How to promote towns as food and cycling destinations

The best place to get a Vietnamese Pho in Sydney is in Cabramatta. The same Cabramatta that was deemed a no-go zone in the 1990's because of the heroin issues and the Vietnamese ganstas. But that image is not reality these days. What Cabramatta should be known for is its amazing Vietnamese food and cycleways.
Also its home of the most amazing vegan food. Since a lot of Vietnamese people are buddahists it's only natural that the biggest Vietnamese community has atleast 5 vegan friendly restaurants. So perfect, as an Asian vegetarian who loves cycling, Cabramatta is the ultimate weekend day trip. Did I mention how amazing all the cycling routes in this area is? No? Well they're some of the most extensive in Sydney.

1. Take the cycle way

Lots and Lots and Lots. 
Rail trail along the railway line. 
Trails along the M4.
Trails around the dam. 
Pretty much anything is accessible by bike.
Just check them out on google maps.
Look at all the green. That;s bike friendly paths all of it.

2. Organise a group ride
So I organised a ride out to Cabramatta along the cycleways to eat amazing Vietnamese food and started blogging about the amazing adventure. Through some social media magic a twitter conversation caught the attention of the local newspaper journalist. This then subsequently led to an invitation to be photographed for a story to promote Cabramatta cycleways and Cabramatta as a food destination.

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3. Organise a Vietnamese feast

Three bean drink with coconut milk, vegan friendly

What to eat:

• Vegan Vietnamese Pho
• Three bean drink - Che - Lycee jelly, mung beans, red beans, coconut jelly
• Vietnamese spring rolls
• Rice paper rolls

What not to eat:

• Stink beans - it says it all

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The killer formula
In summary how to convert your town into a food destination:

1. What foods are you promoting? 
2. Who are you foodie champions?
3. Are you using social media to promote 1 & 2?
4. Ban cars in the city centre
5.  Create amazing cycling, public transport infrastructure which encourages people to walk about and explore the region

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More Info on cycleways in Cabramatta:

• Maps for council - http://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/upload/jspry29471/Cyclemap.pdf
• Rail Trail of bike way - https://www.railtrails.org.au/trail?view=trail&id=172

• Routes by me - http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/811098381
• Blog by me - http://www.jullietta.com/cycling/glebe-to-cabramatta-along-cycleways