Table Talk: January 21

Food and travel

By Kim O'Donnel

January 20, 2010

This week, Kim lead a chat about travel and foods — what we’ve sampled, brought home, tried to recreate in our own kitchens: Vacation food! (It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.)

Kim at the Blueberry Festival in South Haven, Michigan.

The discussion took place right here on Thursday, January 21, at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, is writing a cookbook for people trying to eat less meat. Every week, she brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her weekly live chats. Join her here at Table Talk most Thursdays.

Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel - Jan. 21, 2010

(01/21/2010)

  

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9:53

Kim ODonnel:  Hey! Does food factor into your travel plans? I mean -- do you trot the globe in search of good eats, like Anthony Bourdain? What do you pack for a flight or a road trip? Are there culinary destinations you've got your eye on or want to recommend? Anything is fair game. Join us at the top of the hour... Thursday January 21, 2010 9:53 Kim ODonnel

9:59	[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Finally got my act together to make it here live. Hope all is well! Thursday January 21, 2010 9:59 Lizka

10:00

Kim ODonnel:  Hi Lizka, glad to have you back in the saddle. To kick things off, what's the tastiest place you've ever been? Or where are you hankering to go? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:00 Kim ODonnel

10:01

[Comment From Patricia (Cook Local) Patricia (Cook Local) : ]  Personally, I don't really plan my travel around food, but rather find the good food wherever I travel. There are really very few travel destinations (common or uncommon) that don't have good food somewhere. It's all just a matter of finding it and exploring the "off the beaten path" places as opposed to the tourist traps. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:01 Patricia (Cook Local)

10:03

Kim ODonnel:  But Patricia, have you ever gone somewhere and the food was wretched? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:03 Kim ODonnel

10:03

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Hi Kim! Food definitely factors into my travel plans, and is deeply rooted in my memories of past travels. I was lucky to take a semester in Rome, and spent a lot of time eating like a student: bread, cheese, tinned fish (and a lot of wine), and perusing the daily markets. Pizza with potato and rosemary (purchased by the Lire) was a favorite lunch, as well as coffee granita with fresh, unsweetened cream. Many years later I was fortunate enough to return to Rome, and this time with some cash. While I still ventured to the favorite spots I remembered from being a student, I was also able to dine in a restaurant or two, not to mention have dinners with friends who now live there. Fabulous. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:03 Erin

10:04

Kim ODonnel:  Italy is a magical place for sure. I can still remember the food and wine I experienced from my time in Piedmont. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:04 Kim ODonnel

10:04

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I am going to Oaxaca because my sister went. She's arranged this trip because she said that the food was so great. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:04 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:07

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Jill! Oaxaca is on my wish list, w/ the food in mind. So is Malaysia. Back to Italy w/ my husband, who's never been. Spain. Argentina. Vietnam. Thailand. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel

10:07

[Comment From Patricia (Cook Local) Patricia (Cook Local) : ]  For our last trip to Tulum (MX), we found at least 5 local places that were hidden gems. Not crowded, truly authentic food, amazing service andthe flavors just blew us away. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:07 Patricia (Cook Local)

10:07

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  I don't usually plan travel around food either, but just last October I was in Atlanta for work and WOW - what a good time I had eating there. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:07 Lizka

10:08

Kim ODonnel:  Atlanta has some good chow these days, Lizka. And if you ever need suggestions, a dear friend is the dining critic at Atlanta mag. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:08 Kim ODonnel

10:08

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  Hi! Thanks for having me. What an exicting way to liven up my boring work day! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:08 ThePiggyPost

10:09

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Piggy! Where are you typing from? Welcome aboard our magic carpet ride! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:09 Kim ODonnel

10:09

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  I so agree with looking past the tourist traps - that is one thing I do try to pay attention to when I go somewhere new. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:09 Lizka

10:10

Kim ODonnel:  I find it really helpful to have no expectations when you're on the road and allow the adventure to unfold. It doesn't always work out perfectly, but often it does. May sound trite, but if we go and let a place reveal itself, it really does. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:10 Kim ODonnel

