Eat Your Way Around the World with Chef Stephan Pyles

One of the great joys of travel comes from sampling local cuisine along the way. Travel books and websites can only take you so far, however; it’s always best to be guided on location by someone who knows the area.

Chef Stephan Pyles in Dallas, Texas

Wouldn’t it be fun to visit exotic locales with a professional chef along to guide you and your taste buds to the the best flavors the area has to offer? Now you can with renowned Chef Stephan Pyles.

Talk about fabulous, foodie fun!

Hailed as the, “father of Southwestern Cuisine,” Stephan Pyles is a 5th generation Texan who has, to date, created 26 restaurants. Pyles’ most recent eatery, Samar, was directly inspired by his love of travel and features the flavors of India, Spain and the Eastern Mediterranean. Located in the Dallas Arts District, Samar was named “Best New Restaurant – 2009” by The Dallas Morning News.

Interior of Samar in Dallas, Texas

I recently had the pleasure of sampling some of Chef Pyles’ tasty cuisine at his restaurant, Stephan Pyles, in Dallas. The tasting menu that evening featured Moroccan style chipotle shrimp, poached mussels with cinnamon on Turkish rice, and lamb tartar, among many other delectable treats. After the meal, Pyles spoke about his upcoming travels.

Chef Pyles is leading three separate culinary adventures in 2011:

Egyptian Culture & Cuisine (February 15 – 25th, 2011)
Enjoy pyramids, temples, sailing the Nile and lots of great meals, as well as a private lecture by renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.

Cozy outdoor tent style seating at Samar in Dallas, Texas

Turkish Crossroads & Culinary Extravaganza (May 3 – 17th, 2011)
Tour historical sites, small villages, and spice markets with Chef Pyles.

Morocco, the Imperial Cities & the South (October 15 – 28, 2011)
Ride camels across the dunes, explore historical sites, and enjoy remarkable new flavors with Chef Stephan Pyles as your guide.

For more information about these culinary tours, visit the Cuisines of the World with Stephan Pyles website.

Photo credit: Photos by Terri Glanger, provided courtesy of Jackson & Flagg Public Relations.

Note: While food was provided for review purposes, the opinions expressed in this article are wholly my own.