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Visit a Galician farm and learn the traditional way of making cheese in Lugo, Spain

Posted on by maryse

The Arqueixal farm was born from an idea 25 years ago. In order to preserve the traditional way of life and production, a local family decided to renovate their farm located in  the heart of Galicia.

They now produce, thanks to the milk of the 35 cows of their herd, two types of cheeses and a yogurt combining ancestral traditions and respect for the environment. You will visit the hamlet in which the Arqueixal farm is located and take the opportunity to prepare your own cheese.

You will have the opportunity to discover the traditional methods used by the farm while listening to the stories and customs of the region. Finally, take a walk around the farm to identify various aromatic plants.

Go on a journey to discover traditional Basque cider in San Sebastian, Spain

Posted on by maryse

The Basque country is renowned for its many traditions, culture, identity and cider. Located in Astigarraga, near San Sebastian, Sagardoetxea is a cider museum where the local traditional beverage is made with fermented apples. This is also the perfect place to learn more about the history and curiosities of traditional Basque cider culture.

Start your experience with a tour of the apple orchards to learn more about the different varieties, how to pick and process them. Then, visit the Cider Museum to learn about its history & culture and discover some secrets behind the production.

Finally, end your day with a cider tasting accompanied by traditional dishes such as a salted cod omelette or quince cheese with walnuts.

Learn to make traditional Thai noodle dish with a local in Rayong

Posted on by maryse

In Thailand, and Rayong in particular, one of the local culinary specialties is Kanom Jean Bann Yai Rod, a traditional noodle dish accompanied by fish and various vegetables. Everyone has their own recipe, but in Rayong, this dish has been handed down from generation to generation.

Toom, your host, learned her recipe from her mother. She is passionate about cooking traditional dishes and will share her knowledge about how to make the best Peanut Chili sauce, jungle spicy curry and Khanom Jean Sau Nam.

Join Toom as you cook her favorite recipe: the famous Kanom Jean Baan Yai Rod from her mother. You’ll have the opportunity to work with local products, such as Yellowtail scad, collected directly from “Ao ma krom pom and Ao Pai”, the local market. You’ll then enjoy your own preparation, which you’ll add to noodles, colored with turmeric or butterfly pea.

Visit a Thai fishing village and meet an 80 years old Koh Samui fisherman

Posted on by maryse

Culture and nature in Koh Samui have always been connected. The Bophut fisherman village is a must-visit destination, renowned as the most beautiful village on the island, still maintaining its old wooden house with the original structures.

Every weekend, the area transforms into a large and lively night market, offering a great opportunity to shop for unique gifts, and daily fresh fishes from Samui shore or simply soak up the atmosphere while enjoying live music and performances. In addition, near the market, a lot of restaurants, such as Auan Tai, provide some of the freshest seafood you could find.

You will have the chance to meet Mr. Arwae Lermae, an 80-year-old native of Koh Samui, who grew up with the original fisherman way of life. With his expertise, he doesn’t rely on modern technologies and rejects commercial fishing due to its significant negative impact. He shares his knowledge to promote and support local fishing communities. You will also savor a tasting at “Auan Tai” restaurant, which offers an authentic “from sea to table” menu.

Learn to bake traditional Turkish cookies in the heart of Istanbul

Posted on by maryse

At Feyzala Kurabiye, a cookie shop in Istanbul, all products are made in front of the guests’ eyes in the small shop, which means that products are made daily and fresh. This is a shop where the famous “Kurabiye” is highlighted. Feyzala is the perfect place to find the best traditional apple Kurabiye in Turkey. 

The experience is a workshop to make unique cookies. You will attend this workshop free of charge and will make cookies that will be donated to a food bank near the hotel to be distributed to people who are living under poverty line.

The aim of this workshop is to improve your skills while discovering the best Turkish cookies recipe. 

