From Michelin Stars to Gault Millau points to AAA Diamond designations and more, there are numerous ways for keen diners to get an idea of the delectable cuisine available to them in gourmet restaurants worldwide. And while points, stars, rosettes and the like abound, sometimes there is a need for a truly exceptional experience to be had, one that surpasses all expectations and leaves you talking about it and reminiscing for years to come.
One such way to provide yourself with a gastronomic event like no other is to combine it with travel to a bewitching location, and herein lies the challenge of finding one that will suit just what you are seeking. From the delights of northern Italy to the beautiful beaches of Barbados to the bustling city of Basel in Switzerland, we’ve narrowed down three of the most incredible culinary experiences around the globe that you can partake in. Will you be adding these to your culinary and travel bucket lists?
The ultimate five-day cooking experience in Italy with an award-winning chef
From learning to make tortellini with Modena grandmothers to private dining at a selection of refined restaurants to a masterclass with top chef Massimo Bottura himself, this really is the ultimate culinary event for those looking to combine travel to a stunning place and the very best in gastronomic experiences.
Taking place in the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy in November this year, this hosted experience takes gastronomes on an immersive journey through the area, offering them the chance to learn from the chef patron of three-Michelin Starred restaurant Osteria Francescana, while hearing of insights into his creations, passion for social change and more. Bottura champions the area and with this trip you can enjoy a range of experiences, tours and classes to fully immerse yourself in what makes this place stand out in the culinary sphere.
Discover Modena, witness how Parmigiano Reggiano is produced, retreat to a countryside escape, dine at the aforementioned restaurant and learn from the master himself. This will be a trip like no other.
Beautiful Barbados beaches as your backdrop from breakfast to dinner
Famed for its powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the west providing a serene getaway and its more dramatic coastline on the east coast, when conjuring up images of a paradisiacal island escape, it’s fair to say that Barbados is most likely what you’re envisioning.
If the scenery plays a big part in your enjoyment when dining, then head to this eastern Caribbean Island for the most perfect backdrop imaginable, Barbados is often referred to as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Flying fish and cou cou is the country’s national dish and you’ll get a taste of traditional Bajan herbs and spices, which are added to the fish before it is fried or steamed in rich gravy and served with cou cou, a simple side dish made from okra and cornmeal.
Barbados offers the perfect place to kick back in your luxurious home for your holiday and seek out a selection of magnificent venues to enjoy some of the best food you’ll taste. Recommended restaurants include The Cliff, The Tides Barbados, Champers Restaurant Barbados and The Lone Star, but dinners in your villa whipped up by a chef or discovering your own beach bars will provide you with as much of a rich culinary experience.
Three Michelin starred dining in a majestic hotel on the banks of the Rhine
Combining a trip to the brilliant city of Basel with a stay at the historically rich and utterly glamorous hotel which houses a three-Michelin Starred restaurant is sure to provide you with some great memories to cherish.
The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois houses the incomparable restaurant Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl, where diners can expect French haute cuisine reimagined with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Opulence and resplendence reign supreme within the décor of the restaurant and hotel, and on sunny summer days, expect to take meals on the terrace, providing you with a truly blissful experience. Enjoy a stay at the hotel and use it as a base to explore the city, which plays host to a number of historic sights and plenty of museums to learn all about the history of this unique city.
