TRAVELING NEVER TASTED BETTER - LUXE PRO TRAVEL
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FOOD + WINE SUMMER 2020 TRAVELING NEVER TASTED BETTER LUXE PRO TRAVEL - 800.928.5508
A VACATION
TO SAVOR
How do you know if you’re a “foodie?” When you’d rather learn how
a meal is made rather than simply eat it. When you memorize the
restaurant’s menu before you even arrive. When you make it a point
to visit the wineries and meet the people who produce your favorite
wines. When you make sure that every travel experience includes a
culinary element.
In this issue of Inspired, we’ve compiled a collection of some of our
favorite culinary vacations, accented with exclusive food and wine
experiences only available when you book through our agency. From
private seminars with celebrity chefs and sommeliers to onboard
cooking lessons and galley tours at sea, we can create the perfect
culinary adventure just for you.
When the time is right, we look forward to helping you discover new
destinations and culinary delights around the world. If you’re ready
to book, contact our agency and we’ll create a vacation that will truly
please your palate.
We know that today, more than ever, your safety and
health while traveling is paramount. That is why our
advisors focus on helping you make the right decisions,
taking into consideration destination requirements and
restrictions; risk reduction protocols of providers such as
hotels, resorts, tour companies and cruise lines;
cancellation/refund policies; and matching you with the
right travel insurance coverage for your journey.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
CONTACT OUR AGENCY TODAY
LUXE PRO TRAVEL - 800.928.5508
Vineyard wine tasting SUMMER 2020 | 1
Michelin-star meal
Chief Marketing Officer
Stephen McGillivray
VP Partner Marketing
Pam Massey
Director of Partner Marketing
Becky Serdar
Design Manager
Caroline Gordon
Managing Editor
Mariah Hirstein
Contributing Writers
Dayna Engberg
Jonathan Hermann Freshly picked olives
Corey Quinlan Taylor
WRITE YOUR OWN STORY
2 | FOOD + WINE
CONTENTS
4 Crystal Cruises®
8 VISTAS & VINO
Take a Road Trip to America’s
Top Wine Regions Outside
of California
12 Regent Seven Seas Cruises®
14
Pleasant Holidays® featuring
Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts
16 Oceania Cruises®
18 MICHELIN STATE OF MIND
22 Viking River Cruises®
24
COSTA RICAN CUISINE
Fresh, Mild and Flavorful
29 SELECT Hotels & Resorts
30 Culinary Collection
Cooking class in Italy
SUMMER 2020 | 3
INSPIRING &
INNOVATIVE
Savvy travelers the world over continue to recognize Crystal
Cruises as the World’s Best, with more World’s Best Awards
than any other cruise line in history. Come aboard and bask in
spaciously elegant interiors, revel in acclaimed six-star service
and dine on cuisine of Michelin-level envy. Discover a place
where they make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Where everything you want is anticipated, so that you feel
perfectly at ease and completely yourself.
Beyond Crystal’s renowned hospitality, it is the ships themselves
Crystal Serenity
that uniquely define the Crystal Experience. Welcoming far
fewer guests than ocean ships of similar size, each hosts a variety
of stunning public spaces from grand to intimate, and dedicated
venues for fitness, enrichment, gaming and more.
An unmatched roster of inclusive amenities and services
ensures your every want has already been considered, from fine
wines, champagne and premium spirits to pre-paid gratuities,
unlimited Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.
Your all-inclusive cruise includes:
n Select wines, champagnes, spirits and coffees
n pen seating and Specialty Dining, including
O
Umi Uma by Chef Nobu
n 24-hour in-suite dining
n Unlimited Wi-Fi and internet access
n Nightly entertainment
n Enrichment programs
n “You Care. We Care.” Voluntourism Excursions
n Pre-paid gratuities
Prego seafood cioppino
n Ultra-thin TVs with On-Demand movies
n Housekeeping and nightly turn-down
n Complimentary launderettes
4 | FOOD + WINE
Dining on a gourmet meal SUMMER 2020 | 5
Inspired and innovative dining experiences are a defining aspect Europe abounds with priceless treasures to explore — both old
of every Crystal voyage, with menus of globally inspired, Michelin- and new. Select voyages are featuring a golf theme for those
level cuisine served in an array of elegant, open-seating venues. wanting to improve their handicap during their vacation. PGA
pros will work with you on your game and golf celebrities will
Enjoy specialties both classic and modern in Waterside, the main discuss their experiences on the PGA tour, after which you’ll
dining room aboard both ships, or savor Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s have the chance to tee off on optional Crystal Adventures at
signature delicacies at Umi Uma & the Sushi Bar. Dine on world-famous courses along your itinerary.