10:10

[Comment From Gastrognome Gastrognome : ]  I certainly plan all my trips around food. Perhaps because I've been to places where the food truly was that bad, but also because I find food the best way to experience another culture and to find friendly locals wanting to show off their world Thursday January 21, 2010 10:10 Gastrognome

10:11

Kim ODonnel:  Gastrognome, you touch on an interesting point. Food as the vehicle to experience another culture. One of my favorite things to do when I travel outside the US is to go to the supermarket. I get so much insight. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:11 Kim ODonnel

10:11

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  I definitely factor in food when picking my vacation spots. I was in Washington and Oregon this past October and basically mapped the trip around eating Thursday January 21, 2010 10:11 ThePiggyPost

10:12

Kim ODonnel:  Oh! What spots did you hit -- and what were the most delicious bites, PiggyPost? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:12 Kim ODonnel

10:12

[Comment From Patricia (Cook Local) Patricia (Cook Local) : ]  Not a location. No. A particular restaurant, sure. But we're pretty good with our research. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:12 Patricia (Cook Local)

10:13

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  i thought the food was wretched in the UK - i was too poor to eat anywhere really upscale, but mid to low-end food was NOT GOOD. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:13 redweather

10:13

Kim ODonnel:  Interesting. How long ago was that, redweather? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:13 Kim ODonnel

10:13

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  whether it was oyster shucking or going to some of their amazing farmers markets. It was incredible! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:13 ThePiggyPost

10:14

Kim ODonnel:  Yeah, the PacNW is an awesome place to eat and drink. We're pretty darn lucky. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:14 Kim ODonnel

10:14

[Comment From Patricia (Cook Local) Patricia (Cook Local) : ]  Gastrognome, I agree. Finding a hole-in-the-wall local place where they truly care about their food and their culture is possibly the most rewarding part of any vacation. We found this little restaurant in Tulum where the owner/chef came out and explained each dish to us personally. Not only what it was, but why it was. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:14 Patricia (Cook Local)

10:14

[Comment From foodloverkathy foodloverkathy : ]  My food/travel wish list includes Greece, Spain, and Morocco. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:14 foodloverkathy

10:15

Kim ODonnel:  Foodloverkathy, I STILL remember the biggest peach of my life from my trip to Greece -- 25 years ago! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:15 Kim ODonnel

10:16

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Agree with Gastrognome. In fact, when I get in a cab in Washington, DC, or NYC I ask the driver about the food in their country. This always gets them talking and I learn a lot. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:16 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:17

Kim ODonnel:  As much as I love the food culture in the PacNW, I do miss the huge array of international cuisine in places like DC. Afghani? Sure thing. Burmese? You got it. It seems like you can have any food from any place. Incredible. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:17 Kim ODonnel

10:17

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  we started in seattle and were there from a friday morning through sunday morning, when we took a ferry somewhere (forgot the name) to head up to olympic Thursday January 21, 2010 10:17 ThePiggyPost

10:17

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  Kim, I see you're in Seattle. I was there a few months ago and fell in love with all of the farmer's market, not to mention some of the great restaurants! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:17 ThePiggyPost

10:18

Kim ODonnel:  It's good eating here, PiggyPost. The farm markets are FAB. Has changed the way we eat in a big way. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:18 Kim ODonnel

10:18

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Hi, just joined! I have to go to good places to eat when I travel because of all of my food allergies intolerances. I just budget that in and enjoy it. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:18 Jeanne in Seattle

10:19

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Jeanne! What's the tastiest destination you've ever been to? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:19 Kim ODonnel

10:19

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Kim, I'll let you know about Oaxaca when I see you in Portland in April. Trip to Oaxaca is at the end of March. I actually prefer the beach but good food will help me get somewhere. I haven't been out of the US much. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:19 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:20

Kim ODonnel:  It's my understanding, Jill, that Oaxaca is the "France" of Mexico, where cuisine is highly revered & flavors are limitless. Can't wait to hear all about it. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:20 Kim ODonnel

