Food is one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of traveling. Many cultures center around meals; the integrity and origin of the ingredients, in the preparation time and techniques, and in the togetherness it brings family and friends.
Whole foods at home
As the parents of two young kids, we’re constantly working to improve what we, as a family, put into our bodies. It’s not easy. Meals are full of whole foods like meats, eggs, some fruits, and as many vegetables as we possible. But we also have cereal for breakfast and some of the snacks come from processed sources. Again, we’re working on it. (We’re not here to be better than anyone, just giving you a glimpse of where are family is.)
We regularly talk about “trying new foods” with the kids. It might be dipping a carrot into hummus, it might be a new seasoning on chicken. The goal is to nurture a more open mindset regarding foods. Lately, we’ve been making the Saturday farmers markets in our community. We talk about how the farmers down the street grow this food (“the crops!” yells our 2.5 year old) and how it is good for our bodies. The kids add their own interesting commentary as they learn about food sourcing in their Montessori classrooms (where they raise chickens and tend to a vegetable garden).
Foodies…in training
Our growing attention to food at home hasn’t translated into our traveling as much as we’d like it to.
Naturally, when in Rome…we eat Italian. And in Spain this spring we tried a few local specialties including bull tail soup (decent) and an underwhelming jamón ibérico (thinly sliced,expensive and flavorless ham) in Córdoba. However, we are constantly thinking about how we can dive deeper into a destinations culinary culture. Appreciate the ingredients, the techniques and the style behind food.
As the kids get older our current eating-while-traveling strategy is as follows:
BREAKFAST
- milk, fruit, eggs, sometimes cereal, sometimes pastries from neighborhood bakeries (So. Good.)
- at airbnb apartment before starting the day
LUNCH
- Option 1 – picnic lunch
- sandwiches, fruit, salads
- either packed or picked up from market
- eaten at park or in pretty square
- Option 2 – local restaurant
- possibly a guidebook or airbnb host recommendation
- Mediterranean food works especially well for us (chicken, rice, pita bread, etc.)
- cafes/burgers with lunch specials
- Option 3 – nuclear option (kids losing minds, late for nap)
- one parent back to apartment, one parent picks up any of the above to-go
DINNER
- post-nap, post afternoon activity, we usually find a place in our immediate neighborhood before going back out before bed
- check out airbnb host recommendations
- get “lost” on back streets and check out menus (always posted outside entrance) until one looks good
SNACKS
- vegetables, fruits, nuts, applesauce, crackers, cheese
France 2018 Goals
Our strategy for Paris will focus mainly on trying new foods, parents included. It may be something bold like escargot (snails) or steak tartare (seasoned raw beef) or just a different sauce or dessert.
Betsy is looking forward to mastering the world of chocolates (there’s even a chocolate museum!) while Dan is keen on trying a dozen new cheeses. Safe goals, perhaps, but progress and new experiences is the point. It’s not a race to spend the most money or get a belly ache.
Family conversation topic: Any food-related wishes travel might fulfill?
We’re currently considering trying a food tour or course. Haven’t narrowed it down yet but we’re very excited to add new experiences and learn a little bit more about food.
Talk soon,
Dan & Betsy
PS: Sweets are fun too…
