If you love food, save this list for your next trip. Tasting dishes from different parts of the world is a delightful experience. It offers a glimpse into the culture and essence of each place. The delicious mix of flavours and special ingredients will captivate your taste buds with every bite.
Discover five remarkable culinary adventures that might just tempt you to use up all your vacation days and book a flight. Don’t just take my word for it—experience them firsthand!
1. Cafe du Monde (New Orleans)
Despite its small size, New Orleans is like a world of its own, boasting a captivating culture and some truly amazing food. If you want to sample the city’s essence, look no further than the menu at Cafe du Monde.
Here’s the twist: they mainly specialize in one thing. Aside from a cup of coffee or fresh juice, their focus is on beignets, available in three packs. Imagine a golden, fluffy dough fried to perfection. Beignets are more than pastries; they’re an entire experience. The magic happens with the first bite, as the warm dough crunch meets the sweetness of powdered sugar, leaving you yearning for more.
Beignets embody the soul of New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrancy and appreciation of life’s simple joys. With each bite, you can almost sense the rhythm of jazz infusing your spirit, transporting you to the heart of the French Quarter. If I win the big prize of the 9 Pots of Gold slot game at Lottoland or receive an inheritance, I will use a big part of it on this great spot. I mean it.
2. Snow Crab Safari (Kirkenes, Norway)
Embark on an exciting Snow Crab Safari in Kirkenes, Norway, with adventure awaiting your arrival. Book your trip through the SnowHotel for a unique experience, whether it’s winter or summer. As you join a professional guide and fisherman, you feel like an explorer to hunt the red king crab in the icy landscapes.
Capture the thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures and gain insights into their behaviour, anatomy, and habitat balance from your guide. Conclude your journey with a delicious meal featuring the freshly caught king crab. The Snow Crab Safari requires a minimum of two participants, and guests must be at least seven years old. The approximately three-hour excursion provides ample time to immerse yourself in Arctic wonders and create lasting memories.
3. SingleThread (California)
If you’re eager to dine at SingleThread, watch their newsletter closely. The effort is worthwhile, though. You can reserve a spot at their inn three months in advance, and their three Michelin-star restaurant serves up a ten-course meal—yes, ten courses!
Situated on a property with its own farm, SingleThread collaborates with the community to grow various crops. The result? Fresh ingredients in every bite.
Owned and led by Kyle Connaughton, with his wife Katina as the head farmer, SingleThread is revolutionizing California’s food scene. They not only create imaginative dishes onsite but also contribute to their community.
In addition to fresh produce and beautiful flowers, you can explore handcrafted products from local artisans. Don’t forget about SingleThread’s pantry line, which allows you to bring those incredible flavours home with you.
4. Dans Le Noir (London, UK)
Say goodbye to dancing in the dark; now, it’s all about dining in the dark at Dans Le Noir. The restaurant takes this concept quite literally.
Upon entering, a visually impaired host guides you to your table in a completely dark dining room. While you can communicate your allergies and restrictions, the menu remains a complete surprise. Focus on heightened senses of smell and taste since you can’t see anything. For security, stow your purse and valuables in a locker to avoid misplacing anything in the dark.
The seating arrangement is large and group-style, so you might find yourself next to a stranger or two. But Dans Le Noir considers this part of the gastronomic experience. In addition to the unique dining, the restaurant offers sensory workshops and wine tastings led by a sommelier.
5. Le Royal (Champagne, France)
Upon entering Le Royal (pictured above), prepare to be enchanted by a stunning panorama. The windows offer an unmatched view of Epernay and the picturesque Marne Valley, creating an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Above, a thousand crystal pendants adorn their chandeliers, casting a warm and elegant ambiance.
Boasting a Michelin Star, Le Royal is a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence. Led by Chef Paolo Boscaro, they artfully transform locally grown vegetables and herbs into culinary masterpieces. Each dish is meticulously crafted, highlighting the rich flavours and vibrant colours of the region’s abundant produce.
Given the elegance demanded by the culinary journey at Le Royal, a posh dress code is in place—leave the flip-flops at home. While children under five aren’t permitted, the restaurant offers a babysitting service, ensuring you can savour your meal in peace.
