Foodie Press Trips, Enjoy Learning

Even with hundreds of TV channels I still prefer to pick up a book in bed, last night I started Anthony Bourdain’s The Nasty Bits. I had to chuckle a bit about all the names and food descriptions, felt much like I was on a tasting food trip. Occasionally I end up being the token all purpose writer on a trip. For example all the other writers last trip were food writers first and travel for that reason. I do not know who Norman Van Aken is though I have heard of Nobu Matsuhisa, if only because his restaurant is named Nobu. I do not like Monkfish liver and have to think twice before ordering La Langoustine dans un ravioli truffe au choux vert, ravioli usually seals the deal. The foodies compare notes and stories and I find their tales interesting.

Every once and a while I let out the info that I was a restaurateur years ago and even took some extension courses at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) before opening. Before that I bartended and front room managed in NYC and the Hamptons for a bit. Even with that in my past I have to confess to them that I know so very little, I am always grateful when the foodies take me under their wings. I think I get absolution because I confess my lack of knowledge. One of toughest trips I ever took was a golf trip in Wales, golf writers seemed less forgiving! To me the trip no matter what the focus is still thrills me. Perhaps there is logic to the Jack of all trades, master of none theory. May all your soufflés be merry and your tuna rare.