Show 13, January 19, 2013: Rahul Aggarwal, Director & Founder–Trip Feast

One of the highlights of visiting the 8th Annual Travel & Adventure Show in Long Beach on January 13th was stumbling across Trip Feast, who was exhibiting there. They are based in London. The boutique firm organizes small group tours with a insider’s culinary twist.

You actually cook with chefs from the visited country learning the secrets of the local cuisine.  You can even dine in small groups at the homes of locals.

Food and drink is very much an integral part of the travel experience and Trip Feast visits countries with a rich culinary heritage.

Featured countries (with new stops in development) are India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, China, Mexico, South Africa, Portugal, Ireland, Serbia, Morocco, and Lebanon.

Show 12, January 5, 2013: Linda Kissam, Food, Wine & Travel Journalist, First Vice President of International, Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association

Linda is a well-traveled, travel writer who appreciates food and wine. In 2012 she was probably on the road more days than she was home.

Linda will be part of a travel writers’ panel on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 13th on the Culinary Stage at the 8th Annual Travel & Adventure Show at the Long Beach Convention Center. Discount tickets @ the Travel and Adventure Show Website if you use Promo Code – LAMEM1

Linda shared a great tip for understanding the food culture of a new place she visits. To get a feel for the food she books herself on a food walking tour of the area. (Some of these tours are also done by van depending on the geography and the distances involved.) These tours are typically conducted by locals who really care about representing their communities properly. The restaurants are delighted to welcome new guests and aim to impress.

In the L.A. area Linda recommends Melting Pot Food Tours. Linda has previously enjoyed their excursions into Old Pasadena and East Los Angeles.

The highlight of Linda’s travels last year was a foodie foraging outing and dinner in Bellingham, Washington. The group, working with a wilderness guide, worked in a nearby forest that morning to gather edible ingredients. The collection of edibles was delivered to Ciao Thyme restaurant in Bellingham. The owner/chefs there then created a superb multi-course repast from the raw ingredients. Pretty incredible…