On & Beyond Culinary Delights

Having just spent five marvelous weeks in Italy enjoying (a bit too much) cheese, learning to make pizza, and spending (a whole lot of) money on olives at the farmers’ market, it comes to no surprise that I talk about visiting the country every chance I get. 

If you consider yourself a food lover, I’m sure you would agree that one of the best ways to know about a new city or country is through its cuisine! 

If you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party this year, you will definitely want to have some easy cocktail recipes handy to entertain and delight your guests.  

You may probably already heard that regular consumption of red wine has numerous benefits for the health. But do you know what these benefits are and why red wine is considered so advantageous?

One of the main reasons why travelers (including me) keep returning to Spain is because we ended up falling in love with Spanish food. So it comes to no surprise that Spanish cuisine has been thriving in terms of popularity – especially in the past decade or so.

Winter is a time where we transition from light, summery dishes to comforting and fun foods that can be enjoyed on a rainy Sunday afternoon with family and loved ones. Christmas is a great time to celebrate all the food which is on offer, as well as all the fun and exciting events taking place this wonderful time of year.

Welcome to New York City, the cultural hub of the world and every foodie traveler’s paradise. It is a city too vast and culturally diverse to be experienced in a single trip, but if you plan your trip just right, you will  be able to enjoy some of the tastiest culinary dishes and the most creative cocktails on the East Coast!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The lights adorn the cities, the Christmas markets are in full swing, and the search for easy to make Christmas cookies and sweets is on the way.

Though it is certainly lots of fun, throwing a great dinner party is not an easy task. It may seem like a simple case of bringing food and wine together, but it isn't so. It involves a lot of preparations and planning ahead. 

A picnic is simply incomplete without delicious food. While there are countless mouthwatering dishes out to choose from, finding which ones are ready to travel can be quite difficult. 

Did you know that the term “How to inject meat for smoking” has over 12 million search results on Google? Well, if you didn’t, know you do. This is definitely a clear sign that many people are really interested in how they can boost the flavor of their BBQ meats. 

Proteins are our basic building block, so taking in the right amounts of them is of the essence, even more so if you want to build some muscle and maintain a good level of energy throughout the day.

Dating back to the European Middle Ages, Christmas Markets are now a common occurrence in most European cities. The tradition also moved to North America and Asia, so Christmas fairs open each year in USA, Canada, Japan, and China.

Thanksgiving day is around the corner and for those who us who celebrate it, we simply can’t wait to gorge on delicious foods. That said, though it is one of the most awaited days of the year, it’s a day where we tend to end up eating a lot of high-caloric foods. 

Traveling does not only encourage a person’s willingness to explore and increase their independence, but it also pushes them to limits they haven’t experienced and provides abundant cultural awareness. I believe that this is particularly true for students. 

I don’t know about you but my favorite part of any meal is the desserts. For me, there’s nothing quite a great dessert to make a meal a memorable one. 

Thinking of traveling to India sometime soon? Since India is the 7th largest country in the world, it definitely would take countless trips to be able to experience visit-worthy places in this vibrant travel destination. There is so much to see, to eat, and simply take in that it can be more than overwhelming.

Outdoor BBQ’s, especially in the summertime, makes a wonderful get-together with your closest friends and family. That said, it definitely has the potential to burn quite a big hole in your pocket. If you don’t pay close attention, the costs related to this activity can really add up. 

If you were to paint India on a canvas, the result would be a vibrant splash of colors – and this diversity is present especially in its cuisine. Known for their use of an infinite range of spices, Indian food is anything but bland and boring. 

This gem of Southeast Asia has built a mighty reputation as one of the most diverse countries to visit, worthy of every avid traveler’s bucket list. If you’re familiar with some of its culture and history, you know that you can expect an educational itinerary no matter which parts of the country you decide to visit.

Spanish cuisine, like most other cuisines, varies depending on the region and the season. However, a few patterns remain clearly noticeable: the ingredients, which are mostly herbs and spices that seem to remain essential for anyone who’s looking to achieve authentic Spanish flavors in the comfort of their own kitchen. 

Alongside spicy curries, naan breads, and delicious onion bahjis, one of the most popular dishes to come out of the India is the scrumptious & savory dhal. 

Food not only feeds the body, but it is also an exciting gateway to other cultures, peoples, and history. Learning about food, then, is learning what it means to be human in a particular space and time. And, because food is a universal experience, the culinary world is an adventure ideal for everyone, particularly families. 

College years may be one of the most entertaining and the most challenging times of anyone’s life. In this never-ending cycle of lectures, dates, and quizzes, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy diet. 

Eating in a foreign country can be intimidating enough. If you happen to be wandering around Thailand, the intimidation factor is exasperated by how spicy they like their food. For most tourists in Thailand, there’s always a safe choice: Pad Thai. A noodle dish made of chicken and a variety of vegetable; it is customizable for the customer and can be intensely spicy or mild and sweet. 

From show-stopping sandy beaches to the idyllic countryside – the southeast part of Australia certainly doesn’t lack for gorgeous sights, nor entertainment. We’ve heard all about adventures, but what about food? The true gourmets know that this is the road where deliciousness lies, and those with a discerning palette will definitely want to check out the fine cuisine that this part of the country offers.

“You have got to be kidding me! Pakistan? No way!” This is more or less the response you would probably get when you share with your friends and family that you are traveling to Pakistan. Though the Western media hasn’t painted Pakistan in such a pretty light, it is far from the reality. 

As a traveler, the promise of new cuisines when traveling to different destinations is inevitable. Different countries and cultures have broader taste palettes and are accustomed to various different textures. While some like their food full of spice, others rely on simple yet comforting flavors. That said, if you’re a bit of a fussy eater, you may see as one of the downfalls of exploring various nooks of the world.

Finally taking that trip to Paris you’ve been dreaming about for as long as you can remember? Well, if you don’t already know it, you’d be interested to know that ‘The city of lights’ is not only famous for its beautiful architectures and renowned fashion houses but it is also home to some of the best of what French cuisine has to offer! 

Don’t you just hate it when you buy groceries, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, and in just a matter of days they are no longer fresh, rotten, or completely inedible? 

Cheese dip, French fries, and crisp onion rings. These are only a few of the many classic BBQ sides that are certainly delicious but are not the healthiest alternatives we could opt for.

Singapore is renowned for haute cuisine, like London is for alfresco dining and New York for its local indulgences. It is regarded as one of the world’s leading gastronomic destinations because of its diversified cuisine and extraordinary culinary offerings.

If you are a wine lover, you will likely agree when I say that wine is a very intimate and personal drink. It is best enjoyed to end a scrumptious dinner with your loved ones or simply as an indulgent nightcap. Wine gets better with age, they say, but did you know that according to wine experts, only 1% of the wine produced worldwide meant to be aged in a cellar or a commercial wine vault? 

Our bodies are the temples of our souls. They take us through life. Sadly, more often than not, we forget to take care of these sacred, but fragile shells. Truth be told, we tend to ‘wear them out’ far too quickly. Instead, we should all protect our health while we still have it. And we should never take it for granted. 

Famous for its sun-drenched beaches, great hospitality, and turbulent history, Spain is also well known for its mouthwatering cuisine. Influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe made traditional Spanish recipes particularly exciting and unique. 

As summer is just around the corner, it’s time to pack bags and travel to beautiful places. And if you have yet to pay India a visit, this is a great time for you to do so! The months of May, June, and July are known to be the ideal for traveling in India. Railway stations, airports are flooded with people as millions of people travel from one place to another, but you’re guaranteed to have lots of fun! 

Barbecue is an integral part of the world’s cuisine, uniting countries from all over the globe with one simple thing – it’s undoubtedly delicious flavor. While each country has its own barbecue style and secrets, the USA is perhaps the one with the greatest diversity. 

Every country and every culture has its own set of meals that represent the staples and the core of the cuisine of that particular country. Like burgers for the US, pizza for Italy and escargots for France, Australia has its own delicacies that, even though they might sound strange to someone who grew up in a different culture, are absolutely delicious and actually quite simple to prepare at home.