Northern Italian fare at Prego, Chinese comfort food at Silk
Kitchen & Bar and Brazilian steakhouse favorites at Churrascaria. At Crystal, it is their passion to bring you life-enhancing
From custom coffees and charcuterie at the European-inspired experiences through the wonder of travel. Across the world’s
Bistro Café to optional wine-pairing menus in the Vintage Room, great oceans, along the grand rivers of Europe and into iconic
Crystal’s extraordinary cuisine enhances your global adventures. yachting harbors and remote destinations by expedition, they are
dedicated to creating the best vacation for each guest.
On all-inclusive journeys far and wide, Crystal will offer
worldwide itineraries from 7- to 100+ nights. Starting in the Come discover why the Crystal Experience has received more
Spring of 2021, Crystal will feature itineraries in Western World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure and Readers’ Choice
Europe and the British Isles. From high fashion to high tea, Awards by Condé Nast Traveler than any other cruise line in
famed old world traditions to modern discoveries, Western history ... and make award-winning memories of your own.
Crystal chefs
6 | FOOD + WINE
CULINARY DISCOVERY
On your Crystal Cruises vacation, enjoy:
•M
ichelin-inspired cuisine, including the
only Nobu restaurants at sea
•A
n all-inclusive environment complete with
fine wines, champagne and premium spirits
See Terms and Conditions on page 31
Tour the castle in Edinburgh on Celtic Discovery
11-NIGHTS CANARY ISLAND 7-NIGHTS EMERALD ISLE IMMERSION
& IBERIAN INTRIGUE Departs August 13, 2021 aboard Crystal Serenity
Departs April 13, 2021 aboard Crystal Symphony Golf Themed Sailing. Discover the legendary crystal
Golf Themed Sailing. Great wines, distinctive architecture of Ireland’s oldest city, revel in the music of Cork and
and rugged terrain accent this exotic journey, from Liverpool and trek the dramatic lands of Wales.
Lisbon’s edgy art scene and Madeira’s botanical
Fares from $3,199 per person
paradise to Arrecife’s moonlike landscapes and
Taxes, fees, and port charges of $336 per person
Casablanca’s gateway to Marrakech.
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
Fares from $3,749 per person
Taxes, fees, and port charges of $495 per person Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host,
Welcome Reception and Exclusive Shore Event
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
$500 Shipboard Credit per Stateroom
7- NIGHTS CELTIC DISCOVERY
Departs August 20, 2021 aboard Crystal Serenity
12-NIGHTS IRISH SEA TO ICELAND
Golf Themed Sailing. Discover Belfast’s expanding foodie
Departs July 20, 2021 aboard Crystal Serenity scene. An overnight in Edinburgh means explorations of its
Golf Themed Sailing. Explore Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon legendary castle and journeys into the iconic countryside.
and nearby Eyjafjallajokull volcano, on a voyage
Fares from $3,199 per person
navigating the dramatic isles of Scotland.
Taxes, fees, and port charges of $336 per person
Fares from $5,449 per person OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
Taxes, fees, and port charges of $576 per person
$250 Shipboard Credit per Stateroom
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host, Welcome
Reception and Exclusive Shore Event (Cooking Demo)
SUMMER 2020 | 7
by Jonathan Hermann 8 | FOOD + WINE
TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO
AMERICA’S TOP WINE
REGIONS OUTSIDE
OF CALIFORNIA
When wine connoisseurs are asked to name the top wine-producing
regions in the United States, the first words off their merlot-tinged
lips are typically California’s celebrated areas, such as Napa or
Sonoma. But America’s gusto for grapes does not end there. You
can find celebrated and award-winning wineries across all 50
states, many of which welcome visitors for a tour and a sample of
their latest vintages. So, fill your picnic basket, hop into your car
and take a road trip to one of these nearby wine regions that are
ripe for the sipping.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON
The northwest United States is overflowing with illustrious wine
regions, from Walla Walla, Washington, to Snake River Valley, Idaho.
