FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unleash Your Taste Buds and Wanderlust
Break Away for a Taste Around the Globe this June 10th to 12th
Vancouver, BC (May 19th, 2011) – The EAT! Buzz is Growing Louder! In three weeks, the world will gather again at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the 5th annual World Culinary Travel Expo at the EAT! Vancouver Food Festival, presented by Travelocity. The overwhelming success of the 2010 event sparked significant interest not only among travel and hospitality professionals and culinary aficionados locally — but also internationally — to the far reaches of the Georgian heartland in Eastern Europe.
As mankind advances, so has our affiliation with food and beverage. Interest on these two topics have skyrocketed — type in the word ‘food’ on the Google.ca search engine, over 1.5 billion results will appear. Once labeled as basic necessities – food and drink have developed into big entertainment business and lifestyle experiences.
It is not surprising news when ABC, a major US network announced recently they are cancelling two of their long-running soap operas, “All My Children” and “One Life to Live,” in favour of two new talk shows “The Chew” and “The Revolution.” The sharp growth in culinary entertainment further boosts the demand for culinary travel. Food plays a huge part in any vacation — the best stories often revolved around food, the authentic smells and flavours of the destination where its culinary style reveals its history, culture and influences.
What’s Organic and Unique?
Showcasing for the first time is Begeli Ltd., a Georgian company featuring nuts, juices and legume products organically produced by farmers of the Biological Farming Association, Elkana. Returning for the second year is Spain — arguably one of the hottest epicurean destinations in the world. Visit their exhibit for a true taste of Spain’s national treasure — the mouth-watering Jamon Serrano Ham flavoured with the country’s sea salt and air. Transat Holidays together with Marlin Travel offer irresistible culinary packages to Spain, and popular European and Mexican getaways. Inquire about their special offer on the exclusive Occidental’s Royal Hideaway innovative Chef’s Table dining experience.
Drink to Christmas in June
A big hit with visitors is the Sorrel Drink served at the Antigua & Barbuda, St. Vincent & Grenadine exhibit. Key ingredients of this Christmas drink include Hibiscus flower, ginger, cinnamon and other spices. Caution — a gulp of this refreshing drink may awaken your wanderlust to seek a Caribbean getaway this winter.
Savouring the Silk Road
Like philosophy, science and religion, food has travelled and evolved along the ancient trade route between China and India over the centuries. This year is “China Cultural Tour Year” to tour, taste and experience China’s 5,000 years old culture. India has also designated 2011 to celebrate ‘’Year of India in Canada.” These two countries offer a smorgasbord of gastronomic delights to suit virtually every palate. One can travel around China and India 24/7 in 365 days and not be able to completely sample all the cuisine varieties of these two fascinating cultures.’’
The Silk Road also extended its route to Indonesia — traders went in search of precious spices, cocoa and coffee. Indonesia is the third largest cocoa bean producer in the world. Their beans make yummy hot chocolates. When it comes to the world’s most expensive and luscious coffee, Kopi Luwak or Civet Coffee tops the list — even Oprah Winfrey gave it a seal of approval. This ‘’Rare and Bizarre’’ coffee is made from berries consumed, and passed through the digestive system of the Asian Palm Civet. For a Kopi Luwak education or sample of tasty cuisine infused with genuine spices, visit the Indonesia stand.
Celebrity Chefs and Celebration
Barbados Chef Paul Yellin, highly acclaimed chef and author of the popular rum cookbook, Infusion! Spirited Cooking will be back on the International Culinary Stage with more of his yummy rummy delights to spice up your taste buds and dream vacation. Barbados is the first island in the Caribbean to be Zagat rated.
Premiering for the first time is Chef Edgar Grajo, chef instructor, management consultant and winner of the Kulinarya: the First Filipino Culinary Showdown in San Francisco. Don’t miss the opportunity to relish scrumptious Filipino cooking on June 12th, Philippines National Day Celebration — and inquire about the Exclusive Ambassador/Consul Generals and Tourism Directors Tour which, includes a meeting with the Philippines President Benigno Aquino III in his official residence.
Showcasing on the Food Network stage is television personality, author, and veteran culinary traveller, Graham Kerr; Canada’s First Iron Chef America Winner, Chef Rob Feenie — and Food Network’s Top Chef Canada contenders Connie DeSousa & Dale MacKay.
Unlimited Choices and Free Advice
The choices of culinary vacations are endless – deciding on your ideal dream trip can sometimes be mind-boggling. Experts at Insight Vacation, Trafalgar Tours and UniWorld River Cruises will be in-person to provide free advice and help craft your journey for a once-in-a- lifetime experience. On site will also be Travel Medicine and Vaccination Centre personnel who can advise you not only on your international medical needs, but also local seasonal vaccinations — and occupational health requirements for those working in the food and hospitality services.
Join us, this June 10th to 12th, at the Vancouver Convention Centre — Unleash Your Taste Buds and Wanderlust. Savour culinary delights, discover exotic cultures and destinations around the globe — and get free support from the travel experts for your next culinary dream vacation. Purchase your ticket online now, and save $2.00 on admission.
The World Culinary Travel Expo (www.worldculinary.net) is the first of its kind exhibition devoted to promoting global travel through gastronomy. It is held within the EAT! Vancouver Food Festival, Canada’s largest consumer food festival, featuring hundreds of food, beverage & kitchen goods exhibitors along with tourist boards, travel suppliers, wineries, breweries, restaurants, cooking demonstrations, wine and cheese seminars, cookbook authors & chef competitions. The three-day festival is attended by the travel trade, culinary enthusiasts, and media. Since its inception, the event has been attended by over 200,000 visitors. More details are available at www.eat-vancouver.com.
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For more information, interviews — or photos suitable for publication — please contact:
North America Asean Consultants Inc.
E-mail: culinarytravel@gmail.com