Coffee is a staple breakfast beverage for many people the world over but where you come from might well have an influence on what type of coffee you prefer. 

When compared to other Asian cuisines such as Chinese or Thai cuisine, Korean food appears to be underrated. Outside of Korea, even those who have tried Korean food may only have had servings of Korean BBQ. 

Love the outdoors and looking for dishes to serve at your next get together that are sure to please a crowd of meat and veggie lovers alike? Look no further than BBQs!

Being a student in college can be tough especially when you consider all the things you have to juggle around within the limited hours of the day. Apart from the academic responsibilities that can be nerve-wracking on its own, college students usually have a very tight budget to get by.

Looking for ideas on what to cook and serve at your upcoming dinner party? Well, if you happen to be a fan of Pakistani cuisine, why not treat your guests to scrumptious Pakistani dishes? 

Whether you consider yourself a foodie or not, the fact is, you have to eat. Moreover, food has a way of bringing people together. For example, when you have guests at home, the first thing you do is probably prepare them a nice meal. Even if you don’t have anything else to offer, they will feel appreciated and warmly welcomed.

Think of your favorite food. Can you tell exactly why you like it more than others? Do you like this dish because of its taste, aroma, or texture?

Has the raw food hype piqued your curiosity? Interested in incorporating raw food recipes into your meals? If so, while we know that consuming more raw foods daily can potentially improve our health, it may be difficult to come up with an exciting variety of raw dishes beyond salads.

The Caribbean region has always been described as a tropical paradise. Hence it’s no surprise that tourist arrivals have grown by 35 percent between 2006 and 2016. And as more developments are made to further accommodate the regular onslaught of holidaymakers, the percentage is expected to increase.

I don’t know about you but I have never encountered anyone who doesn’t like Italian food. And I found that, more often than not, even those who follow a strict healthy diet wouldn’t be able to resist the occasional platter of deep-fried food.

For many decades, Bali has been one of the top destinations for travel lovers around the globe. The great news is that, dubbed as ‘Island of the Gods’, this beautiful island not only offers plenty of unique places to visit and things to do, it is also home to an abundant selection of great restaurants. 

For those who celebrate it, the 4th of July, The United States of America’s Independence day, is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. It is a day often spent with family and friends in the great outdoors and of course, one that usually involves an abundance of fireworks and food!

Whether you are cooking a meal for a special occasion or the usual weeknight dinner, for meat lovers, a mouthwatering steak always tops the list. Afterall, who doesn’t want a tender and juicy meal that perfectly satisfies your palate?

If you're anything like me, nothing can boost your happiness level quite like a mouthwatering plate of food. That said, I understand that everyone’s food preferences differ. While some prefer to have simple yet comforting home-cooked meals, those who have deeper pockets may opt to have their meals in exquisite restaurants without minding their hefty price tag.

When in Singapore, eat as a Singaporean does! Of course, we have to admit that we just made up this phrase. Guilty as charged. But who wouldn’t want to eat as a Singaporean does? Food is so deeply rooted in Singaporean culture that they often greet each other with ‘Ni chi le ma?’, which translates into ‘Have you eaten yet?’

With the opening of each new semester, as you hit the books, do not forget to make food your priority. You need a lot of energy as a student. This energy should take you through the long lectures, study group discussions, and maybe even a part-time job. 

Cooking as a passion or cooking for fun? Most people would say both, but for Sinead, the chef in charge of Wilde Kitchen, it is more of a lifestyle. Irish-born, multitalented and loaded with enthusiasm, she managed to combine sunny beaches and French home cooking with a pinch of history.

Let's face it, it's highly unlikely that Father's Day will be as hyped up as Mother's Day. In our opinion, it's definitely one of the most understated holidays of the year. 

Are you looking forward to the rocking summer ahead? What’s your idea of pleasing your taste buds during summer parties with your near and dear ones?

The number of people opting for a vegan lifestyle has dramatically increased over the last decade. To keep up with the influx of vegan food demand, restaurants are now adapting their menus to cater to more people with special dietary requirements. 

A bowl of pasta is the one thing you can always rely upon when hunger pangs crawl in. This quick, tasty, and comforting meal is relished by all. 

For many food lovers, Anthony Bourdain may just have had one of the coolest jobs ever. He got to explore different countries, learn about their culture, meet interesting people, and constantly enjoy tons of scrumptious food. 

It's a proven fact that your nutrition has a great impact on your mood. Did you know that more than 16.1 million adults suffer from depression in America each year? When something affects so many people, it's important to know what you can do to help boost your mood. 

Restaurants are our first choice for most occasions. Even when it’s just because you want to grab a bite, restaurant dining is a small celebrating experience on its own. 

Japan isn't only known for its fascinating history and culture but also for its delicious dishes. The country's food is notoriously nutritious and packed with flavor, making for a unique cuisine that continues to develop over time. 

We don’t eat just to survive – we eat the best foods we can in order to flourish, thrive, and maintain optimal balance within the unique biological systems our bodies represent. Or at least, that’s how we should be eating.

Summer has finally arrived, and along with it, all the things that I’ve missed so much in my diet! Fresh fruit, such as cherries and strawberries, and yummy veggies, like asparagus and green onions and many more. 

If you are planning on visiting the UK in the near future, then you will probably be wondering where you can find the best dining experiences that the country has to offer. 

Whiskey, we know, is mainly produced in grain cultivating regions. From malt to grain, blended and barrel proof, the production process typically defines different types of whiskeys. The finished product accordingly varies in terms of taste, base flavor and quality. 

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and if you have yet to get your mom and/or the mother of your children a gift, you’re in for a treat because we have delicious ideas to share with you! 

In recent years, Thailand has become one of the main tourist, gastronomic, and cultural destinations in Asia. Everyone will find something to enjoy: exotic food, paradisiacal beaches to swim and bask in the sun, a vibrant party scene, while also being able to have a great time with their kids. 

Eating healthy food in today’s world is close to impossible. With processed meals becoming common, it is often challenging to find food that hasn’t been changed. The good news is that people are becoming aware of the side effects of processed foods and the trend of going organic is gaining momentum. 

Food is actually one of the hardest subjects to photograph well, but most people think it’s as easy as pointing your camera or phone at your meal and snapping away. For every good food photograph that you’ll see on Instagram, I bet you’ll see ten more murky, badly lit, and strangely colored images of food. 

Food is an inseparable part of any culture. A country’s cuisine doesn’t only show you what and how the locals eat but also reflects a country’s long history. For example, when mentioning Vietnamese cuisine, we can’t help but talk about the harmony in ingredients, cooking style, and the eating customs.

Offering the best in Lombardy, Bergamo is a splendid city that abounds in rustic local specialties, fine dining, and fantastic local wines. Nestled up high, with scenic views over vineyards and the southern plains right through to the Alps, Bergamo is Northern Italy’s best keep secret.

When we think of a good meal, we all have our own personal preferences, but pastries are commonly found on our dinner tables. The 21st century didn’t just bring a technological boom; it also brought some medical conditions that keep many people away from their favorite activities or foods.

Sweets are said to be the doorway to one’s heart! Children and adults alike love desserts, and what can be more satisfying than a homemade, finger-licking cheesecake that will leave you craving for more?

Food and travel go together like two peas in a pod. Culinary tourism is one of the most exciting ways to explore the cuisine, vibes, and culture of a place. In fact, it is the food that connects people.

If you are enjoying the health benefits of eating clean and you’re also ready to try something new, you’ve come to the right place! Every day, people like you are discovering fresh and exciting new ways to enjoy Matcha green tea, all thanks to its versatility and ease of use as a healthy ingredient. 

There truly is nothing more refreshing than the spring season. Flowers are blooming, hibernated animals are waking up, and above all else, the temperature is just right! Some people, including me, would even consider this season a new beginning for them. 

Have you ever gone shopping and felt lost among the aisles? Have you ever come home from a shopping spree only to see that you’ve forgotten to buy the very thing you actually wanted out to get? Worry not, fellow vegan and vegetarian shoppers, we have the solution!

