“This isn’t your usual list of fine-dining hotspots and award-winning chefs. Rather, Mercure’s Bucket List is about making those delightful, local discoveries – the ones you need to be in the know, to know. These are the heavenly taste experiences that talented cooks, fisherman, farmers, and artisans are quietly creating for their local clientele. Food experiences that reflect their history, their terroir, what’s indigenous, what’s in season,” said James Wheatcroft, Global SVP Midscale Brands at Accor. “Our Mercure hotel teams are not only genuinely knowledgeable about their neighbourhoods, but they care about the local producers and suppliers in their regions. The hotel teams want to enrich their community and the guests’ that travel there and create an opportunity to learn about the craft and passion that’s put into local produce. Their favorite spots are gathered in our Bucket List as a way of celebrating what people are doing, making, and buzzing about in our communities.”
The Mercure Bucket List expands on the brand’s acclaimed ‘Discover Local’ initiative, which spotlights local specialties and uncovers hidden local tales for its guests. This effort highlights Mercure’s commitment to offering genuine, local experiences that extend beyond the usual hotel stay, promoting connections with local communities and celebrating the spirit and exploration of travel. With over 950 properties globally, from Jakarta to Oxford, Mercure presents a friendly and inviting atmosphere in its communities, with hotel staff eager to share their local knowledge with visitors about the life and culture of each area.
For food enthusiasts seeking to indulge their senses in 2024, here’s a selection of twelve unique and genuine culinary adventures. Details for the entire list can be found at mercurebucketlist.com.
Embark on a cycling journey through Jakarta, making a delightful stop at Rumah Kopi Papowi, a charming café where three generations – Akong, Papa, and Owi – delight guests with a blend of Indonesian and Chinese comfort food. Your stay at Mercure Jakarta Pantai Indah Kapuk awaits.
Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of India at Luqma Kitchen in Hyderabad, an NGO empowering women and youth through culinary skills training. Savor the biryani, infused with the aromatic warmth of cardamom. Your accommodation: Mercure Hyderabad KCP.
Enjoy afternoon tea on a serene floating terrace along the River Thames, including a visit to the Folly restaurant in Oxford, England. Float past Rose Island, the muse behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Relax later at Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel.
Explore the essence of South African cuisine with traditional home-cooked meals at Vee’s Tasty Dishes in Nelspruit, featuring grilled fish, fried chicken, and the beloved modogu with pap, a South African polenta. Find comfort at Mercure Nelspruit.
Join the chef for a dining experience at Ajikura Tengoku, a Yakiniku restaurant in Takayama, Japan, renowned for its exquisite Hida Wagyu beef, masterfully seared over charcoal by Chef Ajikura. Stay at Mercure Hida Takayama.
Experience a unique blind wine tasting in Bordeaux, France, where the senses are heightened to explore the nuances of Saint-Emilion Grands Crus, paired with chocolate and music, all while blindfolded. Unwind at Mercure Bordeaux Gare Atlantic.
Discover the craftsmanship of Hungarian handmade chocolates at My Choccy, a family-owned boutique in Budapest, offering a dazzling array of over 100 flavors in a setting reminiscent of a luxurious jewelry box. Stay at Mercure Budapest Korona.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand in Berlin, Germany, at Thaipark, Preubenpark, where a diverse community gathers to share exceptional Thai, Filipino, Vietnamese, and other cuisines. Your stay: Mercure Berlin Wittenbergplatz.
Wander through aromatic gardens in Vendée, France, at Les Jardins de Pauline 85, where organic edible flowers and herbs enchant the senses and grace the dishes of top chefs nationwide. Stay at Mercure La Roche sur Yon Centre.
Feel the rhythm of the tango and the heat of the grill in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, at El Quincho del Tio Querido, a prime spot for an authentic Argentinean barbecue, complete with live music and dancing. Your stay: Mercure Iguazu Iru.
Take a leisurely stroll through apple orchards in San Sebastian, Spain, learning traditional cider-making techniques, and enjoy fresh Spanish cider with local delicacies. Your accommodation: Mercure San Sebastián Monte Igueldo.
Uncover one of Belo Horizonte’s culinary treasures, Casa Cheia, offering Brazilian classics and family recipes, including the distinctive feijão tropeiro, a twist on the traditional feijoada. Your stay: Mercure Belo Horizonte Lourdes.
After a day of culinary exploration, guests can return to the comforting embrace of a Mercure hotel, where authentic, locally inspired hospitality ensures a restful and cozy night.
Tags: culinary experiences, February celebrations, Gastronomic Adventure, local gems, Mercure Bucket List,
