Sample local flavor in six European cities with Eating Europe

To enjoy the true flavor of Europe travelers should taste local food and cuisine -- Eating Europe is a good start  (Photo: Taylor)

ROME — No matter when you travel, or where, one of the favorite pastimes of any adventure is discovering local cuisine Whether you're a first-time traveler or a wanderlust veteran, how often have you asked someone if they know a really good place where locals go to eat in another city?

Eating Europe is an insider's
guide to great food
(Courtesy: Eating Europe)

It's an important part of a travel experience because when you return home, that knowledge becomes a personal status symbol. Recommending some undiscovered treasure to your friends makes you sound worldly and, at the same time, has the personal satisfaction of enjoying a discovery that becomes all your own.

Many people today prefer independent travel, while others seek the security of a complete tour that includes meals, sightseeing and, most importantly, an English speaking escort who will alleviate apprehensions of cultural differences in another country.

The selection of cheeses is amazing, and that's only the beginning
(Photo: Public Domain)

For those who opt for independence, here's a way to satisfy the curiosity of exploration without the hassles of spinning your wheels in search of local knowledge. It's called Eating Europe, and the relatively new travel concept is a fascinating way to sample delightful culinary adventures in six major cities on the continent.

Meeting locals, discovering traditional cuisine and savoring secret recipes is part of the fun  (Courtesy: Eating Europe)

Eating Europe is, in essence, a "living" guidebook where experts guides delve into the nooks and crannies of a city to meet locals, visit markets and share food related experiences that often happen only by chance.

Tours generally range between 3 and 4 hours, which means free-spirited travelers can enjoy delightful "insider's" exposure to a destination without committing all of their independence to the cookie-cutter world of a tour operator's itinerary.

Amsterdam and its canals are one of six cities to explore with Eating Europe  (Photo: Pixabay)

With tours in Rome, London, Florence, Prague, Amsterdam and, most recently, Paris, Eating Europe "shares the best local foods at favorite places and introduces them to all the wonderful people and fascinating stories that lie behind their iconic dishes."

The concept is that simple because Eating Europe's philosophy focuses on three uncomplicated straightforward principles; Customers, Merchants and Employees.

Clients are the first priority
(Photo: Taylor)

First and foremost, Eating Europe recognizes that every city in the world has its own individual character. Europe is a cornucopia of dining delights, and Eating Europe's clients  "experience a unique opportunity to have a taste of local life by connecting with the city’s personality, cuisine and culture in an unforgettable way."

Try Devonshire cream and scones
in London  (Photo: Taylor)

Next, think about a favorite place in your home town that you would recommend to visitors. Since you're a "regular", chances are you personally know the wait staff and management, which only serves to enhance the experience for your guests. That's magic of Eating Europe.

Third, Eating Europe's staff is comprised of locals who know their city and proudly share its unique culinary traditions. Guides share a passion for food and people who enjoy fine cuisine by acting as good-will ambassadors with a commitment to making each outing an experience rather than merely another tour.

Victor Emmanuelle Monument, Rome  (Photo: Taylor)

Founded in Rome by American Kenny Dunn in 2011, Eating Europe follows guidelines that allow visitors to immerse themselves into the fabric of a community by creating personal relationships with restaurateurs and business owners in real neighborhoods. 

Just as every city has a personality, so, too, do many of its districts. Chinatowns in New York, San Francisco or Vancouver have vibrant cultures that cannot be experienced in any other part of those cities.

Trastevere is popular in Rome
(Courtesy: Travel Journeys Italy)

Ask a Roman the best place to meet locals and enjoy great food, and you might be surprised that many will say "Trastevere."

Many visitors never see Trastervere because it's situated on the opposite side of the Tiber River away from most of the familiar sights people go to see. In fact, in English, trastevere literally means "beyond the Tiber."

With ivy-covered walls, cobblestone streets and the amber glow of romantic streetlights, Trastevere is clearly the spot where Romans choose to dine. Families gather on Sundays while young people make it a lively scene throughout the week.

Trastevere is a night spot
(Courtesy: Eating Europe)

Trastevere can be compared to New York's Greenwich Village or the Left Bank in Paris, and it is definitely a place best explored by night.

Eating Europe's 4-hour guided walking food tour explores the neighborhood while sampling a sumptuous blend of Italian classics like pizza and pasta, real Roman street food, lesser known meats and cheeses and amazing wine in a secret cellar that has a history that will blow you away.

Few activities in Rome deliver as many concentrated hidden surprises and enchanting moments as Eating Europe's tour of one of the city's best kept secrets.

Eating Europe added Paris to its list of tours last year
(Photo: Taylor)

In June of 2018, Eating Europe added Paris to its growing list of cuisines and cultures.

Paris has always been a vibrant culinary destination, but currently the food scene in the "City of Lights" is electric with influences from around the world making their impact on a daily basis.

Croque Monsieur is to the French like a hamburger is to Americans  (Photo: Michael Brewer -- licensed under the
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license) 

As Kenny Dunn, Managing Director of Eating Europe points out “We’ve had our hearts set on France for a long time and are thrilled to finally offer an immersive experience which helps our guests discover local life in this fascinating food capital.”

Prague is also on Eating Europe's
list  (Courtesy: Prague.eu)

The early afternoon experience offers a mix of French staples like Croque Monsieur, rare cheeses and gorgeous pastries combined with local trends from neo-bistros to refined pastries. Guests also visit unique venues including a hidden Moroccan food stand and a 17th-century cellar for an immersive wine and cheese pairing session.

As modern travelers focus on being increasingly discerning,  Eating Europe provides a taste of Old World culinary charm that is difficult to duplicate on your own.

You can't visit London without trying traditional fish & chips
(Photo: Taylor)

One word of caution, do not expect to become an expert in any aspect of your travels in a four hour tour. It cannot be done.

Rather just follow the acronym (E)xperience, (A)dventure, (T)aste and (S)avor and you'll be thrilled at the outcome.