Whenever I embark on a journey, my schedule doesn’t revolve around famous landmarks and tourist spots. Instead, I prioritize exploring restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. To me, the highlight of any trip is indulging in new culinary experiences, with some of my fondest memories being 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 iconic monuments come in handy.)
Road trips are a paradise for food enthusiasts: you can cover vast distances, create your own timetable (even accommodating last-minute reservations), and, as you’re behind the wheel, you have the freedom to stop for any roadside temptations that catch your eye (hello, fresh produce stands!).
However, to execute all of this successfully, thorough preparation is essential. Over my numerous journeys, I’ve refined my strategy for discovering the finest culinary delights. So, to assist you in pinpointing the most mouthwatering stops on your summer road trips, I’m sharing my methodology.
Research First, then Verify
Upon finalizing my travel destination, I adopt a three-pronged approach to food research. Rest assured, it’s not as daunting as it sounds and can be completed in as little as thirty minutes.
Initially, I conduct an initial online search for reputable articles and restaurant compilations for the area (sources like CBC, Frommer’s, Maclean’s, Condé Nast Traveler, and Eater). This initial step provides a solid starting point and offers a general overview of the destination and its culinary specialties.
Subsequently, I explore TikTok and Instagram, using search terms like “best Halifax restaurants,” “best food in Halifax,” and “Halifax food.” If you have a specific craving, you can narrow down your search, such as “best lobster in P.E.I.” or “best Jewish deli in Montreal.”
Lastly, I solicit personal recommendations. This can be as simple as reaching out to a friend via text or posting on social media. Nothing beats a suggestion from someone you trust.
After gathering my information, I look for commonalities among different sources — the sweet spot where multiple individuals and unrelated sources mention the same eatery or dish. This is where the culinary magic happens! You might be surprised at how frequently this convergence occurs once you start digging. (It was through this method that I stumbled upon the most divine deep-fried chicken wings at Phnom Penh while traversing Vancouver, and the memory of them still lingers.)
Strike a Balance with Ratings
While not an exact science, evaluating basic metrics from a restaurant’s Google reviews can provide insight into what to expect. While Yelp and Tripadvisor are valuable resources, I prefer Google due to the abundance of reviews.
Generally, I avoid establishments with ratings below 4.1 stars. This isn’t to say that lower-rated places lack good food, but I prefer
