Taste of Place

Learn more about Blanca on her website here. You can also meet her on LinkedIn here. And you'll also find her on Instagram here. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

In this conversation, you will learn: Why storytelling matters more than marketing in culinary tourism How memorable experiences are built around people and place—not products Why sustainability and authenticity are essential for the next generation of tourism professionals How destinations can better collaborate with experience creators Visit Marc's website here. Connect with Marc on LinkedIn. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Mauricio's business: www.lastorres.comMauricio on LinkedIn The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

00:00 – 04:30Early passion for food, growing up in agricultural Ireland, and choosing a “safe” banking career04:30 – 07:00Opening and running a café with limited resources - lessons in authenticity, service, and commitment07:00 – 09:30Transition from hospitality operations to food consultancy and returning to formal education09:30 – 11:30Finding a voice through gastronomy studies and stepping into leadership through knowledge11:30 – 13:30Telling Ireland’s overlooked food stories - workers, tenant farmers, and everyday heritage13:30 – 18:30Irish whiskey as cultural identity: history, grains, mash bills, resilience, and food pairings18:30 – 21:00Whiskey tourism experiences and changing Irish drinking culture21:00 – 25:30St. Brigid: goddess, saint, hospitality icon, and inspiration for food-led cultural events25:30 – 30:30County Wicklow’s food network - abundance, collaboration, and regional pride30:30 – 33:30Comparing Wicklow and Boyne Valley; celebrating Ireland’s regional diversity without competition33:30 – 36:30Why Irish food storytelling must start at home, not just with tourists36:30 – 39:30Hospitality labor, work-life balance, and sustaining Irish voices in food and tourism39:30 – 44:30Cuisine evolution, immigration, innovation, and respectful adaptation of tradition44:30 – EndReflections on food tourism, gratitude, and the role of shared language in shaping a fieldYou can learn more about Santina here. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

00:00 – Introduction01:05 – From Germany to Scotland02:10 – Discovering the Isle of Harris04:30 – A Dream, a Word, and a Business Idea06:45 – From Concept to First Jar08:00 – Changing How People Think About Mustard10:05 – Producing Food in a Remote Location14:10 – Organic Ingredients and Sustainability Challenges17:15 – Visitors, Honesty Boxes, and Tastings18:45 – Creating Unusual Flavours21:30 – Recognition and Leadership23:00 – Growth Without Becoming Mass Market25:15 – The Future of Mustard and Clean Food29:00 – Certification, Labels, and Consumer Choice33:00 – Personal Growth and Finding One’s Calling34:45 – Closing ThoughtsVisit her website here.Visit her on Instagram here. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

This episode explores:• The power of intuitive cooking and ancestral knowledge• Why authenticity is often misunderstood—and misused—in modern food culture• The role of terroir, tradition, and memory in shaping true culinary experiences• How social media trends have distorted our understanding of real food• Why reconnecting with the sources of ingredients can transform how we taste• The importance of slowing down, sharing stories, and cooking together• Lessons from regional Italy that the world urgently needs todayInstagram – @danielasfarahttps://www.instagram.com/danielasfaraLinkedIn – Daniela Sfarahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danielasfara The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

