The Seasonal Kitchen: Local Pumpkin Patches to visit

Did you know Illinois is the #1 pumpkin producing state in the US? 

It is now pumpkin season and that means all the local pumpkin patches are open for business as of this weekend! My family is going for our annual birthday party for my niece to the local patch and I am ready! I love the season and all it brings. The food, the weather, the colors, it's all wonderful! I am going to give you an overview of 5 local pumpkin patches within 2 hours from Springfield where you can take your family or go visit on your own. 

1. Bomke's Patch: located at 605 Country Lake Rd. Springfield IL 62711 217-670-2470

Admission for Bomke's for kids under 2 is free, ages 3-65 are $8, and 65+ and military are $6. Bomke's was started as a Christmas Tree farm in 2002 and in 2011 they opened their pumpkin patch. They have 13 acres with over 50 varieties of pumpkins. You can choose to pick your own or choose from a selection of pre-picked options. 

Activities offered include: a play area, corn maze, bean maze, wagon ride, petting zoo, and food truck. Plus, some unique activities like a pumpkin cannon (5$), barnyard bath, and new this year bocci ball! You can feed the animals at the petting zoo for 1$ per cup. 

2. Pumpkin Creek Farmstead: 7392 Barclay Rd. Sherman, IL 62684 217-629-4058

Pumpkin Creek farmstead is opened all week (Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-6, and Sun 12-6). They also offer a season pass for $22- or single-day tickets for $8, $6 for 65+ and $6 Mon-Thurs. 

Pumpkin Creek has been operating for 10 seasons and offers a variety of activities like a play area, petting zoo, corn maze, U-pick, hayrides, country store, and food. This is one of my family's annual places to visit. I especially love the petting zoo with their chickens and highland cows and the apple cider donuts and apple cider slushie! Unique things that they offer are the Haystack Mountain, and new for this year: tug of war, tetherball, and a new game called the rat race. 

3. Indian Creek Farmstead: 19468 Curtis Blacktop Rd. Petersburg, IL 62675 217-993-4050

Open Saturday and Sunday through October 29th- cost is $7 per kid for barnyard admittance, and adults are free unless wanting to go on a wagon ride for $3. 

Indian Creek Farmstead is on 120+ acres and includes over 70 varieties of pumpkins. The property includes 4 buildings (barn, granary, shoppe, and memory barn) some of which are historical. You have an opportunity to see and pet animals, see crops in the field, and learn about the foods as well. This is experiencing farm life and the role of agriculture. 

The Shoppe includes a food area including a vintage ice cream shoppe. I am very excited to check this out this season and this pumpkin patch has a lot of event space available for special events. 

They also have a play area, wagon rides, and a safe alternative to a corn maze using MILO/ Sorghum instead of corn stalks. 

4. Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch: 3902 S Duncan Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 217-359-5565

Free admission and free parking and current hours are Mon-Sat 9-am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. They instead charge per activity instead of a base admission price. 

Free activities include a toddler area and petting zoo. They also include horse drawn carriage rides on Sundays in September and weekends in October for 5 Tokens. There is a restaurant called the Flying Monkey Cafe open 8/26-10/31 from 11am-2pm daily. There is also a store where you can find items like produce, apple products, and unique items. 

The farm was founded in 1873 by the Curtis family and has gone through many changes since then. They started the orchard in 1977 and opened to the public in 1980, when a bad hailstorm prompted them to start making Apple Cider. Since then, it has been an award-winning favorite. The orchard still is a family run business today and is one of the area's most popular spots for Agricultural Tourism. 

5. The Great Pumpkin Patch: 1749A E County Rd. 1900 N Arthur, IL 61911

Open until 10/29, beginning 9/20. Wed-Sun 9-6. Weekday tickets for adults $7, 60+ $5, child 6-12 $5, under 5 free. Weekend tickets for adults $11, 60+ $7, child 6-12 $7, under 5 free.  Season pass available for $22.

The patch is located on over 200 acres and includes over 300 varieties of pumpkins from 20 different countries. The property was started as a homestead property in 1859 and includes some historical buildings including an old schoolhouse. The family started growing pumpkins in 1989 and opened the pumpkin patch to guests. In 2006, they added the Homestead Bakery offering from-scratch baked goods.

