transient travels

Whenever I travel, whether it’s for a day, a week or more, I notice that my meals form significant little milestones for the trip when I look back. You have to eat, but also, what and where you eat tends formulates a pretty big impression of the location. Scouring a line of expensive menus in New York, for example, recently reminded me that I wasn’t in Boston anymore. And for many, the prices in Boston seem way out of touch by comparison to their own hometowns.

Food can also represent the culture of a particular area. Going out of your way to sample a pastry in a city’s Little Italy because it once made a special impression makes you realize that not all Italian neighborhoods are the same – each one has it’s own unique character. And let’s face it, there’s nothing like Boston’s North End.

Last weekend, after Caitlin and Mark’s engagement party, we moved on to a barbecue at Mark’s house to continue celebrating with his family, who is from Jamaica. For the first time I had authentic Jamaican Jerk chicken that wasn’t seasoned by the likes of Purdue.

That photo doesn’t do it justice – it was very dark outside and you know me and my poor food photography skills. It was the type of chicken that had so much flavor you couldn’t pinpoint one, yet at the same time, it wasn’t overpowering – it was just plain good.

On Sunday we made a quick stop at the Polombo Pastry Shop for a pastry and a coffee – it really made a great impression on us during our last trip. We then headed to Mamaroneck once again, where we strolled downtown to enjoy the sun and search for a good place for lunch.

We landed on Roasted Peppers. As we mulled over the menu, instead of bringing out a basket of bread, our waiter served us little pastries with a creamy, sweet apple spread. I ate one immediately and made sure to save room for another one after the meal, when I’d want something sweet again.

We also ordered a serving of nachos with guacamole that was so good it nearly vanished in point two seconds.

For my actual meal I reverted back to breakfast with a chorizo and egg wrap with Alpine cheese, spinach, tomato and a side of fruit.

Looking back at how much of our short trip was marked with little foodie milestones, it made me realize that encountering necessities while traveling, like the food that locals encounter everyday, makes you feel much more a part of the place – even if it’s just while you’re there.