Overview
Most people love to eat well when they travel, yet the gastronomic or "foodie" traveler can typically be categorized into one of two groups. The first are those who choose a destination and then wish to experience the local cuisine to the fullest extent possible. Top restaurant reservations, a day of market tours and tastings, and excellent dining at accommodations are essential to the overall enjoyment of their travels.
The second are those for whom food is the primary reason for traveling, and the reason why they choose specific destinations. They may have secured a difficult restaurant reservation in Spain, and now wish to formulate a complete gastronomic pilgrimage to compliment this tough-to-get table. Or, the culinary arts are a priority in their lives, and the chance to spend a week in Tuscany cooking in residence with an excellent Italian chef is a dream of a lifetime. Or, crazy about pho, their next travel experience simply must be centered on Vietnamese street food and finding the best outlets, be they at a corner shack or in the kitchen of a local family's home.
Regardless of which type of foodie you are, MoonRings has the experience, knowledge and connections to make sure your senses are satisfied by the cuisine of your chosen destination.
Our cooking experience in Paris couldn't have been better! Our chef, Samira, was welcoming, with a great sense of humor. We loved shopping in the markets, and while our menu was ambitious, Samira was so well organized that everything went smoothly. Her husband even gave us a wine-tasting class before lunch! I can't wait to make the same recipes for friends we have coming this weekend.
-- Julie and Robert, Portland, Oregon
A gastronomic
Travel Moment...
After a busy morning seeing the sights of Buenos Aires, your driver brings you to a lovely private residence in a leafy district of the city. You are greeted by the chef-proprietor, who welcomes you into his home like family; after all you are the only visitors today! Your afternoon starts with a selection of meriendas as well as a tasting of some of the country's finest Malbecs. Your chef discusses the upcoming menu with you, proposing ideas yet soliciting your input on spicing and preparation. The accompanying service staff is warm, funny and knowledgeable, suggesting wine pairings as course after course of delectable Argentine cuisine comes forth from the busy cocina. By the time dessert is finished, you are completely satiated, and your Porteño host is beaming with pride based upon your obvious happiness.
Why MoonRings
Food and Wine are central to almost all travel we plan
Our focus on honeymoons and special occasions means we are always on a quest for unique food and wine experiences as we seek to differentiate our clients' travels through gastronomy.
Passionate gastronomes on staff
Based in food-crazy Chicago, our staff are on the cutting edge of food and wine trends, and seek out those experiences for our clients wherever they travel.
Creative food suggestions
While we'll always share our top restaurant recommendations in a given area, we also have a plethora of cool ideas when it comes to diverse dining venues, tasting possibilities or food and wine education.
Strong industry relationships
Our local partners, particularly in those regions of the world revered for cuisine, are dialed into the best chefs, private dining options and farm visits, meaning we can design one-of-a-kind experiences sure to please your palate.
Are we a good fit for you? If so, please contact us to discuss your foodie interests and learn more about the next steps to becoming a client.
Castello Banfi - Il Borgo
italy
This stunning castle-hotel resides deep within Tuscany, in the heartland of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wines. Set among rolling hills and vineyards, the hospitality at Castello Banfi couldn't be warmer: General Manager Fabio and Operations Manager Andrea are always on hand to welcome guests, attend to their needs, and assist with all aspects of a stay in southern Tuscany. Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious, with traditional yet fresh Tuscan interiors. The property often has special packages that include romantic multi-course dinners in their Taverna restaurant, as well as private tastings of estate wines in their Enoteca. You can also tour their cellars as well as sample vinegars in their balsameria. To spice up your stay, reserve a balloon ride that departs right from the estate's grounds, or arrange to drive a Ferrari through the countryside. Some of Italy's best wineries are nearby, so exploring the vineyards with a picnic basket in tow is a wonderful way to spend a day. Alternatively, you can visit artisanal pecorino cheese makers, olive oil mills, and honey producers. With a spa and a lovely pool, Castello Banfi has everything you'll need for a delicious and relaxing stay in Tuscany.
Ponta dos Ganchos
brazil
This lovely boutique resort can be deceiving at first; it beguiles you with its beauty as a beach locale, just 60 minutes away from cosmopolitan Florianopolis, and then entices you with its romantic villas and gorgeous views. While it's one of Brazil's most luxurious hotels and one of a very few beach resorts we recommend there, its hidden raison d'être is its gourmet cuisine. One of only three Relais & Chateaux properties in Brazil, it is absolutely deserving of its prestigious standing: meals here are raised to an art form, each prepared in tasting-menu style, including breakfast, which can be a 10-course affair! The creativity of the chef seems to know no bounds, and he can handle any special dietary request from vegan to gluten-free with the same attention to presentation and taste. Each evening one lucky couple is able to dine on Ponta Dos Ganchos' private island, complete with tiki torches, private servers and Champagne – a most romantic and unforgettable gastronomic experience. When not wowed by the cuisine, guests can sun on the pretty beach, visit the spa, charter a catamaran to explore offshore islands, shop to 'til they drop in Florianopolis, or take a relaxed horseback ride through the countryside. Ponta dos Ganchos is worth a trip to Brazil for the foodie traveler, and indeed a must-visit in Brazil for those celebrating a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary.