China is a well-known shopping destination, offering everything you could think of, from excellent shopping malls to roadside stalls, supermarkets, common stores, and flea markets. With so many places available for shopping in the country, people can choose the one that best suits their needs.

Breakfast is indeed one meal you should not skip, as it can set the mood for your entire day! Jaipur, one of the cities with the richest heritage in India, is not only renowned for the wonderful landscape it owns but also for the cuisine it offers. 

Considering that Vietnam is located in South East Asia, you may think that there is no such thing as winter here. Well, there is definitely such a thing! In fact, in Hanoi, temperatures may even drop to below 10 degrees between late December to late February!

The seafood industry is a powerful one because it’s widespread across the globe and enjoyed by many nations. People rely on it for everything from jobs to food. It keeps the lights on in communities and creates wonderful dinner atmospheres for loved ones to enjoy together.

Birthdays are some of the most important dates in our lives – and because of it, we need to treat them in a special way! 

Cooking is one of my favorite pastimes. Ever since I can remember, cooking was always an adventure for me. However, over the years food preparation became a little tedious. Preparing meals day in, day out started to lose its appeal.

Food is an integral part of life, and it plays a vital role in good health. Our cells, tissues and all organs work appropriately only with nourishing food which we eat. All body functions whether metabolic, hormonal, mental, physical or chemical cannot be performed without wholesome and nutritious food.

Food. No matter where we are in the world, it's usually the center of everything we do. Is it someone's birthday? Let’s go out for dinner! Is it someone's graduation? Serve the crowd some food as a part of the celebration. And don't even get me started on the holiday season!

Have you always wanted to have an herb garden? Well, it takes a few steps and tools to construct the garden and plant your favorite herbs, and you don’t need to have any previous experience either. 

I just spent $32 on a single bottle of beer! Ouch!! That’s a big deal for a cheapskate like me. A message from Allview Liquors in Ellicott City, Maryland led up to my purchase. It said “Founders Brewing Co. CBS is here! Extremely rare, 1 per person, first come, first serve!”.

Consider yourself a lover of fine wine? Are you also always on the lookout for new types and brands of wines to delight your taste buds with? If so, do you know where you can find the most delectable and highest quality wines in the world? 

Transylvania is a spectacular place to visit. It is a true magnet for travelers all over the world, with its picturesque little towns, medieval castles, mineral waters, breath-taking mountain views, and fascinating wildlife. 

Nowadays, healthy eating has become an indispensable part of life. A good amount of nutrients and proteins are essential for leading a healthy lifestyle. Along with proper diet, physical activities can help you to reach and maintain the weight and reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases such as cancer. 

Using a smoker to cook the perfect brisket can be a challenge. A whole beef brisket can look blackened coming off the smoker, but you have to trust that underneath the crust is a deliciously juicy, tender cut of meat. 

There’s a vital need for variety in your diet. For when it comes to food, the more varied and healthy options you have, the better. But when you’re too busy to prepare and cook food, it’s understandable that it would much easier to stick with food items that you are familiar with. 

The interest in plant-based diets has been rapidly increasing for a while now. There’s a surge of people of various ages deciding to completely change their diets in the search for a healthy lifestyle. As veganism has become wildly popular, the options or rather varieties of plant-based diets have significantly broadened. 

Celebrated among the savviest of travelers, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are well-known for the beautiful beaches, gorgeous marine life as well as its pristine and secluded location. An ideal place for a getaway, this archipelago has more than 550 islands out of which only 36 are accessible to tourists.

Napa Valley is known for one thing above all others: wine. But, as part of any wine-centric vacation often includes high-end lunches and dinners. If you have yet to have the pleasure of visiting this wonderful wine-focused destination, you’d be interested to know that Italian food is also something that many Napa Valley visitors seek. The great news is Napa offers the largest selection of Italian restaurants than any county of its size, anywhere outside of Italy! 

If you want to feel as if you stepped back to your childhood when your grandma or mother would fill the kitchen with smells of divine, mouthwatering deliciousness, then you should try whipping up some homemade baked goods right in your very own kitchen! 

If you are a current US passport holder, you may already know that the US has been taking all sorts of initiatives in order to take care of the passport issues throughout the country. These initiatives have risen this year with special effect given the fact that this might be an epoch-making year in relation to the number of passport applications which will definitely be more than there has been ever before! 

With the increasing emphasis and popularity of healthy eating, it’s not a surprise that the benefits of the plant-based diet are now well known. For the past two years, in particular, there has been a surge of people from all over the world making the switch to the vegan lifestyle.

Spicy Indian dishes and cuisines have long made their presence felt all across the globe. Indian food lovers would agree that its distinctive character lies in the use of various kinds of herbs and spices for its unbeatable tantalizing flavors.

A healthy lifestyle completely depends upon two crucial aspects – nutrition and workout. Although lifestyle itself is a subjective concept that is viewed differently by different people, when we make healthy choices,  we add fundamental components for achieving optimal mental and physical well-being. Thus a healthy diet includes variation in foods and meals, a balanced energy intake and enough physical activity.

I love cooking! It’s one of my biggest joys in life, and so is eating. But there are those days when, food-wise, it seems that nothing goes your way. The food tastes bland, you’re not in the mood to cook and when you do, you don’t like it. 

Is there anything more blissful than achieving the perfect balance of your favorite alcoholic beverage with an amazing meal? Well, as an alcohol and food lover, I too can vouch that pairing these two is one of the most heavenly combinations ever!

Food trends come and go in the blink of an eye. Last year’s predictions have either stuck with us – think about the many food bowls, plant-based recipes, matcha coffee, or matcha ice-cream popping in our Instagram feeds – while others have vanished without too much impact. 

Cheese is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating foodstuffs created by humans. It requires only one primary raw material, milk. Yet, out of that simplicity arises a mind-boggling range of variety and diversity. 

Let’s face it, most of us have had mornings where we find ourselves running against time and can only manage to grab a handful of cereal as we rush our way out of the door. When you have a full plate of tasks & responsibilities, truth be told, this can easily be something that you face every (working) day. 

Going away to college can be both an exciting, and a very busy time for the new student. However, all that time burning in the midnight oil in the library – not to mention attending daily lectures and the need to blow off a little steam in the student bar every now and then can seriously take its toll. 

When you were young, did you ever find your parents consistently reminding you to eat your fruits and vegetables? Did your snack time revolve around baby carrots or celery with peanut butter in the middle? If you answered ‘Yes!’ to either or both of these questions, you’re not alone! The good news is that our parents are right – fruits and vegetables can offer an abundance of benefits to our health!

People are different. There is no doubt about it. However, though we differ in terms of the things we like and don’t like doing, I can safely say that most of us love the holidays!

Some will tell you that wine and chocolate don’t go together, but they’re wrong. And they’re missing out on some amazing tastes! When you learn how to pair chocolate and wine, you can bring out the flavors in both and enjoy wine and chocolate in a whole new way. 

I love visiting Rome and would take the time to go at least once every couple of months. I visit Rome not only for business but also for leisure and personal time away with my girlfriend. I sometimes also come to introduce the city to foreign friends. In short, any excuse will do for a trip!

There’s no denying that Dubai is a paradise for globetrotters, especially those who are always looking for a unique adventure. The city where everything is possible does a mighty fine job of delivering the best there is in the world, and it definitely does so in terms of food as well.

Romanian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and heavily influenced by the peoples that the area has come into contact with. Major influences have come by way of the Ottoman Empire as well as the Greeks. For example, the Turks brought meatballs and meat filled cabbage rolls (“sarmale”) with them; whereas the Greeks came with the moussaka (“musaca”). 

With today’s fast-evolving society making travel more accessible than ever, it’s hard not to see another side of the world. A great part of that advantage is discovering different types of food from other countries. 

From the beginning to the end, an authentic Italian meal is a culinary specialty, enabling it to become one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Everyone you meet most certainly has had their due share of pizza, tiramisu, pasta and risotto in their lifetime. These foods are so common everywhere you go, that you might miss some of the subtler intricacies of the traditional Italian meal, the antipasto for instance.