Yet Oregon — the bucolic state with the gorgeous, granite coastline
— pops the cork on sheer volume. Willamette Valley alone is packed
with more than 300 wineries across seven designated American
Viticultural Areas (AVA). These are not your grandma’s wineries
either: Many follow the bohemian vibe of the state by being dog-
friendly, organic and biodynamic. Soter Vineyards & Argyle Winery
and St. Innocent in Eola-Amity, both near Portland, are instant home
runs for visitors looking for passionate, small-scale producers of
some of the finest Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris this side of Bordeaux.
Vineyard at sunrise in Oregon SUMMER 2020 | 9MISSOURI
Before Napa became Napa, there was Missouri. One of the most
prolific wine regions in the late 1800s, Missouri’s German
settlers brought their Rhineland secrets with them, resulting
in 125 different wineries and four distinct AVAs today. Modern
vintners here love to experiment with heritage grapes like
Catawba and Norton, creating sophisticated hybrids like
Seyval Blanc and Traminette. You’ll find dozens of choices near
Kansas City, such as Stonehaus Farms Vineyard and Winery and
Belvoir Winery and Inn, so you can easily enjoy famous Kansas
City BBQ, Missouri River views, Frank Lloyd Wright tours and
more after a pleasant day sipping wines.
Grapes ready for wine
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
Everything is bigger in Texas; at over nine million acres, the
Texas Hill Country is the second largest AVA in the country.
Extending from the west of Austin to the northern reaches of
San Antonio, here you’ll find more than 50 wineries taking
advantage of the dry climate to produce Cabernet Sauvignon,
Tempranillo and Syrah of outstanding character. To explore,
aim straight for Fredericksburg and be sure to hit Becker
Vineyards, home to massive fields of wildflowers that definitely
improve the view, and Driftwood Estate Winery, which sits on a
bluff overlooking a sweeping valley. Stay in the area as long as
you can to go hiking, biking and antique hunting.
FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK
New York’s Finger Lakes — 11 glacial lakes that run north-
south between Syracuse and Rochester — create a special
weather effect that causes more temperate winters and cooler
summers. These conditions are ideal for winemakers, which is
why you will find close to 140 wineries in this area producing
superior sparkling wines, Riesling and Pinot Noir. If you’re
not too distracted during your drive by all of the cascading
waterfalls and gorgeous gorges, make your way to Americana
Vineyards on Cayuga Lake, where you’ll love the 200-year-old
barn the tasting room and gift shop reside in, as well as Fox
Run Vineyards on Seneca Lake, where they pair six wines to six
Taughannock Falls in upstate New York
delectable courses for a dinner you will never forget.
10 | FOOD + WINESHENANDOAH VALLEY, VIRGINIA
They say Virginia is for lovers, though wine lovers may be more
precise. The grapes that Thomas Jefferson planted here before
America was officially a nation did not survive, but numerous
other brave vintners have taken over since then to transform
the Shenandoah Valley into a wine-making powerhouse
producing Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Viognier. As you
drive through the pastoral area, the namesake mountains
creating car-stopping vistas at nearly every turn, you should
definitely visit Purple WOLF Vineyard, home to a petting
zoo and lavender farm, as well as Naked Mountain Winery Vineyard in Shenandoh Valley &
& Vineyard, where you’ll discover the joys of drinking Naked the Blue Ridge Mountains
while fully clothed.
SUMMER 2020 | 11A TASTE
OF TRAVEL
Nothing can elevate travel quite like cuisine. That is why Regent
Seven Seas Cruises® takes so much pride in creating dining
experiences that are nothing short of superb.
Savor the bouquet and notes of an expertly paired glass of wine
provided by the head sommelier and bite into a perfectly cooked
and skillfully selected filet mignon at Prime 7. Taste every
appetizer at Compass Rose, like the delectably balanced lobster
bisque, and enjoy a variety of delicious and flavorful plant-based
dishes available in every restaurant across the fleet.
Be transported to the Burgundy region by the traditional
and uniquely prepared escargot a la Bourguignonne in
Chartreuse. Taste Italy via the perfectly cooked branzino
all’acqua pazza in Sette Mari at La Veranda. Deliver an exotic
touch to your evening with the mouthwatering, hoisin-flavored
aromatic duck at Pacific Rim on the Seven Seas Splendor™ and
Seven Seas Explorer®.
