An Epicurean Trail across Europe with Four Seasons Cultural Capitals Programme
Tuesday 2, March 2010
This week Four Seasons Cultural Capitals Programme feeds all of the senses with flavours, aromas and local delicacies to tempt travellers to Europe this spring.
Next month, Le Bouchon Breton in London’s Spitalfields Market offers an exquisite oyster master class (March 27), featuring ten varieties of oysters sourced from the coastlines of England, Scotland and The Channel Islands. Amongst Belle Époque style surroundings, participants can experiment with the different ways to open and devour oysters and are gifted with their own ‘shucker’ to continue practice at home. Let Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf arrange a twenty minute boat transfer down the River Thames to the masterclass and pull together a gastronomic tour of London’s vibrant East End.
In the heart of the British countryside, lies Winchester’s famed Farmers Market. Every second and last Sunday of the month, this picturesque English town is transformed into one of the largest farmers' markets in the country, with over 90 local producers showcasing a diverse range of quality local foods. For guests too content to leave, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire brings the market into the Hotel with an interactive Sunday lunch displaying the finest local produce with a roast carvery, Hampshire cheese station, potato and vegetable medley, a Kids’ Buffet and a sinfully-sweet dessert buffet.
Serious food lovers should head to Provence in March when truffles – the jewel of French gastronomy – reach their full maturity. In a beautiful, hidden corner of Provence, Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche offers the perfect gastronomic setting, between the sea and mountains, and the two-Michelin starred Faventia restaurant. March is when Executive Chef Philippe Jourdin gets most excited, spending endless hours experimenting and perfecting innovative ways to incorporate truffles into his menus. Guests are encouraged to venture out of the Resort to the fondly named “Truffle Road” to experience the more rustic Provençal dining experience at notable restaurants offering truffle dishes.
Coffee culture has been thriving in Budapest since the early 1900s and a tour of its iconic coffee houses is a must. Soak in the buzz at the wonderfully decadent New York Café or beautifully restored Gerbud or head to cake shops like Ruszwurm or Hauer, where confectionary secrets are passed down from generation to generation. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace will put together a masterful trail to ensure no stops are missed or pastries untouched.
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