Starting a food blog can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences you can partake in. Whether you’ve always loved food and you’ve got a passion for cooking, or you’re just getting into the industry, and you’re starting a blog to track and share your progress with the rest of the world, starting your very own blog can be a very daunting!

If you’ve been making serious attempts to lose weight and still struggling to lose those extra lbs, it just might be that your metabolism is to blame!

Ever since I went vegan almost 9 years ago, the hardest challenge wasn’t missing the taste of meat, cheese, or even eggs. It wasn’t facing the avalanche of questions about my dietary choices from colleagues, friends, and even strangers. It wasn’t finding vegan options in the local supermarket. And it wasn’t the get-togethers I had with my friends and the parties I went to. It was traveling – and it still is.

Fiber is one good thing to get more of in your diet. It helps keep your gut healthy by giving your stomach the fiber it needs to manufacture healthy bacteria, helping you absorb nutrients more effectively.

What exactly is a healthy diet? There’s a lot of misleading and often contradictory information about what constitutes a so-called “healthy diet”. We’ve all tried a few fad diets in our day, but they never seem to stick. We either find ourselves feeling worse than when we started, or that it’s impossible to make a long-term commitment to the prescribed restrictions. 

Carrot is one of the healthiest foods that is almost available in groceries worldwide and making a carrot juice can be very easy in the comfort of your own home. This healthy beverage can be a great source of nutritional benefits that will boost your body’s immune system and improve your wellbeing. 

Despite what some people may assume, one does not have to use coffee only in desserts such as Tiramisu cakes and ice-cream. It is also high time to look beyond the staple combo of chocolate and coffee in Mocha. So, did you know you can put some coffee in gravy to get a rich flavor or pour a cup of espresso over cobbled beans for some cowboy vibe?  

While the world continues to obsess over the latest technology and more than half of the Earth’s population spends their lives between concrete walls, some prefer to ‘grow’ green fingers and reconnect with nature and their roots. Being surrounded by flowers is, without any doubt, a relaxing pastime. But the benefits of gardening go far beyond spending quality time outdoors and growing your own food. 

For those of us who love the outdoors, starting a campfire each time we go camping is a must. Besides bringing people together and helping you stay warm, a campfire is also a perfect opportunity to try some interesting new recipes. After all, there’s nothing quite as savory as a meal cooked over the fire.

It’s no secret that people across the globe, especially Asia, have been enjoying herbal teas for their soothing properties and great taste. They are characterized by their rich fragrance but the lesser known fact about herbal teas is their beneficial effects on the immune system. In fact, herbal teas can help to treat many health-related issues – from a minor cold or a more serious infection. 

When it comes to adding a South African twist to your next dinner party, you may be thinking of adding plenty of wild game meat and Cape wines in order to make it a unique experience; in which case you will be on the right track. However, there are many other varieties of South African twists that you can add to the table in order to create a unique dinner party experience as well as a night to remember with tantalizing tastes and flavourful dishes!

The cost of food has risen greatly ever since the 2008 recession. In fact, one study revealed that an average family spends around 13% of their annual expenditures for food! It placed third on overall shares of household expenditures after housing and transport.

These days, eating serves a lot more purposes than simply providing sustenance to our bodies. We often use food as a big part of socialization, a way to relieve stress (stress-eating) or a way to boost our mood. With the wide range of food choices available, many of us have a habit of eating without paying much attention to the quality and the quantity of the food we consume. 

We are always looking for ways of making of making meals healthier while keeping them equally delicious. On this post, we decided to share with you one of our favorite breakfast recipes ever: Healthy chocolate protein donuts!

South Africa is the motherland of melktert, malva pudding, and koeksisters, smoked snoek and sosaties, chutney and chakalaka, waterblommetjie bredie and bobotie, potjiekos as well as the birthplace of biltong and droëwors.

Travel can take its toll on you. I know firsthand as I have been traveling around the country with my family for years now. Every few months, we decide on a place to visit and spend some time there. It is a great way to reboot your mind, body, and soul. With that, one of the most important things that you need to pay extra attention to while traveling is nutrition. 

Wine tasting is a delightful journey that can take you around the globe experiencing the wonderful varieties of wines and their links to their natural and cultural heritage.

From lowering cholesterol levels to weight management, the health benefits of mushrooms are abundant. Classified under the Kingdom Fungi (and therefore are not plants) aside from being delectable, mushrooms can also deliver a tremendous boost to your immune system!

Thanks to its geographical positioning, the United Kingdom is blessed with all kinds of natural and man-made beauty. You know you are in the UK when you have the choice of either waking up to the buzz of vehicles and pedestrians pacing through the streets of London or to the melodious psalms of birds and rustling of leaves in the countryside.

They say that “Travel is the healthiest addiction”. Those of us who love to explore the world and are always on a quest for the next great adventure would likely to agree. Stepping out of our comfort zones to destinations that are unfamiliar allow us to be exposed to people of different cultures and varied backgrounds. Most of the time, this leads to a wonderful and mind-blowing experience that we can’t seem to get enough of!

Summer is harvest time for many fruits and vegetables which means that we can get fresh ingredients in larger quantities. You may notice that in the spring, it already starts with the strawberries. Rhubarb, apricots, cherries, a variety of berries, and plums usually follow. Knowing this, we can make the most out of these seasonal ingredients by using them to make mouthwatering ice cream, popsicles, sorbets or fresh creamy cakes!

There is an old saying “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper”, which we should all live by in order to stay healthy. As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s also a crucial part of a healthy diet and comes in handy when it comes to improving our metabolism and to help us lose weight!

Italian cuisine is extremely popular in the United States. As a matter of fact, it is tied with Mexican food as the most popular ethnic food served in the US. It also happens to be one of the most popular cuisines that we whip up at home. 

It can be hard figuring out what to eat when you’re backpacking. You never know what food is available or what the hostel kitchen will be like (if it has one) until you get there. Add that to not wanting to carry a ton of food around, plus it may be your first time without parents cooking for you, not to mention you’re most likely to be on a tight budget! With all of this put together, you can easily end up with a poor diet. 

When trying to lose weight, two things go together to produce the best results: diet and exercise. In order to get the results you desire, you ought to give both equally intense focus.

The town of Sapa in Vietnam is a popular stop for most tourists who arrive from Hanoi on the overnight trains. With the surrounding mountains and tribal villages, not to mention the mighty Mt. Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, it is quite understandable why Sapa is so popular with hikers, climbers, and travelers looking for markets and cultural immersion with the hill tribes.

In Texas, where brisket is king, burnt ends are made when they smoke a whole brisket. Many people think they are the best part of a brisket smoke. Well, I have great news, you don’t have to go to Texas to get great burnt ends and you don’t have to buy a whole brisket, you can make it with a pork shoulder or pork parts and prepare a delicious roast! 

From Victoria to Newfoundland, Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, the nearly 10,000 square kilometers of Canadian territory truly have food in all shapes and forms. 

There is an old adage that goes something like, "Cooking is not only about making the perfect balance and combination of fat, acid, sweet and salt together, but it is an art that brings soul to the food." And what is more exciting and brings some ‘soul’ to food than perfectly pairing wine with your meal? 

While there are many healthy options in the form of coffee shops and restaurants in London, few are edible – let alone mouthwatering. If you’re a bonafide food lover like me, you would agree that healthy eating does not and should not need to be boring, especially when you are paying to have it made for you! 

Given current society’s love for instant food, it’s not surprising why most of the population is living unhealthy lifestyles. Eating healthy can be a huge challenge especially if you experience food cravings. But if snacks are the problem, there’s a quick solution – change the way you snack. 

Most of us look forward to those long days of summer when we can spend a lot of time outdoors and soak up the sun’s energy. But with summer also come hot days which require a bit of extra attention from our part to make sure we stay properly hydrated.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more mouthwatering dish than the taco. It's cheap, it's portable, it can comprise a wide range of ingredients—meats, veggies, cheese, salsas—and textures (if you've never had crunchy chicharrón atop your taco, drop everything and go find some). I love the tacos I’ve found all across the U.S., but admittedly, nothing beats the motherland. 