Dining aboard any of Regent’s luxury pointed ships will always
be whenever, wherever and with whomever you choose. There
Seven Seas Splendor Culinary Arts Kitchen
is never an additional charge for the exquisite, gourmet cuisine
accompanied by the exceptional wines and impeccable service.
Discover the cuisines of the world, both on and off the ship.
Expand your cooking skills aboard Seven Seas Splendor™ and
Seven Seas Explorer® with the amazing Culinary Arts Kitchen
by taking specially designed classes led by expert chefs. Then
taste the cultures of the world with curated, Master Chef-
led Gourmet Explorer Tours. Or uncover off-the-beaten-path
experiences with a Go Local Tour, such as learning the traditional
methods of a local baker in Larnaca or tasting the sweetly famed
honey with beekeepers in Vavia.
Whether seeing the world through the eyes of a local, increasing
your culinary knowledge in the Culinary Arts Kitchen or just
simply pleasing your palate, Regent Seven Seas Cruises helps
you to develop options that explore the culinary side of every
place you visit.
12 | FOOD + WINE10-NIGHTS CARNIVAL ACROSS
THE CARIBBEAN
Departs February 5, 2021 aboard Seven Seas Splendor
Roundtrip from Miami
Veranda Suite from $5,999 per person*
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host, Private
Welcome Reception and Exclusive Shore Event
12-NIGHTS PEACEFUL PAGODAS
& SOARING SPIRES
Departs March 9, 2021 aboard Seven Seas Explorer
Roundtrip from Hong Kong
Veranda Suite from $13,999 per person*
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host, Private
Welcome Reception and Exclusive Shore Event
10-NIGHTS KINGDOMS & EMPIRES
Departs May 18, 2021 aboard Seven Seas Voyager
Istanbul to Jerusalem (Haifa)
Deluxe Veranda Suite from $10,299 per person*
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host, Private
Welcome Reception and Exclusive Shore Event
7-NIGHTS TLINGIT HERITAGE
Departs June 30, 2021 aboard Seven Seas Explorer
Vancouver to Seward
Veranda Suite from $6,399 per person*
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE:
Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host, Private
Welcome Reception and Exclusive Shore Event
*Taxes, fees, port expenses are included
Veal Rack Loin
SUMMER 2020 | 13DISCOVER LUXURY
INCLUDED VACATIONS ®
With 15 resorts on seven islands, Sandals® Resorts are an ideal Beaches Resorts include the above plus:
way to experience a romantic, adults-only Caribbean vacation. n Family-sized suites
Their Luxury Included® vacation experience includes all meals
n Supervised kids camps
and snacks, as well as premium spirits, wines and a multitude
n Sesame Street® character activities
of activities. Beaches® Resorts, with one resort in Turks & Caicos
and two in Jamaica, are ideal for family and multi-generational n Pirates Island Waterparks
getaways, offering the same Luxury Included® service as Sandals n Xbox Play Lounge and more!
Resorts, but designed for family fun. Luxury Included® means more than just an all-inclusive dining
You’ll find Sandals Resorts on the islands of Antigua, the plan, although that’s certainly part of it. With as many as 21
Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada and Saint Lucia, each with restaurants per resort, you will have your choice of a variety of
its own unique character, but with much in common as well. In cuisines and styles from which to choose for breakfast, lunch,
locations where there are multiple resorts — such as Montego Bay, dinner and anytime snacks. Also included is unlimited premium
Saint Lucia and Barbados — guests can enjoy privileges at sister spirits, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines, Appleton Estate rums
resorts for a more expansive experience. Under the Stay at One, and Jamaica Blue Mountain blend coffee.
Play at All program, you can enjoy the restaurants, pools and bars Resort restaurants include the steakhouse vibe of Butch’s
at neighboring resorts with transportation included. Chophouse, Indian at Bombay Club, Italian, British pub fare,
From dining experiences to vacation adventures to the simple, Japanese teppanyaki, Caribbean specialties, seafood, grills and
little things that make your stay perfect, Sandals Resorts’ snack shops, so you’ll never go hungry or grow bored with the
Luxury Included® philosophy will make your Caribbean island selections. Call today to book your Caribbean dream vacation!
getaway just right.
