I don’t visit a new city without tasting its beers. Beyond experiencing the local flavors, beer can teach you a lot about a place.

During our road trip through Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, we had a hard time finding a full-bodied ale until we got to Halifax. Mike and I resorted to ordering a different beer at every stop in search for something that would satisfy our thirst for strong flavor, full-body and a lot of hops.

Finally, on our first day in the city, we discovered Garrison Brewing, whose ales are all natural and preservative-free. Garrison has been around since their inaugural batch of “Irish Red Ale” in 1997. They’re young, but they know what they’re doing.

Propeller was another favorite. They sell all-natural, British-style ales and lagers. Mike and I discovered this hoppy brew at our hotel in Halifax -  you know, where we became best friends with Mike Holmes. It very quickly became our go-to after a long day of sightseeing.

We moved on to learn about the brewing process…

We enjoyed the tour because it offered us a bit of history and context. Next time, I definitely want to spend some more time touring my favorites.

Do you make it a point to try local beer when you travel?

When Bourdain came to Boston in an episode that now seems like ages ago, he did just that. The theme encompassed the working-class neighborhoods of Boston, as inspired by an old crime novel that he loves, “The Friends of Eddie Coyle.” Based on conversations from fellow fans and reactions on his Facebook page, he seemed to get a lot of flak from locals, mostly for focusing too much on Southie. While I also wish that he expanded his scope, I can’t say that Tony didn’t deliver what he promised.

But if Bourdain did come back to Boston I’d have a few places in mind, which I’ll share in a number of upcoming posts. If I had to pick a theme, I’d choose places that stay true to themselves. Places that have managed to maintain a certain integrity no matter what goes on around them.

I’d start by taking him outside of Boston, to my hometown of Natick, MA. After all, this is my itinerary…

Casey’s Diner was established in 1922 as a horse-drawn cart operation. At the time, Natick was a hub for manufacturing. Back then people from Boston would commute to Natick for work everyday. Historically speaking, this place has a very unique tie to Boston because it not only fed a wave of working class citizens who fled to this suburb from the city for work, it’s also seen the suburbanization of this New England community, members of which now head back into the city to make a living.

Back in the 20′s, horses would pull the cart into the center of town and serve what I imagine were the exact same perfectly steamed hot dogs that they continue to serve today. When my brother and sister and I were in grade school my dad would pick us up on half days and take us to Casey’s for lunch. We’d order a hot dog a burger and for dessert, a classic Boston Cream Pie.

 [Photo credit: Bob L F]

The smell of a deliciously crafted ball of meat slapped onto a grill wafts out of a take out window and draws you to a trolly door that slams shut right after you’ve squeezed yourself through.

When Mike and I go to Casey’s we order a cheeseburger and a hot dog each, which are steamed in an old copper container (pictured below). Mike gets his dogs “all around” which includes mustard, relish and onions. I like mine with just mustard and relish.

I can’t deny that nostalgia drives much of my appreciation for Casey’s. Every time I go I am taken back to the days when my dad would bring my siblings and I after school. But what I also love is that it refuses to evolve into something it was never meant to be. The biggest change that Casey’s has faced over the years is becoming immobile. There’s so many places in the Boston area that try to recreate the wheel with certain classics – like turning a typical grilled cheese sandwich “gourmet.” But at Casey’s, you’re getting a steamed hot dog that’s perfectly cooked and snaps with every bite.

Casey’s also makes a delicious burger. Like their hot dogs, it’s simple with no frills but they’ll make it however you like. Mike and I like mustard, ketchup, onions and pickles.

When you’re lucky enough to grab a seat at one of the ten tiny bar stools, you’ll find yourself rubbing elbows – literally – with whomever you’re sitting next to. But it’s worth it. The walls of Casey’s is dotted with photos from it’s old days and pieces that reflect the history and culture of Natick.

If Tony came to your city, where would you take him?

So when my journey with Wholly Guacamole and Austin Andrews would allow me to branch out and catch up with the rest of the country on what it means to bowl, I jumped at the chance. Last night, I visited AMF Bowling in Georgia with Jennifer, Austin and Taylor – a fellow New Englander who was also knocking down those giant pins for the very first time.

