While on a Celebrity Cruise to Alaska a while back, I found this incredible book in the ship library and couldn’t put it down. I placed it in on my wish list in the back of my mind and then actually forgot about it. But lo and behold, I opened a Christmas gift from my mom last year and there was the book. Be prepared to spend hours perusing through this book and dreaming. It’s a hard one to put down if you are like me and dream of faraway places with street markets, five-star restaurants, and rows of endless exotic spices from which to choose.
The book takes you on journeys to some of the world’s greatest food bazaars, food towns, street foods, ultimate luxuries, the best wineries, and secrets to recipes that you can recreate at home. You can start in New York City where you will find the best kosher hot dogs and graze the specialty food carts. Experience pizza in Naples, learn the history of wine making in Champagne, or enjoy high tea at the Savoy in London. (I can attest to that one- it’s marvelous!). My daughters still recall the juicy and colorful berries in the markets of Helsinki, Finland, and the fresh kangaroo meat at the Victoria Market in Melbourne, Australia.
There are nine chapters to entice you and give all the help you need to travel the world in search of gastronomic delights. The book can be a huge help when planning culinary adventures by reading where and when to go, what to look for, and most of all, how to make the most of your trip. Adventures in eating is part of what makes travel so exhilarating. Ask anyone who has traveled the world and they will probably be able to tell you exactly what they ate. Meals abroad introduce you to the culture of the country, its people, and history. There is such a unique relationship between food and travel. The place and the palate are intimately connected.
I actually can’t begin to tell you everything that is in this book. It’s like taking a trip around the world while reading through the pages. The world really can be your oyster – or your truffle, or your chocolate, or … fill in the blank. Whatever you need to find will be in this marvelous book published by National Geographic. Who knows the world better? Where will your next adventure be? Dream big.
where ever I travel I always visit a grocery store–it’s my version of a museum tour.
You might also like the book, “Food Lovers Guide to the World”
I do the same thing, Lisa. I’ll check out your book suggestion – thanks!
I must have that book! It sounds wonderful. I love to visit markets when we travel. In addition to reading about a country’s food and visiting markets, I highly recommend taking a cooking class when visiting another country. It’s a great way to learn about the food and the culture. We did that on our trip to Chile in November. The day-long class included visits to two wineries, a bakery, and the fish, meat, and vegetable markets in Valparaiso to select the ingredients for the meal. Because there were just two of us taking the class, we really got to know our instructor. Plus learned to make some delicious Chilean dishes.
You will love the book, Madonna. I would love to hear more about your cooking classes in Chile and maybe some recipes?
I promise to share once I get caught up with work. I will tell you that while razor clams are delicious, I have no desire to ever de-poop one again. Yuck!
Madonna, can’t wait to hear all about it; not the de-poop, the razor clams…
Debbie
Again you made my day when I read this blog! Over the many years that I have traveled, I always love to shop at the markets, shops, etc of the country. My theory is that if one can see what is eaten by a country, one can better understand the country.
Your review inspired me to order the book too. Bon Appetit, Y’all to everyone!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Mary Louise, you will love this book!! I thought about you and all your travels as I was writing the blog.