Australians take their food seriously. We are becoming a nation of ‘foodies’, inspired by popular cooking shows and our diverse multicultural backgrounds. We are food savvy, with many seeing good food as one of life’s passions. So it shouldn’t be surprising that when Aussies travel overseas it is natural to want to indulge that passion for food. Hence the rise in food related tours and travel experiences.
These days many travellers are choosing destinations based on what food experience they can have, with places such as France and Italy renowned for their cuisine, being high on our wish list. But these are not the only places where Aussies can get a great food experience – and here are just a few examples experienced by the travelBulletin team.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has become a foodie haven – with the opportunity to eat at the restuarants of many of the world’s most famous or infamous chefs, along with many cutting edge eateries following global food trends. A warning – be prepared for large portions!
One of the hottest new eateries on the Las Vegas Strip is Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen and Bar. Fieri is a celebrity chef who has made his name by creating unique twists on traditional American dishes. Think delectable steak nachos, massive burgers and fries, unique appetisers and desserts all in a sports-bar atmosphere at the eatery in the new Linq Hotel. To wash it down there are 16 craft beers, an extensive wine selection and a “frozen tap” shot bar which dispenses eight different shots straight out of an iced dispenser. Very Vegas indeed.
For something different, a delectable blend of cultures to tickle the tastebuds is on offer at Las Vegas’ “Sushi Samba” restaurant, located in the Palazzo Hotel and Casino, just off the Las Vegas Boulevard. The fusion of Brazilian, Peruvian and Japanese cuisines is not one often thought of when looking for a place to eat, however it provides the best of South American colour and spice, with the customs and flavours of traditional Japanese food. The walls are plastered with images that subvert classic Japanese art and mix it with contemporary South American street scenes – creating a unique atmosphere and an unforgettable dining experience.
Vienna
A cooking class in Vienna is a great way to gain insight into Austria’s culinary scene. Learn how to make some traditional Austrian dishes, including some influenced by delicacies of the Hapsburg empire at the “Wrenkh” restaurant in the centre of the city.
Located in a quiet side street, Wrenkh runs a variety of cooking classes in the adjacent Wiener-Kochsalon where participants can roll up their sleeves and learn how to make a traditional Viennese Apple Strudel, or Wiener Schnitzel as part of the ‘Franz’s favourites Viennese Cuisine’ class . One of Wrenkh’s chefs assigns each of the participants a task and you work together to make the various dishes. And once all the hard work is done you get to sit down together and enjoy the fruits of your labour with an open bar – always appealing to Aussies!
Turkey
The ‘Be my Guest’ experiences offered as part of Trafalgar guided holidays often include a food component. One of the most intriguing offerings is on some of Trafalgar’s tours in Turkey where guests are taken off the beaten tourist track to a small village in the hinterland of Pamukkale.
Upon arrival the locals – who spend most of their time farming pine nuts – emerge in traditional dress and the group is welcomed into their rustic homes for lunch in groups of five or six. There’s not a lot of English spoken, but the language of food is universal – not to mention sampling the breathtaking local beverages which are created in the communal village winepress.