Luxury Included® vacations include:
n Luxurious and unique suites SAVE UP TO 65% ON LUXURY INCLUDED®
VACATIONS PLUS FREE NIGHTS, AND
n Anytime snacks and all meals at up to 27 restaurants
UP TO $1,000 BOOKING CREDIT
n Unlimited premium spirits*
n Entertainment day and night
See Terms and Conditions on page 31
n Watersports and guided scuba dives**
n Land sports, tennis, and golf***
n Tips and gratuities
n Airport transfers, resort taxes and more!
LUXE PRO TRAVEL - 800.928.5508
14 | FOOD + WINECouple enjoying the Caribbean
JAMAICA
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
Luxury Included®, Adults Only
5-nights Riviera Grande Luxe Room
from $1,215 per person*
SAINT LUCIA
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Luxury Included®, Adults Only
5-night Walkout Deluxe Room
from $1,630 per person*
BAHAMAS
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort
& Offshore Island
Luxury Included®, Adults Only
5-night Balmoral Premium Room
from $1,705 per person*
TURKS & CAICOS
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa
Luxury Included®
5-night Caribbean Deluxe Room
from $1,926 per person*
Tropical desserts
* Taxes, fees, port expenses are included
SUMMER 2020 | 15THE OCEANIA CRUISES
EXPERIENCE
EXCUISITELY CRAFTED CUISINE
Our commitment to cuisine shines in our artisanal ingredients
and our array of gourmet restaurants, but truly comes to life with
our passionate chefs who craft each recipe from the heart.
CURATED TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Each of our voyages is an invitation to discover your next travel
story with our insider tours in both marquee and boutique ports
during extended, evening and overnight calls.
SMALL, LUXURIOUS SHIPS
You’ll feel like you’re coming home to family aboard our casually
elegant ships. Our personalized, genuine service means our staff
and crew always attend to your every request with a smile.
Toscana
DISCOVER YOUR MOMENT
Aboard Oceania Cruises, each day connects you with the local
culture in the most alluring corners of the world. Get a chef’s
OLIFE CHOICE:
look at the emerging culinary scene in Europe with a gourmet
tasting tour, gaze out on Santorini’s spectacular caldera or dine Enjoy an even more carefree experience with
on freshly caught seafood at a café in Marseille. Free Internet and OLife Choice. Package includes
Roundtrip Airfare*, plus choose one:
In South America, uncover diverse coastlines, sun-bleached
villages and stunning natural treasures. Spend days reveling in • Up to $800 Shipboard Credit
the abundant sunshine of the Caribbean with mornings on the • Up to 8 Free Shore Excursions
gorgeous beaches of Antigua, an exploration of the colorful open- • Free Beverage Package
air market in Castries or adventures in Harvest Caye.
Plus, book with our agency and receive exclusive
Perhaps discover the mysteries of Africa, the Far East, or Australia amenities on select dates.
and New Zealand. Whichever voyage you choose, Oceania Cruises
brings you imaginative experiences in the most treasured See Terms and Conditions on page 31
destinations throughout the world.
16 | FOOD + WINEThe Grand Dining Room
20-DAYS CHARISMATIC CAPE 12-DAYS PASSAGE TO IBERIA
Departs January 28, 2021 aboard Marina Departs May 12, 2021 aboard Riviera
Buenos Aires to Lima Rome to Lisbon
Cruise-Only fares from $3,649 per person* Cruise-Only fares from $2,549 per person*
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE: Prepaid Gratuities OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE: Prepaid Gratuities
& Wine Tasting 1& Wine Tasting
12-DAYS PAGODAS TO PLACES 12-DAYS CHARMING BRITISH ISLES
Departs March 25, 2021 aboard Insignia Departs May 22, 2021 aboard Sirena
Hong Kong to Singapore Roundtrip from London
Cruise-Only fares from $2,449 per person* Cruise-Only fares from $3,349 per person*
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE: Prepaid Gratuities OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE: Prepaid Gratuities
10-DAYS OPULENT MEDITERRANEAN 11-DAYS GLACIERS TO BLOOMS
Departs April 3, 2021 aboard Riviera Departs June 21, 2021 aboard Regatta
Barcelona to Rome Vancouver to Seattle
Cruise-Only fares from $1,549 per person* Cruise-Only fares from $2,399 per person*
OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE: Distinctive OUR AGENCY EXCLUSIVE: Prepaid Gratuities
Voyages Host, Private Welcome Reception, &
*Taxes, fees, port expenses are included.
