Last updated on December 7, 2016 by Liza Hawkins
As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of Under Magnolia for review purposes.
Those of you who’ve been reading for a while know that I think back fondly to the years I spent living in Savannah, Ga., right after college. It was a time of rebirth and emotional growth for me, and the city melded the perfect amount of warmth, charm and beauty (itself and through the various friends made) to move me forward.
And the food. Ohhhhhh, the food.
I met my first banana pudding while living there. I discovered the very best cobbler recipe EVER. Hands down. I tasted prickly pear margaritas, and watched as classic, southern homemade cheese straws were formed, baked and devoured.
Which leads me to my next thought. Now what?
Foodie Destination Bucket List
(In no particular order.)
1. Tuscany
How could Italy not be on the bucket list? Pasta, polenta, seafood, cheese, bread, fresh everything! Reading Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun over a decade ago (while in Savannah!) is what initially got me hooked. These guys make me wanna go even more. One day.
2. London
Okay, I’m sure some of you are like, “England? Really? Bangers and mash?” But, in all seriousness, I think it would be amazing to taste all of the foods that have been English staples for centuries upon centuries. (And, I happen to like bangers and mash, thankyouverymuch.) Also? Guinness.
3. Paris
Truth be told, I could just spend a month in France – holiday in August? – and be perfectly content. Paris would be a must-see, of course, but then I’d travel the countryside, spending time in quaint B&Bs and eating rustic, simple (but amazing) food.
4. New Orleans
(Secret…I’ve never been to New Orleans. Don’t hate!) Beignets! Crawfish! Fresh Seafood! Cajun food! Mmm….
5. Barcelona
Spanish cuisine, and specifically tapas – Hello, Catalonia! – the land of incredible deals on mouthwatering food! I watched an episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain where he strolled the ancient cobblestone streets, moving from one vendor to another, taking in the most amazing plates of stews, breads, seafood concoctions…. I thought: That’s where I want to be one day. {Drool}
6. Naples
Margarita Pizza. Eat Pray Love. Enough said.
7. NYC
So, New York is already a partial check on the bucket list. It stays on, however, because the foodie draw and endless restaurants mean I’ve only scraped the surface! Still so many places to visit, and so many things to try! I’m not sure it’ll ever be checked off.
8. San Francisco
I need some West Coast love on this list, since (like Europe) I’ve never been there. I’m DYING to visit San Fran for a variety of reasons, and one of the big ones is to check out the food scene. Yum!
What cities are on YOUR foodie destination bucket list?
This post was inspired by Under Magnolia by Frances Mayes, a memoir of her return to her roots in the South. Join From Left to Write on April 30th as we discuss Under Magnolia. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
On my list is Hong Kong , Japan, and Singapore!
Ohh – yeah. Japan would be amazing!
Don’t hate me when I say I’ve been to all those places. I *did* skip the restaurant from Eat Pray Love because there were three cruise ships docked in Naples and I didn’t want to deal with the crush but we did eat pizza at a local shop there and it was amazeballs.
Barcelona? Tapas, tapas tapas to DIE for. Seriously, I could just eat my way through Europe.
And yes, England (AND Ireland) get a seriously bad rap for food, probably from people who did a bus tour and only stayed/ate in castles (read: banquet food). Bangers and mash, fish and chips and any Sunday roast dinner in a pub after a walk in the country – a total must do.
Just add Italy in general to your bucket list – I could just eat my way through the country. Gelato is a requirement every time you get tired. Or peckish. Or its hot. Or because you are walking past a gelato shop.
I just love to eat local foods when I travel because it is the best way to experience a new place, both though the eating and the talking to the locals!