Food & Drink
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.”
– Anthony Bourdain
One of the best ways to experience the world is with the palette. Gastronomy—from food to mixology—has become a popular reason to travel. Culinary travel is here to stay and marks the strength of a great food experience. Whether finding the best street food to stalls in the market—from local joints to five-star cuisine, the desire to find the most interesting meals on the planet has become an obsession for many. As the world has become more diffuse, some of best restaurants are drawing travelers to small towns not known for food. In many places, wineries, craft breweries and distilleries are providing yet another excuse to indulge in culinary travel.
The husband and wife duo behind this Tennessee-based distillery are redefining whiskey, community, and the legacy of Uncle Nearest one sip at a time.
With the holidays approaching, I’m sure all of us already have our holiday dinner menu planned. Today, let’s go on a virtual journey to learn about traditional holiday dishes from around the world.
The surprising southern town of Aiken, South Carolina’s intriguing history includes Native American culture, defining Civil War battles, and a railroad, once considered the world’s longest, that arrived here from coastal Charleston in 1833. After the Civil War, Aiken became a magnet for wealthy northerners. Among them were the Whitneys and Vanderbilts—who were keen on equestrian sports. They called Aiken the “Original Winter Colony.” Southerners flocked here, too, as monied folks from the coast fled malarial areas seeking a wellness retreat. In the name of charm, they all left their mark here.
On the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park, 128 alpacas peer over the latched fences of Powell, Wyoming’s Arrowhead Alpacas. On the day of my farm visit, owner Jan Sapp unlatches the first fence and fills my palms with feed. I crouch down with my arms outstretched, deferential to the curious animals. Most meet my efforts with unimpressed stares. Only after a few minutes does the bravest alpaca — or perhaps the hungriest — step forward, accepting my offer with a tickle of her tongue.
Looking back, I remember the joy of those gatherings and the abundance of food. But I also wonder how much went to waste. As someone now mindful of the environmental impact of our choices, I’ve started rethinking how we can celebrate Thanksgiving with the same warmth and abundance while taking care of the planet.
In Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood, Filipino restaurant Kaya — which means “capable” — rarely uses an ingredient just once. The bar repurposes the fatty excess of pork belly to fat wash bourbon for cocktails, while the kitchen utilizes vegetable trimmings for vinegars. It’s this resourcefulness that earned Kaya one of Florida’s first-ever Michelin Green Stars this spring, alongside Miami's Los Félix and Krüs Kitchen.
When I arrive at Healing Farm, I have an overwhelming sense that I’ve come home. This 18-acre organic farm on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula is everything I love about this part of the world, where I grew up.
Traveling as a vegetarian can sometimes be challenging, but some countries stand out for their exceptional vegetarian-friendly options. Here’s a look at some top destinations for vegetarian travelers:
The proud capital of Spain’s Basque region, Bilbao, is a place where culture, history, and mouthwatering gastronomy surround you. Their storied history and decades spent fighting to retain their unique culture have shaped it to be the one-of-a-kind city it is today.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a lesser-known European entity sandwiched between France, Belgium, and Germany.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, love, romance and chocolate step into the spotlight. This love and chocolate thing dates back more than 1,500 years to the Maya and Aztec cultures.
Serene white sand beaches. Tropical cocktails garnished with slices of fresh fruit. Catamarans floating through turquoise water. Images like these tend to be the first to come to mind when thinking of the Turks and Caicos Islands. But this tropical destination, which has stringent COVID protocols, has much more than luxury resorts to offer travelers.