testimonials

What a marvellous idea - really great. Please send me details of all your trips as we will book again.
Michel Roux, Jr - Proprietor, La Gavroche Restaurant

I've now had more than one "a taste of..." and there's plenty more room! It's seems an unusual combination but putting food and wine related things together in a very social and fun context and some unique locations makes for a very attractive few days. Not only did the seafood come out of its shell but so did most of the other guests. Looked after very well and much better informed by the time I got back!  
Peter Bainbridge - Company Director

"a taste of..." allows you to get close to the food and wine culture of the regions you visit, often meeting top chefs and wine producers, and it is only these people who can give you a true insight to the historical methods and modern developments in the changing world of gastronomy.

"a taste of..." is a special opportunity for food and wine enthusiasts.
Philip Corrick MBE - Executive Chef, Royal Automobile Club (retired)

"a taste of..." experience has been a lovely surprise and has allowed me to enjoy new destinations, foods and cultures with a group of like-minded people from differing professions, many of whom have become friends. It has introduced me to beautiful cities, tasting not only their local foods and wines but also offers you a gastronomique feast prepared by Michelin starred chefs from the regions. An opportunity to tour local artisan producers. All of this whilst staying in a 5* bijou hotel selected by Brian Smith for their ambience and wonderful settings.
Peter Fiori - Executive Chef Coutts Bank, Member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts

I was lucky to meet Brian Smith when I was at the helm of the Hotel de la Cité in Carcassonne, and he was leading the first of his "a taste of..."  trips. It was in January - not necessarily the high season in the Languedoc! But that’s why Brian’s trips are fantastic. He takes you off the beaten paths to discover events and meet people you likely would not have a chance to discover on your own. Brian shares the fruit of his curiosity with you during his escapades and he does this with class and humour.  He has a 'je ne sais quoi' of building connections and sharing these. 20 years on, I still work on projects with Brian and thoroughly enjoy our collaboration.
Xavier Lablaude - The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel