#culinary-tourism

#culinary-tourism

"Still relatively undiscovered, Grenada has been a well-kept secret of the discerning Caribbean traveler for decades," says Sheldon Keens-Douglas, the manager of Grenada's Spice Island Beach Resort. Insiders fell in love with the island's more distinct features, like its rugged, rain forest-covered center, enviable reefs, and untouched feel. Dubbed the Spice Island for its bumper crops such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, Grenada also has a growing culinary scene that has quietly been drawing in-the-know foodies for years.

Whether you're sampling street food or indulging in an eight-course menu, the best way to learn about different cultures is often through their cuisine. Intrepid travelers these days, however, want more than standard cooking classes and wine tastings. They're craving newer, more engaging ways to learn about food and the people behind it. Our A-List travel advisors are always on the hunt for new flavors and food experiences.

In Markham, Ontario, about 20 miles north of Toronto, you could book a table for lobster risotto at a modern Italian restaurant or for a marbled ribeye at a classic steakhouse. Or, you could reserve a seat inside the warm, welcoming home of a local family.

Most notably, Bourdain was able to stir up interest in Vietnamese cuisine as he waxed poetically about some of the most delicious dishes he had while visiting the country. Vietnamese restaurateur and national culinary culture ambassador Chef Vo Quoc admitted to Forbes, "Tourists who come to Vietnam still seek out the dishes Bourdain spotlighted, and so the businesses in food and drink have benefited from his pioneering work."

The rankings were generated as part of the organization's Global Peace Index, which reviews crime activity, safety and policing expenses, political stability, and more, "Anguilla crime rates are the lowest in the Caribbean with very few violent and petty crimes to mar its reputation as a tropical oasis," the report shares. Known for its 33 white sand beaches, travelers from around the world find a mix of peace, solitude, and adventure throughout Anguilla.

"I very much believed in the all-in approach, but I didn't realize that we would exclude people. I have some anxiety that people are going to say, 'Oh, he's a hypocrite,' but I know that the best way to continue to champion plant-based cooking is to let everyone participate around the table."

Steves emphasizes avoiding main tourist streets for dining, suggesting that those areas often serve overpriced and not authentic local cuisine. Instead, diners should seek smaller eateries on side streets, which tend to offer real cultural experiences and true regional dishes.

Greenwich, Connecticut, has become a culinary hotspot thanks to its high-end dining options, diverse cuisines, and proximity to New York City, catering to hedge fund clients.