While cheap travel options, such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages often provide the means of travel, selecting where to go can sometimes be challenging. However, sometimes destinations can be selected simply on the basis of the local flavor of the food they offer.
The following are foodie destinations recommended by Margaret Shakespeare who believes that there is no better way to get to the heart of a place than to discover its hometown dishes:
Portland Oregon is a great sprawling global eatery. The city has over 600 food carts that offer international delicacies, many of which prepare food with fresh local ingredients. Such treats as grilled chicken from Guam, Korean fried chicken, Bora Bora chicken with a searing hot sauce, or Zibas Bosnian cheese and spinach stuffed pita are just a few of the many dishes that can be found.
Tri-Valley California is located just east of Oakland and boasts a Mediterranean climate and matching gastronomic spirit. The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards offers a comprehensive California wine list and a strong commitment to local farmers and ranchers. Many tourists enjoy checking out local farm stands; pick your own fruit orchards and melon patches.
Philadelphia Pennsylvania is home not only to its famous cheesesteak sandwiches, but also to fried slices of scrapple, a distinctive mixture of pork, spices, and cornmeal. At Tria Caf wine makers, brewers, cheese makers, and other experts teach at the Fermentation School. A favorite foodie shopping spot is the Headhouse Farmers Market.
New Haven Connecticut is home to one of the finest cheese shops in the world, Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, which imports soft, hard, washed rind, and blue cheeses from Neals Yard Dairy in London. It also stocks fresh caciocavallo and creamy fior di latte mozzarella made locally. New Haven is famous of its thin, chewy crust pizza.
Southwest Ireland is home to the English Market in Cork City regarded as a food museum that offers such all but extinct regional dishes as tripe and drisheen and buttered eggs. True beer lover will enjoy lingering in almost any pub over a pint of Guinness listening to lusty Irish singing. Visitors are encouraged to spend at least a day at Darina Allens Ballymaloe Cookery School.
Chianti Classico Italy is located in the heart of Tuscany in the hills between Siena and Florence. It is the home of Chianti Classico: a blend of Sangiovese and other grapes that many believe is Italys best red wine. It is also where many legendary live-in cooking schools can be found.
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