CULTURE & DINING

These Cities Are Centers For Gourmets

The diverse cuisine in Europe attracts foodies from all over the world. These cities are a real center for gourmets. Europe not only has sights and beautiful places to offer, but also a diverse food culture. Whether the cheese in France, the wine in Italy or the creative bread in Denmark – there are some culinary hotspots that attract foodies from all over the world. If you are planning your next gourmet trip, you cannot avoid these destinations.

Florence

Italy is a classic when it comes to culinary delights. Pizza, pasta and good olive oil are known worldwide and delight lovers of good cuisine. The city of Florence is considered to be the gourmet stronghold in Tuscany. The focus here is on fresh and seasonal products. Instead of a lot of chichi, there is a down-to-earth and rustic kitchen. Pasta, however, plays a rather subordinate role. Once in Florence, food lovers should definitely attend a cooking class and let a Nonna teach them how to make pasta! The square tortelli di patate, which are filled with potatoes and cheese, can also be made at home. Traditionally, the dumplings are served with a meat sauce. A wonderful Tuscan wine goes well with it, like a full-bodied Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has long been considered a center for foodies from around the world. Danish cuisine is known for not only being seasonal, but for using only products from the region. The main meal is dinner, which is called “middag”. In contrast to southern countries, where people like to eat after sunset, the people of Copenhagen sit down at the dinner table by 7 p.m. at the latest.Smørrebrød is an absolute specialty. It is a sandwich that is traditionally served for lunch in Denmark. However, this sandwich has nothing in common with German bread and butter. Because the Danes create a small work of art from a slice of bread, mostly rye bread. The variants with herring or salmon are particularly popular. But crabs, cheese, sausage or caviar are also often used. How to eat all of that? Clearly with a knife and fork.

Lyon

Lyon is just a two-hour train ride from Paris and is known as the culinary capital of France. The city has the highest density of restaurants in the country. There are over 2,000 restaurants in the capital of the Rhône-Alpes department. Small, traditional shops – called bouchons – line up with exquisite starred restaurants. There are no fewer than 20 restaurants with Michelin stars in Lyon. Paul Bocuse (1926-2018), one of the best chefs of the 20th century, is considered the most important representative of Lyon cuisine. Lyon is known for its simplicity and sophistication. Due to the proximity to the Alps, there are some dishes with freshwater fish that are native to the clear mountain rivers. The village of Saint-Marcellin, where the cheese of the same name is made, is located near the city. It has a mild taste and is used in sauces.