Whenever I journey, my schedule isn’t packed with famous sites and tourist spots — it’s centered around dining establishments, coffee shops, and pastry shops. For me, sampling new flavors ranks as the most enjoyable aspect of the adventure, with some of my fondest memories revolving around the delectable treats I’ve savored on the way. (The main challenge lies in building up an appetite between meals, but that’s where those landmarks come in handy.)
Road trips offer a feast for food enthusiasts: covering vast distances, crafting your own timetable (and accommodating last-minute bookings), and having the freedom to stop for any roadside delights while behind the wheel (hello, farm-fresh produce stands!).
However, to execute all of this successfully, thorough groundwork is essential. Through my travels, I’ve refined my strategy for experiencing the finest culinary delights possible. To assist you in pinpointing the most mouthwatering stops on your summer road trips, I’m divulging my methodology.
Conduct Research, then Verify Information
Upon determining my destination, I adopt a three-pronged approach to researching dining options. Rest assured, it’s not as daunting as it sounds, and can be accomplished in as little as thirty minutes.
Initially, I conduct an initial online search for credible articles and restaurant recommendations in the region (check out CBC, Frommer’s, Maclean’s, Condé Nast Traveler, and Eater). This serves as a solid starting point and offers insight into the region you’re visiting and its culinary specialties.
Subsequently, I delve into TikTok and Instagram, utilizing search terms like “best Halifax restaurants,” “top food spots in Halifax,” and “Halifax cuisine.” You can narrow down your search if you have specific preferences — for example, “finest lobster in P.E.I.” or “top Jewish deli in Montreal.”
Lastly, I reach out for personal recommendations. This could be as simple as a message to a friend or a social media post. Nothing compares to a recommendation from someone you trust.
Once I’ve compiled my information, I identify commonalities among them — the sweet spot where multiple individuals and unrelated sources mention the same eatery or dish. This is where the culinary magic unfolds! You’ll be surprised at how frequently this occurs once you start searching. (This was how I stumbled upon the heavenly deep-fried chicken wings at Phnom Penh while journeying through Vancouver, and they still linger in my dreams.)
Strike a Balance with Ratings
While not an exact science, analyzing basic figures from a restaurant’s Google reviews can offer insights into what to expect. Yelp and Tripadvisor are also valuable resources, but I prefer Google due to the extensive review volume.
Generally, I steer clear of establishments with ratings below 4.1 stars. This doesn’t imply that lower-rated venues lack delicious food, but when traveling, I prefer to play it safe and avoid potential