Exclusive Shore Event
SUMMER 2020 | 17STATE
by Dayna Engberg
OF MIND
18 | FOOD + WINELEARN ABOUT
THE ILLUSTRIOUS
MICHELIN GUIDE,
FROM ITS MYSTERIOUS
RATING SYSTEM TO ITS
CURIOUS HISTORY
If you’ve ever wondered how Michelin made the unexpected
leap from cars to cuisine, you’re not the first. What began as a
humble tire company is now considered the standard authority
of culinary excellence, reviewing over 30,000 establishments in
30 countries.
THE BACKSTORY
When brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin founded their
eponymous tire company in the late 1800s, they surely didn’t expect
it would become the foremost restaurant reviewer in the world. After
all, the idea for original Michelin guidebook wasn’t much more than
a creative sales tactic — an effort to encourage motorists to take their
travels on the road and, in turn, bolster the company’s tire sales.
The little red booklet was filled with handy travel tips such as maps,
instructions on replacing a tire and — most popularly — a guide to the
best restaurants along the way. The guide proved to be an unbiased
and reliable source for travel advice.
As word of the guide’s reputable recommendations continued to
spread, the Michelin brothers hired a team of anonymous inspectors
who would visit various restaurants and score them based on
specific criteria. In 1926, the guide awarded the first of what is now
considered fine dining’s most coveted award: The Michelin star.
Over time, Michelin evolved far beyond the scope of just tires. It now
represents the pinnacle of culinary merit worldwide.
SUMMER 2020 | 19THE RATINGS
THREE STARS TWO STARS ONE STAR
EXCEPTIONAL CUISINE, EXCELLENT COOKING, HIGH QUALITY COOKING,
WORTH A SPECIAL WORTH A DETOUR. WORTH A STOP.
JOURNEY.
MICHELIN BIB THE PLATE MICHELIN
GOVURMAND FRESH INGREDIENTS, CAREFULLY
GOOD QUALITY, GOOD PREPARED: A GOOD MEAL.
VALUE COOKING.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Today, Michelin doles out five distinct ratings, reserving the
illustrious three-star award for the world’s finest and most
prestigious establishments. So what does it take for a restaurant
to qualify? One of Michelin’s anonymous inspectors will make
an initial secret visit to the restaurant, taking great caution to
conceal their identity. Neither the chef, the restaurant staff or
even the inspector’s dining party is aware that a review is being
conducted. If the review goes well, the inspector will return the
consecutive year before awarding a star.
The evaluation process itself is extremely secretive. Some
assessment benchmarks are objective, such as the cooking
techniques used, quality of the products, value for the price and
consistency between visits. Other criteria are more subjective,
such as mastery of flavor and whether the personality of the chef
carries through to the end product.
20 | FOOD + WINEWHAT IT’S WORTH WHAT TO EXPECT
It’s true that a Michelin-starred restaurant can be expensive. For Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is more than just a meal
example, New York’s three-star Masa could cost around $1,600 — it’s a full gastronomic experience. Think otherworldly flavors,
for a party of two to enjoy the sumptuous Japanese tasting menu. virtuoso-level cooking techniques and plating so elaborately
However, ratings don’t always correlate with cost, and not all artistic it barely represents food at all. Although most “starred”
Michelin-starred eateries are expensive. In fact, several food stalls restaurants are typically found in larger cities — Tokyo, Paris, New
in Asia have even achieved Michelin status, such as Singapore’s York, London and San Francisco have some of the most — Michelin
one-star Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, where you can taste the recognizes plenty of secluded gems as well.
famed noodle dish for under $5, or Hong Kong’s one-star Tim Ho
One of our favorite off-the-beaten-path eateries includes the one-
Wan, where dim sum dishes can cost as little as $2 each.
star Harbor House south of Mendocino — set on a lonely stretch of
In the United States, you can find a Michelin meal for less than California’s famed Pacific Coast Highway — where Chef Matthew
$20 at one-star eateries such as Al’s Place in San Francisco Kammerer’s distinctive cuisine incorporates house-made sea salt
or Meadowsweet in Brooklyn. To help value-seeking foodies and vinegars complementing the locally caught seafood. For diners
discover delicious deals, Michelin created another award in on the east coast, try The Inn at Little Washington. Just 90 minutes
1997 called the Bib Gourmand, a collection of nearly 400 from Washington, D.C., this whimsical, three-star restaurant
eateries across North America where diners can enjoy high contains 30 intimate tables surrounded in dazzling romantic décor
quality cuisine at affordable prices. where you can savor a series of the most impeccably balanced,
perfectly constructed single bites you’ve ever tasted in your life.