10:20

[Comment From Patricia (Cook Local) Patricia (Cook Local) : ]  The way we look at it is that we have a pretty good idea of the types of flavors we like and the types of food reviews that speak to us. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:20 Patricia (Cook Local)

10:20

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Good to know regarding your friend in ATL - thanks for telling me. I have thought it would be nice to go back - close enough to make it not too bad a trip. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:20 Lizka

10:21

Kim ODonnel:  Anytime, Lizka. Did you make it to Watershed in Decatur? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:21 Kim ODonnel

10:21

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I think that it's important to get some insight on where to eat from people who have been or people who live in the area. At least you have personal recommendations. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:21 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:22

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  @ Jill, the veggie queen - There is actually a new show about that in NYC (I think it's new) Thursday January 21, 2010 10:22 ThePiggyPost

10:22

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Probably the Philippines. I loved the food there! So flavorful! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:22 Jeanne in Seattle

10:22

Kim ODonnel:  Ooh. PHilippines. Now that's food I've never really experienced. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:22 Kim ODonnel

10:22

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  But New Orleans was a close second. I loved the food there! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:22 Jeanne in Seattle

10:23

Kim ODonnel:  Well, New Orleans, yeah. Grabs my heart every time. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:23 Kim ODonnel

10:23

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  You must be confusing me with someone else - I never had plans to go to Decatur. But now I'm curious... anything interesting there? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:23 Lizka

10:24

Kim ODonnel:  well, Decatur is right next to Atlanta. Watershed is run by Scott Peacock, one of the finest chefs in the land, and he makes fried chicken that'll make you want to slap your mama. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:24 Kim ODonnel

10:24

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  Jill - yes! recommendations from others before you go - my fella is the KING of this approach - since we've been dating, i eat much better food on vacation.... Thursday January 21, 2010 10:24 redweather

10:24

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Yes, Kim, on the supermarkets to see what is really going on. In France, I got the best deals there, too, for the same thing that would have cost much more in tourist areas. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:24 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:25

Kim ODonnel:  Which brings me to edible souvenirs. Who was saying last week that they love to load up on food items from their travels? I'm guilty as charged. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:25 Kim ODonnel

10:26

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  And Portland, OR: had my first Dim Sum (ever!) there. Foodie heaven, Portland is. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:26 Erin

10:26

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Once was stuck in a tiny town outside of Lyon... had to splurge with my credit card for an overnight stay that included dinner. Dessert was a soft cheese - tangy - served with creme and sugar to sprinkle on top. I've never been able to find anything quite like it... I am guessing that it's something like an unsweetened creme de la coeur? Anyhow. It's funny how what I remember most about some places *is* the food, above all else. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:26 Erin

10:27

Kim ODonnel:  I hear you, Erin. Was in Cinque Terre, Italy, 10 years ago, and still remember the gnocchi & basil pesto. The huge lemons with the leaves still attached. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:27 Kim ODonnel

10:27

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I like to eat what the locals eat but it isn't always easy to find, especially in other countries where they serve "tourist" food. Best food in Dominican Republic came from a family living in a little shack by the beach that was the size of my kitchen. Couldn't find good rice and beans anywhere else. The rest was pizza and "American" food. Funny... Thursday January 21, 2010 10:27 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:29

Kim ODonnel:  Some of my favorite food in Barbados and Grenada is sold at the gas station. Local cooks sell roti filled with spicy chickpeas or little meat patties. Eating on the side of the road. Bliss. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:29 Kim ODonnel

10:29

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  Spain has some incredible dishes that I'e had difficulty locating in the U.S.. I am waiting to hear back regarding my El Bulli reservation, so fingers crossed, I will be there again soon! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:29 ThePiggyPost

10:30

Kim ODonnel:  How far in advance do you have to score a reservation at El Bulli, PiggyPost? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:30 Kim ODonnel

10:30

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Filipino food is a mix of so many cultures--Spanish and Chinese being two of the primary ones. So delicious! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:30 Jeanne in Seattle

