By: Laura Ali, MS, RDN, LDN
“The real voyage of discovery consists not of seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
Food. It links us to our past, our family, our culture and our heritage. It can tell a story, teach us a history lesson, and may help shape how we think about a country and the people who live there. It is does more than just nourish our bodies. It brings people together, creates memories and builds trust.
But how often do you really think about what you are eating or the story behind what is on your plate? For me, that is one of the best things about a vacation. In addition to breaking out of my routine it’s a chance to explore and learn about new areas and the food and traditions of that area.
Taking a food tour is one of my favorite things to do on vacation. It all started on a trip to Seattle where my husband and I signed up for a tour of the iconic Pike Place Market. Following our tour leader (complete with his pink umbrella!) we wandered through the aisles and shops learning about the history of the market, the vendors, and foods sold there. And we ate! We tried cheese, spices, fish, bread, and the most delicious chocolate covered cherries. We watched cheese being made and enjoyed the fish mongers throwing the fish back and forth.
In Portland, Maine along with learning about lobsters and the fishing industry, we learned that they think the first Whoopie Pie was made there. I know, blasphemy, right? In Savannah we tried Alligator burgers (I’ll skip those in the future!) and in Toronto we tried their famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich at the old St. Lawrence Market. Peameal bacon is a cured pork loin that was originally rolled in yellow peameal which helped preserve it and kept it moisture so it could survive a voyage to England. Today, it’s rolled in cornmeal and shipping is no longer a concern.
You don’t need to take a tour though. Read up on the area and find out what the specialties are before you go. Ask your waiter or bartender for ideas and don’t be afraid to try something a little out of your comfort zone. The absolute worst that can happen is you won’t enjoy it as much as you hoped.
As Proust says, it’s not just new landscapes, but how we look at it that is discovery. As far as food is concerned I would say it’s not just taste, but learning the back story and the history of a food that helps us really experience it. So, break out of your routine and try a new food or dish while you are on vacation. You’ll build memories and may find some new favorite dishes to recreate when you get home.
Laura Ali is the Registered Dietitian for StarKist Co. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Mark, and their rambunctious terrier, Duncan. She can be found on weekends exploring local food shops, restaurants and wineries or cooking up some new creation at home. Follow her on Instagram , Twitter and Pinterest