Summer is here and it is essential to keep yourself healthy and hydrated in the sweltering heat. The great news is that eating healthy is not as complicated as you think. There are endless dishes that are meant to be enjoyed in the summer and are actually healthy! 

Contemporary Greek cuisine makes use mostly of vegetables, olive oil, fish, grains, and some meat. Rabbit and beef are popular occurrences, while pork is not used as much. The local cheeses and olives also make up a big part of the diet, as well as yogurt, greens (horta), and herbs (oregano, rosemary).

Fish and other seafood are highly perishable commodities. In order to maximize their value, the freshness quality must be maintained. It is not uncommon to find fish at the point of sale exhibiting off odors and flavors.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, maintaining a healthy diet while on the road can be a challenge. Travelers, especially those traveling for the first time, tend to underestimate the detrimental effects poor dietary choices can have on one's health.

With a mountain of delectable cheese, fresh veggies, tasty sauces and a mixture of meats placed into the multiple consecutive slices of belt-loosening elation, a yummy pizza never fails to spectacularly make us drool.

Did you know that in 2015, France had the most international tourist arrivals in the world? A year later, it still ranked as the most visited European country, with 81 million foreign visitors traveling to this magnificent country. 

There are a lot of things you can do in order to stay healthy. Daily exercises, for example, is an important aspect of keeping your body in great shape. However, one should note that exercise alone is not enough. In order to establish and maintain a healthy body, mind, and soul, a healthy diet is key. That said, I happen to believe that it is best to keep your tummy full while watching your diet at the same time. 

The combined effects of the biochemical process that occur in your body on a cellular level are called metabolism. They make it possible for you to digest food, think, move and perform all the functions of a living being. Your metabolism is the powerhouse that keeps your body going. Genetics have a large role to play in determining your metabolic rate. But eating right can also speed it up naturally.

Ah, summer! With this ‘hot’ season just around the corner, many of us are on the hunt for cool desserts recipes – from ice creams to frozen yogurt to popsicles –  to whip up right in our own kitchen. Why should you make it yourself – you asked? Because making it at home offers control over the ingredients (and quantities) making for healthy versions of our favorite summer treats!

There are few things in life more refreshing than luxury wine tours of picturesque wineries offering quality wine. However, if you haven’t been on wine tasting tours before, you need to know a couple of things before you plan one.

The ruling opinion is that only overweight people are turning to vegetarianism under the pretext to lose weight. Perhaps some part of it is true, but the fact is that there are many reasons why someone would give up meat and/or products from animals. Perhaps it comes to health reasons, perhaps ideological, maybe material, but most often it is a great love for animals.

There's much more to coffee than cheap filters and sell-by beans one can easily pick up at their neighborhood grocery store. In fact, some countries have gone above and beyond when it comes to their java.

This year, I celebrated my ninth year of veganism. It’s been a wild ride, filled with yummy food, from, salads, soups, and stews, to delicious veggies, awesome fruits, but also greasy vegan burgers, French fries and candy. 

I’ll admit it: I’m a bit of a coffee fanatic. It’s the first thing I need when getting up in the morning and it’s also my go-to in the afternoon when I need a bit of a boost. But, it’s not just the caffeine content that I love. Talk to any barista that has dedicated years of their life to coffee, and you’ll start to understand how this humble bean can root itself in your memories, relationships and your creative pursuits. I say this not to pontificate, but to draw attention to the fact that coffee is much more than just a quick buzz.

My love for Greece dates back to my first years as a freelance writer and was a direct result of my years working in a travel agency. My job used to involve meeting and talking to service providers in Greece. It didn’t take very long for me to fall in love with the country and, once I set foot there myself, my love became even deeper.

They say that the best experiences are those that catch you by surprise. Well, on my recent visit to Bali, the breathtaking destination dubbed as ‘the Island of the Gods’, I was treated to an unexpected yet unforgettable culinary adventure. 

Did you know that about 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world every day?

Most of us ‘geek out’ on coffee daily but never realized the reasons behind it. People all over the world enjoy coffee, and for many, it is their ‘go-to’ drink. Sometimes, there’s simply nothing as amazing as enjoying cup coffee accompanied by good music, especially on a first date. That said, sipping coffee in a café or a restaurant is not the only way one can enjoy the full taste of this incredible drink.

The snow is melting, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the farmer markets are starting to burst with fresh produce. Spring is around the corner and the buzz of the new season gets all of us excited! For us, there’s simply not better way to kick off this delightful season than with a culinary vacation!

Confession time: I have never been a fan of breakfast. In the best case, “breakfast” to me meant a cup of black coffee before heading out to classes or, later, before I start to write. Sometimes, “breakfast” actually ended up being “lunch” because I would end up eating my first meal after the clock strikes noon. That’s basically how my eating habits have been since my University years. 

Are you looking for awesome ideas to help you plan your next great adventure? In order to truly make the most of your travels, keep in mind that you can only grow and enrich your life by doing something you have yet to try. So instead of setting yourself up for yet another touristy sight-seeing trip, why not try something different for a change?

With so many things to do in a day, many of us are left with very little time to cook. So if you’re looking for quick and easy home cook meal ideas, on this post, Mamma Ornella of Villa La Rogaia is sharing an incredibly simple pork roast recipe that makes a delicious dinner to be enjoyed with family and friends.

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in any home or restaurants. With this busyness come a number of items and appliances which are almost recyclable and which should not fill landmines or be disposed of aimlessly.

Turns out that this winter is proving to be quite feisty, hitting European countries with days on end of below-freezing temps during the day. It’s certainly not a pleasure to have to go out.  

Have you got something special planned for Valentine’s Day? If your answer is something like “yes - dinner and a movie” or “yes – we’ll order pizza and watch a marathon of our favorite show”, then this article may just come in handy.  

While almonds have a high content of antioxidants and a lot of nutritional benefits, you might not want to supplement your diet or healthcare program with handful after handful of raw nuts. Fortunately, almonds are highly versatile. They can be used in a huge number of dishes, from western chickens to eastern style stir fries and curries.

Having a bad day? Whatever it is that ails you, sometimes, there’s nothing that will soothe your soul quite like comfort foods.

Are you tired of cooking the same old dishes? Are you bored of eating at the same restaurants? Maybe you’re simply not in the mood to cook at home, or you just don’t feel like having anything in particular. 

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ―Hippocrates

Did you know that the immune system’s army is in the stomach? And to keep the army healthy, you need to feed it good nourishment.

Talon Windwalker is a single parent, author, writer, former hospice chaplain, Zen monk, ultra-runner, snowshoer, endurance cyclist, certified endurance running coach, scuba instructor, photographer, and lover of travelling, languages, and cultures. 

In this digital era, posting and sharing photos of food on the web and/or social media platforms is considered the norm. Whether it is sharing their own food creations or dining out at a hip and happening restaurant, self-proclaimed food lovers always make the time to update and share their food posts to their friends, families and even strangers!

Another year has come and gone, leaving quite a lot of useful lessons for everyone. And we, at BookCulinaryVacations.com, learned – more than ever before – that it’s important to find joy in the simplest of things – especially when it comes to food. Whether it’s whipping out our favorite dishes, discovering a new recipe or exploring a charming farmers’ market, as food lovers, we adore it all.

Whether you plan to travel with your loved one for your honeymoon, a special anniversary or Valentine’s Day, why not mix your affinity for food and love for travel in a culinary vacation for couples?

Food. Oh, Glorious Food! Like many other travel bloggers, I plan much of my trip around finding and tasting interesting local foods. And with each trip, I’ve found at least one dish to “fall in love” with.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” – George Bernard Shaw

Good food creates memories, and makes the heart grow fonder. Food is an intimate affair and many couples make it a big part of their travels. Whether you plan to head to the beach together, explore a cultural destination, or plan a weekend getaway, finding a destination which offers excellent food choices and romantic things to do may be a bit challenging.  

Affordable culinary destinations are an excellent choice for travelers that don’t really enjoy luxury travel. But, on the other hand, they want to get the most out of their vacation and experience interesting things to do while not burning holes in their pockets. Don’t think it’s possible? Think again!

