It’s hard not to crave the dishes presented on Netflix’s award-winning documentary series Chef’s Table. Fans of the food-focused show know that opportunities to taste plates of this caliber are few and far between, and often include trekking to small towns or distant destinations.
But on December 1, this dream becomes a reality, and all you have to do is make your way to Miami for Once Upon a Kitchen, a show-stopping epicurean experience from some of the culinary world’s top names (disclaimer: Forbes Travel Guide is an event partner).
Hosted in the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, the GR8 Group-produced event features a feast from acclaimed toques Alex Atala, Massimo Bottura, Mauro Colagreco and Antonio Bachour; cocktails from self-described “alchemist” Alex Ott; and wine pairings from vino expert Roberto Cipresso. Ott also will oversee a special cocktail hour prior to the dinner. Completing the scene is an ambiance imagined by by Cirque of Life, with the same director who helped Cirque du Soleil narrate the union between food and life at the last World Expo in Milan.
A spectacular setting, some sublime wine and four internationally renowned chefs collaborating on a multi-course menu is just the recipe for an enchanting evening. If you can’t make it to this ultra-exclusive event, don’t fret — there’s plenty of other foodie fun to be had around the globe. These are just a few of the delectable upcoming highlights.
What started as a three-day food festival on Waikiki has exploded over the last eight years into a three-weekend, multi-island (Oahu, Maui and Big Island) extravaganza showcasing Hawaii’s unique cuisine. The ninth annual event (October 5 to 27) is expected to draw nearly 10,000 visitors to try bites from 117 chefs during 17 gourmet gatherings.
To get the most bang for your buck, head to Oahu for the final weekend (October 23 to 27) of the festival. Kick things off with a beer-paired barbecue in Victoria Ward Park before heading to savory soirees like a Crazy Rich Asians-inspired cocktail party or wine-focused grand tasting.
The weekend culminates with the Halekulani Culinary Masters Gala, an exquisite six-course feast presented by some of the Pacific Rim’s most talented toques, including Alexandre Trancher of Halekulani’s own Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star La Mer.
If you don’t score a spot at the $1,000-per-plate dinner, you can still rest your head at the Four-Star host hotel, where private lanais and deep-soaking tubs come standard. Be sure to indulge in Four-Star Orchids restaurant’s popular Sunday brunch to cap off your foodie adventure.
The Nantucket Cranberry Festival
While maybe not as popular as pumpkin spice, cranberries are certainly a New England staple come fall, so much so that the Nantucket Conservation Foundation hosts an annual event dedicated to the tart red berry.
On October 12, make your way to Milestone Cranberry Bog for a full day of harvesting demonstrations — those looking to get a little more hands-on can grab a pair of waders and help — hay rides, live music and tasty treats, ranging from saccharine (cranberry fudge and cookies) to savory (Chinese black rice salad with cranberries).
When you’ve had your fill of fruit, head 20 minutes north of the bog to stay at Four-Star The Wauwinet. This secluded hideaway offers plenty of coastal charm, but doesn’t skimp on epicurean extras. Visit the library for evening port and cheese before dining on seafood specialties at Four-Star Topper’s and sampling from the impressive 25,000-bottle wine cellar.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Much like Miami’s Once Upon a Kitchen, this Disney dining extravaganza makes it easy to taste your way around the globe. From August 29 to November 23, Orlando’s Epcot World Showcase enhances its already international flavors with a roster of culinary demonstrations, savory seminars and cooking classes for all ages.
Rub elbows with some of the industry’s most famous faces during weekly Sunday Brunch with the Chef events and Party for the Senses tasting fetes — talented toques like Andrew Zimmern, David Burtka, Cat Cora and Robert Irvine are all scheduled to make appearances.
Between bites, retreat to nearby Waldorf Astoria Orlando for a serene respite from the action. Recharge in a poolside cabana, on the Rees Jones-designed greens or in the spa’s Himalayan salt room before hopping on the complimentary shuttle back to the park for seconds.
No list of food events would be complete without mention of one of the world’s biggest beer festivals. From September 21 to October 6, the 186th Munich Oktoberfest takes over the Bavarian town with a purpose-built, 100-acre village packed with tasting tents, beer gardens and carnival rides.
While local brews are certainly a highlight, gourmet German bites like cheesy spaetzle (egg pasta), pork schnitzel and even vegan dishes (organic sauerkraut strudel) pair well with the oversized pints.
Toast the festivities in style with Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Munich’s Celebrate Oktoberfest package. The offer includes VIP perks like a vintage bus ride to the fairgrounds and access to the popular Schützen-Festzelt tent, where you’ll savor a traditional three-course dinner and two generously sized beers to wash it all down.
Celebrate all things Tex-Mex at the 10th edition of this flavorful Scottsdale fiesta. On October 12 and 13, dig into delicious tacos from more than 50 regional restaurants and food trucks while sipping margaritas and listening to live music.
But it’s not all about the bites here. Dedicated tequila and hot sauce expos help you pick your poison, the Taco Society Culture Tent lets you browse for savory souvenirs and the Lucha Libre Wrestling Arena and Chihuahua Beauty Pageant provide non-edible entertainment.
Beat the festival’s heat at The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, a Five-Star oasis less than 25 minutes south of the venue. Cool off in the cabana-lined pool or at the recently renovated spa — either way, the lavender-scented turndown gift in your room is sure to lull you to sleep in no time.
L’Auberge Carmel at Magee Homestead
Savor the flavor of an epicurean event without the crowds at Five-Star Magee Homestead this fall. From September 26 to 28, the luxe ranch will host California-based chef Justin Cogley of L’Auberge Carmel‘s Five-Star Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel for a weekend of culinary collaboration featuring the best of Wyoming’s bounty. Before digging into dinner, though, make the most of the resort’s 30,000 acres with outdoor adventures ranging from mountain biking and horseback riding to fly-fishing and yoga. If those pursuits don’t work up an appetite, then a tour through the 94-yard wine cellar might just do the trick.