10:31

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Ah - I gotcha now; no I didn't get there last time, but will definitely file that away for future reference. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:31 Lizka

10:31

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Ah, Scott Peacock. Still so jealous that he got to work with Edna Lewis. She is one of my heroes. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:31 Jeanne in Seattle

10:31

Kim ODonnel:  Me too, Jeanne. And Scott is one of the nicest people on the planet. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:31 Kim ODonnel

10:31

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Food souvenir: A big bottle of Nutella, wa-a-ay before it was readily available in the states. Gave it to the current BF, because we'd lived on the stuff while we were abroad. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:31 Erin

10:32

Kim ODonnel:  I lived in Switzerland the summer of 1980 and remember the rage over Nutella! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:32 Kim ODonnel

10:32

[Comment From Patricia (Cook Local) Patricia (Cook Local) : ]  Kim, we always load up on things that aren't local to us. Locavore "rules" say that if you're traveling to somewhere anyway, it's OK to bring back local food. it's still considered local! So we brought back vanilla and coffee from Mexico this year. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:32 Patricia (Cook Local)

10:33

Kim ODonnel:  Yes, Patricia! I love to bring home local goodies like vanilla, too. Hot sauce is one of my favorite take-home treats. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:33 Kim ODonnel

10:33

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Erin - I love when those type of unexpected things happen - what traveling is all about as far as I'm concerned. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:33 Lizka

10:33

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Looking forward to being in the Pacific NW in April. I'll be in Portland and then Seattle (for only a day). Hope to get in an extra day in Dundee area for wine and food. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:33 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:34

Kim ODonnel:  Jill, you're in for a treat. We'll have to hook you up with some ideas for your trip. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:34 Kim ODonnel

10:34

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Street vendors can really provide the "authentic flavor" of a locale. I love them, even if they're stationed at touristy attractions. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:34 Erin

10:35

Kim ODonnel:  I can still smell the jerk chicken on the side of the road in Negril, Jamaica. The nectar of a mango in Barbados. The papaya bigger than my head in Uganda, and grilled wild tilapia from the Nile River. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:35 Kim ODonnel

10:35

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I am always drawn to jams and preserves. I seem to have a whole cupboard full of them from my travels. I think it's because I go to farmer's markets in each place I visit and jams and preserves are the most transportable thing I can find to remind me of the experience. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:35 Jeanne in Seattle

10:36

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  About edible souvenirs -- I have a kind of hilarious story about buying dried beans in Nice, France and what happened after that. I paid about $16 for a pound of beans because I don't speak French. I fondly recall this event. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:36 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:37

Kim ODonnel:  Thursday January 21, 2010 10:37 Kim ODonnel

10:37

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  Kim, I believe they just ceased accepting reservation requests for the 2010 series (mid-January was the cut off, I think). So, now I wait. Chances are slim to none that I will get one, but I told them I could come whenever and with 2-4 people so I am hoping my flexibility helps. It's my dream to eat there! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:37 ThePiggyPost

10:37

Kim ODonnel:  Wow. Now that's serious travel/work for food! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:37 Kim ODonnel

10:37

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  goodness, in terms of souvenirs, when I was in seattle i dropped quite a bit of money at Beecher's Cheese and the asian supermarket so that we would have some goodies on our road trip. What did I end up doing? Let them all in the minibar at the hotel. Luckily I had my meats from Salumi! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:37 ThePiggyPost

10:38

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I love to experience the little food quirks of each place I visit. How iced tea in the South is always sweetened. How a "regular" coffee in NYC denotes a coffee with milk and 2 sugars (if I'm remembering correctly). Thursday January 21, 2010 10:38 Jeanne in Seattle

10:39

Kim ODonnel:  Oh yes! Ever order a drink in South Carolina? You get a mini bar bottle and mix the drink yourself. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:39 Kim ODonnel

10:39

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Jill, that's hilarious! I once had Italian grandmothers snarking at me while I asked for fish at the peach-stand ("pesk-ay" vs. "pesh-ay" - it took a while to unlearn French to learn some Italian). Thursday January 21, 2010 10:39 Erin

