Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert

There's little I enjoy more than a trip south of the border in Mexico than Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila. Partida tequila is one of my favorites. Here, we'll watch the agave harvest, witness the tequila making process, and of course, taste some of the best expressions around. Later, we'll head over the mountains to Puerto Vallarta and a stay at the Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa.

Las Vegas has become a great dining destination, but how about the local places outside the casinos? This show takes you on, and off, "the strip," from the Vintners Inn and Agave restaurants in Summerlin, to Marssa at the Loew's Lake Las Vegas, Then back on "the strip" for visits to the MGM Grand to Simon's at Palm Place. Don't miss this guide to some of Vegas' best eateries

It's my hometown, Chicago is one of the truly great food cities of the world. Here, I'll return to my old stomping grounds for something old-Café Ba Ba Reeba and Bin 36, something new-Graham Elliot Restaurant and, The Witt Hotel, and something out of this world-Chicago's own gourmet festival. It's Chicago Gourmet, and trust me, it will leave your mouth watering.

Glenfiddich was celebrating a special release during my visit, a 50-year old single malt-only the second in the distillery's history. But, that's just a small part of the spirit experience at Glenfiddich, which I will explore in detail. Balvenie, operating its own cooperage and malt floor, Balvenie does things the way they used to be, and that means some great single malt whiskeys!

With undeniable beauty, award-winning single malt whiskeys, and much underrated cuisine, who wouldn't want to come to Scotland? Add in magnificent accommodations, and you've got it all, and that's exactly what I've got for you. I'll profile two members of a group of properties called Connoisseurs Scotland - the Cameron House and Prestonfield.

No doubt, Puerto Vallarta is one of my favorite Mexican cities. Situated at the heart of Bandaras Bay, Puerto Vallarta has the allure and charm of an old Mexican puebla and the amenities of a modern Mexican resort. Oh, and did I mention the cuisine? It's excellent. I'll highlight that cuisine during Vallarta's annual gourmet festival in visits to several restaurants and two resorts.