Latest Posts

bible 9

Learning from Stephen, The First Christian Martyr

kirk 2

What Tobias and Sarah Teach Us About Love, Trust, and Commitment

kirk 3

We Don’t Replace Him, We Continue His Work: A Christian on Kirk’s Influence

Five Culinary Journeys in the U.S. to Get Your Tastebuds Excited!

sing 1

SHARE

Southeast Asian tastebuds are hard to please. After all, their countries are abundant with spices that have given their cuisines a whole new dimension of depth and complexity. A traveler from this region may be wary of the food options in the US– with stereotypical images of hamburgers, hotdogs and fast food in general.Ā Ā 

Courtesy, Alex Haney

Brand USA (Visit The USA), the official destination marketing organization for the US, tasked to promote its 50 states, 5 Territories and the District of Columbia, shares outstanding culinary experiences from the sweet aromas of roasted peppers lining the streets of Santa Fe to traditional New England fare with a twist in Boston.

Here are our top picks: 

Most roads in this Rocky Mountain city lead to chilli peppers. Locals pass its seeds along like secrets, and tucked in the valley of the Rio Grande lies Hatch, the ā€œChile Capital of the World.ā€ Try mild-to-hot green varieties in dishes like chiles rellenos for stuffed, battered or fried chillies, or experiment with the sweeter red pepper, often sundried or in sauces. Most vendors will simply roast the peppers on the spot, and when asked the inevitable ā€œred or greenā€ question, travelers can answer with ā€œChristmasā€ for a taste of both.

Don’t miss the New Mexican specialty, the green chilli cheeseburger, which is now so popular it has its own trail. Other local favourites include Mexican food trucks in the plaza downtown, rich posole (pork and hominy stew), tasty barbecue, and the Santa Fe Chocolate Trail where those with a sweet tooth can try ancient Meso-American-style elixirs. Arrive in September for the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, which celebrates the city’s culinary scene with cooking demonstrations, guest chef luncheons, wine dinners and a cycling tour between gourmet food stations.Ā 

Clam chowder galore in Boston, Massachusetts 

The first stop on any New England culinary trip begins with the oldest continuously-operating restaurant in the U.S. Union Oyster House in Boston, where foodies can indulge in regional specialities including clam chowder, lobster and fresh oysters.

Courtesy: Bricco

The restaurant boasts a wall of fame with its star-studded diners, including Robin Williams, Meryl Streep and Al Pacino and it was a personal favourite of President John F. Kennedy, who loved to feast in the privacy of the upstairs dining room. Top menu picks include the restaurant’s famed chilled lobster roll or lobster macaroni. Don’t fancy seafood? Head to the North End, also known as Little Italy, to explore Boston’s oldest neighbourhood that is home to more than 100 Italian-inspired restaurants, cafes and bakeries.

Courtesy: Union Oyster House

Dine at Bricco, Assaggio or Quattro in the Frank DePasquale collection for a blend of old-world Italian and modern sophistication – we strongly recommend the tomato sauce and meatballs from a family recipe. CaffĆ© Paradiso just down the road is your go-to cafĆ© for an after-dinner espresso and cannoli, open daily until 2am.

Wine and dine in the desert in Scottsdale, Arizona 

Set against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale is home to a dazzling array of pioneering chefs who have long been leading the culinary charge. Chef Charleen Badman is a local foodie hero showcasing the best of Arizona’s agricultural and farming community in seasonal menus at her downtown restaurant, FnB.

Courtesy: The Mission

Charleen also offers the first Arizona-only wine programme to complement the locally inspired dishes. At The Mission, Chef Matt Carter brings the flavours of Spain, Mexico, Central and South America to Old Town, Scottsdale. The guacamole tastes all the better for being made tableside and don’t leave without trying the roasted pork shoulder tacos or the cucumber jalapeno margaritas.

Courtesy: FnB

For a more casual ambience, Diego Pops offers diners a playful twist on traditional Mexican flavours with the brussels sprout nachos being one of the most popular dishes on the menu.Ā 

Gumbo feast in Lake Charles, Louisiana 

If you are road-tripping across the South, Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana is definitely worth a stop. Celebrating the best of Cajun and Creole heritage and culture, this city serves the best gumbo, boudin and ƉtouffĆ©e and its culinary landscape is just waiting to be discovered. Head straight to the local hangout, Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake, for of their shrimp and crab gumbo and jumbo butterfly gulf shrimp and for a meat feast, look no further than Famous Foods for their soft pork cracklins and boudin sausages (traditionally a blend of cooked port, rice, onions, peppers and seasonings stuffed into a sausage casing).