They have a corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin art (if you have been you know what I mean), trails, photo ops, animals (my favorite is the three little pigs), a bakery, shop, and thousands of pumpkins to see. 

Not only is this a great pumpkin patch but you drive through the heart of Amish country to get there so it is an experience not to be missed. 

I hope you have a chance to check out one or more of these pumpkin patches and enjoy this wonderful season! I know I plan to check out a couple of them myself! Bring on the apple cider donuts, pumpkin bread, and apple cider slushies!

The Traveling Kitchen: Top Foodie Destinations around the World

 When you plan your next vacation there are some foodie destinations around the world that have a lot to offer. Some are cities and some are countries, but you can't go wrong with any of these destinations when planning a vacation and there are plenty of things to see outside of the food, so you really get an experience of a lifetime! Like the USA list I will give a top 10 and then provide a list of honorable mentions. 

1. Paris, France

France is known for its food landmarks as well as its physical landmarks. When I went to Paris, the food was one of the exciting and interesting things about the trip in some unexpected ways. On this trip, I enjoyed a chocolate croissant in the shadow of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, sandwiches near the Eiffel Tower, and Quiche Lorraine near our hotel. I also experienced a unique dish called Raclette, which is similar to fondue but is a way of melting cheese. All were fantastic. What was surprising was the amount of ham used in their foods. It was difficult to order a meal it seemed without it. Even their pasta had ham in it. The bread was so good, and I loved how they made their sandwiches with butter instead of mayo or mustard. No one ever said it was the healthiest foods, but they are among the tastiest. There are many ways to experience the food in Paris from street side cafes to food tours. 

2. Italy

It's hard to narrow down one area of Italy that has the best food, so I am just going to say the country as a whole. Who doesn't love pasta and pizza. Italy offers cooking classes and food tours as well as some of the world's best food found at restaurants across the country. Some of our best ingredients originate in Italy like olives, tomatoes, wine, cheeses, and the truffle. If you want a really good pizza you need to head to Naples. For a good wine, try Tuscany. This is definitely a place I would love to tour from the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany to Rome. 

3. Tokyo, Japan

If you are a fan of sushi, then Tokyo is where you need to go. Tokyo has the freshest and best Sushi in the world. Tokyo also has the izakaya's. They are great if you want to be a bit adventurous. There is also the Tsukiji outer market that is a must see in Tokyo. You will find unique foods and drinks and will get to sample a lot of different things. Another unique food experience in Tokyo is a traditional tea ceremony. 

4. London, England

London is considered the food capital of the world...why? No where will you find the diverse options of international food, dining experiences, and food activities than in London. You can find every type of cuisine in London, it's not just fish and chips. On top of all the different cuisine you have all of the afternoon tea choices as well. London has markets like the Camden Market, and street food at Boxpark. 

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Who doesn't love Mexican food! And a trip to Mexico City gives you a chance to try authentic Mexican food. You can have a unique experience like making tortillas by hand. You can attend a cooking class and go on a market tour. If I ever make it to Mexico City, I am going to get Tacos Al Pastor. I've made them at home, but I want to try the real thing in Mexico. 

6. Bangkok, Thailand

Thai food is one of the most popular foods around the world. In Bangkok you can experience thai food as it was meant to be enjoyed, at night market from a street vendor. Bangkok also offers cooking classes, food tours, street food, and Michelin star restaurants. They even have floating markets outside of town if you want something unique. Street markets can be found everywhere in Bangkok so there is likely one nearby regardless of where you are staying. The street food is where it is out in Bangkok and bonus it is cheap and delicious. 

7. Barcelona, Spain

Popular local cuisine you will find in Barcelona is paella, croquettes, and gazpacho. Barcelona's most famous food market is La Boqueria and dates back to the 1200's. Of course, no visit to Spain is complete without Tapas. You can actually go on a Tapas Tour in Barcelona. Tapas are not from Barcelona though so for a real Barcelona experience you should go to a Catalan Bodega. This is the closest thing that is authentically from Barcelona to Tapas. Churros are also a traditional treat in Barcelona. Barcelona is also known as the best place to get great charcuterie. The most famous local dessert is the Crema Catalana a local version of Creme Brulee. 

8. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is one of the most coffee centric cities in the world. There are also hipster cafe's dotted around every corner. Melbourne is known for its Parma. An Australian take on chicken Parmigiana. It's a schnitzel topped with Napoli sauce, ham, and a thick layer of mozzarella all melted together. Queen Victoria Market is a must do and an interesting fact. It was built over an old burial ground. It is renowned for its fresh produce, high-quality meat, and baked goods. Food trucks have become a sensation in recent years and the best place to sample the food truck fare is at Food Truck Park. 

9. Munich, Germany

Food in Munch is not just beer, pretzels, and Oktoberfest. One of the most popular places to visit is the Viktualienmarkt. They have a 2-hour food tour, and it is the best way to explore the market. It is Munich's largest food market covering 240,000 sq ft and has 140 stalls. A must eat street food in Munich is the Bavarian sausage or wurst. It is served hot dog style. It's a great way to check out what's fresh and in season and to meet the producers of meat in the region. Typical German cuisine focuses heavily on bread, potatoes, and meat. In Munich, beer is considered a food. So, a trip to Munich would not be complete without a visit to a local beer garden. Munich has over 200 and many have been around for hundreds of years and serve locally brewed beer. The largest beer garden in the world is in Munich, called the Hirschgarten and can seat over 8000 patrons. Another great dish to try is spaetzle. It is a type of egg noodle. Is it any wonder that Munich has become a popular destination for foodies?

10. Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong has all kinds of food stalls, restaurants, and dishes with many different cultural influences. Food tours are one of the best ways to experience the food of Hong Kong. Hong Kong will give you the chance to try a lot of different foods you've never even heard of. The most iconic food in Hong Kong is Dim Sum. Another popular dish is roast goose. I will leave it up to you if that sounds good or not. I have had the opportunity of having food in Hong Kong, but only in the airport. I'm sure it was not the best the country had to offer. 

Honorable mentions

Prague, Czech Republic
Marakech, Morroco

Hanoi, Vietnam

Madrid, Spain

Shanghai, China

Vienna, Austria

New Delhi, India

Seoul, Korea

Tel Aviv, Israel

Dublin, Ireland

The Traveling Kitchen: Top US Foodie Destinations

When you are thinking about a travel destination the food may not be a reason most of you choose to go somewhere. However, there are many places right here in the US that have become a popular destination because of its food. Some places are popular because of regional foods that they offer. Some are popular because of the diverse options available at any budget. Some are popular because of popular festivals where food really shines. Today's post is all about foodie destinations found across the USA. If you are looking for inspiration for your next vacation look no further! I will provide 10 popular places as well as some honorable mentions. 

1. New York City

    New York City is a melting pot of cultures and that really shines through in the cuisine. You can enjoy any type of cuisine within the 300 square mile radius of NYC. You can find great cuisine from Chinatown to the Jewish delis. The city also boasts over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants. New York is known for its pizza and bagels especially. Not only is New York known for its great food, but it's also known for iconic restaurants. There is so much more to a great iconic restaurant than just great food. One of the places I've been that I loved was Tavern on the Green in Central Park. They serve rustic fare, and the setting was just beautiful. The setting and the environment play an important role in an iconic restaurant and NYC is rumored to have over 24,000 iconic restaurants. That is what makes NYC such a great foodie destination. 

2. New Orleans, LA

    New Orleans, LA is a city full of cuisine influenced by French, Spanish, African, German, and Cajun cultures. New Orleans not only has great restaurants and food to experience, but food is also part of the travel experience. You can go on culinary history tours, sidewalk food tours, destination kitchens, and tastebud food tours. New Orleans is also home to renown Chef Emeril Lagasse. I have not had the pleasure of going here yet, but it is on my list. I especially want to try the Beignets at Cafe Du Monde. It is the most famous restaurant to find these doughnut-like specialties. 