Enjoy a typical English teatime while cruising the River Thames in Oxford​

Posted on by maryse

There’s nothing like visiting Oxford on board a regatta to cross the river in the afternoon. Take advantage of this out of time moment to explore the different banks of the river. Folly restaurant is nestled in the heart of Oxford, and its terrace floats on the waters of the River Thames. The restaurant’s identity revolves around a thoughtfully conceived and prepared menu of fresh food and the best seasonal ingredients.

Hop on for a cruise during which you will pass Christ Church Meadows and the University College boathouses before arriving at Iffley Lock, a lively section of the river where rowing teams train.

Then continue your afternoon, enjoying tea and the various treats on board, until you reach Rose Island. The setting is ideal for discovering the beauty of the river and the region, while indulging in the most exquisite English teas.

Explore the distillation process of locally made English spirits in Oxford

Posted on by maryse

The Oxford Artisan Distillery produces a range of spirits using sustainable and heritage-farmed grains. Sustainable farming has always been a key part of their distillation process: they take their time, pay close attention to land regeneration, and actively support biodiversity.

A visit to the distillery is a must for spirit enthusiasts in Oxford. Whether you choose the whisky or distillery tour, both are tailored to introduce you to their latest releases.

You’ll have the opportunity to delve into the distillery’s history, sample some of their spirits, and then return to Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House for a special dinner featuring dishes infused and perfectly paired with the distillery’s local rye whiskies and gins.

Indulge in a wine tasting experience in Paignton, UK

Posted on by maryse

Sanbridge Barton, a 40-year-old vineyard, connects Paignton with the exceptional local products found in the English Riviera. The vineyard and its accompanying facilities have been thoughtfully crafted with sustainability as a primary focus. The premises incorporate an array of environmentally conscious features, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, air-source heat pumps, and a wastewater treatment. Additionally, the vineyard is a member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain.

During this experience, you will visit Sanbridge Barton and have the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of wine production. The experience includes an enlightening wine tasting session. You will also be guided through a collection of wines and winemaking facilities.

Your hosts will explain the processes, spanning from vineyard practices to the bottling stage. It also includes insights about the English Wine industry, the influences of sunlight, soil composition, and precipitation on the harvests.

Try Vietnamese farm to table cuisine in Dalat

Posted on by maryse

Famous for its diversity and abundance of fresh and clean vegetables, tubers and fruits, Dalat City is where Mr Vu established his Dalahouse farm and restaurant. Dalahouse organic farm is nestled beneath the primeval forest in the south of Lam Vien Plateau with the goal of providing customers with nutritious organic vegetables and tubers. 

Embodying the gentle and relaxing Dalat style, the restaurant follows a “from farm to table” concept, allowing you to learn how to prepare local and healthy meals like seasonal fruit salad, organic spring rolls or the famous smoothie bowl made with fresh fruits from the Dalahouse garden.

Finally, you get to savor what you have prepared with the chef, who will share with you his deep knowledge of local cuisine. Visit the Dalahouse organic farm and learn how to prepare local and healthy meals in the restaurant. You can enjoy what you’ve prepared with the chef.

Visit Danang local market and cook traditional Vietnamese dishes

Posted on by maryse

Danang is famous for its local cuisine and fresh ingredients that contribute to creating exquisite Vietnamese dishes. Jolie’s cooking class in Danang City offers an A-to-Z journey for creating traditional Vietnamese meals and Danang’s signature dishes at home.

This experience allows you to learn the art of crafting delicious masterpieces. You will explore one of the largest local markets in Danang and discover how to shop in the Vietnamese way. Afterwards, you will try your hand at farming while meeting local farmers, and gain insights into local vegetables during your visit to Danang locals’ organic garden.

Then, with all your fresh and local products, you will make your own meal thanks to the invaluable information provided by Jolie.

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FEEL LOCAL EVERYWHERE

Inspired by Mercury, the Roman god of travelers, Mercure hotels offer so much more than a place to find comfort and sleep – they are a portal to discovery, a springboard to exploration. 

Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has made it its mission to enlighten guests to the treasures of the location they are in. The network prides itself on offering high-quality standards with a true take on locality.

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