Understanding of Gastronomy in Tourism - Coursework Example

Gastronomy Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Introduction Gastronomy is the art of selecting, preparing, serving, and enjoying food has been in existence since the 5th century (Capaldi, 1996). The initial centres of gastronomy were first established in China and Rome, which were highly pronounced by their banquets. The current Western gastronomy was founded during the Renaissance period specifically in France and Italy; for instance, the French grande cuisine attained its superiority in the works of Marie – Antoine Careme and Auguste Escoffier (Arnott, 1975). Regions across the world might have different cuisines; however, the main consideration in food preparation is its freshness. Accordingly, taste, texture contrasts, and overall appearance are other complementarities that also are considered. Gastronomy can therefore be defined as the discovering, testing, experiencing, researching, understanding and writing about food preparation together with sensory qualities of the entire human nutrition (Kiple & Ornelas, 2000). Similarly, the latter studies how nutrition is interrelated across different cultures the world over. Gastronomy relates to the production of food, means by which foods are produced, the political treatment of foods, storage and transport and processing; the preparation and cooking of the meals and manner, the chemistry of food, digestion and the psychological effects of food; food choices and customs (Kiple & Ornelas, 2000). This report extensively discusses the means through which gastronomy can be well comprehended as a tourism product based on South Yunnan Road- Shanghai food trail and Yarra Valley Wine trail. Food Trail China as already mentioned in the introduction above was and still is on the forefront in making high end ready to eat food. The country has a long gastronomic history extending beyond four hundred years; the Shanghai region of China has been associated with cuisines that are respected and adored the world over (Gastronomy, 2013). This part of the world is considered as a choice blend of the highly respected and appealing styles of food as compared to any other region in the world. The uniqueness of Shanghai cuisines is mainly derived from there profound culture of adopting foreign cuisines while also combining them with the locally made cuisines like the Ben Bang Cuisine that basically means ‘local’ which is primarily made up of fresh fish (Gastronomy, 2013). Shanghai is grouped among the eight best and major cuisine in China and has a great influence on global customers. The diverse Shanghai cuisine regarded as an eclectic collection of myriad foods from across different regions, which are then mixed together into a unique blend. The vital ingredient that is a characteristic of Shanghai cuisine is fish together with other types of seafoods that are common and abundantly available in this region (Gastronomy, 2013). The local cuisine is mainly featured with the use of alcohol in various dishes that may use chicken or fish that is referred to as ‘drunken’ using different spirits before being cooked or it can even be served raw. Similarly, sugar is another ingredient that is vastly used in traditional Chinese cuisine that is usually combined with soy souse specifically for preparing unique flavours. The local dishes in Shanghai are the main tourist’s attraction points particularly those ones who are fascinated with new recipes and have an in-drive to try prepare something on their own (Gastronomy, 2013). This provides Shanghai visitors with an opportunity to visit different foods streets in various parts of the city. Accordingly, this humble opportunity gives anyone visiting Shanghai to discover, taste, and experience the exclusive Shanghai cuisines. There are striking street food gold that one can experience along the South Yunnan Road – Shanghai, the city has a futuristic skyline coupled with stellar public transport system as well as well – curate museums; there is much to enjoy and admire in Shanghai (Gastronomy, 2013). The street side cuisines are mouth watering and strongly beckoning for new visitors and the lager locals to taste. The street food culture has been necessitated by the government regulations that foster highlighting of local and exotic dishes to tourists visiting this region. Similarly, the ever increasing economic demands have driven entrepreneurs to come up with new strategies to meet the ever increasing demands of local and exotic dishes (Gastronomy, 2013). The dishes along the South Yunnan Road Shanghai still exist in their purest and original formulation. Along this road, one will be able to have something interesting for breakfast, lunch and supper consecutively. Visiting the South Yunnan Road will automatically give one an exclusive and unforgettable gastronomic experience ranging from the smoky aromas that are evident along the street emanating particularly from tremendous heap of shampoo skewers that are evident on stalls. For example, Uyghur-style lamb kebabs that are marinated with an excellent cumin touch coupled with a whole lotta chili powder. Similarly, Uyghur-style bread and loaves of sturdy are grilled upon customer’s request are some of the unique experiences that one will encounter along the South Yunnan Road – Shanghai (Gastronomy, 2013). The South Yunnan Road – Shanghai food trail explained in the explanation above clearly indicates that gastronomy is a tourism product that when properly planned and marketed by any country, will automatically earn it extra foreign income (Brillat-Savarin & Translation Drayton, 1970). Accordingly, using Shanghai as a point of reference, the unique sceneries, people, together with dishes both indigenous and exotic, provides a unique and unforgettable experience to anyone visiting this region of the world. The richness in food culture that has been maintained for the previous four centuries is a compelling fact that will attract tourists from all walks of the world. Similarly, the food tours are some of the unique tourism products that will leave one with a lasting experience given the fact that it is tangible. Tourists are given an opportunity to prepare the local cuisines that they have never experienced in their home countries (Logue, 1986). Wine trail Yarra valley is one of the best wine producing regions in the world. The valley has an aesthetic environment that vastly appeals for tourists across the world. Made up of picturesque hills and valleys tucked in a band of artisanal wine companies comprising of both large and small that are dedicated to producing a wide variety of wine. The variety include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sauvignon, sparkling wines as well as new emerging blends that have been on forefront in setting the pace in the global wine industry (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). Yarra valley as already observed is the most visited wine region in Australia attracting visitors from across the globe; the region has beautiful sceneries comprising of undulating landscape together with stunning verdant vineyards. The fact that the valley is only less than an hour away from the Melbourne CBD, it is strategically and conveniently located for anyone visiting Melbourne to access and experience the real wine taste. For instance, the unforgettable experiences that can be derived from this valley include: personalized tours, the Australian largest private art gallery, cheese and wine trails, cheese rooms, and accommodation just to mention but a few (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). Yarra valley provides a myriad of wine experiences where every visitation to the Yarra is unique. The valley has extensive rows of vineyards, mountain ash forests, together with tones of local produce. The region has more than 50 award winning wineries that are made up of astounding cellar doors and restaurants that dish up sumptuous food complementing the great wine produced in this valley. Chteau Yaring Historic House is a heritage listed property in Australia that is established among historic gardens spreading over 250 acres while bordering Yarra River; this property provides a breathtaking view of the entire valley together with the surrounding areas (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). Similarly, the property has two restaurants Eleonore’s and Sweetwater café that readily offer excellent cuisines that are skilfully prepared as well as complemented by the sophisticated Yarra valley wines from the historic cellar. Hot air balloon flights are other outstanding experiences that are readily available for anyone visiting the Yarra Valley (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). These flights can hold one in air for more than 45 minutes over this extraordinary beautiful valley and its vineyards, as well as drifting over the countryside. Melbourne City is regarded as one among the few cities in the world that can be traversed by hot air balloon while offering exceptional and spectacular view of the city. Hot air balloon flights of over the Yarra Valley are an essential tourism product that has attracted tourists from all walks of the world (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). The winery tour package comprise of visiting the Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli wineries particularly after balloon flights. Domaine Chandon is an Australian winery but a subsidiary of the French champagne giant Moet & Chandon. This winery is expertly styled up while also producing one of the best and most interesting wine experiences. Similarly, this winery produces Australia’s finest sparkling wines including Chandon Vintage Brut, Chandon Vintage Brut Rose, Chandon Sparkling Pinot Shiraz, and Chandon Cuvee Riche (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). The visitors are given an opportunity to taste these wine collections in the Green Point room. De Bortoli winery was established in 1928 and is operated as a family business. Here, all visitors are honoured to share good wines, food and good times with family and friends (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). This winery is developed on top of a hill thus providing a splendid view of vineyards across the valley, accordingly, the restaurant and the cellar door sales are strategically located thus offering a profound view of the Yarra Valley as well as the beautiful landscapes surrounding the winery. Different blends are produced here and visitors are given a chance to taste and sample the different wine varieties. This explanation is clear evidence that a wine trail is a vital tourism product; the excellent wine experience explained above is a significant tourism attraction. The Yarra Valley as depicted above gives an exceptional overview with regard to how visitation to any wine producing region can be aligned to tourism (Sommelierindia Wine Magazine, 2013). The different wineries that are found in such regions, provides visitors with unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting effect in their travel and tour adventures. Similarly, different wines and how they are brewed calls for gastronomists across the world to come and discover, taste, and evaluate the different methods used for production. Furthermore, they can also determine the nutritional effect that wines add to the well being of human beings. The main objectives of gastronomy are to obtain the preservation of man through the possible best nourishment ways. In the same line of discussion, gastronomy aims at giving guidance with regard to the set principles, in fact, it is the push behind famers, winemakers, fishermen, together with the lager cooking group prepare food (Bode, 1994). Given this understanding, wine trail positions itself as a tourism product. Conclusion Gastronomy is the discovering, testing, experiencing, researching, understanding and writing about food preparation together with sensory qualities of the entire human nutrition; it also studies how nutrition is interrelated across different cultures the world over. Gastronomy is a vital tourism product; the Shanghai food trail and Yarra Wine trail as extensively discussed above shows how gastronomy is a tourism product. The Shanghai food trail provides a clear explanation as to how different food products are prepared and served along the South Yunnan Road. Food of different flavours, hotels, and accommodation facilities are a familiar characteristic of any tourism industry. Yarra wine trail on the other hand, display different landscape sceneries including vineyards, undulating countryside, wineries, and historical hotels provides a fulfilling tourism experience. With regard to this profound evidence, gastronomy is a tourism product that must be nurtured and embraced by all governments with tourism objectives. Bibliography Arnott M.L. (1975). Gastronomy, the Anthropology of Food Habits, Mouton The Hague Bode W.K.H. (1994). European Gastronomy. Hodder and Stoughton, London Brillat-Savarin J. A. ,Translation Drayton A. (1970). The Physiology of Taste, Penguin, London, (originally published 1825) Capaldi E.D. (1996). Why we eat what we eat, American Psychological Association, Washington Gastronomy (2013). Striking Street Food Gold: 10 Fabulous Finds on South Yunnan Road – Shanghai. Available at; http://gastronomyblog.com/ Kiple K.F. & Ornelas C. O. (2000). The Cambridge World History of Food, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Logue A.W. (1986). The Psychology of Eating and Drinking, Freeman, New York. Sommelierindia Wine Magazine (2013) On the Yarra Valley wine trail. Available at; http://www.sommelierindia.com/blog/2010/04/on_the_yarra_valley_wine_trail.html Read More