A Culinary Exploration of the US

The US is not only an attractive destination for a multitude of tourists for its natural beauty and cultural and historical attractions, but can also appeal to tourists with its diversified culinary offerings. A culinary exploration across the USA offers unique flavours and experiences in each region of this vast and fascinating nation. From Kentucky’s bourbon traditions to South Carolina’s southern culinary delights, the gastronomic adventure continues…Here we explore four culinary regions in the US

Tennessee-Trail

With its distinctive regional culinary traditions and a growing list of nationally recognised restaurants, Tennessee offers dining destinations which have the potential to satiate diverse palates. Here you can easily go from a farm-to-table breakfast in the morning to a dinner menu curated by a James Beard Award-winning Chef in the evening. Tennessee is a region known for its traditional cuisine, and checking out local favorites here is a must. Countryside Café in Ooltewah near Chattanooga pays homage to classic country cooking with its succulent fried pork chops and gravied steaks. In Memphis, at Catherine & Mary’s, helmed by acclaimed Chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer, there is a rotating menu of comforting Italian dishes like homemade pastas and tender steaks. Husk in Nashville serves some of the best locally sourced ingredients on their menu. Tennessee Whiskey Trail covering nearly 30 distilleries, like the iconic Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg can give a comprehensive perspective of Tennessee’s rich tradition of distilling spirits. With over 70 wineries and six wine trails across the state, these scenic tastings provide a first-hand experience of Tennessee’s wine and liquor traditions.

Bourbons and More at Kentucky

Kentucky has a vibrant culinary scene that complements its bourbon heritage with its iconic dishes. Kentucky’s Urban Bourbon Trail offers a curated selection of local restaurants and bars in Louisville, the most populous city in Kentucky, for a unique culinary experience. Some of the most famous spots on the trail are Porch Kitchen & Bar, Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop, Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge, and Old Seelbach Bar where you can craft personalised tasting itineraries. Do not miss trying Louisville's official cocktail, the Old Fashioned. In Louisville, skilled distillers craft some of the best bourbon, and the Frazier History Museum serves as the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Explore the Bourbon District in Downtown Louisville, home to renowned spots like Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and Angel’s Envy. Old Forester Distilling Co. and Stitzel-Weller Distillery also offer firsthand experience of the distillation process. When at Louisville, try its cheeseburger, iconic dishes like the Hot Brown, dating back to the 1920s at the historic Brown Hotel, the original caramel-dipped Modjeska marshmallows, Bourbon balls, and Louisville’s tradition, Derby Pie to have a truly memorable gastronomic trip.

Texas Presents Musical Taste

Austin, Texas, often projected as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ pulses with decades of rhythm embedded into its culture. Austin in Texas is home to some of the finest cuisine, with mouth-watering BBQ spots to upscale dining. It is thrilling to explore the many generations and variations of culture that exist in Austin’s rich musical and culinary melting pot, starting with the restaurant Ramen Tatsu-ya, opened by local Chefs/DJs, Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. Ramen Tatsu-ya, which utilises a warehouse space, is filled with music and offers the perfect party/dining environment. In Fort Worth's Arlington Heights neighbourhood, the Buttons Restaurant celebrates the fusion of soul food and soul music under Executive Chef Keith “Buttons” Hicks, serving up his renowned chicken and waffles, steaks, and comforting pot roast in a backdrop of old-school vibes and smooth '70s tunes. Here, signature drinks pay homage to music legends like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. Local artists grace the Buttons stage, belting out soul classics by icons such as Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan.

Sumptuous Feasts at South Carolina

The barbeques, sweet shrimp, boiled peanuts, female hard-shell blue crab soup, collard greens, okra, pecans, Hoppin’ John, Iced Teas, and Lowcountry Boil are some of the delights that one shouldn’t miss out when at South Carolina. South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia is a college town and a melting pot with a wide-ranging dining scene. Like many cities in the US, Columbia is seeing a surge in the popularity of food trucks. These restaurants on wheels offer something for every palate: Belgian Waffle Truck, Wurst Wagen, and Tacos Nayarit have some delicious menus on offer. On the brick-and-mortar side, the upscale Motor Supply Company Bistro features a farm-to-table menu that changes twice daily. Here, barbecue is a must, offering some of the best in the country. For an updated take on southern comfort food, head over to Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Café. The menu here is regularly updated with fresh seafood and meats, as well as an award-winning wine list, small-batch bourbon, and local microbrews.