World Food Destinations

Extreme gastro-tourism is really taking off, say Expedia with one in two Brits (52%) having travelled to Champagne just to taste ‘authentic’ bubbly, trekked to Parma for its famous cured ham and travelled the M5 to sup on Hereford’s local cider.

A survey amongst over 22,000 Brits* has revealed that Hereford Cider, Whitstable Oysters and Melton Mowbray pork pies now rank alongside the world famous Champagne producing region in France and Parma ham in Italy in a top 5 poll of favourite ‘epicurean escapes’.

With supermarket shelves heaving with more exotic and organic foods, Brits are becoming more curious about foreign ingredients and where they are sourced. Since being awarded PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, local British food producing areas like Melton Mowbray and Hereford have become a hotbed for intrepid ‘gastro-tourists’ and have helped put Britain on the world’s culinary map.

Local food is a massive deciding factor when Brits plan their holiday with one in ten (11%) planning their trip solely around a local food and drink speciality. Even when sat round their kitchen table at home, 79% feel it is important to only eat and drink produce that has been made in it's true area of origin - so no more stilton from

Scotland and certainly no more Cava when holidaying in France!

Delicious Destinations

The research reveals the most visited destinations specifically for ‘epicurean escapes' are Champagne in France for the bubbly (51 per cent), Parma in Italy for the ham (21 per cent), Hereford for the cider (21%) and also Melton Mowbray for their pork pies (21%). Distance is no obstacle for travellers these days; 3% said they had been to Columbia just to sample the native coffee.

THE TOP 10 ‘DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS'

1.      Champagne region -  Champagne   51%   
2.      Parma - Parma Ham       21%   
3.      Hereford - Hereford Cider       21%   
4.      Melton Mowbray - Pork Pies      21%   
5.      Whitstable - Oysters    18%   
6.      Roquefort - Roquefort cheese    17%   
7.      Feta - Feta cheese      17%   
8.      Italy - Parmigiano Reggiano cheese      15%   
9.      Kalamata - Olives       10%   
10.     Columbia - Columbian Coffee     3%    

Askmen.com, a men's web portal, has come up with their top ten list of the worl'ds top 10 undiscovered culinary gems.

1. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian on the north coast of Spain in the country's Basque region, which is famous for its cuisine, especially its tapas. This small city has three restaurants with three Michelin stars each - Akelare, Arzak and Martin Berasategui.

2. Mougins, France
Mougins in southeastern France is not only famous for being the site of Pablo Picasso's death, but also for its gastronomic climate. Mougins only has about 16,000 inhabitants but it has more than 50 restaurants, including Moulin de Mougins, located in an old mill with two Michelin stars, founded by Chef Roger Vergé. Restaurant Candille is also Michelin-starred.

3. Luxembourg
It's a country of less than 500,000 people but a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants. Its culinary influences are French, Belgian and Germanic, which is found in regional specialties like trout, pike and crayfish, as well as in pastries and cakes.

4. Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, Sweden's second city, boasts five Michelin-starred restaurants - 28+, Basement, Fond, Sjomagasinet, and Kock & Vin - and has produced a surprising number of Sweden's best chefs.

5. Palermo, Italy
Sicilian culture is the product of many influences and its cuisine reflects this. In Palermo, enjoy greens and vegetables, and fish and grain, seasoned with the best influences of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Try restaurants like Il Mulinazzo and Osteria Altri Tempi for classic Sicilian favourites.

6. Ludlow, England
This town once boasted more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other outside London with only 10,000 inhabitants. Sadly, Ludlow is on the decline and now boasts only one, Mr Underhill's, but there's artisan food shops and pubs serving great fare.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Everyone knows Las Vegas is all about glitz, glamour and gambling, but it also excels in fine dining and is the second home to many chefs - Gordon Ramsay, Mario Batali, Thomas Keller, and Emeril Lagasse. Top restaurants include Guy Savoy, Commander's Palace, and Firefly or three-starred Joel Robuchon.

8. Bologna, Italy
The nickname for the region in which Bologna is located is La Grassa, which means "the fat" - a celebration of the rich diet enjoyed here. The use of pork is prevalent throughout Bologna which is also famous for other cured meats and pasta with top restaurants including Al Pappagallo and Da Bertino.

9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Home to three Michelin-starred restaurants (Martin Wishart, Number One and The Kitchin), and also a hot spot for all things cultural and famous for its farmer's markets, tea rooms and pubs.

10. Singapore
British and Asian influences combine to make Singapore one of the world's top undiscovered culinary capitals. The Singapore food festival, held every July, is a showcase of the best local foods. Head to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay for the best restaurants and to Chinatown Food Street and Lau Pat Sat Festival Market for the best local eats. Top restaurants include One Rochester for French dishes and Lei Garden for grilled shark.

11 April 2008