The beautiful seaside community of Carmel-by-the-Sea has long been recognized as an artist’s colony, and has lately become a much-loved destination for foodies and wine aficionados. Renowned chefs who landed on the town’s sandy shores and established restaurants include Kurt Grasing of Grasings, Brad Briske of La Balena, Justin Cogley of Aubergine and Soerke Peters of Basil’s. Visitors can experience the flavors of Carmel for themselves at one of the popular farmers markets or on a dedicated food tour through the town’s highly walkable streets and charming, twisting alleyways. Carmel Food Tours offers foodies private tours and two themed walks: the Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea Classic Food Tour (three hours, 1.3 miles) and the Gimme-a-Breakfast Tour (two hours, .75 miles). Run by locals who share the best insider tips, each tour takes a moderate pace with time to rest built into the itinerary. Local foods are the highlight, such as the house-roasted coffee beans and freshly baked pastries and popovers on the Gimme-a-Breakfast Tour’s six tasting stops. The Classic Food Tour includes seven stops and tastings at local restaurants, confectionaries, small-batch wineries and specialty food shops such as Trio Carmel, where handcrafted, flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars include amazing choices. Sample Cinnamon Pear Dark Balsamic, Blood Orange Whole Food Fused Olive Oil, Persian Lime Olive Oil, Espresso Dark Balsamic, Strawberry Dark Balsamic and sulfite-free Serrano Honey Vinegar. Along the way, meet local chefs and food artisans.