Thinking of going on a culinary vacation? Here’s a great tip that might just save you the hassle of planning! Put your phone to good use and load up a couple of apps to make vacation planning a smooth affair!  

Between accepting invitations to parties, planning visits to relatives, and deciding what to prepare for the Holiday meals, that little nagging voice comes to the surface and reminds us that unless we are careful, Santa may also bring us some unwanted pounds.

Did you know that there are more than 200 million food blogs out there? And a lot of them are pretty amazing. If you haven’t figured out by now, we love to scour the world wide web to find food blogs that make us drool onto our keyboards (rhetorically AND literally). Afterall, somebody has to do the ‘grunt’ work, right?. Lucky for you, we decided to put our heads together to come up with a list of our top 50 favorite food blogs! 

Gone are the days when travelers were looking only to tick off sights from a travel guide. Now it’s all about experiences, and in particular, culinary experiences.

All over the world, Christmas traditions of a country often reflect its culture. While there are similarities between countries located within the same region, there’s always something unique to each destination and this usually includes food.

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Italy is heaven for foodies. However, it is also easy to fall into a tourist restaurant in places like Rome, Florence, or Venice and have a meal that might have been better at an American-Italian restaurant.

If you’re looking to experience authentic traditional food and drink in Italy, there are both well-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations to add to your itinerary. 

Fall is a colorful and exciting season. With the onset of the first signs of fall foliage in Umbria, you can hear the echo of the hunters’ calling from hill to hill. That marks the start of the high season for typical fall dishes.

Though it’s not exactly a new trend, the vegan diet has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Veganism has been practiced for centuries as part of religious fasting. Followers eat a plant-based diet, avoiding all animal products.

Ask any food lover and chances are their bucket list includes eating pasta in Italy. One of the most well-known and probably the best cuisine in the world, Italian cuisine, has its roots dating back to ancient times.

Need inspiration for some easy yet delectable Halloween treats that you can whip up yourself? Looking for recipes to make you the star of the neighborhood?

In today’s digital age, it comes to no surprise that posting food photos across social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google + and even Pinterest has become an all out trend. Many food lovers around the world seek to share their gastronomic experiences to their family and friends. Whether they are cooking, eating, or dining at a newly opened or popular restaurant, they want to savor the experience and tell share their experience to their network, with emphasis on “you should try it out too!”.

Have you always wondered what ingredients are included in curry powder? Or what the most expensive spice in the world is? And what exactly is the difference between chopping and dicing? If you answered a resounding “Yes!” to any (or all) of these questions, you’re in for a treat! 

If there's one thing to be learned from a lifetime spent traveling and enjoying good food from all cultures and countries, it's that foods cooked on a stick hold universal appeal no matter where you roam. There's hardly an inhabited place to be found on this planet that doesn't count some sort of skewered delight among the hallmarks of its cuisine. Aside from the fact that bite-sized food just tastes better, expediency and convenience are usually the main draws with edibles of this nature. They can be eaten quickly, don't require table setting or flatware in order to enjoy them, and are so easy to transport that one can even eat while walking! 

Let’s face it, we’re all busy. It appears that being busy is the ‘plague’ of the 21st century. So, it’s no wonder that many of us are constantly looking for ways to speed up various tasks – including cooking. But alas, speeding up the cooking process in the kitchen isn’t always an easy task. That said, just because you can’t really cut down vegetable cooking times, or decrease the time it takes to bake a pie doesn’t mean that you can’t become more efficient in the kitchen! 

Claire and Rosemary of Authentic Food Quest have a mission that we at BookCulinaryVacations.com can’t help but believe in. Through their globetrotting adventures, they’ve set their eyes on transforming travelers’ experience through the discovery and knowledge of authentic foods. These lovely ladies have lived in Chicago, Paris and Los Angeles and have visited a total of 27 countries and 29 states in the U.S thus far. These days, they’re living it up as digital nomads discovering authentic food all around South America and South Asia and sharing plenty of delectable discoveries with their readers along the way. 

One of the most beautiful and culturally rich European countries,Greece has always charmed us. The birthplace of democracy, the capital of Athens is a mix of old and new, with a heavy sprinkle of Greek hospitality. Pristine beaches, rugged mountains, monasteries which seem to float in the sky, and mouth-watering dishes, all come together to create the Greece we love to explore.

Ask travelers what their ideal holiday looks like and you get an array of answers. Some may enjoy the day at a beach on a tropical island, others may love to explore bustling cities, or cycle through incredible scenery. Romantics may want to ride horses on a deserted beach and foodies love going on a street four tour.

If you’re a wine and travel enthusiast, chances are, you’ve already made your way to France, Spain and/or Italy on a wine-themed holiday. If you be looking for a new destination that offers excellent wine, why not consider Bulgaria? Here are 7 great reasons that ought to convince you! 

Cooking is an activity that is often viewed as fun and relaxing so it’s no surprise that many food lovers around the globe consider it as one of their favorite hobbies! That said, others may prefer to cook for a variety of reasons such as: to maintain a healthier lifestyle, to lose some weight, or to save money by preparing their own fresh meals at home instead of dining out.

Admittedly, we at BookCulinaryVacations.com would salivate over the mere thought of Thai food! We adore the myriad of exciting flavors harmonized within each Thai dish. Afterall, who could ever say “no” to the experience of having sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors all on a single plate?

The wonders of Italy are no secret to the world: mouthwatering food, astonishing art, avant-garde fashion, selected wines, and spectacular landscapes… the list seems to be endless! But you may not know what the Italians truly have to say about their beautiful country and its gastronomic treasures. The foodie team of BookCulinaryVacations.com chatted with Casa Laura, a culinary travel organizer based in the Amalfi Coast about the highlights of a culinary experience in Italy. Get ready to discover the local perspective of an authentically stunning destination!

As an enthusiastic vegan and traveler, Maricel Lukkanit​, from Vegan Crush, created an extraordinary event where scrumptious food, good company, and comfortable ambiance come together in one memorable dinner. At the Supper Club events, the menu is never the same, but you can expect a tasty surprise on every dinner. Even vegan versions of international dishes that would conventionally include meat as part of the ingredients. 

After a long and stressful week, nothing spells out relaxation like a fine glass of wine. As the say “wine a bit and you’ll feel better” – indulging in a couple of glasses of wine at a lounge or at the comfort of your living room is one thing, but to enjoy them where they are made is an experience that will spark your senses to life!

Earth Day is a special day where we celebrate and thank our planet for providing us with all life’s necessities – and this certainly includes food! This day also acts as a reminder of a call to action for all of us to be kinder and gentler to this beautiful planet we call home. 

It’s no secret that fruits and vegetables are good for our health, but knowing the exact benefits of each food we consume enables us to be more aware of how we are nourishing our body (even our brain) and giving it what it needs. As hard as it is to believe, it is possible to take care of your health and well-being while enjoying delicious foods that you can easily find anywhere around the globe.

If you’re planning to go on a holiday in Europe, we highly suggest for you to consider heading to these two European hidden gems: Slovenia and Croatia! These two wonderful destinations are famous for their breathtaking landscapes, fine wines and delicious world-class cuisines. The great news is you can enjoy them all in just 11 days!

Time flies and before we know it, we are now already well in March and spring, one of our favorite seasons, has arrived! If you have yet to plan your spring getaway, it’s definitely not too late to start planning your trip! Lucky for you, we’re here to help.

In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it is crucial for us to eat right. When it comes to a healthy meal, the key to getting it right is all about balance. In other words, we should be consuming a large variety of foods with the right proportions for each meal as different foods provide different types of key nutrients that are required for your body. 

At first glance, Easter may appears to be a holiday exclusively to be celebrated by Christians, but similar to Christmas, it can be a holiday that everyone - regardless of beliefs - can embrace and partake in. Easter festivities present a great opportunity for your family and friends to gather, enjoy each other’s company and indulge in plenty of delicious food!

