Mangiamo!

Eating is a integral part of traveling. Perhaps, the very most important in my book. One of the first portals into a foreign land, the initial moments-of-truth, undoubtedly involve whatever local fare one decides to put into their mouth. As one indulges in the sights, sounds and smells, experiencing one Ratatouille moment after the next, unparalleled memories are formed, not unlike the miniature culinary savant's.

Culinary Tourism is a rapidly growing trend. The explosion of reality show series such as Master Chef, The Taste and Top Chef has made one thing abundantly clear - Foodies are taking over the world. A Top Chef is undoubtedly always a stone's throw away, and depending on your foodie-ness, chances are you've dined at an establishment that is home to one such chef. Most foodies can admit to making a journey solely to experience their favorite chef. I know I have.

As explorers, travelers, globe-trotting vagabonds, we want something different - a new experience to relish in and then to share (and likely Instagram) with others.

These experiences are springing up in the form of food trucks, restaurants and private tastings - and whether you're in the hospitality industry or not, opportunities to commingle with your favorite chefs, while they cook for you, come in the form of year-round, nationwide foodie festivals that are growing in number, as well as in popularity.

While Los Angeles Food & Wine and The Taste LA lingers a little longer on our palettes, the excitement can begin to simmer in anticipation of the upcoming New York City Wine and Food Festival.

On October 11th-October 14th, 2012, up-and-coming sous chefs and top chefs alike will convene in New York City to Eat. Drink. and End Hunger. in an event sponsored by Food Network and presented by Food & Wine. 

Not only can fellow foodies indulge over 4 days and over 130 events of the best culinary creations the city has to offer, they can participate in a valiant effort to help end world hunger. One hundred percent of the festival's net proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of New York City and Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign.

Rarely does this much eating deliver so many benefits.

So Get Involved and Get to Eating!

Ciao!
xx
The Gypset Muse

P.S. If you can't make the festival, all is not lost. You can still donate via the web, and also grab an amazing memento of the event - a comfy, clever tee c/o Flavour Gallery, Fashion for Foodies! The official #NYCWFF collection has arrived, plus check out the rest of their inventory! Grab your must-have-tee TODAY!