Tastebud Traveller — All Episodes
Travel lovers and foodies listen up. Tastebud Traveller is the new podcast from Better Homes and Gardens that will take you on a tasty adventure around the world. Join your hosts, Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock as they visit a different destination in each episode, hitting tourist hotspots and hidden gems for your holiday inspiration. Each week, they’ll chat about where to stay, what to see, you’ll get the lowdown on local food and, of course, wine to enjoy as you unwind in one amazing location after another.
A taste of Italy
In this episode we visit Italy, a land rich in culture and history with a fabulous landscape and some of the most delicious food in the world! Find out what it’s like to drive – and eat – your way around this splendid country with your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock, who share their favourite places to visit and meals to enjoy. This week we’re joined by an Italian foodie and a wine expert. And we learn how to make the ultimate Aperol Spritz, one of Italy’s most iconic drinks.
A taste of the USA: east coast
In this episode we visit the east coast of the USA, home to New York City, Washington DC and many other iconic destinations. Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their travel experiences stateside, then have a chat to Sarah Stevenson from NYC & Co about all the fabulous things to see, eat and do in NYC. Nancy Hopkins, an American foodie, shares what to try in each state from Maine to Florida, then it's wine time with Paul Diamond from Selector Magazine.
A taste of Switzerland
In this episode we visit Switzerland, home of world-famous chocolate, cheese and clocks! Ben shares his experience of riding the Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world but with views to die for, and Julia waxes lyrical about the lace from St Gallen, her father’s birthplace. They chat to Birgit Weingartner from Switzerland Tourism about what to see, eat and do and the best way to get around this amazing country. And foodie Lamberto di Gioia is back to take fondue out of the 70s and put it back onto our tables with a few delicious recipes.
A taste of Peru
In this episode we visit Peru, home of Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines! Ben shares his experience of travelling around the country from top to bottom, making Julia, who hasn’t been, very jealous! We learn that Peru is an astonishingly diverse place with beaches, desert, rainforest and mountains. Andy Vignati and Ruby Barrenechea, semi-finalists from My Kitchen Rules drop by to share their top dishes, plus how to make the perfect Pisco sour. Then Paul Diamond from Selector magazine is back to talk all things wine and Peru.
A taste of the USA: west coast
In this episode we visit the west coast of the USA, home to The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Disneyland. Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their American experiences and it's safe to say they love a road trip! Soterios Johnson, host of the California Now podcast, takes us around this amazing state. Santa Barbara winemaker Dave Potter gives us tips on what to drink, then Michelin-starred chef Kyle Connaught puts California on a plate and gives his tip for a top foodie experience.
A taste of Greece
In this episode we visit Greece, home of the Parthenon and souvlaki! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock are joined by Dora Papas from the Better Homes and Gardens team to take a trip around the Greek mainland and islands, then Kelly Michelakis of The Hellenic Odyssey joins the show to talk all things Crete and where to get the best Greek food in Melbourne. And to finish, Clive Hartley of The Sydney Wine Academy talks Greek grapes – get ready for a world of sparkling, white, red and dessert wines.
A taste of Germany
In this episode we visit Germany, home of beer, BMW and Berlin! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their German experiences. Julia talks night markets and knickers (you’ll have to listen to make sense of that) and Ben is all about the Berlin Wall! They’re joined by Annette Haertl from Simply Munich to talk Bavaria, then Ralf Ostendorf of Visit Berlin breaks down that exciting city. Paul Diamond from Selector magazine is back to talk German wines – rieslings, moselles and more.
A taste of Canada
In this episode we visit Canada, home of Niagara Falls, maple syrup and skiing! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their Canadian experiences. Julia wants to cuddle a grizzly bear and Ben is all about the Calgary Stampede (and food on a stick). They're joined by Donna Campbell from Destination Canada to talk about travel , then Anita Stewart founder of Food Day Canada who puts this amazingly diverse country on a plate. Paul Diamond from Selector magazine is back to talk wine.
A taste of Japan
In this episode we visit Japan, home of skiing, sushi and sake. Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their Japanese experiences. Julia hasn’t been but desperately wants to see the cherry blossom festival. Ben has been and is going again for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and also finds validation for his food-on-a-stick fetish. They're joined by Sally Miles from the Japan National Tourism Organization who reveals hidden gems, then foodie Sarah Tiong to talk Japanese cuisine!
A taste of Ireland
In this episode we visit Ireland, home of glorious green hills, Guinness and the Blarney Stone! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their Irish experiences. Julia hasn’t visited the Emerald Isle so picks Ben's brain about his trips. They're joined by Sofia Hansson from the Tourism Ireland to talk about this warm and welcoming country, then Paul Diamond from Selector Magazine is back to talk about his personal connection to Ireland, and what to drink when you're there.
A taste of Austria
In this episode we visit Austria, home of Vienna, wiener schnitzel and the waltz! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their Austrian experiences. Julia loves the skiing and – once again – the Christmas markets! Ben is keen to learn all he can, having only zipped through once on a train. They’re joined by Kathrina Denk from the Austrian National Tourist Office, then chef Andreas Puhar to take you beyond schnitzel and strudel, and Paul Diamond from Selector magazine visits the studio for a wine tasting.
A taste of France
In this episode we visit France, home of Champagne, canals and croissants! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their French experiences. Ben has only been to Paris but Julia has visited France many times, so fills him in on all the amazing places to go beyond the famous capital city. They're joined by Sandrine Le Gaillard from Entire Travel who gives her top tips for holidaying in France, and acclaimed chef Guillame Brahimi on how to enjoy food the French way. Then Paul Diamond from Selector magazine is back to talk about wine.