Two years ago I had a very rude awakening. The first time I measured my glucose levels, I found out I was pre-diabetic. I was age 45, had been a nutritionist for 5 years and was eating what I thought was the healthiest diet on the planet: all organic, local, home cooked and Paleo foods. But something was not right. I was gaining weight. I was always hungry. I also had joint and lower back pain.

Renowned for their fine wines, vibrant culture and delicious cuisines, it would be easy for one to fall head over heels for the beautiful country that is France. Though most would already be familiar with its major cities and provinces such as Paris, Burgundy, and Provence, many of us may not have heard of the more subtle yet equally as wonderful regions like Loire Valley (located in Central France).

With the myriad of cuisines around the world, hands down, Italian food has been a favorite to many. Hence, it’s no surprise that you probably can find Italian dishes being served on the dining table in nearly every household.

There’s no better way to experience a city’s beating heart than by visiting the local markets. 

If you too are a big fan of “MasterChef”, one of the most popular cooking shows on television, chances are you’d remember its first and only blind contestant, the formidable Ms. Christine Ha. You may also recall that this lovely Vietnamese American chef, had defied all odds when she was named the reigning champion of season 3.  

With Cupid’s favorite day fast approaching, you probably end up finding yourselves buying the usual flower bouquet or a heart-shaped box of chocolates for your loved ones. Don’t get us wrong, though we agree that it’s the thought that counts most, perhaps this time around, we can be a little less predictable and give our loved ones a gift that is a bit more unique.

A kitchen is a magical place where all the amazing and delicious food we love were created. It is also a place where all great chefs got their start. It is where they first discovered their gift and passion for cooking which changed their lives forever.

Several years ago, I quit my job, sold everything I owned and since then, traveled around the world to over 70 countries and territories. I have flown hundreds of thousands of miles and slept in all sorts of places. The experience has turned my life upside down and made me who I am today.

With the brand new year, we are given another opportunity to turn over a new leaf. It’s a fresh and clean slate for us to kick our bad habits to the curb and replace them with habits that will take us closer to the best and happiest version of ourselves. For many, this most likely includes shedding excess weight, becoming healthier and getting in a fitter shape.

As big time foodies, my hubby & I love to try different vegetarian cuisines. With that passion, I loved and enjoyed cooking. The main reason for starting my food blog is to primarily keep a record of all sorts of the recipes that I’ve tried. Instead of writing everything that I have learnt down in a notebook, the perks of publishing it on the internet would help not only me, but to others who are looking for new and interesting recipes.

Do you consider yourself a food enthusiast?

If you do, what if we were to ask you to help yourself to a hearty serving of haggis, muk tuk, and/or Balut as a part of your meals today? Are you brave enough to take up the challenge?

It’s finally that special time of the year again; the familiar Christmas tunes and holiday jingles playing on your favorite radio stations, and for the much of western hemisphere, gone are the warmth of the sun as the chilly breeze starts to kick in. With the increasingly dreary and cold weather, it becomes harder to resist the temptation of staying at home - only to come out of “hiding” when the season ends.

It's no secret to food lovers that Japan is home to a vast array of wonderful cuisine. Not everyone knows, however, that some of the best eating can be found not in glittering rooftop lounges, but in the labyrinthine subterranean department store levels that house the food halls known as depachika. While many exist throughout Japan, here are seven located in Tokyo that simply must be experienced on your next visit.

With Halloween came and gone, the holiday season is now officially in high gear and here at BookCulinaryVacations.com, we are simply riddled with excitement. 

Next up, it’s time to celebrate [American] Thanksgiving, a holiday which traditionally represents a significant meaning in giving thanks for the year’s blessings. It’s a cherished day where those who celebrate it would gather with their family and friends to express their gratitude with a joyful heart, and of course, with an abundance of scrumptious food!

Though many people still perceive veganism as a type of diet, those who had chosen to become a vegan insist that it is far beyond that – it is a way of life. The reasons for people to adopt the vegan lifestyle greatly vary – from an effort to improve their health and wellness, to contributing to the end of exploitation of animals, to helping to protect the environment and many more.

One of the things I love about the Caribbean is enjoying the exotic authentic flavors of the local street food vendors. And Barbados is queen of the crop when its comes to authentic local street food or as we say in the Caribbean "food made pon de road side". These foods are made by local cooks all over the islands who sell their scrumptious delights on the local beaches, street corners, rum shops, and farmers markets. 

I had a rather clumsy entrance into the world of gluten-free diets. For a while, it would be apt to say I full on rebelled against it. You see, I found out that gluten was the enemy right after I discovered my true calling in life. As luck would have it, I had landed my dream career in a charming little cake boutique as head pastry chef, and all of a sudden, my life started to fall apart.

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are, you’ve heard of Bali, one of the world’s most renowned and popular tropical destinations. To quote the Lonely Planet, the preferred go-to-guide for travelers around the globe: “The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It's more than a place; it's a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind”.

With countless choices of great culinary and wine blogs available on the web, the team at BookCulinaryVacations.com had recently put our heads together to narrow down a collective list of the top 50 of our favorites.

The Vegan way of life has surged in popularity in the past few years thanks to A list celebrities - the likes of Brad Pitt, Ellen de Generes, and Anne Hathaway, as well as respected public figures such as Bill Clinton, who have been very much vocal about their commitment to a lifestyle of zero consumption of animal products.

It is not every day that you get the opportunity to win a week long cooking holiday in Umbria, Italy while enjoying the beautiful nature that this scenic region has to offer. Fortunately for me, a couple months ago BookCulinaryVacations.com and Podere le Olle joined forces with IENS to hold a giveaway that enabled me to do just that!

When one finds themselves searching for vacations or holiday ideas on the web, countless images of blue oceans and white beaches would likely to pop up - redefining the mainstream idea of what a typical holiday should look like.

Cave Dining is all the rage these days, however any initial search for global locales to channel your inner Flintstone is likely to turn up the same handful of restaurants. Because there’s a big, juicy world out there just begging to be tasted, let’s dig a bit deeper, shall we? The following establishments may not be as ubiquitous as a select few have become, but the restaurants listed here offer up ambiance and menu selections that seem destined to change that soon enough. 

Renowned for its rich flavors, colors and ample use of spices, Indian cuisine can now be easily found and enjoyed without having to travel all the way to its origin country. Indian dishes such as kebabs, chicken tikka masala, biryani, curries, masala dosa and the humble naan bread, for example, are now so immensely popular that for many foodies, they’re no longer percieved as foreign.

The world loves Italian food. With Italian restaurants easily found all over the globe, it's safe to say that Italian is among the most widely eaten cuisines on the planet, and experts say it’s also one of the healthiest! Yet when we think of popular dishes such as pizza and pasta served at restaurants outside Italy, they are often loaded with rich toppings, dripping with heavy sauces, and packed with calories and carbohydrates that it hardly seems like a healthy option! It really got us thinking that perhaps what we recognize as “Italian food” overseas isn’t real Italian food after all?

As you probably already gathered, the BookCulinaryVacations.com’s team is a tad obsessed with all things food related, this certainly also rings true when it comes to words of wisdom! In fact, we've scoured all over the web for quotes that resonated with our proud foodie souls - we even created some of our own! Now that we've rounded up quite the collection of "Food for thoughts" over on our Pinterest board, we would love to share it with you. 

Started in 2001 by writer, Marty Martindale, as “Food Site of the Day”, Foodsite Magazine aims to share its comprehensive food knowledge to the cooking challenged. Unlike many of today's food blogs and websites which often focus upon gourmet cooking and "making fine cooks finer", Marty and her site opt to empower those who feel less than confident of their skills in the kitchen by providing useful food related information including nutrition, cooking methods, serving ideas, and even links to other food sites that offer delicious recipes for readers to give a go.

With more and more people opting for the Vegetarian and Vegan way of life, there are still some who wonder whether such lifestyles are merely fads. 

If you’ve been considering of making the shift from eating out and purchasing fast or processed food to preparing more of your own meals, you are in luck! We at BookCulinaryVacations.com are avid fans of the culinary arts. 

