Mercure’s Culinary Adventure: Exploring Global Gastronomy
In celebration of summer in the northern hemisphere, Mercure’s Bucket List offers a list of ideas for learning traditional recipes and expert techniques from local artisans and chefs around the world…
(IN SHORT) Mercure hotels launches its Bucket List, featuring 50 curated food and drink experiences aimed at culinary enthusiasts. From Vietnamese cooking classes in Danang to cheese-making workshops in Paris, these hands-on adventures offer travelers the opportunity to delve into local cuisines and cultures. Each experience is conveniently located near a Mercure hotel, ensuring guests can fully immerse themselves in the destination’s culinary delights while enjoying a comfortable stay. With a focus on connecting guests with local communities, Mercure’s Bucket List promises to satisfy the appetite of food and wine aficionados worldwide.
(PRESS RELEASE) Paris, France, 2024-May-31 — /Travel PR News/ — Summer in the northern hemisphere is a special time for food and wine aficionados. Orchards are brimming with apples, peaches, plums, and more. Vegetable gardens are abundant with tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans. Meanwhile, vineyards witness the first small shoots emerging, signaling the beginning of a new crop. For the food-motivated among us, it is a wonderful time to explore the world and discover its tastiest treasures. To celebrate the longer days and provide fresh motivation, Mercure’s Bucket List offers a bounty of ideas for brushing up on one’s culinary skills or perfecting the art of a special dish to share at the next social gathering.
“At Mercure hotels, our ambition is to connect guests with the local destination. Food is one of the best ways you can immerse yourself in another culture – it allows us to expand our minds, fill our hearts and nourish the soul”, said James Wheatcroft, Global SVP Midscale Brands at Accor. “Our Bucket List is filled with wonderful hands-on learning experiences that allow travellers to dig deep into the local culture and fill their cups with the teachings of chefs, artisans, and farmers. Enjoying a favourite meal or ingredient is terrific – but when you learn how to prepare it, you can spread that joy and share the experience with others, which is truly an expression of love.”
Mercure’s Bucket List is a selection of 50 handpicked food and drink experiences, revealing some of the world’s most authentically cool spots to nosh – each conveniently located within the vicinity of a charming and well-connected Mercure hotel. The food-centric list is an extension of the brand’s popular ‘Discover Local’ program, which highlights local specialties and reveals unexpected local stories to its guests. With over 950 hotels worldwide, from Jakarta to Oxford, Mercure enjoys a warm and welcoming presence in its communities, with hotel teams delighted to share their insights with travellers about the local life of each neighbourhood.
The following is a sampling of seven food adventures and hands-on cooking workshops featured in Mercure’s Bucket List which is available at www.mercurebucketlist.com.
“Danang is renowned for its local cuisine and fresh ingredients, making it a culinary gem of Vietnam,” said Jolie Dang, host of the Hoi An experiential culinary class. At Jolie’s cooking class in Danang City, travellers begin by exploring a bustling local market, learning to shop like a local, before visiting an organic garden to understand the region’s fresh produce. With these ingredients, and under Jolie’s expert guidance, guests can craft delicious masterpieces. Stay at: Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills
“Australian wines are celebrated globally for their exceptional quality and diverse range. From the robust Shiraz to the elegant Chardonnay, each bottle captures the unique terroir and innovative spirit of Australian winemaking”, says Cameron Abbott, General Manager at Mercure Melbourne Doncaster. The hotel recommends guests explore the nearby Yarra Valley, home to some of the country’s best vineyards. The Hubert Cellar doors is a must stop, as is Zonzo, an Italian restaurant where all dishes are prepared with local ingredients. Stay at: Mercure Melbourne Doncaster
“Malaysians enjoy tea for its many health benefits and for boosting immunity, while flower-scented teas, such as orchid and jasmine, are especially effective in freshening the mind and relaxing thoughts,” said Wong Sook Yee, Purple Cane Tea Master. At Purple Cane Tea Art Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur, guests will learn all about the restorative effects, art, and culture of tea at this guided tour and tea experience, with hands-on brewing lessons and tastings. Stay at: Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade
“In Porto, minha casa é sua casa – it is very much part of the culture to share your home, your food, and your heart,” said Patrícia Vieira da Silva, a Portuguese foodie. Patricia has been making pasteis de nata (a traditional custard tart) in her Porto kitchen for many years. Guests of her workshop will learn the secrets to making the best pastel de nata while learning about Portuguese culture and history. Stay at: Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
“Everyone has their favourite Thai noodles dish, and our specialty in Rayong is a recipe that has been handed down through many generations,” said Tanatorn (Toom) Chuanguangthong, local Rayong resident and host of the cooking. At this workshop, guests learn how to make Kanom Jean Bann Yai Rod. Toom leads guests through the market, gathering essentials such as Yellowtail scad, turmeric, and butterfly pea flowers. She then shares traditional Thai cooking methods and the recipe she learned from her mother. Stay at: Mercure Rayong Lomtalay Villas & Resort
“Rome is where many of Italy’s most famous, and deceptively simple pasta dishes, hail from – and it starts with the creation of the most perfect fettucine,” said Marco Ministeri, General Manager of Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna. At the Mattarello Piazza Bologna workshop in Rome, guests arrive at the restaurant’s laboratory in the morning where they start with a master class in fettucine making, followed by a lesson in classic Roman recipes that pair well with the long, broad pasta, such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Stay at Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna
“Paris is known for its fashion, fine restaurants, beautiful monuments and parks, art and history – and now, finally, for its cheese,” said Franck du Chapelet, General Manager of Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier. Laiterie La Chapelle resides in the 18th arrondissement in Paris – the first Parisian dairy, producing cheese, yogurt, and dessert from the milk of cows who graze just 35km away. In the dairy production room, guests will craft their own tommette cheese, cellar it for three months, then return to savour their creations. Stay at Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier Hotel & Spa
After a full day of adventure and learning, guests can return to a warm, authentic, and locally inspired Mercure hotel for a comfortable and cosy night’s sleep. To start planning your next trip and discover Mercure’s Bucket List experiences, visit Mercure’s Bucket List website.
About Mercure
Inspired by Mercury, the Roman god of travellers, Mercure hotels offer far more than just a place to sleep – they are a gateway to the destination, a warm invitation to discover and explore the locale. Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has been dedicated to unveiling the treasures surrounding each address, delivering high-quality standards infused with a deep sense of place. Through its “Discover Local” program, Mercure welcomes guests to Feel Local Everywhere – be it in Rio, Paris, Bangkok or many other destination across the globe. Every detail, from the decorative arts to our passion for uncovering local food and drink delights is curated to reflect the unique essence of each destination. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centres, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 960 hotels in 65+ countries. Mercure is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
Media Contact:
Caroline Ponomarenko
PR & Communications Director – PM&E Brands, Accor
Caroline.Ponomarenko@accor.com
Source: Accor
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