    

3. San Francisco, CA

    San Fransisco is a top travel destination because of its culinary ingenuity. It was the birthplace of the Impossible Burger, and the first city to embrace farm to table cuisine. It is also the place where sourdough bread was perfected. The Bay area has more than 50 Michelin- star rated restaurants. The city also has a large diverse offering of restaurants of all types. The city has excellent food tours and learning experiences available. San Francisco is also a leader in using local and sustainable food sources. Some even extending their sustainability commitment to their building and furnishings. The Bay area is also home to the Culinary Institute of America one of the premiere cooking schools. 

4. Los Angeles, CA

    Los Angeles has been a pioneer in California cuisine and fast-casual fare. LA has incredible produce and talented chefs. LA is known for its tacos, Korean barbeque, and its Armenian grilled meats. It's the sandwich though that shines. Every neighborhood has at least one sandwich of note, and many that are famous. LA is both culturally and ethnically diverse and its dining scene rivals NYC. LA is home to the famous In-n-Out Burger. It also has great street food scattered across the city. 

5. Portland, OR

    Portland mixes fresh local ingredients with a great community of adventurous chefs. Portland has been known as the "foodie capital of America" and "Best food city in America". Portland's food scene is not just found in the restaurants. Portland has incredible food carts and farmers markets. Portland is known for its pods. These are a group of food carts or trucks that form a group and stay in one place. Many pods now have real dining areas, some including fire pits, tables, and even stages for live music. 

6. Chicago, IL

    Being from Illinois, I've always heard about the Chicago style pizza, and I have tried it as a kid. I never realized how big the hot dog was in Chicago cuisine. Not just a regular beef hot dog either, premium hot dogs like the Wagyu hot dog. Anthony Bourdain was noted to admit that Chicago's hot dogs beat out the New York City hot dog. Makes me want to try one! Tip: never ask for ketchup on a Chicago style hot dog! I also never realized there were two types of Chicago pizza, the popular deep-dish pizza and the more regularly consumed tavern style which is a square cut thin crust pizza. Chicago offers more than the two types of pizza. Pizza is really something that Chicago excels at. Street food is a vital part of the Chicago food scene. Chicago is also home to the only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the world- Kasama. 

7. Charleston, SC

    I have always heard Charleston as synonymous with great food and it is on the top of my travel wish list. Also known as the 'lowcountry', it celebrates the bounty of its surroundings. It is influenced by Europe, West Africa, and the West Indies. Standard ingredients are oysters, rice, okra, crabs, and grits. Seafood is a must in Charleston. A well-known dish is the popular Shrimp and Grits. The lowcountry boil is another popular dish- a combo of shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and old bay seasoning. Charleston has the largest number of fine dining options per capita. 

8. Miami, FL

    Miami has a melting pot of cultures with a diverse food scene reflective of the cultures it contains. Latin American and Carribean cuisine are found throughout the city, with Cuban food shining. Little Havana is the epicenter of the Cuban cuisine in Miami. One of the most popular sandwiches, the Cubano, is a local spin on a ham and cheese sandwich. The food in Miami has a heavy emphasis on seafood and tropical fruits. Miami was named Bon Appetit's 2023 Food City of the Year. 

9. San Diego, CA

    San Diego is a blend of Spanish and American cuisine. It is well known for its seafood and tacos. There is a diversity of cuisine available and seasonal produce and seafood are bountiful. Known as 'the land of laid-back dining' due to its year-round availability of outdoor dining. Restaurants are dedicated to the farm to table philosophy. Tacos are big in San Diego with everyone having their favorite style and shop. San Diego is also home to the 2nd largest Filipino-American population and offers plenty of traditional and progressive Filipino cuisine. 

10. Austin, TX

    Known as the epicenter of oak-smoked barbecue and Tex-Mex. Austin is also a popular food truck locale. Food trucks are used to test new dishes before introducing them to physical restaurants. They source their ingredients locally. Austin is known as the foodie capital of Texas. Inspired by food from Mexico, American, Indian, Thai, Asian, and the Caribbean it has become one of the most interesting places to eat in Texas. 

Honorable mentions:

Savannah, GA-down south cooking

Houston, TX- barbecue

Philadelphia, PA- Philly Cheesesteak

Nashville, TN- Hot Chicken

Seattle, WA- innovative dishes

Portland, ME known for its lobster