Food routes equips fervent foodie travellers with CSI tool

Wednesday, 26 February, 2014
Food Routes
Find out where you really want to wine, dine and recline at the click of a button.

Planning your ultimate culinary travel adventure is now a piece of cake with the newly launched Food Routes platform. Showcasing unique and diverse South African culinary destinations via an interactive website, Food Routes empowers food-loving travellers to pick and plan their preferred ‘wine, dine and recline’ experiences at the click of a button.

Whether you are an avid traveller; intrepid explorer; foodie lover, or pleasure seeking businessman, Food Routes ticks all the right boxes when it comes to offering the country’s warm hospitality through a fusion of excellent accommodation offerings and memorable epicurean experiences.

Via its effortless online booking system, one gets access to endless journeys of enjoyment destined to fulfil the food lover’s quest for the Eden’s of eating and the Shangri-La’s of sleep – enhanced with authentic taste adventures and food related points of interest guaranteed to enchant the Foods Routes traveller whilst en route.

Food Routes is not just another booking portal. It is an exclusive expressway to an amazing array of wine and food adventures across the country and if you are always seeking for unsurpassed gastronomic encounters and mouth-watering excursions during your travels, then Food Routes is your perfect culinary conductor,” explains Riaan Kruger, co-founder of Food Routes.

Food Routes has now also introduced an invaluable ‘Food Forensic Tool’ called Culinary Sensibility Identities (CSI) on its website. This serves as a nifty online evaluation process in which the traveller can compare and match his own unique culinary personality profile to that of a compatible destination.

“Research in the world of food travel has shown that often the reason behind a disappointing culinary experience is the lack of knowledge as to the preferences and expectations of the diner and making sure that the destination’s culinary concept and execution is a good match for that diner. Think of the proverbial “bad blind date” experience. Neither party knows what to expect – a recipe for disaster!” shares Kruger.

The 12 distinct CSI’s featured on the Food Routes site enable the culinary conscious traveller to discover his own dining preferences to ensure a most enjoyable experience, for the diner as well as the establishment. Whether you are a Daredevil, Locavore or a downright Authentic, the outcome of the evaluation basically steers one in the right direction when planning your next holiday trip.

“South Africa ranks right up there with the world’s top foodie destinations when it comes to quality, innovation and diversity and Food Routes gives enthusiasts access to a comprehensive portfolio of gastronomic places and bespoke pleasures to revel in while staying at some of the finest establishments in the country. From authentic artisan producers and must-visit micro breweries to fresh farm markets and awarded restaurants – we cover the gourmet side of your journey and allow you to literally plan your holiday to your taste,” adds Kruger.

From über-cool city spaces to unspoilt hideaways in the Karoo; relaxing mountain retreats to awe-inspiring seaside lodging, the featured Food Route establishments are all cocooned in comfort and luxury, but are as diverse as their menus. Listings are by invitation only and each of the chosen accommodation establishments has been carefully vetted and has an excellent reputation when it comes to culinary prowess.

Food Routes has also identified a selection of unparalleled and authentic dining experiences in South Africa, including some of the DSTV Eat Out Top 10 restaurant super stars of South Africa.

The Food Routes website is a visual feast for the eyes and features numerous culinary experiences

i.e. – a handy map and route planner – monthly chef chitchats – delicious recipes – a laser-beam focus on the best festivals and markets as well as a Table Talk blog to dish out the latest food for thought.

Visit www.foodroutes.co.za to devise your next South African ‘wine, dine, and recline’ adventure and book online, select an enquiry-based quote or request a tailor-made experience designed around specific preferences. Booking requests can also be emailed to reservations@foodroutes.co.za or contact Tel: 082 5427566 or 023 626 3498. Follow Food Routes on Twitter @foodroutescoza and Facebook.

The latest Food Routes destinations include:

Abalone House and Spa

Andries Stockenström Guest House

Babylonstoren

Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse

Birkenhead House

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

De Hoek Country Hotel

Delaire Graff Lodge and Spa

Ellerman House

Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Gorah Elephant Camp – Hunter Hotels

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Hartford House

Karkloof Safari Spa

Kwande Private Game Reserve – Ecca Lodge, Great Fish River Lodge, Uplands Homestead & Melton Manor

La Residence

Majeka House

Nambiti Hills Private Game Reserve

Prana Lodge

Royal Malewane & Africa House

Serendipity Wilderness

Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa

The Country House – Hunter Hotels

The Robertson Small Hotel

Timamoon Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge – Hunter Hotels

Thula Thula

Woodall Country House and Spa