Culinary Travel

What is culinary travel?

Is it when the dish ran away with the spoon? Possibly to save the meatball that rolled away when somebody sneezed?

No, that’s silly.

Culinary travel is a trend for travellers who seek destinations that appeal mostly to three of the particular 5 senses… taste, smell, and sight.
Some tour operators offer specialized itineraries where tourists can experience not only the culture, but the cuisine of the area.  Itineraries can be incorporated with local cultural music, wine tasting, tours of bakeries, and gourmet cooking classes taught by renowned chefs.  Since I love travel and food, this is very interesting to me.

I came across web pages that dedicate sections to travellers coming from all over to tell them what is most notable and where to look for it. I’ll share with you what I found:

If you like wine, you may enjoy a visit to Bordeaux, France. Bordeaux is central to many vineyards, as well as small shops specializing in quality cheese.  Tuscany is also a region you may want to consider if vineyards are on your list. Wine and cheese soiree, anyone?

A visit to Marrakech may convince you to sample Moroccan cuisine; and you may learn how to recreate the gastronomical delights presented to you, after participating in the cooking classes offered to tourists.

[Morocco] (2009 Gourmet Safari Inc.) http://www.gourmetsafari.com/photo/

gallery20%20exmor/pg_sp_marrakech.shtml

[Moroccan Rice bowl with Vegetables and Sultanas]
(Fotobank.ru; March 10, 2011)
http://www.fotobank.ru/img/SF13-8003.jpg?size=l

Another food destination I'd like to mention is Poland.  In the regions of Poland, visitors may experience the Polish culture by partaking in meals prepared in farm houses to restaurants in the urban areas.  While in Poland, you may want to sample some Pierogi, which are stuffed dumplings; or maybe some Zrazy, which is are pork rolls with bacon and pickles, and even Kaczka pieczona z jablkami, which is baked duck with apples.... mmmm...

[Pierogies.]
(Poland Culinary Vacations Inc. March 20, 2011)
http://www.polandculinaryvacations.com/
images/content/polish_cuisine/right_5_large.jpg

  

The Culinary Institute in Cracow, on the outskirts of Krakow is open to anyone fond of cooking who would like to better their abilities. The sessions teach the students how to prepare a three course Polish meal, as well as drinks.

[Pastries] (Polish Culinary Vacations Inc. March 20, 2011)
http://www.polandculinaryvacations.com/

I don't know about you, but I'm getting hungry.  I may revisit this topic again as I delve deeper into some destinations and discover others.

Sources:
http://www.foodvacation.com
http://www.gourmetsafari.com/europelandingpage.shtml
http://www.polandculinaryvacations.com/