Sometimes dinner isn’t about the recipe, it’s about the conversation. I like to “travel” through food. In fact in the era of super chains; regional comfort food is one of the few defining experiences of travel.
Recently I was lucky enough to go to Netherlands. Early in my visit I was sitting in the town square in Delft which was anchored on one end by a centuries old church and the other end was the town hall, also a building that measured its age in centuries vs. years. The architecture was classic dutch gables and the ground was hand laid cobblestone (much easier on the eyes than the ankles). Unfortunately the restaurants catered to tourists and focused on mass appeal vs. quality. None the less, my colleagues and I found an outdoor table where we could take in the view. It was when we were seated that I realized my breathtaking view was marred by signage for Subway, Lush, Nike and McDonald’s. It’s at moments like that when I think perhaps my dad has a point when he exclaims “I don’t see why I should fly for hours and spend all that money – I can be at Epcot in 20 minutes and visit 12 countries in one day.” Luckily during this trip I found the small squares off the beaten path were locals enjoyed the sunshine.
Expanding your horizons over dinner doesn’t have to be limited to travel. Last night we had corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. I refuse to post a recipe as there’s not one for a “dump it in the crock pot meal.” The corned beef was good, but the conversation it sparked was even better.
Our teenage son has lived a pretty sheltered life. Before he moved in with us this past August his exposure to other cultures was limited at best. The conversation started when he asked rather suspiciously; “What is corned beef?” I’ve seen Good Eats, I knew the culinary answer was cured beef brisket. But rather than just say so and drop the topic, I took it back a few years — to the early 1800′s . I explained that salt preserves meat and that Irish settlers in the United States were looking to replace their beloved cured pork.
In Ireland cows were for dairy, not food. Pork was much more accessible. Jewish Americans showed the Irish how to cure beef brisket to get a similar result. In turn they made it their own, so much so that for a period of time canned corned beef was one of Ireland’s biggest exports and sustained the British army during the Napoleonic wars.
Then we started talking about what he knew about Ireland. We were able to tell him about the religion, culture, government and beauty of a country he knew nothing about. I’m pretty sure he wants to visit now, but it may be for the Guinness!
So, that was our night. Now I’m off to make spaghetti for my beloved Spaghetti Night!
We’ll be toasting with a Vampire Merlot out of Pasa Robles tonight. I bought it in a moment of Halloween glee. I only hope it’s better than their marketing.
Until tomorrow don’t whine; wine! You’ll feel better!
P.S. If you are curious, it’s called corn beef in reference to the salt used to cure it, it was large chunks that resembled kernels of corn.
Nice imagery, I enjoyed the read. I can’t wait to hear about Vampire, I’m always sucked in (pun intended) but great labels and alluring concepts. Cheers!
AWESOME POST!!!!!
Vampire wine?
Beautifully written post.
For the record after visiting numerous times over the past decade I can contest the Guinness in Ireland is unlike Guinness served anywhere else. That alone is worth visiting…then you have the beautiful landscape and wonderful people. Do yourself a favor and stop at Leo Burdock’s Fish and Chips in Dublin. You’ll thank me later.
I hope I get to do all those things, thanks for the suggestion!