Depending on where we go or what we are doing, a lot of us indulge in way too much junk food during vacation. Luckily, summer is quickly approaching in most parts of the world, and this means farmer’s markets abound! Attending a market is the perfect way to enjoy fresh food while supporting the local economy of the city you are visiting. And don’t worry, you will still be able to satiate your sweet tooth at most of them, too.
Mercado De La Merced – Mexico City, Mexico
This south of the border market is nothing short of huge. Taking up more than four whole blocks, La Merced offers up treats from all over the country. Stuff yourself with regional fare, splurge on some delectable guavas, and lose yourself in the aroma of sweet Mexican vanilla. This is also the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two from local artists and crafters.
The English Market – Cork, Ireland
If you are a cheese connoisseur, then the English Market is the place to be. Not only will you have a wide variety of both cow and goat cheeses to choose from, you can sample other famous English and Irish cuisine, like boiled tripe and blood sausage. However, this market is not limited to just regional delicacies, and the rows and rows of Moroccan spices promise to entice your taste buds.
Saxe Breteuil – Paris, France
Saxe Breteuil is widely considered to be Paris’ most beautiful market. After strolling through rows of fresh baked breads, bright red, freshly picked strawberries and fragrant flowers with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower all the while, you will tend to agree. Rain or shine, this market takes place every Thursday and Saturday, and is the perfect location for sampling fresh produce and the baked good the French are so well known for.
Bolzano Market – Bolzano, Italy
One of the best things about the plethora of markets in Bolzano is they practically run year round. The scent of roasted chestnuts wafts throughout the city, enticing all who wander near the market. Once you are there, you will find the sweetest lemons, tomatoes warmed by the sun, local cheeses and cured meats, and this barely scratches the surface. Everyone knows that Italians know how to do food right!
Carmel Market – Tel Aviv, Israel
This is one of the most sought after locations in all of Israel. Its reputation precedes it, and the Carmel Market will not disappoint those who make the journey. The sheer number and variety of olives alone is reason enough to stop here, but you will also find juicy pears, plump tomatoes, freshly caught fish, and colorful flowers. You can also find a wide variety or wares, ranging from pottery to textiles, so you can bring home something to always remember your trip by.
Your palate and your wallet will be pleased when you book a cheap car rental in Israel, Italy, Ireland, France, or Mexico with Kemwel.
If you read the Times, Huffington Post, or listen to NPR, you have probably seen or heard that chef extraordinaire, Rene Redzepi, is currently gracing the cover of Time Magazine (issue out today), along with the title “Locavore Hero.” No small feat for a man who dropped out of school at age fifteen and enrolled in his local culinary institute.
Today, Redzepi is repeatedly named “the world’s best chef,” and his Copenhagen eatery, Noma, (which has been awarded two Michelin stars) is touted by many to be “the world’s best restaurant.” People travel from all across the globe to sample Noma’s fare, and to hear the chef speak. From the Sydney Opera House to the prestigious halls of Connecticut’s famed Yale University, Redzepi’s lectures have become a huge draw for chefs, foodies, farmers, and environmentalists alike.
So what makes a chef so inspiring and unique? His philosophy, to start. He believes that “better meals” can help us create a “better world,” and he puts his money where his mouth is by supporting local farms and businesses, and focusing his cuisine on regional meats and produce instead of imported goods. He is also famous for his foraging, and it is not uncommon to be served wild duck or berries and herbs that have been scavenged from the Nordic countryside.
Working from scratch, Noma puts a modern spin on traditional Nordic cuisine. They do all their own drying, pickling and smoking, so you are guaranteed the freshest flavors. Enjoy white currant with douglas fir, cauliflower and pine, or wild duck with beets. These are just a few of the artistic offerings you will find. Even the building itself is an experience. Located in an 18th century warehouse, the restaurant has been beautifully renovated and overlooks the serene waters of the Nyhavn.
With all of this attention, folks are flocking to Noma to see what all the hubbub is about. With a cheap car rental in Copenhagen, you too can experience the epicurean creations of Time Magazine’s Locavore Hero. Just head over to Strandgade 93, 1401 Copenhagen K or check out Noma’s website for more information. Be sure to revisit our blog and tell us about your experience!
Bon Appétit!
Your first time abroad, you might find yourself in an extreme case of culture shock upon arrival to your vacation destination. In this sense of bewilderment you might be tempted to throw all your plans of experiencing Europe and all it has to offer right out the window to find some sense of home and comfort in the nearest McDonald’s. Though you may argue that eating a Le Big Mac is trying something new, I suggest another familiar and classic food to experience in a whole new way: the hot dog.
While it may seem like a humble American standard, the hot dog actually has it origins in Germany and Austria. The name frankfurter itself pays homage to Frankfurt, Germany, where we first saw pork sausages served on buns. Vienna’s German name is “Wien”, and home to a sausage made of pork and beef referred to as, you guessed it, a wiener!
In France you will find a version that has a frankfurter between two halves a baguette and topped with gruyère cheese before being grilled. A very popular food in Norway, the boiled all-pork wiener can be purchased in a potato tortilla topped with deep fried onions or rekesalat, a condiment made from shrimp and mayonnaise. Take a hop over to Sweden and try a Tunnbrödsrulle, where the long thin hot dog is wrapped in flatbread and stuffed with all manner of ingredients, including mashed potato! Even Rome has its own take on this food, where a stop at a street cart can get you a hot dog split in half length-wise and placed in a panino with lettuce and mustard.
You never know, a car rental in Germany may help you find a new way to eat this classic food that you can bring home and share with your friends and family. Soon, they too can experience the international flavor of the hot dog, but without the jet lag!
USA