To begin, I’m not very good at candlepin so my hopes weren’t high for traditional bowling either. Luckily, Jennifer – who was practically a pro – gave us some pointers.

Taylor and I joked in the beginning of the night that we could be the dark horses. Candlepin is known for being more challenging because you have to hit smaller pins with a smaller ball. After a serious rough patch, we did definitely got the hang of it.

So what do you prefer? Candlepin or “big ball” bowling?

For most of my teen years and early twenties I worked at a place that was famous for their fried seafood. I had immediate access to fish and chips, fried clams, you name it, any time I wanted. Those were my healthier days though, back when I ran track, played soccer, went running constantly and then went off to play rugby in college. I didn’t want to make fried seafood a habit so I didn’t always indulge in the battered goodness that surrounded me.

When traveling though, it just doesn’t seem right to hold back.

Halifax was teeming with restaurants, from pubs to wine bars to hip cosmopolitan bistros. But on one particularly tiring day, a simple truck did the trick.

As we made our way to the water, we stumbled upon Josh and Jedd’s Fish and Chips on Argyle Street on top of Parade Square. It was cheap, quick and easy, but the food had much higher standards.

We sat down in Parade Square to enjoy our change of pace, people watched, and savored our lightly battered lunch.

What foods do you break the rules for when traveling?

The lobster supper at this place is so popular, the waitstaff assumes it’s why you’re there, which definitely streamlines the ordering process. And why wouldn’t you be? Their five course supper offers seafood on top of seafood on top of a lobster…

We started with the bottomless cup of seafood chowder. It was probably my fourth cup since we left Boston, but Cardigan Lobster Supper made it their own with some interesting spices.

Next, we had mussels, which were simple, pure and delicious.

I did my best to pace myself to make sure that I’d have room for the actual lobster.

And that wasn’t a problem. After cleaning each and every plate, I went on to finish their homemade apple crisp.

We also couldn’t resist seeing what their “Cardigan Coffee” was all about. Presented like an Irish coffee, this coffee was topped with DK Rum, Kahlua and Grand Marier.

There was more to this place than the food though. The location was beautiful. We sat on the back deck overlooking the bay.

After supper we wandered the bay and watched the sun dip into the horizon…

It was the perfect way to end our stay in PEI before heading off to Halifax…

What foods take you somewhere?

Spontaneously, Mike and I decided to enjoy it by walking around the city. We had no plans and no timeline, we  just took the day one step at a time. After walking around the harbor, and getting our first accidental sunburns of the season, hunger stuck and we decided to grab lunch at the Barking Crab. Believe it or not, it was the first time we had ever eaten here and it was way overdue.

The Barking Crab is a clam shack that almost floats on the water. With lights curled inside tiny little lobster traps that dangle from a shoddy ceiling, the decor inside the Barking Crab is aquatic and unpretentious, which I loved. Inside, they serve delicious seafood, plain and simple.

We sat at the bar as we waited for a table, but when our bartender found an open seat by the window at the front he sat us right away. Almost immediately I knew I wanted to order a lobster.

I wonder what put that in my head…

First though, we started with local oysters. Though they couldn’t possibly compare to my dad’s, I was reminded why I slowly grew a taste for these cold, slimy little guys. The second they slide into your mouth, salt water floods your senses and it’s like you’re in the ocean.

Next, Mike ordered fried scallops that were lightly battered and completely filling.

And then came my lobster. I ordered a pound and a quarter and there was plenty of meat to be found inside those little claws.

Just in time for us to head back home, the sun decided it had had enough, and then a dismal fog fell back upon the city. It, along with the rain, is still here after all these days.

At least we got those few hours.

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There’s nothing better than exploring new cultures through traveling, but in between trips, there are plenty of opportunities to experience cultures from far away, locally. Lately, I have been taking in various aspects of Brazilian culture – Samba has become my favorite part of Zumba every week and my neighborhood is flooded with amazing Brazilian restaurants. I first became enamored with Brazilian culture when my friend Sue introduced me to capoeira, which is a beautiful Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance.

