Destinations Include Argentina, Memphis, Montreal and Japan
GROW: A Catering Educational Foundation has announced the destinations for the foundation’s 2025 Culinary Learning Journeys. They are Argentina, Memphis to New Orleans, Montreal and Quebec and Japan.
Attended by culinary and event professionals, and curated by GROW’s Board of Trustees, the journeys provide cultural and culinary experiences designed to enhance the attendees’ understanding of the diverse cuisine of the regions, deepen their own menus at home, and facilitate business connections and friendships.
Most importantly, revenue from the Culinary Learning Journeys supports the foundation’s educational objections and its Scholarship and Grants Programs.
Every year there is a domestic trip and 2025 is no different with a trip that takes travelers on a culinary and cultural route from Memphis to New Orleans.
“As much as I love international exotic Culinary Learning Journeys, my heart truly belongs to the domestic trips! The USA has so many hidden gems when it comes to culinary experiences, and I’ve been fortunate to discover them. Some of my fondest memories come from exploring the delicious cuisines of Texas Hill country, Portland, Lafayette, and Santa Fe.” Britney Melnick, GROW Chairperson and Owner of Curated Catering in Las Vegas
2025 Culinary Learning Journeys
Destinations and Dates
Buenos Aires to Mendoza: A Culinary Tango Through Argentina
February 1-9, 2025
Optional Extension to El Calafate February 9-12, 2025
Memphis to Mississippi
April 27 – May 1
Montreal and Quebec
August 19 – 25
Japan
October – November 2025, Dates TBA
A CLOSER LOOK AT MEMPHIS TO NEW ORLEANS CULINARY LEARNING JOURNEY
MEMPHIS TO NEW ORLEANS
April 27 – May 1
This year the only domestic trip is a meander along the Mississippi starting in Memphis with musical interludes to Beale Street, Graceland, BB King Museum, and the Grammy Museum. Other unique points of interest include America’s Catch Catfish Tour, Henson and Kermit Museum and McCarty Pottery Gallery & Gardens.
Attendees will explore authentic Delta cuisine at:
- Central BBQ, Memphis
- This award-winning barbecue is a must on any visit to Memphis
- Fan and Johnny’s, Greenwood, Mississippi
- Dishes presented by James Beard Best Chef South semifinalist and one of Southern Living’s Top 50 Women Chefs, Chef Taylor Bowen-Ricketts
- Doe’s Eat Place, Greenwood, Mississippi
- A first-hand culinary history of the hot tamales that made Doe’s famous
- Dunleith Historic Inn, Natchez, Mississippi
- A behind-the-scenes look at this historic hotel and its special event department known for the elegant southern weddings it caters and produces
This Culinary Learning Journey is back by popular demand, having been launched for the first time in 2009. Pauline Parry, founder of Good Gracious! Events, had this to say about the journey …
“This culinary journey was such a treat with its focus on Tennessee and Louisiana culture and cuisine. Being from England, I’m always in awe by just how massive and diverse the U.S. is — there’s so much history and so many unique flavors packed into each region. One of the highlights for me was touring a catfish farm. Seeing the whole operation up close was fascinating, but tasting the product was an eye opener. Catfish is such a staple in the South, and it gave me loads of ideas for our menu back home — so many ways to infuse those rich southern vibes into what we create. But honestly, the best part wasn’t even the food (and that’s saying something!). It was the people I met along the way. I made friendships that went way beyond the trip — people who’ve become such an important part of my life, both in and out of the kitchen. I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together!”
For more information on this and all Culinary Learning Journeys, please visit GrowCatering.org.
