Culinary Travel with Chef Samantha: A Journey Beyond Taste
There’s a transformative power in food and the way it evokes memory, sparks curiosity, and invites you into another culture’s heart. Few people understand this better than Chef Samantha Buyskes, the culinary mastermind behind Simply Red Kitchen & Culinary Adventures. With more than 30 years of experience blending flavors, cultures, and storytelling, Chef Samantha has turned the idea of travel into something far richer than sightseeing; she turns it into a culinary journey for the soul.
Why Culinary Travel Matters
When most people think of travel, they picture iconic landscapes, historic sites, or bucket-list attractions. But for the truly curious traveler, the most unforgettable moments often happen at the table: in bustling markets where spices perfume the air, within kitchens tucked down narrow alleys, or over long meals shared with new friends. Culinary travel is about savoring authentic experiences, exploring how people live, celebrate, and share through food.
Chef Samantha’s philosophy embraces this fully: she believes that food is more than something you eat, it’s a story.
With every destination she curates, she invites you to taste culture, history, and community in a way that deepens your understanding of the world.
The Chef Behind the Experience
Born and raised in South Africa and now based in historic downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Chef Samantha Buyskes has dedicated her life to exploring global flavors and the stories behind them. Over decades, she’s cultivated a culinary approach that blends her worldly experiences with deep respect for local ingredients and traditions.
Her journey isn’t just about mastering techniques; it’s about connection. Whether she’s introducing tour guests to hand-picked eateries in Italy, navigating vibrant markets in Peru, or revealing hidden food traditions in Mexico, Chef Samantha ensures every plate tells a story.
What Culinary Travel with Chef Samantha Looks Like
Culinary travel with Chef Samantha isn’t a cookie-cutter group tour. It’s a curated experience designed to nourish your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the places you visit. Rather than simply eating meals, travelers on her tours are invited to:
Explore local markets: Meet farmers, fishers, and spice merchants who bring the region’s foodways to life.
Dine in independently-owned establishments: Skip generic tourist spots in favor of hidden gems loved by locals.
Take immersive cooking classes: Learn to prepare dishes with the guidance of local chefs, then savor the fruits of your labor.
Discover regional traditions: From wine tastings in Italy to the street foods of Mexico, each bite reflects centuries of culture.
These journeys are thoughtfully crafted to balance iconic experiences with unexpected delights, enabling you not just to see a destination but to taste, learn, and connect with it on a deeper level.
Far More Than Meals
What sets Chef Samantha’s culinary travel apart is her devotion to experiences that linger long after the journey ends. Travelers often return home with cherished memories, whether it’s the thrill of shared laughter around an open-fire feast, the warmth of a family-run trattoria in Tuscany, or the intoxicating scents of a spice bazaar at sunrise.
Her approach is heartfelt and personal, weaving together gastronomy, culture, and connection. Guests describe her tours as organized, enriching, and comfortable, with every step handled meticulously from start to finish.
The Chef Who Knows How to Cook and Travel
From her early days owning restaurants and pop-ups to hosting immersive tours across continents, Chef Samantha brings both culinary expertise and seasoned travel insight to every adventure. Her extensive background includes:
Running celebrated eateries and pop-up events.
Hosting and leading global culinary tours.
Creating seasonal menus influenced by local ingredients and international flavors.
She builds tours not only with flavor profiles in mind but with cultural depth, helping travelers understand the why behind the food they enjoy.
Experiential Travel That Transforms You
When travelers commit to a culinary journey with Chef Samantha, they don’t just check off another trip. They return changed - more culturally attuned, more adventurous in the kitchen, and more connected to the wide world around them. These trips challenge you to expand your palate and open your heart to new ways of living and eating.
It’s no wonder that many guests return home already planning their next adventure with her.
Your Invitation to a Life-Changing Culinary Trip
Are you ready to taste your way around the world? To discover hidden culinary treasures and learn from local experts while enjoying thoughtful, delicious meals that are as educational as they are delectable?
Chef Samantha Buyskes is ready to guide you. Whether you dream of wandering through Italy’s sun-drenched vineyards, sampling street foods in Mexico’s historic plazas, or learning traditional cooking techniques from local artisans, she can create a custom and immersive culinary adventure just for you.
Don’t wait to explore the world through food. Check out the Upcoming Tours or contact Chef Samantha today to start planning your next gastronomic getaway. Let every journey be a feast for your senses and your soul.