1:00 – The Origins of Paccari03:00 – Empowering Farmers07:00 – Saving Biodiversity08:00 – Distinct Flavors of Place14:00 – Chocolate as Happiness17:00 – The Raw Bar Revolution18:00 – Beyond Business: A Social Mission20:00 – Toward a Chocolate Map of Ecuador23:00 – Economic Challenges and Climate Change27:00 – Environmental Threats at Home31:00 – Ethics and Consumer Power33:00 – Recognition as the World’s Most Ethical Chocolate35:00 – Industry Corruption and Hope for Change39:00 – Knowledge Is PowerLearn more about Paccari chocolate.Read the Ethical Consumer Magazine article (pages 10-17) about Paccari.NB: Paccari is the new spelling of the brand's name. Formerly, it was written as Pacari, which is a Quechua word meaning "nature" or "something that comes from the Earth". The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. Originally from Mexico, Ximena has dedicated the past decade to changing perceptions of Mexican food abroad, proving that it is far more than fajitas or chili con carne. She shares her journey from working with Atout France to creating her own cultural platform, the challenges of promoting Mexican gastronomy in a country so deeply proud of its own food traditions, and the victories that come from perseverance, creativity, and trust in her instincts.We discuss:How Ximena turned frustration into inspiration to launch ¡Qué Gusto!The cultural misunderstandings she continually must overcome about Mexican cuisineWhy storytelling, heritage, and women cooks are central to preserving authenticityThe importance of reinventing events and strategies to stay relevantHer vision for expanding Mexican gastronomy’s presence in France and beyondXimena’s story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s determination can transform perceptions, build bridges between cultures, and spark curiosity about authentic flavors. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Paula Mohammed – podcaster, cultural explorer, and founder of In My Kitchen. Paula’s story begins with a unique multicultural upbringing as the daughter of a Pakistani father and mother from New Zealand with Māori heritage, raised in both Canada and New Zealand.She shares how a childhood memory of curried peas sparked a lifelong passion for connecting cultures through food. From organizing events and working in sports marketing, to launching In My Kitchen and facilitating culinary exchanges worldwide, Paula has built a life around creating peace through food — one dish and one story at a time.We explore:How Paula’s diverse heritage shaped her love of food and cultureThe origin story of In My Kitchen and its global hostsHer three principles of travel and food exploration: Let it marinate, let it bend, let it unfoldWhy Portugal was a turning point in her personal and professional journeyHer evolving definition of success — from chasing big events to cultivating connection and legacyWhether you’re a traveler, a food lover, or simply curious about how food can foster deeper human connection, Paula’s journey is full of wisdom and inspiration.In my Kitchen websitePaula's Instagram page The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Chapters00:38 – Childhood in Ivory Coast and street food memories03:14 – Turning passion into a chef’s career04:55 – Defining Afro-fusion cuisine06:55 – Life between Paris and London11:33 – MasterChef experience and lessons learned17:19 – Impact of the show on career and clients19:19 – Advice for young chefs: resilience, teamwork, and passion26:38 – Reflections on Gordon Ramsay’s style30:25 – Founding Douceurs d’Ivoire and catering work32:55 – Tea, koutoukou liqueur, and new product ventures36:55 – The origin of jollof rice debateYou can learn more about Paule on her Instagram page. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Episode Chapters00:00 Journey to Nova Scotia02:21 Exploring Pier 21 and Its Significance04:59 The Intersection of Food and Immigration07:46 Exhibit Highlights: Eat, Make, Share10:00 Cultural Significance of Canadian Cuisine12:25 The Role of Indigenous Foods14:48 Coffin Ships and Historical Context17:32 The Evolution of Canadian Culinary IdentityVisit Sara on LinkedIn here.Visit the Eat, Make, Share: A Taste of Immigration show in Halifax, Nova Scota in 2025. Learn more here. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Local Connection is Key: Siham emphasizes the importance of involving local people and communities in creating authentic travel experiences that reflect Morocco’s true culture.More than Sightseeing: Her tours focus on immersive, hands-on experiences—such as cooking classes, tea ceremonies, and visits with local producers—that tell the story of Morocco through food.Personal Passion: Siham’s love for storytelling, food, and people led her to leave a more traditional career path and start her own business centered around meaningful travel.Culinary as a Cultural Gateway: She believes Moroccan food is not just about flavors, but a lens into heritage, history, and identity.Supporting Local Artisans: Siham prioritizes working with small producers and artisans, ensuring her tours directly benefit the communities visited.Women in Tourism: As a female entrepreneur in Morocco’s tourism industry, Siham has faced and overcome challenges, and she actively supports empowering women through her work.Beyond Marrakech: While many tourists flock to Marrakech, Siham encourages exploration of lesser-known places like the Rif mountains, the Sahara, and Berber villages.Farm-to-Table Focus: Tours are intentionally curated to include farm visits, showcasing local ingredients and traditional preparation methods.Sustainable Storytelling: She believes that telling the stories of people, places, and products is crucial for preserving culinary heritage in the face of globalization.Experiences with Heart: What sets her company apart is the emotional connection travelers feel—they don’t just visit Morocco, they connect with it.You can learn more about Siham and her company here:Morocco Travel Organizer websiteInstagramLinkedIn The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Some of the points we discussed include:Jamie’s personal journey from Canada to Tunisia via a love of Arabic culture and music.The challenge of low global awareness of Tunisian food compared to Moroccan or Lebanese cuisine.Tunisia’s historical focus on beach and desert tourism, with limited support for culinary tourism.Creative food experiences designed by Jamie’s company, including olive oil tastings and cooking with local chefs.Collaborating with artisans to turn traditional food production into immersive travel experiences.The difficulty of marketing Tunisian cuisine in France, where it’s often seen as lowbrow or ordinary.Discussion on how fine dining (like Michelin starred restaurants) does not reflect true value in culinary culture and heritage.Reflections on tourism trends shifting toward authenticity, sustainability, and deeper cultural engagement.The historical layering of Tunisia’s cuisine - from Roman to Ottoman to African influences.You can learn more about Jamie and his company, and get in touch with him through these links:https://www.facebook.com/SawaTastehttps://www.instagram.com/sawatasteoftunisia/https://sawataste.com/eng/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sawa-taste-of-tunisia/ The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

HighlightsArizona agriculture is a $31.9 billion industry.Yuma, Arizona is known as the lettuce capital of the U.S.Arizona produces high-quality durum wheat for pasta, which is exported to Italy, among other places.Agritopia Farms is a best practices model for urban agriculture.Education is key to connecting children with agriculture.Sustainability practices are essential for future farming.Food security is a critical issue in agriculture.Local farms can provide fresh produce to communities.Community engagement is vital for urban agriculture.Growing herbs at home is a great way to start gardening.Chapters00:00 Understanding Arizona Agriculture10:01 The Story of Agritopia Farms20:10 Urban Agriculture and Community Engagement29:58 Sustainability and Future of AgricultureMeet ChristyLinkedIn profileAgritopia Farm website The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Allison Zinder's websiteAllison Zinder on LinkedIn The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Linkshttps://www.thepizzagarage.com/https://www.instagram.com/audreyjanespizza/ The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Visit Valentina's PizzeriaMeet Joe on YouTubeSee Joe in action and his award-winning pizzas on Instagram.This episode sponsored by the World Food Travel Academy, training and certification for culinary tourism professionals. The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

www.missallergicreactor.comAllie's courses: https://allie-bahn-teaches.teachable.com/p/homehttps://www.instagram.com/miss_allergic_reactor The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.

Dos Sucres Restaurant in Cuenca, Ecuador The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.