pic: Nadi Voronina
travel
Elouise Hobbs provides a handy guide for the adventurously peckish travellers in Wales.
F O O D I E G E TA WAY S
pic: Enrico Matteucci
pic: subherwal
FARO Faro in Portugal is a perfect place to escape for a long weekend break with friends or for a romantic break. You can catch a quick flight direct from Cardiff to this historical town in under two and half hours. When you settle in, you’re sure to want to try a seafood cataplana, a traditional dish originating from the Algarve which is named after the copper dish in which the food is cooked. The dish combines seafood, which is usually locally caught, and local vegetables. This creates a filling dish that varies in every place due to the sauce in which it is cooked - every place has a different, usually guarded, recipe. To finish, make sure to try a Dom Rodrigo, a sweet almond pastry desert made from the region's legendary almond trees and usually decorated with a regional motif. Info: www.algarve-tourist.com
pic: Bernt Rostad
pic: Denis Egan
pic: Char
PARIS The ultimate, and most obvious foodie getaway has to be Paris - from their fresh baguettes to cheese, Camembert is a personal favourite, to macarons which can be brought on every corner and their wine which is internationally acclaimed. However, the most interesting French delicacy is more simple and enjoyed by French men and women across the country every morning to get the day off to the best possible start. Fresh, warm croissants are served with bowls of hot chocolate and are eaten by dipping the pastry into the warm drink. Paris is extremely easy to get to either by a flight from Cardiff or by the Eurostar and even though it can be a bit pricey, there are definitely bargains to be had. It’s also worth noting that there are incredible discounts across the city for under 25s and all you need is a proof of age ID. Info: www.en.parisinfo.com
BATH
VERONA
CONWY
The setting of some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Verona has a rich history, both in culture and food. It’s less touristy than its fellow Italian cities, Rome and Milan, but by no means does that mean there is less to do or eat. Unlike Rome, Verona’s foodie fame doesn't come from ice cream and pizza but an equally carb filled dish, gnocchi. The pasta dish of the region is potato filled pasta dumplings. Usually made and cooked on site, these dumplings are usually added to a meat stew, a speciality from the region. This is usually served with a side dish of polenta which is prepared by making a soft and creamy mixture which can be eaten fresh from the oven or can be left to cool for half a day and then cut into bite-sized chunks and grilled. Direct flights leave from Cardiff to this historic city daily and because it’s a bit more off the beaten track, you’re likely to discover some interesting local places. Info: www.tourism.verona.it
Conwy in north Wales is known across the world for their seafood, most importantly, their mussels. The Medieval walled fishing village was recently named as the only town in the whole of the UK to be recommended by the Japanese tourist board as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Wales. Located on the estuary where the River Conwy converges with the Irish sea, salty seawater meets freshwater to give the local mussels their taste, unique to the region. However, as mussels are only in season for a few months of the year, if you want to try maybe the best mussels in the world, you will have to plan your trip carefully. The locals have a good tip for when is best to catch the seafood treat; only eat shellfish in the months with the letter ‘r’ in the name. Info: www.visitllandudno.org.uk
You may have heard of the Bath bun but you may not have come across a bun that is actually more famous and sought after: Sally Lunn’s Buns. The legend behind these buns says that Sally Lunn moved to Bath as a Huguenot refugee and in 1680 began working with a baker in the city. Before long, she introduced the baker to her special recipe, which is still a secret to this day, which made a brioche style bun that was light and airy. News of this delicacy spread and people across the city started demanding the buns for breakfast and tea. Bath to Cardiff takes just over an hour by train, and there’s so much to see, including the Roman Baths, Cathedral and central square. Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum, Bath. Info: 01225 461634 / www.sallylunns.co.uk / www.visitbath.co.uk
AMSTERDAM Affectionally called the Little Big City, there’s so much more to discover in Amsterdam than the famous museums and canals. You can fly direct from Cardiff in under two hours and be on a bicycle exploring the city before lunch. Accommodation is cheap if you look around and there are some really lovely places just outside the centre. Alternatively, there are also some great hostels that capture the Dutch atmosphere and these are great places to stay and get to know the area. Once in the city, you need to try the beer. Amsterdam is the only city in the world where beer is pumped in an underground system to the local bars and taverns. Once you have had a beer (or two) you will probably need something to eat. Instead of crisps or pork scratchings, they have bitterballen: basically deep-fried crispy meatballs, usually served with mustard for dipping. Info: www.iamsterdam.com BUZZ 56