne-related activities.

Hervé Rousseau opened the Flûte l’Étoile in Paris after testing his restaurant concept in the New York with two Flûte bars. His recipe includes a lounge atmosphere that gives guest a VIP welcome, great finger foods, exciting and diverse venues and both charitable and educational events.
Cust
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International Chefs Showcase Their Stuff




A creative mingling of flavors and textures delighted discerning palates recently during gastronomic feasts in four New York restaurants. The special meals were prepared for events sponsored by San Francisco at the Americano Restaurant & Bar, Northwest Washington State at Bar Basque, Saborea Puerto Rico at Rayuela and Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit at Zengo. Chefs flew to New York to showcase their distinctive specialties for travel writers living and working in the New York area.



San Francisco’s culin

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If you've ever eaten Anatolian, you know what a Turkish delight it is, and Istanbul (not Constantinople) is certainly jam-packed with places to shovel it in. But on Akbiyik Caddesi, a popular restaurant row in Sultanahmet near the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, Dutch-born Cordon Bleu alumna Eveline Zoutendijk set out her shingle with a slightly more focused purpose than merely getting tourists fed.

Sure, at Cooking Alaturka you can certainly pull up a chair and feast on goodies

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Recently in Puerto Rico I attended the Saborea (savor), a “culinary extravaganza.” The event is a series of tastings and parties that culminates at Escambron Beach, ocean side under enormous tents. One tent showcased tastings from island chefs and Puerto Rican rum. Yum! The other tent was set up as a food theatre where two chefs had 45 minutes to create their own signature dish that was then judged side by side by a panel. The chefs were either Food Network or Bravo TV stars, or stellar local ta

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The many immigrants who’ve made Paris home over the years have left an exotic mark tasty enough to justify a visit by itself — especially if you’re curious about unusual cuisines that may be hard to find even in, say, New York, London, or Los Angeles. And oftentimes they’re some of the less pricey — even least pricey — dining options around. Here’s my top seven, discovered on my last visit:

Algeria: Le Taghit This romantic, candlelit spot in southern Paris run by Bashir and Malika Benamrane cla

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Chinatown
Chau's Fresh Fruit and Juice also serves fresh steamed corn and boiled peanuts. Located at Maunakea Market.

You'll surely wish you'd have a kitchen to cook in when you stroll around Chinatown on a busy Sunday morning. Shop after shop overflows with fresh produce, meats and seafood -- a feast for the eyes as well as the palette. The streets are abuzz with locals shopping and haggling. You'll want to do some of the same if you're tempted by the myriad little shops with Chinese goods ranging from

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Munich Oktoberfest celebrates 200th anniversary in 2010

Germany is justifiably famous for its great beer and wine festivals, which start in late summer or early fall and focus on regional wines, beers, and culinary specialties. The most famous is the Munich Oktoberfest, the world’s oldest and largest beer festival , which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2010. Festival dates this year are September 18 to October 4.

The Munich Oktoberfest turns the city into party central. Dozens of huge tents s

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