Say the words ‘Orient’ or ‘Express’ and evocative images of opulent carriages, stylish passengers and thrilling destinations come to mind long with the excitement and romance of train travel. In this exciting new series inspired by the allure of old world glamour, Jonathan Phang, a self?confessed bon viveur with a passion for gastronomy goes on a gourmet journey crossing continents, aboard some of the world’s most elegant trains.
Along the way he stops off in extraordinary culinary destinations, exploring the towns and cities that have been the highlights of these spectacular journeys for many years, testing the old adage: is it better to travel than to arrive?
Journeys
include:
– Venice to London on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express
-Bucharest to Istanbul on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express
-The English Journeys (Kent and Rutland) on the
-British Pullman & Northern Belle
-Singapore to Penang on the Eastern & Oriental Express
Penang to Bangkok on the Eastern & Oriental Express
Budapest to Vienna on the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express
Jonathan is a perfect guide – he’s inquisitive and excited by the adventures ahead but he’s never travelled long distance or overnight on a train before and whilst these trains are luxurious, they are also challenging – on the Venice Simplon—Orient-Express there is no internet connection, bathroom or plug socket.
On board the trains, Jonathan gets to know the staff and fellow passengers and helps out with the chefs, including Christian Bodiguel and Yannis Martineau, who between them have worked on the trains for over 50 years.
In the cities he stops off in, Jonathan explores what’s new on the food scene, meets people who are pioneering in their culinary
field and tries the unexpected and cutting edge. Humour is a big part of Jonathan’s adventures and he really throws himself into the challenges and scenarios he encounters.
