Eating is an essential part of travel. Dining out in restaurants, visiting markets, and sampling the local cuisine can create some of the best travel memories. And if you have a serious appreciation for food and wine, you should also visit the food stores in your destination. They're good places to buy souvenirs or gifts for friends back home. And you can also pick up supplies for a delightful picnic in the park.
Several food stores are major attractions, with travelers considering them one of the must-sees on their itinerary. Most have a huge array of products. And seeing what the local gentry eats is a good way to gain a better understanding of the local culture.
As a rule, the top food stores are located in the heart of downtown. Many of them were established more than a century ago, and they're especially appealing during the holidays when traditional pastries, desserts, and confections are beautifully displayed.
Food stores in London, Paris, and Milan.
Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason are two smaller London department stores, and both have food halls selling gourmet goodies. But the big daddy of London food stores is at Harrods. With Art Nouveau tile work, gorgeous displays - the still lifes made from fresh fish are incredible - and dozens of departments, the food halls here are amazing. You can find virtually anything edible, and there are a dozen restaurants too, including a deli, dim sum, a pizzeria with an opera-singing pizza maker, a Champagne and oyster bar, and a fish and chips shop. Any gift in the dark green Harrods box will be greatly appreciated.
There are lots of wonderful food shops in Paris. There are several near the Place de la Madeleine, including Hediard and Fauchon, which are both wonderful. If you only have time to visit one and you're on the Left Bank, Le Grande Epicerie, on the ground floor of the Bon Marche department store, is your best bet. At 9,000 square feet, it's grande. And very impressive. More than 80 kinds of bread, dozens of pastries, cheeses, sausages, game, oysters, and spices are arranged in separate sections, and there's a vast selection of prepared foods too.
Peck opened in Milan in 1883. It's a three-story shop with 10,000 square feet of the best Italian foods and wines. In fact, there are more than 5,000 kinds of wine available. At Christmas time, the window displays are some of the best in town. And pretty much everything is made fresh each morning. The Italian salumi, cheese, pastas, olive oils, vinegars, and condiments are delicious, but not for the budget minded. Come here for the best gelato in Milan.
Food stores in Vienna and Berlin.
Established in 1862 in Vienna, Julius Meinl was the caterer for the Hapsburgs. It's on the pedestrianized Kohlmarkt, not far from the Hofburg Palace. With 400 kinds of cheese, 16,000 different items in stock, and one of the best restaurants in Vienna, it's a great place to come for lunch, followed by a little shopping.
KaDeWe is Berlin's leading department store and their food hall has 30 different departments. Paris food purveyors Lenotre, Hediard, Fauchon, and Paull bocuse have outlets here. And the best products are imported from all over the world. The selection of fish and seafood is mind boggling. And with 3,400 kinds of wine, you'll have no trouble finding the right accompaniment.
