Many acquaintances over the years have commented on why I'm able to recall restaurants and meals I've eaten years ago. Not only can I recall what I had but also what they ate as well. I usually request a bite of what they order which may seem strange but is a great way to sample a menu quickly. The only thing I can figure is my sense of taste and smell must be enhanced in some super human way. I was bit by my dog Shasta when I was a kid so maybe that is where I got it? My family was instrumental in broadening my horizons when it came to food. My dad was a marine and picked up some great recipes over seas in Japan. My mom is always combing magazines for exotic recipes to try. Some good some not so good. My family also traveled a lot so I had a chance to taste a variety of foods in different locals.
My journey into the world of total food recall began on my trip to Epcot Center in Orlando Florida in 1984. It was my first time on a plane and traveling far from home. I was only 13 and had never been to a humid part of the country. We had a blast. We mostly ate at restaurants we recognized or fast food. Our first day at Epcot we decided to eat at a restaurant in the little Italy section of the park. I ordered the rather pedestrian lasagna. Or so I thought. When my dish came out it was green. I mean green. The noddles were green. I sat and stared at it like it was cow tongue or something alien. The server mentioned quickly due to my look of surprise that they were spinach noodles and that's why they were green but it was to die for. Needless to say that endorstment did not sell me on it. I waited for the server to leave and told my parents I made a mistake but was not eating it. My ex-marine father said "fine, but that's all your getting the rest of the day". I figured if I forced down a couple of bites I would earn his satisfaction and be able to score some popcorn later. I took a fairly small bite. I must say what happened next took me by suprise. I immediately blurted out "this rocks!". The flavors danced around my mouth like fireworks. I couldn't believe something so ugly could taste so good. I quickly devoured the whole thing. My mom quickly chimed in with "don't knock it until you try it". I still remember that moment like it was yesterday. From that time on I've never said no to strange looking food. It started a food renascence that continues to this day.
When I started traveling and visiting many major U.S. cities after graduation from college I decided to come up with my Road Eating Commandments which are:
- No national chains (if I can eat there at home why eat there on the road....boring) regional chains are OK.
- One year + (It has to open at least one year as I want to know its good enough to be around when I come back)
- Two people verification (i.e. ask the staff at the hotel your staying at or local business associates you are working with...never trust one mans opinion)
- Signature dish (your server will tell you what their most popular dishes are if they are not marked on the menu already)
Until next week!
Carson
