Born to Italian parents, Maria always knew Rome was her destiny, although she was raised in Melbourne, Australia. She has a formal background in political science and policy and now runs her own event management and public relations company, through which she manages marketing and social media for Eating Europe Tours (encompassing food tours across Rome, London, Amsterdam and Prague). An unabashed romantic (Rome being her one true love!) she is the creator of popular food, travel and lifestyle blog 

Local Expert: Fine Dining Explorer Born in Hong Kong, Fine Dining Explorer (FDE) has an interest in all things culinary that dates back to his childhood. It was an interest that grew into a fascination, and by the time he moved to Toronto, it had become a passion. But it wasn’t until he found himself in London that it became a full-scale obsession.

This is probably one of the most traditional dishes in South Spain. Similar to gazpacho but thicker and a few different ingredients. Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, garlic, onion, cucumber, green pepper, sherry vinegar and extra virgin olive oil that go directly to the blender. Restaurant info Image courtesy of diana_baron_psy

Walk past the imitators and line up for this legendary Falafel on a Paris back street any day but Saturday. You could eat any of the ingredients by themselves but why would you? This overflowing sandwich is simply perfect. First try it as served and then with each of the green and red sauces to start a debate about which is best. Everyone is a winner at this stunning example of a classic sandwich. RESTAURANT INFO Image courtesy of gilliehouston

Botín is the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the “Guinness Book of Records.” In the heart of Madrid, at the foot of the Arco de Cuchilleros and next to the Plaza Mayor, it was founded in 1725 and was a meeting place for Madrid's bohemian and literary set. Such famous authors as Ernest Hemingway (“The Sun Also Rises”), Frederick Forsyth (“Icon and the Cobra”) and James Michener (“Iberia”) have made mention of the Castilian-style restaurant and its rich history.

Cochinillo (Roast Pig) Botín is the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the “Guinness Book of Records.” In the heart of Madrid, at the foot of the Arco de Cuchilleros and next to the Plaza Mayor, it was founded in 1725 and was a meeting place for Madrid's bohemian and literary set. Such famous authors as Ernest Hemingway (“The Sun Also Rises”), Frederick Forsyth (“Icon and the Cobra”) and James Michener (“Iberia”) have made mention of the Castilian-style restaurant and its rich history.

Want to dine like royalty? An integral part of Madrid's gastronomic offerings, the elegant Restaurante Zalacaín is famous for its sumptuous interior, excellent classic Spanish and international cuisine and formal, white-glove service. Opened by Navarrese-born chef Benjamín Urdaín in 1973 on the stylish Calle Alvarez de Baena, world leaders who have dined on the restaurant’s nouvelle Basque cuisine include King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, Spanish presidents and state ministers, Nobel Prize winners and top Spanish and foreign executives.

Malaga is a gastronomic paradise blessed with exceptional ingredients like unique clams, specialty shrimp, olives and almonds. While you will find fine dining, it is sometimes the simpler preparations that allow the pristine ingredients to shine through. Local Expert: Paco Becerro, Insta: instagram.com/futurobloguero

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