Travel and food. Two of my favourite things on the planet besides friends and family, although you could easily combine that all together. However, it can be challenging traveling in groups, especially when interests vary.
But one thing is sure, everyone has to eat. So why not eat well? Very well.
I’ve been researching food festivals for the last couple weeks, and now next to my bucket list of restaurants, I have a bucket list of food festivals. It’s hard to narrow down, but here are four I’ve put as priority.
July 16-20
Destination: New Orleans
I’ve been to New Orleans, but not to this festival which has been on my radar since experiencing it in Vancouver a couple years ago.
It’s the birthplace of the world’s premier cocktail festival. If you’re a cocktail geek, you’ve probably already been, and if you haven’t, don’t admit it because it’s already in its 12th year.
Mix, mingle and learn from top bartenders in a series of seminars, dinners, competitions, and tasting rooms.
And if you’re not into cocktails, the food scene won’t disappoint, as long as you can handle rich food!
Aug. 21-25
Destination: Montréal
Keeping it within Canada, The Omnivore World Tour – which started in Paris – stopped in Montréal for the first time last year. By popular demand they’re returning and I’ve already booked my flight. Meet me there!
The Omnivore festival celebrates Montréal's young and upcoming chefs. International chefs also travel to the festival and a series of cooking demos, seminars, chef collaboration dinners, and food-centric parties take place over five days.
The Las Vegas Wine & Food Festival
Sept. 5-6
Destination: Las Vegas
It’s a relatively easy weekend trip and I would have booked it already if I knew I’d be in town.
The Las Vegas Wine & Food Festival is hosted at the Red Rock Casino & Resort. It features a chocolate festival, wine and food festival, beer festival, champagne events, celebrity chef dinners, and an exclusive nine-course chef dinner at Joël Robuchon.
Sept. 5-14
Destination: Lima, Peru
Saving the best for last? I don’t even know because I’ve never been to Mistura, but I’m more than intrigued. All eyes on Peru’s culinary scene and this is a great time to explore it.
It’s the largest food festival in South America with more than half a million expected attendees. It celebrates the rich history and culture of Peruvian cuisine and ingredients. This year’s theme is a tribute to water and marine resources so seafood dominates. It features food competitions, master classes, Peruvian dancing, entertainment, and more. World renowned chefs such as René Redzepi, Ferran Adriá, and Alex Atala have become regular visitors of the event.
Travelocity.ca isproviding the opportunity to win $21,000 worth of summer travel. As their "Summerologist", I’m here to help! So tweet me for food and travel advice and use the hashtag #SeizeTheSummer to enter to win.
Find Mijune at the Indian Summer Festival Opening Gala July 3, exploring Whistler’s food scene July 6-9, and at Vancouver’s Food Cart Festival July 13.
Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.comor follow her on Twitter and Instagram @followmefoodie.
