Food is one of the best ways to experience a destination. A meal can tell you as much about a place as its landmarks or landscapes. At Virtuoso Travel Week, I discovered fresh ideas for travelers who want to taste the world, and a few of them may surprise you.
Canada: A Best Kept Culinary Secret
Montreal has long been celebrated for its French-inspired cuisine, from elegant bistros to legendary bagels. But venture beyond to Quebec in March and April and you’ll discover the sugar shacks. These maple farms open their doors during sugaring season to serve hearty meals finished with maple syrup poured over snow, creating a chewy, sweet “tire d’érable.” It’s rustic, festive, and truly local.
Toronto is another standout. Over half of the city’s residents come from different countries, bringing with them flavors from around the world. It’s one of the most diverse food cities anywhere, and guided food tours are a great way to explore neighborhoods like Kensington Market and Little India.
On the west coast, Vancouver is often praised as one of North America’s top culinary destinations. The city’s Chinese food is famously said to rival, if not surpass, what you’ll find in China itself. Add in a thriving seafood scene and it becomes a city worth traveling to for food alone.
Culinary Cruising
Cruises are now far from the old buffet-line image. They’ve become floating playgrounds for food lovers.
Oceania Cruises is a line to watch. Known as “the finest cuisine at sea,” they are investing in new ships and evolving from premium to luxury. Think hands-on cooking classes, gourmet restaurants, and menus curated by world-class chefs. Learn more about their dining experience here.
Silversea, already a favorite with Rosedale clients, brings food to the forefront with its innovative S.A.L.T. program (Sea and Land Taste). Guests can dive deep into regional cuisines through onboard cooking demonstrations, lectures, and immersive shore excursions. Explore the program here.
Travel for a Festival
Food festivals are another delicious way to see the world. Imagine Oktoberfest in Munich, where our partner hotels provide access to the best tents for steins and Bavarian specialties. Or escape winter and head to the Cayman Islands in January for the Cayman Cookout, hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, where celebrity chefs and winemakers gather for a weekend of indulgence. Details here.
Closer to home, The Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival offers tastings and pairings that celebrate both local and international cuisine. Learn more here.
Plan Your Culinary Journey
Food has the power to connect us to culture, to people, and to place. Whether it’s syrup at a sugar shack, street food in Toronto, fine dining at sea, or steins in Munich, these experiences create memories that stay with you. Connect with us at Rosedale Travel and let’s design your next journey through flavor.
