Food Capitals of the World - Part 2

The Luxury Villa Travel Guide Y O U R GU I DE TO LU X UR I OU S ES C APES

MIA MI V AC A T ION R EN T A L S

S AN DIE G O V A C AT IO N RE N T A LS

NOVEMBER 23, 2014 SERENA

Food Capitals of the World – Part 2 A Gourmet Tour, with Stops in the Tropics! Do hot climes and gourmet food go together? Sure. Adventurous gourmands pick destinations near the equator (some of the warmest places on earth) not just for sun, sea, and snorkeling – but for their treasure chest of exciting new flavors. Fruits of various shapes, colors, textures, and tastes. Spices, sauces, and marinades that stimulate your taste buds. And distinctive cuisines that give ordinary meat, fish, and seafood a strange yet wonderful new twist. Here are four culinary meccas in the tropics that you won’t soon forget. Caribbean: St Martin/Saint Marten – Fine French cuisine with an island spin If Paris isn’t feasible this year, try the half-French/half Dutch border-less island in the

French West Indies. French St Martin boasts hundreds of French chefs who’ve brought their skills to the island, seamlessly fusing classic Gallic cuisine with Caribbean flavors. The Boulevard de Grand Case – with one gourmet restaurant after another and the popular open-air barbecue places (lolos) – is testament to the island’s culinary stature. Meanwhile, Saint Marten, the Dutch side of the island, offers trendy and more diverse choices. Tour the world as you savor Indian, Indonesian, Thai, Lebanese, Italian, and Greek cuisines. With more than 400 restaurants throughout the island, you won’t be lacking in choices for every day of your stay! Thailand: Bangkok – From world-class street food to 5-star restaurants Like most great cities, Bangkok offers travelers a wide range of international cuisines, but as a foodie, you would be remiss if you didn’t sample the rich, spicy (and authentic) Thai dishes. Bangkok’s food scene presents a lot of options to enjoy the Thai food experience. In a rush? Need to eat on the go? Try out a whole assortment of simple yet delicious meals from umbrella stands, noodle trucks, or floating markets found all over the city. Chicken, fresh veggies, snacks, and other delicacies – skewered or not – are available at ridiculously low prices. Want something more high-end? Bangkok has some of the world’s finest 5-star restaurants and rooftop bars (often located in upscale hotels) that offer creative gourmet menus, fabulous cocktails, and unparalleled ambiance. Hawaii: Honolulu – New gastronomic paradise You know it best for the sun and surf, but today’s Honolulu may just be America’s newest gastronomic paradise! True, Hawaii has long imported its food from the mainland, but the state is finally coming into its own. Nature has gifted it with a rich volcanic soil, sea life-rich waters, and indigenous fruits and vegetables. While ethnic influences have contributed to a rich culinary tradition, in Honolulu, new, hip restaurants are opening up. Young trained chefs are cooking up innovative menus with local seafood, produce, and other fresh ingredients – with their heritage as a source of inspiration. Gourmet food trucks and gastro-pubs (pubs that offer high-quality food) are on the rise as well. And of course, farmers markets (over 200 at last count) are popping up all over – drawing thousands to sample and shop their succulent offerings. Florida: Naples – from retiree haven to foodie heaven A Conde Nast Traveler reader poll recently named Naples, on Florida’s Paradise Coast, as one of America’s top food cities. The accolades are not surprising. The publication’s readers – all discerning travelers – were obviously impressed by Naples’ wide variety of culinary experiences, including its innumerable seafood options. The city’s extensive selection of international fare and eclectic ethnic offerings– from French Provencal to Spanish tapas, from Italian cuisine to Peruvian eats – must also thrill the traveling gourmands. So with Naples evolving from mere beach destination to foodie destination – and bringing in younger, well-travelled, and more demanding palates – expect the food scene to become more urbane and menu options to be even more multifaceted. So tell us, which is your favorite gourmet stop in the tropics? We’d love to know! Make your trip even more enjoyable by staying at a Luxury Villa vacation rental. Each of

our premium properties is a full-service, tailored-to-your-needs luxury retreat. Enjoy the ultimate vacation experience with spacious interiors and state-of-the-art kitchens. Luxe amenities, lush surroundings, and access to activities and local attractions. For more information, visit Luxury Villa vacation rentals.

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