Secret foodie hotspots
The under-the-radar locations we’re dreaming of exploring this year
Padanaram, USA
South of Boston, this sea-salty village sits on the fecund Farm Coast, near the thriving fishing port of New Bedford. Fresh local produce is in rude supply. Spearheading Padanaram’s locavorism is Little Moss (pictured, littlemoss.com), which fills its menu with dishes such as Cuttyhunk oysters, Macomber turnip soup and organic salad greens from Eva’s Garden (evasgreengarden.com). Just opposite, Farm & Coast Market (farmandcoastmarket.com) stocks meats, cheeses and veggies from small producers – plus, there’s an all-day café. Stay nearby at the harbourside Paquachuck b&b, a 200-year-old inn where you can fish for your supper (paquachuck.com). More info: massvacation.com
Beaune, France
Prepare to be intoxicated: the streets of Beaune seem to be sloshing with wine. From the 15th century, appreciative patients began donating vine plots to the town’s Hôtel-Dieu hospital – now a museum – turning Beaune into the viticultural capital of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. These days vineyards streak across the surrounding plains, and pavement cafés are a-swill with wine tastings. Learn more about local specialities at The Cook’s Atelier (pictured, thecooksatelier.com) – as well as selling vintage-inspired cookware, it runs market tours and cookery classes. You can stay in its apartment, or book in at the Hungry Cyclist Lodge, a converted millhouse just outside Beaune, set amid fruit orchards and a kitchen garden – the spoils of which end up in owner Tom’s delicious dinners (thehungrycyclist.com/lodge). More info: beaune-tourism.com
Faroe Islands
With no native trees or land mammals and a climate only root veg can abide, the food culture of the far-flung Faroes has long been limited, with no tradition of dining out. But times are changing. Leading the charge is Koks (koks.fo), near the capital Tórshavn, awarded a Michelin star in 2017 for its 17-course tasting menu spanning such dishes as dried mutton on lichen. Owner Johannes Jensen has opened more places to eat in Tórshavn’s old town, including fish-focussed Barbara (pictured, heimaihavnbarbara.one) and Raest (raest.one), specialising in the Faroes’ famed fermented dishes. Coffee culture is advancing too, the best being brewed at Brell Café (facebook.com/BrellCafe). The contemporary Hotel Føroyar (hotelforoyar.fo), poised on a hillside just a mile from central Tórshavn, is well-placed for a foodie exploration. More info: visitfaroeislands.com