Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe
Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe - Breakfast with Giraffes in Nairobi, Kenya
This historic hotel, set within 12 acres of private land, provides a serene sanctuary for these critically endangered creatures, allowing visitors to hand-feed and interact with them during their stay.
Giraffe Manor is home to a herd of Rothschild's giraffes, a critically endangered subspecies with only around 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
The hotel was originally a giraffe sanctuary, starting in 1974, before being converted into a hotel in 1984, offering guests a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle giants.
The Rothschild's giraffe is the tallest of the nine giraffe subspecies, with males reaching heights of up to 6 meters (19 feet) and weighing over 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs).
Giraffes have the same number of vertebrae (7) in their necks as humans, but they are much longer, allowing them to browse on leaves high up in the trees.
Giraffe Manor is set within 140 acres of indigenous Kenyan forest, providing a natural habitat for the resident giraffes and other wildlife, such as warthogs and bushbuck.
Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe - A Barn-to-Table Sensation in Paternoster, South Africa
Paternoster, a quaint fishing village on South Africa's west coast, has emerged as a hidden culinary gem.
The Paternoster Strandloper Oyster Farm is one of the few remaining hand-harvested oyster farms in the world, with oysters being plucked directly from the rocks by skilled harvesters.
The unique microclimate of Paternoster, with its cool Atlantic breezes and nutrient-rich waters, allows the local abalone to develop a distinct flavor profile not found elsewhere in the country.
The village's historic Cape Dutch architecture, with its distinctive whitewashed walls and thatched roofs, dates back to the 1800s and has been meticulously preserved, giving Paternoster a timeless, picturesque ambiance.
The Paternoster Hotel, a historic establishment dating back to the early 20th century, features a unique "boat-to-table" menu, where the day's catch is sourced directly from local fishermen and prepared within hours of being pulled from the sea.
Paternoster's unique location on the border of the Benguela Current, a cold, nutrient-rich ocean current, allows for the cultivation of a diverse range of marine life, including sought-after species like crayfish and West Coast rock lobster.
The Paternoster Strandloper Trail, a 7-kilometer hiking route along the rugged coastline, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history, with ancient shell middens and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years.
Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe - Vegan Street Food Tours in Bangkok and Marrakech
In Bangkok, Thailand, vegan travelers can explore the city's thriving vegan scene through guided tours.
The Silom Vegan Tour takes visitors through the Silom district, showcasing delicious street food, home-grown products, and local vegan comfort food.
Additionally, the Bangkok Best of Thai Vegan Private Tour offers a 3.5-hour culinary adventure, visiting three neighborhoods and highlighting a range of vegan vendors and options.
While Marrakech, Morocco, does not have specific vegan street food tours mentioned, the city's vibrant culinary scene likely offers opportunities for vegan travelers to discover local flavors and hidden gems.
Bangkok's Silom district is home to a thriving vegan street food scene, with the Silom Vegan Tour taking visitors through a diverse array of delectable vegan dishes and locally-sourced products.
The Bangkok Best of Thai Vegan Private Tour offers a 5-hour culinary adventure that caters to various dietary needs, including vegan and plant-based, as it showcases the city's vibrant vegan offerings across three distinct neighborhoods.
Riad Dar El Souk in Marrakech is a vegan-friendly accommodation that offers traditional Moroccan breakfasts, catering to the growing demand for plant-based options in the city.
The Earth Café in Marrakech is one of the city's vegan and vegetarian restaurants, serving a variety of refreshing drinks and fine art alongside its plant-based menu.
Café Clock in both Bangkok and Marrakech offers vegan cooking classes, where visitors can learn to prepare authentic Moroccan dishes using local, plant-based ingredients.
Sabai, a vegan-friendly restaurant in Bangkok, serves a range of vegan and gluten-free options, catering to the diverse dietary needs of the city's growing health-conscious population.
The Henna Art Café in Marrakech, in addition to its vegan-friendly menu, also showcases the city's vibrant art scene, providing a unique cultural experience for vegan travelers.
Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe - Underwater Dining in the Maldivian Atolls
The Maldives has emerged as a premier destination for underwater dining experiences, offering visitors the opportunity to savor exquisite cuisine while surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean.
The 58 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives is situated 58 meters (190 feet) below the surface, making it one of the world's deepest underwater restaurants.
M6m, the underwater restaurant at OZEN Life Maadhoo Resort, serves a 6-course degustation menu, with each course designed to complement the aquatic views and marine life surrounding the diners.
The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was constructed using 16 acrylic panels, each weighing over 1,500 pounds, to create a 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding coral reef.
SUBSIX, the world's first underwater nightclub, located at Niyama Private Islands Maldives, features a dance floor submerged 6 meters (20 feet) below the surface, offering a unique nightlife experience.
Only Blu Underwater Restaurant in OBLU SELECT Lobigili is the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives, with a seating capacity of up to 16 guests.
The SEA restaurant at Anantara Kihavah Villas features a wine cellar that is housed within a sunken architectural structure, allowing diners to enjoy their meals surrounded by a collection of over 20,000 bottles of wine.
The H2O Underwater Restaurant in You & Me by Cocoon Resort is the only underwater restaurant in the Maldives to offer a fully submerged dining experience, with no above-water structures visible.
The M6m Underwater Restaurant at Baros Maldives is the only underwater restaurant in the Maldives to be located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, providing diners with a unique opportunity to observe the protected marine ecosystem.
The underwater glow parties at Niyama Private Islands Maldives feature bioluminescent plankton that light up the waters, creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly atmosphere for the underwater festivities.
Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe - Culinary Treasures of Southern Italy
Southern Italy holds a wealth of hidden culinary wonders, offering travelers a glimpse into the diverse and delicious traditions of the region.
Beyond the well-known tourist hotspots, numerous secret and offbeat destinations provide unique and unforgettable gastronomic experiences, from charming coastal towns to ancient villages and picturesque hilltop towns.
Foodies can indulge in fresh seafood, regional delicacies, and local cheeses while exploring these lesser-known corners of Southern Italy.
These elongated, thin-skinned lemons are prized for their intense flavor and aroma, and are often used in local cuisine.
In the Puglia region, the traditional method of making orecchiette pasta involves rolling the dough into small, ear-shaped pieces by hand.
This laborious process has been passed down through generations and is considered an integral part of the local culinary heritage.
The small town of Ravello, situated high above the Amalfi Coast, is home to the Villa Rufolo, a 13th-century villa known for its intricate Arab-Norman architectural style and stunning gardens, which have served as inspiration for many classical music compositions.
The Salento Peninsula in Puglia is famous for its production of primitivo, a robust red wine that shares genetic similarities with the zinfandel grape variety.
Primitivo is believed to have been brought to the region by Greek settlers centuries ago.
Spaghetti alle vongole, a classic dish of spaghetti with clams, is believed to have originated in the fishing villages of the Sorrentine Peninsula.
The local clams, known as vongole veraci, are prized for their delicate flavor and tender texture.
The town of Matera, located in the Basilicata region, is known for its ancient cave dwellings called Sassi, which have been repurposed into restaurants, hotels, and even churches, offering visitors a unique culinary and cultural experience.
The Pecorino Romano cheese, a staple ingredient in many Southern Italian dishes, is produced using the milk of Sardinian sheep that graze on the island's rugged, herb-filled landscapes, imparting a distinctive, slightly tangy flavor to the cheese.
The town of Paestum, located in the Campania region, is home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, as well as a thriving buffalo mozzarella industry, with the local water buffalo producing milk that is prized for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
The Cilento Coast, in the Campania region, is known for the production of a unique type of olive oil made from the Olivella variety of olives, which are harvested by hand and pressed using traditional methods to create a robust, flavorful oil.
Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe - A Sweet Escapade in Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia, offers a sweet escape filled with hidden culinary gems.
Visitors can uncover traditional French macarons, gourmet chocolate shops, and cozy cafes serving up artisanal marshmallows and truffles.
Dragon Alley in Victoria's Chinatown is a must-visit destination, with its narrow streets and stalls offering a diverse range of unique boutiques and handcrafted souvenirs.
The Royal BC Museum in Victoria explores the province's rich history, while the Robert Bateman Centre features more interactive exhibits and higher-quality artwork compared to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Goldstream Provincial Park near Victoria is a popular destination for witnessing the annual fall salmon runs and observing large numbers of bald eagles drawn to the abundance of fish.
Visitors can discover cozy cafes in Victoria crafting artisanal marshmallows and truffles, as well as farmers' markets overflowing with local produce and small-batch specialty food items.
The city's unique microclimate, with cool Atlantic breezes and nutrient-rich waters, allows for the cultivation of distinct flavors in local seafood, such as abalone.
Victoria's historic Cape Dutch architecture, with its whitewashed walls and thatched roofs, dates back to the 1800s and has been meticulously preserved, creating a timeless ambiance.
The Paternoster Strandloper Trail, a 7-kilometer hiking route along the rugged Paternoster coastline, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history, with ancient shell middens and archaeological sites.
Riad Dar El Souk in Marrakech, Morocco, is a vegan-friendly accommodation that serves traditional Moroccan breakfasts, catering to the growing demand for plant-based options in the city.
Unearthing Hidden Gems 7 Offbeat Culinary Experiences Around the Globe - Kaiseki Artistry in California's Michelin-Starred Gem
Shibumi, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Downtown LA, offers a unique Kaiseki-inspired dining experience with a menu that changes every three months.
California is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that showcase Kaiseki artistry, including n/naka Los Angeles and Shibumi, providing diners with the opportunity to experience the intricate balance and harmony of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Shibumi, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Downtown LA, uses ancient Japanese techniques from the 1600s to create its ever-changing Kaiseki-inspired dishes.
Chef David Schlosser's menu at Shibumi completely transforms every three months, showcasing the seasonal peak of local ingredients.
n/naka Los Angeles, a Two Michelin Star restaurant, serves modern interpretations of traditional Kaiseki cuisine, blending ancient Japanese techniques with contemporary California flair.
Addison, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in San Diego, offers a Kaiseki-inspired tasting menu that celebrates the bounty of California's diverse culinary landscape.
Kaiseki cuisine originated as a traditional style of Japanese cooking among the merchant class during the Edo period, emphasizing balance, simplicity, and the appreciation of seasonal ingredients.
The unique Kaiseki dining experience at Shibumi in Downtown LA features intricate plating, where each course is designed to be visually stunning and evoke a sense of nature's beauty.
Reservations at Shibumi are highly sought-after, with limited seating available, making it a true hidden gem for discerning diners in the Los Angeles area.
Kaiseki-inspired restaurants in California, such as n/naka and Shibumi, have adapted traditional Japanese techniques to highlight the abundance of locally sourced, seasonal produce and seafood.
The Kaiseki-style tasting menu at Addison in San Diego often incorporates unique ingredients like abalone, sea urchin, and Japanese-influenced sauces and seasonings.
Some Kaiseki restaurants in California, like Shibumi, also offer a more affordable Kaiseki-inspired lunch option, making the experience accessible to a wider audience.