SUMMER 2020 | 21CULINARY DISCOVERIES
ABOUND WITH VIKING ®
At Viking, we believe travel should be more than just a trip—it
should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment.
And few things reveal more about a culture than its cuisine. That
is why moments spent sampling local flavors play a considerable
role in the travel experience. Viking understands this and
highlights regional cuisine and wine in every itinerary.
CELEBRATE DINING ON BOARD
Our highly trained chefs are passionate about food and
committed to providing an enriching culinary experience.
With locally sourced ingredients they create authentic regional
specialties. And our extensive wine list featuring a vintage
created by our own vintner not only complements your dish,
it enhances your meal. Plus, our signature “Taste of . . .” events
introduce you to the food and drink of the region. Best of all, our
Viking Longships® offer the most al fresco dining on Europe’s
rivers, bringing your destinations almost close enough to touch.
CONTINUE THE EXPLORATION
Dining riverside
ON SHORE
Because we believe that dining is as much a part of your journey
as the journey itself, you will find that our thoughtfully curated
shore excursions amplify your onboard culinary experiences.
Along the Mississippi River, savor Memphis’s famous BBQ, as well ASK OUR AGENCY ABOUT
as delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine. Or perhaps you’ll indulge SPECIAL CRUISE FARES, PLUS
in the traditional pierogi dumplings, or a glass of gold-flecked INTERNATIONAL AIR DISCOUNTS*
Goldwasser—a liqueur created here in the 16th century on the
Viking Homelands itinerary. Experience some of the Caribbean’s
See Terms and Conditions on page 31
British flavor, passing through Tortola’s charming fishing villages
on West Indies Explorer. Revel in the food and wine of Austria’s
renowned Wachau Valley on the Grand European Tour spanning
the best of Europe. Or discover the various culinary traditions of
Alsace on Rhine Getaway.
Join Viking for truly immersive cruises engaging your senses and
opening a window to the essence of your destinations.
LUXE PRO TRAVEL - 800.928.5508
22 | FOOD + WINEGourmet dessert
Viking Longship in Budapest Creole dishes
8-DAYS RHINE GETAWAY 11-DAYS WEST INDIES EXPLORER®
Basel to Amsterdam (or reverse) Roundtrip San Juan
aboard State-of-the-art Viking Longships aboard State-of-the-art Viking Longships
Fares from $2,299 per person* Fares from $3,299 per person*
15-DAYS GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR 8-DAYS HEART OF THE DELTA
Amsterdam to Budapest (or reverse) New Orleans to Memphis aboard Viking Mississippi
aboard State-of-the-art Viking Longships Fares from $4,399 per person*
Fares from $3,899 per person* *Port taxes & fees included
15-DAYS VIKING HOMELANDS®
Stockholm to Bergen (or reverse)
aboard State-of-the-art Viking Longships
Fares from $6,699 per person*
SUMMER 2020 | 23CUISIN 24 | FOOD + WINE
FRESH, MILD,
FLAVORFUL
For some travelers, there’s a tendency to expect entire regions
to have the same characteristics from a cultural and culinary
standpoint. It’s assumed for Asia, though the Chinese will tell you
the differences between them and the Japanese; and it’s assumed
for Africa, though the Beninese will explain their differences
from Nigerians. The same point can be made for Latin America.
E
Costa Rica is a Latin American country that proves that cultural
and culinary differences exist, even within borders.
by Corey Quinlan Taylor
Unlike the foods of Mexico, just three nations north, Costa
Rican cuisine isn’t spicy, and you won’t find burritos, tacos
or quesadillas there either. Instead, the dishes capitalize on
Costa Rica’s unique access to a diverse range of fresh fruits,
grains and vegetables, complemented with the perfect mild
seasonings. And although meat plays a role in some dishes,
many meals are simply vegetarian — and delicious. Here are a
few examples of Costa Rican cuisine you should sample on your
visit to Costa Rica.
