Cellan from Wales asked

Best towns for a traveling chef to visit?

Hey everybody, I'm thinking about traveling the world to get more knowledge about food, but want to go deep in to little towns to find some amazing foods to get inspired. Does anyone have any suggestions where to stop off and eat good food... thanks

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San Sebastian (city)

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answered first by

Tiffany from Corvallis

It isn't a "little town," but consider Toronto, Canada. It's HUGE, but is very nicely divided into a lot of fun neighborhoods, so it doesn't have to feel huge. Plus, it's foodie heaven as a melting pot of cultures and flavors.

You may want to contact the Chef behind the Culinary Adventure Company (http://culinaryadventureco.com/). He's started his food tour company by connecting with other chefs in town and knows exactly where to go for all those special flavors - the best cheeses, wines, oils, meats, restaurants, specialty items, etc... just amazing.

Try a butter tart at Dark Horse Espresso Bar, the peameal bacon at the St. Lawrence Market, find poutine anywhere (french fries covered in cheese curds and gravy) then explore some of the cultural food centers, like the Greek area and go to Tabülè for some of the best Lebanese I've ever tried (and order the eggplant and the fried cauliflower).

If you want something crazy, go try a burger at Dangerous Dan's Diner.

I also have to give the region around Valencia a mention - try La Taberna de la Serp for really amazing tapenades. Go to Rincón del Faro for coulan (everything on the menu is good). Try tapas Restaurante El Pitoand order the twice baked potato with foi gras and the stuffed eggplant. Go to La Lola or Seu Xerea or even SAMSHA in Valencia. The latter has artsy food. Go to Pastelería C. Aixa for dessert on the weekend and talk to Eliseo Valls Aixa, the pastry chef. he creates award winning desserts.

If you consider Valencia, ask another question and I'll give you a full list... this is just a sample. The food is amazing - fresh ingredients from the sea and local farms and lots of creativity - you'd never get bored eating here.

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Dark Horse Espresso Bar (restaurant)
St. Lawrence Market (restaurant)
Tabülè (restaurant)
Dangerous Dan's Diner (restaurant)
Valencia (city)
La Taberna de la Serp (attraction)
Rincón del Faro (restaurant)
Restaurante El Pito (attraction)
La Lola (attraction)
Seu Xerea (restaurant)
SAMSHA (restaurant)
Pastelería C. Aixa (restaurant)

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answered by

Brett from Eindhoven

I'd suggest to base yourself in Bologna and explore the culinary delights in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. In Bologna itself, you can take a gelato-making class, pasta making class, and learn how to prepare the perfect Bolognese Ragu. Sample the local Mortadella and Lambrusco wines.
Heading out of Bologna, it's a short train ride up to Modena, home of Balsamic vinegar, and Parma, for Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parma Ham, including the Culatello di Zibello.
Ferrara is also home to Europe's oldest wine bar.
Be sure to try some Piadina for lunch, and just sit back with a meat and cheese plate with an Aperol spritz at a cafe before your dinner of fresh Tagliatelle or Tortellini.

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Bologna (city)
Modena (attraction)
Parma (city)
Zibello (city)
Ferrara (city)

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Georgia from Long Island (New York)

I agree San Sebastian is a must. every stop (during evening pub crawl) offers an array of rustic creativity and cutting edge innovation available at the many excellent restaurants around town. Just a great town all around.