After finding the perfect place to stay, the next choice – where to eat? But why not get a helping hand to the local food scene?
For those who love gourmet food shops, appreciate spending time at markets and want to know the secrets of a city’s food culture, a food tour is the perfect way to discover where to start the tasting.
Here are five food tours that will satiate the palate:
The home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland is also happily located in the Midwest’s farm belt. Visitors who stay at The Ritz Carlton Cleveland can make a reservation for the Fresh Market package, which includes a tour of the West Side Market with one of the hotel chefs. This market has evolved from an open-air collection of carts to a yellow-brick marketplace and arcade, home to over 100 vendors representing many ethnicities as well as the best of the seasonal offerings of the region.
While most travellers focus on the liquid offerings of this Irish capital, Dubliners are just as passionate about their cuisine. Learn about the city’s food history and taste as you walk with Fabulous Food Trails’ Dublin Tasting Trail. Tour includes stops at Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, Liston’s Food Shop, The Cake Cafe, St. George’s Arcade, Fallon & Byrne Food Hall and a quick stop at the oldest Victorian pub in Dublin, The Swan Bar.
Well-known for its food scene, picking a place to dine is daunting in the Bay City. A good starting point is a tour through San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace with a tour from Edible Excursions. This tour will introduce you to many northern California faves including Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Cowgirl Creamery, Boccalone Salumeria, Miette Patisserie and Far West Funghi as well as a jaunt through the local farmer’s stalls.
Hogtown’s moniker may not be in popular use, but locals know the food scene is an A-list attraction. Toronto’s ChowBella Culinary Experiences provides a tour through the Evergreen Brick Works, with an opportunity to learn about this historic site, shop the farmers market with Chef Brad Long and then have lunch prepared by Long, inspired by the market’s offerings.
One of the planet’s most liveable cities, Vancouver is well-known in the food world for its focus on local and sustainable. Learn more about the food scene with a walk through the city’s Granville Island Public Market with a chef from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Meet some of the market’s food purveyors, learn about the history of the market and benefit from impromptu snack options throughout the tour.