Adventurous eating doesn't have to consist of gnawing on indigenous creep crawlers or mysterious internal organs. Exciting bites can be the result of the faces and places that you choose to eat. If heights give you the willies then this may be too much for you, but for all those bold eaters out there, why not consider dining in the clouds?
These 6 restaurants are found across the globe, from the Middle East to Europe, and some places that aren't on land at all. The views are even better than the bites in these hard-to-resist high flying outposts. Consider globe trotting to new heights in 2011 at one of these high altitude destinations.
1. Restaurant des Chaux, Switzerland
Photo: Karl Weatherly/Thinkstock
Tucked high in the Swedish Alps, in Gryon, Switzerland, Restaurant des Chaux boasts intoxicating views of rocky cliffs and sun bathed mountain pastures. In the winter, the restaurant can only be reached via gondola but in the summer, other vehicles can make it to the top. Try the medallions of venison with cranberries and spaetzle or the Corbillon smoked salmon and the whole roasted beef with béarnaise sauce. Finish the meal off with tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream or a double cream berry coulis.
2. Wildflower Hall, India
Photo: Thinkstock
Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas in India, Wildflower Hall is the luxury resort that was once home to Lord Kitchener, the chief military commander for the British administration in India. Named quite simply "The Restaurant," the hotel's eatery boasts a spread of ever changing Pan-Asian bites on an open-air terrace with panoramic views of the grand Himalayas.
3. Atmosphere in the Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Photo: Davis McCardle/Getty Images
The Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai is the world's tallest manmade structure, it's 828 meters high with 206 floors; the perfect place to house the world's highest restaurant, Atmosphere. The restaurant is located on 122nd floor within luxury Hotel Armani. The restaurant, which is set to open this year, offers cuisine that's centered around grilled foods along with pre and post dinner drinks.
4. Tampu Restaurant at Sanctuary Lodge, Peru
Photo: Brand X Pictures
Amidst the sacred ancient stones of Machu Picchu, you'll find one of the world's most mystifying views. Sanctuary Lodge's stunning outdoor terrace restaurant, Tampu offers authentically Peruvian cuisine. Tampu is harmoniously designed to fit into the natural surroundings of the area and is built with all wood and stone materials.
5. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, Up Above the World So Bright
Photo: Thinkstock
I have a special place in my heart for the journalist that had to taste all the rather gruesome meals before coming across the top airline bites. Talk about dining in the clouds, you can't get too much higher than airline travel and according to Times UK, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways do it best. These airlines want you to feel like it's a special occasion even in coach, just like the good old days. With meals like velvety pasta in a tangy tomato sauce and chocolate mousse with a mandarin sauce, it seems they may be living up to expectations.
6. Hazie's, Colorado
Photo: Digital Vision
Soaring high into the sky on Mount Werner, in Steamboat Springs, Hazie's features gourmet American fare. Try the macadamia encrusted sea bass, baked escargot strudel, or grilled lamb with goat cheese risotto. Vegetarians will enjoy the baked Portobello Wellington. During ski season this is the ideal spot to refuel and enjoy the breath taking snow capped mountains at the same time.
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