10:40

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Seriously, Kim? That is hilarious! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:40 Jeanne in Seattle

10:40

Kim ODonnel:  Yes, it has something to do with a antiquated law on the SC books. But think of the waste -- all that plastic! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel

10:40

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Lizka - me too; the unexpected sometimes really does force you to slow down for a second and to look a little deeper. There are usually wondrous things just under the surface, or around the corner! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:40 Erin

10:41

Kim ODonnel:  Did I ever tell you guys about my boiled sheep's head experience in South Africa? As guest of honor, I was offered the eyeball. Um, yeah. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:41 Kim ODonnel

10:41

[Comment From alisoncsmith alisoncsmith : ]  absolutely agree on hitting a supermarket as a way of "getting" a place. and we're lucky enough to have relatives (husband's side) in crete - one of whom has an old family citrus grove up in the hills. we were VERY bad citizens and found a way to stash the biggest oranges you've ever seen into our suitcases. that, and the homemade raiki our uncle gave us in a 1litre plastic coke bottle. how we haven't been stopped by the dogs in customs - when they smell our sausages, cheeses, etc., - i have NO idea Thursday January 21, 2010 10:41 alisoncsmith

10:43

Kim ODonnel:  Anyone ever get their food souvenirs confiscated at customs? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:43 Kim ODonnel

10:43

[Comment From alisoncsmith alisoncsmith : ]  but did you eat it, kim? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:43 alisoncsmith

10:44

Kim ODonnel:  Alisoncsmith, I had no choice. We were a group of 10, in someone's back yard. Everyone was drinking beer. A pot was being passed around, and the eyeball was reserved just for me. All eyes (including that of the sheep) were on me, so I couldn't escape. I popped it in my mouth, then took a big swig of beer to make it go down the hatch. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:44 Kim ODonnel

10:44

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Esh, Kim; no I never heard your S. Africa story. Would love to hear more - how was the sheep's brains? I don't think I could eat that... Thursday January 21, 2010 10:44 Lizka

10:45

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I remember when I was in the Philippines the first time (my dad lived there), I ordered chicken at a tiny restaurant in the area outside of Manila. The waiter said OK, and then I saw him go to the courtyard, grab a chicken that was wandering around, and bring it to the kitchen. I was about 12--and my dad said,"the freshest chicken you will ever get." I was shocked. Taught me a big and important lesson about where my food came from. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:45 Jeanne in Seattle

10:46

Kim ODonnel:  That's awesome, jeanne. I remember in Greece being asked to pick the fish I wanted from the case and then it was prepared, but this is a whole different 'cook to order' experience. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:46 Kim ODonnel

10:46

[Comment From arlenefrommn arlenefrommn : ]  I almost did coming back from OZ with bush spices, the officer asked me if I picked them off a tree and I said no so he let me through Thursday January 21, 2010 10:46 arlenefrommn

10:47

Kim ODonnel:  We brought in some limes last year from Puerto Rico, from the tree in the back yard. Felt like we were smuggling gold! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:47 Kim ODonnel

10:47

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  No - re customs - my grandfather and I brought Brown bread back from Ireland - but that was back in 1994 Thursday January 21, 2010 10:47 Lizka

10:47

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I always had big fears about being made to eat something "disgusting" in another country. My dad lived all over the world and would make us eat gross things. I think it scarred me for life. :) Thursday January 21, 2010 10:47 Jeanne in Seattle

10:48

Kim ODonnel:  In Zambia about 5 years ago. Stayed with a family, very poor. Oldest girl (about 15) did most of the cooking. They were so concerned that I wouldn't like nsima (their cornmeal porridge) that she made me pasta and put milk over it -- with sugar!! I nearly gagged. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:48 Kim ODonnel

10:49

[Comment From alisoncsmith alisoncsmith : ]  on the same greece trip - over easter - an experience unto itself (think new year's, christmas, and 4th of july all rolled into one) - my husband's relatives saved the lamb brains from the whole, spit-roasted easter lamb for me. i saw them cleavered from the skull right in front of me. fortunately, i happen to like them. but a whole brain? that's a little much of the sweet stuff. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:49 alisoncsmith

