Taste Your Way Across a Nation in One Unforgettable Evening
What if you could start your evening with the fresh seafood of Portugal’s Algarve coast, journey north through the hearty mountain flavors of the Douro Valley, and end with the sophisticated tastes of Lisbon—all without leaving your dining room? Our Regional Routes transform your home into a culinary time machine, offering a progressive tasting tour through the diverse landscapes and flavors of a single country.
What Are Regional Routes?
Unlike traditional dining experiences that focus on one cuisine, Regional Routes take you on a geographic and culinary adventure within a single country. Each course represents a different region, telling the story of how landscape, history, and culture shape local cuisine.
The Journey Includes:
- Geographic Progression: Logically sequenced courses that mirror an actual journey
- Cultural Storytelling: The history and traditions behind each regional dish
- Ingredient Education: How local agriculture and climate influence flavors
- Visual Journey: Maps and visuals showing your “route” (optional)
Featured Routes
“From Algarve to Andalusia”: An Iberian Adventure
Travel from Portugal’s southern coast to Spain’s vibrant south through this sun-drenched culinary journey.
The Route:
- Algarve Coast, Portugal
- Starter: Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams in garlic and coriander)
- The story of Portugal’s relationship with the sea
- Pairing: Crisp Vinho Verde
- Alentejo Plains, Portugal
- Main: Migas com Entrecosto (bread-based dish with pork)
- Exploring Portugal’s “breadbasket” region
- Pairing: Robust Alentejo red wine
- Andalusia, Spain
- Main: Rabo de Toro (oxtail stew)
- The Moorish influence on Spanish cuisine
- Pairing: Sherry from Jerez
- Granada, Spain
- Dessert: Piononos (traditional pastry)
- Sweet endings in the shadow of the Alhambra
- Pairing: Sweet Moscatel
Cultural Elements:
- Map showing your culinary route
- Stories of cultural exchange between Portugal and Spain
- Traditional music from each region
- Historical context for each dish
“Italian Peninsula Tour”: From North to South
Experience Italy’s incredible regional diversity in one seamless culinary journey.
The Route:
- Piedmont, North Italy
- Starter: Vitello Tonnato (veal with tuna sauce)
- The refined elegance of Northern Italian cuisine
- Emilia-Romagna, Central Italy
- Pasta Course: Fresh tagliatelle al ragù
- Italy’s culinary heartland
- Tuscany, Central Italy
- Main: Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- The simplicity of Tuscan cooking
- Sicily, South Italy
- Dessert: Cannoli siciliani
- Arab influences in Southern Italian desserts
Additional Popular Routes
“French Terroir Tour”
- Brittany: Seafood course
- Burgundy: Coq au Vin
- Provence: Ratatouille
- Alsace: Tarte Flambée
- Paris: Dessert course
“Mexican Regions Expedition”
- Yucatán: Cochinita pibil
- Oaxaca: Mole negro
- Jalisco: Carnitas
- Puebla: Chiles en nogada
“Japanese Islands Journey”
- Hokkaido: Seafood specialties
- Tokyo: Sushi and tempura
- Osaka: Street food flavors
- Kyoto: Kaiseki elements
How It Works
1. Choose Your Country & Route
Select from our pre-designed routes or work with us to create a custom geographic journey. We consider:
- Seasonal ingredient availability
- Logical geographic progression
- Cultural and historical connections
- Flavor balance throughout the meal
2. Customize Your Journey
- Select your group size (2-20 people)
- Choose service style (progressive courses or interactive stations)
- Discuss dietary requirements
- Select educational elements
3. Prepare for Departure
Our team handles:
- Research and menu development
- Sourcing authentic regional ingredients
- Preparing route maps and educational materials
- Coordinating timing for perfect course progression
4. Embark on Your Tasting Tour
Your chef guides you through:
- Introduction to the journey concept
- Course-by-course regional stories
- Cultural and historical context
- Tasting notes and comparisons
Special Features
Educational Components
- Geographic and cultural background for each region
- Historical influences on regional cuisines
- Local cooking techniques and traditions
- Agricultural and climate impact on flavors
Interactive Elements
- Tasting Maps: Visual guides to your culinary journey
- Regional Comparisons: Taste differences between areas
- Ingredient Stories: How local products define regional tastes
- Cultural Connections: Historical trade routes and influences
Atmosphere Enhancement
- Regional music transitions
- Visual projections of locations (optional)
- Themed table settings for different courses
- Aromatic elements from each region
Customization Options
Route Personalization
- Focus on specific regions of interest
- Emphasize particular ingredients
- Highlight historical periods
- Concentrate on cultural exchanges
Dietary Adaptations
All routes can accommodate:
- Vegetarian and vegan preferences
- Gluten-free requirements
- Allergy restrictions
- Specific taste preferences
Experience Levels
- Standard Route: Progressive tasting menu with stories
- Enhanced Journey: Added visual and educational elements
- Full Expedition: Complete immersive experience with multiple sensory components
Why Choose Regional Routes?
Educational Dining
Learn about geography, history, and culture through the universal language of food. Perfect for curious minds and travel enthusiasts.
Coherent Storytelling
Unlike random international menus, Regional Routes tell a connected story about how environments shape culinary traditions.
Perfect for Special Occasions
- Anniversaries: Recreate your travel memories
- Birthdays: For the traveler in your life
- Educational Events: Engaging learning experience
- Corporate Events: Team building through shared discovery
Professional Curation
Each route is carefully researched and tested to ensure:
- Authentic regional representation
- Logical flavor progression
- Educational value
- Memorable experience
Client Favorites
Most Requested Routes
- Iberian Peninsula (Portugal & Spain)
- Italian Regional Tour
- French Terroir Experience
- Mexican Regions
- Japanese Prefectures
Special Themes
- Wine Regions: Focusing on wine-producing areas
- Coastal Routes: Following a country’s coastline
- Mountain Journeys: Highland and alpine regions
- Cultural Crossroads: Areas of historical exchange
Planning Your Route
Ideal Group Sizes
- Intimate: 2-6 people (detailed storytelling)
- Social: 7-12 people (lively discussion)
- Celebration: 13-20 people (festive atmosphere)
Timing Considerations
- Express Route: 5 courses, 2.5 hours
- Standard Journey: 7 courses, 3.5 hours
- Full Expedition: 9+ courses, 4+ hours
Pricing & Packages
Route Levels
- Standard Route: Curated tasting menu with storytelling
- Enhanced Journey: Added visual and interactive elements
- Full Expedition: Complete immersive experience
Additional Services
- Printed route maps and menus
- Regional wine pairings
- Cultural decoration packages
- Souvenir recipe collection
Ready to Explore?
Whether you want to revisit favorite travel memories, prepare for an upcoming trip, or simply experience the incredible diversity within a country’s cuisine, Regional Routes offers a unique and educational dining adventure.
Start Planning Your Regional Journey
One country, countless flavors—experience them all in one extraordinary evening.