When I’m on the road, my schedule isn’t packed with sightseeing spots and tourist destinations — instead, it revolves around dining at restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. For me, the highlight of any journey is experiencing new culinary delights, and some of my most cherished memories stem from the delectable dishes I’ve savored along the way. (The main challenge lies in building up an appetite between meals, but that’s where those famous landmarks come in handy.)
Road trips are a haven for food enthusiasts: they allow you to cover vast distances, set your own timetable (and accommodate last-minute reservations), and, as you’re in control behind the wheel, you can stop for any enticing roadside offerings (hello, fresh produce stands!).
To execute all of this successfully, thorough preparation is key. Through my travels, I’ve refined my strategy for exploring the finest food options available. So, to assist you in discovering the most delectable stops on your summer road trips, I’m sharing my approach.
Conduct Research and Verify
When I decide on my travel destination, I adopt a three-pronged strategy for researching food options. Rest assured, it’s not as daunting as it sounds and can be completed in as little as half an hour.
Firstly, I conduct an initial online search for credible articles and restaurant recommendations in the area (check out CBC, Frommer’s, Maclean’s, Condé Nast Traveler, and Eater). This serves as a solid starting point and provides insights into the destination’s culinary scene and specialties.
Next, I explore TikTok and Instagram using search terms like “best Halifax restaurants,” “best food in Halifax,” and “Halifax food.” You can narrow down your search if you have specific preferences — for example, “best lobster in P.E.I.” or “best Jewish deli in Montreal.”
Lastly, I reach out personally for recommendations. This could be as simple as a text to a friend or a social media post. Nothing beats a recommendation from a trusted source.
Once I’ve gathered my information, I look for commonalities among the recommendations — the sweet spot where various individuals and unrelated sources mention the same restaurant or dish. This is where the culinary magic unfolds! You’ll be surprised at how frequently this occurs once you start searching. (This was how I stumbled upon the most heavenly deep-fried chicken wings at Phnom Penh during my travels in Vancouver, and I still reminisce about them.)
Consider Ratings Wisely
Though not an exact science, analyzing basic statistics from a restaurant’s Google reviews can provide valuable insights. Yelp and Tripadvisor are also useful resources, but I prefer Google due to the abundance of reviews.
Generally, I avoid establishments with ratings below 4.1 stars. While lower ratings don’t necessarily mean the food is subpar, I prefer to play it safe while traveling to avoid potential disappointments.
<p dir="ltr