Courtesy: Louisiana Food & Wine Festival

For those with a sweet tooth, choose from a selection of old-fashioned sweet dough pies, freshly baked every morning at Mrs Johnnie’s Gingerbread House. It’s definitely worth getting an extra blackberry pie or two for the journey. For the first time ever, Lake Charles will be hosting the inaugural Louisiana Food & Wine Festival (14- 17 September) bringing together the best gourmet experiences from across Louisiana and the South.Ā 

Bluegrass culinary revolution in Lexington, Kentucky 

Envelop yourself in Southern charm in Lexington, Kentucky, where a trip back to the early 1800s in a historical home-turned-fine-dining restaurant, Holly Hill Inn. One of six restaurants in Lexington owned by celebrated chef Ouita Michel, dubbed the ā€˜Martha Stewart of the South,’ Holly Hill Inn sparked a Bluegrass culinary revolution when it first opened in 2001.

Courtesy: Holly Hill Inn

With produce sourced from local Kentucky farms and a seasonal-inspired menu, the restaurant truly emulates the warmth of Kentucky hospitality. A trip to Kentucky would not be complete without bourbon, America’s Native Spirit. Journey through 18 of Kentucky’s greatest distilleries on the Bourbon Trail located in and around Lexington and Louisville to indulge in the rich history and taste of bourbon, while getting a behind the scenes look into how it is made.

Courtesy: Bardstown Bourbon Company

For the perfect food and drink combination, head to the Bardstown Bourbon Company. Just under an hour outside of Lexington, guests can enjoy a blend of Southern comfort food paired with an extensive spirit library hosting more than 400 vintage American whiskeys.Ā 

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Courtesy, Alex Haney

RELATED ARTICLES

bible 9

Learning from Stephen, The First Christian Martyr

The life of Stephen, recorded in the book of Acts, offers us more than just the story of the first Christian martyr—it presents a powerful...
kirk 2

What Tobias and Sarah Teach Us About Love, Trust, and Commitment

Love is one of the most celebrated themes in Scripture, not just as an emotion but as a covenant rooted in God’s design. Among the...
kirk 3

We Don’t Replace Him, We Continue His Work: A Christian on Kirk’s Influence

The Christian journey is not about exalting personalities, but about carrying forward the mission of Christ through those who inspire us. When we reflect on...
tech 1

Canva Launches Unprecedented World Tour toUnlock Design Skills in 1M People in 30+ Countries

Canva, the world’s leading visual communication platform used by more than 240 million people monthly, today announced the Canva World Tour, a global learning movement...
taguig 1

š“aguig City Inaugurates 2nd Taguig Manpower Training & Assessment Center Building

Taguig City inaugurated its second Manpower Training and Assessment Center (TMTC) in Barangay Lower Bicutan on October 6, strengthening its programs for skills development, livelihood,...
taguig 2

š“aguig Distributes Emergency Go-Bags to Boost School Disaster Preparedness

Taguig City has distributed Emergency Go-Bags to 52 public schools to boost disaster preparedness and ensure that teachers and students are ready to respond in...
bible 9

Learning from Stephen, The First Christian Martyr

The life of Stephen, recorded in the book of Acts, offers us more than just the story of the first Christian martyr—it presents a powerful...
kirk 2

What Tobias and Sarah Teach Us About Love, Trust, and Commitment

Love is one of the most celebrated themes in Scripture, not just as an emotion but as a covenant rooted in God’s design. Among the...
kirk 3

We Don’t Replace Him, We Continue His Work: A Christian on Kirk’s Influence

The Christian journey is not about exalting personalities, but about carrying forward the mission of Christ through those who inspire us. When we reflect on...

Don't Miss

singer 3

Rapper Tom MacDonald Releases Charlie Kirk Tribute Track

trump final

Testimony of Faith and Perseverance at Trump’s Religious Liberty Event

kirk 3

Famous Faces Share Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Death

kirk 3

Pastors, Vloggers, & Podcasters Pay tribute to Charlie Kirk