Catherine Whyte delivers some great gastro getaways ideas
As we approach St Valentine’s Day, the wise words of Ms Dolly Parton spring to mind: “My weaknesses have always been food and men – in that order”. So, for our travel issue, what better place to start than a combination of all three. Gastro tours and foodie holidays are all the rage these days – surely the very definition of a hot date.
In this, the world is our oyster. But where to start? There are the obvious contenders. In terms of Michelin stars, Tokyo leads the world with a total of 314 stars, next to Paris with a mere 141, which seems paltry in comparison. London, if you are wondering has 72 starred restaurants.
But let’s face it, Tokyo is a bit of a schlep. European and home-grown destinations are far more convenient – especially now that direct services to Amsterdam run from St Pancras twice a day.
A Basque cooking course in San Sebastián, Spain
An email from catering company, Caterwings landed in my inbox not long ago, announcing the results of a survey into the world’s top foodie destinations for 2018. San Sebastián came in at number one (topping even our starry friend Tokyo), scoring highly across all the criteria that included, among others, the number of high-end restaurants, affordability, options for vegetarians and vegans, as well as input from more than 20,000 food journalists and critics.
Time should be spent polishing off pintxos at any one of the many excellent bars and restaurants, but for those looking to learn about local cuisine, the excellent Basque Culinary Center, a gastronomic university created by seven of the region’s top chefs, runs regular day-long courses. Lunch at the cafeteria comes highly recommended too.
- To book, visit: bculinaryclub.com
Finding guachinches in Tenerife
For winter sun, the Canary Islands are an evergreen option. Friends of mine recently returned from hilly northern Tenerife, where they toured the vineyards (there are over 200) and along the way stopped off at numerous guachinches, small farm-based, family-run eateries. They had a merry old time feasting on local delicacies as papas arrugadas (Canarian boiled potatoes with a salty, wrinkly skin) and carne fiesta (marinated fried pork). They found the app, Guachapp to be a valuable aide in locating these hidden gems.
Imbibe your way through the Surrey Hills
For something closer to home, you could eat and drink your way around the Surrey Hills on one of the new Grain and Grape Tours. Launching in March 2018, the day-long ventures stop off at the likes of Greyfriars Vineyards, Hogs Back Brewery and Silent Pool distillery, where you can imbibe the very best the county has to offer. The day costs £99 and includes a gastro pub lunch and transport between venues. Hampshire tours also available.
- Go to: grapeandgraintours.co.uk
Date night dinner and a romantic room for two at the Red Lion, Odiham
Travel across the county border to the historic village of Odiham for a romantic stay at the Red Lion – run by the same team as The Stag at Eashing and the Queen’s Head in East Clandon – where Surrey Downs Magazine readers can enjoy a date night dinner for two with bed and breakfast for a special discounted rate from £150 until March 25, 2018.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome bottle of Albury Estate Classic Cuvée and some Hampshire-made Choose Chocolates.
Correction: Previous copy incorrectly stated that guests would enjoy a free glass of fizz with their dinner. We apologise for any confusion this error might have caused our readers.
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