When talking about culture of course, you can’t leave out the food.

I’ve always thought about bringing Brazilian cuisine recipes into our kitchen, especially since I’ve integrated meat back into my diet. But until my cooking abilities expand, I thought I’d start simple. During a recent movie marathon, I watched “Woman on Top” with Penelope Cruz, who plays a Brazilian chef who leaves her husband to move to San Francisco, where she becomes the star of a national cooking show, and I got some inspiration. Of all the wonderful cooking scenes in the film, there was one in particular that stuck with me – when she makes Brazilian coffee, or cafezinho.

I think this scene stood out for me not only because it was a pivotal point in the movie, but also because it takes a ritual that is familiar to many cultures – drinking coffee in the morning – and adds a special flair. I recently searched for this recipe and found a number of variations with a few common themes. In the process I also coincidentally uncovered another Boston blogger, BellyGlad, who loves this scene as much as I do.

To make cafezinho, all you need is water, a sauce pan that you’ll promise to only use for coffee, and finely ground coffee beans meant for espresso. You can also add whole milk and cinnamon sticks if you like. To start…

- Add water and sugar (to taste) to the pan and bring to a boil over medium heat, so the sugar dissolves well.

- When the water and sugar mixture boils, add the coffee powder (for each cup of water, use a heaping Tbsp).

- Stir well and remove from heat immediately. It will look like a giant cup of espresso, with that chocolaty sheen swirled on top.

- Strain the coffee with a traditional cloth coffee strainer, or use a paper filter if you don’t have one. As you can see, I improvised.

- Finally, pour the coffee into a tiny cup. I got to put one of my Sam Adams tasting glasses to work.

The coffee came out deliciously strong, smooth and a little sweet. Next time I’m going to try it with cinnamon sticks, which are added before the coffee.

How do you experience other cultures when you’re not traveling?

As we enjoyed a block of  corn bread, topped with an ice cream scoop of butter that sits proudly before it melts and weaves down the nooks and crannies that make up this delicious dish, I was reminded of a post by one of my favorite bloggers, kyla roma. Kyla recently blogged about comfort food of all kinds.

I loved the post because to me, it stood for simplicity. Too often I take on too much. I set lofty goals, tell myself I can conquer them all, and that it will be so great when I do, it’s just a matter of getting there. As time passes I only realize that in the end, my plate is just too damn full.

Whether through a fellow blogger, or a dish that is better in more ways than there are ingredients, it’s always good to be reminded that sometimes, the best kind of comfort comes when you stop holding yourself accountable to all the rules and the goals – and you just give in.

Below is just a snapshot of the evening and I’ll be posting these photos and more to the Share Our Strength Boston Facebook page later today. But the PR team – including Bethany, Shannon, Ann and Lindsay – brought in some fabulous Boston food bloggers, many of whom have already shared their amazing recaps of the event: Fun and Fearless in Beantown, We Are Not Martha, A Boston Food Diary, Delicious Dishings, Travel, Wine, Dine and Confessions of a Chocoholic.

My quick stroll began with a visit to Chef Richard Garcia and Mike Rosa of 606 Congress…

I was also able to steal a shot of Chef Garcia’s asparagus soup…

Next up, I recharged with some macarons from Levy Restaurants, which were light, crunchy and delicious…

Toward the end of the night I was also able to try a hobnob cookie with PB and homemade plum jam from Craigie on Main…

I of course had to make a stop at Whole Foods, who are always huge supporters of the event! They had a delicious, one hundred percent sustainable spread that included a smoked smelt, mini potato latke with creme freche, american sturgeon caviar and farming turtle micro greens…

Plus, a vegetarian option – yucca chips with grillos pickles…

I was also able to quickly catch up with some Boston Bloggah buddies… Becca of Girls’ Pint Out and Peter!

I say this every year, but I can’t stress enough how proud I am of this event. 100 percent of ticket sales and proceeds support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger. To get involved you can take the No Kid Hungry Pledge and also find out if there is an event in your city.

Have you ever attended a Taste of the Nation event, in Boston or elsewhere?