Indulge in a Taste of Travel

Every spring in France, particularly in the south of Bordeaux, locals and visitors are enjoying one of the area’s famous delicacies – not wine per se, but fresh asparagus! Green or white, tender-crisp and drizzled with a lemon butter sauce – there’s nothing better on the plate at this time of year in France.

Culinary travel – exploring a region or country to enjoy the best of its foods in season -- is a trend that’s increased in popularity as the public palate has become more finely tuned. It may be time to indulge your own wanderlust and taste buds with carefully timed travel to search for the world’s most mouthwatering morsels. 

After taking part in the joys of a simple, perfectly prepared plate of asparagus, mark your calendar for Brittany’s King Scallop season, or Coquilles Saint-Jacques. In October, tons of the light, flavorful scallops are harvested from the sandy seabed and become the star of menus everywhere along the coast.

Truffle season in Italy is another good reason to travel. Truffles, or tartufo in Italian, are irresistible because of the tuber’s intoxicating flavor, the truffle releases pheromones when grated or shaved that can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary delight. Truffles grow underground in forests throughout northern Piedmont, central Tuscany as well as Umbria and Le Marche.

Depending on the region and the type of truffle sought, truffle season runs from mid-May to August, and again in the fall, October through December. Hand-harvested by expert foragers and their trained dogs, then sold around the world for astronomical prices, dining in a truffle season in Italy is a must for all gastronomes.

The UNESCO list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage added Italian truffle hunting in 2021, which makes joining a truffle hunt a grand way to immerse yourself in local customs and experience the thrill of finding these rare treats. Most truffle hunting tours include a sampling or a meal prepared with your foraging. Let us find the right tour for you.

There's no better time to visit Japan than during cherry blossom season, which typically occurs between late March and early April. The breathtaking sight of cherry blossoms, or sakura, in full bloom has become synonymous with spring in Japan. While admiring the delicate pink flowers, indulge in the country's refined and elegant culinary tradition: kaiseki cuisine.

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that features a variety of dishes made with seasonal ingredients, arranged artfully to represent the beauty of nature. Each dish is meticulously crafted to showcase the flavors and textures of the ingredients, and the meal is designed to engage all five senses. As you dine, you'll experience an array of tastes, from delicate to robust, and enjoy stunning presentations that reflect the cherry blossoms and other seasonal elements.

While in Japan, take the opportunity to participate in a tea ceremony or visit a traditional ryokan, where you can immerse yourself in the culture and savor an authentic kaiseki meal. In cities like Kyoto and Tokyo, you'll also find many high-end restaurants offering kaiseki menus, allowing you to experience the exquisite artistry of this culinary tradition.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene of southern Spain, particularly the region of Andalusia, where the sun-kissed climate and rich history come together to create mouthwatering dishes. One of the most iconic foods to try during the hot summer months is gazpacho, a refreshing and flavorsome cold soup made from ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, and olive oil.

A trip to Andalusia offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in this classic Spanish dish, which has been enjoyed by locals for centuries. As you explore the charming streets of Seville, Granada, or Córdoba, you'll find numerous tapas bars and restaurants serving their own unique takes on gazpacho, from the traditional to the avant-garde.

While in Andalusia, don't miss the chance to visit local markets and learn about the region's produce, including the world-renowned Spanish olive oil, Iberian ham, and an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Many cities also offer cooking classes that teach you how to prepare authentic Andalusian dishes, such as gazpacho, paella, and tapas, allowing you to bring a taste of Spain back home.