1 TAMALES
Most people are familiar with the Mexican version of the tamale:
steamed, corn-based dough stuffed with meat, cheese, fruit or
vegetables. While Mexican tamales are traditionally spicy and
wrapped in a corn husk, Costa Rican tamales are wrapped in
banana leaves, flavored with garlic and generally less spicy. In
both cases, tamales make a great snack with a chilled beer during
a Sunday afternoon on the beach.
1 SUMMER 2020 | 252
3
2 CASADO 3 GALLO PINTO
Casado, another popular Costa Rican dish, literally translates as Literally translated as “painted (or spotted) rooster,” gallo pinto
“married.” In a sense, the dish is a marriage of flavors — beans, is a breakfast dish of beans and rice, often served with scrambled
rice, salad, tortillas and fried plantains combine with a meat such or fried eggs and a slice of avocado. The dish includes a colorful
as beef, pork, chicken or fish, depending where in the country mix of red bell peppers, cilantro and onions, and it’s typically
you’re dining. This lunch dish is often served with a refresco, seasoned with Salsa Inzano, a tangy sauce used in a variety of
a fresh fruit drink mixed with milk or water. The region’s most Costa Rican foods. Enjoy this early-riser dish before taking that
popular refresco flavors include sour guava, passion fruit, eco-tourism excursion.
pineapple, watermelon, blackberry, mango, papaya and banana.
26 | FOOD + WINE4
4 SOPA NEGRA
5 After a morning of yoga at your resort spa, you might prefer a
vegetarian dish that’s both light and refreshing. Consider sopa
negra; its main ingredients consist of black beans, onions, bell
peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, spices and a hard or soft-boiled egg.
This soup is both vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a delicious
comfort food you can consume without the guilt.
5 CEVICHE
After a day of snorkeling or sailing, ceviche is another refreshing
appetizer that could easily take the place of lunch or dinner.
Fresh seafood is marinated in lime juice and served with red bell
peppers, onions, diced vegetables and cilantro. Some restaurants,
roadside carts and bars serve tilapia, sea bass, mahi-mahi or
tuna in their local variations of ceviche. Closer to the coastline,
particularly on the Caribbean side, lobster, clams, calamari and
crab are added to the recipe.
SUMMER 2020 | 276 TRES LECHES CAKE
Considering this is a vacation menu, a little guilty pleasure is
permitted from time to time. Tres leches cake, or “three milk
cake,” is a rich and sweet complement to any Costa Rican dinner.
Though its origins are unclear, this cake is baked throughout
Central America and always soaked in three forms of milk:
evaporated, sweetened condensed and heavy cream. Enjoy a
slice, then take a long rainforest hike to work it off.
6
7 8
7 CHIFRIJO 8 FLAN
For a heartier, distinctly Costa Rican meal, chifrijo is a must- In the interest of fairness, let’s add another dessert on our
try delicacy. Often served at farmers’ markets and local events, vacation menu – flan. This sweet treat blends milk, vanilla,
chifrijo’s name is a combination of two ingredients: chicharrones sugar and eggs to form a delightful custard. Commonly believed
(fried pork belly or fried pork rinds) and frijoles (refried beans). to have been created by the Romans, who used honey instead
This savory layered dish also contains rice, tomatoes and onions, of sugar, flan is placed in a pan lined with caramel and chilled
all served over fried tortilla chips, corn tortillas or bread. before serving.
28 | FOOD + WINEMOR E
TO ENJOY.
MOR E
TO SAVOR.
Everyone loves a surprise dessert or special drink at
the end of an incredible meal, compliments of the chef.
The same holds true when you receive delicious bonus
meals and more — such as a complimentary picnic
lunch for two or designer chocolates and a bottle of
local wine — perks that are only available when booked
through our agency.
When you book one of the 1,700+ SELECT Hotels
& Resorts properties through our agency, you receive
amenities and VIP worthy privileges that craft a truly
memorable experience, including:
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CO N TAC T O U R AG E N CY TO DAY TO B O O K
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SUMMER 2020 | 3132 | FOOD + WINE
A FEAST FOR
THE SENSES
In the preceding pages, you discovered incredible journeys
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accent them with exclusive amenities, VIP privileges and our
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