By Katie McElveen
Culinary adventures often can be the highlight of travel, so plan your next trip around cities with guaranteed-delicious meals.
The world’s food scene has never been more exciting. In fact, it poses a nagging question for travelers in search of great culinary experiences: where to go next? Here’s a glimpse at some of the most satisfying food destinations.
Taste the freshness in Bologna
For many Americans, hearty Bolognese is the pinnacle of Italian cuisine, and nowhere does it shine brighter than in this town in Northern Italy. But don’t stop there. Tortellini, lasagna, mortadella and Parmesan cheese also hail from this region.
Essential Experience: Carb load at A Balùs, where perfect renditions of Bolognese specialties are served in an elegant brick-walled space.
Embrace the char in Austin
All over Austin, pit masters have turned smoking brisket, pork and beef ribs into the messiest—and most delicious—of art forms. Even better, chefs are just as handy with a skillet as they are with a smoker, turning out creative sides that range from grilled corn topped with Mexican crema to blue cheese coleslaw and bourbon-spiked banana pie.
Crave the cutting-edge cuisine of Copenhagen
Ground zero for the New Nordic food movement, Copenhagen chefs continue to transform the region’s humble ingredients—foraged berries and plants, moose, smoked fish—into culinary marvels.
Essential Experience: Noma, with its seasonal menu, is often called the best restaurant in the world.
Experience colorful combinations in Miami
Using the world as their cookbook and Florida as their market, a spate of talented, Michelin-starred chefs has transformed Miami into a true foodie destination complete with sleek, celebrity-filled spaces. Variety rules; you’ll find the big flavors of trendy Asian-Latin fusion as well as pristine sushi and ceviche, comforting Cuban and fresh Florida seafood available for nearly every budget.
Indulge in Paris
Whether it’s a buttery croissant, a creamy café au lait, an oozy wedge of perfectly ripe Camembert—or a seven-course dinner that delivers delicious drama with every bite—Paris never fails to deliver on culinary perfection.
Essential Experience: The polished service, elegant décor and classic French fare at Epicure, the three-Michelin-star restaurant in Le Bristol, a luxury hotel.
By Katie McElveen
Culinary adventures often can be the highlight of travel, so plan your next trip around cities with guaranteed-delicious meals.
The world’s food scene has never been more exciting. In fact, it poses a nagging question for travelers in search of great culinary experiences: where to go next? Here’s a glimpse at some of the most satisfying food destinations.
Taste the freshness in Bologna
For many Americans, hearty Bolognese is the pinnacle of Italian cuisine, and nowhere does it shine brighter than in this town in Northern Italy. But don’t stop there. Tortellini, lasagna, mortadella and Parmesan cheese also hail from this region.
Essential Experience: Carb load at A Balùs, where perfect renditions of Bolognese specialties are served in an elegant brick-walled space.
Embrace the char in Austin
All over Austin, pit masters have turned smoking brisket, pork and beef ribs into the messiest—and most delicious—of art forms. Even better, chefs are just as handy with a skillet as they are with a smoker, turning out creative sides that range from grilled corn topped with Mexican crema to blue cheese coleslaw and bourbon-spiked banana pie.
Crave the cutting-edge cuisine of Copenhagen
Ground zero for the New Nordic food movement, Copenhagen chefs continue to transform the region’s humble ingredients—foraged berries and plants, moose, smoked fish—into culinary marvels.
Essential Experience: Noma, with its seasonal menu, is often called the best restaurant in the world.
Experience colorful combinations in Miami
Using the world as their cookbook and Florida as their market, a spate of talented, Michelin-starred chefs has transformed Miami into a true foodie destination complete with sleek, celebrity-filled spaces. Variety rules; you’ll find the big flavors of trendy Asian-Latin fusion as well as pristine sushi and ceviche, comforting Cuban and fresh Florida seafood available for nearly every budget.
Indulge in Paris
Whether it’s a buttery croissant, a creamy café au lait, an oozy wedge of perfectly ripe Camembert—or a seven-course dinner that delivers delicious drama with every bite—Paris never fails to deliver on culinary perfection.
Essential Experience: The polished service, elegant décor and classic French fare at Epicure, the three-Michelin-star restaurant in Le Bristol, a luxury hotel.
Travel Tip: Use this Credit Card Combo to Maximize Your Benefits
READY FOR A CULINARY TRIP?* Be savvy about the credit card you use for each travel purchase and you’ll reap the biggest rewards.
Book and fly with a BB&T Spectrum Travel Rewards Credit Card:
- Earn double miles on airfare, hotel and car rentals
- Get an $85 credit for TSA Pre√ or Global Entry
- Receive a $50 annual credit for airline incdentals like checked bags and inflight purchases
Pay for meals and entertainment with a BB&T Vantage® Visa Signature® Credit Card:
- Earn 1.5% cash rewards—while traveling and every day
- No fees of any kindincluding foreign transaction fees
*Member is eligible for a statement credit of up to $50 each calendar year on qualifying airline incidental transactions. To qualify, a member must use the BB&T Spectrum Travel Rewards credit card to pay for the airline incidental transactions. A member is entitled to one $85 statement credit per account every four years, in connection with either the TSA Preè ($85) or Global Entry ($100) program. To qualify, a member must use the BB&T Spectrum Travel Rewards credit card to pay the application fee. For complete details on the TSA Preè program, go to tsa.gov. For complete details on the Global Entry program, go to globalentry.gov. The TSA Preè trademark is used with the permission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
You may earn rewards on eligible purchases made with your credit card. Eligible purchases include any signature-based purchase, internet purchase, phone or mail-order purchase or automatic bill payment, excluding cash advances, traveler’s checks, access checks, balance transfers, money orders, cash equivalents, fees, interest charges, credit insurance, fraudulent transactions, credits and returns (each a qualifying purchase).