Discovering
a country's culture through its foods is the theme behind a new series
of food tours to Asia, and Bali in particular. The brainchild of Morrison
Polkinghorne and Robert Carmack, popular author of two Asian cookbooks,
this duo have a proven track record, successfully organising and hosting
culinary discovery trips. "We really love food, and enjoy travel,"
explains Morrison. "So I said to Robert, "let's share our knowledge
and see the response.'" "Adding Bali to our itinerary this year
is our way of showing faith in the Bali economy. Not only that,"
adds Morrison, "these are some of the most beautiful people in the
world. And we absolutely adore their delicious bumbu pastes that they
smear on fresh fish, then grill. Yum" "Our last tour was so
successful, it had a waiting list," explains Robert. "But we
want each tour to be very special, so we strictly limit the numbers to
between eight and 15." "And we find the best cooks in each country
we visit," pipes in Morrison. Well, that formula seems to be working
because one client on the last tour wrote "the four essential elements
to a great dinner are good food and drink; second, terrific company; third,
beautiful décor; and finally surprises. That is what you gave us
and sustained it for the entire tour. It just kept getting better and
better."
The Bali tour, scheduled for late August/early September, has even more
highlights, from gala banquets to personal cooking classes and market
tours. "Plus cultural events, shows, textiles and local crafts. The
only criteria for joining is a love of food," explains Robert. "No
cooking skills required, and you don't have to be a skilled chef to join.
But for the professional, there is still plenty to learn". "While
these are fully-escorted tours, you can opt out of any days' offerings,"
notes Morrison. "But in all honesty, everyone tends to stick along
– they don't want to miss out on anything!"
As a matter of fact, cooking classes constitute only a small part of the
itinerary, with market walks, hawker tastings, and great restaurants filling
in the rest. The Bali Tour includes accommodation at some of the island's
leading boutique properties, with gorgeous swimming pools, luxurious surroundings,
private coach transportation plus guides, "and many surprises,"
says Robert. Once you’ve enjoyed Bali join us in November for our
Thailand regional food tour, during the beautiful floating lantern festival
of Loi Krathong".
Details
of Robert's and Morrison's tours can be accessed on www.asianfoodtours.com
or www.globetrottinggourmet.com or through San Michele Travel. Upcoming
tours:
Bali: 30 Aug-9 Sept. '03, Thailand: 31 Oct-15 Nov. '03, Angkor Wat,
Cambodia : 16-20
Nov. '03, Vietnam Highlands, Sapa: 25-28 Mar. 2004, Vietnam: 28 Mar-11
Apr. 2004,
Phnom Penh & Siem Reap: 12-16 Apr. 2004
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