Our Italian cooking holiday at Podere le Olle in Umbria was fabulous. The venue is stunning and the couple who run it are really wonderful, genuine and welcoming. We enjoyed good food and wine, good company and great scenery. It gets a gold star from both me and my husband. We would go back in the blink of an eye. We could not have made it more perfect a holiday if we had designed it in detail ourselves!

Because we believe that sharing is caring, we'd like to share our list of partners who love food, wine, travel, and simply living life to the fullest as much as we do!

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands - Travellers today demand more. They want more than the usual run of the mill sightseeing tours and heritage walks. They want to be involved not only with the location, but also with the people who built it, to experience the culture through the eyes of the locals. What better way to be immersed in a foreign culture than to learn the secrets of its cuisine and taste the food that the locals pride themselves for.

Walking into the kitchen at Casa Carmelita, one is instantly drawn to the imposing cursive inscription on the wall: “Acercate al amor y a la cocina con desenfreno imprudente,” which translates to: “Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.” While the Dalai Lama should be given credit for the original quotation, it seems Estella and Jon, the proprietors of the Mexican Home Cooking School, have found a way to embody those sentiments at their tranquil Bed and Breakfast in Tlaxcala, a state in Central Mexico.

Before the turkey, poultry was imported in Greece. Each region of Greece had its own food for Christmas time. Some dishes with pork, and others with duck, goose, wild boar, or rooster. In the Cretan Christmas table, pork was mainly used and this was due to the Choirosfagia (sacrificial pork). The butchering of faltered pig, brought up with particular care from households of Cretan and Greek rural areas, was certainly the most generalized custom in Greek cooking, with roots from the antiquity.

By Gin - My sister and I were looking for a special vacation for my 60th birthday. I found BookCulinaryVacations.com and the first cooking vacation I looked at was Ann's Point Inn. We had the best time and the food was spectacular! The whole culinary experience was beyond my greatest expectations.

Schiacciata is a classic Tuscan bread that is made with simple ingredients. Historically, women in Italy bake this bread for the miners to bring as their meals. It is a good source of energy and easy to preserve.

Our food and wine tour in Crete was amazing and George was the most generous host and excellent cook. At least ten different plates served at breakfast, totally over the top lunches, and we cooked dinner every night with George, except for the cave dinner. We were treated to an ancient shepherds’ mystical cave dinner serving ancient Minoan foods. This has to be the most amazing food experience ever, certainly up there with anything we've experienced.

Cretan cuisine is one of the most tastiest and healthiest cuisines in the world. From historical evidence and mythology, we learn about Cretans’ nutritional preferences throughout the centuries as well as their fondness for basic products. Cretan food is said to be the ideal diet which ensures good health and long life. Research shows that people who eat according to Crete’s traditional ways, have less chance of suffering from heart disease, and are generally healthier even than people living in the neighboring Mediterranean countries.

Gozo is truly a gem in the treasure trove of the Mediterranean. I've lived here all my life, although Maltese, I do consider myself to be a true Gozitan and having traveled in the name of food for many years I know and understand the importance of finding the indigenous dishes and food of the area you're visiting. When you live and eat like a local you fall in love with the place you visit and the whole experience moves up a level.

In March 2012, we went to Taveuni island in Fiji for a family vacation. As soon as we landed, our driver, Babu, greeted us by name, loaded our bags, and whisked us around the corner to Taveuni Palms. When we arrived, the staff was singing, clapping, and smiling. Kelly was there to meet us and gave us a giant hug. A lovely refreshing coconut drink was placed in our hands and flowers were hung around our necks. It was such a lovely warm welcome. Kelly walked us to our villa where chilled champagne and gorgeous flowers awaited.

When I think of Wildwood Valley in Yallingup, the first thing that springs to mind is the gorgeous views across the valley, and all the way to one of my favourite beaches, Smiths Beach. The Honeybee Cottage, the accommodation we had booked for the weekend, is self-contained and there really is not anything you could want for. I love a place that displays personal touches like flowers placed in the room from the garden and fresh milk in the fridge, it is like coming home. I have stayed at Wildwood many times before but really wanted to try one of their weekend cooking class and I was happy my partner Rob was keen to try it out.

Galenus, the Roman inventor of pharmacology, knew it already: in the 2nd century AD he wrote that Sabina olive oil was the best in the ancient world. Not much has changed today. The green, rolling hills of Sabina are dotted with olive groves and still produce very special extra virgin olive, which is light but full of flavour at the same time. Sabina is a beautiful region of central Italy, very close to Rome yet completely unspoilt, which produces great cheeses, cured meats, organic fruit and vegetables, excellent wine, and even ancient varieties of wheat and lentils.

We love to receive your culinary holiday pictures. Our guest authors have sent many pictures to us, some of them were used for the articles but some of them did not make the cut. We would like to show some of those unpublished photos here. These pictures were sent by Stella, Fran, and Maria while they were enjoying a culinary holiday in Fiji, Chile, and Bangkok respectively. Enjoy!

I was planning to go to Bangkok for the first time to visit a good friend of mine and at the same time take advantage of learning authentic Thai cooking. I was eager to know how to prepare authentic Thai cuisine and the different herbs and spices that they use. The ingredients for the chillies in Thai recipes is available in supermarkets, but for me, it is much more fun if you're going to do it yourself! I can just imagine my students taking turns in pounding and grinding all those chilli peppers and tasting it if it is hot enough. I browsed the internet for a good cooking school in Bangkok and saw Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy website. I emailed its owner, Mr. Ronald Estrada and asked him if he can reserve a slot for me on the Thursday and Friday classes. Mr. Estrada was gracious enough to accommodate my requests and looked forward to seeing me in class.

On Sunday, my family, which included my husband and me, along with his brother and his wife, arrived at the Casa Gregorio in Castro dei Volsci, Italy, along with ten other Americans, to learn to become Italian cooks in five days. Casa Gregorio is a restored villa in a beautiful walled town on top of a hill midway between Rome and Naples; the house has been made into a comfortable and cozy hotel that was perfect for our four husband and wife combinations, one mother-daughter set, one pair of women traveling together, and two women traveling solo. We ranged in age from mid-twenties to seventies, united in the desire to cook like native Italians.

I booked this break with my stepson in order to learn more about Italian cooking. Ever since I retired fourteen years ago, I have developed an interest in cooking and I am continuing to improve my skills. I enjoy a variety of tastes namely Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Moroccan. But Italian has been a favourite of mine for many years. I wanted to improve from our ‘Britalian’ way of cooking and get down to the authentic Italian way! Convivio Rome gave me that experience. 

The Groupon/Social Living offer arrived in my mailbox in June, just the day after I had given up on trying to plan a trip to Sicily. Well! My traveling companion speaks Spanish and is a very good cook. Would she be equally agreeable going to La Villa Bonita instead? Yes, she would. We made our reservations for October and booked our flights. Five months later, we boarded our flights on to our culinary destination! Robb, Chef Ana’s husband, met us at the airport in Mexico City with the couple’s youngest son. The drive along the tollway was swift and beautiful, and we soon arrived in the small town of Tepotztlan. Its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings were charming but not surprising, as both Shirley and I have lived previously in various parts of Mexico.

I went to India from June to October 2012 for a volunteering project. My final week in India was spent in the Kerala midlands, quite off the tourist trail, at a place called The Pimenta. I planned the time here with the intention of learning how to cook delicious vegetarian Keralan food, which I definitely feel like I did, though having not been back in my own kitchen yet I haven’t tested out whether any of my new skills have been retained. It was a busy week, with mornings out exploring the local area, visiting food markets and buying ingredients, and afternoons cooking up a feast for the evening meal.

Mapuyampay is the creation of Belgium-born chef Ruth Van Waerebeek and her Chilean husband Vincente Escobar. They bought the land fifteen years ago and laid every stone and planted every rose bush themselves. Labor of love doesn’t begin to describe Mapuyampay. As vineyards grew up around them, Mapuyampay developed into an oasis of calm and relaxation. A secret garden with dangling vines and fragrant flowers, plush pillows and French doors that lead out onto an expansive lawn, a brook that really does babble and arching footbridges.