SYDNEY—For foodies looking for somewhere new to explore and
give their taste buds a work-out, men’s Web portal AskMen.com has come up with a
list of the world’s top 10 undiscovered culinary gems.
The list was compiled by editors at www.askmen.com
1. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian on the north coast of Spain in the country’s
Basque region, which is famous for its cuisine, especially its tapas. This small
city has three restaurants with three Michelin stars each — Akelare, Arzak and
Martin Berasategui.
2. Mougins, France
Mougins in southeastern France is not only famous for being
the site of Pablo Picasso’s death, but also for its gastronomic climate. Mougins
only has about 16,000 inhabitants but it has more than 50 restaurants, including
Moulin de Mougins, located in an old mill with two Michelin stars, founded by
Chef Roger Vergé. Restaurant Candille is also Michelin-starred.
3. Luxembourg
It’s a country of less than 500,000 people but a dozen
Michelin-starred restaurants. Its culinary influences are French, Belgian and
Germanic, which is found in regional specialties like trout, pike and crayfish,
as well as in pastries and cakes.
4. Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city, boasts five
Michelin-starred restaurants — 28+, Basement, Fond, Sjomagasinet, and Kock & Vin
— and has produced a surprising number of Sweden’s best chefs.
5. Palermo, Italy
Sicilian culture is the product of many influences and its
cuisine reflects this. In Palermo, enjoy greens and vegetables, and fish and
grain, seasoned with the best influences of the Mediterranean and the Middle
East. Try restaurants like Il Mulinazzo and Osteria Altri Tempi for classic
Sicilian favourites.
6. Ludlow, England
This town once boasted more Michelin-starred restaurants than
any other outside London with only 10,000 inhabitants. Sadly, Ludlow is on the
decline and now boasts only one, Mr Underhill’s, but there’s artisan food shops
and pubs serving great fare.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Everyone knows Las Vegas is all about glitz, glamour and
gambling, but it also excels in fine dining and is the second home to many chefs
— Gordon Ramsay, Mario Batali, Thomas Keller, and Emeril Lagasse. Top
restaurants include Guy Savoy, Commander’s Palace, and Firefly or three-starred
Joel Robuchon.
8. Bologna, Italy
The nickname for the region in which Bologna is located is La
Grassa, which means "the fat" — a celebration of the rich diet enjoyed here. The
use of pork is prevalent throughout Bologna which is also famous for other cured
meats and pasta with top restaurants including Al Pappagallo and Da Bertino.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Home to three Michelin-starred restaurants (Martin Wishart,
Number One and The Kitchin), and also a hot spot for all things cultural and
famous for its farmer’s markets, tea rooms, pubs.
10. Singapore
British and Asian influences combine to make Singapore one of the world’s top
undiscovered culinary capitals. The Singapore food festival, held every July, is
a showcase of the best local foods. Head to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay for the
best restaurants and to Chinatown Food Street and Lau Pat Sat Festival Market
for the best local eats. Top restaurants include One Rochester for French dishes
and Lei Garden for grilled shark. —Reuters
