6 Can't-Miss Farm-to-Table Experiences Across the Globe
The sense of wanderlust is not only inspired by gorgeous landscapes and picture-perfect beaches. The urge to travel also stems from a desire to savor the world's best food. After all, there's nothing like sitting down to a meal and experiencing bold and palate-changing flavors. Plus, finding yourself at a table with food from the local market or farm can forge lifelong memories of one-of-a-kind meals and settings. If you're ready to sample exemplary cuisine, start planning your next trip around these bucket list-worthy farm-to-table eateries to live and eat like a local.
[See: 15 Best Foodie Destinations in the USA.]
Central
Lima, Peru
Peru lays claim to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Central, a restaurant and institution in Lima, Peru's capital, prepares a daily array of dishes that celebrates the country's vast culture and natural diversity. The tasting menu takes its patrons on a journey from the Andes Mountains to the waters of the Amazon. Central tries to expand globetrotters' understanding of the connection between cooking and the planet. And it's not just the food that passes a rigorous sustainability standard. The staff uses reverse osmosis to purify the water served on each table. For a true taste of Peru from every altitude, Central will not disappoint.
Daylesford
London
A prominent fixture in London's West End, Daylesford at the Selfridges food hall is the epitome of farm-to-fork cuisine. Carole Bamford, Dayleford's owner, has a love of food that extends back to her family's farm, where she transformed an old-world tradition into an organic cornucopia. Daylesford acts as both an on-the-go eatery as well as an organic food store. Pick favorite staples from their bakery like salted almond butter truffles, or choose a hearty meat or fish dish like the oxtail ragu with crushed root vegetables. This one-stop shop makes it easy to continue the organic trend at home and share it with loved ones.
Liholiho Yacht Club
San Francisco
San Francisco is at the heart of America's sustainable food movement. It seems like a new, tasty and organic restaurant is popping up weekly. Though there are many excellent choices to pick from, the Liholiho Yacht Club in Lower Nob Hill should be your first stop. Their mantra is "throw a party to allow you to keep doing what you love." And their methodology is simple: Enjoy great food that works for you and the planet. At this forward-leaning eatery, you'll find an abundance of California favorites such as tuna poke, fried oysters and beef carpaccio with butter lettuce and marinated squid. Best of all, the restaurant maintains a strict local and organic product sourcing method. For a true taste of chef Ravi Kapur's concoctions, go for the Ohana table or family-style dinner menu. Why not go organic when you have these diverse and delicious choices?
[See: 8 Under-the-Radar Foodie Cities.]
Máximo Bistrot Local
Mexico City
There's a noticeable theme inside chef Eduardo García's Mexico City eatery. Almost every item on display is local. He sources his food, furniture and kitchen all from local, sustainable properties. And the ingredients he uses are carefully plucked from local markets, which of course informs the ever-changing menu. A sense of community is another important aspect of Máximo Bistrot Local's culture. And for an upscale, world-renowned restaurant, the culture is more akin to a local pub where everyone knows your name. If it's in season, try the swordfish and the chestnut soup for an unforgettable meal.
Narisawa
Tokyo
Many Japanese cultural (and culinary) traditions have long held a deep connection to nature, so it's not surprising that Narisawa, one of Tokyo's most popular restaurants, is also one of its most eco-friendly establishments. Every aspect of the restaurant's dish is curated to maintain and elaborate on the smell, taste and essence of the landscape where it originated from. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa's philosophy focuses on "the gift of seasons" and organic farm-to-table practices are an essential way to follow through on his mission. Though the menu changes seasonally, past patron favorites include the charcoal Kobe beef and the langoustine.
[See: 10 Top Hotels in Europe for Food and Wine Lovers.]
Sansho
Prague
Cobblestone streets and castles fill the streets of Prague as locals and tourists mix and mingle while drinking Pilsner Urquell pints and exploring some of Europe's oldest and most beautiful sites. Mixed in between the soaring cathedrals and romantic alleyways are gems like Sansho, one of Prague most notable restaurants. It's hard to think about a pan-Asian restaurant in the middle of Eastern Europe, but it's worth the trip. Chef-owner Paul Day not only looks for local and organic markets to source ingredients, but ensures that all his meat is organic. Even better, Sansho makes and serves its own cocktails, a surprisingly rare find in this cosmopolitan city.
Erin S. Block is a freelance travel writer and TV/documentary producer in Washington, DC. Her work has been published by BBC.com, The Huffington Post, Mashable.com and National Geographic's Intelligent Travel Blog. Erin has also worked on specials and programs for the National Geographic Channel, PBS and the Discovery Channels. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, she spent two years with National Geographic Traveler magazine. Erin is currently working on projects for PBS. Follow @erinsblock on Instagram and Twitter to see her full story.
