HAPPY FOODIE FRIDAY-

We know some of you are buried under mass quantities of snow, and when you’re stuck inside it’s natural to want to eat mass quantities of everything in sight. Here’s something to keep yourself busy if you’re stuck inside- how about thinking of which great culinary escapade to embark on in 2010? And relax, we know some of these are difficult to get into, but not with Gen on your side-our in house concierge Genuine Access has ways and means so never fear, and be sure to click HERE to see how we can help with reservations.

Let’s start with the UK, which has no shortage of restaurants known and envied the world over. Consider something like like The Fat Duck, Bray- Heston Blumenthal’s infamous restaurant known as the ultimate culinary experience- difficult to get in but that’s half the fun. Try pairing it with a proper cottage holiday at nearby Woodrows Cottage, Aldworth, Berkshire- a cozy, comfortable place to retreat to after indulging in a meal here. There’s also Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s restaurant and cookery school priding itself on the freshness and purity of its ingredients grown right in their two-acre kitchen. Pair it with a stay at Alfie’s Barn, Oxfordshire, an 18-th century converted house with gorgeous countryside views. English Country Cottages offers these properties plus hundreds more- http://www.english-country-cottages.co.uk/

The French Laundry, arguably California's most emotional and extraordinary culinary experience promises to take you to places you've never been before, and that it does. It's two unique 9-course tasting menus featured per day, in the heart of Napa Valley's most picturesque spot. There's no shortage of gorgeous intimate lodges in the area, we'll find the one that's most perfect for you.

And then, there’s El Bulli, perhaps the holiest of holy grails in the restauarant world in remote Roses, Spain. Word on the street says they’re fully committed for 2010 but inquire with us anyway, 2011 isn’t THAT far off. Do it up right and pair this with a private villa stay at nearby Casa Cap-Ras by the sea.

Or, consider packaging the whole experience together and embarking on a fully encompassing, otherworldly culinary adventure with Epicurean Experiences, featuring signature tours through Spain that are a pure dream for any foodie. Try their Epicurean Experiences in Madrid package, including walking tours, tapas tours, private wine tours, cooking classes, luxury boutique hotel accommodations and more. Or, venture out a bit further into the country and take on the Epicurean Roads jaunt including private winery tours and tastings, cooking demo with Michelin chef, guided walks through vibrant markets, and all of the trimmings a curious culinary fiend seeks. http://www.epicureanways.com/ They’ll even send you a delicious Spanish food gift straight to your home before you depart to launch your adventure in taste, for Explorateur readers exclusively.

Click HERE for more information on any of these fabulous foodie finds!