Top 3 escapes for gourmands

Gourmands and epicureans will go where their taste buds lead; lovers of fine food know no bounds, scouring the world for fresh and innovative culinary experiences, and hotels are increasingly aligning themselves with this rise in gastronomic tourism. Here is our pick of the top three ‘foodie’ events this autumn. Arabian avant-garde in an urban oasis – Desert Palm, Dubai, 8th-11th October 2014 Desert Palm, Dubai presents a new, creative and exclusive restaurant concept this October 2014 – introducing the talents of Chef Ray Taylor as he opens a ‘Pop Up’ at Rare Restaurant. In recent years, Dubai has undergone a culinary transformation as world-class hotels have vied to attract chefs of top international repute. One such is famed Canadian-based Taylor who, for four days from 8th October 2014, will be bringing his playful spin on modern cuisine to this sensual Per AQUUM retreat, where Arabian heritage interweaves with avant-garde flair. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in a fantasy land of flavours, as Chef Taylor presents subtle theatrical delights based on an understanding of molecular influences and adventurous taste combinations. Comprising five courses of whimsy prepared with modern expertise – it will be a uniquely organised culinary excursion designed to engage, Per AQUUM show kitchen style in RARE restaurant. This pop-up is one event that the good food faithful cannot afford to miss. Experience the alchemy of Emerald Estate chocolate – Jade Mountain, St Lucia, 10th-14th October 2014 Immerse yourself in the world’s favourite aphrodisiac – chocolate – at the annual Jade Mountain Estate Chocolate Festival, an exotic and interactive introduction to the product. The property has two plantations – Anse Mamin and Emerald Estate – and to sample the premier vintage of Jade Mountain Estate grown chocolate is a chocoholic’s nirvana. Jade Mountain is an awe-inspiring collection of ultra-luxurious sanctuaries that exemplify the aspirational philosophy of architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy. This ethos is replicated in the pioneering approach to developing the Emerald Estate product – a Bean-to-Bar organic, single-estate boutique chocolate. Award-winning chef Allen Susser has been brought on board to create an intense taste with tropical aromas. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of chocolate experiences. Allow Chef Allen to guide you through a tasting journey of various bitter and sweet varieties, all accompanied by his signature Chocolate-tini. Take a tour of Troubetskoy’s Emerald Estate plantation and organic farm; sample the delicious St Lucian chocolate tea; join an ‘Alchemy of Chocolate’ class and luxuriate in a revitalizing spa treatment built around the antioxidant properties of the organic cocoa beans. Go in search of the Tuscan treasure of truffles – Castello di Casole, Tuscany, October 2014 Standing amidst vineyards, olive groves and rolling hills, this former castle is the perfect location to go in hunt of truffles. Join the local guide as he takes you on a tour of the spectacular surrounding countryside searching for the sublime delicacies, before enjoying a three course lunch with selected wines and a selection of truffle themed recipes created by their Chef, Daniele Sera. Maxine Roberts is Head of Marketing at Carrier. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.