In the northern hemisphere, summer is a cherished season for enthusiasts of fine cuisine and wine. This time of year, orchards brim with apples, peaches, and plums, while vegetable gardens yield a bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans.
Vineyards are heavy with grapes, signaling the imminent harvest. For culinary adventurers, summer is the perfect opportunity to explore and savor the world’s gastronomic delights. With sunny days ahead, Mercure’s Bucket List offers an array of engaging workshops designed to enhance your culinary prowess or elevate a dish for your next dinner party.
“At Mercure hotels, our goal is to immerse guests fully in their destination, and cooking is a superb way to dive into a new culture, expanding horizons and feeding both heart and mind,” states James Wheatcroft, Global Director of Midscale Brands at Accor. “Our Bucket List is packed with workshops where travelers can absorb local culture and learn from chefs, artisans, and farmers.
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Appreciating a dish or ingredient is one experience; learning the preparation secrets is another joy, as it allows sharing in a convivial atmosphere with loved ones.”
The Mercure Bucket List is a curated selection of 50 unparalleled taste experiences, showcasing some of the most authentic spots around the world, all conveniently located near a Mercure hotel.
This gastronomic guide builds on the popular “Discover Local” program from the Mercure brand, which highlights regional specialties and intriguing anecdotes. With over 950 hotels worldwide, Mercure ensures a warm and welcoming presence in destinations from Jakarta to Oxford. Their teams are always eager to share their local expertise with travelers.
The Mercure Bucket List is available for viewing at www.mercurebucketlist.com. Here are seven highlighted suggestions for culinary adventures and workshops:
“Da Nang is celebrated for its cuisine and the quality of its produce, making it one of Vietnam’s culinary gems,” says Jolie Dang, host of the recommended culinary workshop in Hoi An.
Participants in Jolie’s Da Nang class start with a vibrant market tour to shop Vietnamese-style, followed by a visit to an organic garden to learn about regional produce. With ingredients in hand, they then create delicious dishes under Jolie’s expert guidance. This experience is available at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills.
“Australian wines are globally renowned for their exceptional quality and diversity. Whether it’s a robust Syrah or an elegant Chardonnay, each bottle captures the unique terroir and innovative spirit of Australian viticulture,” explains Cameron Abbott, General Manager of Mercure Melbourne Doncaster.
Guests are invited to explore the Yarra Valley, home to some of Australia’s finest wineries. Essential stops include the St. Hubert Cellar Door and Zonzo, an Italian restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients. This can be experienced at Mercure Melbourne Doncaster.
In Kuala Lumpur, tea master Wong Sook Yee of the Purple Cane Tea Learning Center shares the health benefits and cultural significance of tea. Guests will enjoy a guided tour, followed by a workshop on tea preparation and a tasting session. This enriching experience can be found at Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade.
In Porto, local culinary enthusiast Patrícia Vieira da Silva shares the secrets of making pasteis de nata (traditional cream tartlets) in her workshop. Participants will learn about Portuguese culture and history while mastering this beloved dessert. This workshop is offered at Mercure Porto Centro Aliados.
Rayong resident Tanatorn (Toom) Chuanguangthong guides guests through the preparation of Kanom Jean Bann Yai Rod, a traditional Thai noodle dish. The workshop includes a market visit to gather ingredients like yellowtail selar, turmeric, and blue butterfly pea flowers, followed by a cooking session where Toom shares her family recipe. This can be enjoyed at Mercure Rayong Lomtalay Villas & Resort.
In Rome, Marco Ministeri, General Manager of Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna, introduces guests to the art of making fettuccine at the Mattarello Piazza Bologna restaurant. Participants arrive early to learn pasta-making techniques and explore classic Roman recipes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. This experience is available at Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna.
In Paris, Franck du Chapelet, General Manager of Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier, highlights the city’s rich cheese-making tradition. At Laiterie La Chapelle, the first urban dairy in the capital, participants create their own tommettes, which they will taste after three months of aging. This workshop is offered at Mercure Paris Opéra Garnier Hotel & Spa.
After a day filled with culinary exploration and learning, guests can return to the comforting embrace of their Mercure hotel, where they can enjoy a restful night’s sleep. To discover more Bucket List experiences and plan your next trip, visit: http://www.mercurebucketlist.com.
For further details, download the press kit or press release from the website.
About Mercure: Inspired by Mercury, the Roman god of travelers, Mercure hotels offer more than just a place to stay—they are a gateway to local discovery. Since its establishment in 1973, Mercure has been committed to unveiling the unique treasures surrounding each of its locations, maintaining high standards while celebrating locality. Through its “Discover Local” program, Mercure invites guests to immerse themselves in the local culture of destinations such as Rio, Paris, and Bangkok.
Each hotel, ideally situated in city centers, by the sea, or in the mountains, reflects the essence of its surroundings. With over 960 hotels in 65 countries, Mercure is part of Accor, a global leader in hospitality, which boasts 5,600 hotels across 110 countries, and the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program offering a wide range of benefits, services, and experiences.
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