10:50

Kim ODonnel:  Yeah, I'm not into organs myself, Alison. But it is good to be open to what's common practice in other parts. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:50 Kim ODonnel

10:50

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I refused to eat the kitten they cooked for me in China. No way was I eating Fluffy. Heh. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:50 Jeanne in Seattle

10:50

Kim ODonnel:  Wow. Wow. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:50 Kim ODonnel

10:50

[Comment From ThePiggyPost ThePiggyPost : ]  I heard Batali, Chang and Peter Meehan speak at The Strand recently and they talked some about having things confiscated at customs. Funny, and interesting. Oh and Rachael Ray popped up (crashed their event) and gave her own story. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:50 ThePiggyPost

10:51

[Comment From arlenefrommn arlenefrommn : ]  Any pointers for eating in Thailand and what to bring back? I am going there in April Thursday January 21, 2010 10:51 arlenefrommn

10:51

Kim ODonnel:  Arlene, I have a friend going next week & she's offering to bring me back treats & I'm stumped myself. Spices, perhaps? coffee? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:51 Kim ODonnel

10:52

[Comment From alisoncsmith alisoncsmith : ]  the rationale behind the special offering? i was 5 mos pregnant. and i generally adore organ meat (yes, i'm odd) Thursday January 21, 2010 10:52 alisoncsmith

10:52

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  Arlenefrommn I'm a tea lover, so I'd bring back some tea for sure! Thursday January 21, 2010 10:52 Jeanne in Seattle

10:52

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Absolutely, I so agree about being open to new things - especially when you are participating in someone else's culture, but there are some things...I have a really hard time with. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:52 Lizka

10:53

Kim ODonnel:  I remember talking with someone from Gambia several years ago about eating gorilla. That would be challenging for me. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel

10:53

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  I am very careful in other places because I am a vegetarian I am not eating any animals at all -- domesticated or not. I'll stick to the plant foods, thank you. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:53 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:54

Kim ODonnel:  Jill, in your experience, what are the most veggie-friendly places in the US? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:54 Kim ODonnel

10:56

[Comment From Gloria, HealthCastle Gloria, HealthCastle : ]  I've tried bringing sotong (dried squid) from Malaysia. But my friends have secretly brought durian from Asia. I really don't know how they did it. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:56 Gloria, HealthCastle

10:58

Kim ODonnel:  They got durian -- the stinkiest fruit on the planet -- thru? Couple other memorable food moments -- stinging nettle risotto in Italy, that I prepared for lunch at cooking school, foraging for berries on the tundra in w. Alaska, grapefruits for breakfast from a tree in the bahamas... Thursday January 21, 2010 10:58 Kim ODonnel

10:58

[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  So many places have veg options but generally bigger cities on the coasts have the most. I think, though, that you can get good veggie food in many places such as Portland, SF, LA, Seattle, NYC and many more. Thursday January 21, 2010 10:58 Jill, The Veggie Queen

10:59

Kim ODonnel:  It's definitely gotten easier/more accessible, don't you think? Thursday January 21, 2010 10:59 Kim ODonnel

10:59

[Comment From Jeanne in Seattle Jeanne in Seattle : ]  I had something confiscated on my way back from England once. But I can't remember what. Maybe cheese? Couldn't have been the tea... Thursday January 21, 2010 10:59 Jeanne in Seattle

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[Comment From Jill, The Veggie Queen Jill, The Veggie Queen : ]  Yes, and we are getting smarter about how to order in restaurants beyond Pasta Primavera. Yuck. Thursday January 21, 2010 11:00 Jill, The Veggie Queen

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Kim ODonnel:  This was fun! Thanks for joining me on the magic carpet, y'all. Next week: our monthly meatless chat. Send your ideas for future chats, too; you can always find me at tabletalk AT culinate.com Take good care & eat well. Bye! Thursday January 21, 2010 11:01 Kim ODonnel