When embarking on a journey, my schedule isn’t filled with typical sightseeing spots — instead, it revolves around dining establishments such as restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. For me, the highlight of any trip is indulging in new culinary experiences, with some of my most cherished memories revolving around the delectable dishes I’ve savored along the way. (The main challenge lies in building up an appetite between meals, but that’s where visiting landmarks comes in handy.)
Road trips are a paradise for food enthusiasts: you get to explore vast territories, create your own timetable (and accommodate last-minute dining reservations), and have the freedom to stop for all kinds of roadside delicacies (think farm-fresh produce stands!).
However, to successfully execute all of this, thorough preparation is essential. Throughout my journeys, I’ve refined my strategy for sampling the finest cuisine available. To assist you in pinpointing the most delectable stops during your summer road trips, I’ll share my approach.
Conduct Detailed Research, Then Validate Information
Upon finalizing my travel destination, I adopt a three-pronged strategy for researching food options. Rest assured, it’s not as complicated as it sounds and can be completed in as little as half an hour.
Initially, I conduct an initial online search for credible articles and restaurant recommendations in the area (check sources like CBC, Frommer’s, Maclean’s, Condé Nast Traveler, and Eater). This serves as a solid starting point, providing insights into the destination’s specialties and renowned eateries.
Subsequently, I explore TikTok and Instagram using search terms like “best Halifax restaurants,” “top food spots in Halifax,” and “Halifax cuisine.” If you have specific preferences, you can narrow down your search with terms like “finest lobster in P.E.I.” or “top Jewish deli in Montreal.”
Lastly, I seek personal recommendations by reaching out to friends or posting on social media. Nothing beats a suggestion from a trusted source.
After gathering information, I identify commonalities among the recommendations — the sweet spot where multiple individuals and independent sources mention the same eatery or dish. This is where culinary wonders await! You might be surprised by how frequently such overlaps occur once you start investigating. (That’s how I stumbled upon the most heavenly deep-fried chicken wings at Phnom Penh while exploring Vancouver, an experience that still lingers in my dreams.)
Strike a Balance with Review Ratings
While it’s not an exact science, analyzing simple metrics from a restaurant’s Google reviews can offer valuable insights. Platforms like Yelp and Tripadvisor are also beneficial, but I prefer Google due to its extensive review database.
As a rule of thumb, I tend to avoid places with ratings below 4.1 stars. This doesn’t imply that lower-rated establishments lack good food, but when traveling, I prefer to play it safe to minimize potential disappointments