A taste of China
In this episode we visit China, home of The Great Wall, The Terracotta Army and Peking duck! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their Chinese experiences. They're joined by Stephen Scourfield, the Travel editor of The West Australian, to talk about must-see places and blogger Maggie Zhu, of the Omnivores Cookbook, to talk about Chinese cuisine. Then wine critic and author Jeremy Oliver explains what's happening in the Chinese wine industry.
A taste of Argentina
In this episode we visit Argentina, home of the Perito Moreno Glacier, Malbec and chimichurri! Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock share their Argentinian experiences. They're joined by Tig Martin from Eclipse Travel who dives into top tourist attractions, Elvis Abrahanowicz from Porteno to tell us what we should eat, and David Stevens-Castro from Paired Media talks about the food and wine pairings we should try to tantalise our tastebuds.
A taste of Vietnam
In this episode we visit Vietnam, home of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and banh mi. Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock wax lyrical about this vibrant destination. They're joined by Diane Lee an Aussie expat who gives an insight into living in Vietnam, while chef and TV host Luke Nguyen, who has a new show on SBS, takes us on a culinary tour of the country. And Eddie McDougall of The Flying Winemaker talks to us about all things Vietnam wine.
A taste of India
In this episode we visit India, home of the Taj Mahal, Bollywood and spicy food. Your hosts Julia Zaetta and Ben Alcock discuss this vibrant, chaotic and unforgettable destination. They're joined by celebrity chef Christine Manfield who has been to India more than 40 times. Ian Hemphill of Herbie's Spices talks about the flavour of India and how you can get it at home. Then ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer recounts his 2016 Spirit of India run and the amazing experiences he had.
A taste of Brazil
In this episode we visit Brazil, home of Rio de Janeiro, the Iguazu Falls and Carnival! Julia hasn't visited but listens avidly to Ben’s stories of travel in this huge country! They're joined by Tig Martin of Eclipse Travel who spent years in South America. Ana and Jason of Brazilian Style Imports come into the studio to lift the lid on wines from Brazil and soft drinks, too! Then Andre Felicio from Braza talks about delicious Brazilian barbecue.
A taste of Egypt
In this episode we visit Egypt, home of the Sphinx, the pyramids and the Nile river! Julia and Ben haven't visited but have a bucket list. Ben is keen on Alexandria while Julia wants to sail on a felucca. They're joined by Skye Peacham of Travel Associates to talk about travelling by rail, river and road. Cookbook author and TV personality Dyna Eldaief talks Egyptian food. Then intrepid world traveller Matt Wan goes into what you can expect to drink when you're there.
A taste of South Africa
In this episode we visit South Africa, home of the Cape Town, Table Mountain and Nelson Mandela. Julia shares her very memorable trip, including a wildflower safari! Ben hasn’t been but is primed to go and has lots of questions. They're joined by Mosilo Sofonia of South African Tourism to talk about the Big 5 experience and exploring the cities. Foodie Abigail Mbalo-Mokoena unveils South African cuisine, then Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet takes us on a tour of the Cape winelands.
A taste of the United Arab Emirates
In this episode we visit the United Arab Emirates, home of the Burj Khalifa, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace. Julia and Ben have both been to Dubai and loved it, and Ben has also visited Abu Dhabi. They're joined by Suzanne Tobin of Abu Dhabi Tourism to talk about what to do in the capital. Then Farida Ahmed of Frying Pan Adventures takes you on a tour of Emirati food. To finish, it’s cocktail hour at the Gold on 27 bar at the Burj Al Arab with mixologist Mohammed Jayah.
A taste of western USA
In this episode we visit the western United States, home of iconic cities, canyons and cowboys. Julia and Ben both love this destination, from Nevada to New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona, with its wild west past and contemporary charm. They’re joined by Celina Sinclair of the Utah Office of Tourism to talk ‘The Mighty Five’ national parks, Salt Lake City and famous film locations! Bethany Drysdale of Travel Nevada takes us out of Las Vegas and from neon to nature in The Silver State. Then KJ Howe of Vegas Valley Winery talks wine in the west .
A taste of Chile
In this episode we visit Chile, home of the Atacama Desert, the Patagonian Andes and the gateway to Easter Island! Ben has travelled through Chile and has lots to say about what he saw and ate along the way. Julia hasn't been but dreams of skiing the Andes and visiting the amazing national park Torres del Paine. They’re joined by Manuela Nielsen from Chile Travel who takes us up and down the country. David Stevens-Castro from Paired Media talks about the food in Chile, then Sommelier Dennis Roman gives a rundown on Chilean wine.
A taste of Antarctica
In this episode we visit Antarctica, home of penguins, natural ice sculptures and research stations. Both Julia and Ben are determined to tick this one off their bucket list. They're joined by Stephen Scourfield, travel editor of The West Australian newspaper, who breaks down how to get there by plane and boat, and what sailing the Drake Passage is really like. Noel Tennant, the chef's advisor of the Australian Antarctic Division lifts the lid on what the people on research stations eat and the amazing moments that are part and parcel of living and working in the southernmost continent.
A taste of Jordan
In this episode we visit Jordan, home of Petra, Amman and Wadi Rum. Both Julia and Ben are keen to visit this historically rich place. To talk all about travelling from archaeological sites to desert camps they're joined by Dana Kharoufeh of the Jordan Tourism Board. Maria Haddad of Beit Sitti, a cook and dine experience in the capital city of Amman, talks about Jordanian food. Then Firas Haddad of Eagle Distilleries takes us through Jordanian winemaking through the millennia and how today they grow grapes in the desert!