Spanning from the Greek island of Cephalonia to the French Riviera, the vibrant colors and diverse textures of Mediterranean cuisine not only awaken the taste buds but also serve as a continuous source of inspiration for culinary photographers. This is something writer Jon Bryant can vouch for.
Exploring the World Through Food Photography
Capturing images of a shimmering paella, aromatic Vietnamese pho, or delicate lavender macarons is an integral part of vacationing for many. These photographs do more than just record a meal; they evoke memories of the setting, the atmosphere, the blend of voices and emotions surrounding each culinary moment. They become sensory keepsakes of delights like the pastel de nata in Belém or the flaky, textured filo of a delicious spanakopita enjoyed in the home of my friend Orfeas in Cephalonia.
As a travel writer, I find that food deeply enriches my narratives, offering a gateway to the culture and history of a place through its local ingredients, culinary styles, and agricultural practices. My photographs are nostalgic journeys back to the faces and stories of those I’ve met. Ideally, my travels revolve around discovering culinary treasures, capturing images of hidden eateries and bustling fresh food markets.
Many travelers prioritize experiencing local cuisine, and if you are a holder of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, you can earn points while enjoying local specialties. Every £1 spent with the card earns two points, which can be redeemed at Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels for future stays and dining experiences, enriching your culinary adventures.
Discovering Gastronomic Delights
Genoa and the Ligurian coast in northern Italy are among my favorite culinary destinations. Famous for its pesto and panissa, Genoa features an Eataly food hall in its renovated port area where visitors can find an array of local products like tomato paste, farinata, pasta, and cheeses.
In the city center, along Via XX Settembre, lies the Mercato Orientale, a vibrant market brimming with fresh fish and artichokes. A bit further is the Cremeria Gran Sasso, a gelateria safeguarding its fior di latte and fruit-flavored gelato in sleek steel containers.
Often, the best restaurants are those discovered unexpectedly. In Genoa, while heading to the Castello D’Albertis, I stumbled upon Osteria Carabàs on Vico Tana, a small eatery serving exquisite Ligurian dishes like homemade trofie al pesto and seafood black spaghetti. The AC Hotel Genova offers a scenic view perfect for enjoying a meal as the sun sets.
Traveling east to Bologna, you’ll find yourself surrounded by photogenic snacks and local produce. The AC Hotel Bologna is a short walk from the Trattoria di Via Serra, known for its exceptional pasta dishes. The hotel also offers amenities like a free fitness center and meeting rooms for business travelers, with Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Cardmembers rapidly accumulating points with their stay.
Culinary Hotspots in France
Nice has emerged as a culinary hotspot in France, boasting a vast array of traditional and fusion cuisine and eight Michelin-starred restaurants. It also hosts Les Petits Farcis, a popular cooking school providing classes in English and tours of the famous fresh produce market on the Cours Saleya.
Marseille, known for its iconic bouillabaisse, is home to the AC Hotel Marseille Prado Velodrome, situated near Olympique Marseille’s stadium. The hotel’s restaurant, Oh Massalia, offers Mediterranean-inspired meals.
My food explorations are extensive, often leading me through miles of new cities to locate markets, recommended dining spots, and the best places to try local delicacies. Dining times in France and Italy tend to be later than in the UK. For a more leisurely morning start, your Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers Silver Elite status, providing Priority Late Checkout and potential upgrades to Gold Elite status with more benefits when you spend £15,000 in a year.
One of the joys for any photographer is the bustling food markets, brimming with spices, cured meats, cheeses, pastries, and fresh produce. Having visited numerous markets from France’s renowned halles to the colorful Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona, the latter remains one of the most picturesque, filled with a vibrant mix of locals and tourists in a historic 1830s setting.
Looking back at your photographs months later, those images of appetizing cheeses and pastries will undoubtedly inspire your next culinary journey.
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