Travel Time with Chef Ingrid Hoffmann

Television personality, cookbook author, and restaurateur Ingrid Hoffmann has built quite a successful empire for herself. But these days, the talented chef seems to spend more time in the air than she does on the ground. Come with us as we hit the road (and a few restaurants) with the always-on-the-go Hoffmann. 

TLK: What do you love about traveling?

Traveling has opened up my palate and my world. I think that the only way of expanding your palate is through travel; to experience different cuisines and be exposed to them.

TLK: Where do you like to travel? 

Any place that requires me packing a bag with suntan lotion and flips flops, I’m there! Curaçao, the Bahamas, and Cartagena. I love Cartagena because it is a foodie destination. You have a really cool culture, fun, and great food; it’s the perfect combination.

TLK: We heard you love the islands so much you have a second home in Curaçao. What do you love about the island?

Architecturally, it’s a very cool place. You’re still doing the beach thing, but with the native language being Dutch, you also get a cultural lesson as well. The food is very Afro-Caribbean; with dishes like goat, iguana, polenta, and plenty of fresh fish.

TLK: You spend a lot of time in Colombia. Any tips for hungry travelers?

Go to Leo Cocina y Cava in the old city, which is under the care of Chef Leonor Espinosa. Or head just outside of Bogotá to Andrés Carne de Res for a crazy night out. 

Next, Hoffmann shares her tips for successful and delicious trips… [pagebreak]

TLK: What's been one of your most memorable trips?

El Cellar de Can Roca in Girona, Spain. Their pastry chef is number one in the world. It’s a culinary experience I will never have again unless I go back there. I enjoyed an impressive variety of 24 dishes and the combination of everything from the overall experience of eating to the visual imagery and music all provided for an unforgettable experience.

TLK: What meals do you miss when you're on the road?

I really miss egg white omelets with avocados and pressed green juice! It’s very hard to find green juices in hotels. They have smoothies, but no green juices, which is hard for me to grasp because it is so popular these days.

TLK: What should travelers do to get a feel for a city's cuisine? 

Head to the local market! There you really get to meet the people and get to see what the locals eat and where they get their food from. That’s where everything starts and it always turns out to be the cheapest meal you will eat in any city, but also one of the best.

TLK: Do you have any travel routines? 

I have a crazy lady routine whenever I board a plane. I use antibacterial wipes and completely disinfect everything; the tray table, the air conditioner knobs, windows, seat belts, magazines, everything. Since I started doing that, I have never been sick on a flight again. I also travel with an emergency Ziploc bag packed with travel size items like contact lens liquids, facial soap, antibacterial, clean undergarments, and of course, my cell phone. 

TLK: Are you a light packer? 

There is no such thing as laptops and cameras for me. I don’t pack anything that I need to check, so it limits what I have. I will, however, ship back great products from a market or something unique that I can’t get at home!