“Will fly for food” is our new mantra in life. Here’s why.
Travelling and eating go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s your first or 21st time visiting a country, the best way to understand its culture is to immerse yourself in the culinary fare. Time your trip when there are local food festivals, where chefs and wine experts come together to give you a taste of their cuisine.
Margaret River Gourmet Escape
Photo: Margaret River Gourmet Escape
18 to 20 November; Margaret River Valley, Australia
Food lovers take note: November is the month to visit Australia, with many food and wine events on the roster. Not-to-be-missed is the Margaret River Gourmet Escape (MRGE), held at the Margaret River Valley.
Over three days, celebrity chefs Nigella Lawson, Dominique Crenn and our very own Janice Wong will collaborate with wine personalities on exclusive food and wine pairing sessions. Typically in unique settings like a vineyard or winery, it’s a treat you’re unlikely to find in Singapore. Maximise your time there by squeezing in a few masterclasses as well.
For more information, visit www.gourmetescape.com.au
Toast Martinborough
Photo: Toast Martinborough / Facebook
20 November; Martinborugh, New Zealand
Should you decide to give MRGE a go, hop on a plane to New Zealand’s Toast Martinborough. Although it’s six hours away, it’ll be worth your while when you sample the finest pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs from the likes of Margrain Vineyard, Ata Rangi and Vynfields.
Participating family-owned wineries will be teaming up with restaurants in the region to complete your tasting sessions with delectable bites. If homemade wedges with chilli butter; cheese platters with poached pear, crostini and chilli relish; and spice roast cauliflower with shallots and spring onion don’t tempt you, we’d be worried.
For more information, visit toastmartinborough.co.nz
Oktoberfest
Photo: Oktoberfest / Facebook
17 September to 3 October; Munich, Germany
Come September, Munich will transform into a city that celebrates all things beer. It’s something you have to experience at least once in your lifetime—if you don’t mind the sight of men dancing on tables and chairs, that is. Once you receive your massive mug of Weizenbier, however, you won’t be surprised as to why there are thousands of happy revelers.
There’s no chance of getting hungry either. Eateries line the streets near the venue, serving everything from pretzels and bratwurst sausages, to schnitzels and roasted pork knuckles–just the kind of German fare that go perfectly with a cold beer.
For more information, visit www.oktoberfest.de/en
Salon du Chocolat
Photo: Salon du Chocolat / Facebook
28 October to 1 November; Paris, France
Now on its 22nd edition, Salon du Chocolate will once again make its way to Port du Versailles to entice those with sweet tooth. Over 300 local and international chefs will be serving their luscious chocolate creations at the event.
Masterclasses are to be expected and we’re curious about the pastry show, but the one event we’re bookmarking is the cocoa show, where audience will be educated about cocoa through song and dance numbers.
The highlight every year, the Chocolate Fashion Show is a special segment where 15 pairs of chocolatiers and fashion designers team up to create dresses inspired by—what else—chocolate. Last year saw stellar masterpieces like a white cocktail dress accented with cupcakes and a chocolate cake gown.
For more information, visit www.salonduchocolat.fr
Tartufo Bianco D’Alba
Photo: Tartufo Bianco D’Alba / Facebook
8 October to 27 November; Alba, Italy
Can’t get enough of truffles? Neither can we. Get a load of them when you head to the Truffle Market at the Alba White Truffle Fair, where you can see, touch and smell and buy the produce fresh from Alba.
But if your interest lies solely in fulfilling your stomach’s desire, skip the commotion and head straight to the Alba Truffle Show where you’ll spot guest chefs such as Damiano Nigro from Villa d'Amelia and Marc Lantern from Ristorante Al Castello, Grinzane Cavour whipping up Italian dishes: pastas and dishes loaded with the fragrant ingredient.
Put the AlbaQualità food and wine exhibition on your list, too. There, you’ll find exquisite wines from the Langhe-Roero region, artisanal confectionary, cheese, pastas and cured meats.
For more information, visit www.fieradeltartufo.org/2016/en