When I journey, my schedule isn’t packed with famous landmarks and tourist spots — instead, it revolves around eateries, cafes, and bakeries. For me, the highlight of the adventure is exploring new flavors, and some of my cherished memories stem from the delectable dishes I’ve savored on the way. (The main challenge is mustering an appetite between meals, but that’s where those sightseeing attractions come in handy.)
Road trips are a dream for food enthusiasts: extensive travels, flexibility to plan your day (even accommodating last-minute bookings), and the freedom to stop for any intriguing roadside treats (hello, farm-fresh produce stands!).
To make the most of it, though, you need to put in the groundwork. Over my travels, I’ve refined my strategy for exploring the finest culinary offerings. So, to guide you in discovering the most delicious pit stops during your summer road trips, I’m disclosing my approach.
Research, Validate, Discover
When I finalize my travel destination, I adopt a three-pronged strategy for food exploration. It’s simpler than it sounds and can be done in as little as half an hour.
Initially, I conduct a preliminary online search for credible articles and restaurant recommendations in the area (consider CBC, Frommer’s, Maclean’s, Condé Nast Traveler, and Eater). This initial step provides a good starting point and offers insights into the specialties of the destination.
Next, I delve into TikTok and Instagram, using keywords like “best Halifax restaurants,” “finest food in Halifax,” and “Halifax cuisine.” You can narrow down the search for specific preferences like “top lobster in P.E.I.” or “best Jewish deli in Montreal.”
Lastly, I seek personal recommendations by reaching out to friends or posting on social platforms. Nothing beats a suggestion from a trusted source.
After gathering information, I identify commonalities — the sweet spot where multiple sources and individuals unrelated to each other mention the same eatery or dish. This is where culinary wonders unfold! Surprisingly, such occurrences are more frequent than expected. (This is how I stumbled upon the most heavenly deep-fried chicken wings at Phnom Penh while exploring Vancouver, a memory I still cherish.)
Evaluate Ratings Wisely
Though not an exact science, analyzing basic figures from Google reviews can provide insights into a restaurant. While Yelp and Tripadvisor are valuable, I prefer Google due to its extensive feedback.
Generally, I avoid eateries with ratings below 4.1 stars. This doesn’t necessarily mean the food is bad, but it’s a precautionary measure to minimize disappointments while traveling.
I also consider the number of ratings:
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10,000 or more ratings = attracts tourists. Such places might offer tasty fare or a pleasant ambiance,
