Palm Beach County’s Hidden Culinary History Is Full of “Aha” Moments

Palm Beach County has a reputation for being swanky: high-end boutiques in Delray Beach, fancy restaurants along Worth Avenue in West Palm and the like.But Lori J. Durante wanted to showcase a different side of Palm Beach County—one that featured history with an emphasis on the contributions of underrepresented groups.So in 2004, Lori began conducting bus tours in her hometown of Delray Beach, highlighting the area’s multicultural influences.“At the conclusion of the tour, the guests would often ask, “Where can we go to eat?” Lori recalls.So in 2011, she launched Taste History Culinary Tours to showcase the lesser-known culinary histories of Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and Lantana. To date, more than 10,000 people have embarked on her off-the-beaten-path excursions. Today, Lori offers an abbreviated version of the Taste History bus tour.Related episodes: How Florida Became “the Birthplace of Fusion Cuisine” Summertime Grilling Tips for Your Best Barbecue Season Yet Chef Allen Susser Brings Good Mango Mojo How “Food Led the Way” for Cuban Influence in Tampa