New York
An abundance of fertile farmland and a sophisticated culinary culture make the Empire State’s cities and countryside an enjoyable destination for food lovers.
Signature Dish: Buffalo chicken wings were created at Anchor bar in Buffalo and remain a staple of the region. A favorite regional sandwich called beef on weck also comes from Buffalo.
Don’t Miss This: Grape pies are small, hand-held pies filled with locally made grape preserves and served cold throughout the Finger Lakes region.
Bottoms Up: Craft beer and spirits are booming throughout New York, and visitors can taste some excellent wines in the Finger Lakes and on Long Island’s North Fork
Interactive Experience: The Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, a legendary cooking school, offers one-day Food Enthusiast classes for groups.
Foodie Festival: The Annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally in Binghamton celebrates the spiedie, a local dish made from grilled, skewered meats.
Eat Here: Milleridge Inn is considered one of the oldest treasures of Long Island, serving traditional American cuisine such as lobster, shrimp and salmon.
New Mexico
A thriving Native American culture and influences from south of the border give New Mexico a culinary style that is singular and exciting.
Signature Dish: Green chile is a staple in New Mexico and can be found on everything from enchiladas to cheeseburgers.
Don’t Miss This: Sopapillas, small pastries made of deep-fried yeast dough, are popular as savory dishes with cheese, meat or beans, or drizzled with honey for dessert.
Bottoms Up: Local beer has become stylish in New Mexico, and the state’s True Ale Trail highlights more than three dozen microbreweries.
Interactive Experience: Santa Fe School of Cooking offers an array of hands-on classes that teach groups about the foods of the Southwest.
Foodie Festival: The Hatch Green Chile Festival brings more than 30,000 visitors from across the country to celebrate the distinctive peppers cultivated in the town of Hatch.
Eat Here: El Pinto in Albuquerque serves traditional New Mexican cuisine in indoor and outdoor settings, with plenty of space for large groups.
Wisconsin
There’s much more than cheese to sample in Wisconsin, a Midwestern capital of agriculture and scenic beauty that is perennially popular with groups.
Signature Dish: Friday-night fish fries take place at supper clubs throughout the state and feature staples such as cheese curds, whitefish and ice cream drinks.
Don’t Miss This: Lake Superior whitefish livers are deep fried or sauteed with peppers and onions, served with toast points and homemade tartar sauce.
Bottoms Up: The brandy old-fashioned is the state’s unofficial cocktail, but beer can be found in dozens of microbreweries.
Interactive Experience: The Cheesemaker in Mequon offers cheese-making workshops for groups that include plenty of creating and tasting.
Foodie Festival: The Wisconsin Ginseng Festival takes place in Wausau, the “Ginseng Capital of America,” with field tours, cooking demos and lots of food.
Eat Here: Jim and Linda’s Lakeview Supper Club in Pipe offers elegant food and scenic views of Lake Winnebago.
