Foodies: Bologna or Parma?
 

Will one will you choose?

I am a Personal Chef so visiting towns known for their products is something I try to sneak in during vacation. If you had to choose between one of these... which one?

I have not been to Parma in years but Bologna would certainly fit the bill. As would Modena. That whole region is heaven for people interested in food (I hate the term, "foodie," by the way). If you are planning to stay in Bologna, make sure to secure hotel reervations in advance as the city's popularity for fairs and conventions makes the room situation tight at many times of the year.

You can read a few food sections about Bologna on my report here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34743272

You can get excellent food in either city. Bologna has more of a big-city feel, Parma is a smaller city. I much prefer Parma over Bologna, but not because of differences in quality of the food.

I am not so interested in the fairs as I am in touring local shops and buying some good stuff. Thanks for the link to your trip report ekscrunchy!

I am glad you enjoyed the report. Truly, Bologna's "via della grassa," better known as Via Claveture, and the intersecting streets are a sight to behold for the food-centric. You can get great food all over this region; you will be astounded wherever you decide to base yourself.

Ha! "food-centric"... like that better than foodie too. Foodie is over-used!

Bologna.
But also see if you can squeeze in a visit to Piedmont

check out Just How Good Can Italy Get? - New York Times
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