Our trip to Cuba, planned by Brittney from Culinary Bites Adventures, was an unexpected experience! My husband and I have done a good bit of traveling and enjoyed many of our trips, but never have we come home feeling that we experienced the true connection between the people, their heritage and their daily lives that we experienced on this trip. We visited all of the locations one would expect to see in Cuba as well as places and experiences we never knew existed.
We saw the beauty that still remains in and outside the cities, alongside the heart breaking remains of what Cuba was like in its hay day. Getting to know many of the locals that cared for us and welcomed us to their country even though they have so little but make the best of their situation, made us realize how fortunate we are.
Without Brittney as our curator, we would never have had the opportunity to see and experience Cuba as we did. From the sites of the city, the rides in the antique cars, the beauty of the beaches, riding horses through the tobacco fields and learning the art of rolling cigars, then visiting a school where all ages can develop their artistic talents, we feel that Brittney left nothing out! We took supplies including medical items that the people of Cuba have so little of, to art supplies for the children of the school.
Not to forget the delicious food from the private restaurants to the gracious hospitality of the homes we stayed in. Never have we felt that we came away with more than what we gave. Thank you Brittney for giving us the true story of Cuba and all it has to offer.
–Kim and Gary S.
As we were slowly stepping out from the Covid pandemic a friend recommended a trip to Charleston and Savannah to break the cabin fever and have an easy reentry into traveling. I said YES immediately, and I am so happy I did!
Brittney Melnick and her team at Culinary Bites Adventures did a phenomenal job of carefully choosing tours, restaurants, and adventures like river boat rides in Savannah and a great boat ride to Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor allowing for open spaces and less crowds to ensure everyone’s comfort in the still unease of the virus in overcrowded areas.
We dined at fabulous restaurants in Charleston like The Ordinary and my favorite, Chez Nous, and enjoyed more delicious meals in Savannah at Vic’s on the River for their famous and incredible She-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and other southern specialties.
The Olde Pink House was another fabulous old charming Savannah home-turned restaurant with delicious food and historic memorabilia throughout the restaurant.
But my favorite restaurant experience was at The Grey in Savannah. Formerly a Greyhound Bus station turned into a restaurant. This historic segregated bus station is now co-owned by African American Executive Chef Mashama Bailey, trained in France, New York, and reared in Georgia by her grandmother during the long summer school breaks from her home in New York City.
Our guided Homes and Gardens tour around Savannah was so much fun and ended with a traditional tea in the guide’s charming antebellum home with a traditional Southern table of biscuits, honey, canapes, sweets, and hot tea or chilled sweet tea for those preferring to quench the heat of the day.
And you MUST stop to see the famous old oak “Angel Trees” just outside Charleston en route to Savannah. The most incredible 400+ year old trees I have ever seen with limbs so heavy they bow done to grow under the earth and rise again needing to be supported by stilts. DO NOT miss the Angel Oaks.
–Kate W.
Very impressed with our trip to Cuba through Culinary Bites Adventures. They had everything pre-researched and understood the hoops necessary to make travel to Cuba a reality and guided us along the way, making sure we had all the relevant information ahead of time. Our accommodations were just lovely; comfortable and welcoming, and a homey atmosphere. Our excursions were well planned, informative, and interesting, and there was some room to deviate from the plan once in a while. Our driver and guide were both excellent - friendly and welcoming. Although I often enjoy traveling on my own and planning my own trips, it was nice to let someone else make all the preparations and plans and lead us around to little gems I never would have found on my own. I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba and jumped at the chance on this trip. I don’t know that I would have done the work to figure out the process on my own and being a socialist country, I would have felt uneasy without a group - so I’m very thankful to Culinary Bites Adventures for putting this opportunity together! My favorite part of the trip was driving around on vintage convertible cars through old Havana. What a great time, and I look forward to traveling with them again in the future!
–Laura D.
Peru & Ecuador: Machu Picchu & Galapagos
An extraordinary adventure by the Culinary Bites Adventures team was had in Peru and Ecuador. We explored Peru’s Sacred Valley and learned so much about the Inca civilization including exploring and climbing to the top of Machu Picchu, one of the manmade Wonders of the World. The guided tours were fabulous and helped us with the altitude and carefully led us to the top!
We had delicious meals throughout Lima, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley.
Our second week in South America led us onto a catamaran to explore the wonders of the sea and land of the volcanic Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Swimming with sea lions, huge turtles, and every imaginable variety of colorful fish was lifechanging.
To play with a gigantic sealion, looking you right in the eye, and doing somersaults around you is a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. The catamaran crew was terrific, and the on-board Chef made the best shrimp peanut ceviche I have ever had in my life. All the meals and the accommodation on the catamaran were perfect. I was shocked to have a king-sized bed and full bathroom with a huge window all to myself. I highly recommend traveling with this team of seasoned professionals.
Havana, Cuba
The Culinary Bites Adventures (CBA) team did it again. You will never be disappointed with these folks at the helm. Visiting Cuba has been a dream of mine for decades and I had complete faith in the CBA team to get me there and back safe and sound and they did!
They guided me on the VISA process, the American laws, and the Cuban laws regarding a visit to Cuba. Our tour guides were well informed, friendly, respectful, and so happy to have us come to their beloved Cuba.
The sights, sounds, flavors, and people of Cuba were all amazing! Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and truly interested in learning about America and our views of Cuba. It was a real history lesson, and I learned more than I could have ever imagined. And I felt completely safe wherever we went at any time of the day.
The beautiful beaches and beautiful people will never be forgotten. I even enjoyed a hand rolled Cuban cigar right in the middle of the tobacco fields while friends galloped on horses around the property as we awaited our lunch at a sustainable, organic, family run farm and restaurant. The meal was outstanding and the family so very gracious.
It was so much fun driving around Havana in 1950’s Chevy convertibles while listening to tunes from the famous musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club while the sun warmed us under blue skies. The architecture and history of Havana was mind-blowing. There was so much I had never known about this island, only 90 miles from my home country. I am glad I got first-hand experience of a country that had so much history with the USA. We also toured Hemingway’s beloved home in Cuba and had a daiquiri at his favorite bar Floridita! Havana was a thrill, so much fun, and I can’t wait to return.