Periodically, I’ll have credible experts log entries on the Voice of Reason to broaden the appeal of topics covered and engage in more two-way dialog. So, for those interested in cooking and travel, this post is for you, from my peer, Jeannie Houchins, M.A., R.D. Enjoy!
When I was a kid, I used to love going to this pizza place that had a wonderful, arcane pipe organ where the organist took requests and you could see all the pipes in action from behind the glass. It was dark, but the communal tables had just enough light where you could share soda pop from pitchers and eat gourmet pizza shuttled from the hot brick oven. My family always had a good time despite the long drive to and from the restaurant – but it was worth every memory.
Most people just venture to a neighboring suburb for a meal out, but more and more people are taking an interest in food and the world around them by taking a culinary or food vacation.
This type of vacation may conjure up exotic, far away locales like Italy, India, or even Morocco but you’d be surprised by the number of tours which are easily accessible Stateside.
Recently, a survey released by Gourmet and the International Culinary Tourism Association showed that California, Florida, and New York are the top three states for food tourism, while California, New York, and Missouri were the most popular for wine travel. While you still might think these trips are decadent, in fact, they’re as diverse or economical as your taste and budget.
For example there are chocolate tours in historic Boston and artisanal cheese exploration in Wisconsin. Chocolate and cheese not your fancy? Not to worry. Perhaps you crave the more exotic? How about a cooking class in San Francisco’s Chinatown? The options are only limited by your palate.
As I reflect on all of my eating experiences, I certainly enjoy local eateries, but I find myself drawn to finding that pipe organ once again.
This topic is a most-welcome comment to remind us that wonderful aspects of life are literally right around the corner as well as countries away.
I grew up on Long Island and reveled in the flavor of freshly steamed lobsters right off the dock in Freeport. On the other coast, I have loved the true freshness of blackberries and raspberries growing in my grandparents huge garden in Corvallis, Oregon. Also, walking down the street with my grandmother to buy (really) fresh Pacific waters’ salmon. She also used an old refrigerator to smoke chicken and salmon – what a treat! There are foods to enjoy native to every town in the US.
Two weeks ago I returned from a very special “Energizing Mind and Body” trip to subtropical Costa Rica that focused on the flora and fauna of such a beautiful country. But, I have to say I learned a great deal about Costa Rican food. While rice and beans are a staple, so is the most delicious fresh fruit – deliciously ripe mangoes, papays and pineapples. Also, their milk-rich desserts are wonderful, including flans and a “milk cake” that was (I believe) a simple cottage pudding cake baked, then a combination of whole milk and sweetened condensed milk is poured over to saturate it. Amazingly, it is topped with a fluffy egg white frosting and toasted coconut! I could have eaten that dessert every night if it was offered. I could go on and on, but I think you understand my love of some simple and more complex food experiences.
I would suggest that everyone enjoy what is near and take advantage of what is offered from afar.