In the days of Anthony Bourdain’s untimely passing, TV networks have been broadcasting the numerous shows he produced about traveling around the world, and connecting with others through food and drink. It reminded me of my Fearless Eating While I Traveled around the world. On the rare occasion that Deana and I would dine outside of the comfort of her kitchen, I would casually mention some of the best food items that are the epitome of food palette pleasure. For example, Puerto Vallarta table-size, stone bowl prepared, fresh emerald green guacamole.
Fearless Eating While I Traveled
Sometimes I would grumble to my girlfriend, that while this might be the best guacamole the restaurant has to offer but … not as good as what I’ve had! My sister and I took holiday in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico several years ago. Unlike Bourdain’s: No Reservations, we definitely had reservations at a beach side resort. One of first meals was dinner at the resort. I love guacamole, so I ordered it with my meal.
A server team aside from our meal server arrived with a small table, with a stone bowl on top. The two of them literally whip up the guacamole as we watched in eager anticipation. It was so delicious, I swear it ruined me for life for other guacamole. As you can imagine, it’s not quite perfection of what I’ve had.
Santorini, Greece – While working for Costco Travel, I was assigned to traveling group of Costco Members. One of the ports-of-call was Santorini. I posted up outside a store to wait out a family shopping. From the corner of my eye, I observed several people walk up to a hole-in-the-wall eatery. After exchanging money, they would walk away with a gyro in their hands. I was getting hungry from the sunny weather, so I strolled up to investigate. This eatery was literally one-person alcove inside a building. I said nothing but outstretched my Euros. He barely looked up from the spit roast that’s standing up. With a cutting device, and a stainless steel collection bucket, he quickly created my gyro.
Simply put: it’s the gyro I’ve had up to the point, and ever since. The dangers of Fearless Eating While I Traveled. Once you’ve had the best, you really don’t want anything else.
London, England – On the same trip with Costco Travel, there was an overnight in London. The group hadn’t arrived yet, so I was left to dine by myself. I walked the area around the hotel, and found a lively courtyard. There was a 4-person bistro that was broadcasting soccer on a TV set atop the refrigerator. I ordered the Shepherd’s Pie. My expectations were low considering I’ve had my fair share of English cuisine which I generally found void of flavor. This was not the case! It was delicious!
Cebu, Philippines – My mother was Filipino so as you can imagine most of my dinners served had that cultural influence. Siopao, Filipino steamed dumplings, was a fav and definitely a treat if served. It’s labor-intensive, and difficult to make so when my Mom made a batch it was noticeable. She was also a practical joker, too. I never knew whom she got that from: her Dad or Mom.
I found out! It was her Dad.
The family visited the Philippines in 1997. Grandpa Felimon and I were waiting for Mom and my little sister as they browsed the shopping stores. I spied a food cart on the street corner. I treated my Grandpa to a siopao. We sat down on the sidewalk, and people watch. Every time I took a bite, I would hear a cat bay. I looked around for a stray cat begging for scraps. None were around. I took another bite, and whipped my head to catch Grandpa was making the cat howl!
He laughed hysterically as he was caught in the act! He thought he was the funniest guy ever. I admit, I laughed too. Regardless, it didn’t deter me and I remained Fearless Eating While I Traveled.
Be good, like you should. And if you can’t be good, be good at what you do!
Mic drop *bOoM*
‘los; out
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