The Top Five Google Maps Mashups for Food Lovers

Google maps mashups have extended into countless domains and niche markets, tapping into everything that can be mappable; it's not a matter location anymore, since any idea or concept can generate a reason to pinpoint where and when. Google maps is easy to play with; it's given programmers a fun new tool to be even more creative.

Thousands of hobbyists are literally putting themselves on the map to highlight their special interests. Don't be surprised to stumble upon a beer lover's map showing the latest and greatest breweries around the nation; or, how about a map that shows where movies were first filmed? If you consider yourself a food lover, here are few google mashups that might tantalize your tastes:

At the YummyBaguette.com, it's easy to curb your sweet tooth and seek out your next baked good venture. The listings include New York, Paris, Bangkok, and Chicago. Not only will you find an extensive list of chocolate shops and sweet finds. Each location has been given a user rating, along with contact information and a mapping feature to track it down. Be sure to visit the gourmet glossary for the real descriptions behind some gourmet delights.

The Burritophile is a clever compilation of burritos around the world. Burritos are reviewed and catalogued into this weblog, and you can find the top scoring locales at different cities in the directory. Reviews are sent in by users of the site with plenty of photos: you'll find cross sections and play-by-plays of burrito making. Entries go back to April 2005, and this is a regularly updated resource for all burrito lovers.

Wine connoisseurs will delight in the Wines and Times , a comprehensive map-based site displaying U.S. wineries to plan your winery tour. Over 3,000 vineyards are listed on the site, and you can sort the search by variety of wine, open times, and even events on specific days. Just click on the state of interest, and a map has already been plotted with the wineries in each area. Other information you may need: wine trail events, wine festivals, and tour times.

If you're a drinker on a budget, or just want to take a look at options in the city, Drinktown is a great place to start. The site currently covers Chicago, Washington, Milwaukee, and Baltimore and it's filled with thousands of bars and lounges to cover key information you need to plan your tour. Listings include a profile of the bar, along with weekly specials, comments, and ratings. The site is a work in process so not all listings have all the information; still, it's an easy way to track down your next stop by location.

If you're a road trip junkie, finding the next pitstop for food and nourishment isn't always easy. With Wayfaring, personal recommendations from people who've already run the course just got easier. Members of the site publish their own maps, and typing in some keywords for your map of choice will bring you closer to people who can give you the right directions. Type in 'road trip to ____' for highlights on a route, or choose a specific destination to zoom in on your venue of choice.