With travel returning with a vengeance, food lovers are seeking new destinations to satisfy their cravings. Typical gastronomical powerhouses, Paris and Rome, are being overshadowed by smaller, niche locations offering unique flavors and a fresh approach to traditional and modern cuisine. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first timer, if authentic and immersive culinary experiences are important to you, there are a few European cities that should be at the top of your list. France claims two; Bordeaux, famous for formidable wine, the sophisticated seaside town of Nice, and the Italian mountain village of Corvara, nestled in the Dolomites. Each offers a unique collection of cuisines and dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Bordeaux is a region located in southwest France and is the largest city in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the lush landscape of the Dordogne. Long known as France’s wine capital, with a deeply rooted history in winemaking, it is often overlooked as a gastronomy hub. Like its famous wine, Bordeaux’s cuisine is focused on the land or “terroir” and boasts a diverse range of specialties, from classic French dishes to international offerings. Here, seafood is plentiful, and because of Bordeaux’s history and proximity to the sea, exotic spices are found in abundance. A few must-tries include fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay, where oyster farming is an art dating back centuries, and the Cap-Ferret varietal is as good as it gets. Seasonally, spring brings local white asparagus, and the rich combination of mushrooms, butter, shallots, parsley, and salt delights the palate in autumn. However, the “star of the show” is Boeuf de Bazas, served with a generous portion of bordelaise sauce and roasted vegetables. Bazardaize beef are a prized and ancient breed of cow left free to roam the Bazas. Grass-fed and free-range, this beef has a distinctive red label or “label rouge” to ensure quality, and it produces fork-tender cuts of beef. It is not sold commercially, making it unique to the region.
Another luxurious delight is foie gras, and while not exclusive to Bordeaux, it is a specialty of the area, and the Aquitaine leads in France’s production of the delicacy. With such a rich culinary history, it is no surprise that Bordeaux has a wealth of delightful restaurants but be sure to review their menus in advance. If a menu does not change with the season, it is best to pass on it and find a bistro or brasserie which embraces seasonal bounties. For an immersive culinary experience, stop at Capucins Market, the city’s largest food market, where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and unique spices, including locally grown saffron.
Then, head to La Tupina, a rustic bistro known for traditional, hearty dishes and generous portions. Start with foie gras served with fruit chutney, a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Order the Confit de Canard, a slow-cooked duck leg that melts in your mouth. If you are in the mood for something unconventional, Le Petit Commerce is a great choice, a restaurant that prides itself on using local, seasonal ingredients to create innovative dishes. If in season, do not miss the opportunity to try their sea urchin risotto or the foie gras with smoked eel. While Bordeaux draws food and wine lovers alike, the city’s vibrancy is worth a mention. Visit a museum or two, explore its winding streets and old town, or bike along the Garonne River. Bordeaux is also the largest urban area in the world to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a short three-and-a-half-hour train ride from Paris.
Nice, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is another must-visit destination for foodies. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Nice is the second-largest city in the area. Known for lighter fare than other commonly thought of French dishes, Nice offers a perfect combination of French, Italian, and Provençal flavors. Notably, the French government bestowed this region the designation “Cuisine Nissarde” to preserve its rich culinary history. When selecting one of their many restaurants, look for the “Cuisine Nissarde” label to ensure an authentic and traditional experience. Given Nice’s temperate weather, it is a beautiful spot to visit any time of the year, including winter. Due to its size, the city is not subject to seasonal closures like many of the surrounding towns and villages. While seafood, olive oil, and the famous “Salad Niçoise” are solidly Cuisine Nissarde, you will find, with a little exploration, lesser-known bites that offer fresh explosions of flavor, many highlighting the area’s access to fantastic produce. Nice certainly possesses its fair share of Michelin-star restaurants, and it is a destination for up-and-coming chefs. However, you will find that many casual, family-run, and less touristy restaurants specialize in farm-to-table cuisine. Nice is perfect for relaxing on the beach, taking a stroll on the Promenade de Anglais, or spending an evening exploring the streets of the old city. But, on every gourmand’s schedule, a stop at the Cours Saleya market is a must.
The Cours Saleya market is one of the most diverse in France, and it is a great spot to stop and peruse the stalls. There, you will find renowned chefs shopping amongst locals for the freshest ingredients. Make sure to sample some local specialties at the market, including, Socca, an iconic street food made with chickpea flour, olive oil, and salt, baked to perfection, or traditional Pissaladière, a thin slice of bread topped with a generous portion of olives, caramelized onions, and anchovies. Excellent lunch options include the Pan Bagnat, a sandwich layered with fresh tuna, anchovies, and vegetables, or a Nice original, Ratatouille, a rich combination of tomatoes, onions, courgettes, aubergines, and peppers stewed to perfection with olive oil, garlic, and herbs de Provence. For a pre-dinner snack, stop at one of the many local bistros for a glass of wine and Les Petits Farcis or small vegetables such as onions or peppers stuffed with sausage.
For a memorable and scenic dinner, head to Le Plongeoir, a seafood restaurant located right on the beach. Famous for its stunning views of the Mediterranean, Le Plongeoir is a perfect place to enjoy a meal. Their menu features a variety of fresh dishes, including grilled octopus and bouillabaisse. Start with the zucchini flower fritters and, after, dive into their plentiful selection of locally caught fish cooked to order. A final mention is a nod to another local dish, Daube Niçoise, a deliciously layered braised beef stew that cooks on the stove for hours, allowing the flavor of the beef, vegetables, red wine, and a few secret ingredients to harmonize to perfection. In Nice, this dish is often served over homemade ravioli or gnocchi. A visit to Nice will not disappoint. It offers vibrant cultural attractions, stunning beaches, world-class shopping, and fantastic food, and not to mention; the location is a perfect spot to begin or end a holiday in the French Riviera, Alps, or Italy’s Ligurian coast.
Corvara is a small village in the Alta-Badia section of the Italian Dolomites, well-known amongst outdoor enthusiasts and those “in the know” foodies. A stunning destination renowned for breathtaking mountain scenery, miles of hiking trails, mountain-top lakes, and world-class ski resorts. It is also home to some of the best Italian food you will ever taste. Come for the skiing and summer alpine experience but stay for the food. Alta-Badia is staunchly traditional, and the warm and friendly Ladin people date back to the 19th century. While their population has diminished, their culture, cuisine, and language endured. Like other regions of Italy or its neighboring nations, cooking styles often blend between borders, and Alta-Badia is no different. Here Italian, German, and Austrian influences and traditions combine to create a truly unique cuisine. This region is a seasonal destination that is best visited from late spring through early fall or during the winter months.
The picturesque village of Corvara is arguably the prettiest in Alta-Badia and is a perfect home base for your stay. Though small in size, this area boasts a jaw-dropping three Michelin-star restaurants and more Michelin recommended. World-class chefs have been flocking here for years, offering fresh ideas but still embracing local traditions and maintaining an incredible focus on overall sustainability. Whether you are fueling up after a long day on the slopes, hiking or biking in summer, or looking for a cozy spot to unwind, there are no shortage of options in Corvara. For a real taste of the Ladin culture, start with a warm bowl of Zuppa d’orzo, a traditional soup made with locally foraged pearl barley, beans, vegetables, and a hint of smoked pork. Barley and vegetables have long been staples in Ladin cuisine, as is Tyrolean speck, a POD-protected ham that is cured, lightly smoked, and seasoned with spices such as juniper. This region also produces its namesake, Alta-Badia cheese, and it is still possible to visit the locally owned farms that produce this semi-soft, cow’s milk cheese. Whether for lunch or dinner, indulge with a bowl of Canederli, a perfect combination of bread, speck, and cheese, creating a tasty dumpling usually served in broth. Or try Schlutzkrapfen, a half-moon-shaped ravioli, often filled with spinach, ricotta cheese and topped with melted butter and a sprinkle of grated local cheese.
For a unique dining experience, visit Rifugio Firenze. This casual mountain refuge offers stunning views and serves traditional dishes like Turtres, fried pastries filled with spinach and cured cheese or sauerkraut, speck dumplings, or a plate of homemade pasta with wild boar ragù. For an upscale dining experience, check out La Stüa de Michil, a Michelin-star restaurant, where local techniques and ingredients, such as mushrooms and herbs from the nearby forest, are fused with other Italian specialties to create unique and scrumptious dishes. The homemade pumpkin ravioli served with ricotta cheese and chestnuts is a delightful combination. For winter sports enthusiasts, Alta-Badia offers a special annual culinary event, “A Taste for Skiing,” where renowned chefs and sommeliers set up huts, collaborate, and bring gourmet food and wine offerings at non-gourmet prices right to the slopes. A visit to Corvara is a truly unique experience that will have you craving its beautiful cuisine long after your departure.
For a culinary escape that is off-the-beaten-path, you can ensure that you will not have a bad meal at any of these fantastic European destinations. Whether you are a fan of traditional French cuisine, Mediterranean seafood, or northern Italian specialties, you’ll find something to expand your foodie travel experience in Bordeaux, Nice, and Corvara.
Alexis Doerfler
The Destination Designer – Custom Travel Planning
To learn more about custom travel planning, inquire at www.thedestinationdesigner.com
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