Gail Simmons (Bravo’s Top Chef Judge): Kibbutz in Israel, Neighborhood Spot in Melbourne, Safaris in South Africa, Love of Japan

Gail Simmons has served as a permanent judge on Bravo’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef since the show’s inception in 2006. She is also a food journalist, cookbook author, mother of two, and avid global traveler. In this episode, we hear some of Gail Simmon’s insights on judging Top Chef contestants and dishes, but she mainly talks about how travel has shaped her career and life. We learn about her time working on a kibbutz in Israel, and her firsthand knowledge of why the country has such a unique culinary scene and culture. She also talks about her love of Australia, why the country’s food scene is so exciting, and how she found the perfect neighborhood spot in Melbourne.  Gail also shares why she goes back to South Africa again and again, and how safaris have been such an influential experience throughout her life. As for her favorite food destination, Gail goes into her love of Japan and some of her great culinary adventures in the country. She also talks about how important traveling with her family has been—and will continue to be—for her.  In the wrap, Bruce sits down with acclaimed Israeli chef Uri Jeremias at his Efendi Hotel in the Old City of Akko. The man behind the famed restaurant Uri Buri, Uri shares his insights about what makes Israel such a special destination for food, history, and more. To learn more about Gail Simmons or any of her projects, visit http://gailsimmons.com/. To find out more about Uri Jeremias and his Efendi Hotel and Uri Buri restaurant in the Old City of Akko, visit https://efendi-hotel.co.il/?lang=en.   A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines, including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to www.Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible deals—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting. Thank you also to Accor and Raffles Doha for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Raffles Doha or its new ALBA restaurant from chef Enrico Crippa, visit https://www.raffles.com/doha/dining/alba-by-enrico-crippa/.  Kann (Portland) https://kannrestaurant.com/ ARU (Melbourne) Thai https://aru.net.au/ Cumulus (Melbourne) https://www.cumulusinc.com.au/ Kruger National Park  https://www.krugerpark.co.za/ Six Senses Shaharut https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/shaharut  Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production. Host: Bruce Wallin Producer: AJ Moseley Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas Music: Joey SalviaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Travel That Matters (named one of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2022 by Men’s Journal) explores the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences and destinations with award-winning editor, writer, and luxury travel expert Bruce Wallin. Bruce’s remarkable guests share inspiring, life-shaping stories about their adventures and cultural explorations, as well as travel tips and recommendations for the best destinations, hotels, restaurants, activities, and more. Their travel tales and insights cover everything from where to find delicious foods and ingredients and the most luxurious resorts and hotels, to the most fascinating modern cultural experiences and historical explorations. The show’s special Master Chef episodes highlight the travels and tastes of the world’s top chefs, from culinary adventures through Africa with Marcus Samuelsson and exploring remote corners of Japan with Daniel Boulud, to discovering insider spots in Australia with Curtis Stone and relaxing and rejuvenating with Nina Compton on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, with its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. You’ll even hear stories about great travelers like Anthony Bourdain and get souvenir recommendations, from traditional handicrafts to unique local delicacies. Episodes of Travel That Matters span the globe, from Sicily, Italy, to Oaxaca, Mexico, to Tel-Aviv, Israel, and beyond. Listeners also learn about the greatest activities around the United States—award-winning wine tasting, the best new restaurants, epic hiking trails, secret skiing and surfing spots, and charming boutiques in places like Healdsburg and Napa Valley (California), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Jackson Hole (Wyoming), and New Orleans (Louisiana). Listen to Travel That Matters every other Tuesday and gain insider knowledge to impactful adventures, extravagant hotels, top chefs, and secret hideaways, and